Author James Renner explains how the traditional publishing industry works. His use of visual aids, Star Wars action figures in this case, is very effective. I hope he, or someone with equal prowess, makes a sequel about the print-on-demand/Self Publishing industry. Enjoy!
Monday, April 30, 2012
Traditional Publishing via Star Wars Figures
Author James Renner explains how the traditional publishing industry works. His use of visual aids, Star Wars action figures in this case, is very effective. I hope he, or someone with equal prowess, makes a sequel about the print-on-demand/Self Publishing industry. Enjoy!
Sketch of the Day: Prospero
By far the best thing about sketching at the gallery, aside from how relaxing it is, is how you can strike up conversations with other visitors. A family from Montreal took an interest in me and we chatted for quite some time about my work and the painting. My only regret is that I didn't bring a cushion with me to sit on while I worked!
Looks a bit Jack Sparrow, no?
Common Ground Gallery General Meeting
The annual general meeting of the Common Ground Gallery is tomorrow, May 1st at 7:00 PM!
Hyper-local news site WindsoriteDOTca featured the gallery for their City Guide. Check out their article to learn more about the venue, located just inside the front doors of Mackenzie Hall Cultural Centre.
3277 Sandwich Street Windsor, ON N9C 1A9
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Additional WSO Brahms concert @ Assumption Church
NEW SHOW ADDED:
May 11, 2012 at 8:00 p.m.
May 12, 2012 - SOLD OUT
Assumption Church
John Morris Russell, Conductor
WSO Chorus, Joel Tranquilla, Chorusmaster
Johannes Brahms Academic Festival OvertureJohannes Brahms Schicksalslied
Johannes Brahms Symphony no. 1
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Dave Gunning @ Mackenzie Hall
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| Photo by Mat Dunlap |
“Dave Gunning is the next big thing in the True North of Song, an artist as compelling, as assured and attentive to every nuance of the writing process as Lightfoot, Coburn and Stan Rogers before him.” -- Greg Quill, The Toronto Star
There are stories that wash over you like a tide, and then there are stories that grab you by the heart. Dave Gunning has made a point of finding the latter and wrapping them up in song since he broke upon the East Coast music scene in Canada back in 1997. The Pictou County, Nova Scotia born and bred singer-songwriter and working class hero has built up from humble beginnings to a point where his name is regularly included in conversation with artists such as David Francey, James Keelaghan, Ron Hynes, Stan Rogers, Bruce Cockburn and Gordon Lightfoot. Writing from a sonic menu that includes flavors of Irish, Scottish, French Acadian, folk and country musical styles, Dave Gunning transcends genre with songs that fill your senses and touch your soul.
Dave was a painfully shy teenager who might never have gotten on stage if it weren’t for his junior high best friend JD Fortune (INXS). Fortune signed the two up for a variety concert where the sound man was none other than country singer/songwriter George Canyon (Nashville Star 2). Gunning backed Fortune on guitar for “La Bamba” before taking the mic for a Buddy Holly cover. Little did anyone know that in that room in a small East Coast school were three future stars. Fortune has shone brightest thus far, and Canyon isn’t far behind. But thirty years from now it seems likely that Dave Gunning will outshine them all.
While names like Francey, Keelaghan, Hynes and even Rogers might not mean a great deal to American audiences, together with Gordon Lightfoot and Bruce Cockburn they are iconic across Canada. Parallels in the United States might include James Taylor, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Randy Newman or Lyle Lovett. Dave Gunning is that sort of songwriter; one who creates images and moments in song that are palpable. Quiet and reserved otherwise, Gunning takes on an almost Garrison Keillor-type storyteller persona on stage, injecting stories between songs that run the range from sweet and touching to uproariously funny. If you’re lucky enough to catch a Dave Gunning show, perhaps he’ll tell you the one about getting beaten up by a dentist as a toddler. You can’t make stuff like this up.
Dave paid his dues supporting other artists over the years, touring with the likes of Stompin’ Tom Connors, JP Cormier, John Allen Cameron, Ron Hynes and Stephen Fearing. Since heading out on his own, Gunning has continually stood out in the crowd. Dave has been awarded six East Coast Music Awards out of fifteen nominations since 2003 and took home two 2011 ECMA awards for his recording, … a tribute to John Allan Cameron. Gunning has also been a finalist in the Great American Song Contest, the USA Songwriting Competition, the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and the International Songwriting Contest. All of the hardware and certificates aside, however, it is the personal connection that Gunning’s music engenders that is the greatest testament to his craft.
Perhaps the most intriguing thing about Gunning as an artist is his willingness to just accept what the muse might bring. Unlike many artists, Gunning is almost superstitious about not trying to understand his songwriting process, indicating a fear that if he finally comes to understand it the music will stop. This is the anxiety of a man who has always wanted music as a part of his life and simply wouldn’t know what to do without it. Gunning is a family man, with a wife and three sons to sustain him and hold down the fort at home. But if they are his life’s blood, then music is the air that he breathes.
It’s rare in any realm of popular music (folk included) to find an artist so wholly cut from the land he grew up on. Dave Gunning’s humility and talent are both born of a farmer’s acceptance of the world around him. Gunning doesn’t sit down to try to create grand music. He views the world around him for the seeds of something to grow, and cultivates what he sees into life as stories and songs that will touch your heart; he’ll make you think, laugh and cry with classic story songs of underdogs and a world that’s perhaps not quite level but well worth the climb. Like Gunning himself is fond of saying, “There’s a song in there somewhere.”
The show begins at 8:00 p.m at Mackenzie Hall. Tickets are $18, $15 for members of WFMAS.
3277 Sandwich Street Windsor, ON N9C 1A8
Interview: Author Mick Ridgewell
Increasingly, modern authors are embracing new tools available for the first time through digital publishing, and online workshop venues. Ridgewell refined the manuscript for Nightcrawler through Authonomy, publisher Harper Collins' platform and community for uncovering new writing talent. For Ridgewell, writing often comes down to questions:
Almost everything I write starts with a ‘What if.’ Getting that what if is like deciding to go out for dinner. What if we went out for dinner tonight? The rest is like getting in the car and figuring out the details on the way there. Usually fairly early in the process I envision the end. Once that happens, it’s just a matter of connecting the dots.
