Call for Art: Creatives Helping Creatives

As we all know by now Hurricane Harvey has caused tremendous devastation to many in Texas. While no one can help everyone, we all can help someone. This art show is all about creatives helping other creatives in their time of need.
The staff of the Alley Theatre has suffered personally as possessions, automobiles, and homes have been damaged and destroyed. We are very concerned about and their recovery during this trying time.
A portion of the proceeds from this exhibit will benefit the Alley Theatre Employee Flood Assistance Fund.

The Cider Press Café and curator John Gascot invite Tampa Bay artists to submit entries for this upcoming exhibit. This will be a non-theme "Artist's Choice "exhibit. Artists may submit up to 5 quality images of available works. Each entry should measure no less than 6x6" and no larger than 24" x 30.
The show will run from September 12, 2017 through November 6, 2017.
Commission split: 50% artist/50% Flood Relief
Please submit images along with Title/Medium/Size information for each to jgascot@gascot.com

Due to the nature of this effort the submission period is shorter than usual.
Submission deadline: Thursday, September 7, 2017.
Acceptance emails will be sent by Friday, September 8, 2017.
All accepted works MUST be delivered on Saturday, September 9, Noon.

A fundraiser event/reception will be held at a soon TBA date.

If you wish to receive email notifications about future artist calls or if you are submitting for this one please join the Artist Call email list via the link below.

 http://eepurl.com/bIofsz

Call for Artists: Bow Wow Meow!

Boston Martini, acrylic and ink on canvas, 12" x 16", available

Pom Pom's Teahouse and Sandwicheria, St. Pete invites Tampa Bay artists to submit entries for its upcoming exhibit Bow Wow Meow!: Art Exhibit for Friends of Strays.  This is exhibit, benefiting Friends of Strays' emergency medical fund, will focus on the two types of animals rescued, housed and cared for and adopted out at the non-profit shelter; cats and dogs. Anything from realism, portraiture, whimsical and even abstracted depictions will be considered in the jurying process. You may submit up to 5 quality images (at least 500x500 and no larger than 1000x1000 pixels) of available abstract works. Each entry should measure no smaller than 8" x 8" and no larger than 30" x 40". All work must be properly wired and ready to hang on a display system upon delivery (no sawtooth hangers, wire only, please).

Bow Wow Meow! will run from October 3rd through December 4th, 2016. Commission split is 40% (curator/charity), with 60% to the artist. Artists may choose to voluntarily donate a greater percentage to Friends of Strays. Please submit images along with Title/Medium/Size info for each to: jgascot@gascot.com

Submission deadline: Friday, September 23.

Acceptance emails will be sent by Monday, September 26. 

All accepted works must be delivered on Sunday, October 2nd, 5:00 pm.

An opening reception for this exhibit will be held on Saturday, October 8, 6-9pm during St. Pete's Second Saturday Art Walk.

If you wish to receive email notifications about future artist calls or if you are submitting for this one please join the Artist Call email list via the link below:

 http://eepurl.com/bIofsz

#AllLivesMatter vs. #BlackLivesMatter

That all lives matter is implicit in the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Those who continue to add a "MOST" at the end of #BlackLivesMatter are either unable or unwilling to comprehend how dismissive the #AllLivesMatter response is. You would not walk into a Pediatric Cancer benefit holding a sign that says "Adults with Cancer Matter Too!" because you already know they do. So clearly the operative word that people continue to have an issue with is "Black". 
I'm well aware that this image is neither decorative nor easy to view (for many), but it is a sincere artistic expression of my outrage towards the #AllLivesMatter movement which is being used to negate and erase the #BlackLivesMatter movement in the USA. It symbolizes the regression in which we seem headed as a nation to the days of blatant racism as a way of life.

Limited edition of 25 per size.
Each print is signed and numbered by the artist.
Printed on archival Enhanced Matte Fine Art paper.
50% OF THE PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF THESE PRINTS WILL BE DONATED TO #BlackLivesMatter.

Prints available from Latin Pop Shop.

#AllLivesMatter, mixed media on canvas, 16" x 20"
Original available.

