Second Annual Collectors Evening Secures Six New Acquisitions for the High

The High Museum of Art hosted its second annual Collectors Evening on Friday, January 28. Participants voted to secure four new acquisitions for the Museum: Vik Muniz’s “Leda and the Swan, after Leonardo da Vinci” (2009); an African “Elephant Headress” (19th century); Spencer Finch’s “Bright Star (Sirius)” (2010); and Auguste-Jean-Baptiste Vinchon’s “Portrait of Nency Destouches” (1829). Additionally, after the formal voting, an attendee offered up four Delta Air Lines worldwide business-class tickets for bidding. The money raised through this impromptu auction allowed for the acquisition of the fifth piece, the limestone sculpture “Lamentation” (1946), by American artist Robert Laurent. An anonymous donor purchased the sixth and final piece for the folk art collection, Minnie Evans's untitled painting on paperboard (1968).

This event, established in 2010 to build and improve the Museum’s permanent collection, invites guests to take an active role in choosing the next work of art to join the permanent collection. During the evening, each of the High’s curators presents a work of art as a potential new acquisition for their collection. Guests then cast their votes and the High purchases the works of art that received the most votes.

More information about this year’s chosen works is below. African Art
The proposed work from the African art department is “Elephant Headress.” During the 19th century when this work was made, elephant masks were among the most prestigious of all the masquerades performed by groups of wealthy, titled men in the small Bamileke kingdoms of the Cameroon Grassfields. The elephant, like the leopard, was a royal symbol, though both elephants and leopards have long since become extinct in Cameroon. These two animals were also considered the alter egos of Bamileke kings, who were described as having the ability to transform into either creature at will. Elephant masks were referred to as “things of money” because they were profusely ornamented with glass beads made in Venice or Czechoslovakia. The acquisition of this work would strengthen the High’s holdings of African masks and the art of Cameroon as well as diversify the materials represented in our collection.

American Art
Robert Laurent’s limestone sculpture “Lamentation” (1946) is the proposed acquisition for the American art collection. Laurent was at the forefront of new trends and is often considered a link between the classicism of Beaux Arts sculptors and the abstractionists. His work is relatively rare, with much of it existing either in monumental size as public art or scattered among public and private collections. “Lamentation” was inspired by a dance of the same title choreographed by Martha Graham in 1930, in which the dancer is dressed in a sheath that at times covers and absorbs her entire body. For Laurent, as for Graham, the expression of “Lamentation” was intended to cross cultural boundaries and probe at the universal experience of grief. It would join the High as the first work by Robert Laurent and will complement the elegant, stylized forms of John Flannigan, William Zorach and Paul Manship; the cubist composition of Berta Margoulies; and the abstract work by Theodore Roszak already in the collection.

European Art
Auguste-Jean-Baptiste Vinchon’s “Portrait of Nency Destouches” (1829) is the proposed acquisition for the High’s European art collection. A mentee of Jacques-Louis David, Vinchon (1789–1855) maintained a level of success during his lifetime that rivaled his contemporaries Eugène Delacroix and Théodore Géricault. Landscape paintings dominate his early career, and in 1819 he expanded his subject matter to include portraiture and historical scenes. “Portrait of Nency Destouches” most likely depicts the daughter of architect Louis Nicholas-Marie Destouches. Vinchon’s skill is evident in the way he uses light to illuminate Nency’s angelic cheeks, rosy lips and glowing skin. This portrait would be the first work by Vinchon to be acquired by the High and will expand the Museum’s collection to fuller illuminate the era of French Romanticism. Other examples of Vinchon’s works are in the collections of the Musée du Louvre and the Château de Versailles.

Folk Art
Minnie Evans is among the most highly regarded self-taught artists. Her elaborate painting on paperboard finished in 1968 is the proposed acquisition for the folk art collection. Evans’s drawings were inspired by the dreams and visions that came to her night and day. She layered nature and spirit, plant and animal, human and divine in symmetrical compositions of swirling intricacy. The proposed painting, an untitled work, is a collage comprising at least two earlier works: a drawing from 1946 and a mid-career drawing from 1951. This painting is larger and more elaborate than any of the five Evans works already in the High’s collection. It would also be the first example of Evans’s most fully realized creations, in which she completely covered the surface with the arabesques, plant forms and mask-like faces typical of her designs. Evans’s work is featured in many museum collections including The Museum of Modern Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the American Folk Art Museum, the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Center, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Collection de l’Art Brut in Lausanne and the Newark Museum.

Modern and Contemporary Art
The proposed work from the modern and contemporary art department is Spencer Finch’s “Bright Star (Sirius)” (2010). Finch, a New York-based artist, recently completed this work, which brilliantly illustrates what he has described as art’s ability to “ignite our capacity for wonder.” It is based on the star Sirius, otherwise known as the “Dog Star” because of its prominence in the constellation Canis Major (Big Dog). Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky due to its intrinsic luminosity and its proximity to earth, and is probably the inspiration for the nursery rhyme “Star Light, Star Bright.” Finch’s light sculpture replicates the bluish cast of Sirius as seen with the naked eye and measured by astronomical research by attaching colored gels of specific widths on fluorescent tubes at prescribed intervals. With this acquisition, the High would further its commitment to this increasingly important young artist and complement its core areas of Color Field and hard-edged abstraction holdings by extending those traditions to the present day with Finch’s light works, which are neurologically hardwired into our visual perception. In addition to the High, Finch’s work has been acquired by the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington, D.C.; Museum für Moderne Kunst, Frankfurt am Main; and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, among others.

Photography
The photography department has proposed an acquisition of Vik Muniz’s “Leda and the Swan, after Leonardo da Vinci” (2009). Born in São Paulo, Brazil, in 1961, Muniz works with unconventional materials—including sugar, tomato sauce, chocolate syrup, dust and garbage—to craft narrative subjects before recording them with his camera. To create “Leda and the Swan, after Leonardo da Vinci,” part of the artist’s “Pictures of Junk” series, Muniz placed his camera on a platform elevated by a crane high above a warehouse floor. Using the open space as a canvas, he employed impoverished art students from the outskirts of São Paulo to help him collect detritus from the city’s dumps and arrange it into the shape of a recognizable painting by Leonardo da Vinci. Seen from more than 40 feet above the floor, objects such as discarded hub caps, pipes, appliances and tires become the building blocks for an imaginative but ephemeral recreation of the celebrated Renaissance painting “Leda and the Swan.” Measuring approximately 7½ feet high, the photograph Muniz made of the sculptural arrangement remains the only permanent record of this amazing deed. Muniz’s work is included in the collections of leading national and international museums and was the subject of the award-winning documentary film “Wasteland” (2010). This would be the second photograph from the artist’s “Pictures of Junk” series to enter the High’s collection.

High Museum of Art
The High Museum of Art, founded in 1905 as the Atlanta Art Association, is the leading art museum in the Southeastern United States. With more than 12,000 works of art in its permanent collection, the High Museum has an extensive anthology of 19th- and 20th-century American and decorative art; significant holdings of European paintings; a growing collection of African American art; and burgeoning collections of modern and contemporary art, photography and African art. The High Museum of Art is also dedicated to supporting and collecting works by Southern artists and is distinguished as the only major museum in North America to have a curatorial department specifically devoted to the field of folk and self-taught art. The High’s media arts department produces acclaimed annual film series and festivals of foreign, independent and classic cinema. In November 2005 the High opened three new buildings by architect Renzo Piano that more than doubled the Museum’s size, creating a vibrant “village for the arts” at the Woodruff Arts Center in midtown Atlanta. For more information about the High, please visit www.high.org.

The Woodruff Arts Center
The Woodruff Arts Center is ranked among the top four arts centers in the nation. The Woodruff is unique in that it combines four visual and performing arts divisions on one campus as one not-for-profit organization. Opened in 1968, the Woodruff Arts Center is home to the Alliance Theatre, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the High Museum of Art and Young Audiences. To learn more about the Woodruff Arts Center, please visit www.woodruffcenter.org.

There's Still Time to Register for Arts Advocacy Afternoon at the State Capitol

The Georgia 2012 budget proposal recommends moving the Georgia Council for the Arts under the Georgia Department of Economic Development. What will this mean for the Arts in Georgia? Come to Arts Advocacy Afternoon at the Capitol and Find Out!

Remember, there is strength in numbers! Please send this to your colleagues, co-workers, and constituents.

There's Still Time to Register for Arts Advocacy Afternoon at the State Capitol

The Georgia Assembly of Community Arts Agencies (GACAA) will gather arts professionals and supporters  from throughout the state for Arts Advocacy Afternoon at the Capitol on Tuesday, January 25, 2011. That day marks the formal launch of the new 2011 Arts Advocacy campaign for Georgia.

Those who wish to participate should:

1. REGISTER ONLINE for the GACAA Arts Advocacy Day Training Session on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Tull Hall, Central Presbyterian Church in downtown Atlanta.

Click Here To Register [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=zutrqqcab&et=1104265138730&s=1302&e=001As2cLG_wwQndYejeJaXPZ_e7WaJghZssUKAd_QcpRm_HpER_l5iicYVSHOryQ37CEj_qDJWmNxBn7dTguinN_ojTAO4QMXDYKb8mFg-HZOQ2Dm136hijeFEDCsDt0P3h7ZskpOjyOZE=].

The church is located across the street from the state capitol in easy walking distance from Legislators' offices. Registration is free! If you want to order a $10 boxed lunch you can also do so online.

2.CONTACT YOUR STATE LEGISLATORS to arrange a meeting with them or with a senior member of their staff on Tuesday, January 25, anytime after 1:15 p.m.

Click Here to find out who your state legislators are and how to contact them! [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=zutrqqcab&et=1104265138730&s=1302&e=001As2cLG_wwQlt56TekjJY9O92sA7sclQy4zuaOYXbe9J2yYtZHzjs9G0YIqsmdilATQN3NF-vL98AiK7Kr83r3pZo73vdTF_n5rNy_Cjap9f_AFiyYgWCrNpYkjV2HMGGkyT0e0ziHLA2t0Lr5NjdPSFOGlhdVlnS]

Then call or email each of them to ask for the appointment. Be clear, confident and direct. If they ask what your visit is in reference to, be sure to communicate that you are a voter from the legislator's district and you want to talk to him/her about the arts industry in Georgia.

3. FORM YOUR LOCAL DELEGATION. Recruit members of your community who are arts supporters and, if possible, who support or personally know your legislators, to attend the Arts Advocacy Afternoon training and then visit legislators with you.

Ideally, these delegates are informed, active members of your community who support the arts and realize the value of the arts and culture in your community.

On January 25th dress warmly and professionally. The idea is to reinforce to our elected officials that arts funding is an investment in our state's economy which generates an enormous return on investment. We want to emphasize the arts and cultural industry as a business so please leave the Shakespearean wardrobe at home!

Check in will begin at 11:30 a.m. and the program will begin at Noon. Participants will be given talking points and printed material to deliver to their legislators. They will then separate into regional delegations to deliver the message to their elected officials.

If you have questions or need more information please contact GACAA Advocacy Chair, J. Cindy Hill, at artsadvocacyga@gmail.com [mailto:artsadvocacyga@gmail.com] or at 478-731-5917.
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Georgia Assembly of Community Arts Agencies
www.gaartsnetwork.org [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=zutrqqcab&et=1104265138730&s=1302&e=001As2cLG_wwQlVs7DTGpCSDrKTglveRdc8r-hvpkMJj-HlXVCMhxE5vczar93pjO49UNRvsgGe_CX8I9EQED0SZ6iVkkUui2OENj6R6tnuVaxV6aUhw1WmXw==]

Georgia Assembly of Community Arts Agencies | PO Box 463 | Conyers | GA | 30012
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SCAD Scholarship Gala Celebrates Art, Education, Student Success

The Savannah College of Art and Design announces its 12th annual Scholarship Gala Saturday, February 5, 2011 at the River Club, 3 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Savannah, Ga. The Scholarship Gala is the primary scholarship fundraiser for SCAD. Proceeds from the evening go to the SCAD scholarship endowment, which supports existing and creates new scholarships for the talented students at SCAD.

The annual Savannah Scholarship Gala is a celebratory evening for art enthusiasts from near and far to gather together and show their support for creative and talented SCAD students in need. The walls of the event space will showcase photographs, paintings, sketches, jewelry, sculptures and more, all of which are available for purchase in a silent auction. As always, the event will also feature imaginative decor and delectable cuisine.

“The scholarship gala is a unique opportunity for the community to embrace the SCAD students, celebrate their creativity and, most importantly, provide financial support to allow them to continue to be creative individuals,” says McLean Hooff, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement. “We have many scholarship recipients present at the event and seeing hundreds of supporters gathered together and enthusiastic about their art validates why they work so hard to continue their education and pursue their dreams.”

Individual patron tickets are $150 and include cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, live music, and a silent auction complete with original artwork created by SCAD students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Individual preview party tickets are $250 and include an exclusive buy-it-now option, catered cocktail party, special VIP activities plus all the features included in the patron party. To purchase tickets, make a donation, or preview auction items visit www.scad.edu/savgala. For any questions, please contact Karla Giebner at 912.525.5821/ kstanfor@scad.edu.
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New Art Group Hosts Charity Art Show February 5, 2011

Skip the roses and chocolate this year - choose a one-of-a-kind work of art or fine craft for your sweetheart and give to a worthy cause at the same time. Join members of Fine Arts And Crafts Entrepreneurs (FAACE) on Saturday, February 5th from 10am-4pm, when “Art With Heart” debuts in downtown Fayetteville.

Members and friends of FAACE will showcase paintings, pottery, jewelry, and fiber art – a perfect mix of gifts for Valentine’s Day. The show will benefit The Children’s Village at Christian City through donations at the door.

FAACE is a new art group focusing on the ‘business of art’. Janet McGregor Dunn, Susan Norton, Kathy Schultz, Vicki Turner, Angela White, and Claudia Wood began the group late last year with the idea of helping fellow artists become more successful. In addition to hosting shows and providing art venue information for members, FAACE will hold informative meetings designed to foster better business practices and growth. The group meets the first Tuesday of each month at the Towne Club Center in Peachtree City. Fine artists and crafters in the Southern Crescent area are welcome. Membership details can be found on the FAACE website, www.FAACE.org.

“Art With Heart” will be held at the Harvest Community Center, 383 Fayetteville Place, Hwy 85, Fayetteville, 30214. Harvest Community Center is located in the original, now closed, Fayetteville Theater, just north of the Courthouse on Glynn St. (Hwy. 85) in Fayetteville, directly behind La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant. For more information, please call Janet McGregor Dunn at 404-290-3638 or visit the FAACE website at www.FAACE.org.
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Web Broadcast | An Artist's Website is a Terrible Thing to Waste . . .

Join us for a FREE Web Broadcast on January 11 AAG Note - this is from Xanadu Gallery in Arizona - we just thought you might find this of interest, I know I signed up to listen - jmd Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/751712754 The internet, such great promise, and yet for many artists it is a promise unfulfilled. With the advent of the internet 15+ years ago there was great excitement among artists as a whole new world of possibilities opened. Suddenly, an artist could have his/her own virtual gallery open 24 hours a day to visitors from around the world. Unimaginable sales were sure to follow . . . or were they? While I meet very few artists who don't have websites, I meet fewer still who are satisfied with the performance of their sites. Over the past several months, I have met several artists who have actually abandoned their sites. They didn't feel it was worth the time, effort and expense to maintain a site that wasn't attracting visitors, let alone selling art. Perhaps you have felt the same way. I want to encourage you to not yet give up. In fact, I want to encourage you to look at your site in a new way and recommit yourself to getting your website updated and up to speed. I am convinced that the future of the art business is online. That may come as a bit of a surprise, considering I am a gallery owner, and depend on collectors coming to me to find art. What do I have to gain if buyers are going directly to artists through their website? Many galleries are trying to prevent their artists from actively promoting their work on line. I see things a bit differently. I believe that by working together to promote online sales, artists and galleries (not to mention collectors) can benefit. I want to invite you to join me on Tuesday evening for a free, one-hour broadcast on all things internet+art. The broadcast will answer the following questions: Should you design, create and maintain your own site? What information should be included on your website? What should your site look like? How much art should you include on your site? Should you include artwork pricing information on your site? How much contact information should you include on your site? What else should you include on your site? What should you avoid? How often should you update your site? Registration is free, but limited, so sign up now. Also, I am going to ask you to do two things once you've registered: Forward this invitation to two artist friends who you feel would benefit from the broadcast If you haven't already, friend me on Facebook (facebook.com/jason.horejs) or follow me on Twitter (twitter.com/jasonhorejs). Also, during this session, I will be doing live reviews/critiques of 2-3 websites - if you would like your site considered for review, send me a link to the site at Jason@xanadugallery.com and be sure to include in the subject line "SiteReview". Just be prepared, I tend to be blunt. I would also love to hear success stories if you have done something on your site to get more traffic or generate sales. Email me at Jason@xanadugallery.com and be sure to write "WebSuccess" in the subject line. Title:   Web Broadcast | An Artist's Website is a Terrible Thing to Waste Date: Tuesday, January 11, 2011 Time: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM PST 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM MST (Includes Arizona) 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM CST 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM EST After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar. System Requirements PC-based attendees Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server Macintosh®-based attendees Required: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer

Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation’s Sixteenth Annual Thrift Sale Fundraiser – Largest Thrift Sale in the Region!

On Friday and Saturday March 18 & 19, 2011 the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation (OCAF) will hold its sixteenth annual Thrift Sale to raise funds for supporting the organization’s events and educational programs. This year’s sale promises to exceed that of previous years with donations of more than 10,000 items – making this the largest thrift sale in our region. Items to be sold will include furniture, toys, clothing, books, tools, hardware, electronics, small appliances, lawn & garden supplies, antiques, exercise equipment and more! Thrift Sale Preview Day - Friday March 18th 6 - 9PM, $5 admission fee and prices of all items are doubled. There will also be a Silent Auction held on this evening. Thrift Sale – Saturday March 19th 8 AM – 2PM, Free admission and prices are as marked. Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation is located at 34 School Street in Watkinsville. For more information on this event contact the OCAF office at 706-769-4565, email info@ocaf.com, or visit our website at www.ocaf.com.