Artists: Share Digital Images of Your Work

I had a recent chance to take part in Word Wednesday at Allentown Brew Works. There were 30+ people there and many of them came to share their poetry.

Yodi and Kari have a great event going on. That night, Kari was the perfect, personable hostess and Yodi and the musical ensemble (drummers and guitar, also open to public participation) provided great backup to the poets with chill musical interludes.

Prior to the break, the Word Wednesday crew shared digital images, projected on the wall, of artwork created by local artists. They want more artists to submit images of their work to be shown to the public in a digital slideshow at a future Word Wednesday event.

Please email submissions to: WordWednesday@hotmail.com

Word Wednesday is held the 2nd Wednesday of each month in the cozy Silk Lounge, lower level, Allentown Brew Works, 812 Hamilton Street.

Poems from "Velocity" show - at long last!

Poet Marilyn Hazelton has compiled the poems written by artists and the public at the "Velocity" show closing in June. She requested that they be posted here. Thanks to Marilyn for leading us through a great creative exercise, and thanks to those who participated. Enjoy!

From Marilyn:

A Meditation on Writing from Art

To walk into a gallery, allow a work of art to extend an invitation, accept, and begin to interact with that painting, sculpture, or entire room adds an unusual layer to the art process and becomes it’s own form of art.

Artists and family and friends of artists added that artistic effort to the opening and closing receptions for “Velocity”, the Chen Art Group’s summer show at the Allentown Art Museum.

The resulting poems reflect the viewers’ visual responses and perceptions, as well as memories and reflections, evoked by the art.

The Poems:

Many thanks to Susan Weaver and Marilyn Hazelton for co-hosting the writing event at the Closing Reception of “Velocity”, to Wilhelm Schmidt for his assistance in typing many of the writings below, and to all who participated.

for the Chen Arts Show

Human murmurs, conversations

The walls stand quiet, waiting for attention.

“Hear us” the works say

“Interact with us.

Enter into relationship.”

Silent they wait as we turn to face them.

Georgine Miller

Balancing Act

After "Coffee Cups 5" by Glenn Lash

Glaze shimmers

on that twist

of dough

dunked forever

in a turquoise mug.

Above,

a clattering cup

tips a splash

of joe.

A doughnut

draws my gaze—

circled with an eternity

of chocolate icing.

It wears an upturned cup

like a

teetering top hat.

Poised on its lid,

a potter's spiraling

vortex,

dizzying

as a sugar rush.

I drink to this

off-kilter

totem

to hedonism

and that

all-American

institution ...

the coffee break.

Susan Weaver

Memories from the front line.

Inspired by Lee Leckey’s painting “Center Front”

Veil concealing ghosts of recent past.

Center, drive, round and round, crosses, lines.

How did they begin,

Forms, fields, patches, life?

Penetrating, one by one,

Repeating actions memorized.

Waning, waxing, taking center front, interrupted,

Memories run off.

Leading, one by one,

Eyes toward unpredictable future.

One by one,

Circles, ground, sky.

Rafael J. Cañizares-Yunez


Glimpses and Reminiscences

I see my salvation walking towards the enemy

Waiting to strike in the name of God

Although the enemy is the devil, he has taken a deceiving look

In the eyes of a peaceful soldier, the deadly swan is the worst enemy

But, in the eyes of a human, it is just a swan

In between the rivals is the sign of Jesus’ mother

Who is defending the rights of all human race

Kamilah Velez

For “3 Piece Man”

a sculpture by Heather Haas

Tripartite -

arc and trough

of skin and bone,

the negative space

carries weight, emotion,

defines life

thinly suspended

by a rod of steely resolve.

We are often cut thus.

Perhaps this stark white shell

is a cocoon

already shed,

the true self

transformed.

Ann Corbett Burke

Alley in Autumn

After "Emmett Street, Allentown" by Joseph Skrapits

Narrow houses crowd

Emmett Street

like neighbors talking

over the back fence

before winter closes in.

To a wall of aqua blue

the phone pole's shadow,

a compass needle,

points up the alley,

collects my eye

from its

distraction

by a swath of fence

painted persimmon

in afternoon sun.

