Artistic expressions of Democracy!

These are crazy, turbulent times, especially with the very important up-coming election and what better way to express opinions about what’s happening in the world than thru ART!  My guest blogger Stewart Wilson, founder & artist of PERSONALAND art & cultural website is calling for art focused on Democracy for a new online exhibit.  So if you’re an artist who wants to submit work (it’s FREE!) or an art lover/collector who wants to check out political work from around the globe, check out Personaland!  Here’s more info from Stewart….

Personaland – our online global arts village invites artists of all media to participate in our next online art show “Democracy and the 2020 Elections”

(Here are  two early entries – “ Democracy on the March” by Gay Schempp and “ Moon over Manhattan” by Dutch artist, Theo van de Goor.)

How is democracy expressed or repressed globally? and/or What about the elections of 2020?

We invite your creative responses in image, film, music or poem. No Entry Fee and the deadline is September 27^th

https://personaland.com/submit/democracy-exhib.php

Personaland – enriching the internet with an invigorating blend of entertainment, enchantment and culture.

Persona Horseback and Dragon rides to our online art shows, showcasing 256 artists from 37 countries, Art Shop, dancing flowers, wishing well and fun art games. 

Watch our movie ‘ “Fugitive” https://personaland.com/stage/fugitive/

More info: Stewart@personaland.com

Call for Artists: “Democracy”

Personaland – our online global arts village invites artists of all media to participate in our next online art show “Democracy and the 2020 Elections”

How is democracy expressed or repressed globally? and/or

What about the elections of 2020?

We invite your creative responses in image, film, music or poem.

No Entry Fee and the deadline is September 27^th

https://personaland.com/submit/democracy-exhib.php

<more if you wish yo add it>

Personaland – enriching the internet with an invigorating blend of entertainment, enchantment and culture.

Persona Horseback and Dragon rides to our online art shows, showcasing 256 artists from 37 countries, Art Shop, dancing flowers, wishing well and fun art games. 

Watch our movie ‘ “Fugitive” https://personaland.com/stage/fugitive/

See our current “Art in the Time of Pandemic” and “Social Justice'” exhibits.

Wishing you safe and creative adventures.

Stewart

https://www.personaland.com

Art survives the pandemic

I hope you are all staying safe & well as these intense, unsure & scary times continue.  While NJ is slowly getting back to a semblance of normalcy…well, new normalcy…much of the rest of the country faces increasing COVID numbers!  Top that off with social injustices and unrest spreading like another virus and it’s the perfect recipe for more frightening times ahead.  With so many people falling ill and also facing horrible prejudices it’s easy to get depressed and feel hopeless.  This is why art & being able to express yourself in a positive, creative way is so important!

The art community has taken a big hit from the pandemic, like many other businesses and organizations, but it is an ancient and important form of self expression that will never be silenced!  We see Black Lives Matter street art! We see Pride art! We see art dealing with the pandemic!  Art allows us a chance to escape, to express, to vent, to share, to discuss…that’s why I’m so happy to see some local NJ galleries continuing on, however they are able, to keep our artistic community alive and well!

This month I’m excited to have a SOLO SHOW at Gallery on Main, Somerville, NJ & a piece in the virtual “Women’s Voices” show by Transformations Gallery (Metuchen, NJ)  Here are a few of my photos in these exhibits. Hope you’ll check them out…   Gallery on Main in Somerville is open to visitors who follow COVID restrictions (must wear a mask, a few visitors at a time) so please check out the exhibit in person! Here’s the link to the virtual Transformations gallery show: http://www.boroughimprovementleague.org/37.html?fbclid=IwAR349dhYkFMHeh-636VhqI9XwwbnC5GyJ7agXJW0i1H4v8VCBUTb9opt34o

Stay safe & stay creative!

