Subject: Artists Newsletter February 18, 2018

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ARTISTS' NEWSLETTER
News and Opportunities for Artists of Fairfield County, CT
FEBRUARY 16, 2018
Next Issue: March 2 
The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County is a nonprofit service organization that supports its members through unified marketing, capacity building, professional development, and advocacy services. This newsletter is sent to all who request it - but we ask that, if you are not a member, you explore membership benefits and consider joining this community of more than 575 individuals and organizations. You can sign up here.
OUR NEWS
SHAPING COMMUNITY - RESOURCES
More than 140 artists, nonprofit professionals, town planners, economic development officers, performers, and citizens participated in our Shaping Community: A Creative Placemaking Conference on Jan. 23-24 at Stepping Stones Children’s Museum in Norwalk. Videos of the Day One events are available on our YouTube channel at: bit.ly/ShapingCommunity. See Liz Squillace, Cris Dam and Sandy Goldstein discussing the Impact of Public Art; see Jane Davila, Elisa Keogh and Mark Macrides on the Impact of Artists Spaces; and Cristle Chumney, Miggs Burroughs, Chris Timmons and Kristin Lessard discuss their Artist Residencies and more. Presentation slides are also available here
Maisa Tisdale and Shanna Melton on Storytelling as Placemaking Panel: see video
Photo: Barbara Loss
HEAR PODCAST DISCUSSION OF SHAPING COMMUNITY
Christle Chumney (New Canaan Library), Katie DeLuca (Town Planner for the Town of Greenwich) and Phil Kuchma (Bridgeport developer) were representatives of 3 of the 9 working groups that soaked up the insights and lessons from LISC's Rebecca Chan, ArtPlace America's Jamie Bennett and the NEA's Jen Hughes on Day Two of the Shaping Community conference. They were our guests on the February edition of Spotlight on Arts & Culture, our monthly program on WPKN 89.5FM, February 12. 
http://bit.ly/soundcloudwpknshaping
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
LENORE EGGLESTON HERBST
Lenore Eggleston Herbst is a dancer, choreographer and nonprofit administrator. With more than twenty years of experience managing nonprofit arts organizations, Lenore is currently the Executive Director of Woodcock Nature Center in Wilton and Ridgefield. Her previous experience includes twelve years as director of marketing and development for the Westchester Philharmonic, fundraising for Ballet Tech in New York, as well as marketing and fundraising for the Kaufman Center, which operates a community arts school, a K-12 public school for gifted music students, and the renowned Merkin Concert Hall in New York City. As a dancer and choreographer, Lenore’s work has been presented at venues including the Joyce Soho, Dancespace, Movement Research and at Connecticut College. For several years Lenore also performed in windows, on staircases and around swimming pools in numerous site-specific works with Stephen Koplowitz and Company. Lenore has lent her administrative expertise to the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra and served on the board of directors at Woodcock before becoming its executive director in 2018. Lenore holds a B.A. in Dance and Psychology from Connecticut College and an M.A. in Performing Arts Administration from NYU.
MOKI KOKORIS

Moki Kokoris trained as an architect, with a degree from Cooper Union and worked for several years as an architect in New York City. She also received a diploma in piano from the Ukrainian Music Institute. In 2003, she became the first Ukrainian woman (and the 14th woman overall) to reach the North Pole. Based on these achievements, Moki became a UN representative for the World Federation of Ukrainian Women’s Organizations and has also served on UN committees on climate change. An active member of the Explorers Club, editor of the The Polar Times and author for the World Ecology Report, she founded 90-North, introducing students to the Arctic. Moki is a member of the Society of Scribes and the International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers and Teachers of Handwriting. She has been a freelance calligrapher, artist, illustrator and graphic designer for over 40 years, establishing a notable reputation for her artistic work. Moki is as passionate about visual arts, particularly calligraphy in its classical forms, as she is about the Arctic. In many of her high-end calligraphy commissions, she uses authentic animal skin parchment, and swan quills or reeds she often collects and cuts herself. Moki is a Ridgefield resident (and a confirmed chocoholic). She teaches at The Art Spot and other venues. See Moki's website (True North Graphics) here.
CURRENT MEMBERS
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Elizabeth Agresta, Painter
Valerie Ahneman, Musician
Peter Alexander, Landscape 
   Architect
Tracey Anderson-Kollar, Visual 
   Artist
Francesca Andre, Filmmaker and
   Photographer
Leslee Asch, Curator, Writer
Frances Ashforth, Painter/ 
   Printmaker
Judith Bacal, Designer
Anna Badini, Painter
Mary Bailey, Sculptor & Writer
Louise Baranger, Musician
Patrice Barrett, Painter
Nina Bentley, Mixed Media/
   Sculptor
Sue Benton, Photographer
Paul Berger, Photographer
Karla Bernstein, Photographer
Thomas Berntsen, Photographer/
   Sculptor
Binnie Birstein, Painter/
   Printmaker
Elise Black, Painter
Tara Blackwell, Painter
Ziggy Bober, Sculptor
Amy Bock, Painter
Andrea Bonfils, Mixed Media Artist
Dennis Bradbury, Photographer
Carolyn Brady, Photographer
Nancy Breakstone, Photographer
Eric Brennan, Singer
Michael Brennecke, Painter
Wendy Brest, Mixed Media
Lucienne Buckner, Sculptor
Bevi Bullwinkel, Painter
Miggs Burroughs, Graphic Artist
Trace Burroughs, New Media
Joy Bush, Photographer
Louise Cadoux, Painter/Sculptor
Bob Callahan, Painter
Donna Callighan, Photographer
Patricia Campbell, Dancer
Linn Cassetta, Printmaker
Polly Castor, Painter
Carolyn Cavolo, Dancer
Ann Chernow, Painter/Printmaker
Eric Chiang, Painter
Frederic Chiu, Pianist
Elaine Clayton, Painter and Writer
Alicia Cobb, Painter
Joyce Colburn, Painter
Heidi Lewis Coleman, Mixed
   Media
Catherine Conroy, Photographer
Margaret Stapor Costa,
   Filmmaker
Adger Cowans, Photographer/
   Painter
Naomi Cruz, Painter
Dolly Curtis, Curator
Lisa Cuscuna, Painter
Dawn Dahl, Painter
Cris Dam, Painter/Muralist
Holly Danger, Video Artist
Betsy Davidson, Painter
Carlos Davila, Painter, Sculptor
Jane Davila, Fiber Artist/Mixed
   Media
Cortney Davis, Writer
John Deakins, Sculptor
Ken Delmar, Painter
Loren DePalma, Painter
Joseph Dermody, Painter/
   Sculptor/ Furniture Maker/
   Violinist
Emily Derr, Illustrator/Designer
Joyce DiCamillo, Musician
Barbara Kunin Dierolf, Painter
Jan Dilenschneider, Painter
Eugenie Diserio, Painter
Carol Nipomnich Dixon, Mixed
   Media
Erin Dolan, Painter
Amy Dolego, Photographer
Jennifer Drolet, Painter
David Dunlop, Painter
Kate Eisemann, Photographer
Philip Eliasoph, Writer
Jeanine Esposito, Mixed Media
Katherine Evans, Painter
Susan Fehlinger, Painter
Mary Ferguson, Photographer
Louise Flax, Mixed Media
Rosaida Flores, Dancer
David Laurence Flynn, Lighting
   Designer
Heide Follin, Painter
Christa Forrest, Painter
Rose-Marie Fox, Painter
Cecilia Moy Fradet, Painter/ 
   Printmaker
Herm Freeman, Painter
Joseph Fucigna, Sculptor
Megan Garbe, Painter

