Yearly Archives: 2011

Mark your calendar

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A few more days and the binging and gorging will begin. Libations of nog and mulled wines will be flowing and several forest-loads of wrapping paper will be strewn across your living room floor. Watch out for those small toys and cookie crumbs! Pick up the tinsel and ribbons – they get messy on the way out from the household tabby.

As you pick up the bits and bobs, the odd tile missing from that 1000 piece puzzle you started and couldn’t finish, the Christmas cracker hat slung over a dining room chair. Put away that box who’s contents now play your favourite movie in high-def. Flatten out the tissue paper to re-use another time. Sit back and look at your fridge and wonder, what’s on the calendar?

Well, for starters, Markham Art Collective’s ‘Debut’ art and photography exhibit starts on December 28 at the Markham Theatre. Don’t worry, if you can’t move because you’re stuffed full of turkey, shortbread and Yuletide logs, the show continues through to January 30. However, a real treat would be to come and meet the artists and photographers at the Artist Reception on Saturday, January 14. By then the champagne headache and seltzer will be long forgotten. Come anywhere from 2pm to 5pm. We’ll be there…

Markham Art Collective Debut art exhibit

Markham Debut art show artists

Tis the season

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This is the usual time of year to say ‘Thanks’ – at least for those south of the 49th parallel. And we all have something to be thankful for – six more months ’til summer!

It is also a time for celebrations, not least of which are the various seasonal ethnic festivities. The big one of course has taken every retailer by storm, fueling the customers’ ears with the annual carol music.

For the Markham Art Collective, it will be a busy time as the elves start getting ready to put their artworks up for the “Debut” exhibit at the Markham Theatre starting on December 28. We’re promoting the exhibit and the Artist Reception right across the GTA with great fervour. We know there’s a lot more on the minds of the general public at this time, but when you receive one of our exhibit cards, we hope you’ll stick it on your fridge and remember the date of our Reception: January 14 from 2pm to 5pm. Come out and mingle with the artists. We won’t bite!

As you deck the halls and spread the boughs of holly, think about those less fortunate and offer a coin or two to the Salvation Army volunteers dotted around town and anyone else who helps to offer dignity, health and peace to those that need it.

There’s always news and updates on Twitter and Facebook, and as you’re starting to receive greeting cards from friends and relatives, we would like to extend our best wishes to you and yours, from all of us at Markham Art Collective.

from Markham Art Collective

How web savvy do you think you are?

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By reading this article you obviously have some computer skills and are comfortable surfing the web. But are you using the web to further your appearance in the global market? Does your web presence involve having a website and/or a blog? Are you familiar with social networking tools like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter? Do you know what search engine optimization (seo) is?

It always amazes me when artists tell me that their website is at the top of Google. Asked what search phrase they use to check it, they say they used their name.

Note: if you use your own name, you’ll always be at the top, as long as nobody else has the same moniker. However, the average web surfer doesn’t know who you are unless you have attained notoriety in the industry or are famous.

Search engines like Google rely on several factors for ranking websites. These include relevant text with search-specific keywords, clever manipulation of the website’s source code and link popularity (meaning other sites linking to you). One of the reasons that Markham Art Collective offers a free listing in our directory is to help your website make gains in search rankings. If you link back to us, your site will progress even further.

Think about what you are rather than who you are – get found by what you do. Are you a plein air artist, or a landscape artist, or an abstract artist?

If you search for plein air artist, you’ll see in the Google results that there are over 10 million webpages with that search phrase. Narrow it down by adding location like Ontario. A significant drop down to 1.5 million webpages.

Once you’ve narrowed it down further, you’ll see that certain webpages are always present. These are the ones who either know seo or have paid some serious dollars to get there. To maintain their standings, these individuals also use the same keyword phrases in their social media profiles.

There’s obviously a lot more to it than meets the eye, but you get the general gist. Most artists don’t know these tricks and don’t care to know, but the fact is web surfers act on their own and do their own style of shopping online. They don’t always have access to your business card, art card, brochure or ad, so they’ll search online to get to your website.

