Playa Bound Art… and Vendors!

Call for Art

The Crucible’s Summer Open House: Playa Bound

Exhibit your industrial art!

Saturday, July 14^th The Crucible is opening its doors to celebrate the approaching annual desert community art extravaganza Burning Man.  It will be a maze of vendors with handmade crafts, desert costumes, camping supplies, playa bikes, shade ideas, and leave-no-trace education. The Open House will feature live industrial art demonstrations, fire art performance, class discounts, food and beverage, a raffle for free tuition, and more.

The Crucible will host an industrial art exhibit in a gallery setting in the upstairs performance room overlooking the central event space.  Any art that utilizes the techniques taught at The Crucible is eligible (glassworking, welding, blacksmithing, foundry, woodworking, etc).  It doesn’t have to Burning Man related.  A paper submission form is available in the office and online on The Crucible’s event page for Playa Bound.  The important times and dates are listed below.  Contact Daniel Stauber, Curator, at daniel@thecrucible.org if you require an alternative drop off or pick up time.

We look forward to seeing your artwork on display at The Crucible’s Summer Open House:  Playa Bound.

Monday July 9th                Submission Deadline 5pm
Tuesday July 10th              Acceptance notification
Thursday July 12th            Art Drop off  12-5pm
Friday May 11th                 Art Drop off 4-8pm
Saturday July 14th             Open House 11am-6pm
Saturday July 14th             Art Pick up  6-7pm
Sunday July 15th                Art Pick up  10am-12pm

Playa Bound Vendor Information
DEADLINE: Thursday June 14th, 2012

Sell your handmade crafts, jewelry, furniture, ceramics, glass beads, vases, baubles, recycled steel sculptures, neon wall art, etc. to eager shoppers in our massive indoor warehouse in West Oakland.

We are hosting this event to raise awareness of our classes in the fine and industrial arts. We strongly encourage selling work that fits with The Crucible’s classes. Special consideration will be given to crafts and supplies geared towards the Burning Man event held in the Black Rock City desert in August/September.  Special consideration also given to metalwork, jewelry, glasswork, neon and other media that are related to The Crucible’s programs.

Event includes kids activities, student and faculty art sale, a bronze pour, and industrial art demonstrations, such as glass flameworking and welding, fire performances and more. Food and refreshments will be available at a reasonable price. If you would like to check out the space before applying please feel free to attend one of our studio tours held Tuesdays & Thursdays at 6pm (except during holidays and events).

Proceeds benefit participating artists and The Crucible’s arts education programs. Please read through this page of event rules and information. By supporting The Crucible, you are helping to keep accessible art education and community programs alive in the Bay Area.

The Crucible staff and community thank you for your support!

If you are interested in sharing a table or booth with another artist, please contact Andrea Lundquist, Events Manager, via email: andrea@thecrucible.org or phone: 510.444.0919 x 135

All of the Amazing Projects this summer!!

I am so excited to share all of the rock-star art, play, collaboration, and opportunity for community engagement that is running my summer!   Starting from Micro and going to Macro- Get your calendars out and have a pen ready, because there is bound to be something you are interested in!  Please email me with any questions, comments, or desires to get involved!

AMALGAMATION: Community sourced installation project with artist salons andengagements occurring weekly through the months of June and July at The Red Poppy Art House in the Mission, SF.

“This project seeks to integrate the residency of artist Ralph Vázquez-Concepción at the Red Poppy Art House, the Family Arts Program of the Poppy, local residents and artists as well as invited artists from abroad to participate in a dialogue about what the meaning of the terms ‘networks’, ‘systems’, and ‘community’ mean to them. The result will be an installation that will express, if in a conceptual manner, the continuum of significations, as well as the way these terms integrate in culture; Everyone has an idea of what the central motifs for this installation are, and it is that intuitive understanding which will take center stage and become the content of the final collaborative work.”

All are welcome and encouraged to participate- even sending in your contribution(s), with a short description is welcome!!  Short videos, icons, articles…  this is a wonderful opportunity to actively engage in your networks.

