Fun with Advertising, Marketing and Selling Peanut Butter

A poster is a way to get a message across.

It can be art with no words or a photograph with words or no words.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ARTWORKandTHINGS?section_id=7742327

The T-shirt can also be a poster for art or photography with or without words.

Perhaps it was printing on T-shirts to get across an idea that evolved into a huge marketing opportunity for companies to get their logo noticed, to get a slogan told, a message to the consumer to buy something; a product or service. Imagine; people actually BUY a shirt with a company logo because they either like the shirt for the graphics or they are loyal to the product or company.

Signs have been around for as long as humans have been around. Marking cave walls, tattooing their bodies, putting signs over their places of business, and selling.

Advertising or Marketing is not the same. You could say Advertising is boasting the product but now Marketing is placing the product to the customer who wants and/or needs the product. Yes Advertising will convince a customer they want and/or need a product with a sentimental or serious, funny or informative display on many platforms; radio, TV, posters, internet, phone, T-shirts, and other various methods. They both can sell the product but which is the master money maker for a company? If Marketing places the product to the person or persons who needs and/or wants the product then Advertising will tell them about the product. Marketing does the homework to find customers and Marketing has systems to monitor customers buying habits. Advertising adapts.

 Oh…someone asked why I used “peanut butter” in the title of this article…my answer…its a hook. Peanut butter sells itself!

written by Carol M. Kimball April 2013

Posted in 2D & 3D, ARTWORK, Lectures & Discussions, MORE, Other Learning Resources, The Arts, Writing | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Lemonade and Advertising

One hot summer day when I was about 10 years old, I organized a lemonade stand (I had a business idea). I made a poster (advertising); drawing a big tall glass of iced lemonade (product). I even drew condensation and dewy droplets glistening in the sun (seduction).LemonadeCartoon-14x14-w I very graphically did the text (lettering) describing what I was selling (copy) and a price of 25 cents (price point). I got plastic Tupperware cups since paper cups were nothing we used, a pitcher full of water, a card table, a kitchen chair and a table cloth (equipment). I followed a recipe (recipe for success) with a quarter cup of lemon juice green lemon juicefrom a green glass bottle that must have been in the refrigerator all winter (secret ingredient). I put two cups of sugar and the lemon juice into the pitcher full of water. When I was done stirring, as the sugar dissolved, I tasted my lemonade but the taste was bitter. When I was done adding MORE sugar, SUGARto the point the lemonade (product) actually tasted good enough to sell (marketable), I had used six cups of sugar (by-product). I needed to add more water (renewable resource) since I must have drank two full cups for taste testing (research and development). ice in lemonaide pitcherI added ice cubes old ice traysfrom the only ice tray in the freezer into the pitcher and walked out to my table and chair (business location) and set up shop. I spread the table cloth out on the table, placed the plastic Tupperware cups to the left and the pitcher to the right. Soon my six sisters and brothers were crowding around wanting to help. My little sister Ann and brother Mark made flyers by hand and passes them out to drivers and walkers as they passed by (advertising impressions). glass of lemonaide - no lemonMy brothers and sisters (duplication) even danced with my poster and waved at drivers (advertising weight). I didn’t have a cash bank so I collected change in my pocket. I couldn’t make change so some people told me to “keep the change” which didn’t make any sense to me since they gave me paper. I asked my brother, “Do you know what to sell a glass of lemonade for?” He shook his head, no. I wrote 25 cents on his hand so he would remember (aided recall). Some mothers would go by three or four times as they dropped off kids to sports and music lessons, or grocery shopping (average frequency) and they would buy a cup for themselves or their children. (gross rating points and reach).  car load of kidsOur priest drove by and said he would tell the ladies auxiliary about my lemonade stand (advertising research foundation) and he said he wouldn’t promote any other lemonade stand (exclusivity). My brother wanted a dime for every person he found to buy a glass of lemonade (barter) and said he knew he could get customers (guarantee). He said sales would increase when the businessmen returned home because they had big wallets (heavy-up). He also said lunch was the time for a break (hiatus).My sister rode her bike over to the mansions in the neighborhood and handed out poster with a price point of 50 cents (brand development index) and her customers paid the 25 cents and tipped 25 cents which could be hard to measure (category development index) as sales but were definitely adding to my profit margin. A brother and two sisters had made their own posters and jumped up and down, running back and forth and yelling “BUY LEMONADE!”(clutter). lemonaide poster 1My mother even had a poster on her car when she went to the grocery store (coverage area). So I had many levels of sales (gross impressions). Each brother and sister demanded a glass of lemonade for working so hard for me on a hot day (over head or lose, or waste?). But since I had so many siblings, I wasn’t keeping count (cost per rating point). Cars drove by and I had my brother John make a mark on a note book as each car drove by. I told him if he counted one thousand cars (cumulative audience), I would give him a candy bar (cost per thousand ). My brother Ned passes out coupons (direct response advertising)for 10 cents if they bought a glass of lemonade before the street lights went on. Now my success (efficiency) could be measured by how many cups of lemonade I sold but that was hard to measure since I didn’t have a cash register and I couldn’t count the cups used since we reused the plastic cups over and over again. I tried to keep track of how many times I ran into the kitchen to fill the pitcher with water, poured in lemon juice and sugar but I couldn’t keep track of how many times my brother Mark used the hose to fill the pitcher. My sister Joan said if we stapled a poster to the telephone pole (fixed position), we could sell again the next weekend (flighting). My sister Lee wanted to make this a weekly campaign (flow chart) and hope for year-long champagne (FY). My brother John wanted to do a postal champagne (mail-order advertising) to do Direct Mail Advertising if the Line Rate was good and to hire a company to do Mediamark Research Inc. and he said Net Cost would be great to measure Penetration and Per Inquiry (P.I.)and we could do a Psychographic on a Quintile with a Rate Card on Rating and Reach before we did a winter Roll Out because its proven our Share to the Share of Voice (SOV) is better than the Short Rate and we didn’t need the Simmons Market Research Bureau (SMRB) because we didn’t need Sponsorship or Standard Rate & Data Service (SRDS) or Starch or Telmar for data but we needed any Vehicle available and Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) and Advertising Checking Bureau (ACB) and Business Publication Audit of Circulation (BPA). He also said print was important such as Checkerboard, Checking Copy with an increase of Circulation but his Closing Date was changing since he was going to junior high next year. At the end of the day my mother told me I owed her for the sugar used, the lost Tupperware (overhead) but she wouldn’t charge me for the green bottle of lemon juice since it was old. I said that was good but I hoped she wasn’t mad that I used the last of her ice and Mark left the hose running. After I paid my mother two dollars for the sugar and found six Tupperware cups down the street along the side of the road, my mother actually smiled at my poster and said, “Keep the poster for next week.” coins and dollarsI counted what coins and crunched up dollars overflowed out of my pockets; twenty three dollars, and eighty three cents. Someone must have given a little tip or came up short of twenty five cents for a cup of lemonade. After paying my brother a dollar forty for the fourteen people he said he got to buy a glass of lemonade, I had twenty two dollars and forty three cents. I poured the last bit of lemonade for myself. As a cool breeze blew down the street I took a big gulp of the most awful tasting liquid that ever, and since to passed through my lips. I think I swallowed a bug and a bit of sand. The liquid was warm and salty which is disgusting because I think someone used salt and not sugar on who knows how many batches. The neighbor waved as I swallowed. I smiled and gave thumbs up. I needed to bring in my sticky chair, the table, the wet table cloth, the remaining Tupperware cups, and the glass pitcher. No brother or sister was around to help my business back in the house. It was then I noticed the glass pitcher had a crack in the handle, yes, really. What do I have left from that day? I have that cracked glass pitcher, yes, really. What was the best part of that day (?) making the poster; an advertisement. That day started many occasions of poster making from elementary school, junior high, high school, college, church and my four daughter’s various schools, sports and club activities. I never charged for those posters…I’d be rich today…oh well.

