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Travels with My Uncle

A Family Trip to Remember

I had the honor of traveling to Barcelona for the opening of the 13th International ARC Salon Exhibition at the Museu Europeu d’Art Modern (MEAM). This major show brought together artists from around the globe, and I was thrilled to have one of my paintings included. Even more meaningful was the fact that my family came with me and that my Uncle Bill flew in from Ohio to be there, too.

A Lifelong Influence

Uncle Bill has been a steady presence throughout my artistic life. He bought me my very first canvas when I was in high school, encouraged my work from the very beginning, and opened my eyes to the power of original art through his own personal collection. He took me to galleries and museums and helped me see a creative life as something real and possible. To have him standing beside me in Barcelona, all these years later, still showing up for my work meant more than I can express.

It was also a joy to share the experience of Barcelona together. We wandered the city, saw the sights, and spent time simply being family. My son, still a toddler, had a chance to bond with his great uncle. His middle name is William, in honor of Uncle Bill and the two of them together made the trip even more memorable.

A Moment That Stays With Me

There’s a photo of the two of us at the MEAM, standing in front of my painting. Every time I look at it, I’m reminded of how far I’ve come and of the people who believed in me from the beginning. It’s easy to talk about the finished artwork, but the journey to get there is made of moments like this one.

You can read more about the exhibition in this earlier post and see more pieces from the series featured in the show: Monthly Miniature: Into the Country and Into the Country (larger works)

The family traveled with me to Barcelona for my recent exhibit “13th annual ARC Salon” at the Museu Europeu d’Art Modern (MEAM) and my Uncle Bill joined us from Ohio. My uncle bought me my very first canvas when I was in high school and was instrumental in my artistic pursuits. He took me to galleries and museums and his own collection of original art was such an inspiration for me. It means so much that still, so many years later, here he is standing by me believing in what I do. It was also great to have him with us to see the sights, meet new people and for my son to get to visit with his great uncle. My sons middle name is William, named after my Uncle Bill.

Learn more about the exhibit on my blog and see more paintings from the series, “Monthly Miniature: Into the Country” and “Into the Country (larger works)

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ARC Salon 2019 awards ceremony at the MEAM – Museu Europeu d’Art Modern

Celebrating Contemporary Realism in Barcelona

Earlier this month, I traveled to Barcelona to attend the 13th Annual ARC Salon Exhibition at the Museu Europeu d’Art Modern (MEAM). It was an unforgettable experience, especially as the exhibition included an official awards ceremony during the opening reception.

I was honored to receive both an Honorable Mention and the Arcadia Contemporary Award, presented by Kara Lysandra Ross, Co-Chair and COO of the Art Renewal Center (ARC). The evening was full of warmth and excitement, with artists, collectors, and supporters filling the museum with champagne in hand, to celebrate the many talented artists featured in the exhibition.

The ARC team made what must have been a complex logistical feat seem effortless. Their commitment to showcasing excellence in realist art made the experience feel personal, professional, and deeply rewarding.

Gratitude and Recognition

This exhibition wouldn’t have been possible without the support of collectors Steve and Carl, who generously loaned the painting that was included in the show. Their belief in my work continues to open doors I never imagined.

To the Art Renewal Center, Arcadia Contemporary, and the incredible staff at the MEAM, thank you. I’m beyond grateful for the recognition and for the chance to exhibit in a museum that champions contemporary realist art in the heart of Europe.

Barcelona & MEAM: A Hub for Contemporary Realism

Barcelona is a city rich with art, architecture, and culture. The MEAM, nestled in the historic El Born neighborhood, offers a striking space for contemporary realism to flourish. If you ever find yourself in Barcelona, I highly recommend visiting. Seeing so many outstanding realist works in one place and being included among them is a memory I’ll treasure.

Exhibition Details

European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM)
February 8 – March 31, 2019

C/ Barra de Ferro 508003, Barcelona, Spain

Rebecca receiving her ARC awards from Kara Ross at the MEAM.
Rebecca receiving her ARC awards from Kara Ross at the MEAM.
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Barcelona, here we come!

After two very successful showings at the Salmagundi Club in New York City, New York this past October and then at Sotheby’s in Los Angeles, California in December, the 13th International ARC  Salon Exhibition is on its way to the Museum of Modern Art (MEAM) in Barcelona, Spain. The ARC Award Ceremony and Grand Opening Ceremony will take place at 7pm on February 8th, 2019 at the MEAM (C/ Barra de Ferro 5 08003 Barcelona, Spain).

The ARC Salon will continue to be on display at the MEAM from February 8th-March 31st, 2019 with the general hours being 11am to 7pm, Tuesday through Sunday.

The competition is known for not only recognizing work by nationally and internationally acclaimed artists, but also for discovering new and upcoming talent. The 13th International ARC  Salon Exhibition, consists of 89 Contemporary Realist works selected from over 3,750 entries from 69 countries.

