Monday, April 4, 2011

Call for Crafters : Mayfest - May 15

ARe you interested in being a part of the SOMA Guild booth? Contact Jo at jo@bradney.com


Mayfest : Maplewood NJ

WHEN : May 15th 11-5pm

DEADLINE: April 29th

WHERE: Springfield Avenue, Maplewood NJ

Download Contract

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Evening Meeting : April 20th 7:30-9:30pm

Due to a sudden raging thunder, hail and snow storm, last month's meeting was understandably cancelled.

So we are re-scheduling the critique session for this month.

Do you have a new product line you would like an opinion on? New marketing materials? New website?
Get feedback on your own creations and share your thoughts and opinions to help other group members

Bring your marketing materials, products, display, booth set-up, website, etsy shop - anything you need an opinion on

Saturday, April 2, 2011

New Morning Meetings : Wednesday 6 th April 10 - 12

Have you been unable to get to the evening meetings? We are now holding morning meetings 10-12 for networking and demos. Drop by to learn a new craft and catch up with what is new.

This month we will be assembling gift baskets to promote the group at local fundraisers. Bring things to include in the basket and some nimble fingers for bow tying

April 6th 10am-noon
Parteaz, 1860 Springfield Ave Maplewood NJ

If you would like to demonstrate your craft, a new product or share your marketing skills then contact Katie at craftykatie_6@yahoo.com

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

How to Critique Your Own Art

One of the greatest challenges of creating a painting is the process of self-critique. Not only is this process important for the work itself, it is an essential component to artistic growth. One of the advantages of
an academic setting is that college and graduate students sit through numerous critiques of their own and others work. If you haven't had the benefit of that type of experience, or still feel weak at self-critique, here are some guidelines to follow.

1.If you are going to critique or make judgments about the art, stop all work and step away from it.

2.When you are actively working on the art, don't worry overly about problems. If you find yourself hesitating about what to do next, stop, walk away and give the work a break. You can always start a new piece if you'd like to keep working.

3.It is important to have more than one work in progress at a time. Working on more than one painting at a time allows you to view the works comparatively and will help you stay consistent.

4.At a distance, use your hands like a frame to visually isolate quadrants of the painting. It is easier to find problems when they are separated from the whole.

5.If the painting gives you too many problems, don't be afraid to scrap the whole thing. Sometimes fixating on something will hold back your progress.

6.Become a scientist. Study the work of an artist whose style is similar. Compare their work to yours. Ask yourself what makes their painting so effective. To better understand their process, create a copy of the work, paying carefully attention to how the painting is layered.

7.If the painting has a focal point, does it capture the viewer's eye?

8.Use a sketchbook to create small studies before you paint and to keep notes of work in progress. Writing is an essential component to tracking and expanding your artistic growth.

9.Hold the painting in front of a mirror to see if it looks as good in reverse. This process will often reveal weak or flawed spots.

10.Turn the painting in different directions. Doing this will allow you to make more objective decisions about color and value.
11.View the painting from many distances to determine how compelling it will be from across the room.

12.If you have a digital camera, taking a photo of the painting can be helpful if your computer will allow you to manipulate the digital image. For instance, viewing the work in black and white might show that your
range of value is not great enough or if the work has problems with contrast.

Above all with self-critique, don't let anything hold you back.

Elizabeth McKeever, Yahoo! Contributor Network
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2331776/how_to_critique_your_own_art.html?cat=2
Oct 29, 2009

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Call for artists- Maplewoodstock Tee-Shirt Design Contest

T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST

Maplewoodstock-logo Our community is so vibrant and rich with creative and passionate people, we again ask to rely on you to create the face of Maplewoodstock 2011. We had a great response last year in our Maplewoodstock Logo Contest. So, we’ve got our logo, and you can see it in use on some of our merch and also our Twitter and Facebook pages.

This year, we eagerly anticipate fresh t-shirt ideas for the Maplewoodstock 2011 Music & Arts Festival.

As you may know, Maplewoodstock t-shirts and merchandise are a staple tradition to this event — the sales of which significantly off-set the costs to host our two days of glorious sound and fun. Be a part of this tradition; provide the creative face of this year’s event!

