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alliance of artist communities |
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Wednesday, 01 February 2012 14:05 |
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Attended a WPA (Washington Project for the Arts) meeting at American University last night. The panel discussion was about artist residencies programs. Although it was geared toward artists it was very affirming for us in our project. Bryan and I met the executive director of Alliance of Artists Communities, Caitlin Strokosch. The Alliance is an amazing resource that brings artists together with residency programs around the world. Thanks Caitlin for answering our questions and having such a wonderful resource.
The panel discussion reinforced a few of our primary goals as an artist residency...
1. A Safe Place to Create
In our model this is of importance to us because of what Bryan and I bring to the creative setting. As with my project SilverWorks, creating the atmosphere, or "vibe" seems illusive, but it is something that we do very well. This vibe draws out the creative best in an artist. I have seen it again and again at SilverWorks, and it will be a part of Exnihilo on an even larger scale.
2. Community Oriented
Our location is beautiful and inspiring due to its remoteness. By design artists will be taking all meals together which tends to promote community. It also our desire to promote collaboration between residents. This can happen organically, but there will be opportunities supplied by Exnihilo that will also foster this.
3. Expanding Artists
Getting artists out of a comfort zone and making them take a new look at their work is a natural outcome of being remote. Although we plan on being well stocked with resources, ours is not a location that you can have something shipped overnight. This quality of being "unplugged" is an asset (albeit sometimes uncomfortable) that forces a person to be more resourceful, and therefore more creative than they might otherwise.
Thanks to the WPA for a great panel discussion and lots of food for thought for both artists seeking residencies and those of us that seek to provide those programs.
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Thursday, 25 August 2011 00:00 |
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Although the old timers on the island claim to have never seen a hurricane in their lifetime, this season apparently chose to show them something new. The hurricane Irene did some damage to our little island, but for Exnihilo the worst that could be done was the loss of some trees and a little sand. |
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silverworks continues to grow |
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My little silversmithing studio continues to surprise me. Adding this little stepping stone in the journey toward Exnihilo, who would have thought that it would contribute so much to the plan. And I never would have imagined the growth. Classes continue to fill and allowing those students Open Studio time has been very rewarding as I see them develop in their skills. |
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Friday, 03 December 2010 17:45 |
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We have begun exploring the process of filing for non profit status as an artist community. Because we are located in The Bahamas, we have a fair amount of "research" to do. |
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Sunday, 07 March 2010 10:02 |
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Best laid plans can sometime seem like they have gone awry when direction shifts due to outside circumstances (like the economy). But sometimes this is actually an opportunity in disguise. My updates on this site completely stopped because I felt like our progress came to a screeching halt, when in fact it took on a different direction.
SilverWorks Studio and Gallery.
We openend in December (09) and even though it is a public studio designed for the art and craft of silversmithing, in a way it is a mini-exnihilo.
A stepping stone to the larger vision.
Like Exnihilo, Silverworks is a playground for the art form. All the tools are provided. The setting is warm and inviting and promotes inspiration.
And there is popcorn;-).
Creating this playground for artists feels like a precursor to the bigger deal with all the same components minus the ocean and the bungalows. Creating a place that fosters creativity has a lot to do with space, attitude, and comfort. Easy access to the toys, being put at ease, even being fed all are components that play a part in setting the stage for creativity.
The new studio is located at Glen Echo Park, Maryland.
In the meantime, the plans are still in place for the larger vision. Paperwork to do, and raising some funds for construction on the first building.
All in good time. |
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