Sunday, June 27, 2010

Artworks by May and Schaeffer

Maureen May, monoprints on 90 lb. "Arches", 100% rag paper, mounted on cradle-board.

Monoprints are listed individually below, as viewed left to right on wall

*View may be enlarged by double clicking on images.


"Rouge/Azur" (1/1) 10.75"h. x 8.75"w. x 2"d. $350


(left to right)
"Vert/Sanguine" (1/1) 10.75"h. x 8.75"w. x 2"d. $350
"Bleu/Peche" (1/1) 10.75"h. x 8.75"w. x 2"d. $350
"Rouille/Violet" (1/1) 10.75"h. x 8.75"w. x 2"d. $350


"CĂ©rasine/Turquiose" (1/1) 10.75"h. x 8.75"w. x 2"d. $350


"String Theory" monoprints are listed individually below, as viewed left to right on wall


(left to right)
"String Theory - Red" (1/1) 5"h. x 5"w. x 2"d. $175
"String Theory - Green" (1/1) 5"h. x 5"w. x 2"d. $175
"String Theory - Rust" (1/1) 5"h. x 5"w. x 2"d. $175
"String Theory - Blue" (1/1) 5"h. x 5"w. x 2"d. $175


Steven Schaeffer, ceramics


(left to right)
"Locks"
Black clay, wood-fired, slipcast porcelain
10"h. x 25"w. x 12" d.
$600
"C-Pod"
Black clay, wood-fired, slipcast porcelain
7"h. x 21.5"w. x 21.5" d.
$700


(front to back view)
"C-Pod and Locks"


(front of image, left to right)
"C-Pod" and "Locks"
(back of image, displayed center of wall)
"Conquest - Triptych" (detailed below)


"Conquest - Triptych"
Slipcast porcelain, low fire glazes
Each piece measures:
36"h. x 13.5"w. x 13.5"d. (widest measurement at base)
$800 (for set of 3)


"Conquest"
Black clay, wood-fired, slipcast porcelain
34.5"h. x 11.75"w. x 11.75"d. (widest measurement at base)
$450

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

The Contemporary Photograph

A National Juried Exhibition

Deadline for Submission: March 20, 2009 (postmark)
Exhibition Dates: May 2 – June 6, 2009

PROSPECTUS
Download Full Prospectus Here

ELIGIBILITY
Any person over the age of 18 may submit images for consideration. Art must be original and created by the person who submits the work. All submissions must have been completed in the last three years. Weight limit for wall-mounted works may not exceed
25 lbs.

JUROR
Professional Artist and Arts Educator, D. Michael Coffee, has over 30 years of combined experience in architecture, ceramics, painting, photography and fine art printmaking. As Co-Founder and Creative Director of SHY RABBIT Contemporary Arts in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, Coffee has been responsible for organizing, curating and installing over 20 fine art exhibitions over the course of the last five years. For more information on D. Michael Coffee:
Visit his website here

Coffee is credited with transforming SHY RABBIT into the region’s most important and innovative contemporary arts space through the high level and broad range of the contemporary work and educational programs presented. For more information on SHY RABBIT:
Visit SHY RABBIT's Website

Coffee’s high-fired ceramics and monoprints are included in nearly 250 prestigious public and private collections throughout the world, including the Vance Kirkland Museum, Denver, Colorado; the American Museum of Ceramic Art (AMOCA), Pomona, California; the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS), Santa Monica; California; and the Dee Roy & Mary M. Jones Collection, Pomona, CA; among others.

JUROR’S JUDGING & SELECTION CRITERIA
The broad theme suggested by The Contemporary Photograph is intended to maximize the range of contemporary expression that may be submitted. This is an open call to all photographers and artists using light’s radiant energy in order to create images on various capture media, resulting in 2-D, 3-D and/or mixed media work.

Given the broad theme, I will select those submissions that: demonstrate a non-conventional approach to the photographic process or that utilize conventional techniques to create truly unique and original work; show a desire to create to the threshold; are the most compelling, interesting, and/or well executed; are appropriately and/or professionally presented; are original in style, and are contemporary/timely in feel or tone. I will also be looking for enough work in 2 and 3 dimensional mediums to allow for an interesting, varied and balanced installation, in keeping with the high level and broad range of contemporary work that SHY RABBIT has presented in the past.

Finally, I will be selecting three artists from this exhibition who will be invited to show an expanded body of their work in a special exhibition at SHY RABBIT Contemporary Arts in mid to late 2010.

