The Culture Club

Sometimes you just gotta say, Someday....

2010-03-11T19:44:00.000-08:00

I consider myself a pretty laid back vacationer. I’m not one of those people who plans an agenda and sticks to time slots. In fact, that drives me crazy. If someone wants to go to the beach, an M’s game, visit a great aunt, then great! I’m down. Lately though, I’ve been daydreaming of a completely selfish vacation. An art only vacation (well not only art, but with that purpose in mind).

This is my promise to myself. Someday, I will take a vacation that is purely for the love of art. I will not visit any family members. I will not bring my husband, daughter or dog. Unless of course they want to come, but there will be no compromises in this vacation, and I sure will not feel guilty for wanting to go to just one more gallery before lunch or visit every single exhibit at the Getty. I’ll do what I want and it will be glorious.

I’m about to take off for Los Angeles in the morning, and though I will undoubtedly have a great time with my parents, sisters, grandma and friends, I most likely will not see any art. It will be just out of my reach, as usual, because that’s not what this quick trip is about. This trip is about sharing the new Baby-Love with the family, and I love that, its just not art.

The New Aesthetic

2010-03-10T13:48:00.000-08:00

This weeks Goodness is coming at ya in photo form once again. This time though the Goodness is made up of a handful of artists and one curator that are responsible for one of the most influential photography exhibitions in the history of the medium. The exhibition is called New Topographics and was displayed in 1975 at the George Eastman House, International Museum of Photography and Film. Curated by William Jenkins, the exhibition contained work from Robert Adams, Bearnd and Hilla Becker, Lewis Baltz, Henry Wessel, Frank Gohlke, Stephen Shore, Joe Deal, John Schott and Nicholas Nixon. For me, this exhibition has shaped my vision, approach and style as a photographer and the artists of this collective have influenced my way of thinking more than the majority of work that I have ever viewed or studied.

The original intent of curator Bill Jenkins was to display an exhibition that dealt with architecture. As the gathering of artists and images began, it became apparent that the images weren't just about buildings and structures but also about the land. The concept soon transitioned and what was first going to be called Recent Topographics was now changed to New Topographics.

What's interesting is that the original exhibition didn't see many viewers. In fact very few people visited New Topographics while it was displayed and there is no real reason why this happened. What is incredible is that despite the fact the not many viewers experienced the show, the imagery and artists involved with New Topographics became extremely popular in years to come. Many of the artists made a name in the photography world because of the exhibition. In addition to that, the ideas surrounding the exhibit made an unpredicted impact not only American artists but also artist throughout Europe.

The work in the exhibition doesn't sweep you away by any means. Aside from imagery of Stephen Shore, all of the other images are Black and White. All of the images are carefully composed and just as thought out as most works of art but at first, the images are void of what some call the "wow" factor. To some, they lack the "pop" that is often anticipated or expected in a work of art. This lack of pop lead to a realness that viewers could understand and feel and after spending time with the images you start to "get it." The imagery holds a tempo throughout the each series where in this case the whole is definitely larger than the sum of all its parts. Photography, once having an embellishing affect with idealized visions now seemed to record regular, plain scenes. Telephone polls were kept in the frame. Unfinished housing developments and vacant lots filled the foreground of images. Dull white walls of an office building became the main subject of a photograph. What did all this mean?

New Topographics is the second most googled photography exhibition on the internet behind (this is a guess) Robert Frank's, The American's. New Topographics pushed the envelope for landscape photography and is considered one of the greatest photography exhibitions of all time. It is still to this day studied by artists and art critiques will continue to influence the work of many for years to come.

The Center for Creative Photography (CCP) in Tucson and the George Eastman House have reorganized the exhibition and it is now traveling again. It will be on display at the CCP in Tucson until May 16th then moving onto SFMOMA and various locations throughout Europe. I highly encourage anyone who has ever looked at a photograph to visit this exhibition.

2010 Viola Awards - Rocked the House

2010-03-08T06:03:00.000-08:00

Now THAT was a party.

Flagstaff supports the arts with much love and enthusiasm. At the 2nd Annual Viola Awards for Excellence in the Arts, over 330 people celebrated and honored 108 nominees and 10 award recipients. The audience - made up of nominees, artists, and sponsors / supporters of the arts - was at times raucous, full of spirit, supportive of each other, and downright fun.

Let's see if I can recap the night with a little bulleted list:

