Saturday, January 3, 2009

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

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Friday, December 19, 2008

Brevard Art News - December 21, 2008

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

News for the week:

URGENT: Highland Avenue, Eau Gallie, gallery looking to sublet gallery rooms.

The Funky Junky Gallery and Coffee Bar at 1372 Highland Avenue in the Eau Gallie Arts District must sublet two gallery rooms by December 31st. The gallery is located across from an "anchor" restaurant and immediately next to public parking.

There are two rooms available. Each room is approximately 150 square feet. Each room is $400 a month with a month-to-month lease (longer if the artist desires). This includes rent, electricity, water, wireless Internet, plus there is a front picket-fenced lawn area for exhibiting and an on-site coffee bar.

Artists are encouraged to participate regularly, but are not required to be present, and there are NO commissions or percentages collected by the gallery. The artist will enjoy daily foot traffic, plus the foot traffic from all the regular Eau Gallie events, including gallery open houses, on-site Art Markets, the Eau Gallie Farmer's Market every Saturday, and the First Friday Art Walk. Eau Gallie is a booming Arts District with many great things on the horizon and many advantages.

For more information on this wonderful opportunity, artists may inquire to Bryan C. Cruickshank at 321-609-1749. They may also visit at 1372 Highland Avenue, in the Eau Gallie Arts District (Melbourne). Act today.

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.

Congratulations

The following awards were presented at the Art Festival at the home Center on December 5th and 6th:

Best of Show - Helen Wheatley

1st Place - Yavor Gonev

2nd Place: Alex Stankiewicz

3rd Place: Bobbie Brown.

Congratulations to all of the artists.

Two Opportunities for Artists

1) The Space Coast Chapter of the Florida Surveying and Mapping Society is inviting artists to become exhibitors at their 3rd annual Florida Surveyor's Festival on March 21, 2009, at F. Burton Smith Park in Cocoa Florida.

The festival is from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will include music, dancing, food, rock climbing, arts and crafts for kids, inflatables, nature trails, art exhibitors, craft exhibitors, educational, green living, surveying and mapping exhibitors.

If you're interested in being a part of this festival, contact Susan Jackson at 321-259-7452 for more information.

(2) Another opportunity comes from the Rotary Club of Windermere. They are presenting The Windermere Art Festival. It is April 4 and 5, 2009, For more information, call 407-876-3526 or 407-765-3131.

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.

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

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Thursday, November 6, 2008

Article: Marketing Your Art #6

Using the Internet to Your Advantage by SKC

As an artist, you will have to become visible in various venues and formats for example, newspaper articles, galleries, special events and of course online. Getting your work online and visible is not nearly as difficult as it once was. Not long ago, you would have to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars for a custom website to be built. Add to that the cost of paying someone to update the site for you on a regular basis. Alternatively, if you had tried to take on the task yourself, you risked creating a messy broken site, with all kinds of issues with load time and functionality. Add to that the cost of buying the software required to build your site (or taking a class to learn how to hard-code).

Today there are so many great options out there for artists to take advantage of. Templates are becoming a very common and very usable option, making the step into website ownership a much simpler and more streamlined one. This gives any artist (photographer, painter, sculptor, etc.) the ability to have the appearance of a custom site dedicated to their craft. No more do artists have to learn HTML or software to maintain control of their websites, and no longer do they have to beg friends and family to help them get set up. In the past I heard plenty of horror stories of even paid designers who created websites and later abandoned the artist or took ages to update their pages.

Many art-related templates even include storefronts that allow artists to sell prints and originals fairly easily using a simple basic PayPal account. One template site that has been recommended to me by a number of photographers and artists is bludomain.com. They have a lovely selection of templates that are fully editable and carry a number of excellent features.

You can find alternative template sites by google searching for “editable flash templates” or “editable portfolio templates.” One such site is flash4layouts.com. Always compare features and pricing (long term after initial set up fees) before making your final decision.

A Note about Domain Names (Your Web Address)

Many artists will choose to use their full names. This is a great idea if it happens to be available. Using your name makes it easy for collectors, friends, or even gallery directors to remember your website address. If your full name is unusually long, or has been taken already, it is time to start thinking of some alternatives.

You can search for unused domain names by going to almost any web hosting website. Take godaddy.com for example. On their first page you’ll see a space to type in your desired domain name to see if it’s available.

Play around with different descriptors and creative ways to say the same thing. Pull out your dictionary and thesaurus.

Ideal Domain Names:

1. Are short and easy to remember
2. Don’t use hyphens (this-name.com)
3. Use the .com extension over .net, .biz, .org, etc.
4. Read well as one single word with no spaces
5. Don’t mimic the name of another well known site
6. Shouldn’t cost more than $9 per year. If the name isn’t immediately available, don’t back order it, move on to a different option.

Online resources:

• www.bludomain.com – fully editable flash templates, hosting, shopping cart, etc.
• www.flash4layouts.com – editable flash templates
• www.godaddy.com – inexpensive domain name registration, hosting, email, and very basic non-flash website templates.

Next week we’ll talk about alternatives/additions to portfolio websites.

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Saturday, October 18, 2008

Brevard Art News - October 19, 2008

Brevard Art News categories:
  • News
  • Books
  • Classes
  • Exhibits
  • Galleries
  • Opportunities and Services
  • Organizations and Meetings
  • Presentations and Appearances
  • Upcoming and Future Events
  • Artist of the Month: Therese Ferguson
  • Market Your Art: Article #3

Welcome to Brevard Art News. If you so desire, please comment at the end of the post. I love hearing from you. Thanks to all who have sent in their news. As always...if you have news, send it to me at Lou@LouBelcher.com

Brevard Art News is a free service for artists. If you'd like to help support this endeavor, you may use the donation button to the right or mail a donation to Lou Belcher; P.O. Box 61228; Palm Bay, Florida; 32906-1228.

Thanks,
Lou ...

and now on with the news...

News
GO TODAY:

Grand Opening of Riverview Art Studios and Gallery at 1708 Riverview Dr in Melbourne, October 18 and 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Riverview Art Studios and Gallery is in the new redevelopment area of Melbourne, located at 1708 Riverview Dr. Go 2 blocks north of 192 and turn east on Lincoln. It is on the corner of Lincoln and Riverview.

Nancy Sadowski is the owner. There are 13 artists present, each with their own studio. They display their artwork in their studios and in a common gallery.
The gallery is open for special occasions, and classroom space is available for rent. In addition, it is complete with a full kitchen, courtyard and gallery. The facilities can be used for fund-raisers, teas, open houses, etc. The setting is very quaint and appealing.
Visit Riverview Art Studios and Gallery during the Grand Opening. Meet the artists and see what the facility has to offer. For information, contact Nancy Sadowski at 321-724-0221.


Concert to Support the Creative Arts Foundation of Brevard, Inc.
The Creative Arts Foundation of Brevard, Inc. is a non-profit organization founded to provide special grants to young and mature artists in the fields of music, dance, and visual arts. To raise funds to help artists, the foundation is presenting "Sunday with the Performing Arts" on November 23rd, 2008, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Gleason Auditorium on the campus of FIT.