Partnering with Friends of Strays Animal Shelter

I'm thrilled to announce that I am partnering up with Friends Of Strays Animal Shelter on a number of projects. Here is the start of our partnership. 50% of all sales of these greeting cards will benefit the shelter.
Order yours here.

Latin Pop Shop Mobile Gallery

It has been my dream for a long long time to open an artful establishment that brings affordable art to the public. My dream of opening Latin Pop Shop as an art "retail" space that also gives back to its community has been put on hold in years past due to lack of start up funds and many personal changes and growth. I am now settled in my dream community and am ready to take my dream to the next level. 

While today might not be the day to launch Latin Pop Shop as a brick and mortar, I can bring it to the public as a mobile gallery. Saint Petersburg is not only an arts destination, it is abundant with outdoor markets and festivals. Why not continue to work from my home studio and run Latin Pop Shop at various locations? I have already been accepted to one ongoing market and more applications have been submitted. I will soon  be able to have regular "store hours" at various locations.

I believe in giving back to the community and I do so through my art in a variety of ways. I donate works to various charitable organizations and have collaborately created art installations that raised funds for and helped feed the needy, but my favorite contribution to the community comes in the form of hands-on volunteer workshops that help unlock creativity in children for whom art and art-making might not be accessible as well as children with special needs, such as autism.  I also enjoy painting in public spaces to engage with the community. I have recently applied to a program that creates public works of art for all to enjoy and be inspired and uplifted by.

So while this might be a bit long-winded, it might give you an idea of who I am and what my artistic and personal goals and dreams are. I'm a simple guy, who loves to create and help others through creativity. I of course have to sell my work in order to keep my goals on track and have the means to donate my time and art to the community. 

I am ready to take that next step by bringing Latin Pop Shop to the public. I am almost there! With your help I can make this goal a reality. 

All funds raised will be used  SOLELY in the obtaining of items I still need to launch such as: a festival tent with walls, grid walls from which to hang the art, display racks to hold cards and small paintings, a medium print bin, lighting for evening art walks, business banner... I have already acquired the rest of items such as tables, easels, and other retail incidentals. 

Now, let me tell you about some art goodies I would like to thank those who support my efforts with. Each and every donation, small or big is greatly appreciated. The listed donation amounts will receive the following:

$10 -$24 donation- Original mini abstract art magnet.

$25-$49 donation- Original mini abstract art magnet and a 5" x 7" linocut block print.

$50-$99 donation- Original mini abstract art magnet, a 5" x 7" linocut block print and a 5" x 7" painting.

$100-$199 donation- Original mini abstract art magnet, a 5" x 7" original linocut block print and an original 8" x 10" painting.

$200-$299 donation- Original mini abstract art magnet, a 5" x 7" original linocut block print and an original 11" x 14" painting.

$300-$499 donation- Original mini abstract art magnet, a 5" x 7" original linocut block print and an original 16" x 20" painting.

$500 or more donation- Original mini abstract art magnet, a 5" x 7" original linocut block print and an original 18" x 24" CUSTOM painting (you pick the theme and colors!)

All items are original one of a kind, signed (and numbered, if applicable). If you wish to support my efforts please do so by donating through this page: 

http://www.gofundme.com/latinpopshop

Thank you and remember

ART IS FOR EVERYBODY!

John

Mike Ruiz: Fierce, Flawless...FUN!

How excited was I to receive these in the mail yesterday??

When I had the opportunity to trade artworks with renowned photographer Mike Ruiz I didn't just jump, I POUNCED at it. I have been a fan of Mr. Ruiz for a very long time. Not only because he creates flawless and fierce imagery that exudes style and a distinct sense of FUN, but because he is the type of artist I strive to be. Community is never forgotten or left behind. He uses his gift and vision as a vehicle to give back. He has been a long time supporter of GMHC, the oldest provider of HIV/AIDS care, prevention and advocacy and the Ali Forney Center, a shelter for homeless LGBT youth in New York City.

I am proud to have my works included in his art collection and thrilled that my partner and I now have a small collection of his images to build on.  WIN-WIN!

