Discovering Public Art and Inspiring More!

I am often on the road and today I woke up in the Atlanta, GA area and had to commute to Anderson SC. After checking in and having a little bite at a chain restaurant I decided to take a ride and explore Anderson. First thing that hit me was that Anderson had really grown from a small town to a thriving city.

All the typical restaurants and stores are here right on Clemson Blvd. I followed it right into the city and started noticing fish. Art fish, at first I thought it was just one fish; then as I drove I saw more and more. There were all kinds of large mouth bass all over the city. Beautifully painted and supported on poles. I wondered how many there were and what the large mouth bass may mean to Anderson SC. (to see the fish click below)

I did a little research and I found out about Lake Hartwell and there are 32 fish all painted by artists locally with the intent of having a public art project like the Chicago Cows. In Columbia, we had the Steel Palmetto Trees . I did this one and they were a lot of fun. The next public art project in Columbia was the Door Project. I also participated in that. It sure would be nice if we have a new public art project in Columbia. I discovered that Anderson raised funds to pay the artists by requesting sponsorship amounts; to be a big fish the sponsor had to commit to a $5,000. donation.

This highly visual Fish Art Project in Anderson; really makes you notice the city and it reflects a sign of growth and an interesting modern community. Much to my surprise when I researched it these fish have been here for several years. Public Art is a great way for people to see art that they may not normally be exposed to. It brings the city to life even after dark. I remember in Columbia when we had the trees and when we had the doors; people started staying in the Vista more at night and there was a sense of excitement, liveliness; vibrancy and modernness.

Yes, folks I am ready for a new public art project in Columbia, SC. Seeing Anderson's really has sparked my imagination and I will be talking to people in and around Columbia to see what we can do. Columbia has got talent and we need a BIG public art project so we can show the world and revive the interest in art and in Columbia artists! Columbia could use some excitement.

ART RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pictured above: "Op Art Tree" by Jean Bourque

Anderson, SC is a vibrantly cool growing city that supports it's local artist with great city art projects! This is just what we need in SC; more communities willing to showcase and support their artists and show the community art they might not normally see.

Yours truly;

Jean Bourque

Artists Opportunity from ART

Call for Artists: Artist Round Table is sponsoring the 1st Annual Spring N2 Art at the Keenan House. This one day event will take place on April 4th, 2009. The deadline for application submission is March 2nd, 2009. Contact Sandra Carr at 803-665-6255 or Brenda Schwarz Miller at 803-609-3479 for more information, or you may visit the A.R.T. website at wwwtheartistroundtable.org.

CC Call for Artists Columbia SC

Artists Opportunity from the Email box....
For further info please contact Andy Witt directly.


From: andrew witt andy@getcultured.org

Subject: ArtQuarium
For the past year the ArtQuarium in the windows of the Meridian Building Parking garage on Washington Street, between Sumter and Main has exhibited marine themed artwork from Richland One students.

Holder Properties, owners of the space have asked us to create a new show. The schools districts are now overwhelmed with budget cuts, testing etc. and have declined. The space is secure but is not climate controlled. It faces due north so until mid summer does not have any sun exposure. The actual open space is 8-9 fee high, 3 feet deep and about 60 feet long and divided by glass sections every 16 feet or so. The back wall has been painted to look (sort of) underwater, and the floor (seabed) is sand. The student work is primarily 3-D and suspended from the ceiling with monofilament. The space is lit at night and looks terrific.

So here’s the opportunity for Columbia based artists.

This will be a sales opportunity to make that clear. The Cultural Council will collect a 25% commission and remit the sales tax. The tax will be added to the purchase price.
There is no fee involved for participation but we may have some type of jury process if the response is large. In that case the jury will be representatives of Holder Properties and area gallery owners/managers , and/or artists who would not be participating.

Here’s what we’re looking for:

College students and adult artists only please. Residents of SC with preference to those living/working in Richland and Lexington Counties.

Marine themed life – fish, mollusks, corals and other underwater marine life in any media. Particularly tropical and other colorful species. They may also be related to environmentally threatened species. Due to the nature of the space we discourage 2-D and water media (humidity, etc). We do encourage ceramic, metal, wood, mixed media and other works that have a fish swimming in the ocean feeling. Mobiles and similar works are fabulous.

A label with the artist name, title, media, and price will be on a sheet posted in the window and interested buyers can contact the artist directly, or you can go though the Cultural Council.

There is no upper limit on price but we do suggest that you look at more affordable pieces for those patrons interested in decorating beach or other properties.

There is probably some room for 2-D work to be hung on the back wall, and some marine above water landscapes may be appropriate, but please keep in mind we call this the ArtQuarium and are really looking for underwater themed works.

I would encourage the various artist guilds and associations to perhaps think about a joint project and exhibition where your group could take one section of the windows.

Please take a look at what is currently there to get a feel. Please also forward this to others who may be interested in participating.

Please contact me as soon as possible as we’d like to start the changeover as soon as possible.

Thanks for your interest

Call if questions.

