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NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE BELOW:
The irises are about to open
around my pond and the gallery is blooming with art! The past
year was filled with travel and adventure and I am so pleased
that this summer I am back home in my oddly inspiring Ark. So
please come and see me and the art treasures (temporarily) housed
here!
I’ve scheduled four special exhibitions for this season.
Currently, I’m showcasing What’s New? since last summer.
This includes my latest sculpture in wood and stone (I’ve
been a busy little beaver!), the very latest etchings of Ladislav
Hanka (including Tibetan monks and nuns, a few fabulous new birds,
and some exquisite tree portraits) and handblown glass vases
and platters imported from the Czech Republic.
The midsummer show is called Blessed Beasts: Fetishes,Totems
and Charms. An assortment of my artistic friends have accepted
the invitation to express the power of animal nature. And I am
working to loose some animal spirits on the world, too.
honoring the Goddess, the 7th annual Ark celebration of the Divine
Feminine will open August 18th.
This is always a wondrous gathering of beautiful spirits. Is
this the year YOU share your understanding of sacred femininity?
And the fall exhibit is Nature’s Gifts, a tandem show featuring
the fabulous fiber artistry of Alice Breese and a series of new
sculptures I’m creating from wondrous artifacts contributed
by Mother Nature.
Meanwhile, out back is the site of both construction and creation.
I am erecting a bigger shelter for work and storage and am giving
classes in stonecarving and woodcarving.
Between sculpting and teaching and tending the gallery, a book
is also going to get printed and the long-overdue new signs are
going up. And I was thinking of having a vegetable garden this
year!??
Looking forward to seeing
you soon ?
Artfully,
Marcia
Summer Workshops Let You Try Your Hand
with Stone or Wood
For those of you who would like to try carving yourself, I’ve
scheduled six two-day introductory workshops in both stone and
wood carving. Come play with the spirits of trees and rock! The
wood workshops will focus on a small project such as a bird,
wand or staff. Stone classes will delve into soapstone or limestone
(or bring your own softer-than-granite specimen). The cost for
each workshop is $150. and includes basic materials and use of
appropriate tools plus instruction and creative fellowship from
10am to 4pm each day.
Sign up now!
Schedule: May 31-June 1 Stonecarving
June14-15 Woodcarving
July 5-6 Stonecarving
July 7-8 Stonecarving
August 9-10 Stonecarving
September 20-21 Woodcarving
Additional limestone or soapstone
is available at $2.00 per pound
Basic Stone or Woodcarving tools may also be purchased for $100.
per set.(Please order tools at least two weeks before workshop!)
Phone 616-857-4210 or email mperry@wmol.com
for more info.
Honoring
the Goddess
8/18-9/15
The spirit of the Divine Feminine is needed more than ever! Here
is your chance to share your feelings about the non-masculine
powers and principles. All sincere and heartfelt expressions
are welcome.
Reception Dates: August 18 and September 15, 1 pm to 5pm
Delivery: Between August 11th and 16th
Commission on sales: 30%
Entry fee: $15.
Contact Marcia (phone 616-857-4210 or e-mail mperry@wmol.com)
for submission forms or more information. Mark your calendar
now!
Guessed
Editorial by Ladislav Hanka
[Excerpted from “On
Digital Media Displacing the Traditional Print”]
Art is supposed to have soul. This spiritual underpinning is
less about the image and more about the sensual activity and
love invested in its making The real thing glows from deep within.
Even if we are unsure of how to define it or insecure in speaking
about it, we do feel differently in the presence of the real
thing.
The real thing stems from a deep sense of engagement with that
which truly matters. Though it will certainly not exclude innovative
use of ground-breaking technologies, it will also never leave
behind those for whom sensual engagement with the materials of
brushes and burins[and chisels!] is transformed into delicate
line skirting the edges and exploring the substance of observed
form.
Neolithic cave paintings still glow with an intensity that is
undiminished by the chasm of time and culture that separates
us and indeed seem to be almost universally appreciated. Though
we may find an exception to every definition about art we fabricate,
we still seem intuitively able to separate out the grain from
the chaff...
Though we may accept cheap disposable wares, rather than pay
the prices of better goods, we still know the difference; and
deep inside we’ll always resent the cold machinery churning
out identical things and turning us, too, into something less
than fully human.
We need to believe that somewhere in the world Tibetan monks
and rain forest hunters still live real lives of integrity and
that in our own societies, artists, at the very least, still
do things individually and are therefore real and irreplaceable.
