Luckystar Studio®

Moving On

2011-12-22T05:38:00.001-08:00

The artists formerly konwn as Luckystar Studio can now be found at Evans Griffith Evans.

That's All Folks!!!

2011-12-03T13:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas BOGO Sale - December 2nd and 3rd!

2011-11-16T08:30:00.000-08:00

All right, we're selling off everything Luckystar Studio, more art than you can shake a stick at, and it's going cheap, cheap, cheap.

Our "Best of" series (featuring micro-versions; 4x6 framed prints on paper, from works we've done between 1999 and 2006) are back for one last fling, our most recent Eat Pop! series, and more for $20 BUY ONE GET ONE FREE*

Also on sale, art work that originally sold for hundreds of dollars for a "C" note (that's $100), including work by: Logan Hicks, Rob Elliot, Von Munz, Soar Studios, Todd Graveline, Eddie Villanueva, Jon Langford, and more.

The sale is Friday, December 2, 5:00 - 9:00 p.m., and Saturday, December 3, 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., ONLY. We will not be open for the Holidays.

Luckystar Studio is located at the Marshall Building, 207 E. Buffalo St., Suite 311, in the Third Ward.

*BUY ONE GET ONE FREE applies to art work $50 or less.

Reality, Check Please

2011-11-07T00:19:00.000-08:00

Retail galleries take a lot of time and money, and we've decided that we'd rather spend both doing something other than bang our heads against the wall trying to make this thing work.

image copyright gene evans 2011 - used with permission.

Candy for Strangers

2011-10-18T15:10:00.001-07:00

Presenting Eat POP! featuring; Ring Pop, Wax Lips and Blow Pop, a special series in honor of the season, available Gallery Night, this Friday, October 21, 5-9 pm, and because we made a career out of bringing affordable art to you in the past we thought we'd make make these available at a special low price.

Despite the fact everything as gone up; food, gas, booze, clothes, tuition, etc., not to mention the value of our own work, these 4" X 4" canvases, featuring a mix of serigraph and hand-painted embellishments, will be on sale for only $20 a piece. Kind of our own incentive plan to get people collecting again.

Gallery Night is Friday, October 21 and we're located at 207 E. Buffalo St., Third Floor. Friday hours 5 pm-9 pm and Saturday, 11 am -4 am.

Fall Gallery Night - October 21, 2011

2011-10-11T15:47:00.000-07:00

Our next opening is October 21, not only is it Gallery Night but, it's our 12th Birthday. So please, don't expect anything but the juvenile behavior of a prepubescent tween. We have a fun exhibit planned... we'd love to show off our new stuff but we're still working on it.

Mike Brenner, recently voted Milwaukee's Biggest Art Blowhard by Milwaukee Magazine, will be bringing some of his home brew and Eat Cake! will be here with delicious vittles. Our featured guest is artist Frank Juarez, you'll like his new stuff (preview here).

Like we said it's Gallery Night and there are dozen or so other galleries and other nonsense in the Marshall Building (207 E. Buffalo St., corner of Water and Buffalo), so there will be tons to see and do.

For example you could "Meet Milverine" at our third floor neighbor Too Much Rock:

So, this Gallery Night get up and get out to look at some DAMN ART!!!

"POR"

2011-10-01T08:41:00.000-07:00

"POR", part of next exhibit, by Frank Juarez (acrylic on canvas, 60"x108"- contact us if you think it would look better hanging in your place than ours). The piece features several stickers from a couple of our favorite places, including the Cat's Eye Pub in Fell's Point (Baltimore), and our neighbor Too Much Metal (Marshal Building, Milwaukee)

Frank says "this was inspired by the front of my Mac laptop. For the past 4 years I have been collecting stickers from my travels. Each sticker documenting a specific location and experience. I have always been fascinated on how images revisit old feelings, memories and experiences. Each of which are as 'fresh' as when they were lived."

"This painting shows how art influences commerce and how commerce influences art." We couldn't agree more. See it in person this upcoming Gallery Night, October 21, 5-9pm, because the web just doesn't do it justice.

U-S-A! U-S-A!

2011-09-27T07:58:00.000-07:00

The image above, from the Monkey Business series, a tribute, of sorts, to over the top patriotism, will lead you to the updated site for our very own Gene Evans, featuring several images form the series (or you could click here)

For Monkey Business Gene served as art director, model, and master silk screener/ink slinger and master of ceremonies of the general tomfoolery that ensued during the entire work progress.

'merican © Luckystar Studio 2011

The Revolution Will Be Twittered

2011-09-23T09:47:00.001-07:00

The Revolution Will Be Twittered (or Facebooked or whatever your preference in social media may be - though we doubt it would be Google Plussed) is the name of the latest piece.

Released in a small batch a few weeks ago, as you can see, each piece features hand painted elements and screened one at a time making each piece unique. It's the only way to present such work.

The image above features our model wearing the now infamous Guy Fawkes mask. Not sure about the significants about the character portrayed above - click here (the information you seek will be about halfway through the blog entry).

Each piece acrylic on panel, 6"X 8" (1 - 7/8 deep), ready to hang or stand freely on your desk or book self next to your copy of the Anarchist Cookbook or 2600 the Hacker Quarterly, $50 each (free shipping in the US). Contact us for more info.

Where Art Lives

2011-09-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

Last month we shared bits and pieces of our art collection with you. This time around we'd like to share works of art, mostly by our own Bridget Griffith Evans, in other peoples homes.

First is a commission piece for Jeff and Kat Murrel. A larger piece, acrylic with broken pieces of broken vintage culver glass, which Jeff collects.

Detail shot of the painting from our Studio wall;

and from this weeks Journal Sentinel we have a shot from the home of Stephanie Bartz. This one may be a little harder to make out, but the 6 small pieces on the wall are actually a series of hearts by Bridget Griffth Evans;

(Click here to see more of Stephanie's house)

We'd also like to share a few shots of the home of Steve Smits. The painting to the left; Untitled by Bridget Griffith Evans;

and an entire room featuring the spray-paint stencil work of Gene Evans. The series features a number of pop icons (circa 2003);

(click here to see more of Steve's house)

The next is a piece by Bridget that Deborah Hobbins commissioned of her son Isak with two robins which hangs over the fireplace in their living room.

And, Jack Eigel's beloved Morris immortalized by Bridget in a cool vintage frame that Jack brought in;

One of Bridget's landscapes that decorates the wall of Jim Phillips Wauwatosa showroom;

Here's a shot of Bridget's Saffron Finch (from "The Mysteries of the Universe Reveal Themselves to Birds" series) in the home of Maxine and Corey Hengen.

We'd like to hear from you if you'd like more information on commissioning a painting. Call us at the shop at (414) 223-2215, and if you have one of our pieces in your home - send us a pic!

Pluralis Majestatis

2011-09-13T12:28:00.000-07:00

Just a few words on the Studio's use of the word "we". Is it enough to say we use the royal "we"? That is to say when we say we're working on something it doesn't necessarily mean we're side by side or hand in hand - though it could.

We work on a ton of projects and, honestly, couldn't imagine spending the time to declare, specifically, who is working on what - except in the case of the person who ask the questions and prompted this entry.

Hope we cleared that up.

(we used the image above because we thought it was damn funny - "we" meaning both of us)

Tasty Morsels

2011-09-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

The pieces above, special edition one-of-a-kind set - featuring a few characters from our 40 Days series (L-R, "Who you callin' Monkey, Chump; This is a job for Super Chimp; Is that all there is?) were created especially for our friends at WMSE.

