Gateway Gallery

Juliette Travous, New Guest Artist at Gateway Gallery Feb 22 to Mar 30

2012-02-29T13:18:00.000-06:00

See this guest artists beautiful work at Gateway Gallery Feb 22 to Mar 30. Come to the Opening Reception March 2nd, 6-9PM.

Deer Crossing, Pastel by Juliette Travous

Winters Golden Afternoon, Pastel by Juliette Travous

Juliette is a member of the Gateway Pastel Artists (GPA) and the Greater St. Louis Artist Association (GSLAA); and a former member of the Gateway East Artist Guild (GEAG) and the St. Louis Artist Guild. Juliette has studied and worked with various artistic techniques and media, completed college level art courses and has trained under several nationally known and local artists. Her paintings have been exhibited and sold in a variety of art shows and art fairs throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area including The Webster Groves Art Fair, The Queeney Park Art Fair, The Foundry Art Centre, Framations Art Gallery, The Vineyards, Norton’s Gallery, Creative Gallery with the GPA annual pastel show, the St. Charles Plein Air Competition and Spring Art Walk, the Augusta Plein Air Competition, The Lafayette Square Plein Air Competition and the Central West End Art Fair.

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Blog post by Gateway Gallery Artist Daniel Fishback.

Paul Bayer, New Guest Artist at Gateway Gallery Feb 22 to Mar 30

2012-02-27T09:25:00.000-06:00

See this guest artists beautiful work at Gateway Gallery Feb 22 to Mar 30. Come to the Opening Reception March 2nd, 6-9PM.

The Art of Paul W. Bayer

Paul W. Bayer is a stone sculptor that works primarily in white and slightly veined marbles, as well as a variety of other translucent stones, onyx, alabaster, flourite, calcite etc.. The crystalline structure and texture of natural stone combine to reflect light in an extraordinary way, giving forms movement and life. He carves directly in stone, as well as from models, maquettes and drawings when doing commissioned reliefs, busts and other works. He enjoys working with realism and all forms of abstraction.

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Blog post by Gateway Gallery Artist Daniel Fishback.

Patricia Badman, New Guest Artist at Gateway Gallery Feb 22 to Mar 30

2012-02-24T18:26:00.002-06:00

See this guest artists beautiful work at Gateway Gallery Feb 22 to Mar 30. Come to the Opening Reception March 2nd, 6-9PM.

The Art of Patricia Badman

Patricia Badman exhibits her work frequenly in one person shows and juried competitions. She is a Southern Illinois University-Carbondale graduate and has participated in the ARTEAST open studio tour for the last 10 years. She is a prolific painter whose work is sometimes sensual, sometimes controversial, but always genuine and honest.

"The paintings I show are emotional and spiritual extensions of myself. They reveal what is known by the unconscious to the conscious."

- Patricia Badman

Alton Artist has exhibit in Clayton

Alton Telegraph
... has a definitive artistic style of storytelling, and she is releasing some new works at an exhibition on display at the Gateway Gallery in Clayton, Mo.

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Blog post by Gateway Gallery Artist Daniel Fishback.

Article in Bowling Green Times about Gateway Gallery guest artist Lisa Crisman

2012-02-21T17:56:00.000-06:00

Hometown artist with international recognition: Lisa Crisman’s Left Ear Art

Vivid. Bold. Expressionistic. Such terms only begin to describe the artwork of Bowling Green native Lisa Crisman. Crisman always knew she wanted to be an artist, since she was a child.

“I grew up dreaming about making art,” Crisman said. Her father, Durward “Woody” Crisman worked as a jeweler in Bowling Green for 47 years. He was the owner of Woody’s Jewelry and Repair located off the square. Crisman’s first job was waitressing at the old A and W restaurant.

“I also worked at the old Dairy Queen, the one where the Chinese restaurant is now,” Crisman recalled with a chuckle.

Copyright Lisa Crisman, Left Ear Art

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Blog post by Gateway Gallery Artist Daniel Fishback.

GATEWAY GALLERY IN CLAYTON PRESENTS ‘UNDER CONSTRUCTION,” FEB 22 – MARCH 31

2012-02-08T11:31:00.003-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact Vic Mastis

Gateway Gallery

314-402-1959

High Res photos available upon request

WHAT: “Under Construction” an exhibit featuring the work of Vic Barr

WHERE: Gateway Gallery, 21 N. Bemiston Ave., Clayton MO 63105

WHEN: Feb. 22 – March 31, opening reception 6 – 9 p.m. March 2

COST: FREE

MORE INFO: www.gatewaygalleryonline.com, 314-402-1959

GATEWAY GALLERY IN CLAYTON PRESENTS

‘UNDER CONSTRUCTION,” FEB 22 – MARCH 31

Opening reception held for the artist 6-9 p.m. Friday, March 2

Gateway Gallery proudly presents “Under Construction”, an exhibit featuring the woodworking mastery of resident artist Vic Barr. This exhibit runs February 22 through March 31 with an artists’ reception from 6 to 9 pm on Friday, March 2 in their recently new location at 21 North Bemiston Ave, Clayton.

Vic Barr’s woodworking skills are well known and widely appreciated in the St Louis region. His sublimely designed and constructed furniture, jewelry boxes, vessels and even, wooden pens are all one-of-a-kind pieces designed to reveal the wonder hidden beneath the bark of a tree. “I see things in life in the context of building terms; we build families, careers, skills. Everything we are is built on what came before and, what we will be tomorrow depends upon what we build today. We are always under construction. What I build with my hands in my favorite medium –wood - is a concrete and satisfying expression and an extension of the philosophy that has been under construction all my life” explains Barr.

GATEWAY GALLERY

This contemporary American artist began by hammering nails into 2x4’s as a child. As time went on, selective native and exotic hardwoods captured his attention. As a young man, Vic discovered he had an innate talent for forming clean lines and subtle curves in wood. His reputation for quality and artistic merit grew and his signed and commissioned works can now be found from coast to coast and into Europe.

Established in 2004, Gateway Gallery is a co-op art gallery exhibiting 16 regional, award-winning artists whose work range from traditional landscape to contemporary abstraction. Ranging media include oil, pastel, acrylic, watercolor, mixed media, photography, ceramics, and woodworking. Exhibits typically run every six weeks, featuring one of the gallery’s 16 artists as well as three visiting artists. Located in downtown Clayton, Mo., the gallery is walking distance to other galleries and many of St. Louis’ finest restaurants and cafés, making it a “must-stop” destination for art lovers, art collectors and designers.

Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Visit www.GatewayGalleryOnline.com for more information.

GATEWAY GALLERY

Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Visit www.GatewayGalleryOnline.com for more information.

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Blog post by Gateway Gallery Artist Daniel Fishback.

More Art from Featured Artist Meg Matson and Guest Artists Crisman, Eultgen, and Tibrewala

2012-02-01T16:58:00.001-06:00

Augusta Morning - Acrylic Painting by Meg Matson

Sometimes being an abstract or non- representational painter leaves the artist feeling that they need to prove themselves. A large population of viewers do not understand or "Get" that style of painting and dismiss it as not true art. I have found that I occasionally need to prove myself as an artist by very simply painting a "Pretty" painting.

Ozark Evening - Acrylic Painting by Meg Matson

I found the Sunrise-Sunset theme to be a starting point because everyone can easily relate. It is a nice change for me to switch gears like this but I am always drawn back to working larger, less restricting work that makes the viewer think about what they are looking at rather than being an obvious subject.

But for now I will enjoy a beautiful sunset and my moment of Zen.

Maui Moon - Acrylic Painting by Meg Matson

Screen by Joseph Eultgen

Goddesses - by Sujata Tibrewala

Snow - Pastel by Lisa Crisman

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Blog post by Gateway Gallery Artist Daniel Fishback.

Gateway Gallery Artist Joyce Yarbrough Featured in The Columbia Daily Tribune

2012-01-22T13:30:00.000-06:00

The artist’s attention to detail can be seen in a close-up of Joyce Yarbrough’s “Brave Feather.”

Photo by August Kryger

Read about Joyce Yarbrough and her fellow regional artists — Mark Langeneckert, Mary Lamboley, and Deborah Huelsbergen, all discussed in the article.

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Blog post by Gateway Gallery Artist Daniel Fishback.

Gateway Gallery Grand Opening ... a Grand Success!

2012-01-21T18:31:00.002-06:00

In spite of the unkind freezing rain that couldn't have come at a more inappropriate time, it was quite a party. Thanks to all who ventured out to see the new artwork of both resident artists and guest artists. It was a very festive evening. Some people took us up on our challenge to impress us with their own creative version of black tie attire (see photo below).

Many people left with some very nice door prizes donated by resident artists and local businesses. A number of other happy folks purchased original artworks, photographs, greeting cards, and more.

We encourage those of you who decided not to risk a fender bender to come in to see the work before the show ends on February 17.

Photographs provided by Gateway Gallery Artists Jerry Schmutz and Joyce Yarbrough.

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Blog post by Gateway Gallery Artist Daniel Fishback

New Guest Artists at Gateway Gallery: Crisman, Eultgen, and Tibrewala

2012-01-19T18:45:00.004-06:00

See these guest artists beautiful work at Gateway Gallery Jan 4-Feb 17. Come to the Grand Opening Reception January 20th, 6-9PM.

The Art of Lisa Crisman

St. Louis artist Lisa Crisman grew up in a small midwestern town, Bowling Green, Missouri. Commenting on her childhood, she states, "My mother is an artist, my grandmother was an artist, and an artist is what I've always wanted to be. She devotes as many of her waking hours as possible to her art. Her training is comprised of independent and private study. Lisa is passionate about using bold and vibrant color in her work, rarely using "local" color. Her paintings have been described as "Van Gogh meets Munch", "Vivid and Expressive!" and "a new and contemporary take on the landscape." These unique traits distinguish her from many other artists. Lisa's art has been juried into many prestigious fine art fairs and exhibitions across the country, and her paintings hang in businesses and private collections throughout the nation. She has received numerous awards for her pastel and watercolor landscapes, including: 2009 2nd place Best in Show, Fine Art Competition Taste of St. Louis. 2011 Purchase Award, Old Capitol Art Fair, Springfield, Illinois. 2011 1st Place Fine Art Competition, Missouri State Fair.

The Art of Joseph Eultgen

Joseph Eultgen's passion for woodworking has spanned 33 years for clients throughout the United States. He began his learning process by building theatrical sets, as well as building sets and props for movies. He is primarily self taught, having worked in shops and mills to learn production techniques. Joseph now builds one of a kind high end furniture, such as entertainment centers, custom cabinetry, liturgical furniture, and other custom architectural mill work. His specialty is the use of exotic hardwoods (such as Carpathian Burl elm and Macasser ebony), veneer work, inlay and marquetry. Joseph had the lifetime honor of designing/building two chairs for Pope John Paul II while the Pope was visiting St. Louis. Joseph's passion and drive for woodworking is accredited to his family.

The Art of Sujata Tibrewala

Sujata has been collecting many accolades, and art competition prizes in school and college alike e.g. Creative Artists Society, Prasar Yagna: The Advertising Club, ART Slant, New York. Few of her art works were also featured on cover page of the leading children’s Magazine Balhans in Rajasthan. Her works got showcased at PAN IIT global summit among the "right brains of the IITians", one of her paintings was selected as a fundraiser for Memphis farmer's market annul fund raising, and her video on Vibhutipura lake was selected by "the lost of bangalores" to be awarded and used by the local authorities to get money sanctioned for the lake restoration. Her story was featured on the Titan "Be more" web site. Her work met rave reviews and got written about in all leading papers of Bangalore and Rajasthan, Rajasthan Patrika, Hindustan Times, Punjab Kesri, Dainik Mehka Bharat, Hum Log, Daily News, Times of India, Deccan Herald, Indian Express, Bangalore Mirror etc. ETV Kannada, Tv9 Jaipur and Bangalore News Network (BNN) also recognized her work with and Child Helpline NGO APSA and lauded her. Her paintings are collected by institution and individuals alike. AID India, Shared Heritage (University of Maryland), CAO VIMS are a few collectors of her work.

