St. Petersburg Times -- Spending on Arts Pays Off -- posted by Florida Fine Art Blog

Spending on arts pays off with big bucks in St. Petersburg, study says -- St. Petersburg Times

"St. Petersburg's USF economic impact study is the first one that tried to quantify what the arts and cultural institutions actually do for the economy", said Elizabeth Brinklow, the city's cultural affairs manager.  The study "answers a lot of questions", said council member Jeff Danner. "The arts really are a job generator and an economic engine."  "When you think about why businesses move here or why educated and successful people move to a community, arts plays a big role in that", St. Petersburg council member Karl Nurse said. "It has been interesting to watch to see the evolution of how people appreciate the arts."


The study reinforces that view. It was requested by John Collins, the chairman of St. Petersburg's volunteer Arts Advisory Committee. It was prepared by Maria Luisa Corton, an economics professor, who surveyed 32 arts and cultural organizations, which included the Children's Museum Great Explorations, the St. Petersburg Museum of History, the Dali, and businesses such as art galleries, including one owned by Council Chairwoman, Leslie Curran.

The study concluded that the respondents spent $16 million on wages, rent and marketing activities, while generating $26 million in revenue. GL

St. Petersburg Times Article

FAB! awarded $150,000 from the Knight Foundation - posted by Florida Fine Art Blog

Funding Arts Broward awarded $150,000 from the
John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. 

Funding Arts Broward, Inc. (FAB!) is a non-profit arts organization committed to preserving and cultivating the arts in Broward County, Florida. FAB! was formed in response to the need for private financial support following drastic government budget cuts in the arts.  With this grant, FAB will establish the "Knight New Work Awards" which they believe will be a catalyst for Broward County cultural presenters to innovate, to invest in the professional development of their creative personnel, to purchase necessary equipment, to collaborate with guest artists, and more.

This year the Knight Foundation awarded $3.8 million in grants in South Florida as part of the Knight Arts Challenge but only three in Broward; the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood ($25,000), FAB! ($150,000) and William Stewart's Rhythm of Africa Music Program ($25,000). FAB!'s grant was among the largest for this program. This is a testament to the leadership of FAB! and the work they have done in the community.

FAB! is a great organization, with some family ties, that has stepped up to try and fill the gaps created by budget cuts and lack of public moneys for the arts.  The problems facing arts organizations are going to have to be solved by passionate people coming together with fresh ideas.  FAB! has taken the lead and it is great they are getting the recognition they deserve.  GL


Sun Sentinel Article about the Grant
FAB! website

36th Annual Miccosukee Indian Art Festival -- posted by Florida Fine Art Blog

December 26th - January 2nd
at the Miccosukee Indian Village
9am - 5pm
Mile Marker 70, U.S. Highway 41, Tamiami Trail, Miami, FL 33194 

This is a great event that I have been to many times.  Original artwork, jewelry, textiles and other arts and crafts.  Plus Aligator shows, airboat rides and plennty of dancers and singers from around the country.  This is a great place to be this weekend with the cool weather.  Children will LOVE it!  GL

Festival website
Miccosukee website

SKOT OLSEN -- HAPPY BIRTHDAY -- by Florida Fine Art Blog

Happy Birthday Skot! 
Skot Olsen is my favorite painter and a great friend.  Always into everything cool before its cool Skot has blazed more trails here in the South Florida Art Scene then anyone I know.   Skot is one of those artists that has to be included in any contemporary Florida art collection, he is uniquely ours!  I did my first blog interview with Skot which you can find here.  Also check out Skot's website to see all the latest work. Cheers to Skot and the world he lets us see through his artwork!  GL

Skot Olsen website

Merry Christmas - by Florida Fine Art Blog

The Nativity with Donors and Saints Jerome and Leonard, ca. 1510–15

Gerard David (ca. 1455–1523)
Oil on canvas transferred from wood


The depiction of the forest scene on the exterior wings of this triptych, exhibited at the left, was meant to encourage contemporary viewers to empathize with the Virgin and Joseph and to journey with them to Christ’s birthplace. The notion of a journey is underscored here by the appearance of Joseph, who wears traveler’s garb—a short robe, long hose, and soft boots—and carries a walking stick. The treatment of the Nativity scene is otherwise conventional: the symbolic content emphasizes the purpose of the Incarnation—that is, Christ’s sacrifice for the redemption of humankind.


The details surrounding the commission of this sumptuous altarpiece are unknown, and the kneeling donors have not been identified; they may have been a Catherine and an Anthony, for they appear in the guise of the saints of these names, along with Saints Jerome and Leonard.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has a nice Christmas Special on their website with great pictures of early paintings with the nativity theme. On the site you can read or hear the Christmas story while examining the fantastic images.

