GREETINGS FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY
Hi everyone....I'm writing from the North Country, in northern NY state. Sorry I haven't posted that much this past week. I guess even Mira's List has to go on vacation sometime. But I have been thinking about all of you and your requests so there are some great things on the horizon, don't worry. Something new will be posted soon....in the meantime, keep applying for things, keep making art and don't forget to do my new two second poll on the right! And there's a new feature toward the bottom of the right hand side bar—a comments section where you can ask questions and comment on anything you like. Check it out....Best wishes, Mirabee
ROME PRIZE, TRAVEL FUNDING AND MORE
(ALL DISCIPLINES) The Rome PrizeAmerican Academy in Rome: The Rome Prize: Each Rome Prize winner is provided with a stipend, meals, a bedroom with private bath, and a study or studio. Those with children under 18 live in partially subsidized apartments nearby. Winners of 6-month and 11-month fellowships receive stipends of $12,500 and $25,000, respectively. Each year, the coveted Rome Prize is awarded to thirty emerging artists and scholars in the early or middle stages of their careers who represent the highest standard of excellence in the arts and humanities. Prize recipients are invited to Rome for six months or eleven months to immerse themselves in the Academy community where they will enjoy a once in a lifetime opportunity to expand their own professional, artistic, or scholarly pursuits, drawing on their colleagues' erudition and experience and on the inestimable resources that Italy, Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Academy have to offer. Rome Prize winners are the core of the Academy's residential community, which also includes Residents and Visiting Artists and Scholars. For Further Information: email: info@aarome.org, call: 212-751-7200, fax: 212-751-7220 or visit the website: http://www.aarome.org. The annual deadline for applications is November 1st. Applications will also be accepted between November 2 and November 15 for an additional fee. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.
(ALL DISCIPLINES) Awards for Study in Scandinavia
The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) offers fellowships (up to $23,000) and grants (normally $5,000) to individuals to pursue research or study in one or more Scandinavian country for up to one year. The number of awards varies each year according to total funds available. Over $300,000 is available for the 2010-11 competition. Awards are made in all fields. Applicants must have a well-defined research or study project that makes a stay in Scandinavia essential. Applicants must be United States citizens or permanent residents. Applicants must have completed their undergraduate education by the start of their project in Scandinavia. Team projects are eligible, but each member must apply as an individual, submitting a separate, fully-documented application. First priority will be given to applicants who have not previously received an ASF award. Only in exceptional cases will a third award be considered. Also available: grants for Scandinavians and translators. See website for details: http://www.amscan.org/study_scandinavia_details.htm. Nov. 2 deadline.
(ARTISTS/PERFOR.ARTS) Asian Cultural Council Fellowships
$12,000 fellowship: Asian individuals in the visual and performing arts seeking grant assistance to conduct research, study, receive specialized training, undertake observation tours, or pursue creative activity in the United States are eligible to apply for fellowship support from the Council. Americans seeking aid to undertake activities in Asia are also eligible to apply. For more information, write to: Asian Cultural Council, 437 Madison Avenue, 37th Floor, New York, NY 10022-7001, United States. Call: (212) 812-4300, Fax: (212) 812-4299 or visit the website: http://www.asianculturalcouncil.org. Individuals and institutions wishing to inquire about the possibility of grant support should complete and submit the initial inquiry form by October 15, 2009. If the proposed activity falls within the ACC’s guidelines, application materials will be provided by the ACC. The deadline for receipt of completed applications and proposals is November 15, 2009.
(PHOTOGRAPHERS/ARTISTS) Research Fellowship
University of Arizona Ansel Adams Research $2,500 Fellowship: Ansel Adams Research Fellowships are offered to scholars, museum Professionals, artists, and independent researchers who need to utilize the archives, photograph collection, and/or library of the Center for Creative Photography. Applications from all disciplines are encouraged. Write to: 1030 N. Olive, Tucson, AZ 85721 ,Phone: 520-621-7970. Deadline October 31. For more information, go to: http://creativephotography.org.
(HUMANITIES SCHOLARS) Multi Country Research Fellowship
The Council of American Overseas Research Center’s (CAORC) Multi-Country Fellowship Program supports advanced regional or trans-regional research in the humanities, social sciences, or allied natural sciences for U.S. doctoral candidates and scholars who have already earned their Ph.D. Preference will be given to candidates examining comparative and/or cross-regional research. Applicants are eligible to apply as individuals or in teams. Approximately ten awards of up to $9,000 each will be given to scholars who wish to carry out research on broad questions of multi-country significance in the fields of humanities, social sciences, and related natural sciences. Scholars must carry out research in two or more countries outside the United States, at least one of which hosts a participating American overseas research center. Application is in January. Please check the website for more details: http://www.caorc.org/programs/multi.htm.
alicia bock : artists who blog
Alicia's website: www.aliciabock.com
Alicia's blog: www.bloom-grow-love.blogspot.com
Alicia's shop: www.aliciabock.etsy.com
Why did you decide to start a blog?
I've always kept a journal since I was very young. But, after I had kids and started my business I found it was hard for me to keep up with writing. Three years ago, I had just started reading a few blogs and thought it would be a good way for me record the daily events of balancing my family and business. I have a pretty awful memory. Blogging (even if it is just posting a few pictures), helps keep the good things fresh in my mind.
How did you come up with the name of your blog?
Years ago I took three photographs that I titled, "Bloom", "Grow", and "Love". I always liked those photos, (they were my first Magnolias) and the words themselves. It just seemed like a good fit.
How has blogging affected your work as an artist/designer?
I think it has definintely made me feel part of a larger community. Working alone, and having an online business can leave you feeling isolated. But, connecting with my readers, and visiting the blogs of my favorite artists makes me realize how common our experiences are, even if we work in different mediums.
What are your favorite artist/designer blogs? Why?
bliss- Mrs. French and I have a very similar taste in clothes and home decor. Her posts are like a giant daydream for me. I don't know how she does it, but she always finds the most beautiful things that I have never seen before.
sfgirlbybay- Victoria is wonderful at telling stories through her photographs. I am in love with her "Sunday in the City" series, and amazed by the color of her wonderful city.
Orangette- I want to live Molly's world just for a day. Her polaroids are so perfectly lit. And, her recipes are delicious.
Do you have any advice for artists/designers who are starting a blog?
Write about your passion... include lots of great photographs. I am of course a bit biased, but I think the photos are what make a good blog.
What has been the most positive and inspirational aspect of having a blog for you?
I can't say enough good things about my readers, especially those who leave comments. It really means the world to me. I get great advice about music, food, traveling, and photography. Whenever I ask a question someone always comes through for me.
What do you find the most difficult/most rewarding part of having a creative profession?
Most rewarding: That I get to do what I love everyday.
Most difficult: Running all of it alone. I would love to someday have an assistant to help with shipping and paperwork, so I can spend more time taking photographs.
Other than your blog, what has been the most effective way for you to promote your art/design?
