May 14, 2011 | Latest Art Projects, To Market To Market |
the painting and collage-making studio- prepared for production
After nearly 9 months of blogging, I’m taking a break for awhile. It’s a lot of time to post 2 or 3 topics per week. I will not make that kind of time until a few things pass, including: wedding preps to attend to, family matters of life and death, a Chilkat robe to complete, and create stock for two upcoming markets (one in Seattle, the other in Santa Fe); and not to mention other odd jobs I have to do in order to pay for immediate bills and art supplies. So something had to give, something had to be eliminated in order for me to complete these things…so blogging was it.
I’m still capturing photos of various events. I’ll post them when I can. Thank you for visiting.
Apr 13, 2011 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Honoring Others, Latest Art Projects, Showing Off, To Market To Market |
Jennifer Coots Marketing Class - Spring 2011 - Institute of American Indian Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico
On Wednesday, March 30th, I was invited to present my business’ marketing plan for the Marketing Class taught by Jennifer Coots. I created this marketing plan last year Spring 2010. This marketing plan has helped change the way I have run my business. I also attribute my acquisition of a First Peoples Fund grant to having learned so much about running a business through these classes I had taken at IAIA.
During the Fall and Spring 2010 semesters at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, I completed a 5-course business certificate. I have been a self-employed artist working in a variety of artistic mediums since 1977 and I had not any formal training in the area of running a business. I shot from the hip, attended the school of hard knocks and didn’t ever question why I hadn’t ever taking any classes and lessons…until I took these classes! What a difference!
It was so much fun doing this presentation for this Marketing class. Jennifer distributed a copy of my Marketing Plan to the students; that was pretty cool. Little would I know that a plan I created last year would be an example for other artists in this very same class. I just loved sharing my intentions, my experiences and my success. It’s been a year since I laid out this plan. I have accomplished every marketing method I had outlined in my Marketing Plan last year. (Golly, you’d think I was proud of myself!–Of course I am! Who wouldn’t be!?) When the students asked what my most valuable marketing method has worked for me; I answered: (surprisingly enough) my blog! — And I told them why…
You may be only five courses away from creating a successful business of your own. The Institute of American Indian Art’s College of Contemporary Native Arts is offering a Business and Entrepreneurship Program, to art students and small business owners seeking to develop their business skills and discover their inner entrepreneur. Courses cover issues relevant to artists and Native-owned businesses, but non-Native students and non-art related business owners will also benefit from the business and entrepreneurship certification earned through this program.
Jennifer Coots in her office at the Institute of American Indian Arts
Jennifer Coots brought this program to IAIA; I wish I had been educated way back when I first began supporting my family via my art. I encourage every artist who is serious about making a living doing what they love to do, to do themselves a favor and sign up for these classes IAIA has to offer. The unique thing about these classes is we learn differences in values in Western vs. Native American ways of going about our lives and business, as there are some real conflicting issues that may or can, inhibit us from moving forward with our work.
Learn more about the Business & Entrepreneurship Program: visit IAIA’s website or contact Jennifer Coots at jcoots@iaia.edu or 505-424-2356
By the way, Jennifer Coots lived in Juneau, Alaska pretty near 20 years. She was a fisherwoman and aspired to becoming a musician/singer/songwriter. She got side-tracked when she moved to the Navajo reservation to take care of her mother who was diagnosed with cancer. While living on the reservation, Jenn saw the level of poverty and she wanted to do something about it. She had the idea that the local artists needed to learn business sense, so she set out on a mission to finish her degree in Business and assist her fellow Native American artists to bring up their level of existence, workmanship and craft.
Jennifer Coots’ vision is totally awesome. I would take up her classes again if I wasn’t on to learning more about the art of business while doing the business of art!
Apr 5, 2011 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, To Market To Market |
Day 2: 1st People's Fund Business Seminar
In my previous recent blog entries regarding the First People’s Fund Business Seminar for their Artists in Business Leadership grant program, I forgot to tell you about who the heck FPF is anyway! Here’s some info on the folks at First People’s Fund out of Rapid City, South Dakota:
(Unidentified), Carol , Alaina Buffalo Spirit, , Alfred "Twilly" Gosuk,
Founded in 1995, First Peoples Fund’s mission is to honor and support the creative community-centered First Peoples artists; and nurture the collective spirit® that allows them to sustain their peoples.
