It’s gonna be a fun week in the artworld….there’s lots going on…Check out my article in Artillery Magazine. I had the chance to interview artist Eric Nash who currently has a show on view at Skidmore Contemporary Art. The ehibition just got extended through November 23rd.

I also want to point out there are some fabulous shows taking place on Friday…such as Nick Busco’s work wil be feataured at haleARTS S P A C E and there’s another all women exhibition at Broadway Art Space. Then Saturday, the art of Sona Mirzaei will be part of the Branded Arts art auciton and benefit. Plus there are more incredible shows at Bergamot Station as well as another fun art party at Word is Art Gallery.

Now back to the Pick of the Week….Yes it’s an ALL WoMEN ehxibition entitled “Women Rock.” Let’s face it men come and go, but your girlfriends will always be there… There is nothing more empowering than women supporting other women. It is a force to be reckoned with.

This Saturday, November 16, the Jeanie Madsen Gallery honors women with a new exhibit entitled “Women Rock.” “I wanted to feature an awareness event empowering other women,” affirms Madsen. The event started small, then it took on a life of its own. She continues, “It was actually an idea from Laurel Rosen, President of SM Chamber of Commerce to do an all women’s show with O.W.L. and use all women artists…it snowballed into this great Awareness Event about Women empowering Women.”

Contemporary artist Brooke Harker will have several works featured in the all female exhibition. “I am blessed to have amazing women in my life who are a huge source of love and joy,” remarks Harker. “I believe that connecting with other women is essential for a healthy soul. Girlfriends have always been a huge priority in my life. They make life worth living.” See an article in the Santa Monica Daily Press about Brooke and the new exhibit.

This past week, when Harker dropped off her paintings…something that every artist dreams of happened. She explains, “Within an hour of the delivering the paintings to Jeanie, I recieved a call that she had already sold “Grauman’s Chinese Theatre” as she curated the exhibit. Apparently the painting had only been on the wall for five minutes before a couple walked in and made the purchase along with one of Jeanie’s. The painting will still be in the exhibit before it gets shipped to it’s new home.”

See image: Chinese Graumans Theatre by Brooke Harker (sold within an hour of being hung for the show).

As any gallerest can attest to, Madsen admitted that “it spoke of the quality of her work. Both Harker and Madsen agree…it’s a great way to enter a show.

Harker reveals that her close friends have always encouraged her to follow her dream of being an artist. “I am thankful everyday for the women who share their worlds with me and help me keep life in perspective. Through laughter or tears, reminders that come from girlfriends can help any career. Women in my life have stepped up to offer their help in supporting my art career in infinite ways that overwhelm me with gratitude.”

Harker in turn, is also is a big supporter of other her friends and other artists. “I keep a list of artists whose paintings I dream of having one day, ” says Harker. “When I find an artist or painting that resonates with me deeply, I feel like I can breathe better…and I am thankful that there are so many artists on the planet.”

Madsen can also attest to support she receives from her close friends. “I honestly would never be able to do what I am doing and having the fun I am having with them… My motto is surround yourself with people that build you up and nurture you and whom you also want to build and nurture.”

The opening reception for “Women Rock” takes place this Saturday from 6-9 pm at the Jeanie Madsen Gallery. Artists include: Brooke Harker, Helena Gullstrom, Tamara Leigh, Lauren Szabo, Jennifer Verge, and Robyn Horton.

On view: Nov 16th – Dec 31st

Rsvp required (limited space) jeanie@jeaniemadsengallery.com

What: Opening reception
Where: Jeanie Madsen Gallery 1431 Ocean Blvd., Santa Monica, 90401
When: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Phone: 310-393-7436
Website: http://www.JeanieMadsenGallery.com