Beautiful portraits, of our favorite monkey man, serigraph images on 4' X 4" canvas with hand-painted elements, will be featured in the silent auction portion of the WMSE Food Slam. Great event for a great station.

For more information on the event click here!!!

40 Days - Sneak Peek

2011-09-06T00:16:00.000-07:00

A face only a mother could love. So, we threw a mask on it and our fearless leader gladly threw on a suit and tie and, well, monkeyed around for the camera. We then used the photos to make some art.

First attacking the panels with paint, sanding, more paint, experimenting; finding just the right piece to match the right image and then voila! Art!

We're working together again and having a bit of fun. For our upcoming exhibit we created one chimp portrait for every year we've worked together as Luckystar Studio®, giving us a even dozen.

The following is a sneak peek from 40 Days exhibit, opening this Friday (September 9, 5-10pm).

Product Placement (below);

Lemon Yellow Banana (below):

This is a Job for Super Chimp (below):

Is that all there is? (below);

See the entire set this Friday. All pieces by Luckystar Studio®, acrylic and silkscreen ink on panel, 9" X 12". Prints available. Images©Luckystar Studio 2011 - used with permission.

Souvenirs of the Work Process

2011-09-05T15:41:00.000-07:00

Occasionally, while we work (painting, drawing, dancing...), a piece of work presents itself. A piece that doesn't necessarily work with the complete body of work, yet, it ain't so bad that you throw it in the trash. We like to call these souvenirs of the work process.

During the making of our 40 Days exhibit we had a few pieces that fit the bill. First Evel is our Test Pilot. The title is literal - literally! We hadn't worked together creatively, in 2 years (almost to the day) and the first piece we put together was of a friend dressed as Evel Knievel.

finished piece:

The next was The Revolution will be Twittered. A piece done in appreciation of Anonymous, or anyone, who raises hell with government, Scientology or big business comfortably from their own home; cubicle; bunker; poolside; but inspired by the Guy Fawkes (a character from Alan Moore's and David Llyod's V for Vendetta) mask they don while protesting in public.

finished piece(s):

Mother's Little Helper

2011-09-04T10:58:00.000-07:00

There's definitely a whole new set of challenges to working with a little one. She'll be assisting me soon enough, though!

Third Installment of Our Art Collection

2011-08-31T18:15:00.000-07:00

Our third and final installment showing off our art collection. Well, at least the stuff we keep in the house. Most of our art collection sits in crates, and those crates in storage, but, like anyone who collects stamps, books, baseball cards, comics or Pez, we buy art for a variety of reasons - not just to fill the crates.

Sometimes we buy just because we like an artist or we might buy an artist because the work is collectable and it might turn out to be a good investment. Sometimes we buy art while traveling as a keep sake of the trip. We buy art at rummage sales. We buy art to give away as gifts. Sometimes we might buy because it might look great with the couch.

Incidentally, if you're interested in buying read The Art of Buying Art by Paige West. Good read and may help with the anxiety of that first purchase and may give you a little insight to the art world.

We pick up in the Dining Room with Red Foley by Jon Langford. This is an original and the image here doesn't do it justice. Jon attacks the panel after the paintings done. Scratches, sanding, layers of finish. Lovely piece - great guy.

Next, still in the Dining Room, Allen Brewer's Octopus Toupee. Allen comes from a long line of artists in Minnesota. He is an art teacher, illustrator and painter.

In the Nursery - Evelyn Torrez's Three Unfolding, one of the few pieces we own that we don't know anything about the artist. In fact, there wasn't even anyone at the Art Centre where we purchased it. We spent the afternoon being shushed by a theatre group, while waiting for someone to sell us the damn thing. Good times.

Still in the Nursery; Andrea Picard's Cooper, a old friend, great painter and an even better collages - love Cooper.

and the last piece in the Nursery is a Rob Elliott's Panda. This we picked up in Toronto while doing an exhibit with Rob. Rob's work - narrative fun pop. Great line work.

Let the countdown begin!

2011-08-26T17:18:00.000-07:00

Let's recap: though we've worked together curating exhibits and running a business for 12 years, we haven't worked together "making art" in two. As far as working as a collaborative goes - we were a little rusty.

With 10 days to go, to our first exhibit of collaborative work, we're pretty confident we made the right decision to work together again. We've met our criteria; it had to run smoothly, without arguments (and since the two of us live and work together with a newborn, this isn't as easy as it sounds); it has to be fun (this is chiefly the reason we stopped working together 2 years ago): and, we had to like the finished product (we do).

The project has taken shape. A false start lead us to throw away a couple weeks worth of work and rethink the whole project, but now its moving smoothly and there is a certain enthusiasm for the job that we haven't felt quite in some time.

So far, we've completed a few series. We'll share the prints in the series; Monkey Suit, right here after the Labor Day holiday. Keep your eyes "peeled".

Working in a Coal Mine

2011-08-26T10:08:00.000-07:00

Working ourselves silly at the studio today (Olive pictured above taking a break). Painting and hashing over ideas, mostly. While we work we listen to tons of music. Couldn't overstate the importance that music plays in our process.

For years nearly every exhibit we curated had a reference to a song that became key while we put the shows together. Doesn't necessarily have to be things we both love. The two of of rarely agree on anything and it's no different when it comes to music. You learn to compromise.

A few of the things we've been working to this week that are getting a lot of play:

Lupe Fiasco's Lasers

DJ Shadow"s Endtroducing...

John Coltrane's Ascension

Jay Z's and Kanye West's Watch the Throne

The Police Greatest Hits

image(c)luckystarstudio2011

Work in Progress

2011-08-25T08:05:00.000-07:00

Pictured above some of the 30 small pieces we have in progress for upcoming exhibit

Working from the rear (make your own joke); adding color layer by layer, carefully building dimension, choosing just the right color without crossing the fine line between contrast and clash.

With only 15 days to go we are finally laying the foundation for the small pieces of our upcoming exhibit.

Calling in the Big Guns

2011-08-24T18:43:00.000-07:00

When the going gets rough, we call Milwaukee photographer Corey Hengen. Especially when the situation calls for a photographer, and fortunately for us - it did.

If you haven't been keeping up with our adventures, when we left you yesterday we had decided to scrap a few weeks work - the photo shoots mostly. They weren't bad, but they weren't great, and we want the best we can get. We called Mr. Hengen.

Now it comes down to just rolling up our sleeves and getting our squeegees wet.

Day 24 - Sh*t Happens

2011-08-24T18:01:00.000-07:00

We're more then 24 days into this, well past the half way point, and thought we'd take a moment to look at what we did so far to see how we feel about it... and, well, we're not exactly thrilled.

So, with September 9th right around the corner we've decided to scrap the last couple weeks work and go back to the drawing board.

To inspire us, and qute possibly you and whatever you may be working on in your life, we offer this inspirational video 40 Inspirational Speeches in 2 Minutes masterfully edited by Matthew Belinkie:

Crunch Time

2011-08-24T09:13:00.000-07:00

Working around the clock throwing paint like a chimp tosses shit. Should have a preview in a day or two. Took a few minutes for a little foolishness. Enjoy.

image:monkeying around (c) LuckystarStudio2011

Go Bananas

2011-08-23T20:14:00.000-07:00

Our promo for our 40 Days exhibit. Considering our chimp logo - this has been a long time coming. Look for 'em around Milwaukee.

Want to screw with your kids or friends - follow this link to The Bloggess for more information on writing on everyone's favorite yellow fruit. Peruse their comment section for some fun ideas.

