FARM Call--June 30 deadline for discounted entry fee

* Painters, sculptors, photographers and printmakers may register for ART at the FARM (Meetinghouse Farm outdoor Show and Sale in West Barnstable on August 15 during the Village Festival) by June 30 to receive the discounted entry fee. After June 30, artists may still register, but without discount. We have over 20 local artists on board, and two demos scheduled to date. The event is rain or shine. For more information, or to register, contact Jean Carbonell at 508-362-1339 or email carbonel@cape.com or Pat Nickerson at patnickersonart@yahoo.com

from Voice of the Arts

Transartistic Meditation by Robert Genn

Many years ago I took a course in Transcendental Meditation (TM), and since then I've painted a few paintings (FP). The idea of combining the two has been sitting cross-legged between my ears ever since.

One of my early problems with TM was forgetting my mantra. Sorry to say I often had to phone my guru Ralph. One day I decided to customize what Ralph taught so it was more "me." It seemed that any mantra worked as long as it had lots of "m's" in it. About the same time, I was discovering that humming while painting seemed to help. Humming is loaded with "m's."

Studies of "flow" and "the zone" have been done using all stripes of artists. This is where the artist gets into a relaxed, intuitive state somewhere deep down in the lizard brain and the good stuff rains down like ripe pomegranates. Tired of rotten apples, I was curious about these concepts as well.

So here's what I figure you have to do. Try to set aside several hours in a quiet, restful and uncluttered environment. You don't have to sit on the floor. Squeeze out the sacred colours in advance so you can get right into the mind-set. Relax. Get centered. Think pleasant thoughts. Size up the job. Get started. The idea is to start seeing and feeling your work not as a product of effort but as an exercise in languid play. The brush slows down and feelings of contentment pervade. You need to trust your instincts and allow the automatic stuff to happen. Feel like a deep-forest green? Dip into it.

TM claims twenty minutes twice a day gets you "a silent reservoir of energy, creativity and intelligence." If you do what I suggest you'll also dip into that reservoir. Part of TM involves attention to your breathing. In my system, you pay attention to your brush. Follow its movement from palette to canvas and back again. Be mesmerized by the energy emanating from its tip. Let your brush put down those strokes directly and then watch it leave those strokes alone.

Feelings of discontent and misery float away. Time flies. Things go best if you have a fair amount of technique under your belt. Memories and motifs simply reconstruct, purify and manifest themselves. A blithe, spiritual confidence penetrates the artist's soul and all becomes right with the world. Like a lot of TM, the system is really quite practical.

Robert Genn, June 26, 2009

and don't forget to look at The Painter's Post

Great new website

MakeBigArt.com is Lisa Call's just launched website for (in her very big words!)

Empowering artists…

…to think big about their art

…to think big about their marketing

…to think big about their lives

Check out her take on why artists need a Facebook fan page.

People Showing

Mary Ince and Anne Garton are in the Juried Members' Show at PAAM.
If you go, make sure you see Pat DeGroot's retrospective too.

Anne Flash in a group show now at the Hutson Gallery in Provincetown with a solo show scheduled from July 3-16. Opening Friday, July 3, 6-9pm.

Sue Pellowe is showing at Eastham's Hands on the Arts Festival on Windmill Green this weekend.

Tuesday Links and a Call Reminder

Robert Genn's The Art Lotto

Constance Humphries' The critique - getting feedback

Sylvia White's Advice on Art archives

Joanne Mattera's Marketing Monday on Jackie Battenfield's new book


The drop off for PAAM's Juried Exhibition for members is today from 12-4pm.
Information can be found here. If you go, don't forget to pick up your 12 x 12.

Protecting Your Art With Paper

NYFA presents a video of Jonathan Melber's talk on invoices and consignments forms.

A Studio Work System

Advice from a textile artist who works full-time as a software engineer and has a family...

How to Get Stuff Done from Lisa Call's blog Contemporary Textile Art.

Explore her archives for more practical advice.

Do you know about the Sourcebook?

The Cape Cod Chamber, Coastal Community Capital, Homebuilders and Remodelers Association of Cape Cod, Cotuit Center for the Arts, and Cultural Center of Cape Cod are creating a "Sourcebook of Handcrafted Items with Architectural Elements," designed for architects, designers and builders.

We have put out a call to artists and photographers for the publication!

Artists must live or have their main place of business on Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, or Nantucket and be able to supply photographs of work installed in homes or businesses.

The photographer selected needs extensive experience in "interior" shots, with particular skills in lighting and staging. For full requests for proposal, email Clare@capecodchamber.org.

They have very specific requirements. Please contact Clare for more information.

Check this out at the Arts Foundation!

Do you teach arts-related classes? Does your arts organization offer classes?

Our new website features a unique searchable database that includes listings for arts classes and educational programs offered across Cape Cod. Narrow down your search by town, topic, category, medium, skill level and age - so you can quickly find exactly what you're looking for!