Sandy Garnett, Visual Artist/
   Writer
Rhonda Gentry, Painter

Racey Gilbert, Musician
Joe Gitterman, Sculptor
Leslie Giuliani, Mixed Media
Scott Glaser, Painter
William Glaser, Photographer
Lori Glavin, Visual Artist
Danielle Goldstein, Photographer
Ellen Gordon, Painter
Sue Brown Gordon, Painter/
   Jeweler
Ellen Gould, Photographer
Nicole Grant-Paul, Painter
Joyce Grasso, Painter/
   Photographer
Kristen Graves, Musician
Len Grayeck, Painter
Jen Greely, MultiMedia/
   Installation
Mindy Green, Mixed Media
Carolina Guimarey, Mixed Media
Barry Guthertz, Photographer
Dorothy Hafner, Sculptor
Don Hamerman, Photographer
Mary Harold, Photographer
Julie Headland, Painter/
   Printmaker
Adair Heitmann, Printmaker
Kate Henderson, Mixed Media
   ASSOCIATE
MaryEllen Hendricks,
   Photographer
Gwen Hendrix, Fiber/Mixed
   Media
Lenore Eggleston Herbst, Dancer
Tracy Hoffman, Photographer &
Printmaker
ASSOCIATE
Veronica Hofstetter, Painter
Bruce Horan, Painter/Printmaker
Elizabeth Howard, Writer
Sonya Huber, Writer
Siovhan Hutcherson, Mosaic Artist
Yuko Ike, Painter
Jana Ireijo, Painter
Sholeh Janati, Painter
Martin Johnston, Sculptor
Renée Kahn, Painter/Sculptor
Vasken Kalayjian, Painter
Karen Kalkstein, Graphic Artist
Amy Kaplan, Painter
Natasha Karpinskaia, Painter
Ed Katz, Theatre Critic
Emily Kelting, Photographer
Karen Kent, Painter
Elisa Keogh, Photographer
Susan Keown, Painter/Mixed
   Media/ Ceramicist/
   Photographer ASSOCIATE
Niki Ketchman, Sculptor/
   Multimedia
Lesley Koenig, Painter
Richard Koleszar, Painter
Xiao Mai Kong, Painter
Moki Kokoris, Visual Artist
Michael Kozlowski, Painter
Joanie Landau, Jewelry 
   designer/Printmaker
Lydia Larson, Painter
Paul Larson, Painter
Emily Hamilton Laux,
   Photographer
Eric Jiaju Lee, Visual Artist/
   Musician
Phyllis Lee, Visual Artist
Julie Leff, Painter
Valerie Ann Leff, Writer
Susan Leggitt, Painter
Barbara Loss, Photographer
Shirley Lowell, Painter/Sculptor
   Poet
Jane Lubin, Mixed Media
Katya Lebrija, Painter/Mixed
   Media
Mark Macrides, Painter, Collagist
Jessica Makin, Painter/ 
   Photographer
Mary Manning, Painter/
   Printmaker
Elizabeth Marks, Painter
Ruben Marroquin, Fiber Artist
Nadia Martinez, MultiMedia
Peter Massini, Photographer
Sooo-z Mastropietro, Multimedia
Barbara Mathis, Painter
Megan Bonneau McCool, 
   Choreographer
Carole McClintock, Painter
Grace S. McEnaney, Painter
Tessa Smith McGovern, Writer
Nancy McTague-Stock, Mixed  
   Media
Shanna Melton, Poet
Kristin Merrill, Jeweler/Sculptor
Toby Michaels, Painter
Jay Misencik, Photographer
Allyson Monson, Photographer
Duvian Montoya, Painter
Brechin Morgan, Painter
Day Moore, Painter
Nancy Moore, Painter

