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February Artists
PLAY is a non-profit gallery, boutique and performance venue, located in Tucson Arizona, aiming to support emerging and established artists of all mediums and working towards establishing a thriving downtown community. Visit www.playarts.org for more information.

Bio for Jessica Van Woerkom
The artwork of Jessica Van Woerkom, incorporates variation in methods of design, material compositions and style. Her work changes mediums consistently; ranging from oil on canvas, ink on paper, digital collage, sculpture from non-traditional objects to furniture design, larger installation pieces and architectural designs. Bold contrasting geometries and color compositions are a common theme that run throughout the work; each with an attention a tactile or visual texture in which to imply a sense of time and ageing.

Born in the mountains of Colorado, Van Woerkom developed a love of materials, color and form at a young age. As a child, fort building and “make believe” constructions were more her forte than video games or television. At the age of 19, she moved to Seattle, Washington and began former training as an artist. Attending workshops, lectures and volunteering her time with a local established artist to trade for “under the table” training at Cornish College of the Arts. At the age of 25, Van Woerkom moved to Tucson, Arizona and shortly after began her training as an Architect at the University of Arizona, College of Architecture. She completed her training in 2005 and has sense been actively involved in both disciplines and has been branching out into all things creative, including literature and fabrication.

Jessica’s background in Architecture, Planning, design, and project management brings an important element of organization and professionalism to the project of PLAY. As well as her strong desire to have fun with life and to become an active empowering force within the community that brings support and encouragement to people on an individual level.

Craig Wilson – Website
Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Craig’s artistic career began in designing installations and backdrops for an various Edinburgh nightclub promoters in 1991/92 which lead him to the US, originally to work on a nightclub in San Francisco in 1993. By 1999, he had become the art director for various promoters in San Francisco, and designed and built installations at the Burning Man festival.

Craig currently resides in Tucson, Arizona, and is mainly known for colorful abstract/surreal paintings, recently merging pop and surreal art. His work can be seen on display in Solar Culture Gallery in Tucson, where he is an artist in residence, and on the walls at PLAY. He has engaged in many private shows and functions, has sold to many private collectors in the US and the UK, and has completed many commissions for public display.

Jerry Jordan
Born in Salinas, California Jerry Jordan is mostly a self taught artist; studying briefly at the San Francisco Art Institute from 1998-1999. He is currently a resident artist at Solar Culture Gallery and co owner of PLAY.

Jerry’s work is comprised of a premium blend of surrealism, pop art, vintage cartoons, art deco, art nouveau, and the principles of modern design, particularly the Bauhaus.

Drawing on a deep well of emotional experiences, current events, and his own ideological paradigm, Jerry’s art is created through a process of gathering, organizing, and translating thought into the material world through both traditional and digital mediums.

The topography of the emotional landscapes found in Jerry’s work is comprised of various elements, including: dreams, desire, love vs fear, orthodox religious thought as well as the mystical, icons , and, symbols.

Jerry eagerly strives for a successful fusion of surrealism, pop art, and graphic design. As a result of this fusion Jerry’s art communicates messages that can be as dark and revealing as they are informative and humorous.

Monthly Charity Raffle

This month, the beneficiary of the First Fridays charity raffle is Fox Theatre. The Fox stands today as a fiercely protected landmark and a nationally acclaimed theater; having survived depression, mortgage foreclosure, bankruptcy, competition, television, real estate development, and above all, age.

The Fox is an impeccably intact and aggressively preserved Landmark that has been designated a National Historic Landmark (the highest national ranking), listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Fox is also a Georgia Museum Building (the most prestigious statewide ranking). Visit www.foxtheatre.org for more information.