J Life Magazine October-December 2018 oct-dec-18-jlife | Page 7

As construction began, it became clear that in the series of simple changes made a new elevated vision of the space began to take shape. The long skylight in the gallery took on a more central role in defining the quality of the gallery as a public indoor courtyard. The white walls expanded the square footage visually, the new carpeting added depth to its dimensions, and the hanging system allowed work to be displayed in more creative and variable ways. Due to the enhanced profile of the space, extra care has gone into the curation of exhibits and the professional representation of artist work. using both historical and non-traditional techniques. Gallery Talks with the artists will be held on Tuesdays at 3pm on October 9, October 16, October 23, October 30. Our first exhibit, SIMCHA, meaning JOY in Hebrew, was hung at the end of August and the reception for the 13 participants in the Jewish Artist Group Exhibit was a huge success, with more than 100 in attendance. A few pieces have sold, and the response to the gallery as a vibrant center of cultural life at the J has been overwhelmingly positive. On display are works by Bonnie Pisik, Karyn Vampotic, Jacqueline Cohen, Ann Marcus Lapidus, Nan Wollman, Laurie Sherman, Martin Levy, LynnRae Lowe, Jere Moskovitz, Anne Lowe, Daryl Cohen, Sarah Frieden and Julie Szerina Stein. The exhibit ends on October 3rd, so there is still time to come and see the diverse expression of Jewish creative expression on display. During this time, our Artisan Showcase on Sunday, November 18th from 10:00-3:00, will make available for purchase a local artisan showcase in the Fine Art Gallery, featuring pottery, glass, jewelry, and more! A portion of the sales will support the arts at The J, so please come an invite your friends and family for this one day pop up art event. Our next show, by the Fiber Artists of Southern Arizona, is already been planned and we are looking forward to another fine reception on October 7, from 2-4 pm. These textile and mixed media artists, including Trish Hastings-Sargent, Joanne Krawchuk, Sharon Nemirov, Jeanmarie Nutt, Ruth Sharp, Aimee Smythe, Peggie Thomas, Mary Vaneecke and Janet Windsor, express contemporary themes based on their individual experiences. The Tucson area group shares a common interest in exploring creative expression through their fiber art. A variety of ideas are interpreted Following this show will be the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass, which took place on November 9, 1938. From November 2- December 10 we are proud to display “New Works from Broken Glass” presented by different artists in the Tucson community. The show is presented in partnership with the Sonoran Glass School. Finally, “Trajectory,” by Elliott Heiman, from December 11 – January 24, 2019 with an Artist’s Reception, Sunday, December 16, 2-4pm, will wrap up the first season of our new gallery. This is Mr. Heiman’s third solo exhibit in our Fine Arts Gallery, the first since it’s refresh. Over the past 20 years, this venue has provided a spacious light-filled setting for his large, colorful paintings which depict memories and life as it has unfolded. Thanks to all those who have made these exhibits possible in our new gallery! 7