With The Nightcrawler, I was reading Stephen King’s On Writing – A Memoir of the Craft, and ‘What if you are driving across country, and you see the same person, over and over again,” popped into my head. The Nightcrawler was born out of that idea.
What are some of the authors, films, or books which inspire or influence you?
Some years back, Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles restarted my love for reading, so I guess the inspiration began there. However, as far as authors go, Stephen King is at the top of the list. It was actually his On Writing – A Memoir of the Craft that motivated me to begin The Nightcrawler. I have since read all but his two most recent published books in order of release. Richard Matheson’s I Am Legend and Orwells’s 1984 would also be on the list. Stepping away from horror, I have to say I am a big fan of the Harry Potter series and more recently, my daughter steered me toward The Hunger Games series which pleasantly surprised me. I do read more horror than any other genre, but if a book has well developed characters (characters that I can form an emotional bond with, whether the emotion is good or bad), then I will enjoy the story.
How would you characterise the type of horror in your work?
I describe The Nightcrawler as a paranormal thriller. Many of the situations in The Nightcrawler are things that could happen to anyone. Throw in some nightmares, nasty vagrants, creepy crawlies and a dead sister, and I hope it is a story that will have you looking over your shoulder when someone cheerfully says, “Okie Dokie.”
Describe your experience workshopping Nightcrawler at Authonomy; what was that like?
Authonomy is a community of writers and readers from all over the world. It is a website, administered by HarperCollins UK. After uploading your writing, other members can read, comment and support the work. The top five books each month are reviewed by HarperCollins. I had The Nightcrawler on the site for eleven months, achieving the end goal of a review from a HarperCollins editor. During that time The Nightcrawler received over 700 comments, many of which were very helpful in making me a better writer.
Is there anything else that you would like to say to our readers?
Never give up your dreams. At 53 years old, I am anxiously awaiting the release of my first novel. If you have something you always wanted to do, then take the first step to achieving it. I am living proof that if you jump in with both feet, good things can happen.
Nightcrawler will be available in digital formats May 1st from Barnes and Noble, and Samhain Publishing.
The Nightcrawler paperback by Mick Ridgewell can be pre-ordered from Amazon.ca
Culture Days Bulletin Board
The third annual Culture Days weekend will take place September 28, 29 and 30, 2012, and will feature thousands of free, hands-on, interactive activities that invite the public to participate “behind-the-scenes,” to discover the world of artists, creators, historians, architects, curators, designers and other creative people in their communities.
This posting will be updated as local events are registered for Culture Days.
September 29th:
Plein Air Paint Out:
The public is invited to paint or sketch en Plein Air (in the open air). Location to be announced. Instruction will be provided.The Plein Air art movement began in the late 1880′s when artists began to leave their studio’s to paint out of doors. This became possible with the invention of the paint tube which enabled the art studio to become portable. This movement was made famous by Canada’s Group of Seven, the Impressionists in France, and Winslow Homer in the United States.
Organizer
Windsor & Essex County Plein Air Society
Date(s) & Time(s):
Saturday, September 29, 2012 — 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location
1811 Byng RdWindsor, Ontario
exhibition and printmaking techniques demonstrations
Windsor Printmeker's Forum will present Annual Member's Exhibit where some of the best known artists and printmakers will show their most recent, fresh of the press art.Opening reception will start at 11:00 am at Windsor's Printmaker's Forum. Join us in experiencing some new art and chat with artists in the relaxed anc ool atmosphere of our gallery.
We wish to give you the opportunity to learn some interesting printmaking techniques such as monoprinting, etching, woodcarving, silkscreening and others which will be presented to you by our experineced printmakers.
Organizer
WIndsor Printmaker's Forum
Date(s) & Time(s):
Saturday, September 29, 2012 — 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Location
420 Devonshire RdWindsor, Ontario
Gallery Tour and Exposition of Mike Marcon's FRAGMENTS
Gallery Tour and Exposition of Mike Marcon's FRAGMENTS; A CIVILIZATION ONCE LOST”, Saturday September 29, 2012, 12:00 - 5:00 PMMike Marcon presents mixed-media installations involving themes related to Canadian identity to coincide with the ongoing War of 1812 bicentennial celebrations. Marcon’s work explores the notion of the wilderness as a privileged space, a “kind of masculine homeland within the greater framework of the nation state”. Found objects, images and sculpture act as a catalyst for the displacement of symbols and myths that continue to inform our “official” national identity. The juxtaposition of objects and images create a labyrinthine experience and stimulates critical reflection while situating these myths within the viewers’ personal narratives.
Organizer
Artcite Inc
Date(s) & Time(s):
Saturday, September 29, 2012 — 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location
109 University Ave. WestWindsor, Ontario
Kafe Korda Cabaret Variety Show at The KordaZone Theatre
Korda Artistic Productions presents its next Kafe Korda Cabaret and Variety Show at The KordaZone Theatre, 2520 Seminole Street in Windsor, Ontario on Saturday, September 29, 2012 as part of Culture Days!!! Experience visual art, song, poetry, and theatrical performances onstage in this community gem.
Organizer
Date(s) & Time(s):
Saturday, September 29, 2012 — 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Location
2520 Seminole StreetWindsor, Ontario
Sundays in the Studio
Join us Sunday, September 30 from 12:30 - 2 pm, for a FREE hands-on drop-in studio workshop in the second floor Saltmarche-McLaughlin-Haworth Studio. Sundays in the Studio is an ongoing weekly event and features a new artist and hands-on studio activity based on current exhibitions.Studio Workshop: HEALING HARVEST based The WILDCRAFT by Kika Thorne. Enjoy learning about indigenous healing plants while creating beautiful works of art.