The audience will be treated to ten or more of Brevard's best, including a string quartet, ballet, singers, flute, piano, harp, with special performances by the multi-talented Deborah Moyer (violin and voice), Saverio Barbieri (vocalist who has performed at the Met) and prodigy violinist, Esther Muradov who has soloed at Carnegie Hall and who was the first recipient of a grant from the foundation.
Check the November issue of Brevard Florida Live magazine when it comes out for a more in-depth story of how the foundation was formed. For now, suffice it to say that it's providing needed grants to artists. Let's get behind this effort to help our own.

You can help in two ways. Buy a ticket for $25.00 (tax deductible) for the concert. If you can't attend, you can still help by sending in a tax-deductible donation.
As a bonus, there will be a silent auction at the beginning of the evening. The silent auction will be filled with paintings and sculpture donated by prominent artists as well as jewelry worth thousands offered by Don Traver of My Private Jeweler in Suntree (http://www.theprivatejeweler.com/) 321-757-0770.

Let's make sure there's a full house at "Sunday with the Performing Arts." Checks for tickets and for special donations should be made out to Creative Arts Foundation of Brevard, Inc and sent to Creative Arts Foundation of Brevard, Inc.; 1861 S. Patrick Dr. #117; Indian Harbor Beach, FL 32937.
Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's Shuttles Orbiting the Space Coast
Pictured here, Vicki Busby works on the shuttle assigned to her in the Shuttles Orbiting the Space Coast program.
Eight-foot space shuttles have been assigned to artists who submitted detailed plans. Now, they are busy working their magic on the shuttles.

This program is to raise funds for the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation through sponsorship of individual shuttles. The shuttles will be displayed at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in November 2008. Then they will be exhibited for approximately 8 months at locations chosen by the sponsors. After that, they will be auctioned. For more information about this project, visit http://www.astronautscholarship.org/shuttles/.

Artworks... It's almost here.


Mark your calendars... it's almost time for the ArtWorks Eau Gallie Fine Art Festival. The event this year is scheduled for November 22 and 23 on Highland Avenue in Old Eau Gallie. More than 100 artists will display and demonstrate their art. This year they have $12,000 of prize money with a portion of it set aside to reward artists for the best demonstrations.

ArtWorks includes activities for the whole family. There will be a children's area for face painting and art projects. And music and food will be offered in another area.

Lolly Walton, president of the Brevard Watercolor Society, won the 2008 poster contest. Her painting Captain Heron will be part of the permanent collection of the Melbourne International Airport and will be duplicated on posters and t-shirts that will be sold at the information booth at ArtWorks.
Also, don't miss the galleries, the museum and the show by the Brevard Porcelain Artists called "Touch of Elegance" at the Eau Gallie Civic Center. And, the Florida Chalk Artists are participating this year for the first time. So, be sure to stop by this wonderful festival. With so much to see and do, plan to go early and stay all day.

A FABulous Affair


Save November 8th, 2008, for A FABulous Affair: Art, Collectibles, and Antique Auction and Appraisal Fair.

This event will benefit the Fund for Arts in Brevard... "FAB."

Where: Melbourne International Airport (free parking with validation)

Appraisals: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ($10.00/appraisal or $25.00 for 3 appraisals)

Silent Auction: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Live Auction: 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Brevard Cultural Alliance invites artists to donate one piece of art. They may also consign an additional piece with 80% of the sale proceeds going to the artist and 20% going to Fund for Arts in Brevard. Donated and consigned artwork should be taken to the BCA office by Wednesday, October 22, 2008. Artists will be asked to provide an estimated value and description of the art for the auction and event program.

This event is sponsored by the Residence Inn-Marriott, UBS Financial Services, MLB, Braswell Appraisal Services, BCA, and Cottage Art and Frame.

For information,contact the Brevard Cultural Alliance at 321-690-6817. To pre-purchase appraisal tickets, go to http://www.artsbrevard.org/

Opportunity for Artists: Tropical Storm Fay Brings Floods, Jazz and Art Together

Artists Needed : This is coming up on the weekend. Act Now.


The effects of Tropical Storm Fay on August 20th, 2008, will be felt for a long time by the residents of Florida.

Fay received national attention from dozens of celebrity Smooth Jazz Artists who have responded. These musicians saw Tropical Storm Fay's devastation on the Melbourne area and began calling the radio station with concern, because many have performed here for WGRV, The Groove's famous Smooth Jazz Nights Out.

Musicians across the nation offered to do a benefit concert. As a consequence, WGRV, The Groove, has created a Tropical Storm Fay Flood Relief Fund that will benefit from the proceeds of the Space Coast Jazz Festival on October 25th and 26th, 2008. The festival will raise funds to purchase materials needed for repairs and to benefit residents.

Artists are needed: This call is going out to artists. The Space Coast Jazz Festival will have an Artist's Walk where artists can show and sell their art. Artists will bring their own tents and tables and pay a $100 vendor's fee. There will be no commission charged for the artwork that they sell.

Please support this effort by signing up today to be one of the artists at the Space Coast Jazz Festival.

Contact Jan Julian (Jan@TheGroove.org; 321-412-9888) for more information. To see a vendor application, go to http://www.spacecoastjazzfestival.com/.

Ready for a Vacation Extraordinaire? Put Adventure on Your Palette in 2009 with Art Tours

The trip is scheduled for May 15 through 31, 2009.

You will depart the US on May 15th and arrive in Athens on May 16th. After spending two days in Athens exploring ancient sites and taking an optional tour of the Acropolis and museums, you will travel by inter-island ferry to Amorgos. The first stop is in Katapola. The hotel is located on a secluded path, steps away from boutiques, markets, and taverns serving delicious traditional island meals. You will stay at a family-owned hotel near the crystal sea -- a short walk to the harbor filled with vibrantly colored fishing boats.

You'll also visit mountain villages that will provide many painting and sketching opportunities. Next, you will visit Paros Island where you will find picture-perfect boutiques, quaint cafes, whitewashed homes and narrow walkways. There are many wonderful painting possibilities. And there are one-day excursions to Santorini, Naxos or Mykonos.

You will return to Athens for an overnight stay before departing for the US. For more information about this wonderful trip, call 321-777-7761 or email mary@artistworkshops.com.

The Artists Guild of Brevard Exhibits at the Melbourne Beach Library

A members' art exhibit opened at the Melbourne Beach Library on September 23rd and runs through October 27th.

The exhibit features rarely seen paintings from the Guild's private collection. Works by: Bill Schultz, Ted Gorshner, Jim Winekoff, and Dorothy Sweeney.

Members exhibiting include: Carmen Beecher, Bette Buck, Renee Decator, Mary Hartmann, Jon Houghton, Jini James, Heather Kelley, Honor Martinez, Bill McCoy, Marti Meyer, Barbara Perlmutter, Tom Powers, Mary Warnick, and Denette Schweikert.

The library is located at the traffic light on the corner of Ocean Avenue and A1A in Melbourne Beach. Hours are Mon., Tues., and Thur. from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Wed., Fri, and Sat from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (The above paintings representing the Guild are by Jini James - the sailboat; Renee Decator - the still life.)