See her You Tube video Zara Hizaab Uthao : The his-story of women.

Photographs taken with iPhone by Gateway Gallery Artist Daniel Fishback.

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Gateway Gallery Artist Joyce Yarbrough's scissors-cut Silhouettes will be exhibited at Stephens College.

2012-01-06T19:00:00.004-06:00

Gateway Gallery Artist Joyce Yarbrough's scissors-cut Silhouettes will be exhibited

January 13-February 24, 2012 at Stephens College in Columbia, MO.

"Drawn, Cut, Torn, & Pasted" features paper as the common primary material that will be emphasized in this Davis Art Gallery exhibition. Joyce Yarbrough, along with Mark Langeneckert, Mary Lamboley, and Deborah Huelsbergen were invited to exhibit how they utilize paper with drawing, mixed-media, cut-paper silhouettes, and torn-paper constructions.

Artists' Reception is January 13, 4-6pm... Hope to see you there!

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Blog post by Gateway Gallery Artist Daniel Fishback

It's Our Grand Opening Reception! "Black tie with a twist"

2012-01-03T14:21:00.001-06:00

Join us for champagne, door prizes, hors d'oeuvres, music, and more! Impress us with your creative version of black tie attire ... (optional of course).

Friday, January 20, 6:00PM TO 9:00PM
(Exhibit runs Jan. 4th through Feb. 17th, 2012)

Show Theme: Sunrise-Sunset
Featured Artist: Meg Matson

"Islamorada Sunset", acrylic, 18" x 36"

Guest Artists: Lisa Crisman - Pastels

Sujata Tibrewala - 2D Paintings
Joseph Eultgen - Woodworking/Furniture

Gallery Artists: Karen Clark Antrim, Vic Barr, John Barhydt, Daniel Fishback,
Sheldon Johnson, Vic Mastis, Greg Matchick, Meg Matson, Sandy Moriarty, Janice Schoultz Mudd, Annie Smith Piffel, Jerry Schmutz, Michele Wells, Terry Whittle, D.A.Williams, Joyce Yarbrough

Gallery Hours: Sun. Mon. Tue. Wed. Thu. Fri. Sat.
10-5 (Closed) (Closed) 11-6 11-6 11-6 11-6

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Michael Anderson Featured Artist at Gateway Gallery

2011-12-16T14:28:00.003-06:00

First Day Of Spring, 2011, oil on stretched canvas, 24" h x 30" w.

Michael Anderson exhibited his watercolor sketches at Gateway Gallery earlier this year. His most recent plein air oils are now on exhibit as part of the Peaceful Places gallery-wide themed exhibit through December 30.

Click To See Michael's YouTube Video on Urban Sketching.

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Daniel Fishback in Exhibit at 14th Street Gallery

2011-12-08T18:21:00.001-06:00

Daniel Fishback is one of the artists in the exhibit. The gallery is celebrating their 1st year anniversary and will have a show and reception on December 17th from 2pm to 6pm.

14th Street Gallery - Part of Poor Souls Artist Group
2701 N 14th Street
Saint Louis MO

One Block south from Crown Candy
OLD NORTH redevelopment

See the new art Rotation artists including Mike Albers, Daniel Fishback, Jim trotter, plus several more artists.

Georgetown Colorado Railroad by Daniel Fishback - one of the works in the show

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New Resident Artists Coming Onboard

2011-12-07T21:48:00.003-06:00

Gateway Gallery welcomes artists Daniel Fishback and Terry Whittle. Fishback and Whittle will be joining the gallery on January 1, 2012. Here are a couple of samples of their work:

Kenosha to Breckenridge Trail - Oil, by Daniel Fishback

Sycamore Spring - Oil, by Terry Whittle

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Blog post by Gateway Gallery Artist Daniel Fishback

Sheldon Johnson Exhibits

2011-12-02T15:53:00.000-06:00

Sheldon Johnson, one of Gateway Gallery's artists, has paintings at Norton's Fine Art and Framing Gallery through January 21, 2012. "Size Matters--Small is Better" features miniature paintings of all kinds. They are great for holiday gifts, that special place or just because they moved you. Norton's is located at 2025 S. Big Bend, St Louis MO 63117.

100 under $100

2011-11-25T19:46:00.000-06:00

If you would like a unique gift for a favorite person, a special friend, or for your own home for the holiday season, the artists at Gateway Gallery invite you to visit and make your selection!

We are offering you a specially featured selection of more than 100 beautifully crafted pieces of artwork all under $100. Included in the creative gift selection of the 100 under $100. are Karen's fish ornaments, Joyce Yarbourgh’s silhouettes, Janice Schlutz Mudd’s mixed media, Michele Well’s pastels, Sheldon Johnson’s abstracts, D.A. William’s pastels, and Vic Mastis’ get away boxes. You will be impressed by the quality of the artwork in the gallery and be able to find that special gift for your holiday gift giving knowing the artwork will be appreciated for many years to come. Now at Gateway Gallery through the holidays.

The Big Move

2011-11-18T17:06:00.000-06:00

We made the big move after 7 years in one location. The new gallery is turning out very nice. The window shows off our paintings and 3 dimensional works. The lighting is fabulous. Come in and see all the new creations we have added.

Satellite to Earth: Janice Schoultz Mudd

2011-10-12T16:51:00.003-05:00

Satellite to Earth – The first show in our new location at 21 N. Bemiston Street, Clayton, MO features the mixed media paintings of Janice Schoultz Mudd.

Inspired by ancient navigational maps and today’s satellite imagery, Schoultz Mudd redefines the perspective of landscape art using only a creative imagination and a paint brush. With Google Earth as the point of departure, Mudd transforms everyday landscapes into abstract, vibrant, and luminous canvas paintings.

What are these paintings exactly?
These paintings are landscape based abstractions made possible by the influence of satellites, the easy proximity of Google earth, advanced infrared, x-ray ,computer and radio wave technologies, and the sailing skills of ancient mariners.

The connective tissue of prehistory to the world we live in today plays a large role in the multifaceted interpretations of landscape that define my artwork. Interwoven with this is the spiritual influence that has so often been mankind’s guide. The outcome of this interest is on ongoing body of contemporary landscape based painting that explores our world from above as well as from ground level – and often times in the same breath.

How do ancient navigational maps fit into this?
Many years ago I read a book called “The Farfarers” by Farley Mowat. It explored a theory of how ancient mariners made their way from the northern European countries to Newfoundland. Accurate or not, this got me thinking about how ancient mariners actually managed to sail out into unknown expanses of the ocean and find their way. In hindsight, early navigational maps are notoriously inaccurate, but these mariners were intrepid and steadily made advances; it’s inspiring.

How did ancient mariners worldwide know how to navigate? That’s what I wanted to know. A former naval officer and “A People’s History of Science” written by Clifford D. Conner gave me some pretty good clues. Basically man lived close to nature and paid attention to it. He used the signs that the weather, currents, sky and living creatures provided. Valuable knowledge built up from keen observation and continual trial and error was purposefully passed on to each new generation.

At the end of 500 pages I closed the book in complete awe of what we can accomplish when we put our minds to it and I had gained an understanding of how much we owe to all those everyday people who came before us.

And Satellites?? Well, the images are fascinating. I saw a series of worldwide nighttime images on Google Earth a few years ago and it was startling to observe the bright concentration of population distribution in Europe and the United States while most of Africa remained in total darkness. This is what you see from a satellite and it is an image that continually inspires my work.

Is this the only inspiration for your artwork?
No, I have a number of running themes I periodically return to, which you can see on my website . The common thread you will notice when you take a look at them though, is the luminous quality of color made possible by a technique of using numerous thin paint layers and cut and collaged materials serving for texture and definition.

Is Gateway Gallery the only place to see your paintings? Gateway Gallery is one of the places to find my work. Grafica Fine Arts in Webster Groves, Art Trends Gallery in Chesterfield and One Artist Road in Santa Fe, New Mexico carry my paintings as well. Then there are the three or four outdoor fairs I participate in each year, juried art shows and invitational exhibits such as the Margaret Harwell Art Museum in Poplar Bluffs, MO which will devote their entire facility to my work this coming March, 2012.

Gateway Gallery Has Moved!

2011-10-11T21:09:00.000-05:00

Local Color - Gateway Gallery's Seventh Anniversary

2011-09-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

Gateway Gallery is proud to be celebrating our seventh year together during the St. Louis Art Fair in Clayton, MO. We are presenting an exhibit of new work by 18 talented artists. We will have an artists' reception with light appetizers and beverages from 6-9pm on Friday, September 9, 2011. You can also come meet the artists all weekend while select artists create beautiful works of art en plein air on the sidewalk outside our gallery. Come see our Local Color in action!

Interview With the Artist - Sandy Moriarty

2011-09-06T22:11:00.000-05:00

How long have you been an artist?

Professionally, seven years.

Are you formally trained? If so, where?

I am self-taught. I don’t follow the rules. I have always been a rebel. There should be no rules in art. Rules were made to be broken.

What is your “day job” if you have one?

I own a court reporting agency, Moriarty Reporting & Video, LLC. I have awesome court reporters and staff who report to me. I don’t do any work. They do everything. I just sign checks. I have been in business for 32 years as a court reporter.

What kind of art do you make?

Photography is my passion.

What draws you to the medium you use?

I am drawn to photography because I can capture a moment in time and freeze it, whether it is a facial expression or a dragonfly poised on a lily petal.

How long have you been involved with The Gateway Gallery?

I am new to The Gateway Gallery as an artist, but I am very proud to be a part of Gateway Gallery. Every artist works toward the betterment of others in our partnership. It is a perfect business model that many competing businesses could imitate themselves after. There are 18 of us helping each other to succeed instead of competing against one another. It’s the way God wanted us to be, serving one another. That is the reason why Gateway Gallery will always be successful.

What is your proudest artistic accomplishment?

I guess I am most proud of winning an award for First Place for Excellence at the Westport Plaza Art Show. I exhibited with 150 other artists, some of which had degrees in art, and First Place was given to me by two museum curators. I am proud of it because I continually tell my kids, “You can do anything you want to in life if you set your mind and heart to accomplishing your goals.”

Where do you get your inspiration?

My inspiration comes from God and his magnificent creation, this universe. Everywhere I look I see beauty, even in squalor. It’s a gift that God gave to me. I can see beauty in everything.

Why do you make art?

It relaxes me. I enjoy looking at what I have created. All my life I worked in the legal field, mainly left-brained work. Now I get to enjoy the right side of my brain and create art which I like.

Who are your greatest artistic influences?

Photographers Henri Cartier Bresson, Annie Leibovitz, Robert Doisneau, Helmut Newton

What music do you listen to while creating?

I am almost embarrassed by my eclectic choices in music. They keep changing. Yesterday I was listening to Patti LaBelle and singing gospel. The day before that, the Dixie Chicks; the day before that, Beethoven; the day before that Rascal Flatts; the day before that Led Zepplin. See what I mean?

Where is your studio and what is is it like?

My studio is at home. It is a hodge podge of backdrops, lights, tripods, cameras, antique cameras, framed photos, antique photos I collect, and tabletop lighting. It is a huge mess right now.

Do you have any vices for being creative?

