the above headline is the title of my show currently hanging at the state capitol.
I've been really honored to have this chance to show work to a new audience- visitors from across the state, lawmakers, anyone else who might be coming to the capitol.
The reception is today, 4-6pm, and I just can't wait. Here's a profile of me on OVAC's blog, if you'd like a little more information about the show or my work.
http://ovac.blogspot.com/2010/07/artist-profile-jennifer-barron.html
and here is what the Oklahoma Arts Council has on their website:
http://www.arts.ok.gov/capitolart/eg.html
yay! and here is me, pleased as punch.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Monday, June 15, 2009
If you're good at something, never do it for free.
Last night, I was doing something mindless- probably sudoku- with the TV on in the background and I caught a snippet of a quote from a commercial. One of the actors said something like:
If you're good at something, never do it for free.
Commercial or no, as an artist this immediately resonated with me. More and more often, everyone from nonprofit organizations to multimillion dollar corporations seem to be requesting free art in return for 'exposure'. When I saw that article (linked above) about google on no less than three art blogs, I was struck by the timing, and the fact that this is an issue that resonates with LOTS of artists.
As well it should; I can't think of any other profession that gets these kinds of requests.
"Hey, have I got a plumbing opportunity for you! You'll get to work in a high-profile business, do a really ambitious plumbing project that will take 25 hours or more of your time- are you interested? Oh no, there's no pay, but think of the EXPOSURE!"
Okay so I don't have any plumbing vocabulary... my point is that plumbers, as professionals, recieve special training and compete with other professionals for contract work. Good ones take pride in what they do, and even if they really really enjoy it- this is their livelihood. Gee, who else does this sound like?
So why do folks treat artists differently?
The case gets a little stickier when we come to fundraisers for charity events or nonprofits. These are good causes; how can you say no? Allright, I'll admit it. I donate to one or two shows a year- but no more than that. Be choosy- give to causes you really feel strongly about, ones that respect your work. I say this for a few reasons:
1) Some fundraisers sell work below the artist's usual price. If your work is known to be available often, for cheaper than its fair price, your work in galleries becomes devalued.
2) Maybe not a lot of non-artists know this, but when it comes to taxes, artists are not allowed to deduct the full retail price of donated work. Just the cost of materials. This point is a separate rant unto itself, (and efforts are underway to change this) but it is worth considering.
I'm not saying don't give gifts. I'm not saying don't donate, ever. Maybe there are situations where exposure is helpful... What I am saying is: weigh the benefits and costs to you as an artist.
If you're good at something, never do it for free.
Commercial or no, as an artist this immediately resonated with me. More and more often, everyone from nonprofit organizations to multimillion dollar corporations seem to be requesting free art in return for 'exposure'. When I saw that article (linked above) about google on no less than three art blogs, I was struck by the timing, and the fact that this is an issue that resonates with LOTS of artists.
As well it should; I can't think of any other profession that gets these kinds of requests.
"Hey, have I got a plumbing opportunity for you! You'll get to work in a high-profile business, do a really ambitious plumbing project that will take 25 hours or more of your time- are you interested? Oh no, there's no pay, but think of the EXPOSURE!"
Okay so I don't have any plumbing vocabulary... my point is that plumbers, as professionals, recieve special training and compete with other professionals for contract work. Good ones take pride in what they do, and even if they really really enjoy it- this is their livelihood. Gee, who else does this sound like?
So why do folks treat artists differently?
The case gets a little stickier when we come to fundraisers for charity events or nonprofits. These are good causes; how can you say no? Allright, I'll admit it. I donate to one or two shows a year- but no more than that. Be choosy- give to causes you really feel strongly about, ones that respect your work. I say this for a few reasons:
1) Some fundraisers sell work below the artist's usual price. If your work is known to be available often, for cheaper than its fair price, your work in galleries becomes devalued.
2) Maybe not a lot of non-artists know this, but when it comes to taxes, artists are not allowed to deduct the full retail price of donated work. Just the cost of materials. This point is a separate rant unto itself, (and efforts are underway to change this) but it is worth considering.
I'm not saying don't give gifts. I'm not saying don't donate, ever. Maybe there are situations where exposure is helpful... What I am saying is: weigh the benefits and costs to you as an artist.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Owa Chito- Beavers Bend State Park
Last week I traveled to Beavers Bend, OK to judge the annual Owa Chito art show.
It's a beautiful area of the state, and I was struck by how the history of the region still informs its present. Towns around the area: Broken Bow, Hochatown, Valiant sprung up due to travelling timber towns, logging and later, a paper mill. I'd known that the region was going to great lengths to revive its woodturning traditions, and being there in the woods made it all click. Like I said, it was beautiful, and it was really heartening to see a rural area find some foothold by reclaiming the things that make them unique, instead of pushing them aside for some vague notion of progress.
