January Art Events & Shows

Events

1.3.09 - Family Fun Workshop. 

Polk Museum of Art (PMOA), 10:30am-noon. Free.

1.5.09 - artgroup

Meets at Black & Brew downtown Lakeland. 6:30-8pm. Free.

visit: http://art.meetup.com/318

1.9.09 - Annual Art Exhibit Reception & Awards

Frostproof Art League & Gallery, 6:30-7:30pm. Free.

1.9.09-2.5.09 - Polk Country Art Teachers Exhibition

Melvin Gallery, FSC. Free.

1.14.09-2.8.09 - 59th Anniversary Fine Arts Exhibition

Ridge Art Association, Winter Haven. Free.

1.16.09 - View & Review

Critiquing emerging artists, PMOA, 6-8pm. $5 audience, $15 artists.

1.20.09 - Opera thru the Looking Glass: Don Giovanni

Imperial Symphony Orchestra, 5:45pm, Branscomb Recital Hall, FSC.

1.20.09 - Curator Tour

PMOA, 10:30am. Free with regular admission.

1.22.09-3.13.09 - Passion for Color, Susan Abrahamson

Lake Wales Arts Center. Free.

1.23.09 - Edward Bok's Quest for Great Art Lecture

Bok Tower Gardens, 7:30pm.

1.24.09 - Drinkable Art: An Exhibition in Good Taste

PMOA, 7-9pm. 

1.29.09-1.31.09 - fx Concert

SEU campus, 7:30pm. Free.

Almost Local Events:

1st Friday Gulfport Art walk. 

Walk up and down Beach Blvd to visit the galleries and shops in Gulfport, FL. Free.

1st Saturday of every month - YBOR art walk, noon-6PM. Free.

Pick up a map and walk to all the galleries for free parking. For a map and more details go to www.discoverintown.com/public/yaa/YborArtWalkMap.pdf

1.18.09 - Gallery Talk with Thermon Statom

Orlando Museum of Art, 1pm. Free w/ gallery admission.

1.28.09 - Video Series: Walls of Glass

Orlando Museum of Art, 12am. $3.

Go here for downtown Orlando art events: www.dadorlando.com/art_events.html

Show Deadlines:

Lake Wales Art show

Dates of Show: March 28-29, 10am-5pm.

Deadline to apply: January 5th

Cost: $15 jury fee, $135 space fee (refundable)

visit: www.lakewalesartcenter.org

Mayfaire by the Lake

Dates of Show: May 9-10, 10am-5pm.

Deadline to apply: February 23rd

Cost: $35 application fee, $185 space fee (refundable)

visit: www.polkmuseumofart.org

Arts on the Park Members Show

Dates of Show: Feb 6-25

Deadline to apply: Jan 30 & 31, 12-4pm

Cost: $30

visit: www.artsontheparklakeland.org

Workshops

The Camera Obscura - building pinhole cameras

Jan 17 & 18 (10-4pm & 1-5pm)

$125 members and teachers, $140 non-members.

PMOA, www.polkmuseumofart.org

The Business of Fine Art - Making your Creativity Profitable

Sat, Feb 7, 10am-3:30pm

PMOA, $60 members, $75 non-members.

www.polkmuseumofart.org

February Show!

 Put it on your calendar folks!!!

!!!

On news stands until 12/30!

It's almost Christmas...

So it's two days until Christmas and for some reason it just doesn't feel like it. Maybe because I've still been working and haven't had time to enjoy the holiday. Maybe because I'm no longer working at a church where it's talked about 42 times a day. Or maybe it is because two days ago it was 80 degrees and I was trying to get a sun-tan in my backyard. Anyway, the fact is that Christmas has indeed, less than 48 hours until it's arrival. 

This Christmas I have SO much to be thankful for. I'm going to be the featured artist at Mitchells for the whole month of February (come on 2/6 from 6-9pm for a special 'meet the artist' reception), my Polk Voice cover story is coming out tomorrow (pick up a copy on newstands for free!), I've been able to do what I love from home, I have amazing friends and family, a roof over my head, food in my stomach and too many other blessings to count. 

When we all can get caught up in the things we want or the negatives in our lives, this holiday season, what are you thankful for?

December Events!

First is tonight - Ridge Art (Winter Haven) Black & White Show reception is tonight. 6:30-8:30PM, free. 

Tonight is also first Friday downtown Lakeland and the Arts on the Park reception for the Old Florida Show. It is also free and runs from 6-9PM. 

