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.

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!

•    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.

“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!

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.

Also happening on Friday night on First Street:

Anno Domini // the second coming of Art & Design – 366 South First Street

FRESH PRODUCE 8th Annual Invitational Group Exhibit and Art Sale!
Fresh Produce is the highly anticipated invitational group show and sale featuring hundreds of original works of art priced $250 and under. Establishing themselves in the urban contemporary genre through their fearless vision, notable talent and perseverance, we are proud to present 40 artists for this year’s 8th annual event.
Christmas cheer spun up by DJ Nate Nothing.

MACLA – 510 South First Street

On view: Urban Veritas features new work by artists from MACLA’s Youth Photography & Video Workshops who explore self expression, identity and sub-culture in the forms of photography, videos and digital work. New voices meet time honored traditions as local youth poets collaborate with Jaliya’s West African Drummers ‘Guardians of the Word’ to fuse the rhythm of words with the poetics of the beat. Join us for an evening of bilingual poetry, including local favorite “Mextape,” and music as we bridge a proud tradition with a brave new voice.

San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art -560 South First Street

In the Main Gallery: Manuel Neri: The Figure in Relief. Internationally acclaimed sculptor’s 25-year retrospective of figurative relief sculptures in exclusive Bay Area presentation. As one of the premier figurative sculptors living today, this solo exhibition highlights relief sculptures and related drawings by this living master. In the Focus Gallery: Chris Dorosz: The Painted Room. Playing with the physicality of paint and the pixilation of digital imagery, this life-size installation of a living room made of splotches of paint suspended on hanging monofilament is a visual treat.

San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles -520 South First Street

On view in the main galleries: Solo exhibitions by four masters of contemporary fiber art: weavers Polly Barton and Mary Zicafoose and quilt artists Eleanor McCain and Mary Anne Jordan. Also on view: Shifting Focus: Ikat Textiles from the Collection which showcases examples of ikat-dyed textiles from the Museum’s collection, including a Japanese kimono, Turkistan robes, and many others from around the world. Also, more High Fiber Under Five art is for sale at 20% off just in time for the holidays. Come to hear the holiday melodies of the barbershop quartet Motley Queue

SLG Art Boutiki & Gallery -577 South Market Street

This will be a Grand Opening event and will feature a display of art by several cartoonists pubiished by SLG publishing, including Evan Waldinger, S. Eddy Bell, James Turner and more. S. Eddy Bell, the author of the new graphic novel Lulu & Mitzy, Best Laid Plans, will be on hand to sign copies of his book.

Space47 – 47 E. William Street (between 1st & 2nd streets)

Binta Ayofem: 68/08, phase II, Ayofemi is a visual artist working in large scale color photography, digital video projection, and sculptural installation. Winner of a National Advancement for the Arts Award and a Harvard Traveling Fellowship, she has exhibited in Boston and San Francisco. Her short film works have been recently exhibited in Prague. She received a MFA in Art Practice from Stanford University’s Dept of Art and Art History, and has a BA in Comparative Literature and Art History from Smith College.

Caffé Trieste – 315 South First Street

Artist’s Reception in the mezzanine gallery featuring work by Tamsinn Cowart. Tamsinn’s work is autobiographical, using collage as the perfect medium to layer thoughts and images upon which to build her story. Also featuring: Artists Alexandra Cowell, Soprano, Heather Curry, Mezzo-Soprano and Simona Snitkovskya, accompanist from Opera San José singing your favorite arias beginning at 8:30pm.

South First Billiards Club & Lounge – 420 South First Street

UPROAR: No Longer Defined By Our Stripes. 2nd Annual Heart of Chaos Art Exhibit and Sale. Live Music. Live Painting. (This is a 21+ venue)

Phantom Galleries – various vacant storefronts in the SoFA District

Sidewalk Reception from 8pm – 10pm at 386, 388 South First Street – Mixed media exhibition by Evergreen Valley College Advanced Painting students: John Barrick, Felisha Caruso, Emma Rose Laughlin, John Salomon and Monica Valdez, who have been working on developing unified bodies of work that expresses their personal visions.

Also on view:

455 South First Street-
Switch[ed] by Anhony West Patane is a project about the duality between the printed material as we normally see it and as viewed when backlit.

460 Market Street -
Yumiko Kayukawa, photographic exhibit, Rhys Sanchez, stencil exhibit

Over on South Fourth Street (at San Fernando):

KALEID gallery – 88 South Fourth Street (street level of Fourth Street Garage)
7-9pm Featured Artists’ Reception: More than 30 glass artists from the San Jose Glass Artist Alliance (SJGAA) will exhibit their one-of-a-kind glass ornaments in a mammoth art installation at the 1st Annual Glass Ornament Show held at Kaleid Gallery. Hundreds of delicate, hand blown glass ornaments arrayed in every color, shape, and size will be available for purchase by the public. Ornaments are priced between $10-$75. This opening night reception will feature holiday tunes sung by selected quartets and small groups from the internationally acclaimed Mission Valley Chorus and Bay Area Showcase.

For full listing of events and information, please visit www.SouthFirstFridays.com or call 408-271-5155

Media Sponsor: Metro Newspapers

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.