“Our vision is to communicate to the world the roots and philosophy of Indigenous artistic expression and its relationship to the collective spirit of First Peoples. We will strive to provide support and voice to the creative Indigenous artists who share their inspiration, wisdom, knowledge and gifts with their communities.”
Local Minneapolis photographer, Joseph Allen from Ogema, Minnesota was an invited artist sharing a recent triptych
The main drive behind First People’s Fund is the their hard-working, compassionate, visionary President, Lori Pourier. “Her philanthropy work began at First Nations Development Institute based in Virginia where she served as the Associate Marketing Director. Following her tenure at First Nations, she operated her own marketing consultant business specializing in developing marketing strategies for nonprofit American Indian organizations, multicultural arts organizations and tribal communities. Ms. Pourier served on the Board of Directors of the Western States Arts Federation, the Honor the Earth Fund, the Chinook Fund and the National Indian Business Association. She currently serves on the board of directors for Grantmakers in the Arts and is the co-chair of the Indigenous Resource Network. She also is a board member of the Native Americans in Philanthropy and Red Cloud Indian School. In 1993, she participated in AIO’s American Indian Ambassadors Leadership Program funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. She holds a Masters of Science from Southern New Hampshire University, Graduate School of Business. Nominated by the Ford Foundation, Ms. Pourier was selected for the Center for Social Innovation fellowship at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, a partnership between Stanford University and National Arts Strategies. The Executive Program for Nonprofit Leaders-Arts (EPNL-Arts) honors fifty outstanding arts and culture leaders by selecting them to receive a CSI fellowship for the program.”
Lillian Pitt presents her marketing materials including her portfolio, brochures and resume's
I received one of the Artist in Business Leadership grants from FPF. The purpose of this grant is “to cultivate entrepreneurial artists to a small business level (consistent and reliable income) where business concepts are understood and applied.”
It’s Strategy: “First Peoples Fund selects artists based on demonstrated artistic talent, evidence of possessing the qualities of an entrepreneur, and indication of embodying the values of First Peoples Fund.
This self-directed, independent business arts fellowship is a one-year self-directed program is supported by individualized professional development training, and working capital funds to strengthen their marketing strategies. The fellowship also provides a focus on new work to stimulate creativity and a renewal of energy in Native art expression.”
For more information and eligibility for this grant or the other two they have to offer to Native American artists, visit First Peoples Fund’s website.
Ceramist Shirley Brauker from Coldwater, Michigan demonstrates the using her new iPad which displays her gallery housing all 4000+ images of her life's work
Once you have obtained a First People’s Fund grant, you are automatically eligible to apply for the other two grants they have to offer. I encourage any and all Native American artists to apply for their grants. Once you receive a grant from FPF, you become one of their “family members.” This grant organization is like none other.
Beadwork artist Douglas Limon from White Bear Lake, Minneapolis was another invited, local artist sharing his most recent work
Break out session - notice FPF new publication in the foreground
Theresa, Lillian, Ben and Wade share good laughs with the group
Lunch is served!
Between all three grant categories, there were a total of 13 FPF grant awardees and invited local artists in attendance for this business seminar
Apr 4, 2011 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Honoring Others, Showing Off, To Market To Market |
The "All My Relations" gallery where the First People's Fund business seminar is held
Like I mentioned in my last blog about “Museums: I thought they were like haunted houses”, during the weekend of March 24th through the 26th. I was one of the grant awardees to receive the First People’s Fund “Artist in Business Leadership” program. For three days, several Native American artists from around the country met for a marketing seminar in Minneapolis at the new “All Our Relations” gallery/coffee shop facility.