Meighan Morrison, Painter
Carol Mueller, Painter/Printmaker
Cynthia Mullins, Painter
Susan Murray, Painter
Aisha Nailah, Mixed Media/ 
   Photographer
Tava Naiyin, Dancer
Dale Najarian, Painter
Karen Neems, Photographer
Susan Newbold, Painter
Mary Newcomb, Painter
Jill Nichols, Painter
Eddie Niño, Painter
Judy Noel, Painter
Julie O’Connor, Photographer
Kazumasa Oda, Painter
Amy Oestreicher, Performing/
   Visual Artist
Melissa Orme, Painter
Rose Palmiero, Painter
Parkway South, Musicians
Judy Peknik, Painter
Louisa Percudani, Producer,
   Writer
Justin Perlman, Sculptor
Chris Perry, Book Artist
Jay Petrow, Painter
Laura Pflug, Painter
Marjorie Poe, Painter
Diane Pollack, Mixed Media
Karen Ponelli, Painter ASSOCIATE
Lynn Carlson Popat, Painter
Joseph Provey, Painter
Jennifer Prat, Photographer
Ben Quesnel, Sculptor, 
   Videographer
Cynthia Quintanal, Sound Healer
Lauren Rago, Mixed Media
Tim Reimer, Painter
Gwen North Reiss, Poet
Rick Reyes, Singer/Songwriter
Barbara Ringer, Photographer
Mariya Rivera, Painter
Christian Roesch, Painter
Alyse Rosner, Painter/Mixed
   Media
Richard Sadlon, Musicians
Renee Santhouse, Graphic Artist
Jill Sarver, Painter
Roxanne Faber Savage, Visual 
   Artist
Ellen Schiffman, Fiber Artist
Norma Schlager, Fiber Artist
Marianne R. Schmidt, Painter
Lisa Seidenberg, Filmmaker
Rick Shaefer, Visual Artist
Barbara Shea, Writer
Alissa Siegal, Painter
Norm Siegel, Painter
Lisa P. Silberman, Photographer
Nomi Silverman, Graphic Artist
Phyllis Sinrich, Photographer
Bronislava Slagle, Mixed Media 
   Painter
Megan Smith-Harris, Writer/ 
   Filmmaker
Cleo Sonneborn, Painter
Rene Soto, Painter
Liz Squillace, Painter/Printmaker
Connie Stancell, Painter
Sergei Stepanenko, Painter
Kevin Stevens, Mixed Media
Barbara Stewart, Painter
Pam Stoddart, Painter
Florence Suerig, Visual Artist
Susan Tabachnick, Sculptor
Juliette Tehrani, Painter
Mick Theebs, Writer/Painter
Alicia Thompson, Actress/
   Playwright
Dara Tomeo, Painter
Kris D. Toohey, Painter
Andrea Towey, Musician
Ruth Kalla Ungerer, Printmaker
Amy Vensel, Painter
Vincent Verrillo, Painter
Karen Vogel, Painter
Lee Walther, Mixed Media
Peggy Weis, MultiMedia
Cynthia Whalen, Painter
Joan Wheeler, Painter
Vonne Whittleton, Mixed Media
Al Coyote Weiner, Painter
Ann Weiner, MultiMedia
   Conceptual  Artist
Jahmane West, MultiMedia
Elizabeth White, MultiMedia
Justin Wiest, Painter
Jarvis Wilcox, Painter
Bruce Williams, Painter
Tammy Winser, Mixed Media
Nancy Woodward, Photographer/
   Mixed Media
Dmitri Wright, Painter
Jeffrey Wyant, Visual Artist
Janet Zamparo, Visual/Literary/
Performing Artist  
Greg Ziebell, Painter

