Vals Notebook

2/1
Gloria Steinem said, "People waste more time waiting for someone to take charge of their lives than they do in any other pursuit." I would have to say in this particular instance that is a very true and factual statement. It's hard to take the bull by the horns when you can't find the damn horns. I've heard a lot of talk lately about people who were living in FEMA trailers rent free and why didn't they have money to move on, buy a house, etc... and it makes me wonder what world are they living in?

I can only guess that the $300- a week paycheck would be divided by $60- in gas, $80- in groceries, $60- miscellaneous..leaving a grand total of $100- a week to save and if it was me possibly buy alcohol and drink. If you were able to save $5,000 a year for two years making it $10,000...then what. A thousand dollar mortgage is out of the question and affordable housing is not in place. I doubt most were able to save anything because there are too many variables that make life fun...Nail in the tire $60-, School clothes $150-, Newer Car $300- payment, new found pet $60- month, Need to get out of this trailer or I'll go insane recreation fund $20- each time. So I don't blame anyone for waiting on someone to take charge of their lives.

I think we are all waiting in some form for someone to find solutions that will make life livable. I can only say that the volunteers who have come to this area have made such a huge impact. I don't know how they were able to put their lives on hold for any length of time. At this particular time the country is feeling the pinch all over. Higher gas prices I'm sure have cut into everyone's ability to try and help. We have been so blessed to have had help for such a length of time and should count our blessings each and every day.

http://www.ckg.com/ Has some articles on the Power of Optimism and Adapting to Change if you would like a good read. To sum up "The people who succeed are usually the first ones to recognize change and work with it." So here's to all of us who are working with the drastic changes forced upon us.

Book Signing Promotion...Your input is needed...please read
I decided to have a booksigning and after reading the book decided that each journal entry of a sort was really beautiful and was worthy of capturing it in a peice of art (pottery, collage, jewelry, etc...) So I thought what about making some things and then having a silent auction where the proceeds go to a rebuild project here on the coast. I thought the money would be best going to someone doing rebuilding because the book is Katrina:Mississippi Women Remember and destroyed homes is the topic of many of the stories.

What I would like to know is would any of you be willing to do a piece of art that we will auction off and then the proceeds will go to building in South MS? The booksigning and all of this should get lots of good publicity and I think it would be good for everyone involved. But I would like to know your thoughts on this. I don't think I would be able to create something for each journal entry myself...there are too many. So am asking for your help.

Here is a phrase or topic of some of the stories from the book..maybe one will grab you and what I was thinking is a peice of art that sums up the story of each of these ladies. If you've read the book or have a copy then you will know what I mean. They are the National Committee for Women in the Arts in Mississippi.

Because I would like the art (whether it be a collage box, topiary, sculpture, pottery whatever you would like to make) to be about each woman's story ...here is a partial listing. If you see one you would like to do let me know and I'll mark it off. If you can't find one on this list I have another I can send. Thanks, Valerie, EJM 228-374-8427

Pat Odom-Laundress, Survivor's Guilt
Betty Oswald-the piano
Gladys Lisanby-Katrina
Melody Golding-photographer, Downed Trees, Flags everywhere, Steel Magnolias
Sally Pfister-long sight, fabric of lives, cell phone network
Ellen Gilchrist-Mississippian, historian, Town House, Granddaughters take dance, Southern Women can't stand to look at a mess, Big Bad Wolf, in charge of the stuff
Lynn Brown-dreamed of flying and seeing the colored tile floors of her home
Joan Armstrong-upstairs dry, a place of my own, gypsy, post traumatic growth
Lyn Bailey- 10 dogs, Not on any military map helicopter saw underwear on the railing
Cookie Bello- the boat Boston Whaler, fire station, baby placed in a tupperware container
Pat Pinson-Cerulean Blue, Cats don't like a wet floor
(Kim) Pham- Sounds of the wind were like demons, destroyed photos, Ice was like gold
Kathy Blazer-Muddy Waters
Michelle Drane Smith-her bronzes were all patina with Salt water, She imagined her FEMA trailer to be like living on a boat.
Marjorie Butterworth-Starting over, china and crystal recovered
Liz Schafer-painter of music, bye bye Miss American Pie
Opal Smith- Gone, stretching out our hands to join the universe, writing is the most personal form of prayer
Maria Baisier-New Orleans, Tears, National Gaurd, an unmade face was a badge of honor, people looked into each others eyes
Betty Slay Bradley-Blue Roof
Ann Guice-Golden Fisherman (Neptune's Fishing Buddy) was he casting his net to capture life or souls, her stuff were purchases she made whether emotional, personal or absurd reasons, UPS Brown, New Friends, paradise again, found champagne glasses the message was clear "enjoy life drink champagne"
Nancy Guice- pines fell, closer to God
Mary Hardy-husband is with Biloxi Fire Department a hero, She's an art teacher at the college
Marjie Gowdy-lichen was the mark on the tree where the water started receeding, cat could have cared less, casino on top of the Ohr Museum, slow movement of time, bald eagle, future within our hearts
Martha Moss-Washed her computer CD in the commode
Dena McKee-273 emails
Melanie Moore- put her silk curtains in plastic bags, She is watching for how God is going to work something important thru all this

Just to give an example..I had thought I would do a topiary of Ann Guice's Golden Fisherman and then do the net full of fish and little shiny dancers (like little souls). ..But you get the idea!

Glass Paneling
I know not too many artists are working in glass but I still wanted to share these art glass panels. They are totally gorgeous and custom sized for various projects. www.palaceofglass.com Contacting your local design professionals about things you can create is a good way to stay busy.
Backgammon
I wish someone would paint a Backgammon board...maybe put some pretty flourishes and nice paint finish. They make they round glass tiles in all kinds of colors. You could get 2 different colors of tiles and some dice and it would be an awesome thing to make. I would love to have some in the store. I have thought about making some myself but I always run out of time.

Big D Art Galleries
As big cities go, Dallas is a nice one. They do tend to have a good bit of Southwestern art, but you will also see quite a bit of modern art. Many of you do artwork worthy of gallery representation. Here is a list if you would like to make contact with them.

http://www.afterimagegallery.com/ one of the oldest art galleries in the world devoted to photograpy.

http://www.americanfineart.com/ painting, sculpture and pottery

http://www.angstromgallery.com/ made a name by finding and cultivating new talent

http://www.arlingtonmuseum.org/ for emerging artists

http://www.artizenfinearts.com/ new artists

http://www.barrywhistler.com/ pioneer in Deep Ellum (this is considered Dallas' artsy area of downtown) Although he specializes in Texas should invite him down.

http://www.bathhouseculturalcenter.com/ diverse multi-cultural and discipline art gallery. visual artists and theater performance.

http://www.brookhavencollege.edu/ exhibits contemporary art this is a really nice setting and school.

http://www.carlyngalerie.com/ family business. Glass, jewelry, ceramics and wearable items. It's in an awesome location. represents 300 artists from the U.S.

http://www.craigheadgreen.com/ sculpture, origami,photography, oils contemporary art gallery. Nice selection.

http://www.conduitgallery.com/ They have what is called the Project Room where lesser-knowns become known. The coast could be their project.

http://www.dunnandbrown.com/ Contemporary large canvases

http://www.fairmountgallery.com/ National and international contemporary artists.

www.uta.edu/gallery Contemporary artists exhibitions

http://www.irvingartscenter.com/ exhibiting regional art in all media.

http://www.kettleart.com/ encourages emergin and mid-career artists and outsider art forms.

http://www.martinlawrence.com/ best of the emerging artists.

http://www.elcentrocollege.edu/ exhibits traveling nationally

http://www.reflectionfineart.com/ contemporary working in new techniques

http://www.thornwoodgallery.com/ features contemporary paintings and sculpture, etc... 2 galleries in Houston

Richard Waters Bamboo Topics
The Mary C O'Keefe Cultural Center, Ocean Springs, MS will be the location for a Bamboo Presentation by Richard Waters. Richard will be covering a wide range of bamboo topics including: best clumping and/or spreading bamboo for southern MS, how to propagate, fertilize, harvest and cure, how to control spreading bamboo, how to work bamboo with
which tools, craft projects, and bug control. There will also be offered information on shoot production for food.