A really touching moment came early in the night when Michael Kabotie was given the Lifetime Contribution to the Arts Viola Award post-humously. Ruth Ann Border, his partner at the time of his death, came to the stage to accept the award. She whispered to me, shakin' with tears, "I don't know if I can make it up there."
After Pickin' in the Pines receives the Viola Award for Outstanding Arts Event, one of our Board members, Darcy Falk approached me. Darcy also works for Pickin' in the Pines, handling their promotion. She was in tears, happy. "You do know how to keep a secret!" she says, since I gave her no indication that this award was coming. I love it.
The folks at Martanne's caught their table on fire! They put it out quickly, but it was funny and a little alarming.
When they were reading the "slow reveal" bio of the winner for Performing Arts, a loud, high pitched and awkward yelp! came from Becky Daggett as she realized that Linda Sutera was going to take the award. Really funny.
The crowd's response to Craig Bowie (pictured) winning Arts in Education was epic. Loudest cheer I've heard from a crowd that size, ever. People love that guy.
The Mayor's Award going to the Museum of Northern Arizona was just awesome. Robert Breunig, their Director, and their whole team deserve the kudos for what they have done over the last five years. MNA was in the midst of its most difficult and challenging crisis - they had lost their accreditation and their entire Board resigned. It was a mess. From that, though, Robert and his crew rebuilt the integrity of the Museum by focusing on their core values, and sticking to them in a way most institutions don't. They earned back their accreditation, and also built the Easton Collections Center through a process that involved and respected the voices of so many who value MNA. This is not only a come-back story, but a story of an institution that knows how to respect the values of the diverse communities it serves.

The full results of the Viola Awards are posted online, along with photos of the event and photos of the amazing awards, crafted by ceramicist, Ellen Tibbetts. She's awesome - you need to see all of these awards.

Thanks to everyone who made the Viola Awards such a rousing success this year!

Cheers,
JT

ps. here's a link to the Arizona Daily Sun article about the Viola Awards event.

Off With A Bang!

2010-03-04T12:13:00.000-08:00

Well everyone, it is my last day with Flagstaff Cultural Partners… (again). I had a last day before—even maybe twice. So, for my third run with FCP, I once again say good-bye.

These last few months have been busy. It feels like it has gone by pretty quickly. Between It’s Elemental, The Fine Crafts Sale, Landscape Interrupted, Youth Celebrate Art & Culture Exhibition, Celebrations of Culture performances, and The Viola Awards, it has been non-stop. I will miss the intense work days, the fun events, and all the people I know in the arts community that I’ve been able to see a lot more.

But I head back to The Arboretum in one week, and face a whole new set of responsibilities. Luckily, working in non-profits in Flagstaff, allows for relationships between organizations. For The Arboretum, I will be working on the Summer Concert Series, where we collaborate with FCP. So this particular relationship will continue!

Tonight, however, we celebrate. We celebrate the artists that we, as a community, work with in Flagstaff. At the Viola Awards, FCP staff can mix and mingle with all the people that we work with through many different respects, but instead of working, we will be recognizing all that hard work and enjoying ourselves and our company. I look forward to seeing you there and hopefully you’ll consider a visit to The Arboretum this summer to see me too!

I never thought this day would come...

2010-03-04T11:48:00.000-08:00

...so quickly!! The Second Annual Viola Awards have arrived. The FCP staff have been working like squirrels collecting nuts and it's time to get the show on the road! While last minute preparations are being made at tonight's venue, Radisson Woodlands Hotel, I'm holding down the fort at the Center until 3pm today when I will lock up the gallery and join the rest of my well-dressed motley crew. Follow us on Twitter tonight to learn who won each Viola as winners are announced. While you're online (via any hand-held or stationary digitally connected device), join our Facebook page to see photos of this year's event (stay tuned for the one and only captured image of our executive director, John "JT" Tannous in a tux and free of a five-o-clock shadow...) This is going to be epic!

Letters From the Creative Bureaucrat, continued

2010-03-01T12:40:00.000-08:00

I write a monthly column in Northern Arizona's arts and news monthly publication, The Noise. My column is called "Letters from the Creative Bureaucrat." Here follows "part two" of the March issue column... Click here for "part one." And be sure to pick thee up a copy of this month's Noise, will ya?

~continued from earlier...

However, “excellence” is not some abstract sense of quality that remains only known to those who work in art galleries or academia. It has to be something that can be appreciated through different eyes and many perspectives. There has to be recognition of that excellence even if you don’t like the work in question. Maybe that’s one of the “markers” I’m hoping to find in determining artistic excellence. If those who do not particularly like the work of an artist can admit to the quality of that same artist’s work, have we not found something important there? And yet…

The more I explore this thought, the more I’m convinced that what I’m seeking is a moving target. As soon as a point of criteria becomes clear, I’m sure an artist’s work will present itself which challenges us to move that criteria. Last month, I wrote, “Rejection is in the eye of the beholder.” Maybe I should have just started there with “excellence” and avoided this column altogether.

Oh, and I never got back to the “what is art?” question. I danced around it like a boxer who fears his opponent. I suppose if I were a better writer, I’d give you some neatly wrapped article that circled around and met the question I posed at the beginning with some kind of insightful and revealing finish. Did you really expect that, after I invoked Andy Kaufman? Ha!