It is my hope that this exhibition will open the door to new concepts of how a photograph is created and expand commonly held perceptions of what photography can be.

-D. Michael Coffee
Coffee's Website
SHY RABBIT's Website

Monday, January 12, 2009

Notes from SHY RABBIT; January, 2009

SHY RABBIT Contemporary Arts is pleased to publish the second edition of “Notes from SHY RABBIT”; a comprehensive listing of art exhibitions, workshops and programs.

Notes from SHY RABBIT is updated quarterly and will include:

•At a Glance
•Exhibition Schedule (In Review and Upcoming)
•WORK-Shops
•ArtistsNet
•ARTAdvantage Program

At a Glance: SHY RABBIT Contemporary Arts

Known as Southern Colorado’s premier contemporary art destination, SHY RABBIT is now celebrating its fifth year of operation in Pagosa Springs. The 4,000 square foot arts facility is located ‘off the beaten path’ in a wooded commercial district on the west end of town. SHY RABBIT houses a fine art gallery and ceramic studio, two mixed-media workshops, exhibition space, and a print studio gallery.

SHY RABBIT is currently offering educational workshops in ceramics, printmaking, and artist professional development year round, and is gaining national recognition for the high caliber of its gallery offerings and rotating exhibitions.

SHY RABBIT is widely acknowledged for its continuing contribution to the advancement of contemporary art and art education in the Four Corners region. Operating as a social mission-based enterprise, SHY RABBIT is interested in strengthening our creative economy and improving the quality of life in our community.

SHY RABBIT Exhibition Schedule: In Review
(September, 2008 – January, 2009)

”DIALOGUES” (October 4 – November 15, 2008) was a highly successful group exhibition that served to introduce the work of four talented emerging and nationally recognized artists new to SHY RABBIT walls. This eclectic exhibition featured works that suggested an exchange of ideas and opinions by: Carrianne Hendrickson, New York, ceramics; Marcie Paper, New York, paintings; Jeff Pender, North Carolina, ceramics; and Christopher St. John, New Mexico, paintings/drawings. The exhibition also included a collaborative “DIALOGUES” Project by Debra Blair, New Mexico, paintings; and Marti Bledsoe, Colorado, monoprints, in the SHY RABBIT print studio gallery. ”DIALOGUES” will be repeated annually, featuring artist submissions received by SHY RABBIT and reviewed for consideration for exhibition and/or gallery feature throughout the course of the year.

“For the Small of It” (November 22, 2008 – January 17, 2009) followed on the heels of ”DIALOGUES”, featuring nearly 100 high quality works that encouraged us to slow down and contemplate the small things by: 18 local, regional and national artists working in different medias. “For the Small of It” was very well attended, despite the inclement weather and heavy snows that persisted throughout the exhibition, drawing in large numbers of local and long-distance visitors. Sales were good, with 26 pieces of artwork selling, split between local and out of town collectors.

SHY RABBIT 2009 Exhibition Schedule: Upcoming
(March, 2009 - January, 2010)

•“Portraits” (March 14 – April 18, 2009)
-Opening Reception: Saturday, March 14, 5-8:00 p.m.
This invitational portraiture exhibition will feature works in varying media by:
D. Michael Coffee, Colorado, monoprints; Sarah Comerford, Colorado, paintings; Mike Frisk, Arizona, paintings; Karl Isberg, Colorado, paintings; Ivy King, Colorado, mixed media; Shaun Martin, Colorado, paintings; Maureen May, Colorado, mixed media.

•“The Photograph” (May 2 – June 6, 2009)
-Opening Reception: Saturday, May 2, 5-8:00 p.m.
Featuring thoughtfully conceived contemporary photography by emerging and nationally recognized artists.

•“Paper & Clay II” Invitational (June 20 – August 8, 2009)
-Opening Reception: Saturday, June 20, 5-8:00 p.m.
Featuring original hand-pressed monoprints and ceramics by emerging and nationally recognized artists at the invitation of Brad Schwieger (“Clay”), Professor of Art and Ceramics Area Chairman, Ohio University, Ohio, and D. Michael Coffee (“Paper”), professional artist and SHY RABBIT “Printmaking without a Press” instructor.

•“SHY RABBIT Print National” (August 15 – September 26, 2009)
-Opening Reception: Saturday, August 15, 5-8:00 p.m.
This juried exhibition will feature exemplary print selections by local, regional and nationally recognized printmakers.

