Sullivan Goss Blog

John Nava Tapestries at the Figge Museum

Nathan — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:13 +0000

Just in case you weren’t one of the 1000 plus people to visit the gallery on First Thursday, we have a new show of works by John Nava. John is perhaps most famous for his tapestries in the Our Lady of the Angels cathedral in downtown LA. John’s new show, called Facing West, is a group of paintings that present an updated version of mythical figures of Beauty. It is an amazing show, and we hope that you will come in to see it for yourself.

Slightly more than a week before the opening of this show, the artist was flown to Davenport, Iowa where he gave a talk about one of his tapestries which is currently on view right at the entrance to the Museum. John was nice enough to let us post some of his pictures from the trip on this blog. Who would have guessed that you might find such a stunning museum in Iowa?

The Figge Art Museum designed by David Chipperfield and sited overlooking the Mississippi River.

W Haiku | John Nava | Triptych | Tapestry, 114 x 240 inches | 2006

Scavenger Hunt Update

Nathan — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:25:08 +0000

It has been brought to our attention that there are more than one logical solution to the word scramble at the end of part one of the scavenger hunt. There is, however, only one correct answer. If the solution you have currently doesn’t lead you to anywhere fruitful, go back to the word scramble and see if there are any alternative answers that might lead somewhere.

We have had a wonderful response from those that have begun the hunt. And we would still like to encourage you to take the plunge and start the scavenger hunt now. It is not too late to get started, and remember the four runners up will get a free dinner for themselves and a guest at the Arts and Letters Cafe with Hank Pitcher himself. You can download the first part of the scavenger hunt by clicking on “The Case of the Missing Pitcher” link on the right-hand side of this page.

The Scavenger Hunt Begins…

Nathan — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:52:31 +0000

If you would like to try to win the $4,000 Hank Pitcher painting that we are giving away it is not too late. You can download part one from “The Case of the Missing Pitcher” link that is on the right of this web page. Because the prize is so big, we made the hunt very challenging and expect that we may not have a winner for a while yet. This means that if you start soon you can still easily be in the running for the grand prize.

Scavenger Hunt Grand Prize on View

Nathan — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:41:03 +0000

If you would like to get a look at the $4,000 painting that we will be giving away to the winner of our scavenger hunt, it is now on view in the gallery. Come in and see this great painting and get motivated to take part in the excitement when the scavenger hunt begins on 1st Thursday, November 5th.

To get all the information on the Scavenger Hunt click here.

John Nava’s Painting Process

Nathan — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:30:04 +0000

John Nava recently sent in this fascinating short video which documents his intricate, multi-step process for the creation of this ethereal series of paintings. In the brief span of this video we get some wonderful insight into the artist’s complex creative process. These paintings will be part of John’s next solo exhibit which opens at the gallery on this coming 1st Thursday, November 5th. Now that you have seen some of what it takes to make these paintings, make sure to come in to see them in person.

Thank You for Your Support!

Nathan — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:46:26 +0000

Sullivan Goss has once again been named Santa Barbara’s favorite art gallery by the readers of the Independent. We’d like to thank all of our wonderful patrons for voting for us and for your continuing support. It has been a very big year for Sullivan Goss as we launched our groundbreaking SGTV program, hosted the Public Square art project, organized Art Helps to assist needy families in this tough economic time, and opened the Arts and Letters Cafe for dinner service the first time in many years.

Our next big project is the Great Sullivan Goss Treasure Hunt: The Case of the Missing Pitcher. Click on the link to learn more and help us spread the word by telling all your art and/or surf loving friends that they could win a $4,000 painting by surf icon Hank Pitcher.

Win A Painting by Surf Art Icon Hank Pitcher

Nathan — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:24:10 +0000

That’s right! We’re giving away an iconic Hank Pitcher surfboard painting to the winner of the upcoming Sullivan Goss Treasure Hunt. This painting measures 16 by 8 inches and retails for $4,000. But for a prize this big, you’re going to have to work for it.

