The new website/blog is just about done and looking pretty good. I even have my own domain name (or two, FINALLY!) www.paulamanninglewis.com and www.manninglewisstudios.com Two domains, same website. So, you can get there either way. It is a much easier site to navigate. I'm still working on getting my prints page done. New print images are currently being designed. Once I figure out which ones will be discontinued you will have several to choose from on the Clearance Page and until the end of February, you can see and/or buy several older paintings on the Clearance Page as well. These are some of my first of the Spiral Abstract Series, some are my absolute favorites.
I'm still having issues getting the subscription link to work on the new blog, but I will let you know as soon as it is fixed.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
New Blog/website
I am currently working on switching my blog and website over to wordpress. You can find my new blog HERE.
I am combining my blog and website in one place at wordpress, it's just so much easier to manage. Plus I like it better than blogger!
I am still working on it, but please change your links and bookmarks because it won't be long before this blog is history! Thank you to everyone that checks in here on a regular basis! I can hardly believe it's been almost 4 years since I started this blog. Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin' in to the future!
I am combining my blog and website in one place at wordpress, it's just so much easier to manage. Plus I like it better than blogger!
I am still working on it, but please change your links and bookmarks because it won't be long before this blog is history! Thank you to everyone that checks in here on a regular basis! I can hardly believe it's been almost 4 years since I started this blog. Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin' in to the future!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
I was tagged
Ok, so I don't usually participate in these, but since it's Saturday and I was tagged by one of my favorite artist bloggers, Jessica Torrant, I figured I'd play along.
the rules:link to the person who tagged you > post the rules on your blog > write six random things about yourself > tag six people at the end of your post and link to them > let each person know they've been tagged
1. I was on the swim team in high school, always loved swimming in fact. Started swimming when I was 9 months old in the Atlantic ocean.
2. I was terribly shy as a kid. No one ever believes me when I tell them this, since I'm such a loudmouth now! When I was in elementary school I was picked on excessively, which made me afraid to make new friends or even talk to anyone new.
3. I lived in Hawaii for 8 months when I was 17. My first husband( I married for the first time at 16!) was in the army so he was stationed there. It was not as great as most people would think. My favorite bumper sticker when I was there was "Just another shitty day in paradise". Hawaii is no fun when you are poor!
4. I owned a frame shop in Las Cruces, NM for a grand total of 2 months! I left my first husband and lost everything because of or shortly after the divorce.
5. I am deathly allergic to cats, I can be in a house with cats for about 15 minutes before I start wheezing, my eyes swell up and my nose and throat get tight and constricted. This is the main reason that I am a dog person.
6. I LOVE to sing! I sing aloud in the car, the shower, while I paint, anytime really!
I'm tagging the following people
Raine Klover
Susan See
Jafabrit
Cynthia Guajardo
Carol Adamec
Angela Taylor
the rules:link to the person who tagged you > post the rules on your blog > write six random things about yourself > tag six people at the end of your post and link to them > let each person know they've been tagged
1. I was on the swim team in high school, always loved swimming in fact. Started swimming when I was 9 months old in the Atlantic ocean.
2. I was terribly shy as a kid. No one ever believes me when I tell them this, since I'm such a loudmouth now! When I was in elementary school I was picked on excessively, which made me afraid to make new friends or even talk to anyone new.
3. I lived in Hawaii for 8 months when I was 17. My first husband( I married for the first time at 16!) was in the army so he was stationed there. It was not as great as most people would think. My favorite bumper sticker when I was there was "Just another shitty day in paradise". Hawaii is no fun when you are poor!
4. I owned a frame shop in Las Cruces, NM for a grand total of 2 months! I left my first husband and lost everything because of or shortly after the divorce.
5. I am deathly allergic to cats, I can be in a house with cats for about 15 minutes before I start wheezing, my eyes swell up and my nose and throat get tight and constricted. This is the main reason that I am a dog person.
6. I LOVE to sing! I sing aloud in the car, the shower, while I paint, anytime really!
I'm tagging the following people
Raine Klover
Susan See
Jafabrit
Cynthia Guajardo
Carol Adamec
Angela Taylor
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Time Management
Painting in Progress, oil on canvas, 48" square
DetailI've been working on this current painting for almost a month now?! I need to work on my time management! I haven't spent as much time painting as I would like so far this year. I know, it's only been a week! So much going on with the gallery, business planning, studio management, website updates, etc, etc. Excuses, excuses! Now that the business plan is essentially done, I should be able to get back on track with my painting/working schedule. I hope to have this painting finished by next week.