•“DIALOGUES II” (October 10 – November 7, 2009)
-Opening Reception: Saturday, October 10, 5-8:00 p.m.
This group exhibition will introduce the work of select talented emerging and nationally recognized artists new to SHY RABBIT, based on artist submissions received and reviewed for consideration for exhibition and/or gallery feature throughout the course of the year. Selected works are intended to suggest an exchange of ideas or opinions and to provoke thought and introspection.

•“For the LARGE and the SMALL of It” (November 21, 2009 – January 9, 2010)
-Opening Reception: Saturday, November 21, 5-8:00 p.m.
Featuring works that will encourage us to slow down and contemplate the small things by: a select group of local, regional and national artists working in different medias.

WORK-Shops @ SHY RABBIT

Entering its second year, WORK-Shops @ SHY RABBIT has continuously grown in popularity and scale. Nearly 165 students have successfully completed the classes to date. A large percentage of these students have also chosen to continue through intermediate and advanced levels of course offerings and optional studio time.

Offerings have expanded to include beginning, intermediate and advanced levels of:

•Printmaking without a Press
This 2-day printmaking workshop utilizes a unique hand-pressed printing process called "Reductive Ink"™, developed over the course of nearly 20 years by professional artist, D. Michael Coffee.
• Basic Ceramic Techniques and Hand-building
This 2-day workshop focuses on hand forming, texturing, and assembling clay, all without the use of a potter's wheel or other equipment.
•Ceramics from the Potter’s Wheel
This 5-week course establishes good working fundamentals for students who have never used the potter’s wheel or for those who are continuing to build their basic skills.

In consideration of the exemplary work produced during Printmaking without a Press levels I-III, a handful of advanced level printmakers were invited to participate in “DIALOGUES” and “For the SMALL of It” by SHY RABBIT Instructor, D. Michael Coffee, resulting in the sale of several pieces and exposure to a greatly expanded market. Others have gone on to show their work in juried exhibitions and invitationals, and are continuing to advance the "Reductive Ink"™ printmaking process while developing their own creative voice.

SHY RABBIT has also had great success with its professional artist development series, Expose Yourself, which currently includes:

•Photograph Your Work
This high content, 2-day workshop is designed to expose artists to the methods necessary to capture, manipulate, save and send digital images of their work for use in the development of their professional careers.
•The Artist’s Card
This high content, 1-day workshop is designed to expose participants to the basics of graphic layout, design, formatting, and uploading of files for printing by online internet, 4-color printing services, in the creation of a promotional postcard.

WORK-Shops @ SHY RABBIT are held in one of two spacious 1,000 square-foot mixed media studios, and are led by professional artist and ceramist, D. Michael Coffee. For additional information on D. Michael Coffee, visit www.dmcarts.com

Comments from previous workshop participants:

"It takes a gifted teacher to make every student, no matter what level, feel excited about what they are producing. Michael has a great way of homing right in on the strengths of a piece. Imagine being guaranteed that you will come away from a class being jazzed about skills, vision, or whatever that you did not even know you had. His technique is compelling. Results are quick. It is very creative, all absorbing, play."

“I came home ecstatic both days of the workshop. Michael showed me ways to achieve an extra-special look that I have been striving for in my works on paper. The workshop went way beyond my expectations. Incredible techniques, especially if you have used traditional printmaking methods in the past. What I learned will add an extra dimension to my current artwork. Michael was an extremely knowledgeable, fun instructor. Highly recommended.”

SHY RABBIT ArtistsNet

Launched in June of 2008, SHY RABBIT ArtistsNet is an association of artists who value arts education and advocate for “artists helping artists” in developing viable, sustainable, professional futures. The true strength of this association is in the combined resources of the individual artists participating, allowing for the expansion and promotion of this cooperative support network.

The 14 associates who currently participate in SHY RABBIT ArtistsNet have been instrumental in the development and support of WORK-shops @ SHY RABBIT. Their participation in ArtistsNet has paved the way for their own advancement through the design and distribution of 10,000 postcard mailers introducing ArtistsNet associates and their work to a nationwide audience.

ArtistsNet associates work is also featured on the SHY RABBIT website at: www.shyrabbit.com/ArtistsNet.html, with links to their individual ArtistsNet pages and personal websites.

The combined resources of this cooperative support network, in conjunction with SHY RABBIT, has also allowed for membership in Pagosa Springs, Durango, Farmington, and Santa Fe area Chambers of Commerce, as well as monthly print advertising in a nationally recognized art publication.