written by Carol M. Kimball April 2013

Posted in Lectures & Discussions, MORE, Writing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Giclee Note Card Prints are Beautiful!

Note Cards for Mother’s Day or any day.

Wychmere Harbor, Box Set of 6 folded 7″x 5″ cards & 6 envelopes in a box of 7-1/2″ x 5-1/2″

$25.00 plus $5. for shipping and handling. Click this link to buy using PayPal.

Museum quality Giclee premium archival bright white enhanced matt paper.

This image is ALSO available in three different giclee canvas sizes.
See prices and sizes: 14″ x 11″( for $225.), size 26″ x 24″ (for $390.), size 40″ x 30″ (for $600.) message me for any questions ~ larger sizes are also available. These reproductions are Museum quality gallery wrapped around stretchers for that modern look of no frame but you can fit it into any frame style. Other images are also available!

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16B Handbags

A few years ago our house got hit by lightening which set off a small fire and although the fire didn’t last, it was the smoke and soot that covered everything.  We were luck; nobody was hurt, we had insurance, and things got fixed. All our daughter’s clothing needed to be sent out for cleaning. When the clothing came back we realized; the girls had grown out of most of the clothing and they had too much. We gave a lot to charity but I had a plan to recreate the jeans into handbags with my daughter’s help. We sketched designs, cut, sewed, embellished and finished 20 handbags. We met a woman who had a photography studio and working with models for fashion shows. She suggested we complete another 40 or so different handbags and be part of a fashion show. We wanted to promote the recycle concept of our handbags and hoped to attract a company we could work with. We made posters, labels, business cards, invitations, and called as many people as possible. We did a fashion show in Rhode Island and although it was fun…we couldn’t find a company to work with. Some of the handbags we sold, some we saved. Here is a link to one of our slide show movies. ENJOY! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10200924790305654&set=vb.194688833879133&type=2&theater

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Acrylic Painting Classes

For those of you willing to try acrylic painting classes…with the Drawing and Watercolor classes

The four week session starts Wednesday March 20th @ 6:30 PM at Weymouth High School, Weymouth, MA

Acrylic Paint and Materials Needed by Carol M. Kimball
If you have some acrylics paint, bring them along or buy new sets of the six primary colors plus black and white but please make sure they are at least (2oz. – 2.5oz.), ALSO various size brushes, painting surfaces such as paper for acrylic paints, boards or canvas sheets, a palate knife or two, a palate for mixing. Bring an (empty) plastic milk gallon from home and a pencil and paper. If you need some ideas, see list below. ORDER NOW or go hunting.
TOTAL Price for everything you need will range from $50 – $70 (more or less if you order online with delivery)
PAINTS
Dick Blick Art Supplies… or go to Blick on line or use these details to shop at other stores such as Michaels or ACMoore.
Student Basic Color Mixing Set — A great set for learning color theory, this set contains 8 colors in 2.5 oz (75 ml) tubes, including Cadmium Red Medium Hue, Cadmium Yellow Medium Hue, Ultramarine Blue, Hooker’s Green Hue Permanent, Yellow Oxide, Burnt Umber, Titanium White, and Mars Black.
Liquitex Basics Acrylic Set of 8

Blick Art supplies List $29.19 sale $23.53 (out of stock on line until 3/26)

Liquitex Basics were developed for students and artists who required dependable quality at an economical price. Each color is uniquely formulated to bring out the maximum brilliance and clarity of the individual pigment. These are heavy-body acrylics with a buttery consistency for easy blending. Their heavy viscosity allows for thick, oil-like painting, retaining peaks and brush marks. They dry to a satin-matte finish, eliminating surface glare. Basics can be used for a variety of techniques from watercolor, airbrush, and printmaking, to thick applications that simulate oil paint. When dry, these acrylic paints are permanent, water-resistant, and flexible.

Michaels has a nice set posted on line but no price list available (but you can try) http://www.michaels.com/Liquitex%C2%AE-Heavy-Body-Artists-Acrylic-Classic-12-Set/fa1033,default,pd.html#
Liquitex® Heavy Body Artists Acrylic Classic 12 Set —$$???
Set contains twelve 2 oz tubes of Heavy Body Artist Acrylic Colors consisting of Cadmium Yellow Medium Hue, Cadmium Red Light Hue, Quinacridone Magenta, Ivory Black, Emerald Green, and Phthalocyanine Green.

Check out the price and availability at one of the stores:
Michaels 729 Bridge St., NORTH WEYMOUTH, MA 02191-2139 (781) 335-0456
Mon-Sat: 9:00am – 9:00pm Sun: 10:00am – 7:00pm

Michaels 140 Ivory St., BRAINTREE, MA 02184-7410 (781) 848-6565
Mon-Sat: 9:00am – 9:00pm
Sun: 10:00am – 7:00pm

BRUSHES

http://www.dickblick.com/search/?q=acrylic+painting+brushes&x=41&y=19&sp_cs=UTF-8

BLICK economy sets – you can get one set or two or check out other groups.
05170-0069 Bright, Set of 6 List $5.18 $3.88
05161-0069 Filbert, Set of 6 List $4.68 $3.34
05169-0069 Flat, Set of 6 List $4.37 $3.12
05162-0069 Round, Set of 6 List $6.47 $4.62

SURFACES
Blick

*Canvas Panels Gesso boards – pack of 24
07015-1023 Economy Canvas Panels, Pkg of 24 9″ × 12″ 1/8″ List $22.49 $17.99
The perfect marriage of economy and quality! Extraordinarily sturdy to resist warping, these canvas panels are an incredible value. They are crafted to our exacting standards from 5 oz 100% cotton canvas that is double primed and adhered with an acid-free adhesive. Their acid-free core is made from a cellulose by-product that is an ecologically renewable resource. Each panel is approximately 1/8″ thick and is individually wrapped.

