Lichen Series at PVAC

Lichen at PVAC | the dirt | Jenni Ward ceramic sculpture‘Take Aways: Art to Go’ at PVAC Gallery in Watsonville is up until March 19th and is showcasing over sixty of the county’s most notable artists. I’m so thrilled to be included on this roster of talented artists for the third year. This exhibit is a major annual fundraiser for the gallery and all work is priced to be affordable for every budget.

I am showing 3 brand new pieces from my Lichen Series. These works are ceramic pieces mounted on reclaimed wood, inspired by mushroom spore patterns and designed to add a piece of nature to your wall space.

PVAC Gallery | 37 Sudden St | Watsonville
February 8 – March 19, 2017
Opening Reception February 12th from 2-4
Closing Reception March 19th from 2- 4

Two Art Show Weekend!

This Sunday is a day of art opportunities!

Two Art Show Weekend! | the dirt | Jenni Ward ceramic sculpture

Take Aways: Art to Go at the PVAC Gallery opens from 2- 4 with a plethora of affordable artwork by local artists and A Pop Up Art Show at Santa Cruz Mountain Brewery from 4 – 8 will showcase 4 local artists selling creative gifts just in time for Valentines. You can find my work at both locations!

At PVAC, I will be showing 3 brand new pieces from my Lichen Series. These works are ceramic pieces mounted on reclaimed wood, inspired by mushroom spore patterns and designed to add a piece of nature to your wall space.

At A Pop Up Art Show, I will be showing small sculptures from my Nest Series, seed pods, Bone Series Necklaces and lots and lots of Art Hearts. I will be showing alongside the talented Nora Dougherty, Mariclare McKnight of Cadette and Claudia Stevens.

 

Join UsDrink Beer! Buy Art! Pop Up Show! | the dirt | Jenni Ward ceramic sculpture:

Take Aways: Art to Go
PVAC Gallery
37 Sudden St | Watsonville
Sunday 2 – 4

Pop Up Art Show
Santa Cruz Mountain Brewery
402 Ingalls St | Santa Cruz
Sunday 4 – 8

Last Chance for Open Studios 2016!

Last Chance for Open Studios 2016 | the dirt | Jenni Ward ceramic sculptureLast weekend of Open Studios was so fantastic! Thank you to everyone who came out to support the arts! I loved seeing old and new faces visiting me and exploring the new studio space. And pretty much everyone agreed that the parking is a lot better at the new space- if you’ve been to my old studio, you know what I mean.

Lots of art found new homes, but there is still more left waiting to find its space in your home. If you came last weekend and went home to measure and contemplate your space, come on back and join us on this rainy weekend. Looking forward to seeing you at the studio!

#228
2523 C Mission St Santa Cruz
Oct 15 & 16, 11 -5

Color at the UCSC Arboretum

Color at the UCSC Arboretum | the dirt | Jenni Ward ceramic sculpture

Artist and curator Susana Arias has been working at the UCSC Arboretum to install her second show there titled ‘Color’. Work from 14 artists are exhibited within the South African Garden area and create eye catching moments around every corner. Be sure to check out this beautiful exhibit!

October 15 – January 10

First Friday Reception November 4th 4 – 6

UCSC Arboretum 

Last Chance to See SCULPTURE at the Arboretum

Last Chance to See SCULPTURE at the Arboretum | the dirt | Jenni Ward ceramic sculpture

 

There are only a few weeks left to see SCULPTURE at the UCSC Arboretum in Santa Cruz. This exhibit, curated by Susana Arias showcases Santa Cruz sculptors Jamie Abbott, Jeffrey Arnett, Jennifer Hennig, Coeleen Kiebert, Marilyn Kuksht, Anna Martin, Kirk McNeil, Christie Thomas & Scott Lindberg, and Jenni Ward. The 9 pieces are displayed throughout the Aroma Garden. Be sure to check it out before it’s gone!

May 18 – October 10, 2016

UCSC Arboretum

First ‘First Friday’ at the Arboretum

Mark Your Calendar: August 5 is ‘First Friday’ at the Arboretum!

The Arboretum will host its first ‘First Friday’ free event on August 5 from 2:00 pm–7:00 pm. Visitors can meander the paths of the Aroma Garden to view the beautiful, one-of-a-kind outdoor sculptures by nine local artists: Jamie Abbott, Jeff Arnett, Jennifer Henning, Coeleen Kiebert, Marilyn Kuksht, Anna Martin, Kirk McNeill, Cristie Thomas/Scott Lindberg, and Jenni Ward. Two of these artists will offer workshops or demonstrations.

