Brevard Art News - February 1, 2009

The Brevard Art News is a free service for artists and art lovers. Your news is welcome. If you have information about an upcoming exhibit, event, service, opportunity, or presentation feel free to let me know about it by emailing me at Lou@LouBelcher.com. Have a great week....

In this issue:

• Last Call
• News for the Week
• Galleries and Exhibits
• Artist Profile - Jerry Hanzl
• Events and News from Artists
• Studio Times and Classes
• Opportunities, Organizations, and Services

Last Call....

'Truth or Dare' two artists-two visions

Opening reception this week at the King Center for the Performing Arts

Photography and Digital Art Exhibit featuring Jerry Hanzl and Jeanee James opens on February 5, 2009 at the King Center for the Performing Arts at 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, Florida (photograph by Jeanee James. Also, see works by Jerry Hanzl in the current Artist Profile, after Galleries and Exhibits).

The February exhibit at the King Center for the Performing Arts will present the emotional photography of Jeanee James and the dramatic digital art of Jerry Hanzl. There will be approximately 30 pieces of the works by each artist. The opening for the exhibit is scheduled for Thursday, February 5, 2009 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Harris Gallery of the King Center for the Performing Arts. The reception is free and open to the public. Be sure to put this on your schedule. It's a wonderful exhibit you won't want to miss This opportunity to see it and to meet the artists.

Preview invitation from Beth Carver

Beth Carver has just completed a commission for the new Ocean Center in Daytona, of two large murals, 8 ft x 24 ft in oil. She would like to invite everyone to a preview at her studio, The Artist Warehouse, on Saturday, February 7th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The studio is at 4250 Dow Road, #302, Melbourne, Florida.

Hopes & Dreams" Exhibition

Opening Reception: Friday, 2/6/09; 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.(Illustrations: painting by Carmen Beecher, book by Renee Decator, sculpture by Suzanne Peiffer)

The Fifth Avenue Art Gallery at 1470 Highland Avenue in the Eau Gallie arts district is excited to announce its February exhibition, "Hopes and Dreams" which will benefit Genesis House. This invitational exhibition includes original artwork and one of kind, books inspired by the show's title, "Hopes and Dreams".

Over 35 artists are participating with 50% of the artwork sales and 100% of the books proceeds going to Genesis House. Genesis House is a Melbourne organization that works to help pregnant women and mothers of young children renew their "hopes and dreams" by aiding them in achieving their goals of becoming safe, independent, and welfare free.

In August 1977, a small group of volunteers rented an apartment for three pregnant women who had no place to live. In November 1977, Genesis House, Inc., was founded, and the first Genesis House was purchased with a five-year balloon mortgage. Many donations made it possible for Genesis House to purchase two more homes. All three shelter homes have apartments for live-in house managers. More than 11,000 women and children have been housed over the years by Genesis House, Inc. Many women come to Genesis House from abusive relationships or have become homeless due to unemployment. Genesis House, Inc. is committed to providing a safe, supportive, caring environment. They promote education, self-discipline, self-reliance, and independence from the welfare system. Counseling, personal improvement classes and appropriate health care are obtained for all residents. Classes in childbirth and parenting are provided as needed.

You are invited to join the Fifth Avenue Gallery in supporting Genesis House at the opening reception on the First Friday of February 6th, from 5:30 to 8:00pm. Visit with participating artists as you look at their original artworks, books, and enjoy light refreshments with wine.

The reception is free and open to the public. For information call 321 259-8261. Visit the gallery online: http://www.fifthavenueartgallery.com/

Participating artists are:

Arian Armstrong, Carmen Beecher, Lou Belcher, Julian Bennett, Pat Castimanes, Nancy Crawford, Renee Decator, Beth-Anne Fairchild, Stephanic Gibbs, Linda Graham, Betsy Heath, Jini James, Lori Jenkins, Nina Katz, Dave Kaufmann, Elizabeth Kaufmann, Susan Kessler, Lori Knerick, Marg Kuhl, Bill McCoy, Witha Lacuesta, Nancy Mann, Cindy Maronde, Marti Meyer, Bridgette Guerzon-Mills, Lois Mittleman, Mark Mittleman, Cindy Michaud, Marlis Newmann, Dij Pacarro, Rudy Pacarro, Ellen Pavlakos, Suzanne Pieffer, Tom Powers, Kaye Shannon, Clare Zipperly.

Art Gallery and Studio (802 New Haven Avenue; Historic Downtown Melbourne)

Today: Special Event at the Art Gallery and Studio: The gallery is having a special event today, Sunday, February 1. They are having a "Heart to Heart" Makeover Event featuring Master Stylist Ana Shields, Makeup Artist Jamie Jordan of Divas at Dream Weavers International Salon and clothing by The Gauzeway. The event starts at 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. Join them to see how to enhance your natural beauty to show the ultimate look for you. The event is free to the public. For more information, contact Diane at 409-3165, Susan at 480-9654, or the gallery at 729-9368.

Special Event at Art Gallery and Studio on Sunday, February 8, 2009 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Art Gallery and Studio at 802 New Haven Avenue in Historic Downtown Melbourne is sponsoring a special event. It's a Parrot Fundraiser. From 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 8, 2009, Lu Apple from MARS (Melbourne Aviary Rescue Sanctuary) Parrot Rescue in Melbourne Beach will bring 5 parrots to the gallery. Several artists have painted pictures of the parrots. Stop by to see the parrots and the paintings. The paintings will be for sale and 25% of the sales will go to Parrot Rescue. Light refreshments will be served. (photograph by Lori Knerick)

The Highway Grrls... enjoy First Friday with Robin Rothrock


Well, never, never, never would you expect Robin Rothrock to find herself enamored of hearts! But low and behold she has a NEW SERIES of fifteen paintings, all with the theme of the heart...which works so well with her techniques!


The entire front wall of the gallery will be covered with this new work at First Friday and throughout the month. These pieces are almost exclusively on canvas with paper but there are some wood pieces as well.


Come out and party with the art on First Friday at Highway Grrls Gallery and Studio located at 1414 Highland Avenue in the middle of the lovely Eau Gallie Arts District.


At Highway Grrls The Mark Baker Band will be out in front charming participants with their laid back rock and in the back on the patio Humberto Rebollo and Max Rener will be showing new work. Max has completed his swan painting. That alone is worth the evening!

Anyway, come to the Eau Gallie Arts District Art Walk this First Friday. Visit Highway Grrls anytime between 5:30 and 9:00 and partake of some lovely treats and enjoy the series of Hearts...or Heart Art as Robin calls it.




Art and Antique Studio and Gallery presents:

Beyond Abstract by Carole Judson

Carole Judson, a Melbourne Beach resident and member of the Art and Antique Studio and Gallery is the featured artist at the gallery for the month of February.

Carole enjoys working in a variety of media. These include: watercolor, acrylic, pastel, collage, and mixed media. Her work is a combination of realism and fantasy. She hopes to reveal a world of visual excitement through the use of color, forms and shapes. When starting an abstract, Carole never knows where it will take her. It depends a lot on the frame of mind Carole is in at the moment. Working with abstracts seems to bring out the creativity in her which she never knew previously. Carole loves the total "High Feeling" it gives her being able to create something from nothing.

Carole is a signature member of the Georgia Watercolor Society, Tallahassee Watercolor Society and the Mississippi Watercolor Society. She is also a member of the Florida Watercolor Society, the Brevard Cultural Alliance, and the Brevard Watercolor Society.

There will be an opening reception for Carole's Beyond Abstract exhibit on February 6, 2009 at the Art and Antique Studio at 1419 Highland Avenue in Historic Eau Gallie from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. This reception is free and open to the public. Music and refreshments will be provided. The exhibit will hang throughout February.


Art Expressions Featured Artist:
Glenn Van Cleve

Please join Art Expressions this First Friday as we host an opening reception for Graphic Artist: Glenn Van Cleve.

Art Expressions will have on display, and for sale, several originals by Glenn, including his unique wood burned pieces.

Please join them for light refreshments and
conversation with the artist.

Friday, February 6th.
5:30pm to 8:30pm.
Art Expressions
1404 Highland Ave.
Located in the Eau Gallie Art's District
321-259-1492
www.artexpressionsfinecustomframing.com

Denette Schweikert: See her latest work

Denette Schweikert's large botanical oil paintings are part of the new art featured at LoPressionism Fine Art Gallery's Fusion Show. It opened on Friday, January 30, from 6 to 9 p.m. and will run through March 20. Denette was recently juried into the prestigious International Guild of Realism after submitting a portfolio of her work for review. See her paintings at www.denette.net

The Strawbridge Art League Vision Show

Vision 2009 Gala Opening. The gala opening for the Strawbridge Art League Vision 2009 show is on Saturday, February 7th starting at 5:30 sharp. The opening includes an awards ceremony and theater program in the Henegar Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets for that portion of the evening are $10.00 per person and are on sale at the Henegar Center box office. (Artists entering the competition receive two free tickets). At about 6:30 p.m., there will be a free reception for viewing of the exhibit. This is open to the public. The exhibit will hang until March 9th and is open to the public during regular business hours and during intermission of performances at the Henegar Center at 625 E. New Haven Avenue in Historic Downtown Melbourne.

Splash 2009. The Brevard Watercolor Society presents the Splash 2009 Fine Art Show in February. It is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, February 21 and 22, 2009. This 14th Annual Members' Show will be open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day at the Azan Shrine Temple, 1591 Eau Gallie Blvd, Melbourne, Florida. Be sure to put it on your calendar. You’ll not only see award-winning watercolor paintings, but there will be an area where you can purchase prints and cards from the artists. Also, there will be numerous painting demonstrations throughout the event you won’t want to miss.

The deadline for members to register to submit work has been extended until February 13, 2009.

News from the Florida Chalk Artists

The Brevard Watercolor Society has invited the "Street Painters" chalk artists to cover the sidewalks around the Azan Temple with art during their Splash 2009 event on Saturday, February 21, 2009 and Sunday, February 22, 2009. The Florida Chalk Artists Association invites area artists to participate. Chalk is available at cost (box of 48 for $12). Demonstrations, coaching and lessons will be given on Saturday, Feb. 21, starting at 10:00 a.m. For information, contact Ed Baranowski at 321-752-8785.

CBAA Scholarship Fund Raiser. This event will put the "fun" back in fundraiser! On February 15th, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the Central Brevard Art Association will host An Evening with the Arts at the Unitarian Center, 3115 Friendship Road (just off Rt. 1 S, in Suntree). This event will be a fundraiser for CBAA's Youth Scholarship Program. It promises to be a fun-filled gala featuring music, entertainment, refreshments, and silent auctions, raffles, and sales of donated art. Tickets are $15 each or 2 for $25. The evening's entertainment features the "Dic Doc Duo" among others. For more information or tickets, call 639-0586. Tickets will also be available at the door.

News for the week:

Call for Artists: Zonta Chocolate Festival

The Zonta Club of Melbourne is calling for artists and fine craft persons of all mediums to participate in the 5th Annual Chocolate Festival and 3rd Emerging Artists in the Park on Sunday, March 29, 2009, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The festival is a wonderful one-day venue at Front Street Park under the canopy of historic oak trees overlooking the Intercostal Waterway. Artists and fine crafters are encouraged to demonstrate their work and are not required to set up tents but are encouraged to have a professional artistic display.

Deadline for applications has been extended to February 15 and applications can be found on the Zonta website at www.zontaspacecoast.org Click on Chocolate Festival. The fee is 20% of sales up to but no more than $100 per artist. There is no application fee. Portions of the proceeds will benefit the Salvation army's Pridmore House. For more information, please go to www.zontaspacecoast.org or call Pam McLean at 321-283-7500.

