eNews - February 2011 Edition
From the Executive Director“In my thirteen years as director of Confluence Gallery & Art Center I have seen the town of Twisp, the Methow Valley, and the Okanogan Valley change. One of the most exciting changes has been the increase in arts and cultural programs, events, venues, and organizations. These changes have contributed to increases in cultural tourism as well as increased opportunities for local residents to participate in the arts.
Unquestionably, the State of Washington, through its Arts Commission, is responsible for encouraging and supporting our local growth in arts related activities…. Locally, WSAC has had a huge positive impact on the arts in the Methow Valley by funding many of our arts organizations’ programs.” - Sybil Macapia, Confluence Gallery in Twisp
Arts & Heritage Day – Everyday?Nearly 200 arts and heritage supporters gathered in Olympia on February 2 to talk with Legislators about arts and heritage issues. For WSAC staff, it’s a great time to learn from you about how the state’s investments are making a difference. That’s especially important this year, as the 2011 Legislature is facing such difficult budget constraints and numerous related challenges.
Among the facts shared on Arts & Heritage Day:
To track what’s happening in Olympia, visit our Legislative update page – and become a WSAC fan on Facebook.
Thanks - and keep in touch,
Artwork InstallationInstalled last year along the main street of Connell, Tom Otterness' multi-piece artwork Wild Life brings new vibrancy to downtown. The bronze artwork was cast and fabricated at the nearby (well nearby for Eastern Washington) Walla Walla Foundry.
The artworks were unveiled and dedicated during the city's celebration of its 100th anniversary, with Tom a guest of honor in the town's parade! Connell festival celebrates city's 100th anniversary, Kristi Pihl, Tri-City Herald, 09/03/10.
Tom says that, "Wild Life celebrates the town of Connell, Washington and people living there. The sculptures commemorate and reflect on small town life. Animals from the surrounding countryside have come to Columbia Street to interact with people in their everyday activities. My hope is that these sculptures will encourage new visitors to come and visit Connell and the residents of Connell to explore Columbia Street, spend time together and enjoy the outdoors."
Want more pictures? Visit our Wild Life Gallery and become a fan of our Facebook page - WashingtonArts. You can also watch Wild Life the Movie, a short film by Coleen Fitzgibbon. And visit the artist's website for more images of Wild Life.
The work consists of six groupings of characters seated at picnic tables (with room for guests). A small Train scene in front of City Hall references a nearby mural depicting two painted trains and the story of the founding of Connell. In Farmers and Bankers two farm families (rabbits and small people) are meeting with the bank to mortgage their farm to buy a manure spreader. Game Nite (in front of the American Legion) features a group of animals and veterans in the midst of a card game. In Opening Day, one hunter and a quail are having a friendly cup of coffee before opening day. There is a place set at the table for visitors. A rabbit family and a family of farmers and their children wait outside the Sunset movie theater for a show in True Love. At the Post Office, a coyote has ordered a mouse in the mail. On a second table, a small woman opens a letter full of children. In between these scenes, a hopeful frog prince receives a letter from a princess.
Wild Life Coloring BookIn addition to the artwork itself, Tom created a Wild Life Coloring Book (PDF) that invites children (of all ages) to write stories about and draw pictures of their favorite sculptures.
Walla Walla FoundryAnother Tri-City Herald article on the Walla Walla Foundry, Foundry leaves lasting impression on art world, captures a quote from one of the members of the local selection committee:
Arts Participation Leadership Initiative - Forum and WorkshopsJoin us for the next Arts Participation Leadership Initiative forum and workshops sponsored by the Washington State Arts Commission and The Wallace Foundation.
Register online for the upcoming forum and workshops on Personal Engagement in the Arts through Digital Media: Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going featuring Professor Hanson Hosein, Director of the Master of Communication in Digital Media at the University of Washington.
Articles and InformationAccording to data from the Creative Vitality Index (CVI), in 2008 Washington State had over 100,000 jobs that were directly related to the creative economy, including actors, editors, graphic designers, photographers, writers, etc. And, over 1000 arts related organizations throughout the state, from museums to performing arts centers, and fairs to historical societies, generated over $673 million dollars in revenue. The CVI is an annual measure of the health of the creative economy in a city, county, state or other geographic area. The creative economy as defined in the CVI includes for-profit and nonprofit arts-related enterprises.
The field is still buzzing about recent comments from the head of the National Endowment for the Arts, and Diane Ragsdale provides another great read on the topic - and a riveting and engaged comments thread... Supply and Demand Redux: Rocco’s Comment and the Elephant in the Room.
State Senator Lisa Brown (D-Spokane) blogs about artist Ben Joyce's artwork 16,582 days to a Symphony of Brotherhood on display in her office for the remainder of the legislative session.