Creativity & COVID

First off I hope this finds you all safe & well!  These are crazy, bizarro-world times!  But you’d think self quarantine would be a piece of cake for artists!  I mean it gives us tons of time and space to create and we usually work alone in our homes or studios anyway, so no biggie to socially distance & create our butts off, right?  But let’s not forget the stress from lack of work/money, the human need for being social and the inspiration that comes from that, and from travel, having new experiences, going to actual museums, galleries, etc.  Then add on the fear of getting sick and dealing with all that this strange new world presents, piled onto the typical creative blocks and this can be a tough time for artists especially those of us that make a living from it!

For me, I’ve had to find new ways to adapt to being a professional artist in the pandemic age.  For one thing I now give all my art & creative marketing lessons virtually (thank the Gods for Skype, Video Chat, Zoom…).  I’d be in big trouble if it wasn’t for this technology and so far it’s working quite well.  Of course good ol’ fashioned in person classes are great but this is now a convenient, safe & affordable way to keep teaching and sharing art.

And luckily I am very used to working with my freelance project clients remotely, so that hasn’t changed much although of course many people no longer have the finances to buy art or hire a designer or illustrator to work on their projects, so I am VERY grateful for the people I currently am working with!  The other big change though is the cancellation or indefinite postponement of all gallery exhibits and art events! I typically have work in at least one or two events per month, often more from spring thru holiday season, and that’s all on hold.  Some galleries and art organizations are doing online art exhibits & events, which I have been participating it.  It’s great to see the ingenuity of these people in trying to keep the arts going.  The downside is it’s much harder to sell thru these types of events & I think those running them get this and have either reduced or eliminated submission fees, lowered commission fees, etc. which is a good way to keep artists engaged.  But this all spells tough times for anyone involved in the arts as a career.  I recently had this digital photo collage in an online art auction….we’ll see if there were any takers…

“In memory of a Friend”  (c)2018 Lauren Curtis

This is the time when we all must think outside of the box and find new ways to keep our jobs…not just artists…and it’s really difficult.  Some people just can’t work from home and I REALLY hope the powers that be step up & fix our broken benefits system to help everyone out in need.  As artists we must try to over come the depression and anxiety from this situation…or channel it into creativity and new work!  I’d love to hear from you as to how you’re coping with the pandemic, especially if you’re an artist of any kind, and share your stories in the comments here & if you know of any opportunities for other creatives to get involved with please share them.  You’re not alone in your fears and worries and I hope, no matter what your profession, things will be OK for you & that you stay safe & healthy!

~Lauren

 

 

Getting “Personaland” with Art

The art world has gone way beyond brick & mortar galleries!  I recently heard about a new, unique online art forum called Personaland & participated in an online art exhibit.  I was pleased to see how fun, original & interactive the site’s creator, Stewart Wilson, has made the site so I asked him to be my next guest blogger so he can tell us how this concept came to be and how you can participate….

Personaland is the destination of my forty year journey of making the Personas – my “wrapped representatives from another dimension here for peaceful purposes.” As I have made these sculptures, the embodiment of human potential, they have guided me. I have made over 31,00 individual figures in human and animal form which has been distributed and exhibited world-wide. During this time, I have founded and been Executive Director of two non-profit arts organizations, Public Image (NYC 1981-84) and Artwell Gallery (Torrington, CT (1995-2011). I have been a public school art teacher. The Personas are about human connectivity and community building and I feel that they were my gurus in my artistic trajectory. Since retiring from teaching, I have attended dozens of meet-ups, conferences and workshops where I have learned 21^st century skills and connected with hundreds of talented people. Personaland has been a quest to create an online cultural platform and community for artists of all media – visual, film. literary and performance arts. Personaland is a welcoming, peaceful, respectful destination that uses the latest in digital technology for positive purposes – screens for good.

