Dolores Mitchell's Art Talk, OSAT Feature

Chico Art Center's Open Studios, a community-building yearly tradition, takes place October 14 & 15 and October 21 & 22, 10am-5pm with an October 6th Reception from 5-7pm, at 450 Orange Street. Over eighty artists are participating this year with mediums that include sculpture, ceramics, painting, woodworking, mosaics, photography, jewelry, and more. Each artist will display one artwork in the CAC Gallery through October. Your "passport" for the event is a $15 Self-Guided Tour Booklet available at CAC and elsewhere.

Lisa Freeman-Wood, President, Board of Directors, Chico Art Center says: "Open Studios gives artists the opportunity to connect directly with those they are trying to communicate with. Artists normally create in private spaces that show the heart of who they are. Receiving questions and hearing expressions of interest from visitors are rare and heady experiences for them.

There are many benefits to visitors as well. When visitors interact with artists they become more aware of their own creativity, whether through making art, playing music, journal writing, baking, gardening, etc. Creativity is inherent in us as humans, a fundamental part of who we are."

This year Lisa Freeman-Wood will participate in the Open Studios "On-line Gallery" and her "Orange Supreme" watercolor will hang in the CAC Open Studios exhibit at the train station. She says: "I live way up in Magalia on a gravel road making it difficult for people to visit my studio, but will be visiting participating artists and welcoming new members as the President of CAC's Board of Directors."

Lisa Freeman-Wood, "Orange Supreme," watercolor

CANDY MATTHEWS, Watercolors

Candy says: "Fall is here and it always motivates me to paint pumpkins. The pumpkin painting started out with the green pumpkin and just kept going...all out of my head except for the collaged bird at the bottom! I had no idea what I was going to paint which made it fun."

Candy Matthews, "Warbler and Egg," watercolor

I painted this warbler from a photo, but added the egg at the bottom. Loved doing that!!

Dolores Mitchell comments: "Each year CAC helps me decide on the topic of an Open Studio feature about four or so of nearly 100 Open Studio artists. The following Art Talk feature is on mosaic and stained glass artists, especially ones who are new to the event.

Candy Matthews, "Fall Pumpkins," watercolor

Candy Matthews, "A Pair of Pears," watercolor.

Fall is also the season for pears. I decided to put pricing stickers on them to add a little fun.

JOJO LAORETTI, Mosaics

Jojo says: "I have been doing mosaics for ten years. I began very enthusiastically after taking a class with Susan Crocenzi at the Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art, and then, with other specialists, learned how to do 'glass on glass' and how to make art suited to outdoor placement. Three years ago I volunteered for the Rainforest Art Project and became involved in large outdoor projects which pushed me far outside my comfort zone.

Working with glass allows me to live in the moment and not think about the past or worry about the future. I am truly grateful for the classes that gave me a strong foundation on which to build.bFor questions contact Jojo at 805-276-7928.

SUSAN FULLER:

Tapestry Glass

These pieces were made with a technique called “tapestry”, creating depth and repeating patterns which show off the fused pieces beautifully. Each piece is fired three times in the kiln up to 1,500 degrees fahrenheit, taking at least twenty four hours each firing. The pieces have been sandblasted to produce a matte finish. I enjoy watching the pattern come to life transforming each piece into a work of art. For further information email susan.fuller06@gmail.com

Susan Fuller, Mayan Sun, fused glass

Susan Fuller, Rainbow, fused glass

GWEN NELSON, Mosaics

Gwen says: "For over twenty-five years I have been collecting ceramic ups, plates, etc., for making wild and wonderful mosaic art. I saw this Bald Eagle coming after my four pound Chihuahua named Pounder. I scooped him up then looked skyward and saw the eagle shaded by some clouds. That explains why I used dark mosaics on half of its face. I knew I had to create a mosaic based upon that dramatic encounter.

I spent time in African villages helping the women garden. They were so beautiful and proved a wonderful subject for mosaics."

During her Open Studios, Gwen is having a drawing for a free mosaic and will also have a sign up sheet for mosaic classes. For further information contact Gwen at (605) 638-0933

Gwen Nelson, African Queen

Gwen explains: "I made the crown on this mosaic from a tree's seadpod that I brought home from Africa."

Gwen Nelson, Pounder, mosaic

For OSAT I will be at Susan Kirk’s home at 1420 Normal Ave. Susan is well-known in Chico for her ceramic totems that brighten many a garden.

Each glass piece is cut by me—no pieces are purchased pre-cut. I do it all. I enjoy doing commissions and can be contacted by phone or email: Dalebrittan50@gmail.com. and 530-592-8858

Read Dolores Mitchell's full October issue here

DALE DURNIAK:

Mosaics and Stained Glass

Dale says: “I started making mosaics during Covid and went through a number of trials—tile, broken pottery, etc. I realized I wanted to work with flat, shiny, colorful pieces—-stained glass!! I was immediately hooked! I am passionate about the environment and love the outdoors. Therefore, the bases/bottoms of my pieces are sourced from local estate sales, antique stores and thrift stores. I feel good about keeping discarded items out of the landfill and turning them into a new treasure! Each mosaic is one-of-a-kind, and each base/bottom is unique. Many of my designs reflect my love of nature and living things.