Books

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-line 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 attempting to market their work. There are articles available there.

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

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

Book signing and Art Opening scheduled for Friday March 20th, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. David Johansson is launching his book Skin of Sunset, and Nancy Dillen will be display some of her paintings at LoPressionism Art Gallery at 1002 East New Haven in downtown Melbourn. You are invited tot attend.

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."

Send news to Lou@LouBelcher.com

Brevard Art News - April 12, 2009

Brevard Art News is now using Twitter.com

Follow Brevard Art News on Twitter. If you're on Twitter, too, just go to www.twitter.com/BrevardArtNews, sign in and click the follow button. You'll be able to follow the latest art notices and tips on interesting events happening around the state and country. Also, I'm going to use it to send people to your websites from time to time.

If you aren't on Twitter and you aren't even sure what it is, here's a quick rundown. Twitter is a social media network. It's free and nothing terrible will happen to you if you join.

In order to join ,you only need to type in a name and password (you make up both). Once you sign up and click the follow button under the Brevard Art News icon (a version of a sunflower, of course), you'll begin receiving short announcements during the week when Brevard Art News sends them out. It could be an announcement of an event in the area or an opportunity for artists.

In addition, I'm following some of the best museums around the world. You can get to their twitter pages from the BrevardArtNews page.

So, go to www.twitter.com/BrevardArtNews and enjoy the tweets.

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:

• Events
• Classes
• Articles
• Other

Events

Last Call....

Pine Needle Baskets by Viola Knudsen and Quest Students

Living Lagoon Festival 2009... Don't miss this event.

Presented by and featuring the Indialantic Elementary Quest Students

When: April 15, 2009 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Where: Radisson Suite Hotel Oceanfront, Indialantic; 3101 N. Hwy. A1A; Melbourne. The event is free and open to the public.
What: Silent Art Auction to benefit local environmental organizations.

It's this Wednesday. Come celebrate our local waterway, the Indian River Lagoon. The event is open to the public.

It's a special Silent Auction and Event: The reception and silent auction will feature the artwork of the students and of professional artists.

Sue Tuttle (potter), Viola Pace Knudsen (painter and pine-needle basket artist), Betsy Heath (glass artist), Leann Arnett (artist and art teacher at Indialantic Elementary), and Kathy Gitlin (fabric artist) collaborated with the students in the Quest program to create works of fine art that will be available at the silent auction on April 15th. In addition donated works by area fine artists will be available as well. Please come out and support this event. The proceeds of the project will go to local environmental charities. If you have questions contact robb.robin@brevardschools.org. (Thanks to Jim Angy for the photograph).

Birds of a Feather by Lloyd Behrendt

Florida Business Band and Lloyd Behrendt exhibit work. There will be a debut art exhibit and reception at Florida Business Bank at 340 North Harbor City Boulevard, Melbourne. They will exhibit the art installation Birds of a Feather in partnership with Florida artist and historian Lloyd Behrendt of Blue Sawtooth Studio in Malabar. Behrendt uses an unusual medium -photo oils-technique to create his art. Originally developed in the late 1800's, it makes use of black and white film images painted with transparent oils. The subjects are uniquely Florida-based, and this show joins two of his series: Space Launch and Wildlife. The work will show from April 30th thru May 30th. There will be a wine and cheese opening reception on Thursday, April 30th, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the bank. The public is invited.

For SaleLarge Mayline Flat File: 5 drawers, black, size 54 x 42 x 16. Factory second with some dings and scratches. No base. Price $675. Call Cecily Cain at 723-6463 or emil at ccain7@cfl.rr.com.

News from Combuco Studios International in Mims

If you have been thinking about going to open studio to create a sculpture under Yure's direction, this is the time to do it. Yure is planning on relocating the studio and foundry to Brazil in the near future (4 to 6 months). This is your opportunity to receive hands-on support from Yure to make your piece.

Come as you are. All materials and equipment are available through the studio. Materials including bronze and aluminum casting are available for a very reduced cost for students. If you have an idea you'd like to sculpt, bring photos or sketches. For more information, call (561) 228-8660 or (321) 747-9201 and for directions to the studio in Mims, Florida. The email address is info@combucostudios.com.