Lots going on here at Chroma Studios Gallery, check out the Chroma website for more information.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Happy New Year!
In the gallery/studio today, yes, on a holiday, to get the January show up and the gallery ready for tomorrow's opening reception. The First Friday reception will be open from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. The show will be up for the entire month of January.
Our January featured artist, Nick Harmon, is showcasing 8 new pieces including the entry way floor, and an amazing 7 piece backlit acrylic series that's sure to please.
Nick Harmon is owner of FHAB Concepts, and developer of Fresco Harmony, recently he decided to take a tour of newer galleries affiliated with the AABA (Albuquerque Arts Business Association) to show art and pollinate networks. Not only does he create, original media fine art, he also creates innovative patented wall and floor surface applications.
In conjunction with the opening at Chroma Gallery, we were privileged to be able to finish a section of floor in the gallery in his patented technique. This floor system is not a stain, it's a coating, and it's 100% original, and green. Both the wall and floor concepts were accepted into the International Green Ideas Show in Oct where they were a hit. The artwork is where Nick researches new ideas for other, more practical, applications, ie, counter tops, tiles made from moisture resistant hardy backer, transparent window coverings, glass block and more.
The floor before
My contribution, the drawing of the spiral
The spiral template
Nick getting started
The finished spiral, come on down to see the whole floor!
Our January featured artist, Nick Harmon, is showcasing 8 new pieces including the entry way floor, and an amazing 7 piece backlit acrylic series that's sure to please.
Nick Harmon is owner of FHAB Concepts, and developer of Fresco Harmony, recently he decided to take a tour of newer galleries affiliated with the AABA (Albuquerque Arts Business Association) to show art and pollinate networks. Not only does he create, original media fine art, he also creates innovative patented wall and floor surface applications.
In conjunction with the opening at Chroma Gallery, we were privileged to be able to finish a section of floor in the gallery in his patented technique. This floor system is not a stain, it's a coating, and it's 100% original, and green. Both the wall and floor concepts were accepted into the International Green Ideas Show in Oct where they were a hit. The artwork is where Nick researches new ideas for other, more practical, applications, ie, counter tops, tiles made from moisture resistant hardy backer, transparent window coverings, glass block and more.
The floor before
My contribution, the drawing of the spiral
The spiral template
Nick getting started
The finished spiral, come on down to see the whole floor!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Life is Beautiful!
This has been such a crazy year! I can't believe it's already almost over! I can easily say that it has been the worst AND the best year of my life. Worst, because I lost my dad and I miss him terribly. Best, because all of my dreams that I have worked for over the years, have come true this year! I'm not sure why this is, perhaps a lesson from my dad to make sure I remember that life does go on without him. Maybe it's him watching over me and making sure things happen for me. Maybe I've finally figured things out and losing my dad has given me a new motivation to achieve my dreams and goals. Whatever the reason, life is beautiful, sometimes in a sad, profound way, sometimes in an inspiring, wonderful way.
So, as I near the end of the week, and the beginning of my Holiday vacation, or time off in this case since we aren't actually going anywhere, I have started thinking about what I have accomplished this year and my goals and plans for next year. Accomplishments this year are higher in number than any other year I can remember. I can hardly believe that I am now in the place I've been working so hard all these years to attain! For anyone out there who is just getting started, this is PROOF that it can be done! If I can do it, anyone can. It makes no difference where you come from, where you live, what your education is, how much money you have or even who you know. If you have a dream and the perseverance to see it through, you can do anything you set your mind to! I started out as a teenage mother, high school drop out, from a lower middle class family, who had people tell me that I would go NO WHERE! I guess it helps that I have always been motivated by people like that. In fact, I am extremely grateful for those people in my life!