Be sure to visit the following exhibitions that will be on view:
Paris/Ojibwa by Robert Houle
Curated by Carla Garnet. Organized by the Art Gallery of Peterborough
John Scott: Works from AGW’s Collection
Curated by David Liss
The WILDCRAFT: Kika Thorne
Curated by Srimoyee Mitra
ReAppearances: "Old Friends” from the AGW Collection
Curated by Catharine Mastin
Visit the AGW website at www.agw.ca for currrent exhibition and gallery information.
Join us Saturday and Sunday for a public tour at 2 pm.
FREE Admission (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Organizer
Mary Anne VanWatteghem, Education and Public Programs Coordinator
Date(s) & Time(s):
Sunday, September 30, 2012 — 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Location
401 Riverside Dr. W, Windsor, Ontario
KordaZone Theatre Open House, Workshops & Table Read
The KordaZone Theatre will open its doors to the public at 1:00 PM on Sunday, September 30, 2012. Experience the ambiance of this unique 110-seat theatre, participate in a theatrical Mask-Making workshop/demonstration, and enjoy a live table-read of an upcoming show by some of Korda's troupe of actors.
Organizer
Date(s) & Time(s):
Sunday, September 30, 2012 — 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location
2520 Seminole StreetWindsor, Ontario
Back Room Gallery Interactive Displays, Tours & Performances
We will host interative displays and studio tours, demonstrations and hands-on creative activities of a variety of mediums including pottery, photography, digital art, sketching and painting, fabric arts as well as readings and performances of original writing, music and dance.
Organizer
Back Room Gallery Artists' Co-op
Date(s) & Time(s):
Friday, September 28, 2012 — 12:00 PM - 6:00 PMSaturday, September 29, 2012 — 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday, September 30, 2012 — 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location
4749 Wyandotte St. EastWindsor, Ontario
Friday, April 27, 2012
Press release: Mother's Day Brunch @ AGW
Mother's Day Brunch at the AGW
Sunday, May 13, 11 am – 2 pm
Reservations required
Join Chef Julie Myers of Thyme-to-Go,
the newest addition to Windsor's culinary food scene for a unique
Mother's Day Brunch here at the Art Gallery of Windsor. Offering a wide
array of appetizers, main course selections, a tasty children's menu.
and so many fabulous desserts to choose from, this menu and great
venue will prove to mom just how much you really love her! Visit the AGW website for complete menu information.
For reservations, please call Thyme-to-Go directly at 519-254-3434
$35 per person; children under 12: $17.50
Reservations will not be accepted by the AGW
Create something special for mom at Sundays in the Studio, 12:30-2 pm, followed by a FREE public tour
For reservations, please call Thyme-to-Go directly at 519-254-3434
$35 per person; children under 12: $17.50
Reservations will not be accepted by the AGW
Create something special for mom at Sundays in the Studio, 12:30-2 pm, followed by a FREE public tour
Sketch of the Day: Thomsonesque Alley
Here's the opposite end of the alley from yesterday's Sketch of the Day. This scene reminds me so much of the scenes painted by the Group of Seven, Tom Thomson in particular. I remember seeing one of his paintings at the Art Gallery of Windsor when I was very young. I crossed one of the galleries to see it, even though it was one of their smallest canvases. These plein air paintings are some of the most famous works in Canadian art history. I find their use of negative space so lyrical. The one below has some wonderful mid tones.
This sketch also marks the end of a special sketchbook I have been using for nearly three years. How far I've come in that time!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Sketch of the Day: Alley
Press Release: Cameraless Filmmaking @ AGW
Sundays in the Studio: Cameraless Filmmaking
Sunday, April 29, 11 am – 4:30 pm
In partnership with the 18th edition of Media City Film Festival and the Art Gallery of Windsor, the Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (LIFT) will present a free afternoon class in cameraless 16mm filmmaking.
Using
16mm sound recording film, flashlights and found objects, participants
will produce a short collaborative film in one session. The class will
work under red lights using feathers, lace, hardware and any other found
objects brought by participants to create rayograms / photograms. After
processing, these short lengths of film will be spliced together and
projected as a finished 16mm film with sound. Additionally, LIFT will
give a presentation about the various films stocks, equipment and
services the organization has available to the public year-round.
The
class is completely FREE and open to the public and will be instructed
by LIFT's Executive Director Ben Donoghue and Education Coordinator
Coral Aiken. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Organized by Media City Film Festival
Art Gallery of Windsor401 Riverside Drive West
www.agw.ca
www.agw.ca
Film: Figure It Out (music video)
Check out this music video for Emma-Lee of Toronto's song 'Figure It Out.' The video features the work of local film producer Gavin Michael Booth, and was shot locally with area actors. Learn more about Booth and his work in the local film community at WindsoriteDOTca's terrific interview by Marc Rocheleau.
Book Launch: In Pursuit of the Golden Key
The riddles, poetry, quotes and artwork all contain information that when put together will lead you to solving the puzzle and to a document entitling you to the grand prize — the treasure. The first person to correctly solve the puzzle will receive the Golden Key that will open a treasure worth over $10,000 CND.
Why not come out to the Art Gallery of Windsor for the official book launch May 5th at 11 am?
Yes two hundred years have come and gone
Since war once ruled this land
A little knowledge you will need to solve the task at hand
A riddle or two will lead to a clue of lives from days gone by
But be aware
With whom you share
For in them the answers lie
Leotie's treasure is yours to find
It is not as hard as you think
For within these pages
Through different stages
You are bound to find a link
So your journey begins with clue number one
Good luck! As you begin today
Is it a clue for you to shout, "I've won!"
Or one that will lead you astray?
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Sketch of the Day: Portrait challenge
I'm excited about this sketch. At Walkerville, where I took most of my first lessons in art, we tried all sorts of media. There were two I could never quite get the hang of: one of them was coloured pencil. It was so frustrating! The colours wouldn't blend, it would look flat and shiny! Horrible. It's been awhile now, and I wanted to challenge myself. Sometimes I challenge myself with new subjects or styles, but this time I wanted to try a different medium. I tried an artist's quality coloured pencil brand and liked it. This is my first attempt at a portrait with the new pencils.