Richard has a long history with bamboo including: running "A Bamboo Shoot" nursery in California, being instrumental in forming both the Northern CA Chapter of the American Bamboo Society(ABS) as well as the Hawaii Chapter of the ABS. He was the vice president of the Hawaii Chapter as well as that chapters representative to the ABS. He served several terms on the NCABS board of directors and was the first Arts/ Crafts Co-ordinator for the ABS and he initiated the "Use" or utility code for the ABS.

Richard attended the International Bamboo Conference in Bali in 1995 and the International Bamboo Workshop in Anji, China in 1997. Besides growing bamboo Richard utilizes bamboo in his musical crafts production.

This bamboo presentation with be on March 18, at 7 pm at the Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Cent 1600 Government St, in Ocean Springs, MS.

For more information call -228-818-2878

Class Schedules
Hello Everyone! Over the weekend we hosted 3 classes, a Box Casting Class, an Intro to Glass Blowing Workshop, and an Intro to Bead Making workshop. I am pleased to say the classes were a huge success. This week also began our 6 session Beginning Classes in Glass Blowing and Beadmaking. These classes are also off to a successful start. For those of you who were too late to get registered for these classes or were unable to fit them into your schedules, we will be offering them again in February. Be on the look out for the Schedule of Classes coming soon.

Jenny
Studio Manager
N.O.C.G.I.
504-482-6003
jenny@nocgi.org

Great Article on Bay St. Louis
http://www.cottageliving.com/cottage/travel/article/0,21135,1700162,00.html

Deal on Eating Out
http://www.coastcusine.com/ ... I think that's right...you can also look under www.wlox.com If you've seen the commercial you can get a $50- meal for $25-

If you would like to be removed from this email list please let me know. You can call me at 374-8427 or email me back. Thanks, Valerie, EJM



1/8 "Be the change you wish to see in the world." -Mahatma Gandi

I watched A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens over the holidays. When Ebenezer Scrooge meets with Marley and tells him he was such a good business person and can't believe what has happened to him in the afterlife, Marley tells him, "my business should have been mankind." So as we start the new year let us keep this Christmas Carol in our hearts. With 60,000 slabs to rebuild, 60,000 with major damage and 100,000 with minor damage on the Mississippi Gulf Coast alone any organization working on Hurricane Recovery can benefit from volunteers and our generosity. Let's not wait til next Christmas to be generous with neighbors, kind to strangers and to give of ourselves.

Our customers have been an answer to our prayers. They allow us to be in business and do what we love doing. I was impressed by a Mr. Bruce Heyman of
http://www.metrowindowfashions.com/ who has carried on a long tradition of community service in conjunction with running a very successful business. He donates fabric from a fabric trade in that his company does to Operation Sweet Dreams (Creates soft pillows for soldiers in the Middle East), Project Linus (creates quilts for AIDS babies and if I am not mistaken they did some for Pass Christian residents?), Clothing for Kids (underprivileged in Appalachia), Warm Up America (hats and scarves for needy children), Coats for Kids, Crafts for Kids (spend time in hospitals doing craft and sewing projects with patients). To read more about him and his projects at Draperies and Window Coverings Retailer of the Year. http://www.dwconline.com/
Valerie

New Business Opening in Long Beach-Space For Rent
My name is Sandy Shaver and I am opening an antique store in Long Beach in February. Is it possible to announce the opening to your email base? If so I will forward details as they are finalized.

ALso if you know of any small business looking for space please feel free to give them my name and number. I plan to utilize only half of the building for antiques and to rent out the rest to any small business with a need for space on a small budget.

I enjoy your emails - keep 'um coming.
Sandy Shaver
W Railroad Merchants Mall
608A W Railroad St
Long Beach MS
228-324-1697

Grow the Show
The wholesale show for Biloxi will have it's Grand Re-Opening in June 28-30 of 2008 rather than Feb. I think this would be a good show for any of you attempting to make wholesale contacts. www.wmigiftshows.com email info @ wmigiftshows.com 800-951-1994.

I know most of you are not able to produce enough of a product to sell it wholesale, but I think you could get hooked up with a manufacturer and license your artwork to be used on items being produced for wholesale. I keep thinking there has got to be a way to put the two of you together. I have talked to several reps that handle framed art and they are all looking for coastal artwork, but because not all of you have websites or you have your own and you aren't grouped with others it makes it harder to track you all down.

I had started compiling a list of what I had run across but even it is incomplete. I know there are many more out there doing their own thing. I just see this as a way to give you more exposure and make you a little more recognizable. Sylvia Corban and Marti Wilson are about the only two from this area that I have seen that have gone about licensing artwork.

Sylvia did several things for Coasterstone and then for another coaster company. She did a line of handpainted linens and then decided that was too much work and licensed some of her artwork for use on linens. Marty has done some of his prints thru this company we purchase from for framing. They then sell the framed items to furniture stores and designers.

Perhaps if you all were interested and talked to Pam the owner of the show she could work out a special section to showcase some of the artists from this area. Maybe everyone could bring one peice of art for exhibit with lots of business cards and leave it set up in the lobby with a "Support the Arts...Give an Artist a Job working on a project" kind of thing. I think all of the art associations might discuss this as a way to promote some of their very talented members and see if this or something like this would work.

I still think that Pam would like to know about the flight from Chicago. She could perhaps entice some of the vendors from the Chicago World Trade Center into coming to Biloxi to set up because most of us with a retail business in the area can't travel...we are too bogged down with work and the cost of fuel is up. These vendors might find a new market and at the same time find lots of new talent in the area to pull from. Anyway that is my thoughts on that. I know certain types of artists will not want to venture into the commercial realm, but those of you with an extensive portfolio of originals may feel that some of your artwork would look good gracing Greeting Cards, coasters, towels, vases, or even having prints framed for the masses. As always, I wish you great success in all your endeavors.

I really would like to see this show grow. I know we are not Las Vegas by any means but Vegas has had great success booking rooms and getting an extra influx of people by growing their market. http://www.lasvegasmarket.com/. Lots of small businesses want to go somewhere to market where they can eat, take in a show or do something after they have finished a hard day of working up orders. Las Vegas for many years was the home of SILK, a permanent floral show that showcased thousands of floral designers and their products. They moved the show back to Dallas and then Vegas started a closeout show and it has grown to be a pretty good size marketplace.

Note From Michele Hirata, Fat Thumb Originals
It's so hard to believe another year has passed; time really flies when you're having fun. There's so much going on in my life right now, so many changes ahead. All of you have been huge staples in my life and I want to wish all of you the happiest of days to come.

I will surely miss all my Mississippi buddies when I leave the area in a few short weeks. I've had the best time in Mississippi and will always hold the special times so close to my heart. All of us have made this world a better place, we've done amazing things together. Please, if you like Kid Rock, buy a ticket. He'll play the Gulf Coast Coliseum February 27th and tickets are very reasonable. My goal is to sell this venue out.
Happy Holidays, Y'all!

Imagine hope,
Michele

Note From Lori Gordon
Hey y'all,
I hope that this holiday season is finding you happy and healthy. As the New Year approaches, I find myself thinking about how fortunate I am. I wish the same for all of you.

2008 is starting out in a big way. On Saturday, January 5, the eve of Epiphany and the beginning of the Mardi Gras season, my new series of work will debut in Bay St. Louis. "Reliquary: Images of the Sacred" is a collection of mixed media assemblages which explores our ideas of the things we hold sacrosanct. Special guests at the opening reception will be Malcolm White, Executive Director of the Mississippi Arts Commission and Sallye Killebrew, Arts Recovery Coordinator at MAC. Both Malcolm and Sallye have worked tirelessly to get the coast arts community back on their feet since Hurricane Katrina, and I am honored to have them attend. Talented and well-loved local artists/musicians Ellis Anderson and Kat Fitzpatrick will delight us with a live musical performance during the event, and a production crew from the popular Mississippi Public Broadcasting program Mississippi Roads will also be in attendance. The program's producers will be wrapping up a couple of days of filming on the coast for a feature story on my work which will air next year.