Congratulations to Winners of the Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival Art Show. Here are the results:

2-D Art:

First Place - Viola Knudsen (her painting is at the right)

Second Place - Lolly Walton
Third Place - Therese Ferguson
Merit - Diane Deshong Cannon
Merit - Babbi Q. Brown

3-D Art:

First Place - Michael Van Houzen
Second Place - Yure de Alencar
Third Place - Sally Shin
Merit - Candida Thorpe
Merit - Mike Hammohnds

Photography:

First Place - Jeff Shulman
Second Place - Charles Corbeil
Third Place - Mike Tracy
Merit - Anne Bilos
Merit - Vince Lamb

TDC Photo Shoot Model Call

In February, McBride Woodbridge Marketing will be working with the Space Coast Office of Tourism on a Brevard County wide photo shoot to update the SCOT visual library. There is a need for models in different photo set ups. Professional, semi-professional and amateur models will be considered. They are looking for a variety of people, including families, senior couples, empty nesters, twenty-somethings, surfers. If you are aware of potentioal model candidates, please have them send a head shot and bio to Chip Eickmann at McBride Woodbridge Marketing, chip@mcbridewoodbridge.com for consideration. For more information, contact Chip at 321-837-1000.

Mark Mittleman offering services to artists.

Mark Mittleman has just acquired an Epson Stylus 7880 printer capable of up to 24-inch wide prints on all kinds of media (glossy paper, watercolor paper, canvas, etc.) He is starting a custom printing business for giclee prints and reproductions and other custom prints from artists digital files. He can also photograph the two-dimensional artwork and produce prints from those files. In addition, he can supply files suitable for submission to a service for 35 mm jury slides or files for direct submission to ZAPP. For information, contact him at 321-506-7160 or mmphotoart@cfl.rr.com.

Internationally Known Doll Artists to Teach Workshops in Brevard

WHO: Elinor Peace Bailey and Patti Medaris Culea
WHAT: Art Doll Workshops
WHEN: February 13, 14, 15, 16
WHERE: Comfort Suites, Palm Bay
PRESENTED BY: Daff-O-Dolls cloth doll making club

The Daff-O-Dolls, a cloth doll making club located in Palm Bay, has invited two internationally known doll artists to the Space Coast for a four-day teaching event February 13 through 16 at the Comfort Suites in Palm Bay. Patti Medaris Culea and Elinor Peace Bailey are teaching two-day classes back to back. Participants can attend one two-day class with either teacher or experience both teaching artists in the four-day session.

You do not have to be a member of the doll club to take a 2 or 4 day class.The cost for MEMBERS for all four days is $185. The cost for MEMBERS for two days is $100. The cost for NON-members for all four days is $200. The cost for NON-members for two days is $110. Call Dolores Cox, 772-589-7647 or Ruth Anne Parker, 321-723-4705 for more information.

Opportunities for artists in Eau Gallie

Artists looking for an inexpensive way to market their work should check out the Saturday Farm Market at the park in Eau Gallie. Richard Hendry, the Brevard Farm Market manager, welcomes artists who are willing to paint, sculpt, or otherwise create art while they sell. If that description fits you, come down to the corner of Highland and Eau Gallie at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday and set up your gear in the park. Bring your browse box, cards and prints and sell until 3 in the afternoon. All this fun will cost you just $10. If this isn't enough opportunity to sell, consider setting up a booth in the park for First Friday for just $15. You will need lights as this event lasts from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Call Richard at 321-917-0721 or visit http://www.brevardfarmersmarkets.com/.

Opportunity for Artists and Crafters: The Floridana Beach Civic Association (FBCA) is having a Community Bazaar on Saturday, March 07, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The FBCA Community Bazaar is a fund raiser and an opportunity to promote your business or services and sell your products. The fee to participate as a vendor is a donation of $25 for a space. Electrical power is limited, so plan accordingly. Parking is also limited, so vendors should make arrangements to park off site. Vendors are responsible for the removal and clean up of their tables, tents, chairs and products. The event will be held rain or shine. For more information about how to register as a vendor, contact Beth at 321-726-0800 or beth@bethglover.com.

Call for Artists for Downtown Melbourne:Downtown Melbourne is currently seeking artists and crafters to participate in Downtown Melbourne's 3rd Friday Arts and Indulgences Walk, Arts and Crafts section.

The Arts and Indulgences Walk is a self-guided tour of the Downtown area that will showcase the cultural entities. It will be held the 3rd Friday of each month from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. In addition to the walk, there will be an Arts and Crafts booth section located in the parking lot of the Christmas Cottage where artists and crafters can sell their work during the event. There is room for fifteen 10 x 10 tents and these spaces are rented ($40.00) on a first come, first serve basis. There is no submission process.

Download the application at http://www.downtownmelbourne.com/ under Arts and Indulgences Walk.

Because this is a nighttime activity, artists will need to provide their own lighting, such as a lantern or bring a lighting source with a long extension cord. The Christmas Cottage will provide electricity; however, no heat-generating appliances can be supported. Only one electrical source per booth can be allowed.

Save the Date for the Titusville Spring Show
The Titusville Art League dates for the take-in for their spring show are Tuesday, March 24th at 3:00 p.m. to 8:00p.m. and Wednesday, March 25th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The take-in and show will be at the Clarion Inn in Titusville. The show will be on Thurday, March 26th through the 28th. There will be more than $4,000 in cash prizes awarded. For more information, contact the Titusville Art League at 321-383-7441.

In the galleries and on exhibit...

Fifth Avenue Gallery (1470 Highland Avenue Melbourne, FL 32935 (321) 259-8261). The Fifth Avenue Art Gallery presents Hopes and Dreams throughout February. See story above in Last Call.

Art Gallery and Studio of Melbourne ( 802 East New Haven Avenue; Historic Downtown Melbourne). Featured artist for February is Barbara Howell. Special event is the Parrot Rescue. See details above in Last Call.

Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge Exhibit and The Downtown Gallery. Visit The Downtown Gallery of Titusville at 335 S. Washington Avenue in Historic Downtwon Titusville. They just had a benefit for the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. See the wonderful works depicting nature on display at the gallery. (the photograph of a bobcat was taken on the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge by Dale Nichols)

Art and Antique Studio (1419 Highland Avenue; Melbourne, FL 32935; 321-253-5553) The featured artist for the Art and Antique Studio and Gallery for the month of January 2009 is Carole Judson. See details above in Last Call.

News from the Brevard Art Museum

Museum Events at 1463 Highland Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32935 ; phone: (321) 254-7782

Museum names new president. The board of trustees of the Brevard Art Museum has announced that Steven V. Maklansky of New Orleans has been selected as the new president of the museum. He is coming from the Louisiana State Museum and the New Orleans Museum of Art. He will begin his duties on March 2, 2009.

Annie Leibovitz: Women
World famous for her photography, Annie Leibovitz is a respected artist whose insightful portraits reveal the personalities of her subjects.. Recognizable cultural icons and ordinary women transfix audiences in the exhibition Annie Leibovitz: Women. It will continue to grace the galleries of the Brevard Art Museum through March 8, 2009.

Seeing is Believing—The Languages of Photography. Harris Auditorium on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. Thisis an illustrated lecture by Kevin Miller, Drrector of the Southeast Museum of Photography, Daytona State College in Daytona Beach, Florida. The Southeast Museum of Photgraphy is Florida's most comprehensive museum of photography. It is one of only 13 institutions in the United States dedicated exclusively to photography and one of a selet few with a collection of such preadth and depth.

LoPressionism and Christmas Cottage Fuse. LoPressionism and the Christmas Cottage are now under the same roof in Historic Downtown Melbourne, and there is not enough room for both. The opening reception was on Friday, January 30th, from 6:00p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for the "Fusion" exhibit. The exhibit features the artwork of Richard LaClaire, Robin Linsmier, Mary Ellen McLaughlin, Erich Padilla and Denette Schweikert. For more information, call 321-722-6000.

Be sure to send you art news to Lou@LouBelcher.com

Brevard Art News - January 25, 2009

The Brevard Art News is a free service for artists and art lovers. Your news is welcome. If you have information about an upcoming exhibit, event, service, opportunity, or presentation feel free to let me know about it by emailing me at Lou@LouBelcher.com. Have a great week....

In this issue:

• Artist Profile - Jerry Hanzl
• Last Call
• News for the Week
• Galleries and Exhibits
• Events and News from Artists
• Studio Times and Classes
• Opportunities, Organizations, and Services
• Books

Last Call....

Denette Schweikert: See her latest work.

Denette Schweikert's large botanical oil paintings will be part of the new art featured at LoPressionism Fine Art Gallery's Fusion Show opening on Friday, January 30, from 6 to 9 p.m. and running through March 20. Denette was recently juried into the prestigious International Guild of Realism after submitting a portfolio of her work for review. See her paintings at www.denette.net

Last call: Florida Surveyors' Festival

January 31st is the last day to sign up for a booth at the 2009 Florida Surveyors' Festival for $25. After January 31st, the fee will increase to $40. The festival is at F. Burton Smith Park in Cocoa, Florida, on March 21, 2009 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information go to the website at http://www.spacecoast-fsms.com/.

An Invitation to Florida Artists - Artwork due by Jan. 31, 2009

All artists residing in Florida are invited to submit entries for the 2009 All-Media Juried Biennial, which is sponsored by the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood, Florida. All works selected to be exhibited in the biennial will be on view form Thursday, April 23 through Sunday, June 7, at the Art and Culture Center's galleries, located at 1650 Harrison Street in Hollywood.

Works in all media including original paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture, photography, video, computer-generated images, and site-specific installations will be considered. Only work completed after January 1, 2007, and submitted by January 31, 2009, is eligible. Cash prizes totaling $4,000 will be distributed as follows: $2,000 for best of show, $1,000 first place, $600 second place and $400 third place. The exhibition juror is independent curator Nina Arias, who is a co-founder of The Wynwood Art District Association and now resides in New York. Arias has been director of several galleries in South Florida, and has made a name for herself by exhibiting and promoting some of the most exciting emerging artists from Miami and beyond. For an entry form and more information about this competition, please visit www.ArtAndCultureCenter.org/biennial or call (954) 921-3274.

Titusville Art League Exhibit at the King Center for the Performing Arts.

The Titusville Art League's The Best of Titusville is in the Harris Gallery in the King Center for the Performing Arts. This is an exhibit of all the award-winning artwork in the TAL 44th Annual Spring Show in April 2008. The exhibit officially opened on Thursday, January 8th, 2009, with a reception. The exhibit will hang throughout January. (photo: "Infinity" sculpture)

'Truth or Dare' two artists-two visions

The February exhibit at the King Center for the Performing Arts will be 'Truth or Dare' two artists-two visions, featuring Jeanee James and Jerry Hanzl. The opening for this exhibit of the emotional photography of Jeanee James and the dramatic digital art of Jerry Hanzl is scheduled for February 5, 2009, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Please put this on your schedule.

The Strawbridge Art League Vision Show

Vision 2009 Gala Opening. The gala opening for the Strawbridge Art League Vision 2009 show is on Saturday, February 7th starting at 5:30 sharp. The opening includes an awards ceremony and theater program in the Henegar Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets for that portion of the evening are $10.00 per person and are on sale at the Henegar Center box office. (Artists entering the competition receive two free tickets). At about 6:30 p.m., there will be a free reception for viewing of the exhibit. This is open to the public. The exhibit will hang until March 9th and is open to the public during regular business hours and during intermission of performances at the Henegar Center at 625 E. New Haven Avenue in Historic Downtown Melbourne.

Splash 2009. The Brevard Watercolor Society presents the Splash 2009 Fine Art Show in February. It is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, February 21 and 22, 2009. This 14th Annual Members Show will be open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day at the Azan Shrine Temple, 1591 Eau Gallie Blvd, Melbourne, Florida. Be sure to put it on your calendar. You’ll not only see award-winning watercolor paintings, but there will be an area where you can purchase prints and cards from the artists. Also, there will be numerous painting demonstrations throughout the event you won’t want to miss.

The deadline for members to register to submit work has been extended until January 31, 2009.
CBAA Annual Art Show

The Central Brevard Art Association invites you to join them at their annual Art Show at the Cape Canaveral Library, 201 Polk Avenue, Cape Canaveral, Florida on Friday, January 30th, 2009 and Saturday, January 31, 2009. The event is sponsored by the city of Cape Canaveral.

Hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There will be various art mediums offered, including watercolor, oils, pastels, acrylics, photography, porcelain art, and sea glass jewelry.