Dec. 2 - Community Christmas Concert

SEU Campus - Bush Chapel, 7:30PM, free.

Dec. 3-21 - Black and White Show

Ridge Art - Winter Haven, free.

Dec. 7 - PCC Music Students Christmas Concert

Winter Haven Campus, 2:30PM, free.

Dec. 11-21 - Smoke on the Mountain

Lakeland Comm. Theatre, Lk Mirror Center, 7:30PM, Sun 2:30PM

Dec. 12 - Holiday Fest 

Downtown Lakeland, holiday art show, free.

Dec. 12 & 13 - Christmas Concerts at Pinewood

Bok Tower Gardens, 7PM, $20

Dec. 13 - Family Fun Workshop

Polk Museum of Art, 10:30am-noon, free.

Dec. 13-14 - The Nutcracker

Polk Theatre, Florida Dance Theatre, 7:30, Sun 2PM, $17 adults, $12 children

Dec. 17 - Polk Voice Article Out!

I'm the cover story! whoo hoo! free.

Some dates to remember:

View & Review: Critiquing Emerging Artists - Polk Museum of Art

January 16th & February 20, 6-8pm. 

Costs: $15/artists, $5 artists

Building Pinhole Cameras Workshop

PMOA, Jan 17&18. $125/members, $140/non-members.

The Business of Fine Art - Making your Creativity Profitable

Feb 7, 10:30-3:30, $60/members, $75/non-members.

Ridge Art Fine Arts Exhibition - January 14 - February 8

Entries are received on Jan 9 & 10, $25/members, $35/non-members

Arts on the Park Fine Arts Show - March 6-25

Entries are received on Feb 27 & 28.

December Events!

December Already.

I just realized that I need to post what's going on for December, and I don't even know what is going on. So, I will post events soon.

Personally, I did not get accepted into the Old Florida show... picking myself up off the floor and trying again. Oh well. I'll be interested to see what did get accepted and try not to be bitter and think things like, "THIS got in and I didn't?" 

On the up side, the Ridge art reception is Friday from 6:30-8:30pm and I'm pretty excited about that. The show actually opens today so maybe there will be something about it in the paper. Other than that, I'm frantically trying to get ready for the show on the 12th downtown on Kentucky St. and Christmas. I want to crank out some new things to show next week... so it's been fun. I've also been designing mood boards for a local graphics company and I've had a LOT of fun with that. It's probably my favorite part of graphic design - the creative ideas and process. I'll try and post some work soon! 

Here's my latest painting. It's a tiny'un.

 Marilyn, 5X7, $35, available on www.jordanweiland.etsy.com

ps. did I mention I got my own website up? It's fantastical. www.jordanweiland.com.

pps. I also got sweet new business cards.

Show Tomorrow! (saturday)

There's an art show tomorrow from 10am-4pm on the corner of McDonald and South Tennessee St in Lakeland. It's by Yia Yia's Beads, Vintage, Burst & Mama Bleus. C'mon out and see the art & jewelry, go christmas shopping or just get some fresh air. I'll have a tent down there all day. 

Ridge Art Black and White Show!

So I submitted three pieces for the Black and White show at the Ridge Art Association in Winter Haven and all three were accepted! I am so excited! I didn't win any prizes, but I'm just happy to be in the show. If you want to go see it, it's open on December 3rd. The reception is Friday, December 5th from 6:30-8:30pm. I think it's always free to go there. There is some great work in the show so I'd suggest seeing it before it leaves. I think it's there until December 20-something. 

I also dropped off my "Old Florida" piece at Arts on the Park. I only entered one piece in that show and I really hope it gets in. I'd love to have something hanging on those gallery walls. If I do get accepted, the reception is the same night as the Ridge Art reception (which will be interesting - but we'll see how it goes). If you are still interested in showing in Old Florida - you can submit work on Tuesday from 12-4pm as well. 

Yay for good things happening!!!

holiday specials

Book this week and get $10 off your portrait session or painting!

My first day.

It's my first day of freedom. I'm officially an artist. Well... in truth I've always been an artist, this is just my first day of that being my official career title. I have to say, so far so good. I do feel a little like I'm just playing hooky from work and that I'll have to go in tomorrow. I wonder when I will no longer feel this need to go into an office. I feel a mixture of so many things. At times I feel FREE. Free from set schedules, free from a boss, free from working for other people, free to do whatever the heck I want to do. Free to have an open schedule, to do whatever I am called and discover to do. These freeing moments are interrupted by fleeting thoughts of stress related to staying busy and finances. But I believe that this is what I'm supposed to do. I believe that I'm right where God wants me to be, and how can that be a bad place to be?