The Case of the Missing Pitcher

The Sullivan Goss Scavenger Hunt: The Case of the Missing Pitcher is going to be a multimedia adventure requiring your best puzzle-solving skills and a bit of careful detective work. Our hope is that by the end you may just have learned a good deal about Santa Barbara’s rich artistic history. And we haven’t made it easy, so don’t think you’ll have the prize wrapped up in a couple of days, or even a week.

Part one of the scavenger will begin promptly at 6pm on the next 1st Thursday, November 5th. The multi-part hunt will unfold over the following weeks, until the winner is presented their prize at a special ceremony that will take place during the 1st Thursday in December.

In addition to the grand prize there will be four runner-up prize winner who will receive an invitation for themselves and a guest to have dinner with Hank Pitcher at the Arts and Letters Cafe.

Start spreading the word to all the Hank Pitcher fans out there. Hank is not only a big name in the local arts community but a big name in the local surf community, so their is bound to be lots of interest in the scavenger hunt. Mark your calendars and make sure to get here right at 6pm on the 5th.

This classic Hank Pitcher painting could be yours!

A Meeting with Frederick Remahl

Nathan — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 23:29:47 +0000

A few weeks ago we posted the story of a man who had purchased a painting by one of the artists whose estate the gallery represents. Mr. Jim Quinlan had the good fortune to purchase a painting by Frederick Remahl from the artist himself. We asked Mr. Quinlan to recount his memories of the artist so that we could post that story here. After some computer problems last week we lost the original post that contained that story, so I’m reposting it again now:

My initial encounter as best I can recall came about after I strolled by his little shop a few times, looked in the window and finally went in. I think it was on North Clark Street and I was drawn in by mere curiosity. Painting has always been something which intrigued me and his place seemed more than a crafts type place. It had personality. Brushes and clean canvases, paints and frames.Nothing orderly, but I guess it was an artist’s idea of what a shop should look like. Paintings covered the walls like a mini museum. Mr. Remahl came out of the back room and welcomed me as if we had known each other for some time. I thought at first he was a clerk, a friendly man, but hardly imposing as I imagined an artist to be.We chatted about generalities. He talked about sailing and working on ships like the ones he had painted. I was a teacher and a new dad and had a few stories of my own. I also had little surplus cash for such things as paintings. He, as I recall, asked if there was anything I liked. I pointed out a couple of small framed oil paintings (bucolic reedy lake scenes) by an artist named Howard Karmele. I still have them and they are in fine condition. It was then that I noticed the larger (14 x 18) piece of the two ore freighters. He identified himself as their creator and I was impressed. They sat still in the water (Lake Michigan, he said) and a single gull drifts along on the wind in the upper right portion. I asked how much it cost and he said simply $50. The Karmele’s were $35 each and a bowl of fruit by a Mexican painter whose name I can’t remember was also $35. I bought his painting first then returned to buy the others as my finances improved. I should have taken better care of it but that is past and I moved around a bit. There is a paper notation attached on the back identifying the painting and his name.It is handwritten.

"Lake Freighters" by Frederick Remahl

We’d like to once again thank Mr. Quinlan for sending in his story. We love to learn all we can about the artists that we show. If you have a story about one of the artists whose estates we represent please get in touch with us at sales@sullivangoss.com.

New Sidney Gordin Video on SGTV

Nathan — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:31:54 +0000

Gallery Director, Jeremy Tessmer has finished a new video to accompany our current exhibit of historically important drawings and sculptures by Sidney Gordin. The video gives a brief history of the artist’s life and places his work within the rise of the Abstract Expressionist movement that began in the 1940s. The entire staff is very excited about this show.

Check out the video by clicking on the image above and then make sure to come in and see this exciting new exhibit.

