Art in the city

How to build a paper camera

Instructions here.  Looks like you'll need a lot of patience to make the thing.  Sample pictures here, here, here, and here.

A quick reminder

Just a quick reminder that the Foundation Center's  "Afternoon for Artists" is going to be this Tuesday October 25th.  Register now if you haven't already.

How to increase traffic to your artist blog

The Artrepeneur.com has an article on how to increase traffic to your art blog.  Check it out here.

October is Funding for the Arts Month

Over at the Foundation Center, they're designating October as Funding for the Arts month (scroll down to see what's happening in the DC Center).  They'll be having a number of events and workshops throughout the month specifically targeted to artists and arts organizations.  Plan to skip work on Tuesday the 25th.  They'll be having "An Afternoon for Artists".  Running from 12 noon to 6 pm, they'll be conducting their Grantseeking Basics for Individuals in the Arts, the Getting Started with Foundations Grants to Individuals Online for Artists (if you're going to attend either of these classes, make an attempt to attend both.  IMHO, they're more useful taken together), followed by a panel on proposal making at 2:00pm, and another panel on successful grant seekers at 3:45 pm.  Go here to read more and to register.

UPDATE:  Click here for the calendar of events for October.

How to become an arts journalist

It's a NY thing, not a DC thing, but Mediabistro.com is offering a class on how to become a freelance arts journalist.  Info is here if you're interested.  The class is on June 2nd.

Matting class

One of the great hurts that Tatiana and I have experienced recently has been the costs of framing her work.  We dropped a chunk of change a couple of months ago to frame her latest creative outburst.  We decided that we had to do something about that.  By way of that something, I took a mat cutting class on Sunday at the Plaza art shop in Rockville.  Dropped another chunk of change to get mat cutting supplies after the class.  The class only cost $25, but you more than make up for that with the 30% coupon they give you for taking the class.  But in the long run, of course, it'll pay for itself.  Sharon Ford, the manager of the Silver Spring location, was the instructor for this particular class and she did a great job.  She gave the class plenty of instruction and plenty of opportunities to mess around with the material.  With a little practice, we'll be able to cut into those framing expenses now. 

WetCanvas forums

Just found an artist cyber-community called WetCanvas.com.  You should take the time to check out their forums here.