Sand Mandala to be constructed at the MAA in August

Geshe Gendun Gyatso, a Tibetan Monk and trained Mandala master will construct a sand Mandala in the Ballroom Gallery. A Sand Mandala is an intricate sand painting dedicated to world peace. Layers of gem-colored sand are painstakingly placed grain by grain on a 4 foot circle, infused with prayers and meditation, to form a breathtakingly beautiful symbolic design of the universe. Geshe Gendun Gyatso’s goals in creating Mandalas are to inform and enlighten people to the path of achieving happiness and inner peace through the simplicity of existence, how to defeat day to day anxiety, insecurity, anger and discouragement.

Geshe Gendun Gyatso was born in Ladakh, India in 1961. In 1969, at he age of eight, he became a Buddhist Monk at Sera Je Monastice University in southern India. He studied logic and epistemology, the study of nature of knowledge. In 1982, he was fully ordained by His Holiness The Dalai Lama. He studied in the Geshe Program for twenty-five years including Tantric Study at Gyumed Tantric College in India. In 1993 he was awarded his doctorate (Geshe) degree in Buddhist Studies as a Doctor of Buddhist Phiosophy. After obtaining his doctorate degree Geshe Gyastso went to England to learn and study the English language. He is now fluent in English as well as his native Tibetan language and numberous Indian dialects.

Geshe Gendun Gyatso went on to study comparative religion as a visiting scholar under the Boston University Fellowship Program for Theological Study. During his studies Geshe Gendun became an Affiliated Chaplain at Boston University and Chaplain at Harvard’s Dana Faber Cancer Institue.

Mandala construction is on Thursday, August 11 through Sunday, August 13, from 10am to 5pm. In the late afternoon on Sunday, August 14, the Sand Mandala will be ritually swept-up in an elaborate ceremony and carried in procession to the ocean, where the Mandala will be poured into the Atlantic, dispersing the prayers for peace and compassion throughout the entire world. All are welcome to participate.

We are seeking sponsors for this opportunity to bring Geshe Gendun Gyatso to the Marblehead Arts. Please contact the MAA if you wish to contribute, any amount is welcome.

MAA Silent Auction Fundraiser – Decorative Buoys

Each year the MAA has a special fundraiser in time for the Marblehead Festival of Arts. Not only does this important fundraiser help with programs, events, and lectures it also contributes to the annual scholarship fund as well as raise community awareness at the festival of the talent of our membership. We invite you to participate in this year's fundraiser by painting/decorating a buoy. Buoys have been a very popular item in the past and with the Marblehead Festival of the Arts logo which incorporates buoys, the art committee thought it would be a perfect year to choose this template.

The buoys and instructions for preparing the painting/decorating can be picked up at the MAA. To cover the cost of the buoys we are charging $10. The buoys will need to be returned to the MAA no later than June 3rd. We will be displaying the buoys at the MAA to gain excitement and exposure for the silent auction before the festival.

Points to Note for Artists

Begin Creating and Saving your Small Works now!

Last December, during the Christmas Walk weekend, the MAA offered a selection of unframed Small Works for sale. These great buys went fast as wonderful holiday gifts. We hope to offer these Small Works again during November and December of this year. Through the generosity of our members, we ask artists to donate 3 (or more) small pieces of work (no larger than 5×7”, unframed, unmatted). We mention it now, so that as you are working on your artwork, if you create a nice small work or sketch – keep it and donate it to our Small Works display during the holidays. Thank you so very much for keeping us in mind!

Exhbit in local businesses

Local Marblehead businesses and restaurants contact the MAA looking for artists to exhibit artwork on their walls. This is great opportunity to exhibit your work in the community. If you are interested in putting your name on a list of artists to be referred to local businesses email us at info(at)marbleheadarts.org or call 781.631.2608. MAA serves only to refer its members who then deal directly with the venue/business.

Share your news

We are a community of artists, so if you have news you would like to share with your fellow artists and artisans, please contact us and we will pass it along. Do you know of available studio space or new exhibit opportunities? Are you exhibiting in another venue or have recently won an exhibit award? Pass your information along!