Press Release: A Community 'Chalk-Out'
In participation with National Youth Arts Week, The Tecumseh Arts & Culture Committee presents:
A Community 'Chalk-Out'
Saturday, May 5th, 11 am- 2 pm
Green Acres Park, 13731 St. Gregory Rd.
Drop by and add your colour and warm memories in chalk pastel, and watch a collaborative street painting appear! Young artists & community art enthusiasts, check out the new Tecumseh Art Party on Facebook.
Arts Notes Overview
Many of the events around Windsor and Essex County mentioned in the last Arts Notes Overview are still ongoing. But this week's Arts Notes has some new events you'll not want to miss out on, such as...
SB Contemporary Arts presents Actualized Space(s): site projection by Nicolas de Cosson
Thursday April 26 at dusk – 10pm
Masterworks – Brahms at Assumption
Assumption Church, 350 Huron Church Rd.
Call 519-973-1238 for tickets and information
Pops May 5 and May 6 at the Capitol Theatre
Masterworks May 11 and May 12 at Assumption Church.
Reception tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door.
Limited availability.
Cash bar and light refreshments.
Call 519-973-1238 for advance reservations.
For information please contact. 519-973-1238. www.windsorsymphony.com
CALL FOR ARTISTS: Urban Art Project. Canada’s Capital Region
Deadline for receiving proposal: May 7, 2012, 3pm (Ottawa local time)
The National Capital Commission (NCC) is seeking artists, landscape architects, architects and any other Canadian design professionals who have innovative ideas, for its 2012 InSitu project which goal is to create unusual and compelling rest areas along Confederation Boulevard through artistic and functional interventions. The NCC wants to highlight Canadian artistic excellence to enrich the National Capital Region’s (NCR) visitors experience throughout the touristic summer season. Overlooking the Ottawa River and having spectacular views, the summer 2012 selected site, year of the project launch, will quickly become a popular venue.
Full details on this week's Arts Notes from the Arts Council - Windsor and Region.
SB Contemporary Arts presents Actualized Space(s): site projection by Nicolas de Cosson
Thursday April 26 at dusk – 10pm
Windsor Symphony Orchestra
Second Brahms Concert Added!
Friday, May 11 at 8:00pmMasterworks – Brahms at Assumption
Assumption Church, 350 Huron Church Rd.
Call 519-973-1238 for tickets and information
Say farewell to beloved Maestro JMR
Please join us at a farewell reception for John following his final four concerts:Pops May 5 and May 6 at the Capitol Theatre
Masterworks May 11 and May 12 at Assumption Church.
Reception tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door.
Limited availability.
Cash bar and light refreshments.
Call 519-973-1238 for advance reservations.
For information please contact. 519-973-1238. www.windsorsymphony.com
Windsor Jewish Film Festival
April 30-May3
All films to be shown at Devonshire Mall Cineplex Odeon Theatre. Those films not in English will have English subtitles.
Tickets are available at the door each day or at the Windsor Jewish
Community Centre. For more details or if you are interested in becoming a
sponsor, please contact Sandi Malowitz at 519-973-1772 or email:
sandimalowitz@jewishwindsor.org. All tickets $10.00 per filmCALL FOR ARTISTS: Urban Art Project. Canada’s Capital Region
Deadline for receiving proposal: May 7, 2012, 3pm (Ottawa local time)
The National Capital Commission (NCC) is seeking artists, landscape architects, architects and any other Canadian design professionals who have innovative ideas, for its 2012 InSitu project which goal is to create unusual and compelling rest areas along Confederation Boulevard through artistic and functional interventions. The NCC wants to highlight Canadian artistic excellence to enrich the National Capital Region’s (NCR) visitors experience throughout the touristic summer season. Overlooking the Ottawa River and having spectacular views, the summer 2012 selected site, year of the project launch, will quickly become a popular venue.
- Information on the Call to Artists
- Access photos of the InSitu Site
- Access the Sketch Up 3D Model file of the Plan & Views document (you must have Sketch Up program to access)
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| Click to Enlarge |
Press Release: Culture Days
Culture Days invites everyone to explore, discover and participate in arts and culture in every community across the country. In 2011, the annual Culture Days event took place in more than 800 Canadian cities and towns, with attendance topping more than 1.2 million Canadians. More than 1265 activities were presented across Ontario, a 36% increase over the first year’s participation levels.
This year’s Culture Days weekend will take place on September 28, 29 and 30, 2012. Once again, the event will feature free, hands-on, interactive activities that invite the public to participate “behind the scenes”—and to discover the world of artists, creators, historians, architects, curators, and designers at work in their community. To learn more, please visit www.culturedays.ca
Early-registration continues until April 30. Register before April 30 to be featured in a national Globe and Mail advertisement and other spring promotions. To register a Culture Days activity, visit www.culturedays.ca
For more details about Ontario Culture Days announcements please visit: www.on.culturedays.ca. Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and YouTube.
Culture Days in Ontario is supported by the Ontario Arts Council, the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Government of Ontario in recognition of Celebrate the Artist Weekend.
Information session to take place on Thursday May 10 at 2pm at the Arts Council Windsor & Region Office. 1942 Wyandote St. Windsor, ON N8Y 1E4. PLEASE RSVP to info@acwr.net or call us at the Office 519-252-ARTS (2787)
Ontario Culture Days staff will be in attendance to answer questions and facilitate. The information session is free and open to all.
For a complete list of information sessions happening across the province, please visit: www.on.culturedays.ca
For more information about Culture Days in Ontario, please contact:
Aubrey Reeves
Ontario Culture Days Manager
aubreyreeves@culturedays.ca
(416) 646-7469
1-800-387-0058 ext. 7469
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Press Release: Cultural Summit
Mark your calendar with the next Cultural Summit. It will take place on Wednesday May 9 from 5:30 until 8:00 at the Capitol Theatre.
