So many people! It felt like a...

One thing I don't think anyone will ever accuse me of being is prompt. This opening happened awhile ago it's true. In general I don't get images up in a timely manner, but c'mon Joseph. 

Let me say a few things about the University of Iowa's master's program opening: 1) It was by far the highest attended show in Bakery history! Clocking in at right around 100 people. It's the first time all of the food was eaten. 2) People LOVE artist's books. They may not always understand them, but they certainly love them. 3) What a great show of support from the supporters of that program. Intelligent, thoughtful, and caring. 

Another thing that can be said about me is that I am not a particularly "skilled" photographer...particularly when it comes to trying to capture the essence of an event or moment. I tend to go for the "I'm tall, raise the hand" type of photos, which I am well aware does not escalate the artistic integrity of said photos. Really Ms. Anna Pate needs to be working camera detail, but it was a big weekend and she had a particularly large parcel in her uterus. (hint: it's a baby) If anyone happened to take better or more enticing photos (which is really almost anyone) I'd love to post them here. 

Here's what I can provide for you. Enjoy. Imagine a lot more people and energy and sweat (wait, that may have been just me) well imagine a sweaty Lappie. (you DO NOT have to) 

Lot's of looking and gallery founder Heather blessing her child.

A "book table". So much good stuff and so little space. We had to set up a couple of 

Opening night spots to fit everything.

The formidable Kim Maher. Former SAU Book Arts student, current UI student, future big deal.

Radha Pandry, Islam Aly, and Zachary Stensen showin their stuff. 

OOoohh... we're so party, it's so fun (or) how to rock without even knowing it. 

How many people wanted to buy this Radha Pandry piece? Well, there were 4 offers and probably some silent wishes. 

The local Quad Cities Art Critic was taken aback, needed a breath. 

This time Craig Kelchen makes it into view.

So many patterns, such a nice spread, look at all of those conversations. 

Thank you for everyone who attended. 

Please consider following this blog. It's got all of the sporadic info about the Bakery Gallery that you could ever need. Let's talk about the next show - Local Flavor Angela Wilson. It's looking good. We can even chit-chat about shows after the shows. All of this is coming in the nearest of futures. When I am on, I'm on. I just suffer from long off periods. 

Take care and say "hi" to the fish for me. 

The Bakery Gallery

Born To Run, Bred to Make, Urged To Devour (sweets)

We had ourselves another successful opening at the ol' Bakery gallery one early evening in the middle of December. We were lucky enough to get Iowa City artist (and St. Ambrose studio tech/adjunct prof) Alison Filley

The night was cool, both figuratively and literally and the gallery was hot, also figuratively and literally. It was a great and inquisitive crowd, particularly for the time of year and proximity to something the student folk call "Finals". 

                             

The exhibition showcard...it says "paparazzi" for those of you who cannot read sparkles. 

Amongst the many delicious treats that Nikki and her sons provide we get Christmas tree cookies. you know...because it is December and the conifers are still around. 

Here's a little hullabaloo from Ms. Filley's Artist Statement. It'll give you some context for the next several prints. I know, right? That's what they do... fill in the bits. 

Since the origins of Hollywood and the motion picture industry in the early twentieth century, America has been fascinated with celebrities and the culture that surrounds them. In recent years society has become obsessed with these figures as their images flood headline news, magazines, tabloids, and blogs. Particular attention is focused on young female starlets and they often serve as standards of beauty, youth, and fame. My work and my research focuses on these cultural roles and the concept of a celebrity’s façade.

The façade of the celebrity is an image created through marketing, PR, television and film that we as active participants in consumer culture are bombarded with on a daily basis. The façade is an artificial glamorized identity that is unavoidably intertwined with an individual celebrity’s personal identity. I am questioning how the façade of a celebrity functions and what happens when it is glorified, deconstructed or manipulated.

A full shot of the west wall. They're tufted pieces that are really quite extraordinary. 

Screenprint on mirror. Rolling puppy is just an added bonus. 

Half of the east wall. Mirrors with googly-eye blocks. What are YOU looking at? 

The most important bit is that sweet Natalie Portman made it into the show (bottom right) That may or may not be the opinion of the curator and may or may not reflect the exhibition as a whole. (but really, a show with NP rates a 5 star in my book) 

Did I mention that this was our second-year anniversary? Yep, that's right. We've made it past the naming phase. That means we're legitimate and people can start loving us now. Loving us with their full art heart and soul. We don't make things fancy, but we do make them, and well. 

Don't forget to stop by. 

It got soooo hip in this joint that the color desaturated itself. Why? Not cool enough. 

Something intense seems to be occurring here. That's the face of making. 

My guess is that this is a lively discussion about the Natalie Portman print. 

looking at me, looking at you, looking at them

Alison's show is up through the middle of February. Then we move on to a first, a group show. What type of group show? (you surely and eagerly ask) Why, we'll be featuring the graduate student's work from the University of Iowa Book Arts Master program. 

WHAT!

yeah. 

Stay tuned for juicier details.