The Changing Landscape of the Business of Art

2011-08-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

[image: features the Luckystar Studio artwork "Monkey Business" © Luckystar Studio 2008]

You may have noticed the subtle changes in the way we're running our gallery space. We should point out that we have always been, first and foremost an art studio - artist-for-hire. Using our gallery space to feature artists that we'd thought you should see and might enjoy.

With the increasing number of opportunities afforded artist to show and sell their work - through Etsy, local taverns, restaurants, and the ever increasing number of arts and crafts fairs, it has become difficult to run the gallery in the classic sense - a place to show and sell art and make a profit, or, at the very least, cover our cost.

A change in the business of art that we welcome. Hell, as artist we thrive in this climate. However, moving forward, it will change how we utilize our gallery space.

We can no longer turn our gallery walls over to artist content on using our gallery's reputation and hard work for advertising their Etsy page or website and we have too much pride to simply rent out our walls and use our place as a vanity gallery, lessening the work we've done and things we've accomplished over the years. After all, this is an art studio - not a whorehouse.

We will continue to exhibit artists we think you should see and might enjoy, just expect to see a lot more of us on the walls.

Cut and Paste - Literally!

2011-08-19T08:39:00.001-07:00

We mean "literally" in the classic sense, not the way the young woman behind us at Alterra (that's a coffee house) meant it recently, when she exclaimed "I literally shit myself", at least, for her sake, we hope she meant figuratively.

We employ a lot of different techniques, mediums and tools while we work on a piece. We are often asked if we use Photoshop, or other photo editing programs, GIMP, Corel, etc., why we're still asked in 2011 is a little odd, but, what are you going to do.

We look at these photo editing programs, and others, like a pair of scissors, squeegee or paint brush; a tool for getting the job done. Perfect for tweaking an image or making corrections.

Unfortunately, a lot of novices tend to look at these programs as be-all end-all miracle tool. Since it's inception I couldn't count the amount of times I've heard "I can do that with Photoshop" - fascinating. We do not employ these programs as a means to an end.

We get all up in it, preferring to work with our hands. A little less calculating and letting the chips fall were they may. You won't find happy accidents on Photoshop, and we're big fans of happy accidents.

photo(c) Luckystar Studio2011

First We Shoot, Then We Gesso!

2011-08-17T07:11:00.000-07:00

We're finally finishing up the prep work for our new series. First, early morning photo shoot hoopla with mask, make-up and props.

Then work ourselves into a Zen-like state; spreading gesso, the foundation of any good painting, to our "cradled birch" panels, while listening to the Propellerheads.

Images - Gene, Blurry in a Suit and Bridget Gessos © Luckystar Studio 2011

Prop Hunting Was Never This Fun

2011-08-16T12:41:00.000-07:00

Our daughter Olive, getting involved as we hunted for props today for tomorrow's photo shoot. Don't know why they make these for babies - but we're glad they do!

Image: Olive as Groucho © Luckystar Studio2011

Now Displaying "Cradled Birch"

2011-08-16T07:43:00.001-07:00

This is NOT an exhibit.

As much fun as it could be (to art nerds like ourselves, at least), to display blank panels against white walls and stare smugly at patrons, mockingly whispering "oh, you don't get it", while turning our noses up - we just couldn't do it with a straight face. We'll leave that obnoxious black turtle-neck shit to other more "sophisticated" joints and sitcom television from the 80's.

What exactly is going on? Before we start painting for the 40 Days exhibit (opening September 9th) we'd thought we'd check the wood panels for defects and lay out the exhibit while we were at it.

So, guess if this was an exhibit we could call it "Killing 2 Birds".

Admittedly, the blank canvas does lend to a nice decorative feel while we're working on this stuff.

Showing off more of our art collection

2011-08-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

A few more piece from our collection. Today a few things from the workplace. It's a tad difficult keeping art around the office, when the office is an art gallery. It takes up valuable wall and floor space and that is where we make our money.

Here are a few works we keep around the place to make us feel at home:

Above (top) a sculpture by Kendall Polster, this piece was commissioned in honor of Bridget's Dad and features his ham radio tag and a few personal items worked into the piece.

Next we have a drawing from Amy Misurelli Sorensen. Amy's drawings, expression, powerful; good naughty fun.

Next, a sculpture by Linda Wervey Vitamvas. We won this from the Portrait Society Gallery, one of the other galleries in the Marshall building, for recognizing a snippet of a Vermeer painting. We had it inscribed "my money's on the wee one" - an inside joke. We had just found out we were pregnant a few days prior. This piece is in a daughter's nursery.

While we're in the nursery, we have a Shaunna Peterson piece, good and evil sock monkeys, and a rare Etsy purchase. Fun. Colorful. Low-brow.

This is an excellent piece from local artist Chris Miller, we've included a second shot so you can see that it's dimensional. A hand dryer. This is a great piece for the work space - never fails to get a double-take.

Evel is our Test Pilot

2011-08-11T13:28:00.000-07:00

Today we're burning the first screen we've done together since our print Warholian Death Blow. A piece which debuted at the Luckystar produced event The Future is Now at the Milwaukee Art Museum 2 years ago.

The 2 years off doesn't scare us a bit. Our silk-screener, the chief ink-slinger, our squeegee master, is none other than, our very own, Gene Evans. Gene pulled his first screen, as part of a class demonstration, way back in 1981 (Woo - that's a long time ago) and was hooked.

As he works out the kinks we thought we'd walk you through our process. We mix free-hand printing techniques with hand painted elements to create our one-of-a-kind pieces. Sometimes working on non-traditional surfaces; skateboards, guitars, pint-glasses, etc.; we'll just demonstrate the screen making process here.

Note: this will be vague, as this is not meant to be a tutorial for beginners, as much as it's meant to be a little insight to the work involved in the medium.

We'll be working on an element for our upcoming piece Evel is our Test Pilot. A few notes on our preproduction. This is where you have have to know a guy, who's A - willing to dress like Evel Knievel (in this case Chris Tishler, aka Caesar Palace from Milwaukee's 5 Card Studs) who "B" - knows a guy who can lend him an Evel Knievel outfit and helmet (in this case Cormac).

Now you can begin. Start with a photograph. We'll start with a aforementioned snapshot of our friend Chris wearing the aforementioned Evel Knievel outfit. Use photo of your choice.

Because we'd be amiss not to mention copyright law and proper use of someone else's work please visit this link for more information: copyrights basics

Second, simply copy your photo using a black and white copier to a transfer. Transfers can be bought at most office supply stores.

Third, place transfer on a light table (or other light sources - research the web). We use the Opgenorth. A hand built light table designed by artist Harvey Opgenorth. A 2x4 beauty we couldn't live without.

Forth, burn the screen following the directions on your brand of photo-emulsion. We are currently using Speedball.

Fifth, rinse thoroughly (water shooting out crooked, like in the image below, is optional).

Voila! Viva le Silkscreen!!!

Now you're ready to begin making art. Just apply ink with squeegee to surface of your choice. Amateurs may want to try paper.

To see the finished Evel is our Test Pilot - stop in September 9th for the opening of 40 Days Exhibit. Luckystar Studio, is located at 207 E. Buffalo St., Suite 311, in Milwaukee's Third Ward.

images © Luckystar Studio 2011

40 Days - Photo Shoot 2

2011-08-11T09:34:00.001-07:00

Continuing our photo shoot. Costumes, props and dynamic poses. Wish we could share more but then we may give too much away.

Image: Clark's daily wear © GeneEvans2011

Showing off our art collection

2011-08-10T12:45:00.000-07:00

We didn't start an art gallery because we're artist - we started an art gallery because we love collecting art.

