February 2014

Welding instruction for members of the Arizona Artists Guild Sculpture Group ‘Elevation’ closing reception Feb. 21 in downtown Phoenix ‘Elevate Your Art Career,’ ‘Art and Fear’ events at Monorchid Sculpture selected for New York show Contemporary fireplace project begins In the Press: So Scottsdale and CBS Channel 5 Under way in the studio Upcoming events New in video on Channel Kevin Enjoy one of your own sculptures Let’s dive in ….

‘ELEVATION’ CLOSING RECEPTION FEB. 21 IN DOWNTOWN PHOENIX

“Elevation: The Paintings of Cyndy Carstens and Sculpture of Kevin Caron” continues at monOrchid, one of downtown Phoenix’s most popular galleries.

Please join us for the show’s closing reception on Friday, February 21 from 6 – 9 p.m. Many other galleries will also be open that evening for Phoenix’s Third Friday Art Walk, so you can make an evening of it, if you choose.

More than 100 people attended the show opening Friday, January 17 (below left – photo by KasteliClassics.com). “I was pleased with the works’ reception,” says Kevin. “Cyndy’s and my work are quite sympatico.”

The show features Carstens’ light-drenched landscapes, including the largest painting of her 30-year fine art career. Kevin’s soaring sculptures take full advantage of monOrchid’s high ceilings. “I will never run out of room here,” says Kevin.

‘ELEVATE YOUR ART CAREER,’  ‘ART AND FEAR’ EVENTS AT MONORCHID
In conjunction with the show, Cyndy and Kevin as well as Kevin’s business manager, Mary Westheimer, present “Elevate Your Art Career” at monOrchid on Saturday, February 22. They will provide insights about taking an art career to the next level. monOrchid Curator Justin Germain moderates. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. $5 suggested donation.

Immediately following is ASU Professor Anthony Pessler‘s program “A Conversation About Art and Fear.” Pessler plumbs the benefits and challenges artists face when creating and showing their work. 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. $5 suggested donation.

214 E. Roosevelt – we look forward to seeing you there!

SCULPTURE SELECTED FOR NEW YORK SHOW

Kevin’s sculpture Midnight Sun was chosen for a spring show in New York city.

“This piece went in a little different direction,” says Kevin. The powder-coated finish has silver flecks that reflect the light.

That’s perfect for the show  “Luce: The Magic of Italian Light,” which will be held at the Calumet Gallery. It runs Monday, March 24 – Monday, April 7.

The artists’ reception is on Saturday, March 29 from 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. Kevin will not be present, but you are most welcome to attend. Calumet Gallery is at 22 W. 22nd St., 2nd Floor.

For more information, please visit the Events page.

CONTEMPORARY FIREPLACE PROJECT BEGINS

For many years, Kevin has known that his contemporary fireplace sculptures such as Venezia (below right) would make a great commercial product line for modern gas fireplaces. “Apparently there is nothing like this on the market,” Kevin explains. “You either use fake logs or put something altogether different in your fireplace, like candles.”

So when Ashley Pryor of Firescapes approached Kevin, he was immediately interested.

So was she. “I’ve wanted to do this for 10 years,” says Pryor. “When I found Kevin’s fireplace sculptures online, I knew he was someone who could move the dream along at a more rapid pace because of his experience.” Kevin is currently creating the first in a series, a river scene titled Placid.

With Placid’s design still under way, the piece is not yet on the Web site – drop by the Work in Progress area to follow its development.

IN THE PRESS: SO SCOTTSDALE AND CBS CHANNEL 5

So Scottsdale‘s February issue includes a full-page article about Kevin based on his involvement with Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona. This organization  expands the horizons of youth at risk through the magic of art.

Last year, Kevin hosted eight Free Arts kids at the studio, where they created sculptures. He also has donated to Free Arts’ auction, including this year’s event. It will be held at Neiman Marcus at Scottsdale Fashion Square on Saturday, March 8.

For more information about this worthy event, visit Art From the Heart’s Facebook page.

Kevin’s work was also featured in a story about the popular Roosevelt Row arts district in Phoenix on CBS Channel 5 News on February 10. The videographer had a fun filming in and around Kevin’s work. The video on the Web is a great way to see some of the show “Elevation.”

UNDER WAY IN THE STUDIO

Kevin has completed a monumental sound sculpture, which has now been titled Cohesive Curves. It is more than 9 feet tall, yet has a sweet sound. “As big as this bell is, the lightest breeze can make it ring,” Kevin says. Hear it for yourself on Cohesive Curves’ own page.

Kevin has also been working on a 5-foot-tall aluminum sculpture titled Building Blocks. “I’d love to make a monumental version of this sculpture,” he says. Kevin still has some finish work to do on this piece, but you can see it as it is today on its own page.

Also on the front burner is a sculptural spike piece. “I’m finally back to working on this sculpture,” Kevin says. Deadlines, commissions, shows, other activities and just plain getting stuck mean an artwork sometimes has to wait its turn, as this one has ….

On the technological front, Kevin is still experimenting with his CAD program and 3D printers. “Some fascinating forms are coming out of my mathematical CAD program, but getting them to manifest physically is sometimes another challenge,” Kevin observes.