Check it out here- The Christmas Story in Art. GL

Art Basel: There's an App for That -- posted by Florida Fine Art Blog

Bridget Carey at the Miami Herald had a article Monday about two new Apps designed for Art Basel week.  The first is for Art Basel itself, with interactive maps, exhibitor lists and artist images and info.  It's basically the whole fair catalog on your iPhone, letting you know which artists are at which galleries with all the important information.  The Collectrium iPhone app is for the satellite fairs.  Designed to make the hunt for art more interactive Collectrium users can snap a photo of a two-dimensional artwork at Art Miami, Scope Miami, Art Asia or Aqua Art Miami, and if the artwork has been logged into the apps database, it will relay details about the artist. For Art Miami, the app also includes a show-floor map.  Collectrium satellite-fair users can browse through exhibits to mark their favorites before arrival; and they can share their favorite art on Facebook, Twitter and via e-mail. 

I will try both Apps to help me get around. 
Search to find Apps - "Art Basel"  and  "Collectrium"
Read the whole article from The Miami Herald here.

Glenn's Guide to Art Basel 2010 -- by Florida Fine Art Blog

 

Art Basel is here.  Every year Miami hosts an art event like none other.  Museum shows, gallery openings, public art projects, parties and dozens of art fairs spread across Miami for one week in December.  The best, most exciting and most famous artists from around the world are all represented, as are all the top galleries and art organizations.  Tens of thousands of art lovers crowd these events and make South Florida the art capital of the world, if only for one week.  I have been going for at least fifteen years, back when it was just one event called Art Miami, and have learned a few tricks to make it more fun.  I also have some advice and observations that I will share for the uninitiated.   I will also try to point out some things not to be missed.

Much More After the Fold

Happy Thanksgiving! -- by Florida Fine Art Blog

Happy Thanksgiving!

The painting above is by Norman Rockwell.  The title is "Freedom from Want"  and was first published in the March 6, 1943 addition of The Saturday Evening Post.   Mr. Rockwell was inspired by FDR's State of the Union speech in 1941.  Freedom from Want was one in a series of four illustrations done to drum up support for the war.  The other three illustrations are; Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Belief and Freedom from Fear.  Mr. Rockwell knew that this depiction of American life was not the average shared experience for most Americans but he worked from a place that, as he put it, "I paint life as I would like it to be."  GL

Norman Rockwell website

Airport Art Galleries -- by Florida Fine Art Blog

Thinking about all the travel that will take place over the holidays and the new and improved hassles that make air travel so stressful, I thought I would point out something that might help relax and enrich your long wait time in the airports. Did you know of the growing trend for airports is to have public art galleries? Usually found before the security check points, airports all over the world are beginning to show world class art exhibitions in dedicated art spaces.


I recently flew to Tallahassee, Florida and found by the baggage claim area a local photography show, Photofest 2010, put on by the Council on Culture and Arts (COCA) for Leon County. Flying back home I discovered there is a gallery in the Fort Lauderdale airport as well. The Lee Wagener Art Gallery is located in Terminal 2 of the airport departure level and showcases local artists, changing them every three months. I looked up their calendar of events and noticed that from January to April of next year a great local Fort Lauderdale photographer, Peter Nolan, will be showing his work.  I’ll have to plan a trip!


Searching for more information about airport art galleries I found two articles and have linked to them below. The first article is found in USA Today and highlights some of the best airport galleries in America. The second article is from an online airport magazine and highlights the best international airports showing artwork. Both have links that will take you to a calendar of events page for more information about upcoming shows at the individual airports.


From the artists' point of view, showing at an airport can offer some real perks. First it is “art in public places” which always looks good on your resume. But most importantly, your work is being shown in a high traffic area to people from all over the world giving you an opportunity for exposure that an artist rarely enjoys.


So the next time you are at an airport and you have some extra time or just need to de-stress, put away the laptop, PDAs and iPhones, get off the uncomfortable gray vinyl seat and seek out the art space!
Happy Traveling… GL


USA Today article
AirTreks article
Lee Wagener Art Gallery website

Art Around the Web -- Thanksgiving and Pilgrim Paintings -- posted by Florida Fine Art Blog

A website maintained by Joyful Heart Ministries has a wonderful collection of images and links to every major American painter and painting with Thanksgiving and the Pilgrims as the subject.  The painting above was done in the early 1900's by Edward Percy Moran and is titled, "Pilgrims Landing".  The list includes such notable American artists as Robert Walter Weir, William Formsby Halsall and Norman Rockwell.

Link to List of Thanksgiving Paintings

"Small Stuff" at Bear and Bird in Lauderhill -- posted by Florida Fine Art Blog

My friends over at Bear and Bird are having what sounds like a great art show, perfect for Christmas Shopping!   Small Stuff is described as a salon style cash and carry exhibition featuring affordably priced smaller artwork by local, national and international artists.  The show runs through January 8th.  The work is all original and one of a kind so get there fast before the show is all picked over!

Bear and Bird website

Bruce Weber: Haiti / Little Haiti at MOCA -- posted by Florida Fine Art Blog

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), North Miami, will present Bruce Weber: Haiti / Little Haiti from November 19, 2010 through February 13, 2011. This extraordinary exhibition of photographs of Miami’s Haitian community by celebrated photographer Bruce Weber is part of MOCA’s Knight Exhibition Series and includes approximately 75 photographs taken by Weber from 2003 to 2010. Bruce Weber: Haiti / Little Haiti is organized by the Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami, and is curated by MOCA Executive Director and Chief Curator, Bonnie Clearwater.