Open Studio Portrait/Life Drawing Sessions offered

The Artist's Guild of Brevard invites artists to attend their weekly Open Studio drawing sessions. Work in the medium of your choice.

Thursdays: Life Study, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The session begins with one minute gesture poses and progresses to two 20-minute poses. Fees: Guests = $10.00; members = $6.00; students free.

Saturdays: Portrait/Figure, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The model is usually seated for one pose. Fees: Guests = $8.00; Members = $6.00; students free.

The Artist's Guild of Brevard is located on the third floor at 909 East New Haven Avenue (The Arcade Building) in Historic Downtown Melbourne. No RSVP is necessary -- just show up.

For additional information contact Bill McCoy at mccpaint@earthlink.net.


Check it out. More art news.

I've heard from a sister site in Indian River County, called Indian River Art News. It is dedicated to reporting what is happening with the artists of that area and putting out the word about opportunities for artists. It serves the area down to Stuart. Have a look at the monthly newsletter at http://www.indianriverartnews.com/.

Books
Windows of Enduring Color

The second book about the works of Preston Studios by Wardell Publications is now in full distribution. Entitled Windows of Enduring Color, it features over 80 color plates much like the first book in 2002, Windows of Enduring Beauty. Many local Space Coast homes are included with luscious "Architectural Digest" quality images showing the art glass in its full context.

Windows of Enduring Color and Windows of Enduring Beauty can now be found on amazon.com

Congratulations to Lori Knerick. In a recent meeting of The Scribblers of Brevard - a writers' group that meets at the Eau Gallie library twice a month - Lori Knerick's altered photograph "A Bright Voyage" was chosen for the cover of Driftwood (an anthology of poetry, short stories and art). The photograph captures a solitary duck and small sailboat with sails at rest in a peaceful, yet vivid harbor.

Renee Decator's book, Road Trip, impressions of a memory is available. It is a compilation of artwork and stories inspired by a road trip she took last summer with her 86-year-old father and 18-year-old son. They went to the roots of her father's childhood in the mountains of West Virginia and Kentucky. The book contains 60 pages of art and stories. It can be purchased at the Fifth Avenue Art Gallery in Eau Gallie or at her website: http://www.shop.reneedecator.com/ or if you are local, you can purchase it directly from the artist by emailing her at decatjr@aol.com.

Pieces of 8: Hot off the press!! The Masters' Pieces, a compilation of well-loved art as copied by The Pieces of 8, is now available for purchase. Sixteen master artists are chronicled with over 30-full color photographs of the paintings. The local women: Jini James, Carol Schiff, Denette Schweikert, Mary Warnick, Carmen Beecher, Suzanne Peiffer, Donna Vines, and Cindy Michaud set out to closely study the techniques and styles of the greatest of the great by copying their work. The resulting show has been exhibited several times as "Friends and Faux" and will appear once again in November 2008 at the Melbourne Beach Public Library. A great gift for an art lover or someone just learning about the masters, the book is only $14.00 and can be ordered by going to http://www.piecesof8.net/ and clicking on the small copy of the book.

From Painting to Book Cover
One of Nancy Dillen's paintings, "Lay By," owned by Brevard Community College English professor and author David Johansson, is going to be on the cover of his first novel, Skin of Sunset. The book will be published by Squire Press on March 21, 2009. Also, David wrote to Dillen stating "...at the last minute I wrote your painting into the book - the lead female character is a painter herself - and her 'take' on her (your) work may amuse you."

Classes

Sculpture Class with Live Model
You are invited to Suzanne Frank's newest class "Human Form Sculpture in Clay with Model." It's set for January on the 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st from 10:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. There will be 30 minutes for lunch.

Suzanne Frank is looking for interested artists for this intensive class using a live model. The location of the class is 3115 Friendship Place, Rockledge, Florida 32955 (1/4 mile from Chowders Restaurant). The cost for the class will be $225 per person with all materials provided.

If interested, call Suzanne Frank at 321-254-3398. The class will be limited to 15. Call today.

Pearl L. Ollie of "The Cultured Pearl," 1245 Florida Avenue., S; Rockledge FL 32955; (321) 536-3523; email: pearlollieartist@yahoo.com.

The new watercolor class at Freedom 7 at the Cocoa Beach Country Club; 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd.; Cocoa Beach, FL; 32931 has started. There is still room in the class for more students. The class is on Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The cost is $5.00 for members using their own supplies and $10 for members using Pearl's supplies. The cost is $7.00 for non-members using their own supplies and $12.00 for non-members using Pearl's supplies. Call Pearl at 321-536-3523 to sign up or for more information. (painting by Pearl Ollie)

Pearl also has an art class for teens age 12 to 16 on Monday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The cost is $12.50 with supplies included. The class is held at her studio, The Cultured Pearl, 1245 Florida Avenue, Rockledge. Sign up is necessary. Call Pearl at 3231-536-3523.

Other classes: Pearl teaches a variety of classes to adults and to children in a variety of locations. For a complete list of Pearl's classes and to see many of her paintings, click here. Contact her for details.

Bobbi Q. Brown offers Watercolor Classes

One class is Mondays 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Cape Canaveral Library. The cost is $10. The other class is on Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Central Brevard Art Association at 566 Barton Blvd., Suite 3, Rockledge. The cost is $15.00. Both classes are ongoing. All levels are welcome. Bring your own supplies. For information, call 536-7773.

Handbuilding Clay classes with Suzanne Frank.

October classes at the Cocoa Beach Library start on October 2nd. Classes will be held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Thursday. The dates for the classes are 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, and 10/30. The cost is $70. Call Suzanne Frank at (321) 254-3398 to register.

November handbuilding classes. Classes will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. every Monday. The dates for the classes are 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, and 11/24. The cost is $70. Call Suzanne Frank at (321) 254-3398 to register.

Susan Kessler is teaching watercolor painting on Mondays from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Art Gallery and Studio, 802 East New Haven Avenue, Melbourne. The cost is $12.00 per class. Contact Susan at (321) 723-8736 for information. (painting by Susan Kessler)

Lin Sons Graphite Classes: Graphite drawing classes are available on Friday mornings from 9:30 a.m to noon at the Art and Antique Studio, 1419 Highland Avenue, in historic Eau Gallie. The cost is $25 per session. The class is taught by Lin and is limited to four students. Contact Lin at 321-223-4635 to schedule class and to discuss the supply list. Lin's work may be seen on her website at http://www.aahrtbylin.com/

Helen Wheatley Watercolor Class: Helen Wheatley will be teaching watercolor classses at the Cocoa Beach Library on Tuesday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon for eight weeks beginning October 7th and running through December 2nd. There will be no class on November 11th for Veteran's Day. The classes are geared for the beginner to intermediate artist. Cost is $80.00 for the eight weeks. Sign up and pick up a list of materials at the Cocoa Beach Library. Enrollment is limited. The fee is due in full at the first class. The Cocoa Beach Library is located at 550 N. Brevard Avenue., Cocoa Beach.

