tonight's event is free, no euros needed

First off, Art Youngstown is having a community-wide gallery showing tonight, March 14th from 7pm to 10:30pm in the Ohio One Building downtown.

This event is free and open to the public.

If it's similar to the last gallery event on Federal Street, there will be plenty of people, art covering every corner of the space, food, drink, and excitement.

Everyone in Ohio and Pennsylvania is welcome to attend.

The Youngstown Artblog has been really cranking out posts recently. First, here is a post about the space for the reception this evening:

"Art Youngstown is having what promises to be a great show. How could it be otherwise in a venue known as The Great Room?

This fantastic space is five thousand square feet , has 25 foot high ceilings and is completely decorated in heavy wood work to nearly the ceiling. There are even hand carved wood griffins above the entry. The lighting is seductive and warm and the space is an incredible place to display original art. If you have never seen the Great Room in the Ohio One building this is your chance to enjoy the splendor and grandeur of Old Youngstown."

more on the space here.

Next, he shows his love for the interesting lady known only as Rita.

"I receive so many benefits from the city that at times I am actually glad to pay. These days so many organizations get a chunk of my money, including the Church and various art and cultural organizations, that I figure I am paying my dues to be a part of a club of 85,000 members.

Consider what you are getting for your money: great location in the state, great inner city parks, a convocation center, impressive downtown events to name just a few. So take my advice: pay it, shut up and enjoy the city."

This post made me chuckle. Read more here.

And next, a very interesting post on the devaluation of the dollar, the rise of the euro, and how Youngstown artists can take advantage of this:

"The American Dollar continues to fall like so many dead leaves from Autumn trees and a cold winter wind is blowing. The Euro however is rocketing into prominence like a 4th of July firework. Many reports are coming out of Manhattan stating that Europeans are spending Euros like mad on American Art and Antiques, because of their currency's strength against the feeble Dollar. In fact signs saying "Euros Only" are appearing in gallery windows."

"To reiterate what I have been saying in this blog, we have a tremendous resource in the artists of our Valley. Many of us have been selling our work to those very collectors for years now. We can easily tap into the National and International Art Markets in a much more profound way if we can work together and get REAL support from the powers within our community.

Here is a list of things I would like to accomplish in the next 6 months: Create a stronger unity amongst Valley artists, Use this unity to promote Valley art nationally and internationally, establish strong contacts with European collectors, and establish Youngstown in the Manhattan and European mindset as a Cultural Mecca. To help assist in accomplishing these goals I would be happy to hold meetings to discuss and formulate plans.

Email me: Artbake777(at)aol.com."

more on this topic can be found here.

If you are surfing the internet instead of being downtown tonight, well, then you need to get out more. (if you are physically capable)

Yes, that means you Aunt Betty.

If I can do it, you can do it.

support the arts in downtown youngstown

what to do on friday

The Youngstown Moxie blog writes:

"I have sometimes heard people in the Youngstown area complain about the lack of things to do. I've even heard people say they are bored. Well, as Dorothy Parker said, "The cure for boredom is curiosity..." Obviously, the bored folks around here merely need a good dose of it.

I then recommend they have an adventure. "But where?" you say?

Downtown Youngstown of course.

Let me offer a suggestion or two for an adventure in Youngstown next Friday night, March 14th.

read Moxie'sitenary here here.

Plus, a bonus post on artist and entertainers from youngstown was also posted. read this list here.

connecting to expats

the Steeltown Entertainment Project:

"The mission of the Steeltown Entertainment Project ("Steeltown") is to nurture promising talent and to incubate meaningful and commercially viable entertainment projects in Southwestern Pennsylvania by connecting former Pittsburghers who are working in the entertainment industry with the region's human, cultural, educational and economic resources."

what's at the Trumbull Art Gallery

The Youngstown Art blog discusses Jim Pernotto:

"Jim lived in worked in Youngstown during a time when many were fleeing the city for greener pastures, and when he did eventually work for a time in Manhattan as the director of Pacifico Fine Art Gallery, he made sure his peers from Ytown found art connections in his new home. Even while in NYC he still found time to have his hand in Youngstown art concerns.

