Post 5 to 9 Show

The third annual 5 to 9 Group Show is random pieces of artwork, also could be known as the MC Reunion. Don’t get me wrong, it was a lot of fun. This is a very talented group of artists. And I do “ talk more at the opening than I do the rest of the year” Problem is, I am already involved with a couple of groups that are just that … random. They have shows/sales on a yearly basis. They, the Lambeth Art Association and the Gallery Painting Group are both talented groups of artists. This show /group, just feels like more of the same.

It is time to re-think. What do I want to get out of my artwork? What do I want to get out of my involvement with groups. What direction do I want to go? What makes the most sense for me to put my time and energy into? Now that I have less time, this is more important.

My goal of working larger and in colour... Well, not there yet. There may have been a little colour and one was a little larger, but far from what I was envisioning. Style and medium were common elements in my work, but I really want a more unified theme or series for my work in a show.

Finishing Touches for the Show

Tonight and tomorrow I will finish the last of the matting and framing for the 5 to 9 Group show with the opening on Tuesday, February 2 @ 6pm at the ARTS Project. This years show is only one week long and runs from Feb 2 to Feb 6 ( I think it should be two weeks long, but its a group decision, so one week it is). The show will feature some of my golf influenced peices and some figurative work, mostly black and white.

5 to 9 Group Show

The 5 to 9 Group, an eager group of ten London artists, is once again ready to help art lovers escape the 9 to 5 day job melancholy. Today the group announced the dates and location of their third annual art exhibit. The venue – same as the past two events – is The ARTS Project (www.artsproject.ca, 203 Dundas Street, London, Ontario). The exhibit – featuring new works in photography, mixed media and painting – will commence with an unveiling reception on Tuesday, February 2 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Each member of the group will be in attendance at the reception and each piece of artwork will be available for purchase. Admission is free and all are welcome. The exhibition will continue through to February 6.

The 5 to 9 Group came to fruition in 2006. At that time most of the group’s members were colleagues at the same 9 to 5 day job. Through water cooler chats and lunchtime banter, it was discovered that they all loved creating art in their spare time, though most had never shown their work in an exhibit. Fueled by each other’s art passion, they decided to take a leap of faith and show their work. The inaugural exhibit was held in February 2007, and the second in February 2008. Both were very well-received by London’s art community, and the group decided to turn it into an annual event. “Back when we started the group we had no idea that it would turn into an annual exhibit,” says Lisa Jenniskens. “But our collective passion has kept us going, and now we’re busy putting the final touches on our new creations and preparing for our 3rd annual event! We’re looking forward to once again sharing our work with London’s art enthusiasts.”

Members of The 5 to 9 Group make a living during from their day jobs and follow their passion for art during the evening hours – hence their moniker. But over the past couple of years the members’ 9 to 5 day jobs has taken them in different directions and away from each other, but their 5 to 9 art enthusiasm has kept them and the group together, inspired and motivated. “Though we don’t see each other as often as we used to, creating art is something we’ll always have in common,” says Jim Gruber. “Every year we strive to make our work and the event different and better. We’re all excited with the way that our work has evolved this year, and can’t wait to unveil it on February 2nd.”

The ten artists in The 5 to 9 Group are Denise Antaya (Sutherland), Jim Gruber, Lisa Jenniskens, Betty LeBlanc, Jeff McClinchey, Richard Minns, Christina Nurse, Cheryl Radford, Anthony Vella-Zarb and Scott Woods. Their collective talents include photography, digital art, mixed media, oil, acrylic and watercolour paintings.

Available Models

I haven't been to The Arts Project for a figure drawing session since June. During the summer, firstly, I would rather be outside... golfing, drawing, whatever. Secondly, and I know figure drawing is always great practise, but I was getting bored with what I was doing there and how I was approaching the sessions. A break was needed.

Now I am missing the life drawing sessions. Thursday when I was in the mood to draw and had the time to draw, the only available models were my dogs. I spent a couple of hours sketching them. Was very challenging until they curled up to sleep. I am looking forward to next monday's session.

Mac, Ink, from my sketchbook