News from the NEA

A message from the National Endowment for the Arts:

President Barack Obama delivered his annual State of the Union speech before the United States Congress where he addressed three areas of concern that resonate with arts advocates: federal spending, jobs and education policy. Earlier this week, 165 conservative members of Congress representing the Republican Study Committee called for termination of the National Endowment for the Arts and key arts education programs at the U.S. Department of Education. We know that the battle to protect these programs will be tough this year, but with your help, not insurmountable.

Please take two minutes to take action and send a message to your member of Congress in support of the National Endowment for the Arts or arts education at the U.S. Department of Education.

Several major newspapers across the country interviewed Americans for the Arts President and CEO Bob Lynch in response to the dubious notion that cutting the arts will actually reduce the nation’s deficit. In today’s New York Times, Bob pointed out that the arts support 5.7 million jobs in the United States that generate about $30 billion in taxes, nearly $13 billion of which goes to the federal government and said, "If they’re serious about jobs and they’re serious about income, they would invest more in the arts.”

Since 1965, the National Endowment for the Arts has been serving arts organizations and artists in every state and every community. The arts not only play an important role in our nation’s well-being and foster creativity and innovation, but they also create jobs and prepare our workforce to compete in the global economy. Including the arts in a comprehensive and formal education for every student is critical. The education reforms that the President and leaders in Congress should be looking at are ones that strengthen the role of the arts and truly implement it as a core academic subject in schools throughout the country.

Help us continue this important work by becoming an official member of the Arts Action Fund. If you are not already a member play your part by joining the Arts Action Fund today -- it's free and simple.

Morning Call GO Guide Coverage of "Walking the Edge"

The opening for "Walking the Edge" was a huge success! Easily 200+ people came through the Salemme Foundation to view the work and to enjoy the experimental music by Gary Hassay and Michael Bisio. Thirty artists participated in the show. The variety of work is ever-changing. It was great to see so many new faces, too. - - -The piece featured above, titled "Flip Out" is by Chris P Jones and is on display in this show - - -

Please read the Go Guide preview of the show from Jan. 19:

By Jodi Duckett

The opening of Chen Arts Group's newest exhibit in Allentown on Saturday offers a triple play of entertainment.

First, it's an opportunity to see lots of visual art by local artists and chat with them about their work. "Walking the Edge" features works by 20 artists on the theme of the taboo, dangerous or unusual.

Second, it's a chance to hear some interesting jazz music when saxophonist/vocalist Gary Hassay and bassist Michael Bisio peform free-form improvisation.

Third, it's a chance to explore the Antonio Salemme Foundation, Allentown's newest art and performance space, which features a permanent display of sculptures, paintings and drawings by the late 20th century Italian-American artist and former Easton-area resident.

The opening begins at 7 p.m.at the foundation, 542 Hamilton St., Suite 203. Hassay and Bisio will perform at 9 p.m. The event is free, with donations accepted. The exhibit runs through Feb. 5.

More info: 610-433-4150, salemmeart@verizon.net, chenarts.blogspot.com.

Press Release:

from Joe Skrapits of the Salemme Foundation:

On Saturday, January 22, saxophonist/vocalist Gary Hassay and acoustic bassist Michael Bisio will perform live at the Antonio Salemme Foundation in Allentown, at the opening reception of “Walking the Edge,” an exhibit of works by more than 30 contemporary regional artists organized by the Allentown Chen Arts Group.

The Antonio Salemme Foundation is located at 542 Hamilton St., Suite 203.

The Chen group reception begins at 7pm. Hassay and Bisio will perform at 9pm. Admission is free, with donations accepted.

Questions regarding this event or to unsubscribe please email info@TinaBradfordpr.com

Nominations Now Open for Arts Ovation Awards

Allentown Arts Commission’s 23rd Annual Luncheon is planned for
May 5, 2011; Nominations due January 21, 2011

(Allentown PA) –January 7, 2011 – Charles Kalan and Susan Rutt, Co-Chairs of Arts Ovation, announce that nominations are now being requested for awards to be presented at the Allentown Arts Commission’s Annual Luncheon.

