Show Preview | Howard/Mandville Gallery: Small Works Show

Kirkland, WA
October 11-19

Ralph Grady James, Sunrise Shrimping, oil, 11 x 14.

This story was featured in the October 2013 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art October 2013 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story!

There’s no question that small-works shows are becoming ever more popular. They offer seasoned collectors works that fit into increasingly limited spaces, and they offer art lovers of more modest means an entry point to test the waters of art collecting. This month, Howard/Mandville Gallery unveils its 23rd annual Small Works Show, featuring one to two petite works—154 square inches or smaller—by more than 90 artists, including Christopher Blossom, Lorenzo Chavez, Joseph Lorusso, and Kent Lovelace. The show opens on October 11 for a nine-day preview, during which collectors submit intent-to-purchase slips for the works. An artists’ reception and fixed-price sale begins at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 19, and works with multiple slips are sold by draw. All other works are available for immediate purchase during the reception, which continues until 8 p.m.

Fongwei Liu, Lost in Thought, oil, 12 x 9.

“What I enjoy most about this show is the diversity of subject matter, styles, and mediums,” says Pat Howard, gallery owner, “plus it gives us the opportunity to work with artists we admire but do not represent on a full-time basis. This year we have quite a few new artists that I’m excited about, like Ryan Brown, Kathleen Dunphy, Fongwei Liu, Mary Qian, and Derek Penix.” Returning artist Ralph Grady James says, “If [an emerging] artist does well in [a small works show], a gallery is more likely to look seriously at permanent representation, so in a very real sense, these shows nurture new talent.”

One example of this is Oregon-based artist Jhenna Quinn Lewis. She has been participating in the show for 10 years now. “Pat and Dan are like family,” Lewis says of the gallery owners. “They are so gentle and kind and soft-spoken. They get amazing guest artists for this show. It’s a chance for me to see artists that have a national reputation that I wouldn’t get to see otherwise.”

James adds, “If someone has never experienced the beauty of original art in their home, they truly don’t know what they’re missing. A small piece in a quiet corner can begin a lifetime of collecting.” —Laura Rintala

contact information
425.889.8212
www.howardmandville.com

Featured in the October 2013 issue of Southwest Art magazine–click below to purchase:
Southwest Art October 2013 print issue or digital download
Or subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss a story!