New Happenings in the Local Art World

By Misty Cryer

From first-time students to seasoned artists seeking new challenges and opportunities to exhibit their work, it is worth noting that the Carlsbad Area Art Association (CAAA) is dedicated to cultivating the arts in the community.

Known for showcasing art, offering workshops and classes at The Artist Gallery, and organizing an annual juried show to highlight local talent, a new development is monthly juried art shows.

Artists can submit entries for the first monthly juried art show at The Artist Gallery, 120 S. Canyon St., from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 13. The themed show, “Impasto and Intensity,” will feature oil and acrylic with a focus on heavy pigments, canvas, and board. The packet with information on applying for the monthly juried art shows can be found at https://www.carlsbadart.com/juried-shows.

The opening reception with awards is scheduled for Friday, June 19, at 6 p.m., and the exhibit will run through July 15.

“We normally have a show at the museum once a year,” said Jean Prominski, President of CAAA. Experiencing a scheduling conflict this year with booking the venue led to the idea of hosting exhibitions within the gallery, which she sees as a blessing.

CNB Bank, which has generously sponsored the annual show in the past, is recognized as the sponsor that made the series of monthly juried shows possible.

“As a community bank, this is what we do. We are the heartbeat of our community, just like other community banks in our town and across the state,” said Jay Jenkins, CEO and President of CNB Bank.

He said it isn’t always about dollars and cents; it is about giving back in different areas across the community that makes CNB Bank who they are. “We’re thankful to be a part of community organizations like the Carlsbad Area Art Association.”

After expressing gratitude to CNB Bank for its continuous support of the arts and investment in the community, Prominski said, while not ready yet, “We are also going to start a student division.”

Describing the monthly shows as a pipeline of new artists, Prominski said, “Now, we will have an opportunity for local artists to share their work even if they are not part of the gallery.”

For an artist to display art in the gallery on an ongoing basis, there is a process to go through and commitments to make. Prominski said the monthly shows are a way to introduce potential artists to the gallery. With a modest fee of $10 per submission and a commission on sales, artists can submit up to two pieces per show for consideration. “There are going to be monetary prizes,” she added.

With the gallery space being smaller than the allocated space at the museum, the juried shows are now themed with specified materials and a focus. According to the schedule Prominski shared, other shows within the year will include watercolor and ink; photography; wood and grain; clay and earth; fiber and textile; mixed media; graphite/charcoal; glass and light; pastes and gouache; metal and wire; and printmaking.

The shows are expected to allow for more consistent engagement, increased visibility for artists, and ongoing opportunities for the community to enjoy a diversified selection of new work at The Artist Gallery throughout the year.

Information Prominski provided indicates that the program will benefit the community by supporting artists, engaging youth, enhancing community connection, driving economic activity, and building a creative culture.

Scheduled monthly workshops and classes can be viewed and booked at https://www.carlsbadart.com/book-online. They currently consist of fused glass creation, Suminagashi (water marbling), working with clay, and watercolor classes.