Black Moon Rising is the new solo exhibition I have opening at View Art Gallery in Victoria, BC on July 13th. Check out their website for more details at www.viewartgallery.ca

Ripple 9/11 on CNN

I am honored to have been asked to participate in this great project put together by CNN.
CNN.com commissioned artists to create or choose work to illustrate the ripple effect of 9/11 -- the incredible changes we've seen these 10 years as individuals, communities, a nation and a world.
Take a moment and check out the other works that are featured in this project. You can check it out by clicking here.

The best place to see more of my work...

right now is at View Art Gallery in Victoria, BC. They have the majority of my inventory right now and can be contacted anytime through their website. www.ViewArtGallery.ca
I have been working with them for about 3 years now and they are really great to work with. Check out their website and drop them a line!

Q&A with Yuri Arajs and Cheryl Taves

Check this out. I am showing with Cheryl Taves at View Art Gallery until May 21st. You can click on the gallery link to get hours, etc.
This Saturday, May 7th, 2pm, at View Art Gallery, there is a free Q&A with Cheryl and myself. It should be casual, informative, and hopefully interesting. Refreshments will be served. It's a great opportunity to see the show and ask some questions while you are there.

Olio Cooperative 2nd Anniversary Exhibition / Book Launch

Olio will be celebrating it's second anniversary with a collection of screenprinted pieces by some of the amazing artists we have been fortunate enough to work with. Works from 22 artists have been screenprinted, assembled and bound into Olio's first clothbound collection, First Edition. These unique, very limited hand-bound collections will feature 22 screenprinted original pieces by:


Shawn O'Keefe
Paal Jomaas
Luke Ramsey
Ryan Thompson
Lee McClure
Charlotte Campbell
Joey MacDonald
Caitlin Gallupe
Morgana Wallace
Sean Brookes
Charlotte Cynthia Walton
Matt Salik
Cam Kidd
Shea Moir
Shawn Shepherd
Calvin Coles
Thomas DiNinno
Yuri Arajs
Ahmed Sidky
Tim Huesken
Ashley Culver
Everett Wong

A very limited quantity of these bound collections will be on sale at the Saturday, March 19th opening. Proceeds from the sales of First Edition will be of vital benefit to the Olio Artists & Workers Cooperative, who keep their doors open 7 days a week to artists in search of resources and affordable work and exhibition space. So please come out & support.

First Edition is published by Olio Cooperative & Anteism Publishing.

FIRST EDITION RECEPTION & BOOK LAUNCH
Saturday, March 19th • 8-10PM | By Donation

Open Studio Show & Sale!

That's right! Saturday, December 4th, 10am - 5pm. Just in time for all, or at least some of, your holiday shopping needs. Stop by, eat some sweet stuff and see what is on the walls. I'll have lots of work out, prints and some new cards. Any questions ahead of time, feel free to drop me an email. yuri@yuriarajs.com

PILOT exhibit in Austin, Texas

grayduck gallery presents:

PILOT

John Alspach, Yuri Arajs, Amelia Biewald, Tara Costello, Jennifer Davis,
John Diebel, JAO, Ben Olson, Terrence Payne, Amy Rice, James Wrayge

opening reception: thursday, october 14, 7-9pm

exhibition dates: october 14 - november 21, 2010
gallery hours: wed.-sat. 11-6pm & sun. 12-5pm

grayduckgallery.com | 512.826.5334
608 w. monroe st. | suite c | austin tx 78704

In 2005, an independent collective of artists in Minneapolis pooled their resources in an effort to gain national recognition for their innovative local art scene. That year they boldly introduced themselves with an ad in Dwell magazine and have never looked back. Pilot has become a highlysought-after group representing a diverse range of concepts and styles. These artists who are also curators, mentors and designers have brought a national eye to the Midwestern sensibility of creating art with substance and integrity. Since their inception, the group has dispersed throughout North America but not before gaining international notoriety showing in galleries from New York to Los Angeles to London. grayDUCK is thrilled to host a rare group show by this all star collective.