To date, this collaborative marketing effort has proven quite successful, generating sales and the commission of artwork by ArtistsNet associates. Samples of their work can be viewed on widely distributed postcard mailers, and on the SHY RABBIT website at: www.shyrabbit.com/ArtistsNet.html.

SHY RABBIT ARTAdvantage Program

SHY RABBIT’s mission is to promote, teach, and nurture the creation of and appreciation for contemporary arts. One of SHY RABBIT’s most heart-felt goals is to enable those who would not have the opportunity or the resources otherwise to participate in high quality ceramic and printmaking workshops hosted by SHY RABBIT.

Another important goal is to help artists, who may not have the resources available to them, to purchase the supplies needed for the creation of their work. In addition, SHY RABBIT would like to afford artists the opportunity to attend one of their long distance opening receptions by paying a portion of their travel expenses. SHY RABBIT believes that interaction with the public is an important part of an artist’s professional development, and that it builds self-confidence and a better understanding of one’s viability in the marketplace. Personal introduction to the public is also of great benefit to potential collectors interested in knowing more about an artist’s work process and philosophies.

In pursuit of these goals, SHY RABBIT has created a scholarship and funding program called the SHY RABBIT ARTAdvantage Program, designed to expand upon the benefits it currently offers in arts education. Funds are being provided by SHY RABBIT in conjunction with a group of generous supporters who also believe that art has the ability to change and improve the quality of our lives.

Implementation of the SHY RABBIT ARTAdvantage Program began in the fall of 2008, resulting in the granting of a number of full and/or partial scholarships for ceramic and printmaking WORK-Shops @ SHY RABBIT to deserving participants.

If you would like more information about SHY RABBIT ARTAdvantage Program or would like to become a supporter, please contact us by Clicking Here. We also accept direct support contributions to this program via PayPal. Contributions to this program are not tax deductible at this time.

Thanks for your interest and we look forward to your support of SHY RABBIT ARTAdvantage Program.






We need the very best among us as [Artist] members. We’ll never get them to step forward if we keep cheaply making targets of them;

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” — Theodore Roosevelt, Paris, 1910


For more information on these or any of the exhibitions, workshops and/or art programs offered at SHY RABBIT, please visit www.shyrabbit.com and click on the applicable link at the top of the page. Check back often as the website is updated regularly and offerings change.

SHY RABBIT Contemporary Arts is located at 333 Bastille Drive, two blocks north of U.S.160, off of North Pagosa Boulevard. SHY RABBIT Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and by appointment. If you would like your name added to the SHY RABBIT e- announcement list, please send a request to shyrabbit01@aol.com.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Announcing SHY RABBIT ART Advantage Program

SHY RABBIT’s mission is to promote, teach, and nurture the creation of and appreciation for contemporary arts. One of SHY RABBIT’s most heart-felt goals is to enable the economically disadvantaged, who would not have the opportunity or the resources otherwise, to participate in high quality ceramic and printmaking workshops hosted by SHY RABBIT.

Another important goal is to help artists, who may not have the resources available to them, to purchase the supplies needed for the creation of their work. In addition, SHY RABBIT would like to afford artists the opportunity to attend one of their long distance opening receptions by paying a portion of their travel expenses. SHY RABBIT believes that interaction with the public is an important part of an artist’s professional development, and that it builds self-confidence and a better understanding of one’s viability in the marketplace. Personal introduction to the public is also of great benefit to potential collectors interested in knowing more about an artist’s work process and philosophies.

In pursuit of these goals, SHY RABBIT has created a scholarship and funding program to expand upon the benefits it currently offers in arts education. Funds are being provided by SHY RABBIT in conjunction with a group of generous supporters who also believe that art has the ability to change and improve the quality of our lives. SHY RABBIT will begin implementation of this program this fall.

“Museums of art will not make a country an art country. But where there is the art spirit there will be precious works to fill museums. Better still, there will be the happiness that is in the making. Art tends towards balance, order, judgment of relative values, the laws of growth, the economy of living - very good things for anyone to be interested in.”
-THE ART SPIRIT: Robert Henri (1865-1929) Notes, Articles, Fragments of Letters and Talks, compiled by Margery Ryerson.
SHY RABBIT Contemporary Arts

Announcing SHY RABBIT ArtistsNet


Launched in June of 2008, SHY RABBIT ArtistsNet is an association of artists who value arts education and advocate for “artists helping artists” in developing viable, sustainable, professional futures. The true strength of this association is in the combined resources of the individual artists participating, allowing for the expansion and promotion of this cooperative support network.

