Open Your Mind at Art Loop VII, 'Open Concept'

Artists need a community of both artists and supporters. This Friday, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., ValleyArts, Inc. hosts the opening reception of a multisite group show, "Open Concept" during Art Loop VII.

Running through Sept. 17, the exhibit focuses on the work of both established and emerging artists affiliated with the nonprofit organization. Art Loop VII will include photography, sculpture, painting, collage, installation, fiber art and more.

Participating artist Lorena Lagrassa is the executive director of ValleyArts, Inc. and produces Art Loop. It is a true loop; participant can walk between the two venues: Oualie Art at A504 Freeman St. and The IronWorks Gallery at 406 Tompkins St., both in Orange.

Lagrassa spoke about her organization and the event.

"Open Concept offers a platform of exchange and exposure for those artists whose work and commitment have made the organization successful. At ValleyArts we treasure artists' involvement within the community as the primary engine for cultural development," LaGrassa said.

"One of the sparks at ValleyArts is Charlie Steiner. He is a photographer and an artist in residence at ValleyArts."

Steiner will show his original black and white celebrity portraits of Mick Jagger, Janis Joplin, Frank Zappa, Bob Dylan, Andy Warhol and others.

The other artists are Mike Malbrough, Alex Krales, Justin Catania, Karen Shala, Daryl Shelton, Terry Boddie, Toni Thomas, Kathleen Heron, Jody Leight, Vladimir Jean, Robert Lach, Lynne Toye, Eric Beckerich, Stephen Batiz and Vaughn Tremayne Spann.

Maplewood's Eric Beckerich, a sculptor whose work in mortar, stone and found objects received favorable attention at ValleyArts Sculpture Garden this past July, will also perform at IronWorks as his musical alter ego, Ronnie Beck:

"I'm a musical artist in the great tradition of American folk, Blues, and R&B — New York style," Beckerich/Beck said. Accompanying himself on acoustic guitar, Beck sings both original works and his interpretation of songs by Bob Dylan, Neil Young, the Rolling Stones, Lou Reed and others.

Beckeridge has a lifelong involvement in graphic arts, display and exhibit design, painting, illustration, sculpture as well as design and exhibit design. He spoke about the value of ValleyArts: "Lorena saw a couple of my pieces, smiled and said 'Come show your work. You have a place here," he recounted.

Emerging artists include West Orange's Karen Shala and Stephen Batiz, both 21, and current college art students. Each has been volunteering extensively at ValleyArts. Shala helps LaGrassa with administrative details. Batiz, a lifelong resident of the Orange Valley, volunteers at ORNG, Ink, a design studio adjacent to the IronWorks Gallery that encourages young artists. He recently manned the silk screen at their Inkalicious celebration.

"The first time I walked into ValleyArts' ORNG INK, I was taken over by its passion for the community, and decided I would volunteer any free moment I had," Batiz said.

Batiz is showing two paintings at Open Concept: " 'Let's Fly' is done with pastels and acrylic paint on canvas. I painted it as my moving forward piece and a thank you to my brother," Batiz said.

"The second piece is called 'Program Self-Programmed.' It reflects my thoughts on how the society we live in can really 'brainwash' people in ways — with the media, being 'cool,' 'pretty' — all that nonsense. There is a way for everyone to be themselves."

Shala will be exhibiting a molded terra cotta torso. "Most of my work, whether 2D or 3D, involves my fascination with the human body," Shala explained.

"For a long time I did not notice the beauty and complications involved with the human body. When we get used to things, like looking at the human body, we start to not notice and appreciate them."