Distinction Gallery | Exhibitions [PDF]

ARTISTS EXHIBITIONS INVENTORY PRESS ABOUT SUBSCRIBE



April 2018



Current Exhibition Linnea Strid: Resurrection

















VIEW FULL SHOW GALLERY Press Statement

Upcoming Exhibitions.



Upcoming Show Linnea Strid: Solo Show

April 2018 Reception: Saturday April 14, 6-10pm Upcoming Show Michael Manares: Solo Show

May 2018 Reception: Saturday May 12, 6-10pm Upcoming Show John Ball: "Beware the Void"

June 2018 Reception: Saturday June 9, 6-10pm

Previous Exhibitions.



Daniel Dust: In the Shadows of Dreams



March 2018

Press Statement PRESS RELEASE: Distinction Gallery is pleased to present: "In The Shadows of Dreams" Solo show featuring Daniel Dust March 10 - April 7, 2018 Distinction Gallery is proud to present "In The Shadows of Dreams" a solo exhibition featuring hyper-realism paintings by Seattle based artist Daniel Dust. The exhibition will include a variety of paintings including figurative works and his gun/flower works ranging in size from 12 x 12 inches to large scale works as large as 6 feet across. The opening reception with Dust will be held on Saturday March 10, from 6-10pm. The reception will include live music, ArtHatch open studios, BK Cellars Wine, and Stone Brewery Beer. Gallery Director Melissa Inez Walker "Daniel Dust is one of the artists I am most excited about working with in 2018. His works are thought provoking and his skill level for such a young artist is mind blowing. Being in front of one of his works is comparable to starting into a photograph, only far more complex". The exhibition will run from March 10 - April 7, 2018. The opening reception with the artist, live music, ArtHatch open studios, Stone Beer, and BK Cellars wine will be on Saturday March 10, from 6-10pm.



Daniel Dust "Cowardice and Courage " Acrylic on Linen



20 x 32 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

ArtHatch is a 7,000 square foot building which houses Distinction Gallery: exhibitions changing monthly, multiple exhibition spaces featuring work by represented artists, "The Alley" featuring over 20 local artists, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring local artists, and the ArtHatch teens.

8 x 8 Squared Curated by Kelly Vivanco



February 2018

Press Statement



















Aya Kakeda "The Lady and the Unicorn" Acrylic Gouache 8 x 8 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

7th Annual Art-A-Thon bidding ends 2/3 2:00pm



January 2018

Press Statement Distinction Gallery and ArtHatch Present our 7th Annual Art-A-Thon featuring 24 adult and teen local artists creating for 24 hours straight Saturday, Jan. 6th at 12pm Sunday, Jan. 7th, 2018 at 12pm Opening Reception: January 13, 2018 from 6-10pm. . The marathon of artistic creation will benefit the non-profit art center?s teen program. 24 artists from San Diego County will join together to create artwork for 24 straight hours. Completed artworks will be auctioned off starting at $50. Proceeds from art sales will be divided between the artists and ArtHatch to help support the center?s free art education program for local teens. The Opening Reception for the exhibition with the artists in attendance, will be held the weekend after the event on Saturday, January 13th, 2018 from 6-10 pm with open studios, beer from Stone Brewery, wine from BK Cellars ($2) and live music. Auction ends 2/3 at 2pm pst. . Art-A-Thon is as much a performance piece as it is an exercise in creativity and endurance. This is a unique opportunity for patrons to experience the creative process of the art they collect first-hand. Painting, drawing, and jewelry will be among the featured media, with participating artists ranging from program teens to seasoned professionals. Art-A-Thon will be held at ArtHatch from 12pm on Saturday, January 6th through Sunday, January 7th, 2018 at 12pm. The public is invited to come and watch artists create during the entire 24 hours live or online via youtube. The Opening Reception will be held the following weekend after the event on Saturday, January 13th from 6-10pm. . The artwork will be available for viewing and bidding through February 3, 2018 at 2pm. . Distinction Gallery was created in 2004 both to fill a void in the community and to fulfill the dream of a vital arena for Urban and Contemporary Figurative Art in the North County of San Diego. ArtHatch, a 501?3 organization was founded in 2010. Together they employ 7,000 sq ft of space to focus on cutting-edge artwork by over 35 national and international established artists, 45 local artists - over 15 of whom work in studios within the gallery. Resident artists are a combination of college arts professors, emerging and mid-career artists, and fine-artists with arts-related day jobs looking for a stimulating, community-based environment in which to create. Together they host an ambitious schedule of 12 exhibits per year. CEO and Founder, Melissa Inez Walker, curates the gallery bringing in over 100 emerging artists from around the world annually.



Jennifer Anichowski "Scarab - The Old Gods" Oil on Collage on Panel 6 x 6 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos



. Since 2010, ArtHatch has been providing art supplies, mentorships, and exhibition space to teen artists -most of them underserved and at-risk youths - free of charge. The teen program focuses on the development of talent and skill in the visual arts; and the teens are introduced to a wide variety of media such as oil, acrylic, spray paint, digital arts, and metals. Local and international artists work directly with students to provide lessons that develop visual awareness along with a functional art vocabulary, hold discussions on art throughout history, teach them to analyze and to recognize a good composition, and provide instruction for skill development and practice. The goals are to promote the fine arts by giving young artists the opportunity to discover, create, and display their unique style, elegance, and technique. . The mentorship of emerging and established artists is absolutely critical for the success of the teen program. Our teen artists hope to become professional artists, designers, curators, registrars and teachers themselves one day; and the guidance of successful art world adults is invaluable to these teens in terms of instruction and networking. . This event would not be possible without our generous sponsors. Some of them include Artist & Craftsman Supply, BLICK art Materials, BK Cellars, Chad Beggs, Guayaki, Jimbo?s?Naturally, Joanne Brey and Ron Fitzgerald, John Purlia, Linda B Walker, Servpro, San Diego County Supervisors, Stone Brewing, and Tina Walker.

"Creature Comforts" Denise Bledsoe and Valency Genis



December 2017

Press Statement PRESS RELEASE: Distinction Gallery is pleased to present: Denise Bledsoe and Valency Genis "Comfort Creatures" December 9 - January 5 Distinction Gallery is proud to present two of our most loveable artists: Denise Bledsoe and Valency Genis "Comfort Creatures". The opening reception will be held on Saturday December 9, from 6-10pm. Both artists will be present for the reception and we will also have live music, ArtHatch open studios, BK Cellars Wine, and Stone Beer. "I've been involved in art with one media or another since I was a child. Although I spent many hours sketching, drawing with pen and ink, and painting with acrylics and oils, my first love has always been sculpting and mixed media. I currently use both ceramic and oil based clays. It is the three-dimensional and textural qualities achievable through sculpture that satisfies me creatively. I feel that being able to experience a piece by holding it in one's hand is more fulfilling. In the case of my figurative pieces, it becomes an interaction with "eye contact". My work can be found in galleries both internationally and across the US and has been shown in art publications and was the cover feature for the arts and entertainment magazine Pasatiempo. It is also in the private collections of several notable celebrities." -Denise Bledsoe Valency Genis is an amazing sculpture artist that creates hybrid creatures of fancy. Valency Genis hails from the Republic of Cascadia; she entered the world as a 12-pound baby born in Portland, Oregon, and was then raised in Seattle, Washington. She was utterly obsessed with television and video games for most of her life, so it is ironic that a summer spent on Flathead Lake, Montana in an electronics-free log cabin when she was 10 years old would change her life forever. Searching for diversions to alleviate her interminable boredom, she happened upon an old taxidermy shop. A dusty pair of "unborn beavers" caught her eye in the window display, and it forever imprinted on her naive adolescent mind. The stunning array of animals presented in the rustic store drew her in with their beauty, but she was bereaved by their demise... While studying for her BFA at the University of New Mexico, Valency discovered that she had the power to create creatures and control their aesthetics, while minimizing the tragedy associated with taxidermied animals. She takes an almost Dr. Frankenstein-like glee in crafting her unique animals, drawing on influences ranging from Dr. Seuss to Natural History Museum dioramas. Her first solo show, Heterodoxy, was at the John Sommers Gallery (UNM) in November 2011, and it garnered Ms. Genis summa cum laude honors from The UNM Department of Art and Art History (which she proudly added to her summa cum laude baccalaureate honors). She describes her current living situation as "life in a farmhouse" as she raises her 2 teenage sons alongside her husband of 20+ years, Shane, who is a CV-22 Osprey flight engineer in the U.S. Air Force. Gallery Director - Melissa Inez Walker: "Denise Bledsoe and Valency Genis are two of the most passionate, imaginative, and fun artists I have ever had the pleasure to work with. Everyone cannot help, but grin from ear to ear upon seeing their creatures. As a lover and collector of both artist's works it only seemed natural to pair up these two women for a truly epic show".



Denise Bledsoe and Valency Genis "Brian and Kevin" Mixed Media View full show gallery Reception Photos

The exhibition will include 20-30 new sculptures created specifically for the exhibition. The exhibition will run from December 9 - January 6th. The opening reception with the artists, live music, ArtHatch open studios, Stone Beer, and BK Cellars wine will be on Saturday December 9, from 6-10pm. ArtHatch is a 7,000 square foot building which houses Distinction Gallery: exhibitions changing monthly, multiple exhibition spaces featuring work by represented artists, "The Alley" featuring over 20 local artists, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring local artists and the ArtHatch teens.

"If Our Days Won't Last" curated by Jon Jaylo



November 2017

Press Statement If Our Days Won't Last, curated by Jon Jaylo, will feature 21 artists from around the globe, many of who will be present at the opening. All works will be 14 x 14 inches in size. The exhibition includes a combination of highly skilled, fine oil painters and sculptors. Several artists from around the United States and abroad will be attending the opening reception. Featured artists include: Eric Lacombe, Alessandro Sicioldr Bianchi, Alfredo Esquillo, Chris Leib, Ben Howe, Michael Reedy, Matthew Bone, Corey Oda, Henry Royales, Jon Jaylo, Ross Jaylo, Pamela Wilson, Catherine Coan, June Stratton, Sandy Yagi, Linnea Strid, Caitlin Karolczak, Shana Levenson, Courtney Brown, Rain Delmar, and Hideo Tanaka. The exhibition will run from November 11 through December 2, 2017. The Opening Reception on November 11 will feature live music, Stone Beer, and BK Cellars wine. Studio artists within the ArtHatch building will have their studios open to the public as well. ArtHatch is a 7,000 square foot building which houses the front gallery: exhibitions changing monthly, "The Alley," featuring new and previous works from over 75 artists, the teen room featuring artwork by 25+ teen artists, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, and walls featuring the work of over 28 local artists.



Eric Lacombe



"AIODWL001 (and if our days wont last) "



Ink and Acrylic on Paper 14 x 14 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

Gabe Leonard "Grit"



October 2017

Press Statement



































































Gabe Leonard "Amelia Earhart" Oil on Canvas 24 x 18 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

Ross Jaylo: Fall to Rise



September 2017

Press Statement PRESS RELEASE: Distinction Gallery presents Ross Jaylo: Fall to Rise September 9 - October 7, 2017 Opening Reception with Live Music: Saturday, September 9, 2017 from 6-10pm Distinction Gallery is proud to present oil paintings by Ross Jaylo. The opening reception will be held on Saturday September 9, from 6-10pm. We will also have live music, ArtHatch open studios, BK Cellars Wine, and Stone Beer. Ross Jaylo, a New York based Filipino Painter and multi-media artist renders onto canvas his conception of an ideal love. A symbolic and passionate visualization of love that transcends beyond social norms and breaks the illusion that love must heed society's expectation of belief, social status, age, creed, race, gender and stereotypes. Love in its purest form.



Ross Jaylo

At the young age of only 23 Ross has a promising career ahead of him. He has had several solo and group exhibitions throughout the Philippines and has participated in several group shows in the United States and Australia. Ross has received several awards including Cocolife "Colors of Life" National Painting Competition Grand Prize in 2006, University of Santo Tomas Benavides Outstanding Achievement Award in 2006, and Maningning Miclat National Painting Competition People's Choice Award in 2007. Ross's first solo exhibition with Distinction Gallery sold out before the opening reception.

"Aeon"

Gallery Director - Melissa Inez Walker: "Ross is an incredibly driven and skilled artist. At just 22 years of age literally every painting he has created has sold. His demand far out reaches the amount of paintings he can create. He is one of the kindest, most genuine artists I have worked with and I am thrilled to see what he creates for his upcoming show".

View full show gallery

Oil on Canvas



48 x 48 inches

Reception Photos

The exhibition will run from September 9 - October 7, 2017. The opening reception with Ross, live music, ArtHatch open studios, Stone Beer, and BK Cellars wine will be on Saturday September 9, from 6-10pm. ArtHatch is a 7,000 square foot building which houses Distinction Gallery: exhibitions changing monthly, multiple exhibition spaces featuring work by represented artists, "The Alley" featuring over 20 local artists, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring local artists and the ArtHatch teens.

Immortalized: Lipstick & Chrome



August 2017

Press Statement PRESS RELEASE: Distinction Gallery is pleased to present: 7th Annual Immortalized: Lipstick and Chrome

August 11 - August 25, 2017 Distinction Gallery is proud to present our 7th Annual Immortalized: Lipstick and Chrome. The opening reception will be held in conjunction with Cruisin Grand on Friday August 11, from 6-9pm. We will be having a VIP reception with food from Vinz Wine Bar, treats from EscoGelato, Beer from Stone Brewery, and wine from BK Cellars from 5-6pm. VIP tickets cost $20 and benefit Cruisin Grand. A suggested $5 donation is requested from 6-9pm, also to benefit Cruisin Grand. There will also be a pinup contest with trophy awards at 8pm. Artworks will be available via auction starting at $100 to benefit our annual Palomar College Scholarship fund in honor of Charles "Chuck" Leslie Walker. Featured artists include both emerging and seasoned artists from around California and Florida. Featured artists are Victor Roman, Scott Rohlfs, Virginie Mazureau, Mike Bell, Brianna Angelakis, Brett Crawford, Steve Waldron, Andy Meeh, Nicole Waszak, Amanda Lynn, Elena Karavodin, Armando Gonzalez, Jennifer Anichowski, Brady Wilmott, and Olga Tenyakova. Gallery Director - Melissa Inez Walker: "Immortalized is one of our most exciting shows of the year. Crusin Grand organizes to have our block closed to traffic and Chick Koszis lines it with some of the most impressive custom, unique, and original hot rods in all of Southern California. The pinup contest ads to the fun and the best part is that funds raised benefit both Palomar College Scholarships and Cruisin Grand".



Virginie Mazureau "Light As Air" Acrylic & Collage on Canvas Board 7 x 9 inches View full show gallery



Reception Photos

The exhibition would not be possible without our partners, which include Chick Koszis, Steve Waldron, Shannon Itzaina, King's Pawn, Ford of Escondido, Mercedes-Benz of Escondido, BK Cellars, Stone Brewery, JD Built, EscoGelato, and Vinz Wine Bar. The exhibition will include oil, acrylic, watercolor, and mixed media paintings as well as photography. Online bidding will begin Wednesday August 9. The exhibition will run from August 11 August 25, 2017. People can bid both online and in person. The opening reception with the artists, sponsors, live music, ArtHatch open studios, Stone Beer, and BK Cellars wine will be on Friday August 11 from 6-9pm (VIP tickets $20 from 5-6pm). Pinup contest and awards will be at 8pm. Auction ends at noon on August 25th. ArtHatch is a 7,000 square foot building which houses Distinction Gallery: exhibitions changing monthly, multiple exhibition spaces featuring work by represented artists, "The Alley" featuring over 20 local artists, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring local artists and the ArtHatch teens.

Andreas Englund: Superlife Uncut



July 2017

Press Statement Distinction Gallery is proud to present Andreas Englund who is most well know for his hilarious photo realistic paintings featuring an anonymous superhero and every day human struggles. The opening reception will be held on Saturday July 8 from 6-10pm. We will also have live music, ArtHatch open studios, BK Cellars Wine, and Stone Beer. Andreas has quickly become one of the most well loved and collected artists. He has been featured in dozens of art fairs, magazines, books, and news stories. In addition to his paintings and prints being shown around the world, Andreas has created large-scale murals in many places including Berlin, Norway, New York, and Grand Central in Stockholm. He has also created many commissions for high profile businesses including Sony Playstation. In addition to paintings, lithographs, and prints Andreas is also a recognized filmmaker. Andreas Englund was born in Falun in 1974, Sweden. He is based in Stockholm. In the artist's words: "Working with communication became a natural choice for me since I've always wanted to share my thoughts with others. Either through conversation or visual media I want to share insights and thoughts, experience and humor. My foundation is based on storytelling and communicating." - Andreas Englund Gallery Director - Melissa Inez Walker: "It was love at first sight when I saw a handful of prints by Andreas as part of the "My Hero" exhibition held at the California Center for the Arts. I thought Andreas would be the perfect artist to exhibit during the month of Comic Con. It is truly an honor that he accepted my request to exhibit at Distinction Gallery".



Andreas Englund "Sitting" Hahnemhle Fine Art, Photo Rag Satin



23.5 x 35.375 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

The exhibition will include oil paintings, lithographs, aquarelles, and collectors, premium, and very affordable classic prints. The exhibition will run from July 8 through August 5, 2017. The opening reception with Andreas via skype, live music, ArtHatch open studios, Stone Beer, and BK Cellars wine will be on Saturday July 8, from 6-10pm.

Furs, Tails, Feathers, & Scales



June 2017

Press Statement ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are excited to present a Studio Artists Exhibition featuring the collective art of their very own in-house ArtHatch Studio Artists. Highlighting a wide range of work from original paintings, photography, and other mixed media, this exhibit is a representation of the broad spectrum of current local San Diego artists. Over 30 emerging and accomplished artists will come together to present their artistic voices and inspirations in the spirit of "Animals" to give rise to a diverse and creative show. The Opening Reception with Live Music will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2017 from 6-10pm. Studio artists within the ArtHatch building will have their studios open to the public as well. The exhibition will run from June 10 through July 1, 2017. The opening reception with the artists, live music, open studios, Stone Beer, and BK Cellars wine will be on Saturday June 10, from 6-10pm.









Nicole Waszak "95 Months (Wait For Me)" Acyrlic on Paper on Wood Panel 10 x 10 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

Linda Adair "Echoes"



May 2017

Press Statement PRESS RELEASE: Distinction Gallery is pleased to present: Linda Adair: Echoes May 13- June 3, 2017 Distinction Gallery is proud to present Linda Adair's first solo exhibition. She recently moved from Australia to Europe and will be traveling to attend the opening reception which will be held on Saturday May 13 from 6-10pm. We will also have live music, ArtHatch open studios, BK Cellars Wine, and Stone Beer. The exhibition will run from May 13 through June 3, 2017. The opening reception with Linda, live music, ArtHatch open studios, Stone Beer, and BK Cellars wine will be on Saturday May 13, from 6-10pm. ArtHatch is a 7,000 square foot building which houses Distinction Gallery: exhibitions changing monthly, multiple exhibition spaces featuring work by represented artists, "The Alley" featuring over 20 local artists, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring local artists and the ArtHatch teens.





Linda Adair



"Animals"



Oil on Panel 18 x 24 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

June Stratton: In the Garden



April 2017

Press Statement June Stratton is a native of Northern California's Bay Area where she attended the College of Fine Arts and Crafts in Oakland until 1979. She currently lives and works in both Atlanta and Savannah Georgia. With a 25-year span of successful exhibitions, her works have been acquired by many major collections including Bank of America, US Department of State, The Mayo Clinic and Texaco Incorporated. In the artist's words: "My paintings are imagined blends of beauty and nature. These paintings are often intentionally idealized representations of emotional impressions from my dreams entwined with elements of the earth, sky and water that surround my real world. I use symbols and my feminine viewpoint to tell a very loose, abstracted narrative. As in my dreams, my muses cannot see all things, are sometimes unable to speak and frequently appear to be floating. I add silver to my paintings because the finished image reflects the ambient light that surrounds it. This makes the artwork change visually depending on the perspective of the viewer. This, I think, adds to the ethereal quality of my subjects' stories."



June Stratton

Gallery Director - Melissa Walker: "From the moment I first saw June's artwork I was transcended into the environments of her dreamy scenes, typically feminine subjects juxtaposed with elements of nature, enveloped on cool silver backgrounds. June is masterful at capturing the emotion and tranquility of a moment frozen in time.

"Terre Verte"

Her subjects often have a beautiful innocence about them further seducing viewers into their intriguing surroundings. I have no less than shear excitement to exhibit her breathtaking works in the gallery."



Dr. Brian Redmond Quote: "It is a pleasure to say how much I have enjoyed experiencing June Stratton's creativity since the day I first discovered her talent. Ask anyone who knows her work and they will urge you to reward yourself for years to come with art that communicates with and evokes a response from the observer."

Oil and Silver Leaf on Aluminum 36 x 36 inches

View full show gallery Reception Photos

Her exhibition will run from April 8 through May 6, 2017. The opening reception with June, live music, ArtHatch open studios, Stone Beer, and BK Cellars wine will be on Saturday April 8 from 6-10pm.

Heather McKey "Natural Beauty"



March 2017

Press Statement Distinction Gallery Presents "Natural Beauty", a solo show featuring local Escondido artist Heather McKey. The exhibition will include 10-15 new Acrylic paintings featuring Heather's pain staking rendering technique. The paintings will be of creatures McKey dreams up using beautiful elements from mature to creative birds, seahorses, and other fantastical creatures. Distinction Gallery has represented McKey for 3 years and is proud to have sold every painting McKey has created. Her paintings breathe love and life into homes throughout the world. Heather's Bio: Heather McKey is a traditional acrylic painter, blending her lifelong love of birds with unexpected and striking features. These fanciful birds are embellished with a variety of shells and botanicals intermingling with feathers and patterns found in nature. Strange and familiar at the same time, the birds are playful and exotic as they strike a pose in their world of dreamy landscapes and seascapes, peering back at their viewers with large, expressive eyes. Each of Heather's paintings begin on a raw wood panel, the individual grain pattern inspiring the design composition of the plants, water, sky, and land. Her admiration of Martin Johnson Heade and James Audubon continue to influence her vision through every painting, as well as her deep love of The Hudson River School painters. Although no formal degree, Heather was professionally trained from an early age through longstanding art mentorships. Her childhood was spent under the instruction of artist Judy Nachazel and her adult study followed under the mentorship of Christopher Polentz. Both have had a profound impact on her imagination, technique, and artistic pursuits.



Heather McKey "She Fancies the Sea" Acrylic on Panel 12 x 12 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

Every fantasy bird is patiently and thoughtfully planned and painted with sensitive detail. There is something to look at in every square inch of Heather's paintings. After years exhibiting her award-winning colored pencil art, she now works exclusively in acrylic and paints daily in her home studio in North County San Diego where she lives with her husband, Nick. It gives her much joy to create beauty for collectors to enjoy in homes across the world. Her exhibition will run from March 11 through April 1, 2017. The opening reception with Heather, live music, ArtHatch open studios, Stone Beer, and BK Cellars wine will be on Saturday March 11, from 6-10pm.

Scott Rohlfs "Made You Look"



February 2017

Press Statement Distinction Gallery Presents "Made You Look", a solo show featuring San Diego based artist Scott Rohlfs. The exhibition will include 10-15 new medium and large scale Acrylic paintings, as well as mini collectors paintings created specifically for the exhibition. The paintings will be Rohlfs most well known subject: women depicted in a variety of styles from high fashion to experimental. Distinction Gallery has represented Rohlfs for over 10 years and is proud to have witnessed his career develop into an internationally acclaimed and exhibited artist. We have sold his paintings to collectors throughout the world and he continues to gain momentum. In the words of the artist: "My acrylic paintings are a combination of classical realistic rendering with a personal element of distortion. This distortion comes from my innate desire to transform my emotions into tangible planes that express what I feel, not what I see. I believe this can be seen through my subject's eyes. Painting has always been a means of self-expression for me. Therefore, I paint because I have to and need to, not necessarily because I want to. Subconsciously or not, the figures I paint are a reflection of myself and whatever mood I am in at the time. Each mood is distinct, ranging from subliminal, cryptic expressions to more cognitive states of being and the eyes of my subjects are often the primary focus of expression. Although these surreal paintings are direct reflections of my own emotions and feelings, this style of painting also allows viewers to enjoy the freedom of determining their own interpretations of the subjects. My work is a fusion of personal experiences and influences- moody atmospheres, tattooinspired couture, and timeless elements all laced with clandestine symbolism. The figures I paint exist in their own mysterious realm and time, and each painting offers a glimpse into their atypical world."



Scott Rohlfs "Kiss and Tell" Acrylic on Masonite Wood Panel 24 x 18 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

His exhibition will run from February 11 through March 4, 2017. The opening reception with Scott, live music, ArtHatch open studios, Stone Beer, and BK Cellars wine will be on Saturday February 11 from 6-10pm.

6th Annual Art-A-Thon



January 2017

Press Statement Distinction Gallery and ArtHatch are excited to announce our Sixth Annual Art-AThon, a marathon of artistic creation to benefit the non-profit art center's teen program. 25 local and ArtHatch teen program artists from San Diego County will join together to create artwork for 24 straight hours. Completed artworks will be auctioned off starting at $50. Artworks will also have a ?buy now? retail price. Proceeds from art sales will be divided between the artists and ArtHatch to help support the centers free art education program for local teens. The opening reception for the exhibition with the artists in attendance, will be held the weekend after the event on Saturday, January 14th from 610 pm with beer compliments of Stone Brewery, wine compliments of BK Cellars, treats compliments of Jimbo's? Naturally, and live music. Artists who are able to create for the full 24 hours will receive a $25 gift certificate donated by Artist & Craftsman Supply or BLICK Art Materials. Art-A-Thon is as much a performance piece as it is an exercise in creativity and endurance. This is a unique opportunity for patrons to experience the creative process of the art they collect first-hand. Painting, drawing, collage, print and photography will be among the featured media, with participating artists ranging from teen artists, emerging, and professional. Artists participating include Kelly Vivanco and Peter Hillier, Lindy Ivey, Victor Roman, Ashley Gallagher, Jennifer Anichowski, Nicole Waszak, Martita, Travis Sevilla, Jenny Barber, Evgeniya Golik, and many others. Art-A-Thon will be held at Distinction Gallery and throughout the ArtHatch building from 12pm on Saturday, January 7th through Sunday, January 8th at 12pm. The public is invited to come and watch artists create during the entire 24 hours live or online via Ustream. The Opening Reception will be held the following weekend after the event on Saturday, January 14th from 6-10pm. The artwork will be available for viewing and bidding in the gallery and on distinctionart.com through February 4, 2017 at 2pm. Distinction Gallery was opened in 2004 both to fill a void in the community and to fulfill the dream of a vital arena for Urban and Contemporary Figurative Art in the North County of San Diego. In 2011 ArtHatch was added to the complex, which rents affordable studio and exhibition space to 45 local artists. Distinction Gallery has an ambitious schedule of 12 exhibits per year. Director, Melissa Inez Walker, curates the gallery bringing in over 100 emerging artists from around the world annually.



Victor Roman "Payne's Girl" Oils on Wood 8 x 10 inches View full show gallery



Reception Photos

Since 2010, ArtHatch has been providing studio space, art supplies, mentorships, and exhibition space to teen artists -most of them underserved and at-risk youths - free of charge. The teen program focuses on the development of talent and skill in the visual arts; and the teens are introduced to a wide variety of media such as oil, acrylic, spray paint, digital arts, and metals. Local and international artists work directly with students to provide lessons that develop visual awareness along with a functional art vocabulary, hold discussions on art throughout history, teach them to analyze and to recognize a good composition, and provide instruction for skill development and practice. The goals are to promote the fine arts by giving young artists the opportunity to discover, create, and display their unique style, elegance, and technique. The mentorship of emerging and established artists is absolutely critical for the success of the teen program. Our teen artists hope to become professional artists, designers, curators, registrars and teachers themselves one day; and the guidance of successful art world adults is invaluable to these teens in terms of instruction and networking. All donors will receive a tax receipt. Donors with donations over $500 will have a permanent plaque on display in the gallery. Exhibition and Auction will run from January 14, 2017 - February 4, 2017. Auction ends at 2pm PST on Saturday, February 4, 2017.

Mike Bell "Of Gals and Monsters"



December 2016

Press Statement Distinction Gallery presents Mike Bell: Of Gals & Monsters December 10 - January 7, 2017 Opening Reception with Live Music: Saturday, December 10, 2016 from 6-10pm Distinction Gallery is pleased to present a solo exhibit by painter, Mike Bell, entitled "Of Gals & Monsters". Born and raised at the Jersey Shore - Mike Bell's art blends an aura of nostalgia and humor, combined with vivid color and a combination of influences. Japanese cartoons, classic monsters, vintage toys, punk rock, carnivalesque images, MAD magazine and Big Daddy Roth are among the cultural forces that have shaped his art. The juxtaposition of counter culture imagery with modern day influences are the blueprint for Mike's canvases. Mike's art has received global acclaim including Ripley's Believe It Or Not purchasing twenty of his matchbooks to include in various museums. This exhibition will focus on some of Mike's favorite subjects including Frankenstein and his Bride in a series of hysterical modern day situations as well as some of our favorite pinups including Marilyn Monroe and Bettie Page juxtaposed in equally peculiar settings. The show will also include some of Mike's popular matchbooks, which are clever collectibles.



