Gallery 825. GEM!
Gallery 825.
825 N. La Cienega Blvd, in Los Angeles, Ca., 90069
April 24, 2010 7 pm

On Saturday, April 24, my image, Pine on gravel road, will be hanging on the walls of Gallery 825, on 825 N. La Cienega Blvd, in Los Angeles, Ca. (90069), for the GEM event.
Gem is a fundraiser for this 85 years old gallery, the oldest in Los Angeles, that has brought to the eyes of the public quite a few artists that have later become milestones in the American Art circuit.
This is my first year working with this extraordinary group of people, who understand the struggle of professional artists in an increasingly economically challenging arena.
Gallery 825, because of its long standing has developed strong relationships with Museums, other galleries and its long list of collectors.
After my exhibit at the gallery of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) I had been encouraged by Nancy Kaye (who in the past was a Board Member at the LACMA gallery and who now is Program Manager at Gallery 825), to submit my work in order to become a member.
This is my second partecipation in the gallery and I am looking forward to what the future will bring.
The evening will start at 7 pm on Saturday 24th. Space is limited. I recommend to contact the gallery at 310 652 8272 for admission tickets. ($25.00).

Elias Gallery Grand Opening Show
6736 Greenleaf Ave. , Whittier, CA 90601
May 8th 2010 6.30 pm to 9 pm

I have known Rick Elias, a photographer who has been running his photo business for many years, since the year 2000.

Despite the current general economical status, he decided to dedicate a major portion of his studio as a gallery apt to show the work of Fine Art photographers.

Given my years of interacting with photographers and knowing that more rarified area that is Fine Art Photography work, it was then that he asked me if I was willing to curate and be part of the shows,

Photography is obviously something I love, but curating a show provided me a different angle FROMwhere I could have a more complete understanding of the depth of this passion of mine that at times I also call “the curse” .

Elias gallery is a beautiful new space, with shining concrete floor and walls of a wonderful shade of gray where the hanging photographs seems to float over them.
This first show is almost exclusively devoted to black and white silver gelatin prints.

The photographers contributing to this show are Matt Blais, whose beautifully printed images of the Human form and landscape, are rich in subtle lower end tones where he knows, mystery resides.
Tonalities are Blais’ way to lure you in, Strong compositions will entrap you.

Looking at Tori Nelson’s landscapes one understands that each of her photographs are born for one specific size and the grace and subtlety of her small prints are as powerful as the boasting impact of her bigger pieces.

Vinny Walsh is an artist who has a developed a keen eye to the landscape and especially in his latest work, he gives a unique voice to the images he creates.

Paul Viapiano, is a talented professional string musicians whom I have known for quite a few years and who has discovered love and keenship to platinum printing. Looking at Paul’s still life and one masterful swiss landscape one can’t help feel delicacy and a certain frailty, not just given by the nature of platinum printing by also by his photographic eye.
Paul vindicates the over abused word “Romanticism”.

Patty Lemke is a playful, somber, dark photographer.
Her photographs are beautiful nightmares of flying cows, wise dogs turning the back to the viewer, buildings shaped by domineering dark shadows and frail human silouettes.
Lemke’s work comes from the inside, each image is a two way window where the viewer can choose to see the the author’s or one’s own vulnerability.

Rick Elias has worked as a portrait photographer for many years and his talent in portraying the sensitive side of humanity in people has secured him many faithful clients. Although Elias’ work hanging in this show has a slightly different purpose, due to choice of subject matter ( flowers, buildings etc.) he still manages to be true to his vision by conveying beauty in his own uncompromised terms.

I am enthusiastic on showing together with these talents.

As I am a resident photographer in the gallery, You will have a comprehensive glance of all my work espanding from Still Life to Italian Landscapes and cityscapes to my latest work on people.

The evening will be garnished with fantastic food by ZI Teresa, Dattilo and Baciare, the top three Italian restaurants in Whittier. Music and entertainment will be part of the show as well.
We are all looking forward to the evening of May 8th and I hope you will give Elias Gallery a chance by coming and join us for this sumptous opening.