Arts and Letters Cafe Serves Dinner Starting Saturday

Nathan — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:48:45 +0000

Starting this Saturday, September 19th the Arts and Letters Cafe will be open for dinner. From 5:30 – 9pm on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday and 5:30 – 10pm on Friday and Saturday, the cafe will be serving an all new dinner menu. The menu will feature a wide variety of local and international wines and will include happy hour specials. In addition to our famously romantic back patio, the front patio will be a perfect spot to grab a after work drink and a bite to eat. It is also an ideal spot to have dinner on your way to the theater.

This also means that the vintage gallery will be open in the evenings, so if you have a hard time making it to see our exhibits during the work week, you now have 5 evenings a week to come and see these beautiful shows.

To get a preview of our new dinner menu, click here.

Sullivan Goss TV Celebrates 15,000 Views

Nathan — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:57:54 +0000

For the passed year or so, we at Sullivan Goss have been experimenting with a variety of new ways to get the word out about our program. The most significant of these are the videos we now produce for our SGTV web page. The gallery staff work together to produce each of these videos and launch the new videos as part of our monthly E-Bulletin, which keeps our clients up to date with new shows and acquisitions. However, we do not stop there. It is our belief that these videos only become more valuable the easier they are to access. So we have been blazing trails when it comes to finding ways to distribute these videos and expanding our presence on the web. SGTV can now be found on over 15 different internet sites. I’ve included a list of some of these sites below and you can click on any of them to see the Sullivan Goss page.

We hope that these videos have made it easier for everyone to learn about our artists and their place within our local and national art history. If you have any comments or suggestions for us, please post them on the blog.

Unlikely Pair: Erlebacher Does Picasso and Warhol

Nathan — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 19:40:52 +0000

The next “Unlikely Pair” up in the gallery. Susan Bush made this selection in our ongoing series. You can read Susan’s explanation of this pair below. These pairs are only on display for two weeks before the next couple goes up. So come in often to check out each set. Please let us know what you think of the project by posting your comments.

Martha Mayer Erlebacher

Bird Before a Window

Martha Mayer Erlebacher

Marilyn Mallard

“Imagine the colorful conversation that would occur if Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol were seated next to each other at a dinner party. These two vibrant Martha Erlebacher paintings are a catalyst to that conversation. It is up to us hear it.”

- Susan

Pictures from First Thursday at Sullivan Goss

Nathan — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 19:23:52 +0000

For the first time in ages Sullivan Goss had two contemporary art exhibits opening on the same night. Throw in an appearance by the popular Nicole Strasburg and you have a recipe for one very busy First Thursday, with the artists from all three shows in the contemporary gallery together at once. Curator Susan Bush found a moment during the evening to capture the event with few photos.

If you weren’t able to attend the opening, take a moment this weekend to stop in and see all of these great shows.

Robin Gowen addresses a captive audience.

Frank Goss and Robert Townsend

Robert Townsend, Susan Bush, Nicole Strasburg, and Robin Gowen

SGTV Presents “Robert Townsend: A Pop Mythology

Nathan — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:16:58 +0000

Emerging artist Robert Townsend will have his first solo exhibit with Sullivan Goss starting September 3rd. We are all incredibly excited about this up-and-coming talent and hope to see lots of people for the opening on 1st Thursday. Susan Bush has recently finished a video to accompany the exhibit. The video gives a wonderful taste of what is up on the walls, but these paintings really must be seen in person to be appreciated. I’ll also let our blog readers in on a little secret: we’ve already got the show installed so if you would like to come in to get a special sneak preview, head into the gallery before the official opening on the 3rd.

The show will remain up until November 29th, but a few of the works from this show have already sold. So, if you are interested in acquiring one of these great new paintings, we encourage you to come in soon to pick out your favorite before it is gone.

You can watch the video by clicking on the image above. And you can check out the exhibition page for more info on the work by clicking here.

