"The Boonies"

The Boonies: 

1. noun.  a remote and undeveloped place. (From boondocks.) :  He lives out there in the boonies.

It does not mean a bad thing.  I have already been thrown a couple looks as if I am putting down the society in which I reside simply be using the term "boonies"... but let me be clear... I do not feel that way at all and I don't feel it is anyone's right to judge people's habitat decisions - to each his/her own.  I cherish the history of this town, the stories it holds, the character of its aesthetics and so much more.  If I wanted to live in a highly developed area, I would have chosen to live in Chicago or some other heavily populated and dense city.  But I CHOSE to live in Plainfield for a reason, many reasons in fact.  The name "Art in the Boonies" is appropriate for what we are doing and is simply a metaphor.

Most popular artists will find themselves showing in spaces in large cities or at least in very developed areas.  Plainfield is not a highly developed area, and in my opinion, that's a good thing.  It is a growing village, one that holds core values at its heart and builds on those values to better the communities within it... with this comes potential... and those potentials are limitless.  In the artist circles I circulate in, we refer to ourselves as living in "the Boonies" because this type of town is not a town you would find original works of famous artists displayed.  Nor is it a town in which I would normally seek to attain a solo exhibition or even juried art shows. You have to go to the city to see works by the well-known artists and diverse displays of art forms... and because of that, as a small town artist, opportunities are limited as the art world is a very competitive scene.  THUS... we are living in the boonies if you ask an artist.

We are starting to become a very unique and attractive area within the delicate balance of staying small enough to stay unique and large enough to be desirable.  Our "Art in the Boonies" Art-Walk is intended to help this growth in a variety of ways:
1.  Giving spaces to artists that would otherwise not have space to display and sell their artworks.
2.  Bringing patrons to the businesses and foot traffic through otherwise vacant spaces in the downtown area.
3.  Creating cultural awareness within our communities and our surrounding areas through art.
4.  Providing free events for everyone... something to do... for all ages.

This isn't going to happen successfully without the encouragement and willingness to work together, and so I can't thank enough the village administration and the building owners who have already graciously agreed to allow us to inhabit their vacant spaces throughout the summer as pop-up galleries doing business through Art Cube Studios in collaboration with Crows Feet Studios.

So, save the date because we are hoping to launch this May!  And... tentatively, here is some information:


First Fridays:  The first Friday of each month.  Designated as the opening of a new show in each gallery.  Artist Reception from 6-9pm.  The big hooplah... the night not to be missed.
But, if you do miss it:
Artwalk:  All galleries will be open every Friday through September (pending available space) on Fridays from 6-9pm.  (and also possibly Tuesday nights from 5-8pm)

So... how do we bring in diverse culture if we are offering opportunities to only local artists?
While our focus will be in providing local artists with show opportunities, we will have one small space designated to inviting larger name artists into our walk.  Fortunately for us, my husband is a glass artist and former preparator/curator for some urban galleries, museums and universities... and thanks to him, one of our first shows will include some big names... a show not to be missed... along with his show of works.  (...and that's all I will say... don't miss it.)

...and then there were 4... or more?

All I can say at this point is...

Close your eyes
Cross your fingers
Make a wish
and save the date.

5.6.11

Another day, another space

Today I will be meeting with another building owner, though, this one seems a bit hesitant over the phone I am anticipating convincing her of the positive aspects of us creating this artwalk.  With 2 verbal agreements so far and the village approval, things are getting very exciting in downtown Plainfield!

Christine has already prepped you for your first visit to our upcoming artwalks... and she was "spot on."  (I actually did have my hair dyed purple back in October... and after reading her post, I am considering once again, just for fun.  Business first though, who takes artists seriously when they walk in with all those qualities asking for a free space?  It's business attire today for me.)  So, when you come out for our very first FIRST FRIDAY artist receptions (either starting in May or June), you'll know what you're looking for.  Thanks, Christine!

Yesterday, I had a bit of a challenge getting past a gatekeeper leasing agent.  I may have to find a back door... but if you read my previous post "to no avail" you'll guess that I will succeed in doing this.  We'll see; wish me luck.

An sneak preview on show information... we have begun planning shows for these spaces as the time is nearing and I am happy to report that we may have one show up with some BIG artist names!  (tentative, as is everything at this time, but it looks promising) as well as an Art Cube Studios' student show and solo exhibitions of course.  The shows are already lining up!  And... we have an expert curator/preparator to help teach us proper gallery preparation and hanging techniques.

Thanks for joining us, post your comments, spread the buzz, and watch us make history!