Upcoming event. The Rotary Club of Indialantic is holding its 7th Annual Fund Raising Event, Saturday, May 2nd, 2009. It will include wine tasting, gourmet food and music. The event will be held at the home of Arturo and Susan Encharte, 2760 Riverside Dr., Indialantic, starting at 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Purpose: To raise funds to help support the Sue M. Pridmore Center for Women and Children. The center is located on the grounds of the Salvation Army on Hickory Street in Melbourne and provides shelter, food, and spiritual support to homeless women with or without children. The center also provides training in a wide range of life skills in order for women to successfully transition into our community.

Proceeds will also be allotted to the Rotary Foundation which provides financial assistance through scholarships to South Brevard High School seniors as well as other charitable organizations.

Sponsorship levels begin at $100 and go to $1000, which awards tickets to the event. For more information, contact Sue Tyson Parker 321-749-4684 or Jock Walker, 321-727-1519. Checks can be mailed to the Rotary Club of Indialantic P.O. Box 033134 Indialantic, Florida 32903

Chase the "Blues" away with the J.U.G.S. art exhibition at the Melbourne Beach Library. Six local, award-winning artists, calling themselves the J.U.G.S. (Just Us Girls Society), are having their fourth annual art exhibition at the Melbourne Beach Library running through May 4th. The exhibit will be held in the library's conference rooms and is open to the public. A variety of mediums will be on display. Artists are: Vicki Limberis from Melbourne Beach, Jeanne Painter Johnson, Janet Loper and Jackie Ryan from Satellite Beach and Pat Hemphill and Diana Greco from Rockledge.

Attention Potters: Studio space is available at Mud Flats Pottery. Wheels, extruder, slabroller and kiln firing to Cone 5-6 included in monthly fee. Space is limited. Call 951-1310.

Results of the Titusville Spring Show:

Oil/Acrylic/Oil Pastel

• Best of Show: Linda Graham
• 2nd Place: AnnaJo Vahle
• 3rd Place: Carlo Ripaldi
  

Watercolor

• 1st Place: Jeanette Drake
• 2nd Place : Therese Ferguson
• 3rd Place: Connie Marshall

Pastel

• 1st Place: Barbara Smythers
• 2nd Place: Wanda Hicks
• 3rd Place: Bob Pariseau

Mixed Media/Collage

• 1st Place: Bonita Ross
• 2nd Place: Helen Wheatley
• 3rd Place: Rosella Blackford

Photography/Digital Art

• 1st Place: Laura Lyons
• 2nd Place: Heidi Thamert
• 3rd Place: Dale Nichols

Sculpture/3D Art

• 1st Place: Yure deAlencar
• 2nd Place: Mindy Colton
• 3rd Place: Rafael Picon

Colored Pencil/Graphite/Pen & Ink

• 1st Place: Melvin Finger
• 2nd Place: Jeanne Painter Johnson
• 3rd Place Pam Mitchell

Congratulations to all these wonderful artists.

Contemplation 12x12 inch silk painting by Jo-Ann Jensen

Congratulations to Jo-Ann Jensen.

Jo-Ann Jensen, mixed media artist from Cape Canaveral, was awarded second place at the Gallery 14's juried show, Small is Big, in Vero Beach. Fifty-five artists participate in this annual event. All work was under 12 inches in size. Jo-Ann's piece, Contemplation, was also one of the first to sell during the show, which opened on March 3 and ran through March 28th. Gallery 14 is located at 1911 14th Avenue in the historic district of downtown Vero Beach. To see more of Jo-Ann's work, visit her website at http://www.joannjensen.com/.

Indian River Potters Guild at 1542 Guava Avenue in the Eau Gallie Arts District in Melbourne opens it doors. Valerie Karas renovated the building at 1542 Guava Avenue to create a pottery studio and gallery for ceramic artists wishing to work in a cooperative, well-equipped environment. The gallery will carry work from current members, Lauren Ball, Kris Darby, Kathie Frank, Valerie Karas, Marg Kuhl, Jean Thomas, and Don Whitehouse. Ceramic artists looking for a state-of-the-art studio should drop by and take a tour. For information, call vkaras@cfl.rr.com.

