tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33603018591737034892024-02-20T21:45:53.173-05:00NOW.FOR.ARTA collective of smart, sexy, and fertile community arts organizers operating in and around Northampton MAKatherine Mary IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14125647315200881578noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360301859173703489.post-38594687100590032542012-02-28T12:42:00.000-05:002012-02-28T12:42:35.896-05:00What Happened here?Well, here's what happened. Eben and myself (Katherine) have more or less retired from the game of community art organization in Northampton MA. It was a great challenge but it brought great fun and many, many wonderful experiences. It's time for both of us to move forward and get our hands dirty in some new adventures. Thank you to everyone who's helped us get this far, participated in our wacky ideas and made this an incredible journey! <br />
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Fortunately for you (and for us), there are some super cool folks who have decided to pick up the torch and keep NOW.FOR.ART style projects up and running in Northampton MA.<br />
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World, meet Brendan and JP!<br />
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Brendan currently has a project in the works called BEST BANDS FOREVER aka the fake band project. This is a grant sponsored project that invites artists to invent bands and create the visual paraphernalia for said fake band: record covers, posters, flyers, band photos, zines, documentaries, t-shirts and apparel, audio tracks, record reviews, etc.<br />
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This project is currently in a beta phase while Brendan locks down some of the logistics. Artists will be able to access a plethora of free materials including LP covers, pin back buttons and up to 20 photocopies, there will also be access to screen printing materials and possibly some workshops. <br />
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This project will be publicly launched in April. You have 1 month to dream up your fake band. A dedicated website for the project and all it's relevant correspondence should be up in a few weeks. Keep your ear to the ground on this one and don't miss out on this super sweet project!!!<br />
We'll be sure to post the proper linkage once it's formulated.<br />
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JP currently hosts a weekly project called <a href="http://musicattheelevens.blogspot.com/2012/02/tonight-potluck-open-micgood-foodgood.html?spref=fb">POT LUCK</a> at The Elevens which is an open invitation for you to show up with food, music, film, art, performance and your eager to share and collaborate attitude. <br />
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JP was also our wonderful chef for the previous two incarnations of <a href="http://valleyfeast.wordpress.com/about/">Valley F.E.A.S.T.</a> and he, along with Brendan are in the process of drumming up round 3. Again, stay tuned, get involved, eat, be merry and make your community awesome by actively engaging with the neighborhood art scene.<br />
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PAPERGIRL is STILL IN THE WORKS. JP and Brendan who already have their plates full, are in the process of trying to re-envision and revitalize PAPERGIRL. If you've submitted work to PAPERGIRL ROUND 3, it is safely and securely stored and will be distributed. Again, we'll post updates here. <br />
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There will also be a 3rd run of the Sketch Book Project, I really can't stress enough: <u>stay tuned!</u><br />
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If you want to contact either of these fine gentlemen in regards to any of their upcoming events, shoot me an email kmromansky@gmail.com - (I'm not sure they're ready for the trauma of having their emails publicly accessible yet) and I will gladly re-route your inquiries.<br />
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Godspeed and cheers!Katherine Mary IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14125647315200881578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360301859173703489.post-42076254552706121792011-10-03T13:11:00.001-04:002011-10-03T13:14:05.320-04:00Papergirl 3 SUPER POSTPONEDI'm not sure if it is regretfully or not regretfully that we're announcing a major postponement of Papergirl 3.<br />
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On one hand we've had a very low turn out in this years submissions so far. So low that the project would be virtually impossible to execute.<br />
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On the other hand, we will have more time to expand and incorporate new elements into the project and now everyone has way more time to get work together to contribute. <br />
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We don't want to give up on this amazing project so we're pushing it back to the spring. With no real tentative date set, it seems we are ball-parking for May. <br />
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We understand that Fall is a tricky time to get artists to just give away their work as people are preparing for exhibits, arts & crafts fairs, moving, etc.<br />
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We will continue to advertise Papergirl 3 for Spring of 2012 and continue to accept submissions. We'd even like your input for ideas to expand the project, we'd love for local schools and other arts organizations to jump on board. Send us a message: papergirlnorthampton@gmail.com<br />
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If anyone who has submitted work to Papergirl 3 and would like it returned to them in light of this new major postponement please send a message: papergirlnorthampton@gmail.com<br />
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Do know that any submissions already sent in will be properly and safely stored and remain included in Papergirl 3's exhibition and distribution now slated for next Spring. <br />
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I have to say that community arts organization of this magnitude is extremely difficult. We have no budget, no sponsorship (all the costs come out of our own shallow pockets): We expend a lot of our energy, time and money to put these things together and especially in the instance of Papergirl it is of the utmost importance that the community responds.<br />
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Projects like this are an especially up-hill battle in Northampton where the art scene is dominated by in-accessible high-end galleries and business's with very conservative interests in "art". <br />
We started Papergirl in Northampton for a lot of different reasons but one of those reasons is definitely to create an opportunity for artists who make work that a gallery would never exhibit, and get it out into the public to create awareness for the magnitude of under appreciated, under represented demographic of artists working and living in Northampton and the surrounding towns. <br />
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Papergirl has many facets, but two that stand out are that it's an opportunity to generously and blindly give the gift of art and that it's an opportunity for artists to send a message.<br />
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This project is about community development, it's about artists coming together to share ourselves with the community, to let them know we're here and that we want everyone involved in the local art scene regardless of age, gender, race, creed or any other factor.<br />
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Papergirl is about art for everyone. <br />