Use this searchable class database to your advantage by listing your classes and workshops! Promote your offerings to a wide audience across the Cape. Expand the market for your classes!

For AFCC members, the new website allows you to create a profile page to promote your organization, yourself and your work. Upload photographs and create an online gallery to show off your talents!

Do you know about the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod?

"The Arts Foundation of Cape Cod is the regional arts agency for Barnstable County, committed to strengthening and promoting Cape Cod's arts and cultural industry throughout the year. We serve individual artists, cultural organizations, fine and performing arts groups and businesses, and cultural and historical establishments such as museums and archives."

Artist membership is a wonderful opportunity to share the resources of the Foundation.

ARTIST $30

• Free round-trip airline ticket from Hyannis to Nantucket courtesy of Cape Air
• Complimentary listing on CapeCodArts.org with an image of your work
• Opportunity to be highlighted as Artist of the Month on the Arts Foundation website
• Opportunity to submit event announcements for the Arts Foundation online calendar
• Discounted price on Making Art, Making a Living programs
• Free Passport to the Arts
• Member recognition in the Pops by the Sea Program Book
• Advance notice of Arts Foundation of Cape Cod grants and other grant opportunities

The posting below is an example of the opportunities published in their weekly newsletter.

Postings from the Current Voice of the Arts

* Call to artists to help support veterans: in search of artists, professional and otherwise, whether it's with a paint brush, cooking spatula, a guitar with a few chords, or a poet writing a poem. Those with a creative skill are asked to volunteer and share their skills with veterans. Robert John Cook is inviting creative folks across Cape Cod to join in a weekly series of television interviews of Cape Cod artists. For more information or to participate contact Robert John Cook at 508-367-5571 or email MayflowerStudio@aol.com

* The Hyannis Main Street Business Improvement District presents the Cape Cod Fine Arts Festival on August 29-30 on the Hyannis Village Green. Paragon Arts is performing a nationwide search of artists and juries for inclusion, with a set of spots reserved for the best local artists. Applications are due June 15. Applications can be found online at www.zapplication.org/shows.phtml

* The Falmouth Cultural Council's Art Market is up and ready for its third summer. It will run June 18 - September 3, every Thursday from 3:00 - 8:00 pm, at Town Hall Square in Falmouth. There are about 30 local artists showing and selling their artworks. And there are musicians performing and the occasional surprise performers. Everyone is invited to come, show or sell art, publicize upcoming events or classes, etc. There is no charge if nothing is sold and only a 15% commission on what is sold. Proceeds go towards the Falmouth Cultural Council's grants pool to be given to local artists and arts organizations. For more information email martket@verizon.net

* The Arts Education Partnership (AEP) is seeking small group session proposals for the Fall National Forum on October 2-3 in Cambridge, MA. AEP Forums are the major convening point for the field to address important issues, themes, and trends affecting arts education and to share information and resources among national, state, and local constituencies. The Fall 2009 Forum theme will consider the ways the principles of 21st century learning, particularly imagination, creativity and innovation, are incorporated, articulated and supported throughout the education system from pre-K to higher education. Proposals are due June 19. Forms are available online or contact Laura Smyth, Senior Associate for Communications and Partnerships, at lauras@ccsso.org

* Call to all artists for any which way at Guyer Barn, an eclectic exhibition that will run September 19 - October 12. Artists use one or several 12 x 6 panels to create any which way their heart desires in any media. Panels will be available for pick up beginning June 19. Panels can be picked up in Growth Management Department, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm and on Tuesday evenings at the Guyer Barn from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. For more information contact Sarah Holl at 508-364-7949 or sarahhollart@yahoo.com or Melissa Hersh at 508-862-4767 or Melissa.hersh@town.barnstable.ma.us

* Call for artists and photographers. The Cape Cod Art Association will present the seventh annual Art in the Village festival on June 27-28 from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm in Barnstable. Artists tents will be set up throughout the entire village. Take a tent space or volunteer. All space is on a first come first served basis and available until June 20. Fee is non-refundable and there is no rain date for this event. For tent spaces call 508-362-2909 and to volunteer email susan.cahoon@verizon.net

* The Cape Cod Conservatory is looking for unusual images from scenes beyond the shores of Cape Cod. Submissions must relate to the theme of USA People and Places. Included can be images of people, building interiors and exteriors, machinery, constructed objects, citiscapes and landscapes. Submission dates are June 22 - 26, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm at the Falmouth campus, 60 Highfield Hall in Falmouth. For more information call 508-540-0611 or visit www.capecodconservatory.org

* The Arts Education Partnership (AEP) is seeking submissions of art to be featured as the program cover design of the AEP Fall 2009 National Forum, "Charting a Course for the Arts and 21st Century Learning" to be held on October 2-3 in Cambridge, MA. The winner will have his/her work displayed on the cover along with a brief biography in the program, and receive a small monetary prize. Submissions are due June 25. Details about the contest, submission requirements, and submission forms are available online. Questions about the contest should be directed to Teka Phan, Program Assistant at tekap@ccsso.org

* The Harwich Summer Arts and Craft Festivals, on July 11-12 and August 8-9, are accepting applications from artists and craftspeople. Information and applications for exhibit space are available from Harwich Cranberry Festival Summer, Crafts Registrar, P.O. 555, Harwich Port, MA 02646, by telephone at 508-527-7620 or by email at mcmanused@msn.com

A Reminder

The first Lower/Outer Cape Artists Group Meeting will be July 14 from 9:30-11am.