Our gallery is located at 220 Main in Bay St. Louis, and the hours of the opening reception are 5-8 pm. Please join us and come ready to enjoy art, music, wine and a sportsman's gumbo, courtesy of the wonderful Pass Christian artist Michelle Allee. The show will remain up through February.

I have been asked by some folks in Gulfport, MS to participate in an event which will feature photos, stories and artwork related to the storm. It is tentatively scheduled for the first of February. Mississippi Magazine will be featuring a story on The Katrina Collection in their January/February issue, which will be out by mid-January. I have been in contact with the Sumner & Dene Gallery in Albuquerque, and the fine folks there have invited me to have an exhibition in June. I will have more information to pass on to you about these events later.

And finally, if you have not had the chance to go online and view the results of a collaboration between myself, good friend Stephanie Watts, my sweet brother Jon Gordon and the incomparable Jon Miller (ESPN announcer and "the voice" of the San Francisco Giants), please do so. You can watch the short documentary at the link provided below, or I will be happy to mail you a copy.

Thanks again to all of you for your friendship and your support.

Lori

Video on the work of Lori K. Gordon:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2196437802153719097&pr=goog-sl

Gordon blogs:
http://thekatrinacollectionbylorikgordon.blogspot.com/
http://lorikgordon.blogspot.com/
http://gordonmixedmedia.blogspot.com/

Mobile Grocery
I read lots of different things and have felt like my job over the past year or so is to read something and see if it would work for this area and suggest it. yes, suggest it to whoever will listen. Although the storm has wiped us away, it also has made room for all kinds of new opportunities. I was reading about www.nedstruck.com in Small Biz and they have taken the Grocery Business and made it mobile. I have bought plenty of frozen things from Schwan's because I didn't want to go to the grocery store and I imagine there are lots of folks who would use a service like this. She took 15,000 to buy and oufit an old plumber's truck with hardwood floors, refrigerators and stainless shelving. She is using it for gourmet and hard to find items but in areas where grocery stores have not built back yet I think even every day items would go.
"We need men who dream of things that never were." JFK

Love those Trees!
http://www.corkfloor.com/ I love cork floors, bamboo, tile and anything that doesn't involve chopping a tree down. I lived in Dallas for quite a while and also Birmingham, AL and the two are as different as night and day. Dallas is Asphalt, pavement, asphalt...hot, hot, hot and Birmingham is hills, trees and hills of trees....shady, cool, pleasant. So what sounds nicer to you?

50 Fun Things to Do on the MS Gulf Coast
Everytime there is a conference or an expo or a market...the city that is hosting it sends out a little 50 fun things to do and see in Atlanta...or Dallas or whenever it happens to be.

I looked at the list trying to see what was so wonderful about the city, that if I were going that I might would want to do....to tell you the truth if I am attending a show all I want to do after is go get in bed and eat....but just for fun...I wrote down the things to do in see on the coast. I know you must have a list of your own and if I have forgotten something please forgive.

Biloxi Saenger theatre...bit of history
Dolphins on the beach in wood and Renaissance Garden areas
Seawolves
See how Beauvoir is progressing
Take the devastation tour ...we need one of those.. Someone should run one...I think lots of people would find it fascinating. I know it still boggles my mind.
Tour Museums
HGTV's Katrina Memorial
Shop Crossroads
Shop the Outlet Mall
Shop the Mall
Casinos and Shows
Golf Courses...really good ones
Tri-Centennial we're that old
Forts and Islands
Art Galleries
Rivers Pascagoula
Wineries and Magnolia Beer in the Kiln
WLOX Tour...if we don't have that that ought to be part of a Katrina tour
Dine out...where are the restaurants??
Ocean Springs
Water Park
Water Line of storm at Mahoneys
Stennis
St. Michaels to see how it survived

Katrina Museum that is housed in the college ??William Carey?? it's on the upper floor??
Biloxi's Main Street District to get a sense of the old or Pass Christian's Scenic Drive...these old homes once covered the entire beach front.
Pick berries
Biloxi Lighthouse and all others
Schooners
Barq's Plant
Josettes and Mardi Gras
KaBoom Parks
Bodine Pottery in Wiggins
Casino Gaming
Fishing
Seafood Museum and Gator Farm
Libraries that the Gates Foundation has gifted us with
The coast that America is rebuilding

So after I did this little excercise I thought what is needed that they might have elsewhere that we don't have.

USM finished
Botanical Gardens at Beauvoir ..started once again
A Culinary School
Aquarium and zoo..more like a bird zoo (estuary)
Gulfport's Downtown filled
Our Regional Market show at the convention center back again and expanded

So I'm sure you all know who to go talk to to make this all happen and pdq!! I don't know why I felt the need to make a list. I long for progress to be made. I guess I am ruined to the speed of things from living in Dallas. I can go there and they will have a whole city built in a year and a 6 lane highway completed in 3 years.

I am excited by progress, but feel so terribly helpless when it comes to the big picture. I want to light a fire under someone's behind, but I don't know whose would be most effective! So many prayers for this wonderful coastline have yet to come to fruition.

Note From Mississippi Arts Commission
Franklin Furnace Announces Open Call for Artists Franklin Furnace Archive Inc.'s mission is "to present, preserve, interpret, proselytize, and advocate on behalf of avant-garde art, especially forms that may be vulnerable due to institutional neglect, their ephemeral nature, or politically unpopular content."
As part of that mission, Franklin Furnace annually awards project-based grants to emerging artists, allowing them to produce major works in New York.

Works may engage the Internet as an art medium and/or venue. Artists from all areas of the world are encouraged to apply. Full-time students are ineligible. Grants will range between $2,000 and $5,000 each.

Visit the Franklin Furnace Web site for complete program information and examples of previously funded projects.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP
Judi Pulliam
Director of Grants and Special Initiatives

Mississippi Arts Commission
501 North West Street
Suite 1101A Woolfolk Building
Jackson, MS 39201
phone: (601) 359-6034 fax: (601) 359-6008 www.arts.state.ms.us

What Kind of Styles are Popular with Retailers
http://www.giftbeat.com/ This is a magazine that if you have a gift shop they show you things that are hot and what you should be looking at carrying in your store. I think you could come up with some manufacturers to contact thru this magazine. Artists like Sandy Ford have artwork that would look really great on a rug. The ladies who painted the floors at the Ocean Springs Art House...that would look great on a rug and a manufacturer who would license this artwork would most likely pay a royalty fee on the number sold. So this might be worth investigating if you are an artist. If nothing else it can provide you with some insight on the styles of things that are popular right now. I am seeing a lot of nature inspired items.

Check out http://www.artandartifact.com/ Nadine Stamm's (former Bay St. Louis Artist) daughter has a company in Greenville, LA. I love this lady. Looks like she sold her plaques to this particular Mail Order Catalog. You will see her Sand cast or plaster cast fluer de lis wall plaques. Someone with a company that is able to produce quantities of their artwork can always contact a mail order company about selling their work. That is if you are able to wholesale.

