CRC Newsletter

April 2011  
Contents
Opportunity Listings
Resource Listings
Featured Work of Public Art

As part of a new series highlighting works of public art, this month Courtney Rile rediscovers a mural in the heart of Armory Square in Syracuse...

MichaelSwattMuralinArmorySquare1

"I grew up in Philadelphia, the city that has more murals than most in the world.  I always wonder why Syracuse isn't full of colorful paintings in public spaces since so much of the winter is gray and white.

 

For years I have smiled whenever I pass by this long geometric mural in downtown Syracuse.  I find it so satisfying to see a work of public art so large and colorful but also find it ironic that it can go so unnoticed in a place as busy as Armory Square.  This piece is part of what inspired this series highlighting works of public art.

    

I am fortunate enough to know the artist who created this mural.  It is roughly 103 feet long by 10 feet tall and is located on the parking garage in the alley where Walton Street meets Clinton Street in Armory Square.  The artist's name is Michael Swatt.  It was painted in the fall of 2002, when he had a studio just around the corner.  What I love is the controlled chaos of Michael Swatt's style.  It works to make a depressing alley and grey parking garage bright."

 

-Courtney Rile 

 

MichaelSwattMuralinArmorySquare2  

 More about Michael Swatt:

Michael Swatt has just launched a new website.  To learn more, visit: www.michaelswatt.com 

 

 

More about Courtney:

 

Courtney Rile handles Communications for the CRC.  She is also a filmmaker and co-owner of Daylight Blue Media.  She is known for her work with the former Delavan Art Gallery and her efforts to launch Syracuse's monthly art walk, The Third Thursday.

 

 

 
Arts Advocacy



ARTS NYS Coalition
 
Another 10% Cut to NYSCA for a total of 37% over 3-4 Years

 
There will be another 10% cut to NYSCA in Governor Cuomo's 2011-12 executive budget.

Stephen Butler, Executive Director of the CRC, along with many other arts professionals statewide, visited Albany for ArtsDay in February to fight for a reduction in cuts.  Despite these efforts, the 10% cut has been passed.

Learn More:

"Cuts too costly a ticket" Feb. 9, Albany Times Union

"Trouble on the Canvas" Feb. 11, The Daily Mail (Greene County)
 



To learn more, visit the ARTS NYS COALITION website at www.artsnys.org. This website is your resource for data on the arts in New York State as well as information on pending legislation at the state and federal level. This website has contact information for your elected representatives and allows you to send them customized messages. 


 

Art News

IDEAS Collaborative Moves to Second Stage     

In a follow up article in the Post-Standard, writer Melinda Johnson reports the research of arts consultant Surale Phillips "affirmed for organizations the need the Cultural Resources Council of Syracuse and Onondaga County to assume a leadership role."

 Read the full article by Melinda Johnson on Syracuse.com by clicking HERE.

 

 

CRC Response to Suspension of Symphony Operations   

   

 

In response to troubling news regarding the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra's suspension of operations, the Cultural Resources Council has issued the following statement:

"The loss of the Syracuse Symphony is a huge one to all of us on many levels. It is a stab in the heart of the entire region. Everyone needs to care - the Symphony attracts tourists and businesses, employs artists, helps educate our children, and is part of the artistic achievements in New York that make our state legendary. We encourage the Symphony to find the solutions to create a vibrant and sustainable model, and to call upon their peers, colleagues, and supporters to help in this process.
"

Learn More:

"Backstage at the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra: Squeezed musicians, tired donors and a slow-building crisis" written by Melinda Johnson and Michelle Breidenbach in the Post-Standard on April 3, Syracuse.com



Syracuse Children's Chorus Welcomes New Artistic Director

   

Stephanie Mowery

  

The Board of Directors of the Syracuse Children's Chorus announced the appointment of Stephanie Mowery of Pasadena, CA as Artistic Director of the Syracuse Children's Chorus to begin July 1, 2011. "In choosing Stephanie to assume the position of Artistic Director, the Board of Directors has found the person with the exemplary artistry, enthusiasm and collaborative spirit that will continue the musical excellence that has been the earmark of the Syracuse Children's Chorus" stated Jamie Sutphen, President of the Board of Directors.


Read the full press release on the Syracuse Children's Choir website by clicking HERE



Syracuse matriarch Marjory Wilkins remembered as local photographer, historian and visionary  

      

 

 

"Local artists are mourning the loss of photographer Marjory Wilkins, who died in her home at age 81..."

Read the full article by Alaina Potrikus, published April 2 in the Post-Standard, Syracuse.com




Do you know about our CNY Arts Directory? 

Links to Arts and Culture Resources in CNY, including:
Art Classes and Workshops, Comedy, Dance, Film and Video, Lecture, Music, Opera, Public Art, Reading, Theater, Visual Arts, Festivals and Annual Events, Other Resources and Initiatives, and Studio Spaces

Visit the MyCNYArts.org Directory HERE.

