| | ARTISTS' NEWSLETTER News and Opportunities for Artists of Fairfield County, CT PART TWO FEBRUARY 16, 2018 Next Issue: March 2 |
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| | The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County is a nonprofit service organization that supports its members through unified marketing, capacity building, professional development, and advocacy services. This newsletter is sent to all who request it - but we ask that, if you are not a member, you explore membership benefits and consider joining this community of more than 575 individuals and organizations. You can sign up here. |
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| | | | SPRINGBOARD LAUNCHES LOANS FOR ARTISTS IN BUSINESS
Artists across the US are now able to apply for Kiva loans and receive matched funds through Springboard for the Arts’ new endorsement program. Artists may borrow up to $25,000 with a 36 month loan term at 0% interest. Thanks to the Surdna Foundation, Springboard will hold a fund reserve of $50,000 to support artists and their fundraising. Kiva is an international nonprofit organization, based out of San Francisco. Founded in 2005, its mission is to connect people through micro-lending without leading individuals and communities into poverty. Through international activity, Kiva contributors are able to support others hoping to create a sustainable future for themselves. This partnership began as a way to help artists looking for capital to expand or invest in their work achieve their goals in a fair and equitable way. Artists can try to cover materials, studio space, travel, and other costs simply by selling their work, applying for grants, or launching an online crowdfunding campaign, but these routes often require a significant investment of time and effort. Microloans can help artists bridge the gaps between other sources of funding. An artist might be able to cover the materials needed to fill their first big commission, a down payment on their own studio, fees for conferences and fairs where they can show their work and reach new people, or any of a number of jumping-off points for their career. “Grants are great, but when you apply for a grant or fellowship, you’re putting that timeline and power and agency in someone else’s hands, to decide if you get that money,” says Laura Zabel, Springboard’s executive director. “At Springboard, we like platforms or mechanisms that put the power back in the hands of the artist. It’s a much more active way that you can pursue building your business.” For artists interested in applying for a Springboard-endorsed Kiva loan, it’s recommended to review Kiva’s eligibility guide for loan qualification. The most eligible candidates are artists who have clear business goals and a stable plan for repayment. On Springboard’s resources page of their website, artists can find toolkits and business support which may help increase eligibility for endorsement. For more information click here. |
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| ANSWERS TO KEY QUESTIONS FOR SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT
Creative Exchange is the national program of Springboard for the Arts, the artist-led nonprofit based in Minnesota, where it shares stories about the impact of artists in community. From its series Artists With Impact, telling the stories of artists and their projects around the country, Spring-board, has drawn out the answers to five key questions, finding the commonalities and differences in the responses were telling. Read their summary here. Meanwhile here is a synopsis of the 5 questions and the common responses. 1. How do you like to collaborate?
Most interviewed collaborate and enjoy it (for the most part). They enjoyed collaborations where everyone brings their own ideas and talents to the table, sharing the responsibilities, learning something new from their partners, and being exposed to diverse groups and viewpoints. But for many, the creative process is internal, and working with others isn’t always enjoyable.
2. How do you a start a project?
Most projects start with an idea, written down or talked out, often filling a need in their communities. Says Claire Nelson, founder of Urban Consulate, "I see a gap, I want to fill it." Photographer M. Jenea Sánchez starts a project "when I discover something is missing from the visual fabric of our culture, or when something is misrepresented in the dominant narrative.” Some begin at the end: “I think about what the ending should be," musician Kelly Jolly says. Inuit tattoo artist Holly Mititquq Nordlum advises, “Dream big; start small.” 3. How do you talk about your value?
This was the hardest question. Many align their value with their communities. Dread Scott and t.Rutt talk about transformative ideas that can shift the status quo, ensuring voices outside the dominant culture are heard. Others see any contribution from artists to political discourse as rich in emotional value because, in the end, "political values are spiritual values." Beth Grossman says she helps communities understand that the arts and artists can play a central role in every initiative.
