☀️Announcement: stART Grant /  by Lex Gjurasic

I can finally announce that I’ve been awarded a 2024 stART Grant from the Arts Foundation of Tucson and Southern Arizona!

Over the summer I was awarded this grant for my project “Steam Dreams: Elevating Silk Painting with Technology".” The stART Grant is essentially an extension of my silk painting journey started in 2023 with an R+D Grant from the Arizona Commission on the Arts to learn the skills and techniques.

Steaming is the process in which dye permanently adheres to the silk. With the support of this funding I am now able to paint with dye on skin at a large-scale and properly treat them using an Upright Electrical Steamer. Until now I have been steaming silk the old fashioned way on my stove top in a tamale pot, a process that can be tenuous and time consuming.

Big THANK YOU the Arts Foundation of Tucson and Southern Arizona for making my steamy dreams come true!

Check out the pic below of me with my new beautiful steamer.

Mapping Q 2024: Still Queer After All These Years /  by Lex Gjurasic

I’ve been meaning to tell y’all about the work I have currently on display at the University of Arizona Museum of Art but I’ve been dill-dallying to do so! I’m proud to say these two pieces have been chosen to be included in the exhibition “Mapping Q 2024: Still Queer After All These Years."‘

I’ve been honored to have participated as an educator in the dynamic Mapping Q program in the past. This exhibition is the transient culmination of 10 years of Bothe student and educator art.

I’ve also included screenshots of a recent story the local news did about the exhibition.

Watch the full story HERE.

Thank you to UAMA and Chelsea Farrar the curator of Community Engagement for including me!

Exhibition runs till January.

Image courtesy of University of Arizona Museum of Art

Image courtesy of University of Arizona Museum of Art

Night Bloom Grant 2024! /  by Lex Gjurasic

Big News!

I’m super excited to announce that myself and my collaborator Eli Burke have been awarded a Night Bloom Grant from MOCA Tucson and the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. It’s an honor to have had our project Urgent Care Art chosen to be funded along with a group of other amazing artist with interesting projects.

Urgent Care Art is a Queer focused pop-up exhibitions project that brings underrepresented voices into unconventional spaces. Eli and I both look forward to a fun year of planning and exicuiting powerful exhibitions because of this grant award.

Please follow along HERE

https://www.instagram.com/urgent_care_art?igsh=NnNjcWIyZnJ6Z3Ay&utm_source=qr

Yard Dog Gallery in Austin, TX /  by Lex Gjurasic

Hey ya’ll, welcome to ‘A Flowery Forever’ a solo exhibition of new paintings at Yard Dog Gallery in Austin, TX.

I won’t be there for the reception tonight but it you are in the area please drop by and tag me in your photos!

All the art is available online too. Check it out here!

A Flowery Forever

May 31 - June 29

New paintings by Tucson AZ artist Lex Gjurasic.

In the gallery and online May 31

https://www.yarddog.com/collections/lex-gjurasic


Opening Reception
Friday, May 31
7 - 9 pm

Also I still have a couple cute ‘Meadow” paintings available in the 16th Anniversary exhibition at Practical Art.

Link HERE and HERE to see more!

Meadow 2, 8x8”, mixed media on panel, 2023

Meadow 1, 8x8”, mixed media on panel, 2023

NOOWORKS Launch Party @ElBeGoods /  by Lex Gjurasic

We were so excited to share my new print “Meadow” from NOOWORKS with ya’ll that we decided to throw a party, and El BE Goods is hosting!

Come by El Be Goods THIS Saturday, March 30, 5-8pm.

El Be Goods is in the Mercado District at 160 South Avenida del Convento STE 192, Tucson, AZ 85745

Enjoy some bubble, sweet treats, art and see the clothes in person! Also, Luna and Saya made a limited edition of earrings that match the print! Those will definitly go quickly!

See you then!

If you aren’t able to come here is a link to the NOOWORKS website so you can see what is still available..

NOOWORKS x Lex Gjurasic! /  by Lex Gjurasic

Bags outta the cat! About this massive collab I did with NOOWORKS!

My print “Meadow” is based on a painting I made (currently on display at the Scottsdale Public Library in the exhibition COLORLOVE.) “Meadow” is a lush, grassy and flowery design that I like to describe as like military camouflage but for weirdos that like to roll around in the grass of city parks while micro dosing mushrooms- if you get it , then this is the print for YOU!