SGTV Presents “Robin Gowen: The Corner of My Eye”

Nathan — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 17:48:57 +0000

Recently, Frank Goss sat down with local artist, Robin Gowen, to talk about her sixth solo show at Sullivan Goss. The interview provides a wonderful insight into the artist’s creative process and how it has changed over the years. As you can see in the video the results are stunning.

The show is certain to draw a crowd during the artist’s reception when it opens during September’s 1st Thursday event. It will remain on exhibit until November 29th, so make sure to come in and see these wonderful works for yourself. Then come back here to post your comments and let us know what you think.

To watch the video you can click here or on the image above.

The News-Press reviews Nicole Strasburg’s Exhibit

Nathan — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 19:56:51 +0000

If you haven’t read it, make sure to pick up a copy of yesterdays News-Press. A wonderful review of Nicole Strasburg’s exhibit written by Josef Woodard can be found in the Scene section. It is a thoughtful and in depth examination of Nicole’s career and current show. You can also check out the interview here, then make sure to come in to the gallery to see this incredibly popular show for yourself.

An Unlikely Pair: Kosa Jr. and Freeman

Nathan — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:15:27 +0000

We have a new “Unlikely Pair” up in the gallery. This time Nathan Vonk made his second selection in this ongoing series. You can read Nathan’s explanation of this pair below. These pairs are only on display for two weeks before the next couple goes up. So come in often to check out each set. Please let us know what you think of the project by posting your comments.

Emil Kosa Jr.

Mural Study for Lockheed Aircraft Corporation

Don Freeman

Man Resting in Park

“Together these two paintings capture the wonderful complexity of how we view American labor. On one side we have the colossal and triumphant achievements in engineering and design, on the other we have a solitary man who takes a well deserved rest from the fundamental work that keeps the whole system running.”

-Nathan

The First Ever Sullivan Goss Art Treasure Hunt

Nathan — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:35:57 +0000

Prepare yourself! We have just about finished the first leg of what is gearing up to be an epic new adventure for Sullivan Goss and its patrons. We are currently constructing a wide ranging treasure hunt that will take place online and throughout our fair city. The hunt will involve puzzles, riddles and of course some scavenging though the city’s art history. Without giving away too much, most if not all of the many faces of Sullivan Goss will be involved including our various internet projects and the Arts and Letter’s Cafe, which will be re-opening on September 19th for dinner for the first time since 2001.

The winner of the scavenger hunt will receive a wonderful painting from the Sullivan Goss collection, though which painting will remain a secret for the time being…

Stay tuned for further updates and our future announcement of the contest’s starting date.

Photos from Nicole Strasburg’s Opening

Nathan — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 19:35:28 +0000

The turnout for the opening of Nicole Strasburg’s show, “Air, Earth, Fire, Water” was huge, as we all expected it would be. Nicole’s fans and collectors packed the gallery for this wonderful exhibit. When things calmed down a bit, Edgard Rincon got out the camera to capture some images of the event. Thanks to all of you who showed up to support this great artist.

If you haven’t seen the show yet, make sure to add it to your itinerary. It joins our Angela Perko and Edgar Ewing shows in the contemporary gallery and will be up until November 1st.

Nicole Strasburg (Center) and curator Susan Bush (right)

An impressive spread prepared by chef Erick Simmons

Nicole Strasburg chatting with fans

Nicole Strasburg: Air, Earth, Fire, Water Opening August 6th

Nathan — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 20:14:59 +0000

Sullivan Goss is excited to announce the opening of our upcoming exhibit Nicole Strasburg: Air, Earth, Fire, Water. The show officially opens on this coming 1st Thursday, August 6th. However, I will let our blog readers in on a little secret. Because Nicole’s work is so immensely popular, if you want to get first pick of this stunning group of paintings, you better come in as soon as possible. We just finished putting the final touches on the show and it looks amazing. Nicole is one of Santa Barbara’s most beloved painters and the opening on Thursday is sure to be a major event. We’ve already sold the first few paintings and they are sure to go fast. So, make plans to visit the gallery to see this wonderful show.

