Saturday, October 29, 2005

Business of Art, Part II

Thursday night, I left watching the very depressing mayoral debate on tv to go to the "Business of Art" panel discussion at Pearl Street. This was an incredibly refreshing look at the future of Buffalo. We pretty much were not talking politics; we were talking becoming an activist arts community, to start making noise. Celeste Lawson, a panelist as well as the head of the Erie County Arts Council, said that we need to "build the momentum to cherish what we have." This city does have a lot. Artists have cheap housing and studio space. I had an artist from NYC (ex from Bflo) up to my studio space at the Buffalo Arts Studio; the price that she told me the spaces like that would go for in NYC would be a couple of months apartment rent in Buffalo. The Buffalo resident has amazing archetecture, galleries whose numbers seem to grow by the week and an internationally recognized art gallery, The Albright-Knox, that now offers free Friday nights, with plenty to do for the kids. Art could, and will, be a way of life here in Buffalo......

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

Business of Art-Panel discussion

I have gleaned this announcement from Buffalo Rising. This seems to be exactly the type of discussion we should be having- to help get the arts community to be an even more vital part of Buffalo. It's time to step up, gang.



Megan Weaver and Nadejda Petrova, along with Artefakt Magazine and Buffalo Rising, will be hosting a public panel discussion and gathering, titled The Business of Art, at Pearl Street Grill & Brewery on October 27th, 2005, 5-10pm.

Participating panelists include Ed Cardoni, Executive Director of Hallwalls; Celeste Lawson, Executive Director of the Arts Council of Buffalo and Erie County; Marilee Keller, 2003-2005 Chair of the Collectors Gallery, Albright Knox Art Gallery; and Demetra Christakos, Executive Director of the Ontario Association of Art Galleries. Moderating the panel discussion is Cynnie Gaasch who will approach the topic from all angles as Arts Editor for Artvoice, as well as a working artist, teaching artist for Young Audiences of Western New York, and grant writer.
What is necessary for Buffalo to have an increasingly vital arts economy? What are the responsibilities, aspirations, and objectives of individuals working in the arts industry?
Come participate in a creative exploration of the current state of the 'business of art' within and beyond our region. Bring your opinions, your questions, and your thoughts on continuing to help move Buffalo forward. A number of local artists will be on hand to meet and speak with, as well as representatives from local art organizations and businesses.

Dinner reservations are available at Pearl Street Grill & Brewery from 5-7:30pm with the panel discussion opening at 8pm in the 3rd floor Canal View Room. Cash bar will be available throughout the evening. Contact Pearl Street Grill & Brewery at 716.856.2337 for dinner reservations, and mention the Business of Art Panel to receive a coupon for 10% discount from your food order.

Artefakt Magazine, a regional arts and culture publication created in Buffalo, celebrates its fourth year and distribution in over 1,000 locations throughout the Eastern Great Lakes Region. Visit at www.artefaktmagazine.com.
Please contact Megan Weaver, artofmegan@yahoo.com, 518.588.3470 with any questions. Cover charge is $5.
Date: Thursday, October 27, 2005
Location: Pearl Street Grill & Brewery 76 Pearl Street in downtown Buffalo.
Time: 5pm – 10pm


See you there......

Thursday, October 13, 2005

AJ Fries-New Work

24/12: A.J. Fries and Taeyoul Ryu
October 13 – November 6, 2005
Opening Reception: Friday, October 14, 2005 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

The Burchfield-Penney Art Center is pleased to present 24/12 featuring A.J. Fries and Taeyoul Ryu, the first in a series of 24 exhibtions over the course of 12 months featuring some of Western New York's most innovative and exciting artists. 24/12 has been made possible through the generosity of Monica Angle and Sam Magavern II, Gary M. and Willow Brost and the New York State Council on the Arts.

Wednesday, October 12, 2005

Getting some friends in on this...

I went to a Buffalo Arts Studio meeting, and let them know that this is out there. I'm starting from scratch, so join the chorus!
Just jump in on the comments section when you feel inspired....
I heard Hillary Clinton on the radio - she was in town for the Artspace dedication. During her speech, she mentioned the Style magazine "Arts destination" poll (Buffalo #4 this year), and how she's going to help us with that. I always knew I liked her.

Monday, October 03, 2005

The Beginning...

This is the start of a long rant. The City of Buffalo is having an identity crisis, and it does not know how to creep out of it. I believe that one of the many solutions is to support the diverse and thriving Art community here.
The power of creativity has not yet been used in the way that would be beneficial to a city like Buffalo. In the Style magazine poll, Buffalo has been rising, and yet our funding has been continually cut. We are a strong and dedicated bunch, we artists. Time for us to take back Buffalo!