Jerome Art – November, 2020

An environmentally themed Window Installation designed to be viewed from the safety of the outdoors by Brian Sullivan

While ArtWalk isn’t officially happening in Jerome because of the pandemic, the artists of Jerome have been busy making new work and many are open for business. For more information visit www.jeromeartwalk.com.

Caduceus Cellars Tasting Room

Artist and biologist Joey Williams is a bone collector. He uses his biology background to acquire, prepare and preserve collectable specimens. “It’s often dirty, messy work,” he says, which he feels “overlaps with his darker, macabre, style of art background.” He enjoys his particular mash-up of science and art.

His specimen collection is morphing into a collection that could eventually populate a museum, he told me. “I have over 700 mammal species in my personal collection -everything from bats and mice, to elephant, rhino, camel and hippo bones.” He has a full giraffe skeleton.

“Generally, I don’t sell the stuff in my collection. Those specimens are slated for my eventual museum. Those that I do sell come from a variety of sources: I collect from natural deaths at farms, ranches and zoos, as well as from roadkill. There are suppliers that will sell bones,” he said, “but I know that some of those animals were killed just for their parts, and I want to stay away from that. What they do is considered legal, but I prefer to scavenge. Nothing dies just so I can make money.”

When I asked about his philosophy in this endeavor, he thought for a moment and then replied: “Respect and appreciation of nature, without desecrating it. Some may say that I am doing just that with the animal bones I collect, but I feel like I’m giving them an extended life – an extended appreciation – sometimes through the use of art, and sometimes through displays like this one.”

In fact, the window installation is an effort to ‘test the waters’. He would like to eventually open his museum in Jerome – a ‘Skullatorium” – and populate it with his ever evolving collection, just a small sampling of which can best be viewed from the street as dusk settles in, at Caduceus Cellars on Main St. in Jerome.

Pop Up Gallery

Relative newcomers to the Jerome Art Scene Christie Helm (Chicago) and Damian Gomes (Phoenix) met when they moved into art studios next door to one another at the Jerome Art Center. They are both showing new paintings and sculptures at a Pop Up Gallery for a limited time only. Open Fridays-Sundays, October 30-November 29, from 12-5. On Saturday, November 7 there will be live music and tarot readings throughout the day. For more information email christiehelm@sbcglobal.net

The Pop Up Gallery will be at 240 Hull Ave (Across from Bobby D BBQ).

Cody DeLong

Cody has been busy painting away, both indoors and out. Stop by the Studio to see some new works. You can also see his work at www.CodyDeLong.com, where he has new prints and lower pricing for the next two months, so now is the time to get that Cody print you’ve been wanting. Cody DeLong Studio – 300 Hull ave. Between spook hall and the visitors center.

Jerome Art Walk – September, 2020

Christie Helm has been continuing her work on a series of abstract paintings.

While Jerome Art Walk is on hold due to the pandemic, the Jerome art scene is still alive and well. The artists who make Jerome such a vibrant and interesting place have been busy producing new work. For more information visit www.jeromeartwalk.com.

Cody DeLong

Cody DeLong Studio is operating with reduced summer hours for September, generally Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Cody is still creating new work every week, and running some great summer specials, so stop by and check that out. You can also see his work at www.CodyDeLong.com, where he has new prints and lower pricing for the next two months, so now is the time to get that Cody print you’ve been wanting. Cody DeLong Studio – 300 Hull ave. Between spook hall and the visitors center.

Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery

The Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery will reopen on Friday, Sept 4 to Monday, Sept 7 (Labor Day Weekend) From 10 am to 4pm. The remainder of the month is being scheduled according to the number of members available for working shifts. Due to Covid health regulations and advisories the gallery will be open with limited days of the week and hours of the day. We will have more information posted on our website after we get the initial September schedule in place. Thanks for your continued support of the Town of Jerome and the Artists Co-op. We are looking forward to seeing everyone soon!” jeromecoop.com

Christie Helm

Christie Helm has been continuing her work on a series of abstract paintings which are meditations about beauty, light and color. She welcomes visitors to the studio at the Jerome Art Center, Building A, suite 304 by appointment Monday-Saturday from 10-5. She has many paintings, prints and drawings for sale at discounted studio pricing. You can read more about her at www.christiehelm.com and follow her on instagram at @christie_helm. Please email Christie to schedule an appointment at christie.roberts.helm@gmail.com

Jerome Art Walk – July, 2020

Verde River Scene by Jerome Artist Robin John Anderson

Jerome is bustling with activity and the tourists are always looking for that unique item to claim as their own. Although Covid-19 has postponed the Jerome Art Walk until further notice, this Independence Day we still have some good art news to share with you! For more information visit www.jeromeartwalk.com or call Donna at (928) 301.3004.

Cody DeLong

After attending a wedding at the Surgeons House in Jerome, Cody was inspired to do a big 30″x30″ painting of one of Andrea’s Koi ponds. He is also working on a number of smaller pieces for summer so stop in and see what’s wet on the easel. Cody DeLong Studio – 300 Hull ave. Between spook hall and the visitors center. www.CodyDeLong.com.

House of Joy

House of Joy, Art Gallery and 80’s Arcade is honored to have Jerome Artist Robin John Anderson newest 2020 paintings on our historic walls. Please come view both his work and the amazing ceramic ‘Angel’s of Margo Mandette.

Robin and Margo have been here in Jerome creating amazing works of art for 40 years. Robin has expressed the limitless facets of ‘Perceptionism’’ as a writer, philosopher and painter.

He now paints primarily on location taking in all that’s around him. Robin aims to capture his personal understanding or perception of the scene in front of him.

