Art Picks, December 2010
Posted on December 9, 2010 – 6:35 PM | by OldManFoster
Different Parts of Remembering
Robert Ortbal
JAYJAY
Through December 23
Sac State sculpture professor Robert Ortbal is based in Emeryville, so I’m not sure if the ‘sense of place’ referenced in the statement for the show is a Bay Area sense or a Sacto sense, but whatever… I’m not really seeing the ‘realistic’ elements referenced, either. Not that any of that makes any difference – Ortbal’s work is refreshingly free of the representational aspects that mark so much of this region’s art. Instead, Ortbal finds his inspirations in revelations discovered through experimentation and exploration of materials, and in the rich world of art history. His handling of unorthodox materials (OK, not that unorthodox for NYC or SF, but way weird here) is sophisticated and assured and aligns him with a block of Bay Area artists who came to prominence in the eighties and nineties, including Gay Outlaw and Lucy Puls. No surprise there since Ortbal came out of UC Davis’ late eighties grad program in which Puls was a professor. While you’re there be sure to check out the Stuff Your Stocking small works show, too.
5520 Elvas Avenue
Hours: Weds thru Sat 11AM – 4PM and by appointment
Verge at Axis
Axis Gallery
December 4 – 19
Preview Reception: December 9, 6 – 8PM
Reception December 11, 6 – 9PM
Right off the bat let me preface this preview by saying that I’m clearly biased: I’m married to the Executive Director of the Verge, and she’s a frequent contributor to this magazine. That said, I can still make a pretty strong argument that the Verge, AKA Verge Center for the Arts, is the most exciting arts-related project happening in the region at the moment, and the one that holds the most promise to change the dynamic of contemporary art in Sacramento. If you don’t trust my judgement, just look to the members of the Axis Collective who have chosen to turn their space over to Verge studio artists this month; they too see the Verge as a pivotal player in the future of Sacramento arts. Better yet, stop by this show and take a gander for yourself. The exhibition features work from all (or nearly all) of VCA’s 20 resident artists, including Youngsuk Suh, Gioia Fonda, Andrew Patterson-Tutschka, Jose Luis di Gregorio and Patrick Marasso.
1517 19th Street
Hours: Sat-Sun, Noon – 5PM or by appointment
Short List
Everything is Awesome
Keith Telfeyan
December 11 – January 7, 2011
Cuffs
Sacramento-born, Brooklyn-based artist Keith Telfeyan presents a show of atmospheric photos that seek to remind the viewer that, yes, everything is awesome. A peek at his bio reveals that he keeps an active dream journal, but let’s not hold that against him -Telfeyan’s work looks too good to miss.
2523 J Street
Laura Edmisten
Phono Select
Opens December 11
Graphic artist Laura Edmisten’s poster work started strong and just continues to get better. For this show she’ll have her entire output (over 40 posters) on display. The show opens on Second Saturday and the opening night party will feature Edmisten doing in-store printing and DJ Tim Matranga spinning from his collection of rare vinyl.
2312 K Street
.
.
.
.
.
20/20: Scott Shields on Tomorrow’s Legacies
Crocker Art Museum
December 15, 5 PM
Join the Museum’s chief curator for a glimpse into the Crocker’s future, as he discusses significant works promised to the permanent collection. Tickets are $6 for members; $12 for nonmembers and includes Museum admission.
216 O Street
Tags: Andrew Patterson-Tutschka, Axis Gallery, Cuffs, Gioia Fonda, JAYJAY, Jose Luis di Gregorio, Keith Telfeyan, Midtown, Patrick Marasso, Robert Ortbal, Sacramento, Second Saturday, Verge Center for the arts, Youngsuk Suh