Saturday, March 11, 2012
My third day of the iPad project, I lay in bed, exhausted, and did a quick sketch of the little Ikea candle beside my bed. I think I was able to blow it out before I fell asleep....zzzzz
In the Studio Today... "Penny Pincher"
iPad Painting, Day 2/365
Friday, March 9, 2012
I work part-time, and it just isn't enough sometimes... A car broke down this week, and things got very tight around here. While we have a roof and can feed the kids, extras were not an option this week. I just started thinking about the term "pinching pennies" and wondered where it came from.
Here's what a search came up with:
To trace "in a pinch," we start with the verb "to pinch," which came from the Old French "pincier." The literal sense of "to pinch" is "to squeeze, especially with the fingers and, of the human body, especially in a way that causes pain or discomfort." Since it first appeared in English in the 14th century, both the verb and noun forms of "pinch" have taken on various figurative meanings. "To pinch" has meant, among other things, "to afflict or harass," "to steal" and "to be miserly" ("pinch pennies"). As a noun, "pinch" has been used as a metaphor for, most importantly for our discussion, any sort of severe pressure, difficulty or hardship that "pinches" a person. Thus we quite logically say that to be in such a situation is "to feel the pinch" or "to be in a pinch." This use of "in" (originally "at" or "on") a "pinch" dates back to at least the late 15th century, and the use in baseball of "pinch hitter" to mean one player substituted for another at a critical stage of the game dates back to 1902.
In the Studio Today... iPad Painting in Brushes| "Goodnight, San Francisco Moon"
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| "Goodnight, San Francisco Moon". Painted in Brushes for 1st gen. iPad |
I am not sure why, but my most creative son and I have not been able to sleep well for the past few nights... I am beginning to think it really does have to do with the moon; a full moon, keeping us a bit uneasy and too alert to sleep. Although Blake finally fell asleep tonight, I was still up, watching the news and noticed ABC channel 7 in the Bay Area had a video of one of our bridges with the moon rising right behind it and the traffic rolling by.
I have been thinking about starting to sketch on the iPad again, since Texas artist, Alison Jardine (@alisonjardine on Twitter) recently completed her 365th iPad drawing/painting... One for each day for the last 365 days. I tried this with photos once and didn't make it... Maybe I can do it again, or just revisit the iPad for a creative tool. With all this in my night time mind, I sketched this little fun scene from my memory of the video on the news tonight. "Goodnight, San Francisco Moon". Seems like it could be the start of a cute children's book. As I recall when I first started this finger painting a year or more ago, it takes some time to get used to all the tools/brushes before you can be more sophisicated in your work. Sometimes it is just fun to go with the awkwardness of the tools and just let things happen. This is one of the things I like most about Brushes on the iPad. It's just fun... it is what you put into it, like most things in life.
In the Studio today... Graphic Design:
2nd Fridays Art Walk
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| This design has a person looking at art (top left) as the first thing you see. |
2nd Fridays Art Walk is a program of the non-profit Arts Center I work for, Art Works Downtown. They promote the event, create the maps, and make sure the venues who are pouring wine or beer do so legally and have licenses with the ABC. It's a big job, and we are always looking for sponsors to pay for the printing of maps or donate in-kind donations of food or beverage. Volunteers interested in the Arts are also always needed! Check out the website for more information: www.2ndFridaysArtWalk.com or click here to learn about Sponsorship.
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| In this design, a gallery full of people is the first thing you read, left to right. |
In the Studio Today... Press Release:
"The Elements" at Art Works Downtown
I have been working for Art Works Downtown since August 2011 as their Communications Coordinator. My job consists of graphic design for print and web, and the occassional press release with a bit of fun writing about art, where I get to play "art critic". Here is my second press release written for AWD. Enjoy! -C.Proppé
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ART WORKS DOWNTOWN
Press Release
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
12pm PST, February 23, 2012
ART WORKS DOWNTOWN PRESENTS:
“THE ELEMENTS” JURIED BY MARIA MEDUA,
DIRECTOR OF SFMOMA ARTISTS GALLERY
Art Works Downtown announces “The Elements”, a new exhibit in the main gallery at 1337 Fourth Street, San Rafael, CA, March 9 through April 27, Opening Reception on Friday, March 9 coinciding with 2nd Fridays Art Walk. A 2nd reception will coincide with April 13, 2nd Fridays Art Walk. This exhibit has been curated by Maria Medua of the SFMOMA Artists Gallery (www.sfmoma.org/artistsgallery). The exhibit features 32 Bay Area artists working in a variety of medias and styles. Selected from a pool of over 400 submissions, selected works have kept to the theme suggesting fire, water, air or earth.
Artist, Pattie Grey of San Anselmo, has created “a chorus-line” of
mosaic sculptures, one for each element: Water, Air, Earth and Fire.
Each piece is a torso with legs in the air; the torso extending from a
base of Earth, waves, a cloud, or fire, respectively. Grey’s legs
exposed to each element have an immediate appeal and force us to think
about humanity in the natural world. 
Carol A. Levy of San Rafael, has taken a more abstract look at the theme, with her acrylic on canvas painting, “Spacious Flow”. The background colors suggest a field of air or water, while swirling, mesh-like objects, suggest forces of nature, especially one red and orange tangle that evokes a ball of fire. This piece has the sense that an intricate weave of ideas is melding together, much like the web of life.