Mike Bell "Eat My Dust"

His exhibition will run from December 10 through January 7, 2017. The opening reception with Mike, live music, ArtHatch open studios, Stone Beer, and BK Cellars wine will be on Saturday December 10, from 6-10pm.

Acrylic on Canvas

ArtHatch is a 7,000 square foot building which houses Distinction Gallery: exhibitions changing monthly, multiple exhibition spaces featuring work by represented artists,"The Alley" featuring over 20 local artists, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring the work of over 20 additional local artists, a teen studio featuring the work of up to 40 local teens. The front gallery features contemporary and cutting edge artwork, primarily figurative, by highly skilled artists.



24 x 30 inches

View full show gallery Reception Photos



Valency Genis "Spirit Guides"



November 2016

Press Statement ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are proud to present a solo exhibition by sculpturist, Valency Genis, entitled "Spirit Guides". Valency Genis is and amazing sculpture artist that creates hybrid creatures of fancy. She hails from the Republic of Cascadia; she entered the world as a 12-pound baby born in Portland, Oregon, and was then raised in Seattle, Washington. She was utterly obsessed with television and video games for most of her life, so it is ironic that a summer spent on Flathead Lake, Montana in an electronics-free log cabin when she was 10 years old would change her life forever. Searching for diversions to alleviate her interminable boredom, she happened upon an old taxidermy shop. A dusty pair of "unborn beavers" caught her eye in the window display, and it forever imprinted on her naive adolescent mind. The stunning array of animals presented in the rustic store drew her in with their beauty, but she was bereaved by their demise... While studying for her BFA at the University of New Mexico, Valency discovered that she had the power to create creatures and control their aesthetics, while minimizing the tragedy associated with taxidermied animals. She takes an almost Dr. Frankenstein-like glee in crafting her unique animals, drawing on influences ranging from Dr. Seuss to Natural History Museum dioramas. Her first solo show, Heterodoxy, was at the John Sommers Gallery (UNM) in November 2011, and it garnered Ms. Genis summa cum laude honors from The UNM Department of Art and Art History (which she proudly added to her summa cum laude baccalaureate honors). She describes her current living situation as "life in a farmhouse" as she raises her 2 teenage sons alongside her husband of 20+ years, Shane, who is a CV-22 Osprey flight engineer in the U.S. Air Force. The exhibition will run from November 12 through December 3, 2016. The opening reception with the artist, live music, open studios, Stone Beer, and BK Cellars wine will be on Saturday November 12, from 6-10pm.



"Octavia" Epoxy Clay, Glass, Wood, Wire, Acrylic & Oil 12 x 7 x 8 inches





View full show gallery Reception Photos

Justin Bua: Sites&Sounds



October 2016

Press Statement Distinction Gallery presents BUA: Sites&Sounds October 8 - November 5, 2016 Opening Reception with BUA: Saturday, October 8, 2016 from 6-10pm ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are excited to host a solo featuring world renown artist the one and only BUA. Justin BUA is an award-winning artist, author, speaker, entrepreneur, and the only artist to sit on the United States Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee. Groundbreaking in his field, BUA is internationally known for his bestselling collection of fine art posters The DJ being one of the most popular prints of all time. Bua will be present for the opening reception on Oct 8, 6-10pm. Many originals painted specifically for the exhibition will be available along with unique hand embellished prints on canvas, embellished limited edition prints, and signed, personalized books. The reception will also include live music, open studios, Stone Beer, and BK Cellars wine.



ArtHatch is a 7,000 square foot building which houses Distinction Gallery: exhibitions changing monthly, multiple exhibition spaces featuring work by represented artists,"The Alley" featuring over 20 local artists, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring the work of over 20 additional local artists, a teen studio featuring the work of up to 40 local teens. The front gallery features contemporary and cutting edge artwork, primarily figurative, by highly skilled artists.

Justin Bua



Acrylic on Canvas



36 x 24 inches



"Street Magic"

View full show gallery Reception Photos

Jon Jaylo: All These Answers That May Never Come Our Way



September 2016

Press Statement Distinction Gallery, in collaboration with the California Center for the Arts, Escondido are excited to present Filipino artist Jon Jaylo's solo exhibition entitled "All These Answers That May Never Come Our Way?. This exhibit will showcase 11 new paintings and several drawings Jaylo created specifically for this exhibition. Jon Jaylo's art has received global acclaim for his contemporary surrealist style. The Opening Reception will be held on Friday, September 23, 2016 from 5:30-7:30 (free for CCAE members) and 7:30-9:30pm ($10 for general public) in Gallery One at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. Jaylo will be in attendance to meet, greet, and answer questions for guests. Light refreshments and drinks will be served. Jaylos show will run in conjunction with the Heated Exchange: Contemporary Encaustics exhibition. Please visit artcenter.org for tickets and information. Guests may also pay at the door. Jaylo's artworks play around a parallel dream world in where everything is floating surreal and dancing in a contained universe inspired by poetry. His technical depictions are often varying in display and style, as if he himself is never contented with the present stature of his works. They are constantly evolving in both idea and form, gradually maturing together with the artist himself. Scaling this balance, narrating a massively deep philosophy of thought through a theatrical rendition of intensely brilliant colors that seem to amuse its audience and present a status of intellectual complacency. Like dreams that reflect a reversed mirror of man's desires, fantasies, his works are merely manifestations of knowledge, the metaphysics of his own philosophy and the resolving of experiences behind and even far beyond it. On the full picture of it, Jaylo's works are masked and laced with a dream-like feel, very inviting, yet when you go inside, there's always a puzzle to be solved. Jaylo's works are not just depictions of visual aesthetics. His works are a research on life itself, and the enigma of thought beneath it. What captures the viewers attention, are his works that are astounding, contemplative, glimpses into someone else's psyche. This is the wonder of his art, like any good story, he allows everyone to bring his or her own self to the painting. Jon is great at opening up the viewer's 'soul' so to speak.



Jon Jaylo

"The Paradox of Freedom" Oil on Canvas 42 x 30 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

Jon Jaylo has exhibited his works extensively throughout the world in, galleries, museums, and auction houses. Literally every work he has created has sold and they reside in collections throughout the world. Distinction Gallery is proud to be representing Jaylo in California. The exhibition will run from September 23 through November 13, 2016. For more information visit distinctionart.com or call (760) 707-2770 or visit artcenter.org or call (760) 839-4138.

Ross Jaylo: Transition



September 2016

Press Statement PRESS RELEASE: ArtHatch & Distinction Gallery present Ross Jaylo: Transition September 10 - October 1, 2016 Opening Reception with Live Music: Saturday, September 24, 2016 from 6-10pm ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are excited to host the debut U.S. solo exhibition of artist Ross Jaylo. At just 21 years of age Ross has already begun to conquer the art world with a bang. It is truly an honor to host his first solo US exhibition. Ross Jaylo, a New York based Filipino Painter and multi-media artist renders onto canvas his conception of an ideal love. A symbolic and passionate visualization of love that transcends beyond social norms and breaks the illusion that love must heed society's expectation of belief, social status, age, creed, race, gender and stereotypes. Love in its purest form. Ross has a promising career ahead of him. He has had several solo and group exhibitions throughout the Philippines and has participated in several group shows in the United States. Ross has received several awards including Cocolife "Colors of Life" National Painting Competition Grand Prize in 2006, University of Santo Tomas Benavides Outstanding Achievement Award in 2006, and Maningning Miclat National Painting Competition People's Choice Award in 2007.



Ross Jaylo "Vibrations" Print on Wood 18 x 30 inches

View full show gallery Reception Photos

The exhibition will run from September 10 through October 1, 2016. The Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2016 from 6-10pm and will feature live music, Stone Beer, and BK Cellars wine. Studio artists within the ArtHatch building will have their studios open to the public as well. ArtHatch is a 7,000 square foot building which houses the gallery: exhibitions changing monthly, multiple exhibition spaces, "The Alley," featuring work by 20+ juried local artists, the teen room featuring artwork by 25+ teen artists, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, and an escape room, which serves as a fundraiser for ArtHatch. Distinction Gallery features contemporary and cutting edge artwork.

Immortalized: Sometimes Beauty Never Fades



August 2016

Press Statement ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are pleased to announce their 6th annual art exhibit devoted to hot rods and customs of distinction entitled "IMMORTALIZED: Sometimes Beauty Never Fades". In addition to wall art this year's event includes 10 hand painted fedoras curated by Gregorio Escalante. This event is an art auction charity benefit that will feature a group of nationally recognized artists where all artworks will be auctioned off starting at only $100. This exhibition funds Distinction's annual art and photography scholarship fund for Palomar College students in honor of Charles "Chuck" Leslie Walker. A special lineup of custom cars, including cars built by Hot Rods and Custom Stuff and Super Rides by Jordan, will be hand selected by Chick Koszis and displayed in front of the gallery. The overall event will run in conjunction with Escondido's famous "Cruisin Grand" which will have an incredible line-up of the finest and most unique customs and hot rods. This event is free to the public, but a suggested donation of $5 to benefit Cruisin Grand would be appreciated. The Opening Reception will be held on Friday, August 12, 2016 from 6-9pm with Live Music by Duo with Buddy Dughi from (Hot Rod Trio) and Jonny Bowler (Guana Batz). VIP Pre-Party tickets ($20) from 5-6pm include Stone Beer, wine and food from Vinz Wine Bar, Wine from BK Cellars, treats from EscoGelato and conversation with the artists, sponsors and car owners. There will be awards for artists, cars and also a Pinup contest with a Special Guest Judge, Gregorio Escalante, so come dressed in your best vintage outfit! Judging and awards begin at 8.



Scott Rohlfs "Thinking Out Loud"

This year's Sponsors include King's Pawn, Ford of Escondido, Hyundai of Escondido, Mercedes-Benz of Escondido, Cruisin Grand, Valley View Casino, BK Cellars, Stone Brewing Co., Shannon Itzaina, EscoGelato, and Vinz Wine Bar.

Acrylic On Canvas

The Exhibition will run from August 12th - September 3rd The Silent Auction will end September 3rd at 2pm sharp, PST.





View full show gallery



Reception Photos

36 x 24 inches

ArtHatch Studio Artists



July 2016

Press Statement ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are excited to present a Studio Artists Exhibition, featuring the collective art of their very own in-house ArtHatch Studio Artists. Highlighting a wide range of work from original paintings, photography, and other mixed media, this exhibit is a representation of the broad spectrum of current local San Diego artists. Side by side emerging and accomplished artists come together to present their artistic voices and inspirations, giving rise to a diverse and creative show; representing over 30 artists total. The Opening Reception with Live Music will be held on Saturday, July 9, 2016 from 6-10pm. Studio artists within the ArtHatch building will have their studios open to the public as well. The exhibition will run from July 9 through August 6, 2016. The opening reception with the artist, live music, open studios, Stone Beer, and BK Cellars wine will be on Saturday July 9, from 6-10pm.





Victor Roman "Hold It Close For Safe Keeping" Oil on Birch Panel 33 x 12 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

Aaron Jasinski "Hearasee"



June 2016

Press Statement ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are pleased to announce the solo exhibition of Washington based artist Aaron Jasinski entitled "Hearsee". Aaron celebrates the act of creating and listening to music in this collection of paintings. Using surreal humor, contrast, color, and texture he seeks to evoke the expression and experience of sounds. The exhibition will run from June 11 through July 2, 2016. The opening reception with the artist, live music, open studios, Stone Beer, and BK Cellars wine will be on Saturday June 11, from 6-10pm.









































































































"Organ Music" Acrylic on Panel 11 x 14 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

Amandalynn: Seasons of Change



May 2016

Press Statement ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are pleased to announce a new solo exhibition of fine artist and muralist Amandalynn entitled "Seasons of Change". Amandalynn is a fine artist and muralist, whom is continually inspired by the beauty of nature and the characters found within. She is fascinated by the seasonal changes that occur not only within the flora and fauna of the world, but also that happen within a personal life cycle. She has created a new series of paintings and murals, illustrating the different moods, emotions, and energies that occur during different cycles of life and nature. Over the course of this past year, she has been able to witness the delicate beauty of new life, the calm still of passing life, and the joyous passion received from living an inspired life. Amandalynn intends to capture the beauty of nature's cyclical change within this newest series of work. ArtHatch Mural Installation: May 4 - 14, 2016 To coincide with her exhibition, Amandalynn will be painting a mural along the side of ArtHatch's 140 ft long building from May 4- 14. The original painting will be part of her exhibition. The exhibition will run from May 14 through June 4, 2016. The opening reception with the artist, live music, open studios, Stone Beer, and BK Cellars wine will be on Saturday May 14, from 6-10pm.



Amandalynn "New Beginnings" Acrylic on Canvas 30 x 24 inches







View full show gallery Reception Photos

Casey Weldon: Stray Voltage



April 2016

Press Statement ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are proud to present the second solo exhibition of veteran represented artist, Casey Weldon. The exhibition, "Stray Voltage", will include 20 of Weldon's newest acrylic paintings. The series will include Weldon's latest phenomenon depicting mysterious settings with glowing highlights. Born in Southern California, Casey Weldon spent the majority of his formative years there graduating from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. After operating a studio out of Las Vegas, Weldon relocated to New York, then California, and now Portland where he works as a full time artist. His fine art, imbued with a sumptuous illustrative quality, is indicative of his profession. Weldon mixes iconography of today and the past to evoke a sense of humor, nostalgia, fantasy and even melancholy within the viewer. His pallet and haunting subjects recall the Surrealist masters like Breton and de Chirico. Weldon has exhibited and sold his work in galleries across the United States and his pieces now reside in collections across the world.



Casey Weldon

The exhibition will run from April 9 through May 7, 2016. The opening reception with the artist, live music, open studios, Stone Beer, and BK Cellars wine will be on Saturday April 9, from 6-10pm.

"Stalker Season"



10 x 10 inches





Acrylic On Wood

View full show gallery Reception Photos

Kelly Vivanco: Tendrils



March 2016

Press Statement ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are thrilled to be hosting an exhibition of one of Escondido's most beloved artists, Kelly Vivanco. This exhibit, entitled "Tendrils", will feature Vivanco's newest creations. The Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2016 from 6-10pm with Live Music. Vivanco will be in attendance at the opening reception to meet, greet, and answer questions. Local artists within the ArtHatch building will have their studios open to the public as well. Complimentary BK Cellars wine and Stone Beer will be served to guests. Kelly Vivanco, a native to Southern California, earned her BFA from Laguna College of Art and Design. She works with a variety of media to create art with whimsy, nostalgia and a sense of child-like wonder.

Vivanco draws from the real and imagined world to populate her works with a host of playful and curious characters. She takes inspiration from vintage photographs, children's literature and the oddness of her dreams. Vivanco has exhibited in solo and group shows across the U.S. including California Center for the Arts Museum, The Portsmouth Museum of Art, Thinkspace, SURU, Gallery 1988, Subtext, Rotofugi, Flatcolor, 323 East, London Miles, Art Basel and Orange County Center for Contemporary Arts. Her work is collected in the U.S. and abroad; and her daily comic, Patches, has a world-wide following. Kelly's first illustrated children's book Snow White & Rose Red was just released. She currently resides in Escondido, California.

The exhibition will run from March 12 - April 2, 2016.



Kelly Vivanco "Fly Away" Acrylic on Panel 20 x 16 inches

ArtHatch is a 7000 square foot building which houses the front gallery: exhibitions changing monthly, "The Alley," featuring new and previous works from over 25 artists, the teen room featuring artwork by 15 local teens, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring the work of 20 local artists.

View full show gallery Reception Photos



Michael Aaron Williams: Nature | Nurture



February 2016

Press Statement ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are excited to announce the upcoming exhibition of Tennessee based Michael Aaron Williams. The artwork will consist of paintings created with coffee and ink applied to joined ledger paper from the late 1800?s and early 1900?s. The Opening Reception will be on Saturday, February 13th from 6 to 10pm. The show will continue through March 5th. In the artists words... "Through my paintings and drawings, I attempt to represent the fragile nature of life, purity, and culture. Paint and ink are the vehicles by which movement and conflict are expressed. The beauty and pain of human nature are represented by necessitating beauty, I portray the human soul as complete despite the fractures.As such, the artwork becomes more relatable to the viewer and?consequently more impacting." In 2011 Williams attended school at Samford University in Alabama earning a degree in art. In 2015 he earned his MFA in studio art from Washington University in St. Louis. He has received numerous awards for his artworks and has been invited to speak on many occasions regarding his artwork. He has traveled to Europe, Asia, Egypt, and America to paint and install commissions and participate in exhibitions.



Michael Aaron Williams "Nature | Nurture"

Michael is a full time artist and lives and works in TN with his wife Molly and their newborn son, Bear.

Coffee & Ink on Antique Ledger Paper







View full show gallery

41 x 44.5 inches

Reception Photos

LA Art Show



January 2016

Press Statement The LA Art Show, the 200,000 square foot art fair that welcomed more than 50,000 art enthusiasts to the Los Angeles Convention Center this past year, will launch its newly curated art show experience at the upcoming 2016 event. Looking back on the 20 year history of the LA Art Show, one can't help noticing how it has evolved, changing locations and growing in diversity to reflect the trajectory of the burgeoning Los Angeles art scene. For the 2016 show, we want to offer visitors and collectors a new hosted art experience which will entail a fair devoted to only Modern and Contemporary art. Located next door, the Los Angeles Fine Art Show will exhibit works of Historic and Traditional Contemporary Art.

Distinction Gallery will be featuring new artworks created by represented artists just for the show. We will feature 2 large scale works by artist Jon Jaylo, large scale works by artists Gabe Leonard, Paul Normansell, Pamela Wilson, and Scott Rohlfs, and 12 x 12 inch works by artists Kelly Vivanco, Casey Weldon, Michael Aaron Williams, Amanda Lynn, Heather McKey, Jana Brike, Victor Roman, Linda Herzog, Virginie Mazureau, and Bryan Steward.



"" View full show gallery

Distinction Gallery will be in booth 635.































Reception Photos

Thursday Jan. 28, 2016 11am - 7pm

Friday Jan. 29, 2016 11am - 7pm Saturday Jan. 30, 2016 11am - 7pm Sunday Jan. 31, 2016 11am - 5pm LOCATION Los Angeles Convention Center 1201 South Figueroa Street West Hall Los Angeles, CA 90015 (Distinction booth 635)

5th Annual Art-A-Thon: 24 Hours: 27 Artists: 108 Artworks



January 2016

Press Statement ArtHatch is excited to announce their 5th Annual Art-A-Thon, a marathon of artistic creation to benefit the non-profit art center's teen program. 25 artists from San Diego County will seek donations to create artwork for up to 24 straight hours. As works are finished, they will be added to the ArtHatch gallery space and auctioned off for a onemonth period following the event. Proceeds from donations and art sales will be divided between the artists and ArtHatch to help support the centers free art education program for local at risk teens. There will also be prizes for the artists who raise the most in pledges and for the artists that make it through the full 24 hours. The opening reception for the exhibition with the artists in attendance, will be held the weekend after the event on Saturday, January 9, 2016 from 6-10pm with beer compliments of Stone Brewery, wine and live music. Art-A-Thon is as much a performance piece as it is an exercise in creativity and endurance. This is a unique opportunity for patrons to experience the creative process of the art they collect first-hand. Painting, drawing, jewelry, and photography will be among the featured media, with participating artists ranging from emerging to seasoned professionals. Art-A-Thon will be held at ArtHatch from 12pm on Saturday, January 2nd through Sunday, January 3rd, 2016 at 12pm. The public is invited to come and watch artists create during the entire 24 hours live or online via Livestream. The Opening Reception will be held the following weekend after the event on Saturday, January 9 from 6-10pm. The artwork will be available for viewing and bidding through February 6, 2016 at 2pm PST. All artworks will start at $50 for the bidding and bids can be placed online, in person, and via phone. ArtHatch was created in 2004 both to fill avoid in the community and to fulfill the dream of a vital arena for Urban and Contemporary Figurative Art in the North County of San Diego. ArtHatch employs its 7,000 sq ft of space to focus on cutting-edge artwork by over 50 national and international emerging artists, featuring 35 local artists - over 20 of whom work in studios within the gallery. Resident artists are a combination of college arts professors, emerging and mid-career artists, and fine-artists with arts-related day jobs looking for a stimulating, community-based environment in which to create. ArtHatch boasts an ambitious schedule of 12 exhibits per year. CEO and Founder, Melissa Inez Walker, curates the gallery bringing in over 100 emerging artists from around the world annually.



Armando Gonzalez "Soulless" Pencil on Paper 3.5 x 5 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

Since 2010, ArtHatch has been providing art supplies, mentorships, and exhibition space to teen artists -most of them underserved and at-risk youths - free of charge. The teen program focuses on the development of talent and skill in the visual arts; and the teens are introduced to a wide variety of media such as oil, acrylic, spray paint, digital arts, and metals. Local and international artists work directly with students to provide lessons that develop visual awareness along with a functional art vocabulary, hold discussions on art throughout history, teach them to analyze and to recognize a good composition, and provide instruction for skill development and practice. The goals are to promote the fine arts by giving young artists the opportunity to discover, create, and display their unique style, elegance, and technique. The mentorship of emerging and established artists is absolutely critical for the success of the teen program. Our teen artists hope to become professional artists, designers, curators, registrars and teachers themselves one day; and the guidance of successful art world adults is invaluable to these teens in terms of instruction and networking. All donors will receive a tax receipt. Donors with donations over $500 will have a permanent plaque on display in the gallery. Exhibition and Auction will run from January 6, 2016 - February 6, 2016. Auction ends at 2pm PST on Saturday, February 6, 2016.

"Free Souls" Solo Show Featuring New Works by Virginie Mazureau



December 2015

Press Statement ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are thrilled to announce the first United States solo exhibition of artist Virginie Mazureau. Virginie is an artist from France who recently moved to Carlsbad, CA. The exhibition titled "Free Souls" will feature 18 of Virginie's newest whimsical mixed media paintings. The Opening Reception with the artist will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2015 from 6-10pm. Additionally we will have live music, open studios featuring 40+ local artists, and complimentary Stone Beer compliments of Stone and wine compliments of BK Cellars for guests 21+. We are proud to serve both of these outstanding beverages that are headquartered in Escondido. The exhibition will run from December 12 - January 2, 2016.

ArtHatch is a 7000 square foot building which houses the front gallery: exhibitions changing monthly, "The Alley," featuring over 20 local artists, the teen lounge featuring artwork by 20+ teen artists, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring the work of 20 additional local artists. The front gallery features contemporary and cutting edge artwork - primarily figurative oil and acrylic paintings by mid-career artists.

Virginie Mazureau



Mixed Media on Canvas



20 x 24 inches

"Siblings"

View full show gallery Reception Photos

Prints on Wood



November 2015

Press Statement ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are excited to partner with Prints on Wood for a special exhibition just in time for the holidays. All artworks are beautifully reproduced as small limited editions by the popular printing giant, Prints on Wood/Monster Media Inc. The show will highlight a collection of Distinction's top represented artists alongside select invited artists from Prints on Wood featured artists. The Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2015 from 6-10pm with Live Music. Local artists within the ArtHatch building will also have their studios open to the public. Complimentary Wine, and Stone Beer will be severed to guests 21+.

The exhibition will run from November 14 - December 5, 2015. ArtHatch is a 7000 square foot building which houses the front gallery: exhibitions changing monthly, "The Alley," featuring over 20 local artists, the teen lounge featuring artwork by 15+ teen artists, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring the work of over 28 local artists. The front gallery features contemporary and cutting edge artwork - primarily figurative oil and acrylic paintings by mid-career artists.

Victor Roman



"Reject the Sorrow" Embellished Print on Wood 12 x 16 inches







View full show gallery Reception Photos

Gabe Leonard: No More Bullshit



October 2015

Press Statement ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are thrilled to present "No More Bullshit", an epic new collection of badass paintings by artist Gabe Leonard. This exhibition will feature new paintings from Gabe's highly sought after "Desperado" series as well as some bonus eye-candy from his past series. Gabe Leonard's art has received global acclaim for his "cinematic" style and has quickly become one of the most sought-after artists in the world. Recent celebrity collectors of Leonard's work include Quentin Tarantino, Charlie Sheen, and Rueben Fleischer. The Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2015 from 6-10pm with Live Music. Leonard will be in attendance at the Opening Reception to meet, greet, and answer questions. Local artists within the ArtHatch building will have their studios open to the public as well. Complimentary Wine, and Stone Beer will be severed to guests. Gabe Leonard spent his early years in rural Wyoming, sketching wildlife and selling his drawings for one dollar. After earning his BFA from Columbus College in Ohio, Leonard honed his talents on the ultra-competitive Venice Beach boardwalk. Described as "Johnny Cash meets Quentin Tarantino", Leonard's work possesses an intense cinematic quality combining the gestural brushwork of expressionism with the expert lighting and framing of a Hollywood cinematographer. His oils are cinematic, atmospheric and moody, revolving around outlaws, rugged noir characters to create narratives full of dramatic possibility. While his subjects and compositions belie a heavy influence of modern and contemporary cinema, Leonard's artistic style is rooted firmly in a European tradition. While he often breaks from academic restrictions with his loose brushwork and characteristic drips, he counts Rembrandt, Mucha, Klimt and Schiele as amongst his influences.



Gabe Leonard "No More Bullshit"

Oil on Canvas 24 x 48 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

The exhibition will run from October 10 - November 7, 2015



Jon Jaylo: As the Moon Draws Water



September 2015

Press Statement ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are excited to announce and present Filipino artist, Jon Jaylo's solo exhibition entitled "As The Moon Draws Water". This exhibit will showcase Jaylo's most current paintings created specifically for the exhibition. Jon Jaylo's art has received global acclaim for his contemporary surrealist style. We are proud to be one of the first galleries in the United States exhibiting his artwork, which has gained huge traction with collectors and auction houses throughout Asia. The Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2015 from 6-10pm with Live Music. Jaylo will be in attendance at the Opening Reception to meet, greet, and answer questions. There will be a book signing at 8pm and books will be available for purchase. Books include an essay by esteemed writer Robert Pincus. The gallery space will be transformed to go along with Jaylo's surreal body of artwork. Local artists within the ArtHatch building will have their studios open to the public as well. Complimentary Wine, and Stone Beer will be severed to guests. Jon Jaylo's artworks play around a parallel dream world in where everything is floating surreal and dancing in a contained universe inspired by poetry. His technical depictions are often varying in display and style, as if he himself is never contented with the present stature of his works. They are constantly evolving in both idea and form, gradually maturing together with the artist himself. Scaling this balance, narrating a massively deep philosophy of thought through a theatrical rendition of intensely brilliant colors that seem to amuse its audience and present a status of intellectual complacency. Like dreams that reflect a reversed mirror of man's desires, fantasies, his works are merely manifestations of knowledge, the metaphysics of his own philosophy and the resolving of experiences behind and even far beyond it. On the full picture of it, Jaylo's works are masked and laced with a dream-like feel, very inviting, yet when you go inside, there's always a puzzle to be solved. Jaylo's works are not just depictions of visual aesthetics. His works are a research on life itself, and the enigma of thought beneath it. What captures the viewers attention, are his works that are astounding, contemplative, glimpses into someone else's psyche. This is the wonder of his art, like any good story, he allows everyone to bring his or her own self to the painting. Jon is great at opening up the viewer's 'soul' so to speak.



Jon Jaylo "A Story of Faith, Hope, and Love" Oil on canvas 31 x 34 inches



View full show gallery Reception Photos

The exhibition will run from September 12 - October 3, 2015. ArtHatch is a 7000 square foot building which houses the front gallery: exhibitions changing monthly, "The Alley," featuring new and previous works from over 75 artists, the teen room featuring artwork by 15+ teen artists, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring the work of over 28 local artists, and "The Lounge", containing 8 walls featuring local artists. The front gallery features contemporary and cutting edge artwork.

5th Annual IMMORTALIZED



August 2015

Press Statement ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are pleased to announce their 5th annual art exhibit devoted to hot rods and customs of distinction, "IMMORTALIZED: The One That Got Away", an art auction charity benefit that will feature a group of nationally recognized artists. All Artworks will be auctioned off starting at only $100, gallery proceeds going to Distinction's annual art scholarship donation for Palomar College students in honor of Charles "Chuck" Leslie Walker. In conjunction, Chick Koszis and Steve Waldron have lined up 40 unique hot rods and customs that are "a cut above" to be parked just outside the gallery. The event will be in conjunction with Escondido's famous "Cruisin' Grand". This event is free to the public, but a suggested donation of $5 to benefit Cruisin' Grand would be appreciated. The Opening Reception will be held on Friday, August 7, 2015 from 7-9pm with Live Music by Gino and the Lone Gunmen. VIP Pre-Party tickets ($20 in advance, $25 at the door) from 5-7pm include Stone Beer, wine and food from Vinz Wine Bar, treats from EscoGelato and conversation with the artists, sponsors and car owners. There will be awards for artists, cars and also a Pinup contest with a Special Guest Judge, so come dressed in your best vintage outfit! Judging and awards begin at 8. This year's Sponsors include King's Pawn, Brandy Sebastian Photography, Ford of Escondido, Hyundai of Escondido, Mercedes-Benz of Escondido, Pin-Up Culture, Cruisin' Grand, Hot Rods & Custom Stuff, Stone Brewing Co., JD Built, Shannon Itzaina, Valley View Casino, EscoGelato, and Vinz Wine Bar.