For more information, please call the Central Brevard Art Association studio at (321)636-3673.

News for the week:

Mark Mittleman offering services to artists.

Mark Mittleman has just acquired an Epson Stylus 7880 printer capable of up to 24 inch wide prints on all kinds of media (glossy paper, watercolor paper, canvas, etc.) He is starting a custom printing business for giclee prints and reproductions and other custom prints from artists digital files. He can also photograph the two-dimensional artwork and produce prints from those files. In addition, he can supply files suitable for submission to a service for 35 mm jury slides or files for direct submission to ZAPP. For information, contact him at 321-506-7160 or mmphotoart@cfl.rr.com.

Brevard Watercolor Society news...

Brevard Watercolor Society, the largest county watercolor society in the nation, with over 250 members, elected new officers Saturday, January 10, 2009 at their general meeting with over 150 members and guests in attendance.

Shown are the new officers - Linda Neal, President, Judy Champion-Frates, Vice President, Joyce Hoffmann, Treasurer, Bonnie Carter, Secretary.

Lolly Walton, outgoing president stated, “BWS is in good hands with Linda Neal leading the organization.” Linda is owner of Cottage Art & Framing, located at 1993 Guava Avenue, Melbourne. She is an accomplished artist, teacher and has been an involved member of BWS over the years.

BWS was established in 1995, and is a non-profit 501C 3 organization.

Meetings are held bi-monthly beginning in January. Demos and workshops are held with nationally known artists. The organization offers five workshops a year with nationally known artists, and 12 mini-paint-ins for members. Their projects include “Watercolors of Olde Brevard and “Post Cards From Home”. Post Cards From Home will be on display at the State Capitol in Tallahassee beginning March of this year. BWS partnered with the Alzheimer’s Foundation last year to raise funds for the Community Services Council new kitchen. Membership is $40.00 individual and $49.00 family.

The organization has been busy planning and organizing their 14th Annual “Splash of Watercolor 2009” members’ art show to be held at the Azan Shrine Temple, on Eau Gallie Blvd., Saturday and Sunday, February 21 and 22 from 10:00 – 5:00 p.m. Admission is free. For more information visit the BWS website. http://www.brevardwatercolors.org/

Internationally Known Doll Artists to Teach Workshops in Brevard

WHO: Elinor Peace Bailey and Patti Medaris Culea

WHAT: Art Doll Workshops

WHEN: February 13, 14, 15, 16

WHERE: Comfort Suites, Palm Bay

PRESENTED BY: Daff-O-Dolls cloth doll making club

The Daff-O-Dolls, a cloth doll making club located in Palm Bay, has invited two internationally known Doll Artists to the Space Coast for a four-day teaching event February 13 through 16 at the Comfort Suites in Palm Bay. Patti Medaris Culea and Elinor Peace Bailey are teaching two-day classes back to back. Participants can attend one two-day class with either teacher or experience both teaching artists in the four-day session.

You do not have to be a member of the doll club to take a 2 or 4 day class.The cost for MEMBERS for all four days is $185. The cost for MEMBERS for two days is $100. The cost for NON-members for all four days is $200. The cost for NON-members for two days is $110. Call Dolores Cox, 772-589-7647 or Ruth Anne Parker, 321-723-4705 for more information.

Opportunities for artists in Eau Gallie

Artists looking for an inexpensive way to market their work should check out the Saturday Farm Market at the park in Eau Gallie. Richard Hendry, the Brevard Farm Market manager, welcomes artists who are willing to paint, sculpt, or otherwise create art while they sell. If that description fits you, come down to the corner of Highland and Eau Gallie at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday and set up your gear in the park. Bring your browse box, cards and prints and sell until 3 in the afternoon. All this fun will cost you just $10. If this isn't enough opportunity to sell, consider setting up a booth in the park for First Friday for just $15. You will need lights as this event lasts from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Call Richard at 321-917-0721 or visit http://www.brevardfarmersmarkets.com/.

Opportunity for Artists and Crafters: The Floridana Beach Civic Association (FBCA) is having a Community Bazaar on Saturday, March 07, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The FBCA Community Bazaar is a fund raiser and an opportunity to promote your business or services and sell your products. The fee to participate as a vendor is a donation of $25 for a space. Electrical power is limited, so plan accordingly. Parking is also limited, so vendors should make arrangements to park off site. Vendors are responsible for the removal and clean up of their tables, tents, chairs and products. The event will be held rain or shine. For more information about how to register as a vendor, contact Beth at 321-726-0800 or beth@bethglover.com.

Call for Artists for Downtown Melbourne:Downtown Melbourne is currently seeking artists and crafters to participate in Downtown Melbourne's 3rd Friday Arts and Indulgences Walk, Arts and Crafts section.

The Arts and Indulgences Walk is a self-guided tour of the Downtown area that will showcase the cultural entities. It will be held the 3rd Friday of each month from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. In addition to the walk, there will be an Arts and Crafts booth section located in the parking lot of the Christmas Cottage where artists and crafters can sell their work during the event. There is room for fifteen 10 x 10 tents and these spaces are rented ($40.00) on a first come, first serve basis. There is no submission process.

Download the application at http://www.downtownmelbourne.com/ under Arts and Indulgences Walk.

Because this is a nighttime activity, artists will need to provide their own lighting, such as a lantern or bring a lighting source with a long extension cord. The Christmas Cottage will provide electricity; however, no heat-generating appliances can be supported. Only one electrical source per booth can be allowed.

Save the Date for the Titusville Spring Show

The Titusville Art League dates for the take-in for their spring show are Tuesday, March 24th at 3:00 p.m. to 8:00p.m. and Wednesday, March 25th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The take-in and show will be at the Clarion Inn in Titusville. The show will be on Thurday, March 26th through the 28th. There will be more than $4,000 in cash prizes awarded. For more information contact the Titusville Art League at 321-383-7441.

In the galleries and on exhibit...

Fifth Avenue Gallery (1470 Highland Avenue Melbourne, FL 32935 (321) 259-8261)
The Fifth Avenue Art Gallery presents Tropical Winter, a member show brandishing the excitement, wonder and amusement of our region's tropical winter paradise. Even though Tropical Winter may sound like a contradiction, our winters are warmer and filled with more exciting events such as migrations and nestings. Birds, manatees, and snowbirds migrate toward our warmer climate and waters, rivers, and along palm-lined streets.

The public is invited to see how members of the Fifth Avenue Art Gallery interpret Tropical Winter. The exhibit will hang throughout January.

Art Gallery and Studio of Melbourne ( 802 East New Haven Avenue; Historic Downtown Melbourne). Award-winning photographer Lori Knerick is the featured artist at the Art Gallery and Studio of Melbourne for the month of January. Lori's exhibit, Buildings, Bridges and Taxis shows her talent of manipulating photographic images and reveals her love of New York City through her personal images of the city. "New York City is my home. Even though I haven't lived there in a long time,"says Knerick.

Lori will donate 20% of her sales for the month to the Humane Society of Brevard and to the Florida Wildlife Hospital and Sanctuary.

You can also see Lori's art on exhibit this month at a special exhibit in the Melbourne Library on Fee Avenue, and Lori regularly exhibits at the Henegar Center at 625 East New Haven Avenue in Melbourne. For more information, call 321-729-9368 or 321- 720-7532.

The Art Gallery and Studio has an opening for one more artist. If you'd like to join the gallery, contact the gallery at 729-9368.

Special Event at the Art Gallery and Studio: The gallery is having a special event on Sunday, February 1. They are having a "Heart to Heart" Makeover Event featuring Master Stylist Ana Shields, Makeup Artist Jamie Jordan of Divas at Dream Weavers International Salon and clothing by The Gauzeway. The event starts at 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. Join them to see how to enhance your natural beauty to show the ultimate look for you. The event is free to the public. For more information, contact Diane at 409-3165, Susan at 490-9654, or the gallery at 729-9368.

Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge Exhibit and The Downtown Gallery

Visit The Downtown Gallery of Titusville at 335 S. Washington Avenue in Historic Downtwon Titusville. They just had a benefit for the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. See the wonderful works depicting nature on display at the gallery. (the photograph of a bobcat was taken on the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge by Dale Nichols)

Art and Antique Studio (1419 Highland Avenue; Melbourne, FL 32935; 321-253-5553) The featured artist for the Art and Antique Studio and Gallery for the month of January 2009 is graphic artist Lin Sons of Merritt Island. Lin works with pencils to create detailed drawings of shells, musical instruments, still lifes and people. She is also an excellent calligraphy artist. There was a reception for her on January 2, 2009. Her work will be available all month. Be sure to stop by to see it. The Art and Antique Studio and Gallery is located at 1419 Highland Avenue in Eau Gallie.

CBAA Scholarship Fund Raiser. This event will put the "fun" back in fundraiser! On February 15th, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the Central Brevard Art Association will host An Evening with the Arts at the Unitarian Center, 3115 Friendship Road (just off Rt. 1 S, in Suntree). This event will be a fundraiser for CBAA's Youth Scholarship Program.

It promises to be a fun-filled gala featuring music, entertainment, refreshments, and silent auctions, raffles, and sales of donated art. Tickets are $15 each or 2 for $25. The evening's entertainment features the "Dic Doc Duo" among others. For more information or tickets, call 639-0586. Tickets will also be available at the door.

News from the Brevard Art Museum

Museum Events at 1463 Highland Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32935 ; phone: (321) 254-7782

Museum Monday: January 19 at 10:00 a.m. in the Harris Auditorium

Artists Rudy and DIJ Pacarro speak on their specialities, "Painting with Fabric and Thread" and "A Muddy Rettirement. This event is free and open to the public courtesy of the Brevard Art Museum Guild.

Annie Leibovitz: Women

World famous for her photography, Annie Leibovitz's photography is on exhibit at the Brevard Art Museum through March 9. She is a respected artist whose insightful portraits reveal the layered personalities of her subects. Spectacular large format photographs are on display. This is a traveling exhibit made possible by The Women's Museum: An Institute for the Future,Dallas Texas.

Jane Hammond

This exhibit is on loan from the Orlando Museum of Art and a private collector. Jane Hammond works in a variety of media and uses "her own iconography and a predilection for systems... the wook is as multi faceted, as varied, as complicated as we are as humans living in today's info-saturated world."

ART a la carte
The Brevard Art Museum will host an art sale for all in the Front Street Park Community Center on Sunday, January 18, 2009, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. All art is priced to sell. This event is free and open to the public. For details on how to donate artwork to the Brevard Art Museum, call 321-242-0737.

LoPressionism and Christmas Cottage Fuse. LoPressionism and the Christmas Cottage are now under the same roof in Historic Downtown Melbourne, and there is not enough room for both. So, you are invited to join them between January 2nd and January 25th as they host the biggest sale in their history as they make room for their new look and new merchandise.

They are also preparing for an opening reception on Friday, January 30th, from 6:00p.m. to 9:00 p.m., as they kick off the "Fusion" with a celebration featuring the fine art of Richard LaClaire, Robin Linsmier, Mary Ellen McLaughlin, Erich Padilla and Denette Schweikert. For more information, call 321-722-6000.

Be sure to send you art news to Lou@LouBelcher.com

Article: Marketing Your Art #12

Tools that can really help an artist but won’t break the bank by SKC

When you’re first starting out – OR- even if you’re a seasoned professional, using some tools to make the management of your career simpler is SO important. Thanks to the constant improvement of digital technology and the internet, these tools are constantly changing, being added and improved and not too infrequently the cost of such tools has decreased as well.

I’ll cover a small group of tools nearly every artist (no matter their medium) will find useful in the promotion and organization of their artwork.

Your E-mail Mailing List
Every artist must maintain a mailing list which includes people who have bought from them before, those who have expressed interest, but may not have made the leap yet into purchasing artwork as well as friends, family and the local and regional media. As your list grows over time, you’ll find it more difficult to manage with whatever personal email program you use. Most email providers have limits on the number of emails you can send out in a given span of time, and if you ignore those limits you will soon find your account frozen. It can get quite frustrating.

