Artists' Meeting - Ideas!

I've been renting my studio at Essex Studios for more than ten years (maybe twelve). Karen's Studio 125 (my studio) is a large room with a wall of windows covered with roll blinds, sheets and a few canvases to block out the bright light of the afternoon sun.

Within the walls of Essex Studios are many other artists - some "working" artists - those who make a living at selling their product - art. Others, like myself, (if they are totally honest) are not making a living at selling art or teaching classes - the result of which becomes a no-tax issue - because the activity within the walls of my studio (and others' studios) is considered a HOBBY! Heavens forbid!

I've considered myself a serious artist, but now that description doesn't really apply to me. I'm an artist who enjoys art-related activities - painting, drawing and teaching adult beginners to do art. And, I also enjoy meeting and working with "fellow-artists" - have done so in the past and am doing-so now.

The latest art project is to boost the interest and attendance at our Essex Studios Art Walks. There are various reasons attendance has dropped for recent shows - weather, competition with other art venues throughout the Greater Cincinnati community and a general "malaise" - a weariness from doing the same thing over and over (redundancy) - being bored with it all.

We've met several times together - recently. There is an executive committee of 5 or 6. I've volunteered to serve on the Executive Committee. We are to meet and decide the direction that Essex Studios will go - doing 4 or 5 shows a year within a budget of a couple thousand dollars provided by our landlord and income from guest artists who show their work in the hallways of the building.

Trying to find consistency - a specific calendar date - throughout the year is daunting. When we have a two-day show - the Saturday lands on Kentucky Derby Day, Yom Kippur, the Fourth of July (2015), etc. It seems we will eventually choose 4 shows - Oct., Nov., Dec. and April or May. Then for "fun" we may have a small "spontaneous" (party/show/happening) in the main entry-way of the building.

What used to be "so much fun" was the bright lights of the American Sign Museum that filled the entry hall. It was a sparkling carnival of blinking and twirling signs - a room of Neon! When the American Sign Museum grew beyond and away to it's new home, Essex Studios now became the lobby for a new church - a large church - Missio Deo.

Finding ways to transform the lobby area for a Friday art event - limited to that area plus the possibility of 5 or 6 artists opening their studios that evening will be our task for a Friday next year (2015). Three of us have volunteered to do this "Pop-Up" event. Thinking it best to keep it a "secret" for now - we'll do whatever we can to keep Essex Studios a place where people come to see and buy art from artists - working artists and even "hobby" artists. Mark your calendars for Oct. 3rd & 4th for Essex Studios Art Walk - Friday and Saturday- 6 to 10 p.m.