Exhibits: The Art and Antique Studio. "Gardens in Watercolor" by artist Debbie Johnson is featured during the month of April at the Art and Antique Studio and Gallery on Highland Avenue in the Eau Gallie Arts District in Melbourne.

Debbie recently moved to Melbourne from Michigan. She was born and raised in Greenville, Michigan. In February 2004, Debbie transitioned from commercial art to fine art. She began showing her paintings at street fairs and local galleries. In 2008, she moved to Melbourne where her artwork is growing in style and subject matter.

Her watercolors blend her passion for painting and her love of nature to capture the fleeting moments of beauty the world provides. She is available for commissions as well as workshops, garden tours, and speaking engagements. For a preview of her art, visit her website at http://watercolorworksart.com/.

Her work will be featured at Art and Antique Studio and Gallery throughout April. For more information call 321-253-5553.

Art Expressions. Stop by Art Expressions Fine Custom Framing. See art and photography exhibits and the pearl gallery. Art Expressions is located at 1404 Highland Avenue in the Eau Galley Arts District.

Fifth Avenue Art Gallery. Jerry Lanhan debuts new exhibit. Jerry Lanham is debuting his exhibition "Color & Movement" at the Fifth Avenue Art Gallery in the Eau Gallie Arts District in Melbourne during the month of April. Lanham's paintings engage viewers so they experience them with every sense. This is the largest collection of Lanham's original artwork presented in one location. See why collectors become addicted to his dynamic, high impact color exemplified in these acrylic and mixed media pieces.

Highway Grrls Gallery and Studio, 1414 Highland Avenue; Melbourne, Florida. The Highway Grrls is very pleased to present the impressionistic landscapes of Luke Andrews who has just returned home after an eight-year-painting jaunt in Italy. Luke has several canvases of local landscapes, including Cocoa Village, Merritt Island and Cocoa Beach. You can visit his website at http://www.lukeandrewsart.com/. Also go to Robin Rothrock's website at http://www.robinrothrock.com/.

Harris Gallery at the King Center. BCC Melbourne Student Show will hang in the Harris Gallery during April. It features the work of the Brevard Community College students. The BCC Melbourne Student Show will be on exhibit throughout the month of April. Be sure to stop by to see the works created by these talented students.

Art Gallery and Studio. Laura Rabbitts is the Artist of the Month for the month of April. Her favorite medium is water-based oils on canvas. She enjoys doing portraitures. You can see her work at 802 E. New Haven Avenue in Historic Downtown Melbourne. The gallery is also open from 11:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. Monday thru Saturday.

Note: The Art Gallery and Studio has room for two or three Memberships and Associate Levels of Membership to join the gallery at $75.00 per month. The gallery is a cooperative featuring artists working in acrylics, jewelry, oil, photography, porcelain, watercolor, wood, pottery, and basketry. If interested, call Diane Koenig at 501-5835.


Juan Arroyo featured artist. Oil Painting artist Juan Arroyo is the featured artist at the DeGroodt Library for the month of April. He is also on the cover of Senior Scene Magazine for the month of April and is exhibiting at Holmes Regional Medical Center Gallery through the BCA program. To contact him call 321-216-1676. (painting of butterflies by Juan Arroyo)

It's called Ambition... Russ Taylor is doing 100 paintings on subject matter within one mile of his house. Check it out on his new blog at http://rtaylorart.blogspot.com/. Click on the Post (atom) on his blog so you can check back frequently to see how he's doing.

LoPressionism Gallery in Historic Downtown Melbourne. Spring is here, and they are celebrating the season of new life with a new show, Dark Dreams & Lighthearted Themes. With fanciful paintings that reach into your imaginative side, the show will feature works by Luke Andrews, Marina Koloeridi, Sandra Bottinelli, Nicholas Bustamante and Laura Beatty. The opening reception will be held on April 17th from 6-9pm at LoPressionism Gallery in the building they share with the Christmas Cottage. Whimsy and the sublime are reality and dreams come to life in a world of fantasy. Here you can find hope and humor in darkness, and be calmed by light and laughter. Imaginative landscapes and bizarre characters fill this show with danger and delight. Call (321) 722-6000 for details. This exhibit will run from April 17th to June 19th.