http://www.dickblick.com/products/blick-economy-canvas-panel-classroom-packs/

or
Gesso treated canvas sheets
07400-1043 Studio Canvas Pad, 10 Sheets 9″ × 12″ List $9.03 $4.66
Canvas Pads contain actual sheets of cotton canvas that have been primed and are ready to accept paint. Oils and acrylics work well on this surface. Once the painting is completed, it can be framed or stretched for display. This is a good option for artists with little studio space or for quick sketches and studies.

http://www.dickblick.com/products/blick-studio-canvas-pads/

or
Paper for acrylic paint
09800-1023 Acrylic Pad 9″ × 12″ 246 lb (400 gsm) List $10.99 $6.04
This heavyweight, versatile Strathmore acid-free paper was made with the acrylic artist in mind, but it is also well suited for a variety of other painting, drawing, pastel or charcoal applications where a heavy paper with a toothy surface is desirable. The paper has a cream-colored linen finish. 246 lb (400 gsm). New flipover covers make it easy to work in the pad. Sheets stay in the pad yet tear out cleanly. 10 sheets per pad.
Acrylic Painting Papers are an inexpensive solution for acrylic painting. Acrylic paper should be heavy weight to prevent warping, have a textured surface to assure adhesion, and have sizing to prevent absorption. The medium must adhere to the surface, but not be absorbed into the substrate. Use it for practice works, instruction, studies, and sketches. If longevity must be measured in generations, and not years, stretched canvas or hardboard panels would be more stable options. http://www.dickblick.com/items/09800-1023/

PALATE
Blick
Paper palates are great: http://www.dickblick.com/products/canson-disposable-palette/?clickTracking=true
BLICK: 03011-1003 Disposable Palette w/ Thumb Hole, 40 Sheets 9″ × 12″ List $8.20 $4.23

Blick
PALATE KNIFE
You can go nuts buying more than one – if you can afford two or three different sizes or set – do so.

http://www.dickblick.com/products/blick-palette-knife/

03115-1003 Dick Blick Palette Knife 3″ $3.22
Other sets: http://www.dickblick.com/categories/paintingknives/

Registration is available for the second 4 week sessions:

http://www.weymouthschools.org/uploadedFiles/District_Content/Students_and_Parents/Weymouth_@_Night_Adult_Education/Adult%20Education%20Brochure-%20Spring%202013%20(2).pdf

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Drawing & Watercolor Painting

Title: Drawing & Watercolor Painting

4 week Wednesday sessions starting 3/20/2013 @ Weymouth High School

Brief Description:

Basic to advanced lessons. Shapes, objects, landscapes, people, pets, AND imagination: you’ll learn about light and dark, shadows and highlights, big to small scale drawing. You’ll build more confident drawing habits and skills. Water, paint, and paper come together as you learn brush techniques, water flow, pigment, masking, and lifting. Learn application methods and styles. Heavy broad strokes to detail brush strokes.

Supplies/Equipment Needs:
Purchase supplies from any local art supply store – and look on line – I suggest
BLICK or Dick Blick Art Supplies: http://www.dickblick.com/
Or
You can check my art information website: http://www.artshopacademy.com/
Go to the bottom of the page and click “BLICK”

For Drawing:
18”x 24” spiral/pad student or studio quality drawing paper
various pencil #’s from soft to hard
hand held sharpener
several types of erasers
For Watercolor:
18” x 24” spiral/pad student or studio quality watercolor paper
standard water color palate tray
any watercolor paint set
different size watercolor brushes and other brushes
palate knife
masking tape
small sponge
a clean gallon milk jug for your water
consolidate materials in a tool box

Bring what you have, share with a friend, build supplies over time.

You can check my art information website: http://www.artshopacademy.com/ for lots of information and ideas!

Email me too! ck8904@comcast.net

Registration is available for the second 4 week sessions:

http://www.weymouthschools.org/uploadedFiles/District_Content/Students_and_Parents/Weymouth_@_Night_Adult_Education/Adult%20Education%20Brochure-%20Spring%202013%20(2).pdf

Posted in 2D & 3D, ACADEMY to learn ART, art Materials & Supplies to Make ART, Other Learning Resources, Schools | Tagged | Leave a comment

ARE WE PAINTING FOR A GROWING MOB OF CHEEKY INSOLENT NARCISSISTS?

Michael A. GROUP http://www.linkedin.com/groups?viewMemberFeed=&gid=4479982&memberID=164802422
Michael Acerra–Artist/Designer/Educator/Public Speaker
Davenport, Iowa Area


To be sure, the culture of manners is always changing. But in the U.S., over the course of five decades, the change has been accelerating at a rate strikingly noticeable to most over the age of thirty. (Our graying baby-boomers are nearly despondent over this crisis- largely because it is of their own making). In an effort- conscious or not, purposeful or unintended, the culture is neither teaching or is it reinforcing the distinctions of those minimal stations that separate humans by age, gender, family position, skill, knowledge, profession, rank and authority. We have retired from the English language major sections of grammatically correct pronouns and articles that would give us a correspondence to the still more formal French and German (But that is rapidly sliding as well). Children are no longer largely taught what to call adults or superiors – at all. The result has an implied Marshall MAcluen-esque “The Medium is the Message” result: young people learn that there is no real or substantial difference between them and anyone else accept for the luck of age and the place of their birth. Have you spoken to a teenager lately? Those mumbling texting glazed over morons who can’t shake a hand or hold a conversation is the next generation of art patrons. Say your prayers.

The lack of manners has, I believe, brought the French Revolution into one of its fullest apogees- lingual égalité. . And the consequence of this 200 year revolution is felt all over our society. The stalwart of good manners in the U.S. has become military institutions which maintain a conservative hold on tradition, including language. The military is a largely southern culture ( i.e. with one foot still planted in America’s Older European origins) and therefore the terms of Ma’am (Origins in Madame) and Sir (Origins in Sire or Lord) are seen to many American ears to be at best charmingly regional, and at worst an anachronism of a best left behind age of hatred, parochialism, un-cosmopolitan provincialism, racism, intolerance, stodgy and backward (non-progressive) and abusive authority. It is in the American south where the portrait business is still going strong.
But I would argue that with the language so goes the culture. And with the manners of a civilization goes an aspect of the amount of deference, respect, humility and kindness we show towards our fellow man. With the culture goes the emblematic art of an age that celebrated distinctions, station, reputation, achievement, heroes, valor, bravery, tradition, authority, and a connection to the past glories of our race.
We are becoming an insolent and derelict body of narcissists and electrically wired savages. And I believe that the traditions of portraiture and art that portrays noble action and noble characters is going to be neglected and derided at best by this trend in human aberrance.

