It promises to be a busy weekend at the Art Lab.

Bohemian Nights at New West Fest kicks off Friday night. Three Twins will be playing just down the street from Art Lab Friday night; Melissa Etheridge on Saturday; and Ozomotli plays Sunday. Live music right outside our door — gotta love that. We’ll be busy in the Art Lab showcasing the work of several local artists: Dave Gordon and his metal sculptures (read below); Elizabeth Morisette’s wonderful DIGEST installation; and Michael Hardister’s 30-year retrospective. All that, and we’ll be helping the Center for Fine Art Photography promote their current teen photography competition.

Stop by and say hi.

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Contemporary Metal Sculptor
is hands on at the Art Lab
Fri. & Sat., August 14 & 15

Dave Gordon wandered into the Art Lab after Brew Fest and asked how he could get involved. A few emails later, and Dave is set to show off his artwork at the Lab. Visit Dave’s MySpace page for more photos and info.

Here’s what Dave had to say about his metal work:

My history with metal work goes back about fourteen years, when I was first taught to weld. Immediately, I was hooked in the art of fabrication, welding and body work on vehicles and such. More recently I’ve turned my attention to making contemporary art that is aesthetically appealing and unique. Using metal does present its own challenges, as the medium is very unforgiving if errors are made. My works can’t be easily duplicated and I take pride in knowing that. My inspirations come from knowing spectators can admire the pieces wondering how it was made. It would take the same amount of time with the same tools, in order to reproduce it. However, no two pieces are ever exactly the same. Each tool teaches you skill with use, with a threat of taking off a finger as well. My favorite by far is the Planisher. The design it is simple; two round hardened steel dies about an inch across permanently mounted across from each other, with one side smashing the sheet metal in between from the power of an air hammer. Its what dives my work the depth and definition in things, such as eye balls and rounded panels. Each use inspires me to advance my skills and create new designs. I like walking into a furnished room and being impressed by wonderful piece of art work, and I hope my work can do that for you. I feel the Art makes the room, an empty room with a piece of art doesn’t give life to the work. So I walk the line and try and make my art reflect that.

my space.my face.my story.

Center for Fine Art Photography telling
a youthful story at Art Lab
Friday, August 14th and 22nd

If you’re a 12 to 18 year old, and interested in photography, the Art Lab has a treat for you. We’re helping the Center for Fine Art Photography spread the word about their upcoming photo contest for teens. Stop by the Art Lab to hear all about it. In the meantime, here’s the skinny:

• open to everyone between the ages of 12-18 in Northern Colorado
• submit a maximum of 10 photos any time through the summer
• photos of your self, friends, your home, your stuff that describes you and who you are
• tell your friends, start taking photos and submit!
• select entries will be featured in a gallery show and prizes awarded.

For more info visit www.c4fap.org

Submit your photos to the Center for Fine Art Photograph by Aug 31