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Arizona Artists Find First-Rate, Supportive Space at Mesa Contemporary Arts
April 12 , 2007 by EditorExhibitions Highlight Artists Working in Arizona
(Mesa, Ariz.) Mesa Contemporary Arts [MCA], the visual art galleries at Mesa Arts Center announces summer exhibitions, which highlight local artists; Latent Image an exhibition of contemporary photography in Arizona, Parallel an installation of alternative materials by well-known local artists Kenneth Richardson and Ted Troxel, and Contemporaneous Corroboration work by Phoenix couple Annie Lopez and Jeff Falk.
Over the past few decades the valley has been home to many remarkable and talented artists. The Phoenix metro area has recently seen an influx of artists moving here to participate in the active creative scene. MCA is proud to announce 3 summer exhibitions that showcase great local artists. MCA’s North Gallery is dedicated to artists who work in Arizona, or who have a significant presence in the state. This summer, the North Gallery is home to Contemporaneous Corroboration, work by local Phoenix couple Jeff Falk and Annie Lopez, who have each produced notable art in the valley for over 25 years.
“Mesa Arts Center has supported local artists unlike any other art organization in the valley”, says North Gallery artist Jeff Falk. Falk and his colleagues have had their work exhibited nationally, internationally, and achieved recognition outside of the state- but battle a “local artist” stigma. “Local art museums have, generally speaking, not been very interested in Valley based artists,” says Falk. “What Mesa Contemporary Arts is doing is unprecedented, they are acknowledging, embracing and celebrating valley and Arizona artists.”
Latent Image artist Marilyn Szabo agrees, “Mesa Arts Center is extremely supportive of the Arizona artist, providing a quality space to show work along with more open minded ideas of what is being shown.”
Another gallery at MCA, The Project Room is also home to local artists this summer. The Project Room is the only major museum space in the valley that is solely dedicated to installation art. Specifically, MCA Project Room curators look for submissions from emerging, yet somewhat established local and non-local artists. Project Room artist Kenneth Richardson, co-owner of Roosevelt Row gallery Pravus and member of 515 Arts feels that this space is designated to acknowledge local artists, and better yet, allows them to take risks. “The artists chosen can create work that exposes patrons to a local perspective of progressive visual arts. MCA’s Project Room provides an opportunity for emerging artists to gain experience early in their career, “ says Richardson.
Parallel artists Richardson and Troxel, well known in Phoenix and to anyone who has attended a “First Friday”, both have BFA’s from The University of Arizona. Parallel marks the first time these artists will collaborate on a singular installation. Troxel’s temporary public art piece, Javelinas, was featured at Mesa Arts Center in Fall 2005.
About the Exhibitions
Latent Image celebrates the incredible talent and diversity of Arizona artists who utilized photography as their means of expression. The title Latent Image refers to the invisible image that is captured on unprocessed film or a digital storage device prior to development. Latent Image offers the public a chance to view photography from Arizona artists who exhibit in spaces all over the country and state, in one gallery. Latent Image is on display May 11-August 12, 2007.
Parallel, will be a new installation of alternative materials by Kenneth Richardson and Ted Troxel. Utilizing unconventional materials, local artists Richardson and Troxel will collaborate on an installation in the Project Room. Known for his alternative mixed media paintings, Richardson will transform one wall of the space into a giant map that reflects his journey through life and the various paths that can be taken. Troxel, who is distinguished by his playful sculptures of animals and tool miniatures, will use recycled materials to create a large rhino and web with skulls to illustrate the survival instinct we all share and the belief systems that guide us through harsh realities of life. Parallel is on display April 20 – July 29, 2007.
Contemporaneous Corroboration highlights the work of Phoenix couple Annie Lopez and Jeff Falk. The couple share many experiences, but tell their stories in very different ways. Using alternative photographic processes and mixed media assemblages, Lopez provides a literal interpretation of events. In contrast, Falk incorporates symbolism, conveying his experiences through complex imagery derived from childhood memories. Lopez and Falk’s individual styles of expression and differing perspectives are will combined to narrate the same story in
Contemporaneous Corroboration, May 8 – August 12, 2007.
Mesa Contemporary Arts has many other events planned around the exhibition of work of these local artists.
On May 11, Mesa Contemporary Arts will hold a free reception from 7-9pm, heavy hors d'oeuvres, musical entertainment, and a cash bar will be offered.
The season’s final Sound in the Ground event titled “Welcome to Mesa, Arizona”, will be evening of Arizona Bands, Beer and “Arizonian” surprises on May 17 9pm to midnight.
Jeff Falk will present brief, sporadic, unexpected and meaningful outbursts of a theatrical nature during Sound in the Ground. Sound in the Ground is for ages 18+, tickets are $6 online, or $8 at the door.
EVENT INFORMATION
WHAT: New Summer Exhibitions at Mesa Contemporary Arts at Mesa Arts Center
WHEN: Summer Reception 7 to 9 p.m., May 11, 2007
Latent Image May 11-August 12 Contemporaneous Corroboration, May 8 – August 12 Parallel April 20 – July 29
COST: Gallery entry on the evening of the reception is free, $3.50 other days. Free for Members, Children under 7, and Thursdays
WHERE: Mesa Contemporary Arts at Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa, Ariz.
CONTACT: For more information, call 480-644-6560 or visit www.mesaartscenter.com.
Mesa Contemporary Arts at Mesa Arts Center
1 East Main Street | Mesa | 480-644-6560
Hours | Tue-Wed 10am-5pm | Thu-Sat 10am-8pm
Sun 12pm-5pm | Closed Monday
Entry Fee: $3.50
PLEASE NOTE: MCA IS NOT FREE ON SUNDAYS
THURSDAYS ARE FREE, SPONSORED BY SRP