My Response, by Carol M. Kimball 3/7/2013

Agree on all points of your reference to what our society is heading to or already existing in; apathy. Many influences are responsible: inclusion, racism, capitalism, our class society, lack of support for the arts, ageism, sexism, over saturation of tech with limiting human contact, people desensitized by extreme exposure from the internet yet unable to do anything to help others or themselves with what they really need such as enough sleep, the right food, time to read, time to talk, time to get back to nature or to go to church and feel faith. Our human race is in a race but it isn’t to anything good but to a finish. If we see ourselves as human and humane we see we are part of a group living together who need to help each other. The arts give us a reflection of who we are. As an artist I’ve gone away from what I want to paint and to a place I avoided for years ~ selling my art. How do I pay my bills? Should I be the artist I want to be and go to that inner place and do the work I want to do? Yes but who will pay for my art supplies or pay my heat and water bills or my studio space? Who will buy my food, cook and clean my space? Its a balance ~ life. I don’t pretend to know any answers ~ I just have ideas.

Posted in ACADEMY to learn ART, ART by Artists, ARTWORK, Lectures & Discussions, MORE, Other Learning Resources, The Arts, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What’s HAPPENING in Boston for FILM ???

Beantown

videos, events, forums, blogs, casting calls, join groups, and “wicked leaked news” … become a member and receive important updates.

Good morning Beantown!
If you haven’t visited the site in awhile you’re missing out.
We’ve updated and simplified the site. We’ve made it easier to see all of our casting calls and production listings in one place. Our new listings section also makes it easier to post your own casting or crew calls. Now you can share on Beantown, Twitter and Facebook with just one click.
Come check us out!
- NBC’s “Hatfields and McCoys” starring Charlize Theron and Virginia Madsen filming in Boston!
- Don’t forget about todays open casting call for David O.Russell’s new film starring Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Jennifer Lawrence, Jeremy Renner, Bradley Cooper, and Louis C.K!
- Johnny Depp starring in “Black Mass” as Whitey Bulger filming in South Boston May 6th!
- “The Judge” starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jack Nicholson shooting in Boston late May!
- “Infinitely Polar” starring Mark Ruffalo and Zoe Saldana shooting this Spring in New England!
More coming soon so check back often.
Please tell all your friends at the open casting call to join Beantown!
Break a leg!!!!
Follow us on Twitter
and Facebook
Visit Beantown at: http://www.beantown.name/?xg_source=msg_mes_network

Posted in Books & Videos to learn, Film & Video, JOBS for Artists, Lectures & Discussions, MORE, Music & Performing Arts, Other Learning Resources, Services, TV & Cable, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Art and Craft Shows to REGISTER for show and sell and to BUY!

Artist Register & Art Buyers plan for the coming months to visit exhibits on the road…sourcebookguy@gmail.com

Review 25 exhibits ~ not in any order for registration or event dates. If you miss the application date ~ call event for more details.

1. Washington Craft Show
Washington, DC
November 1st – 3rd, 2013 (Fri-Sun)
App Deadline: April 1st, 2013

The Washington Craft Show is one of the nation’s leading events of contemporary American fine craft, bringing together more than 195 accomplished craft artists who create timeless works – functional, decorative, and fashion couture.

Now in its 26th year in our nation’s capital city, the Washington Craft Show recognizes the best innovative and skilled craft artists in America and introduces them to an affluent multi-national audience. Artists are jury selected and invited to showcase their latest work at this beautiful event held within the vibrant art displayed walls of the Washington Convention Center, in Washington, DC. With a strong established client base and successfully attracting many new art enthusiasts each year through aggressive promotional and advertising campaigns, this is a show that master artists and emerging artists pursue each year to show their work.

… from the organizer.

2. 2013 Uptown Art Fair
Minneapolis, MN
August 2nd – 4th, 2013 (Fri-Sun)
App Deadline: March 1st, 2013

The Uptown Art Fair, now celebrating its 50th year, takes over the commercial district in Uptown Minneapolis. What began as a neighborhood art sale developed into an internationally recognized, three-day fine art festival attracting more than 375,000 people in one weekend. Hosting approximately 350 artists, the Uptown Art Fair caters to tourists, art enthusiasts, artists, and festival goers from around the country.

Uptown is an eclectic mix of commercial, retail, and residential properties in South Minneapolis. The intersection of Lake and Hennepin is the center of a lively, upbeat business district and is the perfect location for a fine art festival.

As preparations to celebrate the Uptown Art Fair’s 50th anniversary begin, a number of initiatives have been set in place to strengthen and improve the entire experience for artists and guests, including:

• Increased security;
• Additional media partners;
• A partnership with a new public relations agency; and
• A revitalized marketing campaign designed to shine the local and national spotlight on the Uptown Art Fair and its participating artists as we mark this significant milestone!

… from the organizer.

3. Park City Kimball Arts Festival (44th Annual)
Park City, UT
August 2nd – 4th, 2013 (Fri-Sun)
App Deadline: March 1st, 2013

Now, in its 44th year, the Park City Kimball Arts Festival is Utah’s longest running visual arts festival. Nestled in the heart of the world-famous resort community Park City, the festival is one of the most highly regarded art events in the West. For three days, the Park City Kimball Arts Festival proudly features 220 of North America’s finest artists. Each year, the festival draws more than 55,000 art enthusiasts to Park City’s historic Main Street.

… from the organizer.

4. One of A Kind Show & Sale – Chicago
Chicago, IL
December 5th – 8th, 2013 (Thurs-Sun)
App Deadline: March 4th, 2013

The One of a Kind Show invites artists with high quality, handmade, original work to apply to be a part of the One of a Kind experience in Chicago! Eligible work ranges from giftable craft to premium fine art. Artist will be juried and chosen based on uniqueness, craftsmanship and attention to detail. Please apply via zapplication.org by March 4, 2013 to be considered by main jury and by June 4, 2013 to be considered by final jury.

The 13th annual One of a Kind Show Chicago is an extraordinary holiday shopping event featuring fine art and craft from a juried selection of North America’s most talented artists. The 4-day show is scheduled during one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year and provides an outstanding opportunity for exhibiting artists to sell to tens of thousands of qualified and enthusiastic shoppers in an ideal location and premium environment.

- More than 60,000 qualified shoppers
- One of the busiest shopping weekends of the year
- Ideal location in the heart of downtown Chicago
- Premium indoor environment with all inclusive hard wall booth package
- Attentive staff and ease of show operations
- Unparalleled show marketing encompassing substantial print and online advertising, direct mail, e-blasts, street banners and media coverage
- Exceptional artists promotional opportunities for pre-show, show and post-show exposure

For more information, please visit http://www.oneofakindshowchicago.com/exhibit/exhibitingbenefits/ or contact:

Kim Runner Erin Hartz
krunner@mmart.com ehartz@mmart.com
312.527.7642 312.527.7757

… from the organizer.

