Putting the "A" in "STEAM"

 I'm excited to announce that for my next exhibit, I'll be putting the "A" in "STEAM" at Toledo's science center, the Imagination Station!

You may remember I participated in the Momentum Festival presented by The Arts Commission in downtown Toledo in September. There, I was approached by the creative manager for the Imagination Station about exhibiting my cyanotype prints (a.k.a. sun prints) to tie in with the educational activities they will be offering for the upcoming solar eclipse taking place on April 8th, 2024. 

 

These three images, inspired by the eclipse, will be among the two dozen other cyanotype prints I'll be installing on Monday to exhibit at the Imagination Station through the beginning of Apil. Be sure to let me know if you get a chance to check it out. 

In a blink of an eye, 10 years

Holey Moley, it's been a minute!

Or 10 years to be exact! 😳

Yup, I've started my return to my work as an artist after a very long hiatus. 

As you may or may not know, I had stepped away from my career as an artist to spend my time being a stay-at-home mom. While I was at home focusing on my family I continued to practice my creative skills by exploring painting, printmaking, and taking art classes in my spare time. I have recently returned to my art career with interest in mixed media art, encaustic painting and monoprinting, and cyanotypes.

In fact, one of my first steps back to work was to participate in a local art exhibition. Last month I was one of over 100 local visual, literary, and performing artists to participate in the Momentum Festival presented by The Arts Commission in downtown Toledo.

For my exhibition at the Momentum Festival, I prepared and framed 26 pieces. Go big or go home, am I right? 😅

Half of my exhibition was encaustic monotypes, and the other half were cyanotypes. Here are a couple of my favorites.

Enchanted Winter Wreath 8x10 Cyanotype by Janelle Lorenzen

The Refuge 8x10 Encaustic Monotype by Janelle Lorenzen

So what's next?

Obviously, I'm working to revive my blog. I decided to keep the history of my blog from my work as a portrait and fine art photographer. It's part of my journey and got me to where I am. However, you will see that my interests and work have shifted and evolved. 

I'll be working on getting a website together and a shop open to sell my work online. 

I'm also starting on an exciting new body of work exploring encaustic mono-printing. Check back for my next post with details on that.

Color Kaleidoscope Exhibition

PRIZM Creative Community is sponsoring an new exhibition called Color Kaleidoscope at Sam B’s Restaurant in Bowling Green. Included in the exhibition are nine of my fine art photographs, some of which were recently featured in my Color reVision exhibition.

A Moment Aglow by Janelle Lorenzen

This evening from 8-10 p.m. will be the opening reception for the exhibition at the Sam B’s Restaurant. There will be FREE drinks, appetizers, and acoustic guitar entertainment in the back bar area of Sam B’s. This exhibit will be on display through the end of May with over 100 new works of art in all medias including Fiber Art Quilts, Glass, Wood, Ceramics, Jewelry, Photography, and Fine Art.

Cedar Falls by Janelle Lorenzen

New artists being featured at this location will be Janelle Lorenzen, Lila DeWitte, Wendy Jenkins, Sue Leimkuehler, Dave Grabarczyk, Norma Meier, and Trudy Heinz Fails.

Other artists featured are: Jeremy Anderson, Kate Argow, Elaine Fuchs, C. Corky Dunsmore, Joshua Lee Haus, Darlene Krohn, Mary Anne Nicholson, Emanuel Enriquez, David Kolasky, Adam Soboleski, and Les Robertson.



Covered Bridge by Janelle Lorenzen

PRIZM Creative Community is a 501 c. 3 nonprofit organization currently receiving partial funding from the Ohio Arts Council and Toledo Community Foundation. For more information on upcoming PRIZM educational workshops in the visual and literary arts visit our website at www.myprizm.com or email prizm@bex.net

Salon des Refusés

One of my fine art photographs is included in the 2013 Salon des Refusés Exhibition sponsored by Prizm Creative Community. The digital color photograph was taken in the Lincoln Park Conservatory in Chicago, IL.

 

Fine Art Photograph by Janelle Lorenzen

 

The Salon des Refusés (French for “exhibition of rejects”), a long standing and well loved Toledo tradition for many years, is an exhibit for art not accepted by the Toledo Area Artists Exhibition held each year in the Toledo Museum of Art. Since its inception the Salon des Refusés has earned a reputation for quality exhibitions among area art critics. The exhibit will be held for six weeks from Feb 1st - March 15th, at The Art’s Commission’s Parkwood Gallery located at 1838 Parkwood Avenue in Toledo. Evening hours to view the exhibition will also be held on Friday evening the 22nd of Feb. from 6-9 p.m. at The Parkwood Gallery, 1838 Parkwood Ave. in Toledo. Otherwise viewing hours for the exhibit will be held Feb. 1st –March 15th during The Arts Commission’s regular business, Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.