Venues for Exhibiting Work

Meet the Artist Wall – MAA

Artist Members have the opportunity to exhibit their work for one month in the 1st floor hallway as well as the 2nd floor hallway wall space on either side of the window.

First floor wall dimensions are: 4ft. 6in. H, 5ft, 9in. W.
Second floor wall dimensions are: 3ft. 10in. H, 5ft. W (one wall), 3 ft. 10in. H, 4ft 4in. W (second wall), 3ft. 10 in. H, 2ft. 6in. W (third wall)

The 1st floor has available space during April, May June, August, September, and November of 2010. The 2nd floor has available space during April, May, July, August, September, October and November 2010. The dates for installing and take-down are the same for the monthly exhibit.

You will need to use the same hanging system, supply price labels and a bio to hang on the wall. The commission is the same as work in the gallery and gift shop, 30% MAA, 70% artist.

If you wish to reserve a space you may come in to the MAA or call: 781-631-2608.

Marblehead Cafe & Chowder Company

The Marblehead Cafe & Chowder Company is seeking painters and photographers to exhibit work in this high traffic cafe. The exhibit wall would fit approximately 10–12 small to medium pieces. The work can be for sale and there is no commission fee.

For information about this opportunity contact Susan Brewer: 781-631-6300

About the Art Committee

The Art Committee establishes a calendar of monthly shows and art events and handles affiliated activities, including but not limited to arranging for take-in and pick-up of artist’s work, coordinating the hanging of monthly shows, providing jurors for member’s shows, and coordinating monthly receptions. The Committee also juries in new artist members, and plans and implements classes, demonstrations and workshops.

The next Art Committee meeting is on Wednesday, April 7 at 7pm. If you are interested in being a part of this vibrant and active committee please join us! All are welcome to attend!

Art Cards Wanted!

It’s time to celebrate who we are and what we do! The Dancing With the Arts annual Gala Fundraiser supports the Marblehead and Salem Arts Associations and will be held on March 26, 2010 at the Hawthorne Hotel. We are happy to offer a taste of your talent again this year by featuring note cards of your artwork as table favors. If you would like to participate, please drop off a dozen or more cards with envelopes (or whatever you can give) at the Arts Association in Marblehead or the Art Corner in Salem no later than Sunday, March 14. Thanks so much!

Proposal Criteria for an Individual Exhibit at the Marblehead Arts Association

In mid June a letter was sent to the artist membership about new guidelines for individual member exhibits at the MAA which I hope you received.

Over the past three years we have seen our artist membership continue to grow with our current roster of artist members at almost 300! In planning the 2010 exhibit calendar, and in response to the amount of exhibit requests coming in to MAA, we are introducing a process to structure and manage request submissions. Our hope is that through this submission process for exhibit consideration we will be able to provide four galleries of engaging, thought-provoking and enjoyable member works.

To be considered for an exhibit, members may submit a proposal using the following guidelines.

Proposal Criteria for an Individual Exhibit at the Marblehead Arts Association

Marblehead Arts Association is now accepting proposals from its members for individual exhibits for the months of February – June 2010. To be considered, members may submit a proposal for an exhibit by following the instructions below and submitting the requested materials no later than August 1, 2009. Questions should be directed to: Deborah Greel, Director, DeborahG(at)marbleheadarts.org, 781-631-2608 or Claudia Kaufman, Chair of the Art Committee, claudiakaufman(at)comcast.net.

Twice yearly, members of the Marblehead Arts Association (MAA) Art Committee meet to review requests by artists for individual exhibits in the 4 gallery spaces of the historic Hooper Mansion. The exhibit schedule will be determined for a six month period in all galleries. Applicants will be notified of results of the Art Committee by mail within 45 days of submitting their work for review.