New class at CBAA

Fast and loose watercolors with Diane Deshong Cannon. Classes will be held Fridays. It started October 3rd, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Central Brevard Art Association's Rockledge studio, located at 566 Barton Blvd., Suite 3. Registration is ongoing by contacting Diane at (321) 268-5734 or email deshongart@yahoo.com. Cost is $20 per class and will be taught in 8-week sessions.

Exhibits

Pieces of 8.
Pieces of 8 have two exhibits coming up. One is the wonderful works called "Friends & Faux." It will be at Melbourne Beach Library beginning on October 28, 2008. If you haven't seen this exhibit, be sure to make time to see it. This may be the last time it is exhibited in its entirety. It will hang in the library until December 2, 2008.

The other exibit is called "Eight Points of View. It will hang at the Suntree Cafe in Satellite Beach. For that exhibit, the artists selected one photo taken of the marshes in Spring Island, South Carolina, and each produced a 12 x 16 oil painting of the view. See the exhibit and how differently each artist interpreted the same scene.

The members of Pieces of 8 include Jini James, Carol Schiff, Denette Schweikeret, Mary Warnick, Carment Beecher, Suzanne Peiffer, Donna Vines, and Cindy Michaud.

Schoolhouse Artists hold an Open House and Sale

Join the artists of the Schoolhouse for an open house and sale on Saturday and Sunday, November 8 and 9, 2008, at the Schoolhouse Artist's Studio in Malabar. The open house is from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day.

They will have original paintings, prints, and mixed media presentations for sale to the public. Interested artists seeking an ideal place to create and association with other artists are welcome to check out the studio.
The Old Malabar Schoolhouse is located at 1490 Marie Street off Malabar Road. It is just .6 mi. west from US1 and the river and 2 mi. east from 1-95. For information call 321-626-8046.

Congratulations to Lori Jenkins
At the recent Florida Watercolor Society competition, Lori Jenkins received the Waller/Rhodes Award. Her painting, pictured here, is named "Crustacean Frustration." It is on display at Cornell Museum.

Landmarks Exhibit at Harris Gallery

The Strawbridge Art League Landmarks exhibit has moved to the Harris Gallery at the Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts.

If you attend an event at the King Center this month, be sure to take a few minutes to see it. It will remain there throughout October. The exhibit is the culmination of three years of the Strawbridge Art League artists concentrating on the wonderful historic landmarks in Brevard County.


CBAA Featured Artist: Helen Wheately is the featured artist for the Central Breavard Art Association's exhibit at the Central Brevard Library in Cocoa for September and October. She will be displaying five of her award-winning watercolor and mixed-media paintings in addition to several other pieces, including her latest work titled, "Birds of a Feather." The exhibit will run from August 28th through October 30th. The library is located at 308 Forest Avenue in Cocoa. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 to 9; Friday, 9 to 6; Saturday, 9 to 5; and Sunday, 1 to 5. (painting by Helen Wheatley)

Galleries

Art and Antique Studio at 1419 Highland Avenue, Melbourne, Florida. The featured artists for the month of October at the Art and Antique Studio and Gallery are a group of six porcelain painters. The following artists are participating in this exhibit:

Trish Kern and Ardis Reihs. They were introduced to porcelain painting by their moms and both began porcelain painting in the 1970s. Reihs began teaching porcelain painting in 1989.

Denice Van Waardenburg became hooked on porcelain painting in the 1970s when she and her husband were living in Brazil. Her favorite subjects are the animals, people, and wildlife of the land of her birth, Africa.

Sue Franklin discovered the mystique of porcelain painting in the 1990's and began learning the art with the late Elaine Bowen, one of the founders of today's Brevard Porcelain Artists.

Pat Blaga and Pat Sams have painted in oil for 30 years or more. Prior to her retirement, Blaga taught oil and acrylic painting and owned a retail store. Sams' involvement in the art came about because she could find no porcelain tiles on the island with Aruba scenes when she took a trip back "home." She decided to make her own.

Their art will be on display throughout the month of October.

Art Gallery and Studio of Melbourne, 802 East New Haven Avenue, Downtown Melbourne, 321-729-9368.

Featured Artist for the month of October is Barbara Perlmutter. Perlmutter's exhibit of "Jewish Religious Art" depicts that women's role in religion has changed in the past seventy years in the conservative and reform movements. A painting "Love of Torah" is one that Perlmutter painted after her granddaughter's bat mitzvah. It expresses her feelings for women having the opportunity to participate in this special ritual.

During the holiday season of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, women throughout the world will have the privilege of participating in all the religious rituals.

Be sure to stop by to see this exhibit. Regular gallery hours are Monday through Saturday 11 to 5 p.m.

The newest members of the gallery are Gloria Summerford, Barbara Paul, Laura Rabbits, and Trish Storey. There will be a special reception to welcome them on Thursday, November 6th at 7:00 p.m.

Note: The Art Gallery and Studio is looking for one more artist. If you are interested in joining the Art Gallery and Studio, contact Diane Koenig (321) 501-5835 or Susan Kessler at (321) 723-8736. This would be a good time to join. Once this position is filled, it'll be a while before the gallery will add members.

Brevard Art Museum. Two exhibits are running simultaneously from September 19 to November 9. They are:

Options: Political Cartoons. The museum welcomes Pat Oliphant, Doug MacGregor, Don Adams, Jeff Parker of the Florida Today, and numerous accomplished artists, who use humor and line to comment on the political issues of contemporary society.

Family Ties: Three Generations. Judy Gelles has spent 30 years navigating feminism, motherhood, and developing as an artist. With determination and humor, Gelles provides a social commentary on our lives. Utilizing three generations of family artifacts, Gelles relocates the past, present, and future.

Be sure to stop by to see both exhibits.

The Downtown Gallery in Titusville: The unveiling of the newly expanded showroom at the Downtown Gallery was held on Friday evening, September 12th with an opening reception. Different media are showcased, including tropical paintings, bronze sculpture, elegant hand-crafted jewelry, black and white photography and grand landscape photography. The Downtown Gallery is located at 335 S. Washington Avenue (US 1) in charming downtown Titusville. For more information, call 321-268-0122. The picture is "A Magical Moment in Time" taken in Glacier National Park by artist Dale Nichols. And the sculpture is "Infinity" by artist Yure Lima de Alencar.

Fifth Avenue Art Gallery at 1470 Highland Avenue, Melbourne, Florida. The public is invited to the Fifth Avenue Art Gallery to see the exhibit by renowned watercolorist Jean Grastorf. You will want to see what pouring watercolor does to make her paintings extraordinary. She infuses movement, light, and color into her watercolors to inspire, captivate and entice viewers. Gastorf normally paints with transparent watercolors, but she has added gouache and acrylics to her repertoire. These more opaque pigments enhance and contrast the transparent watercolor washes.

The exhibit will be on display through October 30th. For more information call 321-259-8261 or visit the gallery online at http://www.fifthavenueartgallery.com/. The Gallery is located at 1470 Highland Avenue in Eau Gallie.

Opportunities and Services

October: National Art & Framing Month
Thousands of frame shops and art galleries will be celebrating with a variety of special events and programs designed to promote the enjoyment of art as a part of daily life.