NOOWORKS does drops of various styles so you either gotta keep en eye on their IG, get their app or check their website to be in the know to purchase…and I know you want to get some of this print before it’s gone!

Read this sweet interview with NOOWORKS about my art and this collaboration!

Hello Colorado! (And don't forget 5 Points) /  by Lex Gjurasic

Recently a friend of mine that lives in Colorado was like, you should get with a gallery in Colorado so you can have art in Colorado…then the VERY next day Neufolk Gallery reached out to me and asked if I would include work in this exhibition.

All work is available through them.

CLICK here for more info.

The exhibtion “Drawing Curiosity” aims to broaden an understanding of the act of drawing, which is always a sum greater than its parts: ink, paper, and artist. Here, we examine drawing as a state of mind. Of wonder, awe, and play. From wind blown fabrics, to polaroids, to paper pulp forming lines, the artists in this exemplify the old adage that “the strongest minds are the most curious.”

“Drawing Curiosity” opens December 16 with a reception from 1-6 pm, free and open to the public. The show runs through January 13. This show will be cash & carry. neu folk is operating out of the Evans School (1115 Acoma St. Denver, CO) in room 220. Outside of the opening reception, viewing is by appointment only.

Also, my work currently up at 5 Points has been extended on display through the end of January! So if you haven’t had the chance to go see it and grab a bite this message is for YOU.

All work is available though me. If you see something you like send me a message.

PS Don;t forget this fun pop-up on the 23rd~ come through!!!

Pop-up, prints and other fun stuff /  by Lex Gjurasic

YO!

I know I said I wasn't going to be at any pop-up’s this year but I lied. I am going to be popping up for all your last minute Holiday gift needs. And I’m bring it ALL— paintings (big, small on both paper and panel) PRINTS, photos and tote bags!!! Join me and a bunch’ other cool venders on Saturday, December 23rd 12-5pm at the Arizona Poppy Shop, 150 South 4th Ave.

It’s a SALE SALE SALE. No reasonable offers will be refused!

CLICK HERE for info on the Arizona Poppy Shop and the other vendors.

Flower Phantasm, 16x22”, gilcee print on paper, 2023

Edition of 11

And get this, I MADE prints!

After people inquiring if I have prints of original work for YEARS and me saying NO! I wsa asked by Hey There Projects in Joshua Tree if I had some for their print exhibition ‘BITE, STRIKE, BURN’ and I said YES! I made a limited edition of 11, 16x22” giclee prints of Flower Phantasm. ‘BITE, STRIKE,BURN’ is on display at Hey There Projects in Joshua Tree, CA now through January, 11 2024.

CLICK here to purchase!

Wet Grass I, 36x36”, mixed media on panel, 2023

Lastly, I curated a show with Scottsdale Public Art! COLORLOVE is a vibrant exhibitions that showcases a ton of exciting Arizona artists as well as myself! The exhibition will be on display January 8- March 30, 2024 at the Civic Center Public Gallery at 3948 North Drinkwater Blvd. inside the Scottsdale Civic Center Public Library. There will be an opening reception and artist meet and greet on Thursday January, 11 at on 4-5:30pm.

Hope to see you!

MORE INFO HERE.

HOLY MOLY (DOUBLE) STUDIO SALE! /  by Lex Gjurasic

When I was contemplating what to do for my online studio sale this year I started thinking about having not one but TWO sales. Then I thought, fuck it, I’ll just DOUBLE up on sales AT THE SAME TIME! I know, its nuts.

The first sale is a MYSTERY SALE of handprinted found vintage photos.

What does Mystery Sale mean? Well, I have a handful of paintings on vintage photos in the sale and when you email me at gjurasicpark@gmail.com with MYSTERY in the subject line I pick a piece special for you. I’m basing it on your vibes (and IG lol)

Each hand painted photo is $50 plus $5 for shipping. Shipping can be bundled for multiple purchases. Locals are welcome to pick-up for free! If you aren’t familiar with my Flower Mounds on photos then CLICK this link to check them out and maybe see one that might end up being yours!

