“James Ratliff Gallery Celebrates Fifty Years”

SEDONA, Ariz. - March 16, 2014 - PRLog -- "Generations," paintings of Navajo artists, David K. John and Hadiibah John opens  Friday, April 4,  at Sedona’s James Ratliff Gallery, Hillside Sedona, 671 State Route 179, Suites A1 & A-2, Sedona, AZ.  “Generations” is the spring exhibition celebrating the 50^th anniversary of James Ratliff Gallery.  David K. John has been represented by the gallery for more than 30 years.  Mentoring of young artists, such as Hadiibah John, is another aspect to the gallery’s tradition which is responsible for showcasing such internationally-recognized talent as John Dawson, Paul Jenkins, Francisco Zuniga, Carlos Merida, R.C. Gorman and Karl Appel, to name a few.

The Silent Auction of 18-year old Hadiibah John’s work which will accompany the April “Generations” exhibit is another example of recognizing and supporting the cultivation of young talent.  Hadiibah plans to apply for a Gates Foundation scholarship at her Monument Valley School, and the joint partnering of such sponsors as Ratliff Gallery and the Gates Foundation in support of youth is an outstanding example of much-needed leadership in the Southwest and the USA.

A view of John Dawson’s body of work expresses the essence of this artist who Ratliff has represented more than 40 years, (20 the Sedona gallery), and also sets a mirror to focus on the range of landscape, abstract, figurative, sculpture, pottery and jewelry creations to be enjoyed and collected at the James Ratliff Gallery. John Dawson’s historical body of work boldly presents his artistic explorations of the character inside the “portrait” and always ventures to express through color, form, content and design notions that, while not necessarily evoking sentiments of pleasure, beauty or comfort, definitely causes a viewer to turn, to see, to ponder and to wonder “what’s going on”.

Ratliff’s personal and professional vision has evolved from his own aesthetic sensibilities to recognize, develop and exhibit literally hundreds of artists over the years and simultaneously orchestrate public programs with sponsorships by airlines, tourist boards, hotels/resorts and writers as far away as Japan to the national New York media.  With his wife, Patricia, Jim Ratliff has maintained board memberships in such organizations as the Friends of Mexican Art and Arizona Opera.  Prior to this 50^th anniversary celebration, Ratliff also orchestrated during his tenure as Director of Elaine Horwitch Galleries (Scottsdale, Santa Fe, Sedona, Palm Springs), her 20^th anniversary celebration.  Founding member of Sedona groups like the Sedona Gallery Association, merchants of Hillside Plaza, (and others), Ratliff continues to support the local level by assembling partnerships with the gallery to promote humanitarian causes.  Sedona Rouge and the Super Shuttle jointly sponsored a benefit for the Sedona Humane Society last year at a fundraiser exhibiting the work of Bruce Marion at the gallery.  53 young and old participated in a paint-with-the-artist Saturday morning event.

Currently, in addition to the upcoming exhibit of the Navajo “Generations” show, the James Ratliff Gallery has a global initiative in their newly-established “Collectors’ Corner” to provide devotees with the opportunity to share their own private art works throughout the world.  “New times require new financing,” comments Ratliff.  “I’ve always been convinced of the value of art as investment.”  James Ratliff Gallery opened its 2014 season with an African show which featured pieces from Jim’s and Pat's personal collection.   There are plans for a Mexican art show during the summer.

“Art is everywhere”. James and Patricia Ratliff, engage the seasoned and new investor by offering a range of contemporary art which captivate, inspire and elicit appreciation. It’s a love affair, a seduction. Jim comments on the variety of work on exhibition at the gallery and its appeal for personal or business collections: “For 50 years I’ve always told clients that it’s the rarity of the work that signals its investment value. The thrill of watching clients discover what captivates them is an equal satisfaction of working in the gallery business. The fact that someone like Georgia O’Keeffe commands investment pricing is indisputable: her work is beautiful, recognized and valued. Someone like John Dawson, however, is a different talent. He fulfills the rarity component; he’s highly talented, offering signature visual statements if sometimes jarring images contemporary to our times. His work might not always be considered “beautiful”, but it’s definitely “rare”. All told, luxury offers the opportunity to engage….that’s what life is all about! The singular, enduring advantage of art is its permanence and the ability
to savor that “magic” each day…It’s the height, breadth and depth – the essence of an investment.

“I welcome those businesses, foundations and organizations that would like to celebrate this anniversary year with me.”  For further information, contact the James Ratliff Gallery:  928-282-1404, e-mail:  FineArt@jamesratliffgallery.com, visit www.jamesratliffgallery.com.