4. How do you define success?
Most said the measure of success is in direct relation to a project's impact within the community: often when a project or idea becomes bigger than themselves. Cézanne Charles defines it as “when the project is received – when it’s no longer ours, when people get to myth-make and story-tell about it.” For Claire Nelson it's “creating a new awareness that didn’t exist before.” 5) How is your work funded?
Some receive grant support, but almost all had some other source of income. Some partner with organizations that have project funding. Many are "self-funded," through jobs related or not to their practices. Some work as teaching artists, gaining the time, stability, and mental space to do what they love for a living as well as outside of work.
Regardless of the variables, these artists' work is community-minded, and all have a particular ethos that situates themselves as individuals as parts of a larger whole. |
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| | | CALLS FOR ENTRIES -Deadlines |
| | WILTON ARTS COUNCIL FOCUS '18 FEBRUARY 24-25
The Wilton Arts Council is seeking photographers of all ages to enter its 20th annual photography exhibit, FOCUS ’18.
Photographers may enter up to two of their photographs, which may be film or digital images in color or black-and-white, and may be enhanced by darkroom or digital techniques. Last year, 105 photographers representing 27 cities and towns in Connecticut and New York exhibited their photographic works. FOCUS ’18 entries will be judged by a panel of notable area photographers in three divisions: Adult (professional and amateur), High School (grades 9-12) and Youth (through grade 8). The final exhibition will be held March 3-29 at Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road. Cash prizes and ribbons will be awarded for: Best of Show (open to all); first through fifth places in the adult division; and first, second and third place in each of the high school and youth divisions. Ribbons will also be presented for honorable mention in each of the divisions. Prospectus and entry form here. Drop-off Wilton Library: Sat. Feb. 24 (10:30am-4pm) and Sunday, Feb. 25 (1:30-4pm). Address questions to contactus@wiltonarts.org or call Beth Schneider at 203-834-9986.
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| | ROWAYTON ARTS CENTER SPRING JURIED SHOW FEBRUARY 26-27
The Rowayton Arts Center announces its annual Spring Juried Show, opening Sunday, March 4, and running through March 31. All artists are encouraged to apply in all media. The theme is open. See the prospectus here. There is a $250 cash award for Best in Show. Exhibition Chairs are Andrea Letters and Kathleen Weinstock. The juror is Kimberly Henrikson, currently Interim Executive Director of the Center for Contemporary Printmaking. In addition to her role at the Center, Kim serves as the President of the Print Club of New York and is the editor for the newsletter for the International Print Club Societies. Kim received her BA in Art History from Penn State University. Receiving for the show is Monday, February 26 (4-7pm) and Tuesday, February 27 (11am-2pm). Fees: $25/1; $45/2; (members: $20/1; $35/2).
