Comment by Donald Maier on November 24, 2009 at 2:20pm

I'll create an icon for this group and you can use it if you wish.

Comment by Marsha Hamby Savage on November 24, 2009 at 6:09pm

Thanks Don, I had not thought about that or an image.

Comment by Carly Hardy on November 28, 2009 at 11:42am

Nice to see the interest building! Don, the logo looks great!

Comment by Marsha Hamby Savage on November 28, 2009 at 11:54am

Thanks Carly -- I can see this going, going, going . . . !

I hope everyone realizes the more people you are connected to, the more opportunity there is for knowing about painting opportunities, shows, workshops, etc. I know, I am preaching to the choir!!!! See you tomorrow!

Comment by Katie C Gronsbell on November 28, 2009 at 12:20pm

Thanks for inviting me to join Marsha! I look forward to learning how to do Plein Air painting!
kg

Comment by Amanda (Carder) Lovett on November 28, 2009 at 12:21pm

I am all about that!!! Thanks for the invite!

Comment by Marsha Hamby Savage on November 29, 2009 at 8:55am

For a little explanation of how I came to this idea:

Sitting around with a couple of artists friends – at different times – I had the thought about how we see various names of artists associated with events – mostly out West. Granted, they do have a beautiful landscape that is vast and just lends itself to more of the “green” attitude – saving our environment, hiking, plein air painting, and various outdoor adventures. They have advertisements and notices in the art magazines, listing the event to come, or past participation in an event. They usually have an association with their gallery, maybe a museum, and usually some cause.

We see the same names – maybe in different groupings – but a core group of artists that are making a name for them, along with artists we might not recognize. Up and coming artists, if you will. Sometimes you might only recognize a couple of the names. Next event one of those might be involved with a couple more you recognize, but were not able to participate in the previous event. Over a span of time, you might see many events, and many of the same names. Again, though, they are working hard to participate in these events, working hard on their own work also.

I know they have a wonderful network of friends! Why don’t we do the same here in our part of the Country? But, this is not meant to be exclusive.

Also, I know many of us have our own network of close artist friends and respected fellow artists we have met that are a little more just an acquaintance. We learn of events, shows, paint-outs, etc. from our friends, besides what we read in magazines, and on-line. If we create an e-mail network (or something similar – open to ideas here!) of our own friends, and our friends create an e-mail network of their friends, think of how wonderful and far-reaching a group it would be. We can support each other!

We could partner ourselves with events in our area, and also be knowledgeable about events not in our area that we might participate in. Events would be discovered, analyzed and talked about between the networks of friends. Those closest to the area and able would be instrumental in organizing the event, or finding someone that could. Enlist the help of anyone you think can bring publicity to the event, anyone with experience in organizing the event, etc. You might not know that your friend is a good organizer! You never know who has friends and relatives in organizations, businesses, etc. that have budgets with money set aside for charity and benefits. It doesn’t hurt to ask!

My friends talked about paint outs, exhibition opportunities, auctions, galas – both white tablecloth and barbecue! For instance, I attended a benefit for Alzheimer’s – a day care facility – where they showed many pieces of artwork for “silent auction” and they also had pieces for live auction. The publicity for this event was wonderful because there were many people there and the works sold for a very good price (meaning closer to the value – not bargain basement). The artists either donated, or they could consign the work. It was a wonderful evening. My friends came home with about six different styles of paintings and were very happy to know some of their money was going to a good cause – and they did not just “give” the money.

I have already discussed an event for “Reflection Riding Arboretum” near Chattanooga – for a paint out and benefit to raise the awareness of this property. Some artists will probably visit in spring, 2010 during the wildflower season to evaluate the appropriateness of this event. We will look at difficulty of painting locations, lodging, etc. My contact has already said he talked to the Board and some friends, and someone has already said they would donate money to the event organization. So, all it takes is talking this up, looking for association with something worthy, and then discussing it with your friends and your network too!

Get your gallery involved. Have a museum or art school close by? Ask them to get involved. Plan ways to get the publicity – advertisements in national magazines, local magazines and newspapers, radio stations. Do you know any local television personalities, newscasters, etc.? See if you can involve someone with name recognition.

As said in the one-page document at the beginning – you might not be able to participate in all events, maybe not even many events. But, you should be able to participate at some time. The more you think about this, the more I think you will see the validity in this type of network. It should not consume your time – you should be painting and working on your marketing. But, I think this could be a good addition to your marketing. Let’s up the name recognition of our Eastern artists, and do something good at the same time!

Please feel free to discuss this with your friends and your art organizations. Ask questions and raise issues, etc. We do not want to reinvent the wheel here! Tell me your experiences in attending, organizing, and listening to others who did participate in events such as this. Give us the pros and cons – things we can build upon. Your thoughts are much appreciated!

Comment by Marsha Hamby Savage on November 29, 2009 at 9:13am

If you are interested be sure to check out the forum for the discussion titled "Eastern US Artist Network". I wanted to post the full information there for discussion among the artists here -- whether they are in our area or not. Remember, this network may say Eastern, but it is not exclusive!

Comment by Frances Lynn on November 29, 2009 at 10:13am

I participated in the North Fla Land Trust Paint the Trail event a month ago near Jacksonville, which was in line with what you are suggesting with Eastern US Network. About 65 artists painted for 4 days, then held a sale of works with a percentage going to the Land Trust. It was an extremely well organized and effectively marketed event that took over a year of preparation with 3 volunteers devoted to the cause. We sold a lot of paintings because people wanted to donate to the organization, and they liked the idea of also receiving an original painting that depicted the natural environment we are trying to protect. As with other professional paint-outs, the paint-out organizers provided cont. breakfast, lunches, and lodging with local families - always very much appreciated. Paint-outs in Florida are becoming "by invitation only" and as you say, include that core group of friends , sometimes not even the best painters. Linking up with non-profits to raise money through painting is a great approach - it's the organizing and promoting that takes so much time and energy. Anyway, count me in - I'm always ready to do a paint out.

Comment by Carolyn Molder on December 8, 2009 at 10:07pm

Nice to see interest in this - I'd like to participate.

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