Cheers,
JT

2010-02-26T11:24:00.001-08:00

I write a monthly column in Northern Arizona's arts and news monthly publication, The Noise. My column is called "Letters from the Creative Bureaucrat." Here follows "part one" of the March issue column... tune in Monday for "part two" and the thrilling conclusion (or pick thee up a copy of this month's Noise, will ya?).

~~~~~

If I started this column with the question, “What is Art?” would you immediately turn to another page and never come back? That’s what I would do. I hate that question.

And yet, I feel compelled, just ever so slightly, to go there.

Let me start at the beginning. The organization I work for hosts the Viola Awards. The Violas are like the Oscars, but for the arts in Flagstaff. For the past two years, we have hosted a glamorous gala event (well, glamorous for Flagstaff) to hand out 10 unique awards.

Last month in this space, I talked about art juries and what rejection means to the artist. For the Viola Awards, the Panel that chooses the award recipients works on a different level. Rather than selecting a variety of work for a show, they are pinpointing one artist to celebrate in each of several categories.

For criteria, we tell our Panelists to choose on the basis of excellence, considering both the work of the artist as well as the artist’s service to or impact on the community. The terms “service to community” and “impact on community” are fairly manageable when looking at the accomplishments and work of an artist or organization.

But what is excellence in art? Everyone certainly has different tastes about art. If we attempted to select winners on the basis of “art we like the most,” every Panelist would likely come up with a different name. Popularity cannot be the sole guiding factor in determining excellence, obviously. Commercial success is somewhat similar in notion to popularity. While the work of those who make a living primarily on their art certainly must be of some measure of quality, it does not always equal excellence. Working in the world of the arts every day as I do, it hurts to admit that. I wish many more artists could survive, or thrive, off of their work as their primary or sole income. But most cannot, even though they may be deserving or create excellent work.

The point is: when trying to determine which artist should receive a Viola Award, commercial success is more likely to create a fuzzier picture than to clear up the matter altogether. Sometimes great art is not altogether popular. In fact, some great art expressly has the ability to challenge people’s notions of themselves, of life, or of reality. Remember some of Andy Kaufman’s performance “pranks”? He said that he wanted his audience to have an authentic reaction – or rather, interaction – with his work. And if that meant he was making them angry, at least it was a genuine response and not just the drone of a well-mannered but lifeless – and disconnected – applause.

~to be continued...

Letters From the Creative Bureaucrat

2010-02-26T11:06:00.000-08:00

~~~~~

Jux' Top 100 Galleries/Museums

2010-02-23T16:27:00.000-08:00

It’s no secret, I love a good list. Be it a grocery list, a to-do list, or even better, a list of the 100 Top Galleries/Museums put out by one of my favorite art rags, Juxtapoz. One of the best things about this top 100 is that

it really covers all the bases. You’ve got everything from museums you’d take your grandma to – to dank little hole-in-the-wall-graffiti-covered-entrance-in-the-alley-of-an-asian-marketplace galleries.

Also, as you flip through the list, you may notice that there seems to be a disproportionate number of entries listed in the Los Angeles area. I’m guessing this has less to do with LA snobbery (I can say that, I’m a native Angelino), and more to do with the fact that LA was the birthplace of the art movement that Jux covers…

Juxtapoz (in case you’re not familiar) tends to feature artwork in the realm of pop-surrealism, low brow, underground, or street art. Call it what you will. Everyone has their own P.C. name for this style, and it’s without a doubt one of my favorite genres of art.

Anyway, here are a few highlights of the article:

The award for best quote of the article goes to the description of gallery #92

Michael Koh n Galler y, Los Angeles, California  Any gallery that has shown Mark Ryden is definitely worthy of a Top 100 spot. Ryden’s Tree Show at Michael Kohn in 2007 nearly had the art world in a frenzy. Ryden could probably get the country out the economic crisis.

I’m not sure exactly how Mark Ryden might get the country out of the economic crisis…but it’s an entertaining thought.

The award for best use of space goes to #86

86. MOCAD: Museum of Contemporary Art, Detroit  

Detroit has more to offer than old car dealerships and Motown memories. This museum is an innovative addition to Detroit's Cultural Center, and functions as a hub for the exploration of emerging ideas in the contemporary arts. The 22,000 square foot building, a former auto dealership, has been simply renovated to maintain its his

toric character.

Hello city of Flagstaff! Can we say, abandon grocery building on 4^th street! BTW, I’m seeing this all over the country. Out of business “big box” stores turned into cultural art centers…I’m just sayin’…

The award for best vibe/gallery I might most like to visit right now (due in part to its location in the Southern hemisphere) goes to gallery #22

22. Choque Cultural in Sao Paulo, Brazil

Not only is Brazil getting hotter by the day (and no, we’re not just referring to global climate change) but Choque Cultural proves that the world is getting smaller on a rapid basis. Our favorite gallery in Sao Paulo regularly shows off international talent (like Tara McPherson and Gary Basemen) while keeping their street cred with local Brazilian artists (like Titi Freak and Calma).

These are just a few little gems picked from a whole Tiffany & Co. selection…Check it out for yourself.

By the way, special thanks to artist, Jeremy Singer, for posting this article on Facebook. Cause really, where would we all be without Facebook?

Voila!

2010-02-19T10:18:00.000-08:00

Looking for a quick and enriching day trip? The valley of the sun has some interesting art offerings this month.

The Phoenix Art Museum's current exhibits are: an Ansel Adams exhibit, an exhibit of Southeast Asian textiles, an exhibit of contemporary Yixing teapots, and an installation of the late Geoffrey Beene called Trapeze.