Scott Rohlfs "Roller Girl" Acrylic on Masonite Wood 24 x 36 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

The Exhibition will run from August 7th - August 29th The Silent Auction will end August 29th at 2pm sharp, PST.

ArtHatch Studio Artists: Superheroes, Pop Culture, and Graphic Novels



July 2015

Press Statement ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are excited to present their annual ArtHatch Studio Artists Group Exhibition, featuring the collective art of their very own in-house ArtHatch Studio Artists. This year the theme of the exhibition focuses on "Superheroes, Graphic Novels, & Pop Culture". Highlighting a wide range of artwork from original paintings, photography, and other mixed media, this exhibit is a representation of the broad spectrum of current local San Diego artists. Including artwork by professional artists such as Victor Roman, Cathrine Edlinger-Kunze, and more. Side by side emerging and accomplished artists come together to present their artistic voices and inspirations, giving rise to a diverse and creative show; representing over 30 artists total. The Opening Reception with Live Music will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2015 from 610pm. All guests are invited to dress up as their favorite Superhero or Character. A Costume Contest will be held during the Opening Reception, judging and prizes start at 8pm. Studio artists within the ArtHatch building will have their studios open to the public as well. Complimentary Beer and Wine will be served to guests.



Jamie Kanes



"The Super Hero" The exhibition will run from July 11 - August 1, 2015. Opening Reception with Costume Contest & Live Music: Saturday, July 11, 2015 from 6-10pm

Acrylic on Canvas with stars painted on canvas edges 16 x 20 inches





View full show gallery Reception Photos

Paul Normansell: Eye of the Beholder



June 2015

Press Statement Distinction Gallery is excited to announce and present British artist, Paul Normansell's first United States solo exhibition entitled "Eye of the Beholder". The exhibit will feature 7 incredible new dot paintings alongside figurative works, and prints on aluminum.

Normansell's art has received global acclaim from critics and collectors in the fashion and music industries, being hailed as some of the most style-conscious imagery to define the shifting trends of popular culture. The Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2015 from 6-10pm. Normansell will be joining us from the UK for the opening reception to meet, greet, and answer questions. Local artists within the building will have their studios open with many painting and creating for the public to view. Complimentary Wine, and Stone Beer will be severed to guests (21+) and the Green Machine "Ciao Cupcake" truck will be parked out front along side Americana Music. The exhibition will run from June 13 - July 4, 2015 THE TECHNIQUES "The foundation of my work originates from the relationship between art and music."From experimenting with color Normansell began to create the illusion of movement, stimulating the eye into seeing things which may or may not be there utilizing our inclination to see patterns in randomness like looking for shapes in clouds. The more one studies the image the more one finds.

Paul Normansell

"My abstract paintings are based on color studies exploring how it can stimulate feelings, emotions within a person, the different meanings each color has, and its power to evoke a certain response from the viewer."

31.5 x 24 inches

First producing abstract works from patterns of dots and circles, the natural progression of his style led him to incorporate images within them. As he experimented more with imagery, Paul moved from creating subtle shapes and hidden images within patterns to full portraits made up of fragments of color, similar to in execution to large scale pointillist paintings.

View full show gallery

"Pleasure Seeker" Gloss Paint on Polished Aluminium



Reception Photos

In order to implement greater detail and tonal variation into his work, Paul's workload took a dramatic hit. The time required to execute a full painting increased from days to weeks, to the point where hundreds of hours were needed to paint a full image made up of individual dots. "To paint each dot individually takes as long as it takes - they're all different in size, shape and color, and all applied freehand using a fine brush. There's no shortcut for that unfortunately." GLOSS "I wanted to paint famous iconic figures known for their beauty. To achieve a more synthetic, polished feel to the media-friendly portraits, I moved away from the natural organic look of acrylic and canvas, to high gloss enamel paint on sheet aluminium. It gave me the flawless reflective quality the portraits needed, as if they were literally in a glossy magazine."



It was this move that brought the arresting visual impact that Paul's work now has. The combination of paint and background heightened the dynamic visual aspect of his work through the optical effect and overwhelming impact. As one looks at an image directly, depending on how the light falls, the variety and definition of color and tone is lost and the portrait almost becomes a silhouette. It is only when viewed off-centre that the image comes alive and the portrait appears. GRAVITY The great drawback with the technique, one which is a constant detriment to Paul's health, lies with simple physics - the paintings have to be produced horizontally. In order for the paint to stay still long enough to dry where it should, Paul's aluminum 'canvas' cannot be positioned upright on a traditional easel, as gravity causes the paint to sag and run. "I have tried several devices over the years to allow me to paint horizontally - from laying on a plank supported on 2 chairs, to a hammock suspended above the floor. None of them have been perfect, and none have permanently removed my need for weekly sessions at the osteopath. My back is messed up, it hurts pretty much all of the time - I suppose it's 'suffering for my art' in true form." FASHION Normansell's imagery evolved from dot portraits into a new style as he became interested in a broader scope of fashion images. He began to focus on certain areas of the figure, and by exploring the optical aspect of the portrait, the focus was once again on color. "The images I use are based on the fashion world's portrayal of perfection - flawless images of women, completely unrealistic and synthetic, yet ultimately desirable." With a distinct 'pop art' influence, Normansell's figurative style combines intense saturated color and flat, graphic execution. By removing almost all suggestion of shade and tone, the images become less connected with the real world, and allude to the 'unrealistic' nature of fashion media imagery. "Aiming for this look allows me to create an unusual parallel, and because of the plasticlike finish of gloss and the meticulous execution, the paintings are almost doll-like in appearance. Just as the media manufacture their airbrushed images, all flaws are discarded, the skin and hair are impossibly perfect."

Denise Bledsoe: Woolgathering



May 2015

Press Statement ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are pleased to announce a new solo exhibition of San Diego artist Denise Bledsoe entitled "Woolgathering". This exhibit will showcase Bledsoe's most current mixed media sculptures and art figures. Her creations are best described as playful and whimsical. Each character and creature has it's own story to tell. The Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2015 from 6-10pm with Live Music. Bledsoe will be in attendance at the Opening Reception to meet, greet, and answer questions. Local artists within the ArtHatch building will have their studios open to the public as well. Complimentary Wine, and Stone Beer will be severed to guests. "I've been involved in art with one media or another since I was a child. Although I spent many hours sketching, drawing with pen and ink, and painting with acrylics and oils, my first love has always been sculpting and mixed media. I currently use both ceramic and oil based clays. It is the three-dimensional and textural qualities achievable through sculpture that satisfies me creatively. I feel that being able to experience a piece by holding it in one's hand is more fulfilling. In the case of my figurative pieces, it becomes an interaction with "eye contact". My work can be found in galleries both internationally and across the US and has been shown in art publications and was the cover feature for the arts and entertainment magazine Pasatiempo. It is also in the private collections of several notable celebrities." -Denise Bledsoe The exhibition will run from May 9 - June 6, 2015



Denise Bledsoe "Hista Man"



Mixed Media



9.5 inches tall View full show gallery Reception Photos

The Nightmare in Wonderland, Part II: Curated by Ixie Darkonn



April 2015

Press Statement ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are excited to present a group exhibition curated by Italian artist, Ixie Darkonn entitled "The Nightmare in Wonderland, Part II", which will feature works by many top pop-surrealist artists from around the globe, all paying silent tribute to one of the darkest film directors of our time. The Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2015 from 6-10pm with Live Music. Local artists within the ArtHatch building will also have their studios open to the public. Complimentary Stone beer and wine will be served to guests. "A nightmare is a broken dream, reckless and untamed, bringing hidden thoughts to light. It is possible to feed nightmares with inner beauty and energy. In the beginning, a nightmare sneaks in, is born secretly, colorless... (Part 0 - the colorless show, Rotofugi Gallery Chicago) then gains momentum, growing, (Part I Ayden Gallery... the start of an evolution) blooming into colors (Part II Distinction Gallery the colorful show) next changing into vivid visions and impossible dreams... (Part III the digital show Pink Zeppelin gallery Berlin) and then becomes reborn to a new reality... or will expire forever. A Nightmare is a misunderstood dream we may not share, out of fear of ruining it. This project pays tribute to the creative process of bringing beauty out from our nightmares. The artists in this project have paid a silent tribute to one of the greatest directors of our time, who has embodied and embraced the beauty of the nightmare on screen. Their work speaks of this visionary artist secretly, just as nightmares are spoken of silently in wonder and awe." -Ixie Darkonn The exhibition will run from April 11 - May 2, 2015



Natalie Shau "Muse" Digital Painting



15 x 11 inches



View full show gallery Reception Photos

In Vogue: Scott Rohlfs



March 2015

Press Statement ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are thrilled to announce a new solo exhibition of San Diego artist Scott Rohlfs entitled "In Vogue". This exhibit will showcase Rohlfs' most current paintings. As of February 2015, Scott Rohlfs' art and limited editions will be showcased in galleries around the world. This will be the world premier of Scott Rohlfs' new work under the representation of the renowned, international art agency, Whitefield Art Management. His art is best described as playful and seductive with a focus on the female figure. The Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2015 from 6-10pm with Live Music by Boogie Speak. Scott will be in attendance at the Opening Reception to meet, greet, and answer questions. Local artists within the ArtHatch building will have their studios open to the public as well. Complimentary Wine, and Stone Beer will be severed to guests. A childhood compulsion to draw led Scott Rohlfs into the world of art, where his unique take on 21st century womanhood has given art collectors some of the most cutting-edge depictions of females on canvas in recent years. Born in Alaska but raised in the very contrasting landscapes of California, Scott sketched throughout his teens, feeling the natural pull of contemporary portraiture, which included supermodels Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss. The latest fashion trends, as well as the human body and a sense of dynamic movement, were important in Scott's output even then. Today, Scott's work celebrates both the voluptuousness and the vulnerability of the human form, as well as its continuing odyssey across modes of representation, from our real-world existence right through to the virtual life, where the portrayal of femininity has evolved dramatically, taking in the idealized womanhood and a more global visual parlance (drawn from sources as diverse as news reportage, film noir and the graphic novel) as well as postmodern influences from multiple modes of being. A major thrill across Scott's work is that it immediately invites personal narrative dawn from public, or shared, consciousness and visual language. Scott's distinctively assured brush stroke and his innate understanding of contemporary notions of beauty and style have seen him tipped to become one of the great artists of our time. Scott produces a great amount of work and has sold hundreds of paintings throughout the US and abroad. The exhibition will run from March 14 - April 4, 2015



Scott Rohlfs "Parallel Lines" Mixed Media on Canvas 48 x 36 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos



Kari-Lise Alexander "Inflorescence"



February 2015

Press Statement ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are delighted to present a solo exhibition of artist KariLise Alexander entitled "Inflorescence". This exhibit will showcase Alexander's most current paintings and artworks. Her art is best described as dreamy and surreal with a figurative focus and nature themes. The Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2015 from 6-10pm with Live Music. Alexander will be in attendance at the Opening Reception to meet, greet, and answer questions. Local artists within the ArtHatch building will have their studios open to the public as well. Bring your Valentine for a Date Night and enjoy complimentary Chocolate, Red & White Wine, and Stone Beer! Free flower given to the first 50 women after 6pm! Kari-Lise Alexander's expressive work explores themes rooted in her Scandinavian heritage. Innocent maidens float in worlds of their own making, oftentimes losing themselves in their daydreams. At a young age Kari-Lise was always experimenting with paints, pencils, pastels and anything else she could get her hands on. In 2000 she studied fine art for two semesters but left college to pursue other interests. It wasn't until spring of 2009 that her heart led her back to painting and she hasn't stopped since. Working from her home studio in Seattle, Kari-Lise creates paintings that captivate the viewer. Her work often reflects the Norwegian folk art of rosemaling. This traditional art is given a contemporary feel in many of Kari-Lise's paintings as it wraps and entwines itself within the composition, sometimes floating as a ghost as if it were an ancestral reminder.

Kari-Lise Alexander

The exhibition will run from February 14 - March 7, 2015

"Fauna Flora"



Oil on Panel



16 x 11 inches



View full show gallery Reception Photos

4th Annual Art-A-Thon



January 2015

Press Statement ArtHatch is excited to announce their Fourth Annual Art-A-Thon, a marathon of artistic creation to benefit the non-profit art center's teen program. 25 artists from San Diego County will seek donations to create artwork for up to 24 straight hours. As works are finished, they will be added to the ArtHatch gallery space and auctioned off for a one-month period following the event. Proceeds from donations and art sales will be divided between the artists and ArtHatch to help support the centers free art education program for local at risk teens. There will also be prizes for the artists who raise the most in pledges and for the artists that make it through the full 24 hours. The opening reception for the exhibition with the artists in attendance, will be held the weekend after the event on Saturday, January 10th, 2015 from 6-10pm with beer compliments of Stone Brewery, wine and live music. Art-A-Thon is as much a performance piece as it is an exercise in creativity and endurance. This is a unique opportunity for patrons to experience the creative process of the art they collect first-hand. Painting, drawing, jewelry, and photography will be among the featured media, with participating artists ranging from emerging to seasoned professionals. Art-A-Thon will be held at ArtHatch from 12pm on Saturday, January 3rd through Sunday, January 4th, 2015 at 12pm. The public is invited to come and watch artists create during the entire 24 hours live or online via Livestream. The Opening Reception will be held the following weekend after the event on Saturday, January 10 from 610pm. The artwork will be available for viewing and bidding through February 7, 2015 at 2pm PST. All artworks will start at $50 for the bidding and bids can be placed online, in person, and via phone.



Cameron Canales "Poe" Ink and Charcoal 15.75 x 11.75 inches

ArtHatch was created in 2004 both to fill avoid in the community and to fulfill the dream of a vital arena for Urban and Contemporary Figurative Art in the North County of San Diego. ArtHatch employs its 7,000 sq ft of space to focus on cutting-edge artwork by over 50 national and international emerging artists, featuring 35 local artists - over 20 of whom work in studios within the gallery. Resident artists are a combination of college arts professors, emerging and mid-career artists, and fine-artists with arts-related day jobs looking for a stimulating, community-based environment in which to create. ArtHatch boasts an ambitious schedule of 12 exhibits per year. CEO and Founder, Melissa Inez Walker, curates the gallery bringing in over 100 emerging artists from around the world annually.



View full show gallery Reception Photos

Since 2010, ArtHatch has been providing art supplies, mentorships, and exhibition space to teen artists -most of them underserved and at-risk youths - free of charge. The teen program focuses on the development of talent and skill in the visual arts; and the teens are introduced to a wide variety of media such as oil, acrylic, spray paint, digital arts, and metals. Local and international artists work directly with students to provide lessons that develop visual awareness along with a functional art vocabulary, hold discussions on art throughout history, teach them to analyze and to recognize a good composition, and provide instruction for skill development and practice. The goals are to promote the fine arts by giving young artists the opportunity to discover, create, and display their unique style, elegance, and technique. The mentorship of emerging and established artists is absolutely critical for the success of the teen program. Our teen artists hope to become professional artists, designers, curators, registrars and teachers themselves one day; and the guidance of successful art world adults is invaluable to these teens in terms of instruction and networking. All donors will receive a tax receipt. Donors with donations over $500 will have a permanent plaque on display in the gallery. Exhibition and Auction will run from January 10, 2015 - February 7, 2015. Auction ends at 2pm PST on Saturday, February 7, 2015.

Wonderbirds



December 2014

Press Statement ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are thrilled to present a debut solo exhibition of local artist Heather McKey. This exhibit will showcase McKey's most current paintings and drawing. Her art is best described as whimsical and surreal in an illustrative style. The Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2014 from 6-10pm with Live Music. McKey will be in attendance at the Opening Reception to meet, greet, and answer questions. Local artists within the ArtHatch building will have their studios open to the public as well. Complimentary Stone beer and wine will be served to guests. Inspired by her lifelong love for birds and the paintings of Martin Johnson Heade and James Audubon, Heather's artwork is an intriguing blend of nature and avian surprise. Mixing shells with botanicals, her imaginary birdlife leaves the viewer smiling at the creature gazing back. Her acrylic paintings begin with a simple piece of wood. The natural grain of the wood coaxes the design of the composition and Heather often follows the patterns in the wood as she creates trees, water and other plants in the scene. Her extensive shell and feather collection offer constant visuals of how to fashion her birds in their magical world of dreamy landscapes. Playing with nature, she often titles her artwork with scientific sounding names, as if it were a documented specimen in the real world. Heather's training began with private art lessons as a young girl with pastel artist Judy Nachazel in the countryside of Ramona, California. Hour after hour, Heather would soak up every minute of learning in Judy's studio, in the turret of a Victorian home nestled in a quiet property surrounded by trees, birds and other wildlife. Her earliest project was drawing an owl and she has kept coming back to birds ever since. Although no formal degree, years of practice and input from faithful art mentors helped guide Heather in her skill and grow. After years exhibiting her award winning colored pencil works locally and internationally, she recently shifted focus to working solely in acrylic. Often working with a size 00 brush and smaller allows her to capture the details she loves most. Heather lives in Escondido, California with her husband Nick and paints daily, always planning out her next fanciful bird concept in her home studio. Her endearing bird creations are enjoyed in homes across the U.S. as far as Cornwall, England.



Heather McKey



"Littorina ruber" Acrylic on Wood 5 x 5 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

The exhibition will run from December 11, 2014 - January 3, 2015

A Few Small Nips: A Tribute to Frida Kahlo Curated by June Leeloo



November 2014

Press Statement ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are excited to present a group exhibition curated by June Leeloo entitled "A Few Small Nips", a tribute to Frida Kahlo. This exhibit will highlight art by figurative and urban-surrealists such as Aaron Jasinski, Edith Lebeau, Brianna Angelakis, and more. All artwork will be inspired by or pay tribute to the late Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. The Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2014 from 6-10pm with Live Music. Local artists within the ArtHatch building will have their studios open to the public as well. Complimentary Stone beer and wine will be served to guests. "Frida Kahlo was a Mexican painter, born in Coyoacan. Perhaps best known for her self-portraits, Kahlo's work is remembered for its 'pain and passion', and its intense, vibrant colors. Her work has been celebrated in Mexico as emblematic of national and indigenous tradition, and by feminists for its uncompromising depiction of the female experience and form. Frida has been described as: '...one of history's grand divas, a tequila-slamming, dirty joke-telling smoker, bi-sexual that hobbled about her bohemian barrio in lavish indigenous dress and threw festive dinner parties for the likes of Leon Trotsky, poet Pablo Neruda, Nelson Rockefeller, and her on-again, off-again husband, muralist Diego Rivera.'"























Bec Winnel



"Timeless Frida" Pastel, Pencil, Watercolor & Metallic Ink on Arches Paper 15 x 11 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

Figments: Caia Koopman Solo Show



October 2014

Press Statement ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are thrilled to present a solo exhibition featuring the art of Caia Koopman. This exhibit will showcase Koopman's most current paintings focusing on figurative and pop surrealist subjects presented in an urban-illustrative style. The Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2014 from 6-10pm with Live Music. Koopman will be in attendance at the Opening Reception to meet, greet, and answer questions. Local artists within the ArtHatch building will have their studios open to the public as well. Complimentary Stone beer and wine will be served to guests. Caia Koopman is a preeminent pop surrealism artist who has been featured in prominent galleries from California to Canada and France. Over the years, her paintings have graced the walls of Thinkspace, Spacejunk, and La Luz De Jesus Galleries as well as the pages of numerous books and magazines. The appealing symbols in her work evoke fundamental human emotions in exquisite, surreal detail making them well received in the action sports industry as well as the fine art world. Signature series Oakley sunglasses and goggles are adorned with her designs while her illustrations gild designer Rossignol snowboards, skis and more. While attaining her BA in Fine Arts from the University of California in Santa Cruz, Caia was a skateboard enthusiast immersed in the punk rock scene of the '80s. She continues to live in Santa Cruz where the youthful vitality of a college town is an everpresent, pulsating force. Her professional career began by creating designs for skateboards and snowboards. Enchantingly beautiful female characters in her paintings are imbued with this fearless sense of defiance. As a second-generation conservationist, loving the environment and acutely aware that humanity is dangling our planet over a dangerous flame of pollution, nature is often woven into the haunting fabric of her images. Birds, flowers, plants, butterflies, animals and mythical creatures are interlaced with iconic symbols of love, mystery, soul searching and timeless values. Lurking throughout these visual fantasies are "Dia de los Muertos" skulls, cute yet macabre reminders of the interlocking yin and yang of life and death. Koopman's popularity stems from the dazzling, intricate dreamscapes that depict deeplyrooted subconscious themes flavored with contemporary culture. Feminine energy infused with power and daring is blended with delicate elegance. An edgy juxtaposition of seemingly contrary ideas and emotions is persistent, and reflects the uneasy balance we maintain with our 21st century lifestyles. Technology coexisting with nature. Vulnerability accompanied by strength. Streetwise sensibility embodied in dainty, tattooed nymphs. Whimsy in spite of pathos. Vibrant life hand in hand with death. These fundamental aspects of the human condition, surrounded by the elements of modern life, all flowing through gorgeous imagery, are the essence of Koopman's masterpieces.



Caia Koopman



"Avian Blues" Acrylic on Wood Panel 24 x 18 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

The exhibition will run from October 7th - November 1st, 2014

Between Two Points: Victor Roman Solo Show



September 2014

Press Statement ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are excited to present a debut solo exhibition featuring the art of Victor Roman. This exhibit will showcase Roman's most current paintings focusing on figurative subjects presented with a mix of classical perspective and urban technique. The Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2014 from 610pm with Live Music by Viva Apollo. Roman will be in attendance at the Opening Reception to meet, greet, and answer questions. Local artists within the ArtHatch building will have their studios open to the public as well. Complimentary Stone beer and wine will be served to guests. Victor Roman's passion for expressing himself through art motivates him to sketch and paint whenever he can. Sometimes, you can find him sketching people on the train or in a casino but on most days, you will find him painting in his studio until the early hours of the morning. Painting in the night after work, shows dedication and after 3 years of study at Palomar College, Victor's talent has grown exponentially. The emotions that his art evoke have developed in complexity and because of this, the viewer must think twice about what they are looking at to figure out their own interpretation of his art. Art pieces include depictions of artillery, child soldiers and portraits of mankind in various states of mind. The art is masterfully painted on wood, a feat accomplished by few artists. Victor draws from life with swift and graceful movements, to witness this phenomenon for yourself just stop by his studio in the ArtHatch building. He will be happy to turn up the bass for you on his sound system or play a timeless record on his record player.

Victor Roman

The exhibition will run from September 9th - October 4th, 2014.

"Spirit Guide"



Oil on Canvas



36 x 24 inches



View full show gallery Reception Photos

IMMORTALIZED: Timeless Idols: Pinups and Pinstripes



August 2014

Press Statement ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are pleased to announce their 4th annual art exhibit devoted to hot rods and customs of distinction, "IMMORTALIZED: Timeless Idols: Pinups and Pin Stripes", an art exhibit and auction that will feature a group of nationally recognized artists. All Artworks will be auctioned off starting at only $100, with a portion of the proceeds going to Distinction's annual art scholarship donation for Palomar College students. In conjunction, Escondido's famous "Cruisin Grand" will have an incredible line-up of the finest and most unique customs and hot rods covered with pin stripes, flames, and similar exciting elements. Cars that will be on display have been invited by Chick Kosziz and Steve Waldron. This event is free to the public, but a suggested donation of $5 to benefit Cruisin Grand would be appreciated. The Opening Reception will be held on Friday, August 8, 2014 from 6-9pm with Live Music by Gino and the Lone Gunmen. Pre-Party tickets ($25) from 4-6pm include Stone Beer, wine and food from Vinz Wine Bar, treats from EscoGelato and conversation with the artists, sponsors and car owners. We encourage ladies to come dressed in PinUp style. There will be a contest judged by the owners of Grand Ave's newest clothing store Pin-Up Culture. They will be giving two $125 gift certificates for "best dressed" and "most authentic". This year's Sponsors include Ford of Escondido, Hyundai of Escondido, Mercedes-Benz of Escondido, King's Pawn, Hot Rods & Customs Stuff, Vinz Wine Bar, EscoGelato, Cruisin Grand, Valley View Casino, Joseph Bellows Gallery, JD Built, Cuties for a Cause, Stone Brewery, Pin-Up Culture, Brandy Sebastian, and Lauren Kwapis. Additional sponsorships are still available.

"" View full show gallery Reception Photos

The exhibition will run from August 6th - September 6th, 2014 The Silent Auction will end September 6th at 2pm sharp, PST

10th Annual ArtHatch Studio Artists' Exhibition



July 2014

Press Statement

ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are excited to present a Studio Artists Exhibition, featuring the collective art of their very own in-house ArtHatch Studio Artists. Highlighting a wide range of work from original paintings, photography, and other mixed media, this exhibit is a representation of the broad spectrum of current local San Diego artists. Including artwork by professional artists such as Victor Roman, Cathrine Edlinger-Kunze, and more. Side by side emerging and accomplished artists come together to present their artistic voices and inspirations, giving rise to a diverse and creative show; representing over 30 artists total. The Opening Reception with Live Music will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2014 from 6-10pm. Studio artists within the ArtHatch building will have their studios open to the public as well. Complimentary Beer and Wine will be served to guests. The exhibition will run from July 9 - August 2, 2014







































































































































"Fisticuffs" Oil on Canvas 16 x 12 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

10 Year Anniversary Show



June 2014

Press Statement We are thrilled to reach our 10 year anniversary this year! To celebrate we will present an extraordinary exhibition featuring the artwork of 25 influential Artists from Distinction's Past, Present, and Future. This exhibit will highlight current artwork focusing on figurative and urban art. The Opening Reception with Super Sonic Samba School performing will be held on Saturday, June 14 from 6-10pm. Local artists within the building will have their studios open to the public as well. Complimentary Stone beer and wine will be served to guests. The exhibition will run from June 11 - July 3, 2014.



Shay Davis "A Slippery Slope" Oil on Canvas 11 x 14 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

Linda Herzog: Beyond Reality Lies Reason



May 2014

Press Statement We are excited to present an extraordinary solo exhibition featuring the artwork of Linda Herzog. This exhibit titled "Beyond Reality Lies Reason" will highlight Herzog's most current paintings, which are meticulously painted with a single hair brush. Herzog will be in attendance at the Opening Reception to meet, greet and answer questions. The Opening Reception with Live Music will be held on Saturday, May 10 from 6-10pm. Local artists within the ArtHatch building will have their studios open to the public as well. Complimentary Stone beer and wine will be served to guests. The exhibition will run from May 8 - June 7, 2014.







"The Sheep and The Cub" Oil on Canvas 40 x 30 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

Casey Weldon: Subnatural



April 2014

Press Statement We are excited to present an extraordinary solo exhibition featuring the artwork of Casey Weldon. This exhibit titled "Subnatural" will highlight Weldon's most current paintings. Weldon will be in attendance at the Opening Reception to meet, greet and answer questions. The Opening Reception with Live Music will be held on Saturday, April 12 from 6-10pm. Local artists within the ArtHatch building will have their studios open to the public as well. Complimentary Stone beer and wine will be served to guests.

Born in Southern California, Casey Weldon spent the majority of his formative years there graduating from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. After operating a studio out of Las Vegas, Weldon relocated to New York, then California, and now Portland where he works as a full time artist. His fine art, imbued with a sumptuous illustrative quality, is indicative of his profession. Weldon mixes iconography of today and the past to evoke a sense of humor, nostalgia, fantasy and even melancholy within the viewer. His pallet and haunting subjects recall the Surrealist masters like Breton and de Chirico.



Casey Weldon



"Homingbird" Weldon has exhibited and sold his work in galleries across the United States and his pieces now reside in collections across the world.

Acrylic on Wood 16 x 16

The exhibition will run from April 9 - May 3, 2014.

View full show gallery

ArtHatch is a 7000 square foot building which houses the front gallery: exhibitions changing monthly, "The Alley," featuring new and previous works from over 25 artists, the teen room featuring artwork by 15 local teens, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring the work of 20 local artists.

Reception Photos



Curious Gardens: Kelly Vivanco



March 2014

Press Statement We are thrilled to be hosting an exhibition of one of Escondido's most beloved artists, Kelly Vivanco. This exhibit titled "Curious Gardens" will feature Vivanco's newest creations typically revolving around young, innocent girls, boys, and animals in "Curious" settings. Vivanco will be in attendance at the Opening Reception to meet, greet and answer questions. The Opening Reception with Live Music will be held on Saturday, March 8 from 6-10pm. Complimentary Stone beer and wine will be served to guests.

Kelly Vivanco, a native to Southern California, earned her BFA from Laguna College of Art and Design. She works with a variety of media to create art with whimsy, nostalgia and a sense of child-like wonder.

Vivanco draws from the real and imagined world to populate her works with a host of playful and curious characters. She takes inspiration from vintage photographs, children's literature and the oddness of her dreams. Vivanco has exhibited in solo and group shows across the U.S. including California Center for the Arts Museum, The Portsmouth Museum of Art, Thinkspace, SURU, Gallery 1988, Subtext, Rotofugi, Flatcolor, 323 East, London Miles, Art Basel and Orange County Center for Contemporary Arts. Her work is collected in the U.S. and abroad; and her daily comic, Patches, has a world-wide following. Kelly's first illustrated children's book Snow White & Rose Red was just released. She currently resides in Escondido, California.