Support artists who give back.

Brown Bag Art

Visit the small, but mighty, Studio 4 of Workhouse Arts Center and you will find gallery walls overtaken by over 1,300 brown paper lunch bags. The bags can only mean one thing. The 2nd Annual Have a Heart Project--an artistic twist on the common (and vital) food drive--is underway. This artistic venture, organized by The Art Monkeys, benefits Food for Others, Inc., the largest distributor of free food directly to people in need in Northern Virginia.
Last year's Have a Heart Project, garnered considerable attention from local media and was the subject of a documentary by young filmmaker, Makeda Thomas. The exhibit challenged the community to help Studio 4 artists fill an "empty kitchen" art installation and successfully raised over 750 lbs. of non-perishable food for Food for Others during its month-long run.

This year's installation opened to the public on Wednesday, February 6, 2013. Studio 4's exhibit space has been transformed by 1,325 empty lunch bags featuring original art works created by an array of resident and guest artists. Each of the unique lunch bag works of art in the exhibit can be obtained by making a $10 donation, 100% of which will benefit Food for Others. As the artists replace each sold piece of art with food purchased with the donation, the installation will continually evolve throughout the gallery. An opening reception will take place on Saturday, February 9, from 6 to 9pm, in Studio 4 (Building W-4) of the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, VA.
"This year's exhibit is a great opportunity for new and seasoned collectors alike to get their hands on original art at an incredibly low price while making a difference." says participating artist and co-organizer MG Stout.
The public can also be a part of this exciting art installation to help Northern Virginians in need by donating canned or non-perishable food items during Studio 4's normal business hours: Wednesday to Saturday from 11 am - 7 pm, and Sunday from noon - 5 pm. Donations will be welcome through the exhibit's run, Wednesday, February 6 - Sunday, March 3, 2013.

2nd Annual Have a Heart Project: February 9, 2013

Night Jazz

Finished this piece today.
It will be in Target Gallery's upcoming March Madness exhibit and benefit the March of Dimes.


Night Jazz
mixed media on panel
10" x 10"
Available through Target Gallery

Fierce Filmstress

We are thrilled to introduce you to Makeda, a fabulous young filmmaker who will be producing a documentary on the "Have a Heart" Project as well as capturing some of The Art Monkeys' studio antics on film for our Youtube channel.

Painting "Live" on Weekends

This will be the first weekend (now thru February) that MGStout and I will be creating art for the Have a Heart Project "live" in the front gallery of Workhouse Studio 4.




Drawing for collaborative "Breakfast" painting.

Studio 4 "Have a Heart" Food Drive

When you visit Studio 4 this Black Friday weekend, please consider dropping off a non-perishable food donation. Now through February, Studio 4 is conducting a food drive to benefit Food for Others. Food for Others, the largest distributor of free food directly to people in need in Northern Virginia, provides the assistance vitally needed by our unemployed and low-income neighbors. They provide a safety net for those who suddenly face unforeseen emergencies such as a family illness or the loss of a job or a spouse.

Items donated will become main components of an interactive art installation which will open to the public on February 11^th, 2012 during Workhouse Art Center’s Second Saturday Art Walk.

YOU can be a part of this exciting art installation and help Northern Virginians in need by donating canned or non-perishable food items at Studio 4.

Follow the Have a Heart project and other Studio 4 happenings on our facebook page.

Have a Heart

Workhouse Studio 4
The “Have a Heart” Project
Food Drive & Art Installation

From October through February, Studio 4 is conducting a food drive to benefit Food for Others. Food for Others, the largest distributor of free food directly to people in need in Northern Virginia, provides the assistance vitally needed by our unemployed and low-income neighbors. They provide a safety net for those who suddenly face unforeseen emergencies such as a family illness or the loss of a job or a spouse.

Items donated will become main components of an interactive art installation which will open to the public on February 11^th, 2012 during Workhouse Art Center’s Second Saturday Art Walk.

YOU can be a part of this exciting art installation and help Northern Virginians in need by donating canned or non-perishable food items at Studio 4.