Submit your design by Monday, April 4.

It must be a digitally-created (almost camera-ready) concept design in JPG or PNG format. If your design is chosen, you will then be asked to supply a final digital, layered, color-separated within the week of the winning decision.

* Must say “Maplewoodstock” and “July 9 & 10, 2011″ on it.
* Should convey a community music and art festival (we’re not a bowling tournament).
* Must work on a variety of backgrounds (e.g., white, black, pink, blue).
* Limited to 4 colors and 2 additional shades of the 4.
* Yes, you can submit more than one design.

There is a second t-shirt design chosen for kids and our “Kid Zone” . . . so youthful, playful designs welcome for the kids wear.

What do YOU get?

* The adoration and appreciation of the town.
* Named credit on the design / t-shirts and Program Booklet.
* Gift certificate to a local restaurant.
* Bragging rights for the rest of your life and a spot in Maplewoodstock history.

So, start designing; since we are no longer looking for something that works as a logo, your creative options are greater this year. Then, email your design to maplewoodstock@gmail.com with the Subject “T-Shirt Contest” by April 4.

Friday, March 25, 2011

2011 Artist Studio Tour-

Call for SOMA Guild Artisan's

The SOMA Artisan's Guld will have their own venue for the Artist Studio Tour June 5 11am-5pm
we will be promoting the event with local banner adds, fliers, and a write up in the News Record.
the Artisan's Guild venue will be on the ticket map.
We will have live music though out the day and refreshments for the tourists.

If you want to show your work- but don't feel comfortable opening up your own home- then the SOMA Artisan's Guild venue is the place for you!

The event venue is located at 174 Village Rd in South Orange a large victorian with plenty of room.

You will need to get your applications and money in asap to 1978 Art Center
make sure you add that you will be showing at the SOMA Artisan's Guild Venue

Please let me know if you would like to join us....we would be happy to have you!


Katie Clayton
973 327 4488

Thursday, March 10, 2011

How to meet Museum Curators, Art Collectors and Gallery Owners in NJ


This weekend will be the last chance to see the superb Chakaia Booker exhibit at Gallery 1978 in Maplewood.
If you stop by on Sunday you can also participate in the panel discussion, where curators, collectors and artists will be discussing their roles in new art and the many opportunities for new artists

It will be a great opportunity to meet some movers and shakers in the local art scene and get some insights into their world - bring your business cards!

Sunday March 13, 2011 @ 3:00 pm FREE
Gallery 1978, 1978 Springfield Ave, Maplewood NJ
http://www.1978artscenter.org/


Participants on the Panel:

Patricia Selden of Selden Associates, Fine Art Advisor, Art Collector

Alexandra Schwartz, Curator of Contemporary Art, Montlcair Art Museum,

Toni Thomas, Proprietor of Yema Gallery, Located in the Valley Arts District

Anne Dushanko Dobek, Installation Artist

Onnie Strother, Moderator, Former Arts Administrator, 1978 Maplewood Arts Center Board Member.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Jeri Greenberg has 5 large figure pieces in the show

please come out and support this show, which opens Fri April 1, reception is 5-8pm.
Jeri Greenberg has 5 large figure pieces in the show

--
jeri greenberg
www.jerigreenbergart.com
jerigreenbergart.blogspot.com

The Strength of Women:
The Unique Perspective of Female Artists


This exhibit explores the varied and passionate perspective of female artists working
within an array of mediums, including painting, sculpture and photography.
There will be a wine tasting by Ventimiglia Vineyard during the reception.
Friday, April 1, 2011, 5–8pm, OPENING & RECEPTION
1 Diamond Hill Road • Lawrence Pavilion • Lower Lobby Gallery • Berkeley Heights, NJ
Open to the public • 908-273-4300 • Exhibit runs through September 2011

Studio Tour Deadline Fast Approaching

Studio Tour : South Orange and Maplewood


Contact Katie at craftykatie_6@yahoo.com ASAP if you want to be part of the Artisans Guild Venue this year. It may not be until June, but the sign-up deadline is approaching fast - so get your skates on!