All members of the group are well-established full time artists. Each of the artists has their own, unique style they use in their work. John Alspach, Tara Costello and James Wrayge are abstract painters. JAO paints while in a state of intense aerobic activity to create work about energy and movement. Amy Rice and Jennifer Davis have an illustrative, whimsical feel to their work. Amelia Biewald creates cryptozoological "scapes". Yuri Arajs combines found material and precise mark making. John Diebel creates cartoon-inspired line drawings, while Ben Olson is a popular self-portraitist and Terrence Payne works in oil pastels. Each member brings to the group an individual vision and style, but a clever pop-art sensibility makes them coherent as a group.

www.grayduckgallery.com

Moss Street Paint-In print release

The Moss Street Paint-In is this Saturday and I'm releasing a limited edition print to celebrate the event. It's 11" x 17", full color, on heavy card stock, signed and numbered edition of 100 prints. I'll have them at the Paint-In and they are only $20! that's right! If you can't make it to the event and want to get one, send me an email. Shipping is $20 anywhere in the US and Canada.

Moss Street Paint-In 2010 is here again!

Once again I get to be in the annual Moss Street Paint-In. It's on Saturday, July 17, from 11am-4:30pm. There is a whole lot of art to see so come early and take it all in.
I'm going to be set up on the corner of Revercomb Place and Moss Street. I'll have some new work, some older work, as well as a few pieces in progress to show. I'll also have a Ltd Edition print just for the event which will only be $20! I'll post that shortly.

Here is all the info from the AGGV on the event.

TD Art Gallery Paint-In on Moss Street
Saturday July 17, 2010
Paint-In: 11:00 - 4:30 pm
Gallery Open House: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Food & Beverage Garden: 11am - 9:00 pm
Cynthia Davis Trio: 1:00 - 3:00pm
Dancing to Kumbia: 5:00pm - 9:00 pm

Vancouver Island’s largest outdoor visual art event is celebrating its 23rd Anniversary! Once again TD is demonstrating its commitment to supporting the visual arts as the Paint-In's Title sponsor.

The Paint-In is a community outreach initiative featuring over 100 invited professional and emerging artists from Victoria and surrounding areas. Artists take their studios to the street to display and produce their work on Moss Street between Fort Street and Dallas Road. The Paint-In is a free and fun-filled community-based art awareness and education event that sees 35,000 visitors and receives support from the City of Victoria.

Visitors to the event have the opportunity to meet with an enormous variety of artists and learn about their work and techniques. Ultimately, the event allows local artists access to a receptive audience while encouraging an appreciation of the arts among the visitors. Over 200 volunteers and participating artists dedicate more than 3,800 hours to make this exceptional community event possible.

Gallery 360 10th Anniversary Show

Gallery 360 presents a 10 year anniversary show featuring new works by the talented artists that have shown in the gallery over the last decade. Exhibiting Artists Include: Denise Abbott, Yuri Arajs, Kristen Arden, Chad Balster, Mary Bergherr, Josh Blanc, Dick Brewer, Mike Carina, Tom Cassidy, Jennifer Davis, Chank Diesel, Matthew Doubek, Natasha D’Schommer, Georgina Frankel, Pamela Gaard, Gita Ghei, Barbara Gilhooly, Norma Hanlon, Karl Herber, Orin Herfindal, Shawn Holster, Bethany Kalk, Mark Kawell, Stuart Klipper, Steven Lang, Cynthia Levine, Max Maddox, Mari Newman, Alexandra Rozenman, Matthew Rucker, Danny Saathoff, David Malcolm Scott, Dick Simonsen, Erik Sletten, Michael Sweere, Ellen Thomson, Sheryl Tuorila, Sharon Ulrich, Jill Van Sickle, Al Wadzinski, Kirsten Walstead, Maureen Welter and Mark Wojahn.

Each artist was invited to create a piece of art that culminated the last ten years of their art careers. Completed pieces range from oil painting to abstract sculpture embodying the media that each artist is primarily known for in the art world. Please join us for a special evening of art, food and entertainment, saxophonist Bill Lang will be perched on our roof, appetizers will be outside of the gallery prepared by Corner Table Restaurant, and 10% of the sales from this show will benefit Art Buddies program which pairs creative mentors with kids from low-income families.

The exhibition is June 5 - July 4, 2010 with an opening reception on June 5th from 7-10pm

The image above is the piece I'll have in the show. Go check it out!