I think selling in multiple venues is one of the best ways to get exposure. I see a lot of people just focusing their Etsy shops, but there are so many different options that can be explored.
How do you maintain a healthy work/life balance?
I am not very good at this. My mind is always working, composing photographs everywhere I go. I really could work 24 hours a day and still love what I do. The good thing is that I can do a lot of it with my family around me. I used to work very late into the night. But, have been turning the computer off more often when my kids go to bed, and working a little less on the weekends. I will probably always struggle with this.
What are your main goals for 2009?
1.More traveling... even if it is just within my own state.
2.Organizing my office.
3.Keeping up with scanning my polaroids.
Thanks Alicia!
RESIDENCIES IN CHINA, TAIWAN AND KENYA
(ALL DISCIPLINES) Beijing Studio Center FellowshipResidency in Beijing, China, open to all nationalities; duration, two months. Beijing studio center is a residency program for international visual artists, designers, writers, curators and academics located in Song Zhuang Art Area. The BSC Huaguang Fellowship is offered to international established artists by the BSC and Hua guang Art Academy. The aim is to support the communication of contemporary art between China and the rest of the world and to strengthen the art scene of QuanZhou City and benefit local people. The fellowship includes: one month stay at the BSC (studio,three meals a day,group exhibition in the BSC gallery, studio open event, dynamic artists' community ); round trip airfare to Huaguang Art Academy Fujian province; one month stay in Huaguang Art Academy (meals, accommodations ,allowance,local sights tour). Deadline: July 31, 2009.
The fellowship is offered to established artists who work in the specific field more than five years and are interested in Chinese culture and in collaborating with Chinese artists. Application address: 60 Art District, North Road of Shangshang Art Museum Xiaopu, Songzhuang Art Village, 101168 Beijing, China. Telephone: 008610 89578052, E-mail: beijingstudiocenter@hotmail.com. For more information, go to: www.beijingstudiocenter.org.
Beijing Studio Center also offers partial scholarships and work scholarships. Check their website for more information.
(ARTISTS) Kuona Trust Residency in Kenya
International Residency for visual and media artists, duration: one to two months. Kuona is looking for applications from visual artists from different cultures to participate in 1 - 2 month studio residencies alongside twenty Kenyan artists in Nairobi. As a resident artist you have the opportunity to experience Nairobi, meet and collaborate with Kenyan artists and get to know the many cultural aspects of Kenya.
Accommodation is in a guest house with sitting room, TV, own kitchen and shared garden.
Only apply if you can fund yourself or seek funding from an organization in your country. Kuona can only accept artists who have medical and travel insurance. The monthly rent for the studio space is 120 euro. Deadlines: July 1, October 1, February 1. Application address: Kuona Trust, PO Box 4802, Nyayo Stadium 0506, Nairobi, Kenya. Telephone +254 02 550980. Fax +254 20 557288. E-mail info@kuonatrust.org. For more information, go to: www.kuonatrust.org.
(ALL DISCIPLINES) Taipei Artist Village
International residency, duration: four to eight weeks. The Taipei Artist Village (TAV) first created the International Artist-in-Residence Program to provide a base in Taipei where local and international artists are brought together to facilitate creative intercultural encounters and collaboration. Facilities available for artists’ use include a computer room with Internet access, Mac G4 (editing and design), black and white darkroom, piano studio, dance studio, slide projectors, video projectors, DVD players, and VCR facilities and so on. Accommodations: an office, ten live-in studios, two public rooms, a seminar room and two gardens are located in a four-story building. Deadline: July 31, 2009. Application address: #7, Beiping East Road, Taipei, 100, Taiwan. Telephone +886-2-33937377*103. Fax +886-2-33937389. E-mail artistvillage@artistvillage.org. http://www.artistvillage.org/en_artist_apply.php?lang=en.
***I normally try to post only those residencies that are free or offer some kind of financial assistance but residencies in Kenya are far and few between so I posted it. If you can get yourself there somehow, it is very inexpensive. As with any international residency, when seeking funding for travel, contact the cultural consulate of the country you wish to go to and also check out transartists.org's funding link. You might find something there. Good luck...Mira
NEW PUBLIC COMMENT SECTION!
Greetings all...So there is now a place on this blog for you to leave comments. Right now it's near the bottom of the right hand side bar but I might move it up later. Please feel free to leave comments or to ask questions that you might otherwise send to me as an email. I love hearing from all of you, however, as this blog becomes more popular, it is getting harder and harder to keep up with private correspondence, especially when I don't make an income from this passionate little activity of mine. If you ask questions publicly, then others can benefit from the answers. Coming soon I will have a list of FAQs and more how-to articles on grant writing, etc. I hope to work on that over the summer. In the meantime, check out the up-coming summer and fall deadlines for great grants, residencies and other opportunities. Funding may be down all over the world but money is still out there and so are dedicated arts foundations, residency directors and the like. As the Italians say: Coraggio! Avanti Popolo!
p.s. Don't forget to take the new poll! Thanks! Mirabee
p.s. Don't forget to take the new poll! Thanks! Mirabee
GRANTS, FELLOWSHIPS, SCHOOL LOAN REPAYMENT INFO AND MORE
Today, I'll start with a quote by Martin Luther King Jr.: "Almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made the world better." On that note, here are a few tidbits for you recent grads, for women, scholars and others in the arts....coming soon will be some new FAQs! Oh, by the way, my book is going out today to publishers! Wish me luck and best to thee, Mirabee.
(RECENT GRADUATES) I originally got this announcement from artbistro.com about the new program in the U.S. for reducing student debt:
Income-Based Repayment Program:
Income-Based Repayment (IBR) is a new payment option for federal student loans. Starting July 1, 2009, it will help borrowers keep their loan payments affordable with payment caps based on their income and family size. For most eligible borrowers, IBR loan payments will be less than 10 percent of their income - and even smaller for borrowers with low earnings. IBR will also forgive remaining debt, if any, after 25 years of qualifying payments.
Who can use IBR? IBR is available to federal student loan borrowers in both the Direct and Guaranteed (or FFEL) loan programs, and covers most types of federal loans made to students, but not those made to parents. To enter IBR, you have to have enough debt relative to your income to qualify for a reduced payment. That means it would take more than 15 percent of whatever you earn above 150% of poverty level to pay off your loans on a standard 10-year payment plan. Click here for more information: http://www.ibrinfo.org/what.vp.html
(WOMEN) Career Development Grants
American Association of University Women, Career Development Grants: Career Development Grants offer up to $12,000 to women who hold a bachelor's degree and are preparing to advance their careers, change careers, or re-enter the work force. Special consideration is given to women of color, and women pursuing their first advanced degree or credentials in nontraditional fields. Write to: American Association of University Women, Career Development Grants, 301 Act Drive, Iowa City, IA 52243-4030 or e-Mail: aavw@act.org See web site for more details: www.aauw.org/education/fga/fellowships_grants/career_development.cfm. Application Deadline: December 15, 2009.
