Featured Artist: Barry Herem

Artist's Opening Reception:

First Thursday, July 2nd, 6-8 pm

The contributions by Barry Herem to contemporary Northwest Coast art are numerous and important. Herem first fell in love with Northwest Coast art as a young man doing surveying work in S.E. Alaska. Always fascinated by the Northwest Coast art and culture, Herem's true love for the art form was cemented when he saw the famed carvings of the 19th century Tlingit master artist, Kadjis du axtc, in the Whale house in Klukwan, Alaska. From that time on, Herem devoted his life to Northwest Coast art. He is a leading scholar, writer, lecturer, and artist on the subject. His fluency in the language of formline is juxtaposed with his love and of and openness towards modern materials, establishing new possibilities for interpreting and expressing Northwest coast art. This show will include a selection of work in corten steel, carvings in cedar, acrylic paintings and serigraphs.

Barry Herem: Gallery Talk

2 pm

Robert Barratt: An Eye for Beauty

Artist's Opening Reception:

First Thursday, August 6th, 6-8 pm

Every single carving the Stonington Gallery receives from Robert Barratt - whether it is a mask, a rattle, or a bowl - is an original idea, a fresh perspective, a surprise. His work is created with an eye for beauty and for fulfilling the promise inherent in each idea he has for a work. We have come to expect the unexpected from Robert Barratt, making this exhibition abundant with joyful anticipation.

Alaska: Celebrating the Art of the Bering Sea Coastal Region

Artists' Opening Reception:

First Thursday, August 6th, 6-8 pm

Courtney Lipson: A Closer Look II

Artist's Opening Reception:

First Thursday, August 6th, 6-8 pm

Courtney Lipson does indeed see a world in a grain of sand, a bit of turquoise, or a sliver of jasper. Always intrigued by the planet's incredible geological wonders, Courtney Lipson delights in using materials found in nature and enhancing their natural designs with her micro-mosaic glass seed bead work. Through this partnership of beads and stones, Lipson is able to open our eyes to the small, often overlooked parts of our world.

Thomas Stream: Striving for Balance

Artist's Opening Reception:

First Thursday, September 3rd, 6-8 pm

Aleut artist Thomas Stream explores what it is to be an Aleut man and artist in modern times. The Aleut culture was devastated by the relentless hunting of Sea Otter in the 19th century. The tragic result of this obsession was the near collapse of Aleut culture. More than a century later, Thomas Stream's paintings are a splendid and unique portrayal of Aleut culture and its respectful relationship with nature. Thomas Stream is collected internationally and is a vital link to one of North America's least known and most magnificent cultures.

Paul Owen Lewis: Gallery Talk

2 pm

Acclaimed award winning author and illustrator, Paul Owen Lewis, will share how he came to create Storm Boy and Frog Girl, two popular Northwest Coast themed children’s books, and will discuss the imporant influence his friend and mentor Bill Holm has had on his work.

Weaving Wisdom and Warmth:

Contemporary Master Weavers of the Northwest Coast

Artists' Opening Reception:

First Thursday, October 1st, 6-8 pm

This highly anticipated group exhibition will showcase Stonington Gallery's extraordinary weavers including Nancy Burgess, Chloe French, Clarissa Hudson, Bill and Fran James, June Parker, Betty Pasco, Susan Pavel, Ruth Peterson, Karen Reed, Isabel Rorick, Mary Lou Slaughter, Malynn Wilbur Foster, and Jane Wiseman. Artwork inspired by weaving will also be included such as weaving and textile design micro-mosaic beadwork jewelry by Courtney Lipson, glass Salish baskets by Marvin Olver, etc. Weaving is a seminal art form within all the communities up and down this coastal region and this exhibition will honor this tradition with a breathtaking collection of the finest weaving from every corner of the Northwest Coast.

Weaving Demonstration

2-5 pm

Many of the artists participating in the October Weaving Exhibition will demonstrate the traditional processes of basket weaving, blanket weaving, and spinning wool.

Scott Jensen Lecture and Aluetian Hat Steambending Demonstration

Wednesday, October 14th, 7 pm

$5, Call for Tickets

NEW DATE!

Joan Tenenbaum:

Fifty Years of Jewelry Making, The Depth and Breadth of a Fifty Year Passion

Artist's Opening Reception:

First Thursday, November 5th, 6-8 pm

Joan Tenenbaum, Fifty Years of Jewelry Making: The Depth and Breadth of a Fifty Year Passion.
Come celebrate in September with Stonington Gallery as we mark Joan Tenenbaum's 50th anniversary of making jewelry. Joan will present a new body of work reprising all the themes that are dear to her heart. Her humble beginning work from 1959 and the early 1960's will be juxtaposed with stunning new creations. From the debut of new wedding ring designs to abstract landscapes and cuff bracelets, from spiritual figurines to elegant necklaces and bold one-of-a-kind rings, those who have followed Joan's work for the past several decades will find familiar themes treated in an entirely new manner.

NEW DATE!
Joan Tenenbaum: Gallery Talk

2 pm

Joan Tenenbaum will talk informally about her jewelry work and how it has developed over the years. She will talk about her creative process, how she develops her ideas, how she selects gemstones and materials for her designs, will answer questions, and she will share tales of some of the experiences, teachers and other jewelry artists who have influenced her.

Hib Sabin: Life's Cycles

Artist's Opening Reception:

First Thursday, November 5th, 6-8 pm

As a shaman practitioner, Hib Sabin imbues each of his carvings with a spirit power that can be strongly felt. Sabin's characters play a role in allowing him to express and explore the beauty and acceptance he feels with life's cycles of birth, death, and the journey in between and beyond. His cast of figures moves in and out of an ancient and timeless spirit world. In this exhibit, Hib will continue this exploration of animal spirit and the journey of life though his sculpture.

Raven and Eagle: Love of the Northwest Coast

Artists' Opening Reception:

First Thursday, December 3rd, 6-8 pm

We conclude 2009 with an all artists show, which encourages the artists to honor their love of the Northwest Coast through artwork paying homage to their favorite stories and characters. The Stonington artists, whether they be carvers, painters, glass blowers, jewelers, or weavers have spent their lives immersed in the mythology of the Northwest Coast. They are the finest artists of our time and their singular effort to honor the Raven stories and other myths will bring a brilliant and stunning finale to the year!