SUMMER SALON @ View Art Gallery

Summer bring group shows. I'll be in the Summer Salon at View Art Gallery which runs until September 25th. There are 20 great artists from Canada and a could from the US. Including the awesome Amy Rice from Minneapolis. We rarely have our work on the same gallery walls at the same time. Stop by or go on-line to check it out.

New show on April 9th

I have a bunch of new work in a show opening on April 9th at View Art Gallery. I am showing with Christian Nicolay who's work is worth checking out. If you can't get to the gallery, go to their website after the opening and check out the show on-line at View Art Gallery. It's going to be nice.

"Red Tent 212282010" print release

I was recently inspired when I heard, from my mom, about an organization called The Pivot Legal Society in Vancouver. They do great work on behalf of the homeless including the new Red Tent campaign. They will be using red tents to visually bring awareness to the issue to the world media in Vancouver from Feb 12 - 28, 2010. A very important time to be doing this. Visit their website and learn more about what great work they are doing. www.pivotlegal.org

So I decided to make this limited edition piece of art to raise awareness and money to support this cause, plus a little more. First, I hope to do is raise enough money to give a $500 donation to the Pivot Legal Society's Red Tent campaign. Second, to buy $1,000 worth of art supplies and distribute it directly to artists in my community who are homeless or have experienced homelessness.

For just $25, you can help me achieve this and get a piece of my art as well!

Artwork information:
Title: Red Tent 212282010
Medium: Two color silk screen, grease crayon, ink
Paper size: 8.5" x 11"
Edition size: 125, Signed and numbered
Price: $25 US or CAN
Shipping $5 Anywhere in US or Canada

Payment: customers in Canada - Paypal, check, cash. customers in US - Paypal, cash.

To buy, simply email me at yuri@yuriarajs.com with the following information:
1. How many prints you want.
2. Your complete name and mailing address. Unless it is not being mailed. Then just your name.
3. How you would like to pay. If by Paypal, please include your account name and I will send you an invoice there.
You will receive a confirmation email from me which will include a mailing address to mail cash or check if you are paying that way.

Thank you for supporting my ideas, the arts and the homeless in my community.

The first exhibition for my new non-profit is...

The Victoria Fine Art Festival Society presents it’s inaugural exhibition,

Homeless Awareness: an Exhibition of Art Work by People Who Have Experienced Homelessness
January 15 – February 27, 2010
705 Johnson Street, Downtown Victoria
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 11am – 5pm

Opening reception with the artists January 15, 5-8pm. Free event and open to the public.

Free Film events:
January 28, 7pm Anne by Katherine Surridge
February 25, 7pm The Cats of Mirikitani Directed by Linda Hattendorf

This juried exhibition features works for sale by: Vicki Bailey (painting/printmaking), Anne Campbell (drawing), Luke Garrison (digital collage), Jerry Hayes (painting), Paula Johnson (painting), Robert MacDonald (painting), Russell Maier (painting), Taras Masciuch (photography), Ian Morris (drawing/painting), and George Williams (wood carving).

Director and Curator for the Victoria Fine Arts Festival Society, Yuri Arajs, has a long history of producing social mission-based art exhibitions.
“I feel strongly about VFAF’s inaugural exhibit focus on one of the most tragic problems in Victoria – homelessness. This exhibition is a good example of something concrete that can be done to help people directly. The artists in the exhibit will have their work framed for them and receive 100% of sales. Homeless persons seldom are given the opportunity to have their opinions heard -- much less have their art valued in mainstream society.”


For more information visit our website at www.VictoriaFineArtFestival.org

The mission of the Victoria Fine Art Festival is to bring a better understanding of contemporary art to our community through the production of an annual, juried, contemporary fine art festival in September of each year. Beyond the annual festival, VFAF will produce other exhibitions throughout the year in various venues.

