April show offers visitors chance to see members’ work up close
LABYRINTH by Lisa Reinauer, winner of TASIMJAE 2013.
The Art Studio, Inc. celebrated its 30th anniversary last fall, but the membership have not been resting on their laurels.
It’s time once again to see what they have been up to as TASIMJAE time is here again.
An acronym for The Art Studio, Inc. Member Jurored Art Exhibition, the show started in 1983 as an opportunity for the tenants of the fledgling arts organization to show their work to the community.
Thirty years later, the goal is still the same — only there are a lot more members — almost 200 — and the competition for places is more fierce.
Retired Lamar University art history professor Lynne Lokensgard has been named juror of this year’s show, which opens with a free reception 7-10 p.m. April 5, and runs through April 26.
Lisa Reinauer won last year’s membership show and will be the exhibiting artist at The Studio in May.
TASIMJAE regularly draws an eclectic group of artists working in all media.
“The membership show is always eagerly anticipated,” Andy Coughlan, TASI tenant, said. “We have always had a policy of inclusion among our membership. There are no cutoffs for age or ability. We have regularly had high schoolers earning a place in the show. The judges look at the work purely on its merit. If it’s good enough in the eyes of the judge, it gets in the show.”
Coughlan said the show also works as a membership drive.
“Many artists join or renew their memberships in The Studio so they are eligible to enter the show,” he said. “It acts as a reminder that their dues are up.”
Artists can join up when they submit their work. A membership form is available to fill in on page 3 of ISSUE.
“TASIMJAE serves an important purpose in developing artists,” he said. “Art is a solitary business, for the most part, but it is important that artists take the opportunity to show their work and get feedback from others. Entering shows allows artists to let people into their private process.”
Coughlan said that being rejected from a jurored show does not mean that the art has no value.
“All art is, by definition, subjective,” he said. “A juror might like a piece for any number of reasons, be it technique, content, style, or simply that the colors are pretty.
“A rejected piece from one show may win a different show the next month. That is part of learning about the business of art. It is important that artists take the risk to put their stuff out there for people to connect with. TASIMJAE offers an opportunity to get their work out.”
Membership in The Art Studio begins at $35 for adults. Student memberships begin at $20 with valid ID.
The opening reception will feature most of the exhibiting artists and offers visitors an opportunity to talk with them about their work — and to get involved with The Studio’s community arts efforts.
For more information, call 409-838-5393.