I’ll be traveling to Barcelona for the opening with my husband and (almost) three year old son to see my painting of Admiral Vox who is keeping excellent company. Wish us luck!!  And feel free to send me tips on traveling with a toddler if you have them. 🙂

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Painting of Silkie Chicken in the ARC Salon Traveling Exhibition

First stop: New York City!

My portrait painting of the silkie chicken, Admiral Vox, will be included in the upcoming 13th International ARC Salon Exhibition. The exhibit consists of 89 Contemporary Realist works selected from over 3,750 entries from 69 countries. It is the most prestigious realist art competition in the Americas and perhaps the world.

New York, LA, & Barcelona: three stops over the next six months

The ARC Salon Exhibition will be on view at the Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Ave., New York, NY from September 21st—October 2nd, 2018. The public opening event on Saturday, September 22nd from 11am to 3pm. Entry is free. The exhibition will then travel to Sotheby’s, Los Angeles where it will be on view from December 4th—December 13th, 2018 with the opening reception on December 4th from 6pm to 8pm. The show will then travel to the MEAM Museum, Barcelona, Spain from February 8th—March 31st, 2019, with the opening event and award ceremony starting at 7pm on February 8th. To learn more, go to the ARC Salon website

The ideas behind the painting of Admiral Vox

My early memories are few but vivid, with joy and sorrow in equal measure. When I was small, I discovered the aftermath of a weasel attack in the hen house. Yet I also remember the sole survivor, a newly hatched chick who followed me everywhere. As my father succumbed to Multiple Sclerosis, the rest of us took more responsibility for the animals, and I reveled in it.

Now I paint animals, revisiting memories of my dad and the wonder of growing up on a small farm. I compose portraits of animals the same as I do portraits of people, seeking not only likeness but the beauty particular to them.

Admiral Vox is one of my mother-in-law’s flock. Despite his stern expression, he is gentle with people. Here he guards his hens in the dim of his coop, which has been lighted to personify the rooster without embellishment in a classic and dignified pose.

View more paintings in this series

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ARC Salon Winner!!

I am thrilled to announce that my painting, “Admiral Vox” has been chosen for both a Gallery Award and as Honorable Mention in the 13th International ARC Salon.

Gallery Award – Arcadia Contemporary

I’m excited to be chosen as one of the artists for a Gallery Award by Arcadia Contemporary. Rehs Contemporary Galleries, Inc., New York City, and Arcadia Contemporary, Los Angeles, will both be having an exhibition for selected winning artists in 2018 or early 2019. Each gallery selected a group of finalists who supplied the gallery with additional images to help them make their decisions. From those finalists, the galleries have each chosen artists for a group exhibition and sale. Each artist who participates will be completing a series of new works specifically for these shows. Keep an eye out for the exhibition dates on the blog, or sign up for my Newsletter to get monthly updates on my Monthly Miniatures and exhibitions.

Honorable Mention

Click the link to see all of the finalists and winners of the Animal Category in the 13th International ARC Salon. It’s an honor to be included in this group! This category includes all animal art; any paintings, sculptures or drawings where an animal or animals are the central focus of the work.

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Finalist for the 13th Annual ARC Salon Competition

My painting, “Admiral Vox” is a finalist for the ARC Salon Competition!

I’ve always been passionate about realism and it’s inspiring to see the genre in the spotlight with greater frequency. The Art Renewal Center aims to lead the revival of realism and each year they gain a bigger and bigger following. The number of entries has grown each year with a 20% increase in just the last year. I think this trend is going to continue and I’m excited to see where it goes.

This year they received over 3,750 entries from 69 countries and approximately 28% have been selected finalists. I was also a finalist last year with my portrait of Nippy. Winners will be posted in mid February – please wish me luck!

CLICK TO VIEW FINALISTS

About The Art Renewal Center

“Leading the revival of realism in the visual arts, the Art Renewal Center (ARC), a 501(c)(3), non-profit, educational foundation, hosts the largest online museum dedicated to realist art and includes works by the old masters, 19th century, and contemporary realists as well as articles, letters and other online resources. The ARC is the foremost and only vetting service for realist art schools ensuring that the teaching curricula and quality of teacher and student work meet our strict standards to become ARC Approved™. The ARC also runs the ARC Salon Competition, which is the largest and most prestigious competition in the western world for realist artists painting, sculpting, and drawing today with nine categories and thousands of works competing, culminating in a traveling live exhibition of many of the winning works. The ARC works with other ARC Allied Organizations™, artist groups, museums, and publications to become a central news hub for the Contemporary Realist Movement of Post Contemporary Art. Read the ARC Philosophy written by ARC Chairman, Frederick C. Ross, to learn why ARC is so passionately dedicated to realist based art.”

Congratulations to all of the finalists!!