Founded in 1997, National Art and Framing Month is an opportunity to "Picture the Possibilities" that art and framing can bring to homes, offices, and public spaces.

Vivian C. Kistler, director of the NA&FM Council, believes that individual businesses can play a key role in generating interest in the arts. "For the past few decades, budget cuts have forced schools to reduce or even eliminate art programs. It is now more important than ever for frame shops and art galleries to help the public understand and enjoy art."

Art has been an important part of human society since the earliest scrawlings on cave walls, and picture framing preserves and displays artwork to hang on the walls of homes, offices, and public spaces. National Art and Framing Month shines a spotlight on this essential aspect of our culture.

To "Picture the Possibilities" that art and framing can do for you, stop by Art Expressions and help us celebrate. Art Expressions is located in the Eau Gallie Arts District at: 1404 Highland Avenue. http://www.artexpressionsfinecustomframing.com/.

Great Opportunity for Artists: Sevenartists.com is the newest creation from http://www.digitalartbyjerry.com/, local artist Jerry Hanzl. He is offering a free web page to local artists on http://www.sevenartists.com/, in an attempt to draw more attention to the great talent in our area. If you have an existing website, he will create a lead-in page from the site. If it is your only web presence, Jerry will give you a more involved page. His service is free and done in his spare time, donations are accepted. It is on a first-come, first-serve basis and subject to review. Email Jerry at jerryhanzl@yahoo.com and join the seven. If you're trying to create a presence on the Internet, here's an opportunity for you. (Digital art by Jerry Hanzl)

Organizations and Meetings:

  • Brevard Porcelain Artists monthly meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month at the Salvation Army, Hickory Street, Melbourne. The meeting begins at 9:30 am and visitors are welcome. Contact: 321-255-3746.

  • Brevard Watercolor Society: The Brevard Watercolor Society meeting is on the second Saturday of every other month (January, March, May, July, September and November) at 1:00pm at the Satellite Beach Civic Center, Cassia Blvd., Satellite Beach.
  • Central Brevard Art Association: Meetings of the Central Brevard Art Association are on the 1st Saturday of the month at 1:00p.m. at 566 Barton Blvd, Suite 3, Rockledge.
  • Florida Chalk Artists Association: The Florida Chalk Artists will be participating in the ArtWorks Festival in Eau Gallie this year on November 22 and 23. This is their first street-painting event in conjunction with ArtWorks. Cash awards will be made on each day. This is an ideal opportunity for FCAA members to demonstrate and instruct the public on this art form. For more information go to http://www.floridachalkartists.org/.

  • Strawbridge Art League: The Strawbridge Art League meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 7:00pm in the ballroom of the Henegar Center for the Arts on New Haven Avenue, Melbourne. The speaker/demonstrator for the November meeting will be Steve Lomazzo. Also, the downstairs hall gallery exhibit called "Changing Colors" began on October 6, 2008.
  • Titusville Art League: Meetings of the Titusville Art League are scheduled for the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 6:45pm at 1421 Draa Road, Titusville. The Fall Art and Craft show will run 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7, 2008, and Saturday, November 8, 2008. The event will be at the Ashkelon, 1651 South Park Avenue. For more information, contact Dot White at 321-267-9363, Bob Bielling at 321 267-9732, or Connie Allen at 321-482-6413.

Presentations and Appearances
Brett Tam: Glass Bead-Making Workshop

Brett Tam is a flameworker. He has a busy schedule in the next few months. We'll hightlight offerings as they come up. For now, consider this opportunity:

No experience is necessary to take his workshop in the ancient art of glass bead-making. Each participatnt will work at a propane torch. Register now because enrollment is limited.

The workshop is offered at the Brevard Art Museum School. It is scheduled for Saturday, November 15, 2008, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. $50 ($35 with discount ... for discount register by November 1, 2008). There is a $25.00 supply fee at registration.

Brett has studied with internationally known glass artists Robert Mickelsen and Thomas Muller Litz.

For information regarding registration call 321-254-7782 or go to http://www.brevardartmuseum.org/

Upcoming and Future Events


Upcoming in November: ArtWorks The dates for ArtWorks are November 22 and 23. This street festival of art will run from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day on Highland Avenue in the Eau Gallie Arts District of Melbourne, Florida. This art festival is a great experience for the whole family. In addition to displaying their works, artists spend time demonstrating their craft. It's a learning experience for all involved. For information, go to http://www.artworksofeaugallie.org/

Upcoming in November: Brevard Porcelain Artists' show, Touch of Elegance, is on Saturday and Sunday, November 22 and 23, 2008, in the Eau Gallie Civic Center at the same time as ArtWorks.

Upcoming in January : 19th Annual Indialantic Art Festival. The festival is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, January 17-18, 2009 at Nance Park in Indialantic, Florida. http://www.artfestival.com/events/visitorsShow/114/1

Send your art news for the next issue to Lou@LouBelcher.com.

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Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Article: Marketing Your Art #3

From time-to-time Brevard Art News will feature supplements on specific topics. The first series, thanks to our guest author, is great advice on marketing your art. This is the third in the series. I'll publish the articles weekly... Enjoy. This week's issue of Brevard Art News follows this article...

The Artist’s Press Release by SKC

Being able to assemble a well-written and engaging press release is critical when you’re promoting your own artwork and events. Even if a venue tells you that they publish releases for all their events, don’t leave it entirely in their hands. It may be tempting to step back and let them do all that work, but there are a number of reasons to also do your own promoting:

1. No one knows your work and motivation better than you do.
2. Having two releases out to the media for a single event is better than one.
3. Your media contact list may include writers/publications that the event’s doesn’t.
4. There is no way to know how well they market their events.

A good press release will land on an editor’s or writer’s desk just when they need a good story most and provide them everything they need to write a story. The press release will entice them with an interesting title, clever perspective on something fresh, and contact information for follow up questions.

Press coverage is like free advertising and often is more effective than buying ad space. Despite the fact that more people are getting information from television or the Internet today, there are still many people who read local newspapers (especially in our area). The number of people that a single article will reach out to is significant, so don’t let this opportunity pass you by.

Look at your organized media contact list and determine if there are any writers whom you can contact personally with a phone call and or personal email with your release attached. Often if you have participated in a few events prior to holding your own, you may have had an encounter or two with the local press already. Be sure to include those you’ve interviewed with before on your list, and once you have your press release written, contact them personally to ask if they would be interested in covering your event. This is no time to be shy.

Write Your Press Release

Be sure to have all your ducks in a row (date, event, location) before you begin. A well-written and informative press release will open up doors for you and often will work magic all on its own.
You want your press release to read like an article; this way, if it lands on the desk of a particularly frazzled editor who needs a little something extra to fill out the page, the editor can just copy and paste exactly what he or she needs from it. In any good press release, there are four main components:

1. Contact information
2. The title
3. The details
4. The story
5. Location and contact details

Contact Information


Be sure to include your contact information at the top of your release. When you provide this information, you’re inviting the press to contact you for an interview or to clarify any information. I also include links to where high-resolution promotional images can be downloaded for printing alongside the article and any additional links or information that may be helpful (such as your portfolio website should you have one). If you cannot upload images to your hosting site or aren’t sure how to do it, select one image that represents your event well, and send it along as an attachment. If you are attaching the image in an email, be sure that the file is no larger than 2 MB but is still large enough to print. If you are mailing a paper press release, attach a high quality printed copy of the image. A good size for emailing and printing is 4” x 6” at 200 dpi.