A break from our tight schedule as we move head long toward our Sept. 9th exhibit; 40 Days. We decided to hang a few pieces around the house.

We own a considerable amount of art and it's strange that when we meet new people at the gallery they always seem a bit surprised that we collect art also. It was one of the few things we had in common when we met.

Since no one in the blogoshere or local newspapers has had the smarts to ask us to share, we'll post a few pieces here on occasion. If only to prove we put our money where our mouth is.

Painting in the above photo by Prince Parise.

Raygun print - Firecracker Studios

Roman Grass - Logan Hicks aka Workhorse

Public Enemy - Sheperd Fairey.

Day 9 - 40 Days Photo Shoot - 1

2011-08-09T08:14:00.000-07:00

It's common for artists working in silkscreen to take images from newspapers, magazines, the web and other sources. However, it is a practice that can cause a lot of unnecessary problems and stress.

Several years ago we decided to stop appropriating images and find the subject we want and take the photo ourselves. This does lead to spending hours lighting and photographing rubber ducks, slinkys, beer cans, lipsticks, honey bears, etc., but we find it's worth it in the end.

Today we're photographing a model to use in the upcoming 40 Day series, a handsome devil who'd like to remain nameless.

image ©LuckystarStudio2011

Day 5 - Working at home

2011-08-05T13:25:00.001-07:00

Working at home has gotten a bit more entertaining, when every few hours you have to stop and burp the new kid. A long day of research, tomfoolery and gas.

image©bridgetgriffithevans2011

Day 4 - Meet Ralph

2011-08-04T08:33:00.001-07:00

A rough sketch from our notes. This guy is Ralph, and, if all goes to plan, he and his friends will be part of the 40 Days exhibit in just a few short weeks. So, now we get down to the real nitty gritty - slinging quality ink and paint around this joint and crossing our fingers that the better part of it makes it to the canvas.

Day 3 - So much for "barricading ourselves in"

2011-08-03T06:35:00.000-07:00

Nothing jostles the creative juices more than a little change of scenery. So, we packed up the works (baby and all) and headed to Bridget's Mom's backyard for a little work and a little cookout... mostly cookout.

images©geneevans2011

"What could possibly go wrong?"

2011-08-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

We're conducting an experiment.

For the next 40 days we will be starting with a blank slate, closing the studio to the public and barricading ourselves in to produce our next exhibit - with the results being as big as a surprise to us as it will be to you.

40 Days opens Friday, September 9, at 5 pm, and may be the result of a wonderful collaboration, or, well, an empty room with the Evanses sitting in the middle of it enjoying a cocktail - wondering just where it all went wrong.

Check back for updates.

image©geneevans

July Gallery Night (2011) Art Galore

2011-07-29T07:59:00.000-07:00

This weekend only at Luckystar Studio®; special guest Firecracker Studios (Madison):

The last pieces from last weeks sale held over (all work by Luckystar Studio®)
and Bridget Paints (Bridget Griffith Evans) Bridgeteens ($100 each this weekend only)

More art than you can shake a stick at (if that's your kinda thing).

Recent Work

2011-07-27T06:50:00.000-07:00

As I get back to work, after the arrival of a brand new bouncing baby girl, first thing I did was clean off the drawing board - really the only way to get a fresh start, and I found a couple drawings that I thought I'd share;

First, Jesus S(uper). Christ, the son of God, sent from another planet, faster than a speeding pulpit, more powerful than the Pope and with the ability to turn Kryptonite into wine. This drawing was meant to be one of the first prints since our 2 years printmaking hiatus, but just didn't make the cut.

Next, a drawing featuring Wisconsin's Governor Walker; a gut reaction to the way Governor Scott Walker seamlessly turned Wisconsin state government to the spoils system; politicizing the state budget and kowtowing to his rich friends... but I don't want to get into politics.

A finally, Broseph, just a funny little drawing that became a funny little painting on display this weekend, just time in time for the Gallery Night & Day festivities.

All images © Gene Evans 2011

used with permission.

Firecracker Studios - Summer Gallery Night 2011

2011-07-24T13:54:00.000-07:00

This Gallery Night, Friday, July 29, and Saturday, July 30, while the owners/artists of Luckystar Studio (207 E. Buffalo St., 3rd Floor) take a break to welcome their new daughter, they've asked their friends, Madison's Firecracker Studios, to guest host the weekends festivities.

Much like Luckystar Studio, Firecracker Studios, was started as an art gallery/artist workspace dreamed up by 2 friends, in this case Dave Mueller and Samuel D. Johnson, who were becoming increasingly bored with the art scene. They decided to open a gallery basically to have shows they would like to see. The shows included underground local greats as well as national artists. Both studios have been in constant flux; reinventing themselves; producing quality exhibits and producing limited edition prints for years.

The work being produced for this Gallery Night was created by Samuel D. Johnson. Johnson best known for hundreds of gig posters for local and national acts, like Ween, Hank Williams III, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Old 97’s, My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult, etc., his print work is eclectic, bold and colorful, has produced a collection of work with with no specific theme for this Gallery Night, other than prints Johnson thinks would look awesome on a wall - your wall.

Luckystar Studio will be ooen Gallery Night, Friday, July 29 5-10 and Saturday, July 30, 11-4. Exhibit is one weekend only.

Rummage Sale Update

2011-07-21T05:57:00.000-07:00

Here is most of what we're hanging on the wall for the Rummage Sale this Friday and Saturday, 8am-Noon, the rest will be laying around. We've started selling stuff already, so if you see something you like - don't be shy.

Images (c) Luckystar Studio 2011

All art work by Luckystar Studio(r)

Art Rummage

2011-07-19T08:02:00.000-07:00

Occasionally, while we're digging through our storage unit, we come across a few unsold pieces and test prints from some of the collections (or series) we've put together in the past; Fairies Wear Boots, Pets, Zombie Lust, Tattoo, (all 2008); even some artist proofs from the Best Of collection (2006); and honestly we thought there couldn't be more then a dozen or so. So, we were a little surprised to find nearly 90 as we cleaned out our storage unit last week.

Though it's gauche for galleries to have "sales" that's exactly what we're doing. This Friday, July 22 and Saturday, July 23, from 8am - Noon we'll be hosting an Art Rummage. Now, don't expect to find anything for a quarter, some of pieces originally sold for $150-$300, so we're thinking $20 and up.

We'll post a few images later this week as we hang the work at the gallery. We're located in the Marshall Building at 207 E. Buffalo St. (the corner of Water and Buffalo) on the Third Floor. Look for the 4 foot screaming chimp... that is us.

image (c) luckystar studio 2011

Collaboration (final)

2011-06-16T13:47:00.001-07:00

So, on my second and last collaboration with Reggie Baylor, much like the first, I was given about a week to create nearly 15 scenes from a list of descriptions, and left to my own accord to pencil children in danger, for a fire safety coloring book, for the Milwaukee Fire Department (MFD) - coming out soon?! I'm supposed to receive a copy, if I do I'll be sure to post.

Here (above and below) are a few sketches from my notes:

And, as an added bonus (?!) the above sketch as penned by Reggie Baylor for a recent event:

Collaboration...

2011-06-09T08:04:00.000-07:00

Collaboration is a funny thing. The most enticing quality is you find yourself working on projects that wouldn't necessarily come to mind just sitting around the studio waiting for inspiration.

For example, most recently, I was ask to participate on a project with Reginald Baylor; a like-minded professional from the same building. My participation would be to develop and pencil a few characters and situations for a book of parables for the Bethesda Institute. So there I was drawing age old stories about men in robes.

