by Jessica Robles

The COS Art Gallery is installing its last exhibition for the fall semester: What’s Up Where? A Sampling of Prints, Drawings and Collaborations from the Harcos – Huneke Collection. The show contains just a fraction of works from the collection of Julie Harcos and Jack Huneke who run Stonehouse Residency for the Contemporary Arts in Miramonte, CA. The show will run from November 5 through December 6 with an opening reception on Thursday, November 7 from 5-7 p.m. in the Kaweah Building Room 214.

Ian Davis, "Up and Down"

Besides running an artist residency, Harcos and Huneke have been collecting art for about twenty-two years by scouring galleries and art fairs. In fact it was at an art fair where Harcos and Huneke made their first purchase: “The fateful day came when we went to an art fair and agonized most of the day about purchasing a piece of art. We finally plucked up the courage to plunk down our $80 and we owned our first original drawing. That first piece was the bite that brought on the rash,” explains Harcos. She goes on to say, “We quickly became avid collectors, visiting open studios, art auctions, meeting artists, routinely going to gallery shows, and buying, buying, buying. Our collection is the result of serendipitous searching, mutual permission to spend money in the attainment of art objects. Our motto is, “buy now, don’t live with regrets. Once it’s gone, it’s gone” and universal agreement on what we think is worth buying (often for different reasons), over the last 16 years. Art was not a part of our lives but it is now central to our lives and our relationship. It bit us hard.”

Jane Ziegler, "Crossing"

This collection is an example of a true love for all things art. Harcos and Huneke truly have devoted their lives, home, and hearts to it. This show is not one to miss!

The COS Art Gallery is located on the ground floor, room 214 of the Kaweah Building. Free parking is available on the night of the reception in lots 3 and 7. If coming to the gallery during the day, 20 minute parking is available in lot 3 at the corner of Meadow Lane and Mooney Blvd or in the half circle off Mooney Blvd.

Carlos de Villasante, Screenprinted fluorescent light shade with portraits of Harcos and Huneke

Gallery hours are Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Thursday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. For any questions or information regarding the show, you may call the COS Art Gallery at 559-737-4861 or email jessicar@cos[dot]edu. Visit the COS website at www.cos.edu. Don’t forget to ‘like’ us on Facebook to receive news on upcoming events.

Jessica Robles was born and raised in Visalia, California. She studied fine art at the College of the Sequoias, then went on to receive her BFA from the Kansas City Art Institute and her MFA from Northern Illinois University, both with an emphasis in printmaking. She is now an adjunct art instructor and the Gallery Director of the COS Art Gallery at the College of the Sequoias.