My accomplishments for 2008:
1. We opened our Art Studio spaces and quickly expanded into an awesome gallery space. I am now in the position to help other artists with their dreams and goals
2. I have put together a complete body of work, large and small, in my new spiral abstract style.
3. I have started licensing my art for needlepoint designs, giving me a residual income!
4. We have paid off ALL our credit card debt!
5. I am now becoming a force in my local art scene, people come to ME for advice!
That's all I can come up with off the top of my head, but it's a huge list for me! Next year I have even bigger dreams! Now that we have almost made it through our first year in business, some of the smaller dreams within the business can be started. I have so many ideas that I can't wait to begin.
May everyone have a wonderful, happy holiday season and a very happy new year!
So, as I near the end of the week, and the beginning of my Holiday vacation, or time off in this case since we aren't actually going anywhere, I have started thinking about what I have accomplished this year and my goals and plans for next year. Accomplishments this year are higher in number than any other year I can remember. I can hardly believe that I am now in the place I've been working so hard all these years to attain! For anyone out there who is just getting started, this is PROOF that it can be done! If I can do it, anyone can. It makes no difference where you come from, where you live, what your education is, how much money you have or even who you know. If you have a dream and the perseverance to see it through, you can do anything you set your mind to! I started out as a teenage mother, high school drop out, from a lower middle class family, who had people tell me that I would go NO WHERE! I guess it helps that I have always been motivated by people like that. In fact, I am extremely grateful for those people in my life!
My accomplishments for 2008:
1. We opened our Art Studio spaces and quickly expanded into an awesome gallery space. I am now in the position to help other artists with their dreams and goals
2. I have put together a complete body of work, large and small, in my new spiral abstract style.
3. I have started licensing my art for needlepoint designs, giving me a residual income!
4. We have paid off ALL our credit card debt!
5. I am now becoming a force in my local art scene, people come to ME for advice!
That's all I can come up with off the top of my head, but it's a huge list for me! Next year I have even bigger dreams! Now that we have almost made it through our first year in business, some of the smaller dreams within the business can be started. I have so many ideas that I can't wait to begin.
May everyone have a wonderful, happy holiday season and a very happy new year!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
New Painting!
This is a 22 x 22" oil on canvas. I'm unsure if it's done yet. What do you think? I may work more on it, later....I just started a new large (48 x 48") canvas and I'm getting in to it! Don't have a name for this one yet either.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
December Events at Chroma Studios & Gallery
I have been super busy with the gallery this month! We have several events happening at Chroma Studios during December. We would love to see all our friends, new and old, for the holidays! We have extended our open hours to Tuesday-Saturday 12-6 pm. Shop local and buy from living artists!
1. In case you haven't yet heard, we are holding a silent auction to benefit the Roadrunner Food Bank for the month of December. There are many artists participating and there will be drawings for door prizes on the opening night of the show. This is a great chance for you to help a worthy cause and have a piece of artwork to show for it. The opening reception is Friday, December 5th from 5-8:30 at Chroma Gallery at 1606 Central SE Suite 102. Call 259-6320 or 908-1392 for more information
2. On Saturday the 6th, Chroma will be hosting its first ever figure drawing group from 1-4 in the Gallery. We have limited space, so please call to reserve your place. Cost is $7 per session or prepay 5 sessions for $25. The group will meet every Saturday from 1-4 pm with the exception of the 27th of December when we will be closed. Call Paula at 259-6320 for more info.
3. On Friday, December 12th, Chroma will kick off its Intimate Concert Series. This series of concerts will be held on the Third Friday of most months in 2009 and will feature an acoustic performance in an intimate setting.
From 20 to 30 available seats depending on how much space the performers need. The first concert will be performed by Chroma founder Aaron Lewis and tickets will be sold for $5.00 call 908-1392 to reserve your seat today.
4. On Friday December 19th Chroma will have a closing show for the Silent Auction and wrapping artwork for the winning bidders. This show will be from 5-8:30 as well. Call 259-6320 or 908-1392 for more info.
5. Chroma will be closing on Dec 21st until our First Friday show in January to allow the artist Nick Harmon to come in and prepare the gallery for his Fhab opening.(and to take a short breather).