I started by drawing a couple hundred thumbnails of inch high men in robes. I never realized the difficulty in drawing a masculine dress, but I certainly understand to complexities now and have a new found respect for the the illustrators of the Illustrated Children's Bible.

Below are a few examples of my rough pencils and than Reginald Baylor's detailing. Hope you enjoy this insight to the work process:

Shepherd (Gene Evans) pencil rough:

Shepherd (Reggie Baylor) detailing:
Prodigal Son (Gene Evans) pencil rough:

Prodigal Son (Reggie Baylor) Detailing:
Rich Man (Gene Evans) pencil rough:

Rich Man (Reggie Baylor) detailing:

Sower (Gene Evans) pencil rough:

Sower (Reggie Baylor) Detailing:

Leper (Gene Evans) pencil rough:

Leper (Reggie Baylor) detailing:Copyrights owned by respective artists. 2011

Poodleman Live!!! (kind of)

2011-06-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

Our own Gene Evans will be participating in a little excitement at Kenosha's Artworks (5002 7th Ave.). Billed as a "three-tiered exhibition of elementary school students, college students, and adult artists joining together to render the self as a superhero or icon" it promises to be as fun and entertaining as the subject matter; Superheroes.

Gene will be exhibiting The Adventure of Poodle Man (Monday) (pictured above) and will be wondering around during the opening Saturday, June 11, 6-9pm.

Contact the gallery for more information.

That's What She Said...

2011-05-20T04:00:00.000-07:00

"Men dream of women. Women dream of themselves being dreamt of. Men look at women. Women watch themselves being looked at." - John Berger

Opening June 3rd we will open a very special solo exhibit featuring Amy Misurelli Sorensen, Amy's illustrations, quirky at first, then resonate strong feminine images. The pin-up through the eyes of the subject. Thought provoking sexy fun... come and get some.

The evening also features samples of Mike Brenner's home brew. While supplies last.

We're located at in the Marshall Building at 207 E. Buffalo St., in the Third Ward. This is part of a building wide event featuring 25 galleries under 1 roof... it doesn't get better than that. [map]

The event starts at 6pm and we go till 10pm. Open Saturday 11-4pm.

image copyright Amy Misurelli Sorensen. Used with permission.

Adventures of Poodleman (Finale)

2011-05-20T02:00:00.000-07:00

The Grand Finale - Thanks for playing along with this chance to sling a little ink. More info? Go here!

Adventures of Poodleman (Thursday)

2011-05-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

The beginning of the thrilling conclusion! More more info click here!

The Adventures of Poodleman (Wednesday)

2011-05-18T06:59:00.000-07:00

Poodleman!!! Click here for more information.

Lost in Translation

2011-05-18T05:18:00.000-07:00

The image above is the rough for yesterday's Poodleman (graphite on vellum) which I think is a better drawing than what was featured in the strip. I've always preferred graphite to ink when it comes to my own work. Unfortunately, ink translates better to print and digital... I'm rambling - it's been a long night.

image©geneevans2011

Adventures of Poodleman (Tuesday)

2011-05-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

The adventure continues... click here for more information.

The Adventures of Poodleman

2011-05-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

So begins 5 days of The Adventures of Poodleman, drawn and written by Gene Evans. Click here for more info.

The New Adventures of Poodleman

2011-05-10T10:35:00.001-07:00

Starting next Monday, for one week only, we'll have a daily strip featuring the infamous Poodleman.

Sitting around, at the ready, waiting for the next art emergency can be quite tiring. Your mind drifts, you start thinking of ways to spend your time, errands to run, pranks to play, and you can only kick a soccer ball around an art gallery so long before it gets really expensive.

The thought occurred to do a daily strip, for at least a week, a riveting bit of artwork featuring a couple guys beating the hell out of each other. But who? What? When out-of-the-blue I remembered Poodleman, a old favorite, a very special character created by Mr. Mitch O'Connell. Seemed like a fun idea, the rest was easy.

Pictured above; a rough draft of Poodleman taking a shot to the jaw

Used with permission.

Renovation is underway... and YES - we're open during the construction!

2011-04-18T20:28:00.000-07:00

(Old hall - third floor March 2011)

The incredibly hard-working team, who play a major role behind the scenes at the Marshall building, lead by the man that is the glue that holds this place together, Andy Kanekoa, has begun work on our third floor lobby. And strangely enough though you no longer need a map to find us, and we're in plain sight, there has been a little confusion, but, we didn't change, the building did. And here is the photographic proof.

Old hall above and "Ta-daaaa!" (new hall below)

Those of you with a keen eye may notice, once the wall was tore down, they found none other than Fred Gillich and his Too Much Metal showroom. Imagine their surprise. There he was, toiling away on his Milwaukee-centric designs, folding T-shirts, diddling with his smart phone and yelling "Dude!"

So, if you're visiting, and you should, not only are Bridget Griffith Evans and Gene Evans working on some great new stuff, but Luckystar Studio® is currently featuring a terrific exhibit: Ink Inc., with special guest; Eric Von Munz, Kristopher Pollard and Chris Andrews, remember you're not on the wrong floor - step out of the elevator and follow the screaming chimp.

Regular hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9am -4pm.

INK INC. - SPRING GALLERY NIGHT 2011

2011-04-13T08:35:00.000-07:00

Rappers, machine guns and fruit grenades?! OH MY! That's right, it's another April Gallery Night at Luckystar Studio®. This time around we're featuring masters of that most elusive of mediums: INK.

The exhibit's called INK INC. and we're proud to have 2 of Milwaukee's best: Kristopher Pollard, who likes to dole out his ink with a pen. Kristopher's meticulously done drawings display his sense of texture and keen eye for detail; Eric Von Munz, Milwaukee's Rock Poster Guru - except no substitute - who likes to spread his ink with a squeegee, has delivered some delicious fine art; a rain of pastel colored machine guns (just in time for Easter). Eric is an expert silk-screener (or "serigrapher" for you real artsy types) and has probably spilled more ink then most like-minded artist have managed to get to paper. Often overlooked by his peers (probably out of jealously) Eric is simply one of the best.

Joining Kristopher and Eric is; sculptor Chris Andrews with "Food Fight" a series of very dangerous war worthy fruit; event sponsors EAT CAKE; and Mike Brenner will be here with some of his delicious home brew.

Our neighbors The ACLU will be hosting an open house and we're very excited to have a new neighbor; Too Much Metal, who have done moved right in next door. 91.7 WMSE will be here the grand opening. All on the third floor!!!

Gallery Night is Friday, April 15, 6-10pm; and remember there are numerous galleries; including Elaine Erickson, Grava, Timo, Spill, Reginald Baylor; and artist studios through-out the building, so rain, snow, sleet or whatever-the-hell-else mother nature can throw at us - you can't miss with the Marshall Building. [MAP]

All Hope is Lost

2011-04-11T07:30:00.000-07:00

Hi, Gene Evans here, I've worked on a few commissions recently, penciling a ridiculous amount of characters. During the process of drawing religious parables and kids in danger for a fire safety coloring book, vignettes, like the one above, started popping in my head.

All Hope is Lost, is one of the first I sketched out during my breaks, done in Sunday comic half page format, features DC comics super-bad Bizarro, playing hero for a day. I've been drawing things like this since I was a kid. Good fun, though I must admit I hate inking - loathe it - I'd prefer just working in pencil, but it's not as dramatic as ink on a gallery wall.

This is featured outside my office, inside the Luckystar Studio®, right now, and will remain up during this weekends Gallery Night festivities. Click here for more details.

