Caffè Fiorè - fiore, Italian for blossom or flower - at Third West and West Galer virtually bloomed Oct. 2 with the artist's reception and opening of the Anne Baum-gartner Collage Exhibit, "Sing," which runs through Nov. 1.
Each of the individually and intuitively designed pieces brightens and greatly enhances the painted walls and woodwork and enlightens Caffè Fiorè patrons with collaged colors and carefully chosen words, drawings, numerals, phrases or small found objects that spark and inspire thought and long, repeated contemplations. You will want to return at least several times to let these restfully stimulating beauties stir and reveal new reflections and considerations. I suggested to Caffè Fiorè that they keep on permanent display at least three or four of these collages for customers to enjoy and revisit over their cups of brew and tasty treats.
Baumgartner prefaces her exhibit by quoting artist Marc Chagall:
"If I create from the heart, nearly everything works; if from the head, almost nothing."
In Baumgartner's own words: "These pieces come from deep down and I tried - sometimes successfully - to bypass my head. They symbolize a spiritual journey of sorts ... looking to follow and not control. They talk about my love for color, text and space. They arrive after months of showing up to mix paint, draw, cut, find and rearrange. Now your connections will add to their story. With many thanks to my wonderful family for cheering me on and hanging with the clutter. I am truly blessed."
Most professionally but deceptively simplistic or easy-appearing, with drawn, painted areas arranged with other pieces, these complex collages so inspire the viewer, motivate him or her to try and do art themselves: collect those scraps of paper, found objects, paint, draw and combine. On birch board and canvas with acrylic paints and more, Baumgartner creates and allows our minds to derive again and again new meanings and pleasures taken from viewing and reviewing her art each visit.
A native of Seattle and graduate of the University of Washington, she has done art commissions and taught art for many years, both children and adults. Currently she wears many "hats": very devoted to and enthusiastically involved with family as wife to Dan Baumgartner, pastor of Bethany Presbyterian Church on Queen Anne Avenue North; mother of three (middle school, high school and college ages), and teacher of art at Coe Elementary School, art education at Seattle Pacific University and art workshops for adults and children at Bethany Presbyterian. She also continues doing individual artist commissions. Her personal script alone is unusually beautiful, fashioned in the simplest, most elegant form.
Do not miss this exhibit. You will be richly rewarded for your visit to Caffè Fiorè and want to visit again and again to view Anne Baumgartner's art in the warm, welcoming, roomy but cozy atmosphere with beverages.[[In-content Ad]]