Lol! My terrible, loud singing to the music I am playing. Once my son came home and stood in the doorway of my studio laughing while watching me before I noticed he was there. Sometimes I can’t sit still and I dance at my desk to the music I am listening to because I am impatient because my computer runs too slow for me while I create in Photoshop. I also love a bowl of salty pistachios, too, to keep me busy while I create.

How often do you create?

Never on schedule, never by the rules, and only when I am in the mood. Lol!

What is your family like?

Crazy, but I love them. My husband is my biggest fan and worst critic. My daughter likes to create her own photography. She’s pretty good, too. My son could care less about anything other than girls right now. They rarely want to see what I have done because Mom is just messing around with her photos. I have to make them sit and look and sometimes they are not so patient with me. Now I know how my poor mom felt when she wanted us to listen to her poetry. No one paid attention to her. I wish I could hear her read one of her poems just one more time.

Where do you get your creative talent?

God. I am totally inspired by His works of art.

What is your first memory of being a creative?

I was seven and had a camera. I took a lot of pictures of farm animals at a field trip and of the other kids. I was pretty much a loner at that age but I always had my camera. I love my camera and to this day I am never afraid to do anything alone when I have my camera. It’s my security blanket. I can compete with the best of them as long as I have my camera.

What hobbies do you have?

I am a jewelry addict. I need a support group. It’s no longer a hobby but an addiction. Lol! I love to buy antique estate jewelry. I have too much now and my family has accused me of being a jewelry hoarder. I love to cook, read, listen to music, and go for long walks alone in the woods with my camera.

What do you do for entertainment?

I like to try new restaurants with my husband, see movies at home or in the theater, and I enjoy wine tastings. I am not a sports fan, but I love the art museum and shopping for antiques and traveling around the world with my family.

Why does the world need art?

George Jean Nathan once said, “Great art is as irrational as great music. It is mad with its own loveliness.” I think that we need loveliness in the world and we need art and music to subdue and calm us after our hard days and hard nights of living in this world. Life can be very difficult. Without art and music and God, we would have nothing. Not necessarily in that order either.

Why is art important?

Art is an expression of freedom. What would our lives be like if we weren’t free to express ourselves?

What other creative outlet would you explore if you couldn’t make visual art?

I would sing. Lol! I have a terrible voice and I have stage fright, so that wouldn’t work. I would probably refurbish antique jewelry or create my own jewelry fashioned from the Victorian and the Art Deco era. As I said, I am an antique estate jewelry junkie.

Is your significant other /best friend creative?

No. My husband, Patrick Chavez, is an attorney who practices complex litigation for the Law firm of Williams Venker & Sanders. He is totally left brained and he is a techno geek. That is not a bad thing either for the computer illiterate like me. He is totally into electronics and technology, but he is my best friend and the greatest husband and stepfather for my children that I could ever wish for. We balance each other out nicely.

What is the best museum/ art gallery/ art exhibit you have ever been to?

Now my partiality will show. St. Louis Art Museum, Gateway Gallery (of course!), and Gateway Gallery’s art exhibits. Gateway Gallery is constantly changing out the art to make a totally difference experience each time and the artists of the gallery are award-winning artists from Missouri, which is the best part of it. We are all locally based.

Why have you chosen the subject matter you have chosen?

I am drawn to photography because it is what I enjoy the most. Nature is what I love because I am always in awe of its beauty and always discovering something new even in my own backyard.

What is the most rewarding part of being an artist?

I guess what is most rewarding for me is developing courage. In order to be an artist, you have to inject your personality and your soul into your work. That takes courage because you have to go out on a limb and not worry about what others think of you. Artists are very courageous people. I have always been a bit cowardly, so what’s rewarding to me is the boldness and the courage I have developed from stepping out onto a limb. I enjoy the appreciation I have received for my work by people who like it and encourage me with their compliments.

What would someone say is odd about you?

Just about everything. Lol! We are all odd in some way, aren’t we? I work for the Prayer Team and C/2, the artist Creative Team at The Crossing Church. Since I have been on the Prayer Team, I have gotten hundreds of prayer requests from people I don’t even know. Some make me cry and I hold them in my heart each day even though I don’t know the people I pray for. We have had some miracles at our church with our prayers and I am happy I have the opportunity to pray for others I don’t know.

The other odd thing most of my customers don’t know about my art is that I have a whole body of art that is centered around Christianity and Jesus. I provide art to The Crossing for most art exhibitions they have. I have one photo of Jesus crucified on the cross that people stand in front of and cry, it touches them so.

What do you want people to know about you?

People should know that I am constantly changing my style of photography. Every day it changes. While they may like one body of work one year that I have created, next year’s body of art may be totally different. I can’t help it. I change my mind and my style like I change my clothes.

Do you have pets? Tell about them.

Yes. I have a demon-possessed Dachshund who is 98 years old in human years named Nomi. She was named after a stripper when I got her so I decided not to change her. She can also be an angel when I pay attention to her 24 hours a day, but she is very vindictive. On a bad day, she will get into every trash can in the house and drag the trash all over to show me I haven’t paid enough attention to her. She also talks to me by grunting at me incessantly at exactly 7:30 every morning to let me know she’s hungry and that I better get up and feed her or else. She grunts at me while I am taking photos and wants me to pay attention to her. My husband has had to restrain me on several occasions from feeding her to the coyotes by the lake behind our house. Lol! I still love her, though.

Describe your perfect day.

Really? Okay. A perfect day would be breakfast in bed in a luxury suite in Italy and then a massage. After a massage, a day of sightseeing in Venice and lots of shopping with as much money as I would like to spend on whatever I wanted. I would also like to see the Vatican and visit all the local spots to get lots of great photos of the people and the architecture in Italy. Lastly, dinner in an outdoor restaurant in Positano, Italy at sunset with all of the colorful buildings overlooking the coastline with a fabulous bottle of great wine. Now that’s a perfect day.

If you could own any work of art in the world, what would it be and why?

I would own the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci. Her expression is so comical. I just wish I knew what she had up her sleeve when she was being painted. Little did she know she would become so famous. Maybe that’s why she was smiling.

You can find Sandy online at:

http://www.sandymoriarty.com/, http://www.moriartyreporting.com/, Facebook (samoriarty), Twitter (samoriarty)

SALES TAX ON VACATION AT GATEWAY GALLERY

2011-08-04T16:27:00.000-05:00

Gateway Gallery is declaring a sales tax holiday for our customers this Saturday, August 6 and Sunday, August 7. We will pay the sales tax for you on any fine art purchases you complete at Gateway Gallery during those two days. Park your car on a side street (catch the shade), walk around the corner (good exercise), and get that piece you have had your eye on – tax free!

Janet Fons at Mad Art Gallery for Open Studios this Weekend!

2011-07-25T14:45:00.000-05:00

Hillside Aspen

Janet Fons will be exhibiting at MAD Art Gallery during City Wide Open Studios.

Saturday July 30th from 10-4. Mad Art is located at 2727 S. 12th Street, St. Louis, MO in the historic Soulard neighborhood. Cross streets: between McGirk and Lynch Street.

Autumn Splendor

CWOS is a week long event in July dedicated to the discovery of the hidden creative spaces where local artists work.

Open Studios preview party is at Contemporary Art Museum, July 26, 6-9pm. Check out artwork by the participating artists and map out your Open Studios Weekend visits.

Curator-led bus tour, bike tours and self guided tours. See camstl.org for information.

Greg Matchick Goes Green!

2011-07-20T09:00:00.000-05:00

The Beauty of Missouri

Although known for his European scenes, Greg Matchick explores the beauty of Missouri’s natural resources in a series of large fine art photographic prints. One of Missouri’s natural springs, fall colors along the Meramec River and the intimate portrait of a small stream in the St. Francois Mountains are subjects of this exhibit.

Alley Spring Spillway

Meramec River Bend

Little Falls

Greg Matchick will be exhibiting his gorgeous photographs in the guest artist gallery for our Going Green Exhibit and you can also find his lovely work in the main gallery. Greg will be at the Gateway Gallery Reception this Friday July 22 from 6-9. Please come join us for light appetizers, wine and ART of course!

Michele Wells is Going Green!

2011-07-19T10:25:00.000-05:00

"Since I am primarily a landscape painter "Green" is a mainstay in my pastel pallet. I also try to use colors to compliment all of the greens around us." - Michele Wells

The Potato Field

Lake Shore

Reflection

Gateway Gallery partner Michele Wells will be exhibiting in the Guest Artist Gallery during the Going Green exhibit in addition to the beautiful work she will be displaying in the main gallery. She will be at our reception this Friday July 22 from 6-9pm.

Vic Mastis in Missouri Life Magazine

2011-07-11T16:15:00.000-05:00

Vic Mastis, a St. Louis artist, is being featured in the June/July issue of Missouri Life Magazine. The article explains her unique use of gold leaf in her paintings. Nature is a reoccurring theme of her work including secluded landscapes, fields of flowers and winding paths that lead to whatever you image, escape or even future.

Missouri Life is an award winning magazine focusing on Missouri’s stunning scenery, its fascinating people, its rich past and energetic present. It is found in major bookstores like Barnes and Noble, Borders and on newsstands throughout Missouri.

Figure Painter, Linda Smith Featured in Rock Road Reporter

2011-07-01T12:11:00.000-05:00

In their latest issue, The Rock Road Reporter, has done a feature article on figure painter, and Gateway Gallery partner, Linda Smith. A local publication, The Rock Road Reporter is a new, free, monthly news and entertainment magazine that is hand delivered to 10,000 homes in the Northwest St. Louis County area, where Linda grew up. Very nice article!

Joyce Yarbrough at MAC in July

2011-06-16T16:07:00.000-05:00

Gateway Gallery Artist Joyce Yarbrough will have a solo exhibition of "Plants and Places" featuring both silhouettes and pastels, July 1-31 at the Missouri Athletic Club, 405 Washington St. Louis, MO.

"Mountain Morning" (scissors and papers)

"Foggy Morn" (Pastel)

"Intertwined" (Scissors, Paper, & Paint)

Vic Mastis - "Florida, The Tropical Bliss"

2011-04-21T14:50:00.000-05:00

The Get Away by Vic Mastis

How long have you been at Gateway Gallery?
I have been there since the beginning; 6 ½ years. I did leave for 2 months when I had family health issues but I am so happy to still be there. It is such a neat venue. With such a diverse group of artists participating, I have experienced so much. The group just keeps the ideas flowing and the art fresh and new.

Blowing in the Wind

Your work has taken a bit of a different direction, why is that?
My work is going in a little different direction, partly from the inspiration of Michael Anderson’s bright colored acrylics. I have lightened and brightened up my palette to get the effect of the new spring and summer that is upon us.

What brings about the Florida theme?
The Florida theme comes from a desire to simulate some of the wonderful moments our family has had there in our 25 years of vacationing among the palm trees. I have tried to capture the feeling of relaxation, peacefulness, the crisp smell of the ocean and momentum that we take back with us to keep these feelings as long as we can.

Polly Wanna Cracker?

What have you been up to this last year?
I have gotten new representation at the Artistica Art Gallery right outside of Denver, in Aurora, Colorado. The owner, Marco Miami said “He seeks to share the talents of distinctive European and American artists with the area communities.” www.artisticaartgallery.com

Anything else new?
Yes, I am very excited- I am going to have an article about my art in the June issue of Missouri Life Magazine. I look forward to a summer full of painting and exhibiting. Also, I just updated my website-take a look and you will see a lot of new landscapes www.FineArtByVic.com.

Perfect Night by Vic Mastis

All of these paintings are on display at Gateway Gallery through May 20th, 2011.