Image © Gene Evans 2011

You Want The Best -You Got The Best...

2011-04-07T22:50:00.000-07:00

Since reopening we've received a ton of requests to bring back the "Luckystar Studio: Best Of" series. A collection of prints the studio produced since our inception, including a few previously unreleased and rare prints, reproduced in 5"X7" format. Each is handprinted, signed, numbered, and we'll even throw in a free frame. All for a measly $20 each - a steal.

We do not silk screen anymore. So, when they're gone they are gone! A few from the series have already sold out. They're hanging at the gallery right now.

Photo above courtesy Scott Jackson

Little Wonders

2011-03-28T10:10:00.000-07:00

Introducing Little Wonders a new ongoing series from Bridget Griffith Evans. While taking a break from painting Bridget likes to, uh, well... paint! Which makes the name of her website; Bridgetpaints, so apropos.

We got more than a few of these little gems hanging around the gallery. The series started using objects found in her studio, snacks, and has grown to featuring our friends

and their kids. Ultimately, things that make her smile.

The pieces are acrylic on canvas measuring 4" X 4" X 1.5". On exhibit right now, specially priced at $150 each. Maybe they'll make you smile too.

Images © Bridget Griffith Evans

Used with permission.

Pajama Party!

2011-03-20T19:05:00.000-07:00

April 9, that lucky son-of-a-bitch, Hugh Hefner turns 85. Hugh enjoys a lifestyle that permits him to work and play in pajams all day. Weird right? Well, let's find out!

In honor of this champion of our first admentment right's birthday we're throwing a little early morning Pajama Party. 9am (that's in the morning folks) till 1pm.

Simply roll out of bed, jump in the car and join us for coffee, donuts and other surprises. Including a freebie for those in jammies and ONLY those in jammies! While supplies last.

"But Luckystar what are you trying to sell us?" Nothing! We don't even have an exhibit planned. "Will there be nudity?" Probably not, but one can always dream... dream like Hugh, join us in your jammies.

image by Psychonaught.

Gene Evans [dot] net

2011-03-02T12:11:00.001-08:00

It only took 4 years but we've finally managed to update Gene Evans' website. Check it out.

People, Places and Things

2011-02-26T02:01:00.000-08:00

Why is this guy so happy? Well, he's hanging on the wall in our People, Places and Things exhibit, opening March 4th, 6-9pm at Luckystar Studio® [map]; courtesy Brian Jacobson, the photographer who snapped that sexy shot. The exhibit also features Corey Hengen, with images from his upcoming book SEEN and...

Mark Cherek, who is showing off a few wonderfully scenic images from his recent journey home, to Milwaukee, after spending a few grueling years in California. It must have been tough with all that sunshine. Welcome home Cherek!

People, Places and Things is sponsored by SCION.

images copyright respective artists - used by permission.

Modern Landscape Exhibit Ends 02/26

2011-02-17T07:43:00.000-08:00

Art looks better in person than on your smartphone, laptop, or 20 years old PC in your mom's basement, so get your butts in here and see our latest exhibit; The Modern Landscape; featuring works by Amy O'Neil;

Tom Berenz;

and landscapes of the local neighborhoods; Bayview, Riverwest, the defunct National Liquor Bar, and more, by Mike Fredrickson;

before the exhibit closes February 26. Luckystar Studio [map] Open Tues.-Sat 11-5.

Paintings © by the respective artists - used by permission.

Extra, Extra, Read All About It!

2011-02-01T10:48:00.000-08:00

Click here to read the review of our current exhibit, the Modern Landscape, in the most recent Shepherd Express... and read here for a mention at the A.V. Club.

...walk into a bar

2011-01-21T12:02:00.000-08:00

I'm a firm believer that comedy and art are very similar - you either get it or you don't. For Gallery Night, tonight, I've thrown together a series of ink drawings influenced by several "walks into a bar" jokes, just for fun.

Including; a Rabbi, a Priest and a Stormtrooper (walk into a bar);

Rodney Dangerfield, a Blonde, and a guy in a Gorilla Suit (walk into a bar);

and a Masked Wrestler, a Horse and Stephen Hawking (walk into a bar);

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to finish the threesome with a Guy with a Duck on his head. Maybe next time. Luckystar Studio is located at 207 E. Buffalo St., Third Floor in the Third Ward. Open Gallery Night 6-10pm.

Images ©Gene Evans 2011, Used with permission.

The Modern Landscape

2011-01-04T10:04:00.000-08:00

Eleven years running this place - eight of which were dedicated to running a gallery - and we've never featured an exhibit dedicated to landscapes; chiefly because, though fields, brooks and mountains are quite nice, our taste lean more toward urban decay, natural disasters and familiar places.

So, on Gallery Night, Friday, January 21, 6-10pm, Luckystar will present The Modern Landscape, our first landscape exhibit; featuring wonderful paintings of the aforementioned urban decay, natural disasters and a few neighborhoods and landmarks you might be familiar with.

We've selected the works of three painters; Amy O'Neill, her series features "areas of quiet and sometimes neglected spaces filled with things we're not suppose to notice; abandon buildings, unkempt sidewalks and, most notably, wires";

Tom Berenz, his work "focuses on the battle between man and nature and its powerful force is a major focus of this series";

and Mike Fredrickson, who's work could be described as realism with a touch of POP!

Of course, we knuckleheads behind Luckystar Studio will be featuring our own work; Bridget Griffith Evans has begun a new portrait series - more info to follow - and Gene Evans (myself) will be featuring drawings of things for your amusement (or disgust - depending on your sensibilities) in our respective studio spaces.

The Luckystar Studio Art Gallery is located on the third floor of the Marshal building, 207 E. Buffalo st., on the corner of Water and Buffalo St.; map.

This event is sponsored by Sala da Pranzo - eat there!!! Not because they're our sponsor but because they're the best!!!

See you there!

Christmas Monkey

2010-12-16T08:38:00.000-08:00

"A John Waters Christmas" is playing ever-so loudly in the background and we've hung the Christmas monkey with care - it must be the holidays. Might we see you here? If not, depending on timing we may see you this season, out and about, enjoying "Holiday Cheer" as only it can be enjoyed in south east Wisconsin; binge drinking and over indulging at the buffet. Save a meatball for us. Happy Holidays.

Open Tuesday- Saturday, 11am-5pm, till Christmas. Closed Christmas Day (of course).

The print above is by our own Gene Evans from a run of 100 and dates all the way back to 2005. There are only 3 left (only $20; free shipping outside Milwaukee; US only) and if you want one, act now.

Winning Ugly

2010-12-02T12:32:00.000-08:00

Winning Ugly is a collection of drawings in response to silly things like People Magazines Most Beautiful People issue and other guilty pleasures that we entertain ourselves with.

For the series I picked subjects with lots of character; Lemmy, Rodney Dangerfield, Keith Richards, Don Knotts, Willie Nelson, Yoda and, of course, the World's Ugliest Dog; Sam; subjects that aren't likely to pop up in a tabloid line-up celebrating shallow celebrity driven - yet, still very entertaining - nonsense.

I also want to get away from computer programs, paint, markers, etc., and used the series as a excuse to get back to basics, using just a #2 pencil... and a few erasers.

Gene Evans' Winning Ugly, 18" X 24", pencil on paper, framed, $250 ea.

