DT Fine Art

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In the popular imagination, the word surreal has changed from its original meaning of a revolutionary approach to interpreting the world into a synonym for the unusual. A new exhibition on Surrealism at the Vancouver Art Gallery opening Saturday manages to include both meanings right from the start.

In the first exhibition area is a massive First Nations housepost, the left arm missing and the coloured paint on its oversized face mostly worn off. Its so big and dominant, it makes the room feel cramped, just on the verge of being oppressive. On the left and in front are two paintings: the naked torso of father figure with his eyes closed; the other, a statue-like male being held like a child in the arms of another father figure with a third man drawn loosely in the background. In-between, another First Nations object a beautiful headdress whose abalone shell inlay flickers silver and blue in the light. In the corner is an oversized black and white photo image directly on the wall showing the nearby headdress in front of a wall of books in a study.

The room brings together apparent opposites: painting and sculpture, aboriginal and European. Although weve come to see the work of the aboriginal people of BC as art, its rare to see it displayed on an equal footing in an art gallery alongside traditional forms of non-aboriginal art.

The pieces in the room are also arranged to illustrate an key aspect of Surrealism itself. In an effort to break through so-called civilized barriers and access new sources of creativity, Surrealist artist championed innovative techniques such as collage to bring together unrelated elements to spark new connections. Standing in the first entrance room was like standing in the middle of a three-dimensional collage: it made me make a new connection about Surrealism which happens to be one of the major ideas behind the exhibition The Colour of My Dreams: The Surrealist Revolution in Art.

Until this exhibition, no one had really studied the links between the art of the Northwest Coast and Surrealism. For guest curator Dawn Ades, one of the worlds leading authorities on Surrealism, the importance of the connection grew as the exhibition itself developed.

The first exhibition area is a kind of teaser for whats to come. While both paintings predate the official start of Surrealism in 1924 with the publication of Andre Bretons Manifesto of Surrealism, theyre considered Surrealist family members.

One of the works is Max Ernsts Pieta or Revolution by Night, a self-portrait of the artist in the lap of his father. On the wall on the left is Giorgio de Chiricos The Childs Brain, a haunting work that so excited Breton when he first saw it from a bus in the window of a Parisian gallery that he scraped together the francs to buy in 1920. It was in his collection until he was forced to sell it in 1964. Shortly after, he bought the Kwakwakawakw Peace Dance headdress which is right beside the de Chiricos painting in the exhibition the same one that sat in Bretons studio which is shown in the enlarged corner photograph.

The initial room brings together works from the Moderna Museet in Stockholm, the Tate in London, England and the Umista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay. Its an example of the kind of visual surprises and links throughout the exhibition that features 350 works from public and private collections around the world.

The two Kwakwakwakw works at the start are among about 14 works from seven First Nations groups in BC and Alaska. Further on in the thematic development are more aboriginal works, including several stunning Yupik masks from Southwest Alaska that look otherworldly compared to traditional Northwest Coast art. Theyre part of a section on the Surrealists such as Kurt Seligmann and Wolfgang Paalen who collected art and travelled to the Northwest Coast.

One of the ideas that Surrealists focused on was representing the landscape of the mind which Salvador Dali depicted with realistic depictions of dreamlike states and spaces. One of the small gems in the exhibition is a painting by Dali with the absurdly long title Gala and the Angelus of Millet Immediately Preceding the Arrival of the Conic Anamorphoses, a work that creates a typically Dali-like space populated by a figure wearing a red lobster on its head holding open a doorway to an interior space topped with a miniature copy of Jean-Francois Millets The Angelus which Dali believed was full of repressed sexual themes. Gala is a strange, weird painting even without knowing any of the art historical references.

While Surrealism is often criticized for its male portrayal of women, Ades has addressed that both by ending the exhibition with several striking maternal sculptures by Louise Bourgeoise and including several strong works by women. One of the most striking is Edith Rimmingtons The Oneiroscopist, which means an interpreter of dreams. It shows a birdlike figure with a long beak and talons seated on a platform above the clouds. The solitary figure is in profile wearing an early version of diving gear, the round, bell-shaped headpiece lying on the platform by its side. Its a work that suggests someone whose head may be in the clouds but is ready to dive and explore the hidden depths below the surface.

