Spotlight Artist 2024

Kathleen Bartl

October 30 – November 25

Although I have experienced many mediums in the art world, I have really only seriously expressed myself in two. From childhood until later in life, my expression has been drawing animals. Be it in pencil, oil crayon or ink, the commonality was every work was complete void of color. From field trips to drawings in college, all subjects were animals and their lines were black. The only change was the quality of my drawing paper and the pen and ink I used. I’m from a family of artists with immeasurable talents ranging across the artistic spectrum. This never swayed me. Drawing animals with realistic perfection was my only goal, and this goal was mind numbing.

Recently, a life altering accident changed everything for me. Suddenly I was looking for a new way to express myself artistically. Sadly, this wasn’t at all easy. I tried all the mediums on and none of them fit. After years of results without satisfaction, I stumbled into CLAY! I knew clay from throwing pots, I didn’t explore clay as a hand builder. I FOUND MY SPORT!

Now with no small muscle control pounding clumps was second nature and shapes emerged. Cuts made brows, rolling produced eyes and lumps created cheeks.

The more pieces I made, the sooner I began to see a character emerge. I found a duck, a giraffe or even a rabbit grew into their own. Suddenly I began to see each animal with a tilt of it’s head, glance of her eyes or a smile of their face begging to tell a story only they knew and were willing to share.

The narrative of these animals give them their whimsy and sadness that everyone sees. This is their joy, and it is one I never get tired of sharing as each day passes.

1zebra.jpeg
blackfishbest.jpeg
bobfam2.jpeg
elephant!!.jpeg
fullfrontzebra.jpeg
GIRAFFEMOM.jpeg
goatface.jpeg
greeneyes4.jpeg
operarabbit.jpeg
turtlefront.jpeg
blufishfront.jpeg

Want to participate in the Spotlight Artist program

Join The Artery's Spotlight Artist Program!

For fifty years, The Artery has been a dynamic hub of artistic expression and community collaboration. As a proud cooperative, we have nurtured countless talents and celebrated diverse artistic visions since our founding in 1974.

We're thrilled to announce our new monthly Spotlight Artist program, launching this March 2024! We invite artists to submit their work for consideration, offering a chance to showcase their creations in our gallery and beyond.

Why Participate?

  • Gain exposure
    Featured artists will have their work showcased in our gallery, customer newsletter reaching over 1200 subscribers, website, and social media channels.

  • Connect with the community
    Our gallery attracts art enthusiasts from all walks of life, including the vibrant crowd during downtown Davis ArtAbout.

  • Sell your art
    Participating artists can also opt to have their work available for sale on our website, with no additional costs.

How to Apply

Interested artists can request the submission form here. Once submitted, your work will undergo a screening process for approval. Please note that the medium, style, or theme should align with our commitment to offering a diverse range of artistic expressions.

Get in Touch

For more information or to discuss specific requirements, please leave a message at (530) 758-8330 to be contacted by our Spotlight staff.

Don't Miss Out

Space is limited, so apply early to secure your spot! Your participation will be contingent upon approval and completion of our contract.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to collaborate with us and showcase your art at The Artery. We can't wait to see your creativity shine!