A ways away yes....but please be thinking of what you want the group to achieve for artists here as well as what you bring to the group.

I'll send out the survey results to my question asking for the 3 most important issues for artists before the meeting so that we can discuss them and possible solutions.

Please contact me if you have any questions or suggestions before then.

Thank you!

More Practical Advice

ART-STUFF offers practical advice for artists by an art critic living in Melbourne, Australia.

Useful regardless of where you live!

art21 online

Previous seasons of PBS' art21 are available online.

Hulu.com, like youtube.com, is worth exploring for art-related material beyond the splashy, flashy homepages.

Buying Supplies

Is anyone interested in buying art supplies online as a group to save money in shipping?

Please let me know if you are: cdp.artist.liaison@gmail.com.

Thank you!

Get it in Writing!

Recently, an artist told me of a significant sale made without a contract. The artist expected further sales as a result of the transaction and was disappointed when nothing came of it. When queried, the buyer's agent stated that the artist had breached an important term of the verbal sale agreement. The artist had no recollection of the term, did not believe it had been part of the agreement, but had nothing in writing to prove this.

Get everything in writing. Always! Even when it feels awkward.

Edward Winkleman's Advice for Artists Seeking Gallery Representation

Edward Winkleman, a gallery owner in NYC, is extremely generous in his advice to artists trying to get into a gallery.

He is in my Hall of Fame!

Marketing Mondays with Joanne Mattera

Defining "Success"

What does it mean to you?

Interesting that she cites an artist couple working on the Lower/Outer Cape as an example of making a successful art life outside the stereotypical mainstream. Cultivating a collector relationship with a potential or existing buyer is key now.

Make sure you keep checking the comments through the week as people debate the issue.

Two great reads for a Monday

The Joy of Less by Pico Iyer
New York Times
June 8, 2009


The heart of Saturday night by Garrison Keillor
Salon.com
June 3, 2009

Why I Love the Internet

Where else would I discover and read the recommendations of Wil Freeborn (great name!), an artist living in Scotland on The Tools Artists Use?

And I was directed to this by Michael Nobbs, an artist from Wales.

Anyone interested in sharing the cost of a show?

I think I've found some reasonable space in Provincetown to do Friday evening shows in July where we can grab some of the foot traffic doing openings from PAAM to the Schoolhouse and artStrand galleries.

The time frame would be:
Set up at 5pm
Opening from 6-9
Break down from 9-10pm
Everything has to be out by 10pm-no exceptions

Please contact me directly asap at cdp.artist.liaison@gmail.com if you want to participate. We need to move quickly.

Keep July 14 Open

Yes, it's Bastille Day, but it's also the first meeting of the Lower and Outer Cape Artists Group!

We will meet at the Community Development Partnership, map, work home of Moira and Lisa, in Eastham from 9:30-11am.

Please come prepared to discuss what we want to accomplish as a group and go over the results of our survey. Right now, I see our primary purpose as finding places to show and sell work.

Want to start organizing an Open Studios Tour for Columbus Day weekend? Where's a good group venue, centrally located, for artists who don't have a studio, or don't want strangers in their space?

Let's talk.

How to Price

Utrecht offers this advice.

Wonder where I get this information? On Twitter. Check it out if you haven't already.

Everybody loves screenprinting!

And here's how to do it if you don't know how.

That Utrecht!

Making Art/Selling Art on the Pier in Provincetown

The most recent CDP New Markets for Artists group ended yesterday--so grateful for the help, Lisa, Oren, and Rick!

In discussion of venues, Brad suggested that artists who can sell art while making it might want to investigate renting/sharing the pier shacks in Provincetown.

Contact person for more information is John Davidson, Administrative Assistant to the Harbormaster, at 508-487-7030 or jdavidson@provincetown-ma.gov.

Need a Shipping Box?

Sue Smith, author of the blog Ancient Artist: developing an art career after 50, gives instructions on how to build a shipping box.

Explore her archives as she offers great advice on other problems such as picture taking and making painting panels.

Need Framing?

Seth does a great job and listens to every word you tell him.

Ask for him at Frame Center, 83 Old Colony Way, Orleans, 508-240-6633.

It's Monday and time for...

Marketing Monday written by Joanne Mattera, a painter who lives/works in New York and teaches at MassArt.

Check out Joanne Mattera Art Blog each Monday for some excellent advice and commentary.