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*Top: The Childs Brain by Giorgio de Chirico. From about 1920 to 1964 it was in Andre Bretons study

until he had to sell it, in part for financial reasons.

*Bottom: Peace Dance headdress (artist unidentified) from the Kwakwakawakw. After The Childs Brain was sold,

Breton bought the Peace Dance headdress which he often stared at duringhis final years before he died in

1966.

Both works are next to one another at The Colour of My Dreams: The Surrealist Revolution in Art

at the Vancouver Art Gallery.

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The early book on Jon Mitchell has been all about the splendid resume and the connection to savvy political war horses like Rosemary Tierney.

But his debut press conference announcing his run for mayor of New Bedford on Wednesday revealed a man who though he had checked off all the right boxes on the issues and scored high on the what school did you go to and what jobs have you held categories came making the mistakes of a political novice.

It wasnt that Mitchell arrived more than a little late to his own press conference (shades of Langtime). And it wasnt that he delivered a serious, though vague, speech in an artificial style more reminiscent of 30-years-ago politics than today.

It was more because Mitchell came with an approach that hearkened back to old-style New Bedford ways.

On his first official day as a candidate for mayor of New Bedford, Mitchell surrounded himself with political handlers who can only be described as retread city politicos the kind of folks who always seem to be on the make for a city job or an opportunity to weasel themselves close to power.

So there was David Oliveira, a city lawyer who comes out from the dark at election time and who has succeeded in the past in getting on the city dime to do lobby work in Washington for a couple of different mayors.

Oliveiras role at Mitchells debut?

To shut down press questions quickly. After just two questions were posed, or less than four minutes into Mitchells talk with reporters, Oliveira shouted Last question!

Last question?

There had only been three short questions to begin with at this dog-and-pony show.

And then there was Mitchells chosen campaign manager, Lynn Poyant she of WBSM talk-host fame and wife of former city treasurer Dan Patten. Poyant tried to shut down the press conference even before Oliveira did she knew I had already been asking questions about Mitchell and her husband.

Patten, you may remember, was the treasurer/chief financial officer who newly elected Mayor Scott Lang moved to strip of his CFO title, and reduce his treasurer salary, just after he took office.

Mitchell on Wednesday said he hasnt talked to Patten at all about city finances, never mind about charges by supporters of former Mayor Fred Kalisz that Mayor Scott Lang spent down a $20 million surplus built up during the Kalisz administration.

Odd.

That you wouldnt talk to the husband of your campaign manager about a guy who might have as good a handle on city finances as anyone.

Dont worry about Dan Patten, though. After running into the same kind of problems faced in New Bedford in Fall River City Hall, he landed on his feet as the chief financial officer for the New Bedford Housing Authority. Can you spell good political connections?

Poyant herself, of course, has recently been in the market for a good job at a good wage. She was laid off as the operations director for SMILES in December (was there ever a New Bedford charity more top-heavy in salaries and more light in delivery of actual services?) and is now being paid $2,500 a month as Mitchells campaign manager.

Obtaining that information out of Poyant was like pulling teeth not a great sign for a campaign trying to be straightforward. You make up your mind if Poyant is likely to end up as a Mayor Mitchell press spokesman and Patten as a CFO/treasurer.

Also on hand at the rather Irish-heavy Mitchell press conference were the following political animals on government payrolls: Tax Title Attorney Blair Bailey, Assistant City Solicitor John Markey Jr. and Assistant District Attorney Tom Hunt.

Thats how Jon Mitchell launched his campaign for mayor of New Bedford. Very much like a novice, but with ah … good connections.

Readers can contact Jack Spillane at jpsillane@s-t.com.

EL PASO, Texas — Fort Bliss is looking for a new, fun way to help soldiers returning from overseas overcome stress. So its no surprise officials turned to enthusiasts of one of El Pasos popular pastimes, cycling. Now, soldiers can learn the outdoor sport as part of the nationwide Warrior Re-entry Program.

We want to introduce them to the sport of mountain biking, said Charles Lauser, a mountain biker and creator of Green Leaf Pedicabs, the human-fueled taxi company based in Downtown El Paso.