1. In case you haven't yet heard, we are holding a silent auction to benefit the Roadrunner Food Bank for the month of December. There are many artists participating and there will be drawings for door prizes on the opening night of the show. This is a great chance for you to help a worthy cause and have a piece of artwork to show for it. The opening reception is Friday, December 5th from 5-8:30 at Chroma Gallery at 1606 Central SE Suite 102. Call 259-6320 or 908-1392 for more information
2. On Saturday the 6th, Chroma will be hosting its first ever figure drawing group from 1-4 in the Gallery. We have limited space, so please call to reserve your place. Cost is $7 per session or prepay 5 sessions for $25. The group will meet every Saturday from 1-4 pm with the exception of the 27th of December when we will be closed. Call Paula at 259-6320 for more info.
3. On Friday, December 12th, Chroma will kick off its Intimate Concert Series. This series of concerts will be held on the Third Friday of most months in 2009 and will feature an acoustic performance in an intimate setting.
From 20 to 30 available seats depending on how much space the performers need. The first concert will be performed by Chroma founder Aaron Lewis and tickets will be sold for $5.00 call 908-1392 to reserve your seat today.
4. On Friday December 19th Chroma will have a closing show for the Silent Auction and wrapping artwork for the winning bidders. This show will be from 5-8:30 as well. Call 259-6320 or 908-1392 for more info.
5. Chroma will be closing on Dec 21st until our First Friday show in January to allow the artist Nick Harmon to come in and prepare the gallery for his Fhab opening.(and to take a short breather).
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Back at the Easel and Silent Auction in December
This has been an awesome month! I'm finally getting back into a routine of painting every day. It feels really great to be back at the easel. It's been over 7 months since I lost my dad now and while some of you may be tired of hearing about it, I can't let it go that easily. Obviously. I have now finished exactly 2 paintings since April 9, 2008. Which is nothing compared to what I usually produce. I am more than ready to get back to my regular prolific self. The studios/gallery are getting easier to run, my husband has been helping out more and we are about to have a virtual assistant to help with some of the load. So, now I will have more hours in the day for painting. Plus, and this is pretty important, I have ideas coming back into my head that fit with my usual happy thoughts and paintings. I guess I should retract my previous statement, I have actually finished more than 2 paintings since dad died. Those other paintings I don't count though, because they were grief paintings and will never be sold.
The 2nd painting I finished (see the last post), now has a title. Since I was praying for a good election result while I painted it, I have titled it "Hopeful 2008".
I have been busy scheduling shows for the gallery for 2009 and have decided to do a featured show of my work in April. Yesterday I spoke with the woman who is licensing my needlepoint designs and got her ok to do a needlepoint/art show. I'm thinking about hanging the paintings alongside their corresponding needlepoint canvas and perhaps have a couple of them stitched to show what they look like once they are done.
In the meantime, next month we are doing a silent auction show to benefit the local Roadrunner food bank. 50% of the auction proceeds will go to the food bank with the other 50% going to the artist that created the work. I will post some of the pieces on my Chroma Studios blog so everyone will have a chance to bid on them, even if you can't make it to the gallery! If you are a local Albuquerque artist and would like to participate please contact me as I would like to fill the entire gallery with the silent auction pieces. At the end of the silent auction, closing reception, we will have a fun event, an artist exchange where artists will be able to trade their work with other artists in the show. Any pieces that don't sell in the auction, or extra pieces that artists bring in will be available for the exchange. Unless, of course, you aren't interested in participating in the exchange. Just a fun event for the Holidays!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
New Work, finally!
I have finally finished a new painting! I haven't titled it yet, but it is a 20" square oil painting on canvas. I was looking for a different shape to the flower petals and really liked the shape of this flower. Don't ask me what type of flower it is as I don't know. I tried to find out but couldn't find it anywhere. If anyone can tell me that would be great. This is obviously an abstracted image of the flower, but the real thing is a tiny little blossom.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Reminder: Alyson Stanfield book signing event at Chroma Gallery
Just a reminder that Art-marketing consultant and Art biz blogger Alyson B. Stanfield will be at Chroma Studios & Gallery on November 13th from 6-8 p.m. to talk about and sign her book, I’d Rather Be in the Studio! The Artist’s No-Excuse Guide to Self-Promotion, and to answer your questions.
Chroma Gallery and Studios is located at 1606 Central Ave SE Suite 102 & 201, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Call Paula at 505-259-6320 for more info.
I’d Rather Be in the Studio! The Artist’s No-Excuse Guide to Self-Promotion is for artists of all kinds. Painters, sculptors, ceramist, jewelers, photographers, and others will benefit from the easy-to-follow self-promotion practices in this book.
