Our own charter member Leslie Elder has four paintings in this wonderful exhibit! Come and see it!

For more information, call Linda Church, Director, at 503.493.6370 or see
http://www.cu-portland.edu/library/events/

Ellen Shefi is currently exhibiting her photography in Welches, Oregon at the Hoodland Library in Clackamas County.  

Address is:

68256 E. Hwy 26

Welches, OR 

Library Hours:

Mon - Wed 12 noon - 8 pm

Thur - Sat 10 am - 5 pm 

Sunday CLOSED

Exhibit will run through April 10th.  Please stop by on your way up or down from Mt. Hood.

Ellen Shefi

ELF Studios
Oregon City, OR
503.975.5167

elfstudios@gmail.com

ArtWorks at the MJCC

uhhh, what are you going to do with that?

The Mittleman Jewish Community Center has begun a new program called ArtWorks.

Each month, a working artist will offer a demonstration of their work process.

Eddy Shuldman, a glass artist and one of the founders of ORA will be the first featured artist.
She'll demonstrate some of the more complex cutting techniques she employs in her work and will also offer the spectators an opportunity to try their hand at simple glass cutting.

In addition to the demonstration, Eddy will also have several of her finished pieces for sale. A portion of each sale will be donated to the MJCC. Mention that you saw this blog and you will receive an immediate discount on her glass....OR....place an order for a commissioned piece and also receive a discount!

Find out the difference between stained glass and fused glass....or even HOT glass. Learn to distinguish between irids and dichroic. Learn why slumping is not a symptom of depression although it can make a depression!

FOCUS!

ANOTHER ORA ARTIST SHARES A NEW YEAR'S VISION

LINDA BOURNE: Ceramics

I have to keep telling myself to stay focused.  The demands and joys of daily life are many and everyone needs balance in their lives.  Then when I'm in my studio, I have to remind myself to work on the ideas I want to develop the most and not  get distracted. 

RESOLUTE!

EDDY SHULDMAN: Glass artist

I'm not too fond of the word "resolution" but I will claim intention.

I have a few of those!

• My studio...filled with paper, glass, tools....and more glass, and more tools...will become more functional and possibly organized!

• I will become more playful with my work...and if possible, enjoy what I'm doing even more

• TIME MANAGEMENT: I need to find out what that means!

• Get more photos of my work

• Is this the year I stretch beyond my blog?

• I will step outside my comfort zone to learn new techniques and work with new materials!

Resolution Means Risk Taking

JUDITH HANKIN: Paper Cuts, Etched Glass and More

To create new inspiring work ...new materials? 

a new take on an old design? a stretch in a new direction...

Also to figure out a way to successfully market and/or mass produce a line of my art.... Web page/ Etsy/ Facebook  

(and to ask for help!)

Another Artist With Vision!

Here's another resolution shared by BRAUNA RITCHIE: glass and mixed media

...I want to always try to “change up” my art. If I do this,

     then my goal of challenging my creativity is met.

...I want to always try to do the unexpected. 

...I’d like to find a way to give my art more exposure.

BEAD ON!

Our members are sharing their new year's art resolutions.....what are yours?

ESTHER LIBERMAN: Bead Artist

Beading an hour a day.  As my old friend says, "amazing things can happen when you give it an hour a day."

RESOLUTION #4

HANK KEETON: photography

 To update my website more regularly!

Have over 200+ images waiting…waiting…patiently…

New Year's Art Resolutions #3 !

SHARON SEGAL: painter

My resolution is to bone up on my drawing skills. There is a site that I go to for quick 30 second sketches, plus I'm taking a class in drawing.  Also, I'd like to make a plan of creating my art on certain days at certain  times to be more productive.

Another Resolution

JONATHON LIETZ: painter
 Spend more time and love perfecting my ideas

Resolutions in Art

We'll be posting some of our member's art resolutions.....WHAT'S YOURS?