5. Powderhorn Art Fair
Minneapolis, MN
August 3rd – 5th, 2013 (Sat-Sun)
App Deadline: March 20th, 2013

Beauty and creativity abound in the 66 acre pastoral city Powderhorn Park where 184 artists from across the country circle around the tree-lined, picturesque Powderhorn Lake. The Powderhorn Art Fair is a regional fine art and fine crafts fair developed to promote the uniqueness of the Powderhorn Park neighborhood and is part of Minneapolis Arts Weekend. This multi-cultural and family friendly event is a unique collaboration between the Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and has good food, acoustic music, children’s activities and community participation.

To apply: www.zapplication.org
Website: www.powderhornartfair.org

… from the organizer.

Attention artists!
Be sure to submit your online show reviews on the AFSB website for a chance to win FREE Art Fair SourceBook Products or Services in one of our monthly and/or annual drawings.

6. Arts for all Festival
Lawton, OK
May 10th – 12th, 2013 (Fri-Sun)
App Deadline: March 4th, 2013

Mother’s Day weekend brings to Oklahoma, the 39th annual Arts for All Festival. This is the only juried Fine Arts Festival in Southwest Oklahoma. We feature over 90 artists in a shady park near downtown Lawton-Ft Sill. We are located 85 miles Southwest of Oklahoma City and 200 miles Northwest of Dallas, near the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Amenities include offering lodging with host families, Sunday morning ‘Champagne Breakfast’ on site, ‘Artist Hospitality Tent’ with refreshments, homemade goodies, & the friendliest volunteers anywhere. Booth fees for 10 x 10 are $210 with corners adding $30. A discount for double booths is offered.

… from the organizer.

7. Downtown Denver Arts Festival
Denver, CO
May 24th – 26th, 2013 (Fri-Sun) Memorial Day Weekend
App Deadline: February 21st, 2013

Held at the Denver Performing Arts Complex in the heart of downtown Denver, Colorado

NOTE: Great new location for the show in 2013 and now a 3 day show!

We invite all artists, both Colorado and national, to apply. Now in its 15th year, the Downtown Denver Arts Festival continues to support Colorado visual artists while showcasing a growing number of national artists. The Downtown Denver Arts Festival holds its annual premier fine arts and fine crafts event each Memorial Day Weekend. In our 15th year we are moving the show back to the original location at the Denver Performing Arts Complex (DPAC) in the ever growing and vibrant Downtown area of Denver. The DPAC is the largest performing arts complex in the country and is a great place to host the festival. In 2013 there are 14 performances at the theaters during the show (5 are sold out performances of Les Miserables). This location already draws discerning art patrons and will be a perfect home for DDAF. The fine art exhibition features over 140 visual artists with over 150,000 people expected to attend.

• Limited to 140 juried artists in 15 media categories
• Surveyed 2012 artists totaled just under $500,000 in sales
• Promotion of the event to the art-buying public in newspapers, radio, television, press releases, magazines, social media and other venues valued at over $150,000
• Jury/Booth fees are $30/$495 for a single booth. Corners, and electricity available
• Artist amenities include booth sitting, overnight security, great onsite staff to handle any issues promptly• Attendance estimated at 150,000

HOURS: Fri. 4-8pm, Sat. 11am-8pm, Sun. 11am-5pm

Apply at www.zapplication.org
For more information please visit www.DowntownDenverArtsFestival.com
Email questions to info@downtowndenverartsfestival.com
Or call 303-330-8237 to speak to Jim DeLutes, Director

… from the organizer.

8. Manayunk Art Festival
Philadelphia, PA
June 22nd – 23rd, 2013 (Sat-Sun)
App Deadline: March 1st, 2013

Manayunk Development Corporation is pleased to announce the 2013 24th Annual Manayunk Arts Festival. This year we invite you to share in the tradition of excellence at the tri-state’s largest outdoor, juried arts festival. Celebrating 24 years of presenting the best variety of fine arts and crafts from across the country, nearly 200,000 collectors, buyers, and designers will visit Main Street for this event. The Manayunk Arts Festival is open to all artists who design and produce their own work; applications can be accessed at www.zapplication.org and the deadline is March 1st, 2013.

… from the organizer.

9. NIC Fest Arts Festival
Casper, WY
June 28th – 30th, 2013 (Fri-Sun)
App Deadline: February 22nd, 2013

We invite you to discover NIC Fest located in beautiful Casper, Wyoming. This 3 day, outdoor summer art festival draws more than 18,000 people to downtown Casper, Now in its 8th year, NIC Fest continues to grow in popularity. If you’re looking for a new market, friendly and loyal patrons, and a quality experience, NIC Fest is the art festival for you.

NIC Fest hours are Friday 5-9 p.m., Sat. 10-8 p.m. and Sunday 12-6 p.m, June 28 – 30, 2013. Live entertainment, a family area, and a community market place are additional components of this quality art festival.

… from the organizer.

10. Art by the Falls
Chagrin Falls, OH
June 8th – 9th, 2013 (Sat-Sun)
App Deadline: February 24th, 2013

Valley Art Center presents, 30th Annual ART BY THE FALLS, an outdoor 2-day juried Fine Arts and Contemporary Crafts Festival in Riverside Park in Chagrin Falls, OH.

Artists can submit their artwork through “EntryThingy” at http://valleyartcenter.weebly.com/calls-to-entry.html .

• Entry Fee: $25/category.
• Application Deadline: February 24th.
• Notification: March 7th.
• Booth Fee Due: April 18th.

Artists will provide own tent (10 x 10) plus $50+ raffle item. Artists will receive Continental Breakfast Sat/Sun mornings before show opens, Artists Dinner after 7pm on Sat (RSVP required), evening security, free parking off-site with shuttle to park.

… from the organizer.

11. Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition/TOAE
Toronto, Ontario CANADA
July 5th – 7th, 2013 (Fri-Sun)
App Deadline: March 8th, 2013 (Midnight)

American Artists Welcome, Wanted & Winning at Canada’s largest juried outdoor art exhibition!

Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition (TOAE) is accepting online applications, until March 8th at midnight, for our 52nd annual exhibition.

TOAE is Canada’s largest juried outdoor art exhibition. 100,000 viewers attend annually to view and purchase from artists coming from Canada, USA and Europe. Up to 400 artists are selected, by jury, from 14 different categories.

Categories Included are:
Ceramics, Digital Media, Drawing, Fiber, Glass, Illustration, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Painting, Photography, Print Making, Sculpture, Watercolor, Wood

Up to 30K in Awards:
TOAE awards up to 30 thousand dollars in cash and prizes each year. All award winners are included in an additional award winner’s exhibition.

American print maker and TOAE award winning artist, Bobby Rosenstock, shares his TOAE experience.

