River Oaks just wrapped up the wildly successful Annual Van Gogh Gala and now it’s right into one of the most intriguing exhibitions of the year–the Annual Miniature Exhibit aka the 5x5x5 Show. Artists are invited to submit their two- and three-dimensional miniatures that are not to exceed five inches squared or cubed, respectively. That’s right, to be considered in this special 5x5x5 show, art has to be confined to physical dimensions of 25 square inches or 125 cubic inches.
After a national call, 86 artists from over 25 states have managed to pack more creativity than ever into these miniatures, and they are all masterpieces in their own regard. The juried show will open its doors on November 18th with an opening reception from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, with guest juror Mark Tullos’ remarks and awards taking place at 6:30pm. Mark A. Tullos, Jr., is an American museum director, who has held immediate past positions as the Assistant Secretary for the Louisiana Office of State Museums, Director of the Louisiana State Museum in New Orleans and is currently serving as President and CEO of the Mississippi Arts & Education Experience.
“We are extremely fortunate to have a juror of Mark’s caliber judge our 5x5x5 Show, his over thirty years of experience in the world of fine art is second to none,” says Aubrey Bolen, Artistic Director at River Oaks. “We have seen multi-media pieces, sculptures, clay pieces, and miniature paintings submitted and the attention to detail is captivating.” “The Annual Miniature Exhibit, this year coined the 5x5x5 and a national call, is a signature, seasonally planned display that allows patrons to purchase unique, original works of art for holiday gift giving or as additions to their expanding collections,” adds Rachael Dauzat, Executive Director at River Oaks. “It opens mere weeks before the Holiday Season kicks into high gear.”
Also showing in conjunction with the 5x5x5, are resident artist, Cyndi Menton; New Orleans Artist, Emory Nolan and the culmination exhibition for River Oaks’ outreach project for special needs students.
Cyndi Menton, resident artist at River Oaks for nearly four years, will feature drawings and paintings with her exhibit entitled “Alternate Perspectives,” on display in the Galerie des Amis. Currently working on an art degree from Northwestern University in Natchitoches, Menton’s favorite medium is oil. In her work, she focuses on landscapes and the effect of light and color on a scene.
The Stokes Harris Gallery will showcase recent works by NOLA artist, Emory Nolan. Nolan’s vivid acrylic on canvas works present a mirror to the world and expose sociological events. The context of Emory’s experiences living in the southern United States has provided a foundation for his life and a framework for his art. Born and reared in Monroe, Louisiana, art and nature have always been a major influence in Emory’s life. All of his spare time was spent following and cultivating his passions through hunting, fishing, sports, or drawing and painting. Emory studied at Louisiana Tech University and received his BFA in Art and Graphic Design.
The fourth and final exhibit in this lineup will feature River Oaks’ Outreach Project including students/clients from Rapides ARC, Evergreen Life Services and Pecan Grove Training Center. For over five years now, this outreach project has influenced the creative skills of over 300 developmentally disabled clients from the three aforementioned organizations. A yearlong ceramics program, under the instruction of Carole Steele, students attend weekly sessions at River Oaks which not only provides an external creative outlet in an alternate environment but helps improve client’s motor skills, vocabulary and self-expression. Ceramic masks and faces designed by the students will be on view, some for sale, along with a collaborative sculpture totem. The Totem will then go on permanent display at the City of Alexandria’s Utilities Division Building.
The other premier event for art-themed gift giving is, of course, our Annual Porch Sale, which this year takes place on December 3rd from 9:00am until 3:00pm in both the Bolton Home and the Studio Annex Building. This year’s porch sale features sales and select demos by local and regional favorites, such as Sue Karr Boagni, Leah Morace, Suzi Santillo, Jenny Orillion, Emily Vizina, Barry Owen, Rhonda Reap-Curiel, Sheila S. White, Martha Pete, Marilyn Wellan, Maria Manemann, Margie Tate, Karen Morrow, Veretta Garrison-Moller, Dana Manly, Kathleen Foto, Kayla Terrell, Judy Ginsburgh, Nippy Blair, Suzi Parker, Janet Ahrens, Martha Barton, Tish Fresh and many more.
“Any time is a great time to give the gift of art. Original works are always a cherished item and the holidays provide an excellent opportunity to support local contemporary visual artists and fine craftsmen,” reminds Dauzat. River Oaks is located within Downtown Alexandria’s Cultural Arts District and all original works have discounted sales tax, year round.
For more information about exhibit openings and the annual porch sale, contact River Oaks at (318) 473-2670 or visit www.RiverOaksArtsCenter.com.
