David Vargas will host an exhibit of the Sharpie-inspired work of Creative Clay Member Artist Joseph (JJ) H., Jan. 16, 4:30-7 p.m., at the State Farm Insurance office (2942 1st Avenue North) from 4:30-7 p.m.of David Vargas. The show continues through March 10.

During the last few years of my career I was honored to host art shows in my downtown office. Featuring local artists on my walls and introducing them to the public was inspirational and a true joy for me.  The last art show that I hosted prior to retiring was an artist represented by Creative Clay.  What a wonderful, vibrant organization!  After retiring I was anxious for the art show tradition to be carried on by another local business and my friend David Vargas of State Farm Insurance agreed to take up the mantel.  Creative Clay was my first thought for his first show which is now up for the public to enjoy.  The colorful and exciting work of JJ Hitch is joyful and memorable.  I’m thrilled that David has given him such a lovely space to exhibit.  Stop by soon…you will thank yourself!  

Joseph (JJ) is from Ohio. Since 2004, JJ has been part of the Creative Clay Community Arts Program. JJ can be found in the studio, at work on his large drawings and paintings, in the gallery studying the newest exhibit, or, at his artist files reviewing his large collection of sharpie marker drawings. He is a prolific, accomplished and self-motivated artist whose work can be found in private collections, local galleries, the Museum of Fine Arts Store, and in our own Good Folk Gallery.

JJ’s art is big and bold, in bright colors of sharpie marker or acrylic paint. He begins his process with black line work that emerges into pattern and design incorporating human and animal figures often in a seascape or landscape. He then adds his colors, all over and inside each shape, creating a vibrating stained glass effect. His work is powerful and joyful to explore.

JJ explains, “My ideas comes from me. I draw a lot and I paint a lot of people. I can draw a head, a tail and all different sea life, dragons and people. I draw a lot of different shapes and I put them together, all different shapes. And lines, horizontal, that look like stained glass.”