(RESEARCH) American Antiquarian Society: Research Fellowships
Long-Term Visiting Academic Research Fellowships: Long-Term Visiting Academic Research Fellowships provide support for four-to-twelve-month residences in the Society's library and carry stipends of up to $35,000. See web site for more details and deadlines. American Antiquarian Society, 185 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609-1634. E-Mail: academicfellowships@mwa.org, Website: www.americanantiquarian.org/longterm.htm. Application Deadline: October 15, 2009.
(PERF. ART/DANCERS) Call for Proposals
STREB is pleased to request proposals for its Emerging Artists Commissioning Program, funded by the Ford Foundation, the Jerome Foundation and the New York State Council on the Arts. The Commissioning Program, housed at the company’s Williamsburg home, SLAM, will accept proposals from artists whose work is movement-based, including choreographers, aerialists and circus artists. The goal of the program is to create a pool of artists who can capitalize on the resources distinct to SLAM. Either literally or conceptually, the space’s special and unusual characteristics and qualities should inform and inspire new and exciting creative experiments. Commissioning program artists will have various opportunities to showcase work throughout its development and to receive feedback from both STREB and audiences. Selected artists will receive a $2,000.00 grant plus a specific amount of time, space and resources tailored to the nature and scope of each particular project. For more info and application guidelines, go to: http://www.streb.org/V2/vision/commissions.html. All proposals must be received by July 13, 2009, 5:00pm.
(RECENT GRADUATES) I originally got this announcement from artbistro.com about the new program in the U.S. for reducing student debt:
Income-Based Repayment Program:
Income-Based Repayment (IBR) is a new payment option for federal student loans. Starting July 1, 2009, it will help borrowers keep their loan payments affordable with payment caps based on their income and family size. For most eligible borrowers, IBR loan payments will be less than 10 percent of their income - and even smaller for borrowers with low earnings. IBR will also forgive remaining debt, if any, after 25 years of qualifying payments.
Who can use IBR? IBR is available to federal student loan borrowers in both the Direct and Guaranteed (or FFEL) loan programs, and covers most types of federal loans made to students, but not those made to parents. To enter IBR, you have to have enough debt relative to your income to qualify for a reduced payment. That means it would take more than 15 percent of whatever you earn above 150% of poverty level to pay off your loans on a standard 10-year payment plan. Click here for more information: http://www.ibrinfo.org/what.vp.html
(WOMEN) Career Development Grants
American Association of University Women, Career Development Grants: Career Development Grants offer up to $12,000 to women who hold a bachelor's degree and are preparing to advance their careers, change careers, or re-enter the work force. Special consideration is given to women of color, and women pursuing their first advanced degree or credentials in nontraditional fields. Write to: American Association of University Women, Career Development Grants, 301 Act Drive, Iowa City, IA 52243-4030 or e-Mail: aavw@act.org See web site for more details: www.aauw.org/education/fga/fellowships_grants/career_development.cfm. Application Deadline: December 15, 2009.
(RESEARCH) American Antiquarian Society: Research Fellowships
Long-Term Visiting Academic Research Fellowships: Long-Term Visiting Academic Research Fellowships provide support for four-to-twelve-month residences in the Society's library and carry stipends of up to $35,000. See web site for more details and deadlines. American Antiquarian Society, 185 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609-1634. E-Mail: academicfellowships@mwa.org, Website: www.americanantiquarian.org/longterm.htm. Application Deadline: October 15, 2009.
(PERF. ART/DANCERS) Call for Proposals
STREB is pleased to request proposals for its Emerging Artists Commissioning Program, funded by the Ford Foundation, the Jerome Foundation and the New York State Council on the Arts. The Commissioning Program, housed at the company’s Williamsburg home, SLAM, will accept proposals from artists whose work is movement-based, including choreographers, aerialists and circus artists. The goal of the program is to create a pool of artists who can capitalize on the resources distinct to SLAM. Either literally or conceptually, the space’s special and unusual characteristics and qualities should inform and inspire new and exciting creative experiments. Commissioning program artists will have various opportunities to showcase work throughout its development and to receive feedback from both STREB and audiences. Selected artists will receive a $2,000.00 grant plus a specific amount of time, space and resources tailored to the nature and scope of each particular project. For more info and application guidelines, go to: http://www.streb.org/V2/vision/commissions.html. All proposals must be received by July 13, 2009, 5:00pm.
street art: joseph carnevale
carnevale has been busted & charged with misdemeanor larceny...
for more info click here
(via eyeteeth: a journal of incisive ideas)
GRANTS FOR EMERGING WRITERS, MUSICIANS, MEDIA ARTISTS AND MORE!
Greetings all and Happy Solstice. Below are a few upcoming grants and opportunities for writers, musicians and the like. Happy hunting!
(WRITERS) Grants for Emerging Writers
The Elizabeth George Foundation offers grants to unpublished fiction writers, for unpublished and published poets, and emerging playwrights. There is no website; you need to request funding through a well-written letter. In your letter, emphasize the importance of your project, the marketability of your work, a rough financial message about your situation, and details on how you'd utilize funds. Keep requests reasonable in light of these economic times. Deadline July 1, 2009. Write to: Elizabeth George, Director, PO Box 1429, Langley, WA 98260 also 4111 Shorebreak Drive, Huntington Beach, CA, 92649-2184. If you want to read my article, "Finding Money for Your Dreams," about the grant writing process, go here: http://miraslist.blogspot.com/2009/04/finding-money-for-your-dreams.html. You might find it useful if you are an emerging writer (or artist).
(WRITERS)Whidbey Writers Workshop MFA Scholarships
The Elizabeth George Foundation also now sponsers a Full Scholarship for a Whidbey Writers Workshop MFA Student. In the first phase of building its scholarship and student loan program, the Whidbey Writers Workshop, located on Whidbey Island in Washington State, is pleased to announce a full-tuition merit scholarship with the establishment of the Elizabeth George Foundation scholarship.The organization is seeking additional support to aid students. In addition to the Elizabeth George Foundation full scholarship of $12,000 for an incoming student that is renewable for a second year, the WWW is also building funding for half-tuition and quarter-tuition scholarships and for financial aid assistance. For more information, go to: http://www.writeonwhidbey.org/mfa/scholarship.htm.
(MUSICIANS/COMPOSERS) LaRue Travel Fund
The LaRue Travel Fund for Research Travel to Europe: The American Musicological Society (AMS) Jan LaRue Travel Fund is intended to encourage and assist Ph.D. candidates, post-doctoral scholars, independent scholars, and junior faculty to travel to Europe to carry out research. The fund honors the memory of Jan LaRue (1918–2004), a distinguished scholar and AMS member admired for his pioneering work on style analysis, the eighteenth-century symphony, and early computer applications in musicology. The current maximum award is $1,000. Eligible applicants must currently attend or have graduated from a doctoral program in a North American university. If they seek to conduct research for their dissertation, they must have completed all other requirements for the Ph.D. (or the equivalent doctoral degree in any field of music scholarship). If they seek to conduct post-doctoral research or are independent scholars, they should have completed the Ph. D. within the past five years. All materials music be submitted by 5 p.m. EST, 25 July 2009 to the office of the AMS. For more information and application guidelines, please visit the website: http://www.ams-net.org/awards/.