Vic Mastis at The Artistica Art Gallery

2011-03-17T14:50:00.000-05:00

The Artistica Art gallery is now representing artist, Vic Mastis in Aurora Colorado. Marco Miani said to the Italian Daily News, the purpose of the gallery is “To educate the local community about the importance of the beauty of art; help the public make sense of how a work of art enriches an environment; and to help the public understand that, often, art is an excellent form of investment.”

Artistica Art Gallery

Southlands Mall

6200 S. Main St. STE-J-109

Aurora Co, 80016

www.artisticaartgallery@hotmail.com

720-274-5763

Interview with the Artist - Deborah A. Williams

2011-02-11T08:32:00.000-06:00

The nature around us depends on the nature within us…

Natural Capital: “Natural capital is the land, air, water, living organisms and all formations of the Earth's biosphere that provide us with ecosystem goods and services imperative for survival and well-being. Furthermore, it is the basis for all human economic activity.”

How long have you been an artist?
I began my art career seriously in 1997 but have been taking classes and workshops since high school. Making art is a lifelong pursuit.

What kind of art do you make?
I can’t decide - I keep changing and experimenting. I think my favorite is mixed media. I love using all the beautiful handmade papers with different fibers and textures along with pastels, acrylics and/or photographs. My favorite is painting “en plein air” - except for the wind, rain, bugs, cold, and heat. I love being outdoors and the natural landscape is so inspiring and challenging. Plus there is the added bonus of the camaraderie of the other plein air artists.

What is your "day job" if you have one?
I have worked in clinical and research labs for most of my life. Currently I am a grants administrator – working with medical researchers to find funding for their research projects. Working in the lab was more creative but working in research administration is rewarding and extremely challenging.

What other creative outlet would you explore if you couldn't make visual art?
Anything outdoors, I love gardening and landscaping. I also just finished building my house with the help of family and friends. That was crazy creative!

I am also working on a master’s degree in sustainability at Saint Louis University. It is self evident that we live within a finite system of natural limits and need to consider our footprint on our environment and enhance our ability to operate in positive and proactive ways as we increase our understanding of natural processes.

"Natural capital is the extension of the economic notion of capital (manufactured means of production) to goods and services relating to the natural environment. Natural capital is thus the stock of natural ecosystems that yields a flow of valuable ecosystem goods or services into the future. For example, a stock of trees or fish provides a flow of new trees or fish, a flow which can be indefinitely sustainable. Natural capital may also provide services like recycling wastes or water catchment and erosion control. Since the flow of services from ecosystems requires that they function as whole systems, the structure and diversity of the system are important components of natural capital."

Don't miss your chance to meet Debbie and see her beautiful work in person this Friday, February 11th from 6:00-9:00PM. We will have wine and appetizers from Mazara's.

Interview with the Artist - Michele Wells

2010-12-02T09:54:00.000-06:00

Katy Trail Splendor
I have been painting in the Augusta Missouri area for over 8 years. They have an annual 10 day plein air paint-out there every April. The Katy Trail runs right through this lovely little town and is one of my favorite subjects. The vineyards and farm fields are also great views. Much of my subject matter this month reflects many of the scenes in and around Augusta and the Katy Trail.

How long have you been an artist?

I can remember loving to draw when I was 5 or 6 and took as many art classes as I could in High School. I went to Art School at a local community college in Vancouver Canada where I grew up. However I did not take a career in the arts after college. It has been a long and winding road. I took it up as a hobby about 12 years ago after I had moved to St. Louis. I started with watercolors and soon switched to pastels in 2000 when I found the local pastel society, Gateway Pastel Artists. Pastels are my main medium today.

What kind of art do you make?

My favorite subject matter is the landscape in pastels. Recently I have been doing watercolor washes under my pastels. However I also like to play with painting abstracts and using different mediums under the pastels. Some things I have been experimenting with are tissue paper collage, gesso, pumice and matte medium mixtures.

What is your "day job" if you have one?

I have been a commercial electrician with IBEW Local #1 for almost 8 years. It is a highly technical job. When I was doing my apprenticeship I found it hard to paint because everything was so right brain. I now find that I have to work at switching my brain over to the creative side whenever I want to paint. Sketching and music are good tools for this.

What other creative outlet would you explore if you couldn't make visual art?
Before I renewed my interest in painting I was involved in competitive dancing. I started with country dancing but soon switched to swing. To be more exact my style was West Coast Swing. Dancing is a great way to express oneself. I traveled across the US and Canada and competed at many swing dance conventions. We had elaborate routines and costumes.

Dancing is where I learned that I love to teach. I have recently started to teach pastel painting and am finding it very rewarding.

Don't miss your chance to meet Michele and see her beautiful work in person this Friday, December 3rd from 6:00-9:00PM. We will have wine and appetizers from Mazara's.

Janice Schoultz Mudd in “XVII – The Exhibition at Art Saint Louis

2010-11-12T14:00:00.000-06:00

Paintings by Gateway Gallery’s Janice Schoultz Mudd can be seen at Art Saint Louis’s gallery at 555 Washington, St Louis through December 30^th. This year’s annual exhibit was juried by Stacy Switzer, Artistic Director at Grand Arts, Kansas City. A highly completive show, 64 original artworks were selected from 482 submitted.

Visit http://www.artstlouis.org/current.html for further information.

Interview with the Artist - Cate Honse

2010-10-14T16:22:00.000-05:00

How long have you been an artist?
I would like to think that I was growing as an artist since I could pick up a crayon or draw in the sand. I was nurtured by my parents whether it was sewing and cooking with my mom or working in the wood shop or outside with my father.

As a young artist I was involved in many classes inside and outside of school.

Are you formally trained? If so, where?
I studied at the University of Northern Iowa under some great artists, ceramic teacher, Joann Schnable and sculpture instructor, John Stancliff. My major was art education because I did not want to be a full fledged starving artist. However, I was an education major, but I kept the hours of BFA students (long days nights and weekend spent in the studio). My love has always been, and will always be, in the studio.

What is your “day job” if you have one?
I am a full time art teacher at a local high school in St. Louis. I teach 2-D. 3-D, and ceramics.

When that job ends I come home and work on remodeling our house or in my studio.

What kind of art do you make?
Using a technique developed in college and refined over the years I imprint an actual leaf into a hand rolled slab of clay I then form it into the desired shape. When the piece is placed in the kiln the leaf burns away, leaving only the imprint of the leaf behind. My technique enables me to capture every vein and detail from the underside of each leaf. Glazes are then applied and often layered in order to accent every detail left behind by the leaf.

I also make necklaces, earrings, broaches, cocktail picks, and book marks. These items are created in the same manor as the larger leaves however they are hand-painted instead of glazed enabling me to retain the details in leaves as small as the finger nail of your pinky.

Much of my work can be used as decorative or functional art depending on the owner’s desires

How long have you been involved with The Gateway Gallery?
I was fortunate enough to join the gallery in October of 2007. While at the gallery I have meet many great artists and learned a lot from each one.

Where do you get your inspiration?
My inspiration comes from nature. Each day Mother Nature presents us with limitless natural wonders. As a young child I was taught to slow down and pay attention to these details. I attribute this to the summers I spent then, and Specifically the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I spent my summers growing up on an Island with no Phone, TV, or cars. Without the interruptions and distractions of our world today.

Why do you make art?
I like making art because it brings me closer to nature and to myself. It makes me slow down and pay attention to the small details of life. The feel of the clay under my hands, the delicate aspects of a leaf.

How often do you create?
I try and create every day. Some times I get on a run and will be in my studio weeks on end. However, currently priorities have changed a bit since I found out I am pregnant and I have not been in the studio as much as I would like.

Where do you get your creative talent?
Join us on October 15 for “The Apple and the Tree” opening reception where you will see how art is passed down from generations. This father daughter show will feature the unique Stained glass lamps By Dave Dunn and my one of a kind ceramic leaves.

There are many more that have had an influence on the creative gene being passed down trough the generations: my grandmother works in watercolor, my great grandmother painted in oil, my grandfather dabbled in painting, and my great grandfather was a skilled woodworker. My sister is also an artist but chose to avoid being a starving artist and decided to become a Lawyer instead leaving her little time for artistic pursuits.

Why have you chosen the subject matter you have chosen?
I have chosen leaves because I have always had a deep love for nature and the natural wonders it produces. Furthermore, I enjoy being able to create something that broadens others love and appreciation of nature.

Do you have pets? Tell about them.
I have 2 dogs, 1 cat, a tank full of fish and turtles, and a baby on the way.

Local Flavor

2010-09-08T09:26:00.000-05:00

The Gateway Artists have been working hard to put on a fresh new exhibit during the St. Louis Art Fair this weekend in Clayton. Most of the artists have created a piece of art that communicates the Local Flavor theme this year. Each work of art is signified by the "Local Flavor" tag by each person's work of art. If you would like a sneak preview, then visit our Facebook Photo Album where most of our artists have posted a photo of their work. This album only gives you a taste though. You have to come in an see for yourself all the beautiful work we have for sale!

We have special art fair hours this weekend:
Friday, September 10 5:00pm - 10:00pm
and we will have light appetizers from Mazara's.
Saturday, September 11 10:00am - 10:00pm
Sunday, September 12 10:00am - 5:00pm

We are also welcoming three wonderful guest artists for this year's fair; Michael Anderson, Daven Anderson, and Greg Kluempers.

Congratulations to Vic Mastis!

2010-09-03T12:25:00.000-05:00

Orange Pines

Vic Mastis won 2nd place at the "Trails West" art fair in St. Joesph, MO, August 21, 2010.

Janet Fons in "Painting: The Artful Palette" at the Foundry Art Centre

2010-08-19T14:51:00.000-05:00

Foundry Art Centre

Gateway Gallery's very own Janet Fons has three paintings juried into "Painting: The Artful Palette", a juried exhibition celebrating the art of painting.

The exhibition which runs from August 27 through October 8, is in Gallery I & II at the Foundry Art Centre in St. Charles, MO.

The reception is August 27 6-9 pm and the resident artists will host an open studios at the same time.

The juror is David Spear, an award-winning public artist based in Columbia, MO.

Visit http://www.foundryartcentre.org/ for hours and information.

detail from "The River Sings"

Painting Retreat with Dawn Gano at Pere Marquette October 23-24, 2010

2010-08-16T09:43:00.000-05:00

Imagine painting in the midst of stunning fall foliage at the picturesque Pere Marquette Lodge.

Imagine painting with international artist, Dawn Gano. You will love the inspiring landscape, scenic river view, and relaxing atmosphere. Oil paints to mix an infinite palette and snacks will be provided to feed your creativity.

Imagine learning essential techniques that will enrich your paintings, escaping to nature for rejuvenation, and gaining confidence to pursue your own work. An incredible experience for all skill levels.

Maximum of 18 students per workshop

rates per person:
Two Day Workshop $225 until September 22, 2010
$250 after September 22, 2010

register now
636 293 0139
dganoartist@aol.com

Dawn Gano
Painting Retreat at Pere Marquette
P.O. Box 484
St. Peters, MO 63376

Visa and Master Card accepted.
Check out Dawn's work at http://www.dgano.com/

Vic Mastis at the World Trade Center in Clayton

2010-07-29T21:56:00.000-05:00

Title: "Orange Pines"
Medium: Oil & Gold Leaf
Size: 30 x 40

Vic Mastis has an exhibit of her recent works at the World Trade Center ,121 S. Meramec Ave. in Clayton until August 13, 2010.

Gateway Artists at Open Studios!

2010-07-22T17:09:00.000-05:00

The 5th annual City-Wide Open Studios sponsored by the Contemporary Art Museum St Louis, is coming up this weekend.

