On July 6th Level Three Gallery will present Objectify featuring the fine craft works of Lauralee Hutson, Gina DeSantis, Ruth Sholtis-Furyes and others.  The opening reception is from 6-10 pm. 

Not too long ago I saw finished pictures of “Forward” the Guitar Mania piece by Brandon Woodle and Mike Discenzo of Hyland Software. I was impressed by the design, and more so think there’s a message about the current evolution we see in music behind the piece . Check out the following interview to learn more about one of the designers of this intriguing piece:

Interview With Brandon Woodle

1. How did you happen to become a designer of one of the guitars for “Guitar Mania”?

My company, Hyland Software, has been involved with Guitar Mania since it’s inception. Typically we’ve been one of the companyies to purchase guitars once they’ve completed the tour. This year our CEO was approached by United Way to sponsor a guitar and choose its designer. Since I had done restoration work on some of the other guitars we’ve purchased it naturally fell on me to take the lead.

2. What was your inspiration?

Tying the ideals behind Hyland Software’s Enterprise Content Management (ECM) solution, OnBase, and how it can be/is being applied in the music industry. Simply put, OnBase manages large-scale amounts of paper documentation by providing a single repository and interface in which to digitally access said documents. Music is going through this same digital revolution where physical copies are being less and less favored by society in turn for digital downloads and file-sharing. I wanted to show this big sweeping transition from paper/tangible media to the digital/binary media which ever-growing amounts of people access from a computer.

3. When did you begin your work

*chuckles* Ideas and such had been thrown around for a couple weeks or so before the due date…actual fabrication didn’t start until about 3 days prior to the deadline. We were backed up with other projects and couldn’t get around to this until late. However for those three days (and nights) I focused on nothing but the guitar, giving it all the time and attention that was necessary for a project of this scale.

4. Please describe any of the processes you went through in the creation of your guitar.

Naturally there were some brainstorming sessions on what message to convey and how to convey that in a relatively simplistic manner. You had to take the fact that the piece was going to be sitting outside and traveling around the country into consideration. The guitar had to stand up to a lot of unknowns and I didn’t want the artwork or experience to suffer because of that. I created some rough comps in Photoshop which were narrowed down to a final piece. After which the final comp had to be sent off to United Way for approval by their Guitar Committee before I could begin construction. The paper at the bottom is actually over-sized pieces of PVC plastic which had to be blow-torched to flex and bend like a piece of paper. Those were then screwed into the guitar and the screw-heads were covered in plaster to hide them. The large binary was stencil-spray-painted on for a blurred/glowing look while the smaller binary are cut-out pieces of vinyl which are very crisp offering a nice contrast. The monitor was hollowed out and the glass was replaced with plexi-glass where upon a hole was gouged in it to allow for the guitar fret-board to flow through.

5. Did you collaborate with anyone else on this project?

Mike Discenzo is the Creative Director for Hyland and was the main contributor of the idea of what we were going to convey. I fine tuned his ideas and brought it to life in visual form.

6. Is there any special message behind the design of your guitar?

While I don’t think there’s a “message” behind the design there are several real-world intricacies woven through. The paper at the bottom is comprised of many different types of documents. Included in which is sheet-music, artist contracts, lyric-sheets and the most important of all: court documentation from several high profile cases involving RIAA and file-sharing companies such as Napster, Soulseek etc. All of these documents were found online via public record – just another nod towards accessing things digitally. The monitor at the top reflects major computer corporations (specifically Microsoft’s open-field desktop image) sparking the desire/ability to access all these things virtually.

7. How does it feel to have worked on a piece for guitar mania when famous people such as Liv Tyler and Flea have created one as well?