Artists who are interested in exhibiting in one of the 4 MAA galleries should submit their proposal via snail mail (email submissions will not be considered) with the following information:

• 12-15 digital images of recent work on a CD in 300 DPI (minimum 700-1000 pixels) JPG. Each image must be clearly numbered. (The submitted images may or may not be the actual artwork for a potential exhibit but must be representative of the nature, quality and medium that will be shown.)
• A Word document that gives a numbered list noting the medium and size of each image and gives titles where possible. (Please provide a hard, paper copy, do not put the document on the disc with the images.)
• A resume with artist name and contact information including an email address and phone number and a brief, clearly articulated description of the proposed exhibition. Also if applicable, please note your preference for a particular MAA gallery for exhibition and any dates when the work is not available. MAA does not guarantee your gallery or exhibit month preference. (Please provide a hard, paper copy, do not put the document on the disc with the images.)
• A self-addressed, stamped, letter-sized envelope so that we may notify you of the committee’s decisions. In addition, if you would like your disc returned, please send a stamped self-addressed mailer large enough to accommodate the disc.
• If you plan to have a shared exhibit with another artist, all criteria above apply for both artists.
• Incomplete or incorrect submissions will not be considered.

If accepted for an exhibit in 2010, artist members exhibiting in the MAA Ballroom may not have an individual exhibit for 24 months from the close of their 2010 exhibit; artist members exhibiting in the Parlor, Dining Room or Hendrick Galleries may not have an individual exhibit for 18 months from the close of their 2010 exhibit. This does not apply to member show entries.

Submission deadline date for consideration of a July-December 2010 individual exhibit will be in early 2010 and will be posted at a later date.

Information should be sent to:
Marblehead Arts Association,
8 Hooper Street, Marblehead, MA 01945.

Gift Shop Highlights: Unique Gifts that help sustain the environment

With the talented designer’s eye of Board member and Lectures & Programs Co-Chair, Nick Delegianis, our gift shop is truly a work of art. This month we are featuring work by local artists who have made their products from recycled materials. We have whimsical fish pillows and painted fish by Gloucester artist Tina Greel, handmade paper bowls and boxes by Salem Arts Association member Donna Albino and handbags created from 100% repurposed, reclaimed or remnant fabric from Boston based designer, Pamela Currier of PCre Designs. We also have jewelry made from found objects by MAA member Holly Aloha Jaynes. Another line we are excited to carry is from a new company, VIZAPAPERS, founded by MAA member Pat Gorham. VIZAPAPERS products are created by local members of the community and are a combination of manmade and recycled materials which makes each product a one-of-a-kind conversation piece.

For unique and memorable gifts that also help sustain the environment please visit our Gift Shop.

Important Information from Dan Hunter, Director of Massachusetts Advocates for the Arts

Defeat the Coburn Amendment!
Spread the Word Across the Nation!

Dear Friends,

The Massachusetts Congressional delegation has the best voting record on the arts, sciences and humanities in the nation.

Our Massachusetts Senate and Congressional leaders stand with us to include arts and culture in the federal stimulus bill.

But, we cannot let the Coburn Amendment stand—an amendment that prohibits museums, theatres, arts center, and zoos from receiving federal stimulus money. The Coburn Amendment, proposed by Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK). was adopted by the Senate late Friday afternoon and the Senate version of the bill passed that evening.

The federal stimulus bill is now being negotiated between the House and the Senate versions. The House version contains $50 million for the NEA and the Senate version has the Coburn Amendment.

Please contact any out-of-state board members, friends, family and colleagues to ask them to contact their Senator and Congresspersons to urge them eliminate Coburn Amendment # 309.

Ask your out-of-state board members to make a personal phone call today!

Your friends and board members can reach their Senators and Congresspersons through the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121.

All of us can send an e-mail through the Americans for the Arts web site:
http://www.capwiz.com/artsusa/home

We must do everything we can to eliminate the Coburn Amendment which says that arts and culture are not part of our economy.

Thank you,

Dan Hunter · Hathalee Higgs
Executive Director Development Director
Massachusetts Advocates for the Arts, Sciences & Humanities (MAASH)

Gallery Space For Rent at the Marblehead Arts

The Cushman Gallery, an intimate space at the first landing of the stairs in the Marblehead Arts is available for rent. The terms are a three month rental with option to renew. Rent during off season months (Oct–Mar) is $150 per month with 20% sales commission to MAA. Peak season rent (Apr–Sept) is $200/mon with 20% sales commission to MAA. Utilities are included. The space can be used by a single artist or shared by two.