Personaland is an online global village for the arts – an internet sanctuary whose mission is to unite us through our humanity, creativity and community. With an invigorating blend of entertainment, enchantment and culture, we are designing novel adventures and opportunities for you. Our global group and individual art shows have exhibited over 100 artists from nearly two dozen countries, We are adding exciting new activities every month, bring greater satisfaction to an ever growing audience. https://www.personaland.com

We’re now accepting artwork of all media – images, music, film and words – for our December global group show “Community.” No entry fee https://personaland.com/submit/community-exhib.php

We have Persona Horseback and Dragon rides to our online individual and global art shows, Art Shop, dancing flowers, wishing well and fun games

What’s your Art History IQ? Play the “Name the Artist” game and contest at the Game Bazaar: https://personaland.com/tent/art-clue/

We’d love your participation!

Stewart

Spring Arts Events

Now that the weather here on the East Coast is finally warming up, more and more arts events are “springing” up (sorry for the bad pun, couldn’t resist!).  New exhibits are taking place in galleries and online with many outdoor vending events soon to follow.  Here are a few shows I have work in as well as some info. about new work I’m doing,  so please read on…

Dream Of Trees 2, oils (c)Lauren Curtis

“LANDSCAPE & ARCHITECTURE”
Explore these classic art themes at the new exhibition at the SOUTH BRUNSWICK MUNICIPAL GALLERY, 540, Rt. 522/Ridge Rd., Monmouth Jct, NJ.  I’ll have 2 oil paintings in this show along with the work of several other local artists!  Opening reception Friday, April 17, 2015, 6:30pm-8pm.
Show runs thru 6/24/15.
For more info.: 732-329-4000 X7635
www.sbarts.org

Xray WorldEgg Birdmother (c)March2015

NEW “X-RAYTED” ARTWORK
This Spring I’ve been working on expanding my “X-RAYted” digital photo collage series & thanks to friends donating to my growing collection of x-rays, I now have new signed prints available, including the one shown above, “World Egg Birdmother” . Signed, matted 8×10’s start at just $50 +s/h.  Larger sizes & framing options available.  Please contact me for more details!  Other images can be sen on: http://laurencurtisart.weebly.com 

 

And here are some great exhibits you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home as they are ONLINE!  I have artwork in these shows:

International Women’s Exhibit

This online exhibition, hosted by Women In Focus,  features amazing photographic images from women artists around the world!  From traditional images to abstract and surreal, it’s worth taking the time to scroll through this extensive show and experience so many beautiful pieces in one place.  I have a B&W night shot I took in Amsterdam in this show.  Here’s the link: http://www.womeninfocusatlanta.com/  under Exhibits.    The exhibit will remain online through the month of April.

Spring Featured Artists

A LinkedIn connection, Stephen Fountain, invited me to be a featured artist on his eclectic, spiritual, creative website so of course I said YES!  In Stephen’s words, this site is built with the intention to get people to use more of their intuition and cognitive process to find things , so it takes a bit of searching to locate my feature but all you need to do is look to the left on the SPRING EXHIBIT page and you will see a big star and it says spring above it. In the center of the star is an arrow pointing in two directions. Click on the right side of arrow to see my page.  The large buttons below my image will lead you to my various websites. 

Here’s the link:

http://www.thezoc.org/home#!__home/vstc0=exhibitions

As always, thanks so much for reading!
~Lauren

Visit art shows without leaving home!

For artists and art appreciators, what’s one of the biggest advantages of the internet?  Being able to view amazing artwork from across the globe without leaving your house!  Of course it’s always a great experience to actually visit galleries and museums but we can’t always do that, especially when an exhibit we’d love to see is taking place in another state or country, so enter ONLINE EXHIBITIONS!

These provide us with a way to view all types of artwork and discover new artists and collect work from those we already follow from the comfort of our homes and computers.  And for us artists, we don’t have to pay ridiculous shipping fees and risk our work being lost or damaged while still being able to reach an international audience.  I do still really enjoy actual brick and mortar exhibits where I can attend the openings and meet the other artists and collectors, but internet art shows are another way to gain exposure and mingle with other creatives.

