For Immediate Release, January 31, 2009
Media Contact: Cynthia Thomet, pr@workssanjose.org

Works/San José Opens 2009 with a Look
“Through Scandinavian Eyes,”
Featuring the Works of Midjo & Pasto
Opens: First Friday, Feb. 6, 2009 at 7 pm
Continues during usual gallery hours through Sat. Mar. 7, 2009

January 31, 2009 – In its first exhibition for 2009, Works/San José will showcase the talents of Christian Midjo and Tarmo Pasto in “Through Scandinavian Eyes: A Look at the Midjo-Pasto Collection,” launching Friday, Feb. 6, at 7 pm at 451 S. First Street, San Jose, Calif.

The collection belongs to San Jose radiologist Dr. Matthew Pasto, oldest son of Tarmo Pasto, who acquired his father’s paintings, as well as Midjo’s. Since then, Dr. Pasto and his wife, Karyn Shaffner-Pasto, have worked to find ways to share the talents of these artists while supporting philanthropic efforts.

Norwegian-born Christian Midjo graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen in Denmark, and by 1909 had made his way to Ithaca, New York, where he was to become professor at Cornell University.

Tarmo Pasto was born in Pennsylvania to Finnish parents in 1906, but it was at Cornell University—during his pursuit of pursuit of his Ph.D. in the 1940s—that he first met Midjo. The relationship quickly grew from instructor-apprentice to a deep friendship and their works reflect an ongoing dialogue even across the country.

By the mid-40s, Pasto had moved to California, and by 1948, he had become a professor of art and psychology at Sacramento State College (known today as California State University at Sacramento). Midjo had by that time retired from Cornell and moved to California where Pasto had built a studio for him.

By 1961, Midjo made his way back to Norway where he eventually died in 1973 at the age of 93. Pasto remained a resident of Sacramento through 1986 during which time he enjoyed wide recognition for his growing knowledge in psychology. Author of “The Space-Frame Experience in Art,” (1964), Pasto died in 1986.

“Works/San José is pleased to share with the community the visual dialogue that took place between these two artists,” says Will Smith, volunteer-Treasurer on Works’ board.

The exhibition will continue through Saturday, Mar. 7. Gallery admission is free and open hours are: Thursdays 3 – 7 pm, Fridays and Saturdays noon – 4 pm.

# # #

Works/San José is the San José community’s art and performance center—a non-profit creative laboratory dedicated to providing an environment where artists, audience, and ideas interact to expand the scope of cultural and artistic experience. Gallery hours are: Thursdays 3 – 7 pm, Fridays and Saturdays noon – 4 pm. For more information or to find out how to volunteer, please visit: www.workssanjose.org.

For Immediate Release, January 31, 2009
Media Contact: Cynthia Thomet, pr@workssanjose.org

Works/San José Opens 2009 with a Look
“Through Scandinavian Eyes,”
Featuring the Works of Midjo & Pasto
Opens: First Friday, Feb. 6, 2009 at 7 pm
Continues during usual gallery hours through Sat. Mar. 7, 2009

January 31, 2009 – In its first exhibition for 2009, Works/San José will showcase the talents of Christian Midjo and Tarmo Pasto in “Through Scandinavian Eyes: A Look at the Midjo-Pasto Collection,” launching Friday, Feb. 6, at 7 pm at 451 S. First Street, San Jose, Calif.

The collection belongs to San Jose radiologist Dr. Matthew Pasto, oldest son of Tarmo Pasto, who acquired his father’s paintings, as well as Midjo’s. Since then, Dr. Pasto and his wife, Karyn Shaffner-Pasto, have worked to find ways to share the talents of these artists while supporting philanthropic efforts.

Norwegian-born Christian Midjo graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen in Denmark, and by 1909 had made his way to Ithaca, New York, where he was to become professor at Cornell University.

Tarmo Pasto was born in Pennsylvania to Finnish parents in 1906, but it was at Cornell University—during his pursuit of pursuit of his Ph.D. in the 1940s—that he first met Midjo. The relationship quickly grew from instructor-apprentice to a deep friendship and their works reflect an ongoing dialogue even across the country.

By the mid-40s, Pasto had moved to California, and by 1948, he had become a professor of art and psychology at Sacramento State College (known today as California State University at Sacramento). Midjo had by that time retired from Cornell and moved to California where Pasto had built a studio for him.

By 1961, Midjo made his way back to Norway where he eventually died in 1973 at the age of 93. Pasto remained a resident of Sacramento through 1986 during which time he enjoyed wide recognition for his growing knowledge in psychology. Author of “The Space-Frame Experience in Art,” (1964), Pasto died in 1986.

“Works/San José is pleased to share with the community the visual dialogue that took place between these two artists,” says Will Slade, volunteer-Treasurer on Works’ board.