How to Identify Your Local Area Artist

Local artists can be a wiley bunch.  But don't be afraid- they usually won't bite and are often very pleasant to be around.  Here are some tell-tale signs that the person you see grocery shopping, or pumping gas, or staring directly at the sun may in fact be a local artist.

1) Look at the hair-  Shades of bright red, purple, blue or green are often a dead giveaway.

2) Bumper sitckers-  Stickers that say "My son/daughter is an art student so back off"  or "I brake for canvas sales" are usually a good indication that some sort of artist is behind the wheel.

3) Fingers/fingernails-  Examine the fingers closely.  Any signs of paint, graphite, ink, or marker on the hands means you may be dealing with an artist.  Be warned.

4) Glasses-  Look for the late 50's early 60's cat-eye glasses.  Sometimes in subdued black, often in bright colors or patterns.  However, librarians are also known to sport these type of spectacles. Don't make them angry.

5) Neckware- Oversized scarves, kerchiefs, or other such neck-related clothing can mean there is an artist among you. Or possibly Dr. Who.

6) Sketchbook-  HUGE tip off.  If you catch anyone scribbling in a sketchbook (especially in a coffeshop, on a parkbench, train platform, restaurant or other pretentious location) , chances are that they are either writing a manifesto or they may be an artist.

7) Erratic/Unsettling behavior- Yes, we are a little strange sometimes.  Odd habits and quirks are commonplace among the artist species.  So if you catch anyone wearing a miner's helmet, playing bongos while reading a book on Escher-- well, you know.  But then again, maybe they just have a chemical imbalance.  Toe-MAY-toe, Toe- MAH-toe.

Hopefully this will help y'all spot one o' them artist types.  Again, we are usually quite pleasant to be around once you let us smell your hand and you scratch behind our ears. 

Gotta go paint!  You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here.

-Christine

Artwalk to come?

Amanda here...

Just met with some important people in the village... not too important... just THE MAYOR and his administrator as well as a local building owner (who shall remain nameless at this point in time).  And things are lookin' good so far for us to potentially start a string of pop-up galleries in our local town!  (fingers crossed)  Hopefully we can get this artwalk started in May and run it through September with several gallery spaces, but at least with one (worst case scenario... well, worst case would be none, but I think we might have one).  I have a few more appointments this week and next with more vacant space owners to present the idea and paint the town!

So... how do you continue to be stimulated and inspired in the boonies?  You create the inspiration and spread it like contagious laughter... and that's what Christine and I are working on.  So, grab your friends, jump on board and let's get this town hoppin'!

Pop-Up Galleries, Local Economies, and the Pursuit of Culture

Pop-up galleries  have been around quite a while.  Chicago has had them for years, as well as the surrounding suburbs like Evanston and Blue Island.  And that is disregarding all of the larger cities in the state, the country and the UK!

So why not here in Plainfield?  Or should I ask "why in Plainfield"?

I'm no economist, or city commissioner, or store-front business owner.  But have you visited our downtown?  Are you familiar with our seasonal festivals and downtown celebrations?  Unless I am way off in my thinking, the reason for having these events are- A) to put money into the local economy from residents from the surrounding area, and B) to give something to the local community to enjoy.  Both of these are good reasons. So how does a pop-up gallery accomplish these two goals?
The galleries are an event.  It can be made to be as big as necessary to bring people in.  All that is needed is a little advertising, and local businesses to give a some space to allow the art to be shown- or even better, vacant buildings can be cleaned up and used to display the works.  This brings in a TREMENDOUS amount of foot traffic through the downtown area.  People will be looking at the vacant buildings as potential business opportunites, and giving money to the local shops and restaurants.  And what does this cost the city?  Nothing, pretty much.  Plus- IT'S AN ART GALLERY.  Free for anyone to visit, with lots of art to buy and enjoy!! People coming from Shorewood, Naperville, Aurora, Warrenville, and the surrounding areas to enjoy an art exhibit and help our local economy is a pretty good thing.

Where is the down side to this?

-Christine

To no avail

It has begun.
Phone numbers and names are being acquired.
The buzz has started; the word is spreading.
The venues have been scoped out.
The wheels are greased.
Messages have been left in the vocal abyss of nothingness.
Emails have been sent through cyberspace.

Let's get this artwalk going, Plainfield!  JOIN US.

Help me Help you...

Isn't that the saying?  "Help me help you!"  Seems to be the theory as of about now.  I'm trying to get some pop-up art galleries going in this town and as I contact real estate agents, I'm finding them to be non-responsive and those that are responsive expect me to be pre-approved to buy.  I'm sorry, but I'm not trying to buy your place, sellers and landlords, I'm trying to HELP YOU get your place cleaned, rented and potentially sold... as well as trying to bring some foot traffic to our gorgeous historical downtown street that has been in the works of a visual uplift... (not to mention provide showing opportunities for local artists and children) so what gives?  Where's the optimism?  Where is the "let's pull together and make something of ourselves" attitude?  I'm so confused on how to get this all started.