Some stats to think about
During a recent survey on user attitudes, 56 percent use search engines on a daily basis. 35 percent of those do at least one search per day, 21 percent search four or more times a day. Only one percent say they never use search engines. Note: everyone surveyed was an Internet user.

91 percent of those surveyed, said they’d search differently if the initial search failed to find a suitable match within the first three pages. 26 percent said they’d give up a search if they didn’t find a match on the first two pages. Searchers are becoming increasingly discriminate due to the seemingly endless pages of matches.

Don’t be afraid of the Internet. It’s just a tool. Use it to communicate with the global market. If you’re still not sure, take a workshop and learn how to increase your presence.

When you have a moment, go to Google and do a search for:
abstract artist canada
abstract artist ontario
abstract artist unionville

[written by Franklin Beecham]

Review: Easel Rentals

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Always a dilemma for artists who rarely own more than one or two easels for display or production, what to do with your art at an exhibit with limited display resources.

On a recent visit the studio of local artist Ana Jurpik, I was introduced to Richard Machacek of Easel Rentals. Not only do they rent easels, they also design and construct fanciful and uniquely decorative display easels, perfect for tradeshows, executive meetings, and special events.

Showcased on Toronto’s Breakfast Television for the Artists’ Project, Easel Rentals come in all shapes and sizes. Starting at $15 Cdn a day with package discounts, arguably the easiest of the options to transport are the “Black Modern” that come completely broken down into the smallest possible shape, fitting into a ski bag. Simple to rebuild, these easels provide a sturdy yet classy way to exhibit artworks.

Paintings by Ana Jurpik on the "Flying Doves" easel

Decorative designs such as the “Flying Doves”, “Traditional” or “Sea Mermaids” can often enhance the essence of the painting by expanding on its composition.

Delivery is free in the GTA and self-serve pick up is also available.

Call Easel Rentals today at 416.896.5640 for their easy, no-hassle service or email richard@easelrentals.com for more detailed information.

You can also visit the Easel Rentals website at www.easelrentals.com.

Self-promoting: Guerilla tactics should include social media

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For the serious artist who goes it alone, pounding the pavement, lugging a heavy portfolio just doesn’t cut it any more. When the market is saturated with artists of all types trying to capture the attention of curators, gallery owners and agents, the difficulty in getting a break greatly increases. How many gallery submissions have you gone through? Submitting photos and cvs to endless juried shows and events can be daunting. Art as we all know is subjective. No two viewers, judges or buyers have the same opinions about a painting it seems. What do you do now? You could print postcards or posters… nah, that costs too much. Don’t wait by the phone for that elusive call – it isn’t going to happen.

Not all artists are big on self-promotion, but online guerilla marketing is the way of the future. Time to use your computer to its full potential! First you need a website. Websites can cost a few duckets, but worth the price if you get some leads. Get your profile posted and add some images of your work. Don’t get cutesy with the design, you do after all want to look like your art is hanging in a gallery, not a butterfly cage. You also need a blog, but not necessarily separate from the site. A lot of artists build their website using free blog programs like WordPress, which basically cover both mediums and also very user-friendly. The blog is an important tool for creating two-way communication with your online visitors. Try and keep it current. Use it for promoting your exhibit activities, etc.

Three more equally useful tools for your self-promoting are LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. LinkedIn is a professional-based networking tool. Don’t add your mother unless she’s an artist or related to the industry. Depending on the tools you use, LinkedIn will also show viewers your latest blogs and Tweets. Facebook is used by almost everyone on the planet, but done right, can be a great tool for keeping in touch with your personal network of family and friends. Make sure you create a Page, not a Facebook. They are two different areas. Twitter is a 140 word communication tool, useful for leading ‘followers’ to your website, blog or Facebook page.

The key to recognizing the potential of online marketing is that, for the most part, it is free, but also, your market automatically expands globally. It just takes a bit of time setting up, and committing to a routine of updating on a regular basis. Just remember to be relevant and interesting.

Use these simple tools and you could attract collectors and art enthusiasts from the other side of the world. It worked for me.

[written by Franklin Beecham]

PASO Priorities for Ontario Election 2011

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Next time you communicate with politicians, the Coalition of Provincial Arts Service Organizations in Ontario (PASO) supplied this information along for your local MPP candidate.

