Various works by Gallerie Renee Marie artists– all available to purchase for $100 or less– are on display at the gallery through Oct. 7.(Photo courtesy of Vicki Byrum Dennis)

Reception scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 19

Gallerie Renee Marie is celebrating summer with its new exhibit, “Hot Summer, Cool Art.” All gallery artwork will be priced at $100 or less.
“Our artists are bringing in work that they are willing to let go of at great prices,” painter and gallery co-founder Renee Marie Jordan said. “All this wonderful original art and high-quality reproductions for under $100 is really a gift from our members.”
The work is currently on exhibit with a reception planned for Saturday, Aug. 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. The public is invited. The show will run through Saturday, Oct. 7.
Many of the artists at Gallerie Renee Marie are known for their prolific output, and storage of work over the years becomes an ongoing challenge.
“The idea of a special summer event appealed to me,” mixed media artist LorriMarie Jenkins said. “I make art every day and that adds up to a house full of joyful creations. I want to share my beauties, to let them shine in forever homes when they’re done.”
Some other members said they thought this sale would encourage first time buyers and even new collectors.
“Not everyone who falls in love with a $150 necklace has the means to make a purchase,” Nicky Ruxton, jewelry and assemblage artist, said. “Since it’s imperative to make room for the newest work, this kind of event is really smart, a kind of win/win for artist and collector.”
However, the gallery artists agree that letting go of favorites is a bittersweet experience.
“We all want to sell our art, to have people enjoy it,” painter Stephen Schumm said. “But there’s a big part of us in everything we do. It’s very personal to show a piece and then send it on its way. Of course this is our goal … but feelings remain long after the work is gone.”
Stephanie Gray, mixed-media painter, co-founder and gallery manager, emphasized that the event does not devalue any of the members’ artwork.
“Customers are getting the same, first-rate quality work that will be available at full price in the coming months,” she said. “Art lovers know a good deal when they see one. I plan on shopping here too.”
In addition to the summer special, the gallery will launch a new feature, a small artwork wall in the main gallery room in which all pieces displayed will be no larger than 3” x 3”. Some of the work may be a diptych or a series and could be designed to hang together; others will be stand-alone small works.
“As an artist, creating in a smaller environment can be very challenging,” Jordan said. “We thought this was a great way to explore new formats and to pay homage to one of our favorite friends and artists, Robert-Jean Ray, who is a master of working with diminutive pieces, what he calls “microART.”
Gallerie Renee Marie is located at 1038 First St.a. Summer hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. For more information call 707-480-5501, email galleriereneemarie@gmail.com or visit www.galleriereneemarie.com.

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