What I Learned in the Art Biz Bootcamp
Thoughts wrangled for a previous solo exhibition. Sketchbook pages, 2010 by Sarah Atlee.
Earlier this year, I took a journey into the world of art marketing with Art Biz Coach Alyson Stanfield, though her No Excuses Art Biz Bootcamp. In this online course, students learn and implement all kinds of great stuff about the business of being an independent artist.
I can't say enough good things about this 12-week program, but here are some highlights:
Because of the Art Biz Bootcamp
I feel more in control of my art business than ever before.
I clarified my career goals, especially pertaining to exhibition and sales. As a result, I've booked a solo show in a new venue and planned for several group shows during the next year.
I took control of my contact list and established an email newsletter for the first time (you can sign up using the form on your right).
I have an increased network of support through the Bootcamp's group on Facebook and through other interactions with my friends and colleagues.
I had an Aha! Moment.
I now understand that I am a specific artist, with specific needs and career goals. I need to do what is right for me, which may not be what is right for someone else. I can push myself to overcome challenges and achieve goals while still treating myself with compassion.
Are you interested in the Art Biz Bootcamp?
Go to the Bootcamp section of the Art Biz Coach website to learn more.
Thank you, Alyson!
Ike, Mike and Mustard
Presenting Ike, Mike & Mustard: three new paintings created for the May 2nd Grand Reopening of DNA Galleries in OKC's own Plaza District.
Ike, Mike & Mustard: Ike. Acrylic on wood panel, about 6 x 5 inches, 2013 by Sarah Atlee.
If you're a Robert Downey Jr. fan, you might recognise these names from a bit of dialogue in the 2005 film Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.
Ike, Mike & Mustard: Mike. Acrylic on wood panel, about 9 x 7.5 inches, 2013 by Sarah Atlee.
A bit of Internet research reveals several possible origins for this phrase. "Ike and Mike" are diner lingo for salt and pepper. Next to which you will often see a bottle of mustard. There's also Mike & Ike the candy, perhaps named after a comic strip written by Rube Goldberg (but not officially connected).
"Ike, Mike and Mustard" is also a category of off-color jokes, often featuring characters by those names.
Ike, Mike & Mustard: Mustard. Acrylic on wood panel, about 10 x 12 inches, 2013 by Sarah Atlee.
Ike, Mike & Mustard will each be available at DNA Galleries starting this Thursday, May 2.
Ike, Mike and Mustard In Progress
Progress shots of three new paintings for the Grand Reopening of DNA Galleries in Oklahoma City's Plaza District.
Ike & Mike, in progress. Acrylic on wood panel, 2013 by Sarah Atlee.
Dylan and Amanda Bradway cut these teardrop shapes out of wood, and invited artists to embellish them for the upcoming show. Here they are sanded and prepped for painting.
The teardrop shape is from DNA Galleries' new improved logo.
Mustard & Ike, in progress. Acrylic on wood panel, 2013 by Sarah Atlee.
I decided to reorient two of my three teardrop panels to point in different directions.
Mike, detail, in progress. Acrylic on wood panel, 2013 by Sarah Atlee.
I'll post more pictures when the paintings are finalized.
Mark your calendars; the celebration will be on Thursday, May 2! Details below.
Rose Is Coming Together
Rose Reconsiders (detail, in progress) Acrylic and colored pencil on Rives BFK, 2013 by Sarah Atlee.
Milagros for Boston
Chicago community artist Guillermo Delgado is collaborating with second-graders on a spontaneous project they're calling Milagros for Boston.
Photo by Guillermo Delgado. Used with permission.
From the artist:
"Milagros for Boston is a tribute by 2nd graders to all the people affected by the Boston Marathon bombings on April 15, 2013. Students will create an art installation made of tin milagros (running shoes, hands, and legs) and display it in the storefront window of a local running shop."
Photo by Guillermo Delgado. Used with permission.
If you're not familiar, a milagro is a small charm, usually made of metal, used as part of a prayerful offering. From Wikipedia:
"[Milagros] are used to assist in focusing attention towards a specific ailment, based on the type of charm used. Milagro symbolism is not universal; a milagro of a body part, such as a leg, might be used as part of a prayer or vow for the improvement of a leg; or it might refer to a concept such as travel. Similarly, a heart might represent ideas as diverse as a heart condition, a romance, or any number of other interpretations. Milagros are also carried for protection and good luck."
Photo by Guillermo Delgado. Used with permission.
The artist commented on his Facebook page that "I was inspired by the conversations that I had with my own children yesterday. It's difficult to have these kinds of conversations, but I think we need to. And I couldn't start this morning's class with 2nd graders and teachers without addressing it. Fortunately, they embraced it! The project developed like lightning: ideas, emails, and phone calls. It's a true community collaboration!"
Photo by Guillermo Delgado. Used with permission.
In an email, Delgado told me that "In my twenty years of teaching: this was one of the most powerful and meaningful experiences I have had in the classroom and with children. The teachers agreed too; we were all super into it! It was an amazing experience for all of us."
You can read more about Guillermo Delgado on his website, and keep up with the Milagros for Boston project on Flickr.
Photo by Guillermo Delgado. Used with permission.