  
 See a List by Town of Artist Members: here
❦ – See a List by Town of all Organization and Creative Business Members: here
YOUR NEWS
ROUND-UP OF MEMBERS' NEWS
GROUP SHOWS
Nancy Breakstone, Ellen Gould and Julie O'Connor had their photographs selected as three of the 47 chosen by the Fairfield Museum and History Center for its 10th Annual IMAGES 2018 Juried Photo-graphy Show, opening with a reception and a talk by Dr. Philip EliasophProfessor of Visual & Performing Arts, Fairfield University, Thurs. March 1, 6-8pm
INDIVIDUAL NEWS
Nancy Breakstone has won the Viewer's Choice Award at Fairfield Museum's IMAGES show, opening Thurs. March 1, 6-8pm, for her Threads (2017, digital photograph, 20x20, at right, click for larger image). Nancy has also been accepted as an Exhibiting Artist at the Rowayton Arts Center, and is currently showing work at the Maritime Garage Gallery’s Worth a Thousand Words, the Movement exhibition at Fairfield Library's Kershner Gallery, and the Barrett Art Center’s 31st Annual National Juried Photography Exhibition Photowork 2018, running through March 24.
Adger Cowans will be interviewed at a public event at the Smithsonian's National Museum for African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), Washington DC, by NMAAHC Curators Aaron Bryant (Photography) and Tuliza Fleming (Visual Arts) on Tues. Feb. 27, 7-9pm. The conversation, Historically Speaking: A Lifetime in Photographs will be illustrated by visuals from Adger's extensive photography archives. Adger will be signing his book Personal Vision: Photographs: Adger Cowans, following the presentation. 
Congratulations to poet Cortney Davis, whose third poetry collection, Taking Care of Time, winner of the 2016 Wheelbarrow Poetry Prize, for a poetry manuscript, has just had the book published by Michigan State University Press. Cortney's manuscript was selected by Naomi Shihab Nye, who commented that "Davis' skills as a nurse practitioner and her unflinching to-the-bone gifts as a writer mix eloquently to create a manuscript that will grip and compel readers. A great book, not to be missed."
David Dunlop is giving one of his mind-expanding visual lectures at Silvermine Arts Center, Sun. Feb. 25, 4:30-6pm. Entitled Visual Thinking: Deeper, Broader, More Inventive, David will demonstrate how the most inventive minds in history used visual thinking, how you can too and how language hi-jacks your thinking and constrains creative thinking.  Neuroscience has discovered we are all visual learners first. Linguistic learning follows. Linguistic thinking limits the breadth and depth of creative responses.
Meg Garbe received Honorable Mention for Bees, one of her two pieces accepted for the Rowayton Art Center's annual, juried Beyond Brushwork exhibition running through February 25. At right, Bees, (2017, pen on canvas, 12x16, detail at right, click for complete image), and House Made Out Of Spider Webs, (2017, pen on paper, 12x9). 
Ellen Gould had her photograph, Temple of Bosch (2018, digital photograph, 30x20, detail at right, click for complete image) accepted into the Fairfield Museum's Images 2018 exhibition, opening Thurs. March 1, 6-8pm. Ellen comments that she is "always on the lookout for a different slant for a photo in my kitchen. The architecture surprised me!"
Len Grayeck's Miscere Domino (2016, acrylic on canvas, 30x40, detail at right) has been purchased by the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury for their permanent collection. Len's painting was included in the Mattatuck's I Believe In Waterbury exhibition last fall. Len commented that the title of the piece roughly translates to "Mixmaster" and depicts a scene he experienced one late afternoon while visiting the Mattatuck Museum.
MaryEllen Hendricks has a solo show, Thin Places at The Gallery at Greens Farms Church. According to Celtic tradition, the physical and spiritual worlds, are never very far apart. The distance can be tissue thin. MaryEllen writes that she noticed how these cherished locations would figure in the stories of friends and acquaintances, especially when they faced challenges or crises. At right, JC Thin Place (2015, photograph on silk, 8.5 x 11, click for larger image). MaryEllen will speak about her work at a closing reception Thurs. March 29, 10am.
Katya Lebrija is in a 2-person exhibition, with Valery Sutherland, at the New Canaan Library, opening with a reception, Thurs. Feb. 22, 6-8pm, and running through April 8. Destinations is dedicated to the idea of a journey to real and imaginary places. At right, Katya's Marina (2017, mixed media on canvas, 60x36, detail at right, click for complete image). Katya says her exploration with abstraction is taking her into imaginary places, where the viewer can appreciate a seascape or a landscape or a road that leads somewhere.
Julie O’Connor’s photograph, Sea Into Sky (2016, digital archival photograph sublimated to aluminum, 12x12, detail at right, click for complete image) was accepted into the Fairfield Museum's​ IMAGES 2018 exhibition, opening Thurs. March 1, 6-8pm. Julie comments that she was “…enchanted by the beauty in my own backyard, observing the leaves gently floating on the water, blending with the sky above.”
Ellen Schiffman has a solo exhibit of her work at the Mercy Gallery in Windsor, CT, from Feb 20th – April 15th. Following the Thread: Inspiration from The 52 Box Project, follows Ellen's yearlong series of experimental and exploratory mixed media shadow boxes. Along with the boxes will be many of the pieces and series informed by the boxes in the years since. She says, "The 'boxes' set the stage for an inspired, productive and exciting period of artistic growth, which I will be sharing in this show. Hope you can visit!" At right, nine of Ellen's 52 boxes.
Vin Verrillo is the Fairfield University Bookstore's Artist of the Month and has a selection of his paintings and photographs in the bookstore's stairwell art space (at right). Vin comments that he likes the freedom of flow within form, using definite distinct rich and vibrant colors with a subtle urgency. His paintings and photographs often have a dreamlike quality, not pretty but graceful." The show is up through Feb. 28.
Joan Wheeler is exhibiting her needle-felted wool piece, Prophecy (24"x30" detail at right, click for larger image), in Material: An Exhibition of Fiber Art from Across the Country. This piece was selected from over 400 entries and will be shown at the d'Art Center in Norfolk, Va., from Feb. 20-March 29.
Compiled List of Artist Member Openings & Events
Click button to right to download events to your ICAL or Google Calendar
Tues. Feb. 20: Ellen Schiffman, Following the Thread. Mercy Gallery, Windsor, CT. Opening Reception, 6:45-8:45pm.
Thurs. Feb. 22:
Katya Lebrija in 2-person show, Destinations, New Canaan Library. Opening Reception, 6-8pm.
Sun. Feb. 25: David Dunlop, Visual Thinking, Silvermine Arts Center. Lecture, 4:30-6pm.
Tues. Feb. 27: Adger Cowans, Historically Speaking: A Lifetime in PhotographsNational Museum of African American History and Culture, Washington DC. COnversation, 7-9pm. 
Thurs. March 1: 10th Annual IMAGES Photography Exhibition, Fairfield Museum. Opening Reception, 6-8pm (Nancy Breakstone, Ellen Gould and Julie O'Connor) 
Now that you have read our NEWS...
Check FCBuzz.org for listings of all EVENTS by our members!
OTHER NEWS
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SPRINGBOARD LAUNCHES 
LOANS FOR 
ARTISTS IN BUSINESS