Kelly Vivanco "On The Bridge" Acrylic on Canvas



36 x 48 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

The exhibition will run from March 5 - April 5, 2014.

ArtHatch is a 7000 square foot building which houses the front gallery: exhibitions changing monthly, "The Alley," featuring new and previous works from over 25 artists, the teen room featuring artwork by 15 local teens, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring the work of 20 local artists.

Scott Rohlfs: Masks of Sanity



February 2014

Press Statement We are excited to present an extraordinary solo exhibition featuring the artwork of Scott Rohlfs. This exhibit will highlight Rohlfs' most current paintings focusing on surreal imagery and the female figure. Rohlfs will be in attendance at the Opening Reception to meet, greet and answer questions. The Opening Reception with Live Music will be held on Saturday, February 8 from 6-10pm. Local artists within the ArtHatch building will have their studios open to the public as well. Complimentary Stone beer and wine will be served to guests. The women who populate Scott Rohlfs' acrylic paintings are a fusion of the artist's personal experiences and influences. His women exist in a realm of moody atmospheres, tattoo-inspired couture and pop cultural elements. Rohlfs combines classic realism with an element of distortion when painting, resulting in surreal imagery. The eyes of his subjects are often the focal points of his work, imbued with an arresting quality. Rohlfs describes his figures as, "a reflection of myself and whatever mood I am in at the time." Rohlfs produces a great amount of work and has sold hundreds of paintings throughout the US and abroad. The exhibition will run from February 4 - March 1, 2013.



Scott Rohlfs "Where the Lines Overlap" Acrylic on Wood Panel



20 x 20 inches



View full show gallery Reception Photos

3rd Annual Art-A-Thon. All works created in 24 hours to raise money for ArtHatch's teen program



January 2014

Press Statement Art-A-Thon: 20+ local artists creating for 24 hours straight Saturday, Jan. 4 at 2pm - Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014 at 2pm Opening Reception: January 11, 2014 from 6-10pm ArtHatch is excited to announce their Third Annual Art-A-Thon, a marathon of artistic creation to benefit the non-profit art center's teen program. 20+ artists from San Diego County will seek donations to create artwork for up to 24 straight hours. As works are finished, they will be added to the ArtHatch gallery space and auctioned off for a onemonth period following the event. Proceeds from donations and art sales will be divided between the artists and ArtHatch to help support the center's free art education program for local teens. There will also be prizes for the artist who raises the most in donations and for the artists that make it through the full 24 hours. The Opening Reception for the exhibition with the artists in attendance, will be held the weekend after the event on Saturday, January 11th, 2014 from 6-10 pm with beer, compliments of Stone Brewery, wine and live music. Art-A-Thon is as much a performance piece as it is an exercise in creativity and endurance. This is a unique opportunity for patrons to experience the creative process of the art they collect first-hand. Painting, drawing, collage, print and photography will be among the featured media, with participating artists ranging from emerging to seasoned professionals.



Victor Roman "Woman with Roses" Oil on Canvas

Art-A-Thon will be held at ArtHatch gallery and studios from 2pm on Saturday, January 4 through Sunday, January 5, 2014 at 2pm. The public is invited to come and watch artists create during the entire 24 hours live or online via Livestream. The Opening Reception will be held the following weekend after the event on Saturday, January 11 from 6-10pm. The artwork will be available for viewing and bidding through February 1, 2013 at 2pm. All artworks will start at $50 for the bidding. ArtHatch was created in 2004 both to fill a void in the community and to fulfill the dream of a vital arena for Urban and Contemporary Figurative Art in the North County of San Diego. ArtHatch employs its 7,000 sq ft of space to focus on cutting-edge artwork by over 50 national and international emerging artists, featuring 35 local artists - over 20 of whom work in studios within the gallery. Resident artists are a combination of college arts professors, emerging and mid-career artists, and fine-artists with artsrelated day jobs looking for a stimulating, community-based environment in which to create. ArtHatch has an ambitious schedule of 12 exhibits per year. CEO and Founder, Melissa Inez Walker, curates the gallery bringing in over 100 emerging artists from around the world annually.

36 x 24 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos



Since 2010, ArtHatch has been providing art supplies, mentorships, and exhibition space to teen artists -most of them underserved and at-risk youths - free of charge. The teen program focuses on the development of talent and skill in the visual arts; and the teens are introduced to a wide variety of media such as oil, acrylic, spray paint, digital arts, and metals. Local and international artists work directly with students to provide lessons that develop visual awareness along with a functional art vocabulary, hold discussions on art throughout history, teach them to analyze and to recognize a good composition, and provide instruction for skill development and practice. The goals are to promote the fine arts by giving young artists the opportunity to discover, create, and display their unique style, elegance, and technique. The mentorship of emerging and established artists is absolutely critical for the success of the teen program. Our teen artists hope to become professional artists, designers, curators, registrars and teachers themselves one day; and the guidance of successful art world adults is invaluable to these teens in terms of instruction and networking. All donors will receive a tax receipt. Donors with donations over $500 will have a permanent plaque on display in the gallery. Exhibition and Auction will run from January 11, 2014 - February 1, 2014. Auction ends at 2pm pst on Saturday, February 1, 2014.

Cathrine Edlinger-Kunze: HOME



December 2013

Press Statement "Home" Featuring the Art of Cathrine Edlinger-Kunze December 11, 2013 - January 4, 2014 Reception: Saturday, December 14, 2013 from 6-10pm We are excited to present a stunning Solo Exhibition featuring the artwork of Cathrine Edlinger-Kunze. This exhibit will highlight Cathrine's most current paintings focused on the human figure and images of fairground scenes. Cathrine will be in attendance at the Opening Reception to meet, greet and answer questions. The Opening Reception with Live Music will be held on Saturday, December 14 from 6-10pm. Complimentary Stone beer and wine will be served to guests. Born and raised in Germany, Cathrine Edlinger-Kunze moved to the United States in 1994 where she works as a full time artist. She credits her father for inspiring her love of painting. "Sitting side by side with my father, I learned very early what painting meant to me, and it became a special bond to my father and me." Edlinger-Kunze devotes most of her time to sketching and painting the figure, explaining "the human face and body always fascinated me...the body is the perfection of form, movement and nature." Much of the artist's recent subject matter revolves around performers and dancers, recalling the delicacy of Degas' ballerinas and the quietude of Picasso's saltimbanques. Edlinger-Kunze has shown her work since 1985 and has exhibited in Germany, Italy and the United States; and counts collectors from Europe, North America, Asia and Africa. She currently resides in Carlsbad, California.



















"Holding On" Acrylic on Linen 54 x 48 inches

The exhibition will run from December 11 - January 4, 2013

View full show gallery



Reception Photos



Put a Bird On It: Curated by Aaron Jasinski



November 2013

Press Statement "Put A Bird On It" Curated by Aaron Jasinski November 6 - December 7 Reception: Saturday, November 9 from 6-10pm ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are delighted to present "Put A Bird On It", curated by Aaron Jasinski, featuring a collection of art by 30 artists from around the globe. Artists include Edith Lebeau, Dave MacDowell, Matt Linares, JoKa, Aaron Jasinski and more. Using the ever popular and comical expression "Put A Bird on It" a spin-off of IFC's Portlandia episode, artists will interpret this theme in their own style of art. The Opening Reception with Live Music will be held on Saturday, November 9 from 6-10pm. Complimentary Stone beer and wine will be served to guests. See the "Put A Bird On It" skit from Portlandia here: http://youtu.be/0XM3vWJmpfo Aaron Jasinski's (artist and curator) paintings have shown across the US, and internationally. He also illustrates children's books, album covers, and creates electronic music. Aaron grew up in in a family of musicians and the love of music is a major influence in his visual art. His paintings often features musical, pop-culture, and nostalgic references peppered with social commentary and whimsical creatures (think morose hipsters mingling with monkeys in space suits), utilizing a Technicolor palette. Aaron resides near Seattle Washington with his wife and 4 children.



Kari-Lise Alexander

"Bianca"

The exhibition will run from November 6 - December 7, 2013

Acrylic & Oil on Canvas

ArtHatch is a 7000 square foot building which houses the front gallery: exhibitions changing monthly, "The Alley," featuring new and previous works from over 75 artists, the teen room featuring artwork by 6 local teens, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring the work of over 28 local artists, and "The Lounge", containing 8 walls featuring local artists. The front gallery features contemporary and cutting edge artwork.

12 x 9 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

A variety of art books, prints, and collectors dolls are now available as well as an inhouse art supply store. ArtHatch 317 East Grand Avenue Escondido, CA 92025 (760) 781-5779 http://distinctionart.com http://arthatch.org

Gabe Leonard: LUCK



October 2013

Press Statement "Luck" Worldwide Premier with Gabe Leonard Saturday, October 12, 2013 Distinction Gallery is excited to present LUCK, a new collection of paintings focusing on the thrill of fate, chance and fortune by artist Gabe Leonard to be unveiled at SHe by Morton's in Las Vegas. Leonard's LUCK series will consist of 20 original oil paintings and 10 sketches comprised of dramatic, slice-of-life captures of games of chance, and the tempting of fortune. Says Leonard, "The Oxford Dictionary states that 'luck is success or failure apparently brought by chance rather than through one's own actions.' In this collection I would like viewers to draw their own conclusions." He adds that LUCK is the most exciting series he has produced to date. Giclee prints will also be available at the event only, and will include a signed edition of the LUCK book created to commemorate the collection. Gabe Leonard spent his early years in rural Wyoming, sketching wildlife and selling his drawings for one dollar. After earning his BFA from Columbus College in Ohio, Leonard honed his talents on the ultra-competitive Venice Beach boardwalk. Described as "Johnny Cash meets Quentin Tarantino", Leonard's work possesses an intense cinematic quality combining the gestural brushwork of expressionism with the expert lighting and framing of a Hollywood cinematographer. His oils are cinematic, atmospheric and moody, revolving around outlaws and rugged noir characters to create narratives full of dramatic possibility.



Gabe Leonard "It Takes More Than Talent" Hand Embellished Giclee on Canvas from an edition of 125 22.5 x 36 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos



While his subjects and compositions belie a heavy influence of modern and contemporary cinema, Leonard's artistic style is rooted firmly in a European tradition. While he often breaks from academic restrictions with his loose brushwork and characteristic drips, he counts Rembrandt, Mucha, Klimt and Schiele as amongst his influences. Following a string of sell-out shows and acquisitions by high profile collectors, Leonard has quickly become one of the most sought-after artists in the world. Recent celebrity collectors include Quentin Tarantino, John Travolta, Arnold Shwarzenegger, and Eli Broad-whose painted portrait appeared on the cover of C-Suite Quarterly. Leonard currently resides in Los Angeles. LUCK will be held at SHe by Morton's nightclub located in The Crystals at City Center Las Vegas at 3720 South Las Vegas Blvd., #260. The public reception with the artist will run from 8 pm - 10 pm on Saturday, October 12, 2013. A cash bar will be available. A second reception will be held at Distinction Gallery, 317 E Grand Ave. Escondido, CA following Escondido's Wedge event on Saturday, October 12, 2013 from 6-9pm. The show will then continue at Distinction Gallery from October 16 - November 2. For more information, high res images, or to set up an interview with the artist, contact Melissa Walker or Beth Kwapis at 760-707-2770 SHe by Morton's , 3720 South Las Vegas Blvd., #260, Las Vegas, NV 89109

You, And I, And The Worlds Between Us



September 2013

Press Statement ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are pleased to present an exciting new exhibition featuring new collaboration works from the PRISMA Artist Collective. PRISMA is an international artist collective founded by painter and curator Kaspian Shore in November 2011. The group currently supports 30 talented creatives, working in the fields of traditional and digital painting, drawing, illustration, sculpting, and collage. Artists include, Kelly Vivanco, Sarah Joncas, Casey Weldon, Edith Lebaeu, and more. The Opening Reception with Live Music will be held on Saturday, September 14 from 610pm. Complimentary Stone beer and wine will be served to guests, and Ciao Cupcake Truck will be parked out front to satisfy guest's sweet cravings. The exhibition will run from September 11 - October 5, 2013



Alex Louisa | Bec Winnel "Drifters" PanPastel and Pastel Pencil on Pastelmat 27.5 x 19.7 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

IMMORTALIZED: Together Forever: Hot Rods, PinUps, and Body Art



August 2013

Press Statement ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are pleased to announce their 3rd annual art exhibit devoted to hot rods and customs of Distinction, "IMMORTALIZED: Together Forever: Hot Rods, Pinups, and Body Art", an art exhibit and auction that will feature artists from around the globe. All Artworks will be auctioned off starting at only $100, with proceeds going to Distinction's annual art scholarship donation for Palomar College students. In conjunction with Escondido's famous "Cruisin' Grand" our block will be closed off and an incredible line-up of the finest and most unique rat rods and customs from all over the So Cal region. Cars that will be on display have been invited by Chick Kosziz, Steve Waldron, Hot Rods and Custom Stuff, and Super Rides by Jordan. This event is free to the public, but a suggested donation of $5 to benefit Crusin Grand would be appreciated. The Opening Reception will be held on Friday, August 9, 2013 from 6-9pm with Live Music by Johnny and the Deadly Trio. VIP tickets are $25 and include Stone Beer, wine, food from Vinz Wine Bar, treats from EscoGelato and conversation with the artists, sponsors and car owners. There will be awards for featured artists and also a Pinup contest. Winners will be awarded trophies chosen and handed out by the infamous Natalia Fabia, Los Angeles CA artist. Awards to be handed out at 8pm



Mike Bell "Hot Rod Lily" Acrylic on Canvas

This year's Sponsors include Heller Ford, King's Pawn, DeJa Vu Photo Services, JD Built, Lauren Kwapis, Vinz Wine Bar, EscoGelato and Kurt Lightfoot (Co-Conceptural Producer).

18 x 18 inches

The exhibition will run from August 7 - September 7, 2013. Bidding ends at 2pm pst on September 7.

View full show gallery



Reception Photos



ArtHatch 9th Annual Studio Artists



July 2013

Press Statement ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are celebrating their 9th Anniversary with a Studio Artists Exhibition, featuring the collective art of their very own in-house Studio Artists. Highlighting a wide range of work from original paintings, photography, and other mixed media, this exhibit is a representation of the broad spectrum of current local San Diego artists. Including artwork by professional artists such as Victor Roman, Cathrine Edlinger-Kunze, and more. Side by side emerging and accomplished artists come together to present their artistic voices and inspirations, giving rise to a diverse and creative show; representing over 30 artists total. The Opening Reception with Live Music will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2013 from 6-10pm. Complimentary Beer and Wine will be served to guests 21 years of age or older. The exhibition will run from July 10 - August 3, 2013





Kelly Vivanco "Just One More" Acrylic on Panel 12 x 12 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

Nicole Waszak: Dreaming in the Hippodrome



June 2013

Press Statement

ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are pleased to present a debut Solo Exhibition featuring the artwork of San Diego artist Nicole Wazsak. This exhibit will highlight Waszak's most current paintings and drawings. She will also be there to meet, greet and answer questions. The Opening Reception with live music will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2013 from 6-10pm. Complimentary Stone Brewery Beer and Wine will be served to guests 21 years of age or older.

The exhibition will run from June 5 - July 6, 2013

ArtHatch is a 7000 square foot building which houses the front gallery: exhibitions changing monthly, "The Alley," featuring new and previous works from over 75 artists, the teen room featuring artwork by 12 local teens, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring the work of over 28 local artists, and "The Lounge", containing 8 walls featuring local artists. The front gallery features contemporary and cutting edge artwork.



Nicole Waszak "41 Months (Bunny)"



Acrylic on Panel



14 x 11 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

Songs of Purity



May 2013

Press Statement ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are thrilled to present an exciting Solo Exhibition featuring the artwork of Latvian artist Jana Brike. This exhibit will highlight Brike's most current paintings and drawings. Jana Brike will be traveling all the way from Lativia to attend the show's Opening Reception. She will also be there to meet, greet and answer questions. The Opening Reception with live music will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2013 from 6-10pm. Complimentary Stone Brewery Beer and Wine will be served to guests 21 years of age or older. Jana Brike was born in Latvia in 1980. Growing up under Soviet occupation had a profound effect on everything from Brike's work ethic to her subject matter and aesthetic sensibilities. A self-described "reclusive and dreamy child," Brike showed burgeoning talent at a very young age. At ten she was enrolled in Latvia's most prestigious arts elementary school where she spent at least 5 hours of each day painting. By 15 years old she was participating in international exhibitions. Brike's surreal and haunting imagery is informed by everything from Russian Realism and Soviet animation to her grandmother's religious postcards featuring biblical works of the European masters. Her subject matter is culled from folklore, fairytales and children's book illustrations. The subjects of her oil paintings embody a fantastical quality, illustrating what Brike viewed as the "forbidden...imagery of Western pop culture" which took on a "mystical, almost religious tone for Soviet children." Brike has exhibited and sold her work in the United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, Italy, France, Russia, Finland, Belorussia, Switzerland, Australia and several parts of the United States. She currently lives in Riga, Latvia. The exhibition will run from May 8 - June 1, 2013



Jana Brike "The pool of the innocent at the edge of the world" Oil on Canvas 33.5 x 33.5 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos



The Prodigy Show: Hipstamatic Addict Insane



April 2013

Press Statement ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are pleased to present an exciting Group Exhibition featuring cellphone photography entitled "The Prodigy Show: Hipstamatic Addict Insane" curated and juried by the notable Joseph Bellows. This exhibit features cellphone photographs, some of these photographs using filters from Apps such as Instagram and Hipstamatic. The show highlights the evolving and accessible new craft of cellphone photography as a serious art form. The Opening Reception with live music will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2013 from 6-10pm. Complimentary Stone Brewery Beer and Wine will be served to guests 21 years of age or older. This exhibit is juried by Joseph Bellows whose gallery was established in 1998. The Gallery features rotating exhibitions of both historic and contemporary works drawn from the gallery's collection, with a special emphasis on American work. Joseph Bellows is a member of the Association of International Photography Art Dealers (AIPAD), and served on the Board of Directors from 2005 until 2012. The exhibition will run from April 10 - May 4, 2013.



Kim Hirsch



"Paper Umbrellas"



Black & White Inkjet Print on Brushed Aluminum



10.5" x 14" View full show gallery Reception Photos

One Plus Six Equals Seven: Group Exhibition



March 2013

Press Statement ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are pleased to present an exciting Group Exhibition entitled "One Plus Six Equals Seven" curated by artist Christopher Polentz. This exhibit features the collective art of current emerging artists: Nathan DeYoung, Heather Hogan, Michael Lockwood, Joseph Gerges, Michelle Gerich, Victor Roman, and Christopher Polentz. Highlighting a wide range of original art, this exhibit is a representation of the students of Christopher Polentz who learned his masterful technique of rendering. All original artwork with be rendered pieces influenced by Polentz's technique. The Opening Reception with live music by Nick & Mel will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2013 from 6-10pm. Complimentary Stone Brewery Beer and Wine will be served to guests 21 years of age or older. The exhibition will run from March 9 - April 6, 2013.























































"Pinky" Acrylic on Wood Panel 16 x 13 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

Electric Sugar: Pamela Wilson



February 2013

Press Statement ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are excited to present an irresistible new show featuring the stunning work of Santa Barbara based artist Pamela Wilson, entitled "Electric Sugar". The Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2013 from 6-10pm with the Artist, Pamela Wilson, present to meet, greet, and answer questions. Live Music, complimentary Wine and Stone Brewery Beer for guests 21 of age or older will be included at the Opening Reception. Pamela Wilson has built a reputation for works of art that transcend the commonplace to enter the realm of the sublime and otherworldly. She develops haunting images that evoke moods, dreams, and memories inspired by real life, and which create a remarkably compelling narrative. The physical and emotional isolation of her characters has emerged as a hallmark of her work. She explores the great chasm of the unknown, the abyss that opens when you seek to understand the place of the human in modernity. The people in her paintings are often called "lost, odd, mad," or similar terms denoting something out of alignment with ordinary reality. She believes that letting ourselves explore the inherent "distortions" in reality is part of what gives us heart, and balance. Addressing "beauty" in a painting feels too passive, and what she is seeking is a psychological moment, a different kind of beauty. She has much to say of the dark and hilarious absurdities we must often endure... while we are creating ourselves. The exhibition will run from February 9 March 2, 2013





Pamela Wilson



"As Enchantments Fade"



Oil on Canvas 20 x 16 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

Art-A-Thon



January 2013

Press Statement ArtHatch is excited to announce their second annual Art-A-Thon, a marathon of artistic creation to benefit the non-profit art center's teen program. 25 artists from San Diego County will seek pledges to create artwork for up to 24 straight hours. As works are finished, they will be added to the ArtHatch gallery space and auctioned off for a one month period following the event. Proceeds from pledges and art sales will be divided between the artists and ArtHatch to help support the center's free art education program for local teens. There will also be prizes for the artist who raises the most and for the artists who make it the full 24 hours The reception for the exhibition with the artists will be held at the end of the event on January 12th, 2013 from 6-10 pm with beer, compliments of Stone Brewery. Art-A-Thon is as much a performance piece as it is an exercise in creativity and endurance. Coinciding with Escondido's Second Saturday art walk on Grand Avenue. This is a unique opportunity for patrons to experience the creative process of the art they collect first-hand. Painting, drawing, collage, print and photography will be among the featured media, with participating artists ranging from emerging to seasoned professionals. In addition we will be featuring live music. Art-AThon will be held at ArtHatch gallery and studios from 6pm on Friday, January 11 through Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 6pm. The public is invited to come and watch artists create during the entire 24 hours live or online via Livestream. The Opening Reception will be held following the event on Saturday, January 12 from 6-10pm. The artwork will be available for viewing and bidding through February 2, 2013 at 3pm. All artworks will start at $100 for the bidding. ArtHatch was created in 2004 both to fill a void in the community and to fulfill the dream of a vital arena for Urban and Contemporary Figurative Art in the North County of San Diego. ArtHatch employs its 7,000 sq ft of space to focus on cutting-edge artwork by over 50 national and international emerging artists, featuring 35 local artists - over 20 of whom work in studios within the gallery. Resident artists are a combination of college arts professors, emerging and mid-career artists, and fine-artists with arts-related day jobs looking for a stimulating, community-based environment in which to create. ArtHatch has an ambitious schedule of 12 exhibits per year. CEO and Founder, Melissa Inez Walker, curates the gallery bringing in over 100 emerging artists from around the world annually. Since 2010, ArtHatch has been providing art supplies, mentorships, and exhibition space to teen artists -most of them underserved and at-risk youths - free of charge. The teen program focuses on the development of talent and skill in the visual arts; and the teens are introduced to a wide variety of media such as oil, acrylic, spray paint, digital arts, and metals. Local and international artists work directly with students to provide lessons that develop visual awareness along with a functional art vocabulary, hold discussions on art throughout history, teach them to analyze and to recognize a good composition, and provide instruction for skill development and practice. The goals are to promote the fine arts by giving young artists the opportunity to discover, create, and display their unique style, elegance, and technique. The mentorship of emerging and established artists is absolutely critical for the success of the teen program. Our teen artists hope to become professional artists, designers, curators, registrars and teachers themselves one day; and the guidance of successful art world adults is invaluable to these teens in terms of instruction and networking. All donors will receive a tax receipt and their names will be included on the ArtHatch donor wall. Exhibition and Auction will run from January 12, 2012 - February 2, 2013. Auction ends at 3pm pst.



Jennifer Anichowski "Rocking Horse" Mixed Media on Wood Panel 8 x 8 inches

View full show gallery Reception Photos



From Figment to Fruition: Denise Bledsoe



December 2012

Press Statement "From Figment to Fruition" a solo show by long time exhibiting artist, Denise Bledsoe. Denise brings her characters to life through clay and mixed media and viewers cannot help but react strongly upon seeing them. Whether the reaction is to laugh, oo and ah, or cry Denise's figures are never ignored. The opening reception with the artist will be on Saturday Dec 8th from 6-10 pm and will be accompanied by live music, open studios, and Stone beer and wine for those 21+. Denise has been involved in various forms of art since she was a child, but she has always found that her true calling was working with sculpture and mixed media to create three three-dimensional artworks. In the artist's words " I feel that being able to experience a piece by holding it in one's hand is more fulfilling. In the case of my figurative pieces, it becomes an interaction...with eye contact" Denise's works have been collected and exhibited throughout the world and her collectors include several notable celebrities. The exhibition will run from December 8 January 5, 2012



Denise Bledsoe "Pugsley" Mixed Media 7 inches tall View full show gallery Reception Photos

In The Folds: Casey Weldon & Andrew Shondrick



November 2012

Press Statement ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are pleased to present a new exhibit featuring the art of Casey Weldon and Andrew Shondrick, entitled "In the Fold". The Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2012 from 6-10pm with complimentary Wine and Stone Brewery Beer for guests 21 of age or older. Casey Weldon was born in southern California, where he spent the majority of his life up to his graduation from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. After a brief time running his own studio in Las Vegas, Nevada, He relocated to Brooklyn, New York, where he now lives and works as an illustrator and fine artist. By using to the iconography of today and yesterday's popular culture, his work aims to awaken a feelings of nostalgia within the viewer, though often along with a sense humor, melancholy, and longing for times lost. Andrew R Shondrick is an artist currently working in Cleveland, Ohio. In 2008 he received a BFA in Painting and Drawing [Bunnies] from The University of Akron. Constantly in fear of animals higher than him on the food chain, he's sparse to be seen in large wooded areas or southern wetlands. Always allured to warm summer breezes and all things drifting in space he spends most of his time randomly falling asleep and floating away. The exhibition will run from November 10 - December 1, 2012





Andrew Shondrick "Times Gone By" Oil on Panel 24 x 14 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

"The Privileged Series: Anthony Dortch Jr."



October 2012

Press Statement We all have our own unique hopes and fears, dreams and pains, talents and experiences. Those near and close to us, our family and friends, know where we've been, accept what we've become and, still, gently allow us to grow. Such growing space provides the unique opportunity for the extraordinary, based upon my time honored belief that ....NO ONE IS ORDINARY. A combination of psychological intuition, observation and experience has inspired me to craft visual interpretations of peoples' environments thru the medium of modern technology and materials. My experiences have lead me to create energetic dreamscapes portraying an odd mixture of human composition, emotional experience, and surreal motion that focuses on the idea that people are connected to themselves, their experiences, and to the world in such a way that we are not apart from our reality but a part of it. The evolution of my work incorporates the use of ink, photography, and my knowledge of comic book art to produce images that focus on a panoply of experience(s) while using a build up of brush strokes and bold colors. Inspiration is often found by looking to past artists like Caravaggio for his use of light and expression, the Furturists for the use of movement, the Impressionists for the use of color and brush strokes, and Bennett for his use of color and detail to transform portraiture to a vibrant array of color. -Anthony Dortch Jr.





Anthony Dortch Jr. "My World - My Rules" Mixed Media 10 x 8 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

Taetrum et Dulce: Lux in Tenebris: Co-Curated by David Vecchiato of MondoPOP and Dan Barry



September 2012

Press Statement Distinction Gallery and ArtHatch are pleased to present a new exhibition, co-curated by David Vecchiato of MondoPOP and Dan Barry entitled, "Taetrum et Dulce: Lux in Tenebris". Drawing from his own experience as Art Director at Italy's premier urban art gallery (MondoPOP), David Vecchiato with accomplished artist Dan Barry, bring together a number of prevalent Pop-Surrealist and Lowbrow artists from around the globe. This exhibit first opened at MondoPOP in Rome, Italy and now has made it's way to Distinction Gallery. This will be the only showing of "Taetrum et Dulce: Lux in Tenebris" in the U.S. This collection of art will include a whirlpool of surrealism from the likes of Ana Bagayan, Jana Brike, Richard Frost, Chris Mars and many more. The opening reception will be held on Saturday, Sept 8, 2012 from 6-10pm in the newly renovated gallery made possible by a generous grant from San Diego County based on recommendation from Supervisor Pam Slater-Price. Complimentary Stone Brewery Beer and Wine will be served to guests 21 years of age or older.





Charlie Immer (USA) "Warrior" Oil on Panel 18 x 16 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

IMMORTALIZED: Then and Now



August 2012

Press Statement ArtHatch presents the 2nd Annual art exhibit devoted to hot rods and customs of distinction, "IMMORTALIZED: Then and Now", an art exhibit and auction that will feature some of the most prominent car artists to date including Big Toe, Sara Ray, Squindo, Chris Froggert, and more. All artworks will be auctioned of starting at only $100, the auction will last through the month ending on September 1st and proceeds will benefit Palomar College Scholarships. In conjunction, there will be 24 incredible cars parked out front by invitation from Chick Koszis, Hot Rods & Custom Stuff, and Escondido's famous "Cruisin' Grand". The event will draw custom car owners from around the country including many who have invested over $500,000 into their cars. In addition there will be new cars from Heller Ford and Mercedes-Benz of Escondido to satisfy the "Now" portion of the matches. Sales people will be available for questions and on site purchases. The Opening Reception will be held on Friday, August 10th, 2012 from 6-10pm highlighted with pin up girls from Cuties for a Cause passing out goodies, STONE beer provided by Stone Brewing Co., catered food and wine provided by Vinz Wine Bar, gelato courtesy of EscoGelato, and live music by Gino and the Lone Gunmen. Cost will be $15 for the event, with proceeds to benefit ArtHatch (501(c)(3) organization) and Cruisin Grand. Find out more info at http://arthatch.org/autoshow/. The exhibition will run from August 10 - September 1, 2012. The auction will end both online and in the gallery at 2:00pm PST on September 1. ArtHatch is a 7000 square foot building which houses the front gallery: exhibitions changing monthly, "The Alley," featuring new and previous works from over 75 artists, the teen room featuring artwork by 6 local teens, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring the work of over 40 local artists, and "The Lounge", containing local artists and ArtHatch's teen studio, a program that gives free studio space, exhibition space, mentorship, and art supplies to teens age 15-19. The front gallery features contemporary and cutting edge artwork. A variety of art books, prints, and gift items are now available as well as an in house art supply store.