We
invite you to stop in and learn what the Cultural Affairs Team will be
working on this year. We invite your comments and suggestions during
this evening event.
Looking
to share your organization’s information on upcoming events? Please
bring 20 copies to share at the What’s New with You? table.
Please feel free to forward this on to others in Windsor’s Cultural Community who may find this of interest.
See you soon!
Sketch of the Day: A Single Story
This sketch is part of a larger project on storytelling and education at the University of Windsor's Centre for Teaching and Learning. I went on to teach a workshop for professors and graduate students on storytelling for their classes. This portion of the project was inspired by 'The Danger of the Single Story,' a TED conference talk given by storyteller Chimamanda Adichie of Nigeria. You can watch the original talk below.
Interview: Artist Yara El Safi
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| 'Mary and Magdalene' by Yara El Safi |
El Safi's work draws inspiration from her Lebanese heritage, and currently focuses on fabric as a restrictive and oppressive. She's exploring the theme by using the materiality of textiles in conjunction with luxurious, sensual imagery, and design elements to denote liberation. Additionally, El Safi finds inspiration from other artists. She writes:
My work focuses on the female form, movement and beauty. These figures are usually wrapped or surrounded by patterns appropriated from multiple sources, such as wallpaper, cloth and textures. The visuals of repeated manufactured patterns versus the curvaceous figural brush strokes are very stimulating to me. A few artists that work with the idea of flat patterns versus three-dimensional figures inspire some of my work. Gustav Klimt has been a huge inspiration to a lot of my multimedia works and paintings.
 |
| 'The Kiss' by Gustav Klimt |
As an emerging artist, how could the arts community help you develop?
I feel that the arts community is a huge part of the city, and being a developing emerging artist and witnessing the well-adjusted arts community in Windsor it helps me feed and develop my own sense of style and see what people are doing in this post postmodern era.
What are some of the facets of your theme that you would like to explore in more depth?
At this point in my work and my development I've only currently began to see and develop certain themes. Currently I'm exploring the concepts of veiling with multiple mediums, such as fabric, paint, and patterns, and that specific theme is what I would like to continue to explore in more depth for the next little while and see where it takes me.
What are some of the ways Klimt's work inspires or influences your own?
Gustav Klimt has been a huge influence in my work because of the way he shows decadence, luxury and sexuality in his work. I attempt to emulate his way of using gold and patterns in his paintings, go beyond with that of luxury and sensuality concept by freezing a moments or feelings with a figure or two, and drape with tactile elements so the audience is seduced by the idea of touch.
Is there anything else that you would like to say to our readers?
Windsor may be one of those cities that eyes pass by because we are not spoken about worldwide, but we are a city of talent and great minds secretly hidden within the world. It's definitely is one of those cities that you must have enhanced sense to experiences its beauty.
Thank you for joining us, Yara!
Press Release: ART inDeed Wellness Through Creativity
Join Art InDeed - Wellness through Creativity for a Creative Cleanse!
6 – week ColourPLAY Creative Cleanse – An Expressive Painting class for Adults. The ColourPLAY course is our most popular class! With the new Cleanse component we offer an introduction to the body’s chakra system and exploring your personal relationship with colour. Each week we focus on a different colour. It is a great class to stir creativity and cleanse your energy system. You will enjoy inspiring discussions, playful activities and enjoy expressive painting.
Guided by: Intuitive Artist, Danah Beaulieu
Thursday evenings: May 24 – June 28, 2012 6:30 – 9:30pm Cost: $175.00
Location: 1267 Victoria Avenue, Windsor Ontario
More about this class: “Change rooms in your mind…Leave the familiar of a while!” Come, immerse yourself in the magic ColourPLAY and expressive art. …an art class for relaxation, inspiration, self-discovery, empowerment, healing, affirmation, fun, creative exploration. Practice following your intuition, spontaneous art-making and feel increased wellness! Painting, Poetry, Music, and Movement…
Each night we will embark into the world of pure delight in creation as Danah takes you on a creative adventure from informative and inspiring discussions, to music to poetry to paint. Dare to make some serious art from serious play.
No previous experience necessary!
To register respond to this email or call: 519-977-1829
Register soon, space is limited!
--
HOURS
Mon 1-4
Tues closed
Wed-Sun 12-8
Mudpuppy Gallery
264 Dalhousie St
Amherstburg, Ontario
519-736-7737 (Robert
Honor)
Monday, April 23, 2012
Press Release: Media City Needs Volunteers
Media City Wants You!
Interested in becoming a Media City volunteer?
Volunteers are the backbone of the festival. Without your invaluable services, the presentation of Media City would not be possible.
Whether you are a returning or a first-time volunteer, your assistance is vital to the preparation and execution the festival.
Volunteering is a great way to meet people from your community and around the world, immerse yourself in contemporary film and video art and have a great time. All Media City volunteers receive full access festival passes.
Volunteers are needed in the following areas:
• Guest Services
• Marketing and Promotion
• Hospitality
• Technical Assistance
• and many other areas!
.
As a festival volunteer, you will play an integral role in the presentation of Media City and directly contribute to the vitality of international film and video art.
Volunteer meetings happen weekly on Wednesdays, 7pm, @ Phog Lounge leading up to the festival.
.
*The first volunteer meeting is scheduled for 7:00pm, Wednesday April 25th @ Phog Lounge (157 University Avenue West, downtown Windsor)
.
Stay up to date on volunteer meetings and info; join the 2012 Media City Volunteer Facebook page!
For more information about becoming a volunteer during Media City 18 contact Media City’s Volunteer Coordinator Michelle Soullière today at 519 982 0428 or media.city.volunteers@gmail.com.
Sketch of the Day: Bagel
Press Release: Spring Reading at Phog
Biblioasis is proud to present an evening of poetry and fiction at the Phog. We hope you'll join us to ring in the spring (or raise a glass?) with some of our best story writers and poets.
