“Cinco”

Bering & James Gallery asks its stable of 25 represented artists to create five works specifically for its annual summer show, hence the show’s name, “CINCO.” “There are two things behind the concept,” says artist and gallery co-owner Austin James. “One, to get everybody together and have fun at the end of the summer; and two, to stock our inventory for fourth quarter, which is our biggest quarter for sales.” Sounds like a responsible business plan. And this particular summer, Bering & James will get a recharge on one of its biggest-selling local artists, John Jenkins, whose colorful and graphic works, which juxtapose mechanics and machinery with cultural and religious iconography, are in high demand by collectors. “Jenkins is phenomenal,” raves James. “We can’t keep up with the sales on him. His work is very intricate. It looks like he’s using print, but he’s not. It’s all hand-painted.” While it’s too late to catch the opening party, there’s still time to check out those 125 new works.

Aug. 25-Sept. 22, 2007

This article appears in Aug 30 – Sep 5, 2007.