Justin Huenemann, Director of the Native American Community Development Institute (nacdi.org) explains the American Indian Cultural Corridor in Minneapolis - one of the largest blocks of land owned by Native Americans in the nation; no, not reservations, but actual land-owners for self-governance
I was impressed with the information from the presentations by FPF with our hosts, the Native American Community Development Institute. Visit their wesbite to find out more information about the NACDI.
First People's Fund Program Coordinator Miranne Walker explains FPF's goals and objectives to Stephanie, wife to artist Paul Peterson
The following are images of this year’s FPF artists.
Ivory & whalebone Yupik carver Alfred "Tillie" Gosuk from Togiak, Alaska
All the artists were asked to prepare a 10-minute presentation on where we were from, what kind of work we do, and how we were going to use the funds from our First People’s Fund grant. Since I was sitting at the very end of the table, I was the first to do my presentation. I am fortunate to have taken a Marketing class and an Introduction to Digital Media class at the Institute of American Indian Arts during the Spring Semester 2010. I took pride in presenting some of my marketing tools that I created in my classes: my first brochure, my business cards, and my power point presentation which kind of tells it all.
Basket-weaver Carol Emarthle-Douglas from Bothell, Washington explains her basketweaving technique and materials used to create the exquisite basket in the Power Point
My favorite part about the entire seminar was watching my fellow artists introduce themselves and their work. I am always interested in meeting other artists and seeing their work. (This was one of the main motivators as to why Preston Singletary and I started the biennial “Northwest Coast Artists’ Gathering” in Juneau, Alaska back in 2006.) I was thoroughly impressed with the quality and artistry of each individual’s work. I am proud of my fellow artists. It was an honor to be rubbing shoulders with some of the most influential artists of their communities. I introduce them here:
Cheyenne ledger painter and jeweler Alaina Buffalo Spirit from Billings, Montana
Northwest Coast artist Paul Peterson, Sr. from Hoodsport, Washington specializes in making bentwood boxes
Beadwork and parfleche artist Lauren Good Day Frank from Bismarck, North Dakota
From Hays, Montana, Roni Stiffarm presented the ancient art of drummaking
One of the few Ash bark basket weavers, Kelly Church from Hopkins, Michigan
Wasco Warm Springs artist Lillian Pitt from Portland, Oregon
Birch bark basket maker Sandy Peterson from Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin
Menominee singer-songwriter Wade Fernandez from Keshena, Wisconsin
To find out information about First People’s Fund there is a part two to this blog entry entitled with the same name, but includes “Part II” to the title…AND there are additional photographs…check it out in next week’s blog entry…
Jan 25, 2011 | Latest Art Projects, To Market To Market |
Canvasses drying on my studio floor
In amongst the band practice area, the Chilkat weaving loom, the desk surrounded by 3 art printers, and the TV space, lay 9 canvasses spread about the studio floor in Colorado. They were just gesso-ed.
Gesso is a white primer - the brand I used is "Utrecht." Very thick as you can see, the brush is standing up in the bucket when there is only an inch of primer left!
I am on a two-year mission; I just started this past Sunday, the 22nd. Since 1983, I’ve designed and made 50 Tlingit ceremonial robes in the button blanket, Chilkat and Ravenstail styles. I am using all my paper patterns of these designs for my paintings. For each robe, I intend to paint a contemporary “mate.” When all 50 “mates” are completed, I’m including them in my book of my first 50 robes.
A couple of weeks ago I posted a blog displaying a few of my favorite button robes. Click this link to see those robes: “The Language of Robes: Clarissa Rizal’s First Fifty”
Dec 6, 2010 | Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, To Market To Market |
Lily and Betty stand before Clarissa's showing of her latest paintings on canvas (with a few prints)
I didn’t walk Juneau’s Gallery Walk last weekend; instead I exhibited my latest paintings. There’s a first time for everything. I haven’t shown any of my Tlingit-influenced contemporary works on canvas until this past week. First I displayed my work at the Alaska-Juneau Public Market during Thanksgiving weekend, then a few days later at Sealaska’s Annual Holiday Fair, and then the next night at the First Friday Gallery Walk in Juneau. Three shows in one week. That’s enough for the year. I’m wiped out. Yet, I am energized by the public response to my paintings. I received three main responses: either folks loved the colorful images, or were taken aback and wondered what the heck I was doing, or they paid it no mind. All the responses were acceptable – if I had no responses, I think the work would be considered “dead.”
