One Ear Society

The Blog of the One Ear Society

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Monday, November 9, 2009

Street Festival Jury duty

Took this challenge very seriously. For many years I was on the other end of this process, and don't you know we never ever agreed on the winning pick by the jurors. Now my process was not to choose the winner, merely to select the artists who applied to participate. I felt it my duty to represent all the artists fairly. I went in with specific questions which may be the same ones you would have asked, after attending or participating in Street Festivals.

I've been there.
My questions
Is this process different from last year? No, however Zapplication has gotten better.
Have you already accepted artists? No the only ones not being juried are last years winners.
Are you promising locations? No
How many are we selecting? 160
Are we able to revisit artists if there are questions? No, but we did decide to add extra time by previewing each category prior to selection. This was a way of not choosing the first few who looked good only to find the best artists were at the end.
How have they been filtered to this point?
Zapplication is the process we use and these artists notified them that they wanted to be in this show.
It was one of the best selling T shirts I did not get all I was suppose to.
We were 3 jurors assembled in a school room equipped with Mac computers, all color
calibrated so that we all saw the exact same image. The largest category was painting 75 applicants, the next was 74 for photography. To my surprise only 15 water color painters submitted. Historically they make the best posters. I was also very surprised that one of my friends who is always there did not submit this year. Carol Garvin what a shame.
We all had our own computer and sat in different areas of the room. First we previewed all the images together then went back to our stations to individually rate what we saw, from 1 to 10. The images on the whole were clear, what became somewhat confusing, were the artists
descriptions of their craft. We were able to read what the artist had to say abut their work not the artist statement. One artist had a very obtuse description making it difficult to decide was this the category, that they should be in. Another artist in their tent shot, showed their hand crafted work plus purses hanging on the wall, yet they showed no close up of purses. Purses go into the vendor part of the show not fine art. Another artist had lovely work then on their booth shot showed their name indicating this was not an individual artist. Also we had several people standing in their booth, now you all tell me why? That's the same as putting your name in bold letters somewhere on the image. I did ask to be recused on one as not only did I know the work well and love it, I liked it so much that I featured her in a one woman show at my gallery. She also had her pix in front of her booth with her husband. Doing these shows most artists already know each other and the jurors also have come to know artists particularly if the style is distinct. My Key to the City of Miami Beach what a surprise.!
We three were there to make sure that they had the best show ever with a diverse collection of
beautiful art. The process was gruesome, I thought it would be a walk in the park.
The fact that I asked to previewed each category before facing our Macs added about two hours
to the process. Breakfast was promised and was the usual, we did much better with lunch
We never left the premises. We had carry out lunch from Greenstreet Cafe, wraps. Now I didn't
even know they had wraps on the menu, they was delicious that was a unanimous vote. So when your in the Grove for any kind of show, definitely try Green Street Cafe. I had the shredded chicken it was easy to eat and tasty. The wraps made it easy to continued judgling through lunch. The entire process has become easier from the past. There are no slides to send back
no trays to fill with slides. No abacus all is digital. Click on the computer scroll through the images, take a moment to read what the artists has to say, rate them, continue. I was there approx 8 hours. No pay, just worked for food just like most artists are known to do. I admire the artists who still travel pay the submission fee, booth fee, hotel, food, travel. You all are in a league of your own.
Now the process is left to the administrator to put everyone into the area that they said
they were in.vendors with vendors and the others all rotated throughout the show to
make it interesting and enjoyable and the best to date.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Miami Watercolor Society Demo

video
This afternoon one of our premier gallery artists did a demonstration for the Miami Watercolor Society. The demonstration basically invited the Miami Watercolor Society artists to expand the scope of what is normally the typical size for a watercolor painting. Fred Hunt at age 82 has not lost his touch. He is still witty and charming and made what could have been a dull demo interactive.Click on image to enlarge
Fred W. Hunt no longer paints with watermedia do to the physical demands of a traditional watercolor painting (bending over a flat surface) he is still investing in rolls of Fabriano paper with anticipation of going back to watercolor, the media he loves. Oil is now his preferred painting medium which is more suitable for a man of his age. Come and visit Fred as he is painting daily in the Windisch-Hunt Fine Art Gallery. See the progress of this painting,
we are open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Boggie and we

artist Theresa Calluori and photographer Lynn Latham
Here once again doing a benefit for whom, you might ask. No sales, but a great deal of interest. What happens at this select events is that we showcase our work with the hope of making a sales. It is almost impossible with such romantic lighting, as you see in these pix. But everyone agreed unilaterally, that we had a very fine time. When was the last time anyone of us had such authentic delicious faire provided by Chef Andre. What a treat. The world knows that the Austro-Hungarian empire produces the finest in the culinary arts. Chef Andre hails from Linz, Osterreich. I went in the spirit of Morocco and dressed accordingly, after all this was a Bazaar. I pulled out art that was small and that had been around for a bit and some very new things. We did get a nibble, and she was at the gallery the very next day. THAT is why these events are important but not on your resume.
Casablanca for a night