Five Easy Pieces

2010-11-29T07:45:00.000-08:00

I know several of you may have prior commitments, seeing that it is the Ozzy Osbourne's Birthday (the Prince of Darkness turns 62), I imagine several of you will be stationed at your black magic alters this weekend for your annual Aliester Crowley readings and Beetlejuice worship. For those of you who aren't, I hope to see at the next Luckystar opening this Friday, December 3rd, 6-10pm, part of a building-wide event - 14 galleries and several artists studios under one roof. [map]

Here is a little preview, just a few pieces from artists; Dwellephant, Stephen Somers and Andrea Picard. If you can't wait and must buy one right now contact us for more info. Remember we accept all major cards and Paypal.

Dwellephant; mixed media on paper, $250 ea. contact gallery for availability.

Stephen Somers; polymer clay mini-mask in plastic case; $250 ea., contact gallery for availability.

Andrea Picard; Mixed media, prices vary, contact gallery for availability.

There is also work by Jeremy Wolf and others, including our own Bridget Griffith Evans and me, Gene Evans, on display this weekend.

Artist retain copyrights to respective works. Used with permission.

You Name It - I'll Paint it!!!

2010-11-27T12:22:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy season, but yes, there's still time to commission a portrait for Christmas! Kids, dogs, husband, wife, parents, grandparents. You name it - I'll paint it! Contact me ASAP for a consultation.

I should also mention that my studio; Bridget Paints, is still in the Marshall Building but has moved inside Luckystar Studio on the third floor. [map] Here Tuesday-Saturday 11am-5pm.

A Little Stranger Around the Holidays

2010-11-26T12:33:00.001-08:00

This life-size illustration simply titled Dangerfield, part of the Winning Ugly Series - don't know why I started doodling Mr. Dangerfield's face a few months ago but I like where it's gone - will be on display at the Luckystar Studio Art Gallery next week, December 3rd, along side his yet to be determined cohorts, during the reception for Unicorns and Rainbows VS Bad Apples and Rapscallions.

On Stands Now!!!

2010-11-24T07:20:00.000-08:00

The fine folks at Milwaukee Magazine had a few kind words welcoming our humble little joint back to the art scene and even more for our stable of artists in their current issue. Worth a look.

Unicorns and Rainbows VS Bad Apples and Rapscallions

2010-11-19T11:25:00.000-08:00

Wheee! Isn't that just the cutest f'n thing you've ever saw (except maybe for that Surprised Kitty on Youtube)... anyway, do you get facetious around the holidays? Well we sure as hell do. So this Holiday seasons we've decided to avoid the traditional "festival of trees" exhibit or lame art sale and present a little tongue-in-cheek exhibit juxtaposing good and evil. Not too shabby, huh?

Unicorns and Rainbows VS Bad Apples and Rapscallions runs from Friday, November 19 and through January 9, 2011, with an artists reception (party) Friday, December 3, 6-10pm. Three artists: illustrator Dwellephant (responsible for the cuteness above) , sculptor Stephen Somers; and painter Andrea Picard; do their very best to either put a smile on your face or scare the bugeezes out of you.

Here's the back of the postcard for more info:

Unicorncob (c) Dwellephant 2010

Inaugural Exhibit Closes

2010-11-16T07:55:00.000-08:00

This is the last week to see our inaugural exhibit, in our new location. The exhibit, The Good, The Bad and the Chimp, a title which had absolutely nothing to do with the exhibit, closes this week. The exhibit features John Scotello (above)

Jeff Sadowski:

and Jeremy Wolf:

We're open Tuesday-Saturday 11-5pm and we're located at 207 E. Buffalo St. [map].

Road Trip to Fond du Lac

2010-10-26T12:24:00.000-07:00

Hardly in our new gallery for a week and we're already taking off on a little road trip to visit some of our art loving friends in Fond du Lac.

UW-Fond du Lac will host the exhibit Road Trip presented by Milwaukee's award wining art gallery Luckystar Studio. The exhibit features paint, paint and more paint influenced by the road; including landscapes by Amy O'Neill, beautiful disasters by Tom Berenz; postcard like portraits from Mike Fredrickson; spray paint stencil work of Von Munz; scenic views by Tim Meyerring; as well as work by Luckystar Studio's own Bridget Griffith Evans and Gene Evans.

Exhibit runs through December 11.

Now Open!!!

2010-10-18T11:52:00.000-07:00

Gallery is open Tuesday-Saturday 11am-5pm.

How to Make a Monster!!!

2010-10-13T13:45:00.000-07:00

Youtube video featuring the build out of the new gallery from ThirdCoast Digest article [read it here!]. We'd also like to thank the folks at the Marshall building who made it happen. Bob, Andy, Glen - THANKS!!

Gallery Night Grand (re)Opening

2010-10-07T13:13:00.000-07:00

We're now on the THIRD floor of the Marshall building (that's the building on the corner of Water and Buffalo) and this is the very first exhibit in our brand spankin' new space!!! Gallery Night, Friday, October 15, 6-10pm, we open the doors to feature painters John Scotello and Jeff Sadowski with the "nature versus man" sculpture of Jeremy Wolf. Plus a live performance by teenage phenom Ruadhan Ward!!!

Sponsored by 91.7 WMSE and ThirdCoast Digest.

The Last Laugh - The Movie

2010-09-30T07:34:00.000-07:00

The Last Laugh (this is not an art film) a short by Mark Cherek. Featured at the Milwaukee Art Museum as part of our (Luckystar) exhibit of the same name. Edited by Mark Cherek and Scott Radtke. Camera work by Mark Cherek and Jeremy Mews.

Here it's broke down to 3 easy bits. Enjoy!

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

THe Last Laugh is copyright Mark Cherek and Luckystar Studio®
Used with permission

He Who Laughs Last Laughs Best

2010-09-18T08:28:00.000-07:00

So, the Last Laugh, our one night exhibit at the Milwaukee art Museum, is only a week away, and we're proud to announce that in addition to a great exhibit featuring: Reginald Baylor, Dwellephant, Luckystar's own Gene Evans and Bridget Griffith Evans, Amy O'Neill, Andrea Picard, Prince Parise, Kendell Polster, Jeff Sadowski, John Scotello, Stephen Somers, Tony Stonehouse and Von Munz; we've added the premiere of The Last Laugh (this is not an art film) by Mark Cherek, a video short featuring interviews with most of the artists form our exhibit all edited down to a painless 20 minutes for your entertainment pleasure. The festivities start at 5, see you then.

Marshall Building Open House

2010-09-06T12:26:00.000-07:00

This Friday, September 10, from 6-9pm, we will be part of a building wide open house featuring most of the creative arts professionals (artists, galleries, home decor, etc.) in the Marshall Building, that's at 207 E. Buffalo St., in the Third Ward. Free parking will be made available next to the building on Water - across the street from Milwaukee Ale House - first come first serve.

Pictured above is what I'll be hanging in the hallway outside my fifth floor studio. That's right around the corner from the Portrait Society Gallery, who will be hosting a fine exhibit by none other than Lindemann and Shimon. My partner, Bridget Griffith Evans, will be at Bridget Paints on the lower level with Spill Gallery, Light Ideas, Milwaukee Potters Guild, Safi Studios, and Luminosity.

Other galleries and art professionals in the building include our friends at Reginald Baylor, Elaine Erickson, Grava Gallery, Tim O., Cranston, CR Davidson and many more.

Press from the Shepperd Express

Press from Journal Sentinel

The Last Laugh

2010-08-20T07:33:00.000-07:00

Before we open our new space this fall we have the good fortune to present a special one-night-only exhibit for the Milwaukee Art Museum. The Last Laugh happens Friday, September 24, 5-11pm in the Museum's Schroeder hall (that's right inside the main entrance).