Clarissa with her Limited Edition of dolls entitled "An Ocean Runs Through Us"
I began working in this contemporary style about 10 years ago when i started making collages influenced by my friend Cecil Touchon (www.ceciltouchon.com). He encouraged me to take our hand-silkscreened reject prints and make collages. I had been saving the rejects for about 15 years and knew some day that I would put them to use and create collages. Then this past year, like Cecil, i began making paintings based on some of the collages.
Mary and Roz's "Trickster Visions"display their hand-crafted copper, abalone and Mother-of-Pearl earrings
Daniel Buckscott's photographs are a backdrop for his wife Jennifer's table of home-made jams and jellies along with home-made soaps graced with photo images of Daniel's Alaskan images
Perseverance Theatre were giving away tickets to "This Wonderful Life" if you answered pertinent questions of the classic play - opening night was the same night as this evening's Gallery Walk, Friday December 3rd - the play will run each weekend through December 26th (except Christmas Day)
Many thanks to fiddlers Lis Saya and her son, Lief who played Classic Christmas songs for several hours
First-time viewers of Clarissa's contemporary Tlingit-influenced paintings on canvas
Girlfriends since they were their children's present age, Miah Lager with son, Indie and Lily Hudson with daughter, Betty
...and with a Grandma...
Tlingit language teacher, Marsha Hotch with linguist Alice Taft and Clarissa
Grandma Kathy Hope Erickson with daughter, Kelsey and grand-daughter Isadora, and Lis
Lis Saya (again) with Irene Robinson and her daughters Katy Harman and Jacqueline Harman Tagaban
Nov 28, 2010 | Latest Art Projects, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, To Market To Market |
Clarissa's Booth C-4 at Alaska-Juneau's Public Market displays her recent acrylics on canvas, Limited Edition Giclee reproductions, hand-made dolls, last of her greeting cards and hand-silkscreened prints, and a few copies of her Chilkat Weaver's Handbook
The last time Clarissa did the Public Market was back in 1989 where after her move back to Alaska from New Mexico; she had a booth in the center of the lobby and introduced the then intriguing dream catcher to Juneau. The Market was fun back then as it is even now!
Limited Edition Giclee prints and original paintings include "Rain", "Tlingit Jedi", "Totemic Theories", "Good Thing I'm Crazy Else I'd Go Insane", "Gray Wolves", "Frog Speaks" and prints of her "Tlingit World Series" collages
Clarissa's mother, Irene Lampe and brother, Rick Lampe pay a visit to the booth
“Across the street” is Jack Tripp, Jr.’s Mt. Juneau Trading Post featuring Native drums, moccasins, carvings, rugs, jewelry and the best collection of antique shell buttons I’ve ever seen! He’s turning 49 today – we’re just gonna have to beat those drums, sing Happy Birthday Tlingit style and shake a leg!
Mt. Juneau Trading Post's booth at the Alaska-Juneau Public Market "across the street" from Clarissa Rizal's
Fabulous Northwest Coast Native art (and regalia-making supplies) at the Mt. Juneau Trading Post
Jack Tripp, Jr.'s fabulous display of Tlingit art - check out the Chilkat wool rug handwoven in Nepal (no, it's not a traditional ceremonial robe - it's a rug!)