Artists across the US are now able to apply for Kiva loans and receive matched funds through Springboard for the Arts’ new endorsement program. Artists may borrow up to $25,000 with a 36 month loan term at 0% interest. Thanks to the Surdna Foundation, Springboard will hold a fund reserve of $50,000 to support artists and their fundraising. Kiva is an international nonprofit organization, based out of San Francisco. Founded in 2005, its mission is to connect people through micro-lending without leading individuals and communities into poverty. Through international activity, Kiva contributors are able to support others hoping to create a sustainable future for themselves. This partnership began as a way to help artists looking for capital to expand or invest in their work achieve their goals in a fair and equitable way. Artists can try to cover materials, studio space, travel, and other costs simply by selling their work, applying for grants, or launching an online crowdfunding campaign, but these routes often require a significant investment of time and effort. Microloans can help artists bridge the gaps between other sources of funding. An artist might be able to cover the materials needed to fill their first big commission, a down payment on their own studio, fees for conferences and fairs where they can show their work and reach new people, or any of a number of jumping-off points for their career. “Grants are great, but when you apply for a grant or fellowship, you’re putting that timeline and power and agency in someone else’s hands, to decide if you get that money,” says Laura Zabel, Springboard’s executive director. “At Springboard, we like platforms or mechanisms that put the power back in the hands of the artist. It’s a much more active way that you can pursue building your business.” For artists interested in applying for a Springboard-endorsed Kiva loan, it’s recommended to review Kiva’s eligibility guide for loan qualification. The most eligible candidates are artists who have clear business goals and a stable plan for repayment. On Springboard’s resources page of their website, artists can find toolkits and business support which may help increase eligibility for endorsement. For more information click here.
ANSWERS TO KEY QUESTIONS 
FOR SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT

Creative Exchange is the national program of Springboard for the Arts, the artist-led nonprofit based in Minnesota, where it shares stories about the impact of artists in community. From its series Artists With Impact, telling the stories of artists and their projects around the country, Spring-board, has drawn out the answers to five key questions, finding the commonalities and differences in the responses were telling. Read their summary here. Meanwhile here is a synopsis of the 5 questions and the common responses.
1. How do you like to collaborate?
Most interviewed collaborate and enjoy it (for the most part). They enjoyed collaborations where everyone brings their own ideas and talents to the table, sharing the responsibilities, learning something new from their partners, and being exposed to diverse groups and viewpoints. But for many, the creative process is internal, and working with others isn’t always enjoyable.

2. How do you a start a project?
Most projects start with an idea, written down or talked out, often filling a need in their communities. Says Claire Nelson, founder of Urban Consulate, "I see a gap, I want to fill it." Photographer M. Jenea Sánchez starts a project "when I discover something is missing from the visual fabric of our culture, or when something is misrepresented in the dominant narrative.” Some begin at the end: “I think about what the ending should be," musician Kelly Jolly says. Inuit tattoo artist Holly Mititquq Nordlum advises, “Dream big; start small.”
3How do you talk about your value?
This was the hardest question. Many align their value with their communities. Dread Scott and t.Rutt talk about transformative ideas that can shift the status quo, ensuring voices outside the dominant culture are heard. Others see any contribution from artists to political discourse as rich in emotional value because, in the end, "political values are spiritual values." Beth Grossman says she helps communities understand that the arts and artists can play a central role in every initiative.
4. How do you define success?
Most said the measure of success is in direct relation to a project's impact within the community: often when a project or idea becomes bigger than themselves. Cézanne Charles defines it as “when the project is received – when it’s no longer ours, when people get to myth-make and story-tell about it.” For Claire Nelson it's “creating a new awareness that didn’t exist before.”
5) How is your work funded?
Some receive grant support, but almost all had some other source of income. Some partner with organizations that have project funding. Many are "self-funded," through jobs related or not to their practices. Some work as teaching artists, gaining the time, stability, and mental space to do what they love for a living as well as outside of work.
Regardless of the variables, these artists' work is community-minded, and all have a particular ethos that situates themselves as individuals as parts of a larger whole.
CALLS FOR ENTRIES -Deadlines
ROWAYTON ARTS CENTER
SPRING JURIED SHOW
FEBRUARY 26-27

The Rowayton Arts Center announces its annual Spring Juried Show, opening Sunday, March 4, and running through March 31. All artists are encouraged to apply in all media. The theme is open. See the prospectus here. There is a $250 cash award for Best in Show. Exhibition Chairs are Andrea Letters and Kathleen Weinstock. The juror is Kimberly Henrikson, currently Interim Executive Director of the Center for Contemporary Printmaking. In addition to her role at the Center, Kim serves as the President of the Print Club of New York and is the editor for the newsletter for the International Print Club Societies. Kim received her BA in Art History from Penn State University. Receiving for the show is Monday, February 26 (4-7pm) and Tuesday, February 27 (11am-2pm). Fees: $25/1; $45/2; (members: $20/1; $35/2).