Movie Monday at Eric Martin Pavilion

6:30 pm Monday 7 December 2009
The Living Museum, 1998, 78 min
with a presentation by the Pandora Arts Collective and Yuri Arajs

The Living Museum is an art community in a downsized New York mental institution (Creedmoor Psychiatric Center) where every inch of the 40,000 square foot space is treated like a canvas. The Living Museum illuminates the life and work of artists who are patients and graduates of the Creedmoor. Dr. Janos Marton, charismatic director co-founder and seven of his patients/artists illustrate how it works and how art can be so necessary in the lives of many who are "afflicted " with mental illness.
Jessica Yu

By Academy Award winning filmmaker Jessica Yu (who transferred the film to DVD just for us!) The project is still, after 15 years, very much alive in NY, as our art programs are threatened. more and also see

"In the Living Museum, people are able to express themselves, to create something worthwhile - it's like going to a job. Karen Schechter, the Director of Community Relations, is part of an administration that is uniquely sensitive to and supportive of the artists in their midst. Recognizing how important an expressive outlet is for the recovery process, art is integrated into rehabilitation at Creedmoor. It is an important part of the treatment plans for both inpatients and outpatients."

CBC Radio's North by Northwest with Sheryl MacKay

I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Sheryl MacKay for her show, North by Northwest, which air's Saturday and Sunday mornings on CBC Radio One. The show I am included in aired on November 22nd. It was about my work as a painter and the current show at View Art Gallery, which I am in. Check it. It's about 10 minutes long. Click on the word "listen" below.
Thanks for listening!

LISTEN

Ho Ho!

Opening today, Nov 6th, is a group show of 22 artists which I am included in. Some great artists, great work, and it's all small works which makes it affordable. Stop by View Art Gallery and check out the show which is up until the end of the year.

New work at View Art Gallery / Summer Salon

I have four new pieces in this show. Check it out!


View Art Gallery is pleased to announce "Summer Salon" a Group Show of 20 artists, August 7 to September 26. The exhibition opens on Friday, August 7 with a reception from 6-9pm. Artists in the show are Ronan Boyle, Corrie Alice, Blu Smith, Sheri Kasprow, Mary Anne Tateishi, Yuri Arajs, Fiona Ackerman, Laurie Rolland, Eve Leader, Deboragh Gainer, Denna Erickson, Katherine Surridge, Christian Nicolay, Lisa Birke, Paal Jomaas, Wayne Ngan, Michael Pittman, Elaine Savoie, Stefany Hemming and Jay Hanscom.

For more information, visit the gallery on-line at www.viewartgallery.ca

Latvian Song Festival Exhibition in Ontario

I'm happy to say that I have been selected to participate in the XIII Latvian Song Festival Exhibition at the Art Gallery of Hamilton in Ontario. The annual song festival is a highlight of Latvian culture.

In the show, I'll have two pieces. Both are cherry trees. The image posted is one of them.

And here is a short story about cherry tree's. My godfather, Dr. Lapin's, was the guy who created the Lapin's Cherry. It is a very strong, fleshy, sweet cherry. They are better than a Bing. The cool thing is that they were the first self fertilizing cherry tree!

The Art Gallery of Hamilton has this to say about the exhibition; "The Latvian Song Festival has been celebrated in Canada for over fifty years, continuing Latvian traditions in song and the arts. The festival exhibition of fine art is an intrinsic component of this cultural event. This juried exhibition of contemporary Canadian-Latvian artists’ work may be viewed as the echo and spirit of their past cultural heritage in modern-day Canada. Latvian-Canadians who settled in southwestern Ontario and other parts of Canada have generated an artistic community grateful for Canadian freedom and the many opportunities to contribute in our open society. This exhibition highlights the diversity and creativity of our artists."

Here are all the details:
Latvian-Canadian Art Exhibition
Art Gallery of Hamilton
June 27 - September 7, 2009
www.artgalleryofhamilton.com

I'm opening a new show at View Art Gallery on May 22nd

I have a new show opening on May 22nd at View Art Gallery in Victoria, BC. The show is called "Untitled (weather)" and is mostly new work all based on the weather. Lots of tornado's, rain and snow. The entire show will be available for viewing on the gallery website after the opening. Check it out at www.ViewArtGallery.ca

Buy/Collect: Arts Patronage in Minnesota: The Exhibition

This May, I will be curating a show with Robyne Robinson called Buy/Collect: Arts Patronage in MN. The show is based on Robyne's personal art collection and the importance of supporting artists. Check out the blog, BuyCollect.blogspot.com, and come out to see the show. It's going to be a great one. There's even going to be a catalog!