WORKSHOP:

artistJamie Abbott’s sculptures are inspired by biomorphic forms, which he encapsulates with organic elements. Using thin gauge wire and wire tools, Abbott will guide participants in the wrapping and connecting of branches, pods, leaves, and many other materials collected from the Arboretum gardens.

• Sessions at 2:00-3:15 pm and 3:45-5:00 pm;
• Limited to 20 persons per session; to sign up, call the Arboretum office at 831.502.2998;
• $10 for Arboretum members; $20 for non-members;
• Participants are welcome to take their sculpture home or have it installed in the Art in the Arboretum exhibition until it ends October 10.

artistDEMONSTRATION:

Kirk McNeill is the artist-blacksmith of Freedom Forge, located on Santa Cruz’s West Side; McNeill works with hot forged iron, bronze, and copper, creating unique sculptures, in both modern and historical designs, to enhance buildings and landscapes. He will bring his portable forge to give blacksmithing displays.

• Demonstrations from 3:00-5:00 pm; visitors will be able to watch how an artist uses his skills and tools to create pieces of art.

Susana Arias, the curator of the exhibit, will be on hand to answer questions about Art in the Arboretum, an on-going event showcasing local sculptors and their work.

Art at the Arboretum Opens Tomorrow!

Art at the ArboretumArt at the Arboretum Opens | events | Jenni Ward ceramic sculpture

May 18 – October 10, 2016
Opening reception June 1st 5-7
UCSC Arboretum

Join us for the inaugural “Art in the Arboretum Opening Reception” on Wednesday, June 1 from 5-7 p.m. in the Aroma Garden. Refreshments will be served at Norrie’s Gift & Garden Shop entrance.

UC Santa Cruz Arboretum is thrilled to partner with Susana Arias who is one of the curators of Sierra Azul Nursery & Garden’s Sculpture IS exhibits and welcome an exceptional group of local Santa Cruz artists for Art in the Arboretum “Sculpture’.

Art at the Arboretum

The opportunity to participate in a sculpture exhibit at the UCSC Arboretum recently came up and I’m delighted to showcase one of my newest installations from the Lichen Series there for the first time. This exhibit was curated by Susana Arias and includes local artists Marilyn Kuksht, Anna Martin, Jaime Abbott, Coeleen Kiebert, Christie Thomas, Scott Lindberg, Kirk McNeill, Jennifer Hennig and myself. The exhibit will be up June 1 – October 3, 2016 with a reception for the artists June 1st from 5 – 7.

Art at the Arboretum | the dirt | Jenni Ward ceramic sculpture

 

About the Lichen Series:
This inspired by observing the growth of mushrooms, fungus, lichens and algae as they sprout, grow and perish throughout the seasons. In the natural world, these forms thrive and expand in organic patterns following the natural rhythms of dying areas of the forest and as the rains come and go. This installation explores the dualities of death and regrowth, the power of negative space and the contrast of dark and light.

For more images and a video of the original installation…

Installation in Progress for Sculpture IS:

Sculpture IS: turns 10 and there are lots of events planned to celebrate!

Yesterday, I installed 3 pieces from the Vine Series at Pajaro Valley Arts Council Gallery for the “In the Gallery” exhibit of Sculpture IS, co-curated by the amazing and talented Susana Arias and Hedwig Heerschop. Ironically, made in 2006, these vines are also celebrating their 10 year anniversary too! I love the way these guys seem to crawl across the walls of the gallery.

This show is going to be incredible with over 80 unique sculptures making their way into the gallery. The show opens May 4 with a reception for the artists and demos on May 15th at the gallery.  But you don’t have to wait that long, come to the Artist Demos & Talks at Cabrillo Gallery on May 5th  12:30 – 3:30 to learn more about some of the incredible sculptors participating in this exhibit.

Demos by Jaime Abbott, Ingrid Marianne, Payson McNett, Cynthia Siegel, Victoria May, Angela Gleason and Beverly Rayner with artist talks by Rose Sellery, Cynthia Siegel, Roy Holmberg and myself. I’ll be giving a talk about my work, my inspiration and using nature as my gallery space. I hope to see you there!

Installation in Progress for Sculpture IS: | the dirt | Jenni Ward ceramic sculpture