It’s definitely cool to be placed alongside names such as those, although I think the true honor is just being a part of the overall program. Watching people walk by in amazement and hearing their comments

8. What about this project did you find most challenging? Most exciting? Easy?

Finding materials and means in which to convey my message and still hold up to the test of weather and travel was definitely the hardest. There were so many pieces that had to be attached to the guitar I didn’t want any of them falling off or wearing away in the hustle and bustle. Just knowing that I was working on something that was going to be publicly displayed around the city and country was definitely the most exciting.

9. How does it feel to know that your guitar may someday be proudly displayed in someone’s foyer? What kind of person would you love to have your guitar?

Ha, if by “someone’s” you mean “Hyland’s” it’s a pretty cool feeling. Hyland has already expressed interest in re-purchasing the guitar once the tour is complete. It’s always nice knowing that work you’ve done will go on public display and stay there until it rots. I think it’s cooler that the guitar will be placed somewhere that it actually fits into the context of everyday life around Hyland.

10. What are you most proud of about your guitar?

That it stands out. When the guitar had to be returned for stringing/lacquering, I got a chance to run around and look at the others that had already come back. It’s a unique idea and the follow through in bringing it to life was done well. There hasn’t been a guitar to poke at the issues in the music industry, the technological evolution going on, and how that technology is trying to be worked into the music-industry for the better. If I had to do it over again, I wouldn’t change a thing…

I wish I could participate in this one myself but I will be celebrating the big 3-0 that weekend  in NYC

(*ugh on the 30 part, hooray for the New York part*)

It’s a fabulous show, with fabulous artists in a GREAT location.

From Tremonter.com:

Tremont Arts and Cultural Festival Call for Artists and Performers

Creators of fine arts and crafts, and performers of all types, are invited to participate in the 2007 Tremont Arts and Cultural Festival co-sponsored by Merrick House, Tremont West Development Corporation, and Cleveland Councilman Joe Cimperman, Ward 13. The festival will be held in Lincoln Park on Saturday and Sunday, September 15th and 16th.

More than 65 artists are expected to participate. Information about the festival and the artist application are available online at http://www.tremontwestdevelopment.com/tacf.htm The deadline for visual artists applications is Friday, June 29th at 5 pm.

The festival is also looking for culturally diverse performers for the main stage and inside the park. E-mail tremont701@yahoo.com for more information.

Found this on clevelandnightlife.net.  Back in my younger bolder days, I might have done this (don’t let my wussiness stop you!).  I’ve definitely been wanting to get to a show.  (Anyone else want to go?)

Something Dada FREE Improv Workshop:

Something Dada Improvisational Comedy Co. is pleased to announce a free improvisational workshop. Dada’s workshop will be open to anyone, from the seasoned actor to the stay at home mom looking for a fun and interesting afternoon.

All participants will explore the basic concepts of Improv in a fun and playful setting.

Registration is required and workshop size is limited.

What: A fun and free workshop designed to accessible to everyone, which will explore beginning improvisational concepts such as listening, group response and playing.

When: Saturday, June 30, 2007

Schedule: 2:30 – 3:00pm - Check-in (Pre-registration required)

- Artefino Beverage discount? 3:00 – 5:30pm Free Improvisational Workshop

5:30 pm- ?? Becky’s

Complimentary Pizza

*All participants will receive one free ticket to either the 8:00pm or 10:30pm show

Where: The Wooltex Room of The Tower Press Building

1900 Superior Ave

Cleveland , 44109

Who: The workshop is open to: EVERYONE

Registration is required at (216)696-4242 or info@SomethingDada.com

Sponsors:

Something Dada Improvisational Comedy Co.