Deborah Hayner of San Francisco, has created a piece “Cyclone
Wildebeest”, that recalls Rube Goldberg contraptions, the
whimsical meta-mechanics of Swiss artist, Jean Tiguely and the world
of sci-fi fantasy. This mixed media, watercolor, goache and ink work
shows a robotic girl, seemingly running on the power of raindrops from
an open window, fire in her belly, and a hen floating in this
mechanical confusion. A sign reads, “What good is a hen without color?” A contemplative crow with a detective’s hat looks on to the
scene, observing the mysterious contraption and pondering survival in
this bizarre new world. Even Hayner’s use of the wildebeest in her
title recalls the current battle of man against nature, as wildebeest
migrations are threatened by competing human demands on the landscape.
Hayner expresses the complex and bizarre realities we are forced to
deal with as our demands on the earth’s elements threaten the world
towards sci-fi drama proportions.
Other artists exhibiting include:
from San Francisco: stoneware artist, Natasha Dikareva;
from Sausalito: painter, Bret Arenson;
from Corte Madera: painter, Gail Weissman
from San Rafael: Photographer, Jack Androvich; painter, Georgia Annwell; mixed-media artist, Carol Durham; gourd artist, Amï Diallo; painter, Ellen Litwiller; clay artist, Kathy Pallie; watercolorist, Kay Russell; mixed-media artist, Phyllis Thelen, and painter, June Yokell.
from San Anselmo: mixed-media artist, Elise Cheval; photographer, Samuel Henderson; printmakers, Katya McCulloch and Katherine Warinner. from Fairfax: mixed-media artist, Marguerite Elliot; wood artist, R. Dean Nyberg;
from West Marin Ceramist, Barbara Andino-Stevenson; Inverness artist, Zea Morvitz;
from the North Bay: Healdsburg mixed-media artist, M.C.Carolyn; Sebastopol: photographer, Rebecca Guarda; Napa: mixed-media artist, Maash Pascal; Petaluma painter, Kathryn St. Clair; Vallejo painter, Susan Strong;
Other artists exhibiting include:
from San Francisco: stoneware artist, Natasha Dikareva;
from Sausalito: painter, Bret Arenson;
from Corte Madera: painter, Gail Weissman
from San Rafael: Photographer, Jack Androvich; painter, Georgia Annwell; mixed-media artist, Carol Durham; gourd artist, Amï Diallo; painter, Ellen Litwiller; clay artist, Kathy Pallie; watercolorist, Kay Russell; mixed-media artist, Phyllis Thelen, and painter, June Yokell.
from San Anselmo: mixed-media artist, Elise Cheval; photographer, Samuel Henderson; printmakers, Katya McCulloch and Katherine Warinner. from Fairfax: mixed-media artist, Marguerite Elliot; wood artist, R. Dean Nyberg;
from West Marin Ceramist, Barbara Andino-Stevenson; Inverness artist, Zea Morvitz;
from the North Bay: Healdsburg mixed-media artist, M.C.Carolyn; Sebastopol: photographer, Rebecca Guarda; Napa: mixed-media artist, Maash Pascal; Petaluma painter, Kathryn St. Clair; Vallejo painter, Susan Strong;
from Mill Valley: clay artist, Nini Lion;
from Berkeley: encaustic artist, Mari Marks; photographer, Elizabeth Saucier;
from Fairfield: stoneware artist, Lisa Jetonne;
Also featured at Art Works Downtown on March 9 are two events on our lower level, including Dominican University’s “Guest Artist Fellowship Awardee 2012” in the Underground Gallery. This is a new collaborative program between Dominican University and Art Works Downtown. In the AWD Founders Lounge a new printmaking exhibit, curated by Stephanie Jucker, features the works of Barbara Poole, Lisa Long, Jason Sheldrick, Anne Wolfe and additional studio artists from Art Works Downtown. The printmaking exhibit runs through March 31, 2012.
For more information, please contact:
Art Works Downtown, 1337 Fourth St., San Rafael, CA
Phone: 415-451-8119 Website: ArtWorksDowntown.org
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Additional PR samples:
• Press Release written for "Day of the Dead" 2011 exhibit
from Berkeley: encaustic artist, Mari Marks; photographer, Elizabeth Saucier;
from Fairfield: stoneware artist, Lisa Jetonne;
Also featured at Art Works Downtown on March 9 are two events on our lower level, including Dominican University’s “Guest Artist Fellowship Awardee 2012” in the Underground Gallery. This is a new collaborative program between Dominican University and Art Works Downtown. In the AWD Founders Lounge a new printmaking exhibit, curated by Stephanie Jucker, features the works of Barbara Poole, Lisa Long, Jason Sheldrick, Anne Wolfe and additional studio artists from Art Works Downtown. The printmaking exhibit runs through March 31, 2012.
For more information, please contact:
Art Works Downtown, 1337 Fourth St., San Rafael, CA
Phone: 415-451-8119 Website: ArtWorksDowntown.org
-----
Additional PR samples:
• Press Release written for "Day of the Dead" 2011 exhibit
In the Studio Today... Gifts for Valentine's Day!
Don't forget, I have six original cycling paintings on display at 3 Ring Cycles in downtwown San Anselmo. I have a special discount offer advertised on Twitter. Find the code and email it to me for a discount on a painting for your favorite cyclist or mt. biking sweetheart. Happy Valentine's Day!