"Geoffrey Beene: Trapeze, a whimsical exhibition that goes beyond the study of dressmaking into the world of conceptual art."

This exhibition of Geoffrey Beene's work at the Phoenix Art Museum, showing one of a kind garments, draws on inspiration from Beene's love of the circus with the use of dots and stripes.

"Featuring more than 30 garments, Geoffrey Beene: Trapeze profiles the fanciful custom-made wardrobe of Patsy Tarr, a prominent supporter of dance in New York and founder and publisher of the award-winning 2wice magazine."

The world of high fashion as sculpture is only a 2 hour drive! What a great way to spend a rainy day in Phoenix. See you there!

Célébrer Mardi Gras!

2010-02-16T08:41:00.000-08:00

Bonjour! Happy Fat Tuesday, everyone. I have to admit, Mardi Gras season sneaks up on me every year. Born and raised in Flagstaff, it's not exactly on my cultural radar. A quick scan on wikipedia reminds me that Mardi Gras is another one of those Catholic festivities that has evolved into a ball of debauchery best experienced with a pint glass or a shot glass rather than holy wine...

Good news is, Flagstaff is not without its own opportunity to let loose in the name of ancient tradition. The Green Room downtown is hosting what looks to be the best Mardi Gras Northern Arizona has to offer! The Alice in Wonderland themed "Wonderball" has a line-up that is the epitome of not just a lame bar party - but a celebration. Sambatuque, Flagstaff's only Brazilian-themed rhythm group (and Viola Award Performing Arts nominee!) is sure to get your hips to sway and your feet to move "carnival" style. The Flagstaff chapter of UCA Capoeria (a type of brazilian fight-dance) will join! Switching gears from rhythmic to funky, my new Flagstaff-favorite "LowCash" takes stage tonight as well. All for a mere three bucks at the door.

No Mardi Gras is complete without without costume (or so I hear). Green Room's event poster states that Masks are available around the corner and down the block at Incahoots accompanied by drink coupons! Does it get any easier to enjoy yourself on a frigid Tuesday night?? My friend, it does not.

This Freakin' Awesome Town

2010-02-15T09:23:00.000-08:00

Have I mentioned before that I love this town?

To recap an amazing weekend at the Coconino Center for the Arts...

This amazing folk duo performed for our 3rd Annual Valentine's Concert: Anne & Pete Sibley. Its not the kind of music I will listen to on CD or my computer, but live in person, it's the kind of thing I love. They were amazing, totally cute in their chemistry on stage (perfect for the day of love), and Anne is just a deep powerful singer.

For their final song (prior to coming back for an encore - they got a standing ovation from the capacity crowd), they led the entire audience in a sing a long. Usually, those things SUCK. You know, everyone singing out of cadence with each other, various levels of volume, and bad harmony. C'mon, you ask 200 people to sing together and you know it's gonna be awful. This time? Everyone sang together beautifully. It was incredible! Soft, smooth and just sounded awesome - 200 people singing quietly along with their song. At one point, I stopped singing just so I could hear the great sound of the audience over my own crappy voice. I had goosebumps for an hour after. That's Point #1 for why this town is freakin' awesome.

On Saturday at the Center, Tom Sheeley came and performed a concert for six straight hours, playing classical guitar to honor and support his daughter, Cory, who has been diagnosed with leukemia. There was a silent auction, speed photo shoot, tasty tamales, and LOTS of people. Flagstaff came in droves to support Cory and donate money to help with her treatment. I don't know how much they raised, but I know it was a good bit.

That'd be Point #2, obviously.

If you know Cory or Tom or the family, I encourage you help with a donation for Cory's cause: click here for her website. Or help if you don't know them. Either way, it's a worthy place to put some of your dollars.

I could go on, but that's what's fresh in my mind from a lively, powerful and passionate weekend at the Center. Have a great week, everyone!

Cheers,
JT

BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

2010-02-12T14:41:00.000-08:00

I'm way to busy to blog...

Arno Minkkinen

2010-02-11T13:27:00.000-08:00

Here's some more Photo Goodness. To start off the spring semester I gave my advanced photography students a self portrait assignment in which they have to photograph themselves 36 times, which in the pre-digital days was the equivalent to 36 exposures in a roll of film. This assignment removes them from behind the lens as they become the subject or concept in there imagery.

With that in mind I bring you the goodness from a photographer named Arno Raphael Minkkinen. Minkkinen has made a career out of creating self portraits, all of which are unique and push the envelope not only in the portrait realm but in photography medium all together. He incorporates himself within nature often mocking or meshing with the forms of the natural world.

I will note that none of his images are digitally manipulated. The manipulation takes place in his body as he contorts his form to created what you see. Minikkinen uses a cable release that is usually in his hands or his mouth to trip the shutter. As you will see, he often goes through great sacrifice to capture an image.

You can check out his images at

http://www.artnet.com

His website is under construction but is below...

http://www.arnorafaelminkkinen.org/

Enjoy!!!

