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

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)

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/

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