January 2012 - current
3 Ring Cycles
San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, California
Six paintings of cycling scenes in Marin and Connecticut
view the cycling paintings online
purchase prints of cycling paintings online
Valentine's Discount: email me with the code to redeem discount here
January 2012 - current
3 Ring Cycles
San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, California
Six paintings of cycling scenes in Marin and Connecticut
3 Ring Cycles website
3 Ring Cycles on Facebook
purchase prints of cycling paintings online
Valentine's Discount: email me with the code to redeem discount here
In the Studio Today... Art on the Farm,
Mary Maxim's Bike Painting + Velokos.com
In painting news, this evening, I stumbled upon this painting by Mary Maxim. It is wonderful; a cyclist with a limited palette. I love her work! Go, Mary! You are inspiring me to try again on my cycling paintings. I have a new idea for an upcoming show, but I want to paint big, so I need to set up my easel and get going. Read the article here that Mary refers to about a 4 color, limited palette. We did this with Parsons School of Design in France when I was in High School, and the gauche paintings that came out of this are some of my favorites. Perhaps Mary can post her work on my friend Tim's blog in Colorado... He is looking for artists with cycling subjects.
Here is Tim Richardson's cycling blog, Velokos.com
He has been asking me for art to add to the site, and I sent him over a painting last week. It is almost the opposite palette of Mary's subdued and limited palette, above. Perhaps it is time for me to try the Zorn palette and get out on the road again...
In the Studio Today... Mini Cow Paintings for the 23rd Annual Bolinas Museum "Mini Show"
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Terrific Sunday, 60 degrees in late November, sunny afternoon drive to Bolinas to deliver my first submissions to the Bolinas Museum Mini Show, now in it's 23rd year. This is a fundraiser, with all of the items giving at least 50% back to the Museum/50% to the artist.
Colorful crab pots were out on the side of the road, and the low tide offered the kids and dog ample opportunity for running and treasure hunting on the beach. The surfers were plentiful, even at sunset.
Working part-time at Art Works Downtown and still running my kids around to activities after school, I haven't had the time to paint that I did before I was working. This forces me to burn the midnight oil and get paintings done at night.
This year, I chose to paint on 6" x 6" (2 inch deep) gessoboard, that comes with a frame/box already attached and ready for gallery installation. My artist friend, Kate Peper, has been painting watercolors on these for years. I really liked painting on this, and will definitely do more paintings in this fashion.
My first painting is of a cow grazing above Tomales Bay, off Route #1. This is one of my favorite views of all, and you can park here and walk down until you are pretty close to the cows.
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| The Bolinas Museum, Bolinas, California www.bolinasmuseum.org |
Opening Reception:
Saturday • Nov 19 • 3 - 5pm
works of 80 invited artists
all pieces under $400
Colorful crab pots were out on the side of the road, and the low tide offered the kids and dog ample opportunity for running and treasure hunting on the beach. The surfers were plentiful, even at sunset.
Working part-time at Art Works Downtown and still running my kids around to activities after school, I haven't had the time to paint that I did before I was working. This forces me to burn the midnight oil and get paintings done at night.
This year, I chose to paint on 6" x 6" (2 inch deep) gessoboard, that comes with a frame/box already attached and ready for gallery installation. My artist friend, Kate Peper, has been painting watercolors on these for years. I really liked painting on this, and will definitely do more paintings in this fashion.
 |
| 6" x 6" mini oil paintings on gallery ready gessoboard |
My first painting is of a cow grazing above Tomales Bay, off Route #1. This is one of my favorite views of all, and you can park here and walk down until you are pretty close to the cows.
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| "Tomales Bay Munch" 6" x 6" oil on board 2011 |
The second mini painting is also from this same location. The lighting in the late afternoon produces "cow shadows" that are just terrific. I loved how the Mom is facing one direction and the kids are facing the opposite direction- all in silhouette with the colorful forground grasses.
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| "Mother and Twins" 6" x 6" oil on board 2011 |
Hope to see you at the reception, November 19th!
In the Studio Today... Apple's iWeb & iCloud Changes will Adversely Affect Artists
October 21, 2011
Apparently, back in June, articles began surfacing about Apple's changes that were coming soon with iCloud and Mobile Me. Being a busy working artist and mom, I pretty much did not notice this news until recently. Fast forward to current, October 2011, and working artists are ugrading to iCloud and buying the new iPhone 4s. We suddenly realize that our easy iWeb package from Apple is now going to be no more; we will be forced to move our websites to another service provider at our own expense, and our Mobile Me galleries will no longer be hosted after June 2012. Are you kidding me? Ouch.
Working in a building with more than forty artists, and having worked with hundreds of more artists in my previous position, I realize how massive this change is going to affect Marin County artists alone (see links to 10 artists sites created in iWeb at the end of this article). Artists invested in iWeb and Mobile Me because it was easy to use. Easy to create a website, and easy to update it when you created new art to share with the world. It catered to people who didn't want to invest their lifetime building a site, or updating it, or finding a place to host it. It was terrific for people that couldn't afford to hire a web designer, and were creative enough to give it a go. It came before blogger and Facebook... It was the very first, graphical user interface that artists loved being in, and working with. I respect this very much, and I honor the iWeb team and Apple for what they did here. In essence, iWeb has been awesome for the working artist in Marin County because it was so easy it gave us time to paint, sculpt, create and do what we want to do, not spend time on our websites.
Now, perhaps Apple never heard this from us. Perhaps Steve Jobs never heard our praise for iWeb, and how much time it has saved all of us artists from having to deal with service providers, and hosting and all the issues of a website that we just don't want to be spending time or extra money dealing with in a small business situation. I wish he had. I wish I knew sooner about these changes, and I wish I was able to congratulate the iWeb team for their work. Perhaps it is not too late? Perhaps there is a way for us to band together and let the iWeb team know that artists love iWeb for it's ease of use, hassle free hosting and all the very essence of design simplicity that Steve Jobs seemed to be all about (If you agree, tell Apple here!) There are not too many templates in iWeb 2.0.4(which I am still using), so sites tend to have similar layout and functionality, but it was always easy enough for people to use, understand, and sites were clean to read. Simplicity in design remained true across the board. Most of these sites still have the Apple design feel in some capacity, which I adore.
