Youngstown Art

Youngstown MAFIA Museum

2010-11-19T17:00:00.000-08:00

In Sicily, there is a city named Corleone that is notorious for creating and enabling mobsters. In an effort to fight these systems and expose the gangsters for the kind of people they are, the mayor of the city recently turned the birthplace and childhood home of a particularly nasty man into a museum that featured his grisly exploits. The museum invites everyone of Sicily to confront the reality of the mafia, to de-romanticize it and view its sordid details in the bright light of the Sicilian day (see the October 2010 issue of Smithsonian Magazine).

I believe that in our city of Youngstown, the Italian community as a whole is the most culturally aware ethnic group. From the most highly educated of them I learned the importance and power of The Museum. Because the Italians created the finer aspects of Western Culture, they have a long tradition of creating museums, from the cultural collections amassed by the ancient Romans to the vast collections housed in the Vatican. This has put them in a position of truly understanding how a Museum can empower and disempower ethnic groups, religion, business, political movements and even alter the very fabric of History itself. Perhaps the most powerful lesson: when one controls History, one controls the Future.

Several years ago, when Youngstown was still caught in the clutches of the Mafia but was struggling for freedom, a man named Sam Moffi (not sure if this is the correct name or spelling: please correct me if I am wrong) proposed the creation of a Mafia Museum in downtown Youngstown. He was fought viciously and eventually gave up. Who were the groups that fought him and what were their motivations? Some proclaimed they were trying to preserve Youngstown's stellar reputation even though we'd been thoroughly dragged through the mud by the national media for 20 years.

When a work of Art is acquired and displayed by a museum, it is considered a "dead work" by art historians; essentially an historical object. As such, it becomes an historical reference point for understanding the nature of a society at a particular time. In contrast, a 'living work" is thought to be of the art Underground; vague, mysterious, radical, emerging from tumultuous circumstance, threatening the establishment and status quo.

By creating a museum about the Mafia we will be putting them into a cultural and historical context. This will clearly demonstrate to the world that organized crime of Youngstown was an aberration of a distinct time and distinct set of circumstances within the 20th century. Once their historical antics are housed within an antiseptic, climate controlled mausoleum, we will control the future of organized crime. To wave the banner of Freedom in the form of a Mafia mausoleum (I mean Museum) , we will send a distinct signal to criminals that we indeed will exploit and control their future and history, down to each one personally.

Within this sterile, academic oriented facility, the exploits and motivations of the mafia can be dissected, analyzed and held up for public scrutiny. Demonstrating the techniques of propaganda, intimidation, parasitism and exploitation used by the Mafia, the public will be aware of organized crime should it appear in their lives or neighborhoods. The allure and superstitions held by the public towards the Mafia will then be destroyed.

This museum will also be a source of major income and will be a way for our city and people to be compensated for 50 years of War Crimes, Terrorism and Human Trafficking brought against us. Run properly, it can be franchised and corporatized. The National Media will no longer control or exploit us. It will be infinitely more difficult for epic shows like the Sopranos or Boardwalk Empire to access our history and make money from our suffering. If they want to use our history, THEY MUST PAY FOR IT and we will control how they use it.

Youngstown, it is time for the Mythology of the Mafia to be brought under control and for us to be liberated from the impotent ghosts of our past!

MAFIA MUSEUM NOW!

Nea Bristol Retrospective/Oakland Center for the Arts/Youngstown, Ohio

2010-11-07T15:51:00.000-08:00

Once again, Nea Bristol presents Youngstown with a fine show of work, encapsulating nearly her entire career as a film and digital photographer. The work is cutting edge, both in content and technique. Thanks to the Oakland Center for the Art's Star Gallery for hosting this excellent exhibit. Show ends November 6th, 2010.

Guests enjoying the show:

Cinder/Susanne Slavick/ McDonough Museum

2010-09-19T16:48:00.000-07:00

Once again, the McDonough Museum of Art, Youngstown Ohio, brings to our community another outstanding exhibition by an internationally recognized, award winning artist. Entitled "Cinder", this show of work by Susanne Slavick is contemporary, cutting edge and profound. Dealing with issues of War, History and the clashes between East and West, Slavick's work presents complex and controversial issues with a sense of beauty and poetry through the combined use of digital photography and hand painted images drawn from Arabic Holy Texts.

This is a very large show, filling 2 entire floors of the museum. The sizes range from the small and intimate to the extremely large and overwhelming. The largest work (approximately 6 foot by 9 foot) is a multi-panel image depicting a life size vehicle that is blast and bullet ridden.

The curatorial staff did a fine job of presenting this show. Having worked as a museum curator, I can attest that a show of this size and scope offers many challenges, and the staff certainly rose to the occasion. Despite the sometime harsh imagery and complex messages, I was able to digest all that was being offered without feeling confused or imposed upon.

I give the McDonough Museum a tremendous amount of credit for remaining a credible and relevant voice for the Contemporary Arts in our community. It is an asset that becomes even more valuable as our city receives international recognition. I would venture to say that no other art institution in our region is willing to take the risks that the McDonough has taken to promote the Contemporary Arts!

Click here to access the McDonough Museum website. When there click on "Exhibitions" to access further information on the Slavick show, including the Artist Statement and her website.

Click hear to read a great Vindicator article about the McDonough Museum and the Slavick Show.

Patrick Hyland at the Star Gallery

2008-12-03T22:38:00.001-08:00

Patrick Hyland, long time favorite son of the Youngstown art scene, will be showing a body of recent work at the Star Gallery, Oakland Center for the Arts, in conjunction with the near sold out theater performance, "How the Drag Queen Stole Christmas".

The work in this show may not be quite what collectors of Mr. Hyland's work would expect. Known for his photographs of dramatic landscapes, this show, in contrast, features abstracted images of geological formations. Strange faces and other body parts emerge from rocky surfaces, much in the same vein as a Rorchache Test. Nearly everyone who has entered the gallery is taken aback not only by the bold images themselves but how their minds blatantly interpret what is being perceived. At the very least it makes for entertaining conversation. At the most, one is left with a profound sense of unease and self questioning. Without going in to great detail, let's just say that in some strange way, this show, with it's Freudian implications, certainly fits well with the gender bending theme of the theater performance.......!

Artist Reception, Oakland Center for the Arts

2008-10-29T21:30:00.000-07:00

Large Format Digital Image by Nea Bristol/Michelle Orostin

The Star Gallery, Oakland Center for the Arts, will hold a reception for the artists participating in "Candied Macabre", a show of dark and disturbing images.

The reception begins at 6pm and runs until 8pm on Friday, October 31st. We will serve wine and food.

The Oakland will also be featuring "Night of the Living Dead" which begins at 8pm and a midnite performance at well.

Find out just how scary Youngstown culture can be! Visit the Oakland and Star Gallery on Halloween and cap it off with a long night of partying in haunted downtown Youngstown!

See the post below for more information on the participating artists.

Candied Macabre

2008-10-23T20:32:00.000-07:00

Candied Macabre, a show of work by Youngstown based artists James Pernotto, Michelle Orostin and William Youngman will open tonight, October 24th at the Oakland Center for the Art's Star Gallery in conjunction with the theater performance, "Night of the Living Dead".

James Pernotto is considered a keystone figure in Youngstown art community. He has provided us with advice and opportunities but garners most respect from his peers due to his high skill level and artistic vision. Pernotto is showing 4 large format paintings, 2 of which are from his "Side Show Series". The works from this series are paintings on handmade, sculpted paper and are titled "The Wildman of Borneo" and "Scarface, The Human Zipper". Currently Pernotto is teaching Drawing at Penn State University and keeps a studio in downtown Youngstown. View Pernotto's Website.

Michelle Orostin, professionally known as Nea Bristol, is a master of traditional photography who has delved into the world of digital imagery. Her work is dark and surreal, with an emphasis (in this show) on childhood, spirituality and domesticity. I find her work disturbing and controversial. Initially, as curator, I was concerned the work would require me to post warnings outside the gallery. Orostin is currently teaching Photography at Youngstown State University and keeps a lavish studio in an historic mansion on the city's North Side. She is currently showing her work in a gallery at the Devil's Night Deposition in the Hasting Street Ballroom, Detroit. Read about it here and View a sample of her work.

William Youngman, professionally known as Atrijata, is an emerging artist on the Youngstown scene. A young father of 2, Youngman's work places a great deal of emphasis on his children and domestic life. His work explores the fears and deep concerns that parents face while living and raising children in a severely disturbed world. Metaphor and visual poetry are Youngman's strong points. Elements such as giant spiders and nuclear blasts hint at the powerful, yet undefined problems that haunt a society which enshrines domestic bliss. I suspect we will be hearing a great deal more of Mr. Youngman in the near future. View his website.

We are working diligently on a reception for the artists, but we have not yet settled on a time. However, please visit the gallery during theater performances of Night of the Living Dead. We will be open throughout all performances on October 24th, 25th, 26th, 30th, and November 1st, starting at 8pm. You do not have to attend the performance to visit the Star Gallery.

We are located at 220 West Boardman Street in Wonderful Downtown Youngstown!

Front Page Headlines!!!!

