The Struggling Blogger

Mythical and Mystical

2008-10-07T14:43:00.005-04:00

AJ Liberto - Return to Ooze
October 3 - 24, 2008 - Rotch Library @ MIT

Somerville resident AJ Liberto's latest exhibit titled 'Return to Ooze' at the Rotch Library has some great work showcasing many of his new pieces based on mythical, mystical and scientific transformations invloving liquid. All started this past Friday, and is open until October 24, 2008.

Gubicza at SOWA

2008-10-07T13:51:00.004-04:00

Zooguu by The Sweetest Pea
Affordable Local Art

Saw my old typography teacher Jen Gubicza down at the SOWA Open Market this past weekend. I thought she moved to Brooklyn. I guess she did, but she still takes every chance to sell her little handmade stuffed animals. I know they used to sell iPod case monsters, but she didn't have any on her table this past Sunday. I believe she'll be back in SOWA this Sunday, but don't quote me. Great chance to get down to one of the last SOWA Open Market's of the year. I will be making my third trip this Sunday. Also checkout SweetestPea.com

Old Fashion Freak

2008-10-04T11:42:00.003-04:00

Bill Domonko
Lumen Eclipse - October 1 - 30, 2008

Lumen Eclipse is proud to present the solo show of Bill Domonko who has some crazy old fashion feel films, that are very abstract. My favorite has to be 'Lu deux fois' which I recommend you checkout. Also don't forget to attend the LE:60 film festival tonight (after being pushed back a week). All starts around 5:30/6 to 10pm. With live music by Pants Yell!

Exploring Wildness and Excess

2008-10-03T09:27:00.001-04:00

Hairston-Medice, O’Malley, Blatman - Overflow
Oct 3 - Nov 22, 2008 - Laconia Gallery

Starting tonight, the Laconia Gallery opens their newest showing by Hairston-Medice, O'Malley, Blatman, who all have MFA's in painting and from Somerville, yet the show displays a number of different types of work such as painting, ink, and knitting sculpture as well. The show as well as the opening is tonight starting at 5:30 to 8.

Straight Up Colour

2008-10-02T11:13:00.007-04:00

Rose Olson - Just Color, No Curves
Kingston Gallery - Sept 30 - Nov 1, 2008

Rose Olson has some gorgeous work up at the Kingston Gallery. Paint on wood veneer, with the grain of the wood coming through to add to the work. The exhibition's opening is on Friday starting at 5pm to 7:30, open to the public.

Redi Light

2008-10-01T00:20:00.003-04:00

Erwin Redi - A Light Installation
Sept 26 - Nov 30, 2008 - Emerson College

Emerson has an ill show at the Huret and Spector Gallery which you need to go see, and so do I. It just went up a few days ago. Redi uses LED lights, with the combination with the architecture of the rooms to make an amazing impression. Of course he uses red(i) lights.

Q&A with Marquis via Design:Related

2008-09-29T14:11:00.001-04:00

Blake E. Marquis - Interview

While not exactly in Boston, actually it is in LA, the latest show featuring Blake E. Marquis. While the show is on the other side of the country, we did feature Blake way back during the early weeks of The Struggling Blogger, it is great to checkout his latest stuff. We do want to highlight a ten Q&A interview passed to us from the nice people at Design:Related. Be sure to checkout his latest work as well, on his portfolio.

Book-spert

2008-09-29T14:04:00.001-04:00

Jenna Casey - Portfolio

Checkout Jenna Casey who recently graduated from MassArt with a great portfolio, which includes a well tailored collection of books which impressed me.

The Struggling Blogger is making a big effort to display more design and even more student design portfolio sites or AIGA pages, you if your interested, submit.

Ice Ice, Dentyne

2008-09-29T08:07:00.000-04:00

Dentyne Ice - Ad Campaign

It you haven't been taking the MBTA, and you can still afford gas, well your missing some good advertising. Dentyne Ice a few weeks back came out with their 'Original Instant Message' campaign. It is a clever idea since I have seen them, and after writing about the fun Sharks & Rays ads back in July is sparked an idea...

The MBTA is filled with great ads, but is also filled with a bunch of horrible ads. This Winter 'The Struggling Blogger' will present the first ever top and bottom ten of MBTA advertising. We are going to have this twice a season, the end of the Winter and the end of the Summer. Collecting candidates starts... now!

Student Design Scholarship

2008-09-27T11:33:00.002-04:00

Tim Moore Scholarship - Deadline: November 1, 2008

AIGA Boston is honored to offer a scholarship in memory of our colleague, Tim Moore. To be entered you first must be a Junior or Senior design student who is planning to student abroad for any period of time. Also while traveling, and studying you are asked to carry a sketchbook and submit to AIGA when you return. Thirdly you are asked to submit your current transcript and acceptance documents of your program abroad. Finally you must fill out the official scholership applcation PDF. Deadline is Saturday November 1, 2008.

Rain Delay

2008-09-26T10:30:00.003-04:00

LE:60 - Rescheduled
October 4, 2008 - Lumen Eclipse

After what felt like a number of video extension submission deadlines, as well as changing the date of the 1st annual LE:60 festival of 60 second films. The LE:60 festival finally had a set time, with press eating up this new event. Until just an hour ago I got an email saying due to weather, the event will be postponed (again) to next Saturday, October 4th. I'm still going, but damn son, I'll watch it in the rain at this point.

Vidal's Folk Art

2008-09-26T10:11:00.008-04:00

Jacques Louis Vidal - I Make My Own Luck
Sept 12 - Oct 22, 2008 - LaMontagne Gallery

Open Wednesday to Saturday, 11-6pm, the LaMontagne Gallery has some nice and folk inspired work to open the fall season by Jacques Louis Vidal. Also in their project room they got Paul Waddell. The show started back on the twelfth of September, but the show doesn't end until the 22nd of October. Located on 555 East 2nd Street in South Boston.

Big Weekend 4 LE

2008-09-25T16:50:00.004-04:00

Lumen Eclipse: October Exhibit Opening Party
September 26, 2008 - The Middlesex

Lumen Eclipse is one of the more exciting gallery/video... whatever they are, in the Boston area, and this week is a perfect display of that. Tomorrow they are launching their October exhibit with an opening party for Bill Domonko. A sneak peak of his work will be on display tomorrow at the Middlesex (Cambridge 315 Mass Ave.) from 7 to 9pm. The public is encouraged to attend, and its free. All leading up to the big evening of the first annual LE:60 on Saturday. More information later today or early tomorrow.

Download, Print and Vote

2008-09-22T13:12:00.003-04:00

Get Out The Vote 2008
Download, Print, Post - AIGA Boston

Checkout the 24 great posters designed for you to download, print, post and encourage your neighborhood, school, workplace or where-ever to get out the vote this coming November. Some are type, some are illustration, with at least one that will please your eye.

Wall-of-Fame

2008-09-22T12:52:00.002-04:00

Christo & Jeanne-Claude
September 23, 2008 - ICA

Christo and Jeanne-Claude will be honored with the 2008 Great Negotiator Award by the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School. The event is a free event for all to go at the Boston ICA, yet once the event is full, the doors will shut, so go early enough. Best known for their installation in Central Park, 'The Gates' here in the states. I technically am a big fan of 'The Wall' displayed above made of oil barrels. They are also in the big and long stagea of making a huge, and I mean HUGE piece in the United Arab Emirates, as big as a pyramid, also made with oil barrels. All goes down tomorrow night at the ICA.

Made In America

2008-09-17T23:07:00.005-04:00

Made In America
September 15 - November 15, 2008 - IPG

The "good old" American virtues the posters promote - teamwork, attention to detail, optimism and ingenuity - are as relevant today as they were 80 years ago and represent a unique chapter in American advertising and economic history. - IPG

The IPG Summer of Love is over, and now their newest show featuring the striking posters of the 1920's with titled Made in America. The gallery is very open to visitors , so checkout the show.

Interactive Photography

2008-09-12T17:08:00.006-04:00

Arno Rafael Minkkinen
Sept 12 - Nov 15, 2008 - Robert Klien Gallery

Robert Klien delivers once again with some great interactive photography by Arno Rafael Minkkinen. My friend was at the gallery today, and always highly recommends the show. All are black and white photography, which really brings out the strong images. The show started a few days ago, and will be up to November 15th.

