Bionic Snufalupogous here... Yes, Christine, I found out you have revealed my secret of bionic-ness!  Was it the leg that gave it away?  LOL

I'm trying to figure out how to get us some press about this event... I guess there IS something that I am not good at and that is writing and sending press releases... kind of a big one.  =(  Whatever.  At least I have heard that lots of people will be showing up on that FIRST FRIDAY!  Be there or be square... even if you didn't get that memo.

We officially have all the spaces filled for May's event and we are booking artists like crazy for the summer months.  Though, I have to say, I am a bit astonished that we have yet to set anything up for any of the local high schools.

For those of you having issues with getting the app off this blog, you can also grab one off the fb page:  Click here.

Paint May Look Pretty, but it Doesn't Taste Good

Christine here again.  Like that lingering doubt after you buy a watch from a guy in a trenchcoat- I just won't go away that easily.

  I've been alternating between watching Anthony Bourdain on tv (No, he's not paying me.  It's just a good show!), helping update the Crows Feet Studios website and working on finishing up a painting that I've been putting off.  I swear, acrylic paints will be the death of me.  Actually, my workload will be the death of me.  Acrylic paints won't actually kill me unless I consume a LOT of them.  Heh.  I just remembered that Van Gogh tried to kill himself once by eating his own paints.  Eeeeewwww.  Hey, speaking of good ol' Vincent, I have print of  his "Crows Over Wheatfield" above my fireplace.  But I digress....

  So the day is almost upon us.  May 6th! Are you excited? Elated? Scared? Confused?  Itchy?  C'mon,  you can tell me. So far I am still retaining bladder control, but I am definately stoked.  Have no doubts; this artwalk will be very, very cool.  And it will just get better as we get the word out more, get more artists to apply, and this thing gets bigger and bigger.  Amanda is busting her hump to make all this happen, and I don't know how she does it.  I think she might be bionic.  But don't tell anyone.

  I can't wait to see all the galleries set up!   I can't wait to meet the artists!  We'd really like to hear some of your ideas and thoughts about the art-walk.  I know many of you have been to art-walks in other cities; they all have a different feel with a slightly different way of going about it.  What elements do you like?  What kind of artworks would you like to see-  scupltures, still life paintings, abstracts, found object art?  Tell us! This is all for you, after all.   Use that comment box!  Give us your input.  That's your homework assignment for this evening, kids.  Grammar and neatness counts, and no copying off your neighbor.

  I hate to say it, but the Red Bull is wearing off.  I need to find something stronger, or at least a Red Bull that comes in gallon jugs.  I'm gonna finish this painting tonight or  I'll....well, who am I kidding?  I'm so tired that I could be typing the lyrics to Freebird and I wouldn't even know it.  Good thing we got the Crows Feet Studios website updated already.

Goodnight, kids. The painting will have to wait.  And remember- when you're being chased by a bear, you don't have to outrun the bear.  You just have to outrun the guy next to you. 

Think about it. :)


http://www.crowsfeetstudios.com/





 

Oh Yeah... It's on!

We have been getting artist applications and the word is spreading like a wildfire!  Sweetness.

On Friday, May 6, we are tentatively planning to have 9 different art shows in the buildings listed on the map posted in one of our previous blogs.  9 shows in 4 spaces... that's right, people... 12345678...9 opportunities for artists!  5 in the Heritage Professional Center Gallery (HPCG), 2 in the Village Center Gallery (VCG), 1 in the Chicago Street Gallery (can you guess the acronym for that one?) and 1 in Art Cube Studios.  Artists have been applying, getting accepted and dropping off works!  We have 2 shows installed already and are well on our way to a successful first art-walk! 

This is just a little bit exciting... where are the Depends; we might just wet our pants it is so exciting!  OK... maybe that was a little overboard... or maybe not, you decide.

See you there!

-the Boonie girls

ARTWALK MAPS are in!

Feel free to print from here or pick up your copy of this map at Art Cube Studios.  We will have specific show information on the back of the map when the date gets closer.  For now... here's a map of galleries:

Red Bull and Nachos

Christine here again.  No, that's okay-- don't get up.

