Paintpushers

Ben Schuh’s solo exhibition, “Making Lemonade” opened today and will be up until Dec. 15th at the Iowa University Pioneer Room. A reception will be held Nov. 21. For more information visit Ben’s website.

“Seventy Two” is the merging of the styles of the eleven artists of Paintpushers and one special guest, working together to make one massive display. Each artist is responsible for 12 feet of wall space to make 144 feet of continuous art work.

The artists are:
Kristin A. Aulwes
Kristine Clemons
Kathryn Downing
Molly Free
Claudia Cole Meek
Charlotte Redman
Jacqueline Roate
Mike Roate
Ben Schuh
Hasan Tosunbegovic
Chris Vance
Julie VandeBerg

Fitch Gallery is located at 15th & Walnut in downtown Des Moines. Admission is free. Food and wine provided during the reception from 5 to 9 pm. For further information about Fitch Gallery call 515-770-3810, or visit http://www.paintpushers.com

Name: Julie VandeBerg
Age: still turning 29
School attended/ing:n/a
Degree:graphic design.
Occupation:painter
Statement about your work:I use paint, paper and magnets in a layered, colorful, handcrafted way to create interactive fun.
Influences (artists, genres, etc):childrens art, graffiti and anything that floats my boat
Fun Fact:I never thought in my whole life I would be excited about tools. Now that I am working in woodworking to my art, I fell in love with a drill press. hee hee

How did you get started in the arts?ever since I could hold a pencil I was started.
How did you find your style? Has it changed since you started? I am continously finding my style. i think i’m the kind of artist that may never, but i’m ok with that.
Do you have a gallery? Why/why not?I have shown my work the last 2 years at the Great Frame Up in West Glenn shopping center. I will have a one man show in August at this location. I cuurently have a show hanging in Andy’s Frame shop on Ingersoll Ave through the end of july. Also one piece hanging in the Iowa Heritage Gallery Downtown Des Moines.
What was one of your favorite paintings? Ironically…a self portrait. My first attempt to paint on a gesso board as well…
What do you enjoy most about your work? feeling good about accomplishing a great piece and making people laugh when they read my silly stories that I incorporate in my work.
Describe your work setting. my dining room
Do you have side projects you work on? yes, currently I paint on baby onesies, they are called vandebaby’s. a spin off my last name. They are really fun and a good way to be not so serious…
How do you maintain balance in your life between work and play?that is a good question, i still don’t know the answer…can someone help me?
Do you ever have creative slumps? What do you do then? all the time, getting out my sketchbook and going back to the basics of art helps me a lot
What do you do for fun/when you’re not working? going to music festivals, walking my huskies, watch a good movie, watching charmin toilet paper commercials with those cute bears, not really, i hate commercials.
Any advice for others who are pursuing creative goals? be proud of yourself. set goals. don’t procrastinate. open your mind to new ideas. come to a paintpusher meeting…it’s very inspiring.