I think small towns, big towns, and rural areas that claim their own history are the ones that have the most "personality". The ones that are the most fun to visit.
Where you can see the local area in the artwork, and the artwork in the place.
**
Judging the art show was fun, surprising, and challenging. So much strong work! Entries came from the surrounding area, which includes parts of Texas and Arkansas as well as Oklahoma.
There were 8 different categories for professional/ adult work and then some separate categories for K-12 student work. Each category had a 1st through 3rd place, and as many honorable mentions as I chose.
I was glad to have the opportunity.
It's a beautiful area of the state, and I was struck by how the history of the region still informs its present. Towns around the area: Broken Bow, Hochatown, Valiant sprung up due to travelling timber towns, logging and later, a paper mill. I'd known that the region was going to great lengths to revive its woodturning traditions, and being there in the woods made it all click. Like I said, it was beautiful, and it was really heartening to see a rural area find some foothold by reclaiming the things that make them unique, instead of pushing them aside for some vague notion of progress.
I think small towns, big towns, and rural areas that claim their own history are the ones that have the most "personality". The ones that are the most fun to visit.
Where you can see the local area in the artwork, and the artwork in the place.
**
Judging the art show was fun, surprising, and challenging. So much strong work! Entries came from the surrounding area, which includes parts of Texas and Arkansas as well as Oklahoma.
There were 8 different categories for professional/ adult work and then some separate categories for K-12 student work. Each category had a 1st through 3rd place, and as many honorable mentions as I chose.
I was glad to have the opportunity.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
This Weekend- Istvan Gallery, Live on the Plaza, DeluxeOK
More fun and art than you can shake a stick at.
1) Friday at Istvan Gallery (see the link to the gallery in the right-hand column): opening featuring work by Jennifer Barron and Suzanne King Randall
write-up in the OK Gazette here-
6-10pm, openings here are always fun and well put-together so come out and play!
2) ...and while you're out on Friday, just up the street: Live on the Plaza brings bands, films, an artwalk with lots of very unique galleries and even a new coffeeshop grand opening (oooh, coffee...)
BUT WAIT! There is more.
I'll let ya sleep in a little on Saturday (you're welcome), then:
3) head down to the state fairgrounds for Deluxe OK- an indie craft bazaar from 12-6. Entry is free, so you can't beat that. All kinds of artists/crafters/DIY goodness and apparently the 1st 50 people get a goodie bag.
so many ways to support local arts this weekend and have fun doing it!
see you there-
1) Friday at Istvan Gallery (see the link to the gallery in the right-hand column): opening featuring work by Jennifer Barron and Suzanne King Randall
write-up in the OK Gazette here-
6-10pm, openings here are always fun and well put-together so come out and play!
2) ...and while you're out on Friday, just up the street: Live on the Plaza brings bands, films, an artwalk with lots of very unique galleries and even a new coffeeshop grand opening (oooh, coffee...)
BUT WAIT! There is more.
I'll let ya sleep in a little on Saturday (you're welcome), then:
3) head down to the state fairgrounds for Deluxe OK- an indie craft bazaar from 12-6. Entry is free, so you can't beat that. All kinds of artists/crafters/DIY goodness and apparently the 1st 50 people get a goodie bag.
so many ways to support local arts this weekend and have fun doing it!
see you there-
Thursday, October 16, 2008
This Weekend- IAO
This Saturday at IAO, Eric Wright and Larry Preston are having an opening reception for their work on exhibit at the gallery. The opening is Sat., 6-9 pm- don't miss it!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
let's do this.
There is a ton of new, old, fabulous, thought-provoking, disturbing, challenging or otherwise engaging art happening around Oklahoma City these days- heck, around the state!
But who's got time to sift through wimgo's ads for flea markets and my old roommate's nephew's band gigs for those nuggets of gold?
No one, that's who.
That's where I come in. I want artists to thrive here, and I believe that many are, so I also want to showcase the funkiness that is already thriving. I would like to collect the following:
-links to arts organizations/museums/galleries
-calendar of upcoming events
-articles of interest to the art community, interviews, artist spotlights, etc.
The focus will be OKC, but I'd love to highlight artsy goings-on in Tulsa, Norman, or anywhere else in our fine centennial state.
got ideas? shoot.
But who's got time to sift through wimgo's ads for flea markets and my old roommate's nephew's band gigs for those nuggets of gold?
No one, that's who.
That's where I come in. I want artists to thrive here, and I believe that many are, so I also want to showcase the funkiness that is already thriving. I would like to collect the following:
-links to arts organizations/museums/galleries
-calendar of upcoming events
-articles of interest to the art community, interviews, artist spotlights, etc.
The focus will be OKC, but I'd love to highlight artsy goings-on in Tulsa, Norman, or anywhere else in our fine centennial state.
got ideas? shoot.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