Galleries West Magazine preview

Thanks Galleries West Magazine for the nice preview of my upcoming show at View Art Gallery opening May 22nd. It's far enough out that you should be marking your calenders now. I am very excited about the show.
You can read the preview by clicking here.

Now accepting applications for the 2009 Yuri Arajs Artist Development Grant

The purpose of this grant is to give a visual artist an opportunity to have direct support from a professional visual arts curator and artist working in the arts community. This will allow the recipient to have one-on-one time to discuss their work critically, portfolio reviews, and plan how to promote their work.
Any artist living with a disability who lives in the USA or Canada is eligible to apply.
This is the third year of the Yuri Arajs Professional Development Artist Grant.

To apply, submit the following:
1. Six (6) or more images of your artwork. They can be digital images on a CD, photographs, prints, or slides. No original work will be accepted.
2. An artist bio / resume, which should include any artistic experience such as arts training and exhibition history.
3. A brief statement, no longer than one page, telling why you should receive this opportunity and how it will help you in your career as an artist.
4. A postage paid envelope for the return of submitted materials. If this is not supplied, no materials will be returned.
5. Applications should mailed directly to: View Art Gallery, Artist Development Grant, #104 – 860 View Street, Victoria, BC, V8W-3Z8, Canada

Recipient will receive:
1. $100 in art supplies, in the form of a gift card.
2. 500 Full color postcards with the artists work on it, for promotional use.
3. A studio visit or phone consult with Yuri Arajs, to be scheduled in 2009.

Important Dates:
April 1, 2009 Applications and all materials are due, or postmarked
April 30, 2009 Recipient will be announced.

Yuri Arajs is the only juror and will select the recipient of the grant. Decisions will be based solely on the artist’s application submission.

If you have any questions, please contact me directlys at yuri@yuriarajs.com

Thank you and I look forward to seeing what comes in this year!

Big Juicy Brushstrokes

I have a bunch of work in a group show opening this week at View Art Gallery with a huge array of other talent. The show is called Big Juicy Brushstroke Etc. If you can't get to the gallery, just click here to view the work I have in the show.
Thanks!

Twenty One Florals opens Nov 1st, on-line ONLY!

Twenty One Florals, new works by Yuri Arajs
November 1 – December 20, 2008

The exhibition will only be viewable on-line. You will be able to see and buy work beginning Nov 1 through Dec 20th.

You can see the exhibit by going to: TwentyOneFlorals.blogspot.com

The exhibit will feature twenty one (21) new floral paintings on paper, which focuses on my love of mark making.

Check it out!

PILOT Group Show @ 801 Lofts Art Gallery

PILOT does one exhibition a year together. This year it is at the beautiful 801 Lofts Gallery. I'll be showing two pieces that I've never shown, which were made about 17 years ago! as well as a few pieces from my "Reclaimed Memories" series (reclaimed-memories.blogspot.com). Here is all the vital information:

You are invited to: Art at 801 Gallery
Opening Reception on Saturday Oct. 11, 6-9pm

Featuring the Pilot Arts Group:
"They are artists who are able to combine their unique gifts and ambitions
into a collective enterprise which will work towards bringing a national eye
to a Midwestern sensibility in creating art with substance and integrity."

John Alspach
Yuri Arajs
Tara Costello
Jennifer Davis
John Diebel
JAO
Terrance Payne
Amy Rice
Michael Sweere
James Wrayge

The music is Beatrix Jar:
"A unique sonic collage layering circuit bent machines, soulful beats, lost
+ found sounds and eccentric lyrics... culminating in a playful, fuzzy sonic
rendezvous."

The exhibition will be showing until February 2009.

5th Annual Art for Choice Fundraiser!

What do I need to say? A great organization, a great evening of art to buy, including my own! I hope you can make and support the event.