And the second sale opportunity for you is my annual Studio Sale. Every year I offer YOU my newsletter subscriber first dibs on the sale for the first 24 hours.

So starting NOW you can CLICK this link to go directly to the HOLY MOLY STUDIO SALE! And if a painting catches your eye quickly email me at gjurasicpark@gmail.com with STUDIO SALE in the subject line and let me know the NUMBER associated with the painting you want and we can go from there…

Each painting in the HOLY MOLY STUDIO SALE is only $100 plus $5 shipping. Of course shipping can also be bundled for multiple paintings and locals can definitely pick up. Each painting int he sale is mixed media including iridescent ink, 5.5”x4.2.5”, on beautiful bright green paper.

If your purchase is a gift I can mail directly to your loved one!

Sales start NOW and runs through 12/2!!!

But YOU only have 24 hours of first dibs till I turn this sale over to the masses on the internet!

So hop on it!

RADICAL HAPPINESS on Arizona Illustrated /  by Lex Gjurasic

Recently while my exhibition Flower Mounds was still on display at the Tucson Botanical Gardens I had the oppertunity to chat with Arizona Public Media’s Arizona Illustrated about my current work. Arizona Illustrated is literally one of my favorite shows on TV! The result is this fun piece about my art, my life and my personal philosophy of Radical Happiness.

Thank you to my dear friends Kathleen Glasgow for lending your sweet words to describe me and Laura Copelin for taking the time to be so thoughtful and insightful about my work. I appreciate you both so deeply.

The full episode of Arizona Illusrated will air this Sunday, 11/5 on Arizona Public Media at 6:30 pm but you can watch it below now!

Thank you to Ozlem Ayse Ozgur for your tender touch in creating this piece, Danny Sax always catching me in the kindest light and Andrew Brown for making dreams come true!

Art Party This Saturday! And a Podcast. /  by Lex Gjurasic

Just a note to remind y’all about the opening reception at 5 Points THIS Saturday evening, 11/4 from 5-7pm. Here are some exciting photos of the work installed to entice you to be enticed to come!

5 Points is located at 756 South Stone Ave. Tucson, Arizona.

Also, this week I sat down and had a fun chat with Heather with the Wander and Muse Podcast. We discussed an array of topics such as Let’s Make a Deal, Laffs Comedy Club, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, Miranda July and Pool Noodles. You can listen to the podcast on Spotify HERE and Apple HERE.

Just a heads up for the impending Holidays, I will not be participating in any markets with the exception of ONE on Saturday, 12/23 at the Arizona Poppy Shop. I’m doing this only be cause I love Sonoran Rosie so much!

My annual online Studio Sale will be later this month though! I’m thinking November 24- December 2. More info to come! And as always you as a newsletter subscriber will get first dibs on sale items.

You are always welcome to make an appointment to come by the my studio.

I’d love to see you this Holiday season🎁💝

New Work @5Points! /  by Lex Gjurasic

It feels so warm and fuzzy to be returning to 5 Points! The last time I had work up there was at the very onset of the pandemic and after only a few weeks on display I had to take it down early because 5 Points had to to sadly shutter their doors. What a time that was! And to be returning again with new work, that really grew during the time of isolation, is a gift.

Please join me in person on Saturday, November 4th from 5-7pm at 5 Points, 756 North Stone Ave. in Tucson to enjoy the art and have fun flowery drink specials!

If you can’t make it to the event my work will be up November 1- January 2…and the food is ALWAY good.

Chillin at the Chul🌞🌵 /  by Lex Gjurasic

I just installed these over sized “Dead Head” flower sculptures and levitating daisies too at Tohono Chul Gardens. Tohono Chul invited me to create this temporary immersive installation to heighten the vibes of their (FREE) Chillin at the Chul event. Chillin at the Chul is every Friday and Saturday event starting this weekend and running though September. Go by and enjoy the art and the gardens, live music and the rattlesnakes!

More info HERE.

And I will be posting official installation photos on my website soon! There is no doubt I’m a hit with the botanical garden crowd!

#tohonochillin

Everybody Gallery /  by Lex Gjurasic

Super stoked to be included in this dynamic group show at Everybody Gallery here in Tucson, AZ.

Everybody has been showing cool work for a while now and I’m beyond excited to be working with them. In this group exhibition I will have a trio of gloopy-gloppy flower mounds that I made at the beginning of the pandemic. If you are in Tucson I hope to see you at the opening reception on Saturday, May 6th, 6-9pm.

Everybody Gallery, 437 East Grant Rd.

More info HERE.

Welcome to my backyard! /  by Lex Gjurasic

Super excited to welcome Tucson locals to my backyard at 3403 East Pima for a fun afternoon of art!

On Saturday, April 1st I will be opening my backyard up from 11am-4pm to the community, as will many of my other neighborhood artists in other gardens, to help fundraise for traffic calming in the Palo Verde Neighborhood. And it won’t just be me in my backyard, exceptional ceramists Ursula Basinger and Sara Curtiss will also be hanging out and selling their beautiful crafts.

A full map of all the open gardens will be posted on our neighborhood website and will be able to be picked up in person at the Loft Cinema, a raffle of donated art and items will also be at the Loft.

Truly, I invite yall to show up and enjoy the afternoon. Bring a bottle or snacks and just come hang out. If it’s hot come in your bathing suit and swim.

I will be setting up an array of the HUGE styrofoam flower sculptures that were recently at TMA so there will be plenty of IG photo oppertunities, lol.

Please enter through the side gate to my backyard in order to enter on Jones St. which is also probably the best place to park.

More info above and HERE which includes all the other artists involved so you can get super excited too.

See you soon!

https://www.paloverdeneighborhood.org/events/art-in-the-gardens

Unititled Gallery /  by Lex Gjurasic

I’m so honored to be asked to include new work in the spring invitational exhibition ‘Passages’ at Untitled Gallery here in Tucson. The exhibition opens Saturday, March 4 with a reception from 4-9pm during the monthly Art Walk. Untitled is located at 101 West 6th St, Ste. 121.

Other artists in the group show include:

Inna Rohr

Nicola Marshall

Will Whitehouse

Emily Hallowell

Dennis Wunsch

Rosanna Salonia

Neal Novak

Greg Wallace

I will be displaying a large painting and a buncha’ smalls.

Come by and see all the cool work!

BIG NEWS! x2 /  by Lex Gjurasic

As some of you may know last summer I began experimenting with painting with dye on silk. Having been inspired by a friend who is a silk painter and encouraged by mentors and colleagues to try, I took a lesson with a Master Silk painter. I also applied for a couple grants to further this practice on the local narrowly by a just a hair not being awarded them. With the encouragement of Yurika Isoe at the Arts Foundation of Tucson and Southern Arizona and with the help my boss and friend Harrison Orr n at MOCA Tucson I applied for the R+D Grant from the Arizona Commission on the Arts.

I am so proud to announce I’ve been award the grant!

It was a slog of a process x3. And a first for me professionally. So for all those who have been part of the chorus asking me to make my paintings on fabric you are going to get your wish!

Thank you to the Arizona Commission on the Arts for investing in me as an artist, specifically Kesha Bruce for looking over everything I intended to submit as well as everyone else in my community that supported the grant writing process.

New stuff to come in 2023!

Link to the official announcement HERE.

Below is an example of a preliminary piece of my working on silk.

ALSO, after years of applying I am excited to announce that I have been accepted into the White Collums registry for artists. White Collums an online registry and gallery space located in NYC with a specific focus on artists not represented in New York City.

It is a total honor to be included.

Link to the White Collums HERE.

Infinite Flower Web, 21x21”, dye on silk, 2022

LEX in LUXE Magazine /  by Lex Gjurasic

Photo by Puspa Lohmeyer for LUXE Interiors + Design

Photo by Puspa Lohmeyer for LUXE Interiors + Design

Recently I was asked by LUXE Interiors + Design Magazine to be profiled in my studio. I welcomed Bisbee, AZ based photographer Puspa Lohmeyer, whose work I’ve admired for years, to my studio for a fun afternoon and then chatted at length with writer Deborah Bishop about my art, specifically focusing on my sculptures made from styrofoam.

I’m proud to share a few photos from the piece here and the issue is on newsstands and available in a digitally now!

Big thanks to Shannon Sharpe at LUXE for roping me into this project! It was a ton of fun!

Photo by Puspa Lohmeyer for LUXE Interiors + Design magazine