Did we miss something?  Let us know if you have a link to add by emailing communications@mycnyarts.org 
 

Cultural Resources Council
315.435.2155
www.mycnyarts.org


NYSCA logo
Cultural Resources Council is supported by public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a State Agency,


Cultural Resources Trust logo  

...along with support by the Onondaga County Trust for Cultural Resources,


Onondaga County seal

 
...and Onondaga County.
CRC art$TART Grants Bring Professional Artists to Classrooms

The CRC has awarded nine 2011 art$TART grants for creative teaching partnerships between artists and schools across Central New York.  With funds from the Arts Education Program of the New York State Council of the Arts, the grants support programs that enrich education in and through the arts.

"Research shows that arts activities can transform the relationship of students to learning," said CRC Executive Director Stephen Butler.  "These grants bring professional visual and performing artists into classrooms in new and highly imaginative ways."

Jointly planned by teachers and participating artists, supported projects include the creation of a ceramic wall mural during a study of Haudenosaunee culture at Ostelic Valley Elementary School; creative writing and illustration activities in conjunction with an astronomy unit at Tully Elementary School; and the development of competitive portfolios by art students at Nottingham High School, combined with critical reflection on issues of identity and self-expression.

Grants range from $1,000 to $2,000 and were awarded by a panel of regional artists and educators, based on proposals from eligible schools and arts organizations in the five counties of Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga and Oswego.  The CRC assumed administration of the art$TART grants program from Partners for Arts Education, a Syracuse-based service organization that ceased operations in 2009.

Click HERE to read about the nine awards given in 2011.



MICHAEL HARMS THEATER FESTIVAL

Michael Harms Theater Fest logo clean

UPCOMING DEADLINE: April 11-
Deadline for scholarship applications


Read the article on Syracuse.com!
"Michael Harms Theater Festival a valuable asset to the students of Central New York"


The 2011 Michael Harms Theater Festival will be taking place on Saturday, April 30th at Cayuga Community College. We are extremely excited about this year's festival and our line up of respondents and workshop presenters.

Our respondents - Rose Bonczek (Brooklyn College), Maria Marrero (Syracuse University), and Bill Morris (Le Moyne) - are all college and university drama professors.

Our six workshops are being led by theater professionals making a living in the arts with extensive experience regionally, in New York City and beyond: Timothy Davis-Reed (auditioning), Carey Eidel (acting), Jeff Glave (scenic painting), Dan Ozminkowski (lighting), Kevin Shumway (improvisation), and Shannon Tompkins (dance auditioning).

For more information on this year's Festival, including details about the workshops, CLICK HERE to visit the Festival page on the CRC's website.
"Pride and Prejudice" performed by Skaneateles High School. Winner of the 2010 Award of Excellence and Overall Technical Achievement
"Pride and Prejudice" performed by Skaneateles High School, Winner of the 2010 Award of Excellence and Overall Technical Achievement

For seniors going on to college to study theater: The deadline for submitting applications for the scholarships offered at the Festival has been extended to Monday, April 11th.

Festival registration and scholarship application forms are available on the CRC's website: www.mycnyarts.org. For more information, please contact Jon Wilson at 315.435.2126 or email jonwilson@mycnyarts.org

For 7th and 8th grader teachers: We are offering an option for 7th and 8th graders to get a taste of what they will be able to experience when they get to high school. For a reduced registration fee, 7th and 8th grade classes can come to the Festival to watch the performances and participate in some of the workshops. If your group would like to join us, please contact Jon Wilson at 315.435.2126 or email jonwilson@mycnyarts.org

We hope to see you all at the Festival!



ON MY OWN TIME 2011  
On My Own Time Logo

UPCOMING DEADLINE: APRIL 28-
Deadline for notifying us of your interest in participating in the 2011 On My Own Time program

ON MY OWN TIME KICKS OFF!
A kick-off luncheon for the upcoming 38th annual On My Own Time visual arts program for business was held at The Spaghetti Warehouse on March 31. About 30 company representatives and volunteer adjudicators attended, along with Cultural Resources Council and Everson Museum of Art staff members. It was an opportunity for everyone involved to get geared up for this year's On My Own Time, and for new participants to become oriented to the program. As of March 31, twelve local companies and organizations are on board for 2011, and several more have expressed interest in joining the program. Another luncheon was held for groups in the Oswego area this week. CRC welcomes: 
CarolynWallace_America_ProLiteracy_OMOT2010
Carolyn Wallace of ProLiteracy AMERICA (Watercolor)

Bristol-Myers
Confidential Counseling Services
Squibb
Company
Liverpool Art Center
Lockheed Martin
Loretto
O'Brien & Gere
ProLiteracy
L. & J. G. Stickley
City of Syracuse
Syracuse University
Upstate Medical University
and our new lead media sponsor, WRVO!

For information about becoming a part of On My Own Time this year, please click
HERE or call the On My Own Time line at 315.435.2162. The deadline for registration is April 28. 