Andrew Witt
Executive Director
Cultural Council of Richland and Lexington Counties
930 Richland Street
Columbia, SC 29201
803.231.3131 (direct line)

Roller Derby Saturday Night at Jamil 6:30 PM

Okay; I know Roller Derby is not about art as in the sense of the art I normally tell you about. BUT having been an avid rollerskating from 18 months old and all through childhood; I find it is an art. Not only that I can throw a bit of a romantic interest in roller skating, too. My mom and dad met at a roller skating rink; so I am thankful to roller skating because of it; I am here! I am grinning; because this is a true story. You know, I say yours truly for a reason. Anyway; this is no ordinary Roller Derby Match either. With Valentine's fast approaching you know I start talking about Love Goddesses and all kinds of off the wall crazy things; I don't normally speak of.

YOU ARE INVITED TO THE WEDDING!

That's right, a real live wedding at the Roller Derby. I can't imagine how they will pull this off on roller skates but it certainly will be entertaining and two people are really getting united in front of everyone! SUCH FUN! For more details about the Roller Derby and the teams go to Columbia Quad Squad

After party at Bawa Oyster in St. Andrews behind Waffle House in old Cussin Bills spot.
Rumor has it there may be other after parties too...so have a good time whatever you do and drive carefully or let me have the keys. Yes; yours truly is always a designated driver!

Jamil Temple Sat. Jan. 24th at 6:30. $12. tickets at the door!
ARTSAILS1 will see you there!
Yours truly;
Jeanee

At the Columbia Museum of Art this Sunday 1/25

Lecture and book signing: Chinese Contemporary Art: 7 Things You Should Know 01/25/09 3:00 p.m. Melissa Chiu, vice president of Global Art Programs and museum director of Asia Society, is a leading authority on Asian contemporary art and uniquely positioned to talk about the dramatic beginnings of the vanguard movement in China in 1979 to the burgeoning scene of today. Melissa Chiu's new book, “Contemporary Chinese Art: 7 Things You Should Know,” offers an accessible guide to understanding Chinese contemporary art: what you need to know about the artists, the art market, and what can legitimately be called a new art movement, perhaps the first great art movement of the 21st century. Cost: Free with admission or membership. Related Resources:Eye to the East: The Turner Collection of Chinese Art

Healing Festival This Weekend in Columbia SC

THE FESTIVAL OF HEALING AND SPIRITUAL AWARENESS
January 23 - 25, 2009 The Coop 1100 Key Road at the Fair Grounds Columbia, SC

FESTIVAL TIMES:
Friday, January 22 4:30 - 7:30 PM - Intuitive Counselors will be available for readings. Festival will not be open to the public on Friday.

Saturday, January 23 9:45 A.M. - 8:00 P.M. ALL SERVICES
2:00 P.M. - 3 P.M. - Joy Ceremony and lunch break
Sunday, January 24 10:45 A.M. - 6:00 P.M. -- All Services
Daily Admission: SAT: $10 SUN: $8. Weekend Pass $15 A Child's Haven is our charity. Bring an item for their Wish List and receive $1.00 discount on admission. A portion of the admissions will also be donated to A Child's Haven.

LECTURE SCHEDULE
SATURDAY, January 23, 2009 10:00 AM Dream Interpretation - Reverend Carol Nelson, CNHP
l l:00 AM What Iridology Tells About You - Loretta Clark, CNHP
12:00 PM The Emerald Table - Danny Miller
1:00 PM Return From The Light - Dr. Olympia Freeman >>
2:00 PM Joy Ceremony "Spiritual Carwash" Experience total trust, unconditional love, giving / receiving> >
3:00 PM Contacting The Other Side With Hypnosis - Kewpie Sprott>>
4:00 PM To Be Announced - Rebecca Jacobson>>
5:00 PM Emotional Freedom Technique and The Law Of Attractionâ - Katz Delauney-Leija MSW>>
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Special Angel Information Workshop - Angels That Work With Mankind - Page Bryant> $10.00 - You will love what you learn.

SUNDAY, January 24, 2009>>
11:00 AM Natural Medicines You Already Have In The Kitchen - Jodi Rodner >>
12:00 PM Living In The New World, A Merging With Our Higher Dimensional Energies - Rev. Beverly Thompson and > Shareina Fisher>>
1:00 PM Follow Your Intuition - Jessica Peach>>
2:00 PM Muscle Testing And The Mechanics Of Forgiveness - Joy Connor>>
3:00 PM Tools For Living An Authentic Life! - William J. Pena>>
4:00 PM The United Nations Is Seeking Wisdom From The Indigenous People Of All Countries - Robert Chastain>>
5:00 PM Past Life Regression - Rev. Jan Posey>

Great Gocco Print Demo by Marcelo Novo

Sunday January 18, 2009.