Robin Anderson: “The Verde River offers so much visually, the landscapes and people, a treasure trove of images. The blending of the historic and the modern, it really permeates the atmosphere here, the past mixing with the future, creating the present. Combining the energy of the river and the light. The area is magical”

Visit us on the Jerome Artwalk weekend, July 4th at the House of Joy, 416 Hull Avenue, Jerome AZ. 10am to 8pm

Jerome Art Walk – June, 2020

Lavender Carpet by Cody DeLong

As another month of quarantine has passed us by, we are hopeful that a ‘new normal’ is blossoming forth. Jerome Art Walk has not resumed, however, many of our artists and businesses are beginning to reopen like the cactus flowers; and like the cactus with its thorny exterior, let us celebrate its tenacity and strength to survive in new situations. It is the time for renewal and hope. Let us come together in harmony and support of each other.

Cody DeLong

As we begin to welcome tourists again, Cody DeLong will have limited hours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday for the next month. Cody shared his experience regarding the pandemic as follows:

“Since Jerome was closed two months ago, I’ve been working on a couple of manual labor jobs to make some money. I scraped and painted the underside of a friend’s deck over the past couple of weeks. It was a bit of work, but it was very nice of him to help me out during this challenging time.

I’m also doing a little drywall repair for another friend. It’s times like these when you find out who is really there for you.

I’ve also been very touched by the well wishes online, and by several of my collectors who have come forward and made purchases in the last two months. I want to give a hearty thank you. You know who you are. My sister made a big purchase for her office as well. I am blessed by all the support. For about a month I thought I might have to close my studio in Jerome, but now I am much more hopeful that things will be OK. I am healthy and I know there are many who are struggling with much bigger issues right now. I am blessed.”

Here’s a note from one of my collectors:

‘I want you to know how much I enjoy…and study… the painting that I purchased from you a couple of weeks ago when I and my husband stopped by. Besides the gorgeous complimentary colors, I love that up close it is so abstract and at a distance, looks so detailed and realistic. I (as a fellow painter) still have difficulty saying more with less. You really nailed the illusion of light! Bravo, Cody!’ ~M. B.

We are following best safe practices in the building, cleaning and trying to keep people to distancing guidelines etc. Please stop by Thurs – Sat from noon to 5pm at 300 Hull Ave in Jerome. Cody DeLong Studio – 300 Hull ave. Between spook hall and the visitors center. www.CodyDeLong.com.

Studio 203 Art Classroom

Žushka Biros will be opening her Studio 203 Art Classroom, 885 Hampshire Ave. Bldg. A, Studio 203, Jerome for my art classes, photography workshops, and Art Walk.

Puscifer the Store

Puscifer the Store is now open from 11 am – 6 pm. We are asking guests to comply with state and federal guidelines in the store – wear a protective face covering or mask, adhere to social distancing, and we are giving guests hand sanitizer before they come in because there is so much to touch in our store. We want to open safely and responsibly. Barbifer is accepting appointments for haircuts only and ask that customers wear a face covering or mask to keep our barber protected. No beard or mustache trims at this time.

Four Eight Wineworks

Four Eight Wineworks is currently offering wine bottle sales to go but we will open on May 27th for flights and glasses.

Jerome Art Walk – May, 2020

Puscifer the Store – We have converted our design studio to help out with the production of masks.

Is the quarantine getting you down, or are you using your time alone to engage in meaningful activity? Hopefully, with the beautiful weather that is upon us, your spirits are lifting and so too, will the quarantine…inevitably. Although there won’t be a Jerome Art Walk for May 2nd, we want to share our strengths, hopes and resilience of our individual artists and shop keepers.

Puscifer the Store

While Four Eight Wineworks is closed for now, Puscifer the Store is still accepting online orders at puscifer.com/shop. Vinyl, clothing, board games, home goods, and much more, including DVDs and other merchandise from TOOL, Puscifer the band, and A Perfect Circle can be found there. We have also converted our design studio to help out with the production of masks. Our first batch went out to all employees across all businesses (110) and we sold a few online. We are making N95’s to donate to local hospital staff – about 150-200 total once all done.

Stay safe everyone and please stay home. We look forward to seeing everyone when this is over.

Raven at the Grand Canyon by Christine Ryback

Christine Ryback

Christine Ryback is a member of the Jerome Artists’ Cooperative. Located in the old Hotel Jerome at 502 Main St, Jerome. info@jeromecoop.com 928-639-4276 jeromecoop.com.

“I decided to paint this raven at the Grand Canyon before the Covid19 pandemic started. When we were advised to stay at home, one of the activities that sustained me in isolation was oil painting. I find it extremely cathartic, and what better way to spend my time? It occurred to me that there is a direct correlation between my painting and what is happening in our world. The raven is completely isolated in the sky, and the background, the Grand Canyon represents our seemingly endless situation like the quarantine. Therefore, I decided to title it ‘Voluntary Isolation’, so opposite of what we are trying to follow on a daily basis. Ravens are deemed to be one of the most intelligent birds having the edge on tackling tough problems. If only they could solve our current one. When the Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery reopens, my painting will be on display along with prints and cards.”

Cody DeLong

Cody is painting away in Jerome, though the streets are eerily quiet, which is probably a good thing for now. Still, even artists have bills to pay, so Cody has been offering more online, including a new Videos page on his website www.codydelong.com that includes short videos for both artists and collectors. He’s also posting new works and special deals on his Facebook page – CodyDeLongStudio. ‘Art remains such a calming and healing force in these times, I’m so happy to be an artist, especially now’ ~ Cody

Cody DeLong Studio – 300 Hull ave. Between spook hall and the visitors center. www.CodyDeLong.com.