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

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:

Anno Domini // the second coming of Art & Design – 366 South First Street

Artist’s Reception: A Season in Hell debut solo exhibition by Maxwell Holyoke Hirsch. Embracing muses from the streets of experience to the mazes of subconsciousness, from the ruins of history to the traces of the future, the work of San Francisco artist Maxwell Loren Holyoke Hirsch is a bold articulation of human potential. Ambiguous toward boundaries and keen on variety, these works stand in the wake of an artisan’s constant and simultaneous tearing down, building up, and re-invention. Music by Basura.

MACLA – 510 South First Street

Opening Reception: Urban Veritas features new work by youth artists who explore self expression, identity and sub-culture in the forms of photography, videos and digital work. Featuring work by participants from MACLA’s Youth Photography & Video Workshops: Marcello Estrada, Ruby Gairaud, Efrain Huerta, Elizabeth Huerta, Arianna Osuna, Yasbeth Osuna, Melina Ramirez, Aranttza Sauza, Chris Cisneros, Ernesto Cortez,Andrew Garcia,Javier Hernandez, Justin Jaramillo, Maggie Martinez, Citlaly Negrete, Ruben Negrete, Vanessa Saenz, Brandon Soto, Oscar Trinh.

San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art -560 South First Street

In the Main Gallery: Manuel Neri: The Figure in Relief. Internationally acclaimed sculptor’s 25-year retrospective of figurative relief sculptures in exclusive Bay Area presentation. As one of the premier figurative sculptors living today, this solo exhibition highlights relief sculptures and related drawings by this living master. In the Focus Gallery: Chris Dorosz: The Painted Room. Playing with the physicality of paint and the pixilation of digital imagery,  this life-size installation of a living room made of splotches of paint suspended on hanging monofilament is a visual treat.

San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles -520 South First Street

Are you getting enough fiber?  Get all the fiber you need at the first High Fiber Under Five benefit art sale. The entire Museum will be filled with the work of over 90 invited artists from around the world, including some of the biggest names in the fiber arts. This unique art sale is an opportunity to admire and acquire world class fiber art, including wearable art, handmade one-of-a-kind jewelry, wall pieces and sculpture, all priced at $500 or less.

Space47 – 47 E. William Street (between 1st & 2nd streets)

Binta Ayofem: New Works Ayofemi is a visual artist working in large scale color photography, digital video projection, and sculptural installation. Winner of a National Advancement for the Arts Award and a Harvard Traveling Fellowship, she has exhibited in Boston and San Francisco. Her short film works have been recently exhibited in Prague. She received a MFA  in Art Practice at Stanford University’s Dept of Art and Art History, and has a BA in Comparative Literature and Art History from Smith College.

Caffé Trieste – 315 South First Street

Artist’s Reception: Playful, energetic and rhythmic acrylic monotypes by printmaker Donna Ormé.
Also featuring: Artists from Opera San José will be singing your favorite arias beginning at 8:30pm.

South First Billiards Club & Lounge – 420 South First Street

UPROAR: No Longer Defined By Our Stripes. 2nd Annual Heart of Chaos Art Exhibit and Sale. Live painting by: Miguel Machuca, Michael Foley, Alfredo Preciado, Ivan Gonzalez, Mike Borja, Christine Benjamin, Lacey Bryant, AG Barrick, Athena Lorente, Jaclyn Alderete, Force 129, OP78, Rod Santos, Evan, Carlos Rodriguez, Ruben Espinoza, WADL. Music by: RELAPSE, The Blank Manuscript, Pacoe the Illiterate, Fasten, Tree House City, J-square & the Brain, Bay Area Sound Collective w/ DJ Knowledge & DJ EZ. Dance Performances by: Hybrid Crew, Sol Studio Belly Dance. Fashion installation by: Closet Innovators. Hosted by: 3rd Eye.
(This is a 21+ venue)

Phantom Galleries – various vacant storefronts in the SoFA District

455 South First Street-
Jai Tanju, Bigger Moments-excerpts from the with a camera from marc book.

460 Market Street -
Yumiko Kayukawa, photographic exhibit, Rhys Sanchez, stencil exhibit

386 South First Street-
GLevy, mixed media exhibit

388 South First Street-
Aaron Shinault, urban inspired paintings

South First Street between San Fernando & Post St -
six murals on an existing construction wall by Pellet, Lacey Bryant, Lara Sophia, Christine Benjamin, Andy Gouveia and Michael Foley, Each artist has created thoughtful expressions of their experiences and, in some cases, concerns of a rapidly growing urban center.

Over on South Fourth Street (at San Fernando):

KALEID gallery – 88 South Fourth Street (street level of Fourth Street Garage)
7-9pm Featured Artists’ Reception: Series: Backs©08 dedicated to all of those who live by an outstanding work ethic and still get no respect. by painter, sculptor Victoria Vaz. Also featuring:  Vanishing Treasures of the World  by painter Robin Wagar. Paintings of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Petra in Jordan, the Golden Domes a Ruaaian Kremlin, the Alhambra in Granada Spain, and shrines in Iraq and Jerusalem are among the sites that Robin has painted in her long and dedicated career.  By painting these sites, Robin hopes to bring attention to them. And, by donating part of the proceeds from sales of her original paintings or her giclees to benefit the preservation of World Heritage sites, she hopes to help this effort.
Music: Classical guitar by Edgar.

For full listing of events and information, please visit www.SouthFirstFridays.com or call 408-271-5155

Media Sponsor: Metro Newspapers

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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