PASO PRIORITIES FOR THE 2011 ONTARIO ELECTION

To build on the strength of Ontario’s arts sector, Ontario’s arts service organizations call on all provincial parties to:

  • Confirm and sustain funding to the arts through the Ontario Arts Council and the Ontario Trillium Foundation
  • Establish a sustainable arts and culture policy framework that invigorates the Status of Ontario’s Artists Act and the Minister’s Advisory Council on Arts and Culture
  • Be an advocate for Ontario’s artists and arts organization in matters of federal jurisdiction
  • Strengthen inter-ministerial coordination and collaboration within the Ontario government to leverage the strength of the arts sector and minimize inefficiencies

 QUICK FACTS

The arts in Ontario are central to the economic and social well-being of Ontarians. Artistic activity in every corner of the province makes important contributions to our economy, our quality of life and the education of our citizens, particularly children.

Jobs: 252,300 Ontarians are directly employed by the cultural sector. This represents 4.1% of total Ontario employment

Economic contribution: Ontario’s cultural sector contributes $19.7 billion to the province’s Gross Domestic Product, or 4.2% of our total GDP

Participation: 4.5 million Ontarians participated in arts education activities offered by organizations annually-funded by the Ontario Arts Council (OAC); of these 4.5 million, 2.1 million were children and youth

Attendance: 43% of Ontarians, 15 years or older, attended a performing arts event in 2005; 36% visited a museum or gallery

Volunteers: 54,112 Ontarians volunteered a total of 1.4 million hours at OAC funded organizations

Source: OAC Pocket Stats:  http://www.arts.on.ca/Asset5303.aspx?method=1

For more information about PASO and the 2011 Provincial Election, please go to PASO’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/PASO-OPSA/134890963273401

———————————————————————————

For more information about PASO, please contact:

Jewell Goodwyn
Executive Director, Artist-Run Centres & Collectives of Ontario
PASO Chair
PASO Advocacy Co-Chair
arcco@bellnet.ca
or
Kristian Clarke
Executive Director, CARFAC Ontario
PASO Advocacy Co-Chair
kc@carfacontario.ca

About PASO:

  • The PASO Coalition is comprised of 23 provincial arts service organizations in Ontario
  • The PASO Coalition formed in January 2007 and has been meeting for the last 4 years since the last election in 2006
  • The PASO Coalition is working together on advocacy initiatives to leverage support for Ontario artists and arts organizations

Sign the Petition please

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CLICK HERE to Petition to Protect Arts Funding

Calling on Toronto Councillors: Petition to Protect Arts Funding to Keep Toronto Vibrant

Toronto City Council plans to make deep cuts to the city budget, and this puts arts and cultural funding at serious risk. Cutting the arts could be an economic and social catastrophe for Toronto: not only does the city achieve a huge return on a relatively small investment, but our vibrant arts scene is also a big part of what makes Toronto a great place to live, work and visit.

Please send a message to the Mayor and your councillor telling them that arts funding should not be cut. Here’s why:

  • Arts and culture are essential to Toronto’s economy, generating $9 billion every year.
  • Arts and culture create jobs. 130,000 people work in the sector – and many more depend on related businesses, including those in hospitality and tourism.
  • Torontonians care about the arts. In 2010, there were 20 million visits from every corner of Toronto to city-supported arts events.
  • Every dollar Toronto invests in arts organizations attracts $17 more from private and public sources. Arts and culture funding has a great return on investment.
  • Great art and artists take years to achieve commercial success; today’s funding enables tomorrow’s art.
  • Artists flock to cities that support them – yet Toronto invests less in the arts than other major cities; City Council has been working to change that, and it must stay the course.

CLICK HERE to Petition to Protect Arts Funding

Theory of Creativity

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John StephensonEver wonder where creativity came from? Why do we, as a species paint, sculpt, sing, dance, write and play instruments? I have a theory about that.

In the south of France there’s a place called the Lascaux Caves. On the walls of these caves are paintings believed to be over 17,000 years old. That’s before any known civilization took root, let alone any cultural centres. I believe those early creations were fostered by one thing – the invention of fire. Without fire our ancestors would’ve had time at night to develop imagination and imagination is the birthplace of all art. Its my opinion that we’ve learned to express our imagination through objects and vibrations from our world in hopes to re-create the world. We need to be creators. Its what we were made for and gives us the greatest reason for being here.

