Supporting Bisbee's Young Artists

Did you know that creating art helps children read better, score higher on tests, and perform better in math and science? Art in schools is so important! In Bisbee, the elementary and junior high schools have a visual arts program, but no funding for supplies. Thus, the Art Department relies on donations from individuals and organizations to keep a quality program. 

During the Bisbee After 5 artwalk on January 14th between 3 and 8 pm, Heather Green Studios will be collecting items for the art department. Here are some easy ways to support Bisbee's K-8 artists without spending money!

Electronic Device Recycling

Did you receive a new cell phone or camera over the holidays and not sure what to do with the old one(s)? Have empty ink cartridges lying around? The Art Department recycles these and other items on the list below, receiving money for art supplies!

These electronic items do not have to be in working order. Just be sure to remove all personal information before donating! DVDs must have the original case. By donating old electronics, you have cleared clutter, help minimize landfill waste, and have supported the arts all in one fell swoop!


Clean Out Your Closets (or your offices, craft rooms, studios, garages, attics, etc.)

Is your New Year's Resolution to clear out the clutter, or at least to find the floor in the guest bedroom again? Before throwing out items, consider their art-project potential! Here is a list of items to get you started:

• Old Calendars
• scissors
• packing peanuts (s-shape)
• scrapbooking papers, wallpaper samples, wrapping paper, etc.
• the Sunday comics (in color)
• scrap wood pieces
• wire
• glue sticks
• Sharpies
• aluminum foil
• pencils, erasers (large)
• nuts, bolts, springs, odds and ends
• fabric, ribbon, buttons, beads
• craft supplies (ex: googley eyes, pipe cleaners, feathers, etc.)
• colored pencils and markers
• hand tools
• paint (all kinds)
• matboard, posterboard, foamcore, etc.
• old (but functioning) clothing iron, blenders, electric skillets, double boilers

Purchase Supplies on Art Room Aid

Perhaps you are free of all clutter and extraneous electronic devices and crafting materials, or you live far away but would still like to help. You can purchase art materials from Blick Art materials via Art Room Aid! It is set up like a wedding or baby registry, where specific items are linked for purchase online! You can purchase items outright, or donate money towards items (like a gift card) for the teacher to choose! The lists are for general supplies, some with specific projects in mind. All supplies will be sent to the schools directly. Links to the supply lists are below:   

Greenway Elementary School
Lowell Junior High School

Feel free to contact Heather Wiechert, the art teacher, at hwiechert@busd.k12.az.us if you have any questions.

My Paper Anniversary

I'm so excited for the opening reception of my "Paper Anniversary" exhibit! To celebrate one year at 27 Subway Street in Bisbee, Arizona, I had an open call to Arizona artists to enter work that included a paper element and measured 11" x 11." So many wonderful artists that I admire and respect have entered work into the show! I am also amazed by the creativity of these artists. One chose to print her images on wallpaper. Another artist painted and collaged on a circular tin tray edged in a rubber tire to measure 11" in diameter. A local artist pushed his work into the third dimension by creating an 11" x 11" x 11" cube. Some artists made their own paper, used paper-mache, paper clay, or created their own frames.  Some made their own wooden panels. An old door panel was even upcycled into a piece that framed a traingular monoprint. 

The energy of all of the artists has been so inspiring. I love that they chose to solve the problem they were given with their own unique methods, materials, and styles. Most artists created new pieces for this exhibit, which is also exciting. I can't wait to curate the work. I have the task of making seemingly disparate pieces work together collectively, as if created to be shown with each other.

I am also really ecstatic that Cafe Roka will be catering the opening reception. Their food is such a treat, that I highly recommend eating there should one have the money to spend. Of course, you can try some of their salads and appetizers at the reception this Friday, November 11th (11-11-11) from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.

All work in this juried exhibition is priced at $110, including tax.

The work will be on display beginning this Friday, November 11 from 6 to 9 pm through November 26th.

Gallery Hours:

Fridays Noon to 5 pm

Saturdays Noon to 8 pm

By Appointment

Celebrating My Paper Anniversary



Collagraph 2"x2"

In November, Heather Green Studios will commemorate one year of being open at 27 Subway St. in Bisbee, Arizona with a special juried exhibition! I'm proud to announce a Call to Arizona Artists for this exhibit (Go to http://bit.ly/PaperAnniversary   for the prospectus & entry forms), on view November 11 through 26, 2011. The show is titled Paper Anniversary, a play on the idea that paper gifts are traditionally given to couples for one-year wedding anniversaries. Since I have my own love affair with art on paper, all art included in the exhibit must have a paper element in it. All media are welcome.

