Huntsville Art League

Blog Discussion: How to Be a Successful Artist

By: Christina Wegman

In the broadest sense, an artist is one who deliberately and regularly makes art; using such a general definition, one could go on to say that a good artist is one whose work is consistently excellent. Many great minds have contemplated and often puzzled at the meaning of such terms as “art”, “artist”, “good”, and “successful”, and book and internet searches will quickly uncover myriad shades and variations on what “good” and “successful” mean in the art world. There are hundreds of lists of the types and styles of art that sell best, as if monetary value were the sole determinant of quality, and there are even more bold statements about how all such terms are completely subjective and that the work need merely be satisfying to the artist to be considered art. This leads me to think about what role the audience plays in the reception of a work and the continued significance of particular artists.

My question for the readers of the Huntsville Art Blog: How do you determine who is a “good” artist? What does it mean to you to be “successful in” or “good at” art? Whether you make art or simply love looking at it, feel free to add your voice to the comments section below and get the discussion started. Also, be sure to check back with the Huntsville Art Blog for future Blog Discussions!

ALABAMA SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS - Announcement of Vacancy: Executive Director

Art News from Barbara Reed, The Alabama State Council on the Arts

ALABAMA SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS - Announcement of Vacancy

The Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA), located in Birmingham, Alabama, is seeking an Executive Director.

The ASFA Board of Trustees is conducting a search to fill the position of Executive Director. Applications will be accepted and reviewed until the time of selection. Employment will be effective on or before August 1, 2011.

SEEKING A LEADER FOR A HIGH-ACHIEVING INSTITUTION

The Alabama School of Fine Arts seeks an inspiring leader whose passion and vision for the educational mission of the school will drive the continued advancement of an outstanding program, faculty, and community of talented and gifted students primarily from Alabama. The mission of the Alabama School of Fine Arts, a diverse community of explorers, is to nurture impassioned students by guiding and inspiring them to discover and fulfill their individual creative abilities in an atmosphere distinguished by the fusion of fact and feeling, risk and reward, art and science, school and society. The new Executive Director will lead the school’s community of approximately 350 students and 70 faculty and staff.

Strengths and Qualities of ASFA The award winning Alabama School of Fine Arts is a wellrespected, state-funded public school that merges the core academic curriculum with advanced specialty studies. ASFA provides an outstanding educational opportunity for 7th to 12th grade students who have demonstrated passion and exceptional artistic abilities and accomplishments or mathematic or science academic accomplishments. The education programs allow students to pursue mastery in fine arts, mathematics and science. The established admission process accepts students to ASFA based on promise, accomplishment, aptitude, and passion. The faculty and staff provide academic rigor in core academic subjects and intensive pre-professional instruction in the specialties: visual arts, creative writing, dance, mathematics and science, music, and theatre arts. The faculty and staff work in an environment of shared governance. Their commitment to the school’s mission and their inspiring instruction contributes to student success.

View the ASFA Profile at: www.asfa.k12.al.us for information on the school’s history, educational philosophy, instructional program, student information, governance and organization, and support systems.

More Info: ASCA announces deadlines, grant recipients

ASCA announces deadlines, grant recipients

The Alabama State Council on the Arts (ASCA) has announced its upcoming grant application deadlines. Click for complete guidelines and applications.

March 1, 2011-Deadline for Art and Cultural Facilities and Fellowship applications. Applications submitted under this deadline are scheduled to be approved at the Council's June Council meeting. Funding covers the period from October 1, 2011-September 30, 2012.

June 1, 2011-Deadline for Operating Support, Program Development, Project, Presenter, Partnership, and Residency applications. Applications submitted under this deadline are scheduled to be approved at the September Council meeting. Funding covers the period from October 1, 2011-September 30, 2012.

September 1, 2011-Deadline for Folk Arts Apprenticeships, Project, Presenter, Partnership, and Residency applications. Applications submitted under this deadline are scheduled to be approved at the December Council meeting. Funding covers the period from January 1, 2012-September 30, 2012.

Applications are accepted electronically. Applicants may create an account and password and work on the application as time allows. Applicants should print a copy for their records and to obtain authorized signatures needed to complete the applications.

ASCA awarded 134 grants totaling $437,270 at its Council meeting in Montgomery on December 3, 2010. This round of grants supports arts in education, folk art, community, literature, performing, and visual arts programs from October 1, 2010-September 30, 2011. Also included in this round of awards are Folklife apprenticeship grants.

