In a dramatic break from paint and color, the Art Depot has selected Joe Neri, a talented woodcarver, as the next featured Artist of the Quarter. Neri’s never before seen material will be exhibited at the Art Depot, located at 16822 Spring Street from Monday, October 13 through Friday, December 12.

Joe Neri

Joe Neri is a wood sculptor who selects a variety of woods to add texture, tone, and color to his work. He most enjoys creating vessels which he sees as metaphors for life.

“How do I give vessels meaning? I use common woods such as walnut, maple, and birch to illustrate a common condition,” explains Neri, adding “wood is a material with life and a great capacity for individuality.”

Neri’s most recent showcase was at California State San Bernardino where his showpiece was a detailed chess set.

“As an artist, I use absurdity to demonstrate troubling social problems. This show was my study of the human condition, an attempt to make visual commentary that will stay with the viewer,” says Neri.

Giving individuality to each piece is the artist’s way of replicating life in art. “It is vital that vessels are unique like people,” adds Neri.

Family Art Day

The Family Art Day, on Saturday, October 18 from 3 to 5 pm is a quarterly event celebrated by hundreds as they enjoy a period of demonstrations with questions and answers from the featured artist, and learn a few new techniques through the interactive activities. Live entertainment will be the Michael Sullivan Duo a fun, energetic jazz band that will have everyone moving to the beat as they create their own pieces of art.

Wood Burning is the perfect compliment to a day of studying wood art. Participants will receive instruction on how to burn an image or word onto wood. The technique is ideal for those who have or are developing a steady hand and keen eye. Styles vary depending on the tools and materials used as well as the artists techniques.

Three Prisms offers an appreciation of lines that distinguish color and light. Working with math and science, visual forms are created. The art work can be two or three dimensional.

Each of these fun and informative hands’ on activities are available on select dates throughout the year at the Open Studio. The Friday and Saturday art event is now $3 per person. To make a reservation for a specific time, please call the Art Depot at (909) 356-7185 or attend the Family Art Day to experience several free Open Studio sessions in one afternoon.

Save the Date

Saturday, November 15 features Colors of the Dragon, this year’s theme for the annual Art in the Park at the Art Depot. The fun all day art event features artist demonstrations, live entertainment, sales of art work, art workshops, open studio events, and an art auction. Last year nearly 1500 people attended, so make sure to arrive early in order to take a look at the more than 30 exhibitors. The event is open to the public from 11 am to 5 pm.

Friday, February 6 is Cruise Night and the Art Depot is adding to the family fun by hosting the quarterly Family Art Day, featuring Upland artist Josh Hunt at the event. Cruise Night offers great entertainment for the whole family and by incorporating the Family Art Day people will have an opportunity to take part in two of Fontana’s most well known events. For more information about Cruise Night or the Family Art Day featuring Josh Hunt, please call (909) 428-8360.

For details about the upcoming Family Art Day featuring Joe Neri or to view the Refinished Product exhibit, please visit the Art Depot at 16822 Spring Street, Tuesday through Thursday from 10 am to 8 pm, Friday from 10 am to 5 pm, or Saturday from 1 pm to 6 pm. Information is also available online at www.fontanarecreation.org.