 Salon des Refusés Postcard by PRIZM Creative Community

PRIZM Creative Community is a 501 c. 3 nonprofit organization currently receiving partial funding from the Ohio Arts Council and Toledo Community Foundation. For more information on upcoming PRIZM educational workshops in the visual and literary arts visit our website at www.myprizm.com or email prizm@bex.net


Color reVision in Perrysburg Messenger Journal

Exciting news! The Perrysburg Messenger Journal wrote an article on my Color reVision fine art photography exhibit. See the copy below.

(Click on the image to view larger)

PRIZM Opens New Art Exhibit 'Color reVision' Perrysburg Messenger Journal 12/05/2012

Color reVision Photography Exhibit by artist Janelle Lorenzen

Things got so crazy busy during the holidays that I forgot to post about the fine art photography exhibit I hung in December.

Frog Town by Janelle Lorenzen

My artists' group, PRIZM Creative Community, is sponsoring the exhibit at Starbucks at Levis Commons, in Perrysburg, Ohio. The exhibit will be available for viewing during regular business through January 28th, 2013.
 
Here is an excerpt of the press release sent out by PRIZM.

The current display entitled Color reVision features the work of PRIZM artist Janelle Lorenzen and will be on view through January 28th, 2013. The display includes Janelle’s fine art photography of landscapes and cityscapes of the Toledo, Ohio area and other inspiring locations in the region. The display includes images of the Toledo skyline, Wildwood Metropark, Maumee Bay State Park, the Toledo Botanical Gardens, the High-Level Bridge, and the Docks, among others.

Bridge Over Still Water by Janelle Lorenzen

To view examples of my fine art photography, including images in the Color reVision exhibit visit the Janelle Lorenzen Fine Art Photography website.

Yellow Boardwalk by Janelle Lorenzen

Yellow Boardwalk - Fine Art Photography by Janelle Lorenzen

Exciting news! Yellow Boardwalk, one of my Fine Art photographs, was selected by The Arts Commission of Greater Toledo (ACGT) to be displayed in the Toledo Digital Arts Billboard Project as part of the Art in Public Places series!



Yellow Boardwalk by Janelle Lorenzen

ACGT's description of the project:

"Toledo is home to a growing number of digital billboards. These giant computer screens are mounted high above the streets and allow advertisers to blast their message out to thousands of potential customers or patrons on a daily basis. The content that runs on these giant screens typically loops on a regular schedule showing each ad for approximately 8 seconds.

What would happen if some of the slides in the rotation on these billboards were not intended to promote, advertise or advocate for a particular cause or product? What if some of the slides were designed simply to enhance our City’s aesthetic and cultural identity?

The Arts Commission and Toledo Detroit Outdoor Media are working together to explore this idea in a project called the Toledo Digital Billboard Art Project. The project will utilize two local digital billboards, which are owned by Toledo Detroit Outdoor Media, to exhibit a series of artworks with the sole intent of beautifying the City of Toledo for 8 seconds at a time. This project is designed to add to our city’s growing reputation as a center of creativity and culture, and to remind viewers that (despite what is communicated in the media) Toledo is a vibrant and enjoyable place to live and work."

The images select for the project will be displayed starting the week of October 8th.  The billboards are located on Monroe at Secor, and Secor at Central in Toledo, OH.

Yellow Boardwalk is digital color photograph taken at Wildwood Metro Park in Toledo, OH.  The dramatic colors in this image are due to the faux infrared post processing of the image in my digital darkroom. You may remember that this image was also chosen to hang in the Toledo Museum of Art in 2009 for the 91st Toledo Area Artist's Exhibit. For the billboard project the image was cropped to fit the dimensions of the billboards. The full uncropped image is below.

Yellow Boardwalk by Janelle Lorenzen

Toledo Pet Farm Photographer

I'm excited to share some good news! I recently signed on to be the contract photographer for Toledo Pet Farm! Toledo Pet Farm is a full-service pet facility located on a 4 acre lot, right off of Airport Highway (between Reynolds and Holland Sylvania Rd). Toledo Pet Farm is the largest facility of its kind in the area offering boarding, pet day-care, grooming, photography, training, and a vet clinic.

As the resident photographer for the Toledo Pet Farm, I will be offering customized portrait photography specializing in pets. I have a studio on site where I'll be shooting more traditional portraits or, when the weather permits, I will conduct sessions outside on the 4 acre campus. I'll be offering a number of exciting products and photography services . The photo sessions can include only people, only pets, or both. For more more information on my products and services offered at Toledo Pet Farm click here.

Existing Lorenzen Studios clients please note that this will not change any of the products, prices, or services that I currently offer at Lorenzen Studios. The products and services offered at Toledo Pet Farm are exclusive to that business, and for Toledo Pet Farm customers only. I will continue to offer my customized portrait photography sessions to all Lorenzen Studios clients as I always have, in your home or at the location of your choice.