When an artist dies, they truly take something with them ? something
that quite simply, is no more. The value of manual skill and
individual vision will thus continue to increase rather than
decrease. The difference between individually crafted art objects
and infinitely reproducible
commercial products remains unchanged: That which is the first
of its kind, the best, or rare, is valuable.
Limestone Notes
Attending the Limestone Symposium in Bloomington, Indiana, was
a terrific learning
experience. For a week, 24 rock carvers shaped (literally) tons
of prime Salem (the best!) limestone from morning till night
on-site at the Bybee Stone Quarry. Every day featured demonstrations
of stoneworking techniques from lettering to texturing to drilling/splitting
and mounting. Every evening we spent at lectures and slide presentations
featuring various artists’ work, geology and cemetery art.
Working with both manual and pneumatic tools, we created big
piles of stone chips, raised immense clouds of white dust and
had a
ball! Since then, I’ve been sculpting more outdoor art for
those of you who have already filled up your houses with wood
sculpture. I am presently accepting commissions in stone, so
let me know what you need.Satisfaction guaranteed.
My Czech Experience (The Expurgated
Version)....
It was not what I expected. Expecting to live in a castle, I
stayed in a Sports Hotel (a communist-era, YMCA-like place) and
then, with two other artists and two children, aged one and three,
in a house in an isolated village. Expecting to work on the tranquil
grounds of a Baroque convent, I worked at a primary school in
the midst of ugly high-rise apartments (“The Projects”).
Hoping to enjoy hours of companionable discussion of art and
philosophy, I found myself working hard to communicate even the
most basic questions (Where are we going? What are you doing?)
as well as trying to help translate the translators’ versions
of English for the Europeans. We worked in sweltering heat and
then rain and then cold and windy weather--all without shelter
of any sort? except for the umbrellas they gave us at the closing
reception .
Despite frustrations and disappontments, I completed two fabulous
(if I do say so myself!) elm chairs which I donated to the schoolchildren.
My critical reward came from the Czech lady who pushed her way
through the crowd insisting her remarks be translated: “Your
work is very special because I can feel so much love in it. “
And that is what success means to me...
My Bonus Visit to Gander
My last few days in Europe were spent on an idyllic cultural
tour of castles, art and historic places ; and the last night
was spent sleepless at the Prague airport from whence I flew
towards home on the morning of September 11th. Of course, we
didn’t get that far, but were grounded along with some 8,000
other travelers in the Canadian town of Gander, Newfoundland(pop.
10,000). For five days, the generous Canadians housed, fed, clothed
and attended to every imagined need of their unexpected guests.
The whole town came
out to help us stranded refugees. We slept on the floors of classrooms
at the elementary school and, later, a Pentecostal church.We
lived in a “little United Nations” with people from
over 50 countries speaking dozens of languages and practicing
various religions. Frankly, it was a fabulous experience of international
exchange and multicultural cooperation. Since then, I have been
flying the Maple Leaf flag in appreciation of
the good people of Canada.
Con-temple-ation
The site for my Temple for the Trees (a mishrah) was consecrated
in December.The moonlight ceremony was attended by an elite and
hardy circle of tree-lovers. Future celebrations are planned
(as progress dictates.)
Construction Zone?
Last fall, I reinstated the service drive on the east end of
the Ark and laid down drain
tile to divert the occasional floodwaters that are so distressing.
This also cleared the way for erection of a roofed work area
out back. Hard to believe that I need more room, but wood storage
and stone mess just don’t fit indoors!
2002
Ark Calendar
May 24--June 30 What’s New?
July 5--August 10 Animal Blessings: Fetishes, Totems and Charms
August 18-Sept. 15 Goddess Show 7: Honoring the Goddess
Sept. 20-October 20 Nature’s Gifts Alice Breese (fiber art)
and Marcia’s new series
What’s
new in the gallery... Svoboda Glass When in the Czech Republic,
I visited the renowned glass artist, Jaroslav Svoboda, whose
work impressed me enough to import a selection of vases and plates.
These have proven so appealing to off-season visitors, that I
am in the process of negotiating for more of his work which should
arrive sometime this summer. The work is technically superb and
aesthetically lovely as well as being surprisingly affordable.
Wait till you see!