On Saturday July 24, Ron Flier will be at the Tower Grove East Art Studio and Heather Haymart will be at The Luminary .

On Sunday, July 25 you will find Janice Schoultz Mudd surrounded by her paintings at the Artist’s Studio Building and Sheldon Johnson welcoming visitors to his working studio on Olive St.

Ron Flier

Heather Haymart

Janice Schoultz Mudd

Sheldon Johnson

This is a great opportunity to visit with artists and find out more about who they are and what drives their art making. For all the details go to the City-Wide Open Studios link and click on the map button.

Be sure to download the PDF map for complete and accurate information.

See you there.

Interview with the Artist - Greg Matchick

2010-07-15T13:51:00.000-05:00

Go with the Flow

The abundant presence of water not only makes the earth unique but is an integral part of life itself, coming to represent cleansing, renewal and refreshment; while its various properties and diverse forms interplay with light and colors to make it an endless source of inspiration for artists. Connecting with this element, Gateway Gallery artists will be sharing their inspiration and interpretations under the theme “Go with the Flow”.

Are you formally trained? If so, where?
I have not received formal training. I am a self taught photographer who has learned the art through years of trial and error and determination. Often when asked how long I have been a photographer, my first reply is with the question: “A good one?” A breakthrough came in 1998 on a trip to Europe. Everything came together – knowledge, techniques and subject matter. I have been consistently producing good work ever since then.

What is your “day job” if you have one?

I am an accountant by day which seems incongruous to many, but not so. Accountants tend to have an eye for detail and a keen sense of organizing and putting things in order. Composing a photograph requires these same traits. Not only that, my day job is closely linked with the art I produce because that is what funds my trips to Europe. I must admit, however, I find photography far more satisfying and enjoyable.

What kind of art do you make?

I am primarily recognized for my photographs of Europe but I also love the beauty of nature which surrounds us. Living and photographing in Missouri can be challenging. There are no sweeping landscapes with mountain ranges so my images are more intimate. Years ago, in the days of film, I was photographing nature with a 35mm camera using a 135mm fixed lens, which used to be considered a portraiture lens, and I referred to my images as intimate nature portraits. Nowadays this style has become more popular and those terms are being used frequently.

Where do you get your inspiration?

The light, color and composition presented before me inspire me to photograph the beauty of a scene. When I am photographing, particularly in Europe, I draw inspiration from the environment surrounding me. The sights, the sounds… the smells; all of my senses are stimulated by the culture and presence I feel in Europe. Often people remark that my photographs capture the essence of Europe and draw out those deep feelings they have from their own experiences. I love the culture of Europe and I believe it is communicated through my photographs.

How often do you create?

Some find my answer to this surprising. Often photographers are photographing frequently, sometimes daily. For me annual trips to Europe produce the bulk of my work. I rarely photograph beyond that. Sometimes I might do a day trip in the spring or fall to photograph nature in Missouri but there are times when once a year is it. The rest of the year is spent sorting through my work, producing prints and everything that goes along with exhibiting and selling my fine art prints.

Why does the world need art?

I believe art is one of the defining things that set human beings apart from the rest of the livings organisms on earth. However, I cannot answer this question without at least touching down on my spiritual views. I believe humans are endowed with the desire and capacity to both create and appreciate creativity by a supreme creator motivated by love. Art is an expression of love and a desire to share and communicate, all of which are basic human needs. Art is a high level form of communication as it evokes feelings and taps deep emotions. Art gives the artist an outlet to share and communicate and allows the viewer to respond. Basically we are hard-wired for this need whether we recognize it or not.

To illustrate, recently St. Louis lost a radio station that was a major advocate of the arts. The loss expressed by so many in the community was not just a lack of classical music (after all, we can listen to recordings). The loss was a link which bound the artistic community. A void was created and there is a deep need, hungering to be filled. I cannot imagine a world of humans without art, which is why it is so important to be supportive.

What other creative outlet would you explore if you couldn't make visual art?

I also enjoy writing and have even coupled this with my photography. I have had articles posted in two photography magazines in the last few years. The Spring 2005 issue of Exposure Gallery Magazine published an article about travel in Italy in the springtime and the Summer 2007 issue of Nature Photographer Magazine published an article about the joys and challenges of photographing Missouri's natural springs. It is indeed rewarding to see one's photography published and even more so if you have written the accompanying article.

Why have you chosen the subject matter you have chosen?

I’m not sure if I have chosen my subject matter or if it has chosen me, either way it seems to be a good fit. From childhood I have enjoyed travel and nature. Visiting new places, exploring new things, seeing the world afresh, new and different; all of this inspires me and comes to life through the camera. For more than a decade I have enjoyed visiting Europe and it never ceases to inspire and refresh me. To step out into nature and spend a day alone in the woods or by a stream rejuvenates me and reminds me of the beauty of creation that surrounds us. What a wonderful opportunity I have to share these experiences with others through my photography.

What is the most rewarding part of being an artist?

I particularly enjoy the opportunities I have at the artist receptions we hold at Gateway Gallery to talk with others. When I see people respond to my work and share their own experiences and feelings I know I have struck a chord. Exhibiting one’s art is all about giving but there is reciprocation when the viewer responds. Sharing in this interchange face to face is rewarding.

Please come see a large collection of Greg's photographs on display at the Gateway Gallery. There is be an artist reception on Friday July 30, 2010 from 6-9. We will be serving wine from Three Squirrels Winery and appetizers from Mazara's.

The Awards Keep Coming - Congrats Linda Smith!

2010-06-29T19:09:00.000-05:00

Bandana & Shades Oil 24 x 18

One of our newer artists, Linda Smith has had a recent painting, Bandana & Shades, juried into the top 15% in the BoldBrush Painting Competition for May. You may view all the entries at:

FineArtViews Painting Competition - FAV15%

D.A. Williams Wins an Award!

2010-06-27T09:55:00.000-05:00

"Ginko Geometry" paper collage with pastel

D.A.Williams with the Gateway Gallery and the Gateway Pastel Artists won the 2nd place award in Mixed Media (included Watercolor, Pastel, Mixed Media) at STEMS Plein Air event in Kansas City June 2010.

Interview with the Artist - Sheldon Johnson

2010-06-01T20:32:00.000-05:00

How long have I been an artist?

Since 1997

Are you formally Trained?

Received a BFA MA painting degrees from Fontbonne University where I am working on my MFA

What kind of art do you make?

I produce primarily abstract oil, watercolor & mixed media paintings which vary from small intimate pieces to large scale works

What draws you to the medium you use?

The physicality of enamel & oil paints where the act of painting becomes an expression of my deep inner thoughts distilled through my life travels and perceptions of everyday experiences.

How long have you been involved with Gateway Gallery?

I am one of the founding members of the gallery which opened in September 2004

What are your greatest artistic influences?

My influences vary as my painting style matures, currently Philip Guston, Joan Mitchell,Arthur Dove,& Mark Tobey's theories and styles have influenced my new work, especially the new series"Eye of the World"

What music do you listen to while creating?
I love classical(Tchaikovsky), jazz & rock(Greatful Dead)

Where is your studio & what is it like?
My studio is a 3000 square foot old warehouse with tall ceilings in University City just north of the Delmar Loop where I usually paint my large pieces on canvas mounted on the walls or laid on the floor

What is the most rewarding part of being an artist?
That's a 3 part answer: 1) the recognition from art critiques when they select my work for juried shows where the public can view my creations 2)When an individual relates to my paintings and invests in one of my pieces by making it part of their life and home 3) passing on my artistic talents to other artists especially my young daughters who love to draw and paint

Sheldon Johnson 6725 Olive University City

WeB: gatewaygalleryonline, graficafinearts.com & paintersworld blogg

Gateway Artists are Everywhere!

2010-05-28T16:39:00.000-05:00

The first weekend in June is so full of events for the Gateway artists, we just had to tell you all about it!

On June 4th from 6-9pm we will be hosting two guest artists, Daven Anderson and Nancy Spence in conjunction with Sheldon Johnson's show called Abstraction Revisited. Please come join us for appetizers from Mazara's and wine from Three Squirrels Winery. It's always a good time!

Five of the Gateway artists; Vic Barr, Janice Shoultz Mudd, Garry McMichael, Cate Honse, and Heather Haymart will be exhibiting at

Art and Air in Webster Groves the first weekend in June.

The fair hours are: Friday, June 4: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Saturday, June 5: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday, June 6: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Dawn Gano will be in beautiful Hermann Missouri at A Taste for the Arts; Fine Art, Music, and Food June 5th, and 6th from 10AM -5PM.

Machine - John Barhydt

2010-04-08T16:55:00.000-05:00

"My latest study is entitled “Machine”

We wake up in the morning to the “alarm” machine.

We prepare our meals using “food” machines.

We go across town in our “transport” machines.

We work every day with machines.

Machines are all around us, and we are all around them."

John Barhydt

Come see John's newest series of work at Gateway Gallery next Friday April 16, 2010 from 6-9. We will be serving wine from John's very own winery called Three Squirrel's Winery and appetizers from Mazara's. As always, a good time will be had by all.

Queeny Art Fair 2010

2010-04-08T16:40:00.000-05:00

Come see the Gateway Artists and their fabulous art work at The Art Fair at Queeny Park this weekend April 9-11. There will be wine tasting Friday night and fun activities for the kids on Sunday all in the midst of original art work for sale. You don't even have to worry about the weather because this fair is indoors! We are looking forward to seeing you!

Inteview with the Artist - John Barhydt

2010-04-07T16:26:00.000-05:00

What is your “day job” if you have one?

I’ve spent the past 30 years in the Information Systems field, in roles ranging from computer programmer to management positions. Over the past couple of years I’ve developed a niche in the cost structure of large organizations. That’s my weekday job. Recently a couple of us decided that it would be fun to rehab an old winery in St. James, Missouri – so now I have a “weekend” job.

What draws you to the medium you use, and who are your greatest artistic influences?
The world is full of beauty and surprises. I enjoy seeing the details of the world around me, and then attempting to capture the grandeur in my camera. This trait probably goes back to my childhood when we would visit my Grandfather’s house and he would always have a tray of slides ready to show us. He would narrate a story about the places he had been and the people he had met. Capturing moments and places on film, and then telling stories using photography has always seemed normal to me. Over the years I’ve had several friends with a shared interest in photography from whom I’ve learned a lot. In terms of influence from the big names - Ansel Adams comes to mind as influencing my artistic outlook, not only for his spectacular landscape pictures, but for his ability to master the craft of the entire process from negative to print. His encouragement to master the technical aspects of the darkroom as part of the art process is inspiring to me.

What music do you listen to while creating?
Mostly I don’t listen to music while I’m shooting since most of my shooting takes place outdoors. When I’m creating the print in my office/studio, I’ll listen to a rather wide variety of music - how about a mix of Robin Trower, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Miles Davis, and Mozart?

Where is your studio and what is it like?
My office is in my home, and is equipped with a Mac G5, a Canon IPF5000 printer, EIZO monitor for color calibration, and various books, supplies and camera gear. OK..truth is that my studio is small and cluttered. Next question please.

What hobbies do you have?
I’ve been racing a vintage BMW for about 10 years, and have learned a bit about how to build, fix, and maintain racecars. Here is a bit of trivia: Gateway Gallery artist Ron Flier was my first high-speed driving school instructor. My wife and I enjoy traveling cross-country, either on a motorcycle or in a convertible. I’ve developed beer and wine making from a kit-based hobby to full-grain home brew and winery ownership, both of which are challenging but can have tasty outcomes. I enjoy building and construction, provided I have an expert on the job to keep me from messing up too badly. I also dabble in woodworking.

Why is art important?
Art reminds us that life isn’t as awful as some in the media would have us believe it is.