You can get a preview of the show by checking out our exhibit page by clicking here.

And watch our newest video that accompanies the show, produced by contemporary curator Susan Bush by clicking on the image to the right.

Sullivan Goss News on Twitter

Nathan — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:05:31 +0000

In our continuous efforts to make it as easy as possible to stay on top of all the exciting new developments at Sullivan Goss, we have embraced yet another media format. You can now get the latest updates through Twitter.

If you are signed on to your account, you can join our Twitter following by going to our Twitter site and clicking the “Follow” button under the Sullivan Goss logo.

If you do not have a twitter account, but would like to give it a try, it is very easy to get started. To sign up for an account click here, then head to our Twitter site to start receiving our tweets.

Within minutes you can get set up to be one of the very first people to get the gallery’s latest news on exhibits, acquisitions, and SGTV videos.

Edgar Ewing Review in the Independent

Nathan — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 20:09:23 +0000

In the latest issue of the Santa Barbara Independent there is a glowing review of our current show, “Edgar Ewing: The Later Works”. The reviewer, Charles Donelan, gives a very insightful reading of the artist’s work and career.

You can read the article by clicking here.

To see the web page for the exhibit and get a sneak preview of the works click here.

If you haven’t been in to see the show yet, check out the article then come see the show for yourself. Finally, come back to the blog to post your comments and let us know what you think.

Sullivan Goss Launches the SGTV Video Podcast

Nathan — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:31:53 +0000

For those of you who have been closely following the development of our program at the gallery, you will be familiar with the production of our SGTV videos which accompany each of our exhibits and some of our exciting new acquisitions. Each month we currently include our newest videos as part of our E-bulletin to give our fans and patrons an exclusive sneak preview of that month’s new shows.

One of the great benefits of these videos is the additional depth and context they provide for each of our exhibits, as if our curators were taking you on your own private tour. In order to make these videos as easily accessible as possible, Sullivan Goss has now launched its own video podcast available through iTunes. By subscribing to the Sullivan Goss podcast each of our new videos will automatically be downloaded to your iTunes account as soon as they are available. Most importantly, this makes it very simple to download the videos on to your iPod, iPhone, or other mobile phone device and watch the videos as you stroll through the gallery, in the presence of the paintings themselves.

The SGTV podcast is just one more step towards our goal of making it as easy as possible for you to take full advantage of the gallery’s entire program.

To subscribe to the SGTV video podcast simply click here, then click OK to open the link in iTunes. Or you can open iTunes on your computer and search for Sullivan Goss in the iTunes store at the top right corner of the iTunes screen. Once you’ve subscribed to the podcast, make sure to come in and see the exhibits in person and let us know what you think.

Art Ltd. Magazine Reviews LA NOIR

Nathan — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:33:04 +0000

In their latest magazine issue, Art Ltd. has published a lengthy review of the LA NOIR show which is currently on exhibit in our Cooper Gallery. The review gives an in depth look at the diverse group of works in the exhibit. LA NOIR is only up until the end of the month, so if you haven’t been in to see it yet, make sure to come by soon.

You can find the article here.

To see the video we produced to accompany the exhibit, click on the image above.

If you have been in to see the show, please let us know what you think by posting your reply on this blog.

Santa Barbara Art Patronage and the Economy

Nathan — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:24:23 +0000

While reading though one of the many art magazines we try to keep up with each month, we came across a particularly thought-provoking article by one of the directors of Art Basel and Art Basel Miami Beach. The article gives a very persuasive argument for the importance of art patronage in tough economic times. It is an article that seems particularly relevant to Santa Barbara and it’s many dedicated art patrons.

You will find a link to the article here.

We would very much like to know your thoughts on this topic, and would be happy to host a discussion of the matter on this blog. Once you have read the article we encourage you to post your comments to let us know what you think.