Volunteers

For 85 years the MAA has been sustained by our volunteers and would not function without their help! Volunteering is also a great way to get to know other people in the organization and in the community.

Throughout the year we have lectures and programs, special events and a monthly opening reception for our exhibits. Most of our events and receptions take place on Sunday afternoons although special events are usually scheduled for other days and times. Typically we ask if a volunteer can donate an hour or two to help set up or clean up for a lecture, meet and greet at a reception or help with a special event.

In addition to reception, special event and the lectures and programs series volunteers we are in need of those with marketing and graphic design skills, administrative skills and fundraising. Presently we have the following committees: Membership, Special Events, Art, Lectures & Programs and House (taking care of the Hooper Mansion). We are challenged by limited staffing and many tasks to support our variety of exhibits and programs.

If you would like more information about how to get involved I invite you to come and meet with me to discuss all the opportunities. My contact information: Deborah Greel, 781-631-2608, DeborahG(at)marbleheadarts.org

(Just a reminder to our artist members, please remember that your membership includes four hours a year of volunteering!)

Great Website for Call to Artists: Artists Foundation

To join the free mailing list for this tremendous resource go to: www.artistsfoundation.org.

Scheduling an Exhibit

Ellie Smith, who has volunteered for the past five years coordinating the scheduling of exhibits and mailing contracts to artist is passing the job along. On behalf of the MAA, THANK YOU ELLIE for all you have done!

If you wish to schedule an exhibit I ask that you contact me: DeborahG(at)marbleheadarts.org, 781-631-2608 and I will pass the information along to the art committee.

MAA Group Exploring Gallery Sales Initiatives

Some members of the MAA Board, as well as several artists interested in marketing, are meeting to identify ways and means to increase sales of artists’ works from Exhibitions. The first meeting yielded ideas on increasing traffic and visibility as well as increasing marketing and sales expertise.

As an artist member, if you would like to add to this discussion, or would be willing to take on even a small part of the final plan, please email Ted Baker at FoxPond(a)comcast.net or Susan Burgess at Susankb(a)earthlink.net. In the meantime, we will keep you informed of some of the strategies as they unfold, most notably an increased use of the Internet.

Gift Shop

Stop by and see the new paint job! New lights too! And, new work by our artist members!

We are seeking crafts to sell in the shop. We have space available for glassware, pottery, small sculpture. As we gear up for the spring and summer season we’d like to continue to be the shopping destination for artist made unique crafts in Marblehead and beyond!

Scheduling an Exhibit at MAA

There are five exhibition areas in the King Hooper Mansion: the Ballroom, Parlor, Hendrick, and Dining Room Galleries, and the Wine Cellar. Artists may exhibit once every three years in the Ballroom Gallery and once every two years in the other galleries.

Artists who wish to schedule an exhibit in one of the galleries at the Marblehead Arts Association please contact Ellie Smith: catalyst7(at)comcast.net

From the LEF Foundation

The LEF Foundation announces the Fall 2007 Contemporary Work Fund, inviting Letters of Inquiry from New England-based artists and arts organizations. 2007 Letter of Inquiry Deadline is Wednesday 19 September

Visit our website for this year’s updated guidelines:
LEF Foundation
PO Box 382066
Cambridge, MA 02238

Wish List:

Desk or work table:
MAA is making a second work station in the office and we are looking for a desk or work table. Dimensions: 26 to 30 inches wide up to 45 inches long

Digital camera
Digital Camera to take photos of all our special events! Must come with downloading equipment!

Thanks!

Volunteer Recruitment

Sometimes this feels like the fund drive on NPR!! Like that drive, really necessary too!! Without volunteers this organization wouldn’t exist, please consider giving your time!

Committees: The Board is seeking volunteers for the following committees:

Art Committee
Fundraising/Development Committee
Membership Committee
House Committee
Hospitality Committee
Special Events Committee
Education Committee

Committees meet each month to plan and implement such initiatives as art shows, events, membership drive and programs and classes for artists. As a volunteer organization, your help is vital to the growth and prosperity of MAA in supporting artists and the arts! Contact MAA today to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

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