Eulaine Eri is the Featured Artist. For the months of March and April at the Central Brevard Library on Forrest Avenue in Cocoa, Florida, Eulaine Eri is the featured artist. She is displaying several of her latest original abstract works in mixed media. An award winning artist, Eulaine is an experimental artist residing in Merritt Island, Florida, and Franklin, Pennsylvania. Eulaine studied art while living in Europe and continues to study in the United States. Eulaine enjoys painting impressionism and contemporary abstracts. She exhibits and teaches painting using mixed media and with dyes on silk. Eulaine is an Advisor on the Board of Directors, Central Brevard Art Association, Rockledge, Florida She was awarded First Place with a Blue Ribbon at the City of Cape Canaveral Fine Art Show in January with her abstract, "Toy Soldier." This painting is part of the display presently at the Central Brevard Library. Phone: 321-298-9741 Email: ARTbyEULAINE@aol.com

Brevard Art Museum
New at the Brevard Art Museum Piecing it Together - The mixed media constructions in Piecing it Together are works by artists Catherine Bergmann, Rocky Bridges, Jette Clover, Greg Jones, Elizabeth Murray, Hanne Niederhausen, Gail Mitchell, Tony Savoie, Margaret Steward, Genna Watson, John Whipple, and Lynn Whipple. This group of artists explores the boundaries of creating through joyful constructions, innovative use of found materials, and playful visual and verbal language. These artists use recycled materials in a new way.

Museum Monday
Monday, April 20 at 10:00 a.m.
Author Sally Settle Barrow speaks about early Florida history and her book, Shadow of the Lone Cypress: One Man's Florida. Museum Monday is a series of programs sponsored by the Brevard Art Museum Guild. Light refreshments are served.

Sang Roberson
April 17 - May 3, 2009
Sang Roberson's burnished, soft-shouldered, lidded containers blend the definitions of boxes and vessels. The subtle, earthily refined forms and surfaces of Roberson's containers have often been referenced to Asian ceramics. Slide lecture and gallery walk: Friday, April 17 at 4:00 p.m. with an exhibition reception following from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Galleries

Viola Pace Knudsen and Alice Ahrens exhibit at Silvestros. Save the date. On Sunday, April 26, 2009, there will be a Meet and Greet for artists Alice Ahrens and Viola Pace Knudsen at Silvestro's at 2039 North Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach, Florida 32931. (321) 783-4853. http://www.silvestros.com/. Come to Silvestro's and visit with the artists whose great artwork adorns their banquet room. There will be free hors d'oeuvres and a 2 for 1 happy hour. (Turtle painting by Alice Ahrens) Spring is Here… Time for Tulipa. Carol L. Taylor is exhibiting her drawings at the allaprima styling group, 1540 Highland Avenue in the Eau Gallie Arts District, Melbourne, Florida, now through April 30, 2009. Carol Taylor’s charcoal pencil drawings, Tulipa, Preparing the Bouquet and Emerging from the Night are part of her Tulipa Series comprised of a collection of charcoal pencil drawings of the red and white Parrot Tulip. To view the drawings, please contact local artist Karen Lewis, allaprima styling group, at (321) 255-5300. For further information, please contact Carol L. Taylor via e-mail at caroltaylorblackandwhite@yahoo.com and visit her Website: http://www.caroltaylorblackandwhite.com/

Opportunities...

Cape Canaveral Outdoor Artists Social

A new "all-media" art group is forming at the Cape Canaveral Library. The goal for this new "Outdoor Artists Social" is to bring like-minded creative people together for informal companionship and group painting/drawing parties at various scenic locations in our area. The group will meet at the library once a month to network and talk about art for about an hour, and then head out to paint or draw "en plein air" from mid-morning until whenever. Bring your paint brushes, pastels, pencils, pens, or whatever you need to create your art. The Outdoor Artists Social is intended to be informal and fun; artists of all levels of ability and experience are invited to come out and socialize while becoming inspired to create art. The first meeting will be on Tuesday, April 28th at 9:30 a.m. in the meeting room of the Cape Caneaveral Library. Future meeting dates are May 26th and June 23rd (both are Tuesdays) at 9:30 a.m. For more information or for the April painting/drawing location, call host Chelly Harkness at 321-432-5414 or the Cape Canaveral Library at 321-868-1101.