Author and art-marketing consultant Alyson B. Stanfield, of ArtBizCoach.com, focuses on sharing the artwork directly with potential buyers through electronic and traditional communication outlets—in a manner that is comfortable, not artificial. Artists match Internet marketing strategies with sincere personal skills to take charge of their art careers.
The book includes online worksheets and downloads.
Chroma Gallery and Studios is located at 1606 Central Ave SE Suite 102 & 201, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Call Paula at 505-259-6320 for more info.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Get out there and VOTE!
Today is an historical day for us as Americans! I can hardly wait to get out my vote and I would like to encourage EVERYONE to get out and vote! It makes no difference who you vote for, of course I have MY preference, but the important thing is that we get rid of the apathy and make our voices heard by getting out there and voting!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Old Dan's Records
So, Saturday was my 39th birthday! To celebrate, my brother came up from Las Cruces and joined Aaron and I at the Gordon Lightfoot concert here in town. It was just amazing! I have loved his music since I was a kid, basically, I was raised with his music. He has always been a favorite. My dad loved his music too, which is how I was introduced.
I knew that my dad would have loved to see this concert, which is part of the reason, when I found out it was happening on my birthday, that I just had to go! I called my brother and told him about it and of course he was in. The entire concert was great, but the best part was saved for last. The last song of the night, 'Old Dan's Records', was proof to us that my dad was there with us. See, for those who don't know this, my dad's name is Dan, and his lifelong passion was collecting records! We just recently finished building shelves for those records in our house (lucky me, I inherited them all!) and have been waiting for a new record needle to come in so we could listen to those records. So, the encore song of the concert was all too fitting! There are a couple of lines that really hit home for us, 'dig out old dan's records...if old dan was still around, you know he'd be so proud'. It made me bawl the night of the concert and it still brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. The only thing that would have made my birthday any better is if my dad would have been there with us, I still miss him oh so much! I found the video above on you tube, apparently, ours was not the only show he closed with that particular song. Thanks Gordon!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Insert Clever Title Here:
Grateful, 48 x 48" oil on canvas, available on Absolute Arts
The Calm Before...., oils on canvas, available on Absolute Arts
It's usually difficult to come up with new titles for my blog posts, but when it's just a rambling post with no real direction, it's even more difficult! I have been slogging thru life these days. Had some emotionally draining personal experiences, moved my studio, had a last minute art show to put together, now putting together another art show, trying to fit painting back into my schedule, run a gallery and a household, nurse my sick husband, etc, etc and the list goes on. I know, cry me a river. I hate to whine, really I do! :0
I'm looking forward to this election being over and done with. HOPEfully with the right outcome this time! My 18 year old son is actually old enough to vote AND he's registered! Kinda scary considering he can't seem to find and job and take care of himself! Either way, I'm happy to say that this family has at least 4 votes going to the right candidate this year.
I'm loving my new studio, though I miss my big windows looking down on Route 66/Central Ave. Plus, I'm the only one down here with the gallery, so I'm feeling a little cut off from all the other artists. I don't miss going up and down the stairs everyday!
I finished the large painting I was working on for 4 months or so, it's actually hanging in the gallery now. I just started a new medium sized(20"square) painting that I'm really happy with. I have another 48" square canvas waiting to be painted, but I am fumbling for an idea to start with. Which is why I skipped to the medium sized canvas for now. The photos I'm posting today are of a couple of my newest large paintings. One is "Grateful", I think I posted a progress photo of it at some point, and it is 48" square. Huge for me! The other one is called "The Calm Before..." and it is the large painting I was finishing up when I got the call about my dad's death. I don't think it will ever be totally finished, so I've hung it and called it done. It's been hard for me to even look at, too many sad memories.
Both were posted in my photos of the gallery, but these are better shots. I will list them in my Absolute Arts portfolio shortly.
Last but not least, here is a video tour of the new gallery that I put together last week. The background music is the title track from my husband's new cd "Space Travel". Incidently, the cd release party is this Friday at Chroma Gallery from 6-8pm!