Reclaimed Memories / Ltd Edition Catalog Available

Yuri Arajs: Reclaimed Memories
Limited Edition wooden box set
Signed & numbered edition of 54 sets

Each set includes 21 folded full color pages with two views of each piece, framed and unframed, printed on heavy stock glossy paper, a forward page written by Robyne Robinson, as well as a description/acknowledgements/dedication page, both printed on vellum. The pages are wrapped with a red fabric band with ends hand dipped in liquid rubber. The entire set is housed in a custom pine wooden box measuring 6.75” x 9.75” x 2.25”. Each box is adorned with a reclaimed, hand cut, metal plate that has been screen printed in white.

* Please allow for variations as some materials are found and lots of elements have been created by hand.

Price: $300

To purchase a catalog, please contact Yuri Arajs at yuri@yuriarajs.com

The entire exhibition can also be viewed on-line at: reclaimed-memories.blogspot.com

21st Annual Moss Street Paint-In / July 19

I've been to this event a few times and it is really amazing. Thousands of people, good music, and a beer garden. How can you go wrong?
So this is my first year participating in it. If you are in the neighborhood, you need to stop by, look at some of my new paintings and say hi.

Here is the vital information:
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
1040 Moss Street
Victoria

Saturday, July 19, 2008
Paint-In: 12noon - 4:00 pm
Food & Beverage Garden: 12noon - 9:00 pm
Dancing to Kumbia: 4:00pm - 9:00 pm

Vancouver Island’s largest outdoor visual art event is coming of age by celebrating its 21st Anniversary. To help continue its promotion of local artists, TD Canada Trust has become the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria’s title sponsor.

The Paint-In is a community outreach initiative featuring over 100 invited professional and emerging artists from Victoria and surrounding areas. Artists display and produce their work on Moss Street between Fort Street and Dallas Road. The Paint-In is a free and fun-filled community-based art awareness and education event that sees 30,000 visitors and receives support from the City of Victoria.

Visitors to the event have the opportunity to meet with an enormous variety of artists and learn about their work and techniques. Ultimately, the event allows local artists access to a receptive audience while encouraging an appreciation of the arts among the visitors. Over 200 volunteers and participating artists dedicate more than 3,800 hours to make this exceptional community event possible.

Reclaimed Memories: Solo exhibition opening June 20th at the Rogue Buddha Gallery

Yuri Arajs: Reclaimed Memories
Rogue Buddha Gallery
June 20 - July 27, 2008

Opening reception:
Friday, June 20, 7-11pm.
Free and open to the public!

The Rogue Buddha Gallery is excited to present the solo work of Yuri Arajs. This exhibit marks his last solo show in Minneapolis before taking leave for Canada, his native country.
This exhibit features a new series of found photograph/found mixed media works.
"I’ve been collecting old photographs for many years. I have found them at estate sales, garage sales and in the trash. It amazes me that people dispose of things like this. We record our and others histories only to have them discarded. Why?
Each one of the pieces in the Reclaimed Memory Series is unique in that it was created without anything else in mind but the photograph. The photo had a story to tell me, I listened to it and what came back was my own version of a memory that is not mine. But I have now reclaimed these memories as my own and this is what they look like.
The use of found materials, beyond the photographs, also plays an important role in these works. Found materials have a history and an aesthetic that I don’t feel I can reproduce or create. The paper, the marks I make, the objects introduced, and finally the found frame, all add additional information to the narrative of each piece."

Accompanying this exhibit will be the release of a limited edition boxed set, which will include all 21 pieces in the show. The “Reclaimed Memories” box set will include 21 folded pages with 2 full color views of each piece, a Forward written by Robyne Robinson, wrapped in a nice red ribbon, all housed in a custom pine box (6.75” x 9.75” x 2.25”), signed and numbered edition of 50.

Here is where the Rogue Buddha is:
Rogue Buddha Gallery
357 13th Ave NE Mpls, MN 55413
www.roguebuddha.com
612.331.3889

Hope to see you at the opening!

Art-a-Whirl was great!

Many thanks to everyone who came by to say hi, looked and shopped the art!
I've been doing art-a-whirl for years and have shown a lot at the Thorp Building. They have great unique spaces and this is one that I was able to have my work in this year. It was an old powder coating oven.

Art-A-Whirl!