Cheers,
Janelle

Grand Re-Opening Sale!

You may have noticed that there have been a lot of exciting changes at LorenzenStudios.com! I have redesigned the site to include all my creative ventures in one place. Now, when you visit LorenzenStudios.com, you will see a number of “studios” to select from.

In the Lorenzen Studios Portrait Photography Studio you will find all new examples of my portrait work including maternity, newborns, kids, families, and pets. You will see that I still provide a personalized custom portrait session in your home, or at your local park, school, or church at the same great price.

As a special Grand Re-Opening Sale now through September 30^th I will be offering half off all portrait session fees! That means you still get the same personalized portrait session experience for only $20 from now through the end of September. In addition, I’m offering a FREE 8x10 print with every $50 print order you place now through the end of September. Be sure to book your session soon, as appointments will be filling up fast.

As always, I reward my existing customers for their referrals to friends and family. Now, when you refer someone who books a portrait session with me you will receive 20% off your next print order! So be sure to let your friends and family know about Lorenzen Studios Portraits, and have them mention your name when they book their session.

Thanks,

Janelle

P.S. Are you interested in receiving the Lorenzen Studios Fine Art Photography Newsletter? You can subscribe right here!

Salon des Refuses Exhibit

Great news! This Friday is the opening reception for an exhibit that includes my first finished encaustic painting!

12" x 12" Encaustic Painting, Gnarled Tree by Janelle Lorenzen

The Salon des Refuses Show, a well loved Toledo tradition, is an exhibit for art denied by the Toledo Area Artists Exhibition, an annual show exhibited at the Toledo Museum of Art.

This year, I will have an encaustic painting on display at the Salon des Refuses Show at the Parkwood Gallery. Please come out and see my first painting in a medium that is all new to me! There will be food and drinks, and prizes given by the judges to exhibiting artists at the opening reception this Friday.





The Opening Reception is Friday, Aug. 26th 6-10 pm. The exhibit will be on display from August 29th thru September 23rd. Gallery hours: Monday thru Friday 8:30-4:30 pm. The Parkwood Gallery is located at 1838 Parkwood Ave. Toledo, Ohio.

Portrait Site Back Up

Just a little note to let you know that all the changes are complete at LorenzenStudios.com (for now). The portrait portion of the site is back up.

I'll be sending out a newsletter soon to let everyone know of all the changes that are taking place.

Cheers!

~ Janelle ~

Portrait Site Down

I've been working on redesigning my website and I'm very excited about all the changes I'm making to LorenzenStudios.com. Now you will be able to access my portrait photography site, fine art photography site, photography blog, and art blog all from LorenzenStudios.com!

Unfortunately, there are a few kinks that need to be worked out and currently the portrait photography portion of the site is down. But hold tight! All the changes should be complete in the next day or two.

For now you can view my portrait examples here, on the Lorenzen Studios Photography Blog. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to email me at Janelle@LorenzenStudios.com.

Thanks for your patience!

~ Janelle ~

Update!

I know it has been a long time since I have posted here. I have had a lot of changes in my life since the last time I posted, so an update is long past due.

Last November I lost my day job. Since I became joyfully jobless I have had a lot of things going on in my personal life and as a result my portrait business was put on the back burner. After the holiday rush was over wedding planning started to take up a lot of my free time. With that came more life changes such as moving into our first home. Then, right in the midst of wedding planning, I experienced a great loss. My father passed away on March 23 2011, six weeks before our wedding. His unexpected death came to a great shock to our family and it was all we could do to get through the last weeks of wedding planning.
On May 7 2011, Aaron and I were married at Nazareth Hall in Grand Rapids, OH. The wedding was beautiful and we were lucky to have some good weather as the ceremony was outside.

Check out the beautiful photography by JP Photography.

(Photo by JP Photography)

Click here to check out the awesome wedding video trailer by Fairytale Productions.

Right after the wedding was over, Aaron and I headed to the Bahamas for our honeymoon. We lived like king and queen for a week while we relaxed at the beautiful Sandals resort at Emerald Bay. (Photos to come soon!)

Since getting back from the honeymoon I have been settling into married life. While still mourning my loss, I am slowly healing.

As for photography, I am officially open for business. I am accepting new clients and hoping to build up my portrait clientele. I have updated my website, LorenzenStudios.com. You will notice new portrait examples in the galleries. However, I have kept my low pricing in hopes to gain some business in this struggling economy.

In addition to working on my portrait photography I have been exploring encaustic painting and mixed media art. If you are interested in seeing this new art work check out my art blog, A Life In Progress.

Now that the site is updated and I'm open for business you can expect to see a lot more posts here. Check back often for new work!

