Where have I been?

It was noted that I had not posted since Feb. 10th. That was days before the big Coconut Grove Art Festival hit town. We still had as many visitors as ever even though they now charged $7 at the gate. Unfortunately the artists did not fare as well. We on the other hand had lot and lots of browsers. We were still installing as people watched. I will show those photos later. Right now for those who took note here are some things that I did. I carry my camera at all times an old habit from a photographer/artist. I took a bit of time out to have tea and scones at the St. Stephens Art Festival which is adjacent to the major event. It's been a nine year tradition for me. I just adore the English ladies that come and do this once a year. Below here is my husbands version of our Mermaid Cottage.

16 x 20 oil painting by Fred Hunt

Here is our next Breakfast with Artist it is Yana Bem from Prague she is represented by the Windisch-Hunt Fine Art Gallery. Actually had two days without art on these walls. Embarrassing but last artist needed her work, so what can one do?
the very following weekend we hosted the Art of Living seminar in our gallery. This was a workshop done all over the country. We were happy to have the good energy in our space.
This was my Inauguration mail going out on Election Day. There were so many images of Obama in all the papers that they lent themselves to this art form perfectly. I lined the newspapers and painted some and held a class on mail art so that lots of these went around the country and out to friends in different lands. These stamps I had saved for quite a while, perfect for this very special day. When I got to the Post Office, they no longer hand canceled. Well I'm still upset about that but I hope if you recognize your name here that you did indeed get the mail meant for you.
by the way. The Mail art has been extended due to the wonderful response. So it will stay up through April. We will have a special Reception for the artists very soon.

Day 2 of the Intern Files

Hello again, today was my second day of interning at the W-H Gallery and today I was allowed to rearrange one area of the gallery by myself, I'm not entirely sure I like it yet, but I will adjust it later. I also discovered that I prefer the silver metal hangers to the black ones, based on the way they hang. How the works hang and how they are positioned is very important, the eye has to be drawn to them and one side has to complement the other.
You quickly learn that all sorts of interesting characters will wander into the gallery, asking questions about where to find faux coral framing. Such things are the happening of randomness that occur here, but random is good, stillness isn't something I covet.
Before that AnnaMaria and I measured out spaces for a new artist's work that will be presented soon, we'll be moving that into the Gallery on Sunday. We are also creating a Florida section near the front of the gallery. Then we completed the press releases and sent out an Open call to artists, there are two upcoming events and advertising for both of them on one advert.
In the coming days the gallery's layout will have dramatic changes and shifts to accomodate the new work and to circulate some of the older pieces.
More next time.....

Never fear Intern is HERE yeah!!

It's Brittany the intern here, just switching over from another gallery in the Art District of Wynwood to this one and the difference is staggering, but in a good way. This gallery is a faster paced place, in the comfortable and artistic local of the Grove.
Today started off well and for a brief summation of the first day here I worked on organizing the contact lists, dividing artists and patrons into separate lists for future mass mailings of event and activities. Then next I spent time thinking of other projects, including hoping to help with a video project of Fred Hunt's artistic career, by creating ideas for a companion book to chronicle his life as an artist through visuals.
Then next we had lunch and some lively conversation with a few other artists and guests here. Then I researched some information and history on Mail Art, of which we'll be having an opening for the Saturday after next. It turns out that there is a joke that the first piece of artistic mail occurred when Cleopatra wrapped herself into a carpet and had herself delivered to Caesar. Beyond that learning about how through drawings, photographs, and other mediums on postage cards, postage stamps and within the letters themselves that art and some typography have formed. the slants and cursive writings, illustrations, collages, and photographs are forms of expression for the writer, out of boredom, or artistry they tell us something about the individual that sent them.
After that I entered more addresses into the online guest book and had coffee, ahh the joys of coffee never disappoint, and of course fielding phone calls from those wanting more information about the Gallery as well. All in all a busy but fun day.

Feb. 10, 2009

Beth Werner, CORAL GABLES FL.

Lili Dones Front COCONUT GROVE FL.

Lili Dones back COCONUT GROVE FL.

David Koepp Front CHICAGO IL.

David Koepp Back CHICAGO IL.

B. Werner CORAL GABLES FL

Uta back COCONUT GROVE FL

Uta front COCONUT GROVE FL

Valentina Ramos front COCONUT GROVE FL

Valentina Ramos back COCONUT GROVE FL

MTM front FORT LAUDERDALE FL

MTM back FORT LAUDERDALE FL

Annonimous back

MTM front FORT LAUDERDALE FL

Audrey back COCONUT GROVE FL

Audrey front COCONUT GROVE FL

Monique Lassooij N.MIAMI FL

David Koepp CHICAGO IL.

Alex Nattaway front MIAMI FL.

Alex Nattaway back MIAMI FL.

Annonymous

Jane Ewing GRAND HAVEN MI

B. Werner front Coral Gables, Fl.

Kudela back

Michael Kudela front Niagara Falls, NY

Larry V. Morava Boca Raton, Fl

Ashley Cabrera

E. Vangehelof (well done)

Jose

Tavara

Amanda Tinoco

Rafael Manresa back MIAMI

Rafael Manresa front

Marlene Perez

David Koepp CHICAGO

Marlene Perez back

Marlene Perez front

David Koepp CHICAGO

Harley back FORESTVILLE CALIFORNIA

Harley front

Tamara Wyndham NEW YORK NY

Carol C. Thomas PAW PAW MI.

David Koepp CHICAGO

Extended deadline ??

I've been asked to extend the deadline by artists who still want to send Mail-Art. Then I had someone e-mail me and tell me that my time line was far to short as mail artists tend to procrastinate and normal time for this type of event is several months. Since I so enjoy this mail and even got a kiss from my mailman today, well I thought if you all want to continue do so. I am speaking to some other galleries who might love to exhibit all these letters and make it a traveling exhibit. We shall see.

Festival Card for Gallery 2009

This is the card to distribute during the coconut grove art festivalthis weekend. It does not represent all our artists.