Ladislav Hanka’s latest works reflect recent travels to
Tibet and sailing Lake Superior plus a few more birds to add
to the Great Lakes collection (nearing 80 species). Hanka’s
work will be featured in a solo exhibition at The Kalamazoo Institute
of Art. His work is also part of the group exhibit by artists
who sailed Lake Superior last summer (a group including Ark friend
and exhibitor, Mary Brodbeck).
Marcia's Gallery
Connections
If you’re in Benton Harbor... New Moon Gallery
If you’re in Glen Arbor... Synchronicity
If you’re in Chicago...Dawning Art the Gift
If you’re in Saugatuck... Thirdstone and HERE, of course!
Tours, Talks,
On-site Workshops
Know a group needing a lively program? Please contact me. I enjoy
speaking and sharing my experiences and opinions with people
of all ages and perspectives.
June 18-- Appearing as Klutzy the Clown at the
Saugatuck-Douglas Library
July 12?Stonecarving demonstration for Hospice
of Holland Celebration-- Centennial Park, Holland, MI)
August 9--Hope College Alumni Gallery Tour
September/October-5 Tauck World Discovery cruise tour
groups will visit the Ark.
Books?
With a little bit of luck and some professional help, I will
publish an expanded edition of my writings and pictures of my
work of the past decade sometime this summer. Pre-publication
price: $15.
nameartcreations.com
Custom names and signs are available from Marcia’s other
business, NameArtCreations. There’s a whole new alphabet
of children ready to spell out any word you like! You can see
some of the new characters on the signs in the Children’s
Room of the Saugatuck-Douglas District Library. Or visit the
website at nameartcreations.com.(Of
course, the clown alphabet is still available, too!)
Dear Friends,
Incredibly, it has been ten years since I first launched this
idiosyncratic Ark enterprise. I did not know when I found this
dilapidated building that it would turn into a studio or a gallery.
I'm not sure if there is one word that describes what this place
has become, so I've been using "creative environment"
to distinguish it from other art-filled places. It is surely
my "ark", by definition "a retreat or refuge".
In its first decade, this Ark has witnessed the discovery of
beautiful forms in hundreds of trees (and a pile of rocks) as
well as countless experiments with stained and cast glass, photography,
raku pottery, bookbinding, papermaking, assemblage sculpture,
concrete and styrofoam, moldmaking, etching, woodcuts, illustration
and all sorts of writing. The Ark has welcomed thousands of people,
many of whom have become dear friends.
The magic that surrounds this Ark is made possible by the support
and encouragement of all who venture here. Thank you for contributing
your wonder, acceptance and material support to keep this Ark
sailing along despite the statistical improbability.
I thought of closing a couple of years back, but my enthusiasm
was renewed when I looked around and noticed that there was no
other place quite like this where the whole messy process of
art was on display. So here I am still balancing the responsibilities
of survival and creativity and sharing my delight. Living off
the beaten path has not made me rich or famous, but it has made
me glad, very glad.
This summer, like a modern-day Marcia Polo, I am traveling in
search of new opportunities in different realms, by enhancing
my stoneworking skills and participating in an international
symposium. Who knows what this next decade will reveal?
Decadently, Artfully, Gladly,
Marcia
Down in the Quarry
In June, Marcia will be attending
a Limestone Symposium at the Bybee Stone quarry near Bloomington,
Indiana. She's going there to learn about working larger in this
excellent outdoor material. With the help of a scholarship from
the Saugatuck-Douglas Art Club, she will spend a very intensive
week sculpting with a team of professional stone sculptors during
the day and attending technical presentations in the evenings.
Expect to hear much more about this rocky road trip! And if you
might like to try carving stone, sign up for one of the stonecarving
workshops.
It's Goddess Time Already! Get Your
Entries Ready!
The Sixth Annual Goddess
Show is soon to appear! It's earlier this year because Marcia's
going away when we usually convene. This annual exhibit of works
expressing the nature of the Divine Feminine has become a tradition.
It's not a competition. It's just about giving voice or shape
or material substance to feminine (or feminist?) spirituality.
All sincere expressions are welcome! Make it a family or women's
group outing or just come by yourself. This show always sparks
lively discussions and lovely feelings. Don't miss it!
As usual, there are TWO receptions that all contributors should
try to attend. Receptions are opportunities to meet other artists
and bask in soulful chat (as well as nibble on tasty treats)
in celebration of the sacred feminine.
STONECARVERS TAKE NOTE!