To extend the significance of one-year, I'm holding the Opening Reception on 11-11-11, and all work must measure 11" x 11", including framed pieces. Because of the strange dimensions, work does not need a frame. Paper clay reliefs, gallery-stretched canvas, and framed pieces must be properly wired to hang. Paper-based work that is not framed should be mounted on acid-free foam core**, to be hung with removable, double-sided adhesive foam squares. For $2 per piece, I can mount work on acid-free foamcore for you.

Artwork does not have to be for sale. However, all art that is for sale will be priced at $110 (basically $100 per piece, plus $10 to include sales tax). I would have priced it at $111 to continue the theme, but it's an odd price to ask people to pay. Heather Green Studios will take a $20 commission on each sale. Artists will receive a check for $90 within a week after the close of the exhibit -- the artists are responsible for paying tax on their work (Bisbee and Cochise Co. are currently at 9.6%). Heather Green Studios is equipped to take debit/credit cards securely through Square, Inc. via an Android phone platform.

The jurying and curation of the show will be done by me, Heather Green. For Paper Anniversary, I'm looking for quality work that meets the show requirements in a wide variety of styles and media. Each artist may enter up to 3 pieces, with an entry fee of $10 for the first, $5 for each additional piece. Please include a Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope (SASE) for notification of acceptance. You can either mail in the actual work, or drop it off to be juried. Mailed entries must be sent to Heather Green Studios, 27 Subway St., Box 644, Bisbee AZ 85603 with return postage and postmarked by Tuesday, November 1st. Local artists can drop off their work at the studio Friday, November 4th between 1 and 5 pm.

The exhibit will be open Fridays and Saturdays, November 11 through 26th from Noon to 5 pm. The opening artists' reception will be from 6-9 pm on Friday, November 11, 2011. The next evening is the Bisbee After 5 artwalk, held on the Second Saturday of each month where Bisbee's galleries and shops are open late, until 8pm. Heather Green Studios is a participating Bisbee After 5 member, which means additional advertising in the local newspapers, radio, in the Tucson Guide, online, and on local printed materials.  The final weekend of the exhibit is over the Thanksgiving holiday, when lots of visitors are in town for the Home Tour. Bisbee After 5 is sponsoring free carriage rides and will be placing luminarias along Subway and Main Streets, beginning a new tradition to kick off our "Small Town Holiday" weekend.

Please feel free to contact me at 520-678-1134 or heathergreenstudios@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns about entering the show. "Like" Heather Green Studios on Facebook to receive updates about the show. While you are at it, "Like" Bisbee After 5 as well.

**If you have other suggestions for hanging work without a frame, I am open to it, as long as it is professional. For instance, you might not want to adhere a print on foamcore to show the plate impression, etc. . . . Once I receive a clearer description from a fellow printmaker, I will post info about a nail head/magnet option. ** -- Heather  9-19-11

Pinteresting Dresses and Art Concepts

Do you Pinterest? It's a virtual corkboard where you can pin images from anywhere on the internet. You can organize your pin boards, title them, and, like other social media sites, follow boards, leave comments, and share by repinning to your boards, or posting to other social media.

I discovered it in a design blog that came across my Twitter feed this June. I really love the concept, and have found it to be useful (really, it's not just a time vortex to redecorate your house with things you could never afford anyway). It's a place to keep things you want to look at again without inundating your "favorites" bar with links or taking up hard drive space with images, and saves on printer ink. For example, I am pinning inspiring dresses that may become fodder for my pastel dress drawing series.

I have also used it to compare paper samples, image concepts, and pricing for wedding invitations. Friends and family across the country were able to access invitation possibilities in a straightforward way, without having to click through a bunch of links in an e-mail. I am also using it to store art concepts and favorite artists, as well as art project ideas for my students. I imagine it would be a great place to keep recipes, gift registries, a log of books you've read, vision boards, etc. If you'd like an invite, let me know. Feel free to follow!

