"300 Plates"

Please Join Us at the 10th Annniversary of the 300 Plates Fundraiser and Exhibition! Fundraiser Event: Thursday, May 17th, 6 - 9 PM Preview: May 14 - 17                 Mon. & Tues., 10 AM - 6 PM                 Wed. and Thurs. 10 AM - 5 PM Registration Information: $25 through May 13 $35 May 14 - 17 and at the door REGISTER ONLINE NOW BY CLICKING HERE Where: Art Access/VSA Utah 230 South 500 West #125 Salt Lake City, Utah 84101 801-328-0703 http://www.accessart.org What is 300 Plates? 300 Plates is the annual Art Access fundraiser and exhibition. Now in its 10th year, this signature event presents unique artwork that is both affordable and highly collectible, created by approximately 130 established and emerging artists from the local community. Using 11 x 10 inch plates (either aluminum, galvanized steel or plexiglas), each artist prepares small works in their recognizable style. Finished plates include everything from landscape to assemblage to pop art to photographic emulsion and more. During the fundraiser and month-long exhibition the plates are hung in the Art Access Gallery, creating a kaleidoscope of one-of-a-kind artwork. This year a small selection of plates from previous years will also be on sale. As one of the 130 artists, I have created and submitted three plates.  On the plate entitled "Homage," I have actually included seven paintings in the style of seven of my favorite artists with quotes by these artists on the reverse side.

Take a Look at me No -ow -ow!

Jerry Hardesty, White-Headed, No Glasses

When we moved to Utah, I had to list my hair color on my driver license.  I was only 50 at the time, and uncertain if it should be gray or white. The agent informed me, definitely white.  I didn't have a chance as I started graying at age 16. Ouch! Oh well, white hair is a sign of wisdom...  though I never thought of myself as being wise. I'm looking pretty good for a senior citizen.  I no longer have to wear glasses (after 50 years) for distance - let's not talk about reading.  And I've dropped almost 20 pounds in the past year; but thank God I'm not down to my high school weight of 115.

TMI?  As the young people would say. You could delete me, but please don't. If I'm to interest you in my art and I hope I do, I thought it imperative to share my journey. Don't worry, I'm not going to give you a complete chronological review. Just the highlights.  f it's too much, you can respond with a comment, but only if it's positive.  

First, I have to say I'm very proud of my wife, three kids, their spouses, and the six grandkids. Pam and I met on a blind date in Kansas City, Missouri and were married six months later. We've moved a lot, Kansas, Missouri, Louisiana, Nebraska, and now Utah.  I've had several careers... 13 years as a band and choir teacher, 2 years in the music industry, 25 years as a Manager with Union Pacific Railroad, and now...  drum roll please, an artist.  I'm a surviror... having suffered two heart attacks and two strokes in 2006.  This allowed me to claim disability and therefore take up painting to combat depression.  

As an artist, I label myself as an abstract expressionist.  I first painted landscapes but became easily bored. I switched to abstracts about four years ago and love it.  I've had a number of shows and exhibited in several galleries, the latest being House Gallery in Salt Lake City.  Am I making any money?  Hell no, I'm not even making expenses.  But other than Pam, who cares?  The journey is the fun and the challenge.  I'm lovin' it!