Funky Flagstaff Fun

2010-02-11T10:59:00.000-08:00

With busy schedules and low funds, it is hard to go out to a big name concert very often. We are fortunate in Flagstaff to have a lot of great local musicians that play regularly, so I get to see those concerts. When I heard G. Love and the Special Sauce was coming to town, I decided his show was not to be missed. I have seen them play several times in different cities as I moved across the country, and have always had a great time. The G. Love shows always have a lot of energy, and the music exudes a fun vibe that leaves everyone smiling.

The concert on February 9th at the Orpheum Theatre did not let me down. The venue was packed, G. Love and his crew were playing on point and moving all over the stage, and the audience was dancing and having fun. They played all the favorite songs, which had everyone signing along.

The Orpheum Theatre is such a great venue. They have really been bringing a lot of great acts into Flagstaff, often with the help of Greenhouse Productions, and we are lucky to have a place that will draw artists to our mountain town. I plan on keeping my eye out for other upcoming acts and look forward to having more good times at the Orpheum.

The Amazing Violas

2010-02-08T09:27:00.000-08:00

One month prior the event date, the Viola Awards Gala has sold out.

I'm looking at that sentence, reading it again, trying to figure out what we did right. I've been working in the arts and cultural industry for over a decade - I've been event planning for longer than that. But I've never been part of an event that has drawn the interest, attraction, excitement and power of the Viola Awards.

Now I am aware that we are only talking about a 300-seat venue for this dinner-and-awards-gala event. And our ticket prices are not too high compared to other non-profit fund raiser galas in town (most prices are $75 - $150, and the Violas are priced at $50).

However, there's a certain level of passion for this event that goes beyond just selling out. First and foremost, folks get it. They understand the concept of the event - an awards program to recognize and celebrate the quality art that is happening in and around Flagstaff. They understand that it's a huge value to do this, not only for the nominated and winning artists and organizations, but also for the whole art scene in Flagstaff. It helps to raise the bar.

At last year's event, we weren't sure about this. But quickly, as the room filled up, we realized that the arts community was taking this event as their own. There was a celebratory, party-like atmosphere in the room that night, one that had the aura of support and respect for the nominated artists and organizations, win or lose. There were standing ovations for the winners, hoots and hollers for the nominees, and a lot of hugs, smiles and handshakes. Flagstaff artists respect and support one another ... without the tired sense of competition or jealousy that I see stunt other communities' arts scenes ... and it makes for magic. The Viola Awards have become the place where this magic is in action, real, tangible, touchable.

In short, the Viola Awards had been a long time coming. I know this because while we are only in our second year of producing them, people talk about them as if they have been around for a decade. People want to be there. Supporters want to see the event live in perpetuity.

I'm not writing about all this to self-congratulate FCP or toot our own horn. I'm in awe of the passion for this event, and I'm observing and participating in it. I find it inspiring in a way... to see the arts community here come together and rally around a celebration event like this one. It says a lot about who and what we are as a community. I like what it says.

Cheers,
JT

(Photos from 2009 Viola Awards Gala: at top, Don Bendel receives the Lifetime Contribution to the Arts Award; at bottom, Joe Sorren receives the Visual Arts award from emcees Karen Kinne-Herman and Julie Pastrick.)

Thigh High Freshness

2010-02-05T09:07:00.000-08:00

Spinning Backside 1's In Blue Bird Sun

Tailbone To Ice, Not Too Much Fun

Hike The Inner Bowl Til It Leaves You Breathless

Then Carve Long S's In Thigh High Freshness

Low Visibility, Foggy, Can't See

Well Head To The Woods And Carve Through The Trees

If Groomers Are Icy, Bumped Out Or Flat

Then Head To The Trees To Find A Fresh Stash

When You're Shroppin The Gnar and Shreddin The Rad

A Beard Full Of Icicles Isn't Half Bad

Some Shovel Drives And Wish Snow Away

I Grin Ear To Ear On My Powder Days

Celebrating our Youth!

2010-02-03T13:39:00.000-08:00

Although I’ve been in and out as an FCP staff member, and taken on different roles at the Center, one thing has been consistent: working on the exhibit and activities for Youth Art Month for three years running. And it is such a fun time at CCA. Not only do we feature the Youth Celebrate Art and Culture exhibition, which hosts artwork from K-12 students in the FUSD system, but we host youth performances and art workshops for kids.

When putting together the Art Exhibition, we depend on 100% participation from all FUSD public and private schools, which results in great variety. The artwork is always innovative and often stunning- it truly showcases the talent in our local youth.

Our youth performance day on February 27th, takes place during the opening reception. The reception takes place from 1-4 PM and the performances take place at 2 PM. The performances feature live dance and song from a variety of youth groups. Always lively, this event packs the auditorium.

During Spring Break (week of March 15th), we will offer multiple workshops for kids of different ages. The workshops will be taught by NAU Art Education students and will have several themes and use a variety of materials. Workshop sign up’s will be available soon, so be sure to call in and check if you are interested in having your children attend.

