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.