I hope everyone is having a beautiful, wonderful, happy day, week, month and year!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Obama's Art Policy
I was just sent this information in an email from the Albuquerque Arts Business Association. Very interesting and informative! Supposedly, the person who sent it to the AABA is searching for McCain's Art policy. I wonder if he even has an art policy. If anyone knows of it, please respond with a link. I have already decided to vote for Obama, but this just makes the choice even better for me.
Our nation’s creativity has filled the world’s libraries, museums, recital halls, movie houses, and marketplaces
with works of genius. The arts embody the American spirit of self-definition. As the author of two best-selling
books – Dreams from My Father and The Audacity of Hope – Barack Obama uniquely appreciates the role and
value of creative expression.
A PLATFORM IN SUPPORT OF THE ARTS
Reinvest in Arts Education: To remain competitive in the global economy, America needs to reinvigorate the
kind of creativity and innovation that has made this country great. To do so, we must nourish our children’s
creative skills. In addition to giving our children the science and math skills they need to compete in the new
global context, we should also encourage the ability to think creatively that comes from a meaningful arts
education. Unfortunately, many school districts are cutting instructional time for art and music education.
Barack Obama and Joe Biden believe that the arts should be a central part of effective teaching and learning.
The Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts recently said “The purpose of arts education is not to
produce more artists, though that is a byproduct. The real purpose of arts education is to create complete human
beings capable of leading successful and productive lives in a free society.” To support greater arts education,
Obama will:
Expand Public/Private Partnerships Between Schools and Arts Organizations: Barack Obama and
Joe Biden will increase resources for the U.S. Department of Education’s Arts Education Model
Development and Dissemination Grants, which develop public/private partnerships between schools and
arts organizations. They will also engage the foundation and corporate community to increase support
for public/private partnerships.
Create an Artist Corps: Barack Obama and Joe Biden support the creation of an “Artists Corps” of
young artists trained to work in low-income schools and their communities. Studies in Chicago have
demonstrated that test scores improved faster for students enrolled in low-income schools that link arts
across the curriculum than scores for students in schools lacking such programs.
Publicly Champion the Importance of Arts Education: As president, Barack Obama will use the
bully pulpit and the example he will set in the White House to promote the importance of arts and arts
education in America. Not only is arts education indispensable for success in a rapidly changing, high
skill, information economy, but studies show that arts education raises test scores in other subject areas
as well.
Support Increased Funding for the NEA: Over the last 15 years, government funding for the National
Endowment for the Arts has been slashed from $175 million annually in 1992 to $125 million today. Barack
Obama and Joe Biden support increased funding for the NEA, the support of which enriches schools and
neighborhoods all across the nation and helps to promote the economic development of countless communities.
Promote Cultural Diplomacy: American artists, performers and thinkers – representing our values and ideals
– can inspire people both at home and all over the world. Through efforts like that of the United States
Information Agency, America’s cultural leaders were deployed around the world during the Cold War as artistic
ambassadors and helped win the war of ideas by demonstrating to the world the promise of America. Artists
can be utilized again to help us win the war of ideas against Islamic extremism. Unfortunately, our resources
for cultural diplomacy are at their lowest level in a decade. Barack Obama and Joe Biden will work to reverse
this trend and improve and expand public-private partnerships to expand cultural and arts exchanges throughout
the world.
Attract Foreign Talent: The flipside to promoting American arts and culture abroad is welcoming members of
the foreign arts community to America. Opening America’s doors to students and professional artists provides
the kind of two-way cultural understanding that can break down the barriers that feed hatred and fear. As
America tightened visa restrictions after 9/11, the world’s most talented students and artists, who used to come
here, went elsewhere. Barack Obama and Joe Biden will streamline the visa process to return America to its
rightful place as the world’s top destination for artists and art students.
Provide Health Care to Artists: Finding affordable health coverage has often been one of the most vexing
obstacles for artists and those in the creative community. Since many artists work independently or have nontraditional
employment relationships, employer-based coverage is unavailable and individual policies are
financially out of reach. The Obama-Biden plan will provide all Americans with quality, affordable health care.
Their plan includes the creation of a new public program that will allow individuals and small businesses to buy
affordable health care similar to that available to federal employees. Their plan also creates a National Health
Insurance Exchange to reform the private insurance market and allow Americans to enroll in participating
private plans, which would have to provide comprehensive benefits, issue every applicant a policy, and charge
fair and stable premiums. For those who still cannot afford coverage, the government will provide a subsidy.
