Art News DFW Archive

You are invited to visit the Plano Art Association's new and much improved website. This new website has been designed to better fulfill our mission of promoting the visual arts within Plano, and we hope that you will find the art news, members' art galleries, event calendar and much more both useful, and enjoyable to read. The URL is: http://www.planoartassociation.com/

Thanks go to the incredibly professional and talented Troy Veluzar, who has redesigned our site, and puts many hours of hard work into customizing it for us. I would strongly recommend hiring Troy for your own website needs, whether personal or business. Working with him has been a pleasure, even for a non-technical person like myself. Visit his site at http://veluzarwebdesign.com/

In addition to standard paid websites, the webmasters of visual art groups (such as artists groups & collectives, art centers, etc.) can choose from free websites or blogs to host their sites. These are typically easy to use. There's just no excuse not to have a website! And now there's another option which is even easier and also free: the Online Group.

Why use an Online Group? COMMUNICATION is the major rationale. It's another way to get the word out about your group's activities. You can also use an online group in addition to a regular website.

These powerful capabilities to push out communication or store information online are part of most the group sites discussed:

• Landing page with info about the group - for the public
• Notices, invitations, and newsletters 
• Discussions by group members 
• Galleries of images of artwork and photos
• Calendars and event schedules
• Databases/Lists of contacts (group members)
• Word or text files

Worried about privacy? Most of these capabilities can be made PRIVATE -- limited only to group members. You can also be selective about who joins so that spammers and hecklers can be excluded from membership!

Also, it's so simple that you don't need a trained webmaster to administer the online group. Just a volunteer coordinator.

An email address is all that is absolutely necessary for an artist member to participate in any of the following groups:

The Major Players:

Facebook, Meetup, Yahoo Groups, Google Groups, and even Twitter and Flickr! (new: SocialRaise)

For single 20's and 30's somethings, finding like minded individuals for a community is tough. Though I have found somewhat of a niche here in Dallas, so many times I wish for more. As a lover of the arts, (being raised with museums, symphonies and plays), when I suggest events to my peers, at times my suggestions are met with indifference.

This is a shame because DFW offers so much, from little offbeat theaters and art exhibits to the world renowned.

So, to fill in that gap, I am starting an arts frequenter group for 20-39 year olds called "ArtsY" (a free to belong group www.meetup.com/artsgeny ). When talking to various public media entities, I've discovered that people are aware of the need for such a group. Some notable media has shown interest, but in a true 'catch 22' fashion they only wish to help when the group is large and well established. 

The need for such a group uniting similar minds and tastes benefits everyone. Nothing beats a stimulating
time at a play, symphony, art exhibit or other musical offering, but those offerings only truly satisfy when in the company of others. So I ask you to forward information about our group to Generation Y people who are longing to find kindred spirits. Thanks Chris Baken www.meetup.com/artsgenY .

A press release from Oxide Gallery in Denton:

What: Art Blog - Cross Oaks Elementary School, Denton, TX
Mrs. Sturgell, a local art teacher created an online art blog to engage her students and the Denton community in discussing art. In August 2009, she contacted OXIDE Gallery requesting to base her monthly topic on OXIDE Gallery's monthly art show. Each month OXIDE Gallery provides Mrs. Sturgell with images of the artwork that will be featured at OXIDE Gallery that month. Mrs. Sturgell selects the image that she would like to feature and posts it for everyone to leave comments as well as view what others have said. OXIDE Gallery announces the art blog each month to all of it's artists and those who joined their email list. Mrs. Sturgell welcomes comments from everyone. When reading the art blog you will find comments ranging from those of her elementary students to professional artists who have been working for years.

Contact:
OXIDE Gallery - Warren Hooper - info@oxidegallery.com, 940.483.8900 
Cross Oaks Elementary - Art Teacher, Stacy Sturgell - ssturgell@dentonisd.org  
Art Blog Website: http://www.dentonisd.org/512125122104136/Blog/browse.asp?a=398&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&c=88089

Become a "Friend of OXIDE" by joining our Email List at http://oxidegallery.com/Email-List.html 

or become a "Fan" of OXIDE on Facebook!   