Jon Stewart
Member & Patron Services Manager
700 Monroe Street, Suite 2
Huntsville, AL. 35801
(p) 256-519-2787
(F) 256-533-3811
jstewart@artshuntsville.org
http://www.artshuntsville.org

GRANTS available from the Alabama Council on the Arts

Art News from Dan Tatum, President of Huntsville Art League

Links to info on grants available from the Alabama council on the Arts.

-Dan

http://www.arts.state.al.us/
http://www.arts.state.al.us/grants/index-grants.html

GRANTS- Fellowships for Alabama Artists and Arts Administrators

Date: January 25th 2011
Contact Info:
E-Mail: Barbara.Edwards@arts.alabama.gov
Phone: 334/242-4076 x227

The Alabama State Council on the Arts announces its deadline of March 1, 2011 for Fellowships for Alabama Artists and Arts Administrators

The Council is now accepting applications for fellowships. Individual artists working in crafts, dance, design, media/photography, music literature, theatre and visual arts are eligible to apply. Recipients may use funds to set aside time to create art, improve their skills or to do what is most advantageous to enhance their artistic careers. Also, Arts administrators are eligible to apply for a fellowship to improve their skills and ability to serve their organization and community. Please call with questions regarding submitting digital images.

Applications MUST be submitted electronically via eGRANT. Access to eGRANT is available from the Alabama State Council on the Arts website at: www.arts.alabama.gov. eGRANT is the first part of the two-part application process. The second part is the submission of the signature page and samples and/or supplemental materials. This information must be received in the Council's office within 3 days past the application deadline date. Mail to: Alabama State Council on the Arts, 201 Monroe Street, Suite 110, Montgomery, AL 36130-1800.

ATTENTION ARTISTS AT MADISON CITY HALL

ATTENTION ARTISTS

that are displaying at

MADISON CITY HALL

All artists that have artwork at the Madison City Hall, the Madison Arts Council is re working the program at City Hall this year. We ask that all of you, please come and pick up your work as soon as possible. Most of the paintings do not have any contact information. But they do have a signature. If your name is on this list, or if you know this artist, please let them know about the pick up. You must show your ID to the clerk at the front desk in order to pick up.
Lily Champoon

Theresia S. Reid

Marion Lavigne Rossi

Jane Burns

Meghan Boyd

As soon as we get the new City Hall Arts program ready , we will be sending out a call to artists.

Thank you to all the artists who have been participating in this program. You all have made Madison's City Hall beautiful!
Sincerely,
Michele Lee
MAC -City Hall Arts

Master Musicians Festival Accepting Art Sumissions

Art News from Allison Lewis

Master Musicians Festival

The Master Musicians Festival is now taking submissions for our 2011 Featured Artwork. The artist chosen will be asked to donate his or her artwork to be auctioned at the festival and will receive major promotional advertising throughout the festival in return. A digital image of the art piece will be displayed on 2011 festival t-shirts, posters, and other print material. (Read Below)

Master Musicians Festival Applicants are asked to submit their ideas through a sketch on an 8 ½ x 11 piece of paper. It is our hope to honor “The Songwriter” this year, so please keep this in mind for inspiration. Applicants are asked to send their sketch and contact information (including name, phone number, address, email and a short bio) to Tiffany Bourne at 303 Grande Avenue, Somerset, Kentucky 42501 postmarked by February 28th, 2011. All applicants will be notified of the results in writing.

Or contact for more info: info@mastermusiciansfestival.com or Phone: 606-677-2933

Business Resource for Artists- Credit Card Sales Made Easier

Art News from Gary Braden:

January 18, 2011

Many small businesses don't accept credit cards because of scanning device costs and fees associated with processing charges.

Smart phones are the fastest-growing segment of the mobile phone market, which means mobile payments are growing as well.

Now, some new products are helping even the smallest of businesses be able to take on-the-spot credit card payments.

To continue reading this informative info please visit:

http://www.npr.org/2011/01/18/132909147/small-businesses-square-away-client-bill-pay

HSV Times Kay Campbell Interviews Artist Diane Lehr

Kay Campbell interview: Spiritual Journey: Diane Lehr
In Faith & Values Section of The Huntsville Times Friday, Jan.21,2011

ATHENS, AL -- Name: Diane Lehr

Faith home: I'm a Christian, but I find it difficult to tell people what church I attend, although I love my church very much. It's like telling people what team you are for and that immediately divides people.

Work: I spent over 25 years as an R.N., primarily pediatric. Currently, I am an artist and a community servant with two non-profit boards, Spirit of Athens for downtown revitalization and Art On the Square Arts League in Athens.