Faces of Brevard Take In. The Strawbridge Art League will take in artwork for its exhibit Faces of Brevard. The take in is scheduled for May 2, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the ballroom of the Henegar Center for the Arts at 625 E. New Haven Avenue in Historic Downtown Melbourne. This is a juried show. All entries must be of faces (eyes, noses, mouths, etc.). Awards will be for Best of Show, Photography and Digital, Fine Art, Pop Art, and Illustrative Art. If you have questions, contact Heidi Stocker at anythingispossible@yahoo.com.

Call for Artists - Art in Miniature Show 2009. Therese Ferguson, president , Art and Antique Studio & Gallery announced that the gallery is looking for Florida artists to participate in their Art in Miniature Show, scheduled from June 5 to June 30, 2009. this is a juried show in which prizes will be awarded.

Entries may be no larger than 12 inches framed in any direction. Entry deadline is May 24, 2009. A prospectus and entry form can be obtained by visiting the gallery or on their website at artandantiquestudio.com. Call the gallery for further information at 321-253-5553. The gallery is located at 1419 Highland Avenue in the Eau Gallie Arts District, Melbourne. Studio hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. M-F and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

Teaching opportunity. Indian Harbour Recreation Center is looking to put together their annual summer program for kids. They are looking for an art teacher (watercolor or other) to teach kids during the summer. The schedule is flexible and the artist can customize the program. If interested in looking into this possibility, contact Kristin Cusimano at 321-773-0552 or Kcusimano@Indianharbour.org or her assistant Ms. Artz.

Call to Artists. The Art in State Buildings Program at the University of Florida is now advertising for a public art opportunity. You can find the call to artists (a request for qualifications) at www.arts.ufl.edu/asb/ on the "home" page and the "call to artist" page.

Space Coast Art Festival poster design contest 2009.The Space Coast Art Festival is looking for a poster design for their 46th annual festival. The festival is in November, but entries for the poster design contest are due by 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2009. All work must be unpublished, original art done since 2007. You can find the complete submission guidelines at the website at http://www.spacecoastartfestival.com/. For information contact info@spacecoastartfestival.com.

Call for entries from the Brevard Art Museum.

The Brevard Art Museum presents Take Out from May 15 to July 12, 2009. Using the humble take-out container as a jumping off point. Artists are invited to create artwork.

For the prospectus for this exhibit click here. The submission deadline is April 30, 2009. So, get to work. If you'd like more information email the museum at info@brevardartmuseum.org.

Free Market at Manatee Park. A free market event is scheduled on Melbourne Avenue in Melbourne from 1:00 to 4:00 on the last Sunday of every month. Everyone is invited and it's a place to give away and receive items completely free. It doesn't have to be just material items, it can be community info or music or just painting out in the open for all to enjoy. Bring food, music, clothes, furniture, toys, skills and thrills and anything else you can give, share or barter. At the free market, goods and services are available at no cost. Like a garage sale and fair together, but better. If you have nothing, that's fine. If you have something to bring, that's fine. but no need to trade. It's all for free. Look them up on facebook. Its The Free Market of Melbourne/Palm Bay, Florida.

Other events...

Upcoming shows on Focus. Bright House TV Cable Network presents FOCUS featuring the arts in Brevard County. FOCUS programs are on Channel 49 on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.

Upcoming show in April:

April 16, 2009: Nora Halloran

April 23, 2009: Frtis Van Eeden, Demo

April 30, 2009: Judy McNamara, Demo

Be sure to watch the great talent in Brevard.