I can't wait to look back and say, "Wow, look at all God has done. Look at where I was and where I am now. What an amazing ride."

Right now I can't help but feel gratitude. I'm grateful for my art progressing and having the confidence to take this step. I'm grateful for my husband in supporting us and being willing to take the financial burden on himself... and for being ok with not knowing about our future (because who really knows anyway?). I'm grateful for family and friends encouraging me. I'm grateful to be right where I am. It's such a beautiful place. 

www.jordanweiland.com

painting in the works.

So I'm doing something that I'm not sure I've ever done before. I'm painting something that I completely made up in my head. Right now I have most of the composition sketched onto the canvas and part of it painted and I'm excited to see where it goes. I have a bird in the top right corner and I feel like it needs some light or clouds around it somehow. I've been looking up different ideas...

 i like the graphic/ray idea here.

 this little guy is cute.

 I love the cloud/swirls here.

I'll probably do something in between the 1st and 3rd. Hmmm.... ideas....

I will be sure to post my painting when I finish it. It should be interesting. Don't forget, tomorrow - USF Lakeland is having a big arts tent on their campus! I'll be there from 3:30-6:30pm! 

website!

I have an official website! It is www.jordanweiland.com. 

I went through photobiz.com and they have great templates that are easy to use & edit and they host the site for you. I'm very excited to get this off the ground! I also have links on there to directly go to my etsy site and this blog so it is all connected together. Hopefully this will help with my business! Check it out. 

web page

Lately I've been researching different web templates and seeking out information to make my own website. Basically something that can showcase my work with links to my etsy store and blog. I've only found very expensive templates that require flash so far. 

I need help. bah.

Does anyone have any pointers?

Tonight!

I'm headed downtown to the First Friday event tonight. A few of my artgroup members are setting up some tables to display and sell our work. It should be nice weather and I'm excited about hanging out with some friends. Come down and see us across from Arts on the Park on Kentucky St.

Just so you know as well, I have a holiday portrait special right now:

1 hour long sitting fee

(1) 4x6 print of each image

CD of all the images

$100

I'm also painting portraits from photographs for Christmas. I can do children, a family photo, pets, or something that has meaning to you. Prices for original acrylic paintings are:

12X12 - $95

16X20 - $150

20X24 - $225

24X30 - $325

*Other sizes are available upon request. 

Leave me a comment if you are interested!

November

shows

Ridge Art Association - Black and White Show

Dec 3-21

Original Artwork that is B/W only! Entry fees are $30 non-members and $25 for members. 

Recieving dates are Friday, Nov 21, 10am-4pm and Saturday, Nov 22, 8:30am-11am. 

Arts on the Park - Old Florida Exhibit

Dec 5-26

Receiving dates are Saturday, Nov 22 and Tuesday, Nov 25 from noon - 4pm. (Not sure of the fee), 680-2787

ArtWalk - Kentucky Street (Through AOTP)

Dec 12, 4-9pm

Register for spaces, $60 non-members, $40 for members. 680-2787

art events/workshops

Nov 7.

First Friday

Downtown Lakeland, FREE

Nov 8.

Nuke Your Glass!

Polk Museum of Art, 10am-1pm, 688-5423, $60 non-members, $50 members

Nov 15.

Art and Poetry Festival

Medulla Resource Center, 10am-4pm, 534-4340, FREE

Nov. 21.

Undergrad show at Melvin Gallery

Florida Southern College, 680-4743, FREE

Nov 23. 

Plein-Air Bartow - outdoor art competition

Downtown Bartow, 3:30-5:30pm, FREE

Nov 24.

Fine Art Painting on Porcelain

Lakeland Art Guild, Sherri Miller, 6:30pm, 816-4045, FREE

Bartow Art Guild Classes:

• Mondays - Serendipity by Richard Bassett. Open to artists to paint and share. 10am-noon.
  
• Tuesdays - Toni Treverton. Painting people from life. 9am-12:30pm and 6-9pm all media. Call Toni at 646-1535
  
• Thursdays - Watercolor painting for beginning and intermediate artists. Martha Post teaches still life, landscapes and florals in watercolor. 9:30am-noon. Call 533-2884 to register.
  

Dec 1.

artgroup at Black and Brew!