The Artapprenticeonline.com and Traditionsartschool.com (online classes) presents a free Art Community to share your news, ask your questions, get advice, post your art and meet artists from all over the world..http://community.artapprenticeonline.com
Come see how art spreads in the new world of Technology and Art Education! Spread YOUR talents!

Submitted by: Doris Woodruff of Yellow Rose Decorative Painters art@texadian.net

     Season's Greetings from the Council for Artists' Rights.  We wish you a safe and vigorous 2011!

     We are pleased to announce the launch of the Dallas Art History blog written by art historian Sam Blain.  The blog is now available at http://www.dallasarthistory.com/.  

     The blog was created in part as a response to an art world which is in an unprecedented crisis because of the abandonment of professionalism.  The art world has instead evolved to satisfy the greed for monetary profits, social status and ego balm by a new breed of art market manipulators.

     Many of this country's art museums are already somewhere along this slippery slope.  Their board of directors, trustees and others should study this blog; it contains an important art historian's revelations and realizations of what awaits at the bottom of the slope.  A prime example of decline is what has happened to the Dallas Museum of Art.  That art institution seems to have reached a point of surrender, which could even endanger its 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status.

     Anyone with a serious interest in the fine arts should follow Dallas Art History blog.

     In addition, the blog contains a hotlink leading to an audio recording which discusses the controversial Virginia Lazenby O'Hara bequest of US$4.5M.  The recording is available free of charge here, it's parked at SoundCloud.com.

Note from Moderator of Art News DFW:

The latest headlines from the Dallas Art History blog are now included in the weekly feature: "Art Headlines / Feature Articles This Week"

http://mygemsoflove.net 3513 Oak Lawn Ave

'Tis that time of the year - new art calendars are being published for 2011.  Before you purchase yet another Impressionist calendar, consider first the local productions that support local art associations or that feature local artists:

Irving Art Association has published  its 3rd annual calendar with 13 reproductions of artwork by IAA members. The price is only $20 for a standard-size calendar (full color on 8&1/2″ x 11″ size cardstock which opens to a 11″ x 17″ format). This year the calendar was professionally printed using Lulu.com. To purchase or see more artwork, see the IAA website or order directly through Lulu.com: http://www.lulu.com/product/calendar/2011-irving-art-association-calendar/14013813 .
 

Support the annual fundraiser of the Irving Art Association! All money raised goes to be benefit IAA.

The artwork of thirteen artists was selected by the IAA Board for inclusion in the 3rd annual IAA Calendar. This year the calendar has been professionally published by Lulu Press. It’s printed in full color on 8&1/2″ x 11″ size quality glossy paper which opens to a 11″ x 17″ format.

The calendar features artwork submitted by IAA artists and those selected from prize-winners at IAA’s shows: Helen Bailey, Ernie Benton, Jr., Darla Bostick, Beverly Fuqua, Sharon Giles, Jane Kahler, Jean Knauber, Nancy Medina-Becker Cayetano “Ollie” Olivarez, Carol Simmons, Ron Stephens, Rosalinda Trevino-Stone, and David Tate.

Purchase yours for $20 at http://www.lulu.com/product/calendar/2011-irving-art-association-calendar/14013813

The Grapevine Art Project, Inc. (GAP) has recently received its 501-C nonprofit organization status. The mission of GAP is to enlist a broad cross section of the community to support the visual arts through programs and events at unique local venues, with the objective of developing a recognized Grapevine regional art destination.

The Grapevine Art Project began in the late 1990's as a vague concept for a Grapevine based art organization to support the arts first voiced by a longtime Grapevine resident, realtor and sometime painter, Ms. Barbara Nunn. Slowly, others were attracted to her concept which led to several attempts by Grapevine painter, James A. Humphrey, and other artists and individuals to formalize an organization as early as 2004. These original organizational attempts met with little sucess until they attracted the attention of a long-time downtown business owner, Pat Fairchild, of the Pueblo Connection Art Gallery. Since Pat sold his business and retired, much of his time has been devoted to serving as President of GAP and as its prime advocate. GAP's first actual operational year was 2009.