Golden Ticket

2008-09-06T22:12:00.003-04:00

Santogold
September 20, 2008 - Paradise Rock Club

Yeah, Santogold is known by everyone today, and has sold her songs to just about every car company. One thing you might not know is her show at The Paradise on September 20th, and stop calling her as another MIA, cause she aint!

One Last Mind Fuck

2008-09-05T16:44:00.004-04:00

Anish Kapoor - Past, Present, Future
Ending September 7, 2008 - ICA Boston

Yesterday I finally made it to the ICA to see the Anish Kapoor show, and was I lucky enough see it on the last few days the show is up and, on the last free Thursday night for this showing. What Kapoor does with his work, it fuck with you, making you look like an idiot, and wanting two Advil after your finished. Is it worth it, of course. It ends this Sunday, and I am planning my second trip in only a few days. Heres a youtube video of the showing, you can't experience it as if you were really there. Missing this show would be devastating, and I'll kick you later.

Feel Free to Hire Me!

2008-09-05T00:03:00.002-04:00

John Bogan - Portfolio

Recent graduate of New England School of Art Design, John Bogan, has finally updated his portfolio site, JohnBogan.com. The work is great, the illustrations are fun, and the pieces make a great collection. He designs for his band, as well as worked on Project M. He is looking for work, so hire this man.

Bullet Proof

2008-09-04T23:38:00.004-04:00

Dave Cole - All American
Sept 4 - Oct 12, 2008 - Judi Rotenberg Gallery

The Judi Rotenberg Gallery on the 4th of September put up their newest show by Dave Cole called 'All American'. This US flag is created out of bullets and bullet fragments, which is so awesome. So awesome that this one is already sold, and the show has already been up for two days. The show has such a wide range of pieces, from this, to the clothes made from Gulf War bullet proof vests. Awesome!

Flesh Foto

2008-09-04T23:20:00.004-04:00

Amy Montali - New Work
September 5 - October 11, 2008 - Gallery Kayafas

It is the first Friday of the month, and Gallery Kayafas has a new show of Amy Montali, as well as Jess T. Dugan, and they are some great photography. Both collections a bit PG-13, but all photography looks better with a flesh. The opening is tomorrow.

Tarot, SciFi Twist

2008-08-29T11:58:00.008-04:00

Egypt Urnash - 78 Evasions: The Urnash Tarot
August 29 - September 19, 2008 - Space 242

“Tarot is a fascinating labyrinth of seemingly significant imagery, muddied history, and confusion. It’s a sprawling canvas of images that are just far enough from being something archetypical to be fun to play with.” - Egypt Urnash

Those are the great words by the lady with the sweet name Egypt, talking about her show that opens tonight titled, 78 Evasions: The Urnash Tarot, Space 242's eighth exhibition of the year, and Urnash's first exhibition. Her animations are explained as tarot cards, with a sci-fi flare.

Tarot fans, advised to attend. Remember that RSVP is required to attend the openings, simply visit the gallery website. Sponsored by the Weekly Dig. The TSB also is tagging her as the artist of the month.

Wu-Tang!

2008-08-20T18:00:00.004-04:00

Rza

August 28, 2008 - Middle East Club

I've been waiting a long time to post as my first blog on The Struggling Blogger, but I guess I just wanted it to be special. When I heard Rza (aka Bobby Digital) was coming to Boston, I figured there really wouldn't be a better introduction than this. So, without further ado... Rza, of the Wu-Tang Clan, is playing at the Middle East in a week. To be honest, the entire group is a bit over the hill, and their performances at Rock the Bells have been almost comical, but I can't help but have faith in my first love. Plus, Rza's always had his shit together, he did the soundtracks for Kill Bill Vol. 1, Ghost Dog, and Afro Samurai, and he was recently IN American Gangster. If you're still not convinced, or you're just still mourning about the passing of ODB, go listen to You Can't Stop Me Now.

ICA, I've Missed You

2008-08-20T17:13:00.005-04:00

Nicholas Hlobo - Momentum 11
July 30 - October 26, 2008 - ICA Boston

If I don't get my ass down to the ICA in Boston soon I am going to scream. What I really need to do is go tomorrow night or an upcoming Thursday, because time is running out, and while I still need to see the hyped Anish Kapoor show, as well as the Street Level show, which most likely I could get plenty of shit for, the new Nicholas Hlobo show is here.

My master plan is to hit not two, but three birds with one stone. On top of the two must go shows, the newest Nicholas Hlobo show, while his work scares me a bit, it intrigues me as well, as he just loves to make those huge phallic shapes of who knows what. What I am trying to say, if you are like me, you need to get to these shows which most end in October. So take one your last summer weekend afternoons, or if your a student a Thursday evening, and make your way to the ICA, because by now it's an order.

East 2 West

2008-08-20T16:31:00.002-04:00

Sean Keenan - Southeast Asia Series
August 7 - 31, 2008 - Judi Rotenberg Gallery

Sean Keenan has had a show of his photography from Southeast Asia, sharing show space with Nicole Kita, so also has some great work. I meant to show you all about the show at the Judi Rotenberg earlier, but The Boston Globe just reviewed the show in their paper today, giving you one reason to stop by the Newbury show before the end of the month. Sean Keenan's photography really captures to world of the southeast countries of Asia. Of course be sure to read the brief but solid review of the showing.

Whats with August?

2008-08-17T15:21:00.005-04:00

John Rosenthal - Then...Absence
August 14 - September 29, 2008 - Gallery Panopticon

We are going to blame the hot weather for the lack of the posts, but the month of August in Boston is a bit of struggle itself as there are little to no shows going on. I even heard from the Weekly Dig are pulling teeth looking for new events or artists around Boston to cover. It is already August 17th, and it is time for the The Struggling Blogger to get back into action and dig up from new works of art.

One new show that just put up a few days ago is of photogpraher John Rosenthal, from North Carolina. He photographed devastated Ninth Ward down in New Orleans. Their have been many photographers to capture the disaster since that day, but Rosenthal's seem to hit you, like it should. Also be sure to checkout his portfolio site. While the site is hard to look at as a design student, the work makes up for that fact.

Olympics or This!?

2008-08-07T20:05:00.002-04:00

The Everyday Visuals, Hooray for Earth, Passion Pit
August 8, 2008 - Middle East Club

What a better way to boycott the Summer Olympics and the opening ceremony, but head down to the Middle East - downstairs as they have a night of local flavor, with beats that will not disappoint. The Everyday Visuals are the featured band, but Passion Pit is the guy I most excited for! The beats are crazy and abnormal, and seem like they shouldn't go together, but they do! The Everyday Visuals are a bit lower and Hooray is a happy medium, and Thick as Thieves are up there too. Oh Boy! Talk about a superb great local show for a small fee of 12 bucks, or adv of 8, +18.

Don't Think Twice

2008-07-29T11:22:00.004-04:00

Matt Costa
July 30, 2008 - Paradise Rock Club

Matt Costa is playing at the Paradise Rock Club tomorrow night, and if you don't know each other, then I suggest you get yourself some tickets. He'll have Sera Cahoone and Satisfaction opening for him. Doors at 7, and it will be a 18plus showing.

Stork Five, Out Now!

2008-07-28T02:44:00.002-04:00

Stork Magazine - Issue 5

Spring 2008 - Emerson College

Stork Magazine of Emerson College continues to express, and I am not just saying that because I know the newly assigned Editor-in-Chief, and upcoming Designer of Stork Magazine 5.5 and 6, but the whole publication is so well put together with attention to detail. Stork is a student run publication, with short stories by very talented Emerson students. Kyle Kabel, designer of Stork 4 and 4.5, also designed the latest issue out now, along with their first introduction of photography by Lenora Symczak. You will hear a lot more from Stork Magazine on The Struggling Blogger as some new projects to do with the magazine are on the horizon. To receive a free issue of Stork Magazine: Issue 5, simply leave a comment with your email you would like to be contacted at.

Born and Raised

2008-07-26T17:46:00.008-04:00

Juliana Press - Local Portfolio

Here at The Struggling Blogger, we are big big fans of The Serif, which is strictly a blog to showcase the worlds latest and great design. Trying to tie in more design to our blog we are searching the local scene for great student, graduate, and veteran design portfolio sites.