SABINA WOHFEILER: painter

I don't make resolutions.  They seem to set me up for failure.  Instead, I sit down at year's beginning and craft "intentions"…. directions in which I wish to move.  Art is a core essential in my life, yet I often find it being pushed into a corner, waiting for me to bring to it the right time, the right head space, energy and direction.   Needless to say, that special alignment eludes me often!  So….This year I intend to develop an art PRACTICE.  Kind of like I imagine musicians develop naturally, out of necessity.  Whether I'm in the mood or not, I'm going to sit down and create something, anything, using any medium, just so I'm immersed in the DOING of art, rather than just the "thinking about doing" art.  I'm going to aim for three times a week, for several hours at a time.  Hopefully, the fun will fuel me into perhaps devoting more time and energy in that direction.  But I'm going to accept what comes, rather than overhaul my sweet life to exclude other joyful pursuits.  It's all about balance. Wish me luck!

Gallery owner and ORA member Roberta Cohen will host our November professional development meeting.

Not only will Roberta open up her beautiful space for this meeting, but she will also be a panel member along with artists David Slader, Anna Kodesch and retired gallery owner Julie Gottlieb.

Our topic? How to Market Yourself to Galleries!

ORA members and COA guest artists are invited to join us in this great piece of programming organized by our education chairperson, Laurie Fendel.

If you want to join us and are not an ORA member or guest artist...drop us a note and tell us you are interested....We'll tell you the date and time. We'd like to include you, provided we have the space!

oraartists@gmail.com!

More scenes from our fall art Sale!

      New Member- Bob Sorkin, photographer

Our Membership Chairperson- Roberta Cohen, jewelry

New member- Jonathon Lietz, painter

Harriet Levi at the COA

Guest artist Harriet Levi had a beautiful display of paintings at ORA's Celebration of Art 2012~!

Harriet is active in the Portland arts community, participating in numerous group and solo shows. Her booth was filled with colorful paintings and an electric personality! 

Her website is filled with her beautiful artwork as well as contact information.  Check her out!!!!         
            http://www.artistliszt.com/galleries/levi-h.html

Celebration of Art 2012

I was too busy having great conversations with my customers to get to my camera to capture great crowd shots. This will have to do! 

We had a wonderfully supportive audience for the show/sale and we are most grateful to the community for joining us!

George Fendel set the mood with his fabulous jazz piano stylings and jazz guitarist, Tim Roth closed out the afternoon with his beautiful  music. 

Thank you to our fabulous member and guest artists, all the friends and family who helped us set up and take down....to the MJCC for their support, and of course...much gratitude to the community that came out to view our work and purchase art!    There will be additional member shows in the next several months.  

If you want information or would like to be on a mailing list, drop us a note: oraartists@gmail.com

Ellen Shefi: Seeing the Natural World

When a photograph makes you feel like you are there- in that place, in that moment....you know you got to have it! 

Ellen Shefi takes photographs that transport the viewer into her space the moment she snaps the shutter button. The colors are bold, brilliant , alive!

Come see Ellen's newest work. Nourish your soul and bring a new photograph home.

CELEBRATION OF ART 2012

 MJCC  6651 SW Capitol Hwy

Portland, Or  503.244.0794

Admission is free!   10:30-4:30....one day only!

Jonathon Lietz: A Painter With New Angles !

We are most pleased to welcome Jonathon Lietz to our artists' collective. Jonathon brings his skills as a painter to capture styles of painting not reperesented in our group. Not only that, but he's a warm and friendly guy! Come meet him at our annual 

Celebration of Art 2012!

It's this Sunday, October 21st

10:30am-4:30 pm

Mittleman Jewish Community Center

6651 SW Capitol Hwy

Portland Oregon  

503.244.0794

Admission is free, the art is fabulous and we'll have live music for much of the day!

Meet Brauna Ritchie!

Glass and Metal are two of artist Brauna Ritchie's materials employed in her art. Sometimes they appear together in her mixed media works.  The results are exciting!  

Check out the variety of work that has just emerged from her studio. You will Brauna and her art at the Celebration of Art Sale at the MJCC 6651 SW Capitol Hwy- Portland Oregon

on Sunday, October 21st 10:30 am- 4:30 pm

ORA is pleased to welcome this exciting new guest artist!