Link to MOCA show

New American Paintings -- Southern Juried Competition -- posted by Florida Fine Art Blog

The Open Studio Press is accepting submissions for its Southern Juried Exhibition.  The deadline is December 31, 2010 and you can now apply online.  The Open Studio Press sponsors 6 juried competitions per year.  Winners receive full color spreads in their nationally distributed periodical, New American Paintings.  The exhibitions are divided into six different regions (Northeast, South, Midwest, West, Pacific and US based MFA's), each of which is the focus of an annual competition and publication.

This is one of my favorite periodicals and the Southern addition is something I look forward to every year.  I can also confirm that many gallery owners, much more than would admit it, look toward this publication for new artists to represent.  The juror this year for the Southern addition is Dan Cameron who has in the past ten years put together some of the largest and most impressive art exhibitions in the world.  Dan is currently Artistic Director of U.S. Biennial, Inc, a not-for-profit (501c3) organization that produces Prospect New Orleans.

The entry fee is $40 and they require 4 images.  Although being selected is always a long shot, I strongly suggest any mid-career Florida artist to apply.  The exposure and stature of this publication is well worth the $40 submission fee.  GL

Website link to find out more and apply online.

"Video of the Week" -- Jen Stark -- by Florida Fine Art Blog

 

My mother is taking an art history class and we were recently discussing Henri Matisse and his wonderful colorful "cutouts."  Toward the end of Matisse's life he lost the ability to paint so he began making collages using colored paper creating what he called his "cutouts" or "paintings with scissors."  That got me thinking about an artist from Miami, Jen Stark, and the similarities in their work.  Like Matisse, Jen works by cutting colored paper into works of art.  Also like Matisse, Jen chose colored paper out of necessity.  Mattisse chose to cut up colored paper because his hands could no longer hold a paint brush, Jen chose colored paper because it was the least expensive material she could find in the art supply stores.  

Jen Stark has shown her work all over South Florida.  Along with the colorful sculptural cutouts, Jen creates beautiful works with ink pens on paper.  It is the simplicity of Jen's work and her knowledge of composition and color that attract me.  In the video below, first posted on YouTube by Art Street Miami, some of Miami's gallery owners discuss Jen's rise in the local art scene and the possibilities for her future.  If you would like to see more of Jen's work please visit her fun website listed below and check out her latest work this December at Scope Art Fair at Carol Jazzar’s booth #A21 during Art Basel week. GL

Jen Stark website

Pablo Picasso -- Happy Birthday -- posted by Florida Fine Art Blog

Pablo Picasso October 25th 1881 – April 8th 1973.  Possibly the most famous artist in the world, Picasso had great success in life and helped transform and move art in new directions.  My favorites are his "Blue Period" and the ceramics done during his last years.

There is a great Picasso/ Florida Highwaymen story that I don't think many have heard.  I was lucky enough to have James Gibson tell me the story himself.  Most who are interested in the Florida Highwaymen have already heard that Al Hair, one of the founders and most industrious of the group, claimed that the goal of painting was so that one day he could buy a new Cadillac.  In the early days in Fort Peirce, Florida there were few opportunities to earn enough money to buy a new car, much less a new Caddy.  Al Hair, even at such a young age, saw painting as a way to legally make lots of money; or at least that was the dream.  I was with James Gibson recounting stories when I asked him about Al and how he always wanted a new Cadillac when James exclaimed, "But do you know why he thought that?  Do you know who gave us the idea we could make that kind of money?  No one knows the whole story!" 

So here is the whole story as told to me by James Gibson. 

It was the early 1950's.  Al Hair and James Gibson were making extra money building frames for Beanie Backus's paintings.  Bean was selling his work so fast that he needed help making frames and delivering his work.  Al and James were always hanging around Bean's studio so Bean taught them how to make frames.  He would pay them a small amount per frame and get them to deliver the paintings.  On one of these occasions the two young boys were delivering a painting to a big house on the island of Palm Beach.  James said the owner was nice enough to show them around the house so they could see all the artwork; they were amazed that one person would buy so many paintings.  When they were about to leave, the owner asked if they could stay for a few more minutes as he had just heard that an artist was on the way with a new painting.  The owner told James and Al that it was a very famous artist and they should meet him.  James said they waited a long time and then up the winding driveway came a beautiful brand new gray Rolls Royce.  The Rolls parked and out of the back stepped a little old man.  Al and James were introduced and Al quickly asked, "Is that your car?"  "Yes", said the old man.  "Well", James said, "that was it for Al.   He could not get over the fact that this little old man, this artist, was driving around in a new Rolls Royce."  Al and James went back to Beanie's studio with renewed purpose, they were going to learn all they could and paint every day.  One day they too would own a brand new car, and not just any car, but a brand new Cadillac!  The little old man in the story was none other than Pablo Picasso! Fifty years later as James Gibson finished the story he looked at me with a sparkle in his eye and said, "Glenn, look over there, see that brand new white Cadillac Escalade?  It's mine all mine!"  GL