(ALL DISCIPLINES) Soros Fellowships for New Americans
The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans: The Soros Fellowships provide opportunities for continuing generations of able and accomplished new Americans to achieve leadership in their chosen fields. The Fellowship provides half tuition and $20,000 maintenance for two years. Candidates must be either holders of green cards, naturalized citizens, or children of naturalized citizen parents. For more information, go to: http://www.pdsoros.org/overview/application.shtml. The deadline is Nov. 1, 2009.
***By the way, I believe that most people applying will be seeking funding in fields such as engineering, medicine, etc. I have heard that you actually have a better chance if you are NOT in those fields. This could be one of those rare grants/fellowships that being an artist is an advantage! Go for it!
(MEDIA ARTS) Residencies and Scholarships
Residencies: 911 Media Arts Center is considered Washington State’s premiere media arts center, dedicated to supporting the expressive use of innovative new media by providing the access, training, and environment needed to create and exhibit works of artistic excellence. The Artist in Residence Program supports innovative new media artists of all disciplines, including digital filmmakers (narrative, documentary, experimental), animators, media installation and internet art. Program is flexible depending on the artist’s needs, but typically consists of project budget, equipment and facilities access, technical assistance, exhibition or screening support, and artist honorarium. Residencies range from three to six months in duration. No travel or housing support is offered.
Scholarships: Each year 911 Seattle Media Arts Center recognizes promising new voices in the media arts with one of our coveted scholarships, offering the opportunity for an artist to learn from our instructors and further their studies in the media arts field. 911 Media Arts Center hopes to increase these scholarship funds with the help of our generous donors.
1. The Artist Media Scholarship provides financial support to seed interest and exploration in the digital media arts. Open to artists of all disciplines, the $1,000 award is to be used for classes in digital media, including video and video editing offered by 911 Media Arts Center. The funds may also apply to additional resources offered at 911 Media Arts Center such as rental of video and editing equipment, and for artist projects needing technical assistance. All levels of experience (including no experience at all) in digital media are eligible.
2. The Youth Tech Scholarship was created to introduce and motivate young people to experiment, explore and succeed in media arts and technology. This $1,000 award is solely for classes at 911 Media Arts Center as well as special programs specifically geared for young students at 911 Media Arts Center. Currently we are accepting applications from individuals, ages 16 to 19 years old. All levels of experience in digital media are eligible for this scholarship as well. Applications due September 15th, 2009 for both scholarships. Check website for details and application guidelines: http://www.911media.org/education/scholarships.
(WRITERS) Grants for Emerging Writers
The Elizabeth George Foundation offers grants to unpublished fiction writers, for unpublished and published poets, and emerging playwrights. There is no website; you need to request funding through a well-written letter. In your letter, emphasize the importance of your project, the marketability of your work, a rough financial message about your situation, and details on how you'd utilize funds. Keep requests reasonable in light of these economic times. Deadline July 1, 2009. Write to: Elizabeth George, Director, PO Box 1429, Langley, WA 98260 also 4111 Shorebreak Drive, Huntington Beach, CA, 92649-2184. If you want to read my article, "Finding Money for Your Dreams," about the grant writing process, go here: http://miraslist.blogspot.com/2009/04/finding-money-for-your-dreams.html. You might find it useful if you are an emerging writer (or artist).
(WRITERS)Whidbey Writers Workshop MFA Scholarships
The Elizabeth George Foundation also now sponsers a Full Scholarship for a Whidbey Writers Workshop MFA Student. In the first phase of building its scholarship and student loan program, the Whidbey Writers Workshop, located on Whidbey Island in Washington State, is pleased to announce a full-tuition merit scholarship with the establishment of the Elizabeth George Foundation scholarship.The organization is seeking additional support to aid students. In addition to the Elizabeth George Foundation full scholarship of $12,000 for an incoming student that is renewable for a second year, the WWW is also building funding for half-tuition and quarter-tuition scholarships and for financial aid assistance. For more information, go to: http://www.writeonwhidbey.org/mfa/scholarship.htm.
(MUSICIANS/COMPOSERS) LaRue Travel Fund
The LaRue Travel Fund for Research Travel to Europe: The American Musicological Society (AMS) Jan LaRue Travel Fund is intended to encourage and assist Ph.D. candidates, post-doctoral scholars, independent scholars, and junior faculty to travel to Europe to carry out research. The fund honors the memory of Jan LaRue (1918–2004), a distinguished scholar and AMS member admired for his pioneering work on style analysis, the eighteenth-century symphony, and early computer applications in musicology. The current maximum award is $1,000. Eligible applicants must currently attend or have graduated from a doctoral program in a North American university. If they seek to conduct research for their dissertation, they must have completed all other requirements for the Ph.D. (or the equivalent doctoral degree in any field of music scholarship). If they seek to conduct post-doctoral research or are independent scholars, they should have completed the Ph. D. within the past five years. All materials music be submitted by 5 p.m. EST, 25 July 2009 to the office of the AMS. For more information and application guidelines, please visit the website: http://www.ams-net.org/awards/.
(ALL DISCIPLINES) Soros Fellowships for New Americans
The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans: The Soros Fellowships provide opportunities for continuing generations of able and accomplished new Americans to achieve leadership in their chosen fields. The Fellowship provides half tuition and $20,000 maintenance for two years. Candidates must be either holders of green cards, naturalized citizens, or children of naturalized citizen parents. For more information, go to: http://www.pdsoros.org/overview/application.shtml. The deadline is Nov. 1, 2009.
***By the way, I believe that most people applying will be seeking funding in fields such as engineering, medicine, etc. I have heard that you actually have a better chance if you are NOT in those fields. This could be one of those rare grants/fellowships that being an artist is an advantage! Go for it!
(MEDIA ARTS) Residencies and Scholarships
Residencies: 911 Media Arts Center is considered Washington State’s premiere media arts center, dedicated to supporting the expressive use of innovative new media by providing the access, training, and environment needed to create and exhibit works of artistic excellence. The Artist in Residence Program supports innovative new media artists of all disciplines, including digital filmmakers (narrative, documentary, experimental), animators, media installation and internet art. Program is flexible depending on the artist’s needs, but typically consists of project budget, equipment and facilities access, technical assistance, exhibition or screening support, and artist honorarium. Residencies range from three to six months in duration. No travel or housing support is offered.
Scholarships: Each year 911 Seattle Media Arts Center recognizes promising new voices in the media arts with one of our coveted scholarships, offering the opportunity for an artist to learn from our instructors and further their studies in the media arts field. 911 Media Arts Center hopes to increase these scholarship funds with the help of our generous donors.