The first one we came across that interested us was of Juliana Press, who was born in Boston, graduated from Simmons with a BA, went to MassArt for a GD certifies program and recently graduated from Glasgow School of Art in Visual Communications. Checkout your portfolio site as she has very clean work, which struck our eye. Her handmade books really impressed, as myself have taken an Artists Books course, and know it takes plenty of time and skill to produce.

Surf Metal

2008-07-26T15:19:00.004-04:00

Ketman
July 26, 2008 - Abbey Lounge

Recently stated by the Boston Phoenix as currently the best band in all of Massachusetts, it is now your chance to now see them in action. Ketman known as faceless bad, has a bit of a metal feel, but not the type that turn most off. Some songs can remind you of a more up temo Foo Fighters. Ketman play at the Abbey Lounge tonight, but if you can't make the show, you have a second chance on August 15th, as they play the Middlie East.

Ratatat, Only $20!

2008-07-25T17:34:00.003-04:00

Ratatat
September 29, 2008 - Paradise Rock Club

Maybe I shouldn't be telling you this, seeing I have yet to get myself tickets, but Ratatat is coming and why the hell have you not gotten tickets. September 29th, they will be taking the Paradise hostage. Tickets have been on sale, but you should be worried about them selling out, thats why I am telling you now. Tickets are a cool 20 bucks. Also a couple other good tickets which went on sale recently is Jamie Lidell as well as Lotus which both are also playing at the Paradise Rock Club on different nights.

Surprise, Surprise

2008-07-25T02:24:00.002-04:00

Tricia Rose Burt - Be Fruitful and Multiply
July 25 - August 23, 2008 - Copley Society of Art

So yes, the Copley Society of Art surprised me on the spaces they have (three that is), and the work. One gallery exhibit that starts today that popped out at me was of Tricia Rose Burt. She has a collection titled Be Fruitful and Multiply, which is displaying three types of her work. Graphite on paper, gouache on paper on panel, and my favorite her unique photocopy prints, which I would easily take four of if I had that cash floating around. Tricia was kind enough to reply to an email, and said she will be having an artist talk on July 31st, at 6pm, which I insist you attend.

Two Local Secrets, Kinda

2008-07-24T10:15:00.001-04:00

Dave McMahon, Chi-Yun Lau - Secret Prize Inside!
July 25 - August 22, 2008 - Space 242

Space 242 is a great gallery as they are trying to connect with the "low brow" artists and collectors and making art affordable to all, and thank god for them. The show featuring Dave McMahon and Chi-Yun-Lau their first major exhibitions with orginial illustrations, paintings, and mixed media projects. Chi-Yun Lau you might know best from most of his illustrations featured in the Weekly Dig. To attend the opening this Friday at 6pm to 8pm, you must RSVP via their website, which will take 2 seconds. plus it makes you feel important!

Bomb It!

2008-07-23T00:48:00.002-04:00

Bomb It - FutureClassic
July 24, 2008 - Church

FutureClassic's is presenting the official movie screening of the release of the Bomb It - Global Graffiti Documentary @ Church located on 69 Kilmarnock Street starting at 8:30 tomorrow. The film features street artists and top graffiti writers from five different continents, with the likes of Mear One, Tats Cru, Tkid, Kid Acne, and Ron English! DJ Stenny will be at the tables, and tickets are limited, so get on it.

The Sounds of Experiments

2008-07-22T10:31:00.007-04:00

Live Experimental Sound and Video Performance
July 24, 2008 - Axiom Gallery

The Axiom is taking a bit of a hiatus with the gallery showing and is doing some interesting events, such as their latest event with live video and sound performances. On Thursday, July 24th at 8pm. The showing will feature Allison Maria Rodriguez video installation exploring the psychology of memory and trauma, Sandrine Schaefer and Philip Fryerbr and The Present Tense: "Too soon/Too late" and finishing with minimalist composer and sound artist Kyle Bobby Dunn.

Japanese Classic?

2008-07-20T15:14:00.005-04:00

Bound Stems, One Happy Island
June 21, 2008 - Middle East Club

For our first music event on The Struggling Blogger, we need to tell you about a show at the Middle East Club featuring Bound Stems a band based out of Chicago. They classify themselves as a Indie band with a Japanese Classic touch. But before they take the stage, be sure to check out local band One Happy Island is also a must. All starts Monday at 8pm. One Happy Island will most likely be taking the stage at 9pm, with Bound Stems at 11pm. Its a 18+ show at Middle East Upstairs.

Propaganda without Dogma

2008-07-19T10:37:00.002-04:00

Interview: Ron English

Ron English, Ron English, how do I know this name! The other day I finally found out, I had read an article in Swindle about him months ago. Now his work is in Boston at the a-Politics exhibit and took over the wall outside the SoWa galleries. I know it would be hard, but I thought I would try, and ask Mr. English for a short and sweet interview, he said "sure." He made sure to keep it short, but we ask him nine questions, and he was kind enough to answer them all. We at The Struggling Blogger would like to thank him for his time, and can't wait to get some more interviews here.

Barclay Douglas: What is the message behind Abraham Obama?
Ron English: I was hoping for an image that would create a dialogue.

BD: What has been your favorite project to work on?
RE: The kid series.

BD: What your greatest inspiration behind your work?
RE: Fear of a day job.

BD: Which artist/designer do you respect most?
RE: I don't have a single favorite.

BD: What is Popaganda?
RE: Propaganda without dogma.

BD: What does Ron English do when he is not doing Popaganda.
RE: Repent.

BD: One thing most people don't know about Ron English?
RE: That I'm a figment of their imagination.

BD: What is next for Ron English
RE: That's top secret.

BD: One bit of advice you would give a young art or design student?
RE: Make the art you want to see, not the art others want you to make. They'll come around.

East Coast Finest

2008-07-17T14:28:00.001-04:00

Boston Young Contemporaries

July 18 - August 22, 2008 - 808 Gallery

Boston Young Contemporaries exhibition presented by 808 Gallery at Boston University is back for a third stint. There will be 90 up and coming fine art students, with 159 artworks, from twelve different New England schools! July 18th, DJ Ari Josesph will be kicking things off at 6pm for the opening which is free and open to you the public! Work will consist of paintings, photography, video and sculpture.

July Typography

2008-07-16T10:52:00.004-04:00

Typography
July 1 - 31, 2008 - Lumen Eclipse

My new favorite "gallery", Lumen Eclipse, continues to make me all fuzzy inside. They even have their own myspace, come on, that means something to someone (not myself). They are a gallery using outdoor video displays, social venues and our favorite, the world wide web to spread the great world of motion arts/graphics. We are already on the back swing of July, but we had to tell you about their online collection for this month, which is... Typography! All eight videos displays great uses of type and I encourage you to watch. Did I mention, they would love to get videos by you.

Green Somerville

2008-07-16T00:51:00.001-04:00

ArtBeat

July 18 - 19, 2008 - Somerville Arts Council

This weekend, Davis Square will completely transform into the Boston area's largest and innovative art festival titled ArtBeat with this years theme of being green of course. Local bands will play such as Allton's Freezepop as well as Elm and Holland street filled with art vendors. The event start at 6pm on the 18th, and continues at noon to the evening on the 19th.

Short-Films Extention

2008-07-15T10:29:00.008-04:00

LE:60 Deadline Extention
August 15, 2008 - Lumen Eclipse

Attention all short-film makers, you have one month to make a 60 second film, starting now! This is the first annual Lumen Eclipse: 60 Film Festival and the deadline for all entries has been extended to August 15, 2008 giving you exactly one month from today. All films must be 60 seconds exactly or less. The film festival subject is open to your creativity! All mailed entries must be stamped by August 15, 2008 to: Lumen Eclipse, Attn: Le:60, 248 Beacon Street Somerville, MA 02143. Videos/films may also be uploaded to Lumen Eclipse official website as well, but uploading has not yet been opened. The best thing is the film festival it will be a outdoor event on Palmer Street in Harvard Square on September 27th. Will make sure to remind you of that when the time nears, in the meantime, get filming.