What is the best museum/ art gallery/ art exhibit you have ever been to?
The best one is probably the last one I visited – I enjoy nearly every museum/gallery I visit. The Smithsonian is a wonderful place to connect with the past. Similar, with a German flare, is the Deutsches Museum in Munich. San Francisco, New York, and Munich all sport excellent modern art museums, and I’ve never had a bad day at the St. Louis Art Museum. For the photographer, the Photo Antiquities Museum of Photographic History in Pittsburgh is a must-see.

Do you have pets? Tell about them.

My wife and I currently have three cats at home, and have been adopted by two barn cats at the winery. Two of our house cats are mutts from the shelter. The smallest one is a basket of energy that loves my art. No - actually he loves my printer. Whenever I start printing, he will run into the room, jump up on the printer and share in the print-creation process. The second cat squarely fits the definition of a lap cat that thinks he is part dog, always running to greet us when we come home from work. The third cat is the closest to an “official breed” bred cat that we have. We adopted him after a tragedy in his former people’s family. He reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously because he is obviously “cooler” than we can ever hope to be.

Meeting of Minds 15 - Finishing Touches

2010-02-26T16:40:00.000-06:00

Heather Haymart added the final touches to the Meeting of Minds piece. It is all varnished, wired and ready to hang. Come down to the Gateway Gallery tonight to see it in person. The pictures never do it justice. We will be selling this piece and 100% of the proceeds will be going to a local charity helping out in Haiti.

Interview With The Artist - Heather Haymart

2010-02-23T13:05:00.000-06:00

How long have you been an artist?

As many artists might say, I have been an artist all of my life. I can remember making drawings in first grade that impressed people and that impressed me! I couldn't get enough of the accolades. This eventually lead me to being an art student at Mizzou. I received two degrees, one in Art Education and one in Fine Art. That enabled me to teach art to high school students where I got my best education. I truly believe that there is no better way to train yourself as an artist than helping others solve artistic problems. After that invaluable education, I did murals and then finally I jumped into painting abstracts for a living and never looked back.

What is your “day job” if you have one?

These days I feel like I have many "day jobs", and "night jobs" and "weekend jobs", but all of them are keeping me in the business of what I love so I consider myself lucky. In addition to being a mom to my two awesome kids (8 and 10) I get to be partners with the Gateway Gallery artists, I co-run Wood Icing at the Chesterfield Mall where we teach classes and private lessons, have a studio and sell our work, I work one day a week at Art Trends Gallery in Chesterfield, I teach two painting and drawing classes at Chesterfield Arts to 3-8 grade students, I do art fairs during the season and I try to exhibit locally and regionally from time to time. Oh yeah, and I make paintings! That is the BEST part.

Why do you make art?

My paintings are my visual journals. I get to express myself without words and it sometimes seems like magic. It's like my very own super power. My paintings help me work through my thoughts, they serve as reminders and affirmations about my future and they help me communicate with strangers and friends on a more intimate level than would ever be possible otherwise.

What draws you to the medium you use?

I use Wood Icing as my modeling paste and acrylic paint on wood. I am drawn to it because it is so unique and when I first started using it, this idea of using texture so heavily was very new (at least to me). It gives me the chance to work in many layers and create these color combinations and depth with texture and color that surprises me every time. I say it is like playing in the mud and then I get to make it pretty.

Do you have any vices for being creative?
I suppose I do. I really like to drink coffee while I paint. I love that moment when I step back to take a sip and meditate on the next thing to do in my painting. I like to listen to music and I dance and sing. I love my solitude although sometimes I get lonely. This is something I am trying to work through right now. I have most of my studio at Wood Icing and I am having a hard time adjusting to working in this new environment. I love it and I am challenged. I think if I had two sets of paints and tools, I would do my small stuff at Wood Icing and I would do my large paintings on my big easel at home. It will be interesting to see where this takes my work. My paintings might undergo another transformation.

Where do you get your creative talent?
My family is full of creative women. My great grandmother made these amazing embroidered wall hangings and I am lucky enough to have one. My Grandmother is a prolific creative although she would never admit it. She quilts, sews, knits, does crochet, she used to teach ceramics, she does lovely watercolors and never stops creating something. I remember my mom, Rose Wilde, painting a still life of walnuts in our kitchen at an easel even though she would never consider herself an artist. She created and sells Wood Icing and can create any faux finish she dreams up. My cousin, Amie King, makes amazing jewelry and a million other creative things. I could go on and on but I think you get the idea. You should hear us when we all get into one room!

Please come visit Heather and the other Gateway artists this Friday the 26th from 6-9. She has 12 pieces in the window and will be showing off her most recent painting. Not to mention the unveiling of the Meeting of Minds project! We will have light appetizers and wine and a great time as always.

You can find Heather online at:

http://www.heatherhaymart.com/

http://www.heatherhaymart.blogspot.com/

http://www.etsy.com/shop/heatherhaymart

http://twitter.com/heatherhaymart

Meeting of Minds 14 - Vic Barr

2010-02-22T21:34:00.000-06:00

Vic added his bridge this past weekend. It is a beautiful addition to the piece.

Only a few more things left to do before we present it this Friday!

Meeting of Minds 13 - Paul Jackson

2010-02-17T14:16:00.000-06:00

Paul came in for our monthly meeting and took the opportunity to add a few lovely little birds to the project. Can you find them?

Greg shot a few pictures of Paul as he worked with what materials he had available to him. Not bad for some latex paint and a sponge brush!

Meeting of Minds 12 - Michael Anderson

2010-02-10T09:08:00.000-06:00

Michael has added a lovely postcard size painting to the composition. Since I haven't seen it in person, I don't know if he actually painted onto the surface or if he attached a small painting onto the surface. I also feel like Mike might have added a few splashes of color throughout the painting. If you are curious too, you will just have to come see the piece for yourself on February 26, 2010. That is when we will officially unveil this work of art at the Gateway Gallery reception.

Meeting of Minds 11 - Annie Smith Piffel and Janice Schoultz Mudd

2010-02-06T17:21:00.000-06:00

Janice and Annie have really put their creative talents together here.
They have anchored all of the smaller elements especially Greg's Photograph by surrounding them with color and connected the top and bottom of the painting. It is beginning to feel like a planned out piece by the looks of it, but if you have been following this blog, you know this changes each day with each new addition.

Meeting of Minds 7 - Janet Fons

2010-02-06T17:20:00.003-06:00

While Janet was working at the gallery she made some great progress by adding her creative element to the piece. In the beginning, she mentioned struggling with the technical aspects of not working in her normal routine, but then she decided to think outside of her own box and apply some tissue paper and seal it in the hopes that another fellow artist will add some color. Janet says, "I wanted to connect at least two of the elements on the panel because the pieces were looking very separate and I liked thinking about the initial part as a cityscape and the circle as the moon overhead so I added some "sky" between the two, working with the existing colors. Always looking for a landscape I guess... "

If you would like to learn more about Janet and her process, please visit her blog.

Approximately ten more Gateway Artists will be adding their expertise to this group project by the time this project is considered finished. As they work they have also been documenting their progress on Facebook on the Gateway Gallery Fan Page.

Meeting of Minds 8 - Janice Schoultz Mudd

2010-02-06T17:20:00.002-06:00

Janice has added her beautiful and unique "Janiceness" to this piece now and it is really beginning to fill in. It is amazing what incorporating an area of color can do to bring a work of art together.

Meeting of Minds 9 - Dawn Gano

2010-02-06T17:20:00.001-06:00

Dawn came in on the weekend and added some her lovely flowers. They seem to be floating in the breeze that we didn't even know was there until she added them. So creative!

Meeting of Minds 10 - Vic Mastis

2010-02-06T17:20:00.000-06:00

There is no mistaking when Vic adds her "Touch of Gold" to a work of art that you know it is her creation. Can you see how whe has broken up some elements and unified the space all at the same time? What a fantastic way to pull everyone together!

Meeting of the Minds 6 - Greg Matchick

2010-02-06T17:19:00.000-06:00

Greg has applied one of his photographs to the upper right corner of the Meeting of Minds piece. He has also provided us with a close-up so we can see more detail. He mentioned the idea of using one of his more abstract photos because he thought that would lend itself more easily to the collaboration.

You should check out the coments on our Gateway Gallery Fan Page. It is so fun to see what the artists are saying!

Meeting of Minds 5 - Vic Barr

2010-01-30T10:00:00.000-06:00

Vic has created a beautiful wooden bridge to add to the collaboration. He plans to decide where to attach it once it becomes apparent where it belongs. This concept of using a bridge in this group project is so creative and appropriate to the piece.

Meeting of Minds 4 - Catherine Honse and John Barhydt

2010-01-29T10:00:00.000-06:00

Cate has adorned the art piece with one of her hand made ceramic leaves.

John has incorporated a few of his fine art photographs collaged onto the piece.

These newest additions to this work of art are a prime example of two artists working outside of their comfort zone in an effort to contribute to our group project. This is what makes the Gateway artists so special. We understand the value in trying new things and working together.

Meeting of Minds 3 - Garry McMichael

2010-01-28T10:00:00.000-06:00

Garry has shared a photo of his contribution to the collaboration. Can you find it?

This piece is really taking shape as each artist brings their own personality and talent to the table. The most fascinating part is how each addition to the piece seems to be right at home as soon as it is added.

Meeting of Minds 2 - D. A. Williams and Michele Wells

2010-01-27T21:15:00.000-06:00

More progress is being made on the collaboration. This photo reflects the result of Debbie and Michele working together. They applied some tissue paper collage and plan to add some pastel later. Keep checking in as the Gateway artists pull this piece together!

Meeting of Minds 1 - Heather Haymart and Meg Matson

2010-01-22T22:53:00.000-06:00

The Gateway Gallery artists will be presenting a collaborative piece of art for the next reception on February 26, 2010. We are all contributing some element of our talent to a mixed media work of art to celebrate our creative cooperation as artists in running our successful business together. Each artist in this group offers his/her own unique personality which culminates into this creative support system and professional partnership. Heather Haymart, who is the Spotlight Artist starting February 26, decided this was the perfect way to express such camaraderie.

This is a photo of the 48"x24" piece that Meg and Heather have begun to work on.

It should be so fun to watch as this work of art unfolds!

Interview with the Artist - Vic Barr

2010-01-10T08:46:00.000-06:00

What kind of art do you make?

I guess my work falls into about four categories. I design and work with the North American and exotic hardwoods of the world. I create contemporary jewelry chests and towers; I hand-turn a lot of writing instruments, pens and pencils, in those hardwoods and other materials, as well as other vessels; and recently I've begun to do some contemporary table-top sculptural pieces. The fourth category is custom designs and pieces to meet the needs of individual clients. I really enjoy the custom work because my clients give me the latitude to let my imagination enhance their basic requirements and, in return, I give them more than they asked for and a truly unique piece.

What draws you to the medium you use?

Through the years I painted in oils, acrylics and watercolor, sculpted my kids’ heads in clay, and did a lot of drawing in various media. When I started to explore a new medium, I studied it and built as many of my own tools as I was able. Eventually I realized that, while I was competent in the media, I really enjoyed designing and building the easels, pedestals, and other equipment in preparation for working in the latest medium. Then I discovered the exotic woods of the world, and there was no turning back. Besides the opportunity to work in woods whose names I couldn’t even pronounce, I began to realize that it seems to be a mission in life to show others the natural beauty that’s really under the bark of a tree. I never tire of it, and at latest count I’ve worked with eighty-seven different hardwoods from nearly every continent (there aren’t many trees in Antarctica).

Where do you get your inspiration?