The 14 associates who currently participate in SHY RABBIT ArtistsNet have been instrumental in the development and support of WORK-shops @ SHY RABBIT. Their participation in ArtistsNet has paved the way for their own advancement through the design and distribution of 5,000 postcard mailers introducing ArtistsNet associates and their work to a nationwide audience. An additional 5,000 cards are planned for distribution this fall.

ArtistsNet associates work is also featured on the SHY RABBIT website at: ArtistsNet with links to their individual ArtistsNet pages and personal websites.

The combined resources of this cooperative support network, in conjunction with SHY RABBIT, has also allowed for membership in Pagosa Springs, Durango, Farmington, and Santa Fe area Chambers of Commerce, as well as monthly print advertising in a nationally recognized art publication.

To date, this collaborative marketing effort has proven quite successful, generating sales and the commission of artwork by ArtistsNet associates. Samples of their work can be viewed on widely distributed postcard mailers, and on the SHY RABBIT website at: ArtistsNet

SHY RABBIT & SHY RABBIT ArtistsNet's October AD in "THE" magzine


Starting October, 2008 SHY RABBIT in association with SHY RABBIT ArtistsNet will be running 3, 1/4 page ads in "THE" magazine in Santa FE, NM.
SHY RABBIT Contemporary Arts

Recent Ceramics Monthly AD


Image of SHY RABBIT's recent full page ad in Ceramics Monthy Magazine, a national ceramics publication.
SHY RABBIT Contemporary Arts

"Note from SHY RABBIT" 09.25.08

SHY RABBIT Contemporary Arts is pleased to introduce “Notes from SHY RABBIT”, a comprehensive listing of art exhibitions, workshops and programs.

Notes from SHY RABBIT will be updated quarterly and will include:

• At a Glance
• Exhibition Schedule (2008 – 2009)
• WORK-Shops
• ArtistsNet
• ART Advantage Program

At a Glance: SHY RABBIT Contemporary Arts

Known as Southern Colorado’s premier contemporary art destination, SHY RABBIT is now in its fifth year of operation in Pagosa Springs. The 4,000 square foot arts facility is located ‘off the beaten path’ in a wooded commercial district on the west end of town. SHY RABBIT houses a fine art gallery and ceramic studio, two mixed-media workshops, a well-lit exhibition space, and a print studio gallery.

SHY RABBIT is currently offering educational workshops in ceramics, printmaking, and artist professional development year round, and is gaining national recognition for the high caliber of its gallery offerings and rotating exhibitions.

SHY RABBIT is widely acknowledged for its continuing contribution to the advancement of contemporary art and art education in the Four Corners region. Operating as a social mission-based enterprise, SHY RABBIT is interested in strengthening our creative economy and improving the quality of life in our community.

SHY RABBIT Exhibition Schedule:
(May 2008 – Aug. 2009)

The “Paper & Clay” Invitational (May 17 – July 6, 2008) was a huge success, introducing the work of 18 talented ceramists and printmakers to a new audience. The show brought in a steady flow of familiar faces mixed in with a great many new ones, totaling over 500 visitors throughout the duration of the show. Their numbers included several out of state visitors who traveled to Pagosa Springs specifically to see “Paper & Clay” and to learn more about the many facets of SHY RABBIT.

Following on the heels of a busy summer gallery season, the SHY RABBIT 2008 exhibition schedule continues with:

• “DIALOGUES” (Oct. 4 – Nov. 15, 2008)
-Opening Reception: Saturday, Oct. 4, 5-8:00 p.m.
Featuring works that suggest an exchange of ideas and opinions by: Carrianne Hendrickson, New York, ceramics; Marcie Paper, New York, paintings; Jeff Pender, North Carolina, ceramics; and Christopher St. John, New Mexico, paintings. Also showing a collaborative “DIALOGUES” project by Debra Blair, New Mexico, and Marti Bledsoe, Colorado, in the SHY RABBIT print studio gallery.

• “For the Small of It” (Nov. 22, 2008 – Jan. 17, 2009)
-Opening Reception: Saturday, Nov. 22, 5-8:00 p.m.
Featuring works that will encourage us to slow down and contemplate the small things by: 18 local, regional and national artists working in different medias.

SHY RABBIT’s 2009 exhibition schedule follows in part:

• “The Portrait” (March 14 – April 18, 2009)
This invitational portraiture exhibition will feature works in varying media by local, regional and nationally recognized artists.
• “Paper & Clay II” Invitational (May 2 – June 13, 2009)
Featuring original hand-pressed monoprints and ceramics by emerging and nationally recognized artists.
• “National Juried Print Exhibition” (June 27 – Aug. 22, 2009)
Featuring exemplary print selections by local, regional and nationally recognized printmakers.