How to Print a Linoleum Block

The other day, I invited people into the studio to view a printmaking demonstration on my small proof press. I was printing a linoleum block that I had carved for the cover of my brother's wedding invitations. Here is the quick "how to" video recorded that day on my phone (all in one "take").




I printed 80 images that day, and am happy with the results. The words were printed with a copy machine, then the paper cut to size. Here is what they look like up close:

Stay tuned for other "how to" videos, and maybe some printing classes too!

The Great Title Search

After many discussions, suggestions, and research, I now have a list of title choices for my new series of blogposts in which I design a room, starting with a piece of my art. Others are encouraged to share how they have styled their rooms and show off how my art "lives" in their homes and offices as well.

Please help me choose a Title by taking this uber-short survey (one one question!). You can click on this Blog's title, or click on the link below. Thank you in advance for your time and help!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LNBJXPQ

Book Signing w/ Local Author

I didn’t feel like the savior of the universe. I was afraid of tiny cliff sides and dead animals. But I didn’t have a choice; people depended on me-- millions of people. My life was no longer my own. Just as the Mangitor de Sangue’s was not their own.

You've just read an excerpt from the book Propheticus: The Migliao by local author Emma Daley. The first novel in the series, The Mangitori de Sangue is a story of romance and mystery. This book offers readers more action and adventure, venturing into an ancient world that follows the characters on a dangerous journey to find out about the prophecy of The Dark Angeli (book 3 of the series, scheduled to debut in 2012).

Emma will be at my studio on Saturday, July 9th from 5 to 8 pm to autograph and discuss "Propheticus" her new Sci-Fi Romance series. Be the first to grab a copy of this just-released book and speak to the author herself! 

Congratulations! Drawing Winner & 100 FB Fans

Congratulations to BRIDGET ROSE SHANAHAN who was randomly chosen as the winner of the small print on the Heather Green Studios Facebook page. In honor of reaching 100 "likes" on the page rather organically, I decided to do a giveaway of a small collagraphic print, matted to 5"x7". I used the true random number generator, which kicked out 87. Bridget was the 87th person to "like" the page (not including myself and my married self, who are listed as page administrators), so she was the lucky duck!

Since Bridget lives in Bisbee, she is able to come to the studio and choose a print for herself. Here is what she chose:

If you would like to keep up-to-date on events and giveaways like this one, please "like" my Facebook Page www.facebook.com/heathergreenstudio

Paper Quilts

I just sold the only paper quilt that I had, which I LOVE... So, I made some more! They are from collagraphs (texture prints), which were made from different kinds of tape--you know, masking, scotch, strapping, etc.Here they are:

COACHELLA!!!!

Going on this wekend . . . here's a playlist for listening pleasure:

http://www.playlist.com/playlist/21482973963/standalone

Listen to this playlist: Catawampus

Click on the title to go to the playlist. (I removed the automatic player, as catawampus music can sometimes be a lot.) Good, clean fun.

Help Pick the Catawampus Soundtrack!

Jeff and I have had a lot of fun thinking of things to complement our off-kilter art show happening next Saturday (click here for more info). I think we are going to do some kind of wacky rice krispy treat creature among other goofy food items. (We are open to suggestions!) We are perhaps most excited about creating a soundtrack for the evening. We over-brainstormed, and need YOUR HELP to narrow down the playlist. Please take this survey to select and suggest music for the evening: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SV6S85C

catawompus: (adj.) askew; off-kilter or unexpected

What do a hang-gliding bear, a robot fashion show, and a penguin on a cell phone all have in common? They are all part of the fun at CATAWOMPUS (a show of slightly off-kilter artwork) at Heather Green Studios in Old Bisbee.

I'm really excited to feature paintings by Jeff Henley, one of the profs at Cochise College. His work is often ironic, is sometimes whimsical and sweet, but is always interesting. It's kind of like getting a glimpse of what's inside Jeff's head (but not so far down the rabbit hole).

To compliment his sense of humor, I will have my "pinguin" sculptures on display. Created from actual bowling pins, the penguins are mischievous, sometimes cruel, and will surely tickle a funny bone or two. You will not want to miss this show, as a few penguins have already been sold (meaning this event will be the last time to see some of them in public)!

 CATAWOMPUS is Saturday, April 9th from 5:00 to 9:30 pm, and is a free event open to the public. This reception will also have an interesting soundtrack and food spread for the evening . . . Bring some friends, and take in some culture (albeit slightly skewed). It will be a (bowling) ball!