1. The Artist Media Scholarship provides financial support to seed interest and exploration in the digital media arts. Open to artists of all disciplines, the $1,000 award is to be used for classes in digital media, including video and video editing offered by 911 Media Arts Center. The funds may also apply to additional resources offered at 911 Media Arts Center such as rental of video and editing equipment, and for artist projects needing technical assistance. All levels of experience (including no experience at all) in digital media are eligible.
2. The Youth Tech Scholarship was created to introduce and motivate young people to experiment, explore and succeed in media arts and technology. This $1,000 award is solely for classes at 911 Media Arts Center as well as special programs specifically geared for young students at 911 Media Arts Center. Currently we are accepting applications from individuals, ages 16 to 19 years old. All levels of experience in digital media are eligible for this scholarship as well. Applications due September 15th, 2009 for both scholarships. Check website for details and application guidelines: http://www.911media.org/education/scholarships.
apol lejano-massebieau : artists who blog
Apol's blog: www.lapommeblogs.blogspot.com
Apol's shops: www.lapomme.etsy.com, www.lapommestories.etsy.com
Why did you decide to start a blog?
I already had a blog before La Pomme, called Provenciana, that was devoted to my observations of life in the south of France, where I had just moved. I kept that one for about two years and it really helped me process the adjustment difficulties I went through; at the same time it was also a wonderfully creative experience, as the blog was written in a sort of humorous, literary way, and has now been published into a book. (A reception/reading is going to be held in Paris in June!) So I already felt positively about blogs. When I began selling my creations online, it sort of came naturally for me to start another blog, as this was another personal adventure I wanted to document.
How did you come up with the name of your blog?
The blog is named after my online shops, La Pomme and La Pomme Stories, both of which in turn are named after me. People who’ve read about me in the past might be bored by this story already, as I’m always telling it, sorry! Anyway, my name is Apol Lejano-Massebieau, and Apol was originally spelled Apple, like the fruit, except I changed it when I was a teenager in a feeble attempt to sound more original. So anyway, "la pomme" is French for "the apple." I’m egocentric that way. ☺
How has blogging affected your work as an artist/designer?
I think that because I am striving to make the blog a virtual notebook of the things that inspire me, the biggest thing is that it has made me more conscious of what exactly these sources of inspiration are. When I am engaged in an activity or even just looking at an object that moves or excites me in a creative way, I now tend to whip out my camera and take a picture, because I know I want to blog about it. Before blogging, these experiences would just stay in my brain and come out as an objects already made, a soft sculpture, for example. The process of writing about it in my blog gives me a halfway point, where I actually have to think about and verbalize, and therefore become conscious of, where my ideas are coming from. I think this is great because being self-taught, I have not had any formal art training and this allows me to strengthen my visual vocabulary.
What are your favorite artist/designer blogs? Why?
I love love love looking at the blogs of soft sculpture artists whose works I admire, especially if their blogs contain lots of photos! Looking at their works give me joy. Some of these artists’ blogs are the following:
annwood
whileshenaps
stephaniecongdonbarnes
Do you have any advice for artists/designers who are starting a blog?
This is something I just learned myself: Don’t be afraid to open up and share more of yourself and your process in your blog. Of course, it’s up to each individual to set limits as to what personal things he is willing to talk about, but I think it’s rewarding both ways to let your readers into your head more.
What has been the most positive and inspirational aspect of having a blog for you?
My readers’ comments leave me pleasantly surprised at how complete strangers from all different countries are responding to my works. I spend a lot of my time alone in my workshop, and it’s a way of working that pleases me enormously, however having some sort of feedback is also very nice.
What do you find the most difficult/most rewarding part of having a creative profession?
The most difficult part is learning how to market my own creations. I’m still an amateur in that area, but I’m picking things up as I go along. At the same time, I’m also finding this process a rewarding experience – not the no. 1 most rewarding, but admittedly very satisfying – as it is allowing me to learn skills I did not have before. I’m a very energetic creature, and I always – always – need to be doing something new to keep myself happy.
Other than your blog, what has been the most effective way for you to promote your art/design?
Aside from my blog, my flickr account, and also occasionally touching base with design and crafts sites to tell them if I have something new cooking up. In a few weeks, I plan to start sending off a monthly or a bimonthly newsletter to people on my mailing list. As I already said, this marketing part is difficult, and sometimes when something is difficult we tend to not do it, right? So I’m in the baby stages of creating a partnership with another textile artist whose works I admire, Dana Komjaty of Leililaloo, and we’ll be helping each other out in this area.
How do you maintain a healthy work/life balance?
I don’t. Heehee. Seriously, at the moment, it’s just my husband and I, so even if both of us sometimes spend 12 to 14 hours working, it’s not a problem. We do, however, always make it a point to have dinner together every night – even if the dinner happens at 10 or 11 p.m. – and also to do something on Sundays –a motorcycle ride through the country, a picnic, a bit of rock-climbing, a movie, or even just going to the market together in the morning and cooking something special after. We’re expecting our first child soon, though, so I’m quite certain that things will be a little less relaxed then!
What are your main goals for 2009?
I’d like to be able to establish La Pomme more as a brand. A short, simple sentence that calls for a lot of work! Also, I write very short, modern fairytales, some of which you can see in my shop La Pomme Stories, and I’d be ecstatic to be able to have these published as a collection, in book form.
Thanks Apol!
ENVIRONMENTAL ARTISTS GRANTS, BERLIN FELLOWSHIPS AND MORE
(ARTISTS) Bernheim Outdoor Art Fellowship
This fellowship is only offered every other year. Bernheim is a beautiful 14,000-acre property located 25 miles south of Louisville, Kentucky. It encompasses a nationally recognized arboretum and 14,000 acres of natural area protecting diverse plant and animal species. Over fifty miles of hiking trails, outdoor exhibits and other facilities offer abundant recreational and inspirational opportunities, which attracts thousands of visitors each year.
The goal in all of Bernheim’s activities is to help realize its mission of strengthening the bond between people and nature by finding new ways to connect nature with people’s everyday lives. The Bernheim Indoor Art Fellowship is given semi-annually to a talented artist who will work within the Forest and/or Arboretum to create works that are inspired by and installed in the natural world. The Fellowship provides the artist an opportunity to advance his or her own skills and career while enhancing awareness of Bernheim’s goals regionally, nationally and internationally. The Fellow recipient is required to live at Bernheim for up to three months while working on his/her project. Bernheim will provide comfortable housing in a beautiful wooded setting, plus a financial grant of up to $2,500.00 to cover travel, and other expenses. Materials may be provided or funded depending on the proposed projects. Applications will be accepted from Nov. 1 to Feb. 28. Visit the website for more info: http://www.bernheim.org/art_fellows.htm.
***This grant is offered every other year and I THINK this is the right year to apply, but please double check on the website.
