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.