After 18 years @ 545 Sutter St., my benevolent landlord has decided to remodel the Westphal Building and raise the rents. There is no rent control for commercial decisions like this. As a result, the building is currently vacated by all the tenants . Artemis Gallery is now virtual and is seeking another exhibition / retail venue to keep the fine art culture alive. All of the tenants here in the Westphall Building are in a state of shock as can be imagined by this twist of fate.
To all my friends, fellow artists, and patrons, I had a fantastic time making award winning high-tech couture, jewelry, and sculpture in this magical space. Naturally, I will miss it very much. We all had wonderful times when my studio evolved into Artemis Gallery during the openings!
My Fine Art, Fine Craft & Other New Endeavors
" Gold Dove", a beautiful necklace, hand constructed from gold , recycled computer connector pins ( in the shape of three large gold dove wings), was juried into an art exhibition at the Marin County Civic Center Faire and took the honor of 1st prize. At the same time in San Jose, Costa Rica, I was honored to be included in an international exhibition titled ; " The Curators' Choice". The show was a juried exhibition at the Arteum Museum. I have also taken to free lancing articles on fashion and they can be seen in the Marinscope Newpapers May 8th issue. I profiled Valerie Montgomery's," Yeah Baby" boutique along with four other women in business profiles and had a wonderful time writing. I also wrote the fashion column for The Black Rock Gazette on playa wear. I shall do more of that in the future so stay tuned.
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Welcome to the Atelier of Famous Melissa and Co!.
This site is devoted to the arts and the exhibitions of Artemis Gallery.
In Feb. 2002 I evolved my small art atelier into a salon like space called Artemis Gallery. As an archer, I felt this name appropriate to the enviornment. Sculptor, Joe Slusky was instrumental in this choice.
I have had the honor to work with amazing artists to date. Artemis Gallery has shown international artists, as well as emerging local talent.
I have had the pleasure to work with a cast of characters: Richard Godfrey of LA; Rolando Castelleon, museum curator for MOMA, Berkeley, and Oakland Museums now residing in his home country of Costa Rica; Sculptors Joe Slusky, professor @ UCB; Bill Wareham and Joe Di Stephano, both visiting professors and men carrying on the traditions of our mentor Peter Voulkos; brilliant photographers such as Barbara Traub, Joegh Bullock, Jeanette MacKinnely, Jim Lechi, and the "rebel with a cause" the late Chet Helms.
Many have reveled in Artemis' space.
Artemis is a bridge gallery for those that have shown here
There is no doubt in my mind that fine artists offer the viewer a "soul-full" taste of their visionary world; a most interesting feast of their minds-eye and the enviornment that surrounds them.
As for me, I am a sculptress known for pioneering computer chip electronic fashion, (haute-tech couture), and electronic jewelry since the infancy of the desktop computer.
Enjoy the site, there will be much more to come very soon.
Famously,
Melissa
Famous Melissa's Movie Star Ocicat , TIGGER
Tigger was cast in an indie feature film " CARMA " by local young filmmaker, Ray Arthur Wang at www.rawpp.com .
Tigger played the part of STANLEY! Tigg is a STAR ! "CARMA" is now released and has been invited to a few very highbrow festivals: Cinquest , Sundance , to name drop a few!
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MY FINALE EXHIBITION @ 545 Sutter St. 2006
ROLANDO CASTELLON - "An Alegria Holiday"
21st Century Artifacts and Mixed Media Drawings
aka Crus Diablo Alegria - Int'l Award Winning Artist / Curator
Also miniatures by Diana Barquero Perez in the "CADMIOS" Micro Gallery!
reception Dec 22 - show Dec 22, 2005 - Jan 22, 2006
The Art of Tom Panages
Famous Melissa's brother
"Italian Studies" from Rome, Florence, and Milan, circa 1972
Oct 1 - Nov 15, 2005
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* Exqusite fine craft mported from Bali * A unique collection of fine crafts from Ubud, Sannur, and Depensar.
masks, hair ornaments, necklaces, and other finely crafted accessories
Bali Journey : April to May, 2005
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previous exhibit
" BOHEMIAN CHICKS "
a group exhibition of female bohemians
Curated by DeeDee Russell April 7 - May 15, 2005
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previous exhibit SOLD OUT SHOW !
Dear Chet, neighbor, dear friend, and fellow artist
mason at bush streets Atelier Dore undone its window reflects you, still
peace and good bye smoke a fat one on me now sit HIGH on its cloud
interferion noirs angles in blanc all around introspection hues
i watched you hold strong yet we both knew not for long your time almost gone...
did what I could do a sellout of your show, "MAN" ! now your maker can
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Chet Helms was an amazing gentleman and friend. Artemis is honored to have been the finale to Chet's digital photo exhibitions while still alive. Please visit www.digfotos.com to review the beautiful digital works he created.
" WOMAN " Feb 2004 "MAN" Mar. 2005 You may also visit : www.familydog.com
CHET HELMS " M A N "
Feb 4 - Mar 31, 2005 Digital Portrait Photography www.digfotos.com ___________________
Previous Exhibit
"Oily Chef Salat"
An international view of American politics
Dorit Edler and Kenneth Tin-Kin Hung
Nov 4 - Dec 31, 2004
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When I Was a Smurf
Previous Exhibit
When I Was a Smurf
An introduction exhibition of emerging fine art students. The featured artists are Olof Aspelin,Juri Ueda, Brishen Mahoney, Shelby Ulibarri, Chris Curtis, Anthony Kurtz, Mark Zimmerman, Brett Amory, Andy Mcpherson, Julie Wu, Jessie Hazelip, Daniel Rojales, Antonio Armasen, and Richard Rodda.
July 1 - Aug 15, 2004
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For further information, please contact Famous Melissa @ 788-1866
More Exhibitions curated by Melissa Panages
June 2004 "A Renaissance Man" - Tom Panages - solo show - drawings May 2004 "Art-Rageous" DeeDee Russell - solo show - mixed media Feb 2004 "Woman" - Chet Helms - solo show - photography Dec 2003 "Shibui Arrows" - Melissa Panages - solo show - sumi painting Oct 2003 "Zen Squared" - Richard Godfrey - solo show - paintings and bronze Sept 2003 "Neurotic Erotic" - Cliff Colver - solo show - paintings July 2003 "Introduction Show" - Olof Aspelin & Juri Ueda - paintings April 2003 "Neo Columbian Artifacts" - Rolando Castellon - solo show - mixed media / mud Dec 2002 "Occular Curiosities" - Chip Sullivan -solo show - mixed media Nov 2002 "Sensual Illuminations" - Terry Whistler - solo show - paintings June 2002 "Fossils" - Joseph Slusky - solo show - steel sculpture / drawings April 2002 "DeeDee Russell Presents" - solo show - art to wear / paintings March 2002 "By the Grace of God" - Jeanette MacKinnley & Jim Lechi - 911 survivor show Feb 2002 "Love's Mysteries Revealed" - group show - paintings and sculpture
