A2 Art Salon

2008-09-08T10:50:00.002-04:00

This Blog Has Moved.....

HI.. I've moved the blog closer to my A2 Art Salon web site... so come and visit me at http://www.a2artsalon.com I'll keep you entertained with my new look, new information, and better links.

See ya there.......

2008-08-12T15:17:00.003-04:00

For more information about A2 Art Salon, please visit my web site at www.a2artsalon.com

2008-07-18T17:48:00.002-04:00

Friday 18th.. another great day at the fair. For the second day in a row, I spent my time down at the Street Art Fair. There is so much to take in there, I had to give it a two day spritz. Of the four fairs that coexist on this long weekend each year, the Street Art fair that fills the streets over by Burton Tower, seems to have the most consistent level of fine art work. By that I mean, that booth after booth exhibits a high degree of talent, innovation and excellence. This fair seems to have the most dense group of experience in a variety of media that I have seen, and as a true Ann Arborite with years of art fair experience, I can knowingly say that once again the Street Art fair has raised the bar. It will be hard to list my favorite artists, but I will give you some Must Sees! among the must sees.

I am drawn to innovative ideas, a good mixture of color and textures, and surprising details that an artist has incorporated. The experience of coming upon such finds is only heightened when I get the opportunity to meet wonderful artists behind their work. Laura Balombini, www.lbalombini.com, was just such an artist. Her artwork is sculptural using mixed media, creating beautiful and imaginative figures. All seem to have a beautiful innocence on their faces, and exhibit a freedom to experience all of life.

Another wonderful artist with captivating work was Mary Thomas, www.maryalaynethomas.com. Mary uses watercolors to create simple, almost humble, paintings that manage to inspire a feeling of freedom and hope as she incorporates nature's beauties into her work. What Mary does next to take her work to an even higher level is a wonderful technique that elevates her watercolor works to a dream like state. She applies an overcoat that while it may mute the tones somewhat, it heightens the experience of her work. The overcoat marries all of the painting's elements while at the same time providing a protective coating that elimates the need for glass over the work. Fantastic, since glass glare can be such a barrier to some great works of art. Mary Thomas demonstrates amazing skill and impressive knowledge of her meidas.

Mark Traughber, www.bloodle.com, was another fun artist. While keeping a very urban look to his work, he managed to take me back to the days of my youth is an artful way. Mark takes some iconic images that resonate too so many of us and creates smaller wooden tiles or framed works. Many of the images are simply enjoyable, such as the picture of mowtown idol Aretha Franklin or the orange "Bo and Luke Duke" car. However, like every good artist, Mark's works also make us think. For instance, the Hummer with the word Sale collaged with it, or the baby with the triple X above it. I love that he can make us think about current life from a 4x7 piece of work. Keep it coming Mark...

I have so much more to say... but since we all lead busy lives, I'm going to need to cut off here.

Get down to the fairs and treat yourself to a long stay a the Street Fair www.artfair.org

2008-07-16T15:30:00.006-04:00

Ann Arbor Art Fairs - The fairs are here! I've just gotten home from my first pass through and was impressed with what I found. In past years it can seem like as you walk the streets, you see so many of the same faces, with the same art work in the same locations. This year really felt different. We started down on Main Street enjoying the "The Guild" Art Fair portion. Right off I was drawn into Doug Spalding's space (www.spaldingstudio.com). I have been a big fan of his tile work for a long time.. seeing a sampling of it for sale year round the Ann Arbor Art Center, and owning a piece myself. Along with his ever amusing art tiles and sculptures, this year Doug won the prestigious award of having one of his tiles be the inspiration for all of The Guild's Art Fair souvenirs. Posters, T-shirts... and best of all Bragging rights!! Keep up the great work Doug and congratulations.

I was compelled to stop two more notable times along Main Street. A very talented glass blower from Providence RI by the name of Christopher Belleau really wowed me with his amazing Waves of Water created from formed blown glass in layers of blues and greens. Glass is such a unique art form and unless you've given it a try you may not realize the depth of skill that goes into the creation of a piece. I have never before seen creations like these glass waves and was truly impressed with their beauty. (www.belleauartglass.com, www.gallerybelleau.com)

Then a wonderful Ann Arbor fixture is "Fun & Functional Art" by Esther Kirshenbaum. (www.funandfunctionalart.com) We couldn't help but smile as we looked at each of the pieces. Using primarily metal, Esther Kirshenbaum creates wall art that is just what she says... Fun and functional. She cuts lively faces and personality into the metal and then forms it into functional wall hooks. So no matter where you hang it, there is a constant jovial spirit in the room for everyone to enjoy.

Then we headed up Liberty street. Liberty street was a mixed bag, broken up by the long block of 'non-profit' booths that solicit there. However, not to be missed was DK Glass..

with Glass City Putters. (www.dkglass.net) Here was yet another glass artist breaking all of the rules. What is the one rule of glass... Don't knock it with anything.. or drop it... Right? Well, David has proven that he is a true rule breaker, and a true artist as well. Through DK Glass, he has created a golf club.. Made From Glass!!! If you are a golfer, or not, you can't mistake the true beauty of these clubs. They are putting wedges, with true golf handles and grips, then attached to the bottom is the hardened, glass, putter head. As with all hand crafted glass work, each is a one-of-a-kind creation that any stylish golfer would long to use on the course. These were beautiful, unique and Not-To-Be-Missed!!