WORK-Shops @ SHY RABBIT

Celebrating the completion of its first year, WORK-Shops @ SHY RABBIT has continuously grown in popularity. Nearly 130 students have successfully completed the classes to date. A large percentage of these students have also chosen to continue through intermediate and advanced levels of course offerings.

Offerings have expanded to include beginning, intermediate and advanced levels of:

• Printmaking without a Press
This 2-day printmaking workshop utilizes a unique hand-pressed printing process called "Reductive Ink"™, developed over the course of nearly 20 years by professional artist, D. Michael Coffee.
• Basic Ceramic Techniques and Hand-building:
This 2-day workshop focuses on hand forming, texturing, and assembling clay, all without the use of a potter's wheel or other equipment.
• Ceramics from the Potter’s Wheel
This 5-week course establishes good working fundamentals for students who have never used the potter’s wheel or for those who are continuing to build their basic skills.

In consideration of the exemplary work produced during Printmaking without a Press levels I-III, a select group of advanced level printmakers were invited to participate in “Paper & Clay” by SHY RABBIT Instructor, D. Michael Coffee. This resulted in the sale of six prints and exposure to a greatly expanded market. Others have gone on to show their work in juried exhibitions and invitationals, and are continuing to advance the "Reductive Ink"™ printmaking process while developing their own creative voice.

SHY RABBIT has also had great success with its professional artist development series, Expose Yourself, which currently includes:

• Photograph Your Work
This high content, 2-day workshop is designed to expose artists to the methods necessary to capture, manipulate, save and send digital images of their work for use in the development of their professional careers.
• The Artist’s Card
This high content, 1-day workshop is designed to expose participants to the basics of graphic layout, design, formatting, and uploading of files for printing by online internet, 4-color printing services, in the creation of a promotional postcard.

WORK-Shops @ SHY RABBIT are held in one of two spacious 1,000 square-foot mixed media studios, and are led by professional artist and ceramist, D. Michael Coffee. For additional information on D. Michael Coffee, visit www.dmcarts.com

Comments from previous workshop participants:

"It takes a gifted teacher to make every student, no matter what level, feel excited about what they are producing. Michael has a great way of homing right in on the strengths of a piece. Imagine being guaranteed that you will come away from a class being jazzed about skills, vision, or whatever that you did not even know you had. His technique is compelling. Results are quick. It is very creative, all absorbing, play."

“I came home ecstatic both days of the workshop. Michael showed me ways to achieve an extra-special look that I have been striving for in my works on paper. The workshop went way beyond my expectations. Incredible techniques, especially if you have used traditional printmaking methods in the past. What I learned will add an extra dimension to my current artwork. Michael was an extremely knowledgeable, fun instructor. Highly recommended.”

SHY RABBIT ArtistsNet

Launched in June of 2008, SHY RABBIT ArtistsNet is an association of artists who value arts education and advocate for “artists helping artists” in developing viable, sustainable, professional futures. The true strength of this association is in the combined resources of the individual artists participating, allowing for the expansion and promotion of this cooperative support network.

The 14 associates who currently participate in SHY RABBIT ArtistsNet have been instrumental in the development and support of WORK-shops @ SHY RABBIT. Their participation in ArtistsNet has paved the way for their own advancement through the design and distribution of 5,000 postcard mailers introducing ArtistsNet associates and their work to a nationwide audience. An additional 5,000 cards are planned for distribution this fall.

ArtistsNet associates work is also featured on the SHY RABBIT website at: www.shyrabbit.com/ArtistsNet.html, with links to their individual ArtistsNet pages and personal websites.

The combined resources of this cooperative support network, in conjunction with SHY RABBIT, has also allowed for membership in Pagosa Springs, Durango, Farmington, and Santa Fe area Chambers of Commerce, as well as monthly print advertising in a nationally recognized art publication.

To date, this collaborative marketing effort has proven quite successful, generating sales and the commission of artwork by ArtistsNet associates. Samples of their work can be viewed on widely distributed postcard mailers, and on the SHY RABBIT website at: www.shyrabbit.com/ArtistsNet.html.

SHY RABBIT ART Advantage Program

SHY RABBIT’s mission is to promote, teach, and nurture the creation of and appreciation for contemporary arts. One of SHY RABBIT’s most heart-felt goals is to enable the economically disadvantaged, who would not have the opportunity or the resources otherwise, to participate in high quality ceramic and printmaking workshops hosted by SHY RABBIT.