So, for those of you who want to exhibit hop from home, here are 2 online exhibitions I have artwork in…

International Women’s Exhibit

This online exhibition features amazing photographic images from women artists around the world!  From traditional images to abstract and surreal, it’s worth taking the time to scroll through this extensive show and experience so many beautiful pieces in one place.  I have a B&W night shot I took in Amsterdam in this show.  Here’s the link: http://www.womeninfocusatlanta.com/  under Exhibits.    The exhibit will remain online through the month of April.

Spring Featured Artists

A LinkedIn connection, Stephen Fountain, invited me to be a featured artist on his eclectic, spiritual, creative website so of course I said YES!  In the site’s creator’s words, this site is built it with the intention to get people to use more of their intuition and cognitive process to find things , so it takes a bit of searching to locate my feature but all you need to do is look to the left on the SPRING EXHIBIT page and you will see a big star and it says spring above it. In the center of the star is an arrow pointing in two directions. Click on the right side of arrow to see my page.  The large buttons below my image will lead you to my various websites. 

Here’s the link:

http://www.thezoc.org/home#!__home/vstc0=exhibitions

I purposely only posted one art image in this blog as I hope you’ll click the links to the exhibitions and view the work there.  Feel free to leave comments about the sites once you’ve visited them and enjoy your virtual trip to the galleries!

Art & Music in May

May is right around the corner…I can’t believe how the months are flying by but I’m looking forward to many of the upcoming arts and music events that I’ll be exhibiting and vending at so if you’re in New Jersey, I hope you’ll join me at these events but if not you can always check out these venues online that have a lot to offer for artists, musicians & their fans/supporters!

Gallery U Palette Exhibition 2014

Palette, Group Exhibition, Gallery U, 439 South Ave. West, Westfield, NJ, 07090.  Opening Reception Thurs. May 1, 2014, 6pm-8pm, show runs thru May.
I’m very happy to be back in this gallery, in it’s beautiful new location, for another eclectic art show!  This space not only serves as an art gallery and upscale hand crafted item & jewelry boutique but it serves to help those suffering from traumatic brain injuries so every purchase helps a great cause!  Come by the art opening and view my mixed media painting in this exhibition.  For more info.: http://gallery-u.blogspot.com

RockabillyRally2014

 

For all you rockers out there, this Rock-a-billy fest is a MUST!!  I’ll be vending my photo prints, original t-shirts & cards & gothic/Steampunk jewelry at this awesome, annual ROCK-a-BILLY FEST at Roxy & Dukes Roadhouse in Dunellen, NJ, Sun. May 18, 1pm-1am!Join us for a day of great bands & artistic vendors, food, drinks, classic cars and more!  See flyer above for details & check out http://www.roxyanddukes.com/ for more info.! 732-529-4464

OTHER COOL ART NEWS…
I’ll be vending & exhibiting at many outdoor arts/crafts & music events throughout NJ…& maybe beyond…thru Spring into Autumn so stay tuned for details to come!  Also, my SOLO EXHIBIT at RUTHIE’S CAFE on Main St. in Highland Park, NJ was extended for another 2+ weeks into mid May so stop by to see the art & have a home made, tasty meal! You can also see what I’m up to on these sites:
http://laurencurtisart.weebly.com  (NEW fine art site!)
http://www.facebook.com/LaurenCurtisArtTalonArt(Facebook Fine Art Page)

Featuring Features; art news & t-shirt time!

HAPPY SPRING! Celebrate the season of re-birth with me and Caladan Gallery.  They’re featuring my SOLO, ONLINE exhibit of my digital photo collage series, X-RAYted Curio-cities,  based on x-rays collaged with other elements.  Since this show is ONLINE you can all view it from the comfort of your home…or anywhere!  Here’s the link http://www.caladangallery.com.  Show is up thru 4/15/13.  Note: all prices listed on the site INCLUDE framing and s/h!