Come chat about art. Show your work, get feedback and ideas. FREE

An Idea.

I've found that I'm the most creative early in the morning or late at night. I wonder if it's because the day's distractions are at a minimum and I'm raw, just thoughts within myself. This morning I woke up with a painting idea. Instead of mulling it over for days on end, I've decided to just give it a go and see how it turns out. 

It's a little different than what I've been doing lately but uses some of the same techniques or visual look. I really love the clean look of block coloring, like screen printing. I think it's my painting style. I've always been more on the clean side of art. If you ask me there are two artist types; one that's clean, can be right or left brain, enjoys processes like photography where there are clean lines, edges and light does the painting for you and then there are those artists that are completely left brain, they enjoy getting their hands dirty, living messy, don't care where they get paint and enjoy mixing colors and adding things to their artwork in almost a hap-hazard way. 

I am mostly the first.

I say mostly because my husband would disagree that I'm "clean" and classifies all artists as messy... but we can tell a difference. 

Anyway, I enjoy pushing myself and what I'm comfortable with. I like trying new techniques, concepts and ideas. I don't always enjoy the outcome, but about 1 out of 5 times it teaches me something I didn't know before... and if nothing else, it gives me appreciation for other types of artists. 

This Weekend and beyond...

From now until (at least) the end of December, Lakeside Village is having live music outside in their main courtyard for free every Wednesday night from 6-9pm. Go to Fish City and eat outside or shop and listen to great free music!

Here's what's going on this weekend:

Oct 30 - Music Under the Stars

Pipkin Bandshell, Florida Southern, Lakeland

7:30PM, FREE

Featuring FSC Symphony Band, Jazz Band & Wind Ensemble.

Oct 31 - Halloween at the Museum

Polk Museum of Art

4-6PM, $5

Oct 31 - Boo! Bash. 

Explorations Children's Museum

4-8PM, Admission price

Oct 31 - Imperial Symphony Orchestra

Lake Mirror Amphitheater

8PM, FREE

Nov 1 - Day of the Dead Celebration

Polk Museum of Art

12-4PM, Admission Cost

Nov 3 - Artgroup

Black and Brew

6:30-8PM, FREE

Have a great holiday weekend! 

A Melancholy Thursday

So yesterday I learned that my favorite store, Mama Bleus is closing. She said that not enough people were buying and so she has to close her doors. I will continue to have some artwork in Moxie, her hair salon and hopefully she'll reopen again one day. Until then, everything in her store is 50% off! Go stock up on some great christmas presents.

In better news, I found out about this:

If you want to sign up for a space, it's $25. You can contact the Polk Leisure Services to get an application at 534-4340.

More to come...

An art-filled weekend...

Friday night I gave the "View and Review" a chance and signed up to have my artwork critiqued at the Polk Museum of Art. The host was Vilas Tonape, a teacher at PCC. My expectations of the critique were that I would take something that I wasn't very happy with, get some feedback on how to improve it and go from there. Apparently Mr. Tonape's expectations were drastically different. He started out by putting us on the spot, opening with questions like, "What is learning?" and "How do you define art?" The artists were asked questions about why they do art and he said that he saw no individuality in anyone's piece and called everything that wasn't done in the renaissance, "Drive-Through" Art. He evaluated all of us as if we were applying to get into NY museums and calling ourselves the next Picasso... when I think all we really wanted was some useful feedback. At least, that's what I wanted. I believe there's a difference in critiquing and insulting and what Mr. Tonape did was the latter. To place salt in the wound, I was told that there would be appetizers served and about half way through the blood-bath, PMOA placed baskets of chex-mix out, to which, Tonape had no qualms about claiming a basket for his own, placing it by his chair and munching on handfuls throughout his rant. Lovely. I'm so glad I paid $15 for that. I'd go again only if another artist was hosting and I think I'll sit this one out in the audience.

So the Car Festival was fun on Saturday. Even though I didn't sell much, it was good exposure, the weather was beautiful and I met some great people, one of which was Larry Becker, the director of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals. Here are some pictures from the day:
















I am grateful for all the things that Lakeland does to give people out in the community something to do and for all the ways that they support the arts.

Saturday night I got to visit with my Aunt Saelon, who is an artist in San Fransisco. To see some of her fabulous artwork, visit www.saelon.com.

Hope all of your weekends were great as well!
-Jordan

Ideas...