WHERE: Phog Lounge, 157 University Ave
WHEN: Tuesday April 24, 7 PM
WHAT: An evening of poetry and fiction with Amanda Jernigan (author of Groundwork, an NPR Best Poetry Book of 2011), Mike Barnes (winner of the Danuta Gleed Award, 2009), and Claire Tacon (winner of the Metcalf-Rooke Award, 2011).
Press Release: OCAF
This just in from Cathy Masterson, manager of cultural affairs for the City of Windsor.
YOU ARE INVITED
The
Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF) provides up front working
capital to assist Ontario organizations to develop, promote and present
one-off or first time events, or a significant expansion of existing
activity, designed to attract new tourists and visitors to cultural
events. OCAF also aims to increase the earned revenue capability of the
applicant organization.
Please join Kathleen Sharpe, Executive Director, OCAF at a roundtable discussion:
Thursday April 26, 2012
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Malden Park Visitor Centre, 4200 Malden Road, Windsor
During
the evening, Kathleen will provide you with information about OCAF, its
investment priorities, program benchmarks and requirements. She will
look for your thoughts on proposed new components to the program, and
welcomes your perspective on cultural tourism trends and issues in your
community.
Please join us!
RSVP to http://ocafwindsor.eventbrite.com by Tuesday April 24, 2012
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Sketch of the Day: Windsor Community Museum
I made this sketch especially for WindsoriteDOTca, Windsor's first online hyper-local news site. It went along with a featured article I wrote to promote the Windsor Community Museum. These vignettes are from three different displays showing artefacts from early life in Windsor and Essex County.
There's an surprise in one of the photographs I took, if you look carefully enough. I didn't notice at the time, but one of the first books I have illustrated and edited is tucked away in the shadows at the gift shop!
Press Release: May Works 2012
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| From 'Occupy Windsor Documentation Project.' |
The third annual MayWorks Windsor Festival fills the last week of April and the month of May 2012.
The Festival builds on the successes and experiences of the years’ of University of Windsor Labour Arts Festivals and the creativity and collaborative spirit of Windsor’s students and workers. Windsor’s MayWorks Festival allows us to represent our struggles and concerns in art work and performance and build labour culture and solidarity. The issues and themes expressed in this year’s events include: creative collaboration, art in the work place, community activism, precarious workers, job loss, injustice, environmental activism, history of labour, and the nature of work.
26 April - Curatorial Tour of “Re-enacting Resistance”: Jamelie Hassan and “LandMarks”, 6 pm at the Art Gallery of Windsor.
26 April - Stitch 'n' Bitch Quilt Making and MayWorks Artist Trading Card Trade, 6 - 9 pm at the Art Gallery of Windsor.
28 April - International Day of Mourning for those Workers Killed, Injured or made ill on the Job, 2 pm Ceremony 250 Windsor Ave.off Charles Clark Square, 3 pm March to Riverfront Trail near Goyeau.
1 MAY - MAY DAY Rally and Celebration: “On May 1 RESIST!” - 5:30p m at City Hall/ Charles Clark Square. Rally and March.Celebrate afterward at the Fish Market. 156 Chatham St. W. See also wwac.ca.
4 May - Reception for OCCUPY THIS!, the MayWorks Windsor 2012 show, featuring the “Occupy Windsor Documentation Project“ and the installation; “The Break Room“ - 7:30 -10:30 pm at Artcite Inc., 109 University Ave. W.
5 May - “Hands To the Earth: A Diggin' Event“- Join local gardeners and artists for an afternoon of gardening, creative projects and healthy food. 12 noon - 4 pm at the Campus Community Garden Project, 380 California.
Rain date: Sunday, May 6th 12 noon - 4 pm.
5 May - Exhibition reception for “The River and the Land Sustain You?“ A project by Professor William Starling of Dodolab, 1 - 4 pm at SB Contemporary Art, 1017 Church (near Erie W) with Professor Starling in attendance.
5 May - Rebecca Garrett and Kim Jackson “Occupy Y/our Worlds“, Video and Performance programme 7 pm at Atelier Virginianne,1078 Drouillard.
6 May - “The River and the Land Sustain You? Select Collection Talk/Tour with Professor William Starling of Dodolab, 1 pm at the Art Gallery of Windsor. Co-presented by the Art Gallery of Windsor, SB Contemporary Art and Dodolab.
6 May - Day of Cuban Solidarity w/Revolution at the Sangria Latin Lounge 485 Pelissier. 3 pm Programme, 5 pm Dinner (tickets $15), 6 pm Film: “Habana Station“ and Social. (519) 991-4167
10 May - “Mediated Landscapes“ by Mike Marcon opens at the Thames Gallery, 7 pm, 75 William St. N., Chatham.
10 May - “RIVETER“, an original Canadian play examining women, war work, and propaganda - Produced by The Windsor Feminist Theatre, 8 pm at The Downtown Mission Theatre, 664 Victoria.
11 May - “RIVETER“, 2 pm matinee, The Downtown Mission Theatre, 664 Victoria.
11 May - Group Exhibition, “Propery Rights“ opens 7 pm at Atelier Virginianne, 1078 Drouillard.
13 May - Inspect X Exhibition reception for Collette Broeders’ “INDUSTRIAL PASSAGES: A Worker Dwells Here“ 1–3 pm at 5575 Roscon Industrial Drive, Oldcastle, (519) 737-2667.
12 May - Reception for “Labour of Love, Celebrate labour: Works of the Self Employed“ 7 - 10 pm at PoP Gallery, 973 Erie E.
14 May - Artspeak gallery reception: “The Daily Grind…searching for daily meaning as well as daily bread“ by The Work Collective -Students from Catholic Central H. S. and Holy Names H. S. explore the idea of work. Performance 7 pm,1942 Wyandotte E.
18 May - 5 /19 Windsor Day BBQ, PRINT HOUSE on Pelissier 12- 7 pm, 510 Pelissier.
19 May - ARTourist; a gallery tour by bike. 1 - 4 pm Tour begins at SB Contemporary Art, 1017 Church, at 1 pm. $20 per person (Free Media City Film Festival Pass for each participant).