There's no place like home! : Sharon Stern

Sharon has a knack for recognizing what translates a house into a home. 
Often working from photographs, Sharon transforms the craft of quilting into an art form. 

Her quilts will be available for purchase on October 21st at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center between 10:30am-4:30 pm.
6651 SW Capitol Hwy- Portland Oregon   503.244.0794

It's the annual ORA Northwest Jewish Arts Celebration of Art!
Admission is free!

You'll also find ceramics, paintings, jewelry, glass, photography, fiber art and silk paintings...and more!

Linda Bourne:Exciting new ORA Artist!

Stop by Linda's booth next Sunday and you will discover what distinguishes her work from most other ceramicists. You'll discover that her techniques for styling and coloring clay are really quite remarkable. You'll delight in schmoozing with her and you will be thrilled when you make your decision to bring home at least one of her beautiful works. Stop by early for your best selection. This work isn't going to stick around for long!

              SUNDAY OCTOBER 21  10:30am- 4:30 pm

  MJCC 6651 SW Capitol HWY - Portland     503.244.0111

                   

Come see us on October 21st!

KBOO Yiddish Hour Info

We love KBOO and we especially adore the Yiddish Hour on Sunday mornings.
They have been a strong supporter of the Jewish arts here in Portland while promoting yiddish and Jewish music on the air!

Some of can't tune in on Sunday mornings because of other commitments....so here's some really great news I just received from them:


PLEASE TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW THAT THE SHOW IS PODCAST NOW FOR TWO WEEKS AFTER AIR DATE.  WE'D LIKE TO REACH THOSE WHO CAN'T LISTEN SUNDAY MORNINGS!

This is the best way to submit calendar items for broadcast on the Yiddish Hour.  In general, we announce events that are open to the entire community and appear to have general interest.  Due to time limitations, we are not always able to announce all items, and some items may be edited for content and length.  All items must be compatible with KBOO's policies about what can be broadcast

Thanks again, 
The Portland Yiddish Hour Hosts

SAVE THE DATE: Oct 21, 2012

CELEBRATION OF ART returns to Portland on October 21st at Mittleman Jewish Community Center.

Last year more than 600 customers came through our show! New artists, returning artists, fabulous art... it will all be there!

Free admission....10:30am-4:30pm

More information about our artists coming. STAY TUNED!

Leslie's Watercolor Honored

 

.

Leslie Elder's beautiful watercolor painting, "Smoothing Out

The Wrinkles", has been selected to appear in the upcoming Watercolor Society of Oregon Fall Show at Resort at the Mountain  

in Welches, Oregon, taking place October 6-26.  We're so proud of Leslie's continuing accomplishments in the world of watercolor!

Commenting on the symbolism of this painting, Leslie cites a quote from Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller:

"The Eyshet Chayil poem, which extols the virtue of the ideal Jewish woman, contains the phrase 'Her husband is known at the gates.'  The fact that her husband is known at the gates is viewed as HER praise because the likelihood is that she is the cause and the inspiration."

Willa Schneberg at the Oregon Jewish Museum!

Here's the link to some fabulous events at the Oregon Jewish Museum!

They involve presentations and workshops!!!! A Must SEE...Must DO!!!!!!

http://www.ojm.org/upcoming_exhibits.html

MASTERFUL & DEMONSTRATIVE!

     ORA member SUSAN KUZNITSKY 
                       is at it again! 

This incredibly gifted painter and teacher will be featured in      
               several  free demonstrations!

Plein Air Painting
at the Lake Oswego Saturday Market
Saturday August 18th
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
R Blooms, 267 A Avenue
and
Friday September 7th
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Art in the Pearl
Pastel Demo
Oregon Society of Artists booth
Figure in the Landscape
Sunday September 2nd
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Oregon Society of Artists
Pastel Demo Part 1
Color theory
Thursday September 13th
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
and
Pastel Demo Part 2
Portraits:Getting a likeness
Thursday October 4th
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

For more information on classes and workshops email her at... susan@studiointhewoodsnw.com

AT THE CANTOR'S CONFERENCE LAST WEEK

ORA Artist Judith Hankin had a beautiful display of her paper cuts and her etched glassware. 