So I just made a new stencil of Jimi Hendrix that looks great! I'm excited to paint it. I'm definitely going to use some bright color this time because of his character. It should be a fun painting!

I'm experimenting adding things onto the canvas as well... like the buttons on Audrey Hepburn. I'm considering adding things like strings onto guitars, newspaper... i'm just not sure. I guess whatever I'm inspired by at the moment. I want to add interest into the art and make it different. Plus, I love working 3-D.

On another note, I've been thinking about new artwork and a series that I want to start. I'm trying to decide what medium to use in the series or if I should maybe try a little of everything. Basically, I am interested in how we all tend to think of ourselves as higher than others... or we think of certain people as higher than us and how that can be skewed in our lives, and how that translates physically to the people around us. It's something that I know I've done and also see in friends or family around me. It's perplexing and frustrating at the same time. I want to capture all of this in a painting, photograph or mixed media piece. Right now it's just figuring out how to put it on paper, so-to-speak. At first I was thinking photography would be best, but I'd need to find willing models.

I'm also entering a show that is titled, "Old Florida" so I want to take some photographs for that. I may go down to Ybor and see if I can find some shots down there. I haven't decided if I want to go rural or urban... I think we'll see what I can scout out and what turns out better.

On another note, I am a big fan of Project Runway. The big finale was last night and I was in love with Leanne's line. I love that her whole line was an inspiration of waves and movement, taken from sitting by the river in Manhattan. Here's some of the fabulous clothes she made:

Car/Art Show this weekend!

So I just found out that there's a massive classic car festival downtown this weekend... and as an artist at the J.Rowan Gallery, I'm allowed to set up a tent for free. So I'll be showing some work there this Saturday from 10-4pm. It will be less intense than Platform but 30,000 people are supposed to come out so hopefully it will help me gain some great exposure. Plus, the weather is supposed to be GORGEOUS so hopefully it will be a great day to be outside by Lake Mirror. (I'll be set up in the park area near the train station).

Here's some more info about this FREE event: http://www.lakemirrorclassic.com/content/

Come on out!

New Art.

Available at Mama Bleus!

Audrey Hepburn

12X12

$95

Available at J.Rowan Gallery!

James Dean

32X32

$325

J. Rowan Gallery

So I'm in! I took several pieces down to the J.Rowan Gallery today and they will be up for tomorrow's opening and then I'll have an official space on Saturday. You should definitely stop by! They are unveiling the sculptures in the park, then having a Jazz band, h'or dourves and a 100 foot canvas for people to paint on along Kentucky street. Arts on the Park will also be having an opening for their new show, "Cutting Edge". One of my friends, Kristen got in that show and art vendors will be all along the streets. Yay for Arts in Lakeland!!!



Also:

Women's Show

A friend told me about this... I wanted to pass on the info, so here you go:

http://florida4art.blogspot.com/2008/09/florida-museum-for-women-submission.html 

It's a show accepting submissions for art by women. The deadline is Nov 1st! 

This Friday!

October's First Friday event in historic Downtown Lakeland occurs 10/03/2008. This month's theme is "ART WALK." There will be an art show, "Oncology on Canvas," featuring artists from all over the world. The featured artists are cancer patients, their families, & health care providers. Attendees can vote for their favorite sculptures along the Lemon Street Promenade, and there will be an opportunity to showcase your own artistic talents on a community canvas along Kentucky Avenue. Don't miss shows & performances in Munn Park, the classic car show along Tennessee Avenue, and the many shops that stay open late for the event. In conjunction with the event, art galleries in Downtown Lakeland will host art receptions.

New Gallery Showing!

So starting on Thursday I will be showing a few pieces at the J.Rowan Gallery downtown Lakeland. I'm excited about getting them into the gallery before the first friday event this Friday. (Which should be pretty good - if you're in Lakeland, come downtown! Kentucky will be shut down and art vendors will be showing along the street).

Anyway, I found out that the gallery also provides art classes. Here is their schedule:

Mondays
10 am - 4 pm
Open StudioBring your paints and canvas and paint with others$5 per session

4 pm - 7 pm
Wildlife and Landscape Painting4 Weeks for $40

Tuesdays
10 am - 12 Noon
Watercolor$15 per session

1 pm - 3 pm
Drawing$15 per session

4 pm - 6 pm
Mixed Media$15 per session

6 pm - 9 pm
Oil and Acrylic3 Weeks for $65

Wednesdays
11 am - 4 pm
Abstract Studio Experimental Workshop$20 per class

Thursdays
10:30 am - 1:30 pm
Watercolor, Acrylic and Oil Painting4 Weeks for $40

Platform Art Show!