The Last Laugh, is meant as a compliment to the Warrington Colescott exhibit: Cabaret, Comedy & Satire; and features like-minded work from a consort of local artists including: Reginald Baylor, Dwellephant, Luckystar's Gene Evans and Bridget Griffith Evans, Amy O'Neill, Andrea Picard, Prince Parise, Kendell Polster, Jeff Sadowski, John Scotello, Stephen Somers, Tony Stonehouse and Von Munz.

Sneak Peek:

Stephen Somers:

Amy O'Neill:

Reginald Baylor:

All works are copyright by the respective artist.

Astronaut (Where My Head's At)

2010-08-17T10:29:00.000-07:00

A quick one between meetings today...

Under Construction

2010-08-13T09:51:00.000-07:00

Here it is - the new Luckystar Studio® art gallery. Well, at least where it will be.

We're pretty excited that work has already begun on our new joint. The space, in the Marshall Building, will also house our individual studios, including Bridget Paints.

We'll keep you updated on the construction and on the Grand Opening - or "Re-opening" as it were.

The Cussing Canary Poops On You!

2010-08-06T13:58:00.000-07:00

The lil' fella is the Cussing Canary. He's a favorite around the studio. I usually pass sketches of him to my wife in the most inopportune moments, usually with a sound bubble with rude comments. This one I found and colored just for you.

Poop!

Burger Wars

2010-07-23T07:59:00.000-07:00

Burger Wars, the first in a series of three page story fragments; no beginning or end - just a peak at the middle bits. Started in December of 2008 during a particularly busy period at Luckystar Studio®. Found the the rough sketches in the bottom of an old file - had almost forgotten about it - gave me an excuse to work.

Mr. Fuzzy Bunny

2010-06-18T16:57:00.000-07:00

Yet a little more foolishness. A quick prose, introducing, my friend, Mr. Fuzzy Bunny...

Messy Job

2010-06-12T09:14:00.000-07:00

A bleak little drawing inspired by the bang-up job BP is doing.

Much to do About a Name

2010-06-09T08:31:00.000-07:00

While I work my way through my artist block I may as well wax nostalgic about aliases. Artist, performers and other criminals, all have a long history of using pseudonyms. For reason even I don't understand I've used a number of them myself throughout my career. Maybe it a comes from the lackadaisical attitude I had previously held towards art, or maybe it was a deeply seeded psychosis. Nah, I'm pretty sure it's the former.

Starting in the early 90's with one of my favorites, Daisy St. Clare (which I choose using the porn star formula) for use on a flyer campaign in Washington D.C. The text read something like "D.C.'s Hottest TV call..." and featured a 800 number for a company that had ripped me off for a few hundred dollars. I have reprized that nom de plume over the years. Most recently for an exhibit of art/porn exhibit in Milwaukee, WI.

Another name, Noriyuki 411, which is one name I reserve for graffiti work, mostly stickers, which I "stuck" from Chicago to Los Angeles over the last 7 years, mostly during the Luckystar traveling exhibits or one of the few vacations I've taken. Unfortunately, I wasn't savvy enough to chronicle the work in pictures like so many graffiti artists.

(Here's one):

And finally, a little over a year ago I used the moniker Eugene Duane, my Christian name for a series of drawings. Including one called "Pink Elephants Come Home" which I drew simply to be part of an evening of art, cheap beer and maybe some swag (I got a belt buckle) sponsored by Pabst. Well, it turned out to be selected as a finalist and has been featured in murals in Boise, ID; and Kansas City, MO; and, of course, on the side of the Bay View Bowl, right here in sunny Milwaukee, WI.

(Coincidentally here is the Luckystar Studio Pabst as Muse piece which is also featured at PBR Art though uncredited - we're working to resolve that)

Shakespeare wrote "What's in a name? That which we call a rose b
y any other name would smell as sweet" and this is starting to reek - I'm outta here.

Images©GeneEvans 2005-10

Office Space

2010-06-03T13:11:00.000-07:00

Here writes the occupant of modest new work space in the historic Marshall Building, in Milwaukee's Third Ward. A building I've spent a considerable amount of time at with the Luckystar Studio® galleries and as part of the ill-fated M-80 co-op; it's nice to be back.

After spending years in the chaos of a working art studio; surrounded by paint, tools, raw canvas, water, works-in-progress, printers ink, squeegees, sawdust (you get the picture), it's time to get back to basics: paper, pen and a damn good desk - and what a desk it is. "Hamilton" is a massive drafting table with a pedigree from the Astronautics Corporation of America. This thing is the size of a Yugo and every bit as fun to work on.

Of course, with every new work space I get a super-sized helping of artist block and this time is no exception. I look forward to posting bits and pieces of whatever I'm working on as inspiration finds its way to my new address.

Watts Tea Room

2010-06-03T11:23:00.000-07:00

I'm showing at George Watts and Sons Tea Shop several original pieces, and a handful of giclée prints, from my series "the Mysteries of the Universe Reveal Themselves to Birds" (whoa - that's a mouthful) and they'll be there all summer long. So if you're out and about and up for a spot of tea - stop in and take a peak.

Drunk friends, Sushi and Girls, Girls, Girls!!!

2010-05-20T04:59:00.000-07:00

Things are going well in the new studio (Bridget Paints), so well in fact I need to make room for new work. So, I'm having a sale for the next 2 weeks. May 22 - June 4. Stop in and get yourself something. (If you can't make it in but see something you want just email me and we'll work it out)

A few of my Drunk Friends:

From My Girl Series:

"Phillip" from a portrait series I did years ago:

"Harvey", from the same series:

Several pieces from my Bridgetine Series:

a few more "Bridgetines":

"Sushi":

more "Sushi":

There are literally dozens of paintings to see. Stop on in and see the rest!!!

New to the Blogorsphere....

2010-05-20T04:56:00.000-07:00

A little late to the party but, thought I'd give this blog thing a try.

Warholian Death Blow

2009-11-01T16:20:00.000-08:00

Above, Luckystar Studio®'s Warholian Death Blow. silkscreen with hand-painted embellishments, on paper, framed and ready to hang, 3/3 (that means only 3 made).

Created for the Luckystar Studio® produced event The Future is Now, November 20, at the Milwaukee Art Museum.

The piece will be the last piece (for now anyway) from Gene Evans and Bridget Griffith Evans your Luckystar collaborators, as they will take a little time to work on individual projects.

The Real Batman

2009-02-21T07:52:00.000-08:00

A friend of our recently shared a few photos from recent Car Show of his son meeting the real Batman - Adam West - and getting him to autograph one of our pop art portraits of himself as the caped crusader. Awesome.

Our Chimp Gets Around

2008-12-01T01:52:00.000-08:00

Our logo, featuring one beautifully stenciled chimp, spotted in the Check Republic...

and in Prague.

Damn monkey gets to more places than we do.

Monster Lab

2008-09-19T08:03:00.000-07:00

Through the years I've developed a number of bad habits, including silk-screening freehand. Mastering this technique has allowed me to silk-screen on almost everything from skate boards to pint glasses . So when our friend John Kucera stopped in and asked if we would be interested in customizing a few guitars we jumped at the chance.

The first, Love You to Death, featured the lovely ladies from our Zombie series. Each girl was printed individually and the lettering was done a word at a time.

The other guitar we were asked to recreate the "Frankenstien" paint job made famous by Eddie Van Halen using the Packers colors - combining John's love of the rock and football. Done with spray paint and a lot of masking tape. Good Fun.

So, these aren't the kinds of things we work on all the time but, these are the things that make it fun showing up everyday.