Follow the Have a Heart project and other Studio 4 happenings on our facebook page.

PeaceLove Painting No. 3

The third painting created for and being donated to PeaceLove Studio's fundraiser.


A Flock of PeaceLove
acrylic and gouache on canvas/ 8" x 10"
Available through Raw Style Gallery.

PeaceLove Painting No. 2

Another painting for PeaceLove's fundraiser:


PeaceLove Flies
acrylic and gouache on canvas/6x6"
Available through Raw Style Gallery.

PeaceLove Painting No. 1

The following is one of 3 paintings I am creating specifically for and donating to PeaceLove Studios. PeaceLove is a growing community of mental health advocates and artists creating conversations of acceptance, understanding and hope. A fundraiser for Peace Love Studios will be held at Raw Style Gallery on Saturday, October 1st.


PeaceLove
acrylic and collage on canvas/5" x 7"
Available through Raw Style Gallery

Learn more about PeaceLove Studios:

Give Back (New Charities)

30% of all sales from the Give Back section of my Etsy store will be donated to the Famine and Refugee Crisis in Africa (via donations to CARE) and The Hispanic Scholarship Fund.

Polka Dot Treasury/Still Raising Wheelchair Funds

Bikinitinis

"Bikinitinis" was chosen as part of a very cool Polka-dot Etsy Treasury. ALL PROCEEDS from the sale of "Bikinitinis" will be donated to help my friend Erin DiViccaro get a power wheelchair she desperately needs.

In addition please please please stop by my GIVE BACK shop on Etsy. There are over 20 items (ranging in price from just $12 to $250) and ALL PROCEEDS of them will be donated to help Erin get her wheelchair!

Give Back

I've been inspired by my dear, dear friends Erin and Chris DiViccaro to add a "Give Back" section to my Etsy Shop. I am continually inspired by by the infectious silliness and everyday struggles of this pair. The internet is an amazing monster. For all the negativity it can propagate it can also open the doors for just as much positive energy to flow from our computer screens and into our lives and hearts. Four or so years ago Ron and I did not know Erin and Chris. Today we consider them among the closest of friends and make the mutual effort to see each another at least once a year. Yay internet!

Erin has a rare genetic disorder named Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. Ehlers Danlos Syndrome is a connective tissue disorder. In short, her body does not produce collagen effectively. This in turn creates a number of health problems, the most prominent one being chronic fatigue and pain. There is no cure.

As the effects of her disorder increase, Erin, Chris and their familiy have struggled to accept the fact that she needs some mobility assistance. Moving around is a tremendous drain on her already limited energy and mobility and frequently the only reason she can not continue to perform normal everyday tasks like shopping, working and cooking. A manual wheelchair requires to much exertion on her arms and cardiovascular system to be an option.

The DiViccaros are a family of 6 and we all know how unwilling health insurance can be to provide actual help to those in need (Ron and I fought this same fight, unsuccessfully, when my mother needed a power wheelchair due to debilitating extreme neuropathy). Purchasing this chair will provide her with the mobility she needs to continue being the funny, strong and positive wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, etc. she is to everyone in her life. No amount is too little.

There are currently over 20 items (more to come) in my Give Back store.
They will remain there (and I will continue to add items) until the DiViccaros either raise their goal or they sell out, whichever comes first. In addition, once our friends have raised their goal I will keep the store section open and active with proceeds from the items there going to various charities.

So how about it? Treat yourself to some art and give back! :-)
Thanks,
John

Art for Haiti

Ever fabulous and inspiring artist and blogger, Martha Marshall made me aware of the art4haiti movement. If you are not already familiar with this movement, you should check it out. Many artists are offering portions of the proceeds from sale of their art to the Haiti relief effort. On Twitter, the search term to find all these wonderful artists and their offerings is #art4haiti.

9 items from my Etsy store have been designated to this cause. 100% of the proceeds of the sale of these items will be donated to the Clinton/Bush Haiti Fund.

Enjoy this great opportunity to pick up some original art and help a good cause.

Thanks!

Some of the items I'm donating to the art4haiti effort: