Art Prep

I think I need a “just art” blog or website or something without all my ramblings, just post images with bare basic details.

That kind of sounds like how BeesATC started out, but it needs to be wider in scope, include all sizes and mediums, maybe even some crafty handmade things.

Why?

I need a URL to write on the “website” fill-in-the-blank line on entry forms. Perhaps checking out websites is now part of the selection process. I don’t want to send art show juriers or participant selectors here where art posts get buried under rambles.

Besides… now this is going to sound odd considering that this is a public blog: I don’t want to write down the URL to this blog on such forms because that would make me feel a bit exposed.

Eh, it is like dressing for the occassion. This blog is like kicked back casual, putter in the yard, a conversation on the porch in your bare feet.

It’s like prepping art. Art made on paper needs framed, or at least matted to show it off right.

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“BYO FRAME” ART

I’ve started prepping smaller colored pencil drawings in standard size mat kits to sell locally as BYO FRAME art. I think it makes a nice “non-show” presentation, protects the art from fingerprints, and allows the buyer to choose their own frame.

People have odd ideas about frames, what is acceptable and not acceptable on their walls, like my daughter wants everything framed in black and my mother prefers natural wood. Some people are happy with a three buck molded plastic frame from Walmart, other may take it to a frame shop and lay down some serious cash.

Yes, it keeps my costs low as framing art can be quite costly. I laid down $24 for just the GLASS on “Chasing Yellow” as it needed to look professionally framed for a show. Costs can add up quick, even when you hit Hobby Lobby on a 50% off frame sale.

Thing is, I don’t have the money to tie up framing everything so it might be best to frame things that fit larger frames or require something special and let small art go as BYO FRAME art.

This photo was snapped on a work table down at the Metamorphosis Gallery. I was there hanging out during the “Art, Coffee, & Conversation” open studio hours on Saturday night. It’s a cool place.

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SD & Art Walk

My SD memory card is now completely dead. I knew time was limited. Sure enough, the error messages returned before I could drag out the ol’ computer to transfer my downloads. A reformat bought me just enough time to go back online, re-snag and print an art event application form, and then poof, it was dead.

Oh well… no photos or saving anything until I go buy a new SD card. No rush. Buses do not run here until Tuesday and it is not worth dropping more than the card will cost on cab fare.

So, now I’m looking at this art event application form and wondering how to participate with my limitations on transportation. It is not like I can just load up a car and go.

The application is for “MILL CREEK METROPARKS – LIVE! AT THE MORLEY ART WALK, a new addition to our already successful and well attended summer concert series” with a dozen dates to choose from.

From what I gather, accepted artists can set up a display within an assigned 10×10 foot space along a designated path in the park on Wednesday concert nights. Set up fee is $10 per date checked and artists must provide their own tents, tables, chairs, etc. All art is subject to review and approval (no nudity, hateful, or disturbing images) and other rules apply. If anyone is interested, the information is on the Mill Creek Park website, easy find with a quick google.

Unless I find a friend to also apply, odds are that I will NOT be able to do this because I seriously don’t think they would welcome an artist showing up like a homeless woman with her art and display stuff packed into one of those old lady shopping carts.

Yes, I can see myself doing that… my sisters gave me a rather large old lady cart, almost too large to take on the bus. I could pack everything in there, including a folding chair and tray table so I can sit there and draw, create on site. As for the cart itself, it is in new condition, looks nice. I could retrofit a bin topper to secure on, have the cart become part of the display during set-up, make it turn into an art bin holding the smaller “matted, BYO frame” drawings at a comfy height. Framed or larger pieces could be laid out or stood leaning on a foldable thing. Think it out, plan it right, oh yeah, totally do-able, make it look nice and everything.

But… is that too bohemian street for Mill Creek Park?

Eh, best find a friend with a vehicle… suppose they want white tents and all that costly “pro” display jazz, too. Artists doing the better craft show routes have all that stuff. I don’t.

Maybe I should go check it out first, figure out what it would cost to put together an acceptable display. If not too much, apply for dates later in the season or wait until next year. I don’t know.

I’m still looking at that cart… so do-able, perhaps for a different venue? Odds are that it would require too much walking to roll it into Mill Creek Park from the nearest bus stop anyway.

Oh well… so it goes… just thinking out loud on virtual paper, posting too much and rambling too long.