Pablo Picasso website

Broward County Arts Teacher of the Year Award Announced -- posted by Florida Fine Art Blog

Neil Jenkins, band director of J.P. Taravella High School, was named the winner of this year's Broward County Arts Teacher of the Year.  Jenkins has been a band director since 1968. He holds a Master of Arts in Education (music) and a Bachelor of Arts in Education (music) from the University of South Florida and is certified in music education, K - 12. Hailed as one of the top music educators in the county he has won various awards. He also teaches as an adjunct professor at Broward College, directing the Broward Symphonic Band and serving as a member of the Florida Music Assessment Task Force.


"Now that my 40 year career in public school teaching has come to a conclusion, it is an honor to be selected as the 'Broward County Arts Teacher of the Year' for 2010. I am much honored to be representing the many hard working fine arts teachers in Broward County that make a significant difference in our students' lives," Jenkins said.

The "Broward County Arts Teacher of the Year Award" recognizes the most outstanding arts teachers in Broward County. The selection panel is composed of members of the Broward Cultural Council's Arts Education Committee. Nominees submit an application, audio/visual examples, and are observed in the classroom by members of the selection panel.

Sun Sentinel Article about the Award

Bakehouse Art Complex in Miami Awarded $46,000 -- posted by Florida Fine Art Blog

Bakehouse Art Complex awarded $46,000 by prestigious Kresge Foundation.  

The Kresge Foundation, located near Detroit, Michigan, has awarded the Bakehouse Art Complex (BAC) a $46,000 technical assistance grant through its 2010 Arts and Culture Program. Kresge funding is rare in the state of Florida and the foundation has only awarded a handful of grants locally over its 86-year history. Kresge Foundation’s newly instituted national arts strategy recognizes that well-capitalized cultural organizations are better able to serve diverse populations with meaningful programming; that artists can more effectively engage audiences and contribute to community life if they have the skills and resources necessary for career success; and that integrating arts and culture into community building and revitalization efforts energizes localities both economically and culturally. The BAC is one of the first awardees in the program.


If you have never been to the Bakehouse, it's a "must see" in the Wynwood Arts District in Downtown Miami.  Located in an old bread factory, the Bakehouse has been the home of emerging artists for 25 years now.  Some of the most exciting shows every year come out of the Bakehouse.  With monthly rotating exhibitions, the Bakehouse Art Complex holds its Opening Receptions on the Second Friday of every month. With abundant free parking, exciting exhibitions, air conditioning, live music, open wine bar and 60+ artist studios, the BAC is a wonderful place to enjoy local contemporary art.
 
MiamiArtGuide link with Article about Award
Bakehouse Art Complex website

Paul Strand -- Happy Birthday -- by Florida Fine Art Blog

Paul Strand (October 16, 1890 – March 31, 1976) was an American artist who helped establish photography as an art form in the 20th century.

Paul Strand took up photography in New York City during the 1910's. Not long after, he had established a reputation of both a photographer and a painter. He traveled to New Mexico in 1926 to photograph the landscapes, architecture, and native culture of the country and also produced a film about fishermen for the Mexican government in 1834. He also collaborated with Charles Sheeler on the film, “Manhatta” about urban life. By 1934, Strand had returned to New York and began working in theater and filmmaking.  He moved to Europe in the early 1950’s where he spent time in Northern Italy and Scotland. In the 1960’s, Strand traveled across North and West Africa. Strand became known as an advocate of the new realism called "straight" photography. The Museum of Modern Art, New York, mounted its first full-scale retrospective of a contemporary photographer with the work of Strand in 1945. His last years were spent working in close collaboration with his third wife, Hazel Kingsbury. He died after a long illness in 1976 at his home in Orgeval, France.

Paul Strand website

Art Around the Web -- Marcel Duchamp -- by Florida Fine Art Blog

Marcel Duchamp!  My Aunt Mary Alice and I were recently discussing Duchamp so I thought I would post this website dedicated to understanding Duchamp's work.  Marcel was a brilliant and complicated artist.  Long before Jackson Pollock took the brush off the canvas, Marcel Duchamp threw the brush away entirely.  "Fountain", the piece pictured above, is probably his most controversial work.  It still makes peoples' heads explode when it's explained.  "That's not art!" is the cry from most.  If there is anyone to be acknowledged for inspiring today's conceptual art, it's Duchamp.  I have at times been a little obsessed with Duchamp and his work because there is so much to learn and explore.  But even with a good understanding and appreciation for his work, I can still catch myself saying, "really?!?"

Making Sense of Marcel Duchamp Website
Marcel Duchamp Website

October Events at the Museum of Art - Fort Lauderdale -- posted by Florida Fine Art Blog

Check out all the events the Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale has planned.  The monthly wine tastings has become a big hit with younger crowds, some of whom are enjoying the museum for the first time.  Make sure you join in the fun October 28th, the Museum will be sampling Boo-Tiful Reds in keeping with the Halloween spirit.  This is a hot ticket so make sure you make reservations early!