Here are a handful of local, artist websites that use iWeb. I want to share with Apple what we loved about iWeb, Mobile Me, and this service, and I respectfully ask that you consider the artists, teachers and others who have used this product, loyally for the past years. Don't end this just because it doesn't make you the most money. Find a way to help artists, teachers and those who really value your product's ease of use; this product gave us the freedom to really go create and be artists. Thank you, iWeb team. Artists who agree, please join me in providing feedback to the iWeb team here.
iWeb 2.0.4:
stephaniejucker.com
iWeb 3.0.4:
katebarrengos.com
iWeb 3.0.3:
davisperkins.com
iWeb 3.0.2:
Apparently, back in June, articles began surfacing about Apple's changes that were coming soon with iCloud and Mobile Me. Being a busy working artist and mom, I pretty much did not notice this news until recently. Fast forward to current, October 2011, and working artists are ugrading to iCloud and buying the new iPhone 4s. We suddenly realize that our easy iWeb package from Apple is now going to be no more; we will be forced to move our websites to another service provider at our own expense, and our Mobile Me galleries will no longer be hosted after June 2012. Are you kidding me? Ouch.
Working in a building with more than forty artists, and having worked with hundreds of more artists in my previous position, I realize how massive this change is going to affect Marin County artists alone (see links to 10 artists sites created in iWeb at the end of this article). Artists invested in iWeb and Mobile Me because it was easy to use. Easy to create a website, and easy to update it when you created new art to share with the world. It catered to people who didn't want to invest their lifetime building a site, or updating it, or finding a place to host it. It was terrific for people that couldn't afford to hire a web designer, and were creative enough to give it a go. It came before blogger and Facebook... It was the very first, graphical user interface that artists loved being in, and working with. I respect this very much, and I honor the iWeb team and Apple for what they did here. In essence, iWeb has been awesome for the working artist in Marin County because it was so easy it gave us time to paint, sculpt, create and do what we want to do, not spend time on our websites.
Now, perhaps Apple never heard this from us. Perhaps Steve Jobs never heard our praise for iWeb, and how much time it has saved all of us artists from having to deal with service providers, and hosting and all the issues of a website that we just don't want to be spending time or extra money dealing with in a small business situation. I wish he had. I wish I knew sooner about these changes, and I wish I was able to congratulate the iWeb team for their work. Perhaps it is not too late? Perhaps there is a way for us to band together and let the iWeb team know that artists love iWeb for it's ease of use, hassle free hosting and all the very essence of design simplicity that Steve Jobs seemed to be all about (If you agree, tell Apple here!) There are not too many templates in iWeb 2.0.4(which I am still using), so sites tend to have similar layout and functionality, but it was always easy enough for people to use, understand, and sites were clean to read. Simplicity in design remained true across the board. Most of these sites still have the Apple design feel in some capacity, which I adore.
Here are a handful of local, artist websites that use iWeb. I want to share with Apple what we loved about iWeb, Mobile Me, and this service, and I respectfully ask that you consider the artists, teachers and others who have used this product, loyally for the past years. Don't end this just because it doesn't make you the most money. Find a way to help artists, teachers and those who really value your product's ease of use; this product gave us the freedom to really go create and be artists. Thank you, iWeb team. Artists who agree, please join me in providing feedback to the iWeb team here.
iWeb 2.0.4:
stephaniejucker.com
iWeb 3.0.4:
katebarrengos.com
iWeb 3.0.3:
davisperkins.com
iWeb 3.0.2:
DeborahDarlingGray.com barbarapoolefineart.com web.mac.com: helensteele.net
In the Studio Today... Graphic Design for AWD
September 25, 2011
I'm enjoying some little design projects at work that feature Art Works Downtown, 2nd Fridays Art Walk, and the Dead of the Dead Exhibit. Today I have been working on several iterations of the 2nd Fridays Art Walk poster, and an ad for the Pacific Sun. It's challenging to fit everything you want in a 300 x 250 pixel ad, but I think I am happy with the latest drafts. I'm sure it will change as the week goes on.
The last week at work, I did a postcard design for the "Dia de los Muertos" Day of the Dead exhibit that is going into the 1337 Gallery at Art Works Downtown this week. Installation begins tomorrow, Monday, September 26. I love the postcard design, that is based on a Mexican tile that my partner got in Texas in the 1990's. The tile had a skeleton with cowboy boots, drinking tequila and a bottle with limes nearby. I adapted part of the skeleton to be holding a wine glass, for our "wine tasting" Art Walks, and I expanded on the floral design to make a very LARGE flower so that the petals could hold the artist's names inside. I added leaves to hold the names of the curators. My team at work helped me to revise the design to perfection. We really have a great team at Art Works Downtown! Hope you will come to the opening reception, October 14th!
