News

Night and Noon showing at the 2020 CVG Show

January 18, 2020 · Lel ·

I’m happy to announce my digital painting “Night and Noon” has been accepted into The CVG Show – the 2020 Washington State Juried Art Competition and Show. This is a diverse exhibit featuring 151 works by artists across the state. Jurors award over $10,000 in prizes and it has a rich offering of related events. Preview the art, artists, and event schedule on the CVG website.

The CVG Show Artist Reception, Sat., Jan. 18, 7:30-10 p.m.

The exhibition opens today, Jan. 18 and is up through Feb. 29 (Leap Day) at Collective Visions Gallery – 331 Pacific Ave, Bremerton. (Downtown Corner of 4th Ave and Pacific, just 3 blocks from the ferry terminal)

Collective Visions Gallery open hours: Tues.– Sat. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. (Special Sunday hours Jan. 19 – 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.).

Abstract painting with blue and orange by Lel Newman — Night and Noon, 2/20
Limited edition archival inkjet print on Hahnemühle Photo Rag, framed (20″ x 20″)

Also included in the show are talented friends from my monthly artist group Sandy Haight and Iskra Johnson, and Indianola neighbor Sydni Sterling. I’m honored to be in their company.

2020 CVG Show Details

The annual CVG Show is one of the largest and most prestigious art competitions in the Northwest. 383 artists from 93 cities and towns throughout Washington submitted 1100 images of artworks for consideration. The competition’s jurors, Liana Bennett and Beverly Hanson chose 151 pieces from these submissions for inclusion in the show. Jurors will choose the recipients of cash prizes going to 10 artists in multiple categories, including the “Best of Show Mayor’s Award” of $1500. Additionally, there will be over $2500 in purchase awards by area businesses, a $300 People’s Choice Award sponsored by the West Sound Arts Council, multiple $25 Jurors’ Awards, and a $1,000 Best of Kitsap Award sponsored by the Cultural Arts Foundation Northwest.

Exhibition Co-chairs Alan Newberg and Cindy DuVall say: “The 2020 show has attracted top quality artists from every quarter of our state to submit their best work. Attendees and collectors will find a museum quality show of work ranging in size from large sculptures, paintings and fiber art pieces to small prints, photos and jewelry, ranging in style from exquisite traditional work to provocative contemporary works and deeply personal expressions. Some of these artists are well established professionals, and others are emerging talents in the world of art. Our state is very rich with talent.”

There will be a special opening on Sunday, January 19, from 12–4 p.m. with an Art Walk-through and Art Discussions led by the jurors Liana Bennett and Beverly Hanson from 1 to 3 p.m.. In addition, on each of the weekends of the 6-week show there will be a series of art events and art themed movies at the nearby Roxy Theater plus a concert by Pearl Django with jazz vocalist Gail Pettis. See the related events and schedule.

Bainbridge Island Winter Studio Tour Dec. 6-8, 2019

November 28, 2019 · Lel ·

It’s the start of the busy, busy season. Lots of fun, socializing, eating, and squeezing in work when you can. I’m happily prepping for the Bainbridge Island Studio Tour, happening the first weekend in December. I’m framing up my limited edition abstract paintings and Shapemaking prints. If you’re in the area, consider getting out of the house and taking the tour. It’s a fun way to explore Bainbridge Island and get in the holiday spirit. There are 56 Artists at 8 venues.

Our first open studio

November 16, 2019 · Lel ·

Fernwoods Studios Art in the Woods — Tim’s shop was transformed for Art in the Woods

Open studio art show — My work hanging along with my husband Tim Celeski’s woodworking

Abstract painting in an open studio — My work hanging along with my husband Tim Celeski’s woodworking

We were happy to see so many folks make the trek to Indianola and up Fern Street during the Art in the Woods Studio Tour Nov. 8-10. After living in here for over 11 years, we’re accustomed to the long dirt road drive, but it’s an adventure for many. Yes, Fernwoods Studios is “Art in the Woods”, literally!

Western sword ferns on Fern Street — Fern Street, Indianola, Washington, USA

Thanks to all who came by, including former West Seattle neighbors, dear friends and family, and a favorite high school teacher I hadn’t seen since that time! It was a pleasure for us to see you all and to meet the many folks who regularly do the tour. Once the memory of all the heavy lifting fades, we’ll very likely decide to do it again next year. It was a good time.

Art in the Woods – our first open studio at Fernwoods & you’re invited

November 3, 2019 · Lel ·

What the heck is Fernwoods? That’s what we call our place in Indianola, Washington where my husband, Tim Celeski, and I live and work. It’s tucked up in the woods, and yes, it has a lot of ferns!

Tim and I will be showing our art together as part of the North Kitsap peninsula Art in the Woods Studio Tour. It’s a self-guided tour of 21 Artists’ studios, with over 60 participating local artists.

Art in the Woods Studio Tour

Fri., Sat., Sun., Nov. 8-10, 2019, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Tour website)

What you’ll see at Fernwoods Studios (besides ferns)

I’m showing my limited edition abstracts: expressive digital paintings and the modern Shapemaking series.

Expressions Northwest juried exhibit, Aug. 1 – Sept. 1, 2019, Port Townsend, WA

July 27, 2019 · Lel ·

I’m happy to announce three of my paintings were accepted into a juried exhibit: Forest Lights, Night and Noon, and Blue Green City. They’ll be included in the Expressions Northwest exhibit at Northwind Arts Center in Port Townsend all of August.

Expressions Northwest
A Celebration of Creating & Living in the Pacific Northwest

Juror: David Sessions, exhibit curator Bainbridge Arts & Crafts on Bainbridge Island, WA.

At Northwind Arts Center

701 Water Street
Port Townsend, WA
Open hours: Wed.– Mon. 11:30 am – 5:30 pm

Schedule of exhibit events

August 9, 5:30 – 7:30 pm – Opening Reception & Awards Presentation
August 6, 7 – 8:30 pm Ekphrastic Write in
August 10, 1 pm Juror Talk
August 22, 1 pm Ekphrastic Reading

What the heck does Ekphrastic mean? Wikipedia says “The word ekphrasis, or ecphrasis, comes from the Greek for the description of a work of art produced as a rhetorical exercise, often used in the adjectival form ekphrastic. It is a vivid, often dramatic, verbal description of a visual work of art, either real or imagined.” — This should be interesting!

If you’re nearby or passing through Port Townsend stop in and check it out.

Port Townsend August 2019 events

Port Townsend is a busy town in the summer. A lot’s happening this August. Here are some highlights: Jazz Port Townsend; Shakespeare in the Park; the hip and now THING music festival at Fort Worden (Aug. 24-25); Olympic Music Festival for classical music lovers; Port Townsend Studio Tour (Aug. 17-18); and Jefferson County Fair (Aug. 9-11).

The Port Townsend Farmers Market is da best (from what I hear). I’ll be heading there to finally check it out Sat., Aug. 10 on my way to the Juror Talk. The Northwind Art Center is on Water Street, where there are lots of interesting shops and places to eat. We always stop into William James Booksellers. They have an excellent, well-organized offering of used books, including art books.

So there are plenty of reasons to get to Port Townsend in August. I hope locals and visitors take time to stop by Northwinds Arts Center to see the Expressions Northwest art show.