2008-10-19T22:00:00.000-07:00

Yep, that's me on the FRONT page of the latest edition of The Catholic Exponent! Thanks to Debora Shaulis Flora for her fine article and photography. I especially appreciate that she included my family history in the article as this sheds a light of insight on my artistic and spiritual life.

Many people have been asking me where they can find a FEROCIOUS RED and GOLD WILDCAT ROLLERCOASTER T-shirt like the one I am wearing in the photo. Contact atrijata.com

Also a shout out to my friends at St. Columba's for all their support over the passed year.

Hannah Woodroofe at the Star Gallery

2008-09-05T14:42:00.000-07:00

Starting Friday, September 5th, at 8pm, the recent work of Hannah Woodroofe will be on display at the Star Gallery, Oakland Center for the Arts, downtown Youngstown, Ohio, in conjunction with the theater performance "Doubt".

Woodroofe's collage's have a stark, post industrial, perhaps even apocalyptic tone. Drawing from sources such as antique Sears Roebuck catalogs and family snapshots,they strongly reflect American history, culture and the Great Dream not quite realized. The unrelenting power of nature features prominently in her work as well, with images of mutated plants and trees growing up through floor boards of her melancholy, dreamlike houses.

Woodroofe's work has shown in galleries in New York City, Chicago, London, and several traveling shows, including one aboard an Amtrak train. Many people I've spoken to say that this is perhaps one of the strongest, most contemporary and compelling shows to be hosted at the Oakland for many years.

This show can be viewed during "Doubt" theater performances from 8PM until 9PM, September 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, and 13.

Woodroofe's work can be viewed online at: wow-wow-wow-wow.com

The Eagle in Mill Creek Park

2008-09-05T11:38:00.000-07:00

In late July of this summer, while driving through Mill Creek Park, I saw a mature Bald Eagle perched in the branches of a tall pine, high above the waters of Lake Cohasset. I was able to get a few quick shots with my Nikon D-80 at a distance of about 200 yards. Later I cropped, enlarged and enhanced the photos. Unfortunately the pics are low quality because of these circumstances but are indeed authentic.

It was an amazing experience for me to witness an Eagle for only the second time in my life, and within the Youngstown city limits no less. To me this was a sign that bodes well for our city for many reasons. Perhaps the most notable is that our post industrial environment is getting much cleaner and our shrinking city is providing additional habitat for these large, majestic birds.

In my life, I tend to look at the symbolic and spiritual side of things. This creature represents freedom, strength and pride, 3 things that we as Youngstowners have struggled for years to achieve. I believe those virtues have now come to our city on the wings of this mighty bird.

Choose Well or be Damned

2008-05-18T19:33:00.000-07:00

Years ago, as 224 in Boardman and Canfield was being developed, I was working at the McDonough Museum as the Exhibition Preparator, the number 2 position at that facility. A local businessman came in, looking for artwork to hang in his new million dollar office building just off 224. He promoted himself as shrewed, successful and highly refined culturally. I showed him my work and the work of several other regional artists whose work had achieved a great deal of national respect, then later on that day I took a ride out to see his new building. It was a beautiful, sleek, contemporary structure with a futuristic look to it. Though it wasn't large it was certainly impressive. He explained that he was looking for at least one very large painting for the rather lavish lobby. I quoted him some prices for my work and the work of the other artists I'd showed him at the museum, prices that were very reasonable for this high caliber work. After a few days, I called him and he told me that he thought my prices were too high and that he found a local high school student to do a large painting for the lobby for a mere two hundred dollars! I had to choke back a condescending guffaw as he further went on to explain that in his refined cultural wisdom he was certain this student could create work as good as any artist I'd shown him. My final words to him were "You get what what you pay for!"
A year went by and I stopped by to see this High School Masterpiece in the lobby. It was certainly an ambitious undertaking and perhaps if the student had some college level training the painting might have been successful. Unfortunately, it was obvious that low quality materials were used and the student had little understanding of color and composition. His naivete' and lack of general life experience were glaring. It was embarrassing to look at for many reasons. I knew a lawyer who kept his offices in this new building and I asked him his opinion. He said that most of his clients were wealthy people from Poland who invested in art and were generally culturally sophisticated. Many of his clients made statements to the effect: "That painting reflects badly on this building and and the businesses that are here". He went on to say that though the owner spent a million on the structure he was unwilling to spend the money on the true heart heart of the building and the businesses and clients suffered for it. I thought it was an accurate statement as I viewed the building owner to be cheap, pompous, narrow minded and culture less. His art reflected his heart.
These days a similar situation is brewing downtown. Weekly I am contacted by people who have opened or will soon open businesses. Much of their financing is very good and they receive government grants and other "free" money. I often hear sentiments from them as I did from the above mentioned "art connoisseur". Many of them seem to believe that any art will do and the cheaper the better. Some have purchased work that is low quality and amateurish and proudly display it. I sincerely wish that these people would consider our position in the National and International landscape and buy art accordingly. We have some of the most powerful and culturally sophisticated people in the ENTIRE WORLD checking out the downtown. People like Nancy Pelosi and a myriad of presidential candidates! I have spent time with people like this and I guarantee you one thing: On the trip back to DC in Air Force One they will be laughing their asses off at the crap from Wal-Mart or Goodwill that you hung in your office and lobby. I can just hear Barrack Obama solemnly state "When these small town people lose their hope in government, they cling to their bad art".
Remember: Your choice of art will determine how people will perceive you, your motivations and your business.

Stimulus Package, Baby!

2008-05-11T23:06:00.000-07:00

Some of you have been missing my blog posts while others are glad to see me gone. What can I say? I have been making a concerted effort to rid myself of a serious case of cabin fever and the extra few inches around my waist that I accumulated during that mean, cold winter. Basically the daily 2 hours that I'd been devoting to blogging are now spent walking 3-5 miles per day in the park, and I can't say i miss sitting in front of this computer.
I'm sure many of you have been contemplating how you are going to spend that chunk of loot that will be coming in your mail any day now, compliments of Uncle Sam. How about some very fine art from one of our illustrious Youngstown artists? I guarantee we will spend the money immediately in this country, thereby stimulating the economy. please check out my website rjvanhoose.com for a look at my recent work. The paintings titled "Sleeping Kittens", "Old Glory", "Wild Pumpkins", and "Victoria's Secret" are now available in fine Giclee' prints (printed by Hyland Digital Images). I also have a few of my prints of the WildCat Rollercoaster framed in actual wood from the coaster itself. I can be reached at artbake777 (at) aol.com

Jess Adkins

2008-05-11T21:50:00.000-07:00

Showing at the Star Gallery, Oakland Center for the Arts, is an impressive body of sculpture by the artist Jess Adkins. This ambitious show features 21 carved wooden figures displayed on the ends of steel rods. Each expressively carved figure is approximately 12 inches tall and garishly painted. The rods are over 5 feet tall, which permits the viewer to look at each figure squarely in the eye.

In his statement, Adkins says that each figure is based on people from his Youngstown neighborhood where he lived during his childhood. He says that these figures are not necessarily true, physical renderings of these people, but rather vivid impressions distilled from distant, childhood memories. But as we can all attest, our memories from our childhood are often the strongest and still haunt us through our dreams and reveries.

I found this work to be very strong and compelling. It is well thought out and constructed, not only on an expressive level, but on a fundamental design level. Adkins very economically and esthetically combines the carved wooden figures with the welded steel rods and bases.

Adkins also states that his carving skills reach back into his Appalachian roots. With the high number of Appalachian Whites (a Federally designated minority) who live in Youngstown, it is no surprise (and is certainly a pleasure) to find this cultural expression arising in our city. Despite this obvious cultural connection, Adkins work strongly reminds me of the African tradition of wood carving, specifically the Colonial Dream-Spirit figures carved by the Baule people of West Africa. The Baule develop close relationships with the mystical people that inhabit their dreams and they honor them by carving likenesses of them from wood. In recent times these carvings have taken on the accouterments of contemporay society, such as uniforms or anything that would indicate the personalities and professions of the "Dream People". They can be policemen, firemen, doctors, soldiers, housewives etc., and each is carved in a close physical likeness.

Adkins carving are very much like this, the images having been molded by his deep, subconscious, childhood memories. Each carving bears a strong resemblance to the original person and each carry the accouterments of their lives, such as Bocce balls, six packs of beer and pans of fresh baked cookies.

This show can be viewed during the performance hours of The Full Monty which s now showing at the Oakland, Friday , Saturday and Sunday starting at 8PM.

Mei-Tai: an Exhibition of Ceramics

2008-04-17T00:11:00.001-07:00

From March 31st until April 27th, 2008, Bliss Hall Gallery at YSU will be hosting a show of small scale ceramics. The work was created by YSU students and in 2007 was sent to the National Taiwan University of Art, Department of Craft and Design, in Biancou, to be displayed with the work of students from that university. The work is now back with the additional work of the Taiwanese students.

The Chairperson of the show, Po-Hsien Lin, describes the criteria for the show in the catalog stating: "The exhibition features small scale work that would fit within the dimensions of a shoe box. Convenience for transport was one of the important considerations. Additionally we encouraged our students to express the delicacy of ceramic creations using a limited quantity of material".