"Video of the Week" -- Can Public Art Rebuild Communities? -- by Florida Fine Art Blog

Can public art rebuild communities? One American "rustbelt" town hopes it can. After asking residents what they loved and hated about the area, local artists went on to paint messages based around this feedback onto the town’s bridges. Once used frequently when local industries were thriving, these bridges now see just a few trains pass over them each day. This artistic expression aimed to both restore purpose to the bridges, and unite residents.


A LOVE LETTER TO SYRACUSE from samuel j macon on Vimeo.

Video from Sustainable Cities Collective

Educators Laud Arts in Our Schools -- posted by Florida Fine Art Blog

Another great article about the importance of arts education in our Florida schools.  It seems when most schools are cutting back on the arts the Okaloosa School District has stepped up its commitment to arts education. 

From the article; “Fine and performing arts are critical in our schools,” said Superintendent Alexis Tibbetts. “Each child is required to take a practical and fine art for graduation. We have committed ourselves to having one or the other, fine or performing arts, in every school in our district, K through 12."  “And even though we have had financial cutbacks, we have committed ourselves to maintaining that when other schools have moved their arts to the back burner,” she said.  “I sit on the Florida Music Educators Association, so I see this research,” Tibbetts said.  “It is clear. Students who are involved in our arts have higher GPAs and higher pass rates on tests like the SAT and ACT and graduate boards.”

Teachers, including Crestview High School choral music director Kevin Lusk, couldn’t agree more.  “It opens up that other part of the brain,” Lusk said.  “There is so much more to the arts than just the artistic part because we are using all the other disciplines, specially in music because it uses a lot of math.”

Parents have joined the school arts bandwagon, forming support groups for bands, choruses, drama and art programs.  “I am very proud of the citizens of Okaloosa County who are strong supporters of arts in our schools,” Tibbetts said. “The parents have committed themselves to buying instruments in our schools, such as violins for Riverside Elementary School.”

Please go and read the whole article.
Crestview News Bulletin

Ringling Museum of Art Remains Without a Director -- posted by Florida Fine Art Blog

Like a ship without a rudder the Ringling Museum in Sarasota has been without a Director for more than a year.  The board looked like they were down to three finalists recently until a few board members questioned whether the three finalists were strong enough to lead the Museum.  The Museum is correct to look for the best of the best but must also understand that the Museum suffers without clear leadership and vision coming from one person.  GL

Article from Sarasota's Herald Tribune
Ringling Museum website

15th Annual Destin Festival of the Arts -- posted by Florida Fine Art Blog

Art lovers, beach goers and music enthusiasts will all come together in Destin, Florida for the 15th Annual Destin Festival of the Arts – October 23rd and 24th.

Each year this popular event attracts the finest selection of juried local and out-of-town artists – and this year will be no different. Over 100 artists will showcase their work atop the white-sandy grounds of Henderson Beach State Park, located directly on the beach in Destin. Each artist will compete for cash prizes amounting to $8,200 in such categories as oil, acrylic, glass, jewelry, photography, sculpture and others.

The festival will also present live music from local musicians, providing hours of entertainment and a lively atmosphere, along with a bistro food court with plenty of cuisine. Children can heighten their own appreciation and flare for the arts with activities designed just for them.

Link to Info and Map of Event

MAM Names Two New Members to its Board of Trustees -- posted by Florida Fine Art Blog

Miami Art Museum Names Rubén A. Rodríguez and Walid G. Wahab to its Board of Trustees.  Rodriguez, executive vice president of ship operations for Carnival Cruise Lines, and Wahab, president of Wahab Construction,will help guide Miami Art Museum’s community programs, donor support and planning for the new and expanded, Herzog & de Meuron-designed facility at Museum Park, which is scheduled to open to the public in 2013.  Both men are strong community leaders who will bring their unique talents to the museum at a time of great transition.  With the current plans, the new leadership and strong support from the city, my favorite "little" museum in Miami is poised to become one of the finest museums in America.  I can't wait!  GL

Article from Art Daily

Glenn Lochrie Appointed to the Florida Council on Arts & Culture -- by Florida Fine Art Blog

I am honored to announce that I have been appointed to the Florida Council on Arts & Culture by Florida's Governor Crist.  The Governor has been a real champion of the arts in Florida, balancing the current budget constraints with the State's need for a strong arts culture.   The Council serves such an important role for our State.  It is clear that without the proper advocacy Florida runs the risk of weakening our world quality art experiences, denying our children a well rounded education and losing out on a gold mine in cultural tourism.  I hope to bring a better awareness of how the dollars we spend in the arts reflect back into the community.  My life long passion has been to improve the arts in Florida and with this opportunity I will get to know everyone who makes an impact on our culture and be able to make a difference for our State. 