Nov 28, 2010 | Health and Wellness, Honoring Others, To Market To Market |
Juneauites cheer the sampling of Devil's Club Chai tea created by Ryder Radcliffe, son of Jan Parrish, accupuncturist and owner of Alaskana Botannicals
Handmade wreaths, healing salves, Devil’s Club Chai and walking sticks, applie and rhubarb/strawberry pie, and essential oil spray mists are (all hand-crafted) items you will discover at Alaskana Botannical’s booth C-3 at the Alaska-Juneau Public Market held this weekend at the Centennial Hall in Juneau. Visiting with Jan Parrish and her son, Ryder Radcliffe is an educational experience. I’ve learned many healthier ways of living as I’ve heard them speak with customers because my booth is right next door to theirs. We did not put up a dividing wall between us, and I’m glad we didn’t; it’s great to have “real neighbors!” Visit Alaskan Botannical’s website at: www.alaskanabotannicals.com
Jan Parrish and Ryder Radcliffe at their Alaska-Juneau Public Market Booth #C-3
We’ve got one more day of the Public Market – tomorrow from 10am until 5pm – musician friend Lis Saya is talking about bringing her fiddle to accompany the possibility of a Native drummer at Jack Tripp, Jr.’s Mt. Juneau Trading Post featuring traditional Native arts which is “across the street” from Clarissa Rizal’s contemporary Native paintings and Alaskana Botannicals…maybe there will even be a “street” dance! – Come join us for our last day at the Market!
Devil's Club walking and stirring sticks available for sale at Alaskana Botannical's booth C-3
Alaskan wild-harvested healing salves include Devil's Club, Comfrey and Spruce sap
jams and jellies include wild-harvested Alaskan berries
Ryder's special unique blend of Devil's Club Chai tea
Two "Medicine Women" customer Susan Clark and Jan Parrish, owner of Alaskana Botannicals
Family support for Alaskana Botanicals!
Spray mists include Jan's unique blends, artfully named "Glacier Mist", "Raven Woman" and Clarissa's favorite "Eagle's Feather"
What's a market without Alaskan rhubarb and strawberry pies!?
Nov 26, 2010 | Latest Art Projects, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, To Market To Market |
A portion of Clarissa Rizal's "Frog Speaks" acrylic painting on canvas - In this photo, the painting is not quite finished but it will be finished by the Public Market opening Friday, November 26th at noon - it measures approximately 40"w x 52"h
A few places I’ve exhibited my work are in Banff and Vancouver Canada, Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Seattle, Washington; and have done demonstrations at the Smithsonian in New York and Washington D.C. I do not recall exhibiting my work in my own home town! Like, what’s up, huh? Am I just too good for Juneau? NOT!
During this 3-day weekend, at the Alaska-Juneau Public Market in Centennial Hall, I will show some of my latest contemporary, acrylic paintings on canvas amongst a few of my favorite Giclee reproduction limited edition of prints on canvas, and a Collector’s Edition of handmade dolls. I will also have a few copies of my Chilkat Weavers’ Handbook available for sale.
Come visit and check out my work at Booth C-4 in the main hall of Centennial Hall. And while visiting me at my booth, you may still make a donation towards the fundraiser for my brother Robert Lampe, who is presently undergoing chemotherapy in Anchorage. All three of the gift items will be available for viewing at my booth. You don’t remember what those gift items were? Check out my entry here on this blog under the “Health and Wellness” section; click “Tlingit Art Fundraiser Opportunity for Robert Lampe.” The drawing will be held the last day of the Market on Sunday, November 28 at 4pm.
Limited Edition of 8 Tlingit-design dolls entitled "An Ocean Runs Through Us"
Juneau Public Market hours are Friday, noon to 8pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am – 5pm. I look forward to seeing you at the Market!
Nov 23, 2010 | Tlingit Culture Accentuated, To Market To Market |
An example of some of Gary Waid's mother-of-pearl buttons available at the Alaska-Juneau Public Market
Local Juneauite Gary Waid will be selling the last of his stock of mother-of-pearl buttons at the Old Armory – the annex of the Alaska-Juneau Public Market. (For those of you who are not from “old” Juneau, the Armory is now called the JACC, the Juneau Arts & Culture Center.)
Gary has an assortment of button sizes available in large packs up to 100 (or 144). Gary will no longer be ordering more buttons, he is liquidating his entire stock, so now is the time to buy from him. Visit him at his booth in the Old Armory this weekend at the Alaska-Juneau Public Market, Friday through Saturday. The Market opens Friday at noon until 8pm, Saturday and Sunday, 10am-5pm. For those who are from out of town, give Gary a call at (907)957-1488.