It is a privilege to see work from the Orient where ceramic art and technology reached the highest level in world history. It has also been great to see the talents demonstrated by YSU students who have access to one of the finest ceramic studios in America, namely the YSU Ceramics Department. Michael Moseley, Head of this department, deserves an immense amount of credit for his vision and efforts with the students.

Overall the show tends toward sublime beauty, featuring traditional work that is skillfully built and glazed. For me, the most aesthetically pleasing piece is by Johanna George entitled "Canopic Jar for Preserved Bluetooth". This a finely crafted Earthenware vessel is reminiscent of ancient Egyptian Funerary pottery. It is delicately glazed and has the appearance of fine porcelain. I enjoy the concept of our modern technology placed in the context of ancient artifact. Also I understand that Miss George made the wonderful strawberry shortcake that was served at the opening last night. Whether her art is baked in kiln or oven, she is definitely of substantial talent.

There is however, and artist who takes and extreme divergence from the traditional ceramic approaches presented in this show. My favorite work and obviously the most intellectually and spiritually challenging piece is by Jess Adkins. Entitled "Saint (insustainable) George W. Bush with Service and Sacrifice Rosary". An Earthenware figure of George Bush, painted in acrylic, wrapped at the waist with and American flag, bottle of oil in one hand and pistol in the other, looms over a child's toy battlefield surrounded by toy "army men" rendered in porcelain. A handmade Rosary, painted in "camouflage" style, encircles this diorama.

Congratulations to Brian Misavage, Curator of this show and YSU

student, for his successes. His emissary work on International levels has done Youngstown and all of us a tremendous amount of good.

THE TOWER RISES!

2008-04-13T15:59:00.001-07:00

The new website The Tower Gallery is now online! I would like to thank the Valley based Graphic Design company, Atrijata for all their work and access to their resources. To view the Mission Statement from Atrijata regarding The Tower Gallery please go to our new BLOG.

In many ways, this website is a new benchmark for the Fine Arts in Youngstown. Perhaps most important is that the site is FREE. Fine Artists from the Youngstown area can post up to 24 images and an artist statement free of charge. Our idea is that this site will act as a unifying force for the arts, demonstrating to the world the talent and resources of the Youngstown Fine Art community.

We are currently accepting work for this site. Please contact us through The Tower Gallery. Send us several images(6x8 inches with a rez of 72) and a brief statement about yourself and your work. Some guidelines to consider: We are looking for professional artists. As a general definition, you should be devoting a significant part of your time to the production of Fine Art (or have done so in the past). You should be showing your work in professional venues (or attempting to, or have done so in the past). A history of Fine Art education is definitely a plus, though not a necessity. We are excluding Craft BUT we will include HIGH CRAFT such as fine textile making, fine jewelry making, fine ceramics and metal work.

Even if you currently have a website, please consider using The Tower for the promotion of your work. We are expecting high traffic to this site as this is a truly unique venue for our area and we will be doing a great deal of promotion. We will eventually be hosting an unlimited number of artists, and expect to draw the attention of art buyers and supporters from the region and the world.

Finally, our next goal is to host a show for Fine Artist from the Youngstown area. We currently have 2 tentative venues on offer and we are looking to mid May as a target date for our first show.
Thanks to all who have supported these endeavors.

This Blog Courtesy of Caffeine

2008-04-12T16:22:00.000-07:00

June. Acrylic on Panel. 8x10 inches. 2002.

About 6 days ago I decided to cut all caffeine out of my life. I knew it would be difficult, but I never fully appreciated how much so. Since I use alot of sugar in my tea, I found that sugar withdrawl reared its ugly head as well. I went through the usual crappola, including headaches, mood swings and lethargy (and I did not quit cold turkey: I gradually began to wean myself over 2 weeks ago).
The one thing that helped was all the nice weather we'd been experiencing. Today however, with the rain, gloom and cold, the urge to guzzle a mug of sugar loaded Lipton tea hit me like a ton of bricks. So I allowed myself a half a cup of week tea with 1 and a half teaspoons of sugar and Voila' ! I am blogging again! God help me, caffeine has a mortgage on my body and a lien on my soul, to quote one of the great Blues men, Robert Johnson.
Anyway, a brief update on the activities on the Fine Art organization we are slowly building: A website is being constructed for Fine Artists with no web access. Hosting of an artist's images (sculpture, painting etc) will be free or of nominal charge. From what I understand, each artist will receive their own page which can contain a number of images, artist's statement or Bio and contact information. I will keep you posted on further developments, but we hope to have this site fully functional in the next several days.
In addition to the website we are looking for a venue to host a show of emerging and established Fine Artists from Youngstown. The first order of business is to provide a situation for these artists to network with each other. We hope to break down the barriers that have kept us separated for so long and that have kept us from sharing resources. I am assuming the first show will be small but will soon lead to bigger things. No solid plans have been made as of yet. So far we have one tentative venue, and if we get the OK the show will most likely happen in mid May. Right now, our schedules are full so time is tight.
Contact me via email: Artbake777(at)aol.com If you would like to participate and have your work on the website.

The Eye of the Internet

2008-03-31T22:26:00.000-07:00

It has been a long tedious March and I have been feeling under the weather. Or should I say I feel I've been ground under the boot heel of a particularly brutal March. So the blog posts haven't been as prevalent of late.
I wanted to say thanks to everyone who has been sending me emails, particularly those that relate to Art incubation and resources available for the Fine Arts in Youngstown. Thanks to Don P. for his particularly rewarding research. That is a good, solid gold nugget you discovered panning the wild rivers of the Internet, friend.
Don is not exactly of the younger set of Professional Youngstown artists, but he is computer literate, to put it mildly. I have been finding that so many of our older professional Youngstown artists have virtually no computer skills and even fewer of them have access to a computer. Only a very small number have even the slightest web presence. There are a few Youngstown artists who have a strong web presence but these are few in relation to the actual number of professional artists living and working within the city limits.
This is creating many problems for the promotion and growth of the Fine Arts in Youngstown. The most vexing to me is that the younger artists can't network with the older artists due to this high tech divide. Basically the younger artists need the business skills and opportunities form the older artists and they in turn need the computer skills and Internet promotion the youth can provide.
For years I have been urging the older artists to get on board.Only recently have a few become computer friendly. Others are very stubborn and intimidated by the technology.
Another troublesome situation is that, of the artists who are web users, most seem very clumsy with it and can't seem to use the web to its fullest potential. Their computers are very outdated and they are unfamiliar with digital photography and image uploading (no matter how simple it is). They are also badly underestimating the power of the Internet in the lives of their careers. I have seen many situations where these semi-skilled people are given opportunities to promote art events and artists over the web but fail miserably or come up seriously short because of their lack of Internet skills. Essentially we as Professional Youngstown Artists are coming off as a bunch of buffoons to those who perceive the world through the lens of the Internet.
I am hoping to offer some ideas for change but I need some help. Any ideas out there?

Art, God and Youngstown

2008-03-25T20:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Michael Green and the Nakely Collection for use of this image. Oil on Canvas. 3ox65 inches.

Because of my recent blog posts where I mention God, Faith or quote the Bible, quite a number of people have made statements to the effect " An artist with Faith is a rarity" or "Most artists are decadent and unbelieving". These sentiments have disturbed me, to say the least, because I find the artists of our community to be highly spiritual, conservative people. Northeast Ohio is a stronghold for Christianity and conservatism and our art community reflects these aspects of our culture. In addition we have strong traditional Jewish, Native American, Muslim and Hindu influences, to name just a few of the world religions that call the Valley home. The artists who don't subscribe to traditional religions and who consider themselves Unitarian, Agnostic or Atheist have a highly developed sense of Social Justice and a genuine interest in promoting Humanitarian issues.

From my experience, one cannot be an artist without having a deep sense of faith in the greatness of the Universe that surrounds us. Artists are continually looking for meanings and patterns in the world, and are constantly questioning what is right, good and beautiful in their search for these meanings and patterns. Within these searches is a quest for the Divine outside as well as inside our being.

Being an artist, one is constantly touching the vast creative force of the universe. I find that if one makes an effort to reach out to this force, it will reach back and infuse itself into the life of an artist. Most artists that I know are not in it for the money or popularity but for that moment of Enlightenment when this Immense power joins us in the studio.

As a Painter I find that every painting is a prayer and that laboring over a canvas for 8 or more hours at a stretch is a form of deep meditation. The artist who is in union with the Infinite Creative Force of the Universe eventually becomes an outlet for this force, and brings Life to wasteland areas of our world and our collective consciousness.

Generally speaking, I find that most of the stumbling blocks in the path of the progress of the Arts is misinformation, wrong assumptions, and belief in negative propaganda generated by national media, politicians and local criminals. If we can set these aside and engage in dialogue with the artists of our community, we will all be better off and wealthier in ways that we can only imagine at this time.