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For everyone who was looking forward to Papergirl happening in the next few weeks, we apologize. But we're not giving up, we are pressing forward and hopefully this spring will bring the biggest and best Papergirl yet.<br />
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<br />Katherine Mary IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14125647315200881578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360301859173703489.post-3104971065176696952011-07-26T17:33:00.002-04:002011-07-26T18:25:03.096-04:00PAPERGIRL ROUND #3<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6ERLRR742uhjziaBC2csNWdQ_ACLWJLteqpZHP4-cy0SLYK97T3sTvf3C68_QZtSw-8Ldq1QU-5g1qu6Nno-JGokAPCZgm_sj5iU-flH3KEJ3JlusBz4718lsnLel7_JJRwyDgKJ7bCS/s1600/PaperGirl3web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 207px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6ERLRR742uhjziaBC2csNWdQ_ACLWJLteqpZHP4-cy0SLYK97T3sTvf3C68_QZtSw-8Ldq1QU-5g1qu6Nno-JGokAPCZgm_sj5iU-flH3KEJ3JlusBz4718lsnLel7_JJRwyDgKJ7bCS/s320/PaperGirl3web.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633790422259058114" /></a><br />You Know the deal, Mail or drop of all your fancy works of art on paper to <br />to <span style="font-weight:bold;">Eben Kling at 1 Linden St, Northampton MA, by August 31st.</span><br />Email Questions, volunteer to help install the show, or to ride with Papergirl Northampton to: <span style="font-weight:bold;">Papergirlnorthampton@gmail.com </span><br /><br /><br />See <a href="http://nowforart.blogspot.com/2011/05/papergirl-returns-for-round-3-open-call.html">this post</a> for more info. And check out this post <a href="http://nowforart.blogspot.com/2011/06/papergirl-goes-big-for-our-third-year.html">here</a> for more details about all the newly added bike action we'll be hosting in conjunction with our closing reception this year!Katherine Mary IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14125647315200881578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360301859173703489.post-25291388884853815362011-06-30T12:13:00.003-04:002011-06-30T12:26:08.897-04:00& In One Another: A Massive Collaborative Sketchbook Project!!!! Exhibition Info<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d2JUjgFuSXY/TgyjTyXdzUI/AAAAAAAAAXk/huc-vH_bs0A/s1600/oneanotherblog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 236px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d2JUjgFuSXY/TgyjTyXdzUI/AAAAAAAAAXk/huc-vH_bs0A/s320/oneanotherblog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624049595011943746" /></a><br /> <br />An exhibition of the returned sketch books for the second annual round of & In One Another!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">EXHIBITION DATES:</span> July 6-11th, open 3-8 pm daily<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">CLOSING RECEPTION:</span> <br />Friday, July 8 · 4:00pm - 8:00pm <br />The Whoo Space: 11 Market Street Northampton Ma 01060<br /><br />This year we passed out over 60 hand made sketchbooks to participating artists. Over the course of 60 days, we sent out a prompt every other day for the artists to interpret in their sketchbook.<br /><br />We will be outfitting The Whoo Space as a unique domestic setting for you all to come in, get comfy and spend time combing through this amazing collection of artist sketchbooks.<br /><br />Come on, when was the last time an artist let you look through their sketchbook?<br /><br />Exactly, you can not miss this.<br /><br />In addition to our closing reception on Friday July 8th, we will have open hours during the week from Wednesday July 6th to Sunday July 10th. <br /><br />For our closing reception we will have tasty refreshments potluck style, hot jams from DJ MOUTHCHEW and as per usual the opportunity to meet the artists and the organizers and get your art chat on!<br /><br />We look forward to seeing you there!<br />RSVP on our <a href="http://http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/event.php?eid=169464663117146">Facebook Event Page</a>Katherine Mary IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14125647315200881578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360301859173703489.post-29227780279424700712011-06-13T17:34:00.004-04:002011-06-14T15:59:34.135-04:00Papergirl goes BIG for our third year in downtown NorthamptonThere are so many extra awesome reasons to participate in Papergirl Northampton this year. <br /><br />We've added some cycling experts and community organizing enthusiasts to the team to help us expand the programing for Papergirl 2011, coming this September. <br /><br />This year, during our closing reception we've got the following awesome events in the works:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Bike Swap Meat</span>: Got parts? Need Parts, bring em and swap em, trade only, no money! <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Bike Beauty Pageant</span>: Who's bike is held together with the least conventional items, Who's got the sweetest set up, etc.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Slow Race</span>: How slow can you go?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Paint Bike</span>: Yes, we're gonna use bikes to collaboratively make giant abstract paintings. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Bike Repair Workshops</span>: How to fix some things, taught by wholesome, unpretentious experts who won't judge you for riding a 10 gear instead of a fixie.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Free Raffle</span>: Bring a bike, get a ticket, bring a piece of art to donate to Papergirl, get another ticket, wear a costume, get a ticket, in order to win sweet prizes from our sponsors.<br /><br />We're also planning a renegade bike parade, come ride with our distributors in costume. Space is limited on the cycling distribution team and we have a dedicated core group who've been with us since the beginning, so don't expect to get to hand out artwork, but you can hand out your own goods, wear a weird costume and have fun taking over downtown with us.<br /><br />Anyone is welcome to participate, just please be careful if your really intent on wearing a cape. This will be a super fun ride, in the past two years we've taken over the downtown intersection during the "pedestrian walk time" and it's a big spectacle, we get a lot of honks and hoots, in the good sort of way. <br /><br />We'll also have our full open house for the Papergirl exhibition, complete with DJ, snacks and TONS of art to view. <br /> <br />And MORE to come yet!<br /><br />-This is going to be insane, it's going to be an insanely fun, family friendly, community building mash up of art and cycling. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />We will be putting out a call for folks who want space for the night</span> but we're mostly interested in things that are FREE and accessible, so unfortunately you can't just show up and sell your crappy old Eagles vinyls, you have to be willing to trade! <br />Unless you are raising money for a local charity or non-profit. <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">-This is all still sticky, but start getting your ideas together. As soon as our process and policy is refined we will release more official and detailed info. </span><br /><br />Individuals or entities looking to SPONSOR Papergirl 2011, via donating raffle items, project consumables, ad space or printed materials are the only folks we will allow to vend objects in exchange exclusively for American dollars, (sorry dude with the Eagles records).<br /><br />Stay tuned, SO MUCH more info to come and if you've got ideas, or want get involved shoot us an email: Nowforart@gmail.comKatherine Mary IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14125647315200881578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360301859173703489.post-21485558906210227432011-05-11T18:35:00.000-04:002011-05-13T16:30:52.675-04:00Papergirl Returns for Round 3!! Open Call for art on paper!