(ALL DISCIPLINES) American Academy in Berlin
Berlin Prize Fellowship: Residential fellowships offer round-trip airfare, housing at the Academy, partial board, and a stipend ranging from $3,500 to $5,000 per month to emerging as well as established scholars, writers, and professionals who wish to engage in independent study in Berlin for an academic semester or in rare cases for an entire academic year. Fellows are expected to be in residence at the Academy during the entire term of the award. Application forms may be downloaded from the American Academy's web site: www.americanacademy.de/home/fellows/applications. You can also write to: Berlin Prize Fellowship, Am Sandwerder 17-19, 14109 Berlin, Germany. You email for more information at: applications@americanacademy.de. Deadline for applications is October 1, 2009.
(POETS) Amy Lowell Poetry Travelling Scholarship
The Amy Lowell Poetry Travelling Scholarship awards approximately $32,000 annually to an American-born poet to spend one year outside North America, in whatever place the recipient feels will most advance his or her work. Recipients in recent years have included published poets with professional standing. Write for application form and guidelines. F. Davis Dassori, Esq. Choate, Hall & Stewart, Exchange Place, 53 State Street, Boston, MA 02109-2891. E-Mail Address: amylowell@choate.com, Website: www.amylowell.org. Application Deadline: October 15, 2009.
(WRITERS & TRANSLATORS) Omi International Arts Center Residency
The Ledig House International Writers Residency is located approximately two and a half hours north of New York City in the town of Omi, in the scenic Hudson River Valley. Writers and translators from all fields are encouraged to apply for a residence lasting anywhere from one week to two months. Up to twenty writers per session—ten at a given time—live and write on the stunning 300-acre grounds and sculpture park that overlook the Catskill Mountains. Ledig House provides all meals, and each night a cook prepares dinner. For more information, write to: Ledig House Applications, Omi, Inc., 55 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10003 or E-Mail: writers@artomi.org OR visit the website: www.artomi.org. Application Deadline: November 20, 2009.
This fellowship is only offered every other year. Bernheim is a beautiful 14,000-acre property located 25 miles south of Louisville, Kentucky. It encompasses a nationally recognized arboretum and 14,000 acres of natural area protecting diverse plant and animal species. Over fifty miles of hiking trails, outdoor exhibits and other facilities offer abundant recreational and inspirational opportunities, which attracts thousands of visitors each year.
The goal in all of Bernheim’s activities is to help realize its mission of strengthening the bond between people and nature by finding new ways to connect nature with people’s everyday lives. The Bernheim Indoor Art Fellowship is given semi-annually to a talented artist who will work within the Forest and/or Arboretum to create works that are inspired by and installed in the natural world. The Fellowship provides the artist an opportunity to advance his or her own skills and career while enhancing awareness of Bernheim’s goals regionally, nationally and internationally. The Fellow recipient is required to live at Bernheim for up to three months while working on his/her project. Bernheim will provide comfortable housing in a beautiful wooded setting, plus a financial grant of up to $2,500.00 to cover travel, and other expenses. Materials may be provided or funded depending on the proposed projects. Applications will be accepted from Nov. 1 to Feb. 28. Visit the website for more info: http://www.bernheim.org/art_fellows.htm.
***This grant is offered every other year and I THINK this is the right year to apply, but please double check on the website.
(ALL DISCIPLINES) American Academy in Berlin
Berlin Prize Fellowship: Residential fellowships offer round-trip airfare, housing at the Academy, partial board, and a stipend ranging from $3,500 to $5,000 per month to emerging as well as established scholars, writers, and professionals who wish to engage in independent study in Berlin for an academic semester or in rare cases for an entire academic year. Fellows are expected to be in residence at the Academy during the entire term of the award. Application forms may be downloaded from the American Academy's web site: www.americanacademy.de/home/fellows/applications. You can also write to: Berlin Prize Fellowship, Am Sandwerder 17-19, 14109 Berlin, Germany. You email for more information at: applications@americanacademy.de. Deadline for applications is October 1, 2009.
(POETS) Amy Lowell Poetry Travelling Scholarship
The Amy Lowell Poetry Travelling Scholarship awards approximately $32,000 annually to an American-born poet to spend one year outside North America, in whatever place the recipient feels will most advance his or her work. Recipients in recent years have included published poets with professional standing. Write for application form and guidelines. F. Davis Dassori, Esq. Choate, Hall & Stewart, Exchange Place, 53 State Street, Boston, MA 02109-2891. E-Mail Address: amylowell@choate.com, Website: www.amylowell.org. Application Deadline: October 15, 2009.
(WRITERS & TRANSLATORS) Omi International Arts Center Residency
The Ledig House International Writers Residency is located approximately two and a half hours north of New York City in the town of Omi, in the scenic Hudson River Valley. Writers and translators from all fields are encouraged to apply for a residence lasting anywhere from one week to two months. Up to twenty writers per session—ten at a given time—live and write on the stunning 300-acre grounds and sculpture park that overlook the Catskill Mountains. Ledig House provides all meals, and each night a cook prepares dinner. For more information, write to: Ledig House Applications, Omi, Inc., 55 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10003 or E-Mail: writers@artomi.org OR visit the website: www.artomi.org. Application Deadline: November 20, 2009.
showtime: florentijn hofman in gallery west, the hague
click here for florentijn's site, featuring more plush & other fab creatures and here for the gallery
(via wooster collective)
SWEET DREAMS
Well...for your information, the interview I did on the radio today with wonderful Mo Ringey at Valley Free Radio went really well and was a blast but...due to the spontaneous and meandering nature of the show, we ended up talking nearly the entire time about my forthcoming book, The Memory Palace, which left only about five minutes of air time to chat about Mira's List and how to find residencies, fellowships and grants. Sorry everyone! But I had to follow the flow of conversation and my radio host's interest ao it just turned out that way. Anyway, I promise I will do another sometime in the not so distant future. I might post the recording anyway, once I edit it a bit, just so you can hear about my book (and a little about this blog).
I have one more day of final edits and then my book is going out. I'll get back to hunting things down for you over the weekend, if not before. In the meantime, TAKE MY NEW TWO SECOND POLL on the right side bar...keep making art, apply for everything and be fearless! Sweet dreams....Mirabee
I have one more day of final edits and then my book is going out. I'll get back to hunting things down for you over the weekend, if not before. In the meantime, TAKE MY NEW TWO SECOND POLL on the right side bar...keep making art, apply for everything and be fearless! Sweet dreams....Mirabee
RADIO INTERVIEW TOMORROW, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17th!
Well, believe it or not, it's really true. The radio interview is going to happen tomorrow morning (Wednesday, June 17th) from 8 to 9 a.m. EST, so if you are in the Pioneer Valley in Massachusetts, tune in to 103.3 FM or go to http://www.valleyfreeradio.org and stream it live. I will be on Mo Ringey's Valley Free Radio (Mo Radio) talking about Mira's List and how all you people can get money, time and a place to create. If you aren't in the area, you'll be able to listen to the interview sometime soon after at http://www.benigngirl.wordpress.com or www.valleyfreeradio.org. OR check back here at Mira's List because I'll post an MP3 of the interview on my blog.