I'd like to thank Jim for the time and effort he has put into helping me with my art career over the years. When I arrived at the YSU Art Department from the deep country side of Central Ohio, I was a young, brash redneck boy with a lot of energy and not a lot of brains. Jim saw my talent, encouraged me in his printing classes, and was one of the very few people I knew that took a real concern for my future as an artist. Throughout the years he has given me valuable and hard to come by art business advice and even today, when my stubborn redneckedness rears its ugly head, he has enough patience and vision to point me in the right direction."

more here.

the value of street art?

Subpopular posts a neat video with an interesting question:

How is public art perceived here in Youngstown? Would people stop and ponder it or want their photos taken next to it?

"For over an hour, Jeremy Gibbs stood across the street from a fresh piece by Banksy on Essex Road and filmed people who stopped to look at the piece and take photos. What we find to be most important about the video is the diversity of the people who stopped, noticed, and most importantly - appreciated - the work. The video is a terrific testament to the "value" of street art."

read more here.

politics abounds at meditations

Meditations in an Emergency has been prolific as well lately.

Here's a sample . . .

"Why are Obama and Clinton running around Youngstown and its surrounding suburbs like it’s the newest thing since, well, whatever–you know that saying. It’s been so strange these recent days leading up to March 4th to see so much attention being paid to this area. Part of me, frankly, wants to give any of these people the finger."

"I’m torn between wanting to support someone who will actually help advocate and arrange for change in my community, because we desperately need it, and yet there is this part of me that says, “Don’t hold your breath, Chris, they want your vote, and then they’ll forget about this place, just like always."

another post reviews the Obama visit (with pictures):

"On my way out of the rally, I was stopped by a reporter from the Chicago Tribune, and interviewed about what I thought of Obama and his ideas for Youngstown. I was supportive, but in my own usual manner demanded more than I heard.

I don’t want this area to find itself just another manufacturing region again, like it was. I want green jobs, and a creative economy, and investment in education for the rural and urban poor. I want a community college for this valley."

Also, an announcement for the next Art Youngstown gallery show:

"Call to Artists for the The Second Exhibition

Artists (18 y.o. and older) may deliver their paintings, sculptures, films and other mediums of art for on Saturday, March 1st, 2008 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm & Sunday, March 2nd, 2008 from noon to 4:00 pm. Artists are asked to present only those items which are to be offered for sale and please do not include any items previously shown by Art Youngstown Inc.

Please visit ArtYoungstown.org for further details. For more information call 330-788-5678, or contact Robert Dubec at bdubec@zoominternet.net or 330-782-0346 or Judith Szabo at j_szabo@sbcglobal.net.

The Second Exhibition
Friday, March 14, 2008
7:00 pm to 10:30 pm

The Great Room at 25 E. Boardman Street, Ohio One Bldg.
The public is invited to attend free of charge.

Independent Film Night
Local filmmakers will present productions on Friday, March 21st, 2008 from 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm."

Youngstown Art is really churning

The Youngstown Art blog three posts this week worth reading:

The first reviews the opening of the Frederic Molden collection now at the Star Gallery at the Oakland Theater.

"A Youngstown based artist with a substantial resume', his work has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show, and is in the collections of such personalities as Michael Jordan and Jerome Bettis."

"The skill level is amazing as is the use of color and composition. Much of the work is heavy with history and nostalgia, which some people may feel is a negative in certain artistic circumstances. However, Molden's rich technique and insight take this genre to a new and pleasing level. In many ways I am reminded of the great African American painter from Cleveland, Huey Lee Smith, although Molden certainly has his own unique style."

"The Star Gallery is open during regular performance hours and one does not have to attend the performance to visit the gallery."

The second post is a request:

"In fact, if I wrote a blog every single day of the year, I would not adequately cover all the events , artists and the issues surrounding them. Currently this blog barely scratches the surface. I am writing only on the things that affect me directly.