  Posters are passed out, maps are being made, locations are being prepped, antacids are being consumed.  Still got a lot of work to do, kids.  But we're tough, we can take it.  We're so tough, we break Tonka toys.

  Trust me, this art walk is not something you just throw together in a couple weekends. Still, it will be worth it.  I mean, this never existed in our town before- and in a few weeks it will be here all summer.  Hope ya'll have cleared your schedules for it!  I know I have, with the exception of the 6th.  I am SO upset that I've got a trip to LA scheduled for the 6th of May!  Gotta visit some artist buddies of mine, and this trip was scheduled and paid for long before we had a date for the art walk...doh!  Still, my large and responsible husband will be at the artwalk to represent Crows Feet Studios.  I've coached him on how to tie his shoes and not use his sleeve as a napkin, so he should be ok.  :)  I'm kidding of course- he is reasonably competent, believe it or not!

  I've actually just taken a break from making the maps for this thing, so people won't be wandering around aimlessly, hoping to catch some art.  See?  Got it covered. The maps will be on our blog for all to see and download.  Also, if you walk around downtown, you will see many posters advertising the art walk on windows, doors and counters of businesses.  Check 'em out.   The posters- AND the businesses. 

  Man, I've got SO much to do.  Besides the art walk, I've got 2 paintings I'm working on, 2 portraits, a mural, and designing a logo/t-shirt/poster for a social club in Canada.  I need more Red Bull and nachos.  Well, sleep is for the weak, I always say.  This darned day job gets in the way, as well.  Oh wait-  I've got children, too....almost forgot.

 I think I need to lie down for a while, or at least control my blood pressure. I think nachos will help with that.  Aren't nachos good for you?  I think they cover at least 3 of the 4 food groups.  And maybe fiber.  Plus they taste really good, and go with almost anything.   Mmmmm...... Okay, gotta go.  I have to concentrate on nachos now.

To quote Michelangelo, "Believe it or not, I can actually draw."  Hee.  I like quoting dead guys.  Later!

http://www.crowsfeetstudios.com/

We're in the Village E-newsletter!

YAY!!!  Thanks, Plainfield, for putting the word out there to everyone about this exciting event!  Click on the link below to see what was written... There's also an art contest listed in this issue:

http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=98d05a903edbfe555268f748f&id=18d4503e8c&e=9a9659429f

Is anybody reading our blog?

Comment with anything if you are reading our blog.
Thanks.

=)

The Maps are Coming!

We don't have them printed just yet, but they will be here in time for the first art-walk.  We will post them when we have them and hard copies will be available at Art Cube Studios and then we will have them to hand out at each one of our gallery spaces... meanwhile... here are the 4 gallery spaces we have for May:

Art Cube Studios
24044 W. Main St.

Village Center Gallery
24047 Lockport St.
(This is located on DesPlaines St, next to the Chamber office)

Heritage Professional Center Gallery
24023 W. Lockport St.
(This is located in the basement of the Heritage Professional Center, entrance on Lockport St.)

Chicago Street Gallery
24118 W. Chicago St. Unit 210
(Located upstairs)

High School Juried Art Exhibitions

I'm not going to say there will be prizes, but I'm not going to say there will NOT be prizes either... working on it and we shall see.

If you are a High School Student (as of right now), then you are eligible for this contest.  Here is an entry form for you to print.  If you have any questions, please feel free to call Amanda at 815.254.9975 and she will answer all your questions... she's nice, don't freak out if you have to call.  Dana over there is nice too.  But that Debby... watch out.  Just kidding, she's probably the nicest of those three bears over there. 

So... get in gear, get happy, get excited and become part of Plainfield's history cuz we're makin' it!  =)

Intimidated Aspiring Artists

It's Amanda (I feel like Snufalupogous when I write that... all dark, sad and gloomy... compared to Christine, who I learned in her last post as hair.).

We've come across some rather small hurdles while trying to put this art-walk together.  Some of them were just little road humps while a few of them seemed to be a bit bigger, but seriously nothing large we've had to overcome... yet.