“I do a number of art fairs across the United States but TOAE is by far the best show I do. The quality of work by all of the participating artists is extremely high and the organizers of the event are professional and kind.”

TOAE takes place on our City Hall concourse, Nathan Phillips Square, in Toronto … July 5, 6, & 7.

Don’t miss out, Apply Now!
www.torontooutdoorart.org

… from the organizer.

12. ARTumn @ Deer Park Town Center
Deer Park, IL
September 7th – 8th, 2013 (Sat-Sun)
App Deadline: February 15th, 2013 (Late Apps thru April 15

Deer Park Town Center, one of Chicago’s upscale open air destinations, offers a wonderful venue for juried fine artists. The festival is “in the round” surrounding a charming gazebo. The center attracts an average of 30,000 visitors per weekend.

Throngs of sophisticated buyers from Chicago’s highest economic area attend the festival each year. Artists consistently report the festival is well juried, artist friendly, organized and appreciative of the exemplary hospitality.

A strong advertising campaign helps keep this anticipated event a favorite of both artists and patrons.

Artist Amenities:

• Day and overnight security
• Booth Sitters
• Continental breakfast Sat/Sun
• Easy load in/out
• Cold bottled water
• Free day and overnight parking
• Free admission EMAIL: dwevents@comcast.net
… from the organizer.

13. Amagansett Fine Arts Festival
Amagansett, NY
July 5th – 7th, 2013 (Fri-Sun)
App Deadline: February 20th, 2013

Now in its third year, the Amagansett Fine Arts Festival represents a rare and valuable opportunity to reach the exclusive and affluent audience of The Hamptons of Long Island, NY.

The Amagansett show is located right on the traffic-choked Montauk Highway (the only road through the Hamptons to Montauk) and is only 5 minutes from East Hampton, with high visibility from street-side signage and full page print ads in a popular local free news magazine in the weeks leading up to the event. All booths are on grass, and both artist and patron parking are immediately adjacent to the festival field. Setup will be on Thursday, July 4th, giving everyone a chance to watch fireworks on the beach afterwards, and then be ready for a solid three day holiday weekend audience on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The patrons of this event have come to recognize the exceptional quality of the participating artists over the past two years, and the show size will continue to be limited to only 50 exhibitors.

… from the organizer.

14. Memorial Day Weekend on Montauk’s Green
Montauk, NY
May 24th – 26th, 2013 (Fri-Sun)
App Deadline: March 15th, 2013

Juried fine art, ceramics, jewelry and leather, outdoor garden and table top sculpture, photographs, paintings, prints and drawings

… All of it on the Montauk, Long Island, Village Green.

Our show has achieved the highest ratings.
80 artists from all over our country, as well as France, Israel, Peru, Turkey and China will come to our hamlet by the sea to show their work and offer it for sale.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME – FREE ADMISSION.

Juried fine art 2-D Paintings (all mediums), graphics, Prints, photography and 3-D Sculpture, ceramics, fiber (no clothing), jewelry. Rain or Shine – no dealers. Montauk is the darling of the Hamptons without the attitude. The young 30+ set discovered Montauk in 2010 and blasted the traffic. Their lifestyle is high energy and enthusiasm. The high end items appeal to them. This is not middle America.

The deadline for entries is March 15, 2013. Artists who are interested in participating in this year’s show may request an application at montaukart@aol.com. You may also download the application which is in Adobe PDF format.

Visit us at www.MontaukArtistsAssociation.org
… from the organizer.

15. Barefoot in the Park Arts Festival
Duluth, GA
May 11th – 12th, 2013 (Sat-Sun)
App Deadline: March 15th, 2013

Barefoot in the Park Arts Festival – ATLANTA’S #1 MOTHER’S DAY FAMILY ARTS AFFAIR!

Join the thousands of art enthusiasts who bring their families to Barefoot in the Park Arts Festival for the 9th annual event this May 11th and 12th! Held in Duluth’s beautiful Town Park Green, the event offers an Artist’s Market of 75 juried fine artists, ensuring you find the perfect gift for Mom! Two performing stages filled with music and dance, a children’s activity tent, Binder’s Adult Learning Village, a Beer Garden and great food offer a fun-filled weekend adventure in the arts. A fabulous Gala is planned for May 11th at 6 p.m. For information and artists’ registration, visit www.barefootinthepark.org

… from the organizer.

16. 51st Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair
Peoria, IL
September 28th – 29th, 2013 (Sat-Sun)
App Deadline: March 14th, 2013

Join us along the beautiful Peoria, IL riverfront, and celebrate 51 years of exceptional Fine Art! The Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair is known for drawing a high-quality crowd of art enthusiasts, collectors, and patrons from locations such as Central Illinois, Des Moines, Chicago, St. Louis and Indianapolis. With over $10,000 in cash awards, noteworthy artist amenities, and friendly staff/volunteers, the Peoria Art Guild understands how deserving artists, like you, should be treated! Apply today for one of the best juried Fine Art Fairs in the Midwest!

Perks:
• Show among 150 highly respected artists
• Access to over 30,000 buyers and art enthusiasts
• Affordable accommodations (within walking distance) w/ FREE parking
• An appreciative buying audience for ALL mediums
• Overnight security Friday & Saturday
• Complimentary meals – including Saturday artist appreciation dinner
• Friday set-up w/ easy set-up & teardown accessibility
• Mix & Mingle Pre-sale Party – Friday night
• ATM on-site for IMMEDIATE CASH SALES
• Wine, Beer, Music and More…

We look forward to the possibility of having you!

… from the organizer.

17. Haddonfield Crafts & Fine Art Festival
Haddonfield, NJ
July 13th – 14th, 2013 (Sat-Sun)
App Deadline: March 22nd, 2013

Haddonfield is a great place for a crafts and fine art festival, shopping, dining, and more. The Festival was voted as one of the 200 Best Shows by Sunshine Artist™. Haddonfield was chosen by Philadelphia Magazine as one of the best places to live in the Delaware Valley, and the Courier Post readers have voted it the “Best Downtown Shopping Area” year after year. Haddonfield’s historic houses, elegant gardens, and more than 200 shops, galleries and restaurants are the heart of this beautiful borough.. This premier event is widely advertised and is eagerly anticipated by more than 100,000 attendees.

… from the organizer.

18. Open Arts Fest
Boulder, CO
July 20th – 21st, 2013 (Sat-Sun)
App Deadline: February 21st, 2013

Open Arts Fest, Boulder’s premiere visual arts event held on the historic Pearl Street Mall this July 20th & 21st. The Fest will showcase the finest artists from Boulder, Colorado and the nation, with an emphasis on fine arts and fine crafts. Occurring in the height of the tourist season, the Open Arts Fest draws more than 90,000 attendees. Cash prizes for the best of show and medium categories, ample volunteer support, breakfast, water and snacks will help sustain your throughout the Fest, and an air conditioned, luxurious hospitality room for our VIP artists.
Deadline to Enter is February 21st.