The Title

Every good story comes with an attention-grabbing headline. Think about what will make your event unique and try to incorporate that into your title. Keep it short and to the point.

The Details

Provide all the essential details for your event (title, artist name, gallery name, location and time) in the first paragraph. That way, if this is the only text that gets used, you can be sure that everything someone needs to know to attend the event is there. Keep this part of your press release brief, but make it interesting.

The Story

Now that you’ve drawn your readers into your event; it’s time to give them a peek behind the event, and your motivation. How did you come up with the idea? What’s the goal of your event? These are likely questions a reporter may ask, and answering them in your press release gives reporters a running start. Include quotations from event participants and any additional information a reporter may find helpful.

Location and Contact Details

In your final paragraph, include details about your location. If you have set up a website for your event, include that here along with a phone number for more information.

Here’s a sample press release:

News Release: For Immediate Release

Contacts:

Gallery Owner, John Smith: (555) 555-5555
JohnSmith@DowntownArtSpace.com

Artist, Melissa Smith: (555) 555-5555
MelissaSmith@thisisourevent.com

Event Website: http://www.thisisourevent.com/
Event Images for press: www.ThisIsOurEvent.com/Press

###

“Understudies”

A Deeply Expressive Breakthrough Digital Exhibit

[Anytown, FL]—“Understudies” is the title Melissa Smith has given her latest series of work to be featured at the Downtown Art Space, at 1234 Any Street, Anytown. On Friday, April 7, the opening reception will be held from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. and features an artist’s talk and open discussion with Melissa. The reception is free and open to the public. Her striking work will be on display from April 1 through April 30.

Melissa Smith, an Anytown-based artist, uses her computer to explore the amalgamation of sensual female forms and rugged natural or man-made textures in her latest works. “These combinations are a response to current issues, daily struggles, and an exploration of identity,” says Melissa, describing her creative motivation. Certainly not your typical area artist; her striking finished images evoke deep emotion and can be described as sensual, quiet, and brooding.

"Her work brings something entirely new and fresh to the gallery,” said owner John Smith. “We felt it was important to showcase such a standout talent among the community and show our patrons the distinct perspective this artist brings to her work.” John went on to say that while he feels the work is heavily charged with emotion, the delicacy of detail and sheer beauty found in her clashing images will provide “something for everyone to fall in love with”.

The Downtown Art Space is artist-owned and -operated. The gallery is located in the historic Old Anytown Riverfront area of Anytown. The gallery telephone number is 555-555-5555. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
For more information visit us online at: http://www.thisisourevent.com/.

# # # (end)

As you can see, the press release is very much like a true article. Give the writers a solid head-start in writing about your event and you’ll make their job easier. Good writers will often favor those who can provide timely, well-written releases, so it is to your advantage to use this tool efficiently and frequently.

Some examples of when to send out releases to the media:

• If you are participating in a solo or group exhibition (this includes even outdoor shows).
• When you plan to do an artist’s talk, demonstration, or instruction.
• If you win an award (corporate collection, local, or national award).
• When you are planning or participating in a special event or have made an artistic donation to a cause.


Talk-back question of the week:

What local media outlets do you feel give the most exposure to our area artists and cultural events?

(To comment: click on the small word "comment" below, type in your comment and type the verification letters in the space provided. If you don't have a blogger account, click on "name/url" or "anonymous," then click to post it. That's it... let's hear what you think.)


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Thursday, October 9, 2008

Article: Marketing Your Art #2

From time-to-time Brevard Art News will feature supplements on specific topics. The first series, thanks to our guest author, is great advice on marketing your art. This is the second in the series. I'll publish the articles weekly... Enjoy. This week's issue of Brevard Art News follows this article...

Getting Up the Guts and Getting Out There by SKC

Once you have your Q&A lists together and you’ve reviewed and studied them, you should be ready to start branching out and creating your business connections.

Some of the first business relationships you will foster are those with the local media and press. Because many of them require a great deal of lead time for news and events listings, you will want to make your press list up-front and have it ready to go. Identify the major and minor players in your area. This may include local arts magazines, major newspapers, community newspapers, university newspapers, local television and radio stations, community bulletin boards, etc. Call each one on your list and ask them who you should address your press releases to, what format they prefer them in (email/fax/snail mail), and how far in advance they need them.

This is a fairly easy task – no intimidation required. The media representatives you call will be happy to provide you the information. The “worst-case scenario” would be that you get a local reporter on the phone who wants to interview you for an article, and well, that’s not bad at all. Once you have gathered the information together, put everything into a simple spreadsheet or list and keep it handy. If you’re computer savvy, assemble a digital contact list in your email software to make emailing your releases and announcements quick and easy.

The next business relationships you’ll nurture are those within the local arts and exhibition community. You will want to consider possible venues for your artwork locally. It is always recommended to check these locations out in person to make sure:
1. They are easy to find.
2. Are open regularly and always at least during their published hours.
3. Have ample parking (big issue if you hold an opening reception).
4. Appear to be in a vibrant area with plenty of area businesses to keep potential patrons nearby.

You may wish to start off small and build your way up by approaching local coffee shops, book stores, libraries, cafes, and hangouts at first. Once you have a list of possible venues you would consider showing at, call each one and ask to speak to the owner or manager about the possibility of hanging your artwork.

This is where you may get your first tinge of butterflies – remember the Q&A list! The owner may ask you to describe your work, what medium it is, what size, and what it looks like. If they are receptive to having artwork in their place of business, ask if there would be a good time to come by and show them your pieces.

Inquiring by phone may seem like the most intimidating step (how do you describe in words what you do?), and in a lot of ways it is. But setting up appointments is half the battle; the next step is to get there on time, look professional, and show a nicely polished portfolio of your work. The people you are meeting with may like your work and they may not. Perhaps your work fits perfectly with their business aesthetic, or perhaps not, but be prepared for either possibility. Rejection is a major part of the job – it doesn’t mean that people don’t like you personally, or even necessarily that they don’t like your work. It may come down to something as simple as a case of bad timing. So whatever you do, don’t take it to heart. Not everyone will love you, but it’s very unlikely that anyone will actually dislike you, either.

Once you have your first venue, you will want to let people know. If you’re fortunate enough, you will have an opening reception. Make sure to announce the event to your media contacts with a well-written press-release, let your friends, family, and artwork admirers know that you’re showing your work and where, and start the process of promotion.

When it comes to exhibiting and promoting your artwork, there are so many little details. Next week we’ll look at the nitty-gritty details of writing a good press release and what to include with it to help create buzz for your work in the local media.

Talk-back questions of the week (click on comment and let’s hear what you do):

How do you personally go about finding an exhibition location? What is most important to you when looking for a venue?