I've noticed that since we put out a call to artists, more professional artists are tending to ask for shows... artists that are very active in an art scene and eager to take advantage of the opportunity to have another exhibition to put that extra line on the resume... which makes for some cool shows, but my question would be... why are we attracting artists that already have experience and who have no problem securing shows in existing, well-known, permanent galleries?  And, why are the amateur or aspiring artists not applying?  It seems backwards to me given the spaces we have in the town we're in... so here's what I have come up with:

First, I guess it would make sense that the more experienced artists would apply because they are used to applying and they have already been through the process of going from beginning to intermediate or advanced as an exhibiting artist.

Second, more experienced artists understand that a chance to show is a chance to show... the more shows under the belt, the better.  It's that experience that moves an artist up the ladders to the bigger venues with their art because with each exhibition comes experience with showing, pricing and talking about work to the public. 

So...
If you are or know an aspiring artist who really would like an opportunity to show their work and maybe even sell their work and possibly might even have a desire to be a "real artist," then I have a few words for you as I am a professional artist, show my work on a consistent basis, and am active in any art scene that surrounds me....

1.  Overcome the fear of rejection.  You made your work for a reason, and it is what it is.  Enjoy it.  Savor it.  Build on it.  Share it.
2.  Do not let the application intimidate you.  Applications, rules, regulations, etc... they are all part of the culture of Western civilization and again... it is what it is.  Think about what you truly want for yourself and your art and maybe even your artistic career and make a decision based on that.  I'm not saying ignore what the application has to say, I'm just saying not to let it intimidate you out of a really great opportunity to show.  If you have questions about the application, just call me and ask.
3.  If dates conflict:  Artists are resourceful and full of problem-solving skills... figure it out, give me a call and present the opportunities.  You'd be surprised how we like to support the arts and become flexible to do so.


Hope to see those applications soon!  We've created the opportunities... now you take it an run with it!  We are SO excited about this Art-Walk... it's gonna be a blast!  See you there!

So You Wanna be an Artist...

It's Christine again.  You know, the Crows Feet Studios chick with the hair.

Pop-up galleries, art-walks, free snacks-- hey, throw in some fireworks and some elves giving everyone presents and this May 6th could be the best day EVER.  Amanda is making this thing happen, and it will be huge.  For those of you who don't know yet, that's the first day of Plainfield's art-walk, and it will be beyond cool. The magic hour is at 6pm, and it goes 'til 9 pm.  There is no excuse for not being there.  I don't care if you're doing time, or if you're trapped underneath something heavy- just be there.

But what about the artists themselves?  I'm sure there are PLENTY of talented, amazing artist out there (and you know who you are) that are just itching to get their stuff out in the public eye.  Well, stop watching German impressionist films and apply for the artwalk!  C'mon, the application form is right on the previous blog! You have no excuse!  Don't make me use peer pressure on you.  Look, maybe you might be a little hesitant because you're unfamilar with Plainfield, or artwalks, or maybe you just don't like contact with other humans.  Have no fear, I will help you make the right decision.

Yup, you guessed it.  Here's another one of my famous lists that I put in my silly blogs.

"Why should I- a talented artist- display my work at this Plainfield Art-walk?"
  Because hundreds and hundreds of people will see it!  Because they will want to buy it!  Because Plainfield is cool! Because I told you to!!

"I've never displayed my work in an art-walk. Is this very different from displaying my work in normal gallery?"
  No, not really.  That location may change month to month due to the nature of a pop-up gallery, but it's a very similar situation.  People walk in, they are amazed by your work, and they leave-- speechless, teary-eyed and with a totally different perspective on life.  Just like when I play "House of the Dead" at Dave & Busters.

"What if the other artists don't like me?"
  Nonsense! That won't happen.  All the artists are very nice, respectful, and totally without anger management issues (as far as we know).  We are here for a common goal, and we all play nicely together.  There will even be group hugs, I think.  My husband says that he'll pass on the group hugs, though.