The exhibition will continue through Saturday, Mar. 7. Gallery admission is free and open hours are: Thursdays 3 – 7 pm, Fridays and Saturdays noon – 4 pm.

# # #

Works/San José is the San José community’s art and performance center—a non-profit creative laboratory dedicated to providing an environment where artists, audience, and ideas interact to expand the scope of cultural and artistic experience. Gallery hours are: Thursdays 3 – 7 pm, Fridays and Saturdays noon – 4 pm. For more information or to find out how to volunteer, please visit: www.workssanjose.org.

Related items

• YFAC is Back for 2009!
• YFAC is Back with “Adventures in Texture”!
• Works/San Jose Auction Returns!
• San Jose Students & Teachers Explore Hopes & Fears at Works
• Bay Area Bands Rock Out at Works/San Jose this Saturday!

Youth & Family Art Connection Returns to Works Monthly: 2nd Saturdays!

•    January’s Featured Workshop: “Adventures in Texture”

WHEN: Saturday, January 10, 2009, 12 noon - 2 pm

WHERE: 451 S. First Street, San Jose, CA

On Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009, youth will be able to explore texture through a hands-on art activity from 12 noon to 2 pm. Works/San José is bringing back YFAC—youth and family art connection—in 2009, to give youth and their families another reason to enjoy the arts on the second Saturday of each month. Workshop admission will be free, but donations to the program are gratefully accepted.

“Once you begin hunting for textures, you will never look at anything around you in quite the same way,” says local art teacher and newest Works Board member, Brande Barrett. “This fun family activity is free, where you can make and take your own fine art home with you.”

Thanks to Barrett, Works/San José is able to re-introduce one of the weekend programs preferred among San Jose’s younger artists and art appreciators.

Works/San José is the San José community’s art and performance center—a non-profit creative laboratory dedicated to providing an environment where artists, audience, and ideas interact to expand the scope of cultural and artistic experience. Gallery hours are: Thursdays 3 – 7 pm, Fridays and Saturdays noon – 4 pm. For more information or to find out how to volunteer, please visit: www.workssanjose.org.

# # #

Media Contact: Cynthia Thomet, pr@workssanjose.org, (808) 344-0958 cell

About YFAC (youth and family art connection):
yfac fosters appreciation for and understanding of art by giving local children (ages 7 to 14) and their families new and different ways to express themselves through art in a “no-mistakes” environment that supports the application of creative problem-solving and risk-taking beyond the visual arts. Free creative opportunities are provided at Works/ San Jose on the second Saturday of the month.

Explore texture through a hands-on art activity at Works/San Jose (451 S. First Street, San Jose). Led by local teacher, Brande Barrett, youth from ages 7-14 are encouraged to participate in this *free* fun-filled workshop.

“Once you begin hunting for textures, you will never look at anything around you in quite the same way,” says Barrett. “This fun, family activity is free where you can make and take your own fine art.”

WHAT: YFAC: “Adventures in Texture!”

WHEN: Saturday, December 13, 12 - 2 pm

WHERE: Works/ San Jose, 451 S. First Street, San Jose, CA

youth and family art connection (yfac) fosters appreciation for — and understanding of — art by giving local children (ages 7 to 14) and their families new and different ways to express themselves in a “no-mistakes” environment that supports the application of creative problem-solving and risk-taking beyond the visual arts. Free creative opportunities are provided at Works/ San Jose on the second Saturday of ever month.

Stay tuned for future YFAC activities!

Join Us for South First Friday —

December 5th

7pm till late, all venues and events FREE.

Then take part in our art auction the next night, Saturday December 6th!

Works San Jose – 451 South First Street

This friday night, preview our exciting auction!

Preview the 2008 Benefit Auction featuring 100 established to emerging regional artists, including Binh Danh, Kathryn Dunlevie, Bill Gould, Karen Haas, Brenda Jamrus, Diane Levinson, Tony May, Stephanie Metz, Angelica Muro, Fanny Retsek, Glen Rogers, and 90 more!

Auction date is Sat., Dec. 6, with a final preview at 5 pm and bidding at 7 pm. Or stake your claim early, find your favorites online and get your bid on!

Fanny Retsek, continues to work on her on-going “printstallation” entitled Casualty. View her progress anytime on the Market Street-side window of the Works’ gallery location.

Continue reading ‘December First Friday and AUCTION’ »

Works/San Jose - Auction 2008

Works/San Jose’s Benefit Auction Returns!

With more than 100 pieces of art donated by scores of the area’s artists, Works/San Jose’s exhibition of auction pieces will launch on Thursday, Nov. 20. and culminate with its long-awaited benefit auction on Saturday, Dec. 6.