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| | | | WESTPORT DOWNTOWN MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION WESTPORT FINE ARTS FESTIVAL
MARCH 1
The Westport Fine Arts Festival, July 14-15, 2018, is held in downtown Westport. This will be the 45th year of the Festival, considered one of the best in the nation, ranking #34 of the top 200. This juried festival features a premier roster of 170 national and international fine artists across at least 10 categories - including painting, photography, sculpture, fiber, printmaking, mixed media, glass, ceramics, jewelry, wood and GD/PM. All artwork is available for purchase in a wide variety of price ranges, subject matter and style. In addition to the visual arts, the festival will feature artist demonstrations and a newly developed interactive Kids Create area for all age activities including a special focus on kid friendly refreshments. As a juried Fine Arts Festival, all works exhibited must be hand made and created by the artist. The artist must be present to exhibit and represent their artwork for both days of the two-day event. Online Registration is now open here. You will be guided through 3 steps:1. Fill out personal/artist information. 2. Make an online jury fee payment
3. Send your 4 art and one booth images, preferably by digital means to the address provided. Jury Fee $40. Upon acceptance to the show, you will be invoiced and invited to pay online for either: single 10x10 booths ($450); double 20x10 booths ($900). Sue Brown Gordon returns as the Festival's Artist Director. If you have any questions regarding your application, contact Sue at 518-852-6478 or FAFDirector@westportdma.com. Deadline: March 1. |
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| | GREENWICH ART SOCIETY 101st ANNUAL EXHIBITION MARCH 3-4
The Greenwich Art Society announces its 101st Annual Members Exhibition at the Bendheim Gallery, Greenwich Arts Council. Entrants must be current Greenwich Art Society members. Members must pay the current years dues if in arrears and new members may join on entry day. (GAS Membership forms can be downloaded here). Works are not eligible if previously accepted for one of our juried exhibitions; if they have been exhibited in the Bendheim or GAS Galleries; or if completed prior to 2016. All submitted work must be attractively and appropriately matted, framed and/or presented. All works must be for sale. If a portrait, the price of a similar commission must be stated. The Bendheim Gallery reserves the right to final approval of the selection of artwork for the exhibition. Entry fees will not be returned if the Bendheim chooses to remove a work from eligibility for exhibition. Categories: Oil/Acrylic, Drawing, Pastel, Watercolor, Sculpture, Photography, Computer Art, Fiber Arts, Other Media. The juror is Randall R. Griffey, Curator of Contemporary Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Receiving is Sat. March 3 (2pm-4pm) and Sun. March 4, (2pm-4pm). Please follow check-in points on First Floor of Arts Center building before bringing work to the Bendheim Gallery, 2nd floor and follow the signs for entry circuit. No early drop-offs. For prospectus, click here. |
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| | | | CARRIAGE BARN ARTS CENTER SPECTRUM MARCH 9
The Carriage Barn Arts Center, home to the New Canaan Society for the Arts, will host its 28th annual Spectrum Contemporary Art Show, April 20-May 24. Spectrum is a juried exhibition of original, contemporary artwork by local and regional artists, and invites submissions in all media. Entries must have been created within the past two years and not have been previously exhibited at the Carriage Barn. The guest juror is Hilary Lewis, chief curator and creative director of the Glass House. Inspired by Philip Johnson and David Whitney’s legacy as art collectors and champions of contemporary art, Lewis will review and select submissions that represent What’s Now/What’s New - new interpretations, original techniques, diverse subject matter. Johnson and Whitney shared a respect for history, but also believed art, architecture and ideas should not be trapped by the past. Johnson believed strongly in the adage “the one constant is change,” and the 2018 Spectrum exhibit will showcase artwork and artists that best represent the future and reflect the world we live in today. From the accepted entries, the juror will select 4-6 “Artists To Watch” who will be recognized at the opening and throughout the show and who will be invited to participate in a special presentation at the Carriage Barn Arts Center. See prospectus here. Deadline: March 9 |
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| CCP FOOTPRINT INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION 2018 MARCH 10
