2010 Juried Artist Series: Artists from the EDGE January 8th thru January 29th, 2010 Opening Reception: Friday, January 8th, 6pm - 10pm Gallery Hours: Monday thru Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturday 12 to 5pm Allied Arts Welcomes: Artists from the EDGE The Allied Arts – 2010 Juried Artist series kicks off with  “Artists from the EDGE” featuring Kristen Gilje, Joy S. Olney, Jane Penman, Tom Pickett, Steve Satushek, and Katherine Schneider. The public is invited to the opening night celebration at the Allied Arts Gallery and the Downtown Art Walk: Friday January 8th from 6pm to 10pm. There will be an Exhibit Walk-Thru with the artist from 6pm to 7pm on opening night. This diverse group of local artists all participated in the EDGE professional practices program in the fall of 2008. Lead by Shirley Erickson, EDGE program was an intensive educational program in career development through the Artist Trust and Whatcom Community College. Despite their diverse backgrounds, styles and mediums, “We have remained a tight group of colleagues, and continue to meet monthly offering critiques of our works and encouragement to each other,” says Joy Olney. The six of the participating artist include:

Joy Olney Kayaker near Shore, Oil on Canvas

• Kristen Gilje’s present work includes designing and making artwork for churches including stained glass windows, large silk and paraments for worship use.
• Using a contemporary impressionistic style, Joy S. Olney captures the essence of her subjects with an emphasis on light and composition.
• Influenced by her Northwest roots, Jane Penman finds creating her jewelry an adventure in which the hand-cut stones and silver settings work together.
• Tom Pickett takes great satisfaction from “Plein Aire” landscape painting throughout the Pacific Northwest.
• Steve Satushek infuse pigments into clear liquid resins to explore the sensuous and healing qualities of color.
• Katherine Schneider puts all of her expressiveness in her art work. Interesting art is a dialogue between viewer and artist in which color is no more important than composition.

The EDGE Program is a comprehensive survey of professional practices offered through a hands-on, interactive curriculum that includes instruction by professionals in the field as well as specialized presentations, panel discussions and assignments. The EDGE Program provides artists with the relevant and necessary entrepreneurial skills to achieve their personal career goals and the opportunity to develop peer support and exchange. For more information on the program as well as past and current program participants, visit the Artist Trust web site at http://www.artisttrust.org/.

For more information contact: Katy Borden, Artist Services Coordinator at 676-8548 x5 or katy@alliedarts.org.