Shawn Dickinson "Gonna Brawl"



Watercolor and Ink 11 x 17 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos



8th Anniversary: Studio Artists



July 2012

Press Statement Distinction Gallery and ArtHatch are celebrating their 8th Anniversary with a Studio Artists Exhibition, featuring the collective art of their very own in-house Studio Artists. Highlighting a wide range of work from original paintings, photography, and other mixed media, this exhibit is a representation of the broad spectrum of local San Diego artists today. Including artwork by professional artists such as Cathrine EdlingerKunze, Victor Roman, Nicole Waszak and more. Side by side emerging and accomplished artists come together to present their artistic voices and inspirations, giving rise to a diverse and creative show; representing over 40 local artists. The opening reception will be held on Saturday, July 14, 2012 from 6-10pm in the newly renovated ArtHatch gallery made possible by a generous grant from San Diego County based on recommendation from Supervisor Pam Slater-Price. Complimentary Stone Brewery Beer and Wine will be servered to guests 21 years of age or older. ArtHatch is a 7000 square foot building which houses the front gallery: exhibitions changing monthly, "The Alley," featuring juried local artists, the teen lounge featuring artwork by 12 local teens and 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring the work of over 30 local artists. The exhibition will run from July 10 - August 4, 2012

Gini Walker



"Insight"





Ink on Canary Wood 8 x 8 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

It All Comes Rushing In: Aaron Jasinski and Matt Linares



May 2012

Press Statement ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are pleased to present a new show featuring the art of Aaron Jasinski and Matt Linares, entitled "It All Comes Rushing In". Creating whimsical and surreal imagery, these artists approach their art with a layered and dreamlike quality. The Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2012 from 6-10pm with Live Music by Nick and Mel, complimentary Wine and Stone Brewery Beer for guests 21 of age or older. Aaron Jasinski grew up in a family of musicians and the love of music is a major influence in his visual art. His paintings often feature musical and nostalgic themes peppered with social commentary and whimsical creatures utilizing a Technicolor palette. Jasinski's paintings have shown across the United States and Europe. He also illustrates children's books, album covers, and creates electronic music. Born and raised in Southern California, Matt Linares spent most of his childhood near the beach, soaking up the sun and drawing everywhere he went. With the help of a turquoise crayon and many sheets of paper, Matt's journey into the world of art had begun. Years later he moved to San Francisco to live and study Visual Effects at the Academy of Art University. Here he fell into the painting world. Today he has shown all over the United States, Europe, Asia, and Canada. He currently lives and works in Portland Oregon. The exhibition will run from May 12 - June 2, 2012 ArtHatch is a 7000 square foot building which houses the front gallery: exhibitions changing monthly, "The Alley," featuring new and previous works from over 75 artists, the teen room featuring artwork by 6 local teens, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring the work of over 28 local artists, and "The Lounge", containing 8 walls featuring local artists. The front gallery features contemporary and cutting edge artwork.



Matt Linares "Reverto Ut Terra" Acrylic on Wood 24 x 24 inches







View full show gallery Reception Photos

Crossing the Divide: Jenn Porreca



April 2012

Press Statement This body of work is a culmination of years of experiences, memories and triggers to what ultimately is a bridge to freedom for me both as a woman and as an artist. It includes mixed media works with pencil, acrylic and oil, and a handful of original sketches. It also includes copper plate etchings completed with master printmaker, Struan Hamilton of Belfast Print Workshop in 2009, along with the artist proofs which have never been shown before. For me, this work portrays the challenges of crossing racial, familial and cultural divides in my life in San Francisco and fragments of my war torn British family and now my extended family in the Philippines. Much like piecing together an old worn out puzzle, these scattered familial stories didn't seem to make sense until given a definite future when choreographed into a body of artwork. My creative process continues to be one of self discovery which informs my work. Though I continue to long for a traditional artistic method with which to create, i typically want to break free of that which has been expected, imposed, and requested. This has been a three year process of building bridges with myself, my family's past, and the future ahead. This show concludes works ranging from 2009 - 2012.







Jenn Porreca "Crossing the Divide" Acrylic, Ink and Graphite on Wood Panel 60 x 47 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

Irresistibly Idiosyncratic



March 2012

Press Statement Distinction and ArtHatch are excited to present a compelling new show featuring the artwork of JoKa, Dan Barry and Mike Bell, entitled "Irresistibly Idiosyncratic". Drawing from nostalgic and popular imagery these three skilled artists approach their art with meticulous techniques and craftsmanship. The Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, March 10, 2012 from 6-10pm with Live Music, complimentary Wine and Stone Brewery Beer for guests 21 of age or older. Using a technique called Hyperpointillism, JoKa methodically spends hours dotting his canvases using toothpicks to create his images. JoKa creates his art with different layers of meaning, some absurd, some serious but usually based on humor. JoKa's surreal works remind us that a singularity of meaning isn't always possible in the world we inhabit. Lowbrow artist, Mike Bell is influenced by a number of cultural forces such as Japanese cartoons, vintage toys and classic monsters. Bell paints illusionistic as well as cartoony, sometimes with a hazy distinction. The outcome is a world where the weird is wonderful and the inhuman is alive. Using collected imagery, found objects and meticulous drawing techniques, the artist Dan Barry creates layers of images set in a world of humor and at times fragile vulnerability. With a background in Liberal Arts, this now Texan artist is successfully exploring his talents as a modern visual artist. The exhibition will run from March 10 April 7, 2012 ArtHatch is a 7000 square foot building which houses the front gallery: exhibitions changing monthly, "The Alley," featuring new and previous works from over 75 artists, the teen room featuring artwork by 6 local teens, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring the work of over 28 local artists, and "The Lounge", containing 8 walls featuring local artists. The front gallery features contemporary and cutting edge artwork.



Mike Bell "Jimi" Graphite on Matchbook 4 x 2 inches







View full show gallery Reception Photos

The Black Market Method



February 2012

Press Statement ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery are excited to present a highly anticipated new show featuring the extraordinary work of Southern California artist Gabe Leonard, entitled "Black Magic Method". Drawing inspiration from the lifestyles of mobsters, Gabe Leonard will be exhibiting brand new paintings and drawings created specifically for this show. Using figurative, cinematic inspired images, Leonard achieves an expressive and magical symbolism of iconic characters and personas. Gabe Leonard will be present for a meet and greet during the evening of the reception. The opening reception will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2011 from 6-10pm with Live Music, complimentary Stone Brewery Beer and wine for guests 21 years of age or older. Originally starting out as a street artist on the boardwalk of Venice Beach, Gabe Leonard has gone on to participate in many of the country's top art festivals and his work has been in gallery exhibits in New York, Los Angels, New Orleans, and Atlantic City. Leonard's art can be found in private collections all over the U.S., Europe, New Zealand, Australia and parts of China. Leonard's continues to live in Los Angeles and is often in his studio painting until the sun rises. The exhibition will be held from February 11 - March 3, 2012. ArtHatch is a 7000 square foot building which houses the front gallery: exhibitions changing monthly, "The Alley," featuring new and previous works from over 75 artists, the teen room featuring artwork by 10 local teens, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring the work of over 30 local artists, and "The Lounge", containing 8 walls featuring local artists. The front gallery features contemporary and cutting edge artwork. Since 2010, ArtHatch has been providing art supplies, mentorships, and exhibition space to teen artists -most of them underserved and at-risk youths - free of charge. The teen program focuses on the development of talent and skill in the visual arts; and the teens are introduced to a wide variety of media such as oil, acrylic, spray paint, digital arts, and metals. Local and international artists work directly with students to provide lessons that develop visual awareness along with a functional art vocabulary, hold discussions on art throughout history, teach them to analyze and to recognize a good composition, and provide instruction for skill development and practice. The goals are to promote the fine arts by giving young artists the opportunity to discover, create, and display their unique style, elegance, and technique. The mentorship of emerging and established artists is absolutely critical for the success of the teen program. Our teen artists hope to become professional artists, designers, curators, registrars and teachers themselves one day; and the guidance of successful art world adults is invaluable to these teens in terms of instruction and networking.





Gabe Leonard "You Know Me To Well" Hand Embellished Giclee on Canvas from an edition of 100 20 x 15 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos



Recession Buster Art-A-Thon



January 2012

Press Statement ArtHatch is excited to announce the very first annual ArtHatch Art-A-Thon, a veritable marathon of artistic creation to benefit the non-profit art center. 25 artists from San Diego County will seek pledges of $ 1.00/per hour and up to create artwork for up to 24 straight hours. As works are finished, they will be added to the ArtHatch gallery space and auctioned off for a one month period following the event. Proceeds from pledges and art sales will be divided between the artists and ArtHatch to help support the center's free art education program for local teens. There will also be prizes for the artist who raises the most and for the artists who make it the full 24 hours The reception for the exhibition will be held at the end of the event on January 14th from 6-10 pm with the artists and beer compliments of Stone Brewery. ArtHatch Art-A-Thon is as much a performance piece as it is an exercise in creativity and endurance. Coinciding with Escondido's Second Saturday art walk on Grand Avenue. This is a unique opportunity for patrons to experience the creative process of the art they collect first-hand. Painting, drawing, collage, print and photography will be among the featured media, with participating artists ranging from emerging to seasoned professionals. In addition we will be featuring live music. ArtHatch Art-A-Thon will be held at ArtHatch gallery and studios from 8pm on Friday, January 13 to 8 pm on Saturday, January 14, 2012. The Opening Reception will be held following the event on Saturday, January 14 from 610pm. This will allow the public to see the final two hours of creation and interact with the lovely, tired artists. The artwork will be available for viewing and bidding through February 4, 2012 at 3pm. ArtHatch was created in 2004 both to fill a void in the community and to fulfill the dream of a vital arena for Urban and Contemporary Figurative Art in the North County of San Diego. ArtHatch employs its 7,000 sq ft of space to focus on cutting-edge artwork by over 50 national and international emerging artists, featuring 35 local artists - over 20 of whom work in studios within the gallery. Resident artists are a combination of college arts professors, emerging and mid-career artists, and fine-artists with arts-related day jobs looking for a stimulating, communitybased environment in which to create. ArtHatch has an ambitious schedule of 12 exhibits per year. CEO and Founder, Melissa Inez Walker, curates the gallery bringing in over 100 emerging artists from around the world annually. Since 2010, ArtHatch has been providing art supplies, mentorships, and exhibition space to teen artists -most of them underserved and at-risk youths - free of charge. The teen program focuses on the development of talent and skill in the visual arts; and the teens are introduced to a wide variety of media such as oil, acrylic, spray paint, digital arts, and metals. Local and international artists work directly with students to provide lessons that develop visual awareness along with a functional art vocabulary, hold discussions on art throughout history, teach them to analyze and to recognize a good composition, and provide instruction for skill development and practice. The goals are to promote the fine arts by giving young artists the opportunity to discover, create, and display their unique style, elegance, and technique. The mentorship of emerging and established artists is absolutely critical for the success of the teen program. Our teen artists hope to become professional artists, designers, curators, registrars and teachers themselves one day; and the guidance of successful art world adults is invaluable to these teens in terms of instruction and networking. All donors will receive a tax receipt and their names will be included on the ArtHatch teen wall cap (as a fun little bonus). Exhibition and Auction will run from January 14, 2012 - February 4, 2012. Auction ends at 3pm pst.



Eusebio Travis Sevilla "The Untitled Purple Robot With Flower"

Acrylic on panel 16 x 12 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos



Urbana



December 2011

Press Statement Distinction and ArtHatch are pleased to present Major Morris "Urbana". A stunning display of black and white photographs by ninety-year-old Morris, many of which have never been printed. The exhibit will open at the gallery on December 10th, from 6-10 pm and will be on display through January 7, 2012. Morris will be present for a meet and greet and book signing from 6-8pm. In addition we will have dancers from Orange Glen Dance Company performing in the gallery at 7pm and 8pm. This event will be highlighted with special discounts throughout our 14 studios and art supply store featuring over 30 local artists and beer compliments of Stone Brewery for those 21+. A few of Morris's significant life events include being drafted into the army after being denied volunteer entry due to the fact that he is African American- Major ended up being part of the 92nd Infantry Division- (aka Buffalo Soldiers the only segregated unit to see combat during World War ll), surviving through the great depression, and after never finishing high school he attended Harvard University and graduated with his Master's in 1976 at the age of 55 and later become a professor. In Major's words "I have always been drawn to capturing images of what life was for me as I groped my way through an underprivileged youthful existence; what life continues to be for so many young people living in circumstances similar to those of my early childhood, and in capturing those images, expressing what I feel about the strength and beauty of those children who refuse to be victims. What I see is the reality of the physical circumstances into which these youngsters have been brought to life. What I see is the indomitable spirit that feeds the imagination, the curiosity, the need for doing that is natural to these and all youngsters during their formative years. I see the possibilities for growth, for the excitement of learning, for the formation of dreams that will take them up and out into productive, contributive lives. What I see is the need for the dreams to be nurtured. That is what my photographs are about." In a city where racial tension is a part of daily life this exhibit will serve as a reminder that we are all the same underneath; what truly sets us apart is how we choose to treat others in our daily lives.



Major Morris "Margot" Black & White Photograph 23 x 15.5 inches

View full show gallery Reception Photos

The exhibit will consist of 23 of Major's most significant black and white photographs created primarily in the sixties and early seventies, including many never before seen works and several exhibited large scale. During the past 7 years Walker has curated and presented 65 exhibitions that have been hosted at ArtHatch (formerly Distinction). Walker first met Morris in 2006. The two have been close friends ever since. Exhibition will be held from December 10, 2011 - January 7, 2012. This exhibition would not be possible without our generous in kind sponsors Stone Brewery, Will Gibson, Kurt Lightfoot, Digital One, Ridout Plastics, South Frames, and Distinction Gallery. ArtHatch is a 7000 square foot building which houses the front gallery: exhibitions changing monthly, "The Alley," featuring new and previous works from over 75 artists, the teen room featuring artwork by 6 local teens, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring the work of over 28 local artists, and "The Lounge", containing 8 walls featuring local artists. The front gallery features contemporary and cutting edge artwork.

Labours of the Months and Vignettes



November 2011

Press Statement ArtHatch presents two distinctive new exhibits entitled "Labours of the Months" by Tim Vermeulen and "Vignettes" by Ivan Unwin. These two extraordinary artists will display inspired works that provoke surreal visions and complex imagination, by captivating the viewer with their profound intellect. Drawing inspiration from the popular Medieval and Renaissance theme of "Labours of the Months", Tim Vermeulen takes the traditional labours as a springboard for investigating a contemporary world of contradictions, polarities, and paradox. Vermeulen says, "My work is part of a process of wrestling for self-discovery through autobiographical narratives, in many cases involving selfportraiture." Using the human form, patterns that echo M.C. Escher, and a touch of political theory, Ivan Unwin has created a masterpiece with his new series of paintings. With a broad artistic background in the British Art Scene, this now Canadian artist is successfully exploring his talents as a traditional visual artist. The Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2011 from 6-10pm with Live Music, complimentary Stone Brewery Beer for guests 21 of age or older. ArtHatch is a 7000 square foot building which houses the front gallery: exhibitions changing monthly, "The Alley," featuring new and previous works from over 75 artists, the teen room featuring artwork by 6 local teens, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring the work of over 28 local artists, and "The Lounge", containing 8 walls featuring local artists. The front gallery features contemporary and cutting edge artwork.



Ivan Unwin "The Gathering of Flowers" Acrylic on Canvas 36 x 36 inches



View full show gallery Reception Photos

IMMORTALIZED: Rods and Customs of Distinction



September 2011

Press Statement ArtHatch presents a momentous new show "IMMORTALIZED: Rods and Customs of Distinction", a custom and hot rod car show that will feature some of the most prominent car artists to date including Tom Fritz, The Pizz, Sara Ray, Chris Froggert, Steve Waldron, Kurt Lightfoot & Will Gibson, Victor Roman, BigToe (aka Tom Laura), Lawrence Garinier, Sharif Carter and the infamous Robert Williams who along with the featured artists will be attending and jurying the event. In addition Pinup works by artists Susan Heidi, Heather M, and Skip Middleton will also be available. The event will draw custom car owners, artists, and builders from around the region. The Opening Reception will be held on Friday, September 9th, 2011 from 7-11pm highlighted with 22 classic custom cars and hot rods as organized by Sponsor Hot Rods and Custom Stuff, Cuties for a Cause pin up girls passing out goodies, STONE beer, catered food and wine provided by VINZ Wine Bar, live music by Gino and the Lone Gunmen and awards for artists and sexist pinup girls. The street will be closed for the event. Cost will be $25 for the event with proceeds to benefit ArtHatch (501(c)(3) organization) and Cruisin Grand of Escondido, CA. Find out more info at http://arthatch.org/autoshow/. Art Commissions and Sponsorship opportunities are available. Awards will be given out by Hot Rod Artist and founder of Juxtapoz magazine, Robert Williams, the night of September 9th at 9pm for his choices of Best in Show, Best Car Kulture, Best Car, and Most Unique along with awards for Sexiest and Best Dressed Pinup Girls. Pioneering the "Lowbrow" alternative art movement in California, Robert Williams, is a household name within the underground art community. Know as the "artist's artist", Williams joined the studio of Ed "Big Daddy" Roth, and eventually linked up to the infamous San Francisco art group Zap Comix in the late 1960s. With his landmark publication, JUXTAPOZ magazine and popular manifesto, Robert Williams influence on alternative art is immeasurable. ArtHatch is a 7000 square foot building which houses the front gallery: exhibitions changing monthly, "The Alley," featuring new and previous works from over 75 artists, the teen room featuring artwork by 6 local teens, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring the work of over 28 local artists, and "The Lounge", containing 8 walls featuring local artists. The front gallery features contemporary and cutting edge artwork.



Lawrence Gardinier "32 Ford Coupe" Acrylic on Illustration Board 17 x 11 inches



View full show gallery



Reception Photos

Break a Leg



August 2011

Press Statement ArtHatch presents a sensational new group show entitled "Break A Leg: Homage to Theater", a group show featuring the art of John Purlia, Holly Wood, Jenn Porreca, Jana Brike, Casey Weldon, Aaron Jasinski, Joka, Dan Barry, Ursula Young, Edward Robin Coronel, Jessica Ward, Pamela Jaeger, Denise Bledsoe, Bonnie Durham, Josh Taylor, Brett Hess, Arabella Proffer, Vahge, Elliot Greenwald, Matthew Price, and Alex Boston. This talented group of artists draws inspiration from Theater, through their own artistic and personal interpretations, creating a witty and intelligent collection of unforgettable images. All pieces will be sold auction style beginning at $100, and all profits will directly benefit art scholarships at Palomar College in loving memory of Charles "Chuck" Leslie Walker. The exhibit will be on display from August 9th - 27th. Preview and bidding at distinctionart.com will begin August 9th. The Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, August 13th, 2011 from 6-10pm with Live Music, complimentary Stone Brewery Beer for guests 21 years of age or older. Auction will end at 9pm on August 13th. In addition our artists studios will be open including studio #3, which will highlight the works of Will Gibson's Alternative Processes Palomar college class. We will also be highlighting the music of Palomar Students out front. ArtHatch is a 7000 square foot building which houses the front gallery: exhibitions changing monthly, "The Alley," featuring new and previous works from over 75 artists, the teen wall featuring artwork by 6 local teens, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring the work of over 28 local artists, "The Lounge", containing 8 walls featuring local artists, and our newest addition, an art supply store, which focuses on painting and drawing supplies. The front gallery features contemporary and cutting edge artwork.



Edward Robin Coronel "Gus (The Theater Cat)" Acrylic on Canvas Board



10 x 8 inches



View full show gallery Reception Photos

Anicomically Correct



July 2011

Press Statement Distinction Gallery and ArtHatch present a compelling new group show entitled "Anicomically Correct" in honor of San Diego's Annual Comic-Con. Highlighting the art of Chris Umana, N.C. Winters, David Talbott, Greg Evans (creator of Luann), David Lozeau, Mike Bell, Chris White, Josh Taylor, Eric Richardson, Nicole Waszak, Tim Vermeulen, Scott Rohlfs, Brett Hess, Ivan Unwin, Scott Hatt, Bonnie Durham, John Purlia, Peter Adamyan, Phresha, Cory Benhatzel, and Matthew Couper. This talented group of artists draws inspiration from Comics of all kind, through their own artistic and personal interpretations, creating a clever and entertaining collection of extraordinary images. The exhibit will be open from July 9th - August 6th. The Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, July 9th, 2011 from 6-10pm with Live Music, complimentary Stone Brewery Beer for guests 21 years of age or older. A Second Reception will be held during the weekend of Comic-Con on Saturday, July 23rd, 2011 from 7-10pm. ArtHatch is a 7000 square foot building which houses the front gallery: exhibitions changing monthly, "The Alley," featuring new and previous works from over 75 artists, the teen room featuring artwork by 6 local teens, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring the work of over 28 local artists, and "The Lounge", containing 8 walls featuring local artists. The front gallery features contemporary and cutting edge artwork.









Chris White "Sitting In The Waiting Room" Ink & Gouache 22 x 12 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

Studio Artists 2011



June 2011

Press Statement Distinction Gallery and ArtHatch present an exciting new show featuring the innovative and collective art of their very own in-house Studio Artists. Highlighting a wide range of artwork from original paintings, photography, and other mixed media, this exhibit is a true representation of the spectrum of local San Diego artists today. Including art by prominent artists such as Philipp Scholz Rittermann, Kelly Vivanco, Igor Koutsenko and more. Side by side emerging and professional artists come together to present their artistic voices and inspirations giving rise to a diverse and creative show; representing over 28 artists total. The opening reception will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2011 from 6-10pm with Live Music, complimentary Stone Brewery Beer for guests 21 years of age or older. Distinction is an online gallery. ArtHatch is a 7000 square foot building which houses the front gallery: exhibitions changing monthly, "The Alley," featuring new and previous works from over 75 artists, the teen room featuring artwork by 6 local teens, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring the work of over 28 local artists, and "The Lounge", containing 8 walls featuring local artists. The front gallery features contemporary and cutting edge artwork.



Judith Preston



"Bailey's Window"



Digital Photograph



10.5 x 7.5 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

Book of Taboo



May 2011

Press Statement Distinction Gallery and ArtHatch present a compelling new show featuring the extraordinary work of Latvian artist Jana Brike, entitled "Book of Taboo". Drawing inspiration from children's books, Soviet animation, Russian realism, and Renaissance masters, Jana Brike will be exhibiting brand new paintings and drawings created specifically for this show. Using haunting, dream-like, subtle images, Brike achieves a poetic and magical symbolism of the bizarre and complicated world that surrounds us. Jana Brike will be attending the show with combined support from ArtHatch and the government of Latvia who is extremely impressed with her art. Coinciding with the show, Jana Brike will be participating in a Q&A Session the evening of the reception on Saturday May 14, 2011 from 6-7 pm at *ArtHatch, formerly Distinction. The opening reception will be held on Saturday, May14, 2011 from 6-10pm with Live Music, complimentary Stone Brewery Beer and wine for guests 21 years of age or older. ArtHatch is a 7000 square foot building which houses the front gallery: exhibitions changing monthly, "The Alley," featuring new and previous works from over 75 artists, the teen room featuring artwork by 6 local teens, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring the work of over 28 local artists, and "The Lounge", containing 8 walls featuring local artists. The front gallery features contemporary and cutting edge art work. A variety of art books, prints, and collectors dolls are now available for purchase.

Jana Brike



"Sticky Little Song in Lily's Head"





Mixed media on canvas 19.75 x 15.75 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

Shay's Inferno



April 2011

Press Statement Distinction Gallery and ArtHatch present innovative artworks by remarkably talented artists to the Southern California region, with a compelling new show featuring the art of Shay Davis entitled "Shay's Inferno: The Sins and Virtues of Modern Man". This accomplished San Diegan artist uses his imagination, playfulness, and his own internal challenges to provide powerful emotional responses to a world of real and fantasy stimuli. Winning numerous awards including the Gold Medal at the New York Art Show in 1992, his original works grace the homes of well-know personalities such as Tony Hawk, Halle Berry, Jayne Seymour and Greg Allman. Coinciding with the show is the premier screening of Shay Vision, a new film documenting Shay Davis, his art, inspiration, and process, at Birch North Park Theatre. Distinction's opening reception will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2011 from 6-10pm with Live Music by Paul Cannon, complimentary Stone Brewery Beer and Wiens Family Cellars Wine for guests 21 years of age or older. Attend the Premier of Shay Vision, April 8, 2011 at Birch North Park Theater. Visit Shayvisionmovie.com ArtHatch is a 501(c)(3) organization consisting of a 7000 square foot building which houses the front gallery: exhibitions changing monthly, "The Alley," featuring new and previous works from over 75 artists, the ArtHatch teen room featuring 6 local teens, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring the work of over 28 local artists, and "The Lounge", containing 8 walls featuring local artists. The front gallery features contemporary and cutting edge art work with a soft focus on Urban Surrealism.



Shay Davis "Fortitude" Oil on canvas 12 x 16 inches



View full show gallery Reception Photos

The Pillars of the Earth: A Tribute to the Masters



March 2011

Press Statement Distinction Gallery continues its tradition of exhibiting the innovative artworks by exceptionally talented artists to the Southern California region, with an exciting new group show entitled "The Pillars of the Earth: A Tribute to the Masters" featuring the art of Sean Chappell, Jeff Christensen, Nathaniel Clark, Jon Jaylo, Jason John, Dan Lydersen, Macsorro, Pedro Matos, Joey Remmers, Ivan Unwin, Timothy Vermeulen, Beau White, and Pamela Wilson. This talented group of artists draws inspiration from the theme of "Masters", through their own artistic, historical, and personal interpretation, creating a captivating collection of mind-blowing and striking images. The opening reception will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2011 from 6-10pm with Live Music by Kera and the Lesbians, complimentary Stone Brewery Beer and Wiens Family Cellars Wine for guests 21 years of age or older. The exhibition will be held at ArtHatch a 7000 square foot building which houses the front gallery: exhibitions changing monthly, "The Alley," featuring new and previous works from over 75 artists, work from 5 teenage artists from the San Diego community, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring the work of over 28 local artists, and "The Lounge", containing 8 walls featuring local artists. The front gallery features contemporary and cutting edge art work with a soft focus on Urban Surrealism. Distinction exhibits work by emerging and internationally acclaimed artists.



Ivan Unwin

"The Den of Thieves" Mixed media 30.5 x 54.5



View full show gallery



Reception Photos

Macrocosm



February 2011

Press Statement Distinction Gallery continues its tradition of exhibiting the innovative artworks by exceptionally talented artists to the Southern California region, with an exciting new show entitled "Macrocosm" featuring the art of Casey Weldon and Edith Lebeau. These two extraordinary artists will display inspired works that provoke whimsical imagination and surreal vision, captivating the viewer into their fanciful realm. The opening reception will be held on Saturday, February 12, 2011 from 6-10pm with Live Music, complimentary Stone Brewery Beer and Wiens Family Cellars Wine for guests 21 years of age or older. Distinction Gallery is a 7000 square foot building which houses the front gallery: which changes monthly, "The Alley," featuring new and previous works from over 75 artists, ArtHatch, a non-profit focusing on work from teenage artists from the San Diego community, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring the work of over 28 local artists, and "The Lounge", containing 8 walls featuring local artists. The front gallery features contemporary and cutting edge art work with a soft focus on Urban Surrealism. Distinction exhibits work by emerging and A variety of art books, prints, and collectors dolls are now available for purchase.



Casey Weldon "Safe Passage"



Acrylic on wood



24 x 30 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

Exuberance Found



January 2011

Press Statement Distinction Gallery continues its tradition of exhibiting the freshest artworks by exceptionally talented artists to the Southern California region. The New Year will begin with an excellent multi-artist show entitled, "Exuberance Found". Artists Mike Maxwell, Daryll Peirce, and Chris B. Murray will have on display profound works that seamlessly combine exquisite technique and true imagination. The opening reception, as well as, live entertainment and live painting throughout the building will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2011 from 6-10 PM with Stone Brewery Beer and complimentary wine for guests 21 years of age. In addition a mural created by Peirce and Maxwell will be on display. Distinction Gallery is located within ArtHatch a 7000 square foot building which houses a gallery: which changes monthly, "The Alley," featuring new and previous works from over 75 artists, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring the work of over 28 local artists, and "The Lounge", containing 8 walls featuring local artists. The front gallery features contemporary and cutting edge art work with a soft focus on Urban Surrealism. Distinction exhibits work by emerging and internationally acclaimed artists.



