Artspace

Kevin and I are gallery sitting for a few hours here at Artspace, which is featuring the MARK '08 show. I've been getting a lot of questions about what 'MARK' means. Some of you that follow this blog may remember last year at this time ; I was going nuts trying to get my presentation together (the MARK '09 group presentation is this Monday at Hallwalls, 7 pm). Check the archives last year- I was really happy to be involved in the program and wrote a lot about it.

This show has been good, too. All together, this year has been good for showing locally; the MARK show, joining the College Street co-op (show on the 1st Friday of each month, and Allentown), and the Film Photographers of Greater Buffalo (Night photography show at CEPA, May 2nd). Keeping me working...

Buffalo Arts Studio Exhibit and Sale '08

It's that time of year! The time of year when all of the studio artists take the work that they are really happy with, then get them framed and presentable. They go up on the wall for every one to see! We have a party, have lots of fun while quietly hoping to sell some work, to build up the holiday shopping money that we spent on framing. Come have fun with us- next Saturday, November 15th from 7 to 11. David Kane is playing music, then K. Cornelius and Brian Milbrand will be doing performance art 10-11.

Ryan Miller, Drew Stafford with Robby and Klear @ Music is Art '08

So, it was raining. People were having a ton of fun (as you can see in this video), and stuck around until the very end. Now, Robby told us last weekend in our Buffaloroots interview that he would be playing with Ryan Miller and Drew Stafford, along with the band Klear. Carla kept watch of my tent while we went to the mainstage to see it. I had my camera out in the pouring rain (I'll be posting some pictures soon), and Jim Grimaldi took a great video, which is posted here.
More on this fantastic day later. Enjoy!

Mark Freeland at the Albright Knox Collectors Gallery

Robby and Carla did a fantastic job of curating Mark's work for the Albright Knox Collectors Gallery. Spoke with Robby at the opening last night (he was running around getting ready for Music is Art). He said at first he was overwhelmed at the amount of work Mark had done over the years, but started looking at his later work (the last 3 years). That choice made for a light, "happy" kind of show. Those who knew Mark know that the earlier years sometimes tended to have "darker" themes. He used a darker color palette, and a lot of collage, and the subject matter could sometimes be grim.
The later work utilized more of pastel color choices. A lot were works on canvas, and along with the 12x12" works on wood, have a great sense of humor. The subject was given room to breathe in the space it is in (the above painting is a fine example of this). Again, for those of us who knew him, it is a but reassuring to see that his work had a joyful feeling in the last years of his life.
Well, have a long day ahead- off to Music is Art. Hope to see you there!

Interview with Robby Takac

Lots to do today, mostly political. Please don't forget to go out and vote, any NYStaters reading this....
Before I get moving, though, I'd like to tell you about a story that Kevin wrote and I posted on Buffaloroots last night. It was our sort of annual interview with Robby Takac of the Goo Goo Dolls about his excellent event, Music is Art. I know I've been mentioning MiA, because I'll have a tent there, full of photography goodness, but the interview holds some surprises that I wasn't aware of until yesterday. Put it this way, Buffalo hockey fans have a good reason to go down, if you weren't planning to already. Read the article, you'll see. I know I'm psyched. Just have to find someone to watch my tent during this part of the day. I need to get some pictures to share with all of you....

Getting Ready!

Art Fest!

Yea! The Elmwood Arts Festival is here! Just waiting for Kevin to walk the pup and we can go. Lots of good music- we're going to the main stage for Terry Sullivan at 3, John and Mary at 4, scooting to the WilFa (Kevin hates it when I don't call is "The Farm") stage to catch a bit of DKQ, then back to the main tage by 5 for Gurf, then Them Jazzbeards at 6. Whew! Busy! My work is up at Dolci, so I want to stop there, too. And get my Mark Freeland t-shirt. We'd better get going!