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XHLdKdOGpJA/TcsQWIzousI/AAAAAAAAAXI/IKPuKnJh69I/s1600/pg2011web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 207px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XHLdKdOGpJA/TcsQWIzousI/AAAAAAAAAXI/IKPuKnJh69I/s320/pg2011web.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605592133699943106" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Papergirl Northampton returns for round 3. </span><br /><br />If you don't already know how this amazing internationally recognized project works here is a break down. <br /><br />Borrowed from Papergirl Berlin (and now spread like wildfire across planet earth), We collect works of art on paper, have a big exhibition of all the collected works, throw a big party and we then distribute bundles of all the art to random people on the street via cyclists in down town Northampton. <br /><br />Yes, we give the art work away for free to strangers, and that's correct, we have no idea what they will do with it. <br /> <br />Why would we do such a thing you might ask. Well for one giving gifts to strangers is a really nice, romantic thing to do every once in a while, even if only just once a year. Papergirl also opens up the doors of the art world to the greater public and stresses the importance that art can be made by anyone and enjoyed by anyone. Papergirl says, you might not be the person to go into a gallery, so we will bring the art to you. For some extra insight on this see <a href="http://nowforart.blogspot.com/2010/08/about-papergirl.html">About Papergirl</a>, a blog post from last year with a more thorough exploration of what's behind the concept of Papergirl. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Here are the rules:</span> any artist, of any age, from any where can submit any art they would like to contribute so long as it is on PAPER. Photography, illustration, prints (woodblocks, etchings, screen prints), whatever you can think of. <br /><br />Our only stipulation is that we strongly prefer ORIGINAL works of art, the reason being is that we want to be able to hand out ART WORK ON PAPER, not photocopies. We want the strangers who receive the work to be impressed and want to take the work home and hang it up. We don't really want photocopies or photographs of other pieces of art. There are no size restrictions and no limit to the number of pieces you can submit. Everyone gets at least one of their pieces represented at the exhibit, or more as space permits. We had over 400 pieces last year!<br /><br />Please also keep in mind that we make ROLLS of art to hand out (usually 3-4 pieces per roll), illustration board, mats, etc, in our experience don't roll up very well or at all basically. Then our riders end up with a mixed bag of packages and rolls. We like it when our team of cycling art distributors only have to deal with rolls while they are out riding in traffic, weaving through busy streets trying to hand out work, it's easier and safer for them. <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Mail or drop of work to Eben Kling at 1 Linden St, Northampton MA, by August 31st. </span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Email Questions, volunteer to help install the show, or to ride with Papergirl Northampton to</span>: Papergirlnorthampton@gmail.comKatherine Mary IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14125647315200881578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360301859173703489.post-91464028423847657042011-03-23T19:37:00.000-04:002011-03-23T19:39:04.557-04:00Spaces Still Available for And In One AnotherToday was technically the last day to sign up for a sketch book but we still have approximately 25 spaces remaining.<br /><br />If your interested in participating, please send us an email ASAP to let us know, we'll get back to you and let you know if we can count you in so you can send out your form/money right away.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />We will fill up the remaining spaces on a first come first serve basis so if you really want to participate you should shoot us an email right away.</span><br /><br />andinoneanother@gmail.com<br /><br />Don't miss out!Katherine Mary IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14125647315200881578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360301859173703489.post-33575579832487077692011-02-24T18:51:00.002-05:002011-02-24T19:00:14.283-05:00& In One Another: A Massive Collaborative Sketchbook Project RETURNSWe're doing our second round of & In One Another. <br />A quick run-down: sign up and pay $10 for a hand made book, and receive 30 assignments every other day over the course of 60 days. <br /><br />At the end all the books are returned for an exhibit of all the collective books, celebrated with a reception and then returned to their darling respective creators. <br /><br />Check out all the details here: <a href="http://andinoneanother.blogspot.com">& In One Another</a> and download our PDF to sign up. <br /><br />Also visit <a href="http://valleyfeast.wordpress.com">Valley F.E.A.S.T.</a> to check out or updates and read up on how our first F.E.A.S.T. went. We already have our next event scheduled for April 30th so subscribe to our blog to get updates as they come in. <br /><br />Outside of all our smaller community based projects, Now.For.Art is in the process of space acquisition with some very exciting things in the works. I'm going to keep those details a secret for now, suspense is awesome. <br /><br />Stay Cool.Katherine Mary IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14125647315200881578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360301859173703489.post-38168821263881655292011-01-03T14:16:00.003-05:002011-01-03T14:40:52.561-05:00Call For Proposals! Valley F.E.A.S.T.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Xl1j2pZo26U/TSIk0f2kCPI/AAAAAAAAAW8/e3aFa_88Dzc/s1600/feasthocrop.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 196px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Xl1j2pZo26U/TSIk0f2kCPI/AAAAAAAAAW8/e3aFa_88Dzc/s320/feasthocrop.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558045374450764018" /></a><br />With our budget all set and the wheels in full gear, Valley F.E.A.S.T. is well on it's way. Our first round is scheduled for January 22nd 2011 at the Elevens in Northampton MA. <br /><br />If you are an artist working in any medium in the Pioneer Valley, it's definitely time for you to check out our <a href="http://valleyfeast.wordpress.com/submit/">Submit A Proposal Page</a> on our <a href="http://valleyfeast.wordpress.com/">Valley F.E.A.S.T. site</a>. <br /><br />To recap once again, Valley F.E.A.S.T. is a series of recurring events where we have some great exciting eats, some totally rad entertainment and of course artists will present proposals for their projects that need funding. All of our lovely guests will vote on the proposals and the winners take home a sack of cash! <br /><br />We are encouraging the actual presentations at the F.E.A.S.T. event to be innovative and the only rule is to do your best to convince the audience that your project deserves the dough! The presentation should sit somewhere between 3-7 minutes and we're open to working with you to accommodate how you want to present. <br /><br />The rules are simple and anything goes so long as it's rooted in creativity and can be accessed by the community. Winning proposals will need to be presented at an upcoming F.E.A.S.T., this way the community gets to see the amazing things that their money went to support. Again check out our <a href="http://valleyfeast.wordpress.com/submit/">Submit A Proposal Page</a> for full details and get those proposals rocking! Also, never hesitate to email us if you have questions or need a few pointers for your proposal, valleyfeast@gmail.com. <br /><br />To reiterate the beauty of this project, it's locally funded, it's democratically based, it's about community and it's super fun. Our requirements are minimal compared to other cultural funding opportunities and outside of the possibility of winning some cold hard cash it is an extraordinary opportunity to network, get the word out about your work and to engage with your community. <br /><br />If you are interested in getting involved with F.E.A.S.T. outside of submitting a proposal, check out our <a href="http://valleyfeast.wordpress.com/how-to-get-involved/">How To Get Involved: Artists</a> and <a href="http://valleyfeast.wordpress.com/how-to-get-involved-everyone-else/">How To Get Involved: Non Artists</a> pages and be sure to send us an email at valleyfeast@gmail.com so we can figure out how to get you plugged in. We're open to all ideas and suggestions, so bring em! <br /><br />We are super psyched to see what you folks come up with, get those proposals in!