September 11 in History: Just the Good Stuff
September 10, 2011
Today I got to thinking about how frustrated I feel when people keep bringing up "9-11", a tragic event that happened in America ten years ago, that has since become "Patriot's Day" and a day of remembrance for the victims and service men that were killed. Every year, about this time, I keep hearing about the horror of 9-11, they show the images on the news, in the papers, online. It got under my skin to the point that I decided that I just don't want to forever recall this day as a "day of horror" or remembrance of this single event. I wanted to seek out "the good stuff" that has happened on September 11th throughout history, so I might share this with my sons and explain that September 11 is "just a day, like any other ordinary day; it has had good things and bad things happen", but it doesn't have to be remembered as a day of terror and destruction for the rest of my twins lives. In fact, just now, I asked my nine year old if he knows what September 11th, or "9-11" means to him. He said, "I don't know", Mom. Well, in a way, I think this is great. I am glad we have spared him the insane media circus that was put on with this day for the last ten years, and that somehow, continues to end up on the front page of our news every year. How about some of these great things that have happened on September 11 in the past? I'd like to share these with my kids instead, and let them decide what September 11 means to them.
Pondering this on Twitter this morning, @DougP1 noted that his wedding occurred on September 11, 12 years ago, and his son thinks of this as a wonderful day. Wish him a Happy Anniversary tomorrow.
Malaysia is the first Asian country to host the games.
Info learned from the nine year mission.
View it on YouTube... Tickets were 50 CENTS!
President George Washington appointed Alexander Hamilton as the first United States Secretary of the Treasury.
And... Some births of note on September 11:
1700 – James Thomson, Scottish poet (d. 1748)
1885 – D. H. Lawrence, English novelist (d. 1930)
1943 – Mickey Hart, American drummer
1957 – Brad Bird, PIXAR!!! American director and animator
1962 – Kristy McNichol, American actress
1965 – Moby, American musician
1967 – Harry Connick, Jr., American singer
My resources for this post remain slim, and I confess to finding this all on Wikipedia... but I wanted to start somewhere. I will see what else I can find on this topic, and add to this post at a later date. Enjoy your September 11 this Sunday, 2011, and I hope you and your family do something memorable, in a good way, because I believe we really need to be accentuating the "good stuff" more often these days.
Sept 11, 2001 update: @DougP1 on Twitter shared another link at HistoryOrb.com with things that have happened on September 11 throughout history. Read the new comments to this post for more on the emotional aspects of being reminded of a tragedy each year.
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| Annapolis Building 1772 |
#1: September 11, 1999
Doug's WeddingPondering this on Twitter this morning, @DougP1 noted that his wedding occurred on September 11, 12 years ago, and his son thinks of this as a wonderful day. Wish him a Happy Anniversary tomorrow.
#2: September 11, 1998
Opening ceremony for the 1998 Commonwealth GamesMalaysia is the first Asian country to host the games.
#3: September 11, 1997
NASA's Mars Global Surveyor reaches Mars.Info learned from the nine year mission.
#4: September 11, 1985
Pete Rose breaks Ty Cobb's baseball record for most career hits with his 4,192nd hitView it on YouTube... Tickets were 50 CENTS!
#5: September 11, 1972
Bay Area Rapid Transit, "BART", began
operation in the San Francisco Bay Area. Today, BART connects San
Francisco with cities in the East Bay and suburbs in northern San Mateo
County. Average weekday ridership of is 357,800 passengers making BART
the fifth-busiest heavy rail rapid transit system in the United States.
#6: September 11, 1961
The World Wildlife Fund opened it's
first office in Morges, Switzerland. Today, it is the world's largest
independent conservation organization with over 5 million supporters
worldwide, working in more than 100 countries, supporting countless
conservation and environmental projects.
#7: September 11, 1922
The Sun News-Pictorial was established in Australia. "The Sun" had the largest circulation for more than fifty years.
#8: September 11, 1789
Alexander Hamiliton became the first US Secretary of the Treasury President George Washington appointed Alexander Hamilton as the first United States Secretary of the Treasury.
#9: September 11, 1786
This was the precursor to the Philadelphia Convention of 1787, or the "Constitutional Convention", the result of which was the United States Constitution.
#10: September 11, 1609
Henry Hudson discovered the "Hudson River"And... Some births of note on September 11:
1700 – James Thomson, Scottish poet (d. 1748)
1885 – D. H. Lawrence, English novelist (d. 1930)
1943 – Mickey Hart, American drummer
1957 – Brad Bird, PIXAR!!! American director and animator
1962 – Kristy McNichol, American actress
1965 – Moby, American musician
1967 – Harry Connick, Jr., American singer
My resources for this post remain slim, and I confess to finding this all on Wikipedia... but I wanted to start somewhere. I will see what else I can find on this topic, and add to this post at a later date. Enjoy your September 11 this Sunday, 2011, and I hope you and your family do something memorable, in a good way, because I believe we really need to be accentuating the "good stuff" more often these days.
Sept 11, 2001 update: @DougP1 on Twitter shared another link at HistoryOrb.com with things that have happened on September 11 throughout history. Read the new comments to this post for more on the emotional aspects of being reminded of a tragedy each year.
A Year at Marin Arts 2010-2011
September 3, 2011
Almost exactly one year ago, on a Thursday in September, I put my work clothes on and went to volunteer for the Marin Arts Council, at their fairly new digs(they'd been there a year) at 906 Fourth Street in Downtown, San Rafael, California. I was put to work immediately as the "gallery sitter", meeting and greeting folks off the street. It was exciting for me, having been a frustrated and over-worked parent volunteer for too many years, I really wanted to get back to a job in the Arts that use my tech skills. The gallery at Marin Arts was a huge space, right next to Crepevine, and it had a city vibe that was new to me after working from my quiet home in the suburbs. I stood at the counter with my new iPad and jotted down all the colorful, busy things that went by on 4th Street one day while I was in the gallery:
YELLOW fire engine • PURPLE GREEN Fed ex truck • baby stroller • Man smoking • "So great to see you!"=two woman meeting for lunch • Baby with bright RED cast on leg • Two motorcycles • Two bikes • Music from cars • Indian Lunch buffet $8.95 • Girl with ice-cream... I was excited by the new input, to say the least.
At this time, the exhibit was art from "Teamworks". Many people came in to see the show, and most of the work sold, as it was a fundraiser and 10 year retrospective of this group. I wrote a blog post on this back in September 2010.
Within a month, I was creating the Marin Arts Council's weekly E-news in Constant Contact. I totally embraced this volunteer job, and really loved filling the weekly news with information about local artists, events, links and graphics. It was fun, and informative, and I could connect with artists and help them in a way similar to the work I'd already been doing for the "Art on the Farm" blog. The hope was that this might eventually lead to a job in the Arts, and maybe even right there, at the Marin Arts Council.
In November, to my surprise, the Executive Director laid off the Director of Exhibits and Events, an amazing woman who had been with Marin Arts for twelve years. It was a sad moment for me, as I'd believed I would get to learn from her and work by her side. However, within a month, I was offered a job as the Director of Membership at Marin Arts. I was thrilled to have the opportunity, but saddened by the loss of someone so respected and loved in the Marin Arts community.
I volunteered four full weeks in December, enjoying the works in the "Small Wonders" Holiday Show, two separate theatrical performance events, and a book talk by artist, Susan Hall. I was finally announced as the Director of Membership in January of 2011.
During my year at Marin Arts, I assisted with graphics and advertising to promote the shows and events at Marin Arts. I suggested and managed the installation of "Art on the Farm"( a group of artists currently managed by Larry Bryson) at the Marin County Civic Center, where a record of eight paintings were sold. I advertised and promoted:
• "Go Figure" through Feb 26
The "Go Figure" show, coinciding with February and
Valentine's Day, was a fantastic representation of all forms of
figurative art. I enjoyed meeting multi-dimensional artists, such as
Arin Wiscomb, and Laura Lengyel. I had the pleasure of time in the
gallery with Georgia Anwell and Lisa Robecheck.
• "Nature's Palette" March and April 2011, with a Kid's Art Scavenger Hunt
One of the great highlights of my job was conceptualizing and designing an "Art Scavenger Hunt" for kids to go alongside our "Nature's Palette" show.
I enjoyed meeting and working with all the artists in this exhibit that
honored nature. There was a book talk by Becky Foust and Lorna Stevens,
and Judith Selby Lang and Richard Lang spoke about their art and
travels in Africa. I assisted Trish Carney, a photographer for National Geographic, who works closely with Wild Care in San Rafael. I enjoyed speaking with her about her work as we installed her photographs during this show.
We also hosted "Poetry Out Loud", for which I designed an event program and assisted with the event.
• "Marin Open Studios Group Show"
• "2011 Annual Member Show" at the Civic Center
I designed and managed:
• Marin Arts Summer Series of Artist Workshops
I contacted all the artists and planned a curriculum for the first series of Summer classes, by artist members. It was a great effort, but in the end, we did not have the funds to advertise and promote this. One of the instructors, Zach Gilmour, a printmaking teacher in Lagunitas, did very well and filled several classes. There was great feedback on his classes from the students.
I taught a very broad and customizable computer class for artists:
"Computer for Artists"
I enjoyed working with a few artists who just needed some tips on working with their art on the computer. It was enjoyable, and I would love to continue teaching this class from Art Works Downtown if we ever get to a point where this is possible.
I brainstormed and planned:
• "Masters and Students Show" at the Civic Center (I grouped together the four teachers who would be featured in this show, and arranged for them to occupy the two galleries at MCC:
Unfortunately, I had to leave Marin Arts before it was finally installed in August 2011. I look forward to getting over to see this show soon, as I have no idea how it turned out! If you've been, let me know. : )
In general, this job was overwhelming due to the short staff and lack of funding. I worked about 40 hours a week and was only paid for 24. I was there late so many nights; my kids would play on the computers in the back, while I would be installing or re-hanging art for an opening. The kids loved it, and got used to meals at Crepevine and video games while Mommy worked. We even used the office to create my son's "Marin Report" on the Marin County Civic Center, one weekend in April. Throughout the job, I responded to Membership calls from my cell phone daily, entered payments into Filemaker Pro and updated the database for shows. I redesigned the Wendy Gruber Grant Application to fit on a double-sided page, a grant which I was awarded in 2007. It felt like I'd come full circle from the time in which I myself had applied for that grant. I printed countless labels, shopped for wire and supplies, schlepped ladders and tools to the Civic Center, moved display pedestals in my car, went to storage facility to get extra pedestals, vacuumed and took out the trash and recycling. Cleaned up after receptions. It was a huge effort, and I loved the work, despite the long hours and low pay.
In June of this year, Marin Arts was faced with a financial situation that forced me to look for a new position. I was fortunate to find work as the Communications Coordinator for another San Rafael Art Center, Art Works Downtown. Learn more about Art Works Downtown and 2nd Fridays Art Walk in my next post!
Important update on Marin Arts:
On October 5, 2011 at 7pm, the Marin Arts Council Members have called a "Special Member Meeting" to which all members of Marin Arts Council are requested to attend. They plan to vote for a new Board of Directors, many of whom are artists themselves, and there will be a fiscal assessment update. I hope this helps Marin Arts become financially viable again. I would love to see some of the former staff reinstated to this organization that has the power to change lives with its assistance to artists. I believe Ellen Campbell was a huge part of what made Marin Arts a success for so many years. There were other greats at Marin Arts, such as Lance Walker, a grant writer, grants adviser and pun writer extraordinaire. There have been many changes, and there will probably be more to come. Best wishes to Marin Arts for the future.
Almost exactly one year ago, on a Thursday in September, I put my work clothes on and went to volunteer for the Marin Arts Council, at their fairly new digs(they'd been there a year) at 906 Fourth Street in Downtown, San Rafael, California. I was put to work immediately as the "gallery sitter", meeting and greeting folks off the street. It was exciting for me, having been a frustrated and over-worked parent volunteer for too many years, I really wanted to get back to a job in the Arts that use my tech skills. The gallery at Marin Arts was a huge space, right next to Crepevine, and it had a city vibe that was new to me after working from my quiet home in the suburbs. I stood at the counter with my new iPad and jotted down all the colorful, busy things that went by on 4th Street one day while I was in the gallery:
YELLOW fire engine • PURPLE GREEN Fed ex truck • baby stroller • Man smoking • "So great to see you!"=two woman meeting for lunch • Baby with bright RED cast on leg • Two motorcycles • Two bikes • Music from cars • Indian Lunch buffet $8.95 • Girl with ice-cream... I was excited by the new input, to say the least.
At this time, the exhibit was art from "Teamworks". Many people came in to see the show, and most of the work sold, as it was a fundraiser and 10 year retrospective of this group. I wrote a blog post on this back in September 2010.
Within a month, I was creating the Marin Arts Council's weekly E-news in Constant Contact. I totally embraced this volunteer job, and really loved filling the weekly news with information about local artists, events, links and graphics. It was fun, and informative, and I could connect with artists and help them in a way similar to the work I'd already been doing for the "Art on the Farm" blog. The hope was that this might eventually lead to a job in the Arts, and maybe even right there, at the Marin Arts Council.
I volunteered four full weeks in December, enjoying the works in the "Small Wonders" Holiday Show, two separate theatrical performance events, and a book talk by artist, Susan Hall. I was finally announced as the Director of Membership in January of 2011.
During my year at Marin Arts, I assisted with graphics and advertising to promote the shows and events at Marin Arts. I suggested and managed the installation of "Art on the Farm"( a group of artists currently managed by Larry Bryson) at the Marin County Civic Center, where a record of eight paintings were sold. I advertised and promoted:
• "Go Figure" through Feb 26
• "Nature's Palette" March and April 2011, with a Kid's Art Scavenger Hunt
One of the great highlights of my job was conceptualizing and designing an "Art Scavenger Hunt" for kids to go alongside our "Nature's Palette" show.
The scavenger hunt, with an ice cream "reward" at Double Rainbow, was a
huge success, and brought in hundreds of kids and families to the Marin
Arts Gallery in the Spring. Read an article written in Larkspur Patch about a day at Marin Arts with the kids, by Marilyn LoRusso.
We also hosted "Poetry Out Loud", for which I designed an event program and assisted with the event.
• "Marin Open Studios Group Show"
• "2011 Annual Member Show" at the Civic Center
I designed and managed:
• Marin Arts Summer Series of Artist Workshops
I contacted all the artists and planned a curriculum for the first series of Summer classes, by artist members. It was a great effort, but in the end, we did not have the funds to advertise and promote this. One of the instructors, Zach Gilmour, a printmaking teacher in Lagunitas, did very well and filled several classes. There was great feedback on his classes from the students.
I taught a very broad and customizable computer class for artists:
"Computer for Artists"
I enjoyed working with a few artists who just needed some tips on working with their art on the computer. It was enjoyable, and I would love to continue teaching this class from Art Works Downtown if we ever get to a point where this is possible.
I brainstormed and planned:
• "Masters and Students Show" at the Civic Center (I grouped together the four teachers who would be featured in this show, and arranged for them to occupy the two galleries at MCC:
Unfortunately, I had to leave Marin Arts before it was finally installed in August 2011. I look forward to getting over to see this show soon, as I have no idea how it turned out! If you've been, let me know. : )
In general, this job was overwhelming due to the short staff and lack of funding. I worked about 40 hours a week and was only paid for 24. I was there late so many nights; my kids would play on the computers in the back, while I would be installing or re-hanging art for an opening. The kids loved it, and got used to meals at Crepevine and video games while Mommy worked. We even used the office to create my son's "Marin Report" on the Marin County Civic Center, one weekend in April. Throughout the job, I responded to Membership calls from my cell phone daily, entered payments into Filemaker Pro and updated the database for shows. I redesigned the Wendy Gruber Grant Application to fit on a double-sided page, a grant which I was awarded in 2007. It felt like I'd come full circle from the time in which I myself had applied for that grant. I printed countless labels, shopped for wire and supplies, schlepped ladders and tools to the Civic Center, moved display pedestals in my car, went to storage facility to get extra pedestals, vacuumed and took out the trash and recycling. Cleaned up after receptions. It was a huge effort, and I loved the work, despite the long hours and low pay.
In June of this year, Marin Arts was faced with a financial situation that forced me to look for a new position. I was fortunate to find work as the Communications Coordinator for another San Rafael Art Center, Art Works Downtown. Learn more about Art Works Downtown and 2nd Fridays Art Walk in my next post!
