Xeno Design, Inc. • Marketing Communications
by Shicana Allen
The recent publication of A Gathering of Sparks: Jewish Artists Initiative, 2004-2011 is a proud new release from Xeno Design. Chris Garland, the company’s innovative creative director, has acted as JAI’s webmaster since 2005 and was commissioned to be graphic designer and production manager on this project. The result is a visually stunning account of JAI’s history, membership, events, and exhibitions, highlighting the quality of the organization. The book is also a celebration of 50 exceptional Jewish visual artists, based in Southern California, and the first compendium of member artwork that has been done in print. Many individuals featured in A Gathering of Sparks are also participating in the Getty’s Pacific Standard Time exhibition series, recognizing artists of all ethnicities working in Southern California, 1945-1980.
JAI was launched in 2004 by the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Los Angeles, in partnership with two distinguished University of Southern California mainstays: the Casden Institute (for the Study of the Jewish Role in American Life) and the Roski School of Fine Arts. JAI was formed in response to the lack of any other regional support network for Jewish artists based in California.
Since their inception, JAI’s activities have been prolific, amounting to over 58 special events in venues stretching from Los Angeles to New York City, attracting thousands of attendees. This includes having organized 16 innovative exhibitions, celebratory events, and a lecture series, as well as organizing an Israeli artist-in-residence program.
JAI’s membership, which started with 25 artists from a wide range of Jewish backgrounds and visual mediums, has grown significantly over the years. Members range from budding talents in their 20s to their most senior member, 96-year-old Max Finkelstein. Among the most accomplished is JAI’s own President, Ruth Weisberg, who brings with her a vast and unique background of honors, titles, and awards (link to a PDF of the book – Ruth Weisberg is profiled on page 56). As she so eloquently states: “I value JAI because it creates a real sense of community and encourages us to explore the immense source of inspiration which is Judaism.”
JAI’s publication of A Gathering of Sparks is unique in that it serves multiple purposes, combining information and perspectives from artistic, social, and business points of view. It is a good example of how an organization can spend money wisely and accommodate a variety of needs in one venture. First, according to Chris Garland, “The book presents the tone, look, and feel of a gallery catalog, chronicling the diverse collection of artwork produced by JAI’s members.” This works well toward both sustaining and increasing membership for the future. “The production level was very professional and high quality, on the level of an annual report. You put this book on the table and it’s impressive… there’s no two ways about it.”
The book is also a wrap-up document of a three-year, grant-funded project that concluded in December 2011. The articles and essays, artist profiles, and photographs together provide a sophisticated overview of all the good that JAI has achieved over the last few years. Chris appreciates that “this book serves as a proof of accomplishment for all concerned. Everyone involved contributed something special; they deserve to have a document this spirited.”
“Chris, I am very pleased with ‘A Gathering of Sparks.’ It is really impressive and substantial. I’m thrilled to have such a handsome record of JAI.”
– Ruth Weisberg, President, Jewish Artist Initiative of Southern California
View A Gathering of Sparks: JAI 2004-2011 in PDF format.
To visit JAI’s website, go to: jaisocal.org