Rebecca Grace Jones
Curatorial Statement for ‘Artists of the Grid’

A grid, strictly speaking, is the geometric division of a space into precisely measured columns, spaces and margins…think crossword puzzle. Artists have created work with set compositional divisions since the beginning of western civilization.

Artwork which has been composed using the clean and aesthetically pleasing guidelines and rules of the grid has order to its imagery. By using a well-planned grid as an essential building block for a design, an artist can achieve unity within a piece. The careful control of measured space results in a look of balance and structure.

When the rules are broken, when there is a deliberate restructuring of shape and visual balance of grid design elements, there is a change in the dynamics and the impact of a piece. The available space can be used to create an illusion of different depths of focus in a painting, sculpture, fiber construction or piece of jewelry.

My vision for ‘Artists of the Grid’ is to bring together artists who work in both the structured and the restructured methods. It is a concept based on the idea of counterpoint, in which musical lines that sound different and move independently of each other sound harmonious when played simultaneously. Each artist represented works within his/her own creative field, all with the grid as the basic underlying design structure. The show brings them together as different instruments in an orchestra, with the goal of creating an experience for the viewer that resonates with synchronization.

The use of the grid in my work goes back and forth between structure and breaking the structure or a more organic use of the grid. In my most recent painting, Recto/Verso (a self-portrait) I’ve layered different traditional grid patterns, including an aboriginal depiction of a being’s energy field, a native American blanket motif and the lines of a 19th century American quilt to represent the concept of ancestry. By using these historical patterns in my design I draw from past stories of human kind, joining them in time and space and providing a foundation for my own story. My idea for this painting is not unlike my idea for the show; integrating various concepts that differ in outward appearance but share an underlying theme, setting the outcome as the creation of a harmonious whole.

 

Artists of the Grid

June 17 - August 7, 2011
Opening Reception: Friday June 17, 7:30pm

Judy Rand ~ wood
Judy Bradshaw ~ painting
Kyle Larabee ~ natural objects/mixed media
Joy Bridy ~ clay
Doug Kinnett ~ painting
Jacqui Crocetta ~ painting
Carrie Singer ~ jewelry
Suzanne Donazetti ~ metal
Jan Heath ~ printmaking
Sandy Heath ~ painting
Jane Frenke ~ fiber
Kim Potter ~ hand woven apparel
Rebecca Jones ~ mixed media

An exhibit of work in a variety of media using the grid as the basis for the design concept. Participating artists include jeweler Carrie Singer, woodworker Judy Rand, potter Joy Bridy, and garment designer Kim Potter. Curator: Rebecca Jones

---

Pearls - 30th Anniversary Show                May 6 – June 12, 2011
Delectable Mountains Quilt Guild’s (DMQG) annual Spring show defines Quilt Month in Berkeley Springs and features full quilts, wall hangings, table items, and travel cases all created by the 75 member organization. As part of the 30th anniversary of the guild, Quilt Month includes other activities such as the 7th annual Yard Square Quilt Auction. Curator: Lin Vance

Curated by Jane Pingleton-Evans.

Containers      
April 1 – May 1, 2011

Since time began man has sought to carry, store and display. This show features hand created boxes, bowls and baskets by award winning artisans from the region. Felted bags, quilted totes, glass jewelry boxes, quivers, bait baskets for the angler, and fire wood carriers are some of the ‘containers’ included in the exhibit along with interpretation of the utility and art of containers. Curator:  James Eaves

 

 

Youth Art Month               March 4 – March 27, 2011
A multimedia gallery show exhibiting art work of Morgan County students of all grade levels.
Working with art teachers in all eight Morgan County schools plus homeschoolers, MAC fills the Ice House with student art.  High school seniors in AP studio art highlight their portfolio pieces.  Student performers are also featured at the opening. Curator: Sandra Earls

 

Bountiful Harvest       

November 12 – January 2, 2011
Highlighting hand created art works for the home, this
show includes a variety of artist-created items in room settings. 


Curator: Ice House Gallery Committee

 

Uncommon Threads          January 7 – February 27, 2011
Innovative thread work is the essence of this show. The group of artists that belong to Uncommon Threads (a Montgomery County, MD quilt group) create original fabrics, images and techniques to transform the everyday into breathtaking fabric art.

Curator:   Lois Smith

 

 

January 16 - March 1, 2009
Duets: Celebrating CollaborationArtists working in pairs or groups are the central premise of Anne Larsen's curated show Duets.

 

 

March 6 - March 29, 2009
Youth Art Month Show

 

 

November 20, 2009– January 3, 2010
OUT OF THE BOX
Curated by Susan Feller

Gifts that last and are constantly giving is the aim of this exhibition.  Box makers in all media – wood, pottery, paper, glass, fiber – and small objects that fit in gift boxes – jewelry, scarves, etc. are included.  This show opened Friday, November 20 with a reception at 7:30pm

March 5 – March 28 , 2010
NATIONAL YOUTH ART MONTH
Curated by Sandra Earls

A multimedia gallery show exhibiting art work of Morgan County students of all grade levels. This show opens Friday, March 5 with a reception at 7:00pm.
Includes a youth art performance at 7:30pm.

March 26 – May 2 , 2010
VALOR IN THE VALLEY
Curated by Tricia Lynn Strader
Multimedia images marking the 150th anniversary of the Civil War in 
the region especially Stonewall Jackson's 1862 Bath-Romney Campaign

Artists include Mort Kunstler, John Paul Strain, Jared Frederick, Earl Mills, Tim Johnson, Frank Strader, Tricia Strader, and more.

Plus: John Brown: 19th century sketches by David Hunter Strother
curated by John Cuthbert

The annual quilt show by the DMQ that co-ordinates with the annual Yard Square quilt silent auction and the ‘Piecework’ plays at the Ice House. This year’s theme is the log cabin design that is the basis for old time quilts and new twisting variations. This show will open Friday, May 7 with a reception at 7:30pm.

June 11 – July 11, 2010
THEMES AND VARIATIONS
Curated by Sinclair Hamilton

Based on the musical form of Bach’s “a theme and variations”, and exploring an idea through its changes, this exhibit showed the artist’s mind playing with the creative process and the multitude of outcomes that occur in that process.  Media featured range from Terra cotta, tempera tiles and guache to acrylic, and fabric.

July 16 – September 5, 2010
PUTTING ON THE DOG
Curated by Lynn Lavin

A multimedia extravaganza highlighting how each of more than a dozen artists view the dogs that touch our hearts. Media range from clay and photography to painting and fabric.  Classes in clay sculpture and batik fabric dying are scheduled during the show.
Artists: Earle Andrews, Pam Eisenmann, Jane Kelly Morais, Beverly Kipphan, Red Weldon, Mark Sandlin, John Bickle, Angela Bell, Ann Darling, Jan Heath, Jonathan Heath, Massimo Righini, Rip Smith, Crawford Horne and Kathy Edwards.

September 10 – November 7, 2010
ALL MY RELATIONS 
Curator: Alison Carter

The exhibit presents art that captures the relationship between the earth, the plants, animals and humans and the unseen forces of Nature. The show coincides with the fourth annual Birding Festival.