<br /><br /> Cheers!Katherine Mary IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14125647315200881578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360301859173703489.post-23239470503108728092010-12-29T17:20:00.002-05:002010-12-29T17:34:35.433-05:00Valley F.E.A.S.T.Valley F.E.A.S.T. (Funding Emerging Artists through Sustainable Tactics) is a project that Now.For.Art is currently working on with Portal Arts Group. <br /><br />Valley F.E.A.S.T. is a recurring series of events that coalesce local agriculture, culinary talent, and music and art to put funds into the hands of young and emerging artists. <br /><br />At every F.E.A.S.T., the public is invited to come enjoy a fresh, innovative and locally sourced menu that is prepared by a special guest chef, to experience a unique line up of live entertainment and to also vote on proposals that are presented by artists who need funding. Entry to Valley F.E.A.S.T. is set at a sliding scale with a suggested donation of at least $10.<br /><br />At the end of the night, the winning artists take home the evenings proceeds with the community supported responsibility to go make their art, which is later presented at the next Valley F.E.A.S.T.<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ewcg4nT5PNg?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ewcg4nT5PNg?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />Right now we are scheduled to host our first F.E.A.S.T. here in downtown Northampton on January 22nd 2011! <br /><br />We also have a Kickstarter Campaign up in order to raise money to make this project possible. We have less than two days left to go! You can visit our Kickstarter Campaign <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1601202252/valley-feast?ref=ending_soon">HERE</a>. <br /><br />We’d like to extend a MASSIVE thank you to everyone who helped us reach our goal!<br /><br />We’d also like to ask one last time that if you have not already pledged to our Kickstarter campaign to please consider doing so in the final hours we have left to raise greatly needed funds for Valley F.E.A.S.T.<br /><br />If you are wondering why you should contribute even after we’ve reached our goal, please consider these following things.<br /><br />We purposely low balled our goal since Kickstarter is an all or nothing fundraiser, we had to set a goal we could reach in 20 days in order to get any money at all.<br /><br />With that, the money we raise from this Kickstarter campaign is our total budget to get this project off the ground, this is start up money that we need to generate multiple events over the course of a year and it is an EXTREMELY tight budget.<br /><br />As our budget grows we will be better able to invest in green & re-usable supplies and stronger marketing.<br /><br />Lastly, neither Now.For.Art or Portal Arts Group who are working to bring this project to Northampton are receiving ANY type of compensation, this is all being organized completely voluntarily. Now.For.Art has never received any compensation for any projects we've ever organized. <br /><br />Also, please consider re-posting this to your Facebook, blog, or Twitter since obviously we don’t know everyone in the area that may either be interested in contributing to our Kickstarter campaign or in participating in any other aspect of this project!<br /><br />Additionally, if your an artist working in any medium in the Pioneer Valley area, it is definitely time to check out our <a href="http://valleyfeast.wordpress.com/submit/">guidelines for submitting proposals</a> at the <a href="http://valleyfeast.wordpress.com/">Valley F.E.A.S.T. Blog</a> and to begin preparing your proposal. Also never hesitate to contact us with any questions, email us at valleyfeast@gmail.comKatherine Mary IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14125647315200881578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360301859173703489.post-25264621956392541182010-11-15T17:14:00.005-05:002010-11-15T18:20:39.003-05:00Papergirl Northampton, happened like, over a month ago...Today we bring you a long over due peak at how Papergirl Northampton 2010 went over. Sadly this year we were very strapped with time and resources and unfortunately our documentation suffered a great deal. Non the less these not so great photo's will illustrate a basic idea of what things looked like. <br /><br />I will attempt to offer more in the way of words to describe Papergirl 2010. This year we tapped in at just under 400 pieces of art work from about 70 participating artists. <br /><br />We had two different packages come from Germany, one of which was part of the Papergirl Post Office being established by the crew in Berlin, responsible for the concept and origination of Papergirl. The "Post Office" is being set up as a way to keep the original crew involved and also to draw stronger connections to the many, MANY Papergirl camps around the world. In the near future we will be starting up collections to send over to the Berlin Post-Office to be re-distributed all over creation. <br /><br />We also had submissions from as far as California, Florida and also the UK! It's wonderful to see folks taking initiative to get their work into other states and countries just so it can be given out for free. <br /><br />This year we also had a table with art supplies set up at our reception so that folks who'd missed our deadlines or just straight up didn't know, could whip up something to throw into the pile. The results were great, seeing strangers sitting at a table together making art to give away! Supper rad and big thanks to Brendan McCauley for the idea and making it happen!<br /><br />Over all I think this years distribution was a bit more romantic than last years, we only had 5 cyclists to hand out over 100 pieces of art work. All of them being close friends, collaborators and huge supporters it was absolutely terrific to get to send fewer cyclists out with more work so they could really take time and enjoy handing out the work. I don't doubt that last years group had fun but I think they all wanted more time on the street!<br /><br /><br /><br /><object width="500" height="375"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2F40398882%40N04%2Fsets%2F72157625157085446%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2F40398882%40N04%2Fsets%2F72157625157085446%2F&set_id=72157625157085446&jump_to="></param> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649"></param> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649" allowFullScreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2F40398882%40N04%2Fsets%2F72157625157085446%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2F40398882%40N04%2Fsets%2F72157625157085446%2F&set_id=72157625157085446&jump_to=" width="500" height="375"></embed></object><br /><br />And here is just a moment to thank all the super people who make Papergirl possible:<br /><a href="http://commonwealthcenter.org/">C3</a> for setting us up in the Dynamite space yet again!