Four ORA artists offered artwork for sale. I'll post more pictures soon!

New Work from Sharon Segal

This is one of my favorite paintings in Sharon Segal's newest collection of paintings.

A tribute to the great Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel (z"l); scholar, teacher and humanitarian.  I love the diverse components:  the prayer shawl, Torah text and his wise face glowing in the light of Torah. Notice how the Tallit clips set off the painting with just the right spark of color.

Sharon's work is available for sale....check the ORA website for contact information. Sharon also has a blog featuring her delightful greeting cards! Check it out!  http://sharonsegalsart.blogspot.com/

We've Got a Winner!

We're so proud of our Sabina Wohlfeiler, who recently won an award in the Oregon Symphony 2012-13 Photo Contest!!  Her beautiful photo was taken on a bike trip to the Gulf Islands.

Here's what Sabina says about this picture:

Charles Ives' "Unanswered Question" has long been a favorite of mine.  The first time I had an opportunity to hear it performed LIVE was with our wonderful Oregon Symphony.  I was spellbound by the beauty of their interpretation.

This image, taken on a recent bicycle trip to the Gulf Islands, has visual elements in it that echo musical elements used by  Ives.  The landform at the right pierces the stillness on the water much the same way as the trumpet pierces the near silence,  stating Ives' "question".  The form on the left begins with a small point and grows larger and stronger, becoming the most intense part of the image.  This corresponds to the woodwinds' increasingly intense "response" to the question.

I believe that the language of art is universal.   Whether stated visually or musically, it is available to everyone!

Well-said, Sabina!

WE'RE GROWING!!!!!

We're looking for a great pop-up space.....can you help us?

CELEBRATION OF ART 2012 will look a good bit different this year! (we hope)


We are looking for a pop up space in a retail or warehouse space that will allow our expanded membership a better opportunity to  display and sell their art.


IF YOU KNOW OF AN AVAILABLE SPACE....please contact oraartists@gmail.com


Our research tells us that properties that have been sitting vacant usually rent or lease quickly after they have been used as a pop up space. Potential tenants see the space being used and witness the healthy foot traffic.   CAN YOU HELP US OUT?


* see the earlier posting to learn who our newest members are!

MORE ABOUT ROBIN ATLAS:

Robin's work can be seen is some detail via a slide show on the Orange County JCC gallery site.


CHECK HER OUT!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.jccoc.org/cultural-arts/slutzky-art-gallery/


We'll do a separate blog feature on all our artists as the year progresses...but in the meantime....
WELCOME TO ORA, ROBIN!

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!!!!!!!

       * pictured above is a small sample of a textile by  Robin Atlas




   ORA IS THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE 
          OUR NEWEST MEMBERS!


Our little artist guild is growing and we are so delighted to see this new talent join us. We will learn and grow together!


WELCOME:
Robin Atlas, textiles
Linda Bourne, ceramics/clay
Jonas Blaut, stone sculpture
Hank Keeton, photography
Jonathon Lietz, acrylics & watercolors
Bob Sorkin, photography


In addition, we want to congratulate the following guest artists who successfully juried into our annual Celebration of Art Show coming this November:


Daniel Florea, gouache and oil painting
Harriet Levi, painting
Naomi Abrams Reinstein, collage
Brauna Ritchie, mixed media with glass
Wendy Steinberg, oil painting

Painting Upside-Down

                         

Sabina Wohlfeiler writes....

I still love watercolors.  The luminosity, the transparency, the immediacy, and the magical mixing of water, pigment, and artist intention will forever please me.  But I very much dislike matting and framing and transporting my finished watercolors.  In spite of great care and cushioning, my last two shows had shattered glass episodes.  "Enough!" I said.

It was time to overcome my biases against acrylic painting and learn how to use the medium with success and satisfaction.  I enrolled in a beginning painting class at PSU with Brendan Clenaghen http://www.pulliamgallery.com/Artist-Detail.cfm?ArtistsID=176. 