I am requesting that others get involved. It would be so nice to have the Butler Institute and the McDonough Museum offer blogs on their shows and events. Other art organizations such as TAG and the Art Outreach Gallery (Eastwood Mall) need bloggers as well.

I often hear art supporters and artists complaining about various issues but I don't often see them actually doing anything to change the situations. Blogging is an excellent way to make a difference. One of the problems that afflict our art community is lack of communication. Many people are working to dispel the misconceptions and wrong assumptions that have arisen.

Blogging is effective cure for the diseases of miscommunication and lack of communication. Besides, blogging is fun, easy, and definitely creates immediate change. Don't hesitate!"

The third post reviews the Art Youngstown Inc. Wine Tasting Event at the Youngstown Club downtown:

"Congratulations again to Art Youngstown for yet another successful, well attended art event. Thanks to Emerine Estates and the Youngstown Club for the Wine, the use of the hall and the staff.

These pics were shot well before most of the guests arrived and the place was full by mid evening, but not uncomfortably so.

To say this event was a "wine tasting" is an understatement as the wine flowed freely and abundantly all night."

UK brings arts to econ dev mainstream

From The Guardian:

"Prime Minister Gordon Brown and the culture secretary, Andy Burnham, today unveiled the action plan, Creative Britain: New Talents for the New Economy, in what the government is labelling the first-ever comprehensive, state-supported plan to move the creative industries from the "margins to the mainstream of economic and policy thinking" in the UK.

The action plan outlines 26 commitments for both government and the creative industries to nurture talent, create jobs and to drive the UK's international competitiveness.

One of the initiatives is to develop a new annual World Creative Business Conference that will act as the "centrepiece" of an international push to make the UK the "world's creative hub"."

learn more here.

The UK Government has made a concentrated effort in its cities at a level not seen in the US. read more on the effort here.

The Youngstown Moxie blog reviews the Colored Museum:

"Let me say this, there is humor and satire and then there is "The Colored Museum". The satire in this play is brilliant! It will make you laugh, and then five minutes later have you crying because of sadness of it all. It is nothing short of an emotional roller coaster ride.

The author of this play is George C Wolfe. Mr. Wolfe is not a timid writer; he manages to convey the unthinkable with great wit and humor. The play was written in 1985 during the post-Vietnam War era. It is comprised of eleven vignettes which are actually a series of eleven live exhibits in the Colored Museum. The director of the play is Johnny Herbert. This is his directing debut at the Oakland. He has brought together an amazing cast and creates magic on the Oakland stage."

Moxie writes more about the actors, the art in the Oakland's Gallery, and her night out in downtown Youngstown.

see all of her thoughts here.

inside a downtown artist's studio

Shout Youngstown takes a look at a you tube video posted from a downtown artist's studio:

"Located at the intersection of Federal Street and Phelps, the space works great for this Youngstown artist's larger pieces. Jim has moved back to Youngstown after spending a large part of his career in NYC."

two posts from Youngstown Art

Youngstown Art reviews the Vallene Hardman-Weeda exhibit at the Andrew and Carol Weller Art Gallery.

"My favorite work is the "Drying Specimens" series. These are mixed media pieces which feature Ginkgo leaves and various natural materials adhered to sheets of ragged paper with a glaze of golden-brown epoxy. They are suspended from the walls with stainless steel specimen clamps and underneath sheets of Plexiglass."

and he continues . . .

"Once again he was jaw-droppingly amazed at the view from the cafe' with the new fallen snow clinging to tree branches and Lake Glacier glistening like polished silver. We had the soup, mine being vegetable and his potato. Needless to say it was delicious and perfect for a cold winter day."

read more here.

Next up, the blog reveals pictures of victimized nature - at the hands of some assmunches in Mill Creek Park:

"This piece is truly the coup de' tat of the Bear's Den Graffiti Collection. It is a large work well over 4x10 feet. Multiple colors are used and appears to be the cumulative work of several artists. One can see the anguish, joy, fears, and spiritual electricity that pulse through the veins of our youth. Those old cave painters of Lascaux have nothing on this bunch!"