The Paintings are Chronicles

2008-07-13T02:59:00.007-04:00

Andrew Saftel - How Do We Get There?
July 12 - August 3, 2008 - Lanoue Fine Art

Andrew Saftel is showing at the latest exhibit at Lanoue Fine Art Gallery consisting of mixed media pieces, which opened yesterday. Lanoue Fine Art has surprised me with some good shows with pieces that can please the older eye as well as the younger. Lanoue will not have a exhibit for August, yet will back back in September with Petria Mitchell. Below are some words by Lanoue, describing the current show of Saftel's.

The paintings are chronicles: atomspheres of thought, filled with words, images and stories. Like a life lived, these paintings are layers of information - partly obscured, partly revealed. This work is about the geology of time, a layering of events through history leading up to this moment. The layering of the paintings is also geological, a build-up of thoughts, emotions and physical interactions buring in the layers of paint. We see only the surface, but everything underneath influeces what the surface eventually becomes. - Lanoue Fine Art

Carni-Tonight

2008-07-12T17:28:00.005-04:00

Carnival of the Arts

July 12, 2008 - Axiom Gallery

What are you doing right now? Well down at the up and coming Axiom Gallery they have been having a day art influenced by the old time fairs, festivals and circuses, titled Carnival of the Arts. The reasoning for the festival is simply generate community awareness and participation in art events in Jamaica Plain and around the Boston area, which I am a stronger supporter of. The day has been filled with activities, performances, local artists and a silent auction in the gallery. All ends at dusk, so run down there now! At 8pm tonight Zebbler Encanti will be performing a sound and video which I suggest you go. Tonights show is free but they would love donations (suggested donation: $7), as it will go to future educational program series.

Rare Dr. Seuss

2008-07-12T17:12:00.007-04:00

Dr. Seuss: For President

July 1 - 30, 2008 - Newbury Fine Art

Most of the time I tend to lean away from things the Newbury Fine Art Gallery shows, as modern and contemporary art is not their main drive as a gallery. While browsing I noticed they have had a show exhibiting rare art work that many have never seen of the one and only Dr. Seuss, including some characters you might have seen before like the one above. I do not know much about the gallery, and the times, or if they are snobby, but judging by their website, they might be. The show only lasts until July 30th.

5x5, Randal Thurston

2008-07-10T15:01:00.007-04:00

5x5: Fifth Annual Juired Summer Exhibition

June 5 - August 10, 2008 - Tufts University Art Gallery

A number of weeks ago I was reading about this show, it then slipped my mind and now a month into the show I found the show again. The good thing about art exhibits, they tend to be up for awhile such as his one titled '5x5' the 5th Annual Juired Summer Exhibition at Tufts which is up for another month (August 10th, 2008). The reason I am glad to have had this show cross my path again is because Randal Thurston, who taught me and The Struggling Blogger co-writer Greyleaf printmaking at the New England School of Art & Design.

The show consists of work by Kyle Larabee, Mindy Nierenberg, Roy Pardi, August Ventimiglia as well as Randal Thurston. Below is a quick blurb about Wunderkammern, Thurston's part of the show.

Wunderkammern is an installation of cut paper frames, hung salon-style along forty feet of gallery wall. The cut paper frames are richly decorative and from far away appear simply as ornate objects. Closer inspection reveals that the frames are composed of skeletal and floral elements. Thurston is inspired by Wunderkammern (cabinets of curiosity) as proto-museums that contained a variety of exotica, displayed objects in a grand mixture, and instilled awe in the viewer. The installation also recalls spectacular and morbid Eastern European ossuaries, which contained decorations, furniture, and sculptural tableaux composed entirely of human bones. - Tufts University Art Gallery

The show is in Medford, so it is a bit of a hike, but will be worth it. Nothing like a good subway ride can take care of it.

Taking It All In

2008-07-10T10:33:00.005-04:00

The Best of AIB Photography 2008: Taking In

July 11 - August 23, 2008 - Laconia Gallery
Laconia Gallery presents 'Taking In', the best contemporary photography by the students of Art Institute of Boston and it is some great photography with some great work from the AIB, as always. The work ranges from subjects and approaches from color to black and white, digital to alternative process, documentary to photomontage. The show runs towards the end of August. Best times to visit the gallery is the first Fridays 5:30 to 8:30 and Saturdays Noon to 4pm.

Meet Jimmi, He's a Softie

2008-07-09T10:43:00.007-04:00

Affordable Local Art: Soto Softies

We are going to get a little cutesy on you, as we bring you the latest edition of affordable local art, you can actually purchase. These cute handmade soft animals are made right in Cambridge called Soto Softies. The maker does not take commissions, yet all her mice, bats and whatever else are made are all orginial with a veriety of felts and all are filed with polyfill. They are all 50 bucks in piece, but they are one of a kinda pieces perfect for anyone. They can even stand on their own with a little balance and help by you.

Do Your Laundry

2008-07-09T10:14:00.006-04:00

Joan Linder - More Fun In The New World

July 10 - August 3, 2008 - Judi Rotenberg Gallery

You know why the Judi Rotenberg Gallery continues to be one of the best galleries in Boston, who are not being forced to move, merge or even close, three reasons. First they have prime location which other galleries have too. Secondly they continue to update their gallery website with current, and future shows, unlike many galleries who are weeks late after they put up their latest exhibit (it is more important then you think!). Finally, they continue to have great upcoming contemporary artists, which all can appreciate.

So I am done ranting, for now, but the Judi Rotenberg Gallery does have another show you should checkout. Joan Linder has pen and ink on paper drawings which are huge pieces ranging from 22 x 30 to 54 x 60 such as the piece appropriately titled 'Washer and Dryer'. The show is titled 'More Fun in the New World' She has her BFA from Tufts and MFA from Columbia. This is her first one lady show of 2008. The show officially starts tomorrow with the reception from 6-8pm.

Battle Scars

2008-07-08T11:43:00.002-04:00

Gil Mares - Harbor Abstracts

July 2 - 26, 2008 - Kidder Smith Gallery

Gil Mares in his own words, describing his July exhibit of Ilfochrome photograph mounted on aluminum of ships and their battle scars.

For the past two decades I have photographed details of Spanish colonial and adobe structures throughout the American Southwest and Latin America. I tend to concentrate on the simple yet elegant details that make each of these buildings unique. Over the years my style has evolved into a "distilling process" that concentrates on what is in plain view and attempts to pull out the essence of the subject. I recently began to use this process to photograph cargo freighters in the Los Angeles Harbor. While searching for images in the harbor, I was drawn to the worn hulls of the ships that dock there. These ships seem as great whales with battle scars which record their life-long struggle to survive. The ships at dock can be seen every day. However, the visual secrets of the ships are generally not known because of the distance between the ships and the observer. I have concentrated on eliminating this distance to reveal their beauty. The brightly painted hulls exhibit interesting patterns and textures which are reflected in the water. The hulls may appear delicate, tenuous, even transparent. However, the scrapes, gouges, rubber marks and rusting wounds, sometimes from the ships' own anchors, sometimes from the ubiquitous tires found on the sides of docks and tugboats, belie this frailty. At times a series of numbers or cryptic diagrams may appear on the massive hulls. These messages communicate only to those who assist in ferrying the ships in and out of the world's ports. - Gil Mares

I have never written about a showing at the Kidder Smith Gallery, but the colors of the work and the stories the photographs give off of the ships are so strong, that this gallery is a must see. The show started on the 2nd and runs only to the 26th of July.

Your Vote Matters

2008-07-08T11:19:00.005-04:00

a-Politics
July 4 - October 4, 2008 - Gallery XIV

I posted about a-Politics only last week, and just posted about Ron English's wall installation, but the show a-Politics is also up and they are looking for your vote. When you go to the gallery you are asked to vote for your favorite piece of work. You can guess my favorite, wink, nudge. Checkout some of the works up for the nomination thanks to Reflect-Arts Inc.

Abraham Obama Wall

2008-07-08T10:59:00.009-04:00

Ron English - Abraham Obama Wall

July 4 - October 4, 2008 - Gallery XIV

Ron English and his Abraham Obama wall installation is up and running, and you must take a trip down to the South End, and check it out. This wall has generated quite the buzz over the past week as a-Politics and all that they are doing at Gallery XIV is really sending a strong message. The wall installation will be up for a while, but the paste is fresh and the posters don't have rips, so this is the perfect thing so do while in the South End, and why not hit up the SoWa Market while your down there on Sunday! Checkout some great pictures by William on Picasa of the installation of Ron English's work. The wall is open to the public, so go whenever you wish!