Movement Play Microfestival: June 22-25, Willits, CA (only 350 amazing people!) dancing, eating delicious food, and playing in all ways.  Highlights: Random Rab, Saqi Ensemble, Tropo, Table Nectar Catering, fresh water hot tubs, dance, yoga, Tea Time!

“The Movement Play Microfestival is an eclectic event bringing together a rainbow of characters who love to move and play.  If you (or your boyfriend/ girlfriend/ partner/ friend/significant other) don’t know how to dance or use hoops or poi or any of that stuff (yet), you/he/she/they can still join us and have a GREAT time!  There are no expectations on you to take workshops or strut your stuff.  The classes are offered for those who would like to participate in learning various forms of joyous play.  While they certainly are a feature of this event, campers need not feel obliged to take classes. There are plenty of other things to do or not do at the Microfestival. This event is about doing what feels good to you.  If you’d like to chill and relax, or take a swim or a hike, please do what feels right for you in the moment.”- Movement Play website.

What the Festival!?!?: July 27-29, White River Canyon, OR.  Yes, another festival… andthis one is totally different.  Why? One, the people who are behind this are the cream of the crop and have decided to put all their eggs into a porcelain basket and smash it all over the place.  This is going to be rad.  Music, Hookah Lounge, BIG ART, Camping, VIP SERVICES!! What the FESTIVAL! I’m just saying…

“For OMG Experience pass holders, a quick hike up the hill directly behind main stage will bring you into a magical world of amazing vistas, relaxing chill zones, a full refreshment bar all surrounded with music, as well as surprise performances from some of our favorite DJs and musicians. Designed as an exclusive experience for the inner hedonist, you can bask in our garden of earthly delights. We are at your service! More details on the OMG Experience page.”- WTF website.

Otic Oasis 2.0/ Burning Man 2012: Many volunteer dates, Onsite at BRC Aug. 18- Sept. 4.

Otic Oasis 2.0 will rise again this year and stand tall against the horizon at Burning Man 2012.  In keeping with the theme of Fertility 2.0 — there will be two extra modules on the structure, with seven additional stand alone satellites rising further out on the playa, to
provide more private space for contemplation.

Additionally, artist Gregg Fleishman has been selected to build part of the Man Base as well!  The Man will stand on a fifty foot tall pavilion, and inside the pavilion will be the Man Base Pistil, modeled after the pistil of a flower — a double-helix with one helix composed of five intertwined modules, and the other helix of broad stadium steps and seats, inviting participants to climb.

Next volunteer work weekend: July 16 and 17, on Alameda Island.  Event Productions Inc.  Email me andboyle@gmail.com if you want more information on how you can get involved.

Otic Oasis Picture courtesy of Roy Two Thousand.

Fireside Lounge at The Crucible

Last night at The Crucible‘s Fireside Lounge, “Industrial Strength,” there was no lack of entertainment! Between an all-star panel of women industrial artists, Rebecca Anders of FLUX Foundation and Joyce Hsu just to name a couple, Gamelan performance alongside a molten bronze pour and blacksmithing, and an art show, the three-hour event ended with the audience wanting more.  The Fireside Lounge Series at The Crucible provides a new way of attracting interest and audiences for the industrial arts; three times a year, the studio opens after-hours and, with beer or wine in hand, people can tour the facility and get first-hand experience at fine and industrial arts in action.  Just last night, a Bay Area Gamelan group came to The Crucible to accompany the process of making symbols similar to those they were playing.  The mesmerizing blend of ancient Balinese percussion instruments playing in rhythm with the swinging hammers of blacksmiths as they pounded the symbol flat, was a moment that could only happen at The Crucible.

If you missed out last night, mark your calendars for May 11, 2012 when they will be featuring “Made in Oakland,” artists panel and more fun The Crucible style.