The Tower Press Building

Becky’s Bar & Grille

I have been meaning for awhile to write an article on why Cleveland is actually a pretty great city to live in when you think about it overall. Honestly, as Clevelanders’ I think we get too used to making or hearing jokes about our city, or fretting about our job opportunities, and the growing number of people leaving the city for greener pastures. Then one day I was perusing Brewed Fresh Daily, and caught the discussion about “Reasons to Move to Cleveland”. I had to throw my 2 cents in there, and then decided I really should be more motivated to write my mini article about what’s so great about Cleveland finally. Just last year my husband and I were part of the large number of people looking to move out of state for better job opportunities. I actually “swore” I was never going to be one of those people who gave up living here just for a job. I unlike my husband grew up here, and being my usual idealistic, rosy self had a much more positive take on the city to begin with, and a bit of a fighter spirit that the city is what you make it. But of course, with our not-so-wonderful job market, and a few years of feeling over-educated and rather “under”employed and underutilized to my full capacity I was annoyed, and frankly my husband really wanted something more challenging too. Funny enough though I think as we tried to adapt to the idea of moving for good, there were so many reasons to stay that just kept popping up. I’ve always liked Cleveland, but it wasn’t until I took a realistic look at it’s faults as well and put everything into perspective in comparison with cities elsewhere that I learned how to love Cleveland too. In true Cleveland do-or-die-trying fashion (and probably just plain luck) have both managed to find better jobs even in this market, and I think in my case being bored with my old job made me try to find enrichment throughout the city.

With all that being said, here’s a few things that I’ve really decided are so great about Cleveland. I love sitting on the lawn at Blossom during a summer Cleveland Orchestra concert, with a picnic spread out on a blanket, a bottle of wine and a card game. I absolutely love the Cleveland Metroparks along with our zoo and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, especially the areas around Peninsula and Boston. We are so lucky to have a gorgeous park system right in our own backyard. Musically, having brought in DJ’s from around the world, and gotten their perspective on our club and music culture, we may not be on the cutting edge musically, but we’re not far behind the curve, and as far as having fun and not being snots, we’re good people. We have enough pull to get some good tours through the area, and there’s plenty of interesting local musicians. We’ve got fabulous festivals. Whether they are art festivals like the renowned Boston Mills Artfest or Cain Park Arts Festival, musical greats such as the Tri-C Jazzfest, or one of the literally dozens of great foodie fairs (Taste of Tremont, Feast of the Assumption), there’s a lot of quality things to do. Our real estate prices are pretty good, even considering the current market. How many other places in the country can you get homes for around $100 a square foot, with a great big backyard, or a brand new apartment downtown at the rents we have? Our restaurants are actually getting a lot more acclaim, but again, they’re reasonable for what we get. My own personal favorites are Momocho, Farenheit, and now Velocity on Clifton(especially dining on the patio! Besure to save room for dessert!).

I actually think E. 4th is shaping up to be a pretty nice (if touristy district) with the House of Blues, Pickwick and Frolic, the Corner Alley, and now a bevey of restaurtants. It could use a little more shopping, but I’ll cope. Speaking of shopping, that’s about the only area I wish we would catch up in more. We’re only now seeming to break out of the mold of your standard same mall stores. Granted, I realize there’s some cool districts like Coventry and Shaker Square, but as a shopping fanatic, I want bigger! We’ve even got a good sized lake to boat on, or jetski on, or even occasionally windsurf on. (It’s not the cleanest, but it’s getting better!).

A few other reasons to love Cleveland

The West Side Market
Great Lakes Brewing Company
Moca
North Union Farmers Markets
McNulty’s Bier Market
The Cleveland Museum of Art
University Circle Architecture
Parade the Circle
Playhouse Square
Market Avenue Wine Bar
Great Lakes Burning River Festival
The view from Strawbridge Plaza
The Arcade
Little Italy
The Cleveland Clinic
Little Traffic
Severance Hall

I pretty much write this blog to showcase all of the other arts and culture that makes Cleveland so vibrant, so keep posted for more!

OK, so I’m adding Mel’s Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of your boyfriend. I’ve perused it several times, and while it’s not exactly “art” insofar as this blog goes it’s absolutely hilarious and well-written. Perhaps I like it, because being that I am pretty much the same age, and having a similar wit so much of it resonates with me. (Though I may not be single any longer, it doesn’t mean I can’t commiserate any longer) The girls got a lot more stamina than I do for writing…..I’ll stick to my lazy blurbs on local events for now.

