Recently in Gtown Artists Category

With so much going on this upcoming week and weekend for Revival & Reflections, I'm a bit overwhelmed.  So, I'm trying to look at each activity one-by-one so I don't miss a thing.

The first annual Artist Studio Loft Tours is going on, put on by the Artist Homestead Galveston Island and sponsored by the Galveston Historical Foundation.  AHGI is a local organization comprised of Galveston artists, friends, neighbors, local business owners, real estate agents, and community leaders who seek to attract artists to live and work on the Island.  You can check them out at www.artisthomesteadgalvestonisland.com  

Here's the info on the tour coming up:

Artist Homestead Galveston Island Presents 1st Annual Artist Studio Tours 

September 12 from 1:00-5:00 PM.  Admission is $5. 

You can purchase tickets in advance online or at the studios themselves.

Studios on Tour:

• Janet Y. Hassinger, MFA  3510 Ave. S 1/2
  Watercolors Investigating a Unique  Perception of the Coral Reef
• Stephanie Thomas, Artist  1109 25th Street
  Works in Clay for Homes and Gardens
• Sallie Anderson 1605 24th Street
  Watercolors Reflecting the Excitement of Everyday Things
• Jul Kamen 1506 21st Street
  Contemporary Quilts Add an Extr Dimension to a Renovated Galveston Corner Store
• Gayle Reynolds, The Water's Edge Studio & Gallery 1302 21st Street
  Paintings which bring you the charm that is Galveston
• René Wiley Studio/Gallery 2128 Postoffice Street
  Colorful Oils Presenting Galveston's Abundance of Alleyways, Birdlife and more
• V. Starke/Art Market  2001 Postoffice Street
  Expressionist Art touching on women's issues and creating mood in abstract
• Martha J. Terrill 1214 14th Street
  The Art of ArrangingThings in New and Interesting Ways- Fantasy in Assemblage
• Beachtown Open House- East Beach Drive
  Exhibit of Pre and Post-Ike Photography
  
   

So lots going on this Saturday during ArtWalk that I thought I'd pass along. . .

1st - check out the still new art gallery, Local Color Galveston "Where Local Artists May Expose Themselves."  Mondo and I visited the owners, Katy & Darren Cleveland a while back.  Loved the new space and really enjoyed meeting these new IBCs and their children.  Great addition to the art scene and the great people scene on the Island.  You can find them at 120 20th Street in downtown Galveston (down from Somewhere in Time).

2nd - the Galveston Art Center (who are sponsors of ArtWalk) will be in their temporary new location on 25th St. in the old Maceo Spice storefront.  Remember to go check them out too.

3rd - Did you know that a few weeks ago in the beginning of August, 18 teams of architects and designers from the Houston area got together at Rice University to look at Gtown's Seawall?  Their task was a design competition around a site along the Seawall that is a "hingepoint" between downtown and the beach.  Competitors had 8 hours to come up with a design idea that works for locals and tourists! The 18 designs are going to be on display for one night only during ArtWalk!  Go check it out!  Apparently many of the designers and judges will be there.  It's from 6pm to 9pm (during ArtWalk) on this Saturday, August 22 at 2326 Strand (in the fantastic Sealy-Hutchings Building next to Luigi's)  Check out the group who organized this awesome idea, Rice Design Alliance at www.ricedesignalliance.org
 

For those that got to hear our second installment of the IBC Radio Hour on KGBC today, I was again asked to put together a few songs for the show. A task I always enjoy doing for anyone willing to put up with my music addiction. We didn't get the opportunity to talk about the songs this time though and part of the joy for me when we do this is finding music that is somehow tied to the island.

So for a little more "behind the scenes" info on the songs I selected...read on.

Gordon Calcotte & Don Lee - "Galveston

I know absolutely nothing about these two (that's a hell of a way to start this Will...) but feel that their version of this song is among the better recorded (and I'd dare say better than Campbell's). The song was actually written by Jimmy Webb who would write some of Campbell's top songs. This version is just a little more warbly and raw. Not quite as polished up as the Rhinestone Cowboy's.

Shameless plug for t-shirt sales. Buy our IBC tribute to Glen / Galveston t-shirt by clicking here!

Hayes Carll - "Hey Baby Where You Been"

My first trip to the Old Quarter was 5 years or so. I was on a trip to Crystal Beach and was taken into town to see the Acoustic Cafe. Hayes was playing that night but at the time was just getting going. A year later he played the Golden Light in Amarillo in support of his debut album and I was hooked. From his time living in Crystal Beach to his current status of being one of the leading songwriters going, he's never distanced himself from the Gulf Coast and especially Galveston and Bolivar.

John Evans - "Ride Away"

I'm admittedly a little new to John's music. We have very close mutual friends however I've not had the opportunity to see him perform until this past week with their show at the Old Quarter. I'm a huge fan of that place but every once in a while do enjoy seeing a bit more of a rock and roll show than acoustic / folk. John did a tremendous job of playing a very lively fun electric show in such a hallowed cafe. He's going to be back here in a few weeks playing at Woody's. I hope to see you all there.

