TRACK 16 GALLERY, Winter Wonderland

WINTER WONDERLANDS
PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHRISTINA PATOSKI
and
TREE TRIMMINGS: THE ORNAMENT SHOW

November 20 - December 23, 2004
Opening reception on Saturday, November 20, from 6 to 10 P.M.

Track 16 Gallery is a pleased to present holiday exhibitions, WINTER WONDERLANDS, PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHRISTINA PATOSKI and TREE TRIMMINGS: THE ORNAMENT SHOW. As the "warm and fuzzy" season slowly creeps upon us beginning in October with aisles and aisles dedicated to tinsel, well wishing cards, and plastic wreaths. . . thousands of households throughout the nation prepare for the inspiring task and tradition of holiday décor. Forget about driving around to look at the lights this Holiday season, or searching the mall to find that perfect ornament. The armchair tour starts at Track 16. These exhibitions celebrate this tradition by way of the observer as well as that of the participant. The exhibitions run from November 20 through December 23, 2004, with an opening reception on Saturday, November 20 from 6 to 10 P.M.

Winter Wonderland's photographer, Christina Patoski is best-known for her photographic series of front yard Christmas decorations which culminated in 1994 with the publication of her book, "Merry Christmas America: A Front Yard View of the Holidays." Winter Wonderlands is comprised of more than fifty images from across the United States, including both traditional and non-traditional interpretations of the holiday, from the beautiful to the bizarre. Taken over a thirty-year time period, the subjects range from the spare simplicity of a miner's cabin to the blinding excess of an antebellum mansion. Patoski approaches the Christmas subject matter as a "transitory folk art form" which is distinctly American and is practiced by a wide spectrum of society, from young to old, rich to poor, rural to urban.

This series has been exhibited at museums across the country, including the Smithsonian's Museum of American History. A multi-media artist, Patoski's work as a performance and video artist has been presented in museums such as the Whitney Museum of American Art and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. A recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship, she lives in Fort Worth, Texas.

Curated by Ashley Eckenweiler, Tree Trimmings: The Ornament Show, has manifested the collectible holiday ornament into consequential art. Fifty artists, including Liz McGrath, Gary Baseman, Charlie Krafft, Camille Rose Garcia and Jeff Soto, have created a unique collection of ornaments that can garnish the home through all four seasons. The collectible ornaments range from dangling figurines to miniature paintings, from sculpted holiday characters to the hanging abstract contraption.

In conjunction with the exhibitions, Track 16 Nights get in the holiday spirit on Friday, December 10, 2004 at 8 P.M, with Christina Patoski presenting an hour-long slide lecture with humorous commentary about the people who have distinguished themselves with their annual holiday efforts. Los Angeles artist Georganne Deen, will also present a short Christmas performance, "You Thought Santa was a Fool." Please call to reserve as seating is limited. Admission is $5.

Copies of Patoski's book, "Merry Christmas America: A Front Yard View of the Holidays," includes more than 100 color plates and will be available at the Track 16 Holiday Gift Store. Because of the holiday season, gallery hours will remain regular (Tuesday through Saturday from 11 to 6), and at the same time, erratic. Please contact Track 16 at 310 264 4678 for days and hours of operation.