Mark your calendar’s for Youth Art Month (the month of March), with the opening reception of Youth Celebrate Art and Culture exhibition on February 27th, 1-4 PM.

Rejection Sucks

2010-02-01T14:25:00.000-08:00

I started writing a new monthly column in The Noise. The column is called "Letters from the Creative Bureaucrat." Pick up a copy of The Noise in newsstands and coffeehouses around Northern Arizona. Here's my February "letter"...

Rejection sucks.

Of course, everyone experiences rejection at some point in his or her life. Whether it’s rejection from a lover (which always hurts most, because it feels like a rejection of our entire being), or rejection about something we’ve created (like if you didn’t appreciate my first-ever article in The Noise), or rejection from a boss who doesn’t like something we’ve done (which can be infuriating, saddening, or humorous, depending on the boss)… either way, it still stings. Sometimes it stings a little, sometimes a lot.

In the world of the arts – where I work every day – rejection has a different sentiment to it. Most artists have experienced rejection in regards to their work – even the most celebrated artists have been rejected many times. Artists apply to participate in exhibitions all over the country, in public and private galleries, and in festivals and fairs. Rejection is a natural result. There is a blog by an artist who posts all of the rejection letters she’s received from galleries and exhibitions. There are many.

In the last month, I’ve participated in two art juries. In this highly judgmental process, the members of the jury review artwork submitted for a particular show, exhibition or event. They judge the work as either acceptable for the show or not acceptable for the show. There’s no middle ground, there’s no ‘maybe’, there’s no honorable mention. The work is either in or out.

One of my juries was tasked with choosing seven artists out of 47 applicants. The other had to choose 50-60 works of art out of a selection of 200. So, obviously, most of the applicants would be rejected. Many of the rejected applicants were quality artists who just didn’t fit or didn’t quite match up well with the other work presented.

In some cases, we are indeed rejecting those who need to hone their craft and develop stronger work. But in most cases, it’s really about the personality of the members of the jury and their unique tastes in art. We often say that we are judging on the basis of artistic excellence, but truly, it’s about what we like. No matter which “experts” might serve on a jury, they are still just people who have preferences. That’s why, when I talk to artists, I encourage them to take rejection with a grain of salt. Learn from it, but don’t learn too much from it, I say.

The successful artist is the one who can remain focused on developing and improving his/her work, while balancing two key abilities. 1) Never let rejection knock you off course. Stay true to your work and vision and keep trying. 2) Simultaneously listen and learn from these rejections without taking it personally. Whether it helps to fine-tune your craft or encourages you to start all over again, listening to others’ criticism can be truly valuable to the development of great art.

In the end, rejection, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.

Cheers,
JT

Wintertide

2010-02-01T07:19:00.000-08:00

Ah yes, winters in Flagstaff, Arizona. It's that time of year when there is potential for weather to wreck havoc on our darling little town and rearrange our lives. We at FCP truly believe it's for the better, though; winter re-introduces playtime back into our lives in the form of "snow days." For this month's FCP top five, we've compiled a mini menu of our favorite things to do when the snow is falling in feet and we have no choice but to NOT go to work.

Baking and Cooking at home
Strolling the streets when thick, silent snowflakes fall
Breaking your own trail snowshoeing
Draping yourself in a Snuggie and watching tv, a movie, netflix, etc.
Ski or snowboard, whether it be up at Snowbowl, cross-country at the Nordic Center or your own favorite local destination.

What makes city-wide snowdays so great is that you will more than likely run into people you know doing the same activities. Probably with rosey cheeks and a big goofy grin on their faces that mirror your own expression. What are the things that you do on snow days that didn't show on our list? Tell us!

A Visit From Spike Lee

2010-01-28T13:37:00.000-08:00

Spike Lee visited Flagstaff yesterday, January 27th, as a speaker for International Holocaust Day. The Martin-Springer Institute at NAU recognized Lee’s work, which focuses on culture clash, class division, racial tension, and most recently, the social and political turmoil that followed Hurricane Katrina.

Lee created a 4 hour documentary called "When the Levees Broke", chronicling the aftermath of Katrina in New Orleans. In the film, he interviewed residents from all walks of life and politicians from Louisiana. Lee exposed the corruption, the confusion, and some really inhumane treatment towards the New Orleans population that was and still is a reality for Hurricane Katrina victims. He also criticized the media portrayal of Katrina and it’s aftermath, looking at the denial of governmental mishaps and the lack of longevity in coverage.

Lee briefly compared the aftermath of Katrina to the aftermath of Haiti in his speech last night. He called for the audience and the American people to realize that after the first wave of aid, the despair is not over. The initial destruction reverberates within the area for an indefinite amount of time.

Despite the relationship with “When the Levees Broke” to International Holocaust Day, Lee barely spoke about New Orleans. Although his speech was relevant on other levels, I had hoped to hear more about his experiences in New Orleans while filming. And perhaps some insight on the current state of the aftermath of Katrina, as I am sure he has resources to obtain more information than many of us have.

Lee did talk about the importance of media (which he called “culture”) in shaping society. He recognized that this can more often than not, be a negative influence. However, he praised filmmakers that reflect social issues in their work. Lee’s resounding message throughout his career is to “Wake Up”.