There is a fantastic new round of art down at the fair this year and some extremely innovative artists representing a wide variety of media. I'll be back down each day this week and will share more highs and lows as I see them.

Peace-Love-Art

2008-07-15T17:36:00.003-04:00

Tuesday the 15th... .. The townie party was lots of fun and I met some wonderful people. Thanks to everyone that stopped by and said "Hello" and to the folks that also took the time to record a message on my video camera. I will continue to collect footage so that I can compile a full program that will run on CTN.

This week is going to be a very busy one for folks here in Ann Arbor. We have our nationally recognized Ann Arbor Street Fairs going and all the town is a buzz getting ready. I will be working on Thursday, Friday and Saturday down there helping out a few different programs.

My next project is to work on adding to my Ann Arbor alliances through a fun and interactive program that I am heading up. I'll give more details on that as the activity develops. It is in the planning stages now and due to execute in October. Then in Jan and Feb I will be hosting some marketing seminars. If you are interested in signing up, please let me know since spaces will be limited to a very small group in order to make it most effective for everyone.

Peace - Love - Art

A2 Art Salon

2008-07-09T17:36:00.000-04:00

www.towniestreetparty.org

2008-07-09T17:19:00.002-04:00

TOWNIE PARTY.... July 14th... All Creative Types Unite!

www.TownieStreetParty.org will give you the specifics on where and when the event is but to come and see me you must come to my table between 5 - 9:30pm. I'll be in the Arts Alliance Tent waiting for you to come over and say "Hi". Also, since I, and A2 Art Salon, is all about promoting artists and using out group unity to market, I am going to be offering a free marking opportunity to each of you. Don't Miss It! I'll have a video camera and you'll have two minutes to share with the camera your name, your art... and what ever else folks should know about you. Be sure to stop by. The video will be broadcast several times on CTN and I'll post the dates and times once I have that information. So, come on down with your marketing paperwork, and that ever important information about you and your work. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone there.

Peace - Love - Art

2008-07-02T16:14:00.004-04:00

The Townie Party on July 14th keeps growing.... the Arts Alliance is going all out to give artists an opportunity to unite. So... come on down!! When you come, bring a shoe box and any bits that fit inside of it. Why?? For Arts-sake of course. There is going to be an opportunity to ad to a community art project... one that is sure to make folks stop and wonder.

What are some good items to bring you might ask... just about anything that will fit into a shoe box. How about an old kids toy, some old stamps, a broken game piece, your bottle cap collection, and other fun and random stuff that you might have laying around..

Of course, stop by and see me at the A2 Art Salon table. I'll be there with some great marketing opportunities for you and your art. It will be a great opportunity so don't miss it... looking forward to seeing everyone then....

Peace - Love - Art

2008-06-26T18:17:00.004-04:00

Save the Date - July 14th from 5 - 8:30 pm, www.AnnArborSummerFestival.com

"Creative Connections" has a tent at the Townie Street Party!

Creative connections is an event put on monthly by Ann Arbor's Arts Alliance. There are going to be lots of people out at Top of the Park that evening, and to celebrate the Townie party which is always the Monday before the Ann Arbor Art Fair. I've been asked to participate in the Creative Connections event and will have a table set up under their tent. I let you know later what great marketing opportunities I'll have available for all come and see me down there. So, grab a friend and any business cards and marketing materials you have available. There is going to be a table set up to represent our artist community.

I look forward to seeing ya all there....

Peace-Love-Art

2008-06-21T07:21:00.002-04:00

Is your web site working for you?? Take a look at your web site and see if it fully represents you and your works. Are the theme and colors a good choice? Does it show your current available works? Is your artist statement clearly shown and does it still represent you well?

If you answered "no" or "what web site"... then keep reading.

Your web site is a professional interface tool for you to use with your current clients.. and your prospective clients as well. I'm sure that you can see why keeping it updated is so important.. though it isn't always easy. I'm sure that most of you would rather be in the studio than updating your sites or blogs, but they really are must have tools for the Twenty First century.

Schedule your week so that you are spending 10 - 15 mins. 5 out of 7 days a week on you blog, and then give yourself some time once a week to check on your website.

Update it if you need to, or if everything looks good... then just tell yourself "Good Job!"

Peace-Love-Art

2008-06-18T21:28:00.003-04:00

Now that your blog is going... because you read my last entry.. keep it going and get noticed! Spend 15 mins each day adding an entry. It doesn't have to be profound (use this as an example..) but look for a way to connect with your readers, clients, art professionals... whoever.

While you're connecting, use lots of key words that you think someone might but in a search engine. Words like: Art, paintings, photographs, selling art, your name, or whatever your message has to offer that someone will be searching for. Doing this will help to get your blog listed on the searches. Search engines love Blogs... why not love yours.