The public is invited to submit their nominations in writing or via email in the following categories: 1. OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN VISUAL, PERFORMING OR LITERARY ARTS: may be an individual and/or arts organizations; 2. OUTSTANDING SERVICE OR CONTRIBUTIONS: may be an individual who has had a major impact on the arts through devoted service in a volunteer capacity; an individual, business, foundation or organization who has had a major impact on the arts by contributing financial and/or in-kind resources; or an institution which has had a major impact on the arts; 3. EMERGING ARTIST/SERVICE/CONTRIBUTIONS AWARD: a new award created in 2009 in any of the above categories for emerging talent, service or contribution.

The established guidelines state the eligibility for awards: arts organizations or individuals whose achievements have had a significant and positive impact on the citizens of Allentown and the quality of life in Allentown’s cultural community. Award recipients will be selected from the nominations received by the Arts Ovation Committee of the Allentown Arts Commission.

Nominations must be submitted by no later than January 21, 2011. Each must contain the name, address, phone number and email of the nominee, as well as the specific category of the nominee. A brief summary is requested stating why the nominee meets the qualifications for the award. Name, address, phone number and email of the nominator are also requested. Applications for nominations are available by emailing Susan Rutt at allentownartscommission@gmail.com, or calling Susan Rutt at 610-791-3497.

FORM BELOW (Copy and Paste to Fill Out):

2011 ARTS OVATION AWARDS
ALLENTOWN ARTS COMMISSION
NOMINATION FORM

Guidelines:
1. Eligibility for awards: arts, organizations or individuals whose achievements have had a significant and positive impact on the citizens of Allentown and the quality of life in the Allentown cultural community.
2. Award recipients will be selected from the nominations received by the Arts Ovation Committee of the Allentown Arts Commission. Only fully completed applications will be accepted for nominations.

CATEGORIES FOR AWARDS:
1. Outstanding Achievement in Visual, Performing and Literary Arts: May be individuals and/or arts organizations
2. Outstanding Service and/or Contribution: May be an individual who has had a major impact on the arts through devoted service in a volunteer capacity, an individual, business, foundation or organization who has had a major impact on the arts by contributing financial and/or in-kind resources; or an institution which has had a major impact on the arts.
3. Emerging Artist/Service/Contribution Award: A new award given in any of the above categories for emerging talent, service or contribution.

Name of Nominee: _____________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________________

Phone: ___________________________ Email: ___________________________

Category: _____________________________________________________________
(Please indicate only one, based on above categories)

In the space below, please state why you believe the nominee meets the qualifications for the award. Please email, type, or print clearly in dark ink. Please add additional sheet if necessary.








Name of Nominator: ___________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________
Phone: ___________________________ Email: ___________________________

Thank you for taking the time to participate in the Arts Ovation nomination process. Please return this form by January 21, 2011, to: Tara Craig, Arts Ovation Committee, City of Allentown, 435 Hamilton Street, Allentown PA 18101, or email to craigt@allentowncity.org. Awards will be presented at Arts Ovation 2011, the twenty-third annual luncheon on Thursday, May 5, 2011, at the Center City Holiday Inn to recognize outstanding accomplishments in the arts.

NEA Releases New Grant Guidelines

From Citizens for the Arts in Pennsylvania:

Along with a new strategic plan titled, Arts Works for America, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has released grant guidelines to accompany the strategic plan. There are many substantive changes that may affect many areas of the arts sector. For more information visit http://arts.gov/grants/apply/index.html.

Art Mart Closing Soiree TONIGHT!

It's been a great second year for Art Mart. Diane Teti did a great job managing and promoting the shop and many area artists sold fine art and other creations. Join the artists TONIGHT starting at 5 p.m. at the store at Holiday Inn at 9th and Hamilton in downtown Allentown.

Here are the details from Diane:

This Thursday (1/6/11) starting at 5 pm, we will be offering 25% off everything in the store. We will also be serving complimentary beer and wine and munchies. If beer and wine are not your thing, Made in Brazil has 1/2 price drinks in the bar between 6-8 pm Even if you've been in the store, come join us as we have gotten a larger selection of some really nice things since opening. I encourage you to make this a friends and family event - enjoy free wine and beer and mingle with the local artists that made the Art Mart possible. Happy New Year!!