Individual membership in GAP is $35; senior or student status $25. The group sponsors an annual membership art show. For more information, see the website: http://www.grapevineartproject.com/  Email: grapevineartproject@gmail.com

  JENNIFER CULBERTSON 
 CITYARTCAL
WWW.CITYARTCAL.COM
2 1 4. 7 3 9. 4 7 7 5

A delightful series of peeks at various artists by Kurt Huggins and Zelda Devon is hosted on Tor.com, the website of the fantasy and science fiction publisher. The artists highlighted are drawn from famous classic figures and favorite illustrators. Each posting covers artists whose names start with a different letter of the alphabet. Check out the series at http://www.tor.com/blogs/2010/07/a-is-for-artist

You can see more about the commentators, who are artists themselves, at www.teeteringbulb.com

Trinity Arts Guild (TAG) is an all media association that was formed in 1961 for professional and amateur artists to explore and expand their creativity. Located in Bedford in the ArtsNet building inside the Boys Ranch park, TAG has a permanent meeting place and gallery. TAG affords its members gallery displays, art competitions and free demonstrations. In addition, members participate in local exhibits, art education (free painting groups, plus fee-paid art classes & workshops), and networking. Meeting Time: First Monday of Month at 7:00 p.m. Sept through June.

TAG is now taking orders for aprons that display the TAG logo and celebrate the 50th year anniversary. Orders can be made at the TAG meeting. The price for the apron is $18, payable in advance of ordering.

A wall calendar, commemorating TAG’s 50th Anniversary, is now on sale for $20 each. The calendar features art from the winners of the TAG Calendar Contest last spring. To place an order,please contact Christina Pearlman at 817-875-5677 or see one of the board members. Calendars will be offered for sale at the nextmembers meeting on November 1st.

As part of the anniversary remembrances, members are encouraged to share their memories of days gone by. A series of articles in the newsletter TAG TALK will highlight them. Read the Octobler 2010 issue for Loretta Schapansky Phillips's memories.

Take the Fresh Ideas Survey!

Subscriptions to the weekly and daily versions of the free email newsletter Art News DFW have now reached the 1,000 subscriber mark! We want to thank our subscribers for their interest and loyalty.

ArtGroupsDFW.com (and its newsletter Art News DFW) were founded in 2006 by Nancy Friedel and Sharon Giles (webmaster) after a meeting of local leaders of nonprofit visual artist groups. This not-for-profit website was established to fill a need for information and coordination for the visual artist groups in the North Texas region. Its purpose is to foster creativity through art nonprofit organizations that support working artists.

The website serves as a clearinghouse for news of local visual art events and opportunities through the news blog Art News DFW. It has been expanded to include for-profit events of interest to local artists and art lovers, such as art festivals, gallery walks, exhibits, etc. It is an artist-friendly space that gives local artists a place to publicize exhibits, events and classes.

In addition to the notices on Art News DFW, we also publish other resource guides:

• Listings of visual art groups, art institutions and other local art resources (see the list of guides on the home page.)
• Comprehensive seasonal Art Events Calendar covering art deadlines, exhibits and receptions, art meetings and demonstrations, art classes and workshops and art events such as art festivals, gallery walks, paintouts, etc.
• The weekly Art This Week in DFW feature that alerts you to what's happening now.

We've also co-opted other networking sites for our mission of supporting local visual arts:

• An ArtsGroupDFW page on FaceBook
• DFW Arts Feeds list on Toluu
• Art in DFW: An ArtsGroupDFW-sponsored online gallery on Flickr
• Art News DFW on Twitter (new)

Since our purpose is support, we're not shy about mentioning the resources of our "competitors": Joel Sampson's DFWart, Dallas Arts Revue, and KERA's Art&Seek as well as many others. If you're promoting an art event or your art career, our news submission page also has links to other sites to submit publicity.

We're celebrating the milestone of 1000+ subscribers with a redesign of our graphics and a new way to follow the news: Twitter. Hope you like them!

