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Mesa Art League in the Arizonna Room 4
November 09 , 2004 by CJ RiderMesa Contemporary Arts Presents:
MESA ART LEAGUE IN THE ARIZONA ROOM 4
A Salon-Style Exhibition
Reception:
Mesa art league made a strong presence at the well attended Arizona Room 4 exhibit. Visitors to the exhibit were packed in shoulder to shoulder as they pressed in to view the fabulous artwork on display.
The exhibit entries were new and fresh this year involving some new as well as time honored techniques.
One such new and innovative artist is our own David Anderson with his masonry art, “Saguaro” built from Sedona flagstone and clay pottery. (as seen below). 
“This piece stems from a desire to connect with others” David said. “This piece not only integrates the feeling of a traditional Mosaic, but by closer view the mosaic also has the influence of a Stone mason.” David went on to explain that each piece is placed not to make a boundary but more to interact with each other. The larger stone backdrop, cascading, gives this piece warmth and a connection to the earth. 
“Many of my pieces have a rising cascading affect and normally integrate three sections which I relate to the trinity, God , Son and Holy Ghost or Heart , Mind and Soul. I find solace in recognizing a greater power.”
Irene Leach studies the art on the walls (right).
Many pieces are not what they appear to be at first glance. The title is oftimes enlightening. All of the work was vibrant and full of life.
The old MAC center went out in a blaze of glory with this final Arizona Room Exhibit. The artwork was top notch quality and very diversified. This salon hanging tradition will be continued on within the new art facilities being built. Everyone was very excited about the prospect of showing next season in the new gallery.
This is a great opportunity for new or established artists to gain some recognition and mostly to meet and visit with fellow artists. Mesa is full of fine and friendly artists. You will only find the best of personalities among Mesa Artists. Many of which gather within the friendly camp of the Mesa Art League.
The Mesa Art League membership was well represented at the show
Mal member Ralph Didion poses by his highly detailed outdoors painting (lower painting on left). Ralph's art is represented in downtown Mesa and in many of the MAL "satellite" galleries. He is a great person and fine artist.
Member Kathy McClure and her 35mm photography (below right, top photo) 
“Messages From the Past”
“I am a died-in-the-wool 35mm photographer. I pride myself in framing the image through the camera’s viewfinder.” Kathy said. “I wait for perfect lighting and I plan my photos carefully -no digital manipulation for me! To me, that is not pure photography.” 
Sandy Tracey with her unique acrylic rendition of a Saguaro entitled “Howdy”. (middle painting, left).
“I take my inspiration directly from nature” Sandy said. I love to find that certain twist to a saguaro arm or unusual lighting and create 
a dynamic section of a larger body.
The Mesa Art League board members were well represented in this show with pieces like “ El Lago en la Noche” by President Cynthia Rider. Cynthia’s emotionally charged piece is full of mystery, foreboding, yet familiar and friendly at the same time. It feels dream-like in nature. “This is one of those pieces that just comes to you and you must paint it.” Cynthia said.
“The Old Spaghetti Company”
by Vice President
Wanda Montgomery.
Equally enticing, Wanda Montgomery’s sidewalk cafe in Victora B.C. is completely inviting and lovely to look at. When Wanda saw the café’ setting “with all the hanging baskets of flowers, it looked so inviting. I knew it would make a great painting.
My desire was to capture the beauty that I saw in this scene and share it with others.” 
The MAL Membership Chairman, Freddie Jasper (image to the right, on left with upper painting) and Treasurer, Dorothy Bird (on right, lower painting) are shown together with their pieces.
Freddie’s portrait is of a very special friend and neighbor who had passed away. Freddie kept envisioning his friendly smile and warm personality and finally asked his daughters about doing the portrait. Her idea of a portrait was warmly met and Freddie was drawn to this photo as a resource for the painting. “I presented the portrait to his wife, Jeanne on their wedding anniversary. It was very emotional. The whole family was present and they were very touched. I am so happy I did this for her.”
Dorothy’s painting "Solitude" is a scene taken from Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania, a place that Dorothy visited and loved. Dorothy related how 
"the rippling water of a nearby stream added to the atmosphere of this painting. Even thought I entitled it Solitude, one is never alone when out in nature. What better way to remember a place than to paint it!"
There were many great comments about these paintings by the viewers.
MAL Historian, Suzanne Leslie (left) poses next to her eye catching piece. Suzanne is really making waves in the art world lately with her photo real paintings!
Recording Secretary, Irene Leach poses beside her beautiful “A Perfect Day” painting. (right, top painting)
Irene explains that the painting was created from a photo she took while camping in the Northern Cascades of Washington. Mt. Shuksan is in the background. ”The most photogenic mountain in America! I’ve painted it several times from different, even more magnificent views” Irene explained. “I named it “A Perfect Day” – what could be more perfect than a sun-filled day, viewing God’s majestic creation with a fishing pole in hand!”
Freddie, Dorothy, Wanda, David and Kayanne pose for a group shot in front of the artwork in the gallery.
It was a festive gathering and everyone had a great time at the reception and show. Look for this show next year and become a part of it with the Mesa Art League!
Article is written by CJ Rider. Join in and ask CJ an art question by sending an email to: Art @ EVLiving.com. To learn more about CJ Rider, visit her website, Rider Creations.