Another important goal is to help artists, who may not have the resources available to them, to purchase the supplies needed for the creation of their work. In addition, SHY RABBIT would like to afford artists the opportunity to attend one of their long distance opening receptions by paying a portion of their travel expenses. SHY RABBIT believes that interaction with the public is an important part of an artist’s professional development, and that it builds self-confidence and a better understanding of one’s viability in the marketplace. Personal introduction to the public is also of great benefit to potential collectors interested in knowing more about an artist’s work process and philosophies.

In pursuit of these goals, SHY RABBIT has created a scholarship and funding program to expand upon the benefits it currently offers in arts education. Funds are being provided by SHY RABBIT in conjunction with a group of generous supporters who also believe that art has the ability to change and improve the quality of our lives. SHY RABBIT will begin implementation of this program this fall.

“Museums of art will not make a country an art country. But where there is the art spirit there will be precious works to fill museums. Better still, there will be the happiness that is in the making. Art tends towards balance, order, judgment of relative values, the laws of growth, the economy of living - very good things for anyone to be interested in.”
-THE ART SPIRIT: Robert Henri (1865-1929) Notes, Articles, Fragments of Letters and Talks, compiled by Margery Ryerson.

For more information on any of the exhibitions, workshops and/or art programs offered at SHY RABBIT, please visit www.shyrabbit.com and click on the applicable link at the top of the page. Check back often as the website is updated regularly and offerings change.

SHY RABBIT Contemporary Arts is located at 333 Bastille Drive, two blocks north of U.S.160, off of North Pagosa Boulevard. SHY RABBIT Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and by appointment. If you would like your name added to the SHY RABBIT e- announcement list, please send a request to shyrabbit01@aol.com.
SHY RABBIT Contemporary Arts

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

New SHY RABBIT Website

Please follow the link below to the new
SHY RABBIT Contemporary Arts Website
for updated information.

  • SHY RABBIT Contemporary Arts Website


  • Thank You

    Friday, September 07, 2007

    "Printmaking without a Press I"


    “Printmaking without a press” is a high content, process driven fine art printmaking workshop utilizing the “low impact” printing process developed by professional Artist, D. Michael Coffee called “Reductive Ink”™. Participants will be exposed to Coffee’s proprietary techniques through hands on involvement with the tools and materials of the process.

    This introductory 8 hour workshop will focus on the use of black ink only to allow for the exploration of the infinite possibilities of line, tone and texture inherent in this unique process.

    Participants can expect to develop their own personal imagery in tandem with the demonstrated techniques that will result in finished works of Art or this workshop can be approached as strictly a concentrated exposure to techniques that can be developed at a later date. Information (in this workshop) will be presented in a manner that will kick start the novice as well inspire the professional Artist to view their own work in a new way.

    Printmaker D. Michael Coffee began developing his “Reductive Ink”™ printing process in 1987 in Los Angeles, CA. Coffee began his investigation as a result of a fortuitous miscommunication with a group of workman that resulted in the mistaken delivery of a 500 pound piece of a plexiglass bullet proof window from a Bank under demolition. With a vision to create a “low impact” printing technique to satisfy his desire to develop a means of creating images that were spontaneous and involved a bit of “out of controlness” he began working directly on the surface of the window. He was quick to realize that the process that he was developing was unique in the vocabulary of traditional fine Art printmaking. Coffee’s development of “Reductive Ink”™ printing allowed for the creation of line, tone and textures that rival the quality of those created with traditional methods with the added advantage of the “uniqueness” of each and every image.

    Coffee’s work has been shown in over 70 group and solo print exhibitions, and is included in nearly 200 prestigious private and public collections throughout the world.

    The techniques and process that resulted from Coffee’s methodical trial and error for the past 20 years are the basis for the knowledge to be presented in “Printmaking without a Press”.

    DATE and TIME:
    Saturday, October 6 & 7, 2007
    10:00am-4:00pm
    (includes one hour lunch break)

    or

    Saturday, October 13 & 14, 2007
    10:00am-4:00pm
    (includes one hour lunch break)

    PLACE:
    SHY RABBIT Contemporary Arts
    333 Bastille Drive
    Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
    970-731-2766
    shyrabbit01@aol.com

    FEE:
    $215
    Fee includes use of all required studio equipment, tools, inks, plates and other misc.consummable materials. Each participant will also be provided with up to 8 sheets of 11” x 15” – 90# “Arches” Hot Press, 100% rag fine arts paper. Additional paper will be available for purchase.