I’ve sketched ever since I can remember and can’t explain where it comes from. Yet, I am compelled to keep on doing it no matter what my mood or situation. I think most dedicated artists create this way – they gotta get it out.

The benefit is their art makes our world a better place. We’re happier when its there rather when it is not.

Every year I go camping with my friends and the one thing we look forward the most is sitting around the campfire.

The fire gives us comfort from the cold but it also gives us a focal point to spark our imaginations. It ignites memories, conversation and quite often new ideas. By starring into the fire it seems to release a primordial ability to reconnect with nature and each other. Our gaze often rises with the ambers up to the starry sky where we instinctively start asking the eternal question – “Why are we here?”

Creative people know why we’re here and they keep expressing it through their art and invention. The rest of us just need to pay attention. So, the next time you find yourself starring into the fire, listen to the random thoughts that pop into your head. It’s probably creativity trying to get out. After all, we’ve been doing it for thousands of years and its gotten us here so far.

[by John Stephenson - reproduced by permission]

Putting a price on art

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John StephensonI was recently having a chat with a fellow artist and we both shared a similar view that most people don’t put much value on art these days.

Two things in particular have contributed the demise and de-valuation of commercial art – the recession and the internet.

The recession has hit many businesses hard with budget cuts and funds for better creative has suffered. The internet, although it has exponentially increased resources and exposure for art and artists alike, has also reduced their value. Because people can go online and download services, they don’t want to pay fair price to a talented, qualified professional right in their own backyard.

The unwillingness to pay fairly for art is wide spread. The market simply is encouraged to demand cheap prices for the same quality of work that was readily paid for years ago. The “I can get it cheaper” thinking has been the norm for a while now and yes, you can get it cheaper. There is always going to be someone willing to give his or her talent away out there but where is the lasting value?

We have bought into the good life for nothing mentality but it seems to be focused on the arts. Creativity and artistic expression is subjective in many ways but if it is to be purchased and marketed then shouldn’t it be valued fairly?

Business and society really needs to start or re-start respecting the arts.

A society that does not respect art and culture is morally bankrupt and is doomed to be an empty machine that cranks out joyless, cogs that leave no legacy. The price society pays is a big one.

We need to re-evaluate the arts in our society because right now the value is too low.

[by John Stephenson - reproduced by permission]

When is a good time?

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Reply

It is only a matter of time when the arts sector will take a big hit from politicians. Even though the arts and culture sector gracefully helps to sustain the economy, more so than sports entertainment does, our intrepid leaders fail to notice. Fundraising only works if people are willing to give. It also helps if governments lead the way.

With the potential cutbacks that have been debated over and over in Toronto, and by vague promises by MPP candidates, it is becoming more and more obvious that maverick attitudes need to be adjusted to save the arts industry. Sure, make cuts so that buses can run for the less fortunate, but don’t waste taxpayer’s time and money on frivolous spending?

Commercial construction developments are sprouting faster than a chia pet, yet vacant spaces in ‘older’ buildings grow just as quick. Who’s getting the tax break? Who paid for the infrastructure that leads to said building? What happens to that space? Can it be utilized by the arts sector or NFPs?

You know what it takes to put on a theatrical production, dance performance or concert, an art show or spoken word. Where is the support and space you need to rehearse, to learn, to exhibit?

If you belong to an arts organization, it’s time to get on their case and push for advocacy. What are they doing to support you the individual? You pay your dues. What are you getting for it? If your member organization is unable to provide an adequate answer, it’s going to be up to you to take a stand.

Do the same with politicians and community leaders until you are satisfied. Rise up and tell the leaders of society that the arts and culture sector is as important to the economy as raising taxes. Rally support from your peers. Use social media networks. Get the message across to as many as possible.

The character, Howard Beale’s signature catchphrase from the movie, Network said it all: “We’re as mad as hell, and we’re not going to take this anymore.”

All it takes is your voice. The time is now!

[by Franklin Beecham - reproduced by permission]