Marcia will offer a Beginning
Stonecarving Workshop on July 6-7 (Mon-Tues.) and again on July
13-14 (Mon-Tues.) We'll work from 10am until 4pm each day. Students
will work on their choice of soapstone, alabaster or limestone.The
cost of each workshop is $120. plus materials and/or tools if
you need them. Stone cost is $1/lb. A basic set of handtools
costs $60. If you're interested, you must register and pay by
June 30th. Sign up today by calling 616-857-4210!
Czeching Out--Really, Truly!
Marcia flies to Prague on
August 15th to participate in the International Invitational
Woodsculpting Symposium hosted by the art community of Zdar nad
Sazavou in the Bohemian region of the Czech Republic. For three
weeks sculptors of wood from around the globe will be cloistered
in a medieval convent to make art and trade secrets of the craft.
It's rumored we sleep in a castle!
While Marcia's gone, the gallery will rem ain open on week-ends
unless I locate an Ark-sitter who likes tending the gallery more
often than Mom can cover it. (Anybody out there interested in
living in Saugatuck for a month?)
Donations to deport Marcia are accepted by way of the Wild Cherry
Wishing Shrine in the gallery. Cash or Czechs gratefully accepted….
GALLERY HOURS
The gallery will be open
from noon until five p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and
Mondays through August 13th. After that, the gallery will only
be open Saturdays and Sundays or if you're lucky and somebody's
You can also phone ahead for an appointment at other times. See
you soon!
Nameartcreations.com
The alphabet art business
continues to advance. My partner, Joël Doty, has been filling
orders steadily while expanding the line to include magnets,
stickers and posters. Marcia is currently drawing a new alphabet
for the Saugatuck-Douglas District Library Children's Room.
Art Club Daybooks and Calendars
The Saugatuck-Douglas Art
Club has just published a lovely daybook featuring over 60 color
pictures of our membership's artwork (including some of mine!)
This book makes an excellent gift and the proceeds ALL go to
support a host of community art programs. It sells for $15. and
is well worth it! (Yes , I'm biased: I helped produce it..) I'll
have the books available for purchase here from now on.
Ever wondered what Marcia's drawing looks like? I have one published
in the 2002 Art Club calendar. My scribble is likely to make
you feel better about how well YOU draw, which is worth much
more than the $6. cost of the calendar!
Art 'Round Town (A.R.T.)
On June 2nd, 2001, Marcia
demonstrated woodcarving in downtown Douglas as part of the Art
'Round Town Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition. Twenty-one pieces of
outdoor sculpture grace our two towns for the next year (when
others will replace them). When you visit, pick up a brochure
and make it a pilgrimage to find them all. We art-lovers are
thrilled by the commencement of such a grand tradition. And there
have already been sales! The art biz people have been forecasting
a boom in sculptural interest (and particularly wood). I hope
this trend blossoms near and far! Brava! Bravo!
The Waterfall Project
Since last fall, Marcia's
been conferring with Grand Rapids art patrons, Dean Martin and
Roger Fleeger about a water feature for their evolving oriental-style
garden. The stone-slab waterfall is now up and running! Three
carved and contoured slabs of slate and soapstone channel water
from a heap of fieldstone into a delightful pond filled with
fish and aquatic plants. The textured rock surfaces are rather
ambiguous.. .Is it a diving figure? a plant? a horse? The music
of falling water completes a marvelously zen experience.
Recent Doings
Marcia has enjoyed enacting
a variety of out-reach activities since last summer by mounting
exhibits, giving talks and leading workshops around the state.
With her guidance, students at Detroit Country Day Middle School
and Douglas Elementary School explored sandstone sculpting.
The Woman's Club of Jackson, MI, Holland's Freedom Village residents,
Hope College students and Saugatuck-Douglas Friends of the Library
played audience to slide-talks.
Marcia's sculptures went travelling to the Carnegie Arts Center
in Three Rivers, Michigan and Freedom Village.
If you belong to a group that needs a speaker or creative workshop,
please give Marcia a call.
Update on Addresses
I have NEW e-mail and website
addresses and I'm working frenziedly to keep the web pages updated
so you can visit and see something new even when you can't visit
the Ark in person. Soon (I hope) you'll also be able to order
artwork and related goodies and charge it to your credit card
on my website.
The website has information about seasonal events, an archive
of beautiful images, a few of my opinions, poems and a few links
to other worthy artsites.
E-mail: mperry@wmol.com
Web: marciaperry-ark.com
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