Familiar Becomes Unfamiliar

2008-07-07T12:49:00.003-04:00

Jesse Kaminsky - Air

July 8 - Sept 9, 2008 - Berwick Research Institute

The Weekly Dig profiled Jesse Kaminsky, a day later I found him while roaming the web on accident, so it was a must to write about his show Air starting on the 8th of July, plus his work is not half bad. I know its early as well, but this local artist is The Struggling Blogger Artist of the Month for July 2008. The explanation on the Berwick Research Institute tells it best, a way that everyone can understand.

Jesse Kaminsky is a Boston-based artist who makes process-oriented sculpture and sculptural installations that create complex systems from simple materials. He plans to explore the way we understand and construct place using perception, memory and desire. With simple materials he will create environments that will alter your sense of space and time. Kaminsky seeks the threshold of perception where the familiar becomes unfamiliar, and the mind explores a variety of new, sometimes implausible, theories in order to make sense of the world again. - Berwick Research Institute

Kaminsky will talk about his show at the BRI at 7:30 of the opening. If you need help finding the place, like myself checkout their directions, no matter what direction your coming from. Also be sure to check out his portfolio website which has other great works from past shows.

From Russia with Skillz

2008-07-06T12:16:00.004-04:00

Yana Payusova - ...Told Me I Would Die

The Boston Globe

The Boston Globe has a great article about Yana Payusova, who is a Russian-born artist who does paintings and drawings of her childhood experiences in Russia. Payusova, who currently lives in Jamica Plains, is out with her most recent series titled 'When My Neighbor Told Me I Would Die' which will have a showing soon at the DeCordova Museum and Scupture Park. She had a showing this past October at the Howard Yezerski Gallery, and has been in a number of recent one women's and group showings, such as her most recent, Sultana's Dream at Exit Art in New York. Be sure to also check out her work on her web site.

Make Way for Sharks

2008-07-04T00:22:00.007-04:00

Local Design: Sharks and Rays

So if you have not seen this ad campaign and you live in Boston, you should really start getting out more, because they are everywhere and I think its a pretty good campaign designed by Mullen that is strictly for Boston, and Boston only. The only thing that bothers me is that its Sharks and Rays at the New England Aquarium, but all the advertisements seem to be relating to sharks and no rays. When in Boston the best and only great ads are the iPods that you can't run from, these really can catch your eye, but what is great is how they used all the advertising spaces such as at Park Street. Checkout the photos of all the advertisements. Also be sure to checkout the quick blur by The Boston Globe about the campaign. Would love to hear your opinion on the campaign!

I Heart Southie

2008-07-03T10:37:00.016-04:00

Deep in the Heart of Southie

June 25 - August 2, 2008 - LaMontagne Gallery
LaMontagne Gallery is finally presenting their first group show titled Deep in the Heart of Southie wrapping up their first year. Names of the show consist of LaMontagne Gallery: Ronnie Bass, Nina Beier, Marie Lund, Alejandro Cesarco, Samuel Ekwurtzel, Tiffany Sum, Laura Harrison, Kiki Seror, Jessica Williams, and Andrew Witkin. The show has soe great work with mediums ranging from video, photography and paint. The show started a week ago, but I didn't have all the information I wanted to give to you, but now that it has started, this show is a must go. It is off the path from most of the other galleries and they have moved recently, but they are located at 555 East 2nd Street. Note they will be closed July 4th and the 5th, for obvious reasons.

Wet Hot...

2008-07-03T10:20:00.007-04:00

American Summer '08

July 3 - August 2, 2008 - Kingston Gallery

Introducing the 17th annual national juried show titled American Summer '08. This show is held and sponsored by the Kingston Gallery starting today to August 2nd. The show will have a wide range of art work which was judged by Matt Nash a professor at the Art Institute Boston as well as the publisher of BigRedandShiny.com. The opening reception will be July 11th starting at 5pm. This will be the Kingston Gallery's last show before they close for the month of August.

Abraham Obama

2008-07-02T10:09:00.006-04:00

a-Politic

July 4, 2008 - October 4, 2008

Karen from Reflect-arts gave me a kind email about the huge gathering of 40 premiere artists, from 16 different states with art inspired by notions of freedom, war, the environment, terrorism and more at Gallery XIV titled a-Politic. The biggest attraction will be by Ron English known for his 'Popaganda', will be installing a 100 foot billboard of his Abraham Obama. This billboard is open to the press today from 6 to 9, but will be open to the public this Friday, July 4th from 2 to 6pm. Also on the 25th of July Gallery XIV will be premiering Popaganda: The Arts and Crimes of Ron English.

15th Summer at IPG

2008-07-01T11:05:00.008-04:00

Summer of Love

July 1 - August 31, 2008 - International Poster Gallery

The International Poster Gallery was kind enough to send us a press kit to talk about their summer show titled 'Summer of Love', their 15th summer show. While their website says the show starts today, we have information that the show officially starts this Friday the 4th of July. The show has impressive pieces such as a silkscreen piece by Arnold Skolnick titled 3 Days of Peace and Love for the 1969 Woodstock, which you most likely have seen elsewhere. The piece I am most excited about is the art deco piece by Nembhard N. Culin, for the New York World's Fair in 1939. This show runs to Labor Day, free, and the IPG encourages the public to view the exhibit on Newbury Street.

1946 to 2008

2008-07-01T00:48:00.006-04:00

Loners & Mavericks

June 21 - August 2, 2008 - Nielsen Gallery

So I wanted to tell you of a great group show in Boston, yet could not pile up enough information to make it onto the blog, but never worry, I found another! Loners & Mavericks is a collective show ranging from old to extremely new pieces of fine art. Names from Forrest Bess and Jay DeFeo to Laurel Hughes and Sam Messer. The show has a wide range of all types of work that should tickle anyones fancy! The gallery is open Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 5:30pm located at 179 on Newbury.

Love of Images

2008-06-26T13:05:00.004-04:00

Local Design: Philographica

David Horton, Princial of Philographica was recently profiled by AIGA Boston, and their site is pretty clean and I realize they own the local designing of colleges such as Boston University, Harvard as well as MIT. A nice list of local clients. Checkout their small but nice website!

The Shakeout

2008-06-25T12:09:00.004-04:00

Redrawing the Map of Hub Galleries
The Boston Globe

During tough economic times, Boston galleries are moving, on hiatus, subdividing and even closing for good. By the end of the summer fourteen of Boston's will be closed or changed in some way. Rhys of Rhys Gallery is expected to close the doors to his gallery space tomorrow as he is planning to open a new gallery in Brazil and soon after Los Angeles. He says the interest in buying art in Boston at this time is not strong enough to stay with extremely high rents on top of all of that. Bernard Toale Gallery is closing its doors on Saturday, which is one of my favorite galleries in Boston. Be sure to read the full article by Cate McQuaid at The Boston Globe. This gives me one more reason to keep writing as one of The Struggling Bloggers to show that even during some struggling times, there is plenty of art to explore in Boston, even if we are no New York or Los Angeles.

A Lot Late, Modernist Posters

2008-06-25T11:31:00.003-04:00

A Century of Modernist Posters
International Poster Gallery - April 15 - June 23, 2008

So I am a little late, ok I am a lot late as the exhibit of 'A Century of Modernist Posters' wrapped up, but I still need to direct your attention to some of the work they have listed on their website International Poster Gallery. It has huge names ranging from Milton Glaser to the Stenberg brothers who grew to fame oddly enough during the Soviet Union in the 1920s whose style I could die for. The exhibit is over but you need to checkout the brief history of Constructivism and the Art Deco movement in poster design. I overlooked the International Poster Gallery, but will not again as this showing has amazing equality posters, by artists who laid down the foundation of the graphic design field.

50 Designers' + UNICEF

2008-06-24T13:10:00.005-04:00

Fifty Designers' Current Favourite Typefaces
UNICEF - Create/Reject

Sometimes we need to go beyond Boston and look at the World. So we ask you, what have you done to save the world lately? Well you can help by paying 3 British pounds (5.9085 U.S. dollars as of today) for this book titled Fifty Designers' Current Favourite Typefaces which 100% of the the proceeds go straight to UNICEF's Myanmar (Burma) Cyclone Children's Appeal in the wake of Cyclone Nargis that hit Myanmar on 2nd May 2008.