Friday, November 6, 2009

Bank Event

Karen Deilke with what I consider Feng Shui correct art.
Here at the Windisch-Hunt Fine Art Gallery we are asked to participate via volunteering time, allowing for neutral territory meetings to take place in the gallery, and the list goes on. That is part of being in a community. So it was my pleasure to recommend artist Karen Deilke when I was approached by the local bank to recommend some artists who might want to showcase work. There were stipulations and even then, not everyone I recommended made the cut. The exposure is priceless, we handed out cards for the gallery and personal artist business cards. Even though we sometimes feel we are part of a unique small community like Coconut Grove and everyone should know us. Many business people attending had no idea that we were just around the corner. The bank was wonderful as they encouraged the purchase of the art on display.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Transitioning into ARt Basel mode

Fred Hunt getting ready to do a demo for the Miami Water Color Society on Sunday

NOVEMBER
Every month we go though a change up, but during this time (Nov. Dec.) we consider it a major transition as the competition in Miami gets stiff. Here in Coconut Grove at Windisch-Hunt Fine Art we take it personally. We don't get the crowds even though we are on the water and are part of Miami. The lucky thing for us is we are surrounded by five 4 star hotels all less than 7 min. strolling distance. So it stands to reason that if somethings goes wrong it will, and that just happened and it was funny.

Not a pretty picture but reality
I've had a leak which we discovered did not come from our space but from the Mayfair House Hotel above us. As we do monthly shows it's difficult to schedule a good time to have the work done, the same for the Hotel. Well we are transitioning and gaining one week because of Art Basel so we have workers tearing out a 8 ft. section of our gallery. I moved my desk area to the other side of the gallery and had not had the time to complete the move. ( I have something every single night for the next 5 nights and none in the gallery) One of the workmen said something to me, I neither speak Creole or Spanish so I just nodded after all her does our windows. I took a break for coffee with Fred Hunt to discuss our move to the Coconut Grove Bank's Event this evening. Something special for their large depositors. I look over and the workman had put everything that was left not tied down in a large trash container. My bills, my list of last months participants, print outs that are numerous. my shoes, DVDs, my change of clothes. amd some actual trash. I guess using LOL is appropriate here.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

pay the piper!

Had a photographer come by and lament his good fortune. Seems to resents the fact, now that he is no longer in the Wynnwod District Gallery, he still has to pay a % for the sales that are generated out of that space. They had his work for a month and it didn't not move. It did start to sell however after he left. This has happened at our gallery as well. That is why a gallery will hold the artist to a 3 mo. clause from the start of the exhibit.
The fact that he was in a prime space with a reception, press, on going marketing escaped him and someone has to pay the staff, hello! I wrote this in the middle of the night and today I am changing out the art for a new show. Lo and behold the same question arises. "How do you know that the sale comes from here. " This one was eas from the departing. Because, the art in question hadn't seen the light of day as it was all collectible. I turned the question around. "When was the last time you exhibited this work?" He went on to tell me it had been in his High Rise Condo. I said "so how many people come through there to see the work". It was his private residence and not open to the public. " Well I had Dr. so and so and one other person." I responded "and they didn't buy it then possible if they buy it now it is because the Windisch-Hunt Fine Art Gallery has cachet" and now in my e mail I have "Fine Art Views" by Clint Watson The Benefits of Gallery Representation by guest columnist Lori Woodward Simons. Haven't read it yet but I'm sure their not to far off on what I just wrote.

Blow a hole in adj.

Astrid Galan with her work.
She will have a reception at the Colombian Consulate Nov. 6th 7 to 9 p.m. Good Luck

Now I've seen it all. Termites? Big holes, big ones. She dropped by, all the way from Colombia. I'm looking at her work and am reaching to touch her frame, to have a closer look, I see specks of silver or light something not right? Filtering through the frame was light. Can you believe this, charming

Can't imagine what some of the imports for Art Basel will look like this year. There is not enough structure left to hang this work of art for any period of time. It cost the young artist to have her work framed and look at her size, she is definitely a petite.