Let me just say that my first big art show was amazing! The weeks leading up to it I was riddled with thoughts of "How will my art compare? What will people think? Will I sell anything at all? Am I good enough to be in this?"... you know all those artist fears and tendencies that make us timid. I woke up yesterday morning and wanted to throw up a little at the thought of it, so I said a prayer, gave it to God and started the day.

I set up in the morning to give myself plenty of time in case I forgot something or the set-up didn't go as planned. Thankfully I finished and got to actually relax for the afternoon. I got there at 5:30 and went to the artist reception which had some appetizers and drinks for us. Jason and I chatted with Alyssa and her husband and got to know t

hem a little, which was great. (Alyssa's paintings won best in show!) Soon it was 6:15 and time to mingle. Thank you all SO much for coming out to the show. It was amazing to see all the people that came out and supported myself and the other artists. It's a blessing to have so many friends that support me. THANK you all! You are amazing.

I also got to talk with several guests that came by. I loved chatting about the photographs because I'm just so in love with the places that I took them. Several people recognized different landscapes from places they had been as well and it was great to reminice and day dream. One of the highlights of the evening was when Jim Doig the owner of J.Rowan Gallery downtown and his wife came by to my booth. He loved my paintings and wants me to exhibit in his gallery! I told him I would love to and that I would give him a call this week! I'm so excited! So if all goes well I will have paintings hung in his gallery for "first friday" this Friday! If you make it downtown, you will have to "ooh and awe" over them and talk loudly over how much you like them. haha.
So at the end of the show I had gained some exposure, possibly gotten into another gallery, talked with artists and locals, sold a photograph (Saint Chappelle Cathedral) several prints and cards and just had a wonderful night. It definitely blew away my expectations and I'm so excited to start showing more and more.

Here are my (somewhat cheesy but truthful) thank yous:Jason Weiland. My manager. =) I literally could not have done what I did without you. The Fam! I think everyone related to me within a 75 mile radius came to the show. You rock! Cari Bradley (my art buddy and printer!)Alan Reynolds. My display kicked butt. Tiffany (you give me confidence!) The O'Briens (so much encouragement!) Kristi of Mama Bleus - (you believe in me and sell my art!) The Hannahs, Jean, Lis Burns, Mary Galletta, Tia & Kristen, Lori Wolf, the Koehlers, the Kings, the Gallants, the Karsts & Wengerds and others that came out and have encouraged me through this process. I love you.

Retail License

I just got my Limited Retail License so I can officially sell my artwork in Polk County. It was much easier than I thought it would be and cost only $30. Thank you Joe Tedder.

I also figured out (with the help of my colleague Alan) what to do for my Platform display, so thankfully that stress is gone. I now have two weeks to pull the rest of that together. In talking about that, I had some prints made at www.fullcolor.com with a new kodak metallic paper and I'm in love! The color has a wonderful brightness and scheen to it. I'm not sure how it's turning out with B&W but it is beautiful with color photographs. Plus their prices are reasonable and so far, their customer service as been good.

Arts on the Park is having an art show on December 12th from 4-9pm downtown Lakeland that I am also going to be a part of. I need to reserve my space asap. I'm excited about that because the other art show that was going to happen in November downtown got cancelled. This will help make up for it and be just in time for Christmas!

Art Events in September

Sept 5-24
Members Show at Arts on the Park
Free.

Sept 19
View & Review: Critiquing Emerging Artists
6pm. Polk Museum of Art.

Sept 20
Family Day
Polk Museum of Art. Free.

Sept 24 - Oct 12
Generations:The Member's Exhibition
Ridge Art Association. Free

Sept 27
Workshop: The Business of Fine Art with E. Ryan Bailey
Polk Museum of Art. 10am-3:30pm

Sept 27
Platform Art Party
Florida Air Museum at Sun 'n' Fun. 6pm.

Arts on the Park

So I joined Arts on the Park today in downtown Lakeland. It is only $4o for the whole year. You get discounts, entries into the member shows and gallery space upstairs. I'm excited to start this chapter. I am feeling like a real artist! I'm also planning to join the Polk Arts Alliance. As an artist it's only $20 to join and you are listed as an artist on their website and get newsletters to what is going on around town. I'm planning to enter some shows and hopefully get some exposure soon! Click here to learn about these organizations:

www.artsontheparklakeland.org

www.polkartsalliance.org

Here's the latest copy of artifacts magazine (a GREAT resource): http://www.polkartsalliance.org/downloads/AIFFALL08.pdf

Pretty frustrated...