An oak tree waits

for wind to drift leaves

and open a view

skyward

past peaked roofs

that will change beyond return

this half-street moment,

this autumn brilliance

captured

on the artist's canvas.

Susan Weaver

for “Emmett Street” by Joe Skrapits

Florence! Oh skip it

And all the cousins would laugh

The headless house man

or

no more peanuts please

Bill Villa


“Surf’s Up”

for a sculpture by Wilhelm Schmidt

Roots soaring

after the storm,

wings of wood swirl

upward from the vortex.

Enchanted,

I see a hole

nearly hidden:

the eye

of dark disturbance,

an epicenter

from which is flung

pure joy.

Ann Corbett Burke

Surf’s Up

for a sculpture by Wilhelm Schmidt

Wild whorl wings

Movement caught trembling

Windblown

In polished wood

Shape glanced sidelong

Eye seizing

Grappling

Almost

Fleeting

Gone

Paul Blaney

Zero Gravity

For “Escape Velocity” by Sereno Jacob

Shivering, thunderous metal plates

Meet the Stratosphere.

In only moments sky will be gone.

Free of ground.

Free of air.

A blank page, as black as all nights.

A chance to start new.

Anonymous

For “Hyper View” by Rick Hildenbardt

You are wild you are free

You herd together for life support

Your life is carved from the land

Along comes man

And you are now only a memory

Carved in wood on a wall

Anonymous


or “Cotterman’s Tornado” by Ryan Fulton

A naked boy quietly contemplating the stars

Gazing toward the heavens

+ knowing that they’re ours

Peering eyes, fixed on the skies

Before the Mexican temple

At home + at peace

Sarah Fulton

For “Untitled Cow Drawing” by Greg Weaver

Just A Few Squiggles

Comical simple tail to head drawing

A squiggly cow, makes you join smiling

Across the meadow frolicking

On a lark, just sailing

Ears and tail compelling

Care-free romp tale-telling

Heard from stories trailing

Cathy Botch

Solace

for” Solastaglia”

Button dropped, and then again found

Now contained, still, no sound

Worn with pride, in a far off place

Released from threads, hanging in space

Newly used, in the past for closure,

Semi-revealed, a partial exposure

Once held in fingers, young and old

Suddenly art, impossible to hold

We live, we pass, but once we come through

In art, as in life, we are created anew

Graham Lustig

for “Shy Geoff” by Yodi

Splatters and squiggles of paint

Fly like confetti in a parade

Or streamers at a childhood celebration

As Geoffrey watches Yodi

Play with paper

Angie Villa

for “The Patriot Act” by Georgina Miller

Forlorn expression looking back

The eyes must say what the mouth can’t

Face recessed in white and red

While blue muzzles what is said

Zehra Follweiler

for” Marley’s Trail”

Beauty is all around us

In nature

In animals

In creativity

Beauty created by God

Dog hike. Straight trees and

Flowing blades of grass. Get lost

On the path, enjoy the journey

Anonymous

Lake Erie Sunset

For a photograph by Jeff Williams of the same name

Fingers

of ice

and fire

reach for light,

like a hand rising

into the play of winter.

Beyond this,

beyond

other eruptions

between sheets

of frozen beach,

a slim slice

of water

borders

ice peaks

rising and falling

in conversation

with God

disguised

as sky.

Marilyn Hazelton

Show Opening Friday

This season is proving to be busy for area artists. Take a look at the next show opening in Allentown...



From Kiki & Greg:

Gregory Coates and Kiki Nienaber are proud to invite you to view new works by Chris Neyen at C.a.N. studio (that’s Coates and Nienaber) . (Address is 614 Washington St., Allentown.)

Please come meet old and new friends and celebrate this exhibition, entitled UNSEEN at the reception on Friday the 20^th of November 6-9 pm.

We hope to see you then. Best, Kiki

Art Mart coming soon...

A small group of us met Saturday at the former Allentown Opera House at 809-813 Hamilton. After viewing the two spaces available we decided to open the gallery at 813, where Greg Coates has been curating a window project called New Museum.

