Arts DEVO

Calling for art Please email all submissions c/o Arts DEVO to jasonc@newsreview.com. Looking for any slightly off (or completely messed-up) representations of pets, people, clowns or some combination of all three. Selected works will be published in this column accompanied by humorous/horrified commentary and/or will be printed, photocopied and pasted across windshields, storefronts and works of public art around town. (But probably just the first thing.)

Oh, and for those without the stomach for that specific challenge, here are some other opportunities for local artists to get their work out there.

• Healthy kids’ art: Opt for Healthy Living, the local nutrition-education program, is seeking works by kids ages 5-18 that represent physical activity, nutrition and healthy living for its Growing Healthy Children Walk and Run. Deadline: March 16. Call 345-2483.

• Bookmark design: Butte County Public Library is accepting bookmark designs for grades K-3 and 4-6 with the theme “Libraries Are an Open Book.” Submit to Chico branch at 1108 Sherman Ave. by March 29.

• Chikoko’s Spring Bizarre Bazaar: The eclectic fashion/art collective is accepting a limited amount of applications for tables of bizarre and unique works in a variety of media for its spring bazaar. Visit www.chikoko.com for details.

• Earth Girl calling: Dorothy Vosse’s Earth Girl Art (3851 Morrow Lane, Suite 2) is going to be busy March 31 with her Eclectic Artisan Festival and Art Contest. Crafters of all kinds can get in on the fun by renting table space ($30), and artists are invited to enter the Eclectic Art Contest ($10/per entry, deadline March 23). Visit www.earthgirlart.com for more info.

• Chico Art Center: The gallery is always featuring local-art exhibits, and the next two shows on the horizon are the Creative Fusion exhibit for junior-high and high-school students (opening March 31) and all-women Contemporary Woman exhibit (opening May 26). Visit www.chicoartcenter.com for details and entry forms.

• Permanent art: Catalyst Domestic Violence Services is accepting applications from local artists to receive an award of $10,000 to create a permanent outdoor piece that recognizes contributors to the Leaf-A-Legacy campaign. Contact Molly Heck at 343-7845 for more info.

• Sexxxy art: The frisky folks of RayRay Gallery are accepting works by artists 18 or older for The Real Erotic Art Show, a juried art show, with prizes! Visit www.rayraygallery.com and submit.

• Iconic art: Avenue 9 Gallery is moving its popular Chico Icons group show to the summer, and the theme this time around is: “Endangered Icons.” Deadline for applications is June 30. Visit www.avenue9gallery.com for prospectus.

A parting thought I got an email invitation from the Birdhouse to their upcoming St. Patrick’s Day show featuring young folk/blues musician David Jacobs Strain, and it got me thinking. This will be the third show at the Forest Ranch house-concert venue in seven weeks. And while I do realize that the county has made the decision that the area along the private gravel roads that lead to the venue are not under its jurisdiction when it comes to event permits, piling up so many shows right off the bat seems a little insensitive to the many neighbors who protested the concerts and the crowds they attract to their roads. We all know people who’ve moved out to the canyons and hills on the outskirts of town—from Concow to Forest Ranch to Cohasset—and many are out there specifically to get away from being around so many people. I love music and love to see as many local venues (house or otherwise) as possible to help support it. But it’s worth remembering that, as many local people as there are enjoying each Birdhouse show, there are just as many who are not.