Saturday, October 31, 2009


courtesy of http://www.artworldsalon.com/blog/2009/10/artoon-11/

Priceless

Today Mia + Issa

Issa and instructor Sherrie Rose instructor
Taking an art class is pricelessand should not be equated with cost, a nuance lost on quite a few. Currently in our gallery we have a wonderful teacher, teaching a fresco class for age 9 to 15. One student is seeking to improve her portfolio, all art classes have value for her. She knows she is going on to Art School. The other happens to be a trust fund baby and today, a no show, now why does that not surprise me. Having taught children at the Bass Museum for several summers, has given me insight. Some children embrace the projects because the want to. Others are being chauffeured from one activity to the other satisfying someone elses ego. To a portion we are babysitters. Having experienced this I am adamant about the completion and full participation of students that sign up for our classes. Here I suffer no fools or disruptions.

Friday, October 30, 2009

What is a day off

A day off is not always what it seems. One artist left some work when he found he could not get all his work into his vehicle. I offered to meet him half way as I was heading up to Lake Worth for a joint City Commission+CRA meeting (community redevelopment agency).We met in the parking lot of the meeting. Made the transfer and made an inquiry about some artists and gallery there. They knew of the gallery but not the artist in question. The meeting was arduous as most are. Attend in hopes of seeing progress right in front of your eyes. Well at the end, it is a case of make a motion to address this motion, revisit it one month and at the next meeting another lets see. If you don't follow Roberts Rule of Order it becomes a mess. There are few parliamentarians left.
The presentation, Lake Worth has an "artist overlay district" but it is not recognized. They are aware they have a large blighted area. Artists to the rescue! The vision is to bring in artists and develop a premier art colony. The timing could not be better for this venture. Lake Worth has gone though some severe changes and could benefit artists who are willing to uproot.(who else is crazy) How to kick start? They hired a consultant and he and I met several months ago and talked about bringing artists up there and where they will come from. LW has the good fortune of owning a building and getting $700,000 from the CRA to renovate. The building was assigned to the Palm Beach Cultural Council, a noble act. It does not stop there as there is always more to the story. The artists in attendance brought up a valid point. Cultural Councils on the whole do not service the individual artist but art organizations. Great point. The vision is to bring artists into the blighted area. I've looked at the property and it is in close proximity to everything. Lake Worth is quite small 20 blocks N from downtown and 18 S. It is so important to always ask the right questions in these meetings otherwise it is business as usual. The city has and owns abandoned homes and needs only to identify them. Now why that has not been done or why they do not have the numbers is amazing. I spoke of that to the CRA more than a month ago. They were to have those for this meeting. Again it is about communications from one department to another. Everyone was aware that the city has abandoned properties. They identified seven *7. Driving around the area and looking into the PB County Property Appraisers index, this number is only the tip. Put that into the pot with the bank owned properties, practically a third the community is now up for grabs. If the CRA talks to the banks and allows them to do the right thing, give the CRA some of their holdings for tax credit or deduct part from government bailout repayment, Lake Worth could be a contender. Last stop Starbucks for ride home, a call from Art Serve in Ft. Lauderdale to collect art work that was on exhibit they are open till eleven pm .they facilitate other organizations who are using the space for rehearsal. During this day I also found time to do my laundry at the local lavanderia. You learn so much about a community by hanging out there. Sorry no photos from there.

Volunteering

at Miami Science Museum
We artists pay our dues in ways one can only imagine. Here I am at the Science Museum and it is Holloween. I enjoy kids in their place and enjoy teaching them, if they really really love art and it shows. When it comes to funding arts for children I always lean on the, not side, as let them be creative and be good students if they are meant to be artists they will persevere. There is to much of "My kid can do that". Well fine, let them and see in which gallery they are exhibited or which museum they are showcased . Emerging artists are a slippery lot. Having gone back into my catalogue of art, six years back and try to find certain artists who impressed me. They are no longer. Did they get married, now to support their family only to surface at age 62 once again missing their golden years, if art had only meant enough to them. There are sacrifices even artists must make.

AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt with Heather Bettner who has initiated the Parade of Peacocks soon to be unveiled. Artists if you want to do one of those peacocks get hold of her or me use the subject Peacock on Parade, I shall forward it on to her. my e mail is grovite1@mac.com.