BRIDGEPORT PUBLIC SCHOOLS
ARTS COUNT DAY

Bridgeport Public Schools will hold its Second Annual “Arts Count” Day on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 from 8:30 to 11 am to celebrate the arts with Bridgeport students. Building off last year, Arts Count Day encourages artists from the community to share their experiences related to their craft with 5th grade students in the Bridgeport Public School district. Artists will create, perform, and engage for one hour (10am to 11am) with their assigned 5th grade classroom to call attention to the role the arts play in their everyday lives. It will take 70 artists to cover each 5th grade classroom on that day, additional artists will be assigned to other grade levels within the district. If you are interested or know of any artists (Painter, Musician, Dancer, Architect, etc.) interested in speaking with our students, please contact Timothy Grasty at tgrasty@bridgeportedu.net, call 203-275-1367, or register here.

WESTPORT DOWNTOWN MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION WESTPORT FINE ARTS FESTIVAL
MARCH 1

The Westport Fine Arts FestivalJuly 14-15, 2018, is held in downtown Westport - a mecca of shops, restaurants and living space overlooking the Saugatuck River. This will be the 45th year of the Festival, which is nationally considered one of the best for quality and ranks #34 of the top 200 in the country. This juried festival features a premier roster of 170 national and international fine artists across at least 10 categories - including painting, photography, sculpture, fiber, printmaking, mixed media, glass, ceramics, jewelry, wood and GD/PM. All artwork is available for purchase in a wide variety of price ranges, subject matter and style - sure to inspire everyone from the avid collector to the casual buyer. In addition to the visual arts, the festival will feature artist demonstrations and a newly developed interactive Kids Create area for all age activities including a special focus on kid friendly refreshments. As a juried Fine Arts Festival, all works exhibited must be hand made and created by the artist. The artist must be present to exhibit and represent their artwork for both days of the two-day event. Online Registration is now open here. You will be guided through 3 steps:
1. Fill out personal/artist information
2. Make an online jury fee payment
3. Send your 4 art and one booth images, preferably by digital means to the address provided. Jury Fee $40. Upon acceptance to the show, you will be invoiced and invited to pay online for either: single 10x10 booths ($450); double 20x10 booths ($900). Sue Brown Gordon returns as the Festival's Artist Director. If you have any questions regarding your application, contact Sue at 518-852-6478 or FAFDirector@westportdma.com. Deadline: March 1.

CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY PRINTMAKING
FOOTPRINT INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION 2018
MARCH 10

The Center for Contemporary Printmaking's Footprint International Competition 2018, is an opportunity for the presentation of current trends and innovations in contemporary printmaking within the bounds of the one square foot (12" x 12") configuration. The square format was uncommon in art until the advent of abstraction and presents distinct challenges of composition and expression. Within these precise limits, artists must confront a space and create visual order and formal structure. The juror for this show is Susan Tallman, Art in Print, Editor-in-Chief and an art historian who has written extensively on the history and culture of the print, as well as on issues of authenticity, reproduction and multiplicity. All fine-art printmaking mediums, including woodcut, intaglio, lithography, screenprint, monotype, and original digital media may be utilized. (No drawings, photographs, or direct reproductions are eligible.) Art must be hand-pulled and generated using at least one traditional printmaking method. Computer-generated art is eligible only if it incorporates other methods of hand pulled printing or handwork. Image size must be exactly 12 x 12 inches (30.5 x 30.5 cm). Outside dimensions of the printing paper may not exceed 18 x 18 inches (45.7 x 45.7 cm). Paper beyond these dimensions on accepted prints will be trimmed to the dimensions required for the exhibition. Only two-dimensional works will be accepted. Prizes and Awards: $1,000 in cash prizes and purchase awards will be awarded. In addition to the $1,000 in prizes, the Awagami Paper Award, $300 (50 sheets) in editioning paper will be awarded to one artist. ProspectusApply here. Deadline: March 10.
CARRIAGE BARN ARTS CTR
SPECTRUM 
MARCH 9

The Carriage Barn Arts Center, home to the New Canaan Society for the Arts, will host its 28th annual Spectrum Contemporary Art ShowApril 20-May 24.  Spectrum is a juried exhibition of original, contemporary artwork by local and regional artists, and invites submissions in all media. Entries must have been created within the past two years and not have been previously exhibited at the Carriage Barn. The guest juror is Hilary Lewis, chief curator and creative director of the Glass House. Inspired by Philip Johnson and David Whitney’s legacy as art collectors and champions of contemporary art, Lewis will review and select submissions that represent What’s Now/What’s New - new interpretations, original techniques, diverse subject matter. Johnson and Whitney shared a respect for history, but also believed art, architecture and ideas should not be trapped by the past. Johnson believed strongly in the adage “the one constant is change,” and the 2018 Spectrum exhibit will showcase artwork and artists that best represent the future and reflect the world we live in today. From the accepted entries, the juror will select 4-6 “Artists To Watch” who will be recognized at the opening and throughout the show and who will be invited to participate in a special presentation at the Carriage Barn Arts Center. See prospectus here. Deadline: March 9
ROWAYTON ARTS CENTER
SPRING JURIED SHOW
FEBRUARY 26-27