As with most other artists and craftsmen I know, that varies. Sometimes inspiration is sparked by something a client wants, sometimes an unusual piece of wood will dictate the best way to exhibit its best features, sometimes a shape or curve or element in a museum piece suggests a new context , sometimes a doodle from a boring meeting matures into a new piece, sometimes …. Inspiration comes from whatever we’re ready to see.

What hobbies do you have?

I read a lot and I’m actively involved in the leadership of several nonprofit art organizations; Missouri Artisans Association, Greater St. Louis Art Association, and the St. Louis Woodworkers’ Guild. I also belong to the St. Louis Artists Guild and the National Association of Independent Artists.

What is the best museum/ art gallery/ art exhibit you have ever been to?

We’re blessed in the St. Louis area with a wonderful art museum, which has hosted many wonderful exhibits through the years. I’d be hard pressed to select one above all the others, but the one I attended last year that featured the work of American abstract artists from the mid 20th century really impressed me. I’m not the world’s greatest fan of abstract art, but this collection of legendary works allowed me to see the genre with new appreciation.
Another of the exhibits that had a profound effect on me was a number of years ago that featured a number of well-known impressionist painters.

Do you have pets? Tell about them.

Two border collies, Molly and MacDuff, allow my wife and me to live with them. Though from different litters, MacDuff has taken the role of tolerant big brother to the exuberant younger Molly. They’re endlessly entertaining, loving members of our family, and much easier to raise than our two children were.

If you could own any work of art in the world, what would it be and why?

That’s a tough one, but one work consistently rises above all others for me. Michelangelo’s Pieta has enchanted me since, as a teenager, I first saw pictures of the work. The incredible detail, the life, the feeling, that he brought out of that marble block stands as the ultimate tribute to the life and work of this master of every medium he chose.

How often do you create?

I’m in my shop nearly every day, and ideas for new pieces, work in progress and work that may evolve from something I’ve already done occupy at least a part of my mind on some level most of the time. Often, when I step into the shop I’ve already completed a mental image of a new creation down to the smallest detail. The thinking part of what I do is often the most exciting element in the work.

Interview with Artist: Janet Fons

2009-11-17T19:38:00.000-06:00

Where do you get your inspiration?

I am inspired by the impressionists and the expressionists. I appreciate their attempts to create an emotion, a spontaneity of style, freezing one moment in time. I like that their approach, materials, and methods were personal and not tied in any way to another artist's dictate. Another painter who has always inspired me is Georgia O'Keeffe. Her individuality as a woman and an artist has always stood out to me. I also admire the work of contemporary artists Bill Creevy for his textured and layered paintings and Susan Ogilvie for her amazing use of color.

What draws you to the medium you use?

I am drawn to oil pastel because the pigments are pure and brilliant. It's a very tactile medium that you hold and apply right onto your surface. I like that it is permanent but non-toxic. There is no dust or fumes and it can really be applied to almost any surface. I've been exploring the use of alkyds as a medium with oil pastel. It liquefies the pastel so I can use washes and glaze layers of color. It also sets the pigment so I can apply a color over another without changing the underlying layer.

I've explored using oil pastel on different surfaces for several years. I wanted change the traditional presentation of matted and framed pieces under glass and the barrier it creates between the art and the viewer . I discovered that Oil pastel can be sealed and the color will not be affected. Some of my early experiments involved painting on paper (Fabriano Murilla) and then gluing the piece to panel and sealing, but the gluing part can be quite nerve-racking because you only have one chance to get it right. So I began preparing my own hardboard panels with a mix of pumice, gesso and soft gel, tinting it after the surface is dry. My panels are cradled and I carry the image around the edges like gallery-wrapped canvas.Most recently, I've been painting larger work on canvas. I like how much lighter-weight canvas is than panel.

Where is your studio and what is it like?
My studio (number 20) is in the Foundry Art Centre in Saint Charles. There are twenty studios located on the second floor of the Foundry. The public is invited to visit and interact with the artists in our studios. I have a single studio which is almost 20 ft by 20 ft with lots of room and light. My windows face west. All the studios have glass half walls facing the walkway that runs around the open atrium overlooking the great hall.

Are you formally trained and if so where?
I have a Bachelor of Fine Art from Michigan State University. My major was printmaking. As a student, my favorite printmaking methods were stone lithography, metal plate intaglio and serigraphy. Printmaking was a rigorous discipline; our finals were a series of five prints (minimum), all hand pulled and they had to be identical. Each method (or class) required at least three editions, so if you were taking a litho, etching and serigraphy class you had nine editions to finish by the end of term. Talk about burning the midnight oil!

You can find out more about Janet on her web site at JanetFons.com or on the Gateway Gallery web site at gatewaygalleryonline.com.

Please come visit Janet and the Gateway Gallery artists at the Gateway Gallery this Friday November 20 from 6-9PM.

Many of the Gateway Artists will be presenting works in the theme of Paris and Other Delights and we will be enjoying some lovely hors d'oeuvres compliments of Mazara's.

Interview with the Artist: Janice Schoultz Mudd

2009-10-01T17:29:00.000-05:00

What kind of art do you make?

I am a mixed media painting and collage artist working with contemporary abstractions of the landscape as well as visual interpretations of conceptual ideas. I started painting while studying interior design at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. The program was rigorous and weighted on developing the skill of realistic accuracy in painting and drawing before moving on to tackle abstraction. This approach gave me the sound foundation that allows me to stretch my imagery with confidence.

Although I have not abandoned the idea of painting with figurative accuracy, I confess I find it much more interesting to interpret and develop a concept into a visual form. Each piece is pretty much of an experiment. I do this working with layer upon layer of color until the canvas glows and sorting through my boxes of collected stuff, trying to find just the right pieces to incorporate onto the canvas.

What draws you to the medium you use?

This is such a great time to be an artist because there are so many art materials and mediums available. Thank goodness we don’t have to grind our own pigments and make our own paint anymore. There are so many different materials available and being inherently curious and creative, I really love finding out what is going to happen if I ……

Why do you make art?

The truth to this question, is that I really can’t help it. Making and creating things is the way my brain works. When I was a kid, growing up in New Jersey, I made up board games, books with collaged illustrations, and paid a great deal of attention to critically examining things I saw (the changing color of pond water throughout the day, the colors of our neighbors’ furniture, shoe shapes etc.). I know,.. weird. I worked as a designer for many years and when my kids were growing up and art supplies were out of the question, I designed cut cookie forms and did great icing decoration! I have noticed that this creative force always comes out somehow.

How long have you been with Gateway Gallery?

I have been one of the resident artists with Gateway Gallery for about a year. We currently have 17 juried members. The benefits of being part of this organization are tremendous. Since we are artist owned, we have no choice but to learn about all the aspects of running a gallery. Not only are each of us learning how to manage and address the business of being an artist, but this experience makes me a better represented artist in other galleries who carry my work. I now have very good understanding of a gallery’s needs and of how I can work with them so that everyone benefits.

What is the most rewarding part of being an artist?

I will be the first one to tell you that I have so much fun creating art. Much of the time it gives me an incredible sense of freedom and release, something like a bird gliding through the sky on a beautiful, sunny, warm day. When things are going badly however, it can get pretty stressful. Since I work at home, I will at that point, do the laundry, take a nap, read or walk the dog. Many things help; listening to music is one. Depending on my mood it could be Pavarotti, Ralph Stanley or The Lion King.

The most rewarding part of this whole business however, is when my work makes a connection with someone and touches their heart.

What are you working on now?

This past year I have created a number of small pieces – 12 x 12 inches– in response to the economy, so that I might be able to offer a greater price range for my work. This size has allowed me to experiment with new ideas and directions that I likely would not have thought of. A common response to these paintings has been “these need to get large”. And so… I have ordered large canvases. When you click on my my website page you will see.

Never one to stay only on one track however, how does the intersection of art and molecular biology sound?

*Please consider coming to the Gateway Gallery this Friday, October 9th from 6-9pm to see Janice's new work and have the unique opportunity to speak with her about her latest creative endeavors.

*The Gateway Artists will also be presenting new work in the theme of the reception called Autumn Lights.

Create St. Louis

2009-09-09T09:14:00.000-05:00

What do the St. Louis Art Fair and the Gateway Gallery have in common?

Besides great art? Well then it would have to be Forsyth in Clayton!

The Gateway Gallery sits on Forsyth between Meramec and Central Avenue. This just happens to be smack dab in the middle of the St. Louis Art Fair! So, if you are at the fair this weekend, we will be too! Please come by and see the Gateway Gallery artists' new work. We have been working hard to make some beautiful new art for you to enjoy. A couple of our artists will be painting live on the sidewalk, and we have air conditioning!

This Friday, September 11, from 6:00-9:00 pm we will be hosting another one of our popular receptions complete with wine and and as a special bonus, Mazara's will be providing us with some of their delicious hors d'oeuvres. We would love to introduce you to our featured artists; Nancy Friederich, Jo Rezny McCredie, Marlene Lewis & Henryk Ptasiewicz, and Matt Donovan.

Homage to the Masters

2009-07-10T14:59:00.000-05:00

Tonight the Gateway artists are presenting their Homage paintings at our reception from 6-9PM. The Homages are works of art that pay homage to some of the masters on display at the St. Louis Art Musuem. Maybe you will recognize some of the pieces of art we are paying tribute to.

Michael Anderson's' homage to Bingham.

Janet Fons' homage to O'Keeffe.

Vic Matis' homage to Bathasar van der Alst.

This is a great opportunity for the artists to stretch their creative muscles and even learn something new. It also gives us a chance to celebrate and even commemorate our respect for the masters. Please come see how creative the Gateway Artists can be tonight at the Gateway Gallery from 6-9PM.

Interview with Artist: Garry McMichael

2009-07-03T22:06:00.000-05:00

How long have you been an artist? Since the day I could scribble with a pencil or a crayon. I have photos of myself with a Kodak Brownie hanging around my neck when I was six. I took my camera everywhere. When I was in high school I illustrated a student literary book, VIGNETTES, with my drawings. I really liked being a student school photographer. It gave me the opportunity to get out of class to take photos of other students and activities for the yearbook. I discovered a camera in my hands was like wearing a protective coat of armor. Photography helped me to overcome my shyness, approach other students, especially girls, and develop relationship skills that many students don’t learn until later in life.

Photography also helped me to develop a life-long love for the outdoors, nature and the Missouri/Arkansas Ozarks in particular. Today the Ozark landscape is an integral part of my pastel art. Our clear running streams and green-forested hills are a treasure to behold.

What is your “day job” if you have one? I have been an editorial and commercial photographer all of my life. I have worked as a freelancer for numerous national publications such as NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, TIME, NEWSWEEK, FORBES, BICYCLING, and dozens of others. Today most of my work is for commercial clients creating annual report photography, brochures and catalogs. Computers and digital photography has flipped the commercial photography market on its head. Instead of just doing photography I find myself taking a commercial project from concept through the graphic design stage, directly to the printer and delivering the completed project to the client. I also find myself developing websites and e-mail marketing for clients. Today commercial photographers need to have full range of computer skills, need to know how to do graphic design, create a website and work with printers.

What kind of art do you make? I create fine art photography, charcoals and pastels. I find my fine art today is really a counter balance to my high tech day work, and pastels have become my medium of choice. Drawing and scumbling a rich pigment of color across a paper is such an opposite (and relief) from working on a computer as an editorial and commercial photographer my vision has always been grounded in reality. Pastels allow me release a lot of pent up emotions and work more from my imagination reality. My pastels have become much more impressionistic.

How long have you been involved with The Gateway Gallery? I joined Gateway Gallery about a year and half ago. It is everything a gallery should be. We offer original, high-quality, regional art at a fair price. There are no middlemen between the artist and collector making our art a great value for our patrons. Art patrons that visit gateway gallery have the opportunity to develop relationships with the artists thus giving our art even more value on a personal level.