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Friday, August 1, 2008

Brevard Art News: August 3, 2008

Welcome to Brevard Art News. If you have news to share, send it to me at Lou@LouBelcher.com. I received many positive comments this week regarding the first issue... So, we'll proceed with another. Thanks to all of you who participated this week. Enjoy and feel free to comment by clicking on the comment button at the end of this post. ~~~ Lou~~~


Brevard Art News...

Announcements:

Renee Decator's book, Road Trip, impressions of a memory is now available. It is a compilation of artwork and stories inspired by a road trip she took last summer with her 86-year-old father and 18-year-old son. They went to the roots of her father's childhood in the mountains of West Virginia and Kentucky. The book contains 60 pages of art and stories. It can be purchased at the Fifth Avenue Art Gallery in Eau Gallie, Florida, or at her website: http://www.shop.reneedecator.com/collections/road-trip-impressions-of-a-memory/products/road-trip-impressions-of-a-book or if you are local, you can purchase it directly from the artist by emailing her at decatjr@aol.com.

Renee just returned from Wildacres, North Carolina. She attended a continuing education workshop run by Ringling College of Art and Design and was invited to deliver a presentation about her recent solo exhibition "Road Trip, impressions of a memory" that debuted at the Fifth Avenue Art Gallery.

Pieces of 8: Hot off the press!! The Masters' Pieces, a compliation of well loved art as copied by The Pieces of 8, is now available for purchase. Sixteen master artists are chronicled with over 30-full color photographs of the paintings. The local women: Jini James, Carol Schiff, Denette Schweikert, Mary Warnick, Carmen Beecher, Suzanne Peiffer, Donna Vines, and Cindy Michaud set out to closely study the techniques and styles of the greatest of the great by copying their work. The resulting show has been exhibited several times as "Friends & Faux" and will appear once again in January 09 at the Melbourne Beach Public Library. A great gift for an art lover or someone just learning about the masters, the book is only $14.00 and can be ordered by going to http://www.piecesof8.net/ and clicking on the small copy of the book.



Exhibits:

Tom and Vicki Busby are bringing their collected works of 60's cultural icons to Yapa in Historic Downtown Melbourne beginning on August 5. These large, colorful, up close and personal portraits bring the subjects and the viewers together in an almost intimate fashion. See Bob Dylan, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Ray Charles, Fidel Castro and others as you have never seen them before. Be there or be square.....! A preview of works by Tom and Vicki can be seen on the web at http://www.studio-629.com/. Yapa is located at 724 E. New Haven Avenue. 321-727-2300.
















Siri Lynn German will have an opening party in the large conference room of Melbourne Beach Library, 324 Ocean Avenue on Saturday, August 9th from 1:00 to 4:00pm. The public is invited free of charge. Come one; come all. Her 3-D and mixed media artwork will be exhibited in the small conference room from August 6th thru September 22nd. Call 255-1890 for information.


Lloyd Behrendt exhibit, "Birds of a Feather," combines photos of space launches and photos of birds in flight -- two entirely different types of flying machines. Have you seen the hand-colored prints of Lloyd Behrendt? They are on display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Behrendt's unique craft of making large format prints of his black and white photographs then hand-coloring them with transparent oil paints is definitely worth seeing. The exhibit runs until the end of August. There is a reception this week on August 7th from 6:30 to 8:30pm at the KSC Visitor Complex. There is a suggested donation of $20.00 to benefit the Merritt Island Wildlife Association. To see some of Behrendt's work, go to http://www.bluesawtooth.com/

Exhibit at the Brevard Zoo: On display at the Brevard Zoo is the exhibit of local artwork. The art exhibit is open daily from 10am to 3pm. Congratulations to all the winners of this juried exhibit.

They are:

  • First Place: Sandhill Cranes by Marcia Day
  • SecondPlace: Extreme Marine by Linda Graham
  • Third Place: Still Water by Viola Pace Knudson

Honorable Mentions:

  • Evening Watch by Jeanette Drake
  • Raffiki by Denice Van Waardenburg
  • The Waiting Bird by Connie Marshall


Rafael Picon will have two pieces of his sculputre featured in First Thursday at the Orlando Museum of Art in Orlando at 2416 North Mills Avenue. The opening for that exhibit is on August 7th from 6 to 9pm.


Carol L. Taylor is exhibiting two recent additions to her Tulipa Series, Emerging from the Night and Anatomy of the Bulb, both charcoal pencil drawings, in the Strawbridge Art League Bastille Day exhibition continuing through Agust 25, 2008 at the Henegar Center in Historic Downtown Melbourne, Florida. She is also exhibiting Dried Roses in Connecting 2008, the 2nd Annual University of Michigan School of Art and Design exhibition at Slusser Gallery in Ann Arbor through August 8 2008. Carol L. Taylor has served on the art faculty of the University of Michigan-Flint and Brevard Community College, has taught art privately, and holds a BFA in drawing/painting and an MA in communication studies (emphasis in drawing/painting/Film/MassMedia) from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. To commission a pencil portrait from her, please contact her at caroltaylorblackandwhite@yahoo.com

The Artists of Art and Antique Studio and Friends have a special exhibit of their works with the theme "Eau Gallie and More" at the Beachstreet Eatery, 302 Ocean Avenue, Melbourne Beach. The exhibit will run from July 17 through September 17, 2009. This popular local eatery, owned by Susie Daily, offers good eats and pleasant surroundings. Be sure to stop by to see the exhibit. (Umbrella painting by Lolly Walton)


The Strawbridge Art League Landmarks III exhibit is touring the county. It is currently hanging in the FIT Library. Be sure to stop by to see it if you are in that area. This is the third in a series of exhibits depicting local landmarks. This is the third and final year of the exhibit and has resulted in the publication of a book of the award-winning pieces of art.

Classes:

Susan Kessler is teaching watercolor painting on Mondays from 10am to noon at the Art Gallery and Studio, 802 East New Haven Avenue, Melbourne. The cost is $12.00 per class. Contact Susan at (321) 723-8736 for information. Also, check out the article about Susan in the August issue of Brevard Florida Live magazine.


Pearl L. Ollie of "The Cultured Pearl," 1245 Florida Avenue., S; Rockledge FL 32955; (321) 536-3523; email: pearlollieartist@yahoo.com; Web link: http://www.sevenartists.com/



Classes that Pearl teaches are as follows:

  • Adult Watercolor Painting Class
    CENTRAL BREVARD LIBRARY
    308 Forrest Ave.
    Cocoa, Fl.
    (321) 633-1792 Reference Desk
    Day: Every Tuesday
    Time: 10 am. To 12 noon
    Cost: $5 with your supplies / $10 using her supplies
    Registration needed if you use her supplies.

    Children’s Art Class
    The Cultured Pearl
    1245 Florida Ave. S.
    Rockledge, Fl. 32955
    (321) 536-3523
    Day: Every Tuesday
    Time: 4 pm to 5:30 pm
    Cost: $12.50 supplies included
    Registration needed for this class.

    Adult Multi-Media Painting Class
    The Cultured Pearl
    1245 Florida Ave. S.
    Rockledge, Fl. 32955
    (321) 536-3523
    Day: Every Thursday
    Time: 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
    Cost: $12.50 must bring supplies
    Registration needed for this class.