~ Janelle ~

Calendar Worthy

Exciting news! My photograph "Bridge Over Still Water" has been selected to be used as "January" for Sparta Calendars' 2011 Four Seasons calendar.




This is the first time I have been contacted by a company to buy the rights to print one of my photographs for a publication! It's a honor to know that one of my photographs is considered "calendar worthy".


Cheers!
~ Janelle ~

Engaged!

Holy smokes, it's been a while! A lot has been going on so I've sort of set blogging aside for a while. But there have been a lot changes for me that I'd like to share.

First, and most importantly: WE'RE ENGAGED! Yup, Aaron popped the question during our trip to San Francisco last month. It was my first time to San Francisco and the trip was awesome! So much to see and do. Here is a quick snap of the ring I took on our trip.

Since we've been back things have been really busy. I've moved out of my apartment in Rossford into our new house in Holland, OH. Lately we've been working on getting settled in, unpacking, redecorating, and starting the wedding planning. I haven't even had much time to go through the photos from the trip! Once I have a chance I'll share them here.

As things move forward I'll keep you posted on the wedding plans, the new house, and new art adventures!

Janelle ~

Studio News

This post is to let my clients know that I have moved out of my studio space in downtown Toledo. Although there is a lot of great creative artists that have studio space in the Secor Building the space really wasn't working for me. Since the Lucas County Arena opened downtown parking has become a problem. The location has become rather inconvenient for my clients. So I have moved out of the space.

For now, I am without a proper studio space for my photography. I will continue to offer my services on location and in my clients' homes. Please contact me if you have any questions.

Although this was a hard decision to make, I do feel like I made the right one. Moving out of the space has helped me take stock of my creative activities and have inspired me to start painting and drawing again. I will also continue to concentrate on my fine art photography as always. Please be sure to check back to see my newest work.

~ Janelle ~

TAA and Salon Des Refuses exhibitions

This is just a reminder that the 91st Toledo Area Artist exhibition is closing soon. If you haven't already gone to the Toledo Museum of Art and viewed this exhibition, then put it on your list of things to do this weekend! This show includes 119 pieces of exceptional art created by artists in this region and selected by jury for this show.

Included in the TAA exhibition is one of my very own fine art photographs! This was the first year that I have applied for the show. One out of the three pieces that I submitted one was accepted. The accepted image, Yellow Boardwalk (shown below), is a favorite photo of mine. The digital image was taken at Wildwood Metro Park. The bold colors you see in the image come from the post processing in my digital darkroom.


The other two images that were not accepted for the TAA exhibit were accepted to the Salon Des Refuses show sponsored by PRIZM on display at The Parkwood Gallery. The first image, Frog Town (below), is a digital HDR photograph of downtown Toledo.

The second image, Bridge Over Still Water (below), is a digital infrared photograph taken at the Toledo Botanical Gardens. This image was also a part of my 2009 exhibition at Artomatic 419.


Both of the exhibitions will be on display through Sunday, August 23rd 2009. All of my work included in the shows is for sale. You may purchase the work at the exhibition, on LorenzenStudios.com, or by emailing me at Janelle@LorenzenStudios.com.
Cheers!
~Janelle~

New Studio!

Exciting news! I recently signed a lease on a new studio space in downtown Toledo. My 7th floor space is large and urban and on a floor with a number of other artists' studios. Its in an old building on Jefferson that used to be the old Hotel Secor. I've been super busy getting the studio ready for clients, so I don't have any photos to share yet. However, I will be planning an "Open Studio" party when the work is complete. So check back for details.

Here is an image of the old Hotel Secor circa 1910.

Cheers,

~ Janelle ~

Exciting News!

I have great news! One of my photographs has been accepted to the Toledo Area Artist Exhibition at the Toledo Museum of Art! For those of you who don't know, the Toledo Museum of Art is rated among the top museums in the US. So this is a great opportunity for me and I'm so excited to be accepted! Below is the information for the show.

The 91st Toledo Area Artist exhibit will be on display in the Canaday Gallery at the Toledo Museum of Art from July 10th - August 23, 2009. The awards ceremony and opening reception is on July 10th at 7:30 p.m. (cash bar opens at 6:30 p.m.).

Hope to see you there!

~ Janelle ~

Artomatic 419 Opening

The opening at Artomatic 419 this past Saturday was amazing! So many people came out to see the large variety of visual, performance, and literary arts offered. The show was filled with a great creative energy that was truly inspiring.

My photography in the exhibit was well appreciated. I received some wonderful compliments and it was great to see so many friends and family were able to make it out to support my work. Thanks to everyone that could make it! If you weren't able to make it this past Saturday, don't worry, you have two more weekends to check it out. Please pass the word onto your friends, family, and acquaintances!

Hope to see you there!

~ Janelle ~