Lauser is the instructor for the mountain bike course exclusively for soldiers recently back from battle. He lent bikes to the dozen who showed up for the class, held near Chuck Heinrich Park in Northeast El Paso.

Honestly, I havent rode a bike since I was like, 10, said Spc. Holly Stovall, after strapping on her safety helmet. But its pretty easy. You just remember right away.

The course started off with a quick run-through of how to handle downhill riding on dirt. Lauser swiftly maneuvered his bike through the orange cones set up in a sloping curve. Make sure you gain enough speed going into it, he called out to the soldiers who cautiously followed his man-made bike trail.

The course may seem like all fun, but the deeper goal is to help these soldiers switch gears mentally, from fighting on the front lines to returning to civilian life.

Were just trying to give an outlet to them, said John Limon, the outdoor recreational specialist at Ft. Bliss. You dont necessarily have to be in a firefight or a nasty battle to have stress. You can do other jobs and come home and that still is there.

A number of soldiers who have fought in Iraq or Afghanistan have found themselves on the wrong side of the law in the months after their return to Ft. Bliss. The most prominent example is that of Edison Bayas, the soldier convicted in 2009 in the drunk driving death of Valerie Talamantes, 19. Bayas had said he was suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and was undergoing a flashback to his time in war when he slammed into her car at a red light on Montana and Hawkins on December 29, 2007.

Both Limon and Lauser agree that relieving the stress is important and necessary — and its all about finding a way to do it that wont affect those surrounding them.

They dont always have to go out to a bar to have a good time, said Lauser. They can come out to the trails and experience a healthy sport.

The warrior reentry program is not mandated by post officials. Limon and Lauser hope enough soldiers sign up for the mountain biking course to continue it in years to come.

With the yo-yo weather this spring, a recent adventure was
rained out, so we found ourselves visiting Cabela’s, the hunting
and all-things-outdoors superstore in Lehi.

And, yes, this sporting goods giant has everything from fishing
poles — my daughter honed in on a pink Barbie beginner fishing pole
to take on a future fishing trip with her grandfather — to hunting
gear to camping equipment and even home furnishings (this is the
place to find a chandelier made out of antlers). But Cabela’s also
has a miniature museum/aquarium, if you will.

A two-story tall display of taxidermy animals from moose and
mule deer to badgers and foxes, sits in the center of the store.
Arctic animals are included here, too — my 3-year-old son Caleb’s
favorite was the giant polar bear standing up on its hind legs.
Five-year-old Grace liked the bear covered in bees reaching for
some honey from a hive hanging in a tree. You’ll find this one when
viewing the display from the second floor. A mountain lion also
caught my children’s interest, especially the closer view from
upstairs.

A small pond of fish sits at the bottom of the display, and a
coin-operated machine of fish food is available for kids to feed
the fish.

A second display features African animals. Lions, a zebra, a
warthog and others are on display in a “savanna” scene.

The aquarium is a pathway with nearly floor-to-ceiling windows
full of big fish. Caleb liked pointing out the fish with funny
eyes, whiskers or big fins.

Complete your adventure in Cabela’s restaurant — elk burger? Or
maybe something a bit less exotic.

If you just need to get out of the house, take a trip for a
little animal viewing and gear browsing.

Jamestown Sun

Dakota Recreation Report

May 20, 2011

Patricia Stockdill

Outdoor Notes:

Paddlefish season now closed with snag-and-release at the confluence only through Tuesday.

Missouri River wing walls closed to access due to high Garrison Dam releases.

June 4 5: Free fishing weekend.

June 8: Deer gun and muzzleloader applications due.

Tournaments:

Saturday: Devils Lake: 6-Mile Bay; New Johns Lake.

Sat. Sun.: Jamestown Reservoir.

May 28: Devils Lake, East Bay.

June 4: Lake Audubon; Missouri River tailrace; Devils Lake, East Bay, Vince Herding Youth Fishing Derby, Red River, Kidder Recreation Area, Wahpeton.

Fishing:

Devils Lake elevation, May 18: 1,454.05 feet above mean sea level (msl).