Why I love Art Youngstown

2008-03-24T13:35:00.000-07:00

When I first encountered Art Youngstown, I had my doubts. They were taking on a huge challenge with little money and human resources. While working with them however, I found a group of people with a level of dedication that rivaled the former Dutton Alley Art Community. When preparing a show, people of Art Youngstown work long hours, unpaid, sometimes under extreme conditions. Almost all the founding members have full time jobs and some have small children in their care. There were times some were very ill and after a hard day of work wanted nothing more than to be home in bed. Yet they came down to the galleries to work. When I say work I mean mopping large areas of floor, washing walls, basic carpentry work, painting large areas of walls, tedious computer work, dealing with the public and fund raising, to name just a small number of chores. These are jobs for which museum workers at the Butler and McDonough are highly paid.

And the efforts of Art Youngstown have borne fruit. So many unrecognised artists who cold not break into the local art venues were given the opportunity to show their work and build their resumes. Many of these artists made dramatic sales which they ploughed back into their art businesses.

The Inaugural Exhibition brought nearly one thousand people downtown on opening night. These people then visited the clubs and the restaurants after the opening. Art Youngstown has been creating a great deal of positive energy and good will amongst the Youngstown residents as well.

What was most impressive to me was the DEMAND by the public for original art. I saw a few incidents that almost amounted to conflict between art buyers over pieces for sale at the first Art Youngstown event. Those naysayers who constantly chant "You Can't Make Money Selling Art In Youngstown" really need to get out more and experience the reality of the art business in this city.

Art Youngstown is doing things right as well. On staff they have a Certified Public Accountant who handles the finances and a Lawyer who handles the contracts and legal matters. Two of the younger staff members are very skilled in promotion and Internet Technologies.

Artists, business owners and public, please respect and support At Youngstown. They have made the downtown a better place and you are directly benefiting from their presence.

Corrections

2008-03-19T23:11:00.000-07:00

Thanks readers for the corrections. I spend alot of time out and about gathering information and talking to people . This often occurs over loud music in clubs and over staticky cell phones. People are often in a hurry and I am also reaching into the depths of my memory for information that was stored decades ago. Sometimes seemingly trustworthy sources turn out to be unreliable, though good intentioned.
If you disagree with what I am writing for any reason whatsoever, please send me an email or publish a post of correction. I will publish almost anything as long as it is not graphically obscene etc.

Disclaimer

2008-03-19T22:58:00.000-07:00

Please note that I Do Not Belong to any Youngstown art organizations nor am I a board member of these organizations. I speak for myself and I Do Not Represent Art Youngstown, The Oakland or any others. I remain independent so that I can be free to speak my mind without interfering with the progress of these organizations.

Art Youngstown-Great Room Show

2008-03-19T21:21:00.000-07:00

Dylan Weaver, my favorite Youngstown Artist.

Timmy, you need to wear that suit out more often!

I had no idea you could play, Mr. Terlecki. A True Renaissance Man.

Rock on Art Youngstown! The large, live potted palms were a very nice touch. The Music was great as were the professional ballroom dance demonstrations. The event was like one of those wonderful dreams but I didn't wake up. When it was all over I stepped outside into the misty night. The city was full of night life with people hanging on the corners outside the restaurants and clubs and the traffic pouring from the convocation center. This is how it's suppose to be. We are a REAL CITY.

Success is the Problem

2008-03-19T20:06:00.000-07:00

Lately I have approached several of the Old School Artists about rebuilding the downtown art community. Aside from the fact that they are a bit pissed at me for opening old wounds etc. they have responded with statements like" Even if I was interested in helping out downtown I don't have the time or energy!"
One artist was laboring over complex preliminary drawings for a massive mural to be painted in an area mansion. The project will take 3 months to complete and the fee will fully fund her life and career for at least 6 months. This artist will also be hiring at least one other professional artist to assist.
Another artist explained that the demand for his work is so great that he is backlogged for about a year. This situation is common among the professional artists working in the Valley.
Because of Spring Break, others are jetting off to art Meccas around the world such as New York City and Rome and the last thing on their mind was Youngstown.
However, after a bit of cajoling, cooing softly in their ears ,offering back massages and promises of dinner at Armando's on me, several of them actually offered to help......to be continued..........

WOW!!!!!

2008-03-19T19:48:00.000-07:00

Tonite, while driving home from a jam packed BW3's I passed the nearly completed Youngstown Business Incubator addition that will house Turning Technologies . It was snowing and dark outside but Man o Man that place was a glowing jewel. Like something right off the Gold Coast of Chicago or in the best 'hoods of Lower Manhattan. I was momentarily stunned: was I dreaming? It has got to be the most beautiful of the new buildings downtown by far.
Thanks YBI for the new downtown treasure!

Yo' Daddy's Cartoons

2008-03-18T18:03:00.000-07:00

Well, what can I say. This new show at the Butler is controversial. Despite my love of Warner Brothers cartoons, this show has weirded me out a bit, in ways I am not sure I understand. Above are just 4 out of the 60+ original preliminary drawings, paintings and cells on display through May 18th.

There is also a CD playing of songs from the cartoons on the intercom and cartoons being show in the gallery and on the large screen in the coat room. Probably one of the few times you can bring small children to the museum and have them occupied. Hmmm. On second thought, maybe you don't want the young impressionable minds of your children absorbing these images?!

"Euros Only" Response

2008-03-17T22:54:00.000-07:00

Since the "Euros Only" post I have been receiving emails from literally all over the world. It is amazing how many Youngstowners live in places as far away as China.

The most involved emails have come from Anthony, former Youngstown Artist, who now lives in sunny Italy. He brings up the extreme differences between the European and American cultural expectations of art and how this affects desirability of Youngstown art in international markets. He mentions the concept of marketing artists rather than their work. Koons and Hearst are examples he uses.

In earlier emails he talks about the extreme divide between the wealthy and poor in Italy and that the cradle of Western Art is not the comfy bed of roses we imagine it to be. Some of Anthony's ideas and commentary are a bit over my head. There is a reason why he is in lovely Italy with a beautiful girlfriend, living his dream while I am lurking about in the dark and rain of a cold Youngstown March. Dumb it down a little, would ya Tony?
Miriam, who has spent many years in Germany, made the suggestion that we should concentrate on mid size German cities such as Hanover versus the major cities such as Hamburg where professional European artist are firmly entrenched and who would offer stiff competition for newcomers. She also suggests targeting the middle class versus the wealthy if we are strictly interested in sales of work that would fall into a "decorative" category....Thanks..More to come....

Who IS This Guy?!

2008-03-17T19:44:00.000-07:00

Not long ago I took serious issue with Phil Kidd over an art related subject. Baby, I was mad for a million reasons. I decided to confront him. A long time ago an old Drill Sargent once told me, "You never really know a man unless you've fought him in battle". Wait a minute. Maybe that was John Wayne in "The Green Berets". Anyway, I charged into this Youngstown Throwdown with my Kung-Fu cranked to "Hi-Fi", both me Gats blazin', and Kelly Pavlik on my mind (all via e-mail, of course).

In the heat of battle, with our emails raining down like Katusha Rockets, I came to realize that this guy is diplomatic, professional, fair, patient, and Damn It, sensitive, because I think I just hurt his feelings.

Needless to say we sorted things out but the situation got me to thinking. Phil, doing all that he does in the downtown, is fighting the same thankless, demoralizing battles that we Old School Youngstown Artists fought many a year ago. He is one of the fresh soldiers to take the battlefield. One thing I noticed about Phil is that he has attended nearly every Art and Cultural event offered in the downtown. In all fairness he attends more than most of us art supporters. He is ALWAYS a presence at the Oakland and Art Youngstown events and he donates a lot of his Defend Youngstown apparel to cultural fundraisers.

The Zero Tolerance Policy, initially disdained by so many Youngstowners, has now brought much hope and safety to many neighborhoods. Recently I heard a young, streetwise, tough, anti-establishment artist from the South Side vehemently defending this policy. Knowing this person as I do, I was very surprised to hear this. As we all know Mr. Kidd had a hand in the creation and implementation of Zero Tolerance in Youngstown.

Old Schoolers, we need to recognize all the young people who are doing their best to promote this city and breath new life into the downtown cultural scene. I have seen so many of them selflessly donating their time, money and skills to save this city just as we have done. We could certainly teach them a thing or two and we absolutely need the boost of hope, idealism, and promise that they offer.

GOOD NEWS (for a bit of a change)

2008-03-16T18:54:00.000-07:00

Within a quarter mile of downtown Youngstown, there are tens of thousands of square feet of studio space, gallery space, printing presses, print drawers, kilns, potters wheels, easels, foundry equipment, welding equipment, dark room equipment, shelving, film equipment, computers and related equipment, and art supplies sitting idle, waiting to be put into use.
This was all purchased by artists who were investing in the art community in the early and late nineties. We all saw the end coming for the downtown art scene so several artists and art supporters purchased buildings and equipment to rebuild the art community within close proximity of the downtown.
But because of the criminal activity of the late 90's and early 00's (see #3 INFILTRATION) these investors became fearful and rather than risk their investments and reputations, they halted their endeavors.
In addition to these resources there are tens of thousands of dollars sitting in private trusts, handled by downtown banks, that are designated for art organizations and endeavors. This money, to a small extent, is distributed every year to local cultural organizations. However, the people in charge of these trusts are also fearful of this money going to disreputable endeavors so they are very tight with it. I believe this money can be freed up substantially for downtown related arts organizations. Recently I was helpful in getting some of this money into the hands of a downtown organization for an art gallery.
I promise you this: If we as artists can recover and maintain our reputations as responsible and reputable people, if we can rid ourselves of the small number of crooks poisoning our art community, all of the above will be ours in a years time. But let me stress: Time is Definitely Running Out! The buildings with the studios and galleries are tentatively up for sale.