Here is the Official Press Release
Florida Division of Cultural Affairs Website

The Harn Museum of Art in Gainesville Turns 20! -- posted by Florida Fine Art Blog

The Harn in Gainesville turns 20 with free family celebrations planned all this weekend. This world class museum associated with the University of Florida has been growing as the Community and University has grown. In the past 20 years the museum has built large new wings, classrooms and gardens. The original 3,000 art objects have expanded to more than 7,300. At first, there were two curators; now, there are five responsible for the African, Asian, modern and contemporary art and photography permanent collections. And the building, already at 82,470-square-feet will get bigger with the 2012 opening of a three-story Asian art wing.



The Article from the Gainesville Sun
The Harn Museum Website

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel's Fall Art Guide -- posted by Florida Fine Art Blog

Another great guide for all that is happening this Fall.  Get out and see a show, attend an art opening, visit a museum and see a concert or two.  There is so much to do in South Florida, enjoy!  GL

Sun-Sentinels Fall Arts Guide

Best of the Artist Series to Benefit the Bonnet House in Fort Lauderdale -- posted by Florida Fine Art Blog

The Best of the Artist Series takes place this Thursday, October 7, 2010 at 6:00pm at St. Lawrence Gallery in Fort Lauderdale.  The show will be featuring artwork by 16 of the Bonnet House's Fine Artists and there will be wine, hors d'oeuvres and raffle prizes.  The Bonnet House Fine Artists are a group of accomplished artists, whose work is often inspired by the lush and tropical Bonnet House grounds.  Bonnet House Fine Artists members exhibit and sell their work on the Bonnet House property and at various galleries, museums, and public sites throughout the community.  Membership is open to artists working in any media.  Please stop by and support these local artists.  GL

St. Lawrence Gallery - 3556 N. Ocean Blvd. in Ft. Lauderdale  (954) 566-8011

Bonnet House Website
St. Lawrence Gallery

Art Around the Web -- Lascaux -- by Florida Fine Art Blog

Lascaux, the famous cave complex in southern France, is now on the web.  Utilizing 3d digital rendering this wonderful website allows viewers to tour the original caves seeing all of the early artwork.  The paintings are 17,300 years old but the reason they were painted is still being debated.  Some think they were simply representing the animals from their hunting successes.  New studies have concluded that the dots and figure patterns found in the artwork are elaborate star maps used by early man.  Still others have concluded that the artwork was a product of deep hallucinations and the patterns found on the cave walls are a product of ritualistic trance like states.  The caves are now closed to limit the damage already caused by overexposure and mold.  This website gives a real sense of the caves and allows you to explore the paintings at your own pace.  GL

THE LASCAUX WEBSITE

"Video of the Week"-- The Beautiful World of Ink -- by Florida Fine Art Blog

I found this week's video in the Huffington Post Arts Section.  The video is made by the "Chief Ink Maker" from the Printing Ink Company.  Alfred Brendel plays the beautiful piano music. 

Clyde Butcher in Fort Lauderdale this Weekend -- posted by Florida Fine Art Blog

Clyde Butcher will be exhibiting this weekend at the Museum of Discovery and Science in Downtown Fort Lauderdale.  Clyde will be there himself for a book signing and discussion Saturday from 12 noon until 3 pm.  This will be an exhibition of his large prints, some of which are 7 feet wide by 5 feet high.  For those who have never seen Clyde's work live or perhaps have not seen his larger work, this showing is not to be missed.  The work is from Clyde's travels across America and not just the Everglades for which he is so famous.  I have blogged about Clyde here and here.  GL

The exhibition runs From October 2nd until January 11th 2001.
Museum of Discovery and Science website

Support the Arts -- posted by Florida Fine Art Blog

Why the arts matter, and what we can do to keep both alive in South Florida.

Dara and Jarett Levan had a great piece in the Sun-Sentinel last Saturday about the importance of the local arts community.  Some stats that jumped out at me were: "In Broward County, non-profit arts organizations generate over $150 million in total economic activity annually, with almost $90 million benefiting local restaurants, hotels, retailers, parking garages, and countless other businesses. There is also a significant increase in spending from "cultural tourists," compared to tourists who don't attend an arts event."

They even have some suggestions for how to get involved:

• Support your favorite arts organization by becoming a member or subscriber, sponsoring an event or making a charitable donation.
• Buy local art for gifts to friends and family.
• Purchase tickets to area performances and give them as gifts.
• Encourage your workplace to sponsor an arts organization or event.
• Work to elect leaders who support arts and culture and understand the importance of creating a vibrant community.
• Write an editorial about the value of arts education to your community.
• Join an arts advocacy organization, such as the Arts Action Alliance of Broward or Funding Arts Broward (FAB!).

Link to Sun-Sentinel Article

Elite Auction House Opens New Gallery in South Florida -- posted by Florida Fine Art Blog

Elite Decorative Arts Opens New Gallery in South Florida

A new auction house has opened at the Town Center at 1034 Gateway Boulevard, Suite 106, in Boynton Beach.  They describe themselves as a  "New York-Style Auction Gallery" specializing in fine decorative arts, paintings, estate jewelry and gold. 