Note From N.O.C.G.I:
I have one seat available for the Intro to Blowing workshop on Saturday Jan.12th from 11:00 am- 1:00pm.
The cost of the class is $60.00 and is available on a first come first serve basis. A deposit is required to hold your seat in the class. If you can't make this one; Check out the available dates for this class throughout the month and the seats available and course description listed below:

Intro to Glass Blowing Workshop w/ Charity Poskitt Class Description: In a fast Paced and exciting environment with an emphasis on teamwork, students will be introduced to glass. The objective of this experience will be to satisfy students' curiosities with how glass is made. With lots of help from the instructor, each student will create a colorful and inspired glass object. This is the perfect way to spend a couple of hours with a friend and learn something new. Basic materials and tools provided. The cost of this workshop is $60.00 and the seats that are available are on a first come first serve basis. A deposit is required to hold your seat in the class. If you are interested in this class please contact me via email or call the studio. There must be a minimum of 3 students in the class to make it run.
Workshop 1/12/08- 1 seats available
Workshop 1/19/08- 6 seats available
Workshop 1/26/08- 6 seats available

I also have seats available for the Intro to bead making workshops with Debi Deaux.
The cost of the class is $60.00 and is available on a first come first serve basis. A deposit is required to hold your seat in the class. Check out the available dates for this class throughout the month and the seats available and course description listed below:

Intro to Bead Making Workshop w/ Debi Deaux Class description: This 3 hr workshop will cover using a torch to make both fun and functional items out of Moretti/Effetre glass rods. Some techniques that will be covered are forming a gather of glass, making a basic bead on a mandrel, pulling and decorating with stringers and making dots. If time permits, Debi Deaux will demonstrate how to make one of her specialty beads. No glass working experience required. Basic materials and tools provided. The cost of this workshop is $60.00 and the seats that are available are on a first come first serve basis. If you are interested in one of these workshops, contact me via email or call the studio. A deposit is required to hold your seat in the class. There must be a minimum of 3 students in the class to make it run.
Workshop 1/10/08- 5 seats available
Workshop 1/12/08- 1 seat available
Workshop 1/17/08- 5 seats available
Workshop 1/19/08- 5 seats available
Workshop 1/24/08- 5 seats available

In addition,
I am trying to fill our 6 session classes covering Beginning Glass Blowing with Charity Poskitt and Beginning Bead Making with Debi Deaux. These classes start next week. A deposit is required to hold your seat in the class. Check out the available dates for these classes and the seats available and course description listed below:

Beginning Glass Blowing 6 Session Class w/ Charity Poskitt Class Description: Learn the basics of glass blowing in this 18 hour, six session class. Working in teams, students will learn to use a blowpipe and glass working tools safely to shape hot glass into colorful and inspired objects. Repetitive practice in a supportive environment will allow students to learn the properties of glass while making solid and blown glass pieces. A brief discussion and practice session on cold working will teach students how to polish the rough bottoms of the objects they make. Basic materials and tools provided. The cost of this class is $330.00 and the seats that are available are on a first come first serve basis. A deposit is required to hold your seat in the class. If you are interested in this class please contact me via email or call the studio. There must be a minimum of 3 students in the class to make it run. The dates of this class are 1/14/08, 1/16/08, 1/21/08, 1/23/08, 1/28/08, 1/30/08. There are 4 seats available for this class.

Beginning Glass Beadmaking 6 Session Class w/ Debi Deaux Class Description: This 18 hour class will cover studio safety and setup, torches and tools, supplies and suppliers. Using Moretti/Effetre glass, students will learn about shaping, surface decoration techniques and color reactions. The student will be introduced to basic flameworking skills, including making stringers, stringer control, pulling cane, dots and dot distortion techniques, flowers and encased flowers, complex shaping and sculptural beads. Students should leave the class in possession of a fundamental knowledge of glass beadmaking, a collection of their own beads and enough safety information to setup their own studio or rent the lampworking studio here at N.O.C.G.I. Basic materials and tools provided. The cost of the class is $330.00 and the seats that are available are on a first come first serve basis. A deposit is required to hold your seat in the class. If you are interested in this class please contact me via email or call the studio. There must be a minimum of 3 students in the class to make it run. The class dates for this 6 session class are: 1/15/08, 1/22/08, 1/29/08, 2/12/08, 2/19/08, 2/26/08. There are 4 seats available for this class.

Got a group of 3 or more already and want a private workshop? Contact me at the studio to schedule your private workshop. Private workshops are a great way to develop team building skills. Must be scheduled at least one week in advance.

Thanks!

Jenny
Studio Manager
N.O.C.G.I.
504-482-6003
jenny @ nocgi.org

12/17
Notebook News

I almost feel guilty. I got some stuff in the mail for several organizations trying to get together some stuff to help with Christmas here on the coast but it's too much and too many that need help. I know a bunch of you all and I know how generous you all are and that you probably are already helping as many as you can. So I am not mentioning these last few...just know that you can open the paper, go online to WLOX and read the list, or walk down the street in most any community here on the coast and most likely there is someone who needs help. Even if it is someone like us ..a small business owner that is totally exhausted, some small gesture of kindness goes a long way towards spreading the spirit of Christmas. I'm really lucky I have some of the most wonderful customers who really think of us as extended family and check on us regularly. One of our customers came in Saturday to pick up bows and I was slammed and had no way to take a break so she went and picked up lunch for me. This kind of thing doesn't go on in big cities and probably many places...maybe it's a southern thing.. but it sure did make me feel appreciated.
Merry Christmas, Val

Love HGTV
www.HGTV.com/changetheworld I don't know if you all have seen this but it is voting for a city that needs help and I guess they are going to come do some projects. It's Change the World, start at home. Guess what I know a city or two or three or etc... that needs some projects done. They could definitely change our world and for the better. So everyone please pass this along and ask friends to give us a hand with the voting. We are all so grateful for all the help we've received that some may be hesitant to ask for more, but it's still needed!!...we need some wharp speed behind a few projects so we can get lots accomplished!! So pick a city and vote vote!!! Can anyone say lights on Beach Blvd! Thank you HGTV!

Any projects in the decorating realm that you would like to tackle can be found on www.HGTV.com/fortheholidays

Birmingham, AL Galleries
I went to High School in Birmingham and it is such a beautiful place. One of my mother's best friends is president of the local ASID chapter (Interior Designers). It might be a good idea to contact some of these gallery owners about your work.
http://www.barehandsgallery.org/ whimsical and culturally inspired
http://www.hawthorngallery.net/ paintings and sculpture
http://www.littlehousegalleries.com/ oldest and largest
http://www.lorettagoodwingallery.net/ impressionistic
http://www.lydarose.com/ contemporary
http://www.montystablergalleries.com/ voted the city's best
http://www.nordysgallery.com/ Young vibe very diverse
http://www.galleriealegria.com/ Contemporary
http://www.spaceoneeleven.org/ Forward thinking ..good place to get started

If you are looking for a fine art event to exhibit at http://www.antiquesatthegardens.com/ Held the first week in October with a black tie patrons party. Have heard good things about it. 205-414-3950

also check out other high brow affairs http://www.cacno.org/, http://www.greenvillemuseum.org/ , http://www.brevardsymphony.com/ All in October. San Antonio month long Photography Festival http://www.fotoseptiembreusa.com/

Note From Bobbie Fenton
Dear Friends -

Just wanted to take the time to thank those of you who sent cards, encouragement, and well wishes for those of you who knew of my husband's accident and to let you know that Mississippi Stone Pottery & Muddbugs Ceramic Shoppe is finally back open.

As most of you know, Katrina got the back of our building causing extensive damage. About the time we had fixed our roof to the point you could barely tell there had been 12 foot waterfall in the middle of the store... we were hit on the front of our building by a tornado. We built a new front on the building, and a month after re-opening, my husband's dump truck was hit by a DUI sending him plummeting over an embankment and he spent 10 days in ICU. I'm happy to say he is back up on two feet - and like our building, to look at him, you'd never know that just a few months ago he almost didn't make it.

They say disasters come in threes, and after being open only about 4 or 5 months in the last 2 years, we hope this is it for us! We've decided no to have a grand re-opening as every time we've begun to plan it - we were hit with a new disaster, so instead - we'd just like to invite you all to come by and see our new look and all the new work on the shelves.

There have been many new characters added to "The Wonderful World of Wiggins" as well as several new product lines. We are thinking of having a simple open House later in the Spring. We've begun work on the website again, and hope to have something up to replace the old one sometime in January at the latest. For those we've frustrated, we apologize and thank you for your patience, and to all we wish you the very merriest of Christmas' and a Happy New Year and hope if you get the chance you'll come to Wiggins and stop in and see us!