It's probably best for me not to repost the blog, since it may feed the ego of those who did this. But if anyone ever sees someone doing this in the future, please call the police.

tits and tats from the Stage

the Stage @ the Oakland provides us with two recent entries:

On the Inside

"They interview people (or "personalities") about their city of residence (in this case, New York). These interview subjects give little sound bites and photos highlighting and explaining their favorite spots in the city.

While their would certainly be a limit to the amount of favorite places listed in Youngstown, the amount of reasons offered would undoubtedly be different. And such a website, as Youngstown struggles to find its footing again, would be a neat way to keep track of the best of the best the city has to offer.

We have a lot of hidden "gems" tucked around the city. Small, family-run restaurants and the like...and we have more than enough personalities to go around."

Cleveland Artist on LA Ink

"Perhaps more importantly: anyone know of any awesome Youngstown tattoos? Or have ideas for future tats?

You know what a cool contest would be: the best Youngstown-themed tattoo design wins a free session at some Yo-based tattoo parlor."

the painting has been saved!

An incredible post in the Mahoning Valley History blog looks at the restoration of a painting damaged from moisture condensation in 2007. Some amazing photos can be seen of the project here.

Also included in this post is a biography of William Rayen:

"William Rayen was born in 1776 in Kent County, Maryland. He and his wife Margaret Caree Rayen operated a mercantile in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania from approximately 1796-1799, before settling in the Mahoning Valley before 1802.

When William Rayen died in 1854, his will set aside $31,390 for a public academy to be known as “The Rayen School.” P. Ross Berry, an African American brick and stone mason, built the four-room brick building at the corner of Wick and Wood in the Greek Revival style of architecture. It opened its doors in 1866 with forty students and a predominantly female faculty. It graduated Youngstown’s first high school students several years later."

and the award goes to . . .

The Youngstown Art blog reviews the Butler's 71st Area Artist Annual Exhibition.

"The turnout, as usual, was extraordinary and everyone had a great time. It was wonderful to see so many people from all aspects of the community coming together to celebrate the Arts.
Best of Show was awarded to Amy Kreiger of Youngstown for her work entitled "Adam Sullivan" done in colored pencil. It measures 48 x 72 inches and is very large for this medium."

You can read more information abou the resuts here.

71st Annual Area Artists Exhibition

The Youngstown Art blog previews the upcoming exhibition at the Butler.

"The Butler Institute of American Art will hold the 71st Area Artist Annual Exhibition opening on Sunday, January 13th from 1-3 pm. There will be light refreshments by Winslow's Cafe'. This is FREE event but reservations are required. Call 330-743-1107, ext. 210. The show will run through February 3rd, 2008.

The "Area Show" as it is affectionately known, is perhaps the most prestigious show in the region, second only to the Mid Year Show (also held at the Butler). It is a difficult show to gain entry as the competition is stiff and only a relatively small amount of work is accepted. Artists over 18 years of age who live within a 40 mile radius of Youngstown are eligible to enter."

You can read more details here.

studio space opening up

Youngstown Art is putting out a notice that some studio spaces are soon to be available:

"These spaces are high quality studios by most standards. The property owners are looking for people who are serious artists and who will make full use of the spaces. They have an "incubation philosophy" about their buildings and are involving themselves with artists to help promote the arts in this city."

You can find out how to contact the owners of the property here.

Pandora's Art Incubator

The Art Youngstown blog shares some thoughts on recent discussions to form an arts incubator. Have any opinions?

"Since I began writing about an art incubator, it seems I have opened a Pandora's Box. I have received many emails and phone calls and had many heated discussions. What started as an interesting diversion now has taken control of my life. It is amazing to me the passion that exists for the Arts In Youngstown.

In the past week I also had several meetings with two separate organizations who are interested in funding an AI. Each are financially capable of creating one or more fully functioning, highly diverse Incubators that could handle the Fine and Performing Arts."

You can read more here, here, and here.

contact info for this concept is provided.

Welcome Art Youngstown to the local blogosphere!