Just look at all the contributors: 2x4 Adam Hayes Alan Dye (NB: Studio) Alexandre Bettler Angus Hyland (Pentagram) Antoine+Manuel Ben Freeman Ben Parker (MadeThought) Bibliothèque Cartlidge Levene Claire Warner (Browns) Domenic Lippa (Pentagram) Daniel Eatock Daniel Lock (NB: Studio) eBoy Eike König (HORT) Experimental Jetset Farrow Fernando Gutiérrez Fuel Hector Pottie (Third Eye Design) Henrik Kubel (A2/SW/HK) Hi-ReS! Hyperkit James Goggin (Practise) James Greenfield (BB/Saunders) Jeremy Leslie (John Brown) Jerome Rigaud (Electronest) Jessica Helfand (Winterhouse) Jon Dowling (SEA Design) Jon Forss (Non-Format) Julian Morey (abc-xyz) Lionel Hatch (The Chase) Matt Simpson (Stereo) Michael C. Place (Build) Michael Johnson (Johnson Banks) Mogollon Nick Bell Paula Scher (Pentagram) Paulus M. Dreibholz Pixelgarten Ralf Metzger (North) Simon Earith (YES) Spin Stefan Sagmeister The Designers Republic Why Not Associates Wim Crouwel Zak Kyes Zamir Antonio (Eat Sleep Work/Play)
Buy Now!

100 Percent Angus

2008-06-24T10:40:00.006-04:00

Meat After Meat Joy

June 21 - July 20, 2008 - Pierre Menard Gallery

So there is a long explanation about the use of meat in art, and what it means on the Pierre Menard Galleries website. It says the skin is what protects the meat and without the skin the meat has no identity. Sometimes you just need look at the art and think its cool. Most of the time I like to view art that way as it is more fun that way. Learning the meaning of the art and what is behind it is extremely interesting, but sometimes you just need to step back a minute and say thats awesome. This exhibit of ten contemporary artists shows some funky stuff using meat and the idea of meat and how we think of meat titled 'Meat After Meat Joy'. The work ranges from now to the 1960's. Also this exhibits is at a new gallery (to me) named the Pierre Menard Gallery which is near Havard Square, right off of Mass Ave. If your a Cambridge resident like myself or not, I suggest you check this one out as it is a five minute walk from the red line stop at Harvard.

Lennon Prints in Newton

2008-06-23T16:51:00.004-04:00

John Lennon, Yoko Ono - Prints

June 28 - 29, 2008 - Newton's Hotel Indigo

This coming weekend at Newton's Hotel Indigo there will be about 100 limited edition prints of John Lennon's art work for sale, from 200 to 18,000 dollars. All Beatle fans must take this opportunity, as it is only for this weekend. The piece above and other works for sale were drawn by Lennon, while Ono painted them in. Also read the exclusive interview of Yoko Ono by the Boston Globe.

People of NYC

2008-06-23T02:03:00.008-04:00

Bremner Benedict, Peter Kayafas
June 11 - July 26, 2008 - Gallery Kayafas

To start another work week, or if your like most students you just woke up and about to turn on MTV, maybe for a change you can head down to the trusty Gallery Kayafas which a few days ago just put up a new exhibit including a family member of the owner, Peter Kayafas. Peter's photography is from all over the world, Romania, Cuba and my favorite of the collection the People of New York City. I love the vibe I get when I look at some of the photos. Bremner Benedict, as well has some great photography which is a must to checkout.

New Site, New Exhibit

2008-06-20T11:11:00.005-04:00

Wang Wusheng - Robert Klein Gallery

This post is more about Robert Klein's new and much improved website. Meanwhile I found that the Robert Klein Gallery finally has a new exhibit, but since the site is so new they did not write down when it starts, or if it has started already. While your visiting the site you should checkout the exhibit of Wang Wusheng who has some beautful black and white landscape photography. Once I figure out when the gallery is finally open I'll let you know.

Wheelbarrows Never Looked So Cool

2008-06-19T11:45:00.006-04:00

Cal Lane - Sweet Crude
Ends July 6, 2008 - Judi Rotenberg Gallery

Cal Lanes show titled 'Sweet Crude' could be the best exhibit all summer, and so far I think it has to be. Meanwhile the Judi Rotenberg Gallery is proving that Newbury Street can still dish out great exhibits as they had Pixnit right before the current show. Lanes pieces are unbelievable as he has made incredible detailed sculptures out of old wheelbarrows, shovels and oil cans upon other metal items. While it takes a lot to impress me with a great sculpture, Lanes didn't have to impress. His wheelbarrow has already sold as well as his three shovels. Checkout the gallery site for loads of photos.

15% off with Rainbows

2008-06-17T18:56:00.015-04:00

Stormcloud, Bring Rainbows - Affordable Local Art

So the pieces that Stormcloud, Bring Rainbows are not so much on the affordable side, but it proves that Boston has lots to offer for the local art scene which you can actually buy. Pieces run from 85 to over 300 hundred dollars, but the clothes are gorgeous. They pieces are made by salvaged materials, and are original pieces made with extreme care. I personally need to get myself one in the near future, and I love the top photo above. Keep this in mind that when you purchase a piece during a thunderstorm or rainbow you will receive 15% off your purchase. Pretty sweet right, but you must prove it by a photo of the rainbow and he has a thunderstorm tracker, so no fooling him!

Identity Crisis

2008-06-17T12:26:00.012-04:00

Chris Hauck - Identity Crisis Series
Ends June 28, 2008 - Gallery XIV

The biography for the show for Chris Hauck explains it best.

The Identity Crisis Series is Chris Hauck’s multi-mediated, UPC-coded commentary on modern identity that explores the commercialization of identity as constructed, adopted, broadcast, and discarded within a hyper-mediated environment. Chris Hauck’s current body of work involves paintings, installations, assemblage, and video.

“Identity Crisis: everything Is for sale” aims to infuse the thought of this generation’s own identity crisis by obviating the commercialization of the art world through the cash registers, clothing racks and even a changing room that infuse the gallery space.

Through a self reflective lens Hauck explores identity, “I am a product, in the General Mills or Procter & Gamble sense, of the first generation hyper-consumers. We are the post-boomer tweeners, nourished on a sugary diet of Saturday morning cartoons, Pink Floyd album covers, iron-on Tees, and Shit Happens bumper stickers… We found our identities on MTV, on billboards, in McDonald’s Happy Meals, and at the Chuck E Cheese video arcade in the pea-sized 5 acre suburban malls.” - Gallery XIV

Please check this show out ending on the 28th of this month.

Free AIGA Journal Release Party!

2008-06-15T18:25:00.007-04:00

Annual Meeting and Journal Release Party
June 19, 2008 - Cloud Place

Now this I really reccomend! AIGA of Boston is having their Annual Meeting as well as their Journal Release Party which is hot off the press. Sean Adams of Adams Morioka with be speaking of his mistakes and habits, and the fear of failure and criticism that we all experience in the world of design. I best remember his companies work from the product below I received over a year ago at the speaking of the art director from Target. I use it all the time, which supplies any designer with measurements and tools they need in everyday designing. This event goes from 6:30 to 8:30 and it is FREE and open to all, so you must go! I will be trying my hardest to go for sure!

Urban LA Landscape Photography

2008-06-15T17:39:00.008-04:00

Lia Halloran
Ends June 21, 2008 - LaMontagne Gallery

Lia Halloran has a great showing with Michael Velliquette ending this week, but I must tell you about it as I love the photography of Los Angeles showing urban cement areas. The photos show the time with the lines of light, as well as the dramatic shadowing throughout the photography. She also has pieces painted with oil mimicking the photographs down light streams throughout the piece as well. My favorite piece has to be Dark Skate, the one on the top left. The exhibit is no doubt recommended, the LaMontagne Gallery is located in South Boston, and the gallery is only open from Wednesday to Saturday 11 to 6pm so make sure to schedule well. This exhibit definitely marks Halloran 'The Struggling Blogger' Artist of the Month for June 2008!

