Welcome back to Atelier 325 as we try to navigate this bumpy ride called 2020! As everyone else, we have worked hard to stay healthy, learn, virtually connect and keep making art through all of the crazies and so far we are doing pretty good. Learning to navigate online meetings, virtual exhibitions and vernissage-less exhibitions has been a new learning curve which we are happy to move in this direction to keep everyone safe. We are still learning to navigate this world and finding exciting opportunities in doing so.
Sheep III 47x62 cm Soft Pastel on Paper by Andrea Hupke de Palacio
The first few months of this year found us busy considering the art opportunities before us. We both joined Alameda Women Artists and Island Alliance of the Arts in Alameda, California. The wonderful women artist have welcomed us with open arms and we quickly have felt a part of the organizations. We will be showing in an exhibition with them in the autumn.
Contemplation 24x16 inches Oil and Cold Wax on Concrete covered Canvas by Kim Rodeffer Funk
In addition we both received invitations for solo exhibitions. Andrea will be showing People at Landratsamt Giessen River Barracks in Giessen, Germany in the winter and Kim will be showing Perfect Imperfection at Expressions Gallery in Sheridan, Wyoming in September/October. Preparing for these shows has kept us very busy.
People in Giessen - Parisiana 2 21x29cm Linocut by Andrea Hupke de Palacio
Another exhibition we were both selected to show our individual paintings as well as some paintings by The Third Artist is Artists Voices in Salt Lake City, Utah. Artists Voices has been curated by Jerry Hardesty which includes artist he interviewed on his podcast, The Artist’s Voice, to take place at Alpine Art Gallery in August.
Kootani Creek 1 12x12 inches Acrylic and Egg Tempera on Raw Canvas by The Third Artist
Then COVID-19 hit the western world and everything changed. We happily joined in wearing (and making) protective face masks, washing our hands often and social distancing. We continue to make our art and virtually connect with our tribes because we realized these were the best things we could offer the world.
Kim reminds you to wear your mask and have fun playing with Google Arts & Culture
As of this writing, both of our solo exhibitions will proceed although without openings, following social distancing guidelines and our work to be shown by appointments. Artists Voices has been postponed until February 2021. The exhibition with Alameda Women Artists will be a virtual venue this year.
People in Giessen - Kirchplatz 24 x 32 cm Gouache on Paper by Andrea Hupke de Palacio
So today we are exploring new ways and new opportunities for showing our art. We are grateful for connections we have made even during the pandemic. We remain healthy and that is a beautiful gift at any time but especially now. We have taken our bumps with an attitude of learning and are grateful they have been minor. Our goal is to keep the negatives to a minimum by continuing to do our part, make art and be as kind and helpful as we can to our fellow human beings.
“Please Wear Your Mask!” requests Andrea! Have fun with Google Arts & Culture
We wish you all great health, continued creativity and much love!
Wear Your Masks! Wash Your Hands Often! Social Distance!
Andrea and Kim