I've been working on a paper bag idea for my art display and it's not working out so well. I need a new idea that doesn't cost $500. UGH. Does anyone have creative ideas on hiding my wires and making my display look good? I'm really frustrated and not coming up with anything.

Right in our backyard!

http://www.baynews9.com/VideoPlayer/?Next_Hyde_Park_95

This is so great! Check out the above link and visit the area. Let's support this great idea.

PMOA Fall Classes

The Polk Museum of Art is offering some great classes for kids - adults. Here is a listing of what they are offering:

FallArt 2008

For children, teens and adults
September 22-November 13

 

Click here to print a brochure

FallArt is designed to accommodate all age groups (five years and older), all levels of experience, and a variety of interests. Classes are taught by professional artists and art educators which meet once a week for eight weeks providing 16 to 24 hours of individualized instruction, the satisfaction of self expression, and the stimulation of associating with others who share like interests.

Students may register by mail, fax, walk-in, phone or by internet.Registration is assured only upon receipt of tuition payment. Payment can be made by cash, check or credit card.REGISTER ONLINE HERE! 

Museum members will receive fee discounts and priority registration. Registration is open to museum members only until August 29th, 2008. Registration begins for the general public on August 30th, 2008. 

Refunds: If a class is cancelled due to low enrollment, a full refund will be available. If a class is not canceled and refund is requested, a reimbursement will be made in full up to seven days prior to the class starting date. NO reimbursement will be made after the seven-day period.
 

CLASSES FOR TEENS AND ADULTS

 
Chinese Brush Painting (Tuesdays - 6:00pm-9:00pm)
Chinese Brush Painting is an ancient art form with a rich history.  While learning the techniques & brush strokes for each subject you will discover the symbolism, legends and charm associated with each in the Chinese Culture.
Instructor: Wendy Ann De Rycke
Cost: Members - $130, General - $145

Intro to Digital Photography (Tuesdays - 6:00pm-9:00pm)
A user friendly course designed to introduce students to the digital camera and the basics of Photoshop. Students must supply their own digital camera and are encouraged to bring their own laptop with Adobe Photoshop installed if possible.
Class is limited to 15.
Instructor: Rick Runion 
Cost: Members - $90, General - $105

Alternative Photography (Thursdays - 6:00pm-8:00pm)
Learn the basics of traditional B&W darkroom photography along with alternative techniques. These techniques include solarization, toning, Polaroid Emulsion lifts and transfers, liquid emulsions, digital negatives, inkjet transfers and more. All levels welcome. Cameras are welcome but not required.
Class is limited to 10 students.
Instructor: Krystal Lockhart 
Cost: Members - $115, General - $130

Life Drawing (Thursdays - 6:00pm-9:00pm) 
Discover the fine art of life drawing in this popular class, open to students of all levels. Draw the human figure from a live nude model using various medias. (Students under the age of 18 must have written parental consent to participate) 
Class is limited to 20 students.
Instructor: Nancy Cockerham 
Cost: Members - $115, General $130

Ceramics for Beginners (Thursdays - 6:00pm-9:00pm) 
Students will learn a variety of hand-building techniques. Different approaches to glazing and decorating pieces will be covered.
Instructor: Grace Cromer 
Cost: Members - $115, General - $130

Yoga Among the Art (Thursdays - 7:00pm-8:00pm) 
Build strength, increase flexibility and develop balance all while connecting the mind, body and spirit. Through breathing techniques and postures, students will learn to revitalize their body, rejuvenate the spirit and calm the mind.  Class held in the gallery. Students of all levels welcome. Students must supply their own mat.
Instructor: Brie Peterson 
Cost: Members - $90, General - $105

 

CLASSES FOR FAMILIES AND CHILDREN

After School Art (Mondays - 4:30pm-5:30pm)  
This is a program designed for the parent and child to learn together. Lessons vary in medium and many can be adapted for use at home. 
Registration is not required.
Instructor: Krystal Lockhart
Cost: Members - FREE, General - $5 per child per visit

Drawing and Painting (Tuesdays - 6:00pm-8:00pm) 
Students will experiment with a variety of materials as they learn basic drawing and painting techniques. Emphasis on experimentation with mixed media, composition, perspective, self portraits, COLOR mixing and COLOR combination.
Instructor: Kathy Miller-Hewes 
Cost: Members - $90, General - $105

Yoga for Kids (Thursdays - 5:30pm-6:30pm)
A fun way to get kids exercising! Yoga for kids is an energetic workout that teaches children about the connection between their bodies and mind, while developing balance and coordination. Students must supply their own mat.
Instructor: Brie Peterson 
Cost: Members - $90, General - $105

Learn more at www.polkmuseumofart.org. 

