Osceola Center for the Arts

I just viewed the application process for the Osceola Center for the Arts and Center Art Associates. I like the fact that they jury in artists. Their mission is to "raise the Center's cultural profile". Well said! Once accepted, the CAA acts as a conduit for the visual artist, serving as a promoter for the visual artists. Your $35.00 annual membership fee gets you into their database, and a venue for your work will be found as soon as possible. Your name will be included in their email list for all ‘call for artists’ and general information about the local art scene. I say that's money well spent.

Coming to a close

My exhibits at the Morean Arts Center in St. Petersburg, and the Fine Art Gallery at Seminole State College in Sanford come to a close this week. I have been invited to adorn the walls of the Raymond James office in Stuart. It's good to see a local business supporting local artists. The Arts Council of Martin County, and its Board of Directors just doesn't get it. If you don't advocate for the artists, what becomes of them?

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.