Stump Lake elevation, May 18: 1,453.77 msl.

Lake Sakakawea elevation, May 18: 1,849.5 msl; 52,000 cubic feet per second average (CFS)Garrison Dam daily releases.

ND Game Fish Dept. Dist. Game Wardens: Dry, Red Willow, Bordulac, and Stump lakes all slow or little activity. No report from Devils Lake. Water levels finally starting to recede on some, but not all, lakes and rivers. Docks and fishing piers are just now starting to get in place on many area lakes. Fishing activity continues warming up as water temperatures start to warm. The best fishing continues to be in backwater bays for panfish and northern pike. Work inflow areas and exposed lowhead dams on area rivers. Some activity on the Red and Sheyenne rivers in the Fargo area. Missouri River running fast but some walleye success around Washburn and south around the Steckel Landing.

Devils Lake, Ed’s Bait Tackle, Devils Lake: Walleye success remains spotty but look for improving activity with warmer water temperatures. Try pitching small jigs or Lindy rigs with leeches in shallow water along the bottom around rocky structure or moving current. Most anglers are working Mauvais Coulee or 6-Mile Bay.

Devils Lake, Lakeview Lodge, Devils Lake: Wind and weather permitting, a few more anglers are getting on Devils Lake with occasional walleye and northern pike. Try 6-Mile Bay bridge.

Devils Lake, West Bay Resort, Minnewaukan: Wind, weather, and cool water temperatures limiting fishing activity.

Devils Lake, Woodland Resort, Creel Bay, Devils Lake: Some walleye activity around the north end of 6-Mile Bay and the bridge. Look for improved success with warmer water temperatures. Work shallow in warm water areas and pitch jigs shallow.

Goose Lake, Harvey: Fair for northern pike with good lake access.

Harvey Dam, Harvey: Slow with a winter fish kill.

Jamestown Reservoir, Dan’s Sooper Stop, Jamestown: Weather permitting, lots of anglers starting to get on the water but limited reports.

Jamestown Reservoir, Pioneer Bait Shop, Jamestown: Anglers are on the water but no reports.

Lake Ashtabula, Bayshore, Valley City: Lake levels generally back to normal with docks now in place and campgrounds open. Not many anglers out yet, however. Those going are getting occasional smallmouth bass.

Missouri River, Dakota Tackle, Bismarck: Missouri River docks now removed in the Bismarck-Mandan area due to high water with several ramps unusable. Try small area lakes or Lake Oahe with the river running so high and fast.

Red River, River Keepers, Fargo: Water still high in the Fargo area and ramps remain closed. Some shore fishing but cooler water is limiting catches. Boaters are using landings on the Red River in Wahpeton. Try working areas off the current for good success.

Pipestem Reservoir, Dan’s Sooper Stop, Jamestown: Docks aren’t in place yet with limited activity so far.

Pipestem Reservoir, Pioneer Bait Shop, Jamestown: Some activity but limited reports.

Spiritwood Lake, Dan’s Sooper Stop, Jamestown: Fair for nice-sized smallmouth bass.

Spiritwood Lake, Pioneer Bait Shop, Jamestown: Fair for smallmouth bass.

North Dakota river levels and streamflow, May 18:

Baldhill Creek, Dazey gauge: Creek stage, 7.74 feet; 205 CFS.

James River, Jamestown gauge: River stage, 11.62 feet; 1,870 CFS.

James River, Grace City gauge: Streamflow, 643 CFS.

Pipestem Creek, Pingree gauge: Creek stage, 7.77 feet; streamflow, 350 CFS.

Red River, Fargo gauge: River stage, 20.19 feet.

Sheyenne River, Cooperstown gauge: River stage, 12.9 feet; streamflow, 1,120 CFS.

Sheyenne River, Valley City gauge: Streamflow, 1,780 CFS.

Sharp-tailed grouse observation blinds. Call for free reservations:

–Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge, Pingree, 285-3341.

–J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge, Upham, 768-2548.

–Lonetree WMA, Harvey, 324-2211.

–Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Moffit, 387-4397.

Numbers to know:

ND Game Fish Department, main Bismarck office: 328-6300; website: (http://gf.nd.gov).