Chris B. Murray "Radio Dead" Acrylic on Paper 12 x 8.5 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

Fairy Tales v2



December 2010

Press Statement Distinction Gallery continues its efforts in showing the freshest artworks by exceptionally talented artists to the Southern California region by featuring, "Fairy Tales v2", with artworks exclusively by San Diegan, Brenda York. Her ability to re-imagine the human landscape with abstract deconstructions enlivens the viewer and makes perceivable ulterior perspectives when viewing life. The opening reception, as well as, live music will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2010 from 6-10 PM with Stone Brewery Beer and complimentary wine for guests of 21 years of age. Distinction Gallery is a 7000 square foot building which houses the front gallery: which changes monthly, "The Alley," featuring new and previous works from over 75 artists, ArtHatch, our partner nonprofit, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring the work of over 28 local artists, and "The Lounge", containing 8 walls featuring local artists. The front gallery features contemporary and cutting edge art work with a soft focus on Urban Surrealism. Distinction exhibits work by emerging and internationally acclaimed artists.





Brenda York "Harley Likes Head Games" Giclee on Paper 8 x 10 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

Neil Simon Poyuzina Memorial Auction



November 2010

Press Statement A solo exhibition, auctioning the works of Neil Simon Poyuzina, will run from November 13, 2010 to November 20, 2010. All pieces start at 10% of retail price. Auction ends at 9:00pm sharp on November 13th. Proceeds to benefit Neil's family. Neil's works will be sold auction style, with bids beginning at 10% of retail price. Pieces will also be available to be purchased for the "buy it now" retail price. Auction ends at 9pm during the reception. In addition to the gallery showing our studios will be open featuring 35 local artists, ArtHatch, featuring 5 local teen artists, and 50+ international artists works will be on display. Distinction Gallery is a 7000 square foot building which houses the front gallery: which changes monthly, "The Alley," featuring new and previous works from over 75 artists, ArtHatch, a non-profit focusing on work from teenage artists from the San Diego community, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring the work of over 28 local artists, and "The Lounge", containing 8 walls featuring local artists. The front gallery features contemporary and cutting edge art work with a soft focus on Urban Surrealism. Distinction exhibits work by emerging and internationally acclaimed artists.





Neil Poyuzina "Nonplus" Acrylic, Silk Screen, and Photo Transfers on Canvas 29 x 24 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

Under The Influence



October 2010

Press Statement The opening reception, including live music will be held on Saturday, October 9th, 2010 from 6-11 PM. Beer courtesty of Stone Brewery and wine will be provided for those over 21. In addition our studios featuring the work of 35 local artists will be open as well as over 50 international artists on view in "The Alley". Distinction Gallery hopes you will join us in celebrating this exceptional show. Distinction Gallery is a 7000 square foot building which houses the front gallery: which changes monthly, "The Alley," featuring new and previous works from over 75 artists, ArtHatch, a non-profit focusing on work from teenage artists from the San Diego community, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring the work of over 28 local artists, and "The Lounge", containing 8 walls featuring local artists. The front gallery features contemporary and cutting edge art work with a soft focus on Urban Surrealism. Distinction exhibits work by emerging and internationally acclaimed artists. A variety of art books and prints are now available for purchase.



Scott Rohlfs

"Reflection Eternal"



Acrylic and Pencil on Canvas 22 x 28 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

Quiet Homes Await Indian Summers



September 2010

Press Statement Distinction Gallery retains its ritual of exhibiting highly skilled artists by focusing September's show on Los Angeles based artist, Andy Haynes. Haynes is a favorite of the gallery and his new works are nothing short of breath taking. His works presented in "Quiet Homes Await an Indian Summer" evoke ideas of spiritual guidance, innocence, growing, learning, and finding patience all surrounded by contemporary American Traditions. The artist reveals his dedication to depicting the journey of life and capturing the moments of which life is comprised. The opening reception with the artist, as well as, live music will be held on Saturday, September 11th, 2010 from 6-11 PM. Complimentary wine and beer will be provided for those over 21. In addition our studios featuring the work of 35 local artists will be open as well as over 50 international artists on view in "The Alley". Distinction Gallery hopes you will join us in celebrating this exceptional show. Andy Haynes will also be giving a demonstration at Distinction on September 12th (The following day) from 10am-Noon on alla prema portrait painting and palette mixing. The cost is free for teenagers and $5 for the general public. Reservations are required via email to [email protected] Distinction Gallery is a 7000 square foot building which houses the front gallery: which changes monthly, "The Alley," featuring new and previous works from over 75 artists, ArtHatch, a nonprofit focusing on work from teenage artists from the San Diego community, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring the work of over 28 local artists, and "The Lounge", containing 8 walls featuring local artists. The front gallery features contemporary and cutting edge art work with a soft focus on Urban Surrealism. Distinction exhibits work by emerging and internationally acclaimed artists. A variety of art books and prints are now available for purchase.



Andy Haynes "Surprise Guest"



Oil on Canvas 24 x 48 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos



The Spice Cabinet



July 2010

Press Statement Distinction Gallery preserves its custom of exhibiting immense talent found all over the world to the Southern California region by featuring a multi-artist showing entitled, "The Spice Cabinet" The artists all contain a penchant for depicting jaded innocence in a pure light, with evocative subjects and varying, yet strong, techniques. The opening reception with the artists and live music will be held on Saturday, July 10th, 2010 from 6-11 PM. All four artists will be in attendance. Complimentary Wine and Karl Strauss beer will be provided for those over 21.Distinction Gallery hopes you will join us in unveiling this exceptional showing. Distinction is a 7000 square foot building which houses the front gallery: which changes monthly, "The Alley," featuring new and previous works from over 75 artists, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring the work of over 35 local artists, and "The Lounge", containing 8 walls featuring local artists. The front gallery features contemporary and cutting edge art work with a soft focus on Urban Surrealism. Distinction exhibits work by emerging and internationally acclaimed artists and is located at: 317 E. Grand Ave, Escondido, CA, 92025. A variety of art books and prints are now available for purchase.



Gene Guynn "The Rite of Spring"



Oil, Spray Paint on Wood



17.5 x 23 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

Distinction Studio Artists



June 2010

Press Statement Distinction Gallery is delighted to present "Distinction Studio Artists": 34 Local Artist Works on Display, a show featuring work from our plethora of highly talented, local artists. With various styles and methods, Distinction Gallery's resident artists host a wide range of emotions and directions, though all with a commonality of the unconventional. Included artists are Kelly Vivanco, Roel Jovellanos, Phillip Scholz Rittermann, Martita, Nick Mikesell, James Ivey, Major Morris, Julie Arroyo, Brady Beard, Lindy Ivey, Tracy Mikesell, Will Gibson, Judith Preston, Kim Zuill, Velvet De Oro, Darrel McPherson, Kendra Binney, Diane Hattula, Rosemary Valente, Norma Brinker, Jamie Kanes, Jamie Kaufhold, Jennifer Anichowski, Gloria Muriel, Igor Koutsenko, Martin Nasim, Neil Simon Poyuzina, Sharif Carter, David Flynn, Desiree Fleck, Skye Walker, Marco Chavez, Becky Siminou, and Luis Castello. The opening with the artists and live music will be held on Saturday June 12th from 6-11pm with complimentary Karl Strauss Beer and wine. The exhibition will run through July 3, 2010. The entire "In addition to the exhibition the "Alley" will be packed with an additional 75+ artworks, featuring pieces by internationally acclaimed artists from around the globe, as well as "The Lounge", containing 8 walls featuring local artists. Our 14 studios featuring more than 35 local artists will also be open, displaying paintings, photography, sculpture, jewelry, fashion, and much more. Distinction is a 7000 square foot building which houses a gallery and 14 artist studios ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet. The Gallery features contemporary and cutting edge art work with a soft focus on Urban Surrealism. Distinction exhibits work by emerging and internationally acclaimed artists and is located at: 317 East Grand Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025. Please contact the gallery at (760) 781-5779 if you would like high res images or to set a possible interview with any of the artists.





"" View full show gallery Reception Photos



The Lost Children



May 2010

Press Statement About the exhibit: The "Lost Children" started as an idea about particular forceful archetypal symbols which evolved from the notion of human versus nature. "It has several shades of meaning," comments Brike. It is a reference to Never Never Land, an imagery world where 'Lost' boys move if incapable of accepting the strange terms of so called grownup life, and a darker reference to the French movie 'City of the Lost Children' (which is about a mad scientist who cannot dream and kidnaps children to steal their dreams, but as the children are afraid of him, he gets only their nightmares). It is dark in a forest, and you don't see your way clearly, there are secrets and mysteries, and you can get lost easily. There are also sunlit meads to play in. Different creatures dwell in forest. Birdies, bunnies and butterflies stay in the alight places. The monsters, predators and witches lurk deep in the woods. But there are also wonderful secrets within the darkest places - forgotten castles, buried treasure and a virgin in need of salvage. Forest is a place where the boundaries between reality and fantasy become blurred, enabling intuitive perceptions and collective cognition, opening the unwitting, deepest part of our consciousness. The children are being taken over by this forest every other hour, although we ask them to be neat tidy and lovely, wash of the dirt every day, sit calmly hands in lap, not to stain their trappings. By this I mean that this forest is more like the archetypal (uncultivated, mysterious, instinctive) part of a man, not so much the forest that is found in suburbs of a city. The children (maybe also just as a definite inner state of a man, not simply underage persons) stand for the most na?ve, innocent and also instinctive part of the consciousness. The clean empty rooms, the neat outfit - this all stand for the culture, for the mind which sometimes wrestles against the soul, but sometimes acts together with it to create wonders... About the process: Though Jana has created traditionally for many years in recent years she incorporated a computer as a new tool. When asked her response to people who view the computer as an easier method Jana replied "Actually the computer also is just a tool, the same way as paints and brush, and the way you use it to materialize the vision and to put a soul in the artwork, doesn't vary that much.. it's all just about what and how you want to express.." Further explaining her process " At first comes the idea. Then I build a threedimensional scene using several computer software programs, just the shape and proportions. Then I search for the right color chord. And then comes the background - I often use some photo references for it, and also build a 3d computer landscape. The amount and manner of work that I do on computer actually varies from piece to piece. Then I choose the material on which to print, and then I paint with oil, to get hazier, patinated look." All images are rendered within the programs using only artist created images. They are then printed directly onto wood bases, onto canvas, or onto paper and then mounted to wood. Then the pieces are spot painted and finally coated with many layers of opaque paints and thick varnish. Each mixed media piece is one of kind and signed and numbered 1/1. The drawings are created traditionally with graphite on paper.



Jana Brike "Honeydew Eater" Digital and oil on paper mounted to wood, 1/1



8 x 10 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos



Self Preservation



April 2010

Press Statement Distinction Gallery continues its reputation of exposing the most brilliant artists to the Southern California region by featuring a two artist showing entitled, "Self Preservation." The artists have created a show of paintings centered on the theme of solidarity, which are executed through incredible detail. A highly involved exploration into the fantastical, "Self Preservation" ignites emotion with vivid subject matter. The opening reception with the artists and live music will be held on Saturday, April 10th, 2010 from 6-11 PM. Wine and Karl Strauss beer will be provided for those over 21. We hope you will join us in celebrating this extraordinary showing. Distinction is a 7000 square foot building which houses the front gallery; which changes monthly; "The Alley", featuring new and previous works from over 75 artists; 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, which feature the work of local artists and "The Lounge", containing 8 walls featuring local artists. The front gallery features contemporary and cutting edge art work with a soft focus on Urban Surrealism. Distinction exhibits work by emerging and internationally acclaimed artists. A variety of art books are now available for purchase.



Jacub Gagnon



"Can-munication" Acrylic on Canvas



12 x 16 x 1.5 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

Curious Reminiscence



March 2010

Press Statement Distinction Gallery continues its exquisite tradition of exposing the most talented artists to the Southern California region by featuring a two artist showing entitled, "Curious Reminiscence." The two artists share a common theme of fantastical illustrations, but are differentiated by varying styles and techniques. The opening reception with the artists and live music will be held on Saturday, March 13th, 2010 from 6-11 PM. Wine and Karl Strauss beer will be provided for those over 21, and live music will be preformed by "Templates," so we hope you will join us in celebrating this exceptional showing. Distinction is a 7000 square foot building which houses the front gallery:which changes monthly, "The Alley" featuring new and previous works from over 75 artists, 14 artist studios ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, which feature the work of local artists and "The Lounge", containing 8 walls featuring local artists. The front gallery features contemporary and cutting edge art work with a soft focus on Urban Surrealism. Distinction exhibits work by emerging and internationally acclaimed artists and is located at: 317 East Grand Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025. A wide variety of art books and toys are now available for purchase.



Aaron Jasinski



"On Isolationism" Acrylic on Wood Panel

36 x 24 inches



View full show gallery Reception Photos

On The Right Side of The Dirt



February 2010

Press Statement Distinction Gallery continues its renowned reputation for bringing the freshest and brightest talents to the Southern California region. This February will feature a showing by artist Gabe Leonard (Los Angeles, CA) entitled: "On The Right Side Of The Dirt". This exhibition will be filled with brand new paintings centered around westerns, mobsters, gun slingers, and notable historical figures. Highlighted by an opening reception February 13th, from 6-11 pm, attendees will have the opportunity to meet the artist Gabe Leonard in person. The event will be accented with live music by "old long since" and beer and wine for those over 21. We hope you will join us in this celebration of art, music, and drinks.





Gabe Leonard "Battle of Little Big Horn" Oil on Canvas 48 x 60 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

SUB 1K: CA STYLE



December 2009

Press Statement Distinction Gallery is pleased to present "Sub 1K: California Style". The special focus this year will be "Sub 1K: California Style" featuring works from CA based artists all priced under $1000. Featured artists include Mike Maxwell, Caia Koopman, Elizabeth Caffey, Richard Salcido, Mary Syring, David Russell Talbott, Paul Torres, Brett Hess, Jasmine Worth, Dark Vomit, Shay Davis, Jennifer Springman, Shaunna Peterson, Walt Hall, and Saratoga Sake. The opening reception and holiday party with live music by Escondido based "Templates" will be held on Saturday December 12th from 5-10pm. This is a great time to get a special, one of a kind holiday gift or to splurge on something special for yourself. The exhibition will run through February 6th. In addition to the exhibition the "Alley" will be packed with an additional 100+ artworks and 50+ artworks in the "Sub 1K Lounge" featuring artwork by artists from around the world. Our 14 studios featuring 16 local artists will also be open featuring paintings, photography, sculpture, jewelry, fashion, and much more. Distinction is a 7000 square foot building which houses a gallery and 14 artist studios ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet. The Gallery features contemporary and cutting edge art work with a soft focus on Urban Surrealism. Distinction exhibits work by emerging and internationally acclaimed artists and is located at: 317 East Grand Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025.

Richard Salcido



"Domestic"



Mixed media on wood



12 x 12 x 3 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

Striptease



October 2009

Press Statement Distinction is pleased to present "Striptease" featuring artists Brian Viveros, Susan Heidi, Angelique Houtkamp, Scott Rohlfs, N.C. Winters, Molly Crabapple, Saratoga Sake. The opening reception will be held on Saturday October 10th from 6-11pm with live music by Escondido based "Rumblers". Several artists will be in attendance. Don't miss the enticing event complete with burlesque models handing out goodies and a contest for the "best dressed in burlesque". The winner will receive a $100 gift certificate to X's and O's Lingerie. All in addition to most of our 14 studios will be open along with 100+ works on display in the "Alley" and the "Sub 1K Lounge". Distinction is a 7000 square foot building which houses a gallery and 14 artist studios ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet. The Gallery features contemporary and cutting edge art work with a soft focus on Urban Surrealism. Distinction exhibits work by emerging and internationally acclaimed artists and is located at: 317 East Grand Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025.



N.C. Winters "Angel in Red" Acrylic on panel 16 x 10 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

Chasing Fantasies



September 2009

Press Statement Distinction is pleased to present "Chasing Fantasies" featuring artists Leslie Ditto, Luis Lorenzana, and Denise Bledsoe. The opening reception will be held on Saturday September 12th from 6-11pm with live music by Escondido based "Lo Card". The event will be sure to impress all and in addition to the exhibit most of our 14 studios will be open along with 100+ works on display in the "Alley" and the "Sub 1K Lounge". Distinction is a 7000 square foot building which houses a gallery and 14 artist studios ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet. The Gallery features contemporary and cutting edge art work with a soft focus on Urban Surrealism. Distinction exhibits work by emerging and internationally acclaimed artists and is located at: 317 East Grand Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025.



Denise Bledsoe





"Capital Vice" Mixed media 6 x 11 x 10 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

Scientific Evolution



August 2009

Press Statement Distinction Gallery is thrilled to announce the opening reception of the much anticipated "Scientific Evolution" on Saturday August 8 from 6 - 11pm. The gallery will be donating 10% of commissions to benefit Stem Cell Research through UCSD, in honor of Charles Leslie Walker, and several artists are doing the same. We are very excited to have UCSD's Larry Goldstein, Professor of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at UCSD in attendance to answer questions from 6-8 pm. To find out more about this important cause please visit UCSD's stem cell website. There is a suggested minimum donation of $5 for opening night, which will include live music by "Kera and the Lesbians" and "Pea". Beer and wine will be available for those over 21. We will also be accepting donation checks made out UCSD Gift Processing. Participating artists are Roland Tamayo, Mark Bryan, Sean Christopher, Andy Haynes, Linda Herzog, Brett Hess, Jasmine Worth, Sean Chapple, Gene Guynn, Joka, Jake Waldron, Christian Van Minnen, Ursula Young, Dan Lydersen, Holly Wood, JW Miller, Dennis Larkins, Augie Pagan, Joseph Borzotta, and Dave Macdowell. Each of the artists was given the following statement as inspiration for the show. Art is a distinctly human expression. And as humans, our artistic creativities are limited by the fragile nature that is life. To live, is to inherently be at risk. It is through this struggle that art is born, nurtured and evolved. It is this tenuous grasp on life that pushes mankind to look to science to help us where nature seems to fail us. To celebrate this connection between art and science, Distinction Gallery is hosting a group showing entitled, "Scientific Evolution". This unique showing will be centered on the theme of how science is allowing humankind to live longer and directly affect our own evolution. The gallery will be donating 10% of the galleries commission to UCSD to further stem cell research. Artists also have the option to donate 10% of their commission to further this most worthy scientific endeavor. Many lives can be saved through this important research, and in turn, so will many artists. Artist Joka on his piece for the show Do Humans Dream of Organic Peace? Better dying through science. As is inherent the human need to create (or just "produce"), so is the need to destroy. Science progresses our ability to live, but also our efficiency to kill. Humanity's ever-increasing power to cure ills and sustain longer lives teeter in balance with its ever-increasing power to eradicate life en masse through biomedical and advanced warfares. As soldiers are sacrificed in war, birth rates sway in time. Scientific evolution helps us progress each side of the coin of life. All in addition to our 14 artist studios and 100+ artists in the "Alley" and the "Sub 1K Lounge". New pieces are added to our inventory every month. Visit here to see the latest additions. Distinction is a 7000 square foot building which houses a gallery and 14 artist studios ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet. The Gallery features contemporary and cutting edge art work with a soft focus on Pop and Urban Surrealism. Distinction exhibits work by emerging and internationally acclaimed artists and is located at: 317 East Grand Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025. "Scientific Evolution" shows August 8 through September 5th.



Dan Lydersen "Charles Darwin and the Death of Dytiscus" Oil on panel 18 x 24 inches



View full show gallery Reception Photos



Mind Machine



July 2009

Press Statement Distinction is pleased to announce our July show "Mind Machine" featuring a group of 7 artists working in Concept Art curated by studio artist Roel Jovellanos. This show is sure to impress all the area art lovers. We will be hosting our usual second Saturday reception on Saturday July 11th from 6-11pm with music by Steven Juarez and a second reception during Comic Con on July 25th from 7-10pm. Both receptions will be have several artists in attendance as well as live music and beer/wine provided by local venues. Participating artists are Android Jones, Donato Giancola, Nate Wragg, Edwin Rosell, Joseph Watson, Thomas Sincich, and Roel Jovellanos-who curated the exhibtion. Also on display will be sculptures of and jewelry by Catherine Lanzl and Denise Bledoe and part of SDVAN's "Little and Large" exhibtion, which is taking place in galleries accross San Diego County. Visit here to find out more about SDVAN and the exhibits in participating galleries. All in addition to our 14 artist studios and 100+ artists in the "Alley" and the "Sub 1K Lounge". New pieces are added to our inventory every month. Visit here to see the latest additions. Distinction is a 7000 square foot building which houses a gallery and 14 artist studios ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet. The Gallery features contemporary and cutting edge art work with a soft focus on Urban Surrealism. Distinction exhibits work by emerging and internationally acclaimed artists and is located at: 317 East Grand Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025. "Mind Machine" shows July 11th through August 1st.



Joseph Watson



"The Construction of W.J.S." Acrylic on velum 19.5 x 25.5 inches



View full show gallery Reception Photos

The Journal Entries of Changing Tides



June 2009

Press Statement The Journal Entries of Changing Tides An Honest Display of Self Expression When I Journal my Life I?m Reminded of my Mortality Journal Entry #1 A Mushroom. It can mean many things. It can be a metaphor of faith and nature. Journal Entry #2 Abstract work proves to be a rewarding act of self-expression. No regard for rules or purpose. The only intention remains that of honesty in actions. Allows me to explore texture and color in a new way. Journal Entry #3 I began this piece at 12:30pm on a rainy day in February. I had just returned home from my fathers Habitat build in Glendale. I spent the morning there watching the union crew work. I hate sitting and watching. This piece deals with the attention disorder I have. When I am not working, an uneasy spiral of energy seems to penetrate out of my chest. Vibrating my chakra of passion. Science Fiction For some faiths, science is fictional. The only purpose of life is to reach an afterlife. We need to focus on living aware and in the present. We going to fall like the Roman if we continue to massacre the Earth. Year 27 This year I turned 27 years old. I have been painting since I was 13. I have been in motion for more than half of my life this year. When I look back, part of me feels content and accomplished while the other part fills my emotions with failure and confusion. The muscle symbolizes the strength that I have used to get to where I am in my life. With a metaphor of the ocean, the shell is left empty, as I feel empty without staring out on its vast beauty of solitude. It is therapeutic, and you don?t realize it until the sounds and sights of apartment buildings and freeways surround you. Dawn Dawn is a recurring character in my dreams that I have personified. In no way is she real, yet to her, neither am I. Dawns Dream #1 She occasionally shows up in back alleys and her emotions fill the sky with a dark layer of fog. She blocks out the sun from my dreams sometimes. Dawns Dream #2 To her I am a warrior. The Color Purple It reminds me of the cartoons I would watch in my childhood. The Eclipse of Me I don?t know much about black holes and bending time, yet the thoughts of the two fill my mind. I put my hood up to capture their passion and replenish my intuition. A Student of Wonderland Samantha has been teaching in Korea for two years now. The school is called Wonderland. This student caught Megan?s eye. She is an amazing photographer and her compositions make me question myself. Magical. Bella-Ode to Lucian I have always loved Lucian Freud?s paintings for their honesty and intention. He is one of my top 5 favorite painters in history. I try to mimic his colors, layers and brush strokes. As he portrays intense settings in his work, I strive to do the same with mine. I chose to include a twist on my painting of Bella. I gave her a couple friends to relax with. The Changing Tides of Baja Malibu Baja Malibu is a tiny stretch of Mexico?s coastline. It is located beneath the residential community of San Antonio, just north of Rosarito. Since I can remember, my family and I have traveled down there every summer for a two-week replenish by Mother Nature. That is until the summer of 2007 when the drug cartel took over the police enforcement. 2006 was our last summer there. It makes me tear up writing about it. The beach is beautiful accompanied by an empty reef break. It is awesome. Consistent A-frame waves out of your ass. More waves in a set than two brothers and a father could ever ride. Sometimes we would just sit and let the giants roll under us, watching down the lines, as they would peel perfectly both ways right and left. We would easily get in two sessions or more a day on a good swell. I remember one afternoon session with Johnny. We were expanding ourselves out there. The ocean glassed over as the sun set. The water was warm enough for only a wet suit top and the tide had dropped perfectly. Sets of five or more waves were coming in every 10 minutes. They rose to the occasion at a nice four to five feet. As Johnny and I could only take one wave each set, the dolphins were happy to ride the ones left empty. As Megan and I took what turned out to be our final walk on that beach, we collected what we could. Tiles, shells and trash were among the things we found down there exploring the empty seaboard. That cartel in the year of 2007 proved to be the exodus of my family?s yearly therapy. Who?s the Captain of this Sinking Ship Music is a prolific gift in life. It has the ability to set a mood and create a vast array of visuals. I have chosen to base this piece loosely around people that have inspired me through art and music. In terms of the music, I was inspired through the creation of the piece by Crosby, Stills and Nash?s ?Cold Rain? and ?Wooden Ships.? From Looking Glass, the song ?Brandy? inspired me. From the Beatles, ?Yellow Submarine.? In terms of the visual aesthetics of the piece I took from Klimt and Schiele. The figure in the piece is based off of a loose drawing that Egon did of his room mate Wally Neuzil in 1912. I wanted to take the liberty of bringing her to life through my paints. The title of this piece is a metaphor of my life. Who is guiding me? Who?s steps do I follow on this narrow path I have chosen to voyage? Who is the captain of my life? I am. Every choice in direction I make is my own. This piece holds a map of symbols and their compositional movement should be the viewer?s guide. Alice of the Sea Alice is an iconic character in literature, art, film and music. Air Suit Invisible This piece is based around the life of my good friend Rick Esparza. He is the drummer of the band, Silent Treatment. As a working artist he experiences some of the same issues I do. I had the great opportunity to live with him for a year and have since wanted to paint him and his emotions. Rick inspired my life in many ways. He taught me many ideas on pure living. We would discuss ideas of living in the present and enjoyed the vino a little too much. Personify To me, this piece is the base of my animation film. That is, if I could make one. When I place imaginative characters next to figures in my work, they are shown as the subconscious. I feel they give life to the setting, and insight to what is going through the mind of the figure. They lend a hand in telling the story of the piece. This one in particular deals with hiding and disguises. The portrait is cropped, leaving only the eyes to her soul. This gives the feeling that she is peeking into the picture. She seems quaint, yet the characters around her tell the true story. They seem to be happy and somewhat goofy. Their bright colors express what she really is. The Confession The Confession This one is tough and raw. Please excuse the liberties I took with this piece. A little over a year ago a friend called me while I was starting this piece. I had been having strange intuitions about him for the past month or two and knew something was wrong. That is why I was starting a piece about him. It was guiding me. He called me on a Sunday afternoon with the news. By the time he had worked up the nerve to confess what was happening to him he was sobbing, punching walls and had thrown his phone. The phone went dead. Fuck. I have been there. I have run miles in those shoes, I mean miles. I locked up shop, got in my truck and headed to his pad. When I found him, my heart sank to my gut and my throat began to swell with sorrow. What do you do in my shoes? Act fast. We went out back and sat on the steps for a chat. He had no problem letting everything out. He wanted to. He knew he needed to. I told him my side and tried had not to rant. He is my best friend in the whole world. We are complete equals. We have experienced everything together except for this. That is why it was so hard for me to watch. This friend will forever be a role model to me and I hope I can be the same to him. This piece is a visual description of his first two weeks of sobriety. In this piece his identity is hidden by a view of his skull. His eyes tell the whole story. The colorful little characters are his subconscious. Each is holding a pill. At the bottom of the piece, there are characters behind a film acting out a play on addiction to opiates. I love my friend and this piece has helped me tell him that. Selene Selene is a family friend of my wife Megan. I did a tattoo of wings on the outside of each of her feet. She relates to the Greek god Hermes. She skips across the shore like a flat stone. Lighten Up Kid This is a personal note to myself. Sometimes I can get too wrapped up in my work and it affects my relationships with the people in my life. I need to step back and tell myself to relax. I can only be who I am and I can only do what I can. I am like a plant and need to grow naturally and gradually. No pesticides here. It?s just good old me doing what makes me happy. Biology This is a portrait of my sister in law Traci Kalaba. She is the mother of a family that inspires me to be a better person. The way she acts reminds me of biology. Her actions as a mother take me back to my childhood. This piece also holds images of symbolism. Traci?s robe is designed with objects of biology. Starting at the bottom, we can see basic cell development. At her sides are white tulips, which symbolize her bond with nature. Above the cell development we see the progress of an embryo at week 30. On the left we see basic photosynthesis. The two sides fade up into further complex cell formation and action. On the left we see a beetle, a frog and a butterfly resting on the form of a partial cross. On the right, the embryo leads us to water drops, a leaf, a bird perched on a branch, the skeleton of a sea urchin, a manatee and a goldfish. The shirt she is wearing is designed with the human organs. These two compositional elements direct us to the portrait of Traci. What we as humans believe is the highest form of creation. Behind her is a wall mosaic that I feel displays the same contemporary taste that she holds. It?s hard lines and color blend with the biology theme like she blends with the earth. On either side of her are Polaroid?s of her children. August on her left and Stella on her right. She is beautiful in her actions. Clear Organics This piece stemmed from the portrait I painted of Kevin. Kevin is Traci? s husband. He boggles my mind. He fears nothing and respects most things. I decided to touch back on old compositional aesthetic theories of mine starting with this piece. I painted the portrait of Kevin in one session as a journal entry. He hung on the wall for two months as a finished portrait. The look on his face made me want to show more of his character. I made the decision to add more canvases and extend not only his torso but also the narrative of the piece. The portrait alone was titled, ?Kevin is Graphic Design.? After incorporating the still life and symbols it became ?Clear Organics.? When we look at the technique in which the portrait and the jacket are painted, we can see that they are described loosely and impressionistically. When we look at the technique in which the robot hands and still life are painted, we can see a more detailed description of objects. This symbolizes Kevin?s connection to the earth in modern times. One is raw while one is mathematical and defined. On the desk, Kevin is transplanting Lilies of the valley that he has grown from root bulb. The journal is empty as he is going to journal the growth of his plants. His hands have been described as robot hands. I did this to touch on how we will always depend on the earth and it?s cycles with the solar system for survival as a human race. No matter how advanced we become technologically. Reclaiming Midnight This piece is also a combination of pieces. Each of these was done as an entry. I later put them together to describe a full story. In my past, midnight represented a passage into another world. I used to do most of my painting at this hour, as it was my only free time. Now I tend to paint during the day. I painted this piece at night as a way for myself to reconnect with the peacefulness midnight. We all know that the sun gives us vitamins. I believe the moon does the same. The Complete Edition of my Journey to the Moon This is my big hitter of the series. Within it are twenty different consecutive journal entries. What began as twenty individual days of work, later became one journey and should be experienced as one vision. When I began working on this series last year, I had an eight-hour day job. When I would get home, I would paint one piece to completion. After a few months of this theory in approach, I became confined by the size of the canvases I was working on. I needed to expand the idea of the journal entries. I needed to make them a complete edition for every viewer. They wouldn?t say what I wanted them to individually. The pieces put themselves together. All I had to do was arrange them by color and value. The act was quite spontaneous and natural. It just felt right. After arranging them, I proceeded to bring areas of the different paintings together. There are still different chapters, but together it reads like my journal would. My only Fear The best way to describe a fictional theme is through abstract techniques. This is a portrait of my niece Stella. She has an abstract mind. Germination This is a portrait of my wife Megan and myself. When I met Megan, I felt like she was in a stage of germination. I have watched her grow and expand over the past three years. She is like a beautiful flower of creativity that I feed off of. In this piece, Megan and I don?t know each other. I am on a passage to find her. It is passage of partnership. I sit above ground holding a shovel and staring at my reflection in it. I am sitting on the only tiled ground in the desert. That was the destined spot. At my side are objects from my excursion. From left to right we see a young tree in a bag of moist soil. It represents the family tree that will grow between the two of us. Next is a pouch of destiny stones, a compass and a California poppy. These represent the location in which we will thrive. The gift to the right of the flower holds a wedding band, which I will give to Megan after she sprouts. To the right of the box is my subconscious floating in mid skip. He is holding a leash to a roadrunner. Together they scavenged the desert guiding me to the tiled destination. Next is a sea creature on the tile and a firefly. The sea creature defines where I rooted myself in spiritual existence, Laguna Beach. The firefly would fly by the side of the roadrunner at night, lighting the way. Last is the caterpillar. This represents the stage I am at within this life. Not fully mature like the butterflys in the upper corners, yet not in a cocoon. The fireless candles symbolize that night has ended, the thunderclouds are passing and the sun will sprout my love. Nightmare Recovery Cleanse Megan is a deep dreamer. When she dreams, she is lucid. She floats at the best of times and can breath under water. Yet, when her dreams get dark they manage to affect her into the day with the same potency as her most joyous adventures. I like to think that a nice warm shower when she gets up could wash away her despair. I hate it when the nightmares are about me. The Moron Brothers Inc. They are one in the same with two different minds. Hoot They watch my garden at night. Brain Human nature can be dysfunctional. Climb Elevate, grow, change and expand. Climb the day away. We are rising at any occasion possible. Seize the moment and live with no regret.