Role model: I have many role models. I believe that my taste and the art I create is eclectic, mixed media and child-like. Most of my role models have been more solid in their belief systems than I, and I have been inspired by them, without becoming them.
I believe we are all called to be who we are meant to be in God's purpose for us. Not God's general will, but personally for each one of us.

A tough time faith helped you through: My mother had cancer from 1997-1999. I would take charge, do all I could do to help, and then I'd say, "God, please please please... OK. Now I've got to do all these other things and then I'll get back to you, God."
I was with her through much suffering as she fought the disease. By May 1999, she was very sick from chemo and unable to get out of bed.

Then, on May 24, I was shot in the back on my front porch by an armed assailant known in Memphis as The Evergreen Phantom... TO BE CONTINUED AT LINK BELOW...

TO READ MORE OF THIS COPYRIGHT STORY PLEASE VISIT:
http://blog.al.com/living-times/2011/01/spiritual_journey_diane_lehr.html

Spiritual Journeys are a conversation about faith and personal philosophy from a variety of people. Please send nominations for this feature to Kay.Campbell@htimes.com, 256-532-4320.

Diane Lehrs' artwork is currently on display this month with work by members of Ascribing Artists, at 16 Main Gallery, 16 Main St., Madison, AL

It's minimal!

The Huntsville Photographic Society will hold its first monthly competition for the new year on Monday, January 24th, at 7:00 PM, in the Huntsville Public Library auditorium located at 915 Monroe Street.

The competition subject is "Minimalism" .

Visitors are welcome but only members may compete. There's no admission charge.

Annual membership in the Society is only twenty dollars ($20. For more information please visit: www.huntsvillephotographicsociety.org

Novice photographers may learn from the Masters.


People new to the craft of photography can receive feedback and guidance through the "Novice" class of the Huntsville Photographic Society. The program is designed to provide participants with improvements and an introductory experience to the popular competitions. Novice member participants may enter up to four entries into a digital on-line category and the subject is the same as the regular monthly competitions. The competition subject for February 14th is open.

For more information see "Contest Rules" at: www.huntsvillephoptgraphysociety.org

Third Thursdays on the 3rd Floor Artist Talk

Lowe Mill A&E is continuing it's monthly artist talks every third Thursday on the 3rd floor of Lowe Mill. It's on January 20, from 6-7PM and features one of the artists at the mill. This month is Rachel Lackey, the founder and manager of Green Pea Press, community printmaking studio.

Rachel will discuss her own art, printmaking work, and maybe a little about what's going on with the printmaking collaborative.

Spirited Art Now Accepting Resumes!

Spirited Art Now Accepting Resumes!

We are preparing for expansion as our home store, "My Spirited Art" located at 5000 Whitesburg Drive, Suite 130; Huntsville, AL 35802 is franchising to new locations over the next several months!

Currently, Spirited Art has a full artistic team, but we would like to have resumes on file as we grow for both artists and teachers as positions become available. "Spirited Art” is an optimistic, creative class for folks who want to learn the basics of acrylic painting in the company of great friends and good wine.

Teachers are responsible for creating and managing a fun atmosphere conducive to learning and fun, and leading the painting techniques in manageable steps to promote confidence and positivity. Teachers must be comfortable with the nuances of Acrylic painting. An art degree is not required, however, high energy and strong verbal communication skills are needed. Must be able to command a crowd with humor and panache.

Assistants greet patrons and help them become acclimated to the studio environment. Assistants are the eyes and ears of the studio and anticipate patron needs and the needs of the teaching artist. Assistants provide the back up support necessary to help the teaching artist maintain an energetic space for both fun and learning. Assistants do not need an art degree. High energy and enthusiasm for painting are required. Patience and flexibility are a must.

Please send resumes to myspiritedart@gmail.com with the position you would like to be on file for in the subject field. Our website is www.myspiritedart.com.

Artist Link Added: Tony Triolo, Photographer

"Valve #3" by Tony Triolo

The Huntsville Art Blog now has a new artist on the artist links. Check out Photographer, Tony Triolo's website and blog at:

http://www.triolophotography.com and http://www.ttriolo.wordpress.com.

Tony Triolo
16151 Southern Way
Athens, Alabama 35613
(256) 232-8190
ttriolo@bellsouth.net
Lowe Mill – Studio 129

Watch for Tony's featured artist spot in April on the art blog.

SPACES Huntsville's Biennial Sculpture Trail

SPACES is a collaborative project developed by The Arts Council, Inc., Alabama A&M University, Huntsville Museum of Art, Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment Center and UAHuntsville. Featuring 28 total sculptures – 25 works on temporary loan to SPACES and three permanent installations on the UAHuntsville campus – SPACES is designed to engage and enliven the Huntsville/Madison County community through a large-scale public art installation.