His health plan will lower costs for the typical American family by up to $2,500 per year.
Ensure Tax Fairness for Artists: Barack Obama supports the Artist-Museum Partnership Act, introduced by
Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT). The Act amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow artists to deduct the fair
market value of their work, rather than just the costs of the materials, when they make charitable contributions.
Paid for by Obama for America
Our nation’s creativity has filled the world’s libraries, museums, recital halls, movie houses, and marketplaces
with works of genius. The arts embody the American spirit of self-definition. As the author of two best-selling
books – Dreams from My Father and The Audacity of Hope – Barack Obama uniquely appreciates the role and
value of creative expression.
A PLATFORM IN SUPPORT OF THE ARTS
Reinvest in Arts Education: To remain competitive in the global economy, America needs to reinvigorate the
kind of creativity and innovation that has made this country great. To do so, we must nourish our children’s
creative skills. In addition to giving our children the science and math skills they need to compete in the new
global context, we should also encourage the ability to think creatively that comes from a meaningful arts
education. Unfortunately, many school districts are cutting instructional time for art and music education.
Barack Obama and Joe Biden believe that the arts should be a central part of effective teaching and learning.
The Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts recently said “The purpose of arts education is not to
produce more artists, though that is a byproduct. The real purpose of arts education is to create complete human
beings capable of leading successful and productive lives in a free society.” To support greater arts education,
Obama will:
Expand Public/Private Partnerships Between Schools and Arts Organizations: Barack Obama and
Joe Biden will increase resources for the U.S. Department of Education’s Arts Education Model
Development and Dissemination Grants, which develop public/private partnerships between schools and
arts organizations. They will also engage the foundation and corporate community to increase support
for public/private partnerships.
Create an Artist Corps: Barack Obama and Joe Biden support the creation of an “Artists Corps” of
young artists trained to work in low-income schools and their communities. Studies in Chicago have
demonstrated that test scores improved faster for students enrolled in low-income schools that link arts
across the curriculum than scores for students in schools lacking such programs.
Publicly Champion the Importance of Arts Education: As president, Barack Obama will use the
bully pulpit and the example he will set in the White House to promote the importance of arts and arts
education in America. Not only is arts education indispensable for success in a rapidly changing, high
skill, information economy, but studies show that arts education raises test scores in other subject areas
as well.
Support Increased Funding for the NEA: Over the last 15 years, government funding for the National
Endowment for the Arts has been slashed from $175 million annually in 1992 to $125 million today. Barack
Obama and Joe Biden support increased funding for the NEA, the support of which enriches schools and
neighborhoods all across the nation and helps to promote the economic development of countless communities.
Promote Cultural Diplomacy: American artists, performers and thinkers – representing our values and ideals
– can inspire people both at home and all over the world. Through efforts like that of the United States
Information Agency, America’s cultural leaders were deployed around the world during the Cold War as artistic
ambassadors and helped win the war of ideas by demonstrating to the world the promise of America. Artists
can be utilized again to help us win the war of ideas against Islamic extremism. Unfortunately, our resources
for cultural diplomacy are at their lowest level in a decade. Barack Obama and Joe Biden will work to reverse
this trend and improve and expand public-private partnerships to expand cultural and arts exchanges throughout
the world.
Attract Foreign Talent: The flipside to promoting American arts and culture abroad is welcoming members of
the foreign arts community to America. Opening America’s doors to students and professional artists provides
the kind of two-way cultural understanding that can break down the barriers that feed hatred and fear. As
America tightened visa restrictions after 9/11, the world’s most talented students and artists, who used to come
here, went elsewhere. Barack Obama and Joe Biden will streamline the visa process to return America to its
rightful place as the world’s top destination for artists and art students.
Provide Health Care to Artists: Finding affordable health coverage has often been one of the most vexing
obstacles for artists and those in the creative community. Since many artists work independently or have nontraditional
employment relationships, employer-based coverage is unavailable and individual policies are
financially out of reach. The Obama-Biden plan will provide all Americans with quality, affordable health care.