Well, we know that we must be doing something right as we are now into our fifth year of online publishing with lots of positive feedback. However, ArtsGroupsDFW is publishing a survey to see if we can do it even better. Take the opportunity to let us know what you think! Go to http://artgroupsdfw.com/freshideassurvey.html and answer the Fresh Ideas Survey.

--from Art&Seek by Anne Bothwell:

The Big Deal: Did We Mention Fabulous Prizes?

KERA's Art&Seek launches its new e-newsletter next Wednesday (Aug. 25.) You can sign up here.

Why? Because we’ll send you arts, music and culture stories you may have missed on KERA radio, TV or KXT FM.  Nilufer Arsala, the voice of Art&Seek on KERA and KXT, will tip you to some of her top picks for events coming up in the next week. We’ll have other surprises too.

But the big reason is this: subscribers are the only ones who can win The Big Deal.

Arts groups and venues around North Texas have been stepping up to create awesome experiences – for free – for our subscribers.  Such as:

A membership to the Nasher Sculpture Center, with a catalogue for the upcoming exhibition Revelation: The Art of James Magee, AND an invitation to the opening reception.

Tickets to events at the AT&T Performing Arts Center.

Season subscriptions – two tickets to every performance – for a variety of theaters, including The Dallas Theater Center, Stage West, Kitchen Dog, the Undermain and others.

Family packages at Casa Mañana.

Special days at museums in Fort Worth and Dallas.

That’s just a little sneak peak.

Here’s how it will work:

We’ll hold drawings every week for at least one giveaway (often two or three).

You can enter all the drawings. You can enter every week. You can enter from right here on the Art&Seek blog.  But you can’t win unless you subscribe. And once again, you can do that here.

The Association of Grand Prairie Artists (AGPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to furthering interest in visual arts in Grand Prairie, Texas. Our association provides a forum for painters, Sculptors, photographers, and multi-media artists to discuss their craft and interact with other creative people.

Activities of the AGPA include:
. Monthly meetings featuring demonstrations by well-known artist/teachers, and critiques of members work
. Rotating exhibition for members to display their art at businesses and government buildings in Grand Prairie
. Members only art show: View the 2009 AGPA winners 
. Members only website gallery
. Participation in various community events featuring art
. Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month except July and August. Annual membership dues are $25.

-- From the new website: http://www.gpartists.org/ Contact AGPA at gpkelly@sbcglobal.net.

The Eastside Creative Arts Club (ECAC) is a non-profit organization for artists in Tarrant County founded in 1970. This summer it was dissolved due to lack of interest and participation. For enquiries, contact Carolyn Weinman at ck_weinman@yahoo.com. For an overview, see the website at http://ecactx.org/.

KERA’S ART&SEEK UNVEILS WEB SITE REDESIGN WITH

BETTER NAVIGATION AND NEW FEATURES

AT www.artandseek.org

DALLAS/FORT WORTH: Just in time for its second anniversary, KERA’s Art&Seek is launching a redesign of its popular Web site at www.artandseek.org. The new layout offers a better display, easier navigation and new resources. A cleaner presentation makes it easier for visitors to move between feature stories, blog posts and daily event recommendations, and an upgraded search function allows for simultaneous event and story research.

Check out Arts+Culture DFW, a new fine arts magazine for the Dallas-Fort Worth area that fills the niche of the now-defunct THE magazine DFW. Ten issues a year are published by ArtStars Media LLC and distributed free to over 200 cultural venues, including galleries and museums.The magazine covers the contemporary and emerging visual and performing art scene in North Texas.

If you missed an issue, you can download it from the website: http://artsandculturedfw.com/. You can also sign up for the free email newsletter A+C weekly arts planner.

If you have an art event to promote, you can submit it.

100 Incredible Web Tools to Indulge Your Creativity

Includes sites like Flickr, DeviantART, Flash Paint, BRUSHter, ColorPicker, Rastorbater, etc.

Other art-related guides on the site:

100 Awe-Inspiring Artists You Should Follow On Twitter

Top 100 Interior Design Blogs

30 Things You Should Know About the Psychology of Color

70 Awesome Open Source Tools for Graphic Designers

50 Excellent Graphic Design Blogs

You can now follow Art News DFW on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ArtNewsDFW.