SPACES Biennial Sculpture Trail features the work of 15 artists from 10 states across the eastern US including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, North Carolina, Indiana, Connecticut and New York. From December 2010 – August 2012, we invite you to visit the SPACES sculptures at six locations throughout the city and explore SPACES through walking, GPS and cell phone guided tours. Discover SPACES today!

Visit www.SpacesSculptureTrail.org to find out more info and to vote for your favorite.

Featured Arts Community Leader: David Reyes

The Huntsville Museum of Art, where David works in Curatorial Services

"Tippy the Turtle Tank" by David Reyes

Interview by Christina Wegman

When strolling through fascinating galleries at an art exhibit, it is easy to ignore what goes into displaying art at a museum; in this month's interview, we go behind the scenes at the Huntsville Museum of Art with curator and artist David Reyes. For upcoming museum events, please visit http://www.hsvmuseum.org/.

1. How did you first become interested in the arts?

I was always making things with my hands. As a kid I would build little models out of clay or make toys out of scrap wood from my dad’s garage. In high school I was fortunate to fall in with a great art teacher. He opened my eyes to art as a viable profession for me.


2. What do you enjoy most about working at the Huntsville Museum of Art?

There are so many things I enjoy about my career. I love working with artists who create work that is technically varied and intellectually challenging. I love designing an experience for the visitor that leads them along a path but allows them to interact with the artworks on a personal level. But one of the most rewarding aspects of my job is working with people who are creative and positive and who believe that art is a worthwhile part of our lives.

3. What are your daily responsibilities at the Museum?

Every day is different. That’s the beauty of working for a museum. I could be making a studio visit, or going into a planning meeting to see how we are going to change out multiple installations in an always too short period of time, or giving a lecture to a group of visiting dignitaries, or moving 300 pound crates in the basement storage rooms. I usually have a spare set of clothes in my office so that I can make the switch from curator to crate mover and back again.

4. What are your current goals as an artist?

In short – to focus. I have so many ideas that are floating around my head. It makes it nearly impossible to focus on a direction. In conjunction with focus is the fact that I just need to create – good or bad. I need to work on making more pieces. Also, I need to learn to let go. I work in a very methodical way. I could probably stand to embrace some of the “flaws”.

5. Do you have any advice for other artists or people seeking jobs in the arts?

Make it happen for yourself. As a visual artist I have a tendency cop out and say ‘my art does the talking so I don’t have to.’ BS. It is one of the hardest things to do to put yourself out there and possibly be rejected but you’ve got to do it if you believe in what you are creating. Be persistent (but not annoying). Keep making your work known to as many people as possible. You never know where the next opportunity will come from. Stay connected with artists and other like-minded people. Positive vibes and constructive, well thought out criticism are your rewards for this basic truth.

6. What are your thoughts on Huntsville's art scene?

I have been in Huntsville for over 15 years. I have never been so hopeful for Huntsville’s artistic future as I am now. The Museum, with its new expansion, has the potential to be a leading museum in the South. Lowe Mill and the Flying Monkey have formed a rallying point for both established and emerging artists that is supportive and professional while equally embracing the odd and the eclectic. Where else can you find that but in the arts?

You are Invited! Ascribing Artists January Exhibit: All His Colors

You are Invited!

Ascribing Artists Exhibit: All His Colors

God created the heavens and the earth

16 Main Art Gallery

16 Main Street, Madison, AL 35758 (256) 325-0161

Ascribing Artists is a creative ministry bringing together visual artists who desire to ascribe or attribute their work and life to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The ministry is inspired by Psalm 29:2, "Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name" and shows that we are to be "A Reflection of His Glory" in all that we do.

Not all Ascribing Artists paint religious themes or Biblical depictions. The subject matter of the artist is not necessarily what makes us Ascribing Artists, it is the heart behind the artist with the desire to share the gospel. We recognize that anything we do pales in comparison to the Glory of the Lord, so our desire is not to offer something that deserves praise, but to point to the only ONE worthy of praise.

Ascribing Artists Exhibit: All His Colors on display throughout the month of January, 2011.

Reception and Art Talk January 9, 2-4 PM

Exhibiting Artists: Christina Wegman, Vicki Garner, Leslie Brasher, Linda Morton, Russ Sexton, Gina Hurst, Lynn Weatherford, Beverly Basham, Deborah Taylor, Carole Esk'ridge, Jennifer Martin, Jackie Segars, Doris Sisk, Diane Lehr, Jessica Oden, Melissa Carter, Jane Blevins, Paul Fulda, Amanda Lyle Dunn, Cynthia Massey Parsons, Julie Ellsworth and Paul LaBathe.