"South Florida has a vast array of antique and collectibles. Our gallery and auction facility is a perfect compliment to this elite market," said Chris Hayes, president of Elite Decorative Arts. "We are dedicated to providing the highest level of service when appraising, buying, or selling antiques."  The company noted that its website will contain online bidding of merchandise, auction results, a blog, updated news and press center, schedule of sales, Facebook and twitter links, as well as videos.  

I have not heard of Elite before and will be checking out their website and auction on October 30th.  If you have not been to an art auction before they can be very entertaining and educational; just make sure you keep your hands down until you know what you are doing!  GL

Link to article about Elite

Elite Website

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT -- David McLeish -- by Florida Fine Art Blog

Axiom Project, a traveling group show featuring International artists and the artwork of Florida Artist, David McLeish, opened its American leg of the tour in Brooklyn this past Saturday. The show runs for ten days and then will be moving to Philadelphia and then Tampa. The Pinion Gallery in Brooklyn is hosting the event. (Check gallery website for dates and times.) David McLeish with his business partner Matt Miley are the hosts of this leg of the art show which spent most of the summer touring European cities. The show is made up of about 7 artists who each committed new work and hosted the show in their home city.

Florida Artist David Mcleish Exhibition in Brooklyn on Saturday -- posted by Florida Fine Art Blog

"The Axiom is a group of International Artists who joined together to exhibit work and promote ideas on an international network."
This Saturday the group is having two shows open at once.  In Brooklyn they are opening at 12 noon and in Vienna at 7pm.  Both galleries will have video camera's and feeds to one an others space.   Everyone can check it out on Skype.  A Florida boy and damn good sculptor Dave Mcleish is one of the organizers and will be exhibiting new work.  The Pinion Gallery in Brooklyn and KRO ART in Vienna are hosting the international artist who will be showing work in a mixture of mediums.  This is a travelling exhibition with each artist playing host in their home city.  The show has been throughout Europe this summer and will be travelling to Philadelphia and Tampa before its end.  Check out the websites of each gallery for more information.  Dave will be the next Artist Spotlight Interview so look for that in the coming days.  GL

The Pinion Gallery website
KRO ART website
Axiom Project website

Clyde Butcher leaves the Swamp -- posted by Florida Fine Art Blog

Clyde and his wife are leaving Big Cypress after almost 40 years.  Clyde will now stay at his second home and studio in Venice, Florida.  The Studio and Gallery in Big Cypress will remain open to the public.  What an amazing privilege it must have been to stay way out in the Glades for so many years.  Now that the Butchers are getting older it makes sense to move back to civilization but it must be hard.  Luckily for us the Gallery will remain open.

Nice article from the Everglades Foundations website about the move.

Miami Herald's VISUAL ARTS EVENTS CALENDAR - posted by Florida Fine Art Blog

Its getting to be that time of year again, once the weather cools down a bit the Art Festivals start.  There is so much to see now in South Florida, it seems like there is an event every weekend.  Come December there is an important event every day.  What joy!  Better to start planning early.  Here to help is the Miami Herald's VISUAL ARTS EVENTS CALENDAR.

South Florida Artists Extravaganza in Delray this Saturday Night -- posted by Florida Fine Art Blog

This Saturday night, September 18th Kevro's Art Bar in Delray is hosting an art event featuring local artists!  There will be live music, poetry readings and new artwork displayed at the funky little bar.  Kevero's is just two blocks south of Atlantic Ave in downtown Delray.  This event is cover-free, but there will be a two-drink minimum (maybe you’ll even get a free comedy routine). Kevro’s Art Bar is located at 166 SE Second Ave. in Delray Beach. Call 561-274-0007.

Kevro's Art Bar website

The Ups and Downs of the Hirst Market -- posted by Florida Fine Art Blog

The Economist has an article this week about the roller coaster ride investors of Damien Hirst have been on the past few years. At the height pieces sold for over $150 million dollars.  No other artist has commanded such high prices but the bubble that was created by the over exuberant buyers has certainly burst. 

The Economist --

Hands up for Hirst / How the bad boy of Brit-Art grew rich at the expense of his investors

Buildings You Have to See Before You Die -- posted by Florida Fine Art Blog

Fun article from AOL Travel about all the great new museums being built around the world.  The Salvador Dali Museum in St. Pete is featured first!  I blogged about the new Dali museum here.  GL

AOL Travel article can be found here.

Two Of Frank Lloyd Wright Houses Up For Sale -- posted by Florida Fine Art Blog

The LA Times had an article today about two Frank Lloyd Wright houses that can't find any buyers.  The Ennis House in LA and the Alice Millard House in Pasadena both designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the 1920's are up for sale.  The Ennis House was originally put on the market last summer for $15 million and is now reduced to $7.5 million.  The Millard House is priced at $5 million down from $7.8 million.  Both houses are made of Wright's trademark textile-block building system and both show the influence of Mayan Architecture.  The foundations that oversee the historic homes found they could no longer afford the high cost of restoration and maintenance and are now looking for buyers.  What is more incredible than having two Wright houses up for sale at the same time is that there appears to be no buyers.  Could the housing market in California be that bad? GL

LA Times Article about the Houses for Sale

The Ennis House Website

The Alice Millard House Website

Hale Woodruff -- Happy Birthday -- by Florida Fine Art Blog

Hale Woodruff - August 26, 1900 - September, 1980

This is the birthday of the great muralist Hale Woodruff.  Know as a painter and printmaker Mr. Woodruff spent most of his life working and teaching at many of Georgia's colleges. 