Band-Aid Guns

2008-06-12T10:23:00.007-04:00

Lucy White - Concealed Weapons
Ends June 30, 2008 - Locco Ritoro

I first want to apologize about not getting on this show earlier, much earlier. I found this show right before I left for a few weeks and was going to write about it as one of the 'must goes' starting in the beginning of May. Yet it is still up, there is not much time left as the show ends on the 30th of June. Why am I so damn pumped about Lucy White's work? Maybe because she didn't just paint on a canvas but uses Band-Aids (as well as the US flag and the NASDAQ newspaper) to develop the iconic shapes which develop images of sexuality, violence and humor all in one. White has had her work shown at the DeCordova, Shore ICA and one of my favorite Boston galleries, the Bernard Toale Gallery. The Locco Ritoro Gallery is also featuring two other exhibits by Steven Bogart as well as Catlin Rockman, which you should also checkout while your there.

Nashville's Hatch Show Print

2008-06-11T11:13:00.004-04:00

Nashville's Hatch Show Print Saturday,
June 14, 2008 - Mass College of Art and Design

Jim Sherraden from Nashville's Hatch Show Print is coming to do two sessions of hands on workshops with Jim himself. Of course it being a AIGA event, it is pricey at 200 bucks for a member. If you do have the cash, you will be using 60lbs of letter blocks straight from the Hatch Show Print. MassArt's Vandercook cylinder presses will also be used with snacks and drinks for free, oh thanks AIGA! Your encouraged to bring in anything to print on such as shirts to bags. All the supplies are also included. Once again, it is a great opportunity, but that is if you got the cash. Checkout some work they have done.

Curious, Invented Relics

2008-06-11T10:38:00.007-04:00

Gregory Gomez - The Weight of Light
June 6 - 28, 2008 - O·H+T Gallery

Gregory Gomez has returned to the O·H+T Gallery for his third one man show. His past shows have always included painting, yet he is changing things up a bit and will be showing all sculpture pieces. Curator of the ICA, Carole Anne Meehan calls Gomez' work "curious, invented relics" Curious in that you can not figure out if the pieces are 2D or 3D, drawings or sculpture. As for relics, he used timeless objects such as picture frames. Ass Professor from Wheelock College, he has had exhbits at the DeCordova Museum and the Mills Gallery at the BCA. He has also worked all over including commission pieces including Elevated Station and Chicago Branch Library, Chicago, IL, The Challenger Learning Center, Tallahassee, FL, and the Neuroscience Department at Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA

Shopping Local

2008-06-09T15:36:00.005-04:00

The Intuitive Garden - Affordable Local Art

While at the SoWa Open Market yesterday there are a lot of great thing to view and buy that you can afford, it is sometimes hard to find something that is affordable as well as cool but not super crafty. It got me thinking to add another element to The Struggling Blogger, I thought it would be great to tell you about great local artists handmade art in the area which you can actually afford for gifts or yourself. Will try and tell you places they sell or atleast where you can find them on Etsy.com to buy online and you'll know shipping won't be pricey.

The first great artist I found and actually stumbled upon a few months ago was an artist that goes by the company name of The Intuitive Garden. They make great gender neutral (most of the time) jewelry with original art work. All the pieces range somewhere around 12 to 30 dollars. When reading a little about the artist, oddly enough they have two dates to be at the SoWa Open Market on June 22 and July 13, 2008. So check them out at SoWa or make sure to visit their online Etsy.com store!

SoWa Every Sunday

2008-06-08T01:13:00.007-04:00

The SoWa Open Market

Every Sunday, Today to October 26, 2008

Back in March i told you that you have to go to the SoWa Open Market, and its open now, every Sunday until the end of October. Guess what today is, Sunday, so go get some fresh food, some fresh art, and some fresh air on a gorgeous day. I need to get someone a birthday present for a birthday in about a week, so I know where I'll be today.

10 Artists, 10 Walls

2008-06-08T00:58:00.007-04:00

Ten Artists, Ten Walls

May 29 - August 2, 2008 - Victoria Munroe Fine Art

Now there is no rush to go see this exhibition titled Ten Artists, Ten Walls at the Victoria Munroe Fine Art Gallery, as it was only put up about 10 days ago, and up for the rest of the summer, until the 2nd of August. I do recommend the show though as its a small but clever little show with a lot to offer. It can often be a little boring to see a large show of the same artist, which is a reason I love the mix of artists used for the show, with their wide range of different types of work. I always try and recommend a good multi-artist show if I see or hear of one and this is one. Two of my favorite pieces are shown above. The first one is blue painters tape and glue done by Christine Hiebert, and the second by Chuck Holtzman using graphite, charcoal, ink and colored pencils on paper.

Gourmet Typography

2008-06-04T20:54:00.005-04:00

Gourmet Typography
June 13, 2008 - Pink Comma Gallery

Many designers know typography, but slim really know all that there is to know about typography. AIGA Boston is presenting after much success to bring back Gourmet Typography. From 9:30 to 430 on June 13th, Ilene Strizver, Founder of The Type Studio will lead a hands on workshop for the new to the veterans of typography. Yet like gourmet food, Gourmet Typography is expensive. AIGA members 250, but non-members will have to cough up 350. I would be all over it, if not for that hefty price tag. Checkout More!

Kapoor's 1st East Coast Show!

2008-05-29T21:18:00.005-04:00

Anish Kapoor - Past, Present, Future

ICA Boston - May 30 - September 7, 2008

Anish Kapoor is coming to Boston, and will be his first US east coast exhibition ever! His name exploded after his piece in Chicago's Millennium Park weighing 110 tons, titled 'Cloud Gate'. He also did a piece for Rockefeller Center in NYC. Starting tomorrow Kapoor will have a show for a little over three months at the ICA Boston. He will be showing many pieces never seen in the states as well as a brand spankin' new piece. Also, why Kapoor is a Turner Award winning and all for his sculptures, we would like to give The Struggling Blogger's Artist of the Month for May 2008 to Anish Kapoor in honor of his show he kicks off tomorrow! Checkout More!

All About the Balls

2008-05-29T13:10:00.007-04:00

Stefan Sagmeister - Interview
The Boston Phoenix

The Struggle is back, and it is nice to be back. Before the Sagmeister lecture, I noticed him talking to three people in front of the ICA, now I know why, as The Boston Phoenix printed up a short interview with him in the latest weekly paper. If you don't want to get your fingers all black, be sure to read it online. Checkout More!

See You In June

2008-05-11T01:59:00.004-04:00

The Struggling Blogger: In Europe
May 12 - 29, 2008

The Struggling Blogger will be in Europe from May 12th to 29th. It will be hard to blog about the Boston art scene and events, so we are going to leave it up to you to find the exciting events for the rest of the month of May. Come June we are back on schedule and will pick up right where we left off. Yes, I''ll take pictures, and miss you, and will be eager to return as we start a filled summer of events this summer in Boston! Cheers!

Here are some things you might want to attend. First, one of the first stories I wrote about was the great SOWA Open Market. May 17th is the start of the summer weekends that this open market will be held, and it is a must go! Today bring your mother to the Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum and have your mother great free admission in honor of Mothers Day. Finally, the SMFA is having their "Senior Project 2008" of 21 graduating seniors work up from May 12th to the 18th.

Only 20 Days

2008-05-10T13:21:00.003-04:00

June Stratton & Melody Postma
May 10 - 30, 2008 - Lanoue Fine Art

Lanoue Fine Art gallery has a exhibit opening up today by June Stratton and Melody Postma which I am just loving, especially Postma's. Postma's work is consisting of mix media or panels, with old fashion imagary which I am just in love with, especially the third of the pieces above. Jue Stratton work such as the middle one above is oil on linen. To tell you the truth, I thought it was a magazine spread. Viewing for this show is only twenty days, so be sure to get your ass down to this. I saw a sneak preview last week, and they look better in person then on the web. Checkout More!

Tag, We're It!

2008-05-07T18:11:00.008-04:00

AIB Design Expo - Tag, We're It
May 10, 2008 - Midway Theater

I wish my school could get this much press for our senior's design past show, maybe next year.! The design seniors at the Art Institute of Boston are having a major show at the Midway Theater titled, Tag, We're It as they are ready to show their work to the world. This event has been issued in the Weekly Dig, has sponsors such as Pepsi and to top it off has the AIGA posting about it on their website. How about them apples. Makes me jealous, but makes me want to see what these guys have the offer. They will have all types of media to packaging and print design. Aswell they have a guest lecture by Randy J. Hunt. It all begins at 6pm pronto! Checkout More!