#3 INFILTRATION: Puppets and Whores

2008-03-15T15:24:00.000-07:00

By the late 90's the Youngstown art scene was fragmented and isolated but holding its own in a meager, bleak sort of way. The successful artists were living and working here but developing their careers outside of the area. At this time I was showing my work at galleries in Cleveland and New York City.

It was about this time that I noticed and influx of people who labeled themselves as artists and involved themselves in the various art communities and organizations in Youngstown. They were very aggressive in their politicking and self promotion, yet they seemed to create little or no artwork. After a time it became apparent that these people were predominantly drug dealers and criminals who were using the art community as a cover for their illegal activities. At some point they began attempting to recruit legitimate artists as front men and promoters. Artists are known for their integrity and Virtually No Artists Took Them Up On Their Offers. At one point I was offered 30 thousand dollars a year, cash, to work 15 hours a week in an illegal drug distribution operation. This offer came from someone higher up in one of the local crime rings. I suppose I should have been flattered but I turned him down.

Eventually a very small handful of lesser grade artists took these people up on their offers. Once this occurred these crime rings became incredibly aggressive and through their artist puppets began a campaign of manipulation and oppression. We came to realize that these criminals were closely associated with some of the influential people from downtown. Our worst nightmares were revisiting us. Many of the puppets and pseudo artists were installed in various businesses and organizations in Youngstown and began to control resources, monies and opportunities that the legitimate artists were depending upon. It became general knowledge among the artists that you either played ball with these people or you were completely shut out. We suffered such things slander, damage to our property, threats, car thefts, illegal surveillance, severe damage to our reputations, identity theft and robberies to name a few. When I began to speak out against these groups, my car was shot twice at the driver's side door handle so that every time I entered my car I would be reminded to keep quiet.

Propaganda was something that these criminals and puppets used to their fullest advantage. In order to keep control and preserve their financial interests,they promoted messages through various organizations and businesses such as" The Youngstown Art community is a Failure", "You Can't Make Money from Art Sales", "Artists are Starving", "Artists are Creeps and Perverts(except for us puppets)" "Everyone Hates Artists (but us puppets are cool)" , " Artists are Criminals (except for us honest puppets)", "Artists are a Danger to this Community (Us puppets will save you)", "Artists are Anti-Religion (but us puppets are God fearing)" and other such messages of fear and defeat.

Then by the Grace of God, the massive FBI and DEA Sweeps of 2003-04 hit the Mahoning and Shenango Valleys like a tsunami and many of these people were indicted and imprisoned. Dozens more fled the region.

Today the Youngstown Art Community is regaining its strength but there are still problems. Organized crime persists in America because its systems are efficient, basic, applicable and easily taught to others, no matter how stupid or ignorant they might be. There is still a handful of people who hold their positions in various organizations and businesses in town since their installation by the criminals of the late 90's. They continue to use their techniques of propaganda and oppression to influence our art community as they are still financially benefiting from the oppression that they are propagating. We MUST get rid of them if our art community is to be fruitful and healthy.

#2 Pain and Fragmentation

2008-03-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

During this time of the Expulsion of the artist from the downtown, many artists were badly affected emotionally, mentally and economically. Even the artists who didn't live or work downtown were greatly disturbed by seeing their downtown peers oppressed.Among several of them I began to see signs of post traumatic stress. At that time I sought therapy and was told I was suffering from PTSD due in part to what I had experienced downtown.

Many of the artist (who did not have the resources I had) never sought treatment and still suffer today from the effects of the violence and oppression brought against them. As things progress downtown I have been urging them to be a part of the activity but it is difficult for them to hear me. Talking with them about the downtown brings back so many memories of oppression and loss. Many have told me that if they get involved and we start rebuilding the downtown art community, the city will destroy it once again.

Previously the downtown art community served as a major networking point for artists from all over the Valley. People from the University, the Butler, the Bakery and the Mattress Factory all met there to socialize and handle business. Remember, there was no Internet at the time and the downtown community served some of the same networking and information dissemination functions as the Internet does today. We had an amazing interaction from all areas of the arts including music, dance and theater .

With the downtown community gone, the Butler's influence faded dramatically, and the Bakery and the Mattress Factory went their own separate ways. Bliss Hall offered some help, shelter and networking but this was all under the stifling umbrella of conservative academia. In an era before the massive and rapid distribution of information via the Internet, each community became severely isolated. Consequently, The bitterness, suspicion and fear planted by the downtown politicians put down solid roots.

Despite these circumstances, the people of the Valley still demanded the services and influences of the art community, yet the working artists were unable to meet these demands, at least at the previous level of the former downtown art scene.

This situation created vacuums, especially in the area of art management and business, and unfortunately was ripe for corruption and exploitation...To be continued.

#1 A Very Bad Place to Start

2008-03-13T18:25:00.000-07:00

I arrived in Youngstown in the late 80's and found a thriving art community developing in the downtown. Located between Dutton's Alley and West Federal Street, it boasted 10 or more working studios and a 2 or more art galleries. Local dignitaries such as Al Bright kept his studio there. Nearly every weekend during the warmer months we had cookouts and parties in which dozens and sometimes hundreds of people turned out. This was one of the safest places in the city at that time and young people from Poland, Canfield came to hang with the blessing of their parents.
The highlights were Halloween and Christmas parties sponsored by a certain Mr. Pergande in his leased 2 story building. These were lavish events that literally defy description. I could only use words like grandeur, splendor, mystery, and the like but these still couldn't capture the experience. These parties were so successful and gained such a reputation that we were drawing hundreds of guests from as far away as New York City. It was truly an honor and privilege to be a part of these events.
To top it all off, we were all making money from art sales. I mean lots of it. Even as a young buck at the time, I was pulling in 2 thousand dollars a month during the Christmas and tax seasons because these events alone. The more experienced artists were making much, much more.
One of our major activities was the preservation of historic buildings in the downtown. We organised protests at City Hall and at demolition sites. This ruffled some feathers to say the least. Eventually the City and several mega businesses downtown decided they needed more parking and that the Dutton's Alley Art Community had to go. They set a date and began trying to evict the artist but were met with fierce resistance as we had access to money and the influence of the wealthier members of the greater community. Things eventually became very ugly with the city and these mega businesses slandering us, illegally shutting off utilities. issuing illegal parking tickets and culminating with the horrible physical beating of one of the artists by thugs directly associated with one of the downtown politicians. This artist was nearly permanently blinded because of the assault. We fought against these people for several years ( some of them were known Mafiosos who eventually did hard time because of FBI indictments of the late nineties). In my opinion it was a stalemate as the buildings slated for demolition stood for years after, only to be recently torn down for YBI expansion.
We artist had to leave however. We were wounded and fragmented as a community after years of fighting this truly good fight. Unfortunately this was where our real troubles began. To be continued.....

Unite or Die

2008-03-13T17:43:00.000-07:00

Over the past 6 months I have been getting very bitter about the lack of progress in our Youngstown art community, specifically in the Downtown. We have been presented with so many opportunities of late yet none of them seem to come to fruition. The ones that manage to gain a foothold and survive don't seem to be very healthy.
Over the years I have been involved with many art and cultural organizations. Some of these include Fourth World(Cleveland), Cleveland Independent Art, Spaces(Cleveland), Art without Walls (New York,NY), Ohio Arts Council(Columbus), Wayne Center for the Arts (Wooster), Valley Art Guild(Sharon), Trumbull Art Guild(Warren), Outreach Gallery (Warren), Artist of the Mahoning Commons(Youngstown), The Oakland Center for the Arts (Youngstown), TipTop Gallery (Youngstown), the Pergande Gallery(Youngstown) and Art Youngstown Inc..
I have worked professionally for the Butler as a subcontractor, a volunteer and in Security. I also worked professionally at the McDonough Museum of Art as Exhibition Assistant while a student, and as Exhibition Preparator (Head Curator) and Artist in Residence after graduation.
Last Night I became so bitter and distraught of the current status of the art community as it relates to the downtown that I was just about to give up. I decided, however, to use this blog to give it one last shot at improving our artistic life in this city.
I am going to be as diplomatic as possible but I am not going to pull any punches. I would imagine some of you(even my friends) are going to be irritated by what I have to say in the upcoming posts.
We absolutely Need To Make Changes. The downtown is growing and we risk being cut out of innumerable opportunities. Art Youngstown has made abundantly clear that we as artist are absolutely needed downtown but if we fail we only have ourselves to blame.

RITA! What a Lady!