GALLERY HOURS

• Auction Sneak Peeks Exhibition: Nov. 20 – Dec. 4: Thursdays, 3 – 7 pm, Fridays & Saturdays, noon – 4 pm
• First Friday Auction Preview: Dec. 5 will be 7 pm till …
• Benefit Auction: Saturday, Dec. 6, Last Preview at 5 pm, Bidding at 7 pm till …

Don’t Forget! Works’ current Artist in Residence, Fanny Retsek, continues to work on her on-going “printstallation” entitled “Casualty”. View her progress anytime on the Market Street-side window of the Works’ gallery location.

Auction Supports Community Arts Scene, Raises Critical Funding for Volunteer Arts Organization!

Works/San Jose Auction 2008

• Auction Sneak Peeks Exhibition: Nov. 20 - Dec. 6
• First Friday Auction Preview: Dec. 5 at 7 pm
• Auction Date: Saturday, Dec. 6, Last preview at 5 pm, Bidding at 7 pm

Works/San José ’s long-awaited auction will take place at on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 451 South First St., San Jose, Calif. Bidding will begin promptly at 7 pm with the final preview at 5 pm.

With more than 100 pieces of art donated by scores of the area’s artists, exhibition of auction pieces will begin on Thursday, Nov. 20. As usual, admission is free, but bidder registration is $10 for Works members and $15 for others. (Proxy bidding will be available.)

“We’re encouraged by such a strong showing,” says Steve Cooley, President of Works’ volunteer board who spent countless hours developing an online database to store and feature auction items at www.workssanjose.org.

Works’ volunteer board members are looking forward to the event, which has historically represented a large part of the organization’s donor revenues. The organization hopes that some of the area’s coveted names will draw higher bids. By the same token, Works is also looking for adventurous art buyers who may end up with a solid investment from the area’s new or up-and-coming artists.

“Works/San José’s art auction has always been the South Bay’s most accessible. With regional artists everyone knows of to several you will be hearing about in the future–it’s definitely the most eclectic, and where the greatest deals are found. Some of the bidding will start in the two digits!” says long-time Works designer and current board member, Joe Miller.

Works/San José, which has in years past been the debut gallery for many Bay Area artists, is counting on members of the community to consider this fact when they appear at the auction.

“This holiday season, I hope people will remember that they’re not just buying art from a local artist, they are buying into a philanthropic share of the San Jose arts community. Over its 30 year history, Works/San José has not only helped define the arts in this community, but it has also helped artists challenge that definition and remain at the creative cutting edge,” continues Cooley.

Works/San José is the San José community’s art and performance center-a non-profit creative laboratory dedicated to providing an environment where artists, audience, and ideas interact to expand the scope of cultural and artistic experience.

Gallery hours are: Thursdays 3 - 7 pm, Fridays noon - 4 pm, and Saturdays noon - 4 pm. For more information or to find out how to volunteer, please visit: www.workssanjose.org.

# # #

Media Contact: Cynthia Thomet, pr@workssanjose.org, (808) 344-0958 cell

Join Us for South First Friday —

November 7th!

7pm till late, all venues and events FREE!

Works San Jose – 451 South First Street

This friday night, Works/San Jose has a great lineup of FREE entertainment and activities going on.

Throughout the night, there will be live music from these performers:

• Nate Kavanaugh (Cast Iron Songs)
• Mike Hugenor (Shinobu/Hard Girls)
• Sim Castro (The Albert Square)

Works/San Jose will continue its showcase the talents of local Intermediate and High School students in Hope & Fear. Come and see the artists of tomorrow as they learn to explore hope and fear through artistic expression. Also, Works’ current Artist in Residence.

Fanny Retsek, continues to work on her on-going “printstallation” entitled Casualty. View her progress anytime on the Market Street-side window of the Works’ gallery location.

Save the date: Benefit Art Auction, Saturday, December 6!

We will also be accepting artwork for our 2008 art auction. Click to see who’s participating so far! There’s still time to participate. If you are planning on bringing in a piece of art to donate during South First Friday, please download, print, and fill out the participation form from our website before you come in.

The following night at Works/San Jose (Saturday November 8th 6:00 pm+, all ages, $5 donation requested) is “SIDESCROLLER ]I[: Shmup Love“, a night of retro and not-retro video games.

Also happening on First Street:

Continue reading ‘South First Friday, November 6th 2008’ »

CLICK HERE TO READ UP ON THE DETAILS OF THIS EVENT

Here they are! Please download, print, and fill out one of these documents. They are the same document, but in two flavors of formats.

auction form 2008 in .doc format

auction form 2008 in .pdf format

CLICK HERE TO READ UP ON THE DETAILS OF THIS EVENT

it’s hard to believe, but it was a year ago that we did the last SIDESCROLLER event, so we’re WAY overdue. Come join us Saturnday, November 8th, from 6:00pm to midnight-ish for a night of retro and not-retro games in the genre of the futuristic side scrolling shooter. $5 donation is requested so we can help pay the rent and electricity bill at Works/San Jose. OMGWTF?! Sidescroller is t3h awesome!1!

update:

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