ND Game Fish Department, Jamestown office: 253-6480.

RAP, Report All Poachers: (800) 472-2121.

US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bismarck, website: (www.fws.gov/northdakotafieldoffice).

Tags:
getting outside,outdoors,recreation,hunting,fishing

The budget numbers in the Mayors May revision are closer to the spending limit. The unpaid debt less of a concern, Sanders took it upon his shoulders to save recreation centers and library hours.

Recreation centers will stay open 40 hours in a week. The hours at eight city libraries, one in each city council district, will go back up to 36 hours a week.

Higher than expected taxes and saved tax revenues came in handy. The transient occupancy tax (TOT) money hotels take in from guests and pay to the city grew during a recovery period the hospitably business is starting to thrive again and is on track to grow again next year.

Gas taxes that were in last years budget were not needed and will be on hand for this years spending on streets work. Proposition 42 funding that had to be spent during the last budget year was used for the streets work gas taxes typically pay for, making it possible to pay this years streets bill with last years gas taxes.

Additional revenue came from savings on a renogotiated contract with the San Diego Airport and part of the money brought in by the sale of the World Trade Center building. Savings from managed competition are already beginning to count in the budget balancing.

On this weeks episode of The Real Housewives of Orange County, the ladies take a trip down to Gretchen Rossis hometown in Texas for some deep-fried Southern home cookin!

While they joke about having to hit the gym extra hard after an afternoon of pigging-out on BBQ, the conversation is no laughing matter for Alexis Bellino.

For the first time, Alexis spills about her eating disorder on camera. She explains its been an uphill battle her entire life, but that shes learned to cope with it over time. What a brave move to finally come clean about her struggle after so many years!

You can catch the rest of her courageous confession on The Real Housewives of Orange County when it airs on Bravo tonight at 10:00 pm!

Katie Moore
Catch Up On Last Weeks Episode Of Housewives:

Heres what youll find this weekend at the areas local race tracks.

131 MOTORSPORTS PARK
On track: Youll definitely be thunderstruck when you take a trip over to Martin today and Saturday. Records are predicted to be broken this weekend during the 28th Annual Thunder Nationals. For the second year in a row, the Thunder Nationals will be run over two days. Action begins today with the return of the fastest accelerating race cars on earth, the 300 mph. Top Fuel Dragsters, which could easily turn in sub five-second laps over the Martin quarter mile.
Some of the 8,000 horsepower Top Fuels expected this weekend include former IHRA World Champion Bruce Litton of Indianapolis, Scott Palmer of Branson, Mo., and the Golden Greek Chris Karamesines of Chicago, competing now six decades. If you remember him, you, like me, remember the so-called golden days of drag racing.
The weekend also includes injected Alcohol Fuel Dragsters topping out at 270 mph, a jet-powered semi and wheelstanding local guy Brian Gortney in his Wagon Wheelie.
The Lane Automotive Bracket Series is going on as well. People can make time runs and enter into a special Gamblers race in preparation for Saturdays race for a weekend rate of $70 for car and driver and only $20 for weekend crew.
Tickets: Today tickets are $12. Adult Saturday tickets are $25 at the gate and $20 in advance at us131msp.com while children are $7 ages 6-12, children younger than 6 are free. For more information, call the track at 269-672-7800 during business hours, Monday-Friday 9 am-4 pm or visit us131msp.com.
How to get there: From Holland, take M-40 south through Hamilton to Allegan. Turn left at N. Cedar Street. Take first right onto Monroe St. and continue on M-222 10 miles to 12th Street. Turn right on 12th and go two miles to track.

BERLIN RACEWAY
On track: Its the USA Modified Spring Showdown at the famed Marne (almost) half-mile oval. The night also features the Coors Light Late Models, Engine Pro Super Stocks and Burnips Equipment 4-Cylinders.
Tickets: For this event, $10 for adults and children 11 and younger are free. Order online at berlinraceway.com or call (616) 662-2051 Tuesday through Thursday or (616) 677-5000 on race days.
How to get there: From Holland, take I-196 to M-11 (28th Street, Grandville). Go west through Standale to Remembrance Road, then turn left, entering I-96 and exiting at the Marne exit (Exit 23). Follow the signs.