<br />Karen and Tim Romansky for their fantastic catering services and help with installation!<br /><a href="http://brendanmccauley.blogspot.com/">Brendan McCauley</a> for all your flyer design and distribution as well as adding a new, awesome component to PG Noho! <br /><a href="http://ebenezerarcherkling.com/home.html">Eben</a>, he did some stuff. j/k, he screen printed all our art-roll covers, distributed flyers and installed, not to mention came up with the idea of bringing Papergirl to NOHO! <br />Taryn, Jeff, Andrew, Hayley and Chris for being champions and showing up on a Saturday morning to make all our rolls and cycle around town handing them out. <br /><br />And last but not least, all of the amazing artists who selflessly contribute art work, not just to Papergirl Northampton, but to all Papergirl chapters everywhere, with out your generosity and willingness to share your creativity in a leap of faith, Papergirl wouldn't be possible at all and the fact that there are so many of you willing to participate makes us all love the world a lot more!<br /><br />If you've missed Papergirl this year in Northampton check out the <a href="http://papergirl-world.blogspot.com/">Papergirl World blog</a> to see where other chapters of Papergirl are coming up that you can mail contributions to. <br /><br />We will run our third round next year but we've got A LOT of big changes coming up with Now.For.Art so we will see what kind of adaptations might happen to Papergirl Noho next year. <br /><br />Keep it on lock down.Katherine Mary IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14125647315200881578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360301859173703489.post-54544733671737301622010-09-18T19:14:00.005-04:002010-09-23T17:35:33.882-04:00Information Nation<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Xl1j2pZo26U/TJvIEzWrg8I/AAAAAAAAAWM/thvXNOQEoxY/s1600/papergirlfinalweb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 207px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Xl1j2pZo26U/TJvIEzWrg8I/AAAAAAAAAWM/thvXNOQEoxY/s320/papergirlfinalweb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520225753103041474" /></a><br /><br /><br />So here are the specs on the Papergirl exhibit...<br /><br />The show will be up from September 25th through October 1st<br />Daily open hours will be from 3-6 pm.<br />Closing reception on October 1st from 6-9 pm<br />With a live dj set from BOBBY MOUTHCHEW<br /><br />Located at the old dynamite space in Thornes Basement at <br />150 Main St Northampton MA<br /><br />We will also have a table set up with supplies for folks dropping in so they can make art work to add to the collection!<br /><br />There is a massive array of art work from all different kinds of folks from all over the world, we hope to see you there!Katherine Mary IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14125647315200881578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360301859173703489.post-79528333367811803572010-09-06T14:25:00.003-04:002010-09-06T14:32:54.803-04:00Updates on Papergirl!We've decided to expand our deadline to <span style="font-weight:bold;">September 20th</span> so we can hopefully get some submissions from all the recently returned college and high school students in the area. <br /><br />Last year our deadline was well before most students returned and we wanted to make sure that this huge and important population would have an opportunity to participate this year. After all, this is about community and students are a big part of this community! <br /><br />This year our exhibit will be from September 26th through October 1st with a closing reception from 6-9 pm on the 1st, all taking place in the dynamite space of Thornes at 124 Main st in Downtown Northampton. <br /><br /><br />Again submissions can be dropped off or mailed to:<br />103 State St Apt. 4<br />Northampton MA, 01060Katherine Mary IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14125647315200881578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360301859173703489.post-76936601592459686842010-08-11T12:36:00.003-04:002010-08-11T12:55:13.920-04:00About PapergirlAs promised I wanted to take a little time to expand on some of the motive and function behind Papergirl. The majority of this text is copied from a listing I posted on <a href="http://www.valleyartshare.com/">Valley Art Share</a>, which if you are an artist working in Western Mass, or interested in Western Mass art happenings, you should join. <br /><br />I feel like this sort of explanation is some what warranted, and I actually wouldn't even really call it an explanation except we are asking artists to give us their art work so we can in turn give it away for free. I can understand that from the perspective of most artists, they may feel their work is too precious to throw into the wind, and I can't argue the validity of any sentiment resembling that notion. <br /><br />Papergirl began in 2005 in Berlin Germany, it was conceived by Aisha Ronniger and her pals and was developed as a means to combat tightening laws and penalties for graffiti. For them, Papergirl was about developing a means in which everything important about street art could be retained, but under a circumstance where no one could get arrested or fined. <br /><br />For us, Papergirl is a way to bring our community together, to promote artists in an area where opportunities are bleak despite the reputation of being an artists community, to extend ourselves to the rest of the community that may or may not be active in the arts community or even interested, and to inspire selflessly via creative productivity. <br /><br />The premise of the project is to collect works of art on paper which are then displayed for public viewing, after which all the art work is rolled into bundles and distributed via cyclists. The project has a number of objectives, the initial being that art is for everyone, much in the same way that graffiti, although illegal and sometimes not always tasteful, possesses a really progressive idea about art in that sometimes art can be free, and it's really great when people don't expect it. Yes, we give the rolls of artwork away for FREE, once your artwork becomes a part of Papergirl there is absolutely no monetary value attached to it anymore, obviously we will take good care of it, but it can not be bought.<br /><br />Papergirl is such a beautiful concept because it breaks down all the pre-conceived notions that most people hold about the art world when they have never had any direct experience with it. Papergirl breaks down the barriers of who and what consists of an art audience. Much like graffiti, Papergirl makes no assumptions about its audience. Papergirl is for everyone and can be experienced and enjoyed by anyone. Papergirl says you don't have to have an art degree to understand this or to appreciate it, you don't have to be a connoisseur art collector, you could have not a penny to your name and become an art owner. It's really important that the art world makes a move to extend itself beyond the walls of its glass house to prove to the world at large that the contributions of artists are extremely important. The "art world" has a bad rap for being snobby, self righteous and reserved for those with complicated and inaccessible conceptual applications of so called beauty, people who love wine and cheese and people with fat wallets. Especially at a time when here in the States, funding for the arts is cut year after year and if once a year we do Papergirl and other types of highly accessible art based open community projects, year after year we extend ourselves to a new and random public, that might for the first time realize how important art is and might start to advocate for the arts and maybe, just maybe, we can start to change how funding for the arts is determined from the ground up.