God bless you and yours,
Bobbie & Tommy Fenton
Mississippi Stone Pottery
Muddbugs Ceramic Shoppe
Wiggins, MS

Chicago to Biloxi
I'm so excited that we have a flight to and from Chicago. That's just got to be the greatest things in terms of people actually being able to get to the coast. Chicago is a major hub and also a major marketplace. I kept thinking what would make people want to come from Chicago to the Gulf Coast. In terms of the marketplace this would be a great place to pick up artists to design products for coastal looks for this very large marketplace. It's also a great place for them to come and have seafood. I think Chicago is very Barbeque, Steaks, man food and so coming here to enjoy some seafood would be good. I also thought how will they know where to go. It would be a similar situation if I were going to Chicago. But because Chicago is a huge city, huge marketplace ..they most likely have a book that tells you were to eat. When I plan my market trips to Dallas they send out this wonderful little book with places to stay and a map and restaurant reviews. They include this with the market directory. Biloxi has a regional market coming back in Feb and this would be great to include local artists in this venue and perhaps invite all of the Showrooms (Manufacturers) to the MS Gulf Coast to do some business. They can gamble, golf, eat and have a nice little trip...possibly think about investing in some nice restaurant and bring a bit of Chicago to the coast. I bet Beach Blvd or South MS Living could even do a really good job doing some sort of informational package...maybe including some magazines to people taking flights to the coast.

Note From Wallace Ann Austin
For those who enjoy going for a drive to see the Christmas Lights here is a different kind of Christmas light show.

The lights are on 45th street/Washington in Gulfport. You tune your car radio to a radio station, the sign is in the yard that tells you what station. It is 105.5 you tune your car radio station and it has a greeting from the house owners and the lights blink to music from the station. It is continuous so I guess it starts when it gets dark and runs late. You just drive by and pull over and tune in to 105.5.

Directions: If you are coming from Biloxi on the beach, you will turn at Courthouse Rd. go to Pass Rd. turn left on Pass Rd. and go past Pass Road Elementary and that light is Washington Avenue, turn right (north) on Washington Avenue and continue on and 45th street is down a ways on the left it is on the corner of 45th and Washington.

Wallace Ann Austin, RMT74
Certified Medical Massage Practitioner
Biloxi Bay Chamber Membership Division Vice President
Office: 228-324-8036

12/3/07
Notebook News
Albert Einstein said that "The definition of Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result." That seems to be the way I always did things; getting stuck in a rut of doing what I have always done so that I don't have to think about it. Doing something different requires thought. As human beings, we don't learn from success. Only failure and setback inspires us to change. That being said I have made some changes and hopefully for the better. Writing about things that you need to do to market yourselves has been kind of like a little note to self. I can't very well tell you to do something that I haven't done myself! So here's to not being Insane! ...at least not totally.

Look for Homes we have done in December's Issue of Beach Blvd and South MS Living. I am so excited!
Val

Note From Myra with SAT
This is very good news when you have a manufacturer's rep wanting to find new images from you guys. I have had several reps looking and I have a website list but I doubt that it is complete. This company does art so they are looking at painter's work. See note below.

Hi Sam,
You recently asked about "coastal" art and I'm remembering a customer of mine in Biloxi who asked me about a manufacturer possibly using art from some of the Gulf Coast artists. Below is her newsletter with a section that refers to that. Thought you might consider this as a way to get new images/ideas. There is one more e-mail I'll send also with lots of contacts. Myra

National Media
I saw something in House and Garden (thank you Julie!) that had an article under preservation and a whole section of Volunteer to Help New Orleans. I think one of their editors may live over there, but I am pretty sure that she is a MS girl. Anyway it got me to thinking that the more and more I see New Orleans in the National press, the more and more everyone around here gets a defeated look. I was thinking that it would be nice if the Mississippi Development Authority were to hire a person whose sole responsibility was National press about Hurricane Katrina. This is the worst disaster in National history and yet the Nation seems to think it only happened to the city of New Orleans. I don't begrudge them help...Lord knows they need the help too. But it makes me angry that it is not both that are mentioned. The only thing I can figure out is that New Orleans has hired more than a few PR people who are very capable at handling the national media and have decided that they will run with it. I think it would be very easy for us along the coast to do the same. Make a list of magazines and publishers and contact them. Tell them our story.

March of Dimes "Spotlight on Success"
I love it when a plan comes together and the March of Dimes girls are such good planners and executers. The Spotlight on Success was such a beautiful function because of the Beau Rivage's attention to detail. And because so many of you sent pieces of all your gorgeous work the silent auction was a huge success. Rochelle Harper Band played and I thought she was so good. Music sets the tone for an evening and it was exactly the right tone. The people we honor each year are community leaders from different backgrounds. This year many of them were Public Relations types in addition to doing their regular jobs, they are also working tirelessly to promote what is exceptional about our coast. So congratulations to our 2007 Honorees!
Mayor Matthew Avara, Pascagoula
Debbie Batia, Owner Merchiston Hall
Dr. Don Gaddy, Gulfport OB/GYN
Lori K. Gordon, Artist
Butch Henley, Cable One
Steve Howard, Kmart
Susan Hunt, Executive Director Biloxi Bay Chamber
Nicole Learson, Director of Marketing, Harrison Co Tourism
Brad Orrison, The Shed
Paige Roberts, Southeast MS Chapter American Red Cross
Nicole Scardina, Keller Williams Commercial Realty
Karen Sock, Grand Casino
Elaine Stevens, Public Relations, IP Casino
Cheli Strumila, owner Coast Observer
Dave Vincent, Station Manager WLOX

Note From Wallace Ann Austin
Holiday Cards to Recovering SoldiersA Great Idea!When sending your holiday cards this year, take one card and sendit to a recovering soldier. If we pass this on and everyone sends one card,think of how many cards these wonderful special people who havesacrificed so much would get!Thanksgiving – Thank them for their sacrifice and protecting our freedomChristmas – Everyone loves a card from “home.”A Recovering American Soldierc/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center6900 Georgia Avenue, NWWashington, D.C. 20307-5001

Also something cool that xerox is doing if you got to http://www.letssaythanks.com/ you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq. Only takes a few seconds.

Note From the Biloxi Lion's Club
I am once again selling fruit for the Biloxi Lions Club! As you know , this is our annual fund fundraiser! The price for 2/5 bushel, navel or ruby red grapefruit, is still the same @ $15.00!!!

The fruit comes from Indian River region in Florida and is delicious! Shipment will arrive Dec 6 & Dec 7th. Please respond to this email as soon as possible! Please let your friends, relatives, co workers, and neighbors know too!!

Thank you so much!
Arlene
435-9948
Arlene CanaanE-mail Address(es): ArleneCanaan@yahoo.com

Christmas Wish Lists
http://www.gcwcfn.org/ is the Gulf Coast Woman's Center for Non-violence. They are asking for help with Christmas. The need individuals and groups to sponsor Christmas for adults and children affected by abuse. Stacey Myers or Mary Buffington 228-432-2358. We are collecting items for them here at the store if you would like to drop off anything. What's needed is most anything you are able to give.

http://www.onlineredkettle.org/ Salvation Army is just so good. They were here probably almost a week or 2 weeks before Red Cross ever got here. They were set up in a tent feeding people immediately within 24 hours I think after the storm on the point in Biloxi.

Have you heard of http://www.networkforgood.org/ and http://www.nvoad.org/ There are people here also helping with people affected by the fires in California.

The Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse is asking for help with Adopt a Family program. 228-868-8686

Have you heard of the IDTF. The Mississippi Coast Interfaith Disaster Task Force provides building materials, furniture and appliances free of charge to individuals and families who qualify through area Diaster Relief Organizations (DRO) and social services. Steven Howard at 354-0969 http://www.msidtf.org/

The JA (Junior Auxilliary) does a toy drive. They generally accept most donations of new clothing

The Marine's Toys for Tots does a toy drive and has a variety of drop points..usually Cableone will be one.