WHEN: June 5th 11-5pm

DEADLINE : March 17th
Meeting : March 24th at 7pm
Gallery 1978, 1978 Springfield Ave, Maplewood, NJ

Download Contract

More local show opportunies just listed on the Opportunities page

Friday, March 4, 2011

NJ Craft Show Opportunity

Show opportunity : Wanaque Health and Boutique Day 

When : Saturday April 30th 10am - 3pm
Where : Wanaque, NJ
Cost : $30 a table

contract 1
contract 2

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

BUSINESS BAZAAR RNSBDC BUSINESS BAZAAR & EXPO NETWORKING EVENT SAVE THE DATE APRIL 28, 2011

The Rutgers-Newark SBDC Small Business Bazaar & Expo is a business-to-business and business-to-consumer marketing, promotional, selling and networking event. The Business Bazaar & Expo Networking Event gives entrepreneurs and small business an opportunity to market, promote, and sell their products or services to a diverse audience. Through networking opportunities provided, small business vendors & exhibitors are able to grow, gained visibility, establish contacts with resource partners and other small businesses. The Expo is a great way to increase sales and directly market to consumers. The event is open to the public, but pre-registration is required. Attendance is at no cost, however attendees can request to purchase lunch and parking upon registration The Business Bazaar & Expo Networking event will be held at the Rutgers - Newark Campus, Paul Robeson Center, MLK Blvd, Newark, NJ.



Who should attend?

All small businesses and the public are welcomed. Small businesses exhibitors and vendors seeking to sell and promote their products or services should take advantage of this opportunity attend. The event is also open to the general public seeking to buy products or services.



Why you should participate as a vendor or exhibitor?

1. Network and build your client base!

2. Make money selling your products or services on site!

3. Get visibility promoting your business and letting the public know where you are!



COST: Free for the general public and business attendees.

Only vendors pay.

Vendor and Exhibitor packages are available by calling the Rutgers-Newark SBDC at 973-353-5950 or email your request to: rnsbdc@newark.rutgers.edu. To buy a table or booth, please contact us to request a Vendor & Exhibit packages. Table/ Booth Package rates include lunch, parking and program booklet advertising



Advertising opportunities:

Advertising in the program booklet is also open to all businesses without a package at cost. Interested in advertising only? Please call us for rates



To register or for more information:

Contact: Maria Lozada rnsbdc@newark.rutgers.edu or Call: .973-353-5950

Sunday, January 16, 2011

"How to Start and Manage Your Own Business" at the Hilton Library

Wednesday that the Hilton Library (probably the main branch too, but I don't know for sure) has a monthly Small Business Series. The next one in this series is:

"How to Start and Manage Your Own Business"

Two out of every three new businesses will fail within 18 months while others go on to achieve prosperity and great personal satisfaction. Why do some succeed and some fail? There are specific reasons, and they are often not what people think. Learn how to make your new business successful by taking the critical and correct first steps.

SCORE speaker Richard Berek has had a successful career in the marketing industry. Don't miss this chance to learn from a real business pro how to jump-start your career!

Tuesday, January 18 at 6:00pm
A reservation is required. To reserve a spot, email PROGRAMS@maplewoodlibrary.org

Hilton Branch Library
1688 Springfield Ave. 973-762-1688

SCORE (Service Coprs of Retired Executives), is a resource partner of the Small Business Administration.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Gift Basket Donation Deadline

SOMA Artisans' Guild is looking for members to give a piece of their work for a basket to be donated for February’s RENT party
RENT parties help raise money and food for the NJ food Bank, whilst showcasing local bands

All artists who donate will have their name, work and website (or contact info) promoted on the basket, posters, and announcements throughout the night.

The basket will be in SOMA colors; teal, gold, lime, chocolate (see the logo above!)
so please make sure your donation fits the theme or is a neutral color

Donation Deadline February 10th

RENT Party Details
South Orange Elks Lodge
220 Prospect St
South Orange, NJ
8pm – midnight

Minimum $5 donation
all proceeds benefit St Joe’s and Our Lady of Sorrow’s Food Pantry

Monday, January 3, 2011

A great FREE email service

I noticed that Kari's Cafe had sent out a great news letter by Mail Chimp

It's easy to use and the best part is that it's FREE

http://www.mailchimp.com/

happy emailing!