Robert L. Stockham is a Cleveland-based fine art photographer and a principal in Great Lakes Design Cooperative, which specializes in commercial and retail design with a focus on environmental sustainability. Robert’s photo art runs the gamut from portraiture to urban landscapes to prints like the one you see here, in which he uses traditional darkroom techniques to develop ethereal photo images on canvas. The results are moody and textural, inviting the viewer to collaborate with the artist to reflect on these environment based compositions.

More of Robert’s work can be seen (and purchased) at the Endure collection launch on February 11, 2010, at www.shopreddotproject.org.

Qandle Qadir is a silversmith and jeweler who obtained her BFA at CalArts. Upon returning to Northeast Ohio, she was quickly inspired by the old steel mills, rails, bridges and industrial ports that define the ‘working’ landscape of the rustbelt region. Her beautifully handcrafted jewlery transforms these gritty urban design elements into contemporary wearable art objects.

Using the same techniques and tools — silver, glass and stone — that silversmiths have been using for centuries, her work is an exploration of old and new – a play of design and texture that celebrates the passage of time. Qandle is inspired by the reclaiming of nature, the weeds pushing cracks up through the concrete in an abandoned parking lot or the beauty of an old bridge or other manmade structure taken over by nature —- whether by rust or ivy or birds nesting. Her work, both industrial and organic at the same time, reflects that ongoing man vs. environment struggle.

More of Qandle Qadir’s work can be seen (and purchased) at the Endure collection launch on February 11, 2010, at www.shopreddotproject.org.

Chris Zielski’s career began in arts education but bloomed into an exploration of textiles, photography and metal. All these disciplines inform her work today as she creates collages that combine metal, etching and photo transfer. Organic objects — leaves, insects, water currents — find their way into her metal art. So do geometry and geography. One of her favorite commissions was a grid of tiles that made up a map of the Great Lakes, featured here. This work, a commission through RED DOT Project, has led Chris to further explore the creation of maps large and small — and maps are now an important piece of her business, resulting in additional commissions and sales.

Chris uses an electrolytic, environmentally-friendly alternative to acid-based etching. Each metal plate is coated with up to eight layers of acrylic glaze that creates a surface with rich color and a high gloss similar to that of an enamel, but without the use of hazardous materials. Her works reflect the environment and her processes reflect her commitment to sustainable art practices.

More of Chris Zielski’s work can be seen (and purchased) at the Endure collection launch on February 11, 2010, at www.shopreddotproject.org.

RDP artist members Rene Culler and Nicolette Capuano are participating in Cleveland’s second Pecha Kucha Night.  These working artists will have 6 minutes and 40 minutes to share their artwork, ideas and vision.  Pecha Kucha Night allows each presenter 20 images for 20 seconds making for concise presentations about art, architecture, design, music, fashion and film.

Check this energizing and exciting evening tonight, 6 February, 8:20 – 10:00 pm at House of Blues, Cambridge Room.

Artwork: top: Rene Culler, Detail of Lake Effect;

bottom: Nicolette Capuano, mural

Adam Pate makes the PDQ section of today’s Plain Dealer.  Adam has a reputation as a caricaturist, but he also has a body of fine art paintings.  His abstractions and landscapes are vibrant and colorful. Installed in series, they offer a big impact at small scale.

RED DOT Project artist member, Mark Howard, was profiled by Michael Heaton in Sunday, November 30th Plain Dealer.  The article refers to the many public art projects that Mark has completed including the recent installation of trash barrels and tree grates for the Euclid Corridor project.

Next Home worked with RED DOT Project for the artwork for the public areas.  They engaged with Mark to create a welcoming entrance piece that communicates their mission.  Mark created a paper cut-out that was digitized and lasercut into 4′ x 8′ metal sheet.  The metal was powder coated and installed on the curved wall at the Next Home entrance.  The artwork is beautiful and engaging, and Next Home has another way that they can communicate their mission.

Just in time for the holidays, we have rolled out our new online store .  Featuring fine art gifts by 25 RED DOT Project artist members who live and work in northeast Ohio.  This opportunity is perfect for the person who likes something unique, appreciates art, and is interested in buying local and supporting Northeast Ohio’s cultural arts community.

And you can browse and shop without fighting the crowds in the stores and parking lots!

Prices range from $18 for artist-designed notecards to $225 for fine art prints and photographs.   Also available at the online store is the new RED DOT Project Art of the Month Club gift, providing a one of a kind gift that arrives every month of the year.  Individual prints from this portfolio and notecard sets are also available for sale individually at the online store.  This is the first time that such an outstanding array of locally-produced art is available online, in one place.

RED DOT Project is your hanging in your jammies with a hot cup of coffee post Thanksgiving shopping experience.

Artwork  ::  top, Honey Lazar: Lot’s Children, photography

Artwork  ::  bottom, Bill Pappas, Blue Jules, photography

RED DOT Project has enjoyed growth in 2008.  As we continue to adapt, enhance our website, and live our mission, we pause to celebrate and offer thanks for those that created art, purchased art, or otherwise supported RED DOT Project this year.

We are thankful for:

• our clients
• our artist members
• our funders
• our advisory board
•  our members

and all of you that believe that Art Works to sustain the cultural community and our quality of life in Northeast Ohio.

RED DOT Project artist member, Susan Squires, was in the spotlight in Sunday, 12 October Plain Dealer.  Susan’s encaustic paintings offer a depth to imagery found within.  Dan Tranberg wrote in his article about her travels to Italy and the geometry from the mosaic tiles that can be found in her artwork.

Contact RED DOT Project to see Susan’s work in person and to acquire a piece for your collection.

RED DOT Project artist, Beth Kappa, recently completed a commission for a hip couple living downtown Cleveland.  Nate and Niki came to RED DOT Project looking for artwork for condo.  Loving Beth’s style, but wanting something a little different, Nate and Niki chose to commission a piece of artwork. 

Detail of Untitled

Beth loved the process of working with a set of parameters, in this case color, size, and indication of imagery, while still staying true to her vision and style.  Nate and Niki have a showpiece for the living space and a story about working with a regional artist to create a piece of their own.

All in all a beautiful piece of artwork for a great space.  Thanks Nate and Niki!