Yes, I've been painting for over 20 years, but I'm a raw beginner with acrylics.  Most of the others in the class were decades younger, but they had far more experience with acrylics.  I loved being around their youthful energy and readily accepted their generously offered suggestions, as I struggled to get a handle on the paint properties.  Brendan provided the perfect mix of structure, breathing room, encouragement and humor.  I was so sorry to see the class come to an end, after 10 rewarding weeks (60 hours of class time).

BUT….. I have six new paintings which satisfy me and show a steady progress toward my goal.  In fact, I surprised myself with several artistic breakthroughs, the most dramatic of which was enjoying painting upside down!  I turned my reference photo upside down and thus tricked my brain into seeing JUST SHAPES.   The images flowed from my brush with relative ease, making for a much more pleasurable painting experience.  And during the process there was a shift, when I actually became an instrument of the image, allowing me to facilitate, more than direct, its appearance on the canvas!  I think that's referred to as being in a state of "flow". http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flow_%28psychology%29

All of the paintings were impressions of people I saw on a recent trip to Cuba.  The University of Wisconsin Alumni Association sent me an e-mail, advertising a government sanctioned, ARTS-focused trip, an offer I could not refuse. http://www.uwalumni.com/voice_march12_cuba.aspx.   This was perhaps the most interesting and informative of my recent travels.  The most lasting impression I had was of the lovely spirit and energy of the Cuban people (and their incredible music!), which thrives in spite of dire economic conditions, crumbling buildings, the collapse of Russia, and the continuation of our damaging embargo.

The painting here is of a pair of Cuban boys caught in a sunny-day's rainstorm.  I intend to show these paintings, and others, at ORA's upcoming Celebration of Art in October.

ANNA KODESCH- new exhibit!

Works from an Unfinished Room

BC Gallery at Antoinette Antique and Estate Jewelry

2328 NW Westover Rd

June 7, 5:30-8:30pm

about the work in the show:

Anna loves to challenge the notion of "accurate color" by using the paint on the canvas as a medium to prove that accuracy does not always equal perfect aesthetics. She does this by taking seemingly unrelated splotches of paint and combining them in such a way that, as a finished product, they result in a true, beautiful, artistic representation of the subject – whether that be a face, a landscape or a piece of fruit. 

A New Ritual Is Born!

Two months ago one of our critique groups gathered in a living room to talk about our art work. In typical fashion, we took turns showing our work or discussing a question about a project. We follow a protocol that keeps on task and moves us along in a very supportive and encouraging way.

When it was her turn, Esther shared that she felt stuck. She shared her frustrations and asked the group to process her question....."How Can I get 'UNSTUCK?'"

She sat silently jotting down notes as the group discussed her dilemma. Diane said it was time to change her work environment , reorganize, cut past practices loose, and the group echoed her sentiment. We talked about the phases involved in such an endeavor. We agreed it would be hard for her to re-imagine her studio: to clean it out, purge the junk, and make it a sanctuary- a place of imagination and creativity- and a source of blessing.

Now if you thnk that sounds a bit woo-woo....wait, because there's more! We also suggested that members of our critique group come in and help her with the big purge....and other members should create a ritual to welcome Esther into her new creative space. We knew it would be a tough bit of advice to accept, but we really wanted Esther to do it.

With incredible courage, Esther agreed. She admitted reluctance, hesitation and a bit of fear but she welcomed Diane and Laurie into her studio and together they re-imagined her space....and then they got to work! Laurie had storage suggestions while Diane returned with swift decisiveness to help Esther move through stacks of papers and drawers and boxes filled with beads, tools and assorted other items.

This morning we gathered in her new space. It was astonishing! Her desk was cleared off and we discovered it was made of wood! The room had a sense of peace and calm. To that we brought our love and a ceremony I would call Hanukat ha-makom (dedication of the place.)

Julie is not only a talented jeweler but also a licensed aroma-therapist. She brought a sage bundle (smudge stick) and essential oils to the space. We lit the sage and filled every nook and cranny with the incredible aroma. Esther stood still while Diane used the burning sage to form a soft and scented cloud around her.

