10 Oct RAA News: October 2011
Janet Edwards Book Signing and RAA Bookfair to Benefit Art Education
Redlands’ renowned artist Janet Edwards will be signing her book, “Palms to Peaks, the Art of Janet Edwards” on Saturday, November 12, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Barnes and Noble Booksellers in Redlands. The book, published by ESRI, comprises more than 60 full-color pictures of her work, quotes by Janet, and written text by her husband, Fred Edwards, all in a beautiful cloth-bound book, with attractive dust jacket, and quote on her work by James Fallows, Atlantic correspondent, well known to many locally.
A BOOKFAIR at Redlands’ BARNES AND NOBLE BOOKSELLERS will be held in conjunction with the book signing, which will include art activities for kids, story time with RAA teachers, and student art exhibits from RAA and Redlands schools.
A percentage of all purchases including food in the B&N store that day until 11/17, when presenting ID# 10469088 at check out, will benefit art education at local schools and the gallery through the RAA’s Margaret Clark Art Education Endowment Fund. Flyers including a coupon with the ID# are available at the gallery or by clicking here.
Janet Edwards Website
To RAA members and friends, I have finally joined the world of websites with the expert help and advice of artist Candy Glendening. Candy is a website master who can take the mystery from the process. I am listed at: janetmedwards.com. It is designed for information and lists our upcoming shows and details of the book signing at Barnes and Noble.
Janet Edwards
September 2011 Report from the Remodeling Task Force
Over a year ago the decision was made to pursue the possibility of remodeling and adding to our present facility. A Remodeling Task Force was formed to work with the architect: John Fisher, Patty Hayden, Evelyn Ifft (chair), Jerry Meeker and Annette Weis. Armantrout Architects were retained for the preliminary and feasibility plans only. The architect’s cost of $3500 was donated by Larry Harvill and Evelyn Ifft.
The task force met many times with Leon Armantrout and his assistant, Avani Pavasia, from Janurary to May 2011. We informed them of our needs, hopes and restrictions as pertained to the project. Avani spent much time researching ideas, materials, furniture, etc. and then planning the space.
Below is her statement of purpose, the new floor plan and the visualized RAA façade. Further information, pictures, and material samples are in the gallery near the library for you to see, scroll down to the bottom of the page for these as well.
Thank you, Evelyn Ifft, chair
Philosophy and Approach to the RAA Design
The inspiration and motivation to update and expand the present gallery space came from the collective enthusiasm of numerous hearts and souls directly and indirectly involved in the project.
The existing RAA State Street Gallery is the result of the history of a place originally built by the Gas Company in the mid-sixties and subsequently purchased in 1973 by Carl Doss for one of the first Century 21 Real Estate offices. Today its’ location at 215 East State Street in Redlands is enhanced by one of the Indian Laurel trees lining the street. These large trees define a beautiful setting in downtown Redlands for an art gallery/association.
There is also the remarkable motivation and inspiration among the members involved in this design project. The goals and visions of these folk are all based on various degrees of involvement. Together, all of us believe in creating a gallery design which can support our environment and health. A well-organized collection of design elements, both interior and exterior, can lead to higher productivity, happiness, and prosperity. The RAA Art Gallery is a perfect example of that happening in Redlands today.
Not so long ago I started working with Armantrout Architects who assigned me the task of creating a new and distinctive place for art education and exhibition purposes. RAA’s goal was to do a major renovation to gain space for their expanding classroom needs and a larger exhibit area. Thanks to Leon Armantrout and the RAA Remodeling Committee, my imagination took flight. Their strict guidelines and requirements became a challenge, but my mission was to translate their necessity into a creative preliminary design…and that is how it all began.
Due to the emerging green movement, artists have begun to incorporate nature into every field of art. My goal was to take advantage of that to create a gallery space that is unique, yet close to the roots of RAA and culture of Redlands. The idea of a floated organic shaped drywall ceiling with a partially exposed roof structure and a skylight will add high volume and light to the space. I have always enjoyed using a combination of different surface materials in interior space. The use of industrial materials, such as glass and bare metal, combined with sustainable materials like bamboo flooring and with natural organic shapes can create a very effective and inviting interior space. A freeform-shaped lacquer finished front desk, abstract metal tree branches for the jewelry display wall and exaggerated stacked metal strips behind the desk balance a perfect tranquility with sophistication. The green movement has already been effectively implemented by the solar panels above the north wall. We will retain and add to them with the new addition. Our goal is to make the building as green as possible in order to earn maximum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification so that Redlands will have another example of a high quality, sustainable building at RAA.
Each project has a story and inspiration. This project’s inspiration came from the Indian Laurel tree that stands just outside of the existing entrance. Time and trends are constantly altering that which shapes our society and living. As I always say, “Design makes a difference”. Materials gathered together harmoniously create a place for meetings and educational purposes, for exhibition of art as well as a contribution to the environment.
The interior design is edgy, yet it has a classic twist. When I envision the art gallery space, I think of simplicity, elegance, art, comfort and belongingness. With high regards for RAA’s specific guidelines and Leon Armantrout’s architectural expertise, this vision came alive. It can be seen when you look at the preliminary plans and sketches which are displayed in the gallery. The RAA art gallery should be a place where people can meet to appreciate, enjoy and create art.
Avani R. Pavasia of Armantrout Architects
RAA Member has DVD Published
Textile Artist Candy Glendening has a just had a DVD published by Interweave Press, entitled “Dyeing to Stitch: A Comprehensive Guide to Creating Colorful Fabric Art”. The information from the publisher reads:
In this comprehensive DVD, fiber artist Candy Glendening shares all! From her dyeing techniques and explorations into color theory, to her approach to quilting and “free-motion machine sketched” motifs, Candy takes viewers step-by-step through her creative process.
Here is a clip from the DVD, also posted on YouTube:
Candy Glendening