Cross Country Vintage

2008-05-07T17:03:00.006-04:00

Frank Gohlke - On The Line
May 2 - June 7, 2008 - Gallery Kayafas

The Gallery Kayafas has a new exhibit down in the South End displaying black and white (along with other prints not as impressive) by Frank Gohlke. The pieces range from the 1970s to photos just taken a few years ago. They caught my eye as the images are similar to the ones I took when I drove across the country exactly a year ago to the date. The photos above (left: Texas, right: Albuquerque, New Mexico) were taken in the 1970s, yet it seemed to be almost the same as when I drove through those states in the Spring of 2007. Its amazing to think about and see how different the country is and how part of it never change, or change very slowly. If you have ever been cross country or visited part of the western life, you'll have the same feeling through this shows photography, I am sure. Checkout More!

Predicting the Weather, with baskets?

2008-05-06T01:39:00.004-04:00

Natalie Miebach - Changing Weather
Ending May 10, 2008 - Neilsen Gallery

I struggle to get you to see and experience all of the great shows and events of Boston sometimes, but before I regret not telling you, you need to checkout the sculptures by Nathalie Miebach who is one hell of a sculptor, who is also a meteorology dork. Created using baskets of all things, Miebach creates sculptures using patterns of the tides, daylight hours, the moons upon other things. I saw the pieces yesterday and they were insane. Unfortunately I was way too late on reporting you this show, but you still got a few days. Even if you view them from the sidewalk on Newbury you can really see the incredible detail put into these pieces. Checkout More!

Something for Mom!

2008-05-03T20:51:00.006-04:00

MassArt Annual Spring Sale
May 5 - 10, 2008

Starting May the 5th, MassArt will be begin their annual spring sale which grows in popularity every year. The sale will run to Saturday the 10th, and is held from 10am to 7pm every one of those days, located in the Tower Building's lobby. A wide range of pieces include paintings, prints and photos to ceramics and glass, all made by current MassArt students and alumni of the school. Profits go right to the artist and help support student scholarships. It is a great thing to support and they take VISA, Mastercard, cash and even checks. Also to get there it is as easy as jumping on the Greenline E (stop Longwood) or the 39 bus. Checkout More!

Attention Fashionistas

2008-05-02T02:46:00.006-04:00

UN/CUT - MassArt Senior Collections 2008

May 2, 2008 - BCA: Cyclorama

Boston kind of sucks when it comes to fashion, and we all know it, or atleast some do, but for one night, MassArt trys to change things. UN/CUT will feature pieces from MassArt's design seniors at the great location of the Cyclorama at the BCA. You can't just buy tickets at the door, so if you really want/need to go, head to MassArt or call 617-879-7676. Doors at 6:30 and the show starts at 7:30. Checkout More!

One Day Later

2008-04-30T20:47:00.005-04:00

Pixnit - Hello My Name is Pixnit
May 3 - June 1, 2008 - Judi Rotenberg Gallery

One day after getting Pixnit as The Struggling Blogger's artist of the month, she gets slammed with the cover of the Boston's Weekly Dig. Oh Struggle you so good! The great thing is she has a one lady show opening this Saturday on Newbury, so congrats and you know what that means, GO! She also has two pieces you the viewer at the gallery will be able to draw on and she will seal once the exhibit is finished. Why she doing this, taking this from the Weekly Dig "People ask 'How would you feel if we painted on your walls?' ...I'm reacting to what Boston's thinking." I love this girl, and I have no idea who she is or even looks like. Checkout More!

Change of Plans, Fairey in 2009

2008-04-30T15:34:00.006-04:00

Shepard Fairey

February 6 - April 19, 2008

False alarm everyone, Shepard Fairey is coming to Boston to hang his career at the ICA, but not as early as I previously posted about a month and a half ago. The ICA has given the new dates of February 6 to April 19, 2009, compared to the dates we and the ICA posted which were July of this summer to late October 2008. This means you and I will have to relax and think about something else for... a year. So disapointing, but hey I am still going to wait, and wait... and wait Checkout More!

Best Street Artist in Boston (2008)

2008-04-29T10:21:00.003-04:00

Pixnit

Graffiti, Street, Performance Artist

Pixnit is not new to the area, but she is getting a lot of attention lately. Profiling her as this months featured artist was a must. I heard of Pixnit about a year ago from a friend who knows the artists work very well. Her pieces are not always visible and not easy to find and what makes them great as they sometimes fit their scenery and are very organic which I love. She was recently awarded the 'Best of 2008' by the Phoenix as the cities best street artist. So check her site out and keep your eyes open. Checkout More!

Architecture Photography

2008-04-27T01:54:00.004-04:00

Bill Lyons - Convergence
April 24 - June 9, 2008 - Panopticon Gallery

Middle East photographer Bill Lyons started a great show this weekend displaying photography of his involving strictly architecture. The photos I have seen are great. The show will be up from now to the first week of June, but why all the old exhibits in Boston are ending this week, this is a perfect show to checkout, especially if your like me and really love architecture. Checkout More!

Over the Top

2008-04-23T21:30:00.005-04:00

Alex MacLean - Over the Top

April 11 - May 20, 2008 - Miller Block Gallery

This gallery has been going on since April, but it is going on until May 20th. I thought they were amazing aerial photography and how they look gridded and placed, it makes it so pleasing to the eye. The gallery is at 14 Newbury but even if you can't make the trip, at least view some of the sample photos such as the two above to really see how simple but interesting the exhibit is. Checkout More!

Minimalist LeWitt in Boston!

2008-04-22T01:17:00.005-04:00

Sol LeWitt
April 12 - May 21, 2008 - Barbara Krakow Gallery

The great minimalist Sol LeWitt has a career long collection of work showing in Boston, and has since April 12th! LeWitt, if you do not know his work, he is well known for pieces such as "Variations of Incomplete Open Cubes" from 1974. LeWitt is one of the artists you will hear when studying about the minimalism period in contemporary art. This show displays work from the 70s, 90s, and 2000s such as the piece above. Remember he is a minimalist, so realize it is going to look pretty well, minimal. This is a great show, great artist and a great opportunity to see a classic artists work in Boston. Checkout More!

The Future is Alive

2008-04-19T16:02:00.005-04:00

Future Arts 2008
April 19, 2008 - Boston Center for the Arts

Tonight FutureClassic, KarmaLoop, UFO and of course PBR is hosting an event tonight at the BCA, Future Arts 2008 Art Exibition. Presenting great work from tons, and I mean tons of urban artist. All the art is for sale which is the greatest part of all, and accepting credit cards. It is a one night only event, so be there. Tickets are 10 bucks, and it is 21 only. Checkout More!

B/W Photography at its Finest

2008-04-18T01:48:00.004-04:00

Larry Fink
March 28 - June 2, 2008 - Robert Klein Gallery

Robert Klein on Newbury is known for great photography exhibits, and this is one you should really checkout. Larry Fink has a great collection of old and not so old photographs, but they are all black and white, my favorite. Their ones from the 1970s to the mid to late 90s. It has been up for a bit and will continue to be up to June 2, so be sure to swing by the gallery. Checkout More!

Second Show Added!

2008-04-16T00:55:00.005-04:00

Stefan Stagmeister Lecture - 2nd Show!

April 25, 2008 - ICA

Great news for you slow pokes, Stagmeister has agreed to do a second talk due to the overwhelming response interested and the first show selling out in a matter of days. The first show at 6:30 the one I will be attending, but Stagmeister will also be signing books in between lectures with his latest book. Tickets also have raised from the first show. Student tickets are now two dollars more, 11 bucks. Don't wait anymore time, buy your tickets now... Checkout More!

Get Some Real Feedback

2008-04-15T02:29:00.006-04:00

2008 AIGA Annual Student Portfolio Review
April 26, 2008 - Mass College of Art & Design

The AIGA holds a great event each year for students of the design world. This day long event offers the chance to get advice and helpful information by real design professionals to improve your portfolio. Also a great way to practice interviews and get real honest criticisms. I know sometime my school struggles with that. Space is limited so you need to act fast, and the event will sell out. The event lasts from 9:30 to 3:30pm. It is under two weeks away, so think fast, it is a great opportunity. Checkout More!