There is a unique benefit to being part of an artist owned gallery. There is a special relationship developed with my sixteen co-owner artists. We are constantly sharing ideas, critiquing each other and pushing ourselves to improve our art. Gateway Gallery is a great incubator for new ideas and techniques. I am totality impressed with the originality of all of our artists. Everyone brings his or her unique vision to the gallery.

What is your proudest artistic accomplishment? Why my next one, of course. I don’t live in the past. I want to keep learning, experimenting, playing and pushing my art and myself.

Where do you get your inspiration? When I was young my artistic inspiration came from nature and living in the heart of the Ozarks. But now, much of my inspiration comes from my family, friends and fellow artists. I’m coming to realize there is as much beauty in my back yard as there is in a thousand acres of hill-covered forests.

Why do you make art? I often tell friends I make art because it’s cheaper than seeing a psychiatrist every week. There is lot of truth in that statement. All day I work for my commercial clients and I feel my stress level rise as the day progresses. Every evening I go into my studio, turn the music up and start painting. The next thing I know, three, four or more hours have disappeared and my stress level has returned to near zero.

Who are your greatest artistic influences? When I was a young photographer I was greatly influenced by the nature photography of Eliot Porter. I would spend hours studying his work in a series of Sierra Club books like In Wilderness is The Preservation of the World and Summer Island. Today, the Hudson River School artists still heavily influence me. I would dearly love to have experienced the forested Ozarks back in the early to mid-1800’s like the Hudson School Painters experienced New England and upper New York. The works of George Inness and Asher B. Durand especially impress me. When it comes to capturing the color of the American West few artists surpass Thomas Moran. I’ll never forget the first time I saw one of his original western sunsets at the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City. I was stunned by its beauty. I couldn’t make myself leave the gallery; I stared at it for hours. Among contemporary painters I’m particularly influenced by the highly original pastel techniques of Bill Creevy and I greatly admire the originality of Richard McKinley. The way he allows the under painting to influence the mood of his landscapes is very effective.

Garry has a strong web presence. If you would like find out more about him please visit the following web sites:

http://www.garrymcmichael.com/

http://www.imaginagrapher.com/

http://www.gatewaypastelartists.com/

http://www.gslaa.org/

http://www.myslart.com/

Sleeping with an Original: Fine Art for the Bedroom

2009-06-04T21:03:00.000-05:00

The Gateway Gallery is hosting a Reception Friday June 5 from 6-9 pm in conjunction with the Art D Tour. Voted as "One of the top 5 things to do in June" by St. Louis Magazine. Please come visit the gallery and see what not so sleepy artwork the Gateway Gallery Artists have been up to. Start measuring over your bed, because you aren't going to want to miss this reception!

Interview with Artist: Michael Anderson

2009-06-01T18:51:00.000-05:00

How long have you been involved with Gateway Gallery?
I had a featured artist show of oil paintings called Painted Houses in May 2006. I was invited to be a member artist in October of that year. The gallery has gone through many improvements since that time in its overall appearance and operation, the way the art is presented and marketed as well as the general quality of the work itself. It continues to get better all the time. Literally thousands of people have seen my paintings there. It has been a very positive experience.

Where do you get your inspiration?
My paintings are produced en plein air for the most part so I paint what I see in the great outdoors. I try to have an eye for what might make an appealing composition however I often ignore my subjects and just paint the light that falls upon the landscape, architecture and people.

How often do you create?
Like anything else in order to be competent it helps to practice, practice, practice. My business as an architectural illustrator requires me to draw and render on a daily basis although much of that time is spent on a computer. I try get in some quick sketchbook work everyday. I have done a lot of drawing on Metro Link platforms while waiting for the train. I also attend a figure drawing session with a live model at the St. Louis Artists’ Guild whenever I can usually a couple of times per month.. Finally I paint each week outdoors (if it’s not raining) with fellow members of the Missouri Plein Air Painters Association. We meet at various designated locations as posted each week on the MOPAPA website.

Who are your greatest artistic influences?
I have been an artist for 35 years so my influences have increased as I have progressed. I could cite many famous artists whose styles I admire and have even attempted to emulate. I admit to channeling Van Gogh for a while but I made myself stop. I often look at my books of watercolors by Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent and Maurice Prendergast for inspiration. I am also very appreciative of the work of many successful artists working today especially Billyo, Charles Reid, Mel Stabin and others. But in the past few years I would have to say that I consider the artists nearest to me to have had the biggest artistic influence on my work. The plein air painters that I paint with, the artists I see at life drawing classes and my colleagues at Gateway Gallery are all very serious about their work. They consistently produce great art and are carrying on a great tradition. I feel like I am part of that.

Why is art important?
Viewing art can transport your thoughts and feelings beyond the paint and canvas to deeper insights and understanding. It opens your eyes and your mind. Artists may not be able to save the world. At times their work can be mysterious, disturbing even pretentious or silly but art can also provide comfort, inspiration and truth. The words inscribed above the Art Museum doors say “take refuge here.”

Do you have any vices for being creative? Dry martinis (Van Gogh gin of course, straight up with three olives) are a guilty pleasure but I rarely feel guilty. Also I can’t resist sketchbooks. I carry one around with me all the time and as I mentioned before I try to draw everyday. My latest acquisition is a Moleskine (pronounced mo leh skeena) watercolor sketchbook. In fact I am buying them in bulk in order to give one to each of the artists in my current workshop, Sketching St. Louis. Moleskines are manufactured by a company in Milan , Italy . Did I mention that I am pretty much crazy for just about anything that’s Italian? I am currently planning a fall sketching workshop in Florence. Would anyone like to join me?

Caution: Fresh Paint Reception

2009-04-20T13:49:00.000-05:00

The Gateway Gallery enjoyed yet another well attended and fresh new exhibit over the weekend. The art was new, the wine was tasty and fun was had by all! Please enjoy a few photos provided by Garry McMichael. Thank you to everyone who visited and purchased from our wonderful artists!

See anyone you know?

Interview with Artist: Vic Mastis

2009-04-13T10:22:00.000-05:00

We thought you would like to get to know our artist/owners here at the Gateway Gallery a little better. This blog entry marks our first interview with one of the Gateway Artists; Vic Mastis. Her beautiful painting Orange Trees is featured on our postcard this month. She will be presenting numerous new paintings, in conjuction with all of the Gateway artists, this Friday at the Gateway Gallery in our newest exhibit called Caution! Fresh Paint.

How long have you been an artist?

At sixteen, I drew portraits at Six Flags—(It was crazy employment for a very shy sixteen year old.) Next, I took a year of only art courses, Then, I found a job working nights at the post office. When I got off at 7:00am, I would head straight for Meramec Community College and participate in three hour figure drawing classes. I have been producing art for approximately 30 years.

Are you formally trained? If so, where?
I had two master classes in Cloudcroft, New Mexico taught by William Herring. He has had the greatest impact on my artistic life concerning the mechanics, composition, color and work ethics. They were classes that were unsurpassed by anything you could get in a book. Also, Victor Wang, a teacher at Fontbonne University has been a great influence on my present style. He taught techniques of the Old Masters, which I still use today. I have taken many workshops with great artists like, Doug Dawson, Billy O’Donnell, Gill Dellinger, Jerry Brown, Sean and David Cornell.

What draws you to the medium you use?
I have always loved glitz and glitter. One incident I remember was, when I was young, my mother would take us downtown, St. Louis to look at the Christmas displays. I preferred to look at the sequined, sparkling party clothes in the window display. My intent is to capture that spark I was always drawn to- in my artwork. After extensive experimenting with everything iridescent I could get my hands on, I came up with using gold leaf in my paintings to give my art that illumination.

How long have you been involved with The Gateway Gallery?
I was one of the original members of Gateway Gallery. We have been in business 4 ½ years. The experience and education I have gotten here has far surpassed anything I learned in college. Just being with the other owners (artists) has been very rewarding. Being among the beautiful artwork when I work is an added bonus.

Who are your greatest artistic influences?
I would have to say, Maxfield Parrish for his use of reflective color. Gustav Klimt was a superb draftsmen. His design element was something to write home about. He also applied gold lead to his paintings. Joaquin Sorolla for his direct painting method. Someone in his day described his painting style as –Sorolla paints like a pig but somehow it always comes out.

Where is your studio and what is it like?
My studio is in the basement of my house. My husband put in lights with special daylight bulbs and a slop sink. Most of the time it is quite messy with items all over the place. I leave them out because they are things that inspire me or remind me of a painting I want to create. It is fairly large but there is never enough room now that I am painting larger.

What is the best museum/ art gallery/ art exhibit you have ever been to?
The Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C. I didn't want to go because I thought it would all be portraits. Boy, was I wrong. They had a whole section of Thomas Dewing of the Pre-Raphaelites. Fantastic--- Also, there were restoration rooms enclosed in glass with cameras hooked to a large screen so you could see how they were restoring paintings and frames. They also had their inventory in glass display cases so you could see all their collections and didn’t have to wait for the museum to rotate them.

Look for everyone's newest this Friday April 17 from 6-9pm by searching for this little tag.

Queeny Park Art Fair

2009-04-10T11:13:00.000-05:00

The Gateway Gallery artists had a great time at the Queeny Park Art Fair. This was our first time participating as a group, although a few of our artists have been long time participators and even organizers! Thank you to everyone who came to visit us. It is so great to have your support. The winner of the $200 Gallery Gift Certificate was Rita Hassinger of Kirkwood. Thank you to everyone who entered to win.

Next week we will be hosting a reception at the gallery called Caution: Fresh Paint! on April 17 from 6-9pm. Vic Mastis is our featured artist and we will be interviewing her here on the blog next week as well. Check out our web site because many of our artists have already included some of their new work for you to see. Should prove to be a fresh new show!

Queeny Art Fair and ArtDTour

2009-04-02T21:47:00.000-05:00

This weekend the Gateway artists will be displaying their artwork at the Queeny Park Art Fair in West County. This is an indoor art fair so don't worry about the weather! Click the image to get your $1.00 off coupon.

Show hours are:

Saturday, April 4, 2009 10am - 5pm.

Sunday, April 5, 2009 11am - 4pm.

GREENSFELDER RECREATION COMPLEX

550 WEIDMAN ROAD MANCHESTER, Missouri. 63031.

****Stop by and visit with the artists, view our new art and sign up for a free $200 Gift Certificate. Need not be present to win.*****

AND

The Gateway Gallery will also be on the ArtDTour this Friday, April 3 from 6:00 - 10:30. Join the tour or visit at your own pace, either way, come enjoy some great art on your fun Friday night!

Sixteen Variations of Bruges

2009-03-24T11:21:00.000-05:00

On Friday March 13, 2009, the Gateway Gallery Artists presented their interpretations of a photograph taken by Greg Matchick called Three Swans in a Canal. (shown below) This was an amazing experience for us as we translated this image with our own media. We each decided to approach the challenge a different way which made viewing the work that much more fun.

The reception was a great success with a gallery crowed with many excited onlookers. Everyone seemed to enjoy searching for each "Bruges Painting" and at least two of them sold that evening.

Greg Kluempers, Sheldon Johnson, and Greg Matchick

Michele Wells with guest

Annie Smith-Piffel with guests

Thank you to everyone who attended. We truly appreciate the fact that you took time out of your busy schedules to come see what we have been up to! If you haven't been by yet, the paintings should be up for a little while longer, but don't wait too long because we are getting ready for our next exhibit Caution: Fresh Paint in April!

If you were there, what was your favorite part of the show?