One exhibit finished (Highlights from the San Diego Museum of Art Artists Guild at MOPA) and another about to begin (Phes Gallery in Carlsbad – April 6-May 3) 47 works of art have been selected from 135 entries. The opening is April 6th -. Exhibiting artists in the Highlights exhibit held an informal farewell reception on March 6th and it was a grand farewell to an outstanding exhibit of Guild artists’ work. The range and quality of work was exceptional. 2025 will also include the Online International exhibit (August/September) and the Membership Exhibition at Gallery 21 (Nov 4-17). I am looking forward to continued Guild artist creativity and exploration of style, medium and ideas
Toward that end we have initiated a new project for Guild artists, soon to be artists and collaborators, the Guild Atelier. We have scheduled sessions in the MOPA Museum building in Balboa Park on the third Thursday of every month from 11:00 to 2:00 (except March when we will meet March 27 instead). In February Julie Weaverling lead us in an “imagining” session. The purpose was to freely suggest venues, concepts, installations, audiences, participants, etc. We will continue this exploration at the March 27 Atelier. Jody Abssy and Leslie Pierce have stimulated us with curious and innovative group art exercises
Another interesting experiment we are pursuing is in collaboration with the SD Museum of Art Community Engagement staff and muralist Mario Torero, a community engagement mural in the Sherman Heights neighborhood near downtown SD, Several Guild artists and sculptors are on board with this effort including myself. Presentations were given by me on community engagement installations and John Ohl Webster on his conceptual art installation in Escondido.
Guild artists and board members, Leslie Pierce and Kevin Inman are collaborating with the Museum staff in the development of an art workshop program. Potentially this will involve Guild artists as instructors for up-and-coming art students.
Finally... Please Note! --- Board elections are scheduled for June!!!! There are openings for additional board members so let us know if you are interested. All Guild members are eligible to vote for the board.
Jim Bliesner
