2/6/2009 - Book Signing: "Movies and The Meaning of Life" with Author Suzette Mecca,First Friday Art Walk- "Art from Outside the Box"

February Art Show: "Art from Outside the Box"
An exhibition of 15+ pieces by artists with developmental disabilities, including paintings by Mieke Ryneal, Karl Elwood, and Alex Iverson.

Opens First Friday, Feb. 6, 5:00-8:00pm

Exhibit Runs Feb. 7th-26th, 10:00am-6:00pm

The exhibition features over 15 pieces of artwork by artists with developmental disabilities, including paintings by Mieke Ryneal, Karl Elwood, and Alex Iverson. The artists are members of Studio Sfumato in Medford, a social enterprise of Living Opportunities, which is an art studio for professional artists with a wide range of disabilities.

"Discover how wonderful art can be when it is unaffected by centuries of schooled thought. They prove again and again that art is not about refining techniques, but about the magic of expression. Come and enjoy the raw power that flows!" says Studio Sfumato Director, Dan Mish.

"Self Portrait" Acrylic on Canvas by Mieke Ryneal: Mieke Ryneal, one of the exhibition's featured artists, states "I've been an artist ever since I could pick up a pencil, but my first experience with painting was here at the studio." Mieke, who was once picked on and teased as a child, is now a popular artist in Medford. Her colorful abstracts are sold at every Studio Sfumato art show. "The studio is like a second home to me. It's the one place that I can really express myself. Studio Sfumato is my passion in life."

"Three of Us" Acrylic on Canvas by Alex Iverson: Since joining the studio, Alex Iverson has enjoyed a successful painting career. Recently, one of his popular impressionistic paintings won a national fine art competition. Alex's winning entry was displayed in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC, followed by a nation wide tour. "I like to paint so that I can make money to buy things." Alex, also a musician, plays accordion, guitar, mandolin, and the ukulele.

"Lorna" Acrylic on Canvas by Karl Elwood: Although Karl Elwood has always enjoyed drawing, his first experience with painting has been at the studio. Karl is the studio's most prolific artist; sometimes completing one canvas per day. "I want people to appreciate the beauty of the human form." Karl's process usually begins with a drawing on canvas using an idea from his sketchbook. "I enjoy the recognition that being an artist gives me."

Since 1974, Living Opportunities, Inc., the sponsor of Studio Sfumato, has been creating new life experiences for individuals with developmental disabilities-to live in the same neighborhoods, work for the same employers and have the same opportunities that all people enjoy and aspire to in the community. Presented by RVML, D.U.D.E., & Studio Sfumato.

Website: http://www.studiosfumato.org/aboutus.php

______________________________________

To receive e-mail updates about events at RVML, click http://www.rvml.org/forms/elist.html
______________________________________

RENT RVML's NEW EVENT FACILITY: The Ashland Railroad Museum upstairs seats 50 people in folding chairs for lectures, workshops and films. The 1,000 Sq.Ft. presentation area is air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible with full audio-visual equipment. Additional publicity and production services available. More information: (541) 552-9119 e-mail: [email protected]