If you don't subscribe to Twitter, you can create a free account and follow us on your online Twitter account or by receiving "tweets" on your cell phone.

DallasGiclees.com is a Dallas giclee printing service that specializes in creating fine-art giclees for artists. We are one of the most affordable dallas giclee printers in the area and offer services for all level of artist.

As an additional savings, we will waive all the setup fees to artists that mentions they saw us on ArtGroupsDFW. In addition to giclee services, we also offer websites for artists.

Website: dallasgiclees.com Location: Addison

A free service, Meetup is the world's largest network of local groups. Meetup makes it easy for anyone to organize a local group or find one of the thousands already meeting up face-to-face.

Here's a selection of groups in the DFW area:

• North Irving Scrapbooking Therapy Club
• The Mansfield Scrapbooking Meetup Group
• 4 Corners Scrapbooking Club (Allen)
• The Grand Prairie Scrapbooking Meetup Group
• Scrapbooking for Lives Meetup (North Richland Hills)
• The Denton/Corinth N. Texas Scrapbooking Crop for the Cure
• WYSIWYG Girls (Coppell)
• Sweet Home Scrappers (Fort Worth)
• North Dallas Stampers & Scrappers Meetup Group
• Crop-A-Thon (Fort Worth)
• Happy Scrappy Girls (Arlington)
• Plano/Frisco Stampers and Scrapbookers
• Scrampers Anonymous ~ Frisco/Allen/Plano
• Frisco Based Crafters Connection
• S.A.S.S.Y Scrappers of Dallas
• The Krafty Korner in Euless
• The DFW Altered Books Meetup Group

The link for the Associated Creative Artists (ACA) has changed to the new address: http://www.acadallas.org. The website's look and content remains the same.

ACA is dedicated to the preservation, practice and the promotion of conservative art. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month (except June, July, August) at 7:00 pm at the Dallas Water Department. Nationally known artists demonstrate and lecture and offer two workshops a year. The Annual Award Show is held for members only in May of each year (this year at Artists' Showplace).

Here's another way to display and promote your art -- create your own art calendar with either online tools or specialized software.

Some considerations for selecting publishing sites and software:

• Ability to specify time period (and automatic generation of calendar)
• Choice of design suites
• Choice of size or format
• Ability to automatically add in holidays
• Ability to personalize dates
• On-demand printing & binding
• Use of high-resolution images
• Reasonable cost
• If printing at home: how to bind/punch and paper quality

Publishing websites abound on the net:

One that I have used is Lulu.com.  I created a calendar for 2010 for my friends and family. The template allows you to specify the size, select from design suites, add in images of art for the cover and each month, and automatically add in holidays. It also allowed me to add in smaller images on selected days, as well as personalize the calendar with birthdays, etc. If you wish, you can offer your calendar for public sale as well.

CafePress.com is a self-publishing site that allows you to have images printed on products on demand (without having to worry about inventory).  It offers several types of calendar formats that you can use, but no design suites or ability to add personal dates.

Photo sites also have calendar features: You can upload your art images to a free online account at Walgreen's and have them printed out as photos or use them to design your own calendar. Printing is usually available at a local store so turnaround can be fast. Examples of other photo sites with calendar publishing opportunities are Flickr.com and Qoop.com.

Dedicated publishing software, such as Broderbund's Print Shop  (either the Deluxe or Pro versions) and Microsoft Publisher, typically have calendar templates. They will generate a 12-month or 16-month calendar for whatever year you specify, add in standard holiday dates, and allow you to input your images. You can also choose from a design suite so your calendar is not plain jane. Even Microsoft Word has calendar templates. Using your own software allows you to save money on printing, but you will also have to consider how to bind it -- simple stapling, folding, or punching and using spiral binding. (Office Depot, OfficeMax or Fedex Office can do this.) Paper quality is also important -- using a heavier stock makes a more professional presentation.

Please add to the utility of this guide by using the comment form to describe your own experiences or software or websites that you have used.