This year I'm / Placement Gallery, is doing a huge show at the Thorp building. It's a special exhibition of artists I have shown in the last 10 years here in the Twin Cities. It's in a huge space, 12000 sq ft!, and there are 20 amazing artists in the show.
There will be a large "retail" space of artwork for sale which will include a fire sale of my own work. I'm slashing prices on a bunch of older work. Come buy, check out the show, and buy some of art!

Here is the information on the exhibition:

Placement Gallery presents:
“Pure Pleasure: 10 Years of Curating from Yuri Arajs”
May 16 - 18, 2008
Featuring works by Joe Aschebrook, Bill Borden, Jamie Carrera, Jennifer Davis, John Fleischer, Kyle Fokken, Doug Forbes, Greg Gossel, John Grider, Nicholas Harper, Grant Hart, JAO, Ernest Miller, Mari Newman, Douglas Padilla, Terrance Payne, Amy Rice, Richard Saholt, Sean Smuda and Venus,

Exhibit location: Thorp Building, 1620 Central Avenue NE, space 125, Minneapolis
Gallery hours: Friday 5-10pm, Saturday 12-8pm, Sunday 12-5pm

Reception with the artists Friday, May 16th from 6 to 10pm
Featuring a live speed painting performance by JAO and music by DJ Espada.
A fantastic art event and party that is free and open to the public!

2008 Achieving Dreams Award!

I am so honored to have been the first ever recipient of the Achieving Dreams Award given by Resource Inc. They are an amazing local organization who's mission is, "To empower people to achieve greater personal, social and economic success. We are committed to undoing racism and promoting diversity." Read more and support them at www.resource-mn.org. The award is given out annually for "outstanding contributions to Resource Inc., for helping others discover their potential and achieve their dreams."

I've had the fortune to have shown many artists who use Resource Inc services. They have a great visual arts program called Spectrum which is run by friend and artist, Amy Rice (www.amyrice.com). Spectrum has a great website with lots of art for sale. Check them out at www.artworksatspectrum.org.

Thank you so much for this!

Yuri Arajs and Placement Gallery featured in the new issue of Minnesota Monthly Magazine

The March issue of MN Monthly has a very nice article on me. If you haven't seen it yet, you can go to the link below to read it online. Many thanks to Tim Gihrin, senior writer at Minnesota Monthly, for taking the time to do this story.
- Yuri

http://www.mnmo.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/March-2008/This-Way-In/

Now taking applications for the 2008 Yuri Arajs Artist Development Grant

The Yuri Arajs Artist Development Grant 2008

The purpose of this grant is to give a visual artist the opportunity to have direct support from a professional curator / artist working in the arts community. This will allow the recipient to have one-on-one time to discuss their work critically, portfolio reviews, and plan how to help promote their work.
Each year, the grant will be given through a different organization. This year I am pleased to be offering this grant to a member of the VSA Arts Minnesota community. Any artist living with a disability who lives in Minnesota is eligible to apply. For more information on VSA Arts and the services they offer, visit www.vsaartsmn.org.
This is the second year of the Yuri Arajs Professional Development Artist Grant.

To apply, submit the following:
1. Six (6) or more images of your artwork. They can be digital images on a CD, photographs, prints, or slides. No original work will be accepted.
2. An artist bio / resume, which should include any artistic experience such as arts training and exhibition history.
3. A brief statement, no longer than one page, telling why you should receive this opportunity and how it will help you in your career as an artist.
4. A postage paid envelope for the return of submitted materials. If this is not supplied, no materials will be returned.
5. Applications should mailed directly to: Placement Gallery, Artist Development Grant, PO Box 18496, Minneapolis, MN, 55418

Recipient will receive:
1. $100 in art supplies, in the form of a gift card.
2. 1000 Full color postcards with the artists work on it, for promotional or sale purposes.
3. Two (2) studio visits with Yuri Arajs, to be scheduled in 2008.

Important Dates:
April 1, 2008 Applications and all materials are due.
April 30, 2008 Recipient will be announced.

Yuri Arajs is the sole juror and will select the recipient of the grant. Decisions will be based solely on the artist’s application submission.