Blaze Foley - Election Day

I first ran across this song on Lyle Lovett's "My Baby Don't Tolerate" album. It's wonderfully creepy and mysterious and I had no idea it was a cover. Blaze Foley's story is a big one and you internet sleuths will be able to find out plenty on him. Of note for me though is that John Prine, Merle Haggard and Lovett have covered his music and that is big stuff for a pretty unheard of songwriter. The man was exceptionally talented.

He also had a love affair with duct tape. It's worth researching to get the rest of that story.

What songs come to mind when you think of Galveston Island? For me the Grand Opera, Old Quarter, Yaga's are all big impacts of my musical experiences here. I'd love to know what music gets you all through the day.
 

Okay, don't forget that Bud Clay Thomas's closing reception is coming up this Saturday at Artwalk/Re-Birthday extravaganza and the [Surface Tension] will end on June 2nd!  (Read all about it on Mondos' post here!)

Also, hold on to your hats because this Saturday's CHOCKED FULL of heady funness with the Re-Birth Day Celebration!  This fine event is being coordinated by the good folks of the Historic Downtown Strand Seaport (old-schoolers might know them as the DRC, or the Historic Downtown Galveston Partnership most recently!) who are constantly advocating business owners, residents and good stuff in general for downtown...  The event is sponsored by Mitchell Historic Properties (Happy Birthday Mr. George Mitchell - where would G-town be without his dedication to the Island??!?!) and will even feature tours of the fabulous Tremont House from 2-4!

Check out the entire list of activities online at http://www.downtowngalveston.org/re-birth-day_celebration.html but basically it starts at noon on Postoffice Street between 21st and 23rd and ends at the "Pier 21 party zone" (21st and Harborside) at 8pm.

Stay tuned for the newest official Beach Revue pics as well!!!.....

First up: the hard facts (courtesy of Farmer John's fiance Katie)

Farmer John Ray's banjo was stolen several weeks ago. To replace the beloved banjo, we are having a Benefit Show next Wednesday at the Old Quarter. If you have enjoyed his music over the past 4 years, please come out and show your support!

Broken Spoke's last show with John Ray, plus the musical stylings of Kristy Mitchell Wednesday, May 27th,  9 - 12pm Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe, 20th and Post Office

Now onto the story behind the story...

John Ray and Katie were neighbors of mine a few years back when I lived on 10th and Ball. They both lived in the houses 2 and 3 doors down from me and after some missed BBQ invites they soon became regulars at my Sunday Supper Clubs and I at their great big backyard BBQ's.

Aside from John Ray's departure for his residency, and that of some other very dear friends over the next few weeks, it also marks his last show as a part of one of my favorite local bands, Broken Spoke.



For anyone that has spent any time around me at all, my love for music shouldn't be a shock to anyone. Broken Spoke's music has always struck me as unique and well placed. Their original songs are well crafted and cover songs always appropriate. I'm sure the fact that they play the Old Quarter with frequency doesn't hurt. Nor does Kevin, Clark and John Ray's great knowledge of music. Also of note is a guest appearance by Kristy Mitchell (aside from being a salty poker player, she is a very talented musician in her own right).

I run into a lot of people that have yet to experience the Old Quarter and although that could (and should) be a post on it's own, you can get a little taste for it over at the Houston Press.

For anyone with the free time (and please also note the other reason for this concert - the replacement of John Ray's stolen banjo) I encourage you all to come out and join us for a night of great LOCAL music and all around good causes.
 

 

This past Saturday, Mrs. Mondo and I hung out with local artist Bud Clay Thomas to talk art, music, and his upcoming first solo show here in Gtown.

Bud Clay Thomas will have his first solo show on Galveston Island this Saturday, May 2nd, at Bacchus Wine Bar on the Strand (2404 Strand) from 6 p.m. until midnight.

This premier event, entitled [Surface Tension], is at least a year in the making as Bud became an Islander By Choice in the spring of 2008. Bud and his girlfriend (she's another post in the making) moved to Galveston in order to be involved in the local art scene.

At 24, Bud has traded his rural upbringing for an Island lifestyle. He grew up in a small country town just outside of Abilene, where as a kid he worked on farms with cattle. But Bud thrived more on making music and art. After playing in a band for a few years, he decided to develop his fondness and talent for drawing into a true calling and vocation. Bud began to study art on his own, learning about other artists in order to establish his own stroke. He dreams of one day creating art that moves people politically.

With [Surface Tension], Bud hopes to fully entangle himself into the Island's small yet developing art scene. He has shown work in Galveston previously in group art shows, but he looks forward to standing out on his own this Saturday.

This body of work that will be displayed at Bacchus was all created post-Ike. (You can stop by Bacchus before Saturday to check out a preview of the show). Like many artists, he lost many supplies and tools and had to start over.

Beginning anew was not as difficult as Bud initially thought it would be due to the support and encouragement of many people. Bud spent a month and a half after the storm roaming around Austin and Abilene without the means to paint in order to ease his frustrations, and he found himself anxious to get back to work. Upon his return to the Island, Bud painted for two straight days. And, he counts Marcel Duchamp as an influence on his work. (Cheers to you R. Mutt).