Peace-Love-Art

2008-06-16T09:43:00.006-04:00

Continuing from the talk that I gave on Tuesday, and since I've already talked about Press Releases.. I'm going to go over the power of "The Blog" now.

I see that we are off to a good start.. because if you are reading this than you know about blogs. There are Blogs that discuss Every topic that you can think of.... (thinking.. thinking.. yep, there is a blog for that topic too, just search). In our cases, we want to use it as an interface with clients to build a relationship between our work, ourselves and with clients.

If you use the link I have posted along the right hand side "Set up your blog here" it will take you to a start up page.. and everything is free. (so there is no excuse not to get started!) Use your blog to post pictures of your art, something that inspires you, link to other sites that you like (like this one), write about a show you are in, or a gallery opening that you went to..... or anything else that helps others be able to relate to you and your artworks.

Just like in your art, create a story, a journey, and then take us along with you. When you've made your blog.. or if you want some feedback on it.... just post a comment here on my site and I'll take a look. no charge or obligation!.. of course :-)

Ann Arbor's Summer Festival...

2008-06-14T12:46:00.000-04:00

Ann Arbor has so much to offer... Art, culture, history, local shops, and a great community. Another world class offering is happening downtown over the next few weeks. Check out www.AnnArborSummerFestival.org and see what you can get down there to enjoy. I'll be down there tonight.. as well as many others. Grab your family and friends and I'll see ya there...

Here is a great video to watch... now go and make yours...

2008-06-12T20:40:00.000-04:00

I loved this studio view and I loved hearing her story....
:-) Now I want to hear what yours is too!!
(Thanks to Kay Yourist for doing this!)

My Business: Yourist Studio Gallery
Kay Yourist
Owner, Yourist Studio Gallery

Let's keep moving..

2008-06-12T06:53:00.000-04:00

Take your art seriously, develop it and share it with others. We talked about this the other night during the 'Market your Art, Market Yourself" chat. You don't have to operate as an island... get together with a group of friends and other artists. Talk about ways to market.. reach new people and to Build Relationships in the community.. and beyond. If you don't have a local group, get involved in an online one. There are lots available and you can find them just be doing a search at www.google.com . Also, another key method to building relationships... and this was also discussed at the chat the other night... Start Your Own Blog! :-) Link up with this one and attract all kinds of viewers to you as well. As artists, you are experts in your field... and there are people interested in connecting with you. Stay in touch and let me know if I can help... I do have some links on my site to help get ya started but let me know if you think there are others I should add.

Peace-Love-Art

Just 15 Minutes...

2008-06-11T05:54:00.000-04:00

Wow.. we went over lots of great information last night. Thanks so much again to everyone that came and to Shay Brown and Rachael Zuppke for their great contributions. We went over so much information... over the next few days I'll try to get most of it posted to this blog.... so check your notes, and keep checking back. I've also updated my Web site links to include ones that we talked about last night. They are along the right hand side.... just scrool down towards the bottom and you'll find them.

1... Press Releases... don't make them longer than 500 words, Use key words in the headlines and then over again in the first 150 words... you can also include between 4 - 5 other web addresses or connections to other bits of information (also called links). Here are 10 things to write a press release about Today!! Write about 1-new art work you are releasing 2- a contribution that you have made to a charity 3-a calendar listing 4-an article that was written about you (Google Alerts can help here), 5 - a local angle on a national story 6- helpful tips that you want to pass along 7-appointment to a board or committee that you are involved with 8- an article written By you 9- shows that you are going to be in 10- About the Amazing talk that you experienced last night.. :-) .... well, that is my 15 mins here so I'm off now

Peace-Love-Art

Samantha

2008-06-10T10:33:00.002-04:00

Hopefully you got the chance to read through the latest Arts Alliance news letter. (if you're not on their mailing list yet, and you would like to be... just let me know. It has some great info.) The newsletter lists the talk that I'm going to be giving at the Ann Arbor downtown public library on Tuesday (June 10th from 7 - 8:30). It will be a great talk for artists at every level. Shary Brown, the executive director of the Original Ann Arbor Street Art Fair will be there too with some valuable information about how to take your art to galleries and get the most out of shows and fairs. Be sure to be there! :-)

ART BUSINESS WORKSHOP - Ann Arbor, MI

ART: Marketing Yourself, Marketing your Art

Date: June 10, 2008 from 7-8:30 p.m.

A talk at the Downtown Ann Arbor Library will be held to share tools with artists that will help them to strengthen their Art Business and implement some new marketing tools. Shary Brown, Executive Director of the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair, the Original and Samantha Misiak, local business owner and artist will conduct the session. Contact Samantha at Samantha@a2artsalon.com for more information.

2008-06-10T09:50:00.000-04:00

Welcome to A2 Art Salon blog launch.. This is a place for artists to connect and share happenings. If you have an event that you would like more people to know about, or looking to connect with another artist over a collaboration or even try to find a solution to an artist problem... send me your info and I'll get it posted for others to benefit from and/or comment back on. Let's unite and strengthen together.

Peace-Love-Art...

Samantha J.