BUT I AM MOTIVATED!
AND POWERFUL!
AND DETERMINED!
AND WILLING TO PRESS ON IN THE NAME OF SHARING, CARING, and GIVING!

So, here I come... ready or not.

Here's a good article about how Pop-up galleries work:
http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/2010-06-24/news/pop-art-for-some-local-artists-the-bad-economy-is-good-news/

While that article is mainly about an already established art scene, I am familiar with some of the artists involved in this scene (friends of mine) and have personally shown at a gallery or two down on Marshall Way in this area.  And I feel that it is important to note that our boonies town is NOT anywhere near an established artistic community... so the question is... where do we start and how far do we want to go?  Where is the benefit?  Read and consider the possibilities.

-Amanda

Of Art and Low Quality Pastries...

Christine here.  I'm not so sure about this "blogging" business.  I'm still getting used to self check-out lanes in grocery stores.  But with Amanda's help, I'm sure we can muddle through this together.

  I guess the whole point of Art in the Boonies is to bring awareness of art to places that ordinarily would have minimal exposure to fine arts.  I had a whole list of analogies for the concept like a flower in a desert, or a diamond in a lump of coal- but that's giving the wrong idea.  Without getting into a long, drawn-out definition of art (and believe me, you don't want to hear it), it simply is creating for beauty's sake.  And whether we realize it or not- we all need it to some degree.  And the nice thing is, being in the Boonies makes you appreciate art even more.  Now I'm not talking about behaving like Squidward Tentacles with his contrived snobbery and horrendous clarinet playing- I mean letting yourself enjoy something that exisits simply to give a little joy and thought to other people.

Okay, enough with the philosophy and Spongebob references.  Moving on.

  Ever think about why you like a certain location outdoors, or why you enjoy a certain movie?  There may be specific reasons, but basically it's because it makes you feel good.  Art should be the same way (yes, movies are an art form, but you get my point!).  Creating art can be even better, because it combines that feeling with a sense of accomplishment and pride. All good things, right?  Right.  Especially if it gives something for other people to enjoy, also.  That's kinda the point of art exhibits and museums and galleries.  And Hostess fruit pies.  Well, maybe not.  I just threw that in there to see if you were paying attention.

Great googly-moogly, I just blogged!  How did I do?  Comments, questions?  Bueller?

Peace out, until next time.

http://www.crowsfeetstudios.com/

What's an Artwalk?

Hopefully, we'll see the answer to this question downtown Plainfield very soon!

An Artwalk is a night out on the town where a series of galleries and artist studio spaces open to public for a free night of visual stimulation and critical analysis in a friendly, relaxing atmosphere.  Artwalks tend to pull a large crowd.  Open art spaces will generally designate one night each month as an opening reception and put out a spread of refreshments and tasty bites.

As I listen to Madeleine Peyroux, I'm working on figuring out how to host an artwalk each month this summer in our town with opening receptions held on the First Friday of each month.  I will keep you posted on how this progresses.  But, that is the first of many things that we are doing to continue the venture of not only spreading our contagious creativity, but helping the local economy and boost morale in our boonies.

And... if you have not heard of my studio... please visit my website at www.artcubestudios.com.

Amanda

What are we doing!??!

OK... HERE WE ARE!  We are Christine, the ever-impressive guru of multi-talents... and Amanda, the incredible, inspiring motivator of many things.  Both artists and living in what most artists might consider "the boonies."  Yesterday, I, Amanda, woke up with an inexplicable urge to start a blog (even though I have never even read a blog; and if you happen to know me, you know I honestly do not enjoy reading anything at all) and had no idea where the thought originated as I am not a writer and have plenty of other things to keep me busy.  Soooooo, I posted on my Facebook page that irrational desire of mine to see my new friend, Christine, reply with some comical remarks and a title for our new blog... so here it is and we'll see where it goes. 

The thought here, is how do artists continue to create works in areas that lack cultural diversity... and we could add to it... in this fanta-bulous economy that seems to be eliminating most of what we do as professionals?  Where is the inspiration?  Where is the motivation?  Where are the shows?  Where is the credibility as an artist not active in a vibrant art scene?  What are WE doing as artists to promote ourselves?  What are we doing as artists to help other artists thrive (or merely survive)?

We'll tell you what we're doing and can't wait to hear about what you're doing.  So... let's make some lemonade with all these lemons!