I hope Lee makes more documentary films that expose social injustice in our country. Discussing Native American issues, he described an interest in looking at the relationship of African American slaves and Native Americans who helped them out in Florida. I think Lee has a great amount of ideas for future projects and look forward to seeing what he offers to the film world.

The Snowpocalypse

2010-01-23T08:52:00.000-08:00

So, in case you haven't heard, Flagstaff was pummeled by an enormous amount of snow last week. The National Weather Service said it was the second biggest series of storms in Northern Arizona history. At least eight local businesses, including Jay Lively Skate Arena and Bookman's, had their roof collapse because of the weight of all the snow. The interstates were closed all around Flagstaff, and people were basically stuck at home for days. Traveling by vehicle for any reason was just ridiculous. At my house, we measured five feet of snow.

As a result of the impossibility of travel, and the impossibility of even clearing and finding a place to put all the snow, The Coconino Center for the Arts was closed Thursday, Friday and Saturday. An extremely rare, three-day closure in the middle of an exhibition we really want people to see. We will return Monday morning and start digging out to open for regular hours on Tuesday. Come by and see us!

There was so much so snow, there were times when I didn't know if I could get dug out. There were times when I thought, "This is a record-breaking storm, but it's not that bad, we're staying on top of it." And other times, I would stand outside with my shovel and just laugh out loud because of the craziness and beauty of it all. The world had become cold and white. Everywhere. It was at times, beautiful, exhausting, scary, amazing, and fun.

I woke up every morning for six straight mornings and started my day by shoveling obscene amounts of snow. Shoveling is hard enough - add to it that, towards the end of the week, we had to lift each shovelful up and over a five or six foot mound of snow that had built up through the week. You know it's a lot of snow when you have to scrape three inches of snow off of the SIDES of your car (see photo). Everyone in town was tired, weary, sore and hurting by Saturday morning. I woke up Sunday and did not have to shovel. I was so thankful I almost cried.

I learned in the process a couple of things. Flagstaff is something like the 5th snowiest city (cities with 50,000+ population) in the country. It is also the 8th sunniest. I love that juxtaposition, fits my personality perfectly. Our good man, Joe Cornett, says that shoveling snow for thirty minutes is the exercise equivalent of jogging four miles. I believe that one.

And I learned that Flagstaff is a town full of great people. As I shoveled, people would walk by who I did not know and we would talk, laugh together and share stories about this crazy storm. On Facebook, I heard stories of people digging themselves out and then helping elderly neighbors dig out. A couple of gals walked around the neighborhood and offered to shovel snow off of roofs.

As I had dug out 90% of my driveway, I was working on the berm created by the road snow plow. The berm was thick and mostly compacted ice and snow, making it slow-going and really hard on the back. I thought for sure I wasn't going to get through it. Standing there, looking at it while my back felt like it was going to fall off, I was spent. And out of the blue, a guy pulls up in a mini-dozer and offers to clear it all for me. Done! This was like a snow angel falling out of the sky. I offered him money, he refused, I made him take it. This town is so cool.

Moving forward now, I do wonder about all this snow in the next four months. Is it going to cause problems in terms of mud, or in terms of just being in the way? Getting into the Center to clear out more this week already has my back aching in anticipation. And we're at least two work days behind on all the projects we have up in the air, so we'll be working double-time to get back up to speed.

It's a lot. And it's been quite a week. I'm tired, but I'm also feeling more positive and more hopeful in general. The whole ordeal makes me feel better about the place I live, about the reality of community, and about we humans.

The impact of this storm on Flagstaff, and particularly on the mindset of Flagstaff, has been amazing. The event isolated us all, as we were all stuck in our homes, or limited to walks. I kept up on things, and felt a little less alone, by checking Facebook, reading and sharing stories of how we were all coping. Despite that feeling of isolation, I feel strangely closer to everyone in Flagstaff. We all experienced something intense together, we all had to survive this storm with our wits intact. As we see our friends again over the next few weeks, this storm will be Topic #1. It connects us all.

Cheers,
JT

Viola Madness!!

2010-01-20T12:24:00.000-08:00

As a part of the Viola Awards Committee, I am in the midst of planning the silent auction. We have been receiving a lot of amazing donations from local artists, businesses, as well as some out-of-town places. For instance, we are featuring a stay in a condo at Telluride. Images of great local art are included in this blog!

Tickets are now available on our website. Please consider coming to the event on March 4th. If you are interested in donating an item or service to the auction, please let us know!

And now...performace art on ice 101, by Ren Clark

2010-01-19T15:31:00.000-08:00

As the newest addition to Flagstaff Cultural Partners (as of December 17th of 2009), I'd like to think that I bring something unique to the table - a wealth of knowledge of a particular knack that only I could bestow unto my new and oh-so-fortunate co-workers. And I'd like to take this opportunity to award a similar tutorial to you! So without further ado and just in time to tune into the U.S. Figure Skating Championships this weekend (on NBC), I present....