For more information please visit: www.AscribingArtists.blogspot.com or e-mail AscribingArtists@gmail.com

Artist Link Added: Lisa Riccardi

"Reef" by Lisa Riccardi, copyright

We at the Huntsville Art Blog are delighted to add Lisa Riccardi's web link to the artists links. Please check out her site at http://litistudios.blogspot.com/ and visit her studio at 16 Main Gallery, 16 Main St., Madison, AL. Also watch for her March featured artist spot on the Art Blog.

Local Artist Peter Grant featured in the Huntsville Times

Local artist bridges the gap between abstract and realism

Published: Saturday, January 01, 2011, 9:30 AM

By Sarah Cure, The Huntsville

HUNTSVILLE, AL. - When Peter Grant joined the U.S. Army, his relationship with painting vanished.

It wasn’t until 1996 when he retired in Huntsville that the one-time artist would rekindle his passion for the arts.

“I was talking to my daughter about painting again, and she suggested that I return to painting and paint the things I love,” Grant said.

The artist’s first love is abstract art, an art form widely misunderstood by the general public. Sadly, the 61-year-old artist is aware of people’s perceptions about abstract art and has changed his technique to conform to his audience.

“The thing I like to paint is abstract, but people don’t understand it,” he said. “I put a touch of realism in my abstract art so that people can actually recognize it.

“And as an abstract artist, the first question you always are asked is, ‘What is it?’, and ‘I don’t understand it,"’ he said. “As a painter who is just trying to get confidence, it’s an awful situation to be in.”

To continue reading this copyright article please visit:
http://blog.al.com/entertainment-times/2011/01/local_artist_bridges_the_gap_b.html

FEED YOUR PALETTE

New for 2011... Join our
Friday Night Paint Parties
at
16 Main Gallery
in historic downtown Madison.
Invite your friends, BYOBeverage
and we will provide the rest.

January 7th
"TUSCAN POPPY"
Class prep begins at 6:30 pm
Painting by 7:00pm
Classes last from 2-3 hours

$35.00 per person
(all supplies included)

Register early as space in limited.
16 Main Street, Madison, AL
256-325-0161

Featured Artist: Photographer Suzi McGehee

"You May Kiss the Bride" by Photographer Suzi McGehee, copyright

"Together" by Photographer Suzi McGehee, copyright

"Close to Mom" by Photographer Suzi McGehee, copyright

"Angels Among Us" by Photographer Suzi McGehee, copyright

Suzi McGehee

I have looked at life through the lens of my camera for over twenty years. While I have a vast portfolio of interests ranging from wildflowers to architecture, my favorite study by far, is people. I consider it a joy and honor to share and document life's most momentous occasions. My passion is to capture the uniqueness of each individual, couple, or family and to capture emotions that allow others to feel a connection. From baby days to the senior year of a student - from engagements to weddings, and the ever-changing memories of families and friends, I am thankful to be able to share my work.

Knowing that some of the best photos are captured during those in-between moments, when natural smiles and laughter come easy, I always offer a relaxed approach to a session by combining directed poses and candids. My goal is for clients to feel comfortable and confident while being photographed. I enjoy my digital darkroom and creating a personalized gallery of digital images that is a mixture of vibrant colors and black and whites.

I make the entire experience fun and effectual for each client – from consultation, through the photo session, and when helping clients discover artistic ways to display their images. I specialize in fine art wall canvases and customized coffee table albums. "People as Art" – I love creating in such a way, where all can be reminded, that life is beautiful...

I keep my spirit strong through family and friends, my faith strong through gardening and prayer, my core strong through Pilates, and I really enjoy hot tea :)

Suzi McGehee

Owner and Photographer

Love It Out Photography

Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment, Studio 114

Huntsville, AL

http://loveitout.com

Featured Artist: Beth Norwood

Collage by Beth Norwood, copyright

Collage by Beth Norwood, copyright

Collage by Beth Norwood, copyright

Beth Norwood

My mission is to save previously-made art from going into the trash. I love the colorful labels and amazing pictures on packaged products. I don’t believe in throwing wonderful color and form away! I save the prettiest or most inspiring bits of packaging from coffee bags, food packages, wine labels, cardboard beer boxes and such. I try to put them together in interesting ways. I am also thinking about what to do with the plastic paint bottles after I’m finished with them. It’s almost impossible not to create more trash in art unless you’re like the international and famous environmentalist artist Andy Goldsworthy, but I’m still working on this problem.