The UMVA-Portland chapter continues to thrive, attracting new artists and members and large audiences to its monthly exhibitions at the Union of Maine Visual Artists Gallery. The UMVA Gallery, professionally managed by Gallery Manager Gregg Harper, has sold approximately 20 works of art through August of this year. The art sales from Julia Durgee’s current show has exceeded $4000! When August sales are completed, the UMVA will have collected and deposited in the UMVA account more than $2500 in its share of art sales.
Go Figure show at UMVA Gallery in July. The artists were painters Roland Salazar, Jen Joaquin, mixed media artist Jim Kelly, and photographer Dave Wade.
At UMVA Go Figure Exhibit: former Portland gallery owner and founder of Portland’s First Friday Art Walk Andy Verzosa. Dave Wade photo.
At UMVA Go Figure Exhibit: Painter Jim Kellly with his Kelso series. Dave Wade photo.
At UMVA Go Figure Exhibit: Painter Jen Joaquin with some of her portrait series. Dave Wade photo.
At UMVA Go Figure Exhibit: Painter Roland Salazar with his painting series. Dave Wade photo
Gallery wall at UMVA Go Figure Exhibit. Dave Wade photo.
To streamline overall management of the Portland chapter, members decided to form an executive team earlier in the year. Chairperson John Ripton, Vice-Chairperson Jen Joaquin, and Gallery Manager Gregg Harper were elected to one-year terms. It was also decided that the position of Scribe to record proceedings and prepare minutes would rotate through members in the meeting. The chapter meetings are the third Monday of each month, and all committee work is accomplished within a 90-minute period: 6–7:30 p.m.
UMVA-Portland also launched a new website: http://www.theumva.org
Gregg Harper spearheaded its development with the able assistance of Janice Moore. We urge all members to visit the new site, see the opportunities it presents for sharing information and representing member artists statewide. Please post the new website link to Facebook pages and other social media to help spread the word and broaden its online presence. In addition, we wish to thank Ann Tracy for establishing a blog to convey important notices and information to bridge the gap as we transitioned to the new website.
At its August meeting, the Portland chapter decided to review and standardize its “market brand.” Mark Barnette and Janice Moore volunteered to undertake this task and make recommendations at an upcoming meeting. This work promises to bring greater consistency to the “branding” and messaging of the UMVA Gallery and the UMVA organization in general.
Christine Sullivan is now the liaison between UMVA members and the Maine Arts Journal. She conveys members’ suggestions and concerns to the MAJ editorial team and reports monthly on matters relevant to both groups. Christine has served in this capacity since spring 2019.
Other developments include planning for the members’ Open Show in November, the Dada Santa holiday art sale in December, the formation of an informal Open Show “hanging” group, and the adoption of guidelines for artists/curators of the Open Shows.
UMVA & Trueline Gallery Wall. Dave Wade photo.
UMVA & Trueline Exhibit: On right, sculptor Don Best describing his art. Dave Wade photo
UMVA & Trueline Exhibit: Painter Judith Schneider with two of her forest pieces. Dave Wade photo.
UMVA & Trueline at September UMVA opening “From Maine’s Western Foothills” with Creative Portland Executive Director, Dinah Minot waving. Dave Wade photo.
The show in September, Visible Discourse From Maine’s Western Foothills featured the work of Diane Arcadipone, Don Best, Nikki Millonzi and Judith Schneider. October’s show, Imposition and Yeilding: Travail en Cire, features the work of Ann Deutsch, Anne Strout and Ann Tracy, with its opening on October 4 (5–7:30 p.m.).
*Image at top of page: UMVA & Trueline Exhibit: Opening guests, with Nikki Millonzi’s work on wall. Dave Wade photo.
Call for Art: November Members Show
Hello All,
We have our November UMVA open members show coming right up.
I will be coordinating with the help of some of you who have kindly offered your support.
Please plan your submission and other aspects following the schedule below.
Submit via email to: singingcove+umvanov19@gmail.com
Use Members Show Submissions as your header in the subject line.
These two details allow me to label and search for your submission, so please be careful to use both.
Images:
Please send 1-2 images, as email attachments, of work you would like included in the show.
If work is 16×20 or smaller, we may fit two pieces if space allows.
In a separate word or text document, attached, describe/label your piece(s).
Please include:Title, medium, size, year and price. A thumbnail image of your work is also much appreciated.
Include a brief Artist Statement to be shown with your pieces. Your Artist Statement (short version!) should include your contact information.
Include a price for your art if you intend to sell it. Alternatively, you can add NFS (Not For Sale) if you like.
Submission Deadline:
Tuesday, October 15
Drop off: Deliver Work and Bio to gallery: Saturday, October 26, 2019.
Work must be ready to hang. No sawtooth hangers, braided wire preferred.
Plan to take any packaging materials with you when you drop off; we do not store or save packing materials.
If your piece(s) require special handling/display, the artist is responsible for that. We have a couple of sculpture pedestals, but beyond that, if you need to “set up” your piece, you must be present to accomplish that.
Show Dates: Nov 1-23, 2019
Opening: First Friday, November 1
We’ll have sign up for gallery sitting as we approach start of show.
I look forward to seeing everyone’s work and being part of the Fall 19 Members Exhibit.
Thanks!
Arthur Nichols