Meet the Artists on the Tour - #16 Ivan Neaigus

Ivan Neaigus
artstdio@whidbey.com

http://www.art-in-transition.com/
3697 Rivendell Rd, Langley, WA

How long have you been an artist?
25 years

Artist’s Statement:
I work in wood and stone using mainly abstract imagery. Depending on the material, the work can either be indoors or outdoors. For the past two years I have been making trails on my property. This process has expanded my appreciation of the many forms, compositions, and sculpture imagery that nature provides. The trails will be included as part of the tour.

What is interesting and distinctive about you and your artwork?
Line, composition, dimension, nature, and heart.

Why do you create? What are you passionate about?
It’s the process of being here. Life in general when I am feeling right.

What projects are you currently working on? Any upcoming shows?
The trails, wood, stone pieces, and paintings. Some local shows.

What will your guest see you doing at your studio during the Whidbey Island Open Studio Tour?
I will show them tools, process, and the trails. The piece for sale is called “Almost There.” Using the direct carving process, you get to a place when the piece gives you the message. In this case it was the relationship between the finished carved surfaces and the surfaces revealed in their pure state after the bark was removed. In the image there are two points almost touching hence the title “Almost There.”

Whidbey Island Arts Council Scholarship Winners

Samantha O'Brachta

The 2009 winners from the Whidbey Island Arts Council scholarships are gearing up for college this month. Buying tickets to the Whidbey Island Open Studio Tour is just one way to help raise funds for grants and scholarships for aspiring artists. This year's winners are:

Melissa Rice – Oak Harbor. She is this year’s visual arts winner, whose scholarship is direclty funded by the Whidbey Island Open Studio Tour. This fall, she will attend Western Washington University. There she plans to major in graphic design and illustration with a desire to continue her painting and to learn more about other art forms.

Gabe Harshman – Langley. He is a graduate of Idyllwild Arts Academy in Idyllwild. CA. He is a gifted actor and singer who is determined to continue pursuing his dreams.

Zora Lungren - Freeland. She is a graduate of South Whidbey High School. She will attend the NYU Tisch School of the Arts. A fine young actor, she is eager to enter the highly competitive field of stage acting.

Samantha O'Brachta – Freeland. She is a graduate of the Whidbey Island Academy. Her plans this fall are to attend Western Washington University. There she will major in musical theater. She also plans to serve in the Peace Corps.

Ticket Sales Begin August 15 for Annual Whidbey Island Open Studio Tour

Over 20 outlets will begin selling tickets on August 15 for the 13th Annual Whidbey Island Open Studio Tour. Tour dates are September 26-27. Ninety-three artists will open their doors for two days 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (tour goes to 6 p.m. on September 26).

The “Art Safari” allows guests to meet “dangerously creative” artists and purchase art directly from them in their “natural studio habitats.” Proceeds from the event provide scholarships and grants for local aspiring artists.

The $10 ticket includes a map of studio locations and a four-color 2010 wall calendar featuring the participating artists’ work. Organizers recommend purchasing tickets early in order to preplan self-guided routes. Free preview exhibits showcasing artists’ work are 10-5 at the Crockett Barn, Coupeville September 19,20,26,27 and Open Door Gallery + Coffee, Bayview September 19-27.

Tickets may also be purchased online at: http://www.whidbeyopenstudiotour.org/ or by calling the Pacific Northwest Art School at (360) 678-3396 or the tour office at (360) 221-4121. The event is presented by the Whidbey Islands Arts Council. To read profiles of the artists visit the blog at whidbeyislandopenstudiotour.blogspot.com.

Ticket outlets are in Oak Harbor: bayleaf, Deception Pass Visitor Center, Garry Oak Gallery and Whidbey Vision Care; Coupeville: Hunter Art Studio, Miriam’s Espresso, Pacific Northwest Art School, Penn Cove Pottery and Windjammer Gallery; Greenbank: Rob Schouten Gallery and Holmes Harbor Cellars; Freeland: 1504 Coffee Bar, Catherine DeWitt Framing and Whidbey Vision Care; Bayview: Open Door Gallery + Coffee; Ken’s Corner: Pickle’s Deli; Langley: 2nd St. Wine Shop and Tasting Room. Eddy’s, Island Angel Chocolates, Karlson/Gray Gallery, Mukilteo Coffee Company and Whidbey Island Vineyard and Winery; and Clinton: Lynae’s Island Framery.