2008-03-13T17:25:00.000-07:00

RITA is the state agency hired by the city of Youngstown to collect city taxes from those who work and do business within the city limits. Nearly everyone I know resents RITA and the city for collecting these taxes. Personally I don't resent paying my city taxes and I am glad that RITA has made it easy for me as a subcontractor to pay these taxes. I get a nice notice in the mail, a brief formula for figuring what I owe and a convenient place downtown to pay in cash if I desire.
I receive so many benefits from the city that at times I am actually glad to pay. These days so many organizations get a chunk of my money, including the Church and various art and cultural organizations, that I figure I am paying my dues to be a part of a club of 85,000 members. Consider what you are getting for your money: great location in the state, great inner city parks, a convocation center, impressive downtown events to name just a few. So take my advice: pay it, shut up and enjoy the city.

Great Art Youngstown!

2008-03-13T00:06:00.000-07:00

The Ohio One Building

The entry to The Great Room.

Again Art Youngstown is having what promises to be a great show. How could it be otherwise in a venue known as The Great Room?
This fantastic space is 5 thousand square feet , has 25 foot high ceilings and is completely decorated in heavy wood work to nearly the ceiling. There are even hand carved wood griffins above the entry. The lighting is seductive and warm and the space is an incredible place to display original art. If you have never seen the Great Room in the Ohio One building this is your chance to enjoy the splendor and grandeur of Old Youngstown.
The show opens Friday, March 14th from 7:00pm until 10:30pm. Afterwards take in the sites, sounds and nightlife of downtown Youngstown. Plenty of establishments will be open for your drinking, dining and music pleasures.

EUROS ONLY !

2008-03-11T20:02:00.000-07:00

Lately we have been bombarded with news of impending recession and if we are lucky recession is all we will have to face.

As an artist this news doesn't concern me as it does many Americans. The personal economy of artists and the economy of the Fine Arts in general don't necessarily hinge on the economic state of Middle Class America. Traditionally the driving economic force behind the arts has been the wealthy. In fact, when the overall economy is suffering, this often means that the wealthy have more money, resources and power than ever. For example, I never hear complaints about high fuel prices from my wealthy friends who heavily invest in Gas and Oil. Strangely though, I am beginning to hear complaints from the wealthy about the high cost of Manhattan and European Fine Art and Antiques.

The American Dollar continues to fall like so many dead leaves from Autumn trees and a cold winter wind is blowing. The Euro however is rocketing into prominence like a 4th of July firework. Many reports are coming out of Manhattan stating that Europeans are spending Euros like mad on American Art and Antiques, because of their currency's strength against the feeble Dollar. In fact signs saying "Euros Only" are appearing in gallery windows.

This is putting American Collectors into a tough position. Collecting Art by the wealthy is much more than an obsession: it is also an investment, and the general rule for collecting for investment is "Buy the Best". Well, the Europeans are buying most of the best, leaving American collectors to fight over the scraps. In addition, it is no longer lucrative for art and antique dealers to import from Europe, and American collectors no longer have easy access to these valuable investments.
Now American Art Collectors are turning to contemporary, regional, American Artists to fulfill their collecting and investing desires.

To reiterate what I have been saying in this blog, we have a tremendous resource in the artists of our Valley. Many of us have been selling our work to those very collectors for years now. We can easily tap into the National and International Art Markets in a much more profound way if we can work together and get REAL support from the powers within our community.

Here is a list of things I would like to accomplish in the next 6 months: Create a stronger unity amongst Valley artists, Use this unity to promote Valley art nationally and internationally, establish strong contacts with European collectors, and establish Youngstown in the Manhattan and European mindset as a Cultural Mecca. To help assist in accomplishing these goals I would be happy to hold meetings to discuss and formulate plans. Email me: Artbake777(at)aol.com.

The above was written from my intellect. Now let me speak from my spirit:

Youngstown, here is another Golden Opportunity laid at your feet. Will you ignore it like you have so many other opportunities over the past 30 years? Are you still blinded by ignorance and pain? So much so that you won't care for the Geese laying the Golden Eggs?
Many years ago when I arrived In Youngstown, I felt God (the Ultimate Artist) himself lead me here, and over the years encouraged me to stay to help keep a cultural light burning in a dark place. Now I feel as though time might be ending for myself and most other artists here, due mainly to the many years of disrespect directed at us by local leaders and others. Currently, in my heart I am very troubled. To quote Jesus from the Book of Luke, Chapter 10 verses 10-12:

"Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you, go out into the streets and say: 'The dust of your town that clings to our feet, even that we shake off against you'. Yet know this: the Kingdom of God is at hand. I tell you it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for that town".

Some of the Holiest, Wisest, Most Compassionate people in this town are the Artists.
Don't ever forget that Youngstown.

Blogging is how I spend my leisure time.

2008-03-11T19:30:00.000-07:00

Thanks, Cedarwannabee for the comment and sorry I didn't get it published sooner. This blogging business is still new to me and I've been incredibly busy of late.
As for you Anonymous and your lengthy comments, I have to say that I can't publish anything that doesn't relate directly to the subject matter of this blog or the comments of the readers. Your ideas are legitimate and compelling and I enjoy reading them. My repeated suggestion is that you start your own blog. You seem to have the time and energy and me and others would make it a point to follow your work. I am certain that you would get a strong following as your writing is timely and important.

James Pernotto at Trumbull Art Gallery

2008-02-26T20:24:00.000-08:00

The Trumbull Art Gallery will host a show of recent work by the artist James Pernotto beginning Sunday, March 2nd at 2pm. So much has been said about Jim, his career and his place in our community that I risk redundancy in this blog.
Of course you can expect to see high quality work that has been tried in the fires of time and the unforgiving , sometimes brutal ,art world. You will also meet a man of extreme dedication to his work and to the Mahoning Valley.
Jim lived in worked in Youngstown during a time when many were fleeing the city for greener pastures, and when he did eventually work for a time in Manhattan as the director of Pacifico Fine Art Gallery, he made sure his peers from Ytown found art connections in his new home. Even while in NYC he still found time to have his hand in Youngstown art concerns.
I'd like to thank Jim for the time and effort he has put into helping me with my art career over the years. When I arrived at the YSU Art Department from the deep country side of Central Ohio, I was a young, brash redneck boy with a lot of energy and not a lot of brains. Jim saw my talent, encouraged me in his printing classes, and was one of the very few people I knew that took a real concern for my future as an artist. Throughout the years he has given me valuable and hard to come by art business advice and even today, when my stubborn redneckedness rears its ugly head, he has enough patience and vision to point me in the right direction.
We are very lucky to have such a high caliber human being as Jim living and working in our city and I urge all my dear readers to make it to the opening on Sunday. I suspect you will have a great time, not only for the promised "Chocolate Decadence" to be served but because Jim does indeed know how to host and art opening.

Frederic Molden at the Star Gallery

2008-02-21T22:30:00.000-08:00

Showing at the Star Gallery, Oakland Center for the Arts, in conjunction with their performance "The Colored Museum" are the fine paintings and installations of Frederic "The Count" Molden. A Youngstown based artist with a substantial resume', his work has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show, and is in the collections of such personalities as Michael Jordan and Jerome Bettis.

When I first entered the gallery I was struck by the installation pieces that feature many fine antiques from Molden's personal collection and which are family heirlooms. The most impressive of these is the assemblage(above) entitled "The Black Press: Soldiers with Swords" which addresses a family members involvement in early print media. Detail Shot of "Belly Rubbin' With Da Back Breaker" Oil on Canvas. 4x5 feet.

Detail shot of " Jukin' With Daddy Long Legs". Oil on Canvas. 3x4 feet.

As an oil painter myself I was greatly impressed with every aspect of the paintings and is is rare for me to make such a statement. (Please note that my photos do not do justice to the high quality of the original work). The skill level is amazing as is the use of color and composition. Much of the work is heavy with history and nostalgia, which some people may feel is a negative in certain artistic circumstances. However, Molden's rich technique and insight take this genre to a new and pleasing level. In many ways I am reminded of the great African American painter from Cleveland, Huey Lee Smith, although Molden certainly has his own unique style.

This show is a must see for those with a penchant for Regional Art. The entire gallery is warm and inviting and every piece in the show is compelling.

The Star Gallery is open during regular performance hours and one does not have to attend the performance to visit the gallery.

HELP!

2008-02-20T18:11:00.000-08:00

Daily my mind is boggled by the number of art events happening in the Mahoning Valley. In addition I am happily surprised by the number of our artist who are experiencing great success on a national and international level.
In fact, if I wrote a blog every single day of the year, I would not adequately cover all the events , artists and the issues surrounding them.
Currently this blog barely scratches the surface. I am writing only on the things that affect me directly.
I am requesting that others get involved. It would be so nice to have the Butler Institute and the McDonough Museum offer blogs on their shows and events. Other art organizations such as TAG and the Art Outreach Gallery (Eastwood Mall) need bloggers as well.
I often hear art supporters and artists complaining about various issues but I don't often see them actually doing anything to change the situations. Blogging is an excellent way to make a difference.
One of the problems that afflict our art community is lack of communication. Many people are working to dispel the misconceptions and wrong assumptions that have arisen. Blogging is effective cure for the diseases of miscommunication and lack of communication.
Besides, blogging is fun, easy, and definitely creates immediate change. Don't hesitate!

Art Youngstown Wine Tasting at the Youngstown Club

2008-02-17T18:02:00.000-08:00

Congratulations again to Art Youngstown for yet another successful, well attended art event. Thanks to Emerine Estates and the Youngstown Club for the Wine, the use of the hall and the staff.