Loaves and Fishes is the only soup kitchen in Harrison County. They do lunches and a bag lunch for dinner. They used to have a shelter in Biloxi that would do dinner Seashore Manor. It was lost in the hurricane. They always need canned goods.

Police seek toys for the needy
The Biloxi Police Department is now accepting donations of new and unopened toys to be given to needy children as part of the department's annual "Santa Wears a Badge" campaign. Those interested can drop off toys at the Biloxi Police Department front desk, in the Lopez-Quave Public Safety Center, 170 Porter Ave., two blocks north of the Biloxi Lighthouse. Toys should be dropped off before Dec. 15. Those with questions about this program should contact Officer Tom Goldsworthy, #119, at 435-6133 or via e-mail at tgoldsworthy @ biloxi.ms.us. To print a flier about the program, http://biloxi.ms/pdf/santabadge.pdf

Law enforcers to again deliver Thanksgiving Day meals
Harrison County Sheriff George Payne has announced that the Harrison County Volunteers to Feed the Needy, a group of law enforcement personnel and volunteers who deliver Thanksgiving Day meals to those less fortunate, have begun efforts for their 2007 drive. Names of anyone in need of a meal on Thanksgiving are currently being accepted, and letters soliciting donations have been sent to previous supporters of the drive. Donations can be mailed to the Harrison County Volunteers to Feed the Needy, 1801 23"' Ave., Gulfport, MS, 39501 or can be delivered to Payne's office at the Harrison County Courthouse.
Those interested in providing names of the needy may call the Gulfport Police Department at 868-5703, the Harrison County Sheriff's Department at 865-7095, the Biloxi Police Department at 435-6133, or the D'Iberville Police Department at 396-4252.
You may also fill out a form to register a person for a meal. To get the form, click http://biloxi.ms/pdf/mealsform.pdfMeals can be picked up or delivered for needy families in the Harrison County area. Volunteers who want to help prepare, pack or deliver meals should report to the Air National Guard Base, Hewes Avenue at Building 160, Gulfport, on Thursday, Nov. 22 at 9 a.m. Volunteers should check in at the base gate.
Rodney McGilvary, assistant chief of the Biloxi Police Department, said the Salvation Army has been instrumental in helping make this year's drive possible.

New places in Hancock county; let your friends know. They need the business and you need the fun! Restaurants are the perfect place to display art!
New facilities as follows:
1. Friendship Oaks Coffee and Creams Owners - Jesse Dupree and August Stierwald
4405 E. Aloha Dr. Diamondhead, MS
228-255-5505 09/13/07
2. Cool Beans Cafe and Catering, LLC Owner - Elfren Acosta
304 B Hwy 90, Waveland, MS
228-216-4537 09/14/07
3. Nickey's Restaurant and Bar Owner- Carolyn Travis
914 Hwy 90, Waveland, MS
228-304-0537 09/28/07
4. Marcel's Music Cafe and Bar Owner- Margaret Ruffin
1108 b hwy 90, Bay St. Louis
228-467-5980 10/02/07
5. P'zazz Restaurant and Bar Owner - Jon Trimmer
443 Yacht Club, Diamondhead, MS
228-586-0540 10/03/07
6. Lil Coffee Stop Owner -Diane Ryan
722 Hwy 90, Waveland, MS
228-671-9092 10/04/07
7. Nella's Donuts and More Owner - John and Penny Allen
828 Hwy 90, BSL, MS
228-466-5037 10/04/07

Marketing
http://www.handworksmarket.com/ This is a show held in the MS Trade Mart off High Street in Jackson. Friday Nov. 16 9-6 and Saturday, Nov. 17 9-4 with 150 exhibitors this might be a good show to exhibit your work at.

Christmas in the City Ho Ho Hope to see you there! It's Saturday, December 1st, 9:30-4:30. It's being held in the downtown Biloxi area near City Hall. The space is free for those raising money for community projects and I believe $60- otherwise. Please contact Kay Miller at Biloxi's Main Street Office 435-6339 or kmiller@biloxi.ms.us. Please let us know by the 20th of this month if you would like a spot still have about 15 left.

http://www.homemadeframes.com/ I love things made by hand. They have a different soul than items found in stores. We have done elaborate frames for Mardi Gras and most of our customers love things that can be customized. Pretty ribbon roses can be added to picture frames. Stencils, decoupage and gilding work well on frames and all kinds of paint finishes.

Want to get your name and business mentioned in Mississippi Magazine? One of the easiest ways is to design something (like an ornament) in the shape of the state. http://www.beansferrypottery.net/, http://www.oliviapottery.com/ and Heartfelt Traditions have done some really cute things. Then send a picture of the item with a short letter to the editor.

Note Found in Focus on the Coast
I found this in Focus on the Coast Magazine, Lisa Lanier http://www.newcomersandvisitorsguide.com/ They are looking for Websites to add to their directory. Attractions, Events, Hotels, Restaurants, Golf and Services. Businesses in the Al and MS Gulf Coast Regions to include in this directory should call 601-928-3619 or email lisa @ newcomersandvisitorsguide.com

Also* Group needs Sewing Machines RSVP has a group of senior volunteers (Sew Much Comfort) that sew clothes for soldiers with disabilities. The clothes are custom adapted to meet each soldiers needs. For example, a soldier with burned fingers cannot button a shirt so the volunteers put Velcro on the shirt so the soldier can still wear it. These seniors are doing a much need service. The work orders just keep pouring in. The volunteers desparately need more sewing machines. If you or anyone you know has a working sewing machine they are wiling to donate to Sew Much Comfort, please contact the following:
Magdelena (Mag) Holland, Director
Harrison County (RSVP) Retired Senior Volunteer Program
842 Commerce Street, Gulfport, MS 39507
office 896-0412 cell 861-0007 fax 896-0219

National and local Press Contacts
A while back ...maybe even a year ago I compiled a small list of press contacts for Artists and got to thinking I probably never passed them on to you. So for all of you with art associations this would be a good place to send important news. You might make a nice contact that would do a story in a magazine or paper. This is definitely not all but maybe some you don't have.

American Craft CouncilE-mail Address(es): editorial @ craftcouncil.org
Arts & Crafts PressE-mail Address(es): tabby @ pobox.com
Bennington CollegeE-mail Address(es): editor @ criticalceramics.org
Nicole LaCour YoungE-mail Address(es): nly @ mac.com
Ocean Springs RecordE-mail Address(es): osr_gi @ ametro.net
'Ocean Springs Record'E-mail Address(es): news @ osrecord.com
The American Ceramic SocietyE-mail Address(es): info @ acers.org

Cat Carriers
I hate to even ask because it is now a confession that I have not nutered my cats yet. But I need to borrow some cat carriers. You have to take them in their own individual cat carrier and I am not buying three cat carriers. If I leave and take them with me it will be in one carrier because they are very close and love each other and can't stand to be separated. I plan on buying one large dog one...but in order to take them to be fixed they have to be in their own little box. So if anyone has a carrier that I can borrow I would really appreciate it.
Val...EJM

I hope you attended**
If not I think they have another coming up in another county
The Mississippi Arts Commission is proud to offer an outstanding educational opportunity for artists across Mississippi. MAC will partner with the Mississippi Development Authority and the Small Business Development Center to provide sessions covering everything from marketing to taxes. The workshops are free and lunch will be provided to those who make reservations prior to the cut off date (see below.) Call 601/359-6030 to make your reservation. The times for all meetings will be 9am to 3:00pm. The dates and locations are as follows:
Wednesday, November 14 - Biloxi, Gulf Coast Business Technology Center, 1636 Popps Ferry Road (deadline for reservation - 11/07)
Gail Hendrickson
artofsteel @ cableone.net
228-760-0179

Thankfully, Valerie

9/13/07
March of Dimes "Spotlight on Success"
I am on the March of Dimes committee for "Spotlight on Success". It is an annual fundraiser that celebrates the individuals in communities across the coast and their success in their fields of business. We always have a really good group of honorees with impressive accomplishments. Because it is for such a worthy cause and benefits our South Ms Division of March of Dimes it might be something you all would like to donate a peice of art to. It is generally covered by the media, there is a program and is a great way to network. Those of you interested in attending (such as Art associations) might go in together to purchase a table of tickets. It is $50 a person and $90 a couple. The tables are a table of 10. More and more organizations are relying on the support of the community. Lately I have seen several organizations looking for speakers for different functions and because artists are so interesting this might even be something a group of you think about doing to further network. Speaking at a girl scout meeting, a civitan club, a Kiwanis group or a JA Meeting. Garden clubs love having artists at their meetings because they are able to learn something from your creative process. So networking with other artists is great...but also think about networking with others outside of artist circles!