Buffalo's Infringement Festival-Last Weekend

Well, I don't feel I got to do a lot during the Festival, but since I was part of the Film Photographers of Greater Buffalo's 1st Annual Exhibit at El Museo, I felt I played a part. Tonight we did go to a couple of things, though.
First, at Alt Theatre, was David Butler's "Wading for Answers". It was a great performance written by David Butler and "soundscaped" by David Kane. It was dance and reading by several actor/dancers and Butler himself. I LOVE to see when Butler and Kane work together- they always seem to make it click. They've been working together on different projects since the 80's. For a while, as a duo known as D+D (maybe I can scare up some promo photos I did of them...).
Watching tonight brought up many memories; some from David's writing, from past performances, and some from when I got to do a play based on Poe and Lovecraft's writings- Butler directing and Kane doing music at the old Cabaret. Good times!
Then we went to Shakespeare in the parking lot- on Allen between Nietzschies and Lagniappes. Our old friend Ronawanda hosted some street theatre, complete with the crowd stepping up to act and blocking traffic. AJ Fries even did the last scene from Hamlet (the dead guy part). I need to remind myself how fun this was when it rolls around next year. At lest there's still the block party in front of College Street Gallery tomorrow...

Really, I'm Here

Hello all! I'm really all over the internet. I am on the Boundless Living Challenge- 45 days to get close to or reach a goal. Since I am so interested in getting my photography to the next level, I figured this would be helpful.
I'm also getting into a photo project with the state wide MARK group. I want to work with the adapted reuse buildings in Buffalo. At first I was thinking about focusing on the mayors 5,000 in 5 years plan (demolishing a that number of houses in 5 years). But really, that's kind of depressing. The project is centered on the "inspiring" aspects of NYS. After Gov. Patterson's bleak look of the states economy, I figured I'd better go with something more positive. We do have some great examples of that, starting with Ani Difranco's church. Sending the proposal tonight!
Lastly, going to Greg Klyma's CD release tonight, if we make it after dinner with the in-laws. I helped with some photos for the package, and the songs are great!

Work Hanging at Dolci

A portion of the "Ireland and Spirit" series is now being shown at Dolci Bakery at 732 Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo.
Dolci is a nice space- small, but good traffic and GREAT desserts! After I hung my work and was enjoying a treat, Kate, a lovely counter person, was serving some customers who walked down after they had finished dinner. She got into a very animated conversation with one of them in very fluid Italian. It was beautiful! So, that verified it all for me- the place has a great vibe. Do treat yourself to a visit,

Another Busy May Week

Mark Freeland, "The Idol Slept in an Infinite Rose"


Well, one week of rest, and back to a week of spectacular activities!
Tomorrow, I meet with the Buffalo NYFA MARK team to piece together the group portion of our presentation for NYC. I think that this group can really come up with something good- we can really wow them in New York. The closer it gets, the more psyched I get....
Then on Wednesday, there is a bit of a fundraising event for Rivendell- the place I go to ride during the summer. At Coldstone Creamery, 4110 Maple Road, from 7-9, they will be donating 10-30% of sales to Rivendell. Lets face it, that's gonna be easy. There is nothing that sucks about eating ice cream at Cold Stone.
Then Thursday, the 2nd half of Mark Freeland's birthday celebration will be at Gallery 164 (164 Allen Street) from 5-9. Music by David Kane, drink sales to benefit Lindsay Freeland's fight against cancer, and Marty Mcgee will be filming people telling their stories about Mark. Personally, I have hundreds of them, and I change my mind from minute to minute about which story I'll tell...

Mark Freeland Birthday Bash

Last night was a fantastic night; a party that Mark surely would have appreciated.
First, 2 galleries filled with his paintings, and photos of him singing, playing and painting.
Then, bands of all styles paying homage to his music at Nietzsche's- all on the same block!
Another good thing (for us older folks) is that The Fems did their set early in the evening; it was the first time they played an acoustic set and it was a BALL!
Many old friends were there-Carla, Master of Ceremonies, Ed Koban started the music for the evening, Mar Penner Griswold had photos in the College Street Gallery, (a version of) Bob Weider's country ensemble performed, David Kane was playing (after we had to go-school night).
I also got the chance to add to my "spring wardrobe" with some Freeland apparel- Carla introduced a brand new tee design from Mark's later painting.
The above image is about 20 years old, taken while he was painting a mural on Connecticut Street. 2 photos from this series are hanging in Gallery 224 as part of the celebration. On May 15, the gallery will be open ; David Kane will be playing, and Marty McGee will be filming people telling their best Mark Freeland stories....

