WEEEEEEEE!

I wanted to congratulate Makers Erin and Elinor on their brand new studio space!

Resin Video

Since we were talking about working with resin at our last meeting, here
are some links for a series of videos on working with resin.
Part One
Part Two
Part Three
I wish I could find out where he buys his rings. I've had this plan in mind for years for doing collage pieces in silver rings with resin, but other than forming the rings individually I can't execute my idea. His rings are exactly what I've been looking for, for years. I've searched high and low on the internet, in catalogs (like rio grande) and the closest I've come to finding something like that was actually in a craft store. Unfortunately, it was all decorative and ornate, and I'm looking for plain, basic and simple. I imagine his ring blanks have to be purchased in bulk because he sells the finished pieces for $16, and their just silver plated (which is fine by me). So, if anyone has any idea where they might be able to attain a similar ring blank, please leave a comment. Thanks.
Oh, and while we're speaking of working with resin, my friend Rosa made this cool youtube video where she shows how she makes some of her artwork.

Sketch Tuesday

I'm completely inspired by this video I just saw on youtube. This group has organized an event called Sketch Tuesday in San Fransisco.

"Sketch Tuesday is a monthly live drawing event at (a local) gallery. It takes place a certain tuesday each month. It's where artists come and draw live, or sketch and when the work is done they hang it up and it's available for sale, for very little prices."

Wouldn't this be a wonderful project for The Makers to propose to some of the local galleries? We could promote this to KVAL, NIU and the Kish Art depatments for a call to artists. We could inform the local newspapers and radios and they could spread the word to both artists and buyers. I just think it would be a great addition to DeKalb. I have a vision of local artists bringing minimal supplies, and the tables and chairs are provided by the gallery or a group. Afterward the artists just tack up the artwork like in the video and people from the community are able to purchase affordable artwork. In my mind the gallery would hopefully do it in an interest to get people into, and become familiar with the gallery, not as a direct money making venture. People could be encouraged to bring appetizers and even wine, etc. so that buyers and the artsists could snack and shmooze. The pieces would need to be made that evening. In the video it sounds like it is an invite only group. I'm not opposed to the group being open to all artists, depending on how big it got.

I'm excited. We'll talk more about it tonight.

-robyn (robayre.com)

REMINDER:

The 04.25.08 meeting will be held at Kishwaukee Community College in the art room at 7:00pm where Natalie will be demonstrating her metalwork skills. Come earlier to join the college in celebrating it's 40th anniversary!

Polaroid Week

Today is the beginning of Polaroid Week. Everyone can join in on taking a picture and posting it daily here on the 'Roid Week 08 group on flickr.

This is my picture for Monday. Today was the first time I've ever taken Theo outside and let her be on the ground/grass. I've always been too afraid that she would get startled and run away, get attacked by some animal seeing her, or get a tick or fleas or something in the grass. She seemed very curious and I could just imagine what she was thinking..."What is this weird place where the ground is made entirely of food?"
-Robyn (robayre.com/news)

Meeting 04.11.08

Natalie, Al and Erin were present and Robyn stopped by. Al handed out some of his prints to eager members. Erin showed her painting once again, but was stalled in progress. Members offered suggestions. No photos this week.

Wireless

I just read an article in the star about local businesses that offer wireless services. The Junction, Java 101, Shelley's, Panera, The DeKalb Public Library and The House all offer free wireless. Caribou offers the first hour free and an hour for every purchase over $1.35. The others businesses in the article all cost money so I won't waste my time to mention them.
Any of these might be a nice "change-up" to meet at on Fridays. What do you think?
-Robyn