Art Show Finds

So I'm super excited because I am getting things in line for my art show on the 27th. My friend Cari made me lots of prints and greeting cards from my photos. I just bought plastic sleeves and greeting card boxes from www.clearbags.com for a really good price! If you need anything like bags, boxes, matting board, etc they have great prices. I also now have sweet business cards. Thank you Cari! I can't wait to show these on etsy.com and sell them at the show! 

I'm working on my display and I have a 10x10 easy up tent and wire to hang the art but I need some better ideas... I really want it to look well done but I don't have tons of money to spend so I need to be creative. I did buy a bunch of spot lights from IKEA and I have some fun lights that I could string across the top. Any ideas?

ps. I'm also looking for a good printer to do some professional enlargements on photo paper. 

Promises Broken

Ok well Art After Dark was not fun. This is my review (in bullet points)

• If you don't have the space to create a multi-media art event, don't do it.
  
• If you are going to charge $10 to get in, you need to offer free drinks (and I don't mean tea) or have enough stuff for people to look at for more than 20 minutes.
• Why are men allowed to come in bathing suits when women would be turned away for indecency. Yes. That happened.
• Badly executed collages on posterboard should not be accepted as 'Art' unless it was done by children.
• Heartbeats necessary to adopt a plant? Really? Don't even get me started on this lady.

My overall assessment of this event has gone down-hill. I will give it another go when they are in their newly built Tampa Museum of Art... which I'm sure will be more expensive... but at least it will be large enough to have this be called an event. I would advise you to wait too and attend Platform in Lakeland while we wait. 

I'd post pictures, but it wouldn't be worth it. 

New Work

I took pictures of my newest work and wanted to post them. 

Here's my painting of Liz Taylor. It's 20X24. 

This painting is inspired from a photo I took in Paris. It is a carousel by the Sacre Coeur. It's 24X30. 

Both of these acrylic paintings will be in my Platform show and will be for sale. I'm working on some new creations including some different media and a painting of James Dean. 

I got in!!!!!!

I'm so excited! I was officially accepted into the Platform Art show in Septmeber. It will be a great venue to showcase my work. Whoo hoo!!!!!


Here is some work I've been doing lately:

In other news, I'm attending the Art After Dark on Saturday night in Tampa. (8-11pm, downtown, $10). I'll post pictures and a review on this page. If you're free you should join me and support local artists! Plus it's fun. Better than a movie. Promise.

I'm nervous!

So at the end of August I applied to be in the next Platform show. I supposedly find out tomorrow if I make it or not. I'm pretty nervous about it because I realllllllllly want to get in. Cross your fingers and say a prayer! (if you're into that sorta thing). =)

My Vision

My vision for this page is to post updates on my personal artwork and showcase local artists and the art community. Please feel free to post comments and let me know of any events that I may have missed. To start here's a bit about what is going on in the near future:


August 15 — 8-11pm - The Art of Reggae A summer celebration will transform Art After Dark in August with live music, special presentations and artwork on display, all geared for an evening of tropical fun.


Join the popular Art After Dark with Starbucks event, held the third Friday of each month. Art After Dark with Starbucks offers live music, art, entertainment, performances and libations. Admission is $10 for guests and free for museum members. Complimentary food and Starbucks coffee is provided, along with a cash bar throughout the evening. Art After Dark with Starbucks is sponsored by the St. Petersburg Times and tbt* Tampa Bay Times.



Mama Bleus is a great Market on McDonald Street near downtown Lakeland. If you haven't been there, you have to check it out! They are stocked full of great, affordable items and they sell several local artists' work. Kristi and Valerie are FANtastic. Love. Mama. Bleus.





And I'm real excited about this:

Platform puts on two art shows a year. They are the best art shows in Lakeland (as I can see). Do NOT miss this one on Sept. 27th! I've also applied to be an artist showing at it so if I get in it will be super-exciting.















Let me know if you hear of anything going on soon in the Lakeland area!