WSAC Opportunities / RFPs / RFQsArtwork Inventory, State Art Collection - RFQThe Art in Public Places program is seeking a contractor to assist with the inventory of the State Art Collection - RFQ Artwork Inventory (PDF). The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate knowledge and experience in artwork inventory processes, the ability to keep accurate and detailed records, and experience working with art collections management databases. The application deadline is February 23, 2011.
General Preservation Assessment, State Art Collection - RFQQWe are seeking a contractor to perform a general preservation assessment report for the State Art Collection - RFQQ General Preservation Assessment (PDF). The State Art Collection consists of more than 4,500 artworks located throughout Washington State in K-12 schools, colleges, universities, and state agencies. The contractor will provide a written report detailing the resources—including financial and staffing—needed to care for the State Art Collection given its size, scope, age, and geographic spread. The application deadline is February 27, 2011.
Cultural CongressThe Washington State Arts Commission and 4Culture are partnering with the Washington State Arts Alliance Foundation (WSAAF) to offer 20 scholarships (DOC) of up to $250 each for local arts leaders attending the Cultural Congress. The Cultural Congress offers professional development and networking for arts leaders from across the state.
Grants / OpportunitiesIn partnership with the Association of Washington School Principals, ArtsEd Washington is seeking applications from Washington state K-12 public schools that excel in arts education. Principals are encouraged to nominate their school for the Schools of Distinction in Arts Education award, a program of The Kennedy Center. The winning school applications at the state level will be submitted to The Kennedy Center to compete for the national level award. Deadline: 02/28/11.
The City of Tacoma Arts Commission invites experienced artists, creative teams, and/or art consultants to submit their qualifications for a chance to develop a public art plan for the half-mile, two acre Prairie Line Trail. The trail is a historic rail corridor connecting downtown Tacoma’s significant recreational, cultural and educational destinations to its urban waterfront. Applicants are required to reside in the United States. Deadline: 02/28/11.
ARTrails of Southwest Washington is now accepting applications (DOC) for its 2011 studio tour and show. Artists working in two- and three-dimensional formats and who live in Lewis County and the surrounding area are eligible. Deadline: 03/01/11.
ArtsWest Gallery in West Seattle is accepting submissions from Pacific Northwest visual artists who wish to be considered for inclusion in upcoming gallery exhibitions. Two to three artists will be featured in monthly exhibits beginning September 2011 through August 2012. A committee of jurors from the regional arts community will select artists based on high standards of creativity, quality and professionalism. Deadline: 03/11/11.
The 2011-2012 TourWest grant cycle is now open. TourWest is a competitive grant program that provides subsidies to arts and community organizations for the presentation of out-of-state touring performers and literary artists. Funds are available to organizations that sponsor performances within the 13-state WESTAF region. Deadline: 04/01/11.
Employment / Volunteer / InternshipsYouth Media Institute in Seattle is seeking an Executive Director to support youth-driven projects, develop meaningful networks between community organizations and youth participants and build leadership skills in marginalized youth. Youth Media Institute utilizes writing, digital story telling, photography, and media literacy to build self-esteem and empower young people to become advocates for themselves, their communities and the larger society.
Teatro ZinZanni and One Reel have several positions available.
Events / Workshops / ConferencesSeattle - The Nordic Heritage Museum is presenting “Northern Lights” the opening concert of the Mostly Nordic series comprised of Sunday afternoon chamber music concerts at the Museum, followed by a smörgåsbord on February 13 at 4 pm.
Seattle - It began earlier this week - Seattle Opera launched “Quixote’s Quest,” a series of week-long scavenger hunts that will reward area fans with prizes including free tickets to the company’s upcoming production, Massenet’s Don Quichotte. In Massenet’s opera, which is inspired by Cervantes’ classic novel, the unlikely hero Don Quixote seeks to win the heart of the beautiful Dulcinea by retrieving her stolen necklace. Inspired by Quixote’s quest, each Monday for four weeks—February 7, 14, 21, and 28—Seattle Opera will hide a necklace at a different spot in the Seattle metropolitan area and post clues to its location on the Opera’s blog.
Winthrop - Methow Valley Arts is presenting Seattle's Jet City Improv for a fast-paced, funny, audience-interactive, all-ages appropriate short-form improv show. The show launches the Methow Winter Festival on Friday, February 18 at 7pm in the Winthrop Barn.
Shoreline - Readers' Theater presents a live reading of The Messenger by Nicola Pearson on Monday, February 28 at 7 pm in the Ballinger Room at Shoreline Center. Admission to the Readers' Theater is free and the playwright will be available for discussion following the reading. |
|||||||||||||
