Brian Benchek is a self taught glass artist that makes incredible chandeliers, wall sculpture, and glass objects.  But, working on commission, with a specific client for a specific place, is one of things he loves about making art.  Click on the image below to catch the video, shown on HGTV, of the installation that he completed for Willoughby homeowners, Melissa and Tom Loiczly.

 Learn more about Brian’s art and how to commission a piece for your space at RED DOT Project.

Glidden House is a beautiful boutique hotel tucked into University Circle.  Their location and size make them unique, but really what sets them apart is their art collection.  Glidden House has made a committment to buying Cleveland regional artists.  RED DOT Project is working with them as they slowly work on renovations and improvements to provide the regional artwork that helps set a tone and gives the space the look and feel that is uniquely Cleveland.

They have recently worked on the Palette Lounge.  The space is intimate and comfortable.  New work by RED DOT Project artists, Ruth Bercaw, Lee Heinen, William Peck, Damon Reaves, and Brock Winans fill the immediate area.

Damon Reaves  ::  Recent Shadows

Check out their Palette Lounge after work, they have signature cocktails, an incredible wine list, and tapas by Sergios.  AND great art by regional artists. 

A New York Times article this month covers the use jpeg images to sell artwork.  The article quotes:

Lisa Schiff, a New York art consultant, agreed, saying that “99 percent” of her sales now involve a JPEG at one stage or another. “It’s changed the way we all do business,” she said. “People have begun using JPEG as a verb: JPEG me this work.”

RED DOT Project has a digital database of our artist members’s works that allows for the transmission of digital presentations, short listing of artwork, and streamlined process for art procurement.

 While I recognize that a jpeg is not the real thing, it certainly helps to start the conversation and determine direction for artwork purchases.

James Massena March  ::  City Windows

COSE Arts Network is hosting a half day event, tomorrow, Wednesday, February 20 at Trinity Commons.  Ali Pretty is the keynote speaker with breakout sessions on a variety of arts business topics.  Click here for more information and registration.

From Kinetika’s Tiger and the Emperor

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.

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