<br /><br />Another important element is about community and Papergirl is designed in such a way that it defies the typical perceptions of community. Papergirl manages to remove the commonality of geography from the idea of community, which is brilliant and necessary in the art world and especially at this time. Last year we had art work come in from all over the U.S. and even the UK.<br />Papergirl has been around now for a few years and it has sprung up in communities all over the world. Last year when we had Papergirl in Northampton for the first year, the turn out was amazing, we had artists from 8 years old and up, we had artists from all over the map, all different races, different levels of skill, we had photographs, drawings, paintings, screen prints, wood cut prints and it was exciting and inspiring to stand in the basement of Thornes in the Dynamite space to see all this represented. It was exciting to walk around town after the distribution to see people carrying their rolls of art work, and to see how surprised and grateful the lucky random recipients of a free bundle of art work were.<br /><br />It seems a fair percentage of our local population has caught wind of Papergirl but this year we want to make it even bigger and better, we want everyone to know what papergirl is and what it stands for and why it is so important.<br /><br />So make some doodles and send them our way, and spread the word.Katherine Mary IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14125647315200881578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360301859173703489.post-25501125869317722662010-07-28T23:02:00.002-04:002010-07-28T23:17:01.806-04:00Big Wheels Keep On Turnin. . .Last weekend Art In The Park yielded one sale of a Now.For.Art shirt, we have 8 dollars as an organization. At least that will be one round of flyers that doesn't come from my or anyone else's pocket. Thank you to our number one fan, who ever you are. <br /><br />More importantly a lot of really excellent dialog about art, specifically in Northampton, took place at least in the one day + hour and a half I was able to be present. I feel like a lot of exciting things are going to start popping up in Northampton, perhaps finally living up to its (currently unwarranted) tag as being an art hub. <br /><br />In other news, Now.For.Art will be picking up a couple extra hands this fall, and we will also be implementing a monthly artist's t-shirt series. Featuring a new artist every month, we will show case and sell 3 original shirts, hand printed on organic U.S. made shirts. <br /><br />Im keeping this vague so I can keep your interest, shit is going to get exciting. <br /><br />Oh, and pass the word on Papergirl 2010, again mail or drop off submissions to <br />103 State St Ap. 4<br />Northampton Ma<br />01060<br />See <a href="http://nowforart.blogspot.com/2010/07/papergirl-rides-again.html">this post</a>, for a few more details. <br /><br />I will write more indepth about Papergirl in the next few days for those who aren't totally keen on what the deal is. <br /><br />Email Now.For.Art@gmail.com for questions/commentsKatherine Mary IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14125647315200881578noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360301859173703489.post-11971099249543356372010-07-18T23:27:00.004-04:002010-07-18T23:39:30.099-04:00Art In The Park, Follow UpSo the itinerary for Art in The Park, as compiled by the great organizer Andrew Huckins is quite lengthy to the extent that I don't have the time to re-post it here at this moment. <br /><br />Im a busy person. <br /><br />I highly recommend heading over to Facebook and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/group.php?gid=134208463272554">Joining their group</a>, so you can be better informed about what is happening when and where and which artists will be pitching tents in Pulaski park over the 4 day event.Katherine Mary IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14125647315200881578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360301859173703489.post-2231408168081869012010-07-17T11:08:00.003-04:002010-07-17T11:17:46.400-04:00Art In The ParkNext week is Art in The Park, an initiative by the B.I.D. to allow free booth space to artists in downtown Northampton in conjunction with the towns side walk sale. <br /><br />Brendan McCauley, Eben Kling and myself, amongst many other folks will be present selling artsy goods. <br /><br />I believe Brendan and Eben will be selling works on paper along with some paintings. I on the other hand will be selling shirts for which the proceeds will go towards NOW.FOR.Art's operational expenses. This is one of three designs, the other two which will miraculously formulate somehow between now and Thursday. <br /><br />Here's a sneak peak, or rather a lousy photo from my phone. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Xl1j2pZo26U/TEHIlDKXGuI/AAAAAAAAAVY/hbbTNMNQ9aY/s1600/0715001448.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Xl1j2pZo26U/TEHIlDKXGuI/AAAAAAAAAVY/hbbTNMNQ9aY/s320/0715001448.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494893559198194402" /></a><br /><br />A full itinerary for the weekend, which will also include performances, is expected late this weekend, I'll post when it comes out. <br /><br />just be groovy.Katherine Mary IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14125647315200881578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360301859173703489.post-53752300639869852692010-07-07T21:58:00.003-04:002010-07-07T22:06:45.855-04:00Papergirl Rides Again!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Xl1j2pZo26U/TDUyEXS1xrI/AAAAAAAAAU4/IyLep3TmA6k/s1600/pgweb2010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 207px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Xl1j2pZo26U/TDUyEXS1xrI/AAAAAAAAAU4/IyLep3TmA6k/s320/pgweb2010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491350371202090674" /></a><br /><br />Brendan McCauley whipped up this super sweet poster for this years run of Papergirl!<br /><br />Again, drop off or mail submissions to 103 State st Apt 4. Northampton MA 01060<br />Untill August 31st!<br /><br />Jammin!Katherine Mary IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14125647315200881578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360301859173703489.post-40664517822197303572010-05-31T19:23:00.006-04:002010-07-17T11:18:25.077-04:00Pt. 2/2: 60 Days is a long timeAlong with the steam roller printmaking workshop we've also seen the close of another project that has been long in the works. & In One Another was a project that we began putting together many months ago. This was a very ambitious project were we enlisted about 85 artist across the U.S. to make one drawing a day for sixty days in response to daily prompts. <br /><br />We sent out 85 uniform 7.5" x 10" Moleskine extra large blank Cashiers note books. Eben and Myself along with Michael Gundlach and Bobby Toher, generated a massive list of ideas of assignments which I narrowed for the final cut of 60 prompts. <br /><br />We started February 5th with the prompt "Your House" and finished 60 days later on April 5th with "Now Draw Yourself", with everything between ranging from "Tales From The Ripped ", "Least Favorite Person","Lazy apparition/ Half hearted haunting " to "What I Ate Today". <br /><br />The idea of collective unconscious came up early in talking about the kinds of things we thought would result from this project and when the books came back it was present across the board. A lot of people drew Cat