Expose Yourself 2013! A Public Hanging of Oregon Artists 'Exposing Themselves?' Sandi Whetzel Exposes Three Wine Inspired Paintings During A Public Hanging of Oregon Artists

"Stroked Ego" 16x20 acrylic©Sandi Whetzel

'A public hanging of Oregon Artists exposing themselves' ... Now if that doesn't get your attention, I don't know what will. Sounds frightful and maybe a little distasteful to me, but of course, Umpqua Valley Arts Association doesn't mean that literally.  It's UVA's biennial "Expose Yourself" exhibit of Oregon artists and it is free and open to the public from January 18 through February 28, 2013.  It is actually billed as "A Public Hanging of Oregon Artists", though.  I didn't make that up.

Please forgive my paraphrasing ploy to get your attention.  If you're reading this far, I guess it worked. It's kind of like what I do with my art.  I have to get your attention and hold it long enough to engage you on some level.  Everything I paint is designed to do that and more. My art has to make you feel good, or inspired, or peaceful, or grounded; entertain you, impress you and those who see it on your walls, spark conversation and make you feel glad that you have it hanging on your wall.

My art is a reflection of some part of me that resonates with some part of you.  I work very hard on that reflection of myself. I guess I'm in an "expose yourself" mood, but I just couldn't resist sharing that little tidbit before a captive audience.  Before I lose you, though, I'd love to see you at the opening reception of "Expose Yourself" at Umpqua Valley Arts Association, from 5-7 pm, Friday, January 18, 2013.  It is located at 1624 W. Harvard Ave. in Roseburg, Oregon.

My three wine paintings will be competing for "Best Use of Humor", "Most Innovative Use of Material", "Size Matters", and "Best Title".  I created these paintings without this competition in mind, but they do meet the criterion for the categories, so who knows.  The main thing is, it should be a fun evening, seeing all the submissions and taking part in the refreshments offered.

I shared this stylized self-portrait, "Stroked Ego", in this post because I don't often get the opportunity to share it and it just seemed to fit the "Expose Yourself" theme. This is the only self portrait I have done.  I enjoyed painting it. It hangs in my office and I can look up from my computer and see her smiling at me whenever I want.  She makes me feel good about myself and she never judges me. To see the actual photo of me that inspired it and read the story behind the painting, click here .

Late breaking news!!  I have a new website to order high quality reproductions of my art printed on various substrates; paper, gallery wrapped canvas, metal, or on acrylic panel, as well as greeting card art.  You can now order online and have them shipped directly to you. The company that reproduces the art has 40 years experience producing museum quality prints.  Fine Art America offers a 100% money-back guarantee of satisfaction.  Matting and Framing of the reproductions are available, too, so you can see how those options will look before you purchase.

You can see all the wine art reproductions (and original art) at my new website  .  (If you want to make note of it, it is Sandi-Whetzel.artistwebsites.com.)  Time permitting, I'll be adding all my floras to the website, too.  Please keep this affordable art option in mind for your gift-giving and personal art collection. I'd love it if you share the website with your friends and relatives.

Other news:  Once again the "Greatest of the Grape" has picked one of my images to promote the event March 2, 2013. This is the third time they have used my image for this prestigious event. My "Grape de Menthe" painting is on the posters, postcards and tickets to promote the event.  A high qualityhand-embellished reproduction on gallery wrapped canvas will be auctioned off during the evening gala.  I am the featured artist hanging my wine art at the event.  For event and ticket information click here                                                           
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 To see more of Sandi's art, visit her website .