Ren's Almanac of Figure Skating for the Non-Skater

First things first. I know you watch figure skating on tv. Don't even try to deny it, even if it is a seasonal guilty pleasure. It is one of the most-watched events of the Winter Olympics and at one point achieved higher tv ratings than the Super Bowl. I grew up figure skating at our local Jay Lively Ice Arena, putting in regular hours at the rink as long ago as when it was still only partially enclosed and was only open during cold, winter months. Come middle school though high school I entered the competition circuit in Phoenix and San Diego and expanded my "studies" to include Ice Dancing (aka, ballroom dance - on ice). Currently, though, at age 25 I have passed my competitive prime a good decade ago by today's standards, and my skating has taken a more recreational path which means I turn on the tv more often than I do on the ice.

So to prepare you for your viewing of the final US Championships for Men's and Ladies in Figure Skating, Pairs and Ice Dancing leading up to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, I've prepared a small tutorial that will be just enough to make YOU the know-it-all the next time "Men's Freestyle" comes up in conversation:

There are three different categories of popular ice skating: Freestyle (big jumps, fast spins, fancy footwork), Pairs (big jumps, fast spins fancy footwork...times two skaters), and Ice Dancing (jumps are scaled down, spins slow down but the footwork becomes the main focus of getting across the ice. And the costumes become more dramatic and full of flair.)

In Freestyle skating, there are toe-jumps and edge jumps. Toe jumps require liftoff from the toepick on the blade to become airborne. Edge jumps are achieved from using the edge of the side of the blade to lift off. And having mad hops.

It seems the most commonly known skating terms used by non-skaters are "salchow," "lutz" and "camel spin." I'm proud of you.

"Salchow" (pronounced sow-cow) is an edge jumped named after a Swedish guy who was the first to land the jump in competition near the start of the 20th century.
A "Lutz" is considered the trickiest of toe jumps because it requires a backwards takeoff on an outside edge that feels very unnatural. In other words, if you're a right-footed skater, you lean towards your right to take off (on your LEFT foot), but rotate towards your left. Not sticking the outside edge at take-off is referred to as a "flutz."
A "Camel Spin" is a freestyle spin in an arabesque, or spiral, position. That is to say that one spins on a straight leg while the other leg is extended elegantly at a ninety-degree or slightly higher angle to spinning leg while the upper body is arced at the back. Arced low, though, not high like a camel's. I can't say that I know where the moniker for this one comes from...

In more competitive realms, skaters, pairs and dancers have a "long" and a "short" program. A long program (also known as the "free skate) is generally four to four-and-a-half minutes while a short program lasts a more physically comfortable two minutes and forty seconds. It's also known as the "technical program" because the main purpose is for the skater to pound out a series of required jumps and spins and a footwork pattern with little time left for gripping, edge-your-seat choreography. Or to breathe.

That should do it. I don't want to overwhelm you. Maybe once the Winter Olympics is closer to airing I'll be inspired to thrown down another tutorial. In the meantime, apply your newly-gained knowledge while lifting nothing but the remote and watch the Ladies Short Program.

Random Free Floating Thoughts

2010-01-18T09:34:00.000-08:00

Thoughts, randomly strewn about below, on some recent events and things in the works...

Last night's John Gorka concert was magnificent. First of all, we had a full house. Despite my obvious bias of working here, I maintain that the theatre at the Coconino Center for the Arts is the finest music venue in town when it's full with people. The acoustics are great and there's no bad seat in the house. You feel as if you're in someone's living room seeing a great musical act. Add to that a charming, funny, and quality performer like John Gorka, and it makes for a magical evening. I hope you were there! If not, I'm guessing we'll have more magic for our next two concerts, specifically: Gabriel Bianco on January 29, and Anne & Pete Sibley on Valentine's Day.
Landscape Interrupted was very well received by those in attendance Saturday night. The show provides beauty, challenging statements, and new perspective on the changing landscape of the world around us. Kudos to our own Joe Cornett for his vision and careful work in bringing the show together.
Tickets for the Viola Awards will be going on sale at some point tomorrow online. Check back here. We're sure to sell out, so consider this your advance notice to get them early.
I'm excited to announce that The Noise, a great local monthly publication covering news, arts and culture in Northern Arizona, has asked me to write a regular "letter." The concept will be a letter from the Director of the local arts agency (that's me), with a glance into the world of the arts from behind the scenes. I'm flirting with this title: "Letters from the Creative Bureaucrat." Being an administrator in the creative world of the arts, and finding that administration is an artform in itself, I think I really like the title. First issue I'm writing for will be published in February. As long as I actually get to writing by deadline.
One last note about John Gorka. As a quality performer with a pretty strong following, I was amazed by his simple and home-grown approach to his own management. He brought no manager or staff with him, he sold his own CD's on stage after the show, and he told the crowd that when they order his CD's off his website, he is the one who ships them (so he'll sign them, too). Before the concert, rather than hang in the green room alone, he patrolled the back of the audience, talking with patrons and taking photos with them. Just a really cool, down-to-earth guy. I hope we can bring him back again.

Cheers,
JT