The Center for Contemporary Printmaking's Footprint International Competition 2018, is an opportunity for the presentation of current trends and innovations in contemporary printmaking within the bounds of the one square foot (12" x 12") configuration. The square format was uncommon in art until the advent of abstraction and presents distinct challenges of composition and expression. Within these precise limits, artists must confront a space and create visual order and formal structure. The juror for this show is Susan Tallman, Art in Print, Editor-in-Chief and an art historian. All fine-art printmaking mediums, including woodcut, intaglio, lithography, screenprint, monotype, and original digital media may be utilized. (No drawings, photographs, or direct reproductions are eligible.) Art must be hand-pulled and generated using at least one traditional printmaking method. Computer-generated art is eligible only if it incorporates other methods of hand pulled printing or handwork. Image size must be exactly 12 x 12 inches (30.5 x 30.5 cm). Outside dimensions of the printing paper may not exceed 18 x 18 inches (45.7 x 45.7 cm). Paper beyond these dimensions on accepted prints will be trimmed to the dimensions required for the exhibition. Only two-dimensional works will be accepted. Prizes and Awards: $1,000 in cash prizes and purchase awards will be awarded. In addition to the $1,000 in prizes, the Awagami Paper Award, $300 (50 sheets) in editioning paper will be awarded to one artist. Prospectus. Apply here. Deadline: March 10. |
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| | | REMARKABLE STEAM MAKER FAIRE WESTPORT MARCH 15
Remarkable Steam announces its Call for Makers for the seventh annual Maker Faire Westport that will be on Saturday, April 21, 2018, throughout downtown Westport. 12,000 attendees are expected. This year’s theme for the event is #WeAreConnecticut and will highlight the people, places and organizations that make Connecticut a great place to live and work. “We are looking for creative people who want to share their energy and talents with others,” says Mark Mathias, Founder and Co-Chair of Maker Faire Westport. “We are inviting artists, musicians, engineers, craftsmen, entrepreneurs, students, teachers, businesspeople, comedians and creative people of all ages and backgrounds to inspire attendees with what we as humans can do.” Maker Faire Westport began in 2011 as the first official Maker Faire event in Connecticut. It has grown to become Connecticut’s largest event focused on creativity and innovation. Over the past six years, Maker Faire Westport has become a catalyst for tinkerers, artisans, engineers, schools, libraries, companies and communities. More than 50,000 people have attended Maker Faire Westport and many thousands more have benefitted through educational programs, maker spaces, employment opportunities and business growth. This year, organizers expect to welcome a record 12,000 people to the Faire. Makers include artists, woodworkers, builders, musicians, people who sew, engineers, comedians, jugglers and more. Young and old are welcome. Students, hobbyists and even businesses are welcome to showcase what they do. To apply, click here. Deadline: March 15. |
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| IVES CONCERT PARK ART AT IVES MARCH 31
Ives Concert Park, Danbury, announces its annual 2-day juried art show, Art at Ives, June 2-3, 2018, featuring a great variety of high quality original works representing every major category. Great food & music along with art classes and children’s events will also be included. An exclusive program directory as well as a digital program will be online with artist exposure all year long on the Ives website with 1,228,382 impressions annually, showcasing each artist's work and contact information. The show will provide increased visibility for many artists, expanding awareness of the arts enriching the artistic, cultural, educational and economic vitality of the Western Connecticut Region. The Ives’ lush oasis of natural beauty on Danbury’s west side, hosts world-renowned artists in a wide variety of music and theater genres. The venue pays tribute to its storied roots in classical music while acknowledging the ongoing evolution of the art of live performance. With entertainment that ranges from enlightening to awe-inspiring, the Ives reflects the diverse multicultural community in which it resides; embracing the unique attributes that the artists and patrons bring to the site. Artists in all media are invited to apply. Application fee is $25; the fee for an 11'x11' booth is $200 ($250 for a corner booth). There are approximately 100 booths. For prospectus and to apply click here. Application deadline: March 31. |
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| | BRIDGEPORT PUBLIC SCHOOLS ARTS COUNT DAY
Bridgeport Public Schools will hold its Second Annual “Arts Count” Day on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 from 8:30 to 11 am to celebrate the arts with Bridgeport students. Building off last year, Arts Count Day encourages artists from the community to share their experiences related to their craft with 5th grade students in the Bridgeport Public School district. Artists will create, perform, and engage for one hour (10am to 11am) with their assigned 5th grade classroom to call attention to the role the arts play in their everyday lives. It will take 70 artists to cover each 5th grade classroom on that day, additional artists will be assigned to other grade levels within the district. If you are interested or know of any artists (Painter, Musician, Dancer, Architect, etc.) interested in speaking with our students, please contact Timothy Grasty at tgrasty@bridgeportedu.net, call 203-275-1367, or register here.
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