These pics were shot well before most of the guests arrived and the place was full by mid evening, but not uncomfortably so.

To say this event was a "wine tasting" is an understatement as the wine flowed freely and abundantly all night.

Several artists demonstrated their skill and their paintings were auctioned later in the evening. Above, Karen Wennberg (Art Youngstown's computer whiz) works on a delicate painting of a heart shaped galaxy.

Willie Duck, artist extrordinaire, creates an interior painting of the event.

The local gentry enjoying the wine warmed atmosphere.

Purple is such a fine color for a Lenten wine tasting, no?

Needless to say there were many charming, beautiful, well dressed ladies in attendance.

Ah, the music.

By the way, I still had plenty of time to make it to the Oaks for the Pavlick fight with plenty of time to spare once the Wine Tasting was over. Shame on all you art supporters who opted for a pre-fight party in a bar somewhere.

Graffiti Pics from Bear's Den

2008-01-28T19:01:00.000-08:00

The graffiti shown is within 50 feet of Bear's Den Cabin. These are just a few of the examples to be found here. Approximately 15 are in this immediate area and more are farther downstream from the Cabin.

This piece is well over 3x5 feet and is within view of Bear's Den Cabin.

This very expressive piece, rich in emotion and drama, incorporates the use of Fluorescent Chartreuse spray enamel over moss, lichen and raw stone. It is 3x2 feet.

This is an unique piece amongst the works at Bear's Den as it incorporates a Living Tree! How original! Bravo!

This piece, modestly placed in a crevice, appears to be the latest work on a boulder that has been sandblasted. It seems those anti art park caretakers have removed previous works! It is well that they did for it allowed this talented young person to leave his artistic statement for future generations.

This piece is truly the coup de' tat of the Bear's Den Graffiti Collection. It is a large work well over 4x10 feet. Multiple colors are used and appears to be the cumulative work of several artists. One can see the anguish, joy, fears, and spiritual electricity that pulse through the veins of our youth. Those old cave painters of Lascaux have nothing on this bunch!

Gallery in the Fellows Riverside Garden

2008-01-27T21:29:00.000-08:00

Last week a friend of mine visited me from Chicago and he insisted we have lunch at the cafe' in the D.D. and Velma Davis Education and Visitor Center at Fellow's Riverside Garden in Mill Creek Park. Once again he was jaw droppingly amazed at the view from the cafe' with the new fallen snow clinging to tree branches and Lake Glacier glistening like polished silver. We had the soup, mine being vegetable and his potato. Needless to say it was delicious and perfect for a cold winter day.

When we finished we strolled into the Andrew and Carol Weller Art Gallery within the Visitor's Center where my friend Vallene Hardman-Weeda is having a solo exhibition. The show is entitled "Meltdown: Beneath Thin Ice" with over 11 large pieces on display.

Vallene works with found natural materials (animal bones, leaves) combined with traditional materials such as ceramics. In this show she introduces modern materials such as stainless steel hooks and epoxy resin as visual elements of design rather than merely structural supports.
This show addresses issue of time, history and our place within them. Science and mythology get equal billing here, and are in fact carefully combined to present 2 sides of the same coin. Vallene even goes so far with her work as to suggest that one cannot fully experience the Mythic without embracing Science and vice versa.

My favorite work is the "Drying Specimens" series. These are mixed media pieces which feature Ginkgo leaves and various natural materials adhered to sheets of ragged paper with a glaze of golden-brown epoxy. They are suspended from the walls with stainless steel specimen clamps and underneath sheets of Plexiglas. This presentation is truly unique and I am certain I have not seen one quite like this. On a certain level these works seem mundane and distant, much as science specimens are, but due to the compositions and the compelling nature of the found objects, a haunting feeling is conjured.

Vallene is truly a professional artist and her work is very sophisticated. If you are in any way involved with the sciences such as Paleobotany, Archeology or Geology you will find this work to be provocative. Should you be a Theologian, Priest or Minister you will find plenty of spiritual material on which to meditate. I would think this show would put a smile on the face of even the most jaded Historian.

In addition to Vallene's show in the Art Gallery, there is also an informative exhibit in the John C. Melnick Mill Creek Park Museum downstairs dealing with the major renovations of the Silver Suspension Bridge. There are photos documenting the deterioration and renovation and large blueprints of the bridge.

Make sure you stop by the gift shop on your way out and check out the Easter display and gifts featuring a large rabbit tureen (rabbit soup anyone?). All very humorous and prone to get one thinking about Spring.

This Art Sux!!

2008-01-27T20:00:00.000-08:00

Today, Sunday, I found Mill Creek Park to be astonishingly gorgeous. She was like a beautiful bride in a shimmering pearlescent white gown. There was a wonderful silence as the snow muffled much of the sounds except for the caws of a flock of crows harassing an unlucky owl.
As I made my way through the Bears Den area I was greatly dismayed to find a large amount of graffiti spray painted on the rock faces and tree trunks. I counted over a dozen large designs scrawled throughout the immediate area. There are more I am sure, but I was getting too ticked off and upset to keep counting. Having gone through this area in the late fall , I saw some graffiti but not to the extent of what I saw today. I assume it was done since then, perhaps during the brief warm spell we had early in January.
After carefully examining this graffiti, I came to the conclusion that it was NOT gang related. As far as I could tell, it was not even classic "tagging". Instead there are pot leaves and names. All in all very mundane and cliched.
I also could see where park caretakers had attempted to remove some of the graffiti by what appeared to be sandblasting. This method not only removed the paint but also the natural, dark patina of the rock, as well as the moss and lichens, leaving large, scoured areas of tan sandstone. In one of these scoured areas some half baked "arteest" had spray painted fresh graffiti.
I talked to a man who said that he saw a group of white teenage boys spray painting the rock faces in the middle of the afternoon last fall.
Allow me to speculate about why this graffiti is appearing in the rugged, forested areas where it had rarely appeared before: There are places in the park where teenagers have traditionally congregated. Hiawatha Flats near the Silver Bridge is a classic place where we have all hung out in our early years. Over the past 2 years I have seen a dramatic park police presence in these areas and I've seen park police putting the smack down on teenage activity here. The majority of the kids seem well behaved and after I'd spent some time chatting with them I found they were not involved in gangs or other serious criminal behaviour. In addition many responsible adults such as some of my friends in the local justice system spend time there, essentially keeping an eye on these kids(without the kids knowing who they are). I have never heard a complaint about the behaviour of the teenagers. I am not saying these kids are angels, far from it. What I am saying is that the park police are driving them deep into the areas of the park where it is much easier for them to get into some serious criminal behaviour. Personally I would rather have these kids out in the open, "sedate" and in a good mood, where it is easier for concerned people to keep an eye on them rather than having them lurking in the deep woods with cans of spray paint and pissed off because they were run out of their favorite, traditional park hangouts.
It is important to remember that no matter how difficult kids can be they deserve good treatement when they visit the park. They are not doing anything that we haven't done at that age. Lets not make thier lives more difficult than they already are. For many of these kids, the one decent thing they have in their lives is the time they spend in the park. The park is known as the Green Cathedral for a reason: it connects all of us with the Divine and the Mystical. When our Youth are confronted with oppression in a sacred place they will will respond accordingly. And it will be ugly.

71st Area Artist Awards

2008-01-14T21:51:00.000-08:00

The 71st Area Artist Annual Exhibition was a great success. The turnout, as usual, was extraordinary and everyone had a great time. It was wonderful to see so many people from all aspects of the community coming together to celebrate the Arts.
Best of Show was awarded to Amy Kreiger of Youngstown for her work entitled "Adam Sullivan" done in colored pencil. It measures 48 x 72 inches and is very large for this medium.
First Prize went to Chris Leeper of Canfield for his large acrylic painting entitled "Into the Night". Richly colored, this painting depicts a forest in the glow of the setting sun.
Second Prize went to Don Williams of Youngstown for his acrylic painting entitled "Sofa and Phish", a whimsical trompe l'oiel.
Third Prize went to Ann Miller of Warren for her oil painting entitled "Apple Branch", a very traditional image done with great skill.
The Mahoning Valley Water Color Society Award went to William Perry of Harmony, Pennsylvania for his painting entitled "Cannery Row", a brilliant, highly developed rendering of glass canning jars in dramatic light.
The Honorable Mentions went to William Danielson of Yougstown; Heesung Sung of Hubbard; Ellie Stiens of West Middlesex, PA; Donald Nelson of Beaver, PA; Carol Begley of Beaver, PA; and Don Pedecini of Beaver, PA.
Congratulation to the winners and all who were accepted into the show. Your hard work and dedication were recognized and awarded.
I would also like to thank the Butler, Dr. Zona, Kathy Earnhart and all who were involved in bringing this years' Area Show to fruition. It has been a great addition to our community as a whole and more specifically to the art community. Personally I have gained great benefits from the opportunities that the Area Show has provided.