KALAMAZOO SPEEDWAY
On track: Its Low Dough Nite at the Zoo on a Saturday night that includes the rescheduled Pro Stock Spring Fling 35 and the Cyber Stock Goat Roper 25. The Spring Fling 35 will be a $450 to win race for the Pro Stocks while the Goat Roper 25 will be a $200 to win race for the Cyber Stocks. The Outlaw Super Late Models will be the featured division and will see Phil Bozell try to hold onto his point lead with several challengers hot on his heels as they tune up for the Lane 75, which will be run next Saturday. Racing begins at 7 pm
Tickets: $9 for adults, $5 for teens and children 9 and younger are free. Go to kalamazoospeedway.com/schedule.php for information.
How to get there: From Holland take M-89/M-40 south to US-131, then south to D Avenue exit (Exit 44), then west one mile to Ravine Road and south 300 yards to the track.

I-96 SPEEDWAY
On track: The World of Outlaws Sprints Series invades the track this weekend along with UMP Modifieds running on the half-mile track. Pit gates open at 2 pm Grandstands open at 4 pm, practice begins at 5 pm and racing is scheduled to start at 7 pm
Tickets: $12 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for children ages 6-12. A family ticket (for two adults and two children 12 and younger) is available for $30. Call (616) 642-0555 for more information.
How to get there: From Holland, take I-196 east to M-6. Take M-6 east to I-96. Take I-96 east to exit 64. Go south 12 mile, then west on Portland Road to the track.

Aaron and Aleena Roeschley want to pedal for a cause that’s
close to their hearts.

A year and a half ago, one of Aaron’s students at Rio Rico High
School, Delia Gonzalez, 17, was diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a
rare blood disorder.

To raise awareness about Delia’s disease and other bone marrow
disorders, the couple will begin a tandem bike ride across the
country on May 22.

Aplastic anemia is a disease of the bone marrow. It comes when
the bone marrow stops making enough red blood cells, white blood
cells and platelets for the body. People with severe forms are at
risk for life-threatening infections or bleeding.

“We didn’t know anything about it until someone we knew was
diagnosed, and many people have never heard of it either,” said
Aaron, 29.

The teacher and his wife, 22, were planning to take a trip
during the summer, once she graduated from the Eller College of
Management at the University of Arizona.

But the couple wanted the trip to have a purpose. And even
though they both have relatives who suffered from diseases like
cancer, they decided to raise awareness about Delia’s illness. The
Roeschleys also have gotten to know her more as leaders of a
Christian group.

“You think of so many things being done for cancer, but a lot of
people don’t know about this,” Aleena said. “It’s more interesting
to not just get people to donate, but to spread awareness about
it.”

The couple’s goal is to raise funds to benefit the Aplastic
Anemia amp; MDS International Foundation as it searches for a cure
for this disease and other bone marrow disorders.

Their goal is to raise $3,000. So far, they have raised $1,100
through a website they’ve set up for the trip. As they journey,
they plan on talking about the disease and handing out bracelets
and pamphlets.

It will take 40 days and about 3,000 miles for the Roeschleys to
complete their journey, which will start in San Diego and end in
Savannah, Ga.. The couple will fly back home.

“We are hoping to go through Phoenix, then Austin and stay
there, and we are hoping to go to New Orleans, too,” said Aaron,
who already has biked across the country once before.

Nights will be spent at campgrounds, with family and friends, or
in hotels, Aleena said. The couple will attach a trailer to the
bike to carry camping gear, a tent and sleeping bags. They plan to
bike 80 miles a day.

Marta Gonzalez, Delia’s mother, said it’s such an honor that the
Roeschleys want other people to know more about this.

Because the couple isn’t leaving from Arizona, there will be a
send-off party today at Marta’s house in Tubac.

The party is open to the public and there will be drinks and
food. People are encouraged to bring their bike and ride with the
couple on a 3-mile or 30-mile loop.

“We are just so proud they are going to do this,” Marta said.
“We know more about cancer, but there are other diseases than just
cancer.”

Contact reporter Mariana Alvarado at 573-4597 or
malvarado@azstarnet.com