Please let me know if you would like to contribute something to this year's March of Dimes "Spotlight on Success" or you can contact Jennifer Ternyak and she can make arrangements to get with you. Jennifer TernyakE-mail Address(es): JTernyak@marchofdimes.comPersonal Information: Phone: 896-0886 Fax: 896-8997 Mobile: 860-8312

Volunteer Work is fullfilling. Two great groups that are desparately needing volunteers are Special Olympics and the Humane Society. So if you love special needs children and animals give a few hours of your time to helping out. Food and cleaning supplies are in need at all your area shelters and perhaps your group can do a fund raiser to help with Special Olympics.

Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art
Calendar of Events for Fall 2007
The museum is now open M-F 9-4:30 and Sat 10-2 including an Open Studio for area potters. Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, 1596 Glenn Swetman St., Biloxi, 228.374.5547, info@georgeohr.org. http://www.georgeohr.org/

Sept. 7—Deadline for booth entries and juried arts entries into Ohr Fall Festival. http://www.georgeohr.org/.

BILOXI MAIN STREET TO HOST 3rd ANNUAL CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY.
Biloxi Main Street is hosting the 3rd Annual “Christmas in the City” Saturday December 1st, 2007. We are looking ahead for another great Christmas Festival in downtown Biloxi, featuring vendors from all over. There will be great entertainment, pictures with Santa, and special Biloxi treats. Main Street Biloxi will also have their Collectable Christmas ornaments available for sale, and much more. The event will take place on Saturday December 1st from 9:30 to 4:30 in downtown Biloxi.
We welcome any new vendors to participate in the Christmas in the City Festival.
We are very excited to move forward and continue a great Christmas tradition on the Coast.
For any information on Main Street Biloxi and this Christmas event, please contact Kay Miller at 228-435-6339 or 228-263-6339 & kmiller@biloxi.ms.us.

Travel South Showcase VolunteersThe Mississippi Gulf Coast CVB will host a Travel South Showcase planning meeting on September 12, 2007 at the Beau Rivage Resort – Azalea Ballroom C from 2:00pm until 4:00pm. Volunteers are needed for various committees including city tours, hospitality, volunteers, evening event, dine around, and sponsorship/fundraising. Please RSVP to Crystal Johnson, 228-896-6699 ext 215 or crystalj@gulfcoast.org, if you plan to attend.

Note From Cheli, Gulf Coast Observer
At a luncheon today I had the honor of taking a picture with some of my closests friends and Robin Roberts of GMA....the luncheon was held at Beau Rivage Casino for the Pink Heart Fund that provides free wigs and breast prosthesis to cancer/breast cancer patients (women, men, and children)....this was a beautiful event and as Joann talked of the struggles of fighting cancer there were many tears shed, espcecially by me since it was just a year ago that cancer robbed me of my beautiful mother!!

If you know of anyone fighting or surviving cancer in need of a wig or breast prosthesis, the pink hearts fund will provide them one free of charge!!
http://www.pinkheartfunds.com/
And if you would ever like to donate, every $$ goes to buy the wigs and prosthesis (It cost $100 for each wig they buy and $350 for each prosthesis)

Great Idea
Did you see the news on WLOX where the Harm's from Birmingham, AL did a 50th birthday party and rather than asking for gifts for themselves asked for Books for Biloxi. They collected around 250 that went to the Margaret Sherry Library. This is a great idea to help out with any kind of project. If you aren't sure that these kind of projects are still needed along the gulf coast then come on down and take a look around. I'm sure you can find one or two worthy projects that need tackling to plan your birthday around. Not only do you have all of the MS Gulf Coast to choose from but also parts of inland Southern MS, coastal Alabama and town south of and New Orleans. Write to your favorite publishers and see if they would help out with some book projects for your favorite libraries and school libraries.


Note From Kathryn Lewis
I so enjoy your emails, keep all of us posted. I have not replied before, but as the Project Director of the Telling Trees Project in Stone County for the last 2 1/2 years-it's time for all to know what we are doing, offering our assistance to others who would like to start a project like ours to celebrate who we are and where we live. Let me know if you need any further information. Again, thanks for all your work. Kathryn Lewis

The Stone County Telling Trees Project
“When an elder dies without sharing their story, it is like a library burning.”
-- National Storytelling Network

The Telling Trees Project honors and promotes the culture and heritage of Stone County by preserving its past through the telling of its stories – the stories of people, of place and of time. Through the project, the unique stories of Stone County are presented through oral histories and art, with a strong emphasis on education. The name Telling Trees comes from the first major industry in the county, the timber industry.

So far, the project has completed several oral histories, including the stories of Bill Mauldin, a forester, and his wife Delores; Gloria Scott, who was raised on a pecan orchard; Earlene Taylor and Noel Hatten, who lived on the Finkbine Lumber Company land during their childhood; and John Guthrie, a life-long forester. In their stories, these Stone Countians recount such memories as working at the age of 5; gathering on Finkbine Lumber land under the only lights in town to picnic, play and tell the news of the day; reforesting timber land; the railroad hauling timber to market; and making the family livelihood by gathering, cracking and selling pecans. They are also the stories of watching the last man executed in Mississippi’s “traveling electric chair” for the murder of Earlene’s father; building the first school for “colored students;” rushing to be the first one to the Straub theater to get the love seat; meeting at the train depot every day at 6 p.m. to listen and watch the loading of the train and returning home by skating down the brick road on Pine Street; singing and eating together under the street lights and hearing the bells ring to announce evening church.

The first year of the project brought local storytellers, writers, elders, students, teaching artists and the like together to hear and tell the voice of Stone County. The stories were told at Pine Hill Day, the Poplarville Blueberry Festival, Stone County Rotary, at after-school programs, and at a special “Tellabration” held to honor the stories and their owners. Pottery faces, detailed to look like the elders who shared their stories, were created by local potter Bobbi Fenton. A mosaic mural, the first of at least five to be completed, was created by world-renowned mosaic artist Elizabeth Veglia, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) art instructor Sandra Cassibry and her students, Stone County citizens, MGCCC instructors and alumni. The 8-by-13-foot mural incorporates images of plants and wildlife indigenous to Stone County and is on display in Blaylock Park in Wiggins. Future projects will highlight other aspects of Stone County.

Stories that will be completed as the project continues include tales of the Brown-Miller Pickle Plant; of the City of Pekinston; of Ramsey Springs, which was once a resort thought to have healing waters; and of other topics of cultural interest. The project will bring Telling Trees to the schools in Stone County as part of fifth- and ninth-grade Mississippi history studies.

