Alfredo Arreguin - Art in Ecology

Today was the opening reception for the Art in Ecology exhibit of Alfredo Arriguin's oil paintings at the Washington Department of Ecology in Lacey, Washington.

What a spectacular show of art!

Alfredo was there to talk about his life and work as well as answer questions.

I learned that he is so "in the moment" when painting that he claims to be transported elsewhere. He creates designs and images as they come forth while painting. A painting can take from three months to six months for his triptych hanging in the building but has been purchased by the Smithsonian.

Alfredo loves the light and fabulous wall space of the galleries at Ecology. It is a delight to see several of his paintings hung together.....even for Alfredo!

Many of the elements that inform his paintings and give them a distinct character emanate from the memories of the culture and natural landscape of his ancestral home, Mexico. These elements overlap and blend, in dreamlike fashion, with his most immediate experiences and his interest in the environment and the animals of the Pacific Northwest.


Bongo
Alfredo Arreguin

I found myself completely enthralled when viewing each painting. There is so much to see and take in. I bet if you returned, you would see even more. Some of his paintings had a tapestry look to them.

If you live in the area, you must see Alfredo's paintings. They are truly extra-ordinary and absolutely stunning.

In order to view this exhibit you must schedule a tour with the Art Committee. Phone numbers: main number; 407-6000 or Jeffree Stewart; 407-6521.

Art In Ecology

A solo Art Exhibit of fifteen watercolor collage paintings are on display until May 15th at the Department of Ecology in Lacey, Washington.

Watercolor paper when torn creates distinct shapes with wonderful uneven edges. In a fleeting ray of inspiration, I decided to tear parts of paintings and recreate a new one; thus, the birth of my collage watercolor paintings. I have always been an avid recycler! The process continued to evolve when I began to tear shapes resembling nature out of older watercolor paintings, assemble the composition, and continue to paint the picture. More recently, I have added water-based oil paint to the collage to provide greater depth and deeper color. Now, I find myself going back and forth between traditional watercolor and collage watercolor painting so much that they have begun to merge as one. This new dimension of painting continues to inspire my creativity and provides me with a unique way to express myself.


Found Treasures At The Seashore
Watercolor Collage
Joanne Osband

Because of the security for the building, you will need to phone ahead for an appointment to view the art.

The main phone number is 360-407-6000 or Jeffree Stewart, art coordinator, 360-407-6521. Other people you might ask for if Jeffree is not available are Janet Hyre or Kim Collins who are art committee colleagues. The hours are weekdays 8AM to 5PM. The Department of Ecology is located at 300 Desmond Drive SE in Lacey just past the Martin Way exit from I-5.

Envision Cascadia

Yesterday I view the exhibit "Envision Cascadia."

It is an exhibition curated by Jake Seniuk for the Port Angeles Fine Art Center that is now on display at Olympia’s Art In Ecology venue.

The show includes works in various media by 33 artists and is subtitled “Artists ponder the Homeland”

The exhibition will remain on display until the end of February.

On January 18 Arts Olympia members and guests gathered for a "Salon Conversation" about the works in the show.

I enjoyed the variety and expressions portrayed by the artists. My favorite pieces were the two sculptures. One was made of cardboard to resemble a large tree stump and the other was a table setting representative of the Pacific Northwest. I apologize for not writing down the artists and titles. Well worth the trip to the Washington State Department of Ecology Headquarters in Lacey at 300 Desmond Drive. This is off Martin Way, across from Top Foods.

An added attraction is art by Maitri Sojourner in the 2nd Floor Gallery. "Meet 'The Polyakovs' " will be on display through February 26th. This is a fabric collage series that illustrates a short story by her daughter, Andrea Mudd. Maitri has an open house on Friday, January 22nd from 3-6 pm. World traveler and storyteller Rebecca Hom will be telling stories starting at 5:15 pm.