Stephens for the prompt "Cat Man Starring", Most people literally drew exactly 20 Beasts for the assignment "Twenty Beast", A few references to Jack Shepherd from Lost for the assignment "Cool Doctor" where a lot of other people drew ambiguous doctor's smoking with sunglasses. <br /><br />All in all this project was such a huge learning experience for us and the artists involved. We wanted this project to generate a sense of community amongst people that didn't know each other, in some instances lived on opposite sides of the country, and amongst people that would possibly never interact with again, even if the interaction was sharing the experience of going through this project, again, collective unconscious. <br /><br />This project was more of an experiment than a project and we didn't even realize that for ourselves until we got towards the end. We attempted to cancel the show when the return was low, we neglected to consider all the people who finished and instead we concentrated on the terrible retention rate, thinking we had failed some how. Maybe our assignments were lousy, maybe the project was a bad idea. Well neither was true and we learned the hard way that if you can get 30 people to do a drawing a day for 60 days, on top of all the other people who made it part way through, it is a success and it speaks volumes and deserves celebration. <br /><br />We had the show and the response was overwhelming, at the opening reception people swarmed the the books, people just camped down on the floor and didn't move for the three hours of the reception. This project made me realize again, as Papergirl did last year, that a true measure of success is when someone you have never met before comes in and experiences the art that is going on and then you talk to them, they are so ecstatic and you can tell by the look on their face that they want to go home and make something. <br /><br />It was also fantastic to see the artists who participated in the show, go through the other books, having the experience they had, the ideas they had for the prompts, and getting to see what other people came up with, drawing connections between themselves and amongst the whole group. <br /><br />At the moment we are in the process of returning everyones book and from there we are going to encourage people to scan some of their drawings to post to a group flickr. Link to follow soon. <br /><br />All in all, as previously stated, this was an experiment and a learning process for us and we will run this project again, with improvements on our end of organization and a little restructuring. So keep an eye out, late next fall, it will be sketch book time again.Katherine Mary IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14125647315200881578noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360301859173703489.post-71736386907329140812010-05-25T15:51:00.008-04:002010-07-17T11:18:41.189-04:00A lot has happened since we last spoke: Pt. 1/2 Steam rollers are for suckers<span style="font-weight:bold;">The 2010 Northampton Steam Roller Printmaking Workshop</span> went down on Saturday May 15th, as some what planned. Months of planning came together in the early hours of this day were for once in New England, mother nature was on our side. <br />I tailed behind one of my dearest friends, Dave Provost to the storage yard of the steam roller that Dave set us up with through a very gracious and greatly appreciated personal connection; his former employer Bousquet Excavating. I had not yet seen the steam roller and I was afraid of the possibility of it not being quiet what we needed, but it was and it was in fact quite cute!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Xl1j2pZo26U/S_wr2KRDC9I/AAAAAAAAASY/Hr5prKfPit0/s1600/-7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Xl1j2pZo26U/S_wr2KRDC9I/AAAAAAAAASY/Hr5prKfPit0/s320/-7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475299456444468178" /></a><br />(Dave Provost, our steam roller driver. Image from Frances Kidder, Steam Roller printmaking participant)<br /><br />Meanwhile, Eben was on sight in the walkway between Thornes and the Northampton Parking Garage which we were set up with permission to use via <a href="http://commonwealthcenter.org/">C3</a>. Running around like a maniac, Eben was getting set up with another one of our outstanding cohorts in this endeavor, <a href="http://zeamaysprintmaking.com/">Zea Mays Printmaking</a> who offered their unwavering labor and equipment for the day to which we would not have been able to do this with out. <br /><br />After some more setting up, we finally started rolling out prints and the first one seemed kind of bleak, we needed more ink, the second one, not so hot either. This was going to be a trial and error kind of day that honestly, I worried that after all these months of preparation and anticipation, people would not be very happy about it. <br /><br />We only pulled a few prints with the steam roller, and I think the general feeling in the air was that this wasn't coming out as good as people expected. And then came a blessing in disguise, the steam roller broke, yes it broke.<br /><br />At this point the real beauty of the day finally made itself known to us. Before the steam roller broke, it was as though everyone was milling around in a state of limbo, worried about the quality of prints being pulled and wondering when their turn was. <br /><br />I am pretty sure this was Liz's idea, once again revealing herself as our super hero from Zea Mays, equipped with barren's, we all got on our hands and knees and hand pressed these massive prints. One at a time, side by side, getting sweaty, making our introductions, testing our muscles and personal space, we finally came together as a community. When the steam roller broke, we had to rely on the groups collective dedication towards the groups collective agenda; to make some big prints. When the steam roller broke, we almost instantly became a tight knit community lending all of our hands one at a time to help each other as individuals, one at a time. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Xl1j2pZo26U/S_wxIzUaCUI/AAAAAAAAATg/-m_we1DTbyc/s1600/03_IMG_0795.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Xl1j2pZo26U/S_wxIzUaCUI/AAAAAAAAATg/-m_we1DTbyc/s320/03_IMG_0795.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475305274260195650" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Xl1j2pZo26U/S_wxIipRe8I/AAAAAAAAATY/lI6Lytftd_A/s1600/04-IMG_0797.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Xl1j2pZo26U/S_wxIipRe8I/AAAAAAAAATY/lI6Lytftd_A/s320/04-IMG_0797.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475305269784312770" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Xl1j2pZo26U/S_wxIa3CiMI/AAAAAAAAATQ/dWicTB7Tp_s/s1600/06_IMG_0799.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Xl1j2pZo26U/S_wxIa3CiMI/AAAAAAAAATQ/dWicTB7Tp_s/s320/06_IMG_0799.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475305267694569666" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Xl1j2pZo26U/S_wxH9kaGgI/AAAAAAAAATI/7Wl5dKbx1eE/s1600/09_IMG_0802.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Xl1j2pZo26U/S_wxH9kaGgI/AAAAAAAAATI/7Wl5dKbx1eE/s320/09_IMG_0802.