If you have stories to share or know of someone who does, please contact Kathryn Lewis, project director, at 601-928-4344 or at klewis23@yahoo.com

Telling Trees Partners
City of Wiggins
Mississippi Arts Commission
Mississippi Forestry Commission
Mississippi Coastal Plains RC&D Council, Inc.
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area
Mississippi Humanities Council
National Storytelling Network
Stone County Arts Council
Stone County Economic Development Partnership
Stone County School District Students
Stone County Supervisors

I think this would be a great project to duplicate in light of Hurricane Katrina. Everyone living on the coast has a story. I had thought maybe some people would be down here collecting stories for a project but have not heard of many, except for the few documentary projects. I believe USM intends to have a Katrina Museum and a collection of stories to go along with photos...something on the order of the Veteran's History Project would be a great project to tackle. Thank God that many of the magazines are up and running and that WLOX is gathering stories but their is room for others. I think it is anthropology? students that study things like this in foreign cultures and possibly they would be interested in this region of the country. We are separate and apart from other places in the US because of Mardi Gras celebrations and other things that make this area very unique from any other place.


Please help me fill in the blanks. On occasion if someone is interested in finding art, I will give this out. I know it's incomplete. If you are listed on one of these group websites then I don't need info from you. If you would like me to add you then please send me information.

If you go to http://www.carolepigott.com/ and click on hurricane assistance you will find a section of her website devoted solely to MS Gulf Coast Artists. She is a fantastic artist that has recently moved back to MS to start work illustrating one of Eudora Welty’s books. She knew Eudora before she passed away. She brought tons of art supplies to the coast.

If you go to http://www.gulfcoastartists.blogspot.com/ you will see Lori Gordon from Bay St. Louis was a writer for Art Magazine here before Katrina. Unfortunately the magazine is no longer. She is now writing for South MS Living. She has listed artists there. Also http://www.hancock-art.com/ has a good list.

http://www.osarthouse.org/ is a new one that is still being uploaded.

http://www.katrinaartists.blogspot.com/ is another lady Shaun Lea who after the storm offered to create websites for artists so their work could be seen.

http://www.artisanrelief.blogspot.com/ while this website will not have photos of work it was set up to make communications open for all artists living in this region. It has some of the links to various websites and volunteer groups and a link to my column.

Also if you go to http://www.magnoliaframing.com/ Mary Bennett was one of my reps years ago and she opened a custom frame store and has taken in several of the artists listed.

My column is at http://www.gulfcoastnightlifeobserver.com/ click on Valerie’s Gallery and there are page numbers at the bottom that take you to the different months. I have 6 artists I feature each month. I try to mix them up and have some from different cities and different types of art. http://www.patwalker-fields.com/, http://www.marypatforrest.blogspot.com/, http://www.johnmcdonaldstudio.com/ for complete listing of contact info please see the site. You will see Paulette Dove on my site her coastal things are really great but they aren’t pictured! Glenn Miller is another one that does great coastal work. He is a drawbridge operator.

http://www.richkoppphotography.com/ Photographer, also working with ghost imaging.

http://www.richardawaters.com/ Multi Media Artist
http://www.waterphone.com/

http://www.southerncreations.com/ Linda Nix photographer

http://www.redwirefilms.com/ Justin Pearce is the great-great-grandson of George E. Ohr, known world-wide as the "Mad Potter of Biloxi," and the grandson of Joe Moran, the artist who once captured on canvas the beauty of the Gulf Coast for all to see at Moran's Art Studio.

http://www.photoizzart.com/ Kathryn Taylor Gray has done some interesting things with salvaged materials. Her Barq’s mirrors are so neat.

http://www.artbyliz.com/ Elizabeth Schafer

http://www.georgeohr.org/ and http://www.walterandersonmuseum.org/ are the 2 museums here on the coast that should show some works on those.

There is also http://www.artinthepass.com/ that is an arts festival held each year that lists links to the artist and their websites. It has quite a few good ones. Chris Hartsfield should be on there and he is really good. Pass Christian Art Association.

http://www.lindatheobaldart.com/ .

Bodine Pottery has reopened in Wiggins. They were formally in Long Beach and started the Friendship Festival at the Friendship Oak. That’s a really good story. I think she has been fighting cancer and was in Hattiesburg for awhile after the storm. Everyone was scattered to the winds. http://www.bodinepottery.com/

Coming Down wanting to see artwork such as Galleries etc….

Andrew Jessup Gallery on Pass Road http://www.theandrewjessupgallery.com/

Negrotto’s Gallery behind the Edgewater Mall

William’s Gallery

Whistle Stop in Ocean Springs (owned by Magnolia Framing Gallery in Gautier)

Hillyer House in Ocean Springs

There are 2 artist’s co-ops one in Bay St. Louis at 220 Main Street http://www.theartistsof220main.blogspot.com/

And the Art House in Ocean Springs behind the L and N depot http://www.osarthouse.org/

http://www.biloxiartassociation.org/ has added some of its members’ artwork to the site.

Some Stores carrying some local artwork
Décor in Gulfport on Three Rivers Road

Sandpiper Gifts on Pass Road

EJM (that’s me…we are an Interior Design Business), 1013 Howard Avenue (one block north of the Beau Rivage and the Biloxi Lighthouse

Tickled Pink (inside the courtyard at Mary Mahoney’s Restaurant)..great place to eat and admire local works of art.

I think even more stores opening are carrying local artworks. Just don’t know all of them.

Also a new publication about the area http://www.smliving.net/ It is available online and is a really good magazine about the area. Also the Sun Herald has put out the new Beach Blvd. Magazine that has a tremendous amount of local color. Check it out!

Thank you very much,
Valerie
EJM, 1013 Howard Avenue, Biloxi, MS 39530
228-374-8427
http://www.elephantsjugglingmonkeys.com/ Coming Soon!

This Month's Featured Artist Brenda Randolph at the Mockingbird Cafe and Art Gallery, Bay St. Louis
Second Saturday celebration this month will debut the exhibit's work, opening Saturday, Sept 8 from 4 til 8 PM
Her peices are autobiographical and explore the colorless, yet colorful world of debris, and her window hanging series "Survivors completes the story. The work of Kat Fitzpatrick and Elizabeth Veglia will be on display thru mid October. More info contact Brenda Randolph at 586-0088

Small World
I must have been bored, because I watched a program on CSpan. It's the one they do on books and authors. I found it very interesting, because the professor was not speaking over my head but rather to me. He was talking about the world affairs and how something like rain in Brazil makes coffee less expensive and therefore you should buy stock in Starbucks, because the profit margins will increase. http://www.peternavarro.com/ and http://www.insideedge.org/ He was also speaking about China and the fact that the Chinese, now, have a little more money to spend and are adding more meat to their diets therefore, they need more farmland to grow soy to feed cattle and so Rainforests in South America are being cut down for the production of soybeans. Anyway, I found it interesting how connected we all are on the planet and how trade issues work. I know I have been suggesting that many of you contact manufacturing companies to have your items produced, but that doesn't necessarily mean that you have to go to ones producing out of the country. Toland Enterprises used to have production facilities in LA, I believe they are using someone in VA now and many of the card companies have production facilities here in the U.S. The framing company (plant) I mentioned are located in AL.

Article on Leslie Holly, Vestal Resident Proves Actions Can Have Far Reaching Effect
http://www.pressconnects.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070905/COLUMNISTS01/709050310/1005/OPINION
I think we should all post a comment about how wonderful and helpful she has been these past 2 years.

Note from Leslie Holly on Sewing Circles
Do any of you know of any quilt guilds?
One of my contacts with the Blanket Brigade has a lot of quilt material donated to ship to a guild to make for those in need in BSL.
Any ideas? I know I can hook her up with other groups outside the area, but she would really like it to be someone down there...
Leslie HollyE-mail Address(es): katrinacoalition@aol.com

Architectural Landscaping Design
We need an artist to design a vision of an area of the Mississippi Renaissance Garden we are planning. We want to put the design in our MRG Organizational Statement that we send nationwide to secure funding sponsors. If you know of anyone who might be able to help us, please let me know.

Martha S. BoyceThe Mississippi Renaissance Gardenmboyce@msrengarden.org228-388-2622

If you wish to be removed from this email list please drop me an email or you can call me at 228-374-8427. Thanks, Valerie Cushman, EJM, 1013 Howard Avenue, Biloxi, MS