Andy Haynes "Biology" Oil on canvas 30 x 40 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos





Drawing Attention



May 2009

Press Statement A four-artist showing by Camille M. Boggs, Aaron McKinney, Andy Clarkson, and Bonni Reid that runs May 9th - June 6th Distinction Gallery continues its grand tradition of exposing the most talented artists to the Southern California region by featuring a four artist showing entitled, "Drawing Attention". The four artists share a common theme of fantacy throughout their art, but are separated by varying styles and techniques. The opening reception with the artists and live music by old long since will be held on Saturday, May 9th from 6-11 PM. Wine and Karl Strauss beer will be provided for those over 21 so we hope you will join us in celebrating this exceptional four artist showing.





Andy Clarkson "Avoiding the Downfall" Acrylic on masonite 27 x 21 inches framed View full show gallery Reception Photos

Aaron Jasinski: Tractus Secretum



April 2009

Press Statement Distinction is proud to announce tour second solo show of Washington based artist Aaron Jasinski. This will be the first unveiling of Jasinski's transition to oil painting. The event will feature all brand new works created by Jasinski specifically for Distinction. Jasinski will be present for the opening reception, to be held on April 11th from 6-11pm. The event will be highlighted by live music, Karl Strauss beer, and wine. We hope you will join us for this amazing event, which will also feature 14 open studios by Distinctions 19 resident artists as well as original artwork by 50+ represented artists, from around the world in "The Alley" and 100+ works in the "Sub 1K Lounge". Distinction is now pleased to offer limited edition art vinyl toys and art books as well as in house custom framing. Distinction is a 7000 square foot building which houses a gallery and 14 artist studios ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet. The Gallery features contemporary and cutting edge art work with a soft focus on Urban Surrealism. Distinction exhibits work by emerging and internationally acclaimed artists and is located at: 317 East Grand Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025. Exhibits can always be viewed at distinctionart.com Gallery hours are Thursday & Friday 12-5, Saturday 10-5 and by appointment.







Aaron Jasinski "The City Doesn't Care" Oil on wood 16 x 12 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

He Said, She Said



March 2009

Press Statement Distinction Gallery continues its grand tradition of exposing the most unique talents to the Southern California region by featuring a tri-artist artist showing entitled, "He Said, She Said". The three artists share a common theme of expressing the feminine form in a pop surrealist setting, but are separated by varying styles and techniques. The opening reception will be held on Saturday, March 14th from 6-11 PM. Wine and beer, for those over 21, and live music will be provided so we hope you will join us in celebrating this exceptional three-artist showing. The entire "He Said, She Said" exhibition will be available for viewing through Saturday, April 4th. Distinction Gallery will also be featuring the "Sub 1K" Lounge with works priced for less than $1000 featuring renowned artists from around the world. "The Alley" will show an additional 30+ artists. All in addition to the 14 artist studios featuring 19 local artists that are always open to the public. Also, please feel free browse our collection of art books and toys we have for purchase and don't hesitate to inquire about Distinction's custom framing services. Distinction is a 7000 square foot building which houses a gallery and 14 artist studios ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet. The Gallery features contemporary and cutting edge art work with a soft focus on Urban Surrealism. Distinction exhibits work by emerging and internationally acclaimed artists and is located at: 317 East Grand Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025.





Ken Keirns "Evolution" Oil on board 27.5 x 14 View full show gallery Reception Photos

Plastic Prophets of Vinyl Redemption



February 2009

Press Statement "Plastic Prophets of Vinyl Redemption" A unique pop-culture explosion featuring work by John Purlia that runs from February 14th - March 7th. Distinction Gallery is dedicated to their goal of exposing the top talents in contemporary arts to the southern California region by hosting an adventurous showing entitled "Plastic Prophets of Vinyl Redemption". Artist John Purlia explores various narratives through the photographs of his diorama's that celebrate the toys and imagery of our pop culture past. The artist himself will be attending the opening reception on Saturday, February 14th from 6-11 PM and will be on hand to answer questions and discuss his work. Wine, chocolates and live music by Bogenville will highlight this opening reception. Be sure to check out the limited edition custom flipbooks that will available at this showing. The entire "Plastic Prophets of Vinyl Redemptoion" exhibition will be available for viewing through Saturday, March 7th. Distinction Gallery will also be featuring the "Sub 1K" Gallery with works priced for less than $1000 featuring renowned artists from around the world. "The Alley" will show an additional 200 works of art. All in addition to the 14 artist studios featuring 19 local artists that are always open to the public. Also, please feel free browse our new collection of art books and toys we have for purchase and don't hesitate to inquire about Distinction's custom framing services. "It is never too late to be what you might have been" John Purlia was a man with no camera. Most of his adult life was spent without one. But it was this image capturing device that would most profoundly shape his artistic directions. His first forays into the world of photography produced competent but ordinary results. But in 2004, according to the artist himself, a muse rode in on a beam of moonlight and inspired John to explore his childhood love of toys, vinyl records and found objects. "Plastic Prophets of Vinyl Redemption" shows February 14th through March 7th. Distinction is a 7000 square foot building which houses a gallery and 14 artist studios ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet. The Gallery features contemporary and cutting edge art work with a soft focus on Urban Surrealism. Distinction exhibits work by emerging and internationally acclaimed artists and is located at: 317 East Grand Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025. A wide variety of art books and toys are now available for purchase. Custom framing is also available.



John Purlia "(Fresh from a messy divorce) Kitty plots an ensemble for her next midnight prowl" Digital C-print on archival paper 15.2 inch x 11.3 inch



View full show gallery



Reception Photos

An Incomplete Theoretical History of a Dying Doppleganger Multiverse



February 2008

Press Statement The Horrifying Tale of the Tremendous Journey of Dingle Doppleganger Dingle bit down and jerked his head back a little against the resistance of the stringy bite of food. Juices ran down his chin. His mind immediately wandered off, as it usually did when he ate. Of all the things he used to do with his family, he figured eating with them to be what he missed the most- especially when juxtaposed against more recent experiences. He remembered how dinner used to be. Dora, who in Dingle's opinion was too old for such behavior, dragged her dumb doll around with her every place she went, and insisted that their mother set a place for the damn thing. Stupid fucking bunny, he'd think to himself in those days. He dared not utter it aloud now. His mother, Greta, would oblige, and that poor, decrepit bunny would sit, stained and matted and most decidedly ready to join the chorus eternal, in front of an empty plate which Dora insisted was indeed not empty, but instead piled high with all sorts of portions of rabbit food. Invisible rabbit food?, Dingle would think sarcastically to himself and roll his eyes. Greta understood Dingle was bothered by Dora's constant make-believe. She would wink at Dingle from across the table, and Dingle would become a little less angry. Greta had a great gift for intuition and always seemed to know how to comfort, disarm, and keep the peace, amongst her family. Greta was as pretty as any Doppleganger could ever hope to be. Fine lines and wrinkles darted across her dignified face. Her coppery blonde hair was nearly always up in a bun, and though most of the household income was spent as frugally as possible on clothing and food, to the benefit of the rebels whom the family secretly helped financially, she always managed to look elegant. In the kitchen, scrubbing potatoes or peeling cabbage or boiling carrots, she always seemed distinguished and stately. We're the ones eating rabbit food, he'd think to himself, when Dora would scold her bunny for not finishing its invisible meals. His thoughts migrated to his father. He heard Dweezel's boisterous laugh rattle through his head, and wondered why, as he?d seldom actually heard his father laugh. Dweezel delighted in little, and spent most dinners with furrowed brows, pretending to eat for the sake of Greta. His mind, Dingle knew, was entirely removed from that kitchen, focused on the rebellion in which the countryside was now embroiled. Dingle clicked back to reality for a moment. He took another bite, this one more daintily. He chewed slowly and savored it. The paws were his favorite. Dingle's thoughts shot back to his parents. He remembered that fateful night when his world collapsed around him the way mines did from time to time around the fathers of his friends. It's a sacrifice the mines demands, his father once told him. It didn't make much sense to Dingle, but who was he to question his father's wisdom? His fledgling sense of logical deduction assumed his family's demise, then, was also a sacrifice, for the appeasement of some greater entity, but he struggled to find a face or a name. He remembered that night and felt his stomach churn violently, threatening to throw out what he had just put into it. Bang bang bang against the door. Boots that sounded like wild horses, clapping against the wooden floors downstairs. Voices he didn't recognize. His father's voice yelling, and then a thud. Bare feet running up the steps to the second floor, his mother's shrill scream, the strange gargling noise it gave way to, then another thud. Then nothing. Strange voices yelling again. His sister?s scream. Thud. Heavy boots clomped up the stairs. Crash. One door kicked in. Crash again. Crash again. This time the crash was right in front of him. Between the floor and the bottom of the blanket on his made bed, he saw sets of black boots. Candle light illuminated all corners with fluid light. It crept up in front of him, under the edge of the bed. "Clear" said one voice. "Clear" said a different voice. "Clear" again, and "Clear" from the owner of one of these sets of black boots here in Dingle's room. Galumph back down the stairs, impossible to count how many sets of boots all together. Dingle knew he was alone in the house. He knew he was the only living, breathing person in the house, if he wasn't alone. Dingle slept in a pool of his own piss that night. He snapped back to reality again, and took another bite of his meal. Tiny bones crunched between his molars. The memories from that night had boiled down to flashes in the time since it happened. He no longer felt the terror he had experienced while laying under the bed, though he could remember the feeling if he concentrated hard enough. He had forgotten the despair and panic and total loss for any thought that he'd experienced when he came out from under the bed and saw the chaos, but he could relive those feelings, too, if he tried to. He thought about the moment he finally came out from under his bed, nearly two days later. His sister's body lay crumpled the top of the steps, her skull cracked open. He saw his mother at the bottom of this same staircase, balanced precariously against the steps and the wall, her head hanging unnaturally, her neck slit wide open. He remembered the gargling sound. His father, still clutching his pick axe, fallen face down in a pool of his own dried blood. The memory of that night no longer angered him, as he?d relived it so many times, that there was no anger left to draw from. It only made him nauseous. He sucked the tendons off the top of a bone, and thought back to his father, and how angry he would get when he would find Dingle sleeping under the bed instead of on top of it. "On the floor again, under the bed. Are you burrowing? Are you a rabbit, Dingle? You need to be below the surface?" He never understood why his father cared...maybe just a pet peeve. As he licked his fingers, his brain tingled as it tried to wrap all of the relevancies, the ironies, the whatever-the-word-was, of it. In Dingle?s mind, it was quite a good thing he did sleep under the bed that night. And yes, maybe Dingle was a rabbit, even if only in his head. Dingle never thought much about why any of those events had transpired. He knew it was something to do with the rebellion, which his parents spoke about in hush voices and which they referred to with Dingle and Dora as something that "wasn't their business" and "shouldn't be repeated by them." Dingle would sometimes lay at the top of the steps and hear them talking, picking out words that floated up from the whispers. He figured roughly that there were the people in the city-states (which Dingle had never seen) and that the people in the country, like the Dopplegangers, worked to support the city-state kingdoms. He never understood what "slave" meant, and couldn"t really ask, as he was home schooled, and he obviously couldn't ask his mother, or she?d know he eavesdropped. The way he figured it, which was pretty close to correct, his father had been sent to oversee the coal mines throughout this part of the countryside. His father, seeing the mistreatment of the people who lived out here side by side with the waste dumped nearly daily from the city, who toiled for next to nothing in the mines, and rummaged through the garbage from the city for subsidies to their lives, wanted to help. He found a few like-minded overseers, and they began a plan to rise up and fight back. Dingle never figured out whether he was right or not, but he knew his family was in violation of something or other, hence the whispering.His thoughts came back to the present. He thought about the fact that he thought to himself in human language, though he no longer spoke it, and thought about how he had picked up the very basics of this new language. It wasn't quite second nature to him yet, and his first language was no longer his first reaction. He nevertheless declined aloud another fetus, speaking in this new tongue. He was quite full as it was. He spent a few minutes arranging the most recently birthed fetal rabbits in the appropriate piles. He always ate the oldest first, so as to avoid wasting any. He did prefer the inner liquids less congealed, so on occasion (such as today), he would treat himself with a fresh one, still warm out of his new caregiver's womb. She was no Greta, but she was his provider none-the-less. He made a three syllable noise, which sounded like a scream and two grunts, but was clearly understood by Mother Rabbit to be a "thank you". Mother Rabbit was most always lying belly-up, her back propped up against the wall of the cave. Dingle tucked himself between Mother's left hind leg and torso, safely out of the way of the flying fetuses expelled every twenty or thirty minutes, and pulled a rabbit-fur blanket up over him. He felt the fullness of his gut pushing against the outside of his belly, making the skin tight. He slept. The symbiosis between Dingle and Mother Rabbit was essential, in the most grave of senses, for both of them. If not for Mother Rabbit, Dingle would surely starve, freeze to death, or die of loneliness, if not a combination of the three. Without Dingle, Mother Rabbit would drown in a sea of her own stillborn children. Mother Rabbit hadat some point just before Dingle found his way down what he at that point had thought was an abandoned mine shaft days after that horrible night- been the subject of a cruel dose of fate. Wandering too close to any one of the many waste dumping groundsoverflowing with rotten food, metal smiths wastes, and the decaying carcasses of those kingdom peasants who could not afford to buy a plot in which to bury their dead- had been the demise of many a creature in the country. Kingdoms had long been sending their waste, mostly unchecked, to the country, and doing little if anything to protect the inhabitants, human or otherwise, of the land. Those who chose not to move to pledge allegiance to one of the kings of the loose coalition that had formed recently, comprised of the three largest dominions, had little in the way of options and even less in the way of respect or compassion. Dumping was rampant, and as it were, Mother Rabbit became another victim. After an afternoon of grazing, she returned to the cavernous, endless mine shaft which they both now inhabited. She took a brief nap, and awoke to a reality which would never again be the one she once knew. She had somehow managed to withstand a lethal dose of some metallurgical alloy, and while her body was able to continue to function, it underwent some rapid, and drastic, changes. Her size swelled. In a matter of two days, she had grown to nearly 18 times her original size. The toxicity of the elements caused her cells to split at such a rampant pace that she now hulked in the cavern, her hairs more than half as thick as one of Dingle's fingers, her black eyes the size of one of his mother's desert plates, her teeth like the broad end of a canoe paddle, at least as wide as Dingle's head. Though unfertilized, she somehow had begun producing babies another day after the growth spurt. Her eggs split, fertilized themselves, and gestated. The errors in genetic code must have been detected by her body, and as such, the damned offspring were expelled before any of them could ever come to deformed, invalid maturity. Indicative of the speed with which her eggs reproduced, she expelled one of these fetuses approximately every 23 minutes, give or take. The sound of the slimy fetuses popping, shhhlup, out of Mother Rabbit, had become as commonplace- and even strangely comforting- to Dingle as the clock that rang on every half-hour and hour in his old house. Mother Rabbit couldn't eat much, as her stomach was obscured by her enormous uterus, lumbering under the weight of probably a dozen of these fetuses at any one time, and Dingle realized that she would not be able to keep up at this pace forever. Even in his little scientific knowledge, he understood that the matter to make up the fetuses had to come from somewhere, and with Mother Rabbit unable to take more than a few bites a day, she surely would succumb to this horrible fate eventually. Who could have known it would be this day? Dingle awoke a few hours later, to the crushing pressure of one of Mother's massively powerful hind legs, pressing him against her body. She was clenching involuntarily. She moaned and shrieked. Dingle understood every word. "Dingleboy, you have to move. I'm going to crush you if you don't." Dingle threw the blanket off him, and felt her contract again against him. He couldn't scream in pain. The air was gone, forced violently from his lungs by her leg. The contraction stopped, and he scurried out. "What's happening?" He didn't begin to know what to think. "Dingleboy, I don't want to think I know, but I'm afraid that I do." A fetus slid out as she talked, but with barely any of the velocity with which they usually were propelled out. "Mother Rabbit? What can I do? Do you need something? Can I help you?" "Dingleboy, you have to listen to me," she panted. Her body was contracting involuntarily. Her face was contorted in pain. She had to concentrate just to take a breath. "You have to go out into the world. There is a purpose for you. Something, someone seeks you. I see it in my dreams, but cannot understand it. I'm sorry I have kept you here so selfishly for so long." "NO, Mother Rabbit!" Terror was in his voice. "You're not selfish! Keep me! Please! Don?t go! What's happening?!" "Dingleboy. You must go. Take with you what you can carry. Go now. I don't want you to be here for the end." "THE END? The end of WHAT?" Though he knew now exactly what was happening. Mother Rabbit was dying. "Dingleboy, you must go now." "Mother Ra-" A strange smell interrupted him. In an instant, her body went limp. In another, there was an audible splattering. Thick black goo oozed from her orifices, mostly where the fetuses had previously come out. It engulfed his feet. He cried aloud, screamed. He gagged and vomited. Through sobs, looks back, blurry eyes and clenched jaw, Dingle collected everything he could wrap into one of the huge fur blankets he'd fashioned out of a few dozen of the baby rabbits a while back. He wrapped up a few of the freshest fetuses, a pillow made from fur, and the one thing he?d brought with him- a painting of his family. He cried more. He hugged Mother Rabbit's paw, but couldn't bring himself to leave. As if some backhanded gift from fate, the smell of the vile fluids which she?d expelled at her demise continued to smell more and more sour, reminiscent to rotten meat, until he could no longer bear it. He left the cave, and for the first time in a very long time, he saw the light of day. It was a welcome change from the light of rabbit?s fur soaked in rabbit's fat, burning on a stick.Dingle wandered for days. At one point, about a day into it, he actually turned back for the mines. He couldn't even get all the way to the door before he could smell Mother Rabbit rotting away. He cried. It was as if life was torturing him, never letting him die off with whoever was his current family. Food dwindled. Legs grew tired. Dingle remembered the idea of fearing for his wellbeing, wondering how he would survive. He hated being back to it. He had no idea how far any of the city-states who had dumped, depleted, taken and left the countryside to rot, were. They could have been weeks away, or hours away. He encountered one castle on his first day out, but was too scared to approach it. He lay at the top of a hill in the distance, watching, and after a solid few hours of observation, decided it must be abandoned. He walked towards it, and as he drew close enough to make out the details of it, he realized that this had long since been abandoned. It sat, broken and alone. More of the stones were on the surrounding hill and valley than were still standing as viable structure. Dingle felt disappointment and relief at the same time, as he was unsure what status he would be given, if he'd encountered any sort of civilization. He turned back, hoping to return to the original hill he'd been on before he turned towards the castle, seeing nothing more than the occasional animal, scurrying in the brush, eating the grass. Up one hill, down another. Up another. Down another. His legs burned under the weight of his body on the way up, and his heels ached from bracing against the steep decline on the way down. The castle disappeared entirely, and the landscape was barren except for these hills, and the odd one out of a dozen that had a tree planted, singly, at the apex of it. He scanned the horizon. Tens of hills, evaporating into the distance, as far as he could see. All the same height, all the same distance from each other, 8 or 9 trees to be seen, all looking decrepit but still alive, all black, silhouetted against the bright, but hardly blue, sky. He passed a rabbit on one especially depressing afternoon. He spoke to it, squeek click. The rabbit cocked his head at Dingle, and then turned his back to him and continued grazing. Dingle spoke again. The rabbit turned his head, watched Dingle through its black eye, and then ran. He hung his head. He walked more. He hated the hills, every one looking more the same to the next than to the one before it. Dingle turned left and walked, turned right and walked, turned around and walked. He had no idea where he was walking, and figured if he zigzagged, he might come across something, anything. He wondered if he'd walked over this hill already. He wondered if he'd walked over that hill already. He kicked everything he saw in his path. He wished he would just hurry up and die. He feared dying and wondered what he would do for food. He ate grass, pine needles, tree bark. At least, he tried to. These days became weeks, and at the slow, meandering pace he was limited to for the hills, walking no particular direction, he never covered more than a few straight miles in any day. He didn't know what he was looking for, where he was going, what he was doing. All he ever did was remember the words that Mother Rabbit had left him with- that someone, something, needed him. That he had a purpose. But it did nothing to quell his frustration. He picked up a handful of gravel from a patch of dirt. He threw it angrily. Plunk, plunk, knock, plunk, plunk. He knew one of them had hit a tree. He hoped the sounds he heard that accounted for the rest of them were what he thought- water. One of the few things his father had ever thought to teach him was to follow water. Downstream. Always follow water downstream. He ran forward twenty yards, down the hill, and sure as he was a Doppleganger, there it was- a large stream, three feet wide and a foot deep. It snaked perfectly between the identical hills. He wondered instantly whether he would have found it if he hadn't had his temper tantrum. Maybe he would have wandered across it. Probably he would have wandered left, or right, and never have seen it. He bent down and took huge gulps. Water ran down his face, made mud around his hands, soaked him. He swallowed until his stomach hurt from the swell, and he could feel it in the back of his throat, so full with water that the last gulps couldn't even make it all the way down. He lay against the hill and let his feet hang in the water. His hunger didn't subside for long, even with his full belly of water. He gathered himself, his empty blanket, and began to walk. Time fast-forwarded itself, and after countless identical hills, pebbles, and dry, brown grass, the occasional grub for a meal, and cold, solitary nights, he found himself coming upon the edge of a huge body of water, a delta of sorts where the river was letting into some sort of lake, perhaps, the other side of which he couldn't even see. The flatness was beautiful if only because it was absolutely not more of the same hills. He hadn't noticed any specific place where the stream had become wider, as it was a gradual process, but he did remember how narrow it had been when he found it, and how wide it was now. He walked a few steps down the shore, looking up and down coast to see where the curve of this lake must surely be, but he saw none. It seemed this lake was so large that it bled off of the horizon from due north, all of the line of sight to the right of him, and down to due south. He deduced then that he must have reached the ocean, and wondered how it had been possible that he still hadn't passed any kingdom or population. But these sorts of questions were more or less irrelevant, and not the type of thing to weigh on Dingle's mind for too long. He realized that maybe it was better that he hadn't been found as a wandering orphan from the countryside, but better, undiscovered, and that was the end of his contemplation on the matter. In any matter, Dingle couldn't be bothered. This, at least temporarily, was a resolution of sorts. The end of something, though he realized subconsciously that he was still no better off than he was before he?d found the water. He was awestruck nonetheless.He smelled the air, felt the sand, and had the urge to jump in, though he couldn't swim. It was his first time at the ocean, and after the rough countryside he'd grown up in, the mine he'd lived in afterwards, and the hills he'd just traversed, it was all things to him. As he took it all in, his eye was snagged as though a shirt by a thorn, on an unfamiliar shape coming over the horizon. Dingle, who'd never known much about the ocean, but had been told stories by his mother- who in her younger years, as the daughter of an affluent family, had spent time on boats, and was even a novice sailor- knew what he was looking at, if not the relevancy of it. A ship. A powerful, sleek ship. Unbeknownst to Dingle, this was no ordinary ship, and as such, the significance of the vessel itself went unrecognized. It was a caravel, the likes of which hadn't been seen in ages. A marvelous, beautiful boat, built shorter and lighter than the carracks with which it shared the ocean in its time, making it the far superior ship in terms of speed and agility. A two-masted boat, it was in meticulous condition- also unbeknownst to Dingle, a ship of this nature hadn't been produced since the late 15th century in Spain. Impossibly white, almost glowing sails bulged under the force of the winds pushing it, though- at least where Dingle stood on shore- there was not a breeze blowing. Gulls called, waves lapped. Dingle was captivated. Didn't notice, couldn't move. His world stopped as this phantasmal vessel slid across the water, seemingly straight towards him. He watched. In a matter of moments, the boat was upon him. Dingle continued to stare, entranced. The wind, which had just moments before been filling the sails, and blowing only on them, had apparently died. A face appeared over the rail of the port side. "DINGLE!" the voice called out. Dingle blinked, twitched. He hadn't heard his name said aloud in his native language since the day his family died. "Uh. Yes? Who are you?" "Come aboard, Dingle! I've been looking for you," the voice boomed loudly. Or at least it seemed to reverberate in Dingle's ears. Dingle looked at the man. He looked large, towering, even in contrast to this huge ship. He had gaunt, sunken eyes, sharp features, and tanned, tight skin. He looked strangely familiar, and even just his appearance was wholly disarming. "How?" he shouted back. Dingle had no apprehension to follow the command, as he was still entranced by this implausible vessel before him. "Walk, of course!" With that, the water in front of him began to move oddly, the way tea looked when his mother blew on her cup after dinner in the evenings. Another second later and the water was split completely, leaving a 3 foot wide path from Dingle's feet to the portside of the boat, where a ladder he hadn't noticed before was hanging down the side. Dingle thought nothing of this, barely noticed any lapse in the laws of physics, as fixated as he still was, on the ship itself. He walked. He felt the still wet sand suck at his feet with each step. The thick stew of ocean bottom crept up between his toes, cold and textural like nothing he'd known. This all continued to go only barely perceived by Dingle. He reached the ladder, climbed mechanically, thoughtless, absorbed completely by the ship he was scaling. He reached the rail, swung a leg over, and fell with a thump on his back on the deck. "Dingle. Welcome." "Who are you?" He was in the face of a stranger, and a human at that, or so one would be led to believe. This, another living human, was another first for Dingle since the last day of his family. "It isn't important, but if you?d like a name to use, you can call me Al. Call me Al." :How do you know my name, Al?" "Also unimportant. Dingle, I know your entire life. I have seen everything that has happened to you. I know about your family, I know about Mother Rabbit. I watched you wander your way here. I saw you throw the rocks, and find the river. I was waiting just beyond the horizon for you. When you arrived, I came." Dingle, in a moment of clarity, made a high-pitched squeak, and then another, shorter one. "Yes, I do understand that too, Dingle," he noised back. He even understands Mother Rabbit's language, he thought to himself in disbelief. Yes, he does, came an alien voice in Dingle's head. Dingle jumped back. "Are you God?" Dingle asked, feeling his own knees begin to quake. "Mmm...not particularly. Maybe just a little bit. But not totally." "Who are you?" "Dingle, it is far too complex a concept for me to explain to you. I am only here to help point you in the right direction. Turn around." Dingle hesitated, but turned, and faced the shore he'd just left. Now, though, it was a different scene entirely. Massive trees crowded each other, strangled each other with their branches. Flecks of blue peeked out occasionally, but for the most part, the view was green and black, a sea of trees piled on top of each other. The shoreline was different, peppered with huge, coal-black rocks, partially rounded but not entirely smooth. "What-" Dingle struggled to form the words to the question. "Never mind, Dingle. That is inconsequential to your journey." Dingle didn't understand inconsequential, but understood by the tone, and some other intangible factor, the gist of the sentence. "Do not be scared. Walk back to shore, and into the forest. What you are looking for will find you." "Ok. What should I-" before he could finish the question, he found himself standing in waist-deep water. He turned around. The boat was gone. His brain tingled like he?d never felt. He was stupefied. Slosh through the water, to the shore. DAMN IT, he shouted loudly, to no one but himself. He stubbed a toe on a rock. He smashed a shin on another. The gash on his leg was the worse of the offenses, and he could see the red clouding the water as he took the last few steps onto the sand. HELLLLOOO, he shouted. Of course there would be no answer. He figured without thinking that any direction would be as good as any other, and as there were no breaks in the tree line to be seen, he walked straight forward. The trees were thick and packed tightly together, in most places so much so that he had to squeeze and contort just to navigate between the trunks themselves, never mind the branches. The air was damp and warm, but not hot. The ground was black and gave under his feet, leaving tiny but detectable pools of water where the balls and heels of his feet had been. It was markedly noisier than the hills had been, and though he could see nothing, he heard scampering and scurrying all around him. Yelps, flapping, squeaks, cracks. Noises he'd never heard, from animals that he wagered he'd never heard of. He was nervous, but felt strangely comforted by Al, and figured if he'd been sent in by Al's guidance, then what could possibly happen to him? He climbed and stumbled, and had a notion to try to scale one of these trees to gain a better view, but he decided against it. Probably just as hard moving up as moving forward, he thought. He scraped himself more than once on the rough bark that he wrapped himself around and pushed himself through. He wondered if Mother Rabbit had been thinking of Al when she said there was something looking for him, and what her dreams had been like. He wondered if she'd seen the jungle or the beach or the hills or the castle. He thought more about Al. He wondered how he?d disappeared like that, who he really was, why he was so comfortable with him, and why he was the only human he'd seen all this time. "BOO!" Dingle froze, flinched, felt a little piss squirt down his thigh. A tree branch brushed across his wrist from behind. It seemed to bend around his wrist, almost grabbing. Instantly, a hand was in its place. It felt cold and firm, and at the same time, felt like nothing at all. "Are you Dingle?" He turned. A girl stood before him. She seemed older than him, and instantly he thought of how much more tolerable she was to look at than his sister. Yet, there was something strangely ethereal about her. He couldn't think of such a complexity, however. He only noticed that she didn't look quite normal. Large eyes, he thought to himself. "Who are you? Do you know Al? Don't hurt me." Dingle didn't like the way that sounded coming out of his mouth. "Al? You're Dingle, right? Who?s Al? Are you Dingle? You're Dingle." She spoke strangely, and he noticed that the trees around her throbbed, just slightly, when she talked. "Yes," he said submissively. He wanted to ask who she was, but he dared not. "I don't have a name," she said. What the hell, Dingle thought. He wondered whether everyone, all along, had been able to listen to him think to himself. "Dingle. I'm supposed to help you," she said, "but I don't know what you're doing, so don't ask. I just know I'm supposed to help you find your way somewhere. You haven?t much time. None of your kind do." "My kind?" He couldn't imagine how many others had been taken in by a giant rabbit, lived off of raw rabbit fetuses, wore furs and skins and even rabbit ears. "Yes. Your kind. Humans." As she spoke, a few leaves drifted lazily down off of branches that swayed on her syllables, and landed in a perfect ring around her feet. He looked at her feet, examined her pale skin, her long hair. She seemed faint. "What? Our kind?" "No, Dingle. Your kind." She sounded mildly frustrated. "You and I aren't- never mind, Dingle. This is for you to understand on your own. Give me your hand." Dingle held out his hand. "Good luck, Dingle. Hopefully I'll see you again after it's all over. I'll be here. With any luck, you will, too.? Dingle thought better than bothering to ask what it meant. "Ready?" She bit his hand. "OUCH! Why did you do that?" He pulled his hand back and clenched it into a fist. Through the pain, he could feel something moving. Strange warmth pulsated through his hand, burning more intensely with every breath. He looked back to the Tree Girl, but she was gone. The ring of leaves remained. COME BACK, he shouted into the distance. Nothing. He screamed out again, but no words. The pain was horrendous, throbbing through his arm. He looked down at his hand again. A huge, messy hole replaced the bite mark the girl from the trees had left. He couldn't believe the intensity of the pain. WHAT DID YOU DO, he yelled out. He stumbled backwards, and fell against the trunk of a tree, the bark making impact on his spine even through the rabbit skins. The pain of the impact of the tree on his back was nothing compared to what was terrorizing every nerve in his arm. His hand had deteriorated to a stump. He watched in horror as the decay crawled quickly through his wrist, burning its way up his forearm. He felt himself fall further, seemingly through the ground.