November just around the corner

This up and coming show is most important it is called "Our Regional Treasures." and am quite proud presenting these artists. I am still waiting for one more artist to come aboard but it is not necessary as I have star power in the three being featured. Last night I attended H Allen Benowitzes reception at the Coconut Grove Art Festival offices. H Allen and I go back a few years as I gave him his very first solo photo exhibition at Gallery Vincent. So I went to congratulate him there. As is the case when visiting other people in your field business is always on the forefront especially as Art Basel/Miami is looming. I was asked, what was I doing for Art Basel. Well, I have already decided and I will have a very successful show. Hitch your wagon to a star.
Now in Coconut Grove we have established 1st Sat. in the Grove Art Stroll, a version of that exists in most communities. Wynnwood does Gallery night or Viernes Culturales translates last Friday Cultural nights in Little Havana. We all do it. Are you ahead of me here. Last night was not 1st Sat. thats right! Was asked if I might consider having my opening on the same night as she is presenting a young new thing out of NY, Art Basel bait. Now the two of us could make this happen but there is baggage here, that will never be forgotten. Politics !!! Miami City Hall by artist Jeffrey Passage
Speaking of politics I have a show which has been cleared to go into City Hall with only days away from electing a new Mayor for Miami and again Politics are interfering with the Arts. I am ready to install and a certain person thinks it would just be wonderful to welcome the new Mayor in style via these en plein air painting,s depicting Coconut Grove where City Hall is located. Of course credit goes to whom? Not I for supporting our community via having these event here for the 8th time. But having great art available for the New Mayor. Where is this all goin? I am going to city hall with tape measure in hand and meet.
As I am ruminating this at 5 a.m. in the morning, that is when most of my blog posts are written. Im thinking about the person who wants to meet and discuss this unique alliance. There is strength in numbers. But would it benefit the Windisch-Hunt Fine Art gallery.? moi. I have a good thing. My promo cards are waiting for the one more artist.

Miss quoted ?

My day started at the beach it was refreshing, one would think that this being end of October the weather would be NORMAL, well it is not. It t is hot, still in the high 80's. Maybe this sounds great to the east coast but the electric bill is killing me. I 'm in catch up mode and with the economy as it is, the sales we have had for the most part are small pick up items .
Showcasing fine art is fine, but galleriest have to live as well as ARtists. We are a working gallery and open year round. Half the galleries in Wynnwood are closed waiting to bait in NY artists for ArtBasel/Miami. Coral Gables galleries are almost extinct as they moved to Wynnwood with high hopes, then the economy happened.
Current issue of New times is out and as I look to see who all is doing some thing. I recognize an image I submitted for the reception which happened a week ago. Stating that we have an event reception tonight, oh my, so we will have it again after all I still have Rhum Barboncoure, why not.
Have you ever been miss quoted well, The article states something about voodoo or spirit bottles. Never erven heard of those. I'm think where on earth did they get that, then add insult
to injury they said I chirped . Oh dear no i am not a happy camper , chirp, indeed. One of my wonderful gallery artist Jeff Passage he must have beeen a diplomat in his former life looked at the bright side "They used a word that would fit in the limited space "Yes Jeff, there is a Santa Clause chirp is a 5 letter word, and said is four 4 letters. lol.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Stolen Haitina Art

Absconding with art maybe considered a white collar crime but in Haiti its gruesome. The last heist I heard about, took place in 1997 and involved highly collectible artists. Each with very distinct style that even after less than a one week study, you too would recognize the works of such greats as Lyonel Laurenceau, Castera Bazile, Sejourne Bernard, Philome Obin, Jacques Gabriel.
I have the privilege of having these artists in the gallery and am enjoying them thoroughly. I still can't pronounce their names correctly. The interest in this art is minimal most of the people coming in already have one of these artists and are using our prices as a benchmark for their valued procession. These works are the foundation of Haitian art. Last exhibited at the Bass Museum 10 years ago. Since that time Haitian painting has become and industry. The work which is seen and sold on the streets now, can be had at garage sales or at the antique market next door (they have one for $45) That is not what this Haitian art is at the Windisch-Hunt Fine Art in Coconut Grove. Art stolen! Reward upon recovery I just tweeted this information as I'm being followed by several major museums. It is with hope that they can also assist in recovery.
The 9 works of art are by well known Haitian artists. This was published in the Le Nouveliste newspaper and one painting was immediately recovered, a piece by RoseMarie Desruisseau .
It has been acquired by a friend of Georges S. Nader
. upon finding out where it came from he called Georges immediately and returned the painting with much apology. Georges did offer to pay for the inconvenience and never mentioned the name. The purchaser and his entire family was threatened with death if he revealed the source. Obin's very distinct signature on bottom right.
for the average art lover this is the most recognized signature of Obin. For those in the know the painting may not have been done by him but signed by him. The Obin family is extensive and they all paint.