With the initial cleansing complete, we chanted some blessings I wrote and Esther put her hands in our hand- mikveh (aka a glass bowl.) Julie sprayed a floral scented mist that brought the room to life. Esther, a woman already blessed with creativity, vision, and a steady hand was welcomed by her sisters in art to her new sanctuary. We sang the traditional blessing for something new: the shechianu and we shared tears as each of us blessed Esther with the on-going courage to step outside of her comfort zone to discover new possibilities.

Renewal isn't easy. Esther still points to places where she wants to re-arrange and more beads she needs to purge. But the space is nourishing, organized and calm....and new projects are waiting to be invented.

Blessings to you Esther! May your new artistic journeys be adventurous and creative. You are a blessing to our group and to our community!

NEW EXHIBIT OPENS MAY 11 !

Sabina Wohfeiler (painting), Glenn Decherd (ceramics), Shemaya Blauer (touch drawing), Diane Fredgant (silk painting), Sharon Segal(painting) and Roberta Cohen(jewelry)  all have representative work on display at Neveh Shalom.


The exhibit will open with a musical bang at Friday night services. Klezmocracy will accompany Cantor Debbie Bletstein in a rocking service of rhythm, spirit and true tefillah! It will be a shabbat for the senses!


Services begin at 7:30 and immediately following you can meet the artists and see the new art work in the lobby while enjoying a nosh!


All the work displayed is available for purchase and the artists will donate a portion of their sales to the synagogue. Pick up a business card and call the artist after shabbat.


Thank you Neveh Shalom for continuing to host our rotating art shows. 

ANNA KODESCH: PAINTINGS 
.... AND MORE! May 3, 2012

Anna has been a very busy artist. Her newest works will
be shown in a very unique setting.


URBACA SALON    120 NW 9th Avenue, Suite 101

• Urbaca's 14 Year Anniversary Open House May 3, 5 - 7 pm. In addition to the amazing art, there will be hair consults, face treatments, refreshments, goodies, and many more surprises!

Another opportunity to view and purchase Anna's work:  June 7th 6-9pm opening reception for solo show at BC Gallery 2328 NW Westover Rd       


you can see more of Anna's work at  :
annakodesch.com

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN ORA!


Geezer Gallery hosted ORA members at one of our many "professional development" gatherings!


This is what Laurie Fendel, our education director had to say:

Today's talk at Geezer Gallery was  exhilarating !  David Strough spoke. He is a sculpture and does all mediums. He also designs the gallery set up for all their new shows. He builds furniture and has many many talents.  We asked questions and he answered: giving lots of ideas, out of the box and reality suggestions. He was totally funny, and told some hilarious stories.  He often uses pseudo names for his work and then stands there while people view his work and he listens to their comments. One tid bit was to ask your patrons questions so you can find out what they like and what they're looking for.  He talked about creative marketing, selling yourself, how to frame, where to market and how to feature your art. We had lots of good laughs, we got lots of great positive advice and it was well worth the 2 hours of education. 

We will have more opportunities like this one to get together to learn from other experts in Art !

ORA member Leslie Elder said: 

The talk by David Strough at Geezer Gallery yesterday was incredible. It was so refreshing to be able to sit down with a knowledgeable artist and get his insights. And, let me tell you, this guy was very knowledgeable!  I wanted more! I probably could have listened to this guy all day! 

LOTS OF REASONS TO JOIN!

There are many reasons and in the next few postings, we'll offer you just a few answers.

PROFESSIONAL GROWTH and COMMUNITY!

coming in just a week - the director of a well known gallery will offer ORA members a session on:

"How to Market Your Art"

"How to Frame Your Art"

"How to Market YOURSELF"

THEN.... a local artist and professional Curator will lead a session on:

"What are the Trends"

"How to Form a Presentation"

"What's Selling"

....and if that isn't enough.......

Drinks & Shmooz @ Lucky Labrador afterwards !

Scenes from the Geezer Gallery!

Welcome to the Geezer Gallery!

Bobbie Kramer pours Ambacht Beer samples....yum!

A happy crowd!

A portrait of Marcia Wilson by Susan Kuznitsky

Fabric Sculpted Vase by Laurie Fendel

Esther Liberman's beaded works in the Gallery window