Tap into creative right brain through art -- posted by Florida Fine Art Blog

Article from The Financial Times about the importance of creative expression in the development of right brain thinking.  Harvard Medical students are now taking 10-week art appreciation courses.  Critically analyzing paintings has been demonstrated to help future physicians hone skills in assessing a patient's symptoms. GL
Read More:The Financial Times

Art Dealer Helps Police Arrest Suspected Art Thieves in Coral Gables -- posted by Florida Fine Art Blog

A Miami couple who allegedly stole paintings from a warehouse in Miami were then caught in an FBI sting trying to sell the stolen paintings to a Miami art gallery. 

Article at WSVN TV News

It's amazing what walks through your doors as a gallery owner.  Fine art galleries, like jewelry and antique stores, get very sophisticated criminals and a fair share of idiot scam artists.  The first month I opened my gallery on Las Olas a man came in with a photograph of a painting he said he was willing to sell.  He claimed it was a small watercolor of northern Florida by Winslow Homer.  I was intrigued at first knowing the famous artist did come down to Florida for a short while.  When I asked for the price and how soon he could bring the painting into the gallery he began his big pitch.  You see he liked me, I know we just met, but he really really liked me.  The painting he claimed was worth $100,000 to $200,000 but because he liked me I could buy the painting from him for just $5,000.  Of course he would need the money immediately and would then ship the painting to me when he got back home.  I would have to trust him and buy the painting without even inspecting it, and why not, he really liked me.  I passed on that offer and many like that over the years.  What criminals don't know is that most art galleries are in touch with each other and the FBI.  We often share information about possible stolen works of art.  GL

MOMA App for the iPhone -- posted by Florida Fine Art Blog

MOMA in New York has a new application for the iPhone and iPad.  With the new app you will have access to the museum's extensive collection of modern and contemporary art and database plus a dictionary of art terms, calendar of exhibitions and playlists of audio tours.

I have been downloading audio tours for museum shows to my iPod for the past few years.  Sotheby's even has video podcasts now of their auction results.  It is great to see the visual artists take advantage of all these new media devices.  I would like to see all the great private and public collections easily accessible like MOMA's.   The impact of the artists' skills is often lost in a digital image but the possibility of watching a slide show with audio commentary of a newly opened exhibition half way around the world is very appealing. Of course nothing will ever take the place of seeing the work live.  GL


You can find the article here

St Pete Museum Gets a New Director -- posted by Florida Fine Art Blog

By Lennie Bennett, St Petersburg Times Art Critic

St. Petersburg's Museum of Fine Arts names Kent Lydecker as new director

ST. PETERSBURG — The Museum of Fine Arts has a new director. Board of trustees president Seymour Gordon announced Monday that Kent Lydecker has been selected to head the institution, which has been a cultural anchor of the city since it opened in 1965.  This is the first directorship for Lydecker, 61, but he has held senior staff positions at major museums.  He replaces John Schloder, who retired in July after nine years as director. Lydecker plans to start in October. 
"I met the search committee in early July," he said. "It was my first time here. I was blown away. It's a beautiful city, a beautiful building with a wonderful collection."

Link to Article at the Times

"Video of the Week" -- Clyde Butcher -- by Florida Fine Art Blog

Clyde Butcher is a great American artist living and working here in Florida.   I'm lucky to call him a friend.  Over the years I have sold his work, appraised his work and I have two of his pieces in my personal art collection.  It would be hard to have a collection of art focusing on Florida and not include his work.  The first thing I did after photography school is run to Clyde's studio out in the Everglades to see how he produced such large scale photographs.  I wanted to see his enlarger.  Clyde was gracious enough to show me around and answer all of my questions.  Over the years I would see him at Coconut Grove art show or when I went out to visit him in the Glades.   We talked about doing a show together but never have, maybe one day.

This is a promotional video of a show Clyde did in Saint Paul, MN this past year.  Although Clyde is known for his work in the Everglades he has completed work in all 50 States.  In the video Clyde describes his process and gives some personal history.  From this video the show in Saint Paul looked beautiful.  Clyde begins talking at about the 1:22 min mark.  GL

 

Clyde Butcher Website

George Bellows - Happy Birthday -- by Florida Fine Art Blog

George Bellows - August 12, 1882 - January 8, 1925

The Ashcan artist synonymous with New York City at the turn of the century was actually born in Ohio.  It's his gritty paintings of men boxing that made him famous.  I love the large bold white and red brushstrokes, stark flesh in movement against the murkness of the dark backgrounds.

George Bellows Website