Monday, October 26, 2009

MAM Director resigns


This poster is from a forthcoming book release on Nov. 7, 2009 The first line SF is not South Florida but it might as well be, however it is San Fran. We are all about the same. Now with the massive layoffs artists are among the ranks. Do what you can for your friends.
I did post these two stories together on purpose.
From the Miami Art Museum
“We engaged Terry with the dual goals of focusing MAM’s mission and creating a clear vision for the development of the museum’s new building, and he has done a superb job on both,” stated Aaron Podhurst, chairman of the museum’s board of trustees.
This does come as a surpris, as it is effective immediately. Terry Riley is going back to Keenen/Riley Architects, YES he is partner of that firm. But looking at it more deeply does this seem odd ? Miami Art Museum afloat without a rudder?

Tony Scornavacca

Early morning 8:00 a.m. meeting at my bank, they do a yearly event for their large depositors. They asked me to recommend artists and out of the 4 they selected 3. The decision after all is theirs. A quick coffee with friends down the street and waiting for me at the Gallery doors with a box was Tony Scornavacca Jr. inside a rare find of cartoon books created and assembled by Tony Scornavacca aartist loved and remembered by all Grovites.
The dedication reads as follows.
"To my dear self whose quiet desperation and noisy depressions were a constant inspiration......... come to the Gallery and get your copy.

A true Tale re-told by Grove artist Fred Hunt about Tony Scornavacca
Now there was that time when Tony the one known as Scornavacca had been trying or attempting to lure this young lady up to his studio to pose. But the requirements were as always, that Tony, the artist wanted to paint her in the nude. Of course she kept refusing, and one day, lo and behold she showed up and said yes she would do it. Of course Tony was delighted. As I recall he gave the young lady one of these model drapes and showed her where she could undress. Here he excused himself, and left her to her privacy. After several minutes she heard Tony say from the privacy of his office, are you ready to pose. She replied yes she was. So he said to her to position your self on the model stand, I'll be right there. She checked her watch for the time and stepped onto the platform, she didn't wait long before out walked Tony, stark naked.
Of course his unexpected appearance threw the young lady into total disarray and shock. After several minutes of unladylike language and gestures she embarrassingly covered herself and stomped out of the studio into the dressing room throwing on her clothes almost and left slamming the door. Tony was bewildered, he spent all his time in advance telling her of his intentions. Of course after she left he once more narrated them. "I said all along that I wanted to paint you in the nude" that was my honest explanation and still remains.
Fred Hunt "I can't believe he didn't put it into his cartoon book. "
Every guy who ever knew Tony has an antidote about Tony. So if your out there and want to tell it, I shall put it into this blog. Tony Scornavacca was as well known as Picasso in his heyday.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Oct. 25, 2009

Celebrate, take an artist to lunch, buy some art. Here in Coconut Grove, you can do both. We have, according to the Miami Cultural Council over 250 artists living in 33133, our zip code. I know quite a few not registered with the Council.
We have a Britto Gallery and next door to him is the new Peter Max Gallery, Grove House Artists Co-op are once again up and running. ArtWay 66 is not to be missed. Windisch-Hunt Fine art has 18 artists. Dharma Studio and Blue Moon Studio and L K King Kinetic Art everyone is alive and well in Coconut Grove. We also enjoy the support of our Daily newspaper the Coconut Grove Grapevine

Jewel of Miami "Coconut Grove"

Greg Little " Vizcaya Waltz"

Greg Little "Vizcaya Morning"

Cesar Santos "Spoil Island"

Cesar Santos "Peacock Park"

Audrey Scott "Atargatis"

Runcie Tatnall "Little Park"

Richard Del Ponte "Vizcaya 1"

Richard Del Ponte "Vizcaya 2"

Dan Bondroff "Le Petite Paris"

Ellen Weiss "Morning Sunshine at Vizcaya"

Pricilla Coote "Tea On The Sea"

Erik Speyer "Fountain at Vizcaya "

Talia Rodriguez "Moroccan Dream"

Linda Apriletti "Longitude Latitude"

Priscilla Coote "Into the Secret Garden"

Priscilla Coote "Roaring Waters"

Claudia Moriarty "Plein Air Vizcaya 1"

Claudia Moriarty "Plein Air Vizcaya 2"