INTERNATIONAL RESIDENCIES IN BALI, GREECE AND MORE!
(ALL DISCIPLINES) Residency in BaliThe Bali Purnati Center for the Arts in Indonesia offers up to twelve artist residencies twice a year (three months each spring and fall) to artists in a variety of disciplines. Eligible fields include performing, visual arts, written word, music and film. The foundation seeks to support early stage development of ground-breaking works fusing original stories and traditions in Asia with contemporary artistic vision. For more info, write: info@balipurnati.com or visit the website at: http://www.balipurnati.com. The cost is approximately $35 a day, which includes food, lodging and studio space. The next deadline is in July but please check website for details.
(ALL DISCIPLINES) Residency in Australia
Art in Motion Residency: Calling Artists interested in time and space for two weeks to a month in Australia. Deadline is August 1, 2009, for 2009-2010 residencies. This will be a time of creative space on farm land on the mid-north coast of Australia which is one of the holiday destinations for Sydneysiders in the summer months. Facing the spectacular views of the lake this is a space to feel free enough to focus on whatever project you aspire to as an artist. The retreat exists to allow artists time to work without distractions. Located in a rural area, and there is no public interaction (rules prohibiting anyone from interrupting artists in their studios between 9:00 and 5:00). Payment (payment of actual expenses), one artist per residency can simply come for free. Scholarship funded by the local community. Open to artists from all nations, artists are requested to send in documentation, a curriculum vitae, a motivation and a necessary a project proposal. Please contact the website for more information on scholarships and application guidelines: http://www.artinmotion.com.au/residency.htm or contact: Karen (0408) 118-648, email: artinmotion@bigpond.com or write: PO Box 155, Berowra 2081 NSW, AUSTRALIA
(ALL DISCIPLINES) Yaddo Residency
Yaddo Residency in Saratoga Springs, New York: Residencies for creative artists working at a professional level in their field and repeat residencies permitted. Five week residencies take place year-round. Yaddo provides housing, meals, studios, travel assistance and materials stipend. $20 application fee. All facilities are accessible. Accommodations can be made for artists with hearing or vision impairments. For more information, write: Yaddo, PO Box 395, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or call: 518/584-0746, email: yaddo@yaddo.org or visit the website: http://www.yaddo.org. The next deadline is August 1, 2009, but please double check with the website to make sure. ***A word to the wise: like MacDowell, this residency is more appropriate for mid-career to established artists and less for emerging ones.
(DANCE/PERFORMING ARTS) Residency in Greece
KINITIRAS DANCE SPECTACLE was founded in 1996. Since then, Kinitiras has a continuous presence in the field of dance-theatre focusing on the theatrical character of dance. The company is working based on the theories of Rudolf Laban, Augusto Boal and Devised Theatre Co. KINITIRAS has recently started a residency program for dancers, so please check their website for more details: www.kinitiras.com.
andrei molodkin
during our recent visit to scope basel were blown away by the work of andrei molodkin. click here for more of his work and here for kashya hildebrand, his zurich gallery who were so kind offering us his catalogue.
looking forward seeing more of his work @ venice biennale
MICRO GRANTS FOR ARTISTS
Good morning all...I just came across this interesting item about micro-grants for artists a couple days ago on the blog, Another Limited Rebellion (http://www.alrdesign.com/blog/2009/05/micro-grants-for-artists.html) They mentioned another site called Society6 that has started this system of micro-grants and opportunities for emerging artists. If you don't know about the micro grant system, it's a grassroots system of helping fund individuals who want to jump start their careers. Up until now, as far as I know, projects like this have mostly been set up for individuals in developing countries, the most well known of these organizations is kiva.org. These, however are loans, not grants, although perhaps that has changed. The way kiva.org operates is like this: say a woman in Afganistan needs a couple sewing machines to start a textile business out of her home, she can contact kiva. org and they will publicize how much she needs, etc. and people from all over the world can give her a small loan, usually around $100 to $300. Anyway, it looks like Society6 is doing that for artists now but in the form of grants and opportunities, not loans. Read what ALR has to say about it:
Another Limited Rebellion also explains: "Society6 micro-grants are currently available in two forms, money or opportunities. Opportunity grants provide a nice recession-friendly alternative for cash-constrained supporters to offer assistance through free products (e.g. supplies), free services (e.g. studio time) and other distinctive opportunities that money just can’t buy (e.g. feature in a magazine).”
To learn more about Society6 and what they offer to artists, go to: http://www.society6.com/grants/open. Also check out the ALR site while you're at it!
“Society6 makes the grant-making process easy and accessible to all individuals, non-profit organizations and corporations who want to support the future of the arts. “When we started to look at the existing support infrastructure for artists and other creative people, we realized that it was particularly bureaucratic, exclusive and wasn’t designed for scale. We’ve re-imagined the entire process in the form of a meritocracy, where a greater number of artists can receive unrestricted grant assistance based solely on the merit of their work as determined by their peers”, said co-founder, Lucas Tirigall-Caste.
Another Limited Rebellion also explains: "Society6 micro-grants are currently available in two forms, money or opportunities. Opportunity grants provide a nice recession-friendly alternative for cash-constrained supporters to offer assistance through free products (e.g. supplies), free services (e.g. studio time) and other distinctive opportunities that money just can’t buy (e.g. feature in a magazine).”
To learn more about Society6 and what they offer to artists, go to: http://www.society6.com/grants/open. Also check out the ALR site while you're at it!
COMIC BOOK ARTIST GRANTS, FELLOWSHIPS FOR COMPOSERS, AND SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE ELSE!
(ARTISTS, WRITERS, COMPOSERS) Alonzo Davis Fellowship: Initiated by Virginia Center for the Creative Arts (VCCA) Fellow and former board member Alonzo Davis, this fellowship has been established as an endowment to support writers, visual artists and composers who are American citizens of African or Latino descent. VCCA is located on 450 acres of rolling Blue Ridge farmland. Each residency includes a comfortable, private bedroom, three meals a day, and a private studio where artists may concentrate on their work. The fund will provide residencies at the VCCA for artists annually. Please indicate on your application that you are applying for the Alonzo Davis Fellowship. For application guidelines and information, please go to: http://www.vcca.com/otherprg.html.COMIC BOOK ARTIST GRANTS
The Xeric Foundation offers $5,000 grants for comic book artists who wish to publish their own comics. Proposals are reviewed on a semiannual basis by a distribution committee. Requests must be postmarked (not delivered) by the review deadline date to be considered at that review. Early application is encouraged. Reply cards will be sent as notification that applications have been received. Response letters will be mailed to all applicants six weeks after the review date. The next review deadline is September 30, 2009. Please check the website for details and application guidelines: http://www.xericfoundation.org. Please submit all proposals and queries to: Xeric Foundation , 351 Pleasant Street #214, Northampton, MA 01060. For more info, check the website or email: xericgrant@aol.com or call: 413/ 585-0671.