“Coffee with Cardamom” Opening Night: July 16th 6-9pm @ Place PDX

Place PDX: Settlement Galleries @ Pioneer Square Mall
700 SW 5th Ave, 3rd Floor of Atrium Bldg.
Opening Reception: July 16, 6:00- 9:00 pm

July 16- August 14, 2011
Gallery Hours: Thurs-Sun, Noon- 6:00 pm
Special Events: Doors at 6:30pm, Begin at 7:00 pm

“Coffee with Cardamom”: Curator Andrea Boyle presents a collaborative project titled, “Mirrors,” with a spotlight solo exhibition of Sarah Farahat’s, “Can You See Me Now? (Part 1): Reflections on Palestine”. 

Tune into KBOO’s Art Focus hour on July 12, 2011 to listen to Ray and Sarah speak in-depth about the project.

“Mirrors,” is a collaborative art-as-process piece exploring relationships of identity, responsibility and community between Middle Eastern-born and American-born artists within the current global context of the political uprisings in the Middle East. Using art as the common language, these artists will explore their relationships with one another by participating in weekly art therapy sessions, current topic conversations, and creating a collaborative body of multi-media artwork.

As a process piece, “Mirrors,” examines the importance of artists, inspirations, and ideologies coming together in a space of reflection; in that, only a portion of the show features completed collaboration pieces, the remainder of the show focuses on pieces in process, as the artistic dialogue and weekly meetings continue in the gallery space. The show is designed to invite the audience to participate as both observer and subject, reflecting on their own insights on identity, responsibility, and community in the larger global context.

“Can You See Me Now? (Part One): Reflections on Palestine” by Sarah Farahat is a RACC sponsored solo exhibition culminating two years of travel, art making, and organizing efforts. The show contains photographs taken in the West Bank and Jerusalem, an ongoing collaboration between the artist and her deceased grandfather, sculptural reflections on Gaza and organized weekly events featuring internationally known academics, artists, and activists. All events are free and open to the public.

July 17th: Curator’s Talk: Double Vision
July 20th: Journalism and New Media in the Middle East: Lecture and Discussion with Stanford Fellow Jenka Soderburg and Palestinian Journalist Saed Bannoura
July 30th,:First Hand: A Night of Storytelling from the West Bank and Gaza.
August 3rd: From South Africa to Palestine: The shaping of a movement through Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions
August 11th: Artist’s Talk: Double Vision

For a full calendar of events for “Can you see me now?”, please visit: http://sarahfarahat.wordpr​ess.com/events

Artist Call: Mirrors

“Mirrors” is looking for more artists interested in joining the conversation.

• Committed videographer and sound recorder. Time commitment, 4 hrs/week June 2- July 7, must have own equipment. Videographer is responsible for filming and recording the art therapy sessions, current topic conversations, and artist studio time. Documentary style. Great resume builder and chance of funding down the road.
• 2-3 Middle Eastern-born artists working in SF/Bay Area or Pacific NW- all media encouraged. Minimum time commitment, 6 hrs/week for 6 weeks. Welcome to continue working with the project as it travels to galleries around the world.
• 1-2 American-born artists working in SF/Bay Area or Pacific NW- all media encouraged. Minimum time commitment, 6 hrs/week for 6 weeks. Welcome to continue working with the project as it travels to galleries around the world.

Please submit letter of interest and resume/link to website to: andboyle@gmail.com

Please post/pass on to interested people.

First Friday After-Hours @ Rontoms: Alex DeSpain

“Summer Storms” Introducing Alex DeSpain

Rontoms, 600 E. Burnside
Opening Reception May 6, 9:00pm-12:00am
May 6-July 5, 2011

Alex De Spain has a very short long story. From the plains of Oklahoma, that long stretch of wheat-colored canvas that straddles middle America, and the lonely land of Texas, he comes to Portland on the heels of one too many personal tornadoes.  Having spun around in a pallet thunder cloud grays, aging wooden browns, and the pale yellows of inaudible screams, his introduction to the verdant North West inspired discovery of another sort.  By pouring colorful raindrops on his work, he has turned dust into rich soil.  In his most recent series, he calls forth the colors of summer, the cloyingly sweet smell of rose gardens in full-bloom, and organizes his personal story into lessons of joy.  “Summer Storms” begins with a look at Alex’s black & white portraits where cross-hatched hairs like threads of grain assume a third dimension, and ends under the hard-edges of his SHAPES series where we are left to float amid fluid forms of galactic neon-discovery.  This show, at once turbulent and refreshingly warm, offers a look at the biographical portfolio of this talented emerging artist.