Josh Taylor ""All Billy Did was THINK about the tree"" Acrylic and ink on wood 24 x 24 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos





Midnight Parade



March 2008

Press Statement Distinction Gallery Presents: "Midnight Parade" A stunning display of works by Joshua Clay | March 8th through April 5th Distinction Gallery continues its renowned reputation for bringing the freshest and brightest talents to the Southern California region. This March will feature a showing by artist Joshua Clay (Chicago, Illinois) entitled: ?Midnight Parade?. Highlighted by an opening reception March 8th, from 6-11 pm, attendees will have the rare opportunity to meet the artist Joshua Clay in person. The event will be accented with indie rock sampled and cello laced music of Caecelia (Phoeniz, AZ). Along with Lighting brewery (Poway, CA) boutique beer.We hope you will join us in this celebration of art, poetry and music. Please note that in addition to the main gallery showing, Distinction Gallery features an additional 20+ artists on display as well as 14 open artist studios that are always accessible to the public. JOSHUA CLAY was born in the Midwest in the early 80s. Starting in his early youth, his illustrative approach centered on doing battle with the hordes of pirates and ninjas who found their way scrawled into the margins of his homework with his trusty 2H pencil. After several trips to the principal's office for violating the "Don't draw on your homework" rule, Joshua decided that painting would be a better direction. Once in the real world, this led him to study Media Arts and Animation at the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago, IL. He continued to develop his passion and skills in illustration at The College for Creative Studies in Detroit, MI. With a solid direction and appreciation for the Pop Surrealism movement, Joshua decided to move to the most surreal place in America, Los Angeles. But after a few struggling years, Joshua found his work being shown in prominent galleries world wide. These high profile showings caught the eye of Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor who recruited Clay to travel abroad with the musician to create artwork for the concept album "Year Zero". Clay's art is dominated by the languid female form. Most often rosy-cheeked and portrayed with billowing and flowing fabric like action, the artist attempts to capture the sense of a single glance in time. "I portray my women as sexy and strong as well as vulnerable and sad. There is something beautiful in sadness, sadness softens the heart. I usually portray my figures in motion or with their hair in motion to symbolize capturing a fleeting moment, because it is these moments which often dictate very significant parts of our lives but they are so often taken for granted." - Joshua Clay "Midnight Parade" shows from March 8th through April 5th. Distinction is a 7000 square foot building which houses a gallery and 14 artist studios ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet. The Gallery features contemporary and cutting edge art work with a soft focus on Urban Surrealism. Distinction exhibits work by emerging and internationally acclaimed artists and is located at: 317 East Grand Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025. Please contact the gallery at (760) 781-5779 if you would like high resolution images or to set a possible interview with any of the artists. www.distinctionart.com www.joshuaclayart.com www.myspace.com/caecelia



Joshua Clay "Treasure Huntress" Acrylic on wood



17 x 11 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos



Infinity Squared



December 2008

Press Statement Distinction is pleased to announce our upcoming exhibition "Infinity Squared" featuring 28 artists from the US and abroad. All artworks will be created on 8 x 8 inch square panels. We are proud to have guest curator and artist, Kelly Vivanco, curating as well as participating in this exhibition. The opening reception with several artists in attendance and DJ Scottie Kaotic spinning the latest in electronic grooves will be held on Saturday December 13th, from 6-11pm. A second reception will be held on Saturday January 10th, from 6-11pm. Kelly Vivanco was born and raised in front of a sketchpad and a box of colors in Southern California. She later received her BFA with honors from LCAD in Laguna Beach. In 2004 Kelly became a Studio artist at Distinction and currently maintains a working studio there. Her work has shown in numerous galleries and is held in collections across the U.S. and abroad. Kelly enjoys setting whimsy to work in many mediums and pulls inspiration from the natural and imagined world, vintage photographs, children's literature and the oddness of her dreams. On choosing the artists in the exhibition Vivanco states "Some of the artist's work I have admired for a long time and some I found recently online or via shows in LA and was impressed. It's cool what you find if you look around with fresh eyes. There are so many amazing artists out there, it was hard to cap it at 28! The 8x8" theme was chosen because I love to work in square format and wanted to see what the artists I chose would come up with working in a small scale. Plus, with 28 artists working in different styles and mediums, the small squares would provide a visual unity to bring the show together." Featuring: Philip Kirk, Amy Huddleston, Alex Noriega, Angela Petsis, Angie Mason, Allison Sommers, ShowChicken, Rik Catlow, Andrea Zuill, Dennis Hayes IV, Josh Clay, Tom Haubrick, Ken Garduno, Alison O Donoghue , Jason Limon, Matte Stephens, Art & Ghosts, Netherland , Ekundayo, Mike Maxwell, Chris Ryniak, Jeremiah Ketner, Jenn Porreca, Kelly Vivanco, Matthew Feyld, Jennifer Lewis, Doug Boehm, & Amy Earles. Distinction is a 7000 square foot building which houses a gallery and 14 artist studios ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet. The Gallery features contemporary and cutting edge art work with a soft focus on Urban Surrealism. Distinction exhibits work by emerging and internationally acclaimed artists and is located at: 317 East Grand Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025. A wide variety of art books and toys are now available for purchase.



Doug Boehm "From Everywhere it Flows and Out of Your Mind" Acrylic on panel 8 x 8 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos



Aaron Jasinski: Seraphim and Spacemen



April 2008

Press Statement Distinction Gallery Presents: Aaron Jasinski "Seraphim and Spacemen" On display April 12th - May 3rd, 2008 Distinction is proud to announce the first solo show of Washington based artist Aaron Jasinski. The event will feature all brand new works created by Jasinski specifically for Distinction. Jasinski will be present for the opening reception, to be held on April 12th from 6-11pm. The event will be highlighted by live music and wine provided by Escondido's newest attraction, Vinz Wine Bar. We hope you will join us for this amazing event, which will also feature open studios by Distinctions 14 resident artists as well as original artwork by 50+ represented artists, from around the world. Distinction is now pleased to offer limited edition art vinyl toys and art books as well as in house custom framing. Jasinki grew up in Puyallup, Washington with his family, including his father who is a high school orchestra teacher and classical musician. He passed his love for music onto his son, which along with his travels has played an important role in the creation of Aaron's artworks. He received his illustration/design degree at BYU. His work has been displayed throughout the United States, Europe, and Hong Kong. Jasinski's work is full of emotion. Figurative pieces dominate his works often with a robot tucked behind a building or enveloped in the scene and occasionally a bit of humor, such as a flying dog with wings being flown by children in space suits operated by a video game controller wired into space. His work is surreal and often moody expressed through sorrow expressions and deep tones of green and brown. Jasinski has eight years experience in traditional and electronic design art. His freelance clients have included MSNGames.com, Harcourt Publishing, and Anthology Inc. among many others. Distinction is a 7000 square foot building which houses a gallery and 14 artist studios ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet. The Gallery features contemporary and cutting edge art work with a soft focus on Urban Surrealism. Distinction exhibits work by emerging and internationally acclaimed artists and is located at: 317 East Grand Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025. Please contact the gallery at (760) 781-5779 if you would like high resolution images or to set a possible interview with any of the artists. www.distinctionart.com www.aaronjasinski.com



Aaron Jasinski ""A Question for Science"" Acrylic on panel 36 x 24 inches







View full show gallery Reception Photos

Mode



May 2008

Press Statement Distinction Gallery Presents: "Mode" May 10th through June 7th A 3 artist showing featuring works by Jenn Porreca, Jeni Yang and Alex Willan Distinction Gallery is dedicated to their goal of exposing the top talents in contemporary arts to the southern California region by hosting a fabulous three artist showing entitled "Mode". This unique gathering will feature the art of Jenn Porreca, Jeni Yang and Alex Willan. The main gallery will feature numerous pieces by these industrious painter/illustrators who will be on hand for the opening to discuss their work and answer any questions. The showing will start with a reception on Saturday, May 10th, from 6-11 pm. The event will be celebrated with art, wine, and live music. Our 14 studios will be open featuring the work of local artists and our additional show spaces will be displaying the works of 50+ other well-renowned artists from around the world. Please feel free browse our new collection of art books and toys we have for purchase and don't hesitate to inquire about Distinction?s custom framing services.



Jenn Porreca

"Three Rings" Mixed media on sustainable wood 24 x 32 inches with antique frame View full show gallery Reception Photos

Destination Unknown



November 2008

Press Statement Distinction Gallery continues its grand tradition of exposing the most unique talents to the Southern California region by featuring a tri-artist artist showing entitled, "Destination Unknown". The two Canadians and Floridian share a common theme of expressing the feminine form in a pop surrealist setting, but are separated by varying styles and techniques. All three of the artists will be attending the opening reception on Saturday, November 8th from 6-11 PM and will be on hand to answer questions and discuss their work. Wine and live music will be provided so we hope you will join us in celebrating this exceptional three-artist showing. The entire "Destination Unknown" exhibition will be available for viewing through Saturday, December 6th. Distinction Gallery will also be featuring the "Sub 1K" Gallery with works priced for less than $1000 featuring renowned artists from around the world. "The Alley" will show an additional 30+ artists. All in addition to the 14 artist studios featuring 16 local artists that are always open to the public. Also, please feel free browse our new collection of art books and toys we have for purchase and don't hesitate to inquire about Distinction's custom framing services. Distinction Gallery will also be featuring the "Sub 1K" Gallery featuring works from renowned artists from across the globe that price for less than $1,000. The "Alley" will be filled with additional gems featuring an additional 30+ artists and many new works. All in addition to the 14 artist studios featuring 16 local artists that are always open to the public. Feel free browse our new collection of art books and toys we have for purchase and please do not hesitate to inquire about Distinction's custom framing services. Distinction is a 7000 square foot building which houses a gallery and 14 artist studios ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet. The Gallery features contemporary and cutting edge art work with a soft focus on Urban Surrealism. Distinction exhibits work by emerging and internationally acclaimed artists and is located at: 317 East Grand Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025. A wide variety of art books and toys are now available for purchase.





Angelina Wrona ""Never Look Back"" Acrylic on panel 24 x 20 inches



View full show gallery Reception Photos

Autumn's Delights Scott Brooks, Andy Haynes, Marie Barr



October 2008

Press Statement Distinction Gallery strives to bring the brightest and most unique artists to the Southern California region and will expose its latest finds in a three artist showing entitled, "Autumn's Delight". The displays share a common theme in the artist's ability to portray the human character while all showing an appreciation for surrealism and the importance of narrative in painted works. All three of the artists will be attending the opening reception on Saturday, October 11th from 6-11 PM and will be on hand to answer questions and talk about their art. Music, Karl Strauss Beer, and wine will highlight this event so we hope you will join us in this intense tri-artist showing . The entire "Autumn's Delight" exhibition will be available for viewing through Saturday, November 1st. Distinction Gallery will also be featuring the "Sub 1K" Gallery with works priced for less than $1000 featuring renowned artists from around the world. "The Alley" will show an additional 30+ artists. All in addition to the 14 artist studios featuring 16 local artists. Also, please feel free browse our new collection of art books and toys we have for purchase and don't hesitate to inquire about Distinction's custom framing services. The Artists: Scott Brooks was born in Flint, Michigan but currently works and resides in our nations capitol of Washington D.C.. He earned his undergraduate degree in Fine Arts which has served him well as an illustrator of several children's books. His cherubic characters resonate with a sentimental flavor that translate well into the fantasy world of childhood dreams. Much of his portraiture has a twisted sense of direction and surrealist content that allows Brooks to display something more sinister just below the surface. Known for his work in human characture, the works are a battle between the fine art of his execution and the divergent paths chosen for their dramatic effects. Aside from the obvious surrealist accents, deliberate choices, like the universal effect of having his subject's eyes set too far apart, set a sort of theme throughout the works of Scott Brooks. Like when he tackles "The Seven Deadly Sins". It's Hitchcock reworking a Norman Rockwell. "Anatomical distortions emerge at the earliest stages in the process, separating the figures from the photographic ideal. The abstraction allows me to get up close and create my own reality. Without the distractions of perfect anatomy, I explore the figure, shape and light on my own terms. The distortions I apply to the figures are recognizable, but more familiar in a different context." - Scott Brooks Andy Haynes feels creating visual art is an expressive outlet for eternal emotions and energy. In essence, his art is a concentration of painting and drawing, focusing thematically around self-healing and contemporary moral issues. These issues portray both the dark as well as the beautiful sides of youth in the fastpaced society of modern America. His studies in the human character evoke and portray a range of emotion in untraditional poses that are enhanced by adventuresome choices in surrealist accents. While guessing a works narrative is highly interpretive, the sense of story and meaning in Haynes works is easily tangible. Marie Barr is the youngest of nine children raised in Connecticut. It was her childhood competition with her siblings for art supplies that enabled her ability to improvise into mixed media. Her watercolors have a sense of "texture", especially in the backgrounds that support her subjects, that belies the medium while embracing the washed out hues they provide. Her works have a sense of whimsical confusion bordering with despondency. "As an artist, I have always been interested in people. We are all strange puppets. We should be the masters of our own fate, but instead our emotional reactions overwhelm our course of action. My art addresses our inner turmoil." - Marie Barr "Autumn's Delight" shows October 11th through November 1st. Distinction is a 7000 square foot building which houses a gallery and 14 artist studios ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet. The Gallery features contemporary and cutting edge art work with a soft focus on Urban Surrealism. Distinction exhibits work by emerging and internationally acclaimed artists and is located at: 317 East Grand Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025. A wide variety of art books and toys are now available for purchase. Custom framing is also available.



Andy Haynes "One Hour of Awareness " Oil on canvas 36 x 48 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos





Natural Selection



September 2008

Press Statement A tri-artist showing by Linda Herzog, Michael Brown and Isaac Bushkin that runs September 13th - October 4th Distinction Gallery continues it quest to expose the newest artistic talents to the Southern California region by hosting a three artist showing entitled, "Natural Selection". A theme of wildlife juxtaposed with fantasy and surrealism will dominate this eccentric showing. All three of the artists will be attending the opening reception on Saturday, September 13th from 6-11 PM and will be on hand to answer questions and talk about their works. Food, wine and music will add to the celebration and we hope you will join us. The entire "Natural Selection" exhibition will be available for viewing through Saturday, October 4th. Distinction Gallery will also be featuring the "Sub 1K" Gallery with works priced for less than $1000 featuring renowned artists from around the world. "The Alley" will show an additional 30+ artists. All in addition to the 14 artist studios featuring 16 local artists that are always open to the public. Also, please feel free browse our new collection of art books and toys we have for purchase and don't hesitate to inquire about Distinction's custom framing services. Linda Herzog was born and raised in the picturesque valleys of Salt Lake City, Utah. It was there her passion for wildlife and art was given direction. Although possessing no formal art training, she has developed a unique style she refers to as "Wildlife Fantasy". This fine art approach mixes lifelike renditions of animals placed in slightly left-of-center compositions. Often whimsical, the artists sense of humor can be found in paintings like, "Jack Pot" which features a hare posed stoically next to a chamber pot or "Mr. Chips the Puffer Fish" featuring a small dog morphed with a bloated fish. Her move to and current home in Southern California has led to the incorporation of more marine subject matter in her works. Along with a sly smile and nod to the unreal and fantastic, all of Linda's work posses a heavy literary undertone, conveying a colorful and intricate story with each painting. Michael Brown studied art in both New York and at the Savannah College of Art and Design. His studies in painting wood and wildlife forms has the rigid turning to liquid as lines bend and flow like rivers. Soft hues interplay with darker overtones to give an almost menacing glow to his subject matter. Brown's work displays a masterful command of movement and energy, wrapped in a blanket of something darker and more sinister. Isaac Bushkin is a west Philadelphia painter. Working primarily in oils and acrylics, (but known to tackle the occasional sculpture), Bushkin's work focuses on nature-centric themes. The interplay between various wildlife creatures and plants with the re-occurring skull imagery suggests cycle-of-life narrations while giving way to flights of fantasy and surrealism in the highly varied compositions. Birds, flowers and the feminine form illicit a softness that appears often in Bushkin's work that he is careful to juxtapose with skulls and other elements creating an unusual tension. "Natural Selection" shows September 13th through October 4th. Distinction is a 7000 square foot building which houses a gallery and 14 artist studios ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet. The Gallery features contemporary and cutting edge art work with a soft focus on Urban Surrealism. Distinction exhibits work by emerging and internationally acclaimed artists and is located at: 317 East Grand Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025. A wide variety of art books and toys are now available for purchase. Custom framing is also available.



Linda Herzog



"Amazing Strength Of Spokes" Oil on canvas 30 x 20 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos



I Killed Qupid



June 2008

Press Statement Distinction Gallery Presents: "I Killed Qupid" | An epic showing by Isaac Pierro that runs June 14th - July 5th Distinction Gallery strives to continue bringing the brightest and most unique talents to the Southern California region by hosting a most inimitable showing by Isaac Pierro entitled "I Killed Qupid". The artist will be on hand for the opening reception with beer (compliments of Lightning Brewery), and dj Scottie Kaotik to be held Saturday, June 14th from 6-11 PM. The entire exhibition will be available for viewing through Saturday, July 11th. Distinction Gallery will also be featuring the "Sub 1K" Gallery featuring over 100 works from renowned artists from across the globe that price for less than $1,000. "The Alley" features an additional 50+ artists. All in addition to the 14 artist studios featuring 16 local artists. Also, please feel free browse our new collection of art books and toys we have for purchase and don't hesitate to inquire about Distinction's custom framing services. The Artist: Isaac Pierro got an early start on his artistic career in Stockton, CA through a childhood necessity. Namely the need for the GI Joe figures of his beloved cartoons. Lacking the funds to procure the pricey figurines, young Isaac fashioned his own action figures out of cardboard and an artist was born. As he emerged into his teenage years, his attention turned to the graffiti scene and his own take on the intricate murals and complex lettering typical of the style. As a young adult, he left a well-paying job sticking needles and ink into people's skin and headed out for Los Angeles to pursue a more legitimate direction in art. A few years of hard work has seen Pierro's art displayed in a number of prominent west coast galleries including Copro Nason, Gallery 1988, Thinkspace, M Modern and Distinction. Specifically, his work entitled "Luigi For Sheezy" which was featured in the annual show "I AM 8-BIT" has attainted attention world wide through publication in various magazines and was featured on the KTLA (Los Angeles) morning news. The Art: Isaac Pierro's work is very character driven. His subjects often have the air of illustrations for a dark and twisted children's book. His roots as a graffiti artist can be felt through the splatters and over-saturated drips intentionally layered into the works for a more organic discomforting chaos. Forms will twist, merge, melt and bleed to provoke movement and motion. The often utilized softer pastels clash against the brooding subject matter and make the primary colors fight for dominance creating much tension and curiosity in the work of Pierro. The Show: "I Killed Qupid" is also the name of book written by Isaac Pierro scheduled to be published in late 2009. All of the artwork for this show is based on, and will be published in this book about a boy who blames all of the world's problems on misguided love and takes it upon himself to "save the world" by killing Qupid. The Questions: What was the inspiration to tie a book into this series of artwork, or are you tying this artwork into your vision for the book? Every painting and character I come up with I always create a story for. The inspiration for my first "I killed Qupid" painting came from my frustration and hate for love in my late teens and early twenties. At that time, all of my relationships and the relationships around me were dysfunctional and destructive. In the case of the original "I killed Qupid" painting I created the painting first and then the story. After I added the bear character Michael (pronounced my-kill) the story became so elaborate I decided to create a book out of it. It is set up like a children's book with illustrations on one page and the story on the other. The show will be set up similar to the book. The story pages will be hung along side of the paintings. Your bio mentions crafting GI Joe toys out of cardboard and hitting the graf scene in your later youth. To what extent do these and other pop culture influences play into your inspirations? Like most kids growing up in the eighties I was raised on television which makes pop culture a big part of my work. The graffiti influence is what really made me want to start painting. Once I started graffiti that is when I really started to learn how to use color and design. From that came the transition into fine art. Your work seems to very narrative and character driven. Have you always invented characters and worlds to entertain yourself (and others)? Yes, I have always created stories along with my characters. I read a lot of comic books as a kid. And I love the idea of a story being behind a piece of art. As an artist, what is the most difficult emotion for you to communicate within your art? Happiness. What impression do you hope to leave with viewers of your work? I'm not trying to leave any one single impression. If I can take viewers through a range of emotions, much like a movie does and possibly bring somebody to tears, I would feel like I've accomplished the goal of my story. "I Killed Qupid" shows June 14th through July 11th. Distinction is a 7000 square foot building which houses a gallery and 14 artist studios ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet. The Gallery features contemporary and cutting edge art work with a soft focus on Urban Surrealism. Distinction exhibits work by emerging and internationally acclaimed artists and is located at: 317 East Grand Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025. A wide variety of art books and toys are now available for purchase. Custom framing is also available.



Isaac Pierro "Portrait of a Killer" Oil on canvas 14 x 11 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos





Project 57



August 2008

Press Statement Distinction Gallery Presents: "Project 57" Honoring Charles Leslie Walker A group showing to benefit the Lewy Body Dementia Association running August 9 - September 6, 2008. The auction has ended, but there are still a few great pieces available $15,000 to be donated to the Lewy Body Dementia Association. Distinction Gallery wants to thank all of our participating artists, sponsors, and collectors for helping to make this dream a reality. Please see The North County Times article about this fundraiser. Information about the auction All pieces are created on 5 x 7 inch wood panels. Show will be held in the style of a silent auction with most pieces beginning at 50% of retail. We will be taking bids online, by phone, and at the gallery. Every effort will be made to keep the bids synchronized. Please check back frequently to see if you are still the high bidder. The auction has ended. Winners are posted in the current exhibition portion of our website. Information about Lewy Body Dementia Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a progressive brain disease and the second leading cause of degenerative dementia in the elderly. Lewy bodies are abnormal proteins deposits that disrupt the brain's normal function. In the brain stem, the proteins deplete the neurotransmitter dopamine, causing Parkinsonian? like symptoms. In other parts of the brain including the cerebral cortex, acetylcholine is depleted, causing disruption of perception, thinking, and behavior. LBD onset is typically between the ages of 50 and 85. The symptoms, medicine management, and duration of LBD vary greatly from person to person, but the average duration is 5 to 7 years. No definitive treatment or cure for Lewy body dementia has been discovered. Information about Distinction Distinction is a 7000 square foot building which houses a gallery and 14 artist studios ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet. The Gallery features contemporary and cutting edge art work with a soft focus on Urban Surrealism. Distinction exhibits work by emerging and internationally acclaimed artists and is located at: 317 East Grand Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025. A wide variety of art books and toys are now available for purchase. Custom framing is also available. Please contact the gallery at (760) 781-5779 if you would like high res images or to set a possible interview with any of the artists.



Jenn Porreca "Black Sheep 2" Mixed Media on wood panel 7 x 5 inches



View full show gallery Reception Photos

Vamperina



July 2008

Press Statement Vampirina is an 11 and a half-year old girl who is a vampire and loves ballet. With over a hundred years of experience, she has greatly honed her ballet skills. The dilemma arises when she cannot perform on stage in London because of her age. She has to be 12. Therefore, she is bitter, pissed off, and misses her family very much. She prizes her beloved pet cat. When she sleeps, she has strange dreams.







Christopher Polentz







Cathrine Edlinger-Kunze







Linda Herzog







Elena Karavodin







The exhibition will run from November 4 - December 6, 2014















Aaron Jasinski







Valency Genis









Luis Lorenzana "Attack of the Love Suckers" Oil on canvas 24 x 19 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos

The Shadows of Dreams



March 2018

Press Statement





Casey Weldon "In The Pines" Acrylic On Wood 40 x 30 inches View full show gallery Reception Photos









Mailing Address: 317 E Grand Ave Escondido CA 92025 | 760.707.2770 | email us Copyright © Distinction Gallery. All rights reserved.



web design by imd.