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475305259831794178" /></a><br />(Images C/O <a href="http://www.carolynwebb.net">Carolyn Webb</a>, who's print is being hand pressed and pulled here) <br /><br />It was also immediately clear that we as a group, with only our arms and some pieces of plastic and unbridled determination, were a better make shift press than our steam roller, the hand pressed prints were coming out better. Who knows, maybe our cute steam roller didn't weigh enough, maybe it was because we had to roll every print 2, 3, and I think in one instance 4 times, maybe it's that human determination and artistic spirit in conjunction with community drive are more powerful than 2 ton construction equipment. Yes, that was cheesy, but whatever some how it worked and we learned that a steam roller is only a vice in the world of over size printmaking. <br /><br />Another really beautiful element of the day was all the people who just showed up, had no connection to anyone involved in any part of this workshop and got on their knees with a barren to help us out. One such man, from South America randomly happened upon us and helped out for quite a bit. Before he left, he told Eben that it was the best day he had had in America and that he wanted to go back to his home country and tell everyone about it and make something similar happen there too! Talk about a few simple words and how they alone seem to make all the work that goes into putting something like this together, more than worth it. <br /><br />One important part of this project that really needs mentioning, not just because we are required to do so, but because it is really important on a greater level than crediting. We received a grant from the <a href="http://www.northamptonartscouncil.org/">Northampton Arts Council</a> through a grant round that was funded by the <a href="http://www.massculturalcouncil.org/">Massachusetts Cultural Council</a>. With the grant we supplied free non-toxic Akua Ink, cleaning supplies, saw horses to prop boards to roll ink on, and other wooden supports for the workshop. Everything else was very generously donated and required the dedication and coalescing of a huge community for a one day event. Because of all this, we were able to require that our participants only supply their own blocks to carve and their own paper. It's not always clear how these things come together, who pays for what and where that money comes from. When people see, participate in, and experience, these kinds of things, the result is not always the turning of gears in their heads over the subject of funding for the arts. Well now is a good time to think about what is behind determining public funding for the arts, make your opinion known when these issues come about and think about donating to the arts because the pay off is huge for everyone. <br /><br />So much of mine and Eben's time goes into organizing these kinds of things, and we are not paid, we actually spend a lot of our own money, which yeah, sucks but it's worth it. All the organizations that volunteered and donated time and equipment to this one majorly inspiring, productive and meaningful day were not paid and if the pool of funding for the few small things we were able to supply at this workshop were greater, we could have paid everyone involved, rightly as they deserve to be. These are the things that make our communities exciting and vibrant and despite being invaluable as it stands, this is all really great but it could be fucking mind blowing. <br /><br />A lot of people benefited from this experience and we will do it again, we will do other things like this. If you live in or around Northampton, check out all the organizations that helped us make this possible (follow the highlighted text) and think about how you can help this become even bigger the next time around. If you aren't from around here, think about who in your community is making similar kinds of art related events that you can support and in what ways you can do that. And remember, it doesn't always have to be money, be creative, just like us.Katherine Mary IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14125647315200881578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360301859173703489.post-10219123745649070522010-03-26T12:09:00.003-04:002010-03-26T12:14:55.029-04:00A few more SpacesWe can accommodate a few more spaces for the Steam Roller Printmaking Workshop on May 15th in Northampton. <br /><br />Interested folks should follow the <a href="http://freepdfhosting.com/42b1816a33.pdf">guidelines</a> (download starts automatically) and get us a proposal ASAP, preferably by Friday April 2nd. We know this is just a weeks time and suggest you follow the guidelines a little loosely. <br /><br />We really just want to get some more printmakers on board to take advantage of the opportunity!<br /><br />Email questions to Now.For.Art@gmail.com<br /><br />Cheers!Katherine Mary IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14125647315200881578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360301859173703489.post-47834135126372809122010-03-08T15:48:00.002-05:002010-03-08T15:50:22.761-05:00413•BOK•NEWTSend a picture message to 413•BOK•NEWT. See the collection at <a href="http://413boknewt.blogspot.com/">413BOKNEWT.blogspot.com</a>Katherine Mary IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14125647315200881578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360301859173703489.post-32020850102708827812010-03-08T15:45:00.002-05:002010-03-08T15:47:49.187-05:00Steam Roller Printmaking Workshop Date MovedWe've moved the Steam Roller Printmaking workshop date to May 15th! Download the PDF with all the details <a href="http://freepdfhosting.com/42b1816a33.pdf">here</a>, Download starts automatically.<br /><br />Just under two weeks left to get your proposal in! Email us if you have any questions!<br /><br />Now.for.art@gmail.comKatherine Mary IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14125647315200881578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360301859173703489.post-54408884710402912832010-03-05T11:01:00.002-05:002010-03-05T11:05:11.242-05:00We're Doing It Again<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Xl1j2pZo26U/S5ErX9Hr-_I/AAAAAAAAAH0/VFLfIadyxQ4/s1600-h/IMG_0988.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Xl1j2pZo26U/S5ErX9Hr-_I/AAAAAAAAAH0/VFLfIadyxQ4/s320/IMG_0988.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445181115011431410" /></a><br />Now.For.Art is proud to announce the 2010 call for original works of art on paper for Papergirl Northampton 2010!<br /><br />Papergirl Northampton is modeled after the original Papergirl Berlin initiated by Aisha Ronniger. For this project, original works of art on paper are collected, exhibited and then distributed for free to random street goers via a team of cyclists.<br /><br />Last year we collected over 400 pieces of art that we exhibited for two weeks, had a rad closing reception and then passed all the work over to our cyclists who gave away all the art to people on the streets of Northampton!<br /><br />It was a great time and we’re doing it again. We’ve extended the open call so we can get even more free art work into the hands of strangers this year.<br /><br />This year we will exhibit and distribute art work in August!<br />It’s a long way to go but now you have the heads up,<br />so get to work!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">You can drop off or mail work to</span><br />Katherine Romansky<br />103 State Street Apt. 4<br />Northampton MA 01060<br /><br />For drop off their will be a bin to the right of the entrance!<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />For questions email</span><br />Papergirlnorthampton@gmail.comKatherine Mary IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14125647315200881578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360301859173703489.post-79416644405537705402010-02-23T14:33:00.002-05:002010-02-23T14:36:25.748-05:00Deadline ExtendedWe've extended the deadline for proposals for the Northampton Steam Roller Printmaking Workshop to March 19th! <br /><br />That gives you one extra week to get us your sweet proposals! <br /><br />Download the PDF <a href="http://freepdfhosting.com/42b1816a33.pdf">HERE</a>(download stars automatically) which includes all the information and guidelines.Katherine Mary IIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14125647315200881578noreply@blogger.com0