Artist Statement:

“When Alex creates work, he clears his head of all thoughts and allows himself to tap into his subconscious. From there, he begins with a line or a color and and frees his hand to interpret his stream of consciousness.  He will build on a piece until it looks exactly the way he wants it to.  The end result is art that connects to DeSpain to his piece in a way that he could not have anticipated before he actually began the work. This process reflects his deep interest in exploring new ways of discovering the depth of his imagination rather than pursuing a preconceived notion.

“DeSpain likes to use a variety of media, even those he does not know, as a part of his relationship with an unfamiliar process. It is a way for him to maintain interest in his work as well as push him out of a comfort zone. Some of his favorite mediums are watercolor, gouache, ink, and more recently- acrylic aerosol paint.  He likes to switch out which mediums he uses for a series, but finds himself always going back to a medium he has used before to discover something new about it.

“More recently, DeSpain has been exploring scale with his series “Shapes”. His interest in working with unfamiliar mediums is strongly exhibited with this body of work. He began this series in the winter months while he was missing the bright colors and sunny weather of the summer time. By creating “Shapes”, he was able to preserve the luminous colors all year long, as a reminder of how magical the Portland summer really is.”

PDX Pipeline

“Mirrors,” A Middle-Eastern-American collaboration.

“Mirrors”: An upcoming exhibition featuring the collaborative artwork of Middle Eastern and American artists.
Showing at the SETTLEMENT downtown, Summer 2011.

In partnership with Sarah Farahat, (Portland, Egyptian-American intermedia artist), and Dawn Weleski (Pittsburgh, Conflict Kitchen), we are embarking on a multi-disciplinary collaborative project called “Mirrors.”  It is an exploration between Middle Eastern-born and American-born artists reflecting on the current political uprisings in the Middle East, what it means to be American and be born with “freedom,” to be newly immigrated refugees looking at their home country fighting for these “freedoms,” all while examining the underlying issues of identity, responsibility, and community.

Using art as the common language, these artists will explore their relationships with one another by participating in art therapy sessions, current topic conversations, and creating a body of work to be exhibited July 16- August 13, 2011 at the Settlement Gallery in Pioneer Square Mall, Portland, OR.  In addition to this first exhibition in July, we have a unique opportunity to present our show in Pittsburgh, PA, in October 2011.  We are currently looking for a Middle Eastern venue to show in June of 2012.

Some pieces and players already involved:
- Andrea (Ray) Boyle: Independent Curator and Arts Administrator
- Dawn Weleski: Founder of Conflict Kitchen (covered by NPR, Dwell magazine, and more); all around Social Practice Artist Phenom.
- Sarah Farahat: Intermedia Artist focusing on Palestinian Conflict and recipient of prestigious Beirut Contemporary Art Program Internship.
- “The Settlement“: 2,000 sq. ft. exhibition space at Pioneer Square Mall. Show running from June 3-12.
- Beth Ann Short & 100th Monkey Studios: Nationally recognized leader in Art Therapy; Co-Founder 100th Monkey Studios.
- Jim Lommasson: Award-winning photographer whose most recent show, “Exit Wounds,” about American soldiers returning from the Iraq war, is traveling the U.S.
- Becca Bernstein: Internationally acclaimed portrait artist.
- Farooq Hassan: Internationally acclaimed and award-winning Iraqi artist, Currently living and working in Portland, OR.
- Amira Dughri: Aspiring documentary film maker.

Our estimated budget for this project is $35,000.  Given the current political climate in the Middle East and Northern Africa, this project could not be more pertinent.  Having open-engagement forums that encourage cross-cultural dialogue through artistic media is  imperative to supporting and increasing understanding.  With your support we can reach and exceed our fundraising goals and take this unique collaboration around the world!  If you, or someone you know is interested in supporting this project financially, with in-kind donations, or your time, please email Ray directly at andboyle@gmail.com

For more information on the project click HERE.