Why not consider an automatic mailing list management system? There are plenty to choose from and prices can range quite a bit from one to the other. One such site is http://www.yourmailinglistprovider.com/ which has some of the best prices I’ve seen to date, as well as an automatic opt-in web-form that you can place in your blog or website. It manages all the additions as well as anyone who wishes to unsubscribe as well as allows you to organize your contacts into unlimited groups. The system also features an HTML wysiwyg (What You See Is What You Get) editor that allows you to design emails using the benefits of HTML without having to know the code.

Using a mailing list manager list is organized and legal (there are anti-spam laws that everyone must follow). Some providers are:


Your Mailing List Provider (http://www.ymlp.com/):
Best Bang for your Buck

• Accounts start at $0 for your most basic features and go up to $5/month for unlimited subscribers
• Tracking and reporting of click through and open rates
• Wysiwyg HTML editor
• Automatic opt-in HTML web form
• Easy to import/export contacts
• Allows you to schedule email campaigns
• Archives old messages

Constant Contact (http://www.constantcontact.com/):
• Free 60-day trial (monthly costs are slightly higher: $15-$150 per month)
• Provides ability to do online surveys as well as HTML emails
• HTML email templates available
• Archives old messages

I Contact (http://www.icontact.com/):
• Import/Export of contacts
• Email templates
• Scheduling
• Tracking and reporting
• 15-day free trial (annual prices range from $107.46-$7,549.20)

Printed Materials
All artists need printed marketing materials in order to make the first impression with gallery owners and potential collectors. Additionally, many still promote using the traditional postcard via USPS method (which in itself can be expensive just due to postage alone). Starting out, you might think the expensive and flashy postcard companies advertized in glossy fine art magazines absolutely must be the right move, but think again. There are countless internet-based printers available now with extremely competitive pricing that output high quality products. In addition, they provide simple online templates for those looking to completely create their own designs as well as downloadable Photoshop and Illustrator templates for the do-it-yourselfers.

Vista Print (www.vistaprint.com):
Check with your art friends prior to making your first purchase because often they will have access to “exclusive” sale pricing and by simply forwarding such an email, you too will gain access to the special discounts. This printer provides a bevy of printing services, so by all means investigate and consider what needs you may have. Once you purchase from them, you will receive notice frequently for special sale pricing. Each printer offers slightly different sizes for each product and may or may not offer custom design as well as snail mail campaign management. Shop around and find the best deal for your needs.

Postcards:
4-color, glossy postcards start at 50 individual printed cards for the cost of shipping (with special pricing access). For 500 the cost rises to $120 plus shipping, but still, that price is far more reasonable than the glitzy postcard printers advertized in expensive art magazines.

Business Cards:
4-color, matte, premium stock business cards begin at 250 individual business cards for $1.99 plus the cost of shipping (an incredible deal). Should you want more than that, you’re looking at very reasonable pricing.

Overnight Prints (http://www.overnightprints.com/):
This printer also features very competitive printing prices that will help you keep your bank account intact. Upon request, they will send you free samples of their printed products.

PS Print (http://www.psprint.com/):
They offer quality printing, fast turnaround and mailing services for very competitive prices.

FREE Templates for Online Web-Galleries
Just recently I was notified of a FREE Flash template system. These templates are NOT for commercial use, so please do keep that in mind; however, if you wish to use them to display your artwork (prices omitted) you will find them to be elegantly designed and user friendly to your visitors.

Free Picasa Flash Templates: http://www.paulvanroekel.nl/picasa/

Additionally, for those of you using Photoshop CS4, you no doubt also have Adobe Bridge, which will elegantly and easily automatically create flash galleries of your images (and upload them to your website for you). Find out more about the capabilities of Bridge CS4 from Pixel Perfect’s webcast: http://revision3.com/pixelperfect/cs4/

Or from John Nack’s Blog: http://blogs.adobe.com/jnack/2008/11/bridge_cs4_outp.html

TALK BACK: There are plenty more options out there for thrifty marketing. If you have some tips to share of your own, certainly don’t be shy. What tools do you use for your own art marketing?

Brevard Art News - January 18, 2009

The Brevard Art News is a free service for artists and art lovers. Your news is welcome. If you have information about an upcoming exhibit, event, service, opportunity, or presentation feel free to let me know about it by emailing me at Lou@LouBelcher.com. Have a great week....

In this issue:

• Last Call (Take note... I've added a new section. Under "Last Call" you will find information on calls for art that have scheduled take-in dates during the current week. I just don't want you to miss anything important.)


• News for the Week


• Galleries and Exhibits


• Events and News from Artists


• Studio Times and Classes


• Opportunities, Organizations, and Services


• Books
• Article #11

Last Call.... this week artists will be submitting artwork to several shows. Don't miss out on these opportunities.

The Strawbridge Art League Vision Show

The take-in for the 2009 Vision Juried Art Show, presented by the Strawbridge Art League, will be in the Henegar Center for the Arts on New Haven Avenue in Melbourne, Florida.

Take-in dates:

Friday, January 23, 2009, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 24th, 2009, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The grand prize of $1500 will be awarded for the Best of Show. For now, begin working on your entries for the Vision Juried Art Show.

Vision 2009 Gala Opening. The gala opening for the Strawbridge Art League Vision 2009 show is on Saturday, February 7th starting at 5:30 sharp. The opening includes an awards ceremony and theater program in the Henegar Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets for that portion of the evening are $10.00 per person and are on sale at the Henegar Center box office. (Artists entering the competition receive two free tickets). At about 6:30 p.m., there will be a free reception for viewing of the exhibit. This is open to the public. The exhibit will hang until March 9th and is open to the public during regular business hours and during intermission of performances at the Henegar Center at 625 E. New Haven Avenue in Historic Downtown Melbourne.

The Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival
It's time for the annual birding and wildlife festival. It's held every year at the Titusville BCC campus. This year it's from January 21 to January 26, 2009.

The Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival and the Titusville Art League present the Annual Art Competition. This traditional festival event is made possible through the generosity of Dynamic Corporation and Bushnell Outdoor Products.

Artists are invited to enter this competition, which is designed to inspire quality art forms that reflect an appreciation for the natural environments and ecosystems of Florida. Local artists, adults and children have an opportunity to show their works in a competitive and friendly venue. All competition entries will be on display at Brevard Community College, Titusville Campus Gymnatorium, from Wednesday, January 21 through Saturday, January 24.

All entires will be judged on how well they express the natural environments and ecosystems of Florida. First place in each category will receive $225, with all prize money totaling over $1,700. There will be a poster contest for children. Top prize for the winning poster is a $50 gift certificate, with a special $100 award given to the school art department of the poster entry winner.

For more information, contact Candi Thorpe, TAL board member, at 321-383-7774 or email sugarfreecandi@aol.com. Please Print out the Art Competition Rules and Registration Form at www.nbbd.com/fly.

Splash 2009. The Brevard Watercolor Society presents the Splash 2009 Fine Art Show in February. It is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, February 21 and 22, 2009. This 14th Annual Members Show will be open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day at the Azan Shrine Temple, 1591 Eau Gallie Blvd, Melbourne, Florida. Be sure to put it on your calendar. You’ll not only see award-winning watercolor paintings, but there will be an area where you can purchase prints and cards from the artists. Also, there will be numerous painting demonstrations throughout the event you won’t want to miss.

The deadline for members to register to submit work has been extended until January 31, 2009.
Call for Photographers

The Fifth Avenue Art Gallery at 1470 Highland Avenue in the Eau Gallie Arts District of Melbourne has announced a call for photographers from central Florida to participate in a juried exhibition. This exhibition is open to all photographers 18 years, living and working in central Florida. All subject matter, techniques and styles are welcome. Monetary awards will be given. Application deadline is January 22, 2009, and the show will run from March 1 through 29, 2009.

The prospectus is available at http://www.fifthavenueartgallery.com/. Click on Events and look under March to download the prospectus. If you have questions, contact the Fifth Avenue Gallery at fifthavenueartgallery@gmail.com or call 321-259-8261.


Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge Reception

The Downtown Gallery of Titusville will host a reception for the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge Reception on January 23, 2009, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at The Downtown Gallery at 335 S. Washington Avenue in Historic Downtwon Titusville. Ten percent of all sales will be donated to help the nature preserve which is so vital to our area.

Artist will be present with new pieces on display, highlingth=ing the refute and its extraordinary wildlife. Park rangers will also be present. In addition, sculptor Yure DeAlencar will give an artist demonstration. Everyone who loves nature is invited. Wine and refreshments will be served. You are invited to join them for a fun evening out for a great cause. (the photograph of a bobcat was taken on the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge by Dale Nichols)

CBAA Annual Art Show

The Central Brevard Art Association invites you to join them at their annual Art Show at the Cape Canaveral Library, 201 Polk Avenue, Cape Canaveral, Florida on Friday, January 30th, 2009 and Saturday, January 31, 2009. The event is sponsored by the city of Cape Canaveral.

Hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There will be various art mediums offered, including watercolor, oils, pastels, acrylics, photography, porcelain art, and sea glass jewelry.

For more information, please call the Central Brevard Art Association studio at (321)636-3673.

News for the week:

The Artist Warehouse is open...

The Artist Warehouse is a cooperative venture between two local artists, Beth Carver and Jerry Hanzl. Their goal is to produce the highest quality giclee prints of their work and of the work of their clients.

They offer giclee printing on canvas and on watercolor paper and give a discount for multiple prints of the same image during the same printing.

They also offer

• digital capture of paintings, sculpture, and 3-D art, print and reproduction
  
• image preparation for Zapp and other online application services
  
• a variety of photographic and Photoshop services from basic image touch-up to total image restorations.

Visit their website for more information at http://www.theartistwarehouse.com/ . Or contact them to make an appointment: email Jerry at jmailto:jerry@theartistwarehouse.com or Beth at beth@theartistwarehouse.com. (painting on the left is by Beth Carver; digital art on the right is by Jerry Hanzl)

Class openings available with Bobbi Q Brown

Bobbi Q Brown has a few opening in her Thursday night "No Fear" watercolor class. The class includes beginning and intermediate students and is held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the CBAA Studio at 566 Barton Blvd., Rockledge. It is an ongoing class. Contact her at 321-536-7773 or by email at BobbiQBrown@hotmail.com

Drawing and Painting in Perspective Classes

There are still spaces available in this class taught by Pat Bowlds

The classes are on Wednesdays from January 21st to February 25th at the CBAA Studio, 566 Barlett Blvd, Suite 3 in Rockledge, Florida.

The knowledge of perspective is invaluable to the artist and is fundamental to all good paintings and drawings. This six-lesson series will improve your artwork immensely and lay the foundation for future projects you may have felt were beyond your ability.

It is open to artists of all media, but the classes will be taught using pencil, pen, and watercolor. In this course, you will learn all the secrets needed to make your paintings look 3-dimensional including aerial and linear perspective as well as overlap, size and shape variations.

Subjects will include bottles, vases, books, fields, streams, roads and buildings. You will also tackle complex features of buildings including roofs, chimneys, doors, windows, arches, and stairs. As a special project, you may draw and paint your own home or a building of your choice.

Supplies needed for the class. Large sketch pad (11" x 14" or larger), pencils (2B and HB), a pen with waterproof and archival ink (black or sepia), a gum eraser, a small T-square, a transparent ruler, watercolor paints, brushes, and watercolor paper (or supplies for your media choice).

The fee for the six-class series is $72 and may be paid in two installments of $36.

To enroll, send an email to Pat Bowlds at pbowlds@gmail.com or call her at 321-633-9712.

Here's a book you might want to check out

I have just heard from Francine Silverman that her book, Talk Radio Wants You: An Intimate Guide to 700 Shows and How to Get Invited (McFarland & Co, 2009), is about to be published. She'll be in Wellington in N. Palm Beach the first part of her trip to Florida between February 24 and March 7 and in Hollywood during the second half of that week.

The book isn't available yet, but should be by the time she visits Florida. Here's a blurb about the book:

Talk Radio Wants You: An Intimate Guide to 700 Shows and How to Get invited (McFarland & Co. 2009) seeks to bridge the gap between show hosts and prospective guests, providing a reference guide to roughly 700-talk radio shows from the U.S. and around the world. Entries are organized under categories of show themes, including religion, travel, addiction and recovery, sports, entertainment, and many more. The book also includes information on many of Talkers Magazine's Top 250-Radio Talk Shows, interview tips for radio guests, and tips for conducting a radio interview over the phone.

Author Francine Silverman is an on-lline publicist and radio host who lives in Riverdale, New York. Her book is available for pre-publication ordering at http://www.amazon.com/. And she has a website at http://www.bookpromotionnewsletter.com/ that may be of interest to authors and artists attemtping to market their work. There are articles available there.

An Invitation to Florida Artists

All artists residing in Florida are invited to submit entries for the 2009 All-Media Juried Biennial, which is sponsored by the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood, Florida. All works selected to be exhibited in the biennial will be on view form Thursday, April 23 through Sunday, June 7, at the Art and Culture Center's galleries, located at 1650 Harrison Street in Hollywood.

Works in all media including original paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture, photography, video, computer-generated images, and site-specific installations will be considered. Only work completed after January 1, 2007, and submitted by January 31, 2009, is eligible. Cash prizes totaling $4,000 will be distributed as follows: $2,000 for best of show, $1,000 first place, $600 second place and $400 third place. The exhibition juror is independent curator Nina Arias, who is a co-founder of The Wynwood Art District Association and now resides in New York. Arias has been director of several galleries in South Florida, and has made a name for herself by exhibiting and promoting some of the most exciting emerging artists from Miami and beyond. For an entry form and more information about this competition, please visit www.ArtAndCultureCenter.org/biennial or call (954) 921-3274.

Robot Love

The Brevard Art Museum and the 321 Agency cordially invite you to the the art exhibit, Robot Love. This event is scheduled for January 23 and 24, 2009. On Friday January 23, 2009, enjoy the Art Gallery opening with DJs spinning all night and a cash bar. The entry to this event is free. And, on Saturday, January 24, 2009, art music and fashion will be featured with live bands all night and a cash bar. The cover charge for Saturday is $5.00. On January 23 and 24, the doors open at 6:00 p.m. at 1520 Highland Avenue, Melbourne, Florida 32935. For more information go to www.321agency.com/robotlove.

Alice Ahrens is one of the artist's participating in Robot Love. Seen here is her creation for the exhibit. He's called Booyah-Bot and is among the many art forms (paintings, graffiti, sculpture, and photography) to be displayed at the exhibition.

Nancy Dillen teaching at Brevard Art Museum

Nancy Dillen will be teaching several classes at the Brevard Art Museum this spring. The idea was conceived by Lars Jones, Art History professor at Forida Tech. Jones will teach the contemporary art history component and each week different artists will provide studio experiences to reinforce knowledge of the "ism" discussed in the lecture.

Dillen will be teachning the first two studio classes. They are:

-Intro to Painting on January 16th

-Intro to Color on January 23rd.

For more information, visit the Brevard Art Museum website or contact the education wing of the museum at 321-254-7782.

Jini James joins the staff of instructors who will be teaching Foundations of Modern Art at the Brevard Art Museum in Eau Gallie. Jini has lead the group of artists known as the Pieces of Eight in a study of the works of the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists. She will be repeating similar learning experiences for this course that is held under the leadership of Lars Jones, Associate Professor of Art History at F.I.T.

Lecture/Studio dates are January 30 and February 6 from 6 to 9 pm.

For more information contact the Foosner Education Center at 321-254-7782

Opportunities for artists in Eau Gallie

Artists looking for an inexpensive way to market their work should check out the Saturday Farm Market at the park in Eau Gallie. Richard Hendry, the Brevard Farm Market manager, welcomes artists who are willing to paint, sculpt, or otherwise create art while they sell. If that description fits you, come down to the corner of Highland and Eau Gallie at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday and set up your gear in the park. Bring your browse box, cards and prints and sell until 3 in the afternoon. All this fun will cost you just $10. If this isn't enough opportunity to sell, consider setting up a booth in the park for First Friday for just $15. You will need lights as this event lasts from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Call Richard at 321-917-0721 or visit http://www.brevardfarmersmarkets.com/.

Opportunity for Artists and Crafters: The Floridana Beach Civic Association (FBCA) is having a Community Bazaar on Saturday, March 07, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The FBCA Community Bazaar is a fund raiser and an opportunity to promote your business or services and sell your products. The fee to participate as a vendor is a donation of $25 for a space. Electrical power is limited, so plan accordingly. Parking is also limited, so vendors should make arrangements to park off site. Vendors are responsible for the removal and clean up of their tables, tents, chairs and products. The event will be held rain or shine. For more information about how to register as a vendor, contact Beth at 321-726-0800 or beth@bethglover.com.

Call for Artists for Downtown Melbourne:Downtown Melbourne is currently seeking artists and crafters to participate in Downtown Melbourne's 3rd Friday Arts and Indulgences Walk, Arts and Crafts section.

The Arts and Indulgences Walk is a self-guided tour of the Downtown area that will showcase the cultural entities. It will be held the 3rd Friday of each month from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. In addition to the walk, there will be an Arts and Crafts booth section located in the parking lot of the Christmas Cottage where artists and crafters can sell their work during the event. There is room for fifteen 10 x 10 tents and these spaces are rented ($40.00) on a first come, first serve basis. There is no submission process.

Download the application at http://www.downtownmelbourne.com/ under Arts and Indulgences Walk.

Because this is a nighttime activity, artists will need to provide their own lighting, such as a lantern or bring a lighting source with a long extension cord. The Christmas Cottage will provide electricity; however, no heat-generating appliances can be supported. Only one electrical source per booth can be allowed.

In the galleries and on exhibit...

Fifth Avenue Gallery (1470 Highland Avenue Melbourne, FL 32935 (321) 259-8261)
The Fifth Avenue Art Gallery presents Tropical Winter, a member show brandishing the excitement, wonder and amusement of our region's tropical winter paradise. Even though Tropical Winter may sound like a contradiction, our winters are warmer and filled with more exciting events such as migrations and nestings. Birds, manatees, and snowbirds migrate toward our warmer climate and waters, rivers, and along palm-lined streets.

The public is invited to see how members of the Fifth Avenue Art Gallery interpret Tropical Winter. The exhibit will hang throughout January.

Art Gallery and Studio of Melbourne ( 802 East New Haven Avenue; Historic Downtown Melbourne). Award-winning photographer Lori Knerick is the featured artist at the Art Gallery and Studio of Melbourne for the month of January. Lori's exhibit, Buildings, Bridges and Taxis shows her talent of manipulating photographic images and reveals her love of New York City through her personal images of the city. "New York City is my home. Even though I haven't lived there in a long time,"says Knerick.

Lori will donate 20% of her sales for the month to the Humane Society of Brevard and to the Florida Wildlife Hospital and Sanctuary.

You can also see Lori's art on exhibit this month at a special exhibit in the Melbourne Library on Fee Avenue, and Lori regularly exhibits at the Henegar Center at 625 East New Haven Avenue in Melbourne. For more information, call 321-729-9368 or 321- 720-7532.

The Art Gallery and Studio has an opening for one more artist. If you'd like to join the gallery, contact the gallery at 729-9368.

Also, the gallery is having a special event on Sunday, February 1. They are having a "Heart to Heart" Makeover Event featuring Master Stylist Ana Shields, Makeup Artist Jamie Jordan of Divas at Dream Weavers International Salon and clothing by The Gauzeway. The event starts at 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. Join them to see how to enhance your natural beauty to show the ultimate look for you. The event is free to the public. For more information, contact Diane at 409-3165, Susan at 490-9654, or the gallery at 729-9368.

Art and Antique Studio (1419 Highland Avenue; Melbourne, FL 32935; 321-253-5553) The featured artist for the Art and Antique Studio and Gallery for the month of January 2009 is graphic artist Lin Sons of Merritt Island. Lin works with pencils to create detailed drawings of shells, musical instruments, still lifes and people. She is also an excellent calligraphy artist. There was a reception for her on January 2, 2009. Her work will be available all month. Be sure to stop by to see it. The Art and Antique Studio and Gallery is located at 1419 Highland Avenue in Eau Gallie.

Titusville Art League to Exhibit at the King Center for the Performing Arts.

The Titusville Art League's The Best of Titusville is in the Harris Gallery in the King Center for the Performing Arts. This is an exhibit of all the award-winning artwork in the TAL 44th Annual Spring Show in April 2008.

The exhibit officially opened on Thursday, January 8th, 2009, with a reception. The exhibit will hang throughout January. (photo: "Infinity" sculpture)

CBAA Scholarship Fund Raiser. This event will put the "fun" back in fundraiser! On February 15th, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the Central Brevard Art Association will host An Evening with the Arts at the Unitarian Center, 3115 Friendship Road (just off Rt. 1 S, in Suntree). This event will be a fundraiser for CBAA's Youth Scholarship Program.

It promises to be a fun-filled gala featuring music, entertainment, refreshments, and silent auctions, raffles, and sales of donated art. Tickets are $15 each or 2 for $25. The evening's entertainment features the "Dic Doc Duo" among others. For more information or tickets, call 639-0586. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Brevard Cultural Alliance Announces Officers andNew Board Members for the Coming Year

Brevard Cultural Alliance is proud to announce its slate of new officers and new board members for the coming year. BCA officers for 2009 are: Chair Lloyd Behrendt, artist and owner of Blue Sawtooth Studio; Chair-Elect Jim Ridenour, Residence Inn by Marriott; Treasurer Doris Bailey, Action Accounting & Tax of Florida, LLC; Secretary Bunny Finney; Legal Counsel Mason Williams, GrayRobinson PA; and Financial Counsel Dave Moja, RSM McGladrey. Immediate past Chair is Linda Brandt of Brandt Ronat + Co.

New BCA board members include: Col. James Dwight, President of Florida Air Academy; Carla Funk, Director of Fine Arts Programs at Florida Institute of Technology; Nancy Giangrisostomi, Junior High Director of Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy; Link Johnsten, owner of Eau Gallie Florist and a founder of the ArtWorks Festival; Jim Platman, Program and Community Relations Manager for Bright House Networks; Deepa Shah, an Electrical Engineer at Harris Corporation; Joseph Sofia, Senior Lender at Florida Business Bank; and Kelly Sullivan, Senior Vice President/General Counsel for Wuesthoff Health Systems.

"We have our work cut out for us to match BCA's successes and progress during 2008. But I am confident that with this committed and capable group of people, in addition to our existing Board members, Brevard Cultural Alliance has a promising future and great things to look forward to in 2009,” said Shellie Williams, BCA Executive Director. BCA is designated as Brevard’s local arts agency by the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners. The mission of Brevard Cultural Alliance, Inc. is to build and sustain a vibrant and dynamic arts and cultural sector integral to Brevard County’s quality of life. For more information call (321) 690-6817 or visit www.artsbrevard.org. (photo is Lloyd Behrendt, BCA Board Chair for 2009)

Siri German's work at the Space Coast Seashell Festival. Siri German will have a booth at the Space Coast Seashell Festival at the Melbourne Auditorium on Saturday, January 17th and Sunday, January 18th. If you love shells and shell art, be sure to stop by to see her display.

News from the Brevard Art Museum

Museum Events at 1463 Highland Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32935 ; phone: (321) 254-7782

Museum Monday: January 19 at 10:00 a.m. in the Harris Auditorium

Artists Rudy and DIJ Pacarro speak on their specialities, "Painting with Fabric and Thread" and "A Muddy Rettirement. This event is free and open to the public courtesy of the Brevard Art Museum Guild.

Annie Leibovitz: Women

World famous for her photography, Annie Leibovitz's photography is on exhibit at the Brevard Art Museum through March 9. She is a respected artist whose insightful portraits reveal the layered personalities of her subects. Spectacular large format photographs are on display. This is a traveling exhibit made possible by The Women's Museum: An Institute for the Future,Dallas Texas.

Jane Hammond

This exhibit is on loan from the Orlando Museum of Art and a private collector. Jane Hammond works in a variety of media and uses "her own iconography and a predilection for systems... the wook is as multi faceted, as varied, as complicated as we are as humans living in today's info-saturated world."

ART a la carte
The Brevard Art Museum will host an art sale for all in the Front Street Park Community Center on Sunday, January 18, 2009, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. All art is priced to sell. This event is free and open to the public. For details on how to donate artwork to the Brevard Art Museum, call 321-242-0737.

LoPressionism and Christmas Cottage Fuse. LoPressionism and the Christmas Cottage are now under the same roof in Historic Downtown Melbourne, and there is not enough room for both. So, you are invited to join them between January 2nd and January 25th as they host the biggest sale in their history as they make room for their new look and new merchandise.

They are also preparing for an opening reception on Friday, January 30th, from 6:00p.m. to 9:00 p.m., as they kick off the "Fusion" with a celebration featuring the fine art of Richard LaClaire, Robin Linsmier, Mary Ellen McLaughlin, Erich Padilla and Denette Schweikert. For more information, call 321-722-6000.

To keep you up to date ... Artist Museum Partnership Act

Before congress right now is a bill known as the Artist Museum Partnership Act. If this bill passes, it will ensure that artists will receive the same tax deductions when donating their art to a nonprofit organization as a collector. As of now, when a collector donates a piece of art, they get a deduction for the fair market value of the work. An artist only gets a deduction for the cost of production like the canvas and paint. Of course this discourages artists from donating.

If this bill passes, it would increase the number of donated pieces bringing more art to museums and galleries. This is a way we can assure that American cultural assets stay in the USA. Write your congressmen and let them know that you are interested in this bill. This is the only way to get them talking about it! They need to know they have your support. Visit http://www.americansforthearts.org/ to take action. (thanks to Nancy Dillen for this update)

Be sure to send you art news to Lou@LouBelcher.com

Article: Marketing Your Art #11

Selling art in hard times by SKC

Many of us are wondering how the economic downturn will affect our art sales. Prices for supplies continue to rise, while demand for the finished product appears to be growing smaller and more fickle. This is the time to consider what motivates one to purchase artwork. True collectors may be seeking an investment, or a complimentary piece to suit their current purchases. Those seeking some décor may simply be drawn to color and composition. And still others may be dipping their toes into fine art buying and may not have the experience or gusto to be investing heavily in originals.

Each of these three groups—Serious Collectors, Décor Buyers, and First-time/Beginning Collectors— approaches purchases differently. You may choose to focus on one group of buyers OR all three, but there are several things to keep in mind if you do.

Serious Collectors:
These buyers are less likely to be badly affected by the economic downturn. To them, fine art is another investment, and if purchased correctly will pay off down the road. While they do not appear to buy artwork on a whim, they know what they want and when presented with the opportunity to acquire the piece will do so swiftly. These buyers tend to buy high-end, museum quality works and if they are seriously interested in a specific artist, may even be motivated to purchase maquettes and sketches.

The artist who wishes to attract this buyer is gambling that their artwork will be desirable to the collector population within the vicinity of their artwork. If they are correct, this can pay off handsomely. Sales may be slow, but the final purchase price of the artwork easily covers the cost of materials and marketing.

Décor Buyers:
Those seeking home décor enhancements aren’t necessarily looking to make an investment into original artwork. For these buyers, high quality prints may be more attractive especially in a down market when they may be on a tighter budget than normal. The simple cost of printing, embellishing, matting and framing such prints can make their sale cumbersome and less profitable.

I have found through personal experience that décor buyers will often want to specify matting and framing for their clients or selves and would rather benefit from the value of purchasing simply the print itself. If you feel you need to provide assistance, you can note on your website or with your galleries, that you will be pleased to offer matting and framing assistance at an additional fee upon request. This way, you allow those who wish to buy prints alone, the less expensive option (and you also save yourself money in time and supplies which can add up quickly!).

Further, if you hold NO inventory, you are much better off in a down market. Consider connecting yourself with a high quality printer, such as White House Custom Color (WHCC.com) or IPrintFromHome.com, who do giclees, photographic prints, prints on metallic paper, etc. When a purchase is requested, place your order with the professional print company and either “drop ship” the order directly to the client, or ship to yourself (WHCC offers 2 day shipping to the artist for FREE) sign the prints, make embellishments, etc., and then re-pack and send the artwork to your client. I use this technique on my web venues. It makes the sale of prints more profitable, especially when compared to matted or framed prints which move much slower.

First Time Buyers/Beginning Collectors:
These buyers are extremely motivated by initial impression and emotional connection to a series of work, the artist, or a single piece. They tend to shy away from large purchases and will occasionally remain loyal to a small group of artists or a single artist. While their purchases may be infrequent, they will likely be consistent.

Often they find artwork on their own without a buyer and will be somewhat shy in negotiating price. This type of buyer is looking to purchase originals, but may not have much in the way of expendable income. For them, it is best to provide value for the price. Consider offering smaller works exhibiting the same style, color pallets and mood as your larger pieces. Should an experienced buyer see these smaller works, they may purchase multiples, while these first-time buyers will see an opportunity to make their first small investment into artwork they truly believe in.

As you did with décor buyers, you may want to offer your works framed and unframed. This allows the buyer to feel they are getting a very fair price (how many times has someone tried to negotiate the price of artwork sans frame in your experience hoping for a better price?) and can match the framing to their current tastes.

All of these tips will work well in a gallery setting or in your online blog/portfolio website. Providing the option of framing/mounting helps us to avoid reducing the price of our artwork while offering a lower cost to our buyers. If you would like to sell prints of your work in a gallery setting without investing in inventory, consider creating a simple print book. You can list all available artwork, with sizes available for each print and a simple key for pricing that can be switched out as needed. Make the book look professional and clean. You could use a simple small white binder and print the pages yourself or choose to design the book and have it printed and bound locally or by one of the many online printers such as www.lulu.com, www.whcc.com, www.blurb.com, http://www.qoop.com.

Brevard Art News - January 11, 2009

The Brevard Art News is a free service for artists and art lovers. Your news is welcome. If you have information about an upcoming exhibit, event, service, opportunity, or presentation feel free to let me know about it by emailing me at Lou@LouBelcher.com. Have a great week....

In this issue:

• News for the Week
• Galleries and Exhibits
• Events and News from Artists
• Studio Times and Classes
• Opportunities, Organizations, and Services
• Books
• Article #10

News for the week:

The Artist Warehouse is open...


The Artist Warehouse is a cooperative venture between two local artists, Beth Carver and Jerry Hanzl. Their goal is to produce the highest quality giclee prints of their work and of the work of their clients.


They offer giclee printing on canvas and on watercolor paper and give a discount for multiple prints of the same image during the same printing.
They also offer

• digital capture of paintings, sculpture, and 3-D art, print and reproduction
  
• image preparation for Zapp and other online application services


• a variety of photographic and Photoshop services from basic image touch-up to total image restorations.

Visit their website for more information at http://www.theartistwarehouse.com/ . Or contact them to make an appointment: email Jerry at jmailto:jerry@theartistwarehouse.com or Beth at beth@theartistwarehouse.com. (painting on the left is by Beth Carver; digital art on the right is by Jerry Hanzl)

Drawing and Painting in Perspective Classes

There are still spaces available in this class taught by Pat Bowlds

The classes are on Wednesdays from January 21st to February 25th at the CBAA Studio, 566 Barlett Blvd, Suite 3 in Rockledge, Florida.

The knowledge of perspective is invaluable to the artist and is fundamental to all good paintings and drawings. This six-lesson series will improve your artwork immensely and lay the foundation for future projects you may have felt were beyond your ability.

It is open to artists of all media, but the classes will be taught using pencil, pen, and watercolor. In this course, you will learn all the secrets needed to make your paintings look 3-dimensional including aerial and linear perspective as well as overlap, size and shape variations.

Subjects will include bottles, vases, books, fields, streams, roads and buildings. You will also tackle complex features of buildings including roofs, chimneys, doors, windows, arches, and stairs. As a special project, you may draw and paint your own home or a building of your choice.

Supplies needed for the class. Large sketch pad (11" x 14" or larger), pencils (2B and HB), a pen with waterproof and archival ink (black or sepia), a gum eraser, a small T-square, a transparent ruler, watercolor paints, brushes, and watercolor paper (or supplies for your media choice).

The fee for the six-class series is $72 and may be paid in two installments of $36.

To enroll, send an email to Pat Bowlds at pbowlds@gmail.com or call her at 321-633-9712.


Nancy Dillen teaching at Brevard Art Museum

Nancy Dillen will be teaching several classes at the Brevard Art Museum this spring. The idea was conceived by Lars Jones, Art History professor at Forida Tech. Jones will teach the contemporary art history component and each week different artists will provide studio experiences to reinforce knowledge of the "ism" discussed in the lecture.

Dillen will be teachning the first two studio classes. They are:

-Intro to Painting on January 16th

-Intro to Color on January 23rd.

For more information, visit the Brevard Art Museum website or contact the education wing of the museum at 321-254-7782.

Jini James joins the staff of instructors who will be teaching Foundations of Modern Art at the Brevard Art Museum in Eau Gallie. Jini has lead the group of artists known as the Pieces of Eight in a study of the works of the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists. She will be repeating similar learning experiences for this course that is held under the leadership of Lars Jones, Associate Professor of Art History at F.I.T.

Lecture/Studio dates are January 30 and February 6 from 6 to 9 pm.

For more Information contact the Foosner Education Center at 321-254-7782

Opportunities for artists in Eau Gallie

Artists looking for an inexpensive way to market their work should check out the Saturday Farm Market at the park in Eau Gallie. Richard Hendry, the Brevard Farm Market manager, welcomes artists who are willing to paint, sculpt, or otherwise create art while they sell. If that description fits you, come down to the corner of Highland and Eau Gallie at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday and set up your gear in the park. Bring your browse box, cards and prints and sell until 3 in the afternoon. All this fun will cost you just $10. If this isn't enough opportunity to sell, consider setting up a booth in the park for First Friday for just $15. You will need lights as this event lasts from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Call Richard at 321-917-0721 or visit http://www.brevardfarmersmarkets.com/.

Opportunity for Artists and Crafters: The Floridana Beach Civic Association (FBCA) is having a Community Bazaar on Saturday, March 07, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The FBCA Community Bazaar is a fund raiser and an opportunity to promote your business or services and sell your products. The fee to participate as a vendor is a donation of $25 for a space. Electrical power is limited, so plan accordingly. Parking is also limited, so vendors should make arrangements to park off site. Vendors are responsible for the removal and clean up of their tables, tents, chairs and products. The event will be held rain or shine. For more information about how to register as a vendor, contact Beth at 321-726-0800 or beth@bethglover.com.

12th Annual Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival ... opportunity for artists.

It's time for the annual birding and wildlife festival. It's held every year at the Titusville BCC campus. This year it's from January 21 to January 26, 2009.

The Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival and the Titusville Art League present the Annual Art Competition. This traditional festival event is made possible through the generosity of Dynamic Corporation and Bushnell Outdoor Products.

Artists are invited to enter this competition, which is designed to inspire quality art forms that reflect an appreciation for the natural environments and ecosystems of Florida. Local artists, adults and children have an opportunity to show their works in a competitive and friendly venue. All competition entries will be on display at Brevard Community College, Titusville Campus Gymnatorium, from Wednesday, January 21 through Saturday, January 24.

All entires will be judged on how well they express the natural environments and ecosystems of Florida. First place in each category will receive $225, with all prize money totaling over $1,700. There will be a poster contest for children. Top prize for the winning poster is a $50 gift certificate, with a special $100 award given to the school art department of the poster entry winner.

For more information, contact Candi Thorpe, TAL board member, at 321-383-7774 or email sugarfreecandi@aol.com. Please Print out the Art Competition Rules and Registration Form at www.nbbd.com/fly.

Splash 2009. The Brevard Watercolor Society presents the Splash 2009 Fine Art Show in February. It is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, February 21 and 22, 2009. This 14th Annual Members Show will be open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day at the Azan Shrine Temple, 1591 Eau Gallie Blvd, Melbourne, Florida. Be sure to put it on your calendar. You’ll not only see award-winning watercolor paintings, but there will be an area where you can purchase prints and cards from the artists. Also, there will be numerous painting demonstrations throughout the event you won’t want to miss.

Call for Photographers

The Fifth Avenue Art Gallery at 1470 Highland Avenue in the Eau Gallie Arts District of Melbourne has announced a call for photographers from central Florida to participate in a juried exhibition. This exhibition is open to all photographers 18 years, living and working in central Florida. All subject matter, techniques and styles are welcome. Monetary awards will be given. Application deadline is January 22, 2009, and the show will run from March 1 through 29, 2009.

The prospectus is available at http://www.fifthavenueartgallery.com/. Click on Events and look under March to download the prospectus. If you have questions, contact the Fifth Avenue Gallery at fifthavenueartgallery@gmail.com or call 321-259-8261.

The Strawbridge Art League Vision Show

The take-in for the 2009 Vision Juried Art Show, presented by the Strawbridge Art League, will be in the Henegar Center for the Arts on New Haven Avenue in Melbourne, Florida.

Take-in dates:

Friday, January 23, 2009, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 24th, 2009, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The grand prize of $1500 will be awarded for the Best of Show. For now, begin working on your entries for the Vision Juried Art Show.

Vision 2009 Gala Opening. The gala opening for the Strawbridge Art League Vision 2009 show is on Saturday, February 7th starting at 5:30 sharp. The opening includes an awards ceremony and theater program in the Henegar Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets for that portion of the evening are $10.00 per person and are on sale at the Henegar Center box office. (Artists entering the competition receive two free tickets). At about 6:30 p.m., there will be a free reception for viewing of the exhibit. This is open to the public. The exhibit will hang until March 9th and is open to the public during regular business hours and during intermission of performances at the Henegar Center at 625 E. New Haven Avenue in Historic Downtown Melbourne.

Call for Artists for Downtown Melbourne

Downtown Melbourne is currently seeking artists and crafters to participate in Downtown Melbourne's 3rd Friday Arts and Indulgences Walk, Arts and Crafts section.

The Arts and Indulgences Walk is a self-guided tour of the Downtown area that will showcase the cultural entities. It will be held the 3rd Friday of each month from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. In addition to the walk, there will be an Arts and Crafts booth section located in the parking lot of the Christmas Cottage where artists and crafters can sell their work during the event. There is room for fifteen 10 x 10 tents and these spaces are rented ($40.00) on a first come, first serve basis. There is no submission process.

Download the application at http://www.downtownmelbourne.com/ under Arts and Indulgences Walk.

Because this is a nighttime activity, artists will need to provide their own lighting, such as a lantern or bring a lighting source with a long extension cord. The Christmas Cottage will provide electricity; however, no heat-generating appliances can be supported. Only one electrical source per booth can be allowed.

In the galleries and on exhibit...

Fifth Avenue Gallery (1470 Highland Avenue Melbourne, FL 32935 (321) 259-8261)
The Fifth Avenue Art Gallery presents Tropical Winter, a member show brandishing the excitement, wonder and amusement of our region's tropical winter paradise. Even though Tropical Winter may sound like a contradiction, our winters are warmer and filled with more exciting events such as migrations and nestings. Birds, manatees, and snowbirds migrate toward our warmer climate and waters, rivers, and along palm-lined streets.

The public is invited to see how members of the Fifth Avenue Art Gallery interpret Tropical Winter. The exhibit will hang throughout January.

Art Gallery and Studio of Melbourne ( 802 East New Haven Avenue; Historic Downtown Melbourne). Award-winning photographer Lori Knerick is the featured artist at the Art Gallery and Studio of Melbourne for the month of January. Lori's exhibit, Buildings, Bridges and Taxis shows her talent of manipulating photographic images and reveals her love of New York City through her personal images of the city. "New York City is my home. Even though I haven't lived there in a long time,"says Knerick.

Lori will donate 20% of her sales for the month to the Humane Society of Brevard and to the Florida Wildlife Hospital and Sanctuary.

You can also see Lori's art on exhibit this month at a special exhibit in the Melbourne Library on Fee Avenue, and Lori regularly exhibits at the Henegar Center at 625 East New Haven Avenue in Melbourne. For more information, call 321-729-9368 or 321- 720-7532.

Art and Antique Studio (1419 Highland Avenue; Melbourne, FL 32935; 321-253-5553) The featured artist for the Art and Antique Studio and Gallery for the month of January 2009 is graphic artist Lin Sons of Merritt Island. Lin works with pencils to create detailed drawings of shells, musical instruments, still lifes and people. She is also an excellent calligraphy artist. There was a reception for her on January 2, 2009. Her work will be available all month. Be sure to stop by to see it. The Art and Antique Studio and Gallery is located at 1419 Highland Avenue in Eau Gallie.

Titusville Art League to Exhibit at the King Center for the Performing Arts.

The Titusville Art League's The Best of Titusville is in the Harris Gallery in the King Center for the Performing Arts. This is an exhibit of all the award-winning artwork in the TAL 44th Annual Spring Show in April 2008.

The exhibit officially opened on Thursday, January 8th, 2009, with a reception. The exhibit will hang throughout January. (photo: Betty Camp, "Monument Valley")

CBAA Scholarship Fund Raiser. This event will put the "fun" back in fundraiser! On February 15th, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the Central Brevard Art Association will host An Evening with the Arts at the Unitarian Center, 3115 Friendship Road (just off Rt. 1 S, in Suntree). This event will be a fundraiser for CBAA's Youth Scholarship Program.

It promises to be a fun-filled gala featuring music, entertainment, refreshments, and silent auctions, raffles, and sales of donated art. Tickets are $15 each or 2 for $15. For more information or tickets, call 639-0586.

Siri German's work at the Space Coast Seashell Festival. Siri German will have a booth at the Space Coast Seashell Festival at the Melbourne Auditorium on Saturday, January 17th and Sunday, January 18th. If you love shells and shell art, be sure to stop by to see her display.

News from the Brevard Art Museum

Museum Events at 1463 Highland Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32935 ; phone: (321) 254-7782

Annie Leibovitz: Women
The opening reception for the Annie Leibovitz: Women exhibit is Friday, January 9, 2009, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. It is $35.00 per person or $50.00 per couple. The reception will take place at the Renee Foosaner Education Center and the exhibition preview will be in the galleries. Tickets are available for purchase in advance. Start the New Year with a glamorous premier at the Brevard Art Museum. Recognizable cultural icons and ordinary women will transfix audiences when the exhibition Annie Leibovitz: Women graces the galleries of the Brevard Art Museum through March 8, 2009.

ART a la carte
The Brevard Art Museum will host an art sale for all in the Front Street Park Community Center on Sunday, January 18, 2009, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. All art is priced to sell. This event is free and open to the public. For details on how to donate artwork to the Brevard Art Museum, call 321-242-0737.

LoPressionism and Christmas Cottage Fuse. LoPressionism and the Christmas Cottage are now under the same roof in Historic Downtown Melbourne, and there is not enough room for both. So, you are invited to join them between January 2nd and January 25th as they host the biggest sale in their history as they make room for their new look and new merchandise.

They are also preparing for an opening reception on Friday, January 30th, from 6:00p.m. to 9:00 p.m., as they kick off the "Fusion" with a celebration featuring the fine art of Richard LaClaire, Robin Linsmier, Mary Ellen McLaughlin, Erich Padilla and Denette Schweikert. For more information, call 321-722-6000.

To keep you up to date ... Artist Museum Partnership Act

Before congress right now is a bill known as the Artist Museum Partnership Act. If this bill passes, it will ensure that artists will receive the same tax deductions when donating their art to a nonprofit organization as a collector. As of now, when a collector donates a piece of art, they get a deduction for the fair market value of the work. An artist only gets a deduction for the cost of production like the canvas and paint. Of course this discourages artists from donating.

If this bill passes, it would increase the number of donated pieces bringing more art to museums and galleries. This is a way we can assure that American cultural assets stay in the USA. Write your congressmen and let them know that you are interested in this bill. This is the only way to get them talking about it! They need to know they have your support. Visit http://www.americansforthearts.org/ to take action. (thanks to Nancy Dillen for this update)

Be sure to send you art news to Lou@LouBelcher.com

Article: Marketing Your Art #10

New Year’s Artist Resolutions by SKC

It is traditional to greet the New Year with unbridled optimism and pack on hefty resolutions to do better in the coming year. I believe the same goes for artists. Who doesn’t look at the New Year as an opportunity to better our skills, advance our careers and possibly finally reach some of our more lofty goals? The key, however, is creating goals that are attainable.

Why not try on a few of these goals?

1. Create something new every week.
I know there are a lot of “one a day” type of groups online that are supposed to encourage us to create something every day. Not all of us can keep up with that, maybe we’re working large, or have a rough few days. Pacing ourselves to once a week makes the goal more attainable and reasonable. Also, don’t limit yourself. Your creative item could be cooking something totally new, sketching, or creating small works to supplement your regular creative work. You can’t go wrong, this could result in 52 brand new works of art, or 52 sketches that may spur on an exciting direction for your artwork, or 52 totally different creative experiences.

2. Try at least one new medium each month.
Maybe you’re a watercolorist, and you exclusively use your favorite brand, brush and paper. Try different papers, maybe dive into playing with guache, acrylic, or even clay! Trying a new medium, no matter what it is, may open you up to new ways to use your favorite.

3. Participate in at least one exhibition.
Exhibiting isn’t for everyone, but if this is your goal, now’s the time to get started. If you wish to plan your own show from start to finish, seek out a suitable venue (gallery, library, alternative space, dining establishment, etc.) and make your proposal. Be sure you have plenty of time to create ample buzz, publicity, invites, etc. If you’d like to participate in a group show, start looking into “call for artists” lists. http://www.theartlist.com/ and http://www.artdeadlineslist.com/ are two excellent resources. Also check with your local art organizations for local calls.

4. Network.
Get out there and get to know other artists in your area. Not only will you gain friendships and support, you may pick up some new tips and tricks from your fellow artists. Joining a local organization is a reliable way to get connected, but don’t forget to seek out and attend exhibition openings and creative events such as outdoor shows, demonstrations and classes. Obviously the Brevard Art News blog is your one stop shop for such events in the area.

Now that we’ve covered a few simple resolutions, tell us what sort of resolutions you have planned for yourself. Do you always make a creative resolution for the New Year?

Brevard Art News - January 4, 2009

Happy New Year... The Brevard Art News is a free service for artists and art lovers. Just a reminder at the beginning of the new year that your news is welcome. If you have news about an upcoming exhibit, event, service, opportunity, or presentation feel free to let me know about it by emailing me at Lou@LouBelcher.com. Have a great new year....

In this issue:

• News for the Week
• Events and News from Artists
• Studio Times and Classes
• Opportunities, Organizations, and Services
• Books
• Artist Profile: Brett Alan Tam

News for the week:

Second Friday... January 9, 2009

Fifth Avenue Gallery (1470 Highland Avenue Melbourne, FL 32935 (321) 259-8261)
The Fifth Avenue Art Gallery presents Tropical Winter, a member show brandishing the excitement, wonder and amusement of our region's tropical winter paradise. Even though Tropical Winter may sound like a contradiction, our winters are warmer and filled with more exciting events such as migrations and nestings. Birds, manatees, and snowbirds migrate toward our warmer climate and waters, rivers, and along palm-lined streets.

The public is invited to see how members of the Fifth Avenue Art Gallery interpret Tropical Winter at the opening reception on First Friday of January. That's on January 9th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Meet the artists, examine the artwork and enjoy light refreshments with wine. The reception is free and open to the public.

Art Gallery and Studio of Melbourne ( 802 East New Haven Avenue; Historic Downtown Melbourne). Award-winning photographer Lori Knerick will be the featured artist at the Art Gallery and Studio of Melbourne for the month of January. Lori's exhibit, Buildings, Bridges and Taxis shows her talent of manipulating photographic images and reveals her love of New York City through her personal images of the city. "New York City is my home. Even though I haven't lived there in a long time,"says Knerick.

There will be a reception for Lori's exhibit on Friday, January 9th, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at the gallery. Buildings, Bridges and Taxis is named for the three things that capture her creative eye the most when she visits New York.

There will be refreshments, a free demo of making "Skyscraper Earrings" and entertainment. The reception is free and open to the public. Lori will donate 20% of her sales for the month to the Humane Society of Brevard and to the Florida Wildlife Hospital and Sanctuary.

You can also see Lori's art on exhibit this month at a special exhibit in the Melbourne Library on Fee Avenue, and Lori regularly exhibits at the Henegar Center at 625 East New Haven Avenue in Melbourne. For more information, call 321-729-9368 or 321- 720-7532.

Other exhibits

Art and Antique Studio (1419 Highland Avenue; Melbourne, FL 32935 (321) 253-5553) The featured artist for the Art and Antique Studio and Gallery for the month of January 2009 is graphic artist Lin Sons of Merritt Island. Lin works with pencils to create detailed drawings of shells, musical instruments, still lifes and people. She is also an excellent calligraphy artist. There was a reception for her on January 2, 2009. Her work will be available all month. Be sure to stop by to see it. The Art and Antique Studio and Gallery is located at 1419 Highland Avenue in Eau Gallie.

Titusville Art League to Exhibit at the King Center for the Performing Arts.

The Titusville Art League will present their exhibit The Best of Titusville in the Harris Gallery in the King Center for the Performing Arts. This is an exhibit of all the award-winning artwork in the TAL 44th Annual Spring Show in April 2008.

The exhibit will officially open on Thursday, January 8th, 2009, during a reception from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. This reception is free and open to the public. Be sure to mark your calendar and go to the King Center on January 8th to see the exhibit and to have an opportunity to visit with the artists.

CBAA Scholarship Fund Raiser. This event will put the "fun" back in fundraiser! On February 15th, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the Central Brevard Art Association will host An Evening with the Arts at the Unitarian Center, 3115 Friendship Road (just off Rt. 1 S, in Suntree). This event will be a fund raiser for CBAA's Youth Scholarship Program.

It promises to be a fun-filled gala featuring music, entertainment, refreshments, and silent auctions, raffles, and sales of donated art. Tickets are $15 each or 2 for $15. For more information or tickets, call 639-0586.

Siri German's work at the Space Coast Seashell Festival. Siri German will have a booth at the Space Coast Seashell Festival at the Melbourne Auditorium on Saturday, January 17th and Sunday, January 18th. If you love shells and shell art, be sure to stop by to see her display.

Renee Decator and son Tom created Tweeterville. Renee Decator and her son Tom participated in the Brevard Zoo's Animal Home exhibits this year. They decided to create a nesting community they called Tweeterville. She admits it was a big project but they finished in time. They created nests, including the Early Bird Cafe featuring cuisine of Chef Bobby Fly, Birdbrain "U" with Professor Whoooo-ver (the cute owl that Tom made) and Flyover Park with a working bird merry-go-round. Tweeterville is on display until January 5th (tomorrow)... so hurry out to see it at the Brevard Zoo. For more information, click on the link to Renee's blog in the right-hand column.

Opportunity for Artists and Crafters: The Floridana Beach Civic Association (FBCA) is having a Community Bazaar on Saturday, March 07, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The FBCA Community Bazaar is a fund raiser and an opportunity to promote your business or services and sell your products. The fee to participate as a vendor is a donation of $25 for a space. Electrical power is limited, so plan accordingly. Parking is also limited, so vendors should make arrangements to park off site. Vendors are responsible for the removal and clean up of their tables, tents, chairs and products. The event will be held rain or shine. For more information about how to register as a vendor, contact Beth at 321-726-0800 or beth@bethglover.com.

Art and Apples

Visit the Downtown Gallery in Titusville where artists have new artworks on display and for sale just in time for the holidays. The Downtown Gallery is in historic downtown Titusville at 335 S. Washington Avenue. Admission is free, everyone is welcome. For more information call (321) 268-0122. (photo by Jeff Thamert)

LoPressionism and Christmas Cottage Fuse. LoPressionism and the Christmas Cottage are now under the same roof in Historic Downtown Melbourne, and there is not enough room for both. So, you are invited to join them between January 2nd and January 25th as they host the biggest sale in their history as they make room for their new look and new merchandise.

They are also preparing for an opening reception on Friday, January 30th, from 6:00p.m. to 9:00 p.m., as they kick off the "Fusion" with a celebration featuring the fine art of Richard LaClaire, Robin Linsmier, Mary Ellen McLaughlin, Erich Padilla and Denette Schweikert. For more information, call 321-722-6000.

Congratulation to Viola Knudsen

Viola Knudsen's painting (pictured here) was selected to be the poster for the Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition this year by the Florida Nursery Growers & Landscape Association. Congratulations to Viola for having her beautiful work recognized.

To keep you up to date ... Artist Museum Partnership Act

Before congress right now is a bill known as the Artist Museum Partnership Act. If this bill passes, it will ensure that artists will receive the same tax deductions when donating their art to a nonprofit organization as a collector. As of now, when a collector donates a piece of art, they get a deduction for the fair market value of the work. An artist only gets a deduction for the cost of production like the canvas and paint. Of course this discourages artists from donating.

If this bill passes, it would increase the number of donated pieces bringing more art to museums and galleries. This is a way we can assure that American cultural assets stay in the USA. Write your congressmen and let them know that you are interested in this bill. This is the only way to get them talking about it! They need to know they have your support. Visit http://www.americansforthearts.org/ to take action. (thanks to Nancy Dillen for this update)

Call for Photographers

The Fifth Avenue Art Gallery at 1470 Highland Avenue in the Eau Gallie Arts District of Melbourne has announced a call for photographers from central Florida to participate in a juried exhibition. This exhibition is open to all photographers 18 years, living and working in central Florida. All subject matter, techniques and styles are welcome. Monetary awards will be given. Application deadline is January 22, 2009, and the show will run from March 1 through 29, 2009.

The prospectus is available at http://www.fifthavenueartgallery.com/. Click on Events and look under March to download the prospectus. If you have questions, contact the Fifth Avenue Gallery at fifthavenueartgallery@gmail.com or call 321-259-8261.

The Strawbridge Art League Vision Show

The take-in for the 2009 Vision Juried Art Show, presented by the Strawbridge Art League, will be in the Henegar Center for the Arts on New Haven Avenue in Melbourne, Florida.

Take-in dates:

Friday, January 23, 2009, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 24th, 2009, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The grand prize of $1500 will be awarded for the Best of Show. For now, begin working on your entries for the Vision Juried Art Show.

Call for Artists for Downtown Melbourne

Downtown Melbourne is currently seeking artists and crafters to participate in Downtown Melbourne's 3rd Friday Arts and Indulgences Walk, Arts and Crafts section.

The Arts and Indulgences Walk is a self-guided tour of the Downtown area that will showcase the cultural entities. It will be held the 3rd Friday of each month from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. In addition to the walk, there will be an Arts and Crafts booth section located in the parking lot of the Christmas Cottage where artists and crafters can sell their work during the event. There is room for fifteen 10 x 10 tents and these spaces are rented ($40.00) on a first come, first serve basis. There is no submission process.

Download the application at http://www.downtownmelbourne.com/ under Arts and Indulgences Walk.

Because this is a nighttime activity, artists will need to provide their own lighting, such as a lantern or bring a lighting source with a long extension cord. The Christmas Cottage will provide electricity; however, no heat-generating appliances can be supported. Only one electrical source per booth can be allowed.

News from the Brevard Art Museum

Museum Events at 1463 Highland Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32935 ; phone: (321) 254-7782

Annie Leibovitz: Women
The opening reception for the Annie Leibovitz: Women exhibit is Friday, January 9, 2009, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. It is $35.00 per person or $50.00 per couple. The reception will take place at the Renee Foosaner Education Center and the exhibition preview will be in the galleries. Tickets are available for purchase in advance. Start the New Year with a glamorous premier at the Brevard Art Museum. Recognizable cultural icons and ordinary women will transfix audiences when the exhibition Annie Leibovitz: Women graces the galleries of the Brevard Art Museum through March 8, 2009.

ART a la carte
The Brevard Art Museum will host an art sale for all in the Front Street Park Community Center on Sunday, January 18, 2009, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. All art is priced to sell. This event is free and open to the public. For details on how to donate artwork to the Brevard Art Museum, call 321-242-0737.

Be sure to send you art news to Lou@LouBelcher.com

Artist Profile - Brett Tam

Brett Alan Tam

Glass has always intrigued Brett Alan Tam. Some of his earliest memories are of watching a Southwestern jeweler making glass beads on the banks of the Colorado River. Thirty-years later, he’s living his dream: he’s a glass artist.

Growing up, Tam had no idea he’d become an artist. With mostly athletes in his family rather than artists, he began working for a cabinet company. In 2003, while out on a kitchen design job at the home of stain glass artist Angelika Traylor, she invited him to see her studio. He knew instantly that he wanted to work with glass. Traylor told Tam that Robert Mickelson was presenting a flameworking class the following weekend. Tam signed up, took the workshop, and a career was born.

That class led to others. Now, Tam is a glass artist producing beautiful, delicate works of his own. Through developing his skills in glass art, Tam not only learned artists’ techniques, but he learned to see the world differently. As Tam describes it, “With glass, I can both freeze time and show the illusion of motion. Moods and feelings, dark and humorous, can be captured in the forms of spontaneous sculptures.”

The medium Tam has chosen, like life, is fragile. The torch he uses he thinks of as a big brush to manipulate the glass. “The trick is to heat it up just enough,” he said. “If you heat it too much, the glass will slump and you can’t control it.” Tam is always striving for that perfect temperature. He said he enjoys “…the challenging, technical aspects of creating three-dimensional artwork. I view myself as a keeper of a flame; part artist, part historian. I learn from glass every day.”

Tam is a believer in continuing education. He participates in classes and workshops whenever he can. In addition to the Mickelson workshop, he has attended one given by Thomas Muller-Litz, glassblower from generations of flameworkers. Tam has also attended lectures and classes given by Paul Stankard, who is famous for his delicate designs within paperweights, and Nancy Dillen, local artist and teacher who Tam credits with helping him understand the business end of his career in art. Tam also indicated that Micah Evans, a glass artist from Miami, has had an influence on his work.

Tam describes his work as having “…a genuine organic quality. Growing up in the Southwestern desert and on the edge of a Florida marsh, I’ve come to understand that beauty is abundant if you only know how to look.” He says that his love for gardening has set the tone as a creative starting point.

Tam has shown his art at galleries, museums, and in the BCC/UCF Solar Research Library lobby. He has given demonstrations and hopes to do more of that as well as teach. Dedicated to his craft, he seems to be doing all he can to perfect his skills and help others in the field. He serves the community of artists by belonging to the Strawbridge Art League and the Glass Art Society. Also, Tam has donated pieces to charity golf tournaments.

Tam participated in ArtWorks in 2006. Last July, he participated in a show with Angel Orlando at the Liquid Lounge at Cocoa Beach and he entered the Strawbridge Art League Vision exhibit in 2006 and Mini-Vision in 2007. He also did a demonstration at the Strawbridge Art League and regularly teaches bead making at the Brevard Art Museum.

Tam will be in the Small Works Show at the Harris Gallery in the King Center for the Performing Arts in March. Watch for more information about that show.

He is currently participating in the Fifth Avenue Gallery’s Designer Holiday Craft Show through December 31st, 2006. He will demonstrate his flamework outside the Fifth Avenue Art Gallery on December 5, 2008 during their First Friday reception from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. During the demonstration, he’ll probably be working on Christmas ornaments.

Tam attributes the attitude that he can accomplish anything to his supportive parents and siblings. It is lucky for all of us that his small obsession has turned into a passion that will continue for a lifetime.

Tam also teaches 1:1 in his studio. To contact Tam for more information, call (321) 724-9699 or email him at HavasuGlassworks@sunnyfla.net.

To see more of his art, visit: http://www.myspace.com/havasuglassworks