Busy Week, Some Exposure...

Last night, as part of the NYFA MARK program, we all gave our 5 minute presentations. They were almost a "practice" run for our NYC in June. We had a lot of spectators, and one was a writer for The Buffalo News. Read the article here...

This Week on Music is Art

Buffalo Getting it's Due!

Yea, it's official. Buffalo has rated #1 among American mid-sized cities as an arts destination. Yes, we've been scrapping and clawing our way up over the years, but now we're NUMBER ONE!
American Style magazine has had this survey for a number of years, and the cities are grouped in Big Cities, mid-sized cities, and small towns and cities. And we're finally there. This is a great year to get there, too- with the new Frank Lloyd Wright boathouse and Darwin D. Martin restoration, the new Burchfield Penny Arts Center, and , well, all of us great artists, organizing in different ways (myself in the NYFA Mark program) to make ourselves known.

Interesting Article

The Buffalo News had a very good article yesterday about the Buffalo art scene. It addressed the event that many of my readers know: the Buffalo art opening. The perfect way of describing the shindig was summed up by Mike Mulley (see previous post) -

“We have free food, free booze and relatively intelligent women and men, what else do you need?”

That just brings a tear to the eye...
And it's so true. Also, it is mentioned that you are bound to know someone as well. Congrats Colin Dabkowski, and welcome to our world.

CEPA Exhibition

For the first time in too long, I renewed my membership to CEPA. With that, I entered a piece in the Member's Show. There is always great work from the members- an inspiring show. If so inclined to attend, the opening at the CEPA Gallery is on February 9, 7-10, and is located at 617 Main Street, Suite 201Buffalo, NY 14203. See you there!

Happy New Year

OK, a cliche, but hey, I'm at work and full of them right now....
Personally, though, I am looking forward to this new year. I feel that I am creating some of my strongest art ever. I received the opportunity to study with NYFA and other New Yorkers on writing and promoting my art. Kevin got me a Christmas gift that will allow me to learn about my computer from Mac professionals. Taking a look from the perspective of the 1st of the year, things look pretty good.
I'm going to take this moment to thank the people who supported me (mentally, physically and monetarily) over the past year. The biggest accomplishment is the show at Betty's- the series of photos from Ireland. It has been a learning experience in so many different ways, and I really aprecicate the support I've had.
Let's start this year (insert cheering here)

Good times...

Wow, I have to say, taping Music is Art was a ball! Big thanks to Katherine Trapanovski and the whole gang at UB that work tirelessly to get the show together. Everyone really treated the artists and musicians very well, right down to the food !
Now, I have always appreciated the energy that is created from a band doing live music- that's why I love taking pictures during a show (see www.buffaloroots.com). For a change, I got to work on art while a band is playing. Them Jazzbeards were doing their thing, and I was getting really inspired. It was an incredible feeling. I listen to music (rather loud at times) when I'm working, but the energy exchange when the band is playing right there (especially one I really like) was really different....
The show will be airing sometime in the spring- I'll keep you posted...

Music Is Art Live @ The Center

I hope you can join me Tuesday, October 30 at 7:00 at the UB Center for the Arts . Located on UB's Amherst campus, The Center has been the home to the Music is Art Television show ; which has a pair of musical guests, and artists working on and a the stage during taping. Tuesday night, I will be one of the featured artists. I picked this particular night because David Kane's Them Jazzbeards will be musical guests, and well, I love that band...

I think this is going to be a lot of fun. I've been an audience member at MIA Live @ the Center- it's a lot of fun- surprisingly cozy for that big building. As for the TV show- I've seen it a number of times, and they do a really nice job putting it all together. Now I'll be bringing in my "digital darkroom" to the taping (read: my computer). So there I'll be, working like a geek, right there on TV! I guess that's better than seeing me in my "wet" darkroom (read: black and white), where I plug my iPod into the stereo and dance, smelling of photo fixer while working (holding on to secure things as I do).