(BOOK ARTISTS) MCBA Residency
Minnesota Center for Book Arts' Artists-in-Residence Program: The Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program is designed to support selected artists by providing resources, space and equipment to assist in the creation and promotion of their work. In turn, artists provide technical and educational assistance to Minnesota Center for Book Arts. Residencies may be from two weeks to four months in duration. Studios and equipment are available to facilitate work in papermaking, printing and bookbinding. Participation in the program is based on the artistic merit of proposed projects as well as the degree to which artists further MCBA's artistic vision: to preserve the traditional crafts of fine printing, bookbinding and papermaking; champion book art as a vital contemporary art form; and demonstrate the critical role artists' books play in the advancement of cultural and visual literacy. For more information, please go to the website: http://www.mnbookarts.org/artistsprograms/air.html.
(BOOK ARTISTS, WRITERS) Artist-in-Residence
The STAR program (Students-Teachers-Artists in Residence) is an artists' residency program at Eagle Hill School in rural Hardwick, Massachusetts (www.ehs1.org) They are currently seeking artists for a three-month residency titled “Pre-write to Publish: The Whole Book.” The residency will begin September, 2009. The program is housed at Eagle Hill’s state-of-the-art Cultural Center (www.centerateaglehill.org), a new regional venue for the visual and performing arts. STAR brings to their campus distinguished artists of all disciplines to work on their own creative projects while collaborating with students and teachers on cross-disciplinary learning adventures. “Pre-write to Publish: The Whole Book,” is a residency for two artists who are interested in sharing their experiences concerning the process of producing books. For this residency, STAR seeks artists who are skilled writers, illustrators, book binders, publishers or specialists in handmade artists’ books, one-of-a-kind editions, and experimental book forms who are seeking the kind of time, space and support that will enable them to move forward with their writing and book making ambitions.
The selected writer/publisher will have 24/7 access to a quiet and comfortably furnished living room style work space, and the selected Book Artist will have 24/7 access to 1000’ of studio space and the use of an 1887 Platen Letterpress with assorted type as well as computers with Adobe Design Premium and a state-of-the-art networked color copier. Also, STAR provides three excellent meals a day, a monthly stipend of $500, supplies, and ample time to work on independent projects. For more info, please contact: Pat Bock, STAR Coordinator, The Cultural Center at Eagle Hill, PO Box 116, 242 Old Petersham Road, Hardwick, MA 01037. Phone: (413) 477-6000, x1856, website: www.thecenterateaglehill.org.
(MUSICIANS) The Noah Greenberg Award
The Noah Greenberg Award was established by the Trustees of the New York Pro Musica Antiqua in memory of their founder and first director. The award is intended as a grant-in-aid to stimulate active cooperation between scholars and performers by recognizing and fostering outstanding contributions to historical performing practices. Both scholars and performers may apply, since the Award may subsidize the publication costs of articles, monographs, or editions, as well as public performance, recordings, or other projects. The award is given annually. The winner receives a monetary prize ($2,000) and a certificate, conferred at the Annual Business Meeting and Awards Presentation of the Society by the chair of the committee. The Award Committee invites applications for the award, to be received by August 15, 2009. Applicants need not be members of the Society. For more information on this grant and others, go to: http://www.ams-net.org/grants.php.
whitney smith : artists who blog
Whitney's blog: www.whitneys-pottery.blogspot.com
Whitney's website: www.whitneysmithpottery.com
Whitney's shop: www.whitneysmith.etsy.com
Why did you decide to start a blog?
I have a lot to say, as the people in my life know all too well, and I’m always framing my daily life and thoughts into stories and essays. I wasn’t sure what the blog thing was really all about, but when my friend Diana Fayt started hers about 3 years ago I saw how you could really write about whatever you wanted. I realized I could get out of my head and share my experiences as an artist with other people, while also using my blog as a promotional tool.
How did you come up with the name of your blog?
I’m a huge fan of this American life, and I’m not ashamed to admit I totally ripped the idea of the name off from them. I hope they don’t sue me now.
How has blogging affected your work as an artist/designer?
It hadn’t affected my ceramic work per se. I do pay more attention to what is going through my mind or what is happening in the studio day to day so I can write about it later for my blog. I have been a writer all my life and I haven’t had much time for it since starting my ceramic business in 1998, so blogging has opened that part of my life up again.
What are your favorite artist/designer blogs? Why?
outofcharacter because this woman is a great writer and hilarious, totally sick and twisted. I’ve been reading posy gets cozy forever and I have an extremely fond affection for Alicia and all she does, and she’s also a great and engaging writer. My ceramic artist friend Rae Dunn has a dog who writes a blog! I just think it’s so funny. I really appreciate blogs that have a strong voice of the person—or dog-- who writes it. I’m not so into looking at pictures or products, I’m interested in people’s lives.
Do you have any advice for artists/designers who are starting a blog?
Have a point of view, take the time to edit and write well. If you can’t do that, take lots of pretty pictures and keep it short. I probably won’t read it but lots of other people will!
What has been the most positive and inspirational aspect of having a blog for you?
Connecting with others who like me and/or my work has been wonderful and has opened up a new world of people for me—clients, clay pals, fans, stores. When people come up to me at a show and say, “I love your blog!” it gives me a major thrill, and also makes me feel kinda famous. I also like bringing up topics that are not often discussed, like copying on etsy, what it’s like to be tortured by demanding clients, or having a big order go totally of the rails.
What do you find the most difficult/most rewarding part of having a creative profession?
The most difficult part is dealing with my failures and having no one to blame. I have to take full responsibility for everything that happens in my business, even when it is one of my assistants who messes something up. The most rewarding part is being able to do what I love most, which is creating beautiful things with my hands, and being able to arrive at my studio every day when it is most convenient for me, not a boss.
Other than your blog, what has been the most effective way for you to promote your art/design?
Having a regularly updated website and steady press seems to really give me a promotional boost. And wholesaling to stores nationwide also seems to build my name.
How do you maintain a healthy work/life balance?
That question implies that I maintain a healthy work/life balance. I’ve found that balance is one of those passing things, like happiness or frustration. I strive for balance by keeping a regimen of scheduled exercise, healthy food, time for friends, no work on the weekends or late into the evening, and a strict daily intake of coffee. Of course, when I’m under pressure all of those rules go right out the window. Except for the coffee part. That’s the one steady thing in my day: there’s always coffee.
What are your main goals for 2009?
On the business side, keeping my sales at the same or better level as 2008 despite the weird economy, getting some major print press, and continuing to develop new lines of work. On the personal side, taking better care of myself, being sweet to my husband every day, and keeping a garden alive through the whole summer.
Thanks Whitney!