We plan to clean out the space and prep it for use as a gallery and shop called Art Mart. Please contact me if you would like to volunteer to help with the clean-up. We will also need volunteers to sit in the gallery (in pairs) on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 11-2 and on Fridays and Saturdays from 4-8 throughout the holiday season. Contact: chenarts.info@gmail.com

Art Mart will feature original artwork and handmade items for sale in a show titled: Holiday Gifts.

Pictures will be posted soon.

New Hess's Exhibit Features Mural by Ro Geseck

That busy, busy, Chenster Ro Geseck has completed a cool retro mural for the new Hess's Holiday Exhibit at The Lehigh Valley Heritage Center. If you yearn for that magical Hess's holiday experience, strawberry pie at The Patio Restaurant, and Hollywood on Hamilton, then you must travel back in time this Friday Nov. 13th at The Lehigh Valley Heritage Center, 4th and Walnut, Allentown. The opening starts at 7pm. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children, free for members. Stop by to say "hi" to Ro at the opening. Just look for the gal wearing beaucoup funky pins on her sweater. The exhibit is open through Jan. 10th. Don't miss this!

Angie Villa

Downtown Gallery Show Planned for the Holidays

Here's the latest on the show planned for 809 W. Hamilton. Send your submissions ASAP:

New Museum Director, Gregory Coates, will curate a show titled "Holiday Gifts."

Greg is seeking artists who feel they can participate in a show which will take on the look of a "gift shop" by submitting art objects they have made or other objects they feel would fit this description. The items would be displayed (and offered for sale, unless otherwise specified) at the gallery at 809 W. Hamilton, which is in a great location across the street from Allentown Brew Works.

This gallery will be promoted to holiday shoppers - so think of things you have created that are likely to sell. That means paintings, sculpture, photos, cards, handmade trinkets like jewelry, pins, hats, scarves, bags, etc., etc....All artists are encouraged to decorate ornaments that can be offered for sale as well.

Again, Greg is requesting that artists send him 3 jpg images so he can view possible selections. Send images to coatesgregory4@gmail.com
Deadline for submission is Nov. 16. Set up will take place the following week, with an opening tentatively set for Black Friday, Nov. 27.

Volunteers will also be needed to help clean the space, hang work, and staff the gallery. Contact me at chenarts.info@gmail.com if you'd like to Volunteer in some way.

Sarah

Chen Artist's Work on Display

Wilhelm Schmidt has two sculptures on display in the Lehigh Art Alliance show at Iacocca Hall, Lehigh University. The show is on until Dec. 12.

His work will also be exhibited at the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen's show, Nov. 14 and 15, at the Swain School, S. 24th Street, in Allentown.

Wilhelm most recently displayed some of his woodworking pieces at the Velocity show (June '09) and the "Hamilton for Rent" windows (summer '09).

Please try to attend and offer your support.

Artist Reception Nov. 13

Please come out and show your support for our area artists. This show is curated by Deb Rabinsky, a tireless volunteer with Old Allentown and the Chen Arts Group.
From Deb:

ARTIST RECEPTION
Berrisford Boothe, John Harry,
Curlee Raven Holton, Rick Hildenbrandt,
Peter Lewnes, James Gallucci, Ed Meenely,
Joe Skrapits, Rigo Peralta, Ryo Tokita,
Rafael Canizares-Yunez, Yodi Duane Vaden,
John Clark - Home & Planet

When: Nov. 13, 2009 time 7-9 PM
Where: 221 North 8th Street

Hosted by Mr. & Mrs. Nelson A Diaz

"ART of Giving" to Benefit Soup Kitchen

From Sue Highet:

"The ART of Giving
On March 19th an Art Auction will be held at the Baum School of Art beginning at 6PM. All proceeds will benefit the Lehigh County Conference of churches Soup Kitchen. Please mark your calendar & make plans to come to this wonderful event! What a great way to give and receive. More information will be coming as we approach the date of the event. You may contact Sue Highet at 610-435-5054 with any questions."

Chensters, if you would like to be a part of this worthwhile event, you can donate your art work for the auction. It is for a very good cause: to feed the homeless. And if anyone is interested in donating food or beverage for the opening, or if you can help in any way, please contact Sue.