To register email: info@sbcontemporaryart.com
or call (519) 819-0536.
Sketches from the Sketch Crawl
Over 100 places around the world participated in this event, with lots of sketches uploaded to the Sketch Crawl forum. Here's just a teaser.
If you participated in yesterday's Sketch Crawl in Windsor and Essex County, drop me a line so I can feature your work!
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| By 'ninjoh' from Stockholm, Sweden |
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| 35 artists took part in this group from Paris, France! |
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| By 'archiartist' from Seoul, Korea |
Press Release: Event: Meet Silo Muralist Charlie Johnston
Everyone is invited to meet Silo Muralist Charlie Johnston on Monday April 23rd at 6pm. This meeting is being hosted by the Town of Essex Mural Committee at the Essex Civic Centre in the Council Chambers. Come out and see how a silo mural project will benefit our community.
The Windsor Star has published an article about the project here. It would make excellent reading if you are planning on attending this event!
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Sketch of the Day: Mulberry for Sketch Crawl 2012
This is my first Sketch Crawl. I hope next year I'll be able to set aside the whole day! It was so relaxing.
Review: The Truth About Roller Skating by Laurie Smith
This collection illustrates a childhood spent in the suburbs of Riverside in the 1960s and 70s. Julie Newmar's cat woman is pitted against Eartha Kit's version (Newmar 1, Kit 0), Zorro makes an appearance as the author's childhood avatar, and new development projects are fiercely resisted with sabotage. The incidents are lively, and steeped in Smith's wry wit. This is what gives the book its magnetism; these are poems courageous enough to laugh, and the laughter is contagious.
Laurie Smith B.Ed., MA., is co-publisher of Cranberry Tree Press in Windsor, a freelance editor, and leads creative writing workshops at Juniper Books. She is the first ever recipient of the Adele Wiseman Poetry Prize, is a two-time winner of the Mayor's Awards of Excellence in the Arts, and has won numerous additional awards for poetry and short fiction. Her other works include gall/stones, One Ninth of a Cat's Life, and Menagerie.
'barbie remodeled' by Laurie Smith, from The Truth About Roller Skating
small tits, big hips
fat-cheeked wide-eyed not a line or
blemish but still falsely haired;
who are we fooling?
himself hairless, curious,
my brother used black marker
to scribble in bush on my dolls, even
adolescent skipper,
and barbie did not get pregnant, though
ken did not sleep in another compartment
but stiffly on top of her in the pink wardrobe case
their eyes open all night
i would still have those staples through my belly,
the disfigurement of paper dolls, the airbrushed
elegance of perks and pearls but barbie at 38
will outlive my dreamhouse, will have g.i. joe and
spiderman perverting her if ken is unavailable
and she will not decompose, left out in the sandbox.
i too have been chewed by dogs; i have been
packaged, dressed,
stripped, decapitated, envied, ridiculed
- yet i still do love
all the new clothes.
Laurie Smith will be holding a book signing of The Truth About Roller Skating at Chapters at Devonshire Mall tomorrow, April 22nd, from 1 to 4.
The Truth About Roller Skating is available for $14.95 at the following retailers:
Juniper Books
U of W Bookstore
The Sugar Shack
Bergeron Art and Frame
Press Release: Armando Viselli @ Windsor Public Library
Thanks to the Windsor Star and the Windsor Public Library for this, rather last minute, news. Long time Erie Street resident and author Armando Viselli will be giving a talk at the Central branch of the Windsor Public Library today at 2 pm.
"Windsor Public Library will host An Afternoon with Armando - a talk featuring a local Italian-Canadian octogenarian's experiences during the German occupation of Rome in the 1940s and his early days in Canada as an immigrant after arriving here in 1951."
Friday, April 20, 2012
Sketch of the Day: Sketching Hat Sketch
I was unterrupted before I could finish this sketch (I was in a waiting room at the time and had the hat on my knee). But I think it looks nice unfinished like this.
35th Annual International Sketch Crawl
Tomorrow is a very special day, art fans! Saturday, April 21st is the 35th Annual International Sketch Crawl! SketchCrawl is often described as a 'drawing marathon,' but it's really a good excuse to get out and make some art in the open air. Usually, small groups get together with their sketchbooks and easels, but going solo is just as good. Windsor first participated in the world-wide event in 2010 through the efforts of the Windsor-Essex County Plein-Air Society.
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| One of the sketches from Sketch Crawl 2010 by local artist Margaret Dawson |
The Windsor and Essex County Plein Air Society will be spending the day at Dieppe Gardens, on the Windsor Waterfront from 10-2pm. Click here for more details.
If you get out tomorrow and do some sketching, let us know about it! Or if you need a group to meet up with, why not put a call out in the comments?
Thursday, April 19, 2012
New Executive Director for the Arts Council
The Arts Council - Windsor and Region has a new executive director. Michelle Le Chien of Tecumseh has broad experience in arts management. Michelle has an honours degree in Fine Arts from the University of Guelph with a minor in Art History, and has been working most recently as assistant curator and registrar of the Tom Thomson Art Gallery in Owen Sound until 2011. Previously she was director of the Leamington Arts Centre from 2005 to 2008.
OurWindsor interviewed Le Chien today about her very busy first week in her new post.
We're wishing you all the best, Michelle!
Click here to check out a summary of the ACWR's latest Arts Notes events.
Sketch of the Day: Lilacs
In Walkerville, one of the most awaited signs of spring's arrival is when the lilac trees begin to bloom. It seems that every alleyway in this old neighbourhood has at least one lilac tree peeking over a fence. There are white lilacs, and purples of varying hues. The wind spreads their scent so that my daily walk seems more luxurious than usual! I will probably sketch the trees themselves another day. They're blooming especially early this year. We have hardly had a winter at all, and it seems spring has a month's head start.
