We installed new artwork for M. F. Cachat Co.  This client has opted to lease artwork from RED DOT Project artists to enhance their workspace.  The artwork is rotated 3 times a year.  They enjoy the change that leasing offers them.  A fresh perspective, new artwork, and change.  Adam Pates’ Ohio Pyle Creek is in their lobby for the next four months.

We are mourning the passing of Viktor Schreckengost.  His artwork and industrial designs influenced a generation.  Today’s  Around Noon program on WCPN features Viktor Schreckengost, including a radio documentary.  Both can be heard here.

Fascination of the City

At RED DOT Project, we’ve been identified as “Social Venture” on the leading edge of a new direction in non-profit funding.  It means that RED DOT Project has a profit making business entity (selling artists work) directly connected to it’s mission (creating a market for regional art).  Our organization and our members are not simply putting our hands out to funders asking for funds; together we are creating the funds to continue our collective work.

Another example of Clevelanders approaching social change in an innovative way is Cleveland Collectivo, who is hosting their second annual “Change for Change” fundraising event on Saturday February 23rd.  In essence, this is a small circle of people who decided it was time to stop talking about Cleveland’s problems and start investing in solutions. Inspired by the traditional practice of immigrant neighbors who invested in each other’s businesses in order to build community, they gathered together for the purpose of collective giving. Their mission is to strengthen our community through collective investments that identify and nurture innovative projects. Each member contributes funds to The Colectivo quarterly and together they choose projects to support. If you are not familiar with the Colectivo, you can learn more about them at www.clevelandcolectivo.org.   At this year’s  event they will be auctioning off artist-created purses and wallets to raise money for this year’s grantees.  The theme of the event is “change for change,” and they are seeking submissions of purses and wallets.   Pieces can be functional or not-so-functional.  If you or someone you know is interested in creating a piece, please let them know by contacting jasonhweiner@yahoo.com.   Artists are often asked to give their art for auctions and fundraisers.  It often seems to be a “jump on the bandwagon” ask to artists for yet another worthy cause that doesn’t recognize the challenges of being an artist in this region.  This one feels a little different, like an opportunity to join other Clevelanders investing their own money in this community with an investment in art.   

Jessica Maloney is participating in The Artists of Tower Press show opening Friday, January 25th with a reception 6:00 - 8:00.  The show at the Wooltex Gallery is featuring artists that live and work in the Tower Press building.  Jessica’s piece, Impact, will be representing RED DOT Project at this show. 

The Tower Press building has been the home of RED DOT Project since our inception in 2005.  It is an exciting building to call home with lots of creative energy and the support of Dave and Karen Perkowski. 

We welcome clients to our office to puruse the artwork of Jessica Maloney and any of our nearly 100 Northeast Ohio artists.  Be sure to call first as we do go out on apointment promoting and selling our artists’s work.

Artwork selection can be inspired by color.  Do you want to pull together an environment by using a color that is already found in the upholstery, rug, or furnishings?  Or do you need that pop that will make a space sing?

As we enter another cold cold weekend, yellow is the color that can add warmth and vibrancy or a shimmer and suggestion. 

David Moskovitz, Sunflowers, oil on canvas, 60″ x 48″

Andrew Morrell, Rivets Yellow, photograph, 13″ x 19″

Ruth Bercaw, Prism, acrylic on shaped canvas, 51″ x 81″ x 8.5″

Jeanne Regan, Sleepwalk, limited edition print, 14″ x 15″

Look for new search features on our website this year, such as search by color.

At the recent COSE Arts Network panel presentation about Art and Techology, there was a lot of lively discussion around many issues surrounding “technology” as an art form, tool, etc. It was great to hear about Carnegie Mellon’s Master of Entertainment Technology and to learn about the ways this program has influenced young creative graduates to stay or return to Pittsburgh to become arts entrepreneurs (where the cost of living is similar to Cleveland — and to which many graduates of this program leave for pricier but sexier environs, only to return for a richer lifestyle on less — sound familiar?). The Ingenuity Festival has in many ways encouraged discussion, provided opportunity for regional artists, and educated by offering the opportunities to experience the technological art of artists from around the world. The Future Center at CIA opened doors and minds. What’s next?

COSE has launched a new on-line service called “Mindspring.” An on-line forum was introduced to keep the lively discussion going that followed the presentation.  I was wondering about some other ways artists can explore technologies that can help them expand their art, and posted a question to that effect.

Join the on-line forum at:
http://www.cosemindspring.com/discussion/technology/intersection-technology/artists-northeast-ohio

I had a blast checking out links and posts, and getting some feedback from another creative entrepreneur.  It’s free, and it’s all right there, join in on the discussion!

What are your ideas?  How do you see technology enhancing your work?  How can we push those limits?  Is technology most useful in expressing concepts and allowing manipulation of images, or changes in scale (that can impact cost and make murals,etc. more affordable)? Does it allow you to produce products that were once caustic in an environmentally friendly way?  What are your thoughts?  Where do we go with this?….

Joan

Molly Nook is a recent RED DOT Project member.  Her fine art photography serves as a visual notebook for her, capturing a mysterious and dreamlike quality.

Explore more images of Molly’s work at http://www.reddotproject.org/search.php.

The Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts are looking for a new postcard design.  They are asking for submissions for their postcard design and offering a $500 commission.