Thanks,

Angie Villa

Federal Arts Funding Increase

From Americans for the Arts:

Congress passed a $12.5 million funding increase as part of the FY 2010 Interior Appropriations bill for both the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). President Obama is scheduled to sign this bill into law by October 31, which concludes National Arts and Humanities Month. The nation's two federal grantmaking cultural agencies will now each have budgets of $167.5 million, their highest funding levels in 16 years. As so many state and local governments have had to cut arts budgets across the country, this well-timed federal appropriations increase for the arts is a welcome infusion of funds.

Enacted FY09
FY10 Final Interior Appropriations Bill
FY09 vs. FY10 Difference
NEA
$155 million
$167.5 million
$12.5 million increase
NEH
$155 million
$167.5 million
$12.5 million increase

The FY 2010 Interior Appropriations bill (H.R. 2996) was passed in the House by a vote of 247­­-178 and in the Senate by a vote of 72-28. Please play your part and send a quick e-mail to your members of Congress at the Americans for the Arts E-Advocacy Center and let them know how much the arts will benefit from this funding increase.

What's Next:While the NEA and NEH's budgets have now been finalized, many other federal programs such as the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting are still operating under a continuing resolution until December 18, 2009. We will keep you posted on these legislative updates in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, please save the dates of April 12-13, 2010 for National Arts Advocacy Day in Washington, DC. With the incredible advocacy success that we had this year that included $50 million in the federal economic stimulus bill for arts jobs and now the $12.5 million increase in NEA and NEH budgets, we need to keep building on this positive momentum. Come join us.

Help us also continue this important work by becoming an official member of the Arts Action Fund. If you are not already an official member, you can join the Arts Action Fund today -- it's free and simple.

A view of the New Museum

Here is the latest exhibit at the New Museum window at 813 W. Hamilton. This window is curated by Gregory Coates. The site currently features work by Greg and Cheryl Agulnick Hochberg. See their links (at right) for more information.

Benefit Concert on Sunday Nov. 1

From Ethel Drayton-Craig:

Announcing a Jazz Benefit Concert for the Education Program of the Allentown Symphony. Sunday, November 1st, 4:00 - 6:00 PM, $15, at Allentown Symphony Hall.

This past year the Allentown Symphony served 14,000 children from age 3 - high school! 471 students were students of the Allentown School District.

With the state budget cutbacks we have sustained cuts to our education program of approximately $100,000.

Thanks to the many jazz artists that have performed at the jazz cabarets, they have organized to give back to the Symphony. On November 1st, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM over 25 renowned regional jazz artists are volunteering their time and their talents for this JAZZ BENEFIT CONCERT. LIVE. $15 (Allentown Symphony Hall, 23 North Sixth Street, Allentown) Box Office 610-432-6715.

Come out and have a great time. Meet and Greet the Musicians. Great Food, too!
LOTS OF FUN! All proceeds benefit Educational Programming. SHARE THIS EMAIL WITH YOUR FRIENDS.

Featuring:
Co-Op Bop with guest Bobby Routsch
New Kind of Talk
P.F. & The Flyers
Skip Wilkins Trio
Mike Lorenz & Tom Kozic with guest Rob Stoneback
Dave Roth Trio
Lou Czechowski Trio
Fusion Trio
Kato
Also appearing: Marlene Gilley, Mike Ciliberti, Greg Eicher, Gary Rissmiller, Craig Kastelnik, Alan Gaumer, Neil Wetzel, Jim McGee, Mike Trach, Jim Meyers, Wayne Maura, Pete Fluck, John Sproat, Tony Gairo, Brian Bortz, Vern Mobley, June Thomas, Vicki Doney, Robin Bryan.

Special thanks to Frank Wilgruber and Alan Gaumer for creating and organizing this event!

Ethel Drayton-Craig
Chair, Jazz Committee
Allentown Symphony Association

Hava Java Cafe's Writers Group

From Yodi:

There is a Writer’s Workshop that meets at the Hava Java Café at 526 N. 19th Street in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The writers meet every Sunday for a couple of hours. They discuss all aspects of writing, including publishing, editing, grammar and style.