The Rowayton Arts Center announces its annual Spring Juried Show, opening Sunday, March 4, and running through March 31. All artists are encouraged to apply in all media. The theme is open. See the prospectus here. There is a $250 cash award for Best in Show. Exhibition Chairs are Andrea Letters and Kathleen Weinstock. The juror is Kimberly Henriksoncurrently Interim Executive Director of the Center for Contemporary Printmaking. In addition to her role at the Center, Kim serves as the President of the Print Club of New York and is the editor for the newsletter for the International Print Club Societies. Kim received her BA in Art History from Penn State University. Receiving for the show is  Monday, February 26 (4-7pm) and Tuesday, February 27 (11am-2pm). Fees: $25/1; $45/2; (members: $20/1; $35/2). 
REMARKABLE STEAM
MAKER FAIRE WESTPORT
MARCH 15

Remarkable Steam announces its Call for Makers for the seventh annual Maker Faire Westport that will be on Saturday, April 21, 2018, throughout downtown Westport. 12,000 attendees are expected. This year’s theme for the event is #WeAreConnecticut and will highlight the people, places and organizations that make Connecticut a great place to live and work. “We are looking for creative people who want to share their energy and talents with others,” says Mark Mathias, Founder and Co-Chair of Maker Faire Westport. “We are inviting artists, musicians, engineers, craftsmen, entrepreneurs, students, teachers, businesspeople, comedians and creative people of all ages and backgrounds to inspire attendees with what we as humans can do.” Maker Faire Westport began in 2011 as the first official Maker Faire event in Connecticut. It has grown to become Connecticut’s largest event focused on creativity and innovation. Over the past six years, Maker Faire Westport has become a catalyst for tinkerers, artisans, engineers, schools, libraries, companies and communities. More than 50,000 people have attended Maker Faire Westport and many thousands more have benefitted through educational programs, maker spaces, employment opportunities and business growth. This year, organizers expect to welcome a record 12,000 people to the Faire. Makers include artists, woodworkers, builders, musicians, people who sew, engineers, comedians, jugglers and more. Young and old are welcome. Students, hobbyists and even businesses are welcome to showcase what they do. To apply, click here. Deadline: March 15.
IVES CONCERT PARK
ART AT IVES
MARCH 31

Ives Concert Park, Danbury, announces its annual 2-day juried art show, Art at Ives, June 2-3, 2018, featuring a great variety of high quality original works representing every major category. Great food & music along with art classes and children’s events will also be included. An exclusive program directory as well as a digital program will be online with artist exposure all year long on the Ives website with 1,228,382 impressions annually, showcasing each artist's work and contact information. The show will provide increased visibility for many artists, expanding awareness of the arts enriching the artistic, cultural, educational and economic vitality of the Western Connecticut Region. The Ives’ lush oasis of natural beauty on Danbury’s west side, hosts world-renowned artists in a wide variety of music and theater genres. The venue pays tribute to its storied roots in classical music while acknowledging the ongoing evolution of the art of live performance. With entertainment that ranges from enlightening to awe-inspiring, the Ives reflects the diverse multicultural community in which it resides; embracing the unique attributes that the artists and patrons bring to the site.  Artists in all media are invited to apply. Application fee is $25; the fee for an 11'x11' booth is $200 ($250 for a corner booth). There are approximately 100 booths. For prospectus and to apply click here. Application deadline: March 31.
And Remember:
Feb. 19: I-Park: Composers and Musicians Collaborative Residency Application Deadline
Mar. c7: NEA Creative Writing Fellowships in Poetry: Application Deadline
See more in Opportunity Calendar below, after JOBS.

Resources:
  • Cafe.org CallforEntry.org: Run by WESTAF (Western States Arts Federation) this is a registry of opportunities, as well as an application management system. Registration required.
  • ArtSake: Archive of Calls for Artists, run by the Massachusetts Arts Council
  • ArtDeadline.com "the art world's first and most accessed resource of its kind"
  • The ArtGuide.com: Calls for Artists (can be indexed by state and deadline)
  • Scoop.It: Public Art RFPs and RFQs
  • NYFA Opportunities: Calls, Residencies and other opportunities. Can be indexed by date, location and type
  • No Film School recently released a list of opportunities available from January to March, 2018, for documentary, narrative, screenwriting, and new media projects
  • Poets & Writers - the most trusted resource for legitimate writing contests grants and awards available anywhere.
 
 
FUNDING & OPPORTUNITIES
CREATIVE CAPITAL AWARD 
FEBRUARY 28

Creative Capital invests in innovative and adventurous artists across the country through funding, counsel and career development. The application for the Creative Capital Award is now open through February 28. Successful applicants will have access to up to $50,000 in funding to develop their project, plus advisory services valued at $45,000. CC is interested in groundbreaking and original projects, as well as artists who are ready to take full advantage of its non-monetary services. The application questions are designed to help you better articulate your project, your goals, and how you would like to position yourself in the field. The application evaluation process ensures that your work will receive additional exposure, as two colleagues from your field will read about your project in the first two review rounds and an additional five to seven if you make it to the panel review round. The first part of the application process is the Letter of Inquiry (LOI), due Feb. 28. Along with your project title, descriptions, and selection of up to two disciplines, you will be asked to respond to six questions and provide a total budget number for your project. Get started here.
I-PARK
COMPOSERS & MUSICIANS COLLABORATIVE RESIDENCY 
FEBRUARY 19