Their plan includes the creation of a new public program that will allow individuals and small businesses to buy
affordable health care similar to that available to federal employees. Their plan also creates a National Health
Insurance Exchange to reform the private insurance market and allow Americans to enroll in participating
private plans, which would have to provide comprehensive benefits, issue every applicant a policy, and charge
fair and stable premiums. For those who still cannot afford coverage, the government will provide a subsidy.
His health plan will lower costs for the typical American family by up to $2,500 per year.
Ensure Tax Fairness for Artists: Barack Obama supports the Artist-Museum Partnership Act, introduced by
Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT). The Act amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow artists to deduct the fair
market value of their work, rather than just the costs of the materials, when they make charitable contributions.
Paid for by Obama for America
Friday, October 10, 2008
Alyson Stanfield's Studio Tour
I am excited to announce that Art-marketing consultant and Art biz blogger Alyson B. Stanfield will be at Chroma Studios & Gallery on November 13th from 6-8 p.m. to talk about and sign her book, I’d Rather Be in the Studio! The Artist’s No-Excuse Guide to Self-Promotion, and to answer your questions.
I’d Rather Be in the Studio! The Artist’s No-Excuse Guide to Self-Promotion is for artists of all kinds. Painters, sculptors, ceramist, jewelers, photographers, and others will benefit from the easy-to-follow self-promotion practices in this book.
Author and art-marketing consultant Alyson B. Stanfield, of ArtBizCoach.com, focuses on sharing the artwork directly with potential buyers through electronic and traditional communication outlets—in a manner that is comfortable, not artificial. Artists match Internet marketing strategies with sincere personal skills to take charge of their art careers.
The book includes online worksheets and downloads.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
My aching back!
Interior windows looking from front gallery into my studio with my smaller paintings
Featured art in the front gallery, my latest large painting, "Grateful", 48 x 48", oil on canvas
Another of my newer large paintings, "The Calm Before..", 40 x 40", oil on canvas
left side wall in front gallery, my painting "The Vortex", 40 x 40", oil on canvas
The inner gallery/classroom space and art by other studio artists
Back wall in the gallery, another large painting of mine, "Chroma Sunset", 48 x 48", oil on canvas
Aaron in the main gallery
Me talking with a high school friend I haven't seen in 10 years!
The show opening on Friday went very well. We added several new names to our mailing list and had a few sales. It was a long weekend as we had to sit the gallery for our posted business hours for the first time. The weather was cloudy and rainy, so not many visitors on Saturday and Sunday. The bottom two photos above were taken by one of the photographers in the show, Susan See. The others are pics I shot before the show opened.
Monday morning I woke up with a major pain in my back. Actually, it feels more like my hip. I can't tell if it's out of place or if I just pulled a muscle. Either way, the pain is making it difficult to get anything done today. I had planned on painting, but it hurts to stand at my easel. So, here I sit, blogging and basically avoiding pain as much as is possible!
UPDATE: It seems after talking with my brother and mom, that a may actually have a kidney stone! Yikes! My brother suggested I try drinking some cranberry juice, which I did, and the pain subsided almost instantly! This stinks! Any other suggestions out there? I don't have health insurance, so I can't go to the doctor.
Friday, October 03, 2008
Need Something to do Tonight?
....Then come by Chroma Studios and Gallery for our "Feathers and Flowers" Show. This is our first show as a member of the Albuquerque Arts Crawl. We are excited about our new gallery which expands Chroma Studios into a downstairs space with easy access for everyone. We have plenty of free parking! Come by and have a peek into the working studios of our artists and see the featured work of Chroma founders, Josephine Brionez de Flores and Paula Manning-Lewis, along with the work of our studio artists.
When: Tonight! 5-8:30pm. Show runs through October 31st. We will also be open for the two weekends of Balloon Fiesta, Thursday - Sunday from 12 - 6 pm.
Where: Chroma Studios and Gallery, 1606 Central Ave SE, Suites 102 & 201, Albuquerque, NM
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
International Artist Day
Just read the latest post to the Art biz blog and found out that October 25th is now officially "International Artist Day". The cool thing about this for me is that it also happens to be my birthday! What a great gift! It also happens to be Picasso's birthday.
It's been another busy week, getting ready for our show opening on Friday. I will try to get back to more regular posting next week.
It's been another busy week, getting ready for our show opening on Friday. I will try to get back to more regular posting next week.
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