Dec. 20, 2010 - Happy Holidays

Dear Friends:

Happy Holidays!  2010 has been a special year for me.  My studio has been the site of practically 24/7 activity for the past year. 

I could not have been as happy or productive were it not for my wonderful friends, family, collectors and art world colleagues. All of you helped me, encouraged me and offered your advice and support whenever and however you could.  You and your friendship enrich my world immeasurably!   As Anais Nin said, "Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born."

Three momentous events are converging:  the launch of the cruise ship Allure of the Seas, for which I created the largest body of work I have undertaken, with enormous paintings that decorate the main dining room, and which are the art centerpiece of this lavish ship; an upcoming retrospective at the Tucson Museum of Art which will tour nationally; and the publication of a monographic overview of my life and work.  In direct and indirect ways, my friends and family have fused with the hard work to make all these things possible.



I am asking friends and family to assist me with donations toward the publication.  This book will not be one out of many.  It will be the definitive record of my output over a period of more than five decades and includes 150 images reflecting my development as an artist, critical texts, and a chronology of events in my life.  Critical texts will be contributed by Carter Ratcliff, Paul Ivey, and Marilyn Zeitlin.  The book, which will be produced by Marquand Books, one of the best design houses specializing in art books, will have international distribution.

The book will include an acknowledgment page with a list of individuals who have given at various levels. It would be wonderful if you could contribute to the publication.  I have partnered with a good friend, Ted Decker, and his non-profit organization in our fundraising efforts.  All donations to the book should be made payable to the Ted Decker Catalyst Fund and earmarked “Barbara Rogers Book Fund” in the memo line. These contributions will be tax-deductible for all who support the publication. Donations may be sent directly to:

The Ted Decker Catalyst Fund
5948 E. Orange Blossom Lane
Phoenix, AZ 85018-6733

Please feel free to visit www.tedgdecker.com for more information on this great organization.

To date, nearly 50% of the funds have been raised, including a portion of the resources earned from the Allure commission.  We have now set a goal of an additional $44,000 to realize this project at the highest level of quality.

Best wishes to you always,

BR

Dec. 16, 2010 - Cultures of Our World

There was so much wonderful art on the Allure of the Seas.  Please enjoy a small sampling of some of the great work from the ship, as well as a few images of my installed murals.

Dec. 9, 2010 - Allure of the Seas Update

Due to complications with her iPad and the WiFi on the Allure, Barbara has been unable to send pictures and updates during her time on the inaugural voyage. At least she's not stuck eating Spam and Pop Tarts.

Please check back next week for the many photos and stories that Barbara is excited to share.

Sincerely,

Rich Green

Dec. 4, 2010 - Art Basel-Miami Beach

There have been so many sights and spectacles to absorb in Miami.  Here are just a few highlights from my time here. 

These girls stop traffic even when there is SO much visual excitement.

Helene Brown of Fresh Paint Art Advisors chats with NY artist Audrey Flack and her favorite men.

 

This yacht stopped everyone in their tracks. It looks like a luxurious dwelling from the future. It docked in front of the Epic Hotel in Miami. Zuma, a very remarkable restaurant in the hotel, is where we dined on the first night in Miami.

It's been a wonderful experience here in Miami and now I am looking forward to setting sail on the Allure of the Seas!

Dec. 1, 2010 - Allure of the Seas Movie

Enjoy Barbara's new short movie featuring all 17 paintings commissioned for Royal Caribbean International's Allure of the Seas.



The Allure of the Seas sets sail on it's inaugural voyage Dec. 5th.  Stay tuned for updates from Barbara as she shares her experiences on this exciting journey.

Nov. 28, 2010 - Creating Ancient Embellishments

To celebrate the inaugural voyage of the Allure and the unveiling of her paintings, Barbara has put together a book featuring all 17 paintings and bringing you an inside look at the process and inspiration of the creation of these works of art.

Barbara was awarded a commission to create 17 mural size paintings for the dining room of Royal Caribbean International's Allure of the Seas. The three-story "Adagio" dining room where Rogers’ work is featured is the "must see space" on the Allure. The largest of the murals is 27 feet high and 17.5 feet wide. The other sixteen murals are 4 feet by 10 feet.

The murals celebrate the diversity of the world in keeping with the theme of the ship, “The Cultures of Our World”. Each piece is a dramatic blending of colors, textures and ornamental shapes that feature the beauty and richness of both nature and traditions in countries recently visited by the artist. Gardens in Bali, Japan, South Korea, Cuba, Argentina, Brazil Europe, the United Arab Emirates and India inform and inspire her forms and color relationships. The oil on canvas paintings were created in Rogers' studio in Tucson.

This book documents an exciting moment in Barbara's life and what promises to be the start of a new chapter in her career.  Sign-up to Barbara's mailing list to recieve more information on the upcoming publication of a catalog covering the entirty of her artistic career.