Check it out though if you get a chance. Read it and weep. (’cause you’ll be laughing so hard)

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Your Boyfriend

Well, I guess the fundraising to save the fair must have helped since there is indeed a lineup of 2007 events. There’s lots of fun things going on such as the Coventry Movie Series where you can watch a movie on the big screen, and relax on  the lawn in the great outdoors.  There are plenty of diverse music events at the Grog Shop and right on the street, and lots of extra events at area stores. It looks like the main arts fair dates are June 14, July 20, and August 9. Harry Potter fans will especially want to visit on July 20 for the Harry Potter Festival, with a Harry Potter movie being shown, and a special release party for the latest book in the series. Comedy lovers can visit on August 9th when the comedy/improv troupe “Something Dada” performs from 6-7. Check out the Coventry Street Arts Fair for information. The page also includes a link to even more events going on in Coventry.

I for one, am really interested in the idea of having a picnic on the lawn and catching either Raiders of the Lost Ark(Aug. 9th) or Star Wars(June 28th). Being that my husband is a ska fanatic, I imagine we may head over to the Grog Shop June 29th to hear The Pietasters, Broadview Gutters and 80 HD as well. So much to do….so much to do….

See the Full Summer Events Listing

Just caught a post on the Parma Area Fine Arts Council blog.  Check out this link to the blog for application information on how to be a participant in the Parma Arts Show.  Thanks for posting the info Michelle!

http://parma-arts.blogspot.com/2007/06/parma-arts-show.html

It’s been awhile since I posted anything about the musical arts (Um, yeah, like techno), so here you go!

Check out the newly opened Anatomy (formerly Cloud 9) on June 9th by listening to a progressive tribal house DJ (In other words lots of juicy, drum-laden, highly dance-able rhythms) . I know I personally will be in attendance hoping to hear some really good percussive tunes. Check out the event flyer for the full event information (Just click on it for the full enlarged version). The shows only $5 so why not?

Just got this one in the inbox, so thought I’d pass it along.

The Lillith Art Show

Celebrating the Creative Power of Women

Sunday, July 8, 2007

12:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Unity Spiritual Center of Westlake

23855 Detroit Road

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

Sponsored by the Women’s Sacred Circle at Unity Spiritual Center of Westlake

Please join us on this special day as we celebrate the Creative Power of Women in a community display of visual arts produced by women from around the Cleveland area. Ranging from beginner to professional, ALL women artists are invited to join in this celebration simply by displaying artwork you have created over the years. This is an opportunity for you to display your own work and enjoy the work of other women at a family friendly event!

This is a community celebration event; therefore, there is no entrance fee for artists! If you sell something that day and feel inclined to give back to Unity, the donation is appreciated. Funds raised will go to support expansion for more programs like this at Unity Spiritual Center.

LILLITH SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Submission: Works of art produced by women, including items that may have been created by women in your life that have passed on

Deadline: All works of art must be registered by July 1, 2007 by emailing your submission intentions to: gatheringwomen@gmail.com

Display: In the church meditation garden and lawn; you will have to bring your own display resources (tables, easels, etc.); set up begins at 10:00 a.m.

Space limit: Up to about 10 feet or approximately two tables

Info Needed: Via email prior to show, provide a brief overview of the works of art and titles

On the day of the show, please write a paragraph describing what this art meant to you, how art enriches your life or how important women’s art is to our community

Cost: None. If you feel inclined to donate a portion of sales that day, that’s great.

Contact: Georgia Reash (440) 263-3923

GETTING INVOLVED

We welcome volunteers or donors interested in helping with event coordination, public relations, donations, baked goods, or general supplies. If you are interested in helping create arts programming for women, contact the Unity Women’s Sacred Circle Team (440) 835-0400 or email gatheringwomen@gmail.com.