Important update on Marin Arts:
On October 5, 2011 at 7pm, the Marin Arts Council Members have called a "Special Member Meeting" to which all members of Marin Arts Council are requested to attend. They plan to vote for a new Board of Directors, many of whom are artists themselves, and there will be a fiscal assessment update. I hope this helps Marin Arts become financially viable again. I would love to see some of the former staff reinstated to this organization that has the power to change lives with its assistance to artists. I believe Ellen Campbell was a huge part of what made Marin Arts a success for so many years. There were other greats at Marin Arts, such as Lance Walker, a grant writer, grants adviser and pun writer extraordinaire. There have been many changes, and there will probably be more to come. Best wishes to Marin Arts for the future.
In the Studio Today... Deer Park, Fairfax: Bike in the Tree Shadows
June 2, 2011
This is the painting I have been working on for a couple months... Stop and go... busy with work at the Marin Arts Council, completing the "Summer Series of Arts Workshops" programming. It looks good! We hope people will register and support the Arts Council in Marin. "Pop Art" exhibit is going in tomorrow and I look forward to meeting Richard James of The Coastodian, who has created some wonderful sculptures of water bottles in Pt. Reyes National Seashore. My twins are finishing third grade projects, YES Foundation art projects, and more... I haven't been able to ride my bike too much, but this is one of my favorite places, and hope to get out there soon!
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| Bike in the Tree Shadows, Deer Park, Fairfax, California 2011 16" x 20" |
This is the painting I have been working on for a couple months... Stop and go... busy with work at the Marin Arts Council, completing the "Summer Series of Arts Workshops" programming. It looks good! We hope people will register and support the Arts Council in Marin. "Pop Art" exhibit is going in tomorrow and I look forward to meeting Richard James of The Coastodian, who has created some wonderful sculptures of water bottles in Pt. Reyes National Seashore. My twins are finishing third grade projects, YES Foundation art projects, and more... I haven't been able to ride my bike too much, but this is one of my favorite places, and hope to get out there soon!
In the Studio Today... Marin Open Studios
May 7 & 8 and... May 14 & 15, 2011
The weather was just perfect for Marin Open Studios this weekend. I participated this year and had my art out in the backyard/driveway and painted on an easel on Mother's Day. It was lovely. I had 20 visitors on Mother's Day, and they were truly a terrific bunch.
For more information on the 285 artist studios that are open this weekend, please visit marinarts.org and download the Tour Guide and Maps. It is open next weekend as well, May 14 & 15. Most of the artists also have a "preview piece" in the Gallery at 906 Fourth Street in Downtown San Rafael, right next to Crepevine. Best way to visit Open Studios is to stop at Marin Arts Gallery, pick up a Tour Guide (or download one online) and then look at one piece by each of the artists, and plan which studios you wish to visit with the Tour Guide in hand.
For more information on the 285 artist studios that are open this weekend, please visit marinarts.org and download the Tour Guide and Maps. It is open next weekend as well, May 14 & 15. Most of the artists also have a "preview piece" in the Gallery at 906 Fourth Street in Downtown San Rafael, right next to Crepevine. Best way to visit Open Studios is to stop at Marin Arts Gallery, pick up a Tour Guide (or download one online) and then look at one piece by each of the artists, and plan which studios you wish to visit with the Tour Guide in hand.
BJ Snyder purchased the first piece of art this Saturday- "View of White's Hill from Pine Mt."- a plein air piece I created in 2007, just before I received the Wendy Gruber award. This piece has significance to me as well, in that I painted it under the pine trees at the top of Pine Mt. Fire Road, with my border collies, Quest and Mesa. Quest passed away in 2008, and the pine trees were cut down by MMWD in 2010. Two great losses, but a lovely day and painting to commemorate their glory days.
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| Colleen Proppé working on "Riding through Tree Shadows", Deer Park, Fairfax |
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| I was happy to work on this painting my second day of Open Studios. It's coming along. I love the dappled light from the trees as you exit the fire road from Deer Park hiking/biking trails. This painting seeks to capture that joy. |
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| Lollipops, Tiny Cow Painting and Flowers... Great floral arrangement by Kate Peper, friend and artist. Thank you, Kate! |
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| My family shipped this large painting from Connecticut. I painted it there last summer, and I wanted it present at my Open Studios. I really love this painting. I hope it goes to a good home soon. |
In the Studio Today... Environmental Art FUNraiser!
April 18 - May 5th, 2011 Earth Day Week
Beach Plastic Art: Pelican by 3rd Graders, originally uploaded by cproppe.
April and May are the busiest months ever with both Marin Arts, and my sons' end of year school projects all pending start and completion... This past two weeks, I managed to get over to visit Judith Selby Lang and Richard Lang's studio, with the boys and dog in tow.Beach Plastic Art: Pelican by 3rd Graders, originally uploaded by cproppe.
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| Aidan, checking out Beach Plastic treasures at Judith and Richard Lang's. |
Judith and Richard have been collecting Beach Plastic there for 12 years, and have their work in SFMOMA right now. The prints they create from the collected trash inspired us to do this project with the kids for their yearly fundraiser that pays for the Arts in their public school district.
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| Blake, looking at recently collected, unsorted Beach Plastic. |
40 third graders at Wade Thomas School participated in the project. Groups of 4 children picked a sea animal and arranged the plastic in the shape of that creature. The results are whimsical and priceless. Special thanks to Terri Baker, Fairfax Photographer, for her assistance with this project. We have sold over $700. of notecards, all proceeds going to YES Foundation at yestokids.org To view the 9 different sea animals the kids created, click here to visit the set on Flickr.
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| Art cards, designed by 3rd graders for their fundraiser. |
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| Photographer, Terri Baker, hard at work... or play? |
For more information on Beach Plastic, please read my previous post from February on the work of Judith Selby Lang and Richard Lang.
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