Limited vs. Open Editions

I signed a contract with an art consulting firm a few months ago. They deal with open editions for the hotel industry. I have been reluctant to allow my art to be printed in open editions, but with economic conditions the way they are, I have no choice. I just submitted more of my work to this firm for a 5 star hotel project in Miami. I'll keep you posted.

First Exhibit of 2011

My first exhibit of 2011 is a group show at the Morean Arts Center in St. Petersburg titled "Disappearing Florida". Four nature photographers, including myself, are doing our own individual take on the vanishing wilderness in Florida, and how it effects the livelihood of some Floridians. The opening reception is Friday, January 14th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Please visit www.moreanartscenter.org for more information.

Climate Change

I'm sure most Floridians have not been too happy with our Winter weather so far. With the amount of earthquakes and volcanoes in 2010, it comes as no surprise. The Earth is going through some changes. Our Summer was about 5 degrees hotter than normal also.I happened to visit Riverbend Park in West Jupiter this past Sunday. The swamps had receded so far that I was able to walk across them. We are in drought conditions and have already seen two major wildfires. Time to pray for rain.

Osceola 32 Gallery

Last night was the opening reception at Osceola 32 Gallery for a number of local(Stuart, Martin County) artists. In the year that the gallery has been open, the crowds have increased greatly in size. Rachel Goldberg and Michael Penn, the owners of Osceola 32, have made each opening an event, inviting performing artists to participate as well. Unlike other galleries in Stuart, Osceola 32 doesn't wait for "First Thursday" art walks to have an event. The only disappointment of the evening was the lack of attendance and support by the Arts Council Board(see my last blog). When will they get it?

Art Advocacy or Artist Advocacy

The more I look at the art situation, first in Palm Beach, and now in Martin County, I see a vast difference in advocating for the arts vs. advocating for the artists. The current Arts Council Board in Martin County consists primarily of local business leaders with no arts background. I feel more artists should be included on the Board to give the artists more input. The Board should be designed to artist's work by making it accessible to individuals, corporations, and designers. In other words, ther Council should be a valuable resource for artists. I wonder how many Board members support the local artists with their work in their home or office.

Web Design & SEO

Why can't web designers just be up front and honest in what they can and can't do. I have gone through a few thousand dollars this year and am still not happy with the results. I have contacted another firm, and it looks like this may be the right match. They give me a free demo site for 30 days to fool around with, and if not satisfied, can just let it expire. I hope this is the answer.

No Magic Bullet

I had the privilege to go on a photo excursion with Bill Belleville yesterday. I was hoping for an easy answer as to how to have my photography more recognized, but as Bill put it, "there is no magic bullet". He was grateful enough to provide me with suggestions. I hope to do other excursions with him.