There have been times during the last several “Covid” months, when I admit I have questioned the relevance of my work.  At a time in which there are so many things to worry about, so many things to do and so many ways to try to help those in need, it almost seems extravagant to focus on art while much of the world is suffering.  But, as I have been reminded  many times before, it is precisely in these times when art is the MOST … Continue Reading

A rejection is nothing more than a necessary step in the pursuit of success.”  Bo Bennett

Our summer juried shows are a mixed blessing for me.  Each year I marvel at the infinite and diverse ways in which artists find to express themselves.  I admire and respect each and every artist for the extraordinary effort they make every day to share their gift. Again, we were happily overwhelmed with a large number of excellent quality entries, and the competition for this show was very stiff.

Most juried shows, … Continue Reading

“Creativity is the residue of time wasted.” Albert Einstein

Originally posted 6 years ago, this article from the ArtAdvice Archives is particularly relevant today in light of the “Shelter at Home” guidelines.  This virus set the PAUSE button on the universe…but, for artists, it has been mostly business as usual.  I have loved watching all of the various ideations that artists have come up with to deal with the stay at home orders.  The only difference is now, through social media, the rest of the … Continue Reading

It’s time to apply to our  Winter Juried Show.  Applications can be made through the CAFE website. https://www.callforentry.org/ CaFÉ is a program of the Western States Arts Federation (WESTAF) a regional nonprofit arts service organization.  Registration for artists is FREE and provides access to hundreds of exhibition and sales opportunities. Deadline for applications is October 10. Here are some tips to remember…good luck!

The level of success an artist achieves when entering juried shows, obviously relates to the … Continue Reading

It’s been well over 4 years since my last post…not sure how many people this will reach. But, the time has come to officially announce my UN-retirement from the art world. This world has served me well and I know that my participation has helped many artists come to a new understanding of their career development. I am so proud of all the work I have done, all the great shows we did at the gallery, and all of my participation in developing the art community in … Continue Reading

It’s time to apply to our  Summer Juried Show.  Applications can be made through the CAFE website. https://www.callforentry.org/ CaFÉ is a program of the Western States Arts Federation (WESTAF) a regional nonprofit arts service organization.  Registration for artists is FREE and provides access to hundreds of exhibition and sales opportunities. Deadline for applications is May 10. Here are some tips to remember…good luck!

“Win as if you were used to it, lose as if you enjoyed it for a change.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

The … Continue Reading

Kandinsky on the Spiritual Element in Art and the Three Responsibilities of Artists
by Maria Popova

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“To harmonize the whole is the task of art.”

“Art is a form of nourishment (of consciousness, the spirit),” 31-year-old Susan Sontag wrote in her diary in 1964. “Art holds out the promise of inner wholeness,” wrote Alain de Botton half a century later in … Continue Reading

In case you are wondering where we have been and what we are doing, here is a brief update.  The last six months have been quite a wild ride.  I am feeling very blessed and ready to tackle the New Year.  However, I must admit, I do enjoy the extra time that not having a full rotating exhibition schedule gives me.  Katy, Cameron and I continue to be busy doing the things that we do best…helping artists get the exposure they want and their work deserves.  We … Continue Reading

“Who in the world am I?  Ahh, that is the great puzzle.” Lewis Carroll

It’s not something you can turn off. It bubbles up when you least expect it. If you would allow it, it would consume every waking minute of every day. You work hard to fit in to the normal world…family obligations, work, the challenges of everyday life. But, admit it, all you can think about is that unfinished painting, sculpture, poem, or whatever, fill in the blank. You know you are different. You may … Continue Reading

Remember that part of the movie when  Tom Hanks was stranded and  Ed Harris put everything Hanks had in his spaceship on the table and ordered his staff to make something that will fix it?  That is such a beautiful metaphor for life.  It seems like since closing the gallery I have had to look at all the pieces I have left on my table and see what I want to make.  I have always loved helping artists, and will continue to advise and consult artists as … Continue Reading

It’s been 35 years of consulting with artists, 50 articles written and now blogged on ArtAdvice.com, 8 different offices/gallery spaces, hundreds of workshops, thousands of exhibitions and … Continue Reading

For most emerging and mid career artists, the single most important thing you can do for yourself is decide to spend 2-3 hours per week “doing your homework.” My gift to you this holiday season is a fairly extensive list of resources for you to peruse on a monthly basis, searching for viable opportunities. For artists that need to develop a “paper trail” for their resume, there is no better way than entering juried shows and competitions. There are a number of websites that offer exhibition opportunities … Continue Reading

Yesterday is history.  Tomorrow is a mystery.  And today?  Today is a gift.  That’s why we call it the present.  ~Babatunde Olatunji

The holidays, which are an unusually a stressful time for most people… are even more so for artists.  Visual artists, who have to cram art making into an already full life, are now faced with the additional burden of dealing with traffic, crowds, guests from out of town and unnatural amounts of spending.  So for all you last minute shoppers, I have compiled a list … Continue Reading

Join CaFE today… step by step instructions HERE
If you are one of those artists who has been procrastinating about looking for opportunities to get your career in gear, no more excuses. You need to sign up today for  CaFE, callforentry.org.  It is a website operated by Western States Arts Federation and it is completely FREE for artists to register. You do need to have some basic computer skills before you tackle this, so if you are not there yet, ask any 10 year old to help … Continue Reading

“Only put off until tomorrow, what you are willing to die left undone.” Pablo Picasso

The beginning of a new year always puts me in a pensive, introspective mood. It just feels like the right time to sit back and reflect on the accomplishments of the past year, and develop a plan to move forward towards new goals. But, being a creative thinker can have it’s drawbacks during this time of reflection. It’s easy to overlook how far you’ve come, unless you develop a quantifiable system of measuring. For a lot of artists, achieving a goal “doesn’t really count,” because by … Continue Reading