Today at if ART Gallery on Lincoln St in Columbia SC a standing room only crowd was fortunate to see the extremely talented artist Marcelo Novo of Buenos Aires, Argentina; create art
using a black Micron pen on Bristol Smooth paper. It was really quiet as everyone gathered around the table to watch Marcelo at work. So quiet in fact, that Nova asked for music and invited the guests to speak and make the program interactive. After that the place was a
buzz and Marcelo said he felt inspired. Clearly Novo works best with music and everyone could see the inspiration as it developed.

He then demonstrated the Gocco Print making kit; which apparently is no longer being made. The one he had was perfect for making small prints and greeting cards. Using a photocopy he layered paint onto it for the image making process. The printer had a 2 bulb piece that he told us not to look at the flash while it filmed. Both bulbs burn out and are only good for one print.
He explained every step of the way as he assembled it and was very in touch with his audience.

His painting was an elephant... a Novo elephant. He said he hadn't done one in a while and when he first started it looked like an elderly person's eye. A sudden change and he painted what looked like a horn and then he said he wasn't sure what it was going to be. I could see he had the flow and was going with it. Marcelo paints as the spirit moves within him and that was quite apparent watching and listening to him. When the first one finally was pulled off the press and Novo held it up; everyone clapped. They decided he would do 20 prints. As he was hand pulling the individual prints people asked questions and he answered. It was a great live demonstration and the crowd really enjoyed it.

You can see the print and possibly the original (if it's available). Stop by the gallery; the prints will be on sale there. Thanks to Wim Roefs for hosting the event. It was really quite interesting. Go see at 1223 Lincoln St., Columbia SC Tell them artsails1 sent you.

The if ART gallery is open Mon-Sat 11-7 PM. The phone is 803-255-0068.

Barbie Mathis was interviewed by Channel 19 News

Barbie was just interviewed at Sandhills Village Art Gallery by News 19.

They said it would be on tv about 5 or at 6 tonight.

Stay Tuned.

She said it may only be a sound bit or two.

The main thing is they saw and filmed the gallery which is set up for the Inaugral Show with works honoring

the upcoming Inauguration Day.

Coincidently; they came at a time when the highest selling artist happend to be there. Barbie Mathis has been selling art so fast she has to paint in every bit of her spare time. An unexpected shot of publicity can only add fuel to the fire. Art by Barbie Mathis will continue to spread thru the city of Columbia, SC and the world like a wild fire.

Congratulations to Barbie Mathis; you deserve this!

CD Just Released John Fitz Rogers

Breaking News.... John Fitz Rogers of Columbia SC

"Be prepared to be in awe!"

-Jean Bourque

John Fitz Rogers Releases New CD- "Once Removed" -

CD Just released - Innova Recordings

Innova Recordings announces the release of "Once Removed"

(Innova 707),

a collection of music by American composer John Fitz Rogers.

The disc includes

Blue River Variations" (2003) 16:05

Marina Lomazov, piano"Sonata Lunaris" (2005) 16:25

Opus Two - William Terwilliger, violin; Andrew Cooperstock, Piano

"Once Removed" (2003) 8:54

(for two marimbas and click tracks)Cameron Britt and Scott Herring,

marimbas"Memoria Domi" (2004) 24:26 Joseph Eller, clarinet;

William Terwilliger, violin; Robert Jesselson, cello; Lynn Kompass, piano.

To purchase directly from Innova or for more information, please visit http://innova.mu/artist1.asp?skuID=343 . The CD is also available from

retailers such as Amazon, or in download format from iTunes, etc.

(Excerpts of the works are available from iTunes or at http://www.johnfitzrogers.com/works.html )

John, this is great;

yours truly;

Jean Bourque

if ART Gallery Presents Jan 15-Feb 4

if ART Gallery presents
SALON III: The Print Exhibition
January 15 – February 4, 2009
@ if ART Gallery
1223 Lincoln St., Columbia, S.C. 29205, (803) 255-0068/ (803) 238-2351

Reception: Thursday, Jan. 15, 5 – 10 p.m.
Opening Hours: Weekdays, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. & by appointment
Printmaking Demonstrations:
Sunday, Jan. 18, 3 – 5 p.m., Marcelo Novo, Print Gocco
Sunday, Jan. 25, 3 – 5 p.m., Phil Garrett, Monotype
Saturday, Jan. 31, 3 – 5 p.m., H. Brown Thornton, Photo Transfer
Sunday, Feb. 1, 3 – 5 p.m., Steven Chapp, Linocut & Photopolymer Prints

Artists in the exhibition:
Karel Appel, Jeri Burdick, Carl Blair, Lynn Chadwick, Steven Chapp, Corneille, Jeff Donovan, Jacques Doucet, Phil Garrett, Herbert Gentry, Tonya Gregg, John Hultberg, Richard Hunt, Sjaak Korsten, Lucebert, Reiner Mährlein, Sam Middleton, Eric Miller, Joan Mitchell, Dorothy Netherland, Marcelo Novo, Hannes Postma, Edward Rice, Anton Rooskens, Kees Salentijn, Laura Spong, Brown Thornton, Bram van Velde, Katie Walker, David Yaghjian and Paul Yanko.