… from the organizer.

19. Har Zion Craft Spectacular
Penn Valley, PA
April 21st – 22nd, 2013 (Sun-Mon)
App Deadline: February 26th, 2013

Since 1991, Har Zion Temple has hosted the Har Zion Craft Spectacular showcasing fine crafts and arts from Mid-Atlantic Region and beyond. Har Zion Temple is a great place for a fine craft and art show with over 900 member families, a location on Philadelphia’s Main Line, convenient access to the Schuylkill Expressway and plenty of free parking.

… from the organizer.

20. Gatlinburg Fine Art Festival at Arrowmont
Gatlinburg, TN
October 4th – 6th, 2013 (Fri-Sun)
App Deadline: June 15th, 2013

The Ninth Annual GFAF at Arrowmont Exhibitors is chosen by jury in 16 categories ranging from ceramics to woodworking. $4,000 in awards monies and $6,000 in purchase vouchers at stake. The Festival is held on the Arrowcraft parking lot next to the campus of Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts on Oct. 4th thru the 6th which makes the setting feel like an art village. The “Night with the Artist Party” held on the evening of the 5th is in honor of the artists giving patrons and sponsors the opportunity mingle with the artists. The festival is free to visitors and features art & craft programs for children, over 130 hours of demonstrations, Appalachian music and food. This is a perfect time to visit the “Gatlinburg” nestled at the foot of the majestic Great Smoky Mountains. This is the annual start of the color season. Visit gfaf.net for more information.

… from the organizer.

21. Brookings Summer Arts Festival
Brookings, SD
July 13th – 14th, 2013 (Sat-Sun)
App Deadline: March 1st, 2013

The 42nd annual Brookings Summer Arts Festival invites you to participate in South Dakota’s finest 2 day juried Art Festival on July 13 and 14, 2013. Free to the public, an estimated 80,000 patrons attend this juried exhibition annually.

Beautiful Pioneer Park, just west of downtown Brookings on US Highway 14, is transformed into an outdoor art gallery showcasing the wares of 200 of the best local, regional and national artists and skilled craftsmen.

Visual works, of art or skilled crafts of original concept, design and execution, are juried in mid-March. The Brookings Summer Arts Festival Committee awards 2 Award of Excellence and 1 Media Award each Festival. The Media Award winner is chosen to be used for the following year’s Festival logo and publicity use.

Artists are invited to a Friday evening BBQ and social, and mid-day cold drinks are delivered on Saturday and Sunday. Onsite vendor parking on the west edge of the park, ATM, overnight security and EMT services are provided. A Sunday morning Church service, shuttle buses and Large Parcel pickup enhance the Festival vendor/patron experience.

Artists booths are 12′ x12′, with minimal space behind, and some dual spaces available. Pioneer Park is a beautiful tree lined city park with natural landscaping, with paved roads and walkways.

42 Food Booths and an interactive Children’s Area compliment the Festival, as well as continuous entertainment throughout the park and at the historic bandshell.

BSAF is advertised regionally in 4 states, through TV, FB, radio, magazine and newsprint. Brookings is located at the intersection of I-29 and US Hwy 14, and just 1 hour north of the I-29 & I-90 intersection. Brookings is home to the SD Art Museum, SD Agricultural Museum, SD Children’s Museum and McCrory Gardens.

We invite you to join us in celebrating the 42nd year of the Brookings Summer Arts Festival!

… from the organizer.

22. Art Fair on the Square
Madison, WI
July 13th – 14th, 2013 (Sat-Sun)
App Deadline: March 1st, 2013

For two days, the eight blocks that surround Wisconsin’s beautiful State Capitol building are transformed as 475 artists and nearly 200,000 visitors come together for the Art Fair on the Square. It is rated among the best fine art shows in America. Furthermore, Art Fair on the Square is MMoCA’s most important annual fundraiser, providing crucial support for the museum’s exhibitions and education programming. Admission is free and parking is abundant.

• ARTWORK SALES: 2012 estimate was $2,300,000

• AMENITIES: Booth Sitting, breakfast and 24-hour security

• EXTENSIVE MARKETING: TV, radio, street banners, posters, print and online advertising.

• DEADLINE: March 1st

… from the organizer.

23. Ogden Arts Festival At Union Station (9th Annual)
Art in the Heart of Notorious 25th Street*
Ogden, UT
June 7th – 8th, 2013 (Fri-Sat)
App Deadline: March 15th, 2013

Ogden’s beautiful Union Station is the backdrop for the Ogden Arts Festival; home to the Utah State Railroad Museum. Across from Union Station, Historic 25th Street features a wide variety of unique restaurants, boutiques, and galleries.

New in 2013, all artists booths will be open for two days, Friday and Saturday. Booths will be located entirely on the Union Station property, both outside on the Union Station Fountain Plaza and inside the Grand Lobby. To ease setup traffic, artists booths located in the Grand Lobby will have a Thursday afternoon setup option. The opening day of the 2013 Festival occurs on the first Friday Gallery Stroll and the 25th Street Car show featuring 300 cars.

The Ogden Arts Festival was established in 2004 and is a natural addition to a community with active art galleries, monthly first Friday Gallery Strolls, and a thriving downtown. Designed and organized by a grass roots group of artists, gallery owners and local art advocates. There has been careful thought given to media categories, jurying, site, and artist amenities. We provide booth sitters, water service and a break room for our artists and volunteers. We want artists and patrons to enjoy a high quality and professional art festival. Funds raised from the festival support the Union Station Foundation, the non-profit organization operating the historic train depot and museums.

… from the organizer.

24. Orchard in Bloom Garden Show
Indianapolis, IN
May 2nd – 5th, 2013 (Thurs-Sun)
App Deadline: March 4th, 2013

Indianapolis garden enthusiasts can see green living firsthand at the 23rd annual Orchard In Bloom Garden Show on the beautiful and historic grounds of Holliday Park. Growing a greener community for more than two decades, Orchard In Bloom attracts 7,000-9,000 guests. Recognized by The American Horticultural Society as one of the top garden shows in the country, Orchard In Bloom is a distinctive garden and art show featuring garden and landscape ideas and products; over 100 local and national exhibitors with a broad range of art and merchandise; live music; speakers; and children’s activities. Vendors may download an application at www.orchardinbloom.org.

… from the organizer.

25. Royal Oak Clay, Glass and Metal Show
Royal Oak, MI
June 8th – 9th, 2013 (Sat-Sun)
App Deadline: February 28th, 2013

NOTEWORTHY:

*Only artists working in Clay, Glass or Metal may partcipate.

*19th Year.
*125 Artists.

*Extensive marketing leading to an educated audience.

*Often Top 100 ranking in Sunshine Artist magazine.