It is open to the hobbyist and the professionals who write poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. All writers stop by and join in, bring some of your work and enjoy a beverage and some great networking. The group begins promptly at 6pm every Sunday.

Saturday Night at the Movies in Downtown Allentown

Please join us Saturday night in the Silk Lounge of Allentown Brew Works. Matt Lewis and Sarah Fulton will be screening their most recent documentary, "On Joy & Sorrow - The Glass Prism Story."

The film tells the story of The Glass Prism, who rose out of industrial Scranton with the first concept album, “Poe Through The Glass Prism.”

The Glass Prism achieved rock ‘n roll fame in the 1960s using the poetry of Edgar Allan Poe as the lyrics to its groovin’ progressive rock tunes, but the group’s journey to stardom was quickly snuffed out like so many bands of the time.

The film chronicles the rise of the band, its ultimate demise and the journey of the remaining members, who 40 years later, decided to reunite and start rocking again.

The film is an Official 2009 Selection of the Philadelphia Independent Film Festival and the Flint Film Festival, of Flint, Michigan.

Lewis, Fulton and collaborator Bob Ross, will be in attendance to view the film with the audience and answer any questions.

There is NO admission charge. Doors open at 7 p.m. Oct. 24. The screening will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Silk Lounge, lower level of Allentown Brew Works. Come early to claim a good seat! Guests are encouraged to patronize Brew Works, which is graciously hosting the screening, and enjoy the restaurant’s delicious food and award-winning microbrews.

Art Unveiling Oct. 24 at "New Museum"

Stop by Gregory Coates' New Museum window at 813 W. Hamilton Street on Saturday to see the work of Cheryl Agulnick Hochberg and offer your support!

Here is her bio:

Cheryl Agulnick Hochberg is a Kutztown-based artist who has shown often in this region as well as nationally. In this area, her paintings have recently been seen at eDavid Gallery in Bethlehem, at the Siegel Gallery at Lehigh University, and in the Chen Arts Momentum show. In addition to her paintings, she makes 3-dimensional works with a collaborator, Andrew Brehm, and also makes found object constructions. These three dimensional works will be shown in Greg Coates' New Museum. Cheryl teaches at Kutztown University, and is head of the Studio Art department there.

Holiday Haiku Contest Seeking Poets, Writers...

This event is being coordinated by poet Marilyn Hazelton in time for the Dec. 3 Allentown Tree Lighting Ceremony. Chen Artists are invited to contribute poems. Here are the details:

The 2009 Allentown Holiday Haiku Competition!!
Elementary, middle and high school students, and adults are invited to enter the Allentown Holiday Haiku Contest!
Fifty haiku writers will receive a “Spirit of the Season Award. Their haiku will be displayed in store and restaurant windows along Hamilton Street in Center City Allentown. Five writers will be chosen to read their haiku at the Allentown Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, December 3.
To enter the competition, (Copy & Paste and Print at Home) fill in the form below:
Name:_____________________________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________________
Telephone #:__________________________School________________________
Teacher:_________________________________________Grade: ___________
Signature:___________________________________________
By signing here, I declare that the attached poem is an original poem created by me, and I give my permission for it to be publicly displayed, read and reproduced by the City of Allentown.
(Students whose poems are chosen will need a parent's signature.
Student entries will be submitted to teachers.)
Please type or print neatly your haiku. Attach it to this form and send to:
Tara Craig, City Hall, 435 W. Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101
Guidelines for your haiku: Celebrate family and the beauty of the season in three lines of no more than 17 syllables, but with no syllable count for each line. Look at the examples attached to this form for ideas.
The postmark deadline is November 13, 2009.
Adults may enter by email by sending their haiku to:
Tara Craig at: craigt@allentowncity.org


Examples of Haiku for Inspiration for
Allentown Holiday Haiku Competition:

winter dawn
the warmth
of your hand
Owen Bullock

Snow
falls on snow -
silence
Santoka

winter night -
the cat sitting in a drawer
filled with letters
Kenneth Tanemura

the rim is bent
the park cold, deserted -
still I play
Patrick Frank

winter solstice
sheen of the cherry’s bark
streaked with rain
Ebba Story

From the Chairman of Citizens for the Arts in PA

Since 1966 the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA), through the state budget, has been fueling the cultural life of the Commonwealth. Fortunately, for the past 18 years, a robust economic climate helped keep funding for the arts at a reasonable level.