I-Park has announced its 2018 Composers + Musicians Collaborative Residency, July 24- August 6, 2018 , in East Haddam, CT, which gives composers an opportunity to complete a new composition in tandem with an acclaimed chamber music ensemble. Five composers will get to spend two weeks with members of the Akropolis Reed Quintet, shaping and polishing substantially complete new works to an exquisite state of concert readiness. This intensely collaborative residency will culminate in a pair of all-premiere performances in Connecticut and New York City. The residencies are fully funded, and include a private room, a meal program, a studio recording of the new works, and a $1,000 stipend. Application materials will be available Tuesday, January 16. Submissions are due February 19. For more information and to apply, visit http://www.i-park.org/I-Park
Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (VLA)-NY provides pro bono arts-related legal representation and education to low-income artists and nonprofit arts and cultural organizations. VLA-NY services CT and NJ artists and organizations, although assistance to Connecticut artists/organizations is subject to attorney availability. If you have an issue that you need legal assistance with, call The Art Law Line, 212.319.2787 x1 and complete an Intake Form. Also consult the very useful list of FAQs.
JOBS
I-PARK
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The I-Park Foundation seeks an inspirational, highly collaborative leader as executive director, to commit their skills and energies to the important work of nurturing the creative practices of highly talented artists who are powering the cultural vanguard. With generous, reliable operational and financial support from the board, the Executive Director (ED) will continue to professionalize and streamline operations without losing sight of the daily mission: helping to remove obstacles to artists’ productivity, encouraging a healthy balance between solitary studio time and time for collegial exchanges – and safeguarding the artists’ privacy and tranquility, while providing for their physical comfort and safety. The ED will commit to accelerating organizational development and to a smooth, respectful transition from a founder-led culture, seventeen years in the making, that has facilitated almost 900 fully funded residencies, innovative programming and growing recognition within the field. In this transition, the board and ED will be aided by external resources to ensure that the ED position is empowered with an appropriate level of operational autonomy in the context of strategic board oversight. During, and beyond, this most exciting moment in the organization’s evolution, the ED will agree to sustain the values upon which I-Park was founded: kindness, attentiveness and authenticity. Under the guidance of the Board of Directors, and with both internal- and external-facing responsibilities, the ED will provide the expertise and direction necessary to fulfill the organization’s mission as it continues to grow. For full position description click here. To Apply click here. 
ALDRICH MUSEUM
DATABASE COORDINATOR

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, seeks a full-time Database Coordinator. Reporting to the Development Associate, the Database Coordinator performs a variety of operations in Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge donor database in support of the overall goals of The Aldrich. These activities include data integrity and maintenance, prospect research, management of mail and email lists, creation of acknowledgement letters and tax receipts, and generating standard reports. The Database Coordinator provides overall support for the Development team, and assists with all Museum mailings. This position works closely with all database users and the Marketing Department.
Responsibilities include: Data Integrity: Import actions, appeals, and package codes, and assist with proposal related updates; maintain constituent lists and groups in Raiser’s Edge such as donors, members, prospects, alumni artists, board members, and program attendees; merge duplicate records, code deceased records, enter and update address and other contact information, and perform various data clean up tasks as needed; develop and maintain efficient systems for data cleaning and entry, prospect research, and relationship management; maintain acquisition do-not-mail/email file. Mailing Lists: under the guidance of the Development Associate, help ensure accurate and timely data pulls from Raiser’s Edge database for mail appeals, event invitations, and other institutional activities. Reports: generate Development reports or analysis from Raiser’s Edge. Other Responsibilities include: assist with the documentation of best practices and policies, coding of records, and reporting protocols; serve as an active prospect researcher, targeting potential donors and making connections between them and other people, events, and programs; generate timely acknowledgement letters and tax receipts for all donations; assist with the operations related to donor lists including accurate spelling and recognition; support gift processing with staff with data entry and acknowledgment processing as needed.
Bachelor’s Degree and minimum of two years related experience. The candidate must be proficient in Raiser’s Edge and Microsoft Office. Experience with non-profit fundraising is a plus. Please send a cover letter and resume to: jobs@aldrichart.org, with the subject line “Database Coordinator.” Qualified candidates will be contacted. No phone calls, please.
JAM STUDIO 
(JUNIOR ART & MUSIC)
MUSICIANS + MUSIC TEACHERS

JAM (Junior Art & Music), a new 501c3 in Norwalk, is seeking musicians to teach & perform. Jam's mission is to provide a creative haven where artists and musicians, young and old, can hone and share their craft with the community. The Jam Studio partners with local organizations to provide process oriented art and music programs for the underserved. Applicants are required to have prior experience with children and teaching. For more information visit our website, jamstudioct.org. To apply email dre@jamstudioct.org
 Jobs Previously Listed and Still Available
Aldrich Museum: Head of Marketing
Connecticut Office of the Arts: Unpaid internships
Downtown Cabaret: Digital Marketing Specialist
Kennedy Center, Maggie Daly Arts Cooperativer Expressive Arts Facilitator/Therapist
 
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OPPORTUNITIES CALENDAR
FEBRUARY

Feb. 19: I-Park: Composers and Musicians Collaborative Residency Application Deadline

MARCH
Mar. c7: NEA Creative Writing Fellowships in Poetry: Application Deadline

 
The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County is a 501(c)(3) organization. We are very grateful for the support of our individual and organization members, our individual donors and the following organizations.
 
Gate Lodge at Mathews Park, 301 West Ave, Norwalk, CT 06850, United States
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