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