MAKE Youth Arts Festival

The Second Annual MAKE Youth Arts Festival is next weekend! Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 26th from 10 am to 4 pm to attend this fun, free, kid-oriented event.

Artwork by my art students from Greenway Elementary and Lowell Junior High will be on display, as will work from Bisbee High School art students. Guests are invited to participate in a scavenger hunt, in which one must scour the artwork to find all the hidden gems. Performances by Stories That Soar (dramatic rendering of stories written by kids) and Wall of Love (the BHS rock band) are sure to please, as are the many "Make & Take" activities. I will be stationed at the screenprinting table where you can screen your own MAKE fest or Wall of Love tee! Be sure to bring a plain t-shirt to participate.

I'm proud of all the hard work my kids have put in this year. Here are some samples:

March Calendar

The "big" plans for the month . . . mark your calendars. :)
(for some reason, the calendar is only viewable after hitting the "back" button. Try it.)
You can click on each activity for more information.

Rockin' the Dress

Here is my donation to the art auction during Rock for Rehab benefitting Verhelst Recovery House.

I wanted this dress to be a bit more rock-n-roll to fit the theme, but also wanted positive affirmations in the background because of whom it was benefitting. I think in order to rock a dress like this, one has to be confident, comfortable in one's own skin, and love oneself for who she is.

To help make it a bit edgier, I this dress is the first to utilize graphite rubbing underneath.

The side panels are a heavily textured fabric with skinny folds that made stripes and nubs. 

The center panel is lace, and the breast panels are a tighter lace pattern.

I added pastel over top, and text in the background. 

This dress is also the first that has a background value fade to a soft black border

around the outside edge.  

Tomorrow is the 3rd Annual Rock for Rehab from 11-6 pm at Naco Country Club. There are 7 local bands playing, an Art Auction, and good food at this event. Self-touted as "The Grestest Cause on Earth," I may not exactly agree, but do believe it is a really great cause (c'mon, I know you've seen episodes of A&E's Intervention -- drug and alcohol addictions tear families apart).

If you would like to buy this piece, you have to be there!

Your Help: What Should HGS Do in 2011?

 This Friday, I am meeting with Mark at the Small Business Development Center to discuss business goals for my studio/gallery in 2011. I am to present 4 goals for the year, 2 of which Mark and his resources at the SBDC can help facilitate. Because my business is in its infancy, there are so many possibilities for things to work towards. I need help narrowing the field -- this is where you come in. Take the poll and leave comments -- think about what might be a priority, as well as what might make HGS stand out from the crowd. TAKE THE POLL -- CLICK HERE.

I do have some personal goals, such as designating time during the week for social media, advertising, etc. I would like to start taking proper photos of my artwork and set up a better system for inventory and pricing. It would also be helpful to have the gallery open more often, so that I would be more likely to offset the rent with sales. For personal growth, I want to submit work in local and state exhibitions, as well as take an art class or two this summer. If you have suggestions for any of these personal goals, please feel free to comment!

Thank you, in advance, for your help.

Reflecting on the New Year

Happy 2011!

I love the start of a new year, as it is a season of hope and anticipation. We review the passing year in photos, funniest television commercials, and biggest headlines, while predictions are made about the economy, the political atmosphere, and who will battle it out at the Super Bowl. Furthermore, the new year is often viewed as a blessing, an opportunity to change, to make our collective world a better place by starting within. The making of resolutions is noble . . . perhaps because sticking with our goals is daunting, usually requiring some change in routine, attitude, or behavior. It's easier to wish for a better year than resolve through actions that it will be better, lest we be disappointed with ourselves.


"A new year's resolution is something that goes in one year, and out the other." -- Unknown


My resolutions are usually on-going battles with daily life. I will continually strive to be more organized (where do all of those papers come from anyway?), to find balance between work and play (work usually wins), and to finish things, whether it's to avoid spoilage in the fridge, or to stop the clutter of fifteen simultaneous "projects" from taking over the living room.

Although I have never actually followed through with any of my New Year's resolutions, I offer you this: remember that the opportunity to better ourselves is open all year long. As long as we try to be the best versions of ourselves, we will all be better for it, even if we fall short. World peace begins within.