This year, as you know, the nation's economy stumbled, affecting every aspect of our lives. Citizens for the Arts in Pennsylvania, as the only statewide multidisciplinary arts advocacy organization for the last 30 years, kept a steady eye on the mood of the state's governors and legislators, constantly being ready to point out the positive aspects of the arts on all phases of life, both cultural and economic.

This year, for the first time, the PCA faced the possibility of elimination. When the reality set in, citizens all over Pennsylvania began to rally, demonstrating their support of state arts funding through telephone calls, emails, and visits to legislators telling them that the arts were a valuable and essential part in all phases of our lives.

Thousands of citizens stepped up to remind the state government of the need for the arts and arts education. The work was hard and the sacrifices, in time and energy, were many. We were rewarded with a state budget that did not eliminate the PCA and included funding for arts grants at $11 million. We have to be grateful to each other, to our government officials, to leaders in the art community and to all those who realize the importance of the arts.
This is not the end, but a new beginning to recognize that "Advocacy" is not a crisis activity, but an ongoing part of being aware that the arts, and what they represent to us all, cannot be taken for granted.
Thanks to everyone,
Bob Lettieri

Robert N. Lettieri
Board Chair
rlett@usa.net

"New Museum" Downtown

From Greg Coates:

The New Museum Project

Director, Curator: Gregory Coates

Artwork by: Gregory Coates and Ralp Flemming

Statement: To Use economically depressed areas of Allentown pa. as art spaces, the idea is to expose what is absent in the community, thru the dialouge of art and culture re- invent the purpose of the city.

Interested artists can email me coatesgregory4@gmail.com

>>> Gregory Coates>>

Gregory Coates‘s career in painting and sculpture dates back to the late 1980s. Over the years his works has included large and small –scale> sculpture, paintings, assemblages, and installations. For the most part the artist has chosen to construct his work from a variety of found objects and materials.

Note: The New Museum is located at 813 W. Hamilton, across from Brew Works.

Bike Ride to the Allentown Art Museum

BikeAllentown is organizing a group bike ride to the Allentown Art Museum on Sunday, Oct. 18. The group will tour the latest exhibit, A Force for Change - African American Art and The Julius Rosenwald Fund.

Here are the details from the BikeAllentown website:

We will be biking to the Allentown Art Museum.Ride will start at Covered Bridge Park in South Whitehall at 12:00 heading to Muhlenberg Colleges Seeger's Union (2400 W. Chew St. Allentown)by 1:00 and then proceed to the Art Museum.

(You may meet up to ride at either location or, ride in from Bethlehem with CAT e-mail CAT for info.)

We will be viewing the exhibit of"A Force for Change: African American Art And the Julius Rosenwald Fund"We will start our tour at 2:00.The cost for admission for this exhibit is $7.00 per person and afterwards we will be stopping by Hava Java for some coffee and social time. We hope you can join us! For more info email: bikeallentown@gmail.com

Note: Please bring a helmet and a lock. BikeAllentown follows all rules of the road, this means signaling turns, riding to the right in the right-hand lane of traffic, and stopping at all stop signs and red lights.

Update from PA Citizens for the Arts:

Dear Fellow Arts Advocates,
Just a brief update...
Tonight (10/7/09) the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed their version of the FY09-10 Pennsylvania State Budget by a vote of 107-93. HB 1416 as amended includes $11 million for arts grants through the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) and $992,000 for administration of the council. These figures match the what was included in Senate Bill 1085 for the PCA. HB 1416 now goes to the Senate for review and a vote. Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi has indicated that the Senate will review the document tomorrow and will take a vote after the review. While this represents a step closer to the end of this 2009 Budget Impasse, the House bill must be approved by the PA Senate and then signed into law by Governor Edward G. Rendell. We will keep you posted as we monitor the Senate's review of HB 1416.
Stay tuned,
Jenny

Jenny L. Hershour
Managing Director
Citizens for the Arts in Pennsylvania