"Okay, Christine.  I am convinced that you are right and I am foolish for waiting another minute to apply for this artwalk.  What do I do now?"
  Well, Amanda laid out the requirements on a previous blog titled "Let's curate some shows".  The application form is on the previous blog, and you can contact Amanda at artintheboonies@yahoo.com. Or, you can contact her through Art Cube Studios.  Don't be shy, don't listen to the voices in your head- apply now! C'mon, all the cool artists are applying.  You want to be like them, don't you?  (That was my clever use of peer pressure.)

Gotta sleep now.  Red Bull and nachos can only keep me conscious for so long.

And remember kids- "This is my art, and it is dangerous."  You will impress me if you can identify that quote. :) 

Adios.

http://www.crowsfeetsudios.com/

Let's curate some shows!

It's the boring one, Amanda.
First off, I cannot compete with the blogging genius of my esteemed artsy counterpart, Christine... and for that, I am sorry.  However, I CAN give you some good news, which is the second part...

The good news is that our inspectors gave us the "go-ahead" with the galleries to open MAY 6!

While we still have a lot of work to do to get this walk on its way... we are ready to proceed!

A call to artists... if you are following our blog and would like to be considered as an artist for this artwalk, please email the following to artintheboonies@yahoo.com:

• Your first and last name
• 5 images of your work
• Artist Statement
• Resume

Artists chosen will be called in for an interview to review the contract and requirements to participate.

Spread the word!  And Save the Date... FRIDAY, MAY 6... 6-9pm!!!!!

Woohoo! We're getting an artwalk! Now what?

Christine here again from Crowsfeet Studios.  Stand back, keep your eyes on your own paper and let the blogging commence.

Okay, so we are going to have an artwalk, we have a bunch of artists showing their stuff, and we have a bunch of cool buildings to exhibit in!  Exciting, no?  Darn right, it is. So you may have some questions about the pop-up galleries and the walk, since this whole thing is pretty new to Plainfield.  All questions will be answered, all fears allayed.

"How should I dress for this artwalk?  Is there proper artwalk attire?" I hear you ask.  Well, don't worry.  Almost any form of clothing is acceptable, but loincloths and HAZMAT suits are strongly discouraged.  However, I personally have nothing against "snuggies".

"Will there be beverages and food?"  Yes, there will. On the first Fridays, snacks and drinks will be available for all, not to mention the local restaurants and pubs will have their usual selection of tasty morsels and thirst-quenching potables. However, there will be no tailgating, shindigs, wingdings, or hootnannies. Also, no bungee-jumping or sword swallowing.  They just cause problems at artwalks...

"Will I be able to purchase art at the artwalk?"  Of course!  But not all art will be for sale.  Also, artists will not perform magic tricks or balancing acts or ride unicycles.  Well- they might, but it would take a really big tip.

"Where will all the galleries be?  Will there be some sort of map or flyer to guide us on our journey of artistic expression?"  You betcha.  Working on them right now, in fact.  All the times, dates, and locations will be laid out for you.  And maybe a word-find and one of those illusions where you cross your eyes at a colorful pattern and see a unicorn.  Okay, I made that up.

That's all for now, kids.  Amanda and I will keep you updated, so never fear. Tell your friends, your enemies- anyone who will listen, that the Plainfield artwalk is coming in May.   Trust me, it will be even better and more exciting than reasonable prices for gasoline!

Live long and prosper.  Later!

-Christine

http://www.crowsfeetstudios.com/

Moving Right Along...

Does it count if you give yourself a solo show in your own pop-up gallery?
I'm gonna go with a "no" on that one, but still, it might be fun.  Perhaps I should search outside of "the boonies" for that.

Meanwhile... I was just accepted into the Naperville Women's Club Art Fair in June and the Art Fair on the Square in Lake Forest in September!!!  So, that's a bit exciting and motivating to produce.


www.amandachakravarty.com

And... on the pop-ups...
We shall find out tomorrow whether we have a gorgeous, window encased, street-side space as our 5th potential gallery.  Then... Monday is the day we find out if the village is going to allow us to open our doors on May 6.

SO...

EVERYONE THINK HAPPY THOUGHTS!!!

-Amanda