'heaven & earth' - CoCA Seattle

In collaboration with the Carkeek Park Advisory Council, Seattle Parks and Recreation, the Department of Neighborhoods, and the Associated Recreational Council, CoCA will present an exhibition of temporary, outdoor sculptural installations in Carkeek Park organized around the theme of “Heaven and Earth,” from June 27 - August 10, 2009.

The sponsors asked artists for their interpretations of art and nature in a world of change.

Our parks are implicitly havens (“heavens”) where we go to relax, recreate, and, in Carkeek's case especially, walk through the woods. Carkeek is widely considered one of Seattle's premier urban forests...Sunset Magazine recently named it #3 among America's top 10 urban parks.

The artwork will be constructed of primarily natural materials and are designed to have minimal impact on the park -- either decomposing organically, leaving “no trace” -- or, when removed at the end of the display period, leaving the park in essentially the same condition it was prior to installation.

Opening Reception:

There will be a reception for the artists on Saturday, June 27, from 3 - 5 p.m. at the Environmental Learning Center in Carkeek Park, 950 NW Carkeek Park Rd. Entry and parking are free. This reception coincides with the celebration of the park's 80th birthday, which begins at 1:00 p.m.

For more information & images:
http://www.depirro.com/installation.html
http://www.depirro.com/press.html

Funding for this project was made possible in part by CoCA Seattle

Communing With Nature

photo credit: Barbara De Pirro

The sights and sounds of summer are upon us and its a great time to stretch your imagination and seek inspiration from elements in nature. In celebration of the season, we are holding a workshop on summer container design and art from everyday items. Hosted by our very own Master Gardener, Susan Denley and eco-friendly artist Barbara De Pirro, this workshop offers great ideas on how to renew, restore and rediscover the beauty all around us.

Where: Festivities Fine Gifts, 111 Main Street, Edmonds, WA
When: Saturday, June 13th
Time: 4-6 p.m.
Note: Door prizes, first 15 to arrive
WIN a featured container

If you would like to attend this workshop, email us at info@festivitiesfinegifts.com or call the store at (425) 712-0342 to RSVP.

Museum of Northwest Art

'scatter'-acrylic on wood-Barbara De Pirro

17th ANNUAL ART AUCTION
June 20, 2009

Join us for the Museum's largest annual fundraiser.....
The perfect event for both seasoned
and novice art Collectors!!!

Our Art Auction features over 300 works by painters, printmakers, sculptors, glass artists, ceramic artists, jewelers, textile artists, and photographers.

Museum of Northwest Art
121 South First Street La Conner, WA

Tickets may be purchased by calling: 360.466.4446, ext. 109

The Mathematics of Art

'string theory:unraveled'-recycled plastic bags-Barbara De Pirro

‘For some art forms math plays an integral part in the method of creating, intriguingly, most art may later be defined within mathematical terms, but for me, the actual conceptual and creative process is very organic and intuitive. Inspired by the theme, ‘the mathematics of art’, I researched various mathematical theories, philosophies and terminology, from that evolved my inspiration. My three sculptural pieces, ‘chaos: order’, infinity:mobius’

and ‘string theory:unraveled’ are all abstract interpretations of my

intellectual journey.’

May 7 - June 25

Arts Council of Snohomish County - Monte Cristo Gallery
1507 Wall St., Everett, WA, (425)257-8380www.artscouncilofsnoco.org

This exhibit showcases the interplay of math and art through the imagination of artists. Over two dozen artists have created patterned prints, quilts, collages, glass, sculptures, tessellations, perspective drawings and more. Gallery signage will include how math was applied, used or incorporated into the artwork.

During the exhibit over 2,500 children will share this rich multi-sensory experience with an art docent and work with artists to create their own art. The kids will come away with basic design principles, such as balance, repetition, and variety. They will explore the art elements of shape, line, color, texture and their connections with math. The field trips are made possible by co-sponsors: Bank of America Charitable Foundation, The Boeing Company, Target, Inc. and H’Arts Patrons.

'plastic & light' - Museum of Glass

Museum of Glass, Tacoma, WA

January/February 2009

Inspired by the Science of Art unit Art of Light, resident artist Barbara De Pirro created this sculptural installation using light and recycled plastics to create an “under the sea” environment. She gathered, cleaned, cut and recreated over 500 plastic bottles, re-imagining the materials into sea chandeliers, foam, kelp and grass. “Each visitor, in the process of creating their own light sculpture, gained an understanding of lights affect on various surfaces, transparent, translucent, opaque, then discovering how shadows become part of the art. All of this, directly translating into a renewed understanding and appreciation of all art, including a new amazement for the art of glass.

For more information & images:
http://www.depirro.com/installation.html