I had to resist the urge to add more detail. I don't usually work so loose, but overworking a sketch can really be a shame. I like the simplicity.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Sketch of the Day: Spring Tops
Arts Notes Overview
| Artspeak Gallery, office of the Arts Council Windsor and Region |
CALL FOR ARTISTS: Community Art and Craft Show @ Riverside Library May 12 and 19.
Two tables are available for art vendors. Call (519) 252 ARTS.
CALL FOR ARTISTS: Call for Artist Vendors: Dr. David Suzuki School Eco Conference on May 5th.
call (519) 252 ARTS or email info@acwr.net for more information or to reserve your table.
NETWORKING: Beginning Wednesday, May 2nd at 6:30pm, Arts Council – Windsor &
Region (ACWR) launches their new series: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, a bi-weekly arts networking event.
EXHIBITION: Darling Divine Art of the Avant Garde @ Artspeak Gallery April 14 – April 20
Three Local Artists Piera Rock, Lizzy Love of Oddball Art Co. & Crystal Feetham of Elektric Honey 10% of all proceeds go to The Canadian Cancer Society in support of Aprils Cancer Awareness Month. Call Lizzy 519-839-5383
EXHIBITION: Art in Living II, by artist Philip Chouinard April 23rd - 28th.@ Artspeak Gallery
EXHIBITION: Out on a Limb: Tree as Muse, by artists Mary Atkinson and Margaret Guillet @ Artspeak Gallery. April 30th - May 4th
CALL FOR ARTISTS: Recycle Show @ Mudpuppy Gallery
If you are submitting, have your RECYCLED artwork to Mudpuppy Gallery by Sunday, April 29th, 2012. $10 submission fee per submission. For more information email: mudpuppy gallery@gmail.com or call 519.736.7279.
OPEN MIC (MUSIC/WORD): Beat Night 5 @ Downtown Espresso Cafe, Amhurstburg. Organised by Mudpuppy Gallery. May 5th
CALL FOR ARTISTS: Impasto: A Show for Painters @ Leamington Arts Centre. May 2 -26, 2012
Deadline for submissions: April 28th. Contact: 519.326.2711, artcentr@mnsi.net, or www.leamingtonartscentre.com
CONTEST: Logo design contest for OPRIG Windsor. Deadline: April 29th.
Contact info@opirgwindsor.org.
BOOK LAUNCH: Materialist Ethics and Life-Value by Jeff Noonan @ Rino's Kitchen April 18th.
PUBLIC LECTURE: Dr. Ted Hallman @ Freed-Orman Centre, Assumption University April 22nd.
Free admission. Contact: (519) 973-7033, press 0 or cbertrand@assumptionu.ca.
THEATRE: 'Bernhardt on Broadway' @ Korda Zone Theatre 2520 Seminole St April 20th
Sarah Bernhardt, the actress who 100 years ago was the most famous woman in the world. Written & Performed by Carol Dunitz. One show only. tickets at the door. $20. Contact: 519 562 3394 www.kordazone.com
THEATRE: 'Visiting Hours,' a 'dramedy' @ Korda Zone Theatre 2520 Seminole April 21st and 28th.
Tickets: Adults – $15 Senior/Student – $10 Contact: 519 562 3394 www.kordazone.com
MUSIC: The Essex-Kent Bluegrass, Oldtime & Folk Music Association April 21st
'Nothin’ Fancy' in Concert at the Belle River K of C in Emeryville (1303 County Road 22)
EDUCATION: Lee Lee Hats knitting classes for youth schedule for April-May.
Contact Julia at leeleewyc@yahoo.ca for volunteer opportunities and or questions you may have about their programming.
EXHIBIT: O’h ya,’h ohdiwenagqh:”Through the Voices of Beads” @ Gibson Gallery, Amhurstburg April 12th-May 27th.
Admission is $3.00/adults $2.00/students. For more information contact: 519-736-2826 www.gibsonartgallery.com
EDUCATION:Children's spring art classes @ Gibson Gallery, Amhurstburg.
Contact Bonnie Deslippe 519-736-2826 www.gibsonartgallery.com
DANCE: Big City Small Farm by Windsor Dance eXperience @ Capitol Theatre April 21st, 22nd
ART EXHIBIT/AUCTION: Working with the Environment high school art auction April 16th, 27th. @ Devonshire Mall.
MUSIC: Puzzleroot and Allison Brown @ Leamington The Gallery Restaurant ~ Cup 2 Mug Lounge May 1st, @ Phog Lounge May 22nd
COMMUNITY: MayWorks Festival project: community garden. May 5th @ Campus community garden, University of Windsor
EXHIBITION: Forty x Forty @ Nancy Johns Gallery April 24- May 12
THEATRE: Legally Blond: The Musical. Windsor Light Music Theatre May 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13
EXHIBITION: PEEK @ SB Contemporary Art March 17 - April 28th
PROGRAMS: Ontario Arts Council Acess and Career Development program deadline May 1st
Visit access.arts.on.ca for more details.
COMMUNITY: Pilette Village Cinco de Mayo celebration May 5th includes Latin dancers, a
Mariachi Band, artists, vintage vendors and a Chihuahua Beauty Contest.
AWARDS: Windsor Endowment for the Arts presents THE WEAs – the second biennial Awards and Grants Celebration recognizing some of our community’s most talented artists, upcoming talent and arts leaders.May 5th.Visit wea-arts.com or contact 519-977-9369 for more information.
CALL FOR ARTISTS: Children's Aid Society auction for 'Gourmet Gardens, A Celebration of Food Wine & Spring.' Contact Mike Clark at (519) 252-1171, ext. 3210, or Fax: (519) 256-2739, MClark@WECAS.on.ca for more details.
SCHOLARSHIP: OCC Awards & Scholarships Program dealine May 31st.
Contact Caitlin Plewes at 416-925-4222×222 or cplewes@craft.on.ca
CALL FOR ARTISTS: Carrousel by the River. June 8-10.
Contact carrouselartists@gmail.com
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