Cambridge Art Association Heats
Up
for Summer Viewers
By Susie Davidson
CORRESPONDENT
The show doesn’t slow during
the summer months for the Cambridge Art Association. Their two gallery and
various adjunct spaces are packed nearly year-long with the sensory enhancing
work of their 500 juried artist members, who reflect the gamut of creative
ability from photography, printmaking, painting, sculpture and textile art to
glassmaking and more.
At the Kathryn Schultz Gallery at
25R Lowell St. or University Place at 124 Mt. Auburn St., as well as at
Wainwright Bank in Kendall Square, the Federal Reserve Bank and other venues,
the CAA’s 22 exhibits per year serve to promote the original mission of
the organization, begun in 1944 with an auction to support the war effort.
“We strive,” said Executive Director Kathryn Schultz, “to
enhance the quality of the community by exhibiting art, supporting local
artists, and creating diverse opportunities for art education and art
appreciation.”
Fifty-eight years ago, a group of
artists rented a dirt-floored Harvard Square basement space. They laid down
floor board, erected partitions and lighting, held their auction and solicited
members; classes and exhibits followed the opening of a gallery. The effort has
evolved into the current Association, presently headed by Schultz and Assistant
Director Jodi Hays Gresham, and certainly no less dedicated.
Twice a year, the CAA sponsors
juried exhibits which are open to all New England artists; once a year they
present a National Show. Currently, a New Members’ Show, for those
joining between July 2001 and May 2002, is at the Schultz from July 9-July 30
(this gallery closes in August); “New England Summer,” with
members’ work reflecting this theme, occupies University Place between
July 9 and September 3. The selection process for these shows is intricate and
meticulous.
“We display the work of
members,” explained Schultz, “who are juried into the Association
throughout the year by a panel of our artists.” She added that
approximately 50 percent of applicants, whose work, resumes and slides are
reviewed, are ultimately accepted. What are the defining lines?
“The CAA,” answered
Schultz, “looks for members whose artistically diverse work is
technically polished, compelling, marketable, and shows integrity. It attempts
to represent and exhibit various aesthetic points of view, techniques, and
materials.” Once selected, each member must volunteer six hours per year.
Annual, prorated dues are $75; the CAA takes a 40 percent commission on sold
work as well.
But the benefits are well worth
it. “Members receive the opportunity to show in two exhibition galleries,
space in our print bin, promotion by our Sales and Rental director, referrals,
commissions, classes, lectures, trips and our newsletter,” said Schultz.
Members are also allowed and encouraged to attend and participate in the
Committee meetings which approve exhibits.
“The current New Member
Show,” she said, “features 39 artists. The entrance wall holds
works of rich geometric shapes – the deep earth tones of “Folded
Leaf” by Daniel DeLuca hang near a huge sculptural steel wall piece
(“Wrinkled Wall”) by artist/art teacher Peter Brooks. Strong
photographs, by Denise McFadden, Peter Kilbridge and John Swanson, present
intriguing scenes of Americana.”
An annual CAA National Prize Show
draws 4500 nationwide entries and is juried this year by Lisa Dennison, Chief
Curator and Deputy Director of the Guggenheim Museum. An upcoming gala, black
tie Monte Carlo Night will raise funds for senior and special needs children's
art programs.
The CAA’s Sales and Rental
program, headed by Susan Vrostos, “is designed,” said Schultz,
“to make artist members' work accessible to individuals, corporations,
architects, and designers.”
“We promote all media of the
artist members,” said Vrostos, “by placing original art in the
workplace. Our Cambridge clients include Forest City Commercial Group, MIT
buildings managed by Meredith & Grew, Houghton Place on Mass. Avenue,
Harvard University and Museum Towers. By working with the owners or committees
of employees, art is selected and installed for six months or a year. The rent
charged for art goes equally to the artist and to the Association. Very often,
the company will subsequently decide to purchase some of the art; we then
accomplish several aspects of our mission: exposing original art to people as
part of their everyday experience. We remunerate the creator, the artist, for
time and talent as we help support the nonprofit art association.”
Vrostos lauds the receptive
client-hosts as well. “I can explain the process, the media, the intent
of the artist and listen to the observations of people who are trying to understand
the creative process. We have installed every possible type of art, from small
drawings to large-scale paintings and sculpture. The CAA’s sales and
rental program brings a gallery experience out of the walls into real
life.”
In addition to her full-time CAA
duties, Vrostos is an MFA docent at and leads European trips for artists.
Artists interested in joining the
CAA may by the office at 25 Lowell St., call 617-876-0246 or email cambridgeart@mindspring.com to
request a membership application.