February 2010 News

Greetings RGA Members:

The new year has kicked off with the well-received Fresh Pics curated by Camilla Cook. If you haven't had a chance to see the show, please try to stop by and check it out. Featuring multi-media works, the exhibition captures the contemporary directions of over 50 artists. Following Fresh Pics is Radius--our collaboration with the Aldrich. The Radius opening always reflects the high energy of these emerging artists, so be sure to put February 27 down on your calenders.

Two back-to-back member shows begin in April. We start with the second annual Bedlam. This is an unthemed show where everyone hangs their own art during the two days of receiving. The Guild reduces their traditional 40% commission down to 10% for this show and it is a good opportunity to reflect that reduction in your artwork prices. Hanging fees for work measuring (horizontally or vertically including frame) under 36" is $10 per piece; anything over 36" is $15 per piece. Up to three works may be brought in. A member/opening party will take place the final day of hanging on Saturday, April 10 from 6-8pm. This show will run through April 24. I will be chairing this show along with Guild member Michelle Brewster.

A special contest for the BEDLAM postcard image will be run. The winner's work will appear on postcards and graphic outreach as well as the website. The postcard winner will be chosen by the Bedlam committee. Submissions of jpegs should be submitted to rgoa@sbcglobal.net. Please reference Bedlam on the subject line.

Initially, our May show had been scheduled as a Paint-the-Town themed show with a major fundraiser attached to the opening. However, given the recovering economy, we have decided to tone down the planned gala event and change the theme of the show. Our Creative Director, Kim Hanna, has proposed a show with the theme of PLAY and we have decided to try it out. Works should reference the act or thought of play--abstract or representational. All medias are welcome. Again, hanging fees are $10 per piece for works under 36" and $15 per piece over 36" with a three- piece maximum. The traditional 40% commission for the Guild will be in effect for this show. We are also planning a "FUNraiser" on May 1 with a band, light fare and cocktails. More information will be forthcoming. Special Events Chair, Pam Stoddart will be planning the party and we are looking for one or two co-chairs to help organize the show. Assistance will be provided by the board and other member volunteers.

A cash prize for Best in Show ($100) will be awarded by an outside juror after the show is installed. Three additional non-monetary awards for excellence will also be presented.

Our second annual JURIED Cameraworks exhibition follows in June. We are honored to have Harvey Stein of ICP, SVA and Umbrella Arts Gallery in New York as our juror. Pertinent details will be announced in the next few weeks. Board member Mary Harold is chairing this show with guild member Camilla Cook as assistant chair.

Finally, I would like to remind everyone of the availability of the Upstairs Gallery. As a member, you can rent the space for $250. Board members are available to help guide the process of installation, publicity and hospitality. Joan Isaac has prepared a very helpful timeline. This space is great for either a first time show, a group show or exhibiting some experimental work. If you are interested, we are booking now for 2011--just let Joan know at 203.438.8863.

In addition to the above, some major new member opportunities are currently being reviewed by the board and we hope to have some exciting information to share soon. So get out those artists materials and get to work!

I hope to see you all soon.

Cheers,
Rachel Volpone