    CLASS SIZE and CANCELLATION POLICY:
    Workshops will be limited to a maximum of 6 participants with a minimum of 4 required for workshops to proceed as scheduled. SHY RABBIT Reserves the Right to cancel workshops with less than 4 registered participants up to 5 days before the scheduled workshop date. Registered participants will receive a full refund for cancelled workshops or may choose to apply fee toward future workshops.

    If you have a group of 4 or more and wish to schedule a private workshop, please contact
    Denise Coffee at: 970-731-2766 or shyrabbit01@aol.com

    REGISTRATION and METHOD OF PAYMENT
    Fee is payable at time of registration and is nonrefundable for any event other than cancellation of workshop by SHY RABBIT.

    Due to time constraints and limited workshop size, the preferred method of payment is via credit-card (Visa or M/C).

    To Register please contact Denise Coffee at:

    Phone: 970-731-2766
    Email: shyrabbit01@aol.com

    MISC:
    Participants should expect to wear comfortable clothing and footware appropriate to a working studio environment utilizing oil based non-toxic inks and mineral spirit solvents.

    Participants need to be 18 years of age to register.
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    "Handbuilding Ceramics I"


    “Handbuilding Ceramics I” is a unique interactive 2-day workshop, designed to demystify and simplify traditional clay hand-forming techniques and processes. Utilizing a minimal amount of tools, Ceramist D. Michael Coffee will introduce primary techniques through a series of demonstrations, after which participants will begin working with clay by handbuilding on their own. This workshop is open to all skill levels, with no previous ceramic experience required.

    This introductory workshop will focus on various techniques including forming, texturing and assembling, all without the use of a potter’s wheel or other equipment. This workshop will establish good working fundamentals and principles, and will provide a foundation for continuing work in ceramics. Surface decoration and glazing will also be addressed.

    The work will be bisque-fired by Coffee following the 2-day workshop. Participants will return for a separate 3-hour evening session to glaze their work. (Refer to: DATES and TIMES) The finished work will then be glaze-fired, and may be available for pick up during designated SHY RABBIT gallery hours.

    D. Michael Coffee has been a professional Ceramist for 13 years. His experience includes teaching college and private master courses; extensive studio work; kiln design & construction; firing expertise; and overseas ceramic study.

    Coffee’s functional and sculptural ceramics have been shown in numerous group and solo exhibitions, and are included in hundreds of prestigious public and private collections throughout the world.

    DATE and TIME:
    Saturday, October 20 & 21, 2007
    10:00am - 4:00pm
    (includes one hour lunch break)

    Glazing Session
    Tuesday, October 30, 2007
    6:00pm - 9:00pm


    or

    Saturday, October 27 & 28, 2007
    10:00am - 4:00pm
    (includes one hour lunch break)

    Glazing Session
    Tuesday, November 6, 2007
    6:00pm - 9:00pm

    PLACE:
    SHY RABBIT Contemporary Arts
    333 Bastille Drive
    Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
    970-731-2766
    shyrabbit01@aol.com

    FEE:
    $195
    Fee includes use of all required studio equipment, studio tools, misc. consummable material (including clay sufficient for workshop projects), Studio glazes, Bisque and High firing. Each participant will also be provided with a basic starter tool kit to keep.

    CLASS SIZE and CANCELLATION POLICY:
    Workshops will be limited to a maximum of 8 participants with a minimum of 4 required for workshops to proceed as scheduled. SHY RABBIT Reserves the Right to cancel workshops with less than 4 registered participants up to 5 days before the scheduled workshop date. Registered participants will receive a full refund for cancelled workshops or may choose to apply fee toward future workshops.

    If you have a group of 4 or more and wish to schedule a private workshop, please contact
    Denise Coffee at: 970-731-2766 or shyrabbit01@aol.com

    REGISTRATION and METHOD OF PAYMENT
    Fee is payable at time of registration and is nonrefundable for any event other than cancellation of workshop by SHY RABBIT.

    Due to time constraints and limited workshop size, the preferred method of payment is via credit-card (Visa or M/C).

    To Register please contact Denise Coffee at:

    Phone: 970-731-2766
    Email: shyrabbit01@aol.com

    MISC:
    Participants should expect to wear comfortable clothing and footware appropriate to a working ceramics studio environment utilizing clay and glazes.

    Minumim age for registration is 18.
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