T-TIME! Now that the warmer weather is making it’s way to us, it’s  time to spruce up your wardrobe with my unique, original T-SHIRTS!  All sizes, adults and kids, women’s cut (white only), 100% pre-shrunk cotton, white, black, gray, starting at only $20 each INCLUDING s/h (extra to ship outside of continental US)!  A few bucks extra for gray, black, XXL and women’s cut.  Paypal accepted to me at forestwalker333@hotmail.com.  Checks & money orders to: Lauren Curtis, P.O. Box 193, Franklin Park, N J  08873 Feel free to contact me with any questions about the shirts or to place an order.

ONLINE ART FEATURES! This month I have several art features on some very interesting blogs and websites! CHURN alternative arts, music and cultural magazine: www.churnstyle-directory.com Blaze McRob’s Tales of Horror art & literature site: http://www.blazemcrob.com/2013/03/httpswww.html Well known herbalist and spiritual inspiration Susun Weed has featured me for the 3rd time on her Wise Woman website & blog:  http://www.wisewomanmentor.com/articles/art-lauren-curtis As always, thanks so much for reading & checking out the links!  Until next time… ~Lauren http://laurencurtisart.weebly.com http://www.LaurenCurtisArt.com(commercial & fine art) http://www.laurencurtis.imagekind.com(cards, T-shirts, photography, illustration) https://laurencurtis.wordpress.com  (my Blog!) http://www.facebook.com/LaurenCurtisArtTalonArt(Facebook Fan Page)

Art SPRINGS to Life

Happy Spring…even if it does NOT feel like it…in NJ at least.  But I know Mother Nature will come through soon and send some warmer weather.  And in honor of this season of re-birth, I’m in some spring art exhibits….one is in Morristown, NJ & the other is ONLINE so you ALL can see it from the comfort of your cozy homes.

First up is the RITES OF SPRING, juried, group show hosted by the Arts Council of the Morris Area at Gallery at 14 Maple, Morristown, NJ.  This exciting show opens Wednesday, 3/27/13, 6-8pm.  Come visit this amazing green gallery space where everything is constructed of natural, recycled materials and there’s even an indoor vertical garden going through the center of the building!  One of my X-RAYted digital photo collages is in this show.

Rites of Spring Postcard

My solo, online show features many of my digital photo collages from my X-RAYted series.  The show will be up until 4/15/13 on Caladan Gallery‘s website: http://www.CaladanGallery.com  Thanks to gallery director Marjorie Kaye for giving me this opportunity!  Since this is online I hope you’ll all take a minute to check it out and post any comments here on my blog.   A note…all the prices for my work in this show INCLUDE framing and s/h/insurance!!

Caladan Gallery Solo Show Postcard_Mar2013

Thanks for reading and looking forward to seeing you at an event or reading your comments!

~Lauren

Discover NJ Arts Artist of the Month

BBBBRRRRR, it’s been cold out there but the art world is giving warm support to local artists!  Discover Jersey Arts, in conjunction with ArtPride NJ, has featured me on their VIRTUAL GALLERY as February’s ARTIST OF THE MONTH!!  Please check out some of my newer work and info on their website:   http://jerseyarts.com/ArtistGallery.aspx

Mothers Lament (c)Lauren Curtis
Watercolor and collage

I’m proud to have artwork in the following exhibits this month:ONE NIGHT SHOW at the Court Tavern in New Brunswick, NJ, 2/16/13, 8pm-2am, 4 local artists and 5 live bands!!

BIANCO, a group exhibit featuring artwork based on the color white, Gallery U, Red Bank, NJ

FANTASTIC TALES, group show of NJ artists at the South Brunswick, NJ Municipal Gallery

WINTER SHOW, group show of NJ artists at Fiddlehead’s Restaurant, Jamesburg, NJ

Morgana’s Murder, oils (c)Lauren Curtis

Thanks for reading & stay warm,

~Lauren

http://laurencurtisart.weebly.com(fine art website)
http://www.LaurenCurtisArt.com(commercial & fine art)
http://www.laurencurtis.imagekind.com(cards, T-shirts, photography, illustration)
https://laurencurtis.wordpress.com  (my Blog!)
http://www.facebook.com/LaurenCurtisArtTalonArt(Facebook Fan Page)