Bud Clay Thomas at Bacchus Wine Bar

Marcel Duchamp: "I discarded brushes and explored the mind more than the hand." But Bud did not completely throw the brushes away. They became a tool for blending unless a painted line was necessary. The majority of the work he created was done through a combination of pouring, squeezing, and atomizing - in a specific sequence. He then manipulated the materials to produce work of non-representational composition; like lyric-less music. (Sweet action indeed). Included in the exhibition is a piece of work that is a direct reference to The Style, or De Stijl, and specifically Piet Mondrian, a Dutch painter. The piece of work is titled "Piet's Nightmare," as the lines are crooked and the color is blended.

So, what does the title of his show mean exactly? Surface tension is an effect within the surface layer of a liquid that results in a behavior analogous to an elastic sheet. (Whoa? What?)  Basically, the effect of surface tension permits insects to walk on water and for drops of water to bead up. Bud's [Surface Tension] exhibition is woven into this idea by beginning his works flat, creating a plane (in the vein of Jackson Pollock). Using various materials he gives the canvas topography and then floods it with color.

So, we'll be down on Saturday to check out the full show and hope to see you out at Bacchus for some great art and great company, and just as importantly, to support local! Oh, and if you haven't checked out Bacchus yet, it's a treat - we loved the moody vibe, sofas, and of course all accented by Bud's fantastic paintings!
 

One of the things I love about our Island is the larger community that is made up of the mini-communities that are forged among neighbors, business owners, and friends.  One of the neatest areas/neighborhoods is the San Jacinto Neighborhood and its fantastic neighborhood association comprised of some of the coolest, most talented, and most passionate people I've met on this little sandbar.

The Artist Homestead Galveston Island project is in creation due the incredible efforts of several San Jac residents as well as locals from around the Island.  The group that is working to attract more artists to the Island through this initiative has already organized, developed a working committee, and has been hard at work to make this fantastic idea a reality! 

The project seeks to attract artists to come to the Island to live and create while also revitalizing our neighborhoods.  This project is based on the Paducah, KY's Artist Relocation Program: http://www.paducaharts.com

Many thanks to those working on this project - particularly those who are on the "working committee" (at least that's what I'm calling them).  These Island residents include Jul & Alan Kamen, Martha Terrell, Tom Schwenk, Bob Strevell, Steve Lanier, David Bowers, and Linda Burton.  (Please forgive me if I've forgotten someone & let me know)! 

More information will be out soon and a website is close to launch from what I hear.  I'll be sure to pass this along when I get more information.  In the meantime, check out page 9 of the April issue of the San Jacinto Neighborhood Association's newsletter where you can find out how to support this project and get more information on this friggin' fantastic project:  http://sanjacneighborhoodassoc.org/April%202009%20Newsletter.pdf  

One of my secret passions (probably not so secret to Mondo and friends) is my passion for art.  I'm far from any kind of expert, I just grew up with a mom with an art degree who revisited water coloring infrequently but found art in everyday life and encouraged me and my bros to express ourselves through art.  All I wanted to be when I grew up was an artist - a painter to be specific.  Alas, I did not get that gene from the great family pool. 

So, I'm an admirer and a consumer instead.  And, dude, I'm a girl who likes what she likes.  Maybe some of the stuff nailed to my walls isn't noteworthy, but in the Mondo household, we buy what moves us.  As long as it keeps me interested in some way - even if it is disturbing - I'm on board.  'Cause I want stuff that not only moves me in some form or fashion but makes me think - challenges me as well as inspires me.  And, admittedly, a little irony goes a long way too.

So this is why I'm working on these local artist features.  I also really like the modern art scene here.  Sorry folks, I'm not too keen on coastal art (also not a secret to friends and family). Ok, if the artwork on display is like the paintings from a home on GHF's Homes Tour last summer - I'll buy!  (It rocked - oil paintings with goat heads on seagulls).

I want you guys to check out these artists.  Some of them have never publicly shown their art here on the Island.  Some have hung these personal passions intermittently on local gallery walls.  And others are new and/or opening or re-opening studio and gallery spaces.

Hey IBCers - give our local artists some support!  Come check them out and talk to them.  Guarantee it won't be a boring time, and I for one, love folks who have something interesting to contribute to the conversation.
 

Here's my interview with local artist Ann Wood from the other night.  In interest of full disclosure, Ann is one of my peeps.

What brought you to the Island?

I moved to Galveston almost two years ago.  We didn't move for any artsy fartsy reason - my husband got a job here and we always wanted to live in Galveston. So when my husband had a job opportunity at UTMB we jumped on it. So it's that stereotypical thing - go with your husband's job.  But, I should say, I got a job here on the same day - so it unfolded perfectly.

What do you love about the Island?

I just love the fact that we're close to the top notch art scene. We - Islanders - are laid back.  I love the Island attitude, the beach, the Strand - I like the historic nature, but that we're also so close to all the major cultural institutions in the area.  Oh. And I love IBC!