*Cash Awards, Free Parking, Beverages, Artists Breakfast, Respect.

When artists first hear about a show with only Clay, Glass and Metal they wonder how that could work. Is there too much competition? Actually, it’s an advantage. You are not competing with prints, photos and corndogs. Everyone there is interested in your artwork. Our jury is dedicated to presenting the most diversity possible within these mediums meaning that few artists share a style or theme.

Patrons are astounded by the variety and depth of possibilities. Artists report that it is a pleasure to work with customers that already have an understanding of the mediums.

We encourage artists to showcase their methods by giving additional space free to accepted artists that wish to demonstrate techniques.

This festival features 125 clay, glass and metal artists, demonstrations and related activities. As a result we get a huge focused audience. Artists tell us that the spending is far stronger than they would expect.

There is a three year jury rotation system. If you have participated in the last three years you are automatically accepted when you send in your application by deadline.

The art fair is organized by Mark Loeb of Integrity Shows a veteran organizer of metro Detroit events.

NOTE: ONLY CLAY, GLASS AND METAL ARE ACCEPTED. WORK MAY INCORPORATE OTHER ELEMENTS BUT MUST BE PRIMARILY CLAY, GLASS OR METAL. SORRY NO POLYMERS SUCH AS PRECIOUS METAL CLAY.

For more info: www.MichiganArtShows.com

You may also contact: Mark Loeb mark@integrityshows.com

734-216-3958

Now accepting applications at: www.zapplication.org

… from the organizer.

ART SHOWS AFSB-2013-TOP-25-Ranked-FA-Events

Posted in 2D & 3D, ART by Artists, ARTWORK, Crafts, Fairs, MORE, SHOP for ART, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Film Is History from Stage 32 article on Ron Merk’s work with Preservation Project Partnership

Film Is History
Today’s guest post comes from Stage 32 member, Ron Merk. Ron has been a producer-director-writer and distributor for more than four decades. His work has won numerous awards around the world. Ron has also been a passionate supporter of film preservation, with major collections at MOMA, UCLA, University of South Carolina, The Margaret Herrick Library and The Academy Film Archives. He is also a staunch supporter of the independent film movement through The Filmmaker Resource Sharing Group and the Indieplex filmmaker web resource site to which Ron frequently contributes articles of interest to the filmmaking community.

I thank Ron for his contribution to the community.

Enjoy!

RB

http://www.stage32.com/blog/film-history

The title of this piece doesn’t mean to imply that film as a means of recording or saving history is no more, discarded and then replaced recently by digital media. In fact, I mean quite the opposite – that film IS history, and that we need to save our collective history soon, or it will be lost forever. Tens of millions of feet of film sit in vaults, offices, attics, basements and garages all around the world, all of these films subject to the ravages of time, storage conditions, disinterest and neglect.

As someone who has been involved in film preservation since the beginning of my career more than four decades ago, I can assure you that there is gold in every one of those film cans waiting to be opened just like a pirate’s treasure chest. As a producer-director and a distributor, I’ve had the rare opportunity to see what saving a film can mean, not just for history, but also for the bottom line of a film’s economics. Example: Hercules in New York. Never heard of it? Well, it was Arnold Schwarzenegger’s first movie, made on a small budget totally on location in New York City in 1969, way before he rose to fame in Pumping Iron, and to international super-stardom in Conan the Barbarian. The film literally walked into my office. Someone who’d been involved in the production, which bankrupted the company that made the film, was offering to sell it to my company back in 1982. The price was right and they assured us that the materials for the film were safely stored in a laboratory in New York.

To make a long story short, we DID acquire the film, and then proceeded to check all the materials and get them shipped to our lab in Los Angeles, where we learned that the negative needed some tender loving care. In the shipment of materials we received we discovered Arnold’s original dialog tracks (he was dubbed in the final release version) which allowed us to create a restored version of the sound track. The New York lab later went out of business, and it’s hard to imagine what would have happened to this film if we hadn’t rescued it from oblivion. It went on to make a great deal of money for the company. It’s now in worldwide release through Lionsgate Films. Arnold is a major film star and this was his first film, an important part of film history that was nearly lost, except for our insight into it’s value and jumping on the opportunity to acquire it.

Last year, I made arrangements to deposit all the master film materials for all the films I’ve made during my career with two archives, The Academy Archives and the UCLA Film and Television Archives. I realized, that after four decades in the entertainment industry, if something happened to me, my family would really not know what to do with these materials, nor would they understand which materials should be preserved or the value of those films. Now the materials of my life’s film output are safe, and I’m content that the films will be around for a long time for people to enjoy, study and research. But I am not satisfied with just preserving my own films. So I decided to embark on a campaign to bring the plight of orphan films to the public.

For years we have ignored our film heritage, assuming like most people that they will be around forever. But the truth is that every day some of this film legacy is lost: shorts, animation, industrial films, commercials, low budget films, independent films, and those films in the most precarious condition, home movies, all of which I shall refer to as “orphan films.” Why orphan you might ask? Because they have no parents, no one to take care of them and make sure they survive. But like all orphans, they can be adopted by us. This is why I created an initiative called Preservation Project Partnerships at the foundation that I co-founded, The Metro Theatre Center Foundation.

The foundation has been a supporter of filmmakers, film festivals and non-profits since 2003. This year’s focus is on film preservation and The Preservation Project Partnerships which seeks to involve the public in the issue of film preservation. The focus is on home movies as a genre. Home movies are often the only record that we have of a place, a time or a person, and are unique depositories of culture and history. Our Head of Preservation, Antonella Bonfanti is an Eastman House-trained film preservation specialist with more then ten years in the field. She is highly respected within the film preservation community, and both teaches and speaks at conventions and symposia.

We’ve embarked on the first Preservation Project Partnership with the home movies of a New York man named David Eugene Bell, who documented New York City gay life all the way back to the 1940s, when even being photographed in a “gay” setting was either an act of madness or an act of courage, because of the danger of being identified as gay. The material is extraordinary in its access to “the gay life” and in the middle of it, we found a piece of American history that you wouldn’t have expected to see amidst these home movies. It was never-before-seen footage of Robert F. Kennedy marching in the NYC St. Patrick’s Day parade in the mid-60s. Close up and in beautiful color. What this points out is that there is something amazing and undiscovered “out there” and that we need to locate, secure and save all this material before time and neglect take away this precious film heritage. We’re raising money to save this collection now which is in very fragile condition due to poor storage conditions for the last 30 years.

Time is running out. The clock is ticking for these film treasures and one day, if we don’t act now, they will be gone forever.

To learn more about Ron’s project, visit indiegogo.com/projects/save-our-precious-film-heritage

Ron is also available for questions and remarks in the Comments section below.

Posted in ACADEMY to learn ART, Film & Video, Lectures & Discussions, MORE, Museums, The Arts | Tagged , , | Leave a comment