the invitation
designed by craig coleman of the arts exchange

and an article from the 11th hour:

Most First Fridays of the month will find the gallery and studios of the Contemporary Arts Exchange open to the public with adult beverages, stimulating conversation and some of the most progressive art south of Atlanta for your pleasure. These laid back art evenings consist of new art exhibits by members and guest artists each month combined with frequent showings of experimental and art films and music.

The Exchange, located at 590 Mulberry, is a collective of artists working in a wide variety of disciplines ranging from painting and printmaking to writing and music. This group formed over a dozen years ago based on the concept of providing low cost studio and gallery space to local artists. It has grown from the initial two artists to the twenty currently working. The lineup has changed from time to time but the group has consistently provided Macon with a high degree of aesthetic endeavors.

One of the strong points of the Arts Exchange is the painting. Eric O’Dell’s textured, atmospheric paintings are richly layered, Catherine Liles realistic paintings are taking on a much more abstract, expressionistic aspect that is very different from what we’ve seen in the past and Kristie Edward’s portraits show an inner depth to the subjects of her oils and acrylics. Eric Wakefield’s gouache paintings show movement and action with layers of pure, solid colors while Terry Jordan exhibits a southwestern influence with his simplified flat shapes and bright colors. Misty Piette and Shannon Bridgeman share a studio. Misty paints in a representational but expressionistic manner while Shannon’s botanical photographs show an earthiness not seen very often in Macon. Along with painting pictures, David Sutton also paints faux finishes and restores antique paintings.

The sculptors also work in a variety of mediums and styles. Brian O’Dell builds meticulous assemblages influenced by Joseph Cornell, George Haskell works mainly in subtractive process such as stone carving and Gary Blackburn’s time spent on the Mexican border is evident in his folk inspired sculpture. Katy Olmsted uses a deep conceptual basis for her constructions, altered ready-mades and wall hangings and Peter Nishanian uses a geometric, non-objective style in his freestanding sculpture.

The Contemporary Arts Exchange is the studio home of two of Macon’s premier photographers. Nick Oza utilizes fine art compositions and lighting in his journalistic photographs and Maryann Bates uses dramatic lighting, multiple exposures and infrared film for her expressionistic photographs.

Bringing in the musical arts, Reggie Solomon and Dean Brown write and perform Reggae and Rock and Roll with undertones of Native American and African rhythms. Billed as "The Fellas" while performing together, they also produce solo albums and record with other regional and nationally known musicians.

Rounding out the line up is Julie Rickard, writing prose and poetry often used as text in conjunction with her paintings and photographs. Craig Coleman is an installation and digital imagery artist. Not only does he print large scale manipulated photographs but will take over a room or area and create a new environment of light and sound. Craig Burkhalter, a printmaker, produces etchings, engravings and lithographs along with handmade paper, drawings and books.

With the smaller laid back openings during the year, The Exchange presents two major exhibits a year, the Fall and Spring Member’s Show. On May 6 The Contemporary Arts Exchange will host their Spring member’s show. As the weather turns warmer the Exchange likes to celebrate spring by throwing open the windows, turning the music up loud in the streets with The Fellas and having the whole soiree catered by Michael’s on Mulberry. All the studios will be open with brand new art work presented in the gallery. It is a wonderful time to meet the artists, to see into the life and workings of producing studios and to help unveil new and exciting art work. With no gallery or dealer commissions, the artists are able to keep the cost of the art work at a very reasonable level. The hours will be 7:00 – 10:00 pm, no admission charge.