71st Area Artists Annual Exhibition-Butler Institute of American Art

2008-01-06T01:15:00.000-08:00

The Butler Institute of American Art will hold the 71st Area Artist Annual Exhibition opening on Sunday, January 13th from 1-3 pm. There will be light refreshments by Winslow's Cafe'. This is FREE event but reservations are required. Call 330-743-1107, ext. 210. The show will run through February 3rd, 2008.
The "Area Show" as it is affectionately known, is perhaps the most prestigious show in the region, second only to the Mid Year Show (also held at the Butler). It is a difficult show to gain entry as the competition is stiff and only a relatively small amount of work is accepted. Artists over 18 years of age who live within a 40 mile radius of Youngstown are eligible to enter.
This year the juror is Thomas McNickle, a nationally recognized artist from our region. He is realist painter of landscapes, and his work is of the highest skill and vision.

Should you be looking to purchase the very finest of regional artwork or to network with artists of our community, the Area Show presents some excellent opportunities.

Studio Space Availability

2007-12-28T00:01:00.000-08:00

Recently I was approached by two Youngstown property owners who will soon have studio space available in their respective buildings. At the moment I can't go into detail about the locations or the costs of the studio spaces etc., as everything hasn't been nailed down yet. However at least one building should have space(s) available February first. These spaces are high quality studios by most standards. The property owners are looking for people who are serious artists and who will make full use of the spaces. They have an "incubation philosophy" about their buildings and are involving themselves with artists to help promote the arts in this city.
If you are interested, please send me your contact information, website or MySpace (with art images) address, a brief resume' and a statement of how you will use the studio space. I will review the information and pass to the property owners. Contact me at artbake777(at)aol.com.

Holiday Demands

2007-12-27T23:35:00.000-08:00

The holidays have been very demanding, stressful and time consuming for me, as they are for most people. I haven't devoted the kind of time I would have liked to this blog, but for the time being I am back working on it. My research continues into Art Incubation in Youngstown and more things have developed, which I will soon be bringing to light.
It was very nice to see so many artists back in town for the holidays. Many artists are attending graduate school wile others opted to move to bigger cities with more vibrant and complex art communities. One thing they mention is how much they miss this city and the opportunities it offers. Low rents, easy access to resources and relaxed lifestyles are just some of the things that aren't readily available in bigger cities and which make Youngstown so appealing to artists.
My wish for the New Year is that we all learn to fully appreciate our city and all the fine things it has to offer. At times we become so accustomed to our lives here that we begin to take Youngstown for granted. In a way, this is the success of our city, that we can live lives of comfort without questioning how these situations have come into being or how they are maintained.
Take care, keep me posted on upcoming art events and opportunities and I will do my best to keep you Youngstown blog readers updated.

Pandora's Incubator

2007-12-11T22:32:00.000-08:00

Since I began writing about an art incubator, it seems I have opened a Pandora's Box. I have received many emails and phone calls and had many heated discussions. What started as an interesting diversion now has taken control of my life. It is amazing to me the passion that exists for the Arts In Youngstown.
In the past week I also had several meetings with two separate organizations who are interested in funding an AI. Each are financially capable of creating one or more fully functioning, highly diverse Incubators that could handle the Fine and Performing Arts.
Generally speaking they have two main, similar goals in mind for the potential AI's: To promote Youngstown nationally and internationally in a Very positive light and to bring national and international monies to the city, with an emphasis on the Euro. This is no small task, but as Youngstown artists, we are certainly up to the challenge, and it is a one for which we have been waiting.
Artists who are working in business or have their own businesses (the businesses don't have to be art related) need to send me a brief description of their art processes and how they would incorporate them into an AI setting. Also they need to give general descriptions of their business skills and brief resumes. Finally there should be statements about how they will bring positive light to the city and how they plan to attract national and international monies through their work in an AI.
As an example, today I talked to a sculptor who manages a major surveying firm. This artist had a great deal of insight about how he would operate within an AI setting based on his managerial experience combined with his artistic experience.
I soon hope to put together an overall business proposal to present to these organizations. Your contributions, artists, would go a long way in persuading these organizations that we are worth their time, effort and money.

Art Incubator Response

2007-12-06T18:42:00.000-08:00

The response to my last blog "Art Incubator" was pretty incredible. I received many emails from people making great suggestions and asking further questions.
Something that became obvious to me was that many people are so interested in the new that they haven't been looking at what we already have here in Youngstown. As it stands we have several art incubators within the city at this time. YSU's Art department and the Ward Bakery come to mind. These are very different from each other but both have created well trained artists who have a deep understanding of the business of art incubation.
Since Youngstown already supports at least 2 incubators and artists and the community are demanding more, I pose the following questions:
How would an incubator be funded? Would it be a non-profit or a capitalistic venture? How many art incubators can Youngstown support? Should we have one for each of the disciplines? One for painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking etc? How large should these incubators be? How may artists can an individual incubator serve? Who would qualify to be a part of an incubator? Who would manage these incubators? How would they be managed? By committees or individuals? What services if any would be provided for the community? What services would the community provide for the incubator?
These are just a select few of the question that my readers and I have been discussing.
I enjoy receiving your emails. But Please, for the sake of Youngstown, post your comments on the blog! Thanks, you wonderful, understanding people....

Art Incubator

2007-12-05T20:59:00.000-08:00

Over the past year I have heard a great deal of talk concerning an "Art Incubator". It is a grand idea and a concept that is long overdue for Youngstown. Several years ago I took it upon myself to start one with the limited resources I had on hand.
My first step was to take a good look at the business techniques that lead to my own success in the art world. I then broke these techniques down into their most basic components.
From there I had to find an artist who was willing to go along with my plan. Luckily I knew a painter who was very motivated to try my techniques in his artistic endeavors. Not all artists I approached were willing and some who were lacked the necessary motivation and vision.
An incredibly necessary aspect of this endeavor was finding an artist who had a place to work, as I could not provide studio space. The artist I approached had a room in his apartment where he could work, but this limited the scope of the experiment somewhat. We had to modify my art/business techniques to fit his circumstances.
Without going into detail of the techniques, I will say that we had a great deal of success, more than I had anticipated. With an investment of $500 the artist created 30 small paintings (averaging 12x16 inches). I promoted the work over one of my websites and we sold most of them at somewhat below market value, which helped us create a substantial amount of money quickly. This money went directly back into the business and in 8 months the artist had a self sustaining art business with only a moderate amount of help from me. At this point I became the artist's agent. Because of the financial delicacy of the situation I took only a very small percentage of the sale or was paid in artwork
As I said, this endeavor was limited in scope due to the modest amount of funds and workspace available. However, I began to apply these refined techniques to my own art business and found that I could increase my output of fine large oil paintings dramatically. I also found that my marketing skills had improved significantly which lead to an increase in my own sales. Finally, the increased amount of finished work and following sales allowed me to get my artwork placed in more influential collections than I had previously been able.
Should any business or organization be interested in consulting with me on creating an art incubator, please email me: artbake777(at)aol.com.

Oakland Center for the Arts Gallery

2007-12-04T06:09:00.000-08:00

The Oakland Center for the Arts is located in downtown Youngstown and features a charming venue known as the Star Gallery. Here regional artist have displayed their original artworks for many years. The Oakland has a long history of supporting artists, and one of my first solo exhibitions was at the Oakland when it was located on 5th avenue about 10 years ago. To have such at opportunity at that point in my career was incredibly important to me. It helped to build the confidence, skills and resume' necessary to pursue my career in venues in Cleveland and New York City.
Currently, a true veteran of the Youngstown Art scene, Scott Pergande, is showing a body of recent work in the Star Gallery. There are 23 new works on display which feature classic Pergande imagery, but with a fresh and contemporary twist. Scott never ceases to surprise, entertain, and sometimes embarrass his audience.
The work is 3 dimensional wall pieces that could be described as elaborately decorated framing in a folk art or religious iconographic style. Some work leans toward the Baroque while others have features of Tramp Art. Elements incorporated into this work range from ceramic lion and angel heads to old rusty garden implements and vintage knick-knacks. The framed images are predominately handsome young men gleaned from the pages of GQ magazine and the like, while others are simply mirrors. Scott has made the pieces so that the images can be replaced by mirrors that he provides or any image that the buyer prefers.
Prices are very, Very good for this original work and I urge you to get down there soon and make your Holiday purchases. Most pieces are not over $65. Where else but in Youngstown can you get large, beautiful artworks at such low costs? Personally I think Mr. Pergande is making a mistake pricing work so low, but behind his somewhat gruff facade is a generous heart. The Oakland receives a commission on the sales of what promises to be a sold out show.
Scott Pergande's work can be viewed on theater performance nights. David Sedaris' Season's Greetings and The Santa Land Diaries are performed Dec. 7, 8, 15, and 16 starting at 8pm and on Dec 9 at 2pm on. You Do Not have to attend the performance to visit the Star Gallery. Arrangements can be made for a private viewing of Scott's work by contacting me at artbake777(at)aol.com. Payment for Scott's work can be made with cash or check to Suzie Biersdorfer (or any Oakland board member), or Fran.

WELCOME!

2007-12-04T05:50:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Youngstown Art. Simple title for a very complex world. I will be tackling issues concerning the artists of Youngstown and how the presence of Art affects our community. I will also be giving notifications of shows, art related events and perhaps the occaisional review. So, let us begin.........