If you have any questions, please contact Yuri Arajs at yuri@yuriarajs.com

2008 Yuri Arajs Artist Development Grant

Last year I started giving out a small grant to help out a local artist. Every year I'm also giving the grant out through a local organization. This way it brings some awareness to the organization and hopefully it also helps make the grant available to more people. This year that organization is VSA Arts Minnesota. VSA is an amazing organization that offers a ton of services and opportunities for people living with disabilities. Check out their website at www.vsaartsmn.org.
To find out more information and how to apply for the grant, visit placementgallery.blogspot.com

Art at Cafe Maude

You've got to love those folks at Cafe Maude. Not only did they buy a piece of mine for the cafe, but they asked my to hang a bunch of work there until April '08. Nice! I've got 10 pieces up and they look great in the "red room". Cafe Maude is always packed so make a reservation if you plan on going for a meal. If not, you can make your way to the bar easy enough.
Cafe Maude is located at 5411 Penn Avenue South, Minneapolis. Phone 612-822-5411 or www.cafemaude.com

Tower Lofts event on Thursday, Dec 6th!

Come down to the Tower Loft, which are beautiful, and have some fun on Thursday night. I'm showing work with John Alspach and Tara Costello. You should see all our work in those beautiful work/live condos. It's really nice. The event is only on thursday which will feature food, drinks, music and tours of the remaining 4 units in the building. And art is all over! Hope to see you then.

Openings at Gallery 13 & Fox Tax on Nov 17th

I have work in 2 shows opening on Nov 17th. How exciting!

The Gallery @ Fox Tax is opening a group show called "These Elves Went to Art School. Mini-art by MN Talent." This show has tiny art, no bigger than 4" x 4", by about 40 people. This should be an amazing show. This is what they have to say about it, "In a show of bite-sized proportions, over 35 local artists have contributed works highlighting their own style in miniature form. Being given the task to create works no larger than 4″ x 4″, these artistic elves’ creations are sure to shift your perception of scale and scope AND make the perfect one-of-a-kind gift for everyone on your holiday list."
The show will be up from Nov 16 - Dec 30th, or check them out at www.foxtaxservice.com

Gallery 13 also opens "Ultimate Landscape" the same night. This group show of landscape work by local artists will be up from Nov 10 - Dec 30th. You can get more infomation by visiting www.gallery13.com

"Art For Choice" Fundraiser on Nov 9th

I have a painting in the auction at the "Art For Choice" fundraiser which is for Pro Choice Resources. This is a great organization, who does incredible work for women in Minnesota. Come bid on some great art by folks like Allen Brewer, Terrence Payne, Amy Rice, Jen Davis, Chank, and myself, to mention a few. And it's at the Graves Hotel!

Here's the detail on the event:
Please join Pro-Choice Resources in celebrating our 40th anniversary! Art for Choice has turned into one of the most talked about events in our community. This year the Art for Choice event consists of fine art, a dynamic performance by Jules Weiland (writer) and Janelle Ranek (performer) of IOU Productions, appetizers, cash bar and live music. Proceeds from the event will benefit Pro-Choice Resources' education and access programs.

Guests who purchase event tickets at $30 and up, will receive a complimentary raffle ticket for the chance to win one of three fantastic prize packages. Additional raffle tickets can be purchased at the event.
Suggested Donation: $20 to $40* per person.

Friday, November 9, 2007
6:30 - 10:00pm
Where: Graves 601 Hotel, Downtown Minneapolis

www.prochoiceresources.org

One Night Exhibition at 50 Entertainment

I'm going to be apart of a one night exhibition/party at 50 Entertainment on Thursday, 10/25 from 6-9pm. It should be a great time with music, food, people, and drinks. Come on by, check out some of my new work and Dick and Lonnie's stuff too.

Here are the important details:
50 Entertainment and Brick by Brick present:
Echo Through The Waves, A New Vision of Art

50 Entertainment, Inc. (50e) a local music and media company, is opening its Warehouse District office space to serve as an art gallery one evening quarterly to showcase talented Twin Cities artists. The initial event will feature Yuri Arajs, Dick Simonsen and Lonnie Lovness.

This first event will be on Thursday, October 25, 2007 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. which is free and open to the public.

50e’s office space is located at 300 First Avenue North, Suite 110 in the Warehouse District of downtown Minneapolis.

You can also check out more information about the event at: www.echothroughthewaves.com