    Adult Watercolor Painting Class
    Merritt Island Library
    1195 Courtenay Parkway
    Merritt Island, Fl.
    (321)455-1369
    Day: Every Friday
    Time: 11 am to 1 pm
    Cost: $5 with your supplies / $10 using her supplies
    Registration needed if you use her supplies.

    Adult Oil and Acrylic Painting Class
    Merritt Island Library
    1195 Courtenay Parkway
    Merritt Island, Fl.
    (321) 455-1369
    Day: Every Friday]
    Time: 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
    Cost: $5 with your supplies (only)
    No registration necessary
Lin Sons Graphite Classes: Graphite drawing classes are available on Friday mornings from 9:30 a.m to noon at the Art and Antique Studio, 1419 Highland Avenue, in historic Eau Gallie. The cost is $25 per session. The class is taught by Lin and is limited to four students. Contact Lin at 321-223-4635 to schedule class and to discuss the supply list. Lin's work may be seen on her website at http://www.aahrtbylin.com/

Nancy Dillen (http://www.dillenart.com/) will be teaching in Gatlinburg, TN at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts from September 28-October 3, 2008. The class is called Painting Immersion and is described as follows: September 28-October 3. Let your paintbrush dance as you explore painting with acrylics. Learn the basics of “seeing” through painting still life, landscape and figure. Experience total immersion in a wide variety of painting techniques, tools and subject matter made fun for all levels. Tuition = $400.

Nancy Dillen – artist and educator with 35-years experience; Professor Emeritus of Art, Brevard College, Melbourne, FL; founding member of the group Ten Women in Art. If you would like more information about the Painting Immersion class and/or other classes offered at Arrowmont, please go to: http://www.arrowmont.org/registration/commerce.pl If after looking at the site you still have questions, please contact Arrowmont directly by calling or emailing: ph. 865-436-5860, info@arrowmont.org


Gallery News:

Art and Antique Studio and Gallery “Cityscapes” Exhibit is on display throughout the month of August. Vicki Busby is the featured artist at the Art and Antique Studio and Gallery at 1419 Highland Avenue in Eau Gallie during August. Busby is an award-winning artist who has developed a unique impressionistic style. “Cityscapes” is an exhibit of her pastels and oils featuring images captured in dramatic light and bold colors. Busby has won many awards in several of the top 100 fine art shows in Florida. Don’t miss this wonderful exhibit. Her works will be on display throughout the month of August. For more information, call the Art and Antique Studio and Gallery at (321) 253-5553.


Fifth Avenue Art Gallery"August Madness" Exhibition and Sale - The Fifth Avenue Art Gallery is featuring a 30-day Silent Auction of paintings, drawings, sculpture and art items. Art demonstrations by gallery members will be given every Saturday in August. The madness began with an opening reception Friday, August 1. The show runs throughout August. The demonstrations and exhibition are free and open to the public.

Demos:

  • Saturday, August 2nd : 10:00 AM "Watercolor Crayons." By Kaye Shannon

  • Saturday, August 9th: 10:00 AM "Luminous Watercolors" By Loretta Schnitzius

  • Saturday, August 16th: 10:00 AM "Photography Techniques" By Mark Mittleman

  • Saturday, August 23rd: 10:00 AM "Basket Weaving" By Lois Mittleman

  • Saturday, August 30th 10:00 AM "Murals" By Carmen Beecher
Come watch the demonstrations on Saturdays. The Fifth Avenue Art Gallery is located at 1470 Highland Avenue, Melbourne, FL in the historic Eau Gallie area, across from the Brevard Art Museum. Hours are Tuesday - Saturday, 10 – 5:00 p.m. For information, call 321-259-8261.

Brevard Art Museum: The 2008 Juried Exhibition will hang in the Brevard Art Museum through September 12, 2008. Dr. Jennifer Hardin, Chief Curator of the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg was the guest curator for the show. Be sure to stop by and see the works she chose for the exhibit.

Opportunities:



The Groove Smooth Jazz Festival: The jazz festival will be October 25th at the outdoor amphitheater at Wickham Park. Last year, 1500 jazz lovers attended.

There are two opportunities for artists through the jazz festival:
  • 1. They are looking for artwork for the t-shirt and posters for the festival. This artwork should center around a jazz theme and not be too heavy or abstract in nature. The deadline for this is possibly September 9th. The artist whose work is chosen will have an opportunity to display their art at the festival.

  • 2. There is an opportunity to put up your tent and show your art at the jazz festival. There will be an entry fee.
Contact Randy Bennett at 321-480-6264 for more details about both of these opportunities.


The 100% Pure Florida Exhibit. Enter the 100% Pure Florida Exhibit: The 3rd annual 100% Pure Florida Exhibit features the best of Pure Florida Artists. The artwork is of varied subject matter and mediums, the only things that have to be purely Floridian are the artists. The take-in for the exhibit is on August 5th. The exhibit is sponsored by the Fifth Avenue Gallery on Highland Avenue in Eau Gallie. For more information and a prospectus and application go to http://www.100percentpureflorida.com/

Upcoming in October: 2nd Annual Indialantic Craft Festival. The festival is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, October 4-5, 2008 at Nance Part in Idianlantic, Florida. http://www.artfestival.com/events/visitorsShow/54/2



Upcoming in October: Main Street Masters of Art. The festival is on Saturday and Sunday, October 4 and 5, 2008 in Historic Downtown Melbourne.

Upcoming in November: ArtWorks of EauGallie Festival is on Saturday and Sunday, November 22 and 23, 2008 on Highland Avenue in the Eau Gallie area of Melbourne. The committee is looking for volunteers. For information, go to http://www.artworksofeaugallie.org/

Upcoming in January : 19th Annual Indialantic Art Festival. The festival is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, January 17-18, 2009 at Nance Park in Indialantic, Florida. http://www.artfestival.com/events/visitorsShow/114/1

Meetings:

  • Brevard Porcelain Artists will begin their monthly meetings on the first Tuesday in September at the Salvation Army, Hickory Street, Melbourne. The meeting begins at 9:30 am and visitors are welcome. Contact: 321-255-3746.

  • Brevard Watercolor Society: The Brevard Watercolor Society meeting on the second Saturday of every month at 1:00pm at the Satellite Beach Civic Center, Cassia Blvd., Satellite Beach.

  • Central Brevard Art Association: Meetings of the Central Brevard Art Association are on the 1st Saturday of the month at 1:00p.m. at 566 Barton Blvd, Suite 3, Rockledge. There is no meeting in August.

  • Strawbridge Art League: The Strawbridge Art League usually meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 7:00pm in the ballroom of the Henegar Center for the Arts on New Haven Avenue, Melbourne. There will be no August meeting. Also, there will be no September meeting as the league is encouraging its members to attend "Fall into Art" on Highland Avenue in Eau Gallie on September 18.

  • Titusville Art League: Meetings of the Titusville Art League are scheduled for the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 6:45pm at 1421 Draa Road, Titusville.


Send your art news to Lou@LouBelcher.com.

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