Watercolor. The Art Association of Jackson Hole is a non-profit arts education school that hosts renowned artists to teach Visiting Artist Workshops in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. This coming June 15 through 19, 2009, they will be running a Figurative Watercolor Workshop: Painting from Photographs with Ted Nuttall. For more information, go to http://www.jacksonholeworkshops.org/painting/nutall.htm

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

Article: Marketing Your Art #13

Is your art your passion or a job? by SKC

Doing what you love for a living is a great blessing, however, maintaining the spark and joy of doing what you love day in and day out can be tricky. So much of being an artist focuses around huge highs and lows. It can be a roller coaster from one show to the next, doldrums between sales, a rush of work and anticipation before an exhibition. Through it all, maintaining the excitement and discovery in your process will keep your work fresh and desirable. As artists no doubt we can all point to a finished piece that just “didn’t do it” for us. Something that we weren’t into at the time we worked on it.

One of the biggest reasons an artist may lose their spark is the desire or need to create works that will sell. Oddly enough, in my experience, when I focused less on pleasing the crowd and more on what I WANTED to work on, the works sold themselves. The interest and focus I poured into these pieces must have somehow been obvious on the surface of the finished pieces. Looking over years of work now, I can point out pieces that were less successful, pieces that were forced (to finish a quota for a show, or continue a theme that appeared at one time to sell well). I know them well, like dents in a shiny car door, they are dents in my career – inevitable. I cannot however, for the life of me describe to you in any manner what about these pieces is so vastly different from their sister works which sold quickly

In these times of financial uncertainty I know it is likely more tempting than ever before to paint what you feel will sell. Changing how you exhibit your work, how you offer it for sale or even the scale is certainly acceptable, but changing your process and passion may only hinder your career. Even if by some amazing luck you stumble upon the perfect formula for making work that sells, if you aren’t enjoying every piece you create, you risk becoming nothing more than a production artist. Your passion and love becomes a job, rather than your job being your passion and love.

Be careful and be true to yourself and your artwork.

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?

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.

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?

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

Brevard Art News - December 28, 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:


First Friday: January 2, 2009

Art and Antique Studio (1419 Highland Avenue; Melbourne, FL 32935 (321) 253-5553)
The Art and Antique Studio and Gallery will have a reception for graphic artist Lin Sons from 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. The reception for the opening of her show is on January 2, 2009 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The Art and Antique Studio and Gallery is located at 1419 Highland Avenue in Eau Gallie. The reception is free and open to the public. Her work will be on exhibit for the month of January.

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.

Highway Grrls 1414 Highland Avenue; Melbourne, Florida 32937; 318-227-3075
Bring in the New Year with original art at First Friday. The Highway Grrls gallery will feature works by Robin Rothrock. During the First Friday celebration the Mark Baker Band will perform out front and the patio will be open in the back with Max Rener. The public is invited to enjoy a relaxed evening on January 2, 2009, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

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.

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.

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.

Sculpture and Mold-Making Open Studio at Combuco Studios

Combuco studios of Titusville offers sculpture and mold-making open studio. Open studio hours are Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Titusville Art League, 1421 Draa Road, Titusville.

Individualized Instruction: They provide a standard orientation packet; but beyond that, all instruction is individual and flexible. Participants of various skills levels work on their own pieces at their own pace -- all together in the studio. Each requires unique attention. Therefore, all of the classes are in an Open Studio Instruction format.

What is Open Studio Instruction? Open studio means that there are set hours in which you may go to the studio to work on your pieces. You may go as often as you like and stay for as long as you like within the studio hours. They limit the number of participants to ensure you will receive the individualized attention that you need.

Some specifics:

• Casting services are available at a reduced fee for all students


• First class is free. If you have an idea of what you would like to sculpt, take a photo or sketches with you.


• Children ages 12 and older are welcome to take classes.


• All materials needed can be purchased during class. Typically participants spend approximately $50 on start-up materials. However, this will depend on the size and style of your piece.

For more information, contact Combuco Studios at 561-228-8660 or 321-747-9201. or by email at info@combucostudios.com

Three 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.

(3) Hilton Head Juried Show. The Art League of Hilton Head has announced its 2009 National Juried Art Exhibition.

This is an annual event held in conjunction with the Bravo Festival of the Arts sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. There will be $10,000 awarded prize money, including $2500 for the "Best of Show." All works selected by the juror will be on display from May 2 through 24, 2009.

The deadline for entry is January 31, 2009. If you're interested in entering, go to http://www.hhal.org/ for a prospectus.

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

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.