I am pleased to share that We Hunt the Doe was awarded first place in the All About Women virtual exhibition organized by the Marin Society of Artists.

All About Women is a nationally juried virtual exhibition featuring work about women by 84 artists from 22 states. The collection of work was juried by Josh Otten and Josh Paquette of J. Willott Gallery in Palm Springs, California. 

The collection of works are viewable in an alphabetical slideshow here or you can peruse still images here. 

This week I bid farewell to 'We Hunt the Doe' as she embarks on her journey with Atelier 4 to Washington D.C. to the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery for the final round of judging in the Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition 2022. 

The finalists will be announced publicly in spring and exhibit in Outwin 2022: American Portraiture Today, followed by a national tour. 

A big thank you to both the National Portrait Gallery, Atelier 4, and Kevin and Angel of Atelier 4, for exceptional experiences working together :-)​

Ourself Behind Ourself, Concealed, from my I Believe in Ghosts series, is exhibiting for the first time in a group exhibition at Verum Ultimum Gallery in Portland, Oregon. From the organizer: "Chasing Ghosts V is a collection of art that pierces the veil through remembrance, legacy, and beyond."

Experience the works in person or online here. 

Chasing Ghosts V from October 25 - November 28, 2020
Verum Ultimum Art Gallery
3014 NE Ainsworth Ave,
Portland, OR 97211  
347-752-8915 

I value opportunities to exhibit my artwork, both in traditional and non traditional spaces. Over the years, I've encounter a number of venues where they do not allow holes in the walls. This is 100% fine, however it puts a slight wrinkle in a fine-tuned hook and hammer system.

When "no holes" has been the case, the venue typically supplies some sort of hanging contraption or at the very least a suggestion for how to hang the work. However, using unfamiliar methods can cause mild worry because one always wonders things, such as 'will the work stay up?' and 'how much extra time will this new method take?'

Cut to my most recent "no holes" venue. The venue provided stationary hooks within light sconces and a suggestion of hanging the work with fishing line. Fishing line is a very fiddly material that stretches and bounces and requires special knowledge of knots, else they undo themselves. Also, one can't count on accurate measurements when tying knots -- just imagine trying to get all of the pieces the same height and level. Sounds unnecessarily nightmarish, which brings me to my discovery of STAS Picture Hanging Systems. 

For my purposes, I purchased clear cords with loops and adjustable zipper hooks that hold up to 30 lbs. weight. Hanging the show (pictured below) was literally a breeze! STAS has many hanging solutions with various lengths and weight allowances, so if you find yourself in a "no holes" situation, I highly recommend checking them out. 

I presented a talk at the downtown Napa Main Library on July 12, 2019 about how and why I make my animal portraits.  In my talk, I reveal a pivotal moment from my childhood, something unique about how I think and how that shapes my art, and I describe my process in depth. Please enjoy this recording from the opening reception, as well as a write up from the Napa Country Register. 

Art in the Library featuring Jamie L. Luoto runs throughout the month of July 2019. Click here for more details.

​Thank you to Glenn and Charly at Hammerfriar for an absolutely perfect frame made under absurd conditions! Thank you to Chris at John Annesley for a beautifully constructed, lightweight shipping crate. Thank you Skylark Images for the exceptional documentation of my work. Thank you Sally for your endless enthusiasm and support, and help wrapping “IBIG.” and lastly, thank you Byron for around the clock all inclusive love and support.

I Believe in Ghosts didn't continue on to exhibit in the 2019 BP Portrait Award show. However, I am really very happy to have had my work selected and considered two consecutive years for the final round of judging by the National Portrait Gallery in London ... not too shabby! Well done to all and a big congratulations to this years exhibitors.

Rattlesnake and Turkey Vulture are exhibiting as part of Animalia at the Healdsburg Center for the Arts. Join me at the opening reception Saturday, March 2, 5:00-7:00pm. The exhibition continues through April 14.

A portion of the proceeds from all of the art sales in Animalia will be donated to the buyers choice of the Humane Society of Sonoma County and/or Safari West Foundation.

Healdsburg Center for the Arts
130 Plaza St., Healdsburg, CA 95448 

Open | Sun, Mon, & Thur 11am-5pm 
Fri & Sat 11am-6pm | Closed Tue, Wed

Friend and fellow artist, Michelle Hoting and I kicked off the holiday season with a festive holiday celebration and art show at my studio in Dry Creek Valley, Healdsburg, California. Join me for the next one by signing up for my monthly newsletter which features new art, good news, and public and private events.

​Sonoma County Art Trails open studio tour continues this weekend, October 20-21 2018 from 10am to 5pm. For those who came last weekend, thank you for a wonderful time -- it looks like this weekend will be just as fun! We're looking at gorgeous weather, stimulating art, and scintillating conversation. Here's what else you can expect:

Learn about my creative process while meeting my 40 animal portraits. Enjoy pleasant refreshments while perusing my growing collection of thought-provoking portraits of self and society. If you feel inspired, create your own animal portrait at my coloring station, and definitely sign up for a chance to win one of my giclee prints in a drawing.

As a reminder, after this weekend I will return to hosting studio visits year-round by appointment. I hope you'll come by and enjoy!