   
Opportunity Listings  Please click on blue titles for links to more information.  If a link doesn't work, contact communications@mycnyarts.org    


Calls for Artists / Auditions

     

Auditions for At First Sight Baldwinsville Theatre Guild will be holding auditions for the next production, At First Sight, on Apr. 7 and 8 at 7 PM, and Apr. 9 at 2 PM. Auditions will be held at Presbyterian Education Center, 64 Oswego St. Baldwinsville. Everyone will read from the script.  Production dates are June 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, with Steve Borek, producer, and Jon Barden, director. Visit baldwinsvilletheatreguild.org for the list of characters to be cast.

 

Artists Wanted for Westcott Art Trail Sale This year's Westcott Art Trail Sale will take place on June 4 and 5. It's open to neighborhood artists as well as artists from outside the area. This is a non-juried art sale, but there are many very talented artists in the Westcott neighborhood, so the quality of items offered for sale is very high. Artists sell photographs, paintings, pottery, sculpture, handmade wearables, jewelry, drawings, wall hangings, and more. Participating artists set up their work at home, in their yards, on their porches, inside in their studios, or at the Westcott Center. This year 5,000 art lovers will have art trail maps mailed to their homes in late May. The map will highlight the street location of each artist and a ledger will describe what items are for sale at that location. Street signs, posters, and flags will help locate each site.  Click HERE for more information and to find the application.  Deadline for Applications is April 10.  

 

Auditions for Curtains! The Musical Comedy Whodunit will be held on Sat., Apr. 16, 12-4 PM; Sun., Apr. 17, 6-9 PM; and Sat., Apr. 23, 12-5 PM, at The New Times Theatre, Art & Home Center, NYS Fairgrounds. The Talent Company seeks actors, singers, dancers, age 16+, for 10 leading and supporting roles and a high-energy ensemble that is heavily featured. Auditioners should prepare 16 bars of a ballad and 16 bars of an up-tempo show tune. An accompanist will be provided; please bring sheet music. Wear comfortable clothes to move in. Photo and resume appreciated. Performances will take place Fri-Sun, July 22-24; and Thurs-Sun, July 28-31, Aug. 4-7 and Aug. 11-14.  Character descriptions and full audition information are available at www.thetalentco.com 

 

SyrFilmFest '11 Submissions Now Open The Syracuse International Film Festival accepts submissions from professional film and video makers, and has a special category for Central New York filmmakers. In order to qualify, an artist must be a native of Central New York residing elsewhere, presently reside in Central New York, or have received his/her education in Central New York. Central New York films, while singled out for prizes, must qualify under the general prescreening rules. All films are prescreened blind, and there are no acceptances based on any criteria other than the quality of the film. The festival accepts works from all countries. Cash awards of up to $5,000 will be given in all categories. There were more than 18 award categories in the 2010 festival.  All members of the selection jury will be professional film and/or video artists/critics. The festival will be held Oct. 13-17, 2011.  Late deadline for submissions is May 1, 2011.  

  

Civic Morning Musicals seeks Performers  The Program Committee of CMM is receiving applications for the 2011-12 Season of the Wednesday Recital Series at the Everson Museum. You may apply to perform at civicmorningmusicals.org/wednesday-recitals. Follow the prompt at the top of the page. Music programmed for your recital should be 35 to 45 minutes in length. Longer programs will be considered, for reasons such as presenting a complete cycle or work.  Applications from highly talented and accomplished young people are encouraged. Teachers are certainly aware of such students in their studios, and should encourage them to apply. A CD of recent work or an active URL of an online performance will be required of all first-time applicants.  For more info, contact John Spradling at johnspradling@verizon.net or 315-424-3984.  Application deadline is Sun., May 15, 11:59 pm.  

 

RFP for Mural in Crouse Hospital Open to all artists. Through the Community Arts Grant, NYSCA Decentralization Grant Program managed through the CRC, Crouse Hospital has received funds to commission a mural in a public area within the hospital. The area is just outside passenger elevators on a patient care floor in the Irving building. The space is divided into three walls with two elevators in between. The length of each wall is approximately 14', 8', and 9'. Interested artists should submit a sketch of their concept to Kristine Delaney, Library Manager, Crouse Hospital, 736 Irving Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13210. When sketches have been received, a committee will make final decisions on mural design. If you are interested in seeing the space, please call 315-470-7380 to schedule an appointment. Any artist over the age of 21 is eligible to enter. Artists may enter more than one mural design. The first half of the payment to the artist will be made when the commission is made and the second half when the mural is complete. Final date for sketch submission: May 30, 2011  

 

 

Stories Wanted Syracuse Stories is gathering stories about how Central New Yorkers engage the arts in our community. These stories will be shared live during the Syracuse Stories Festival in July 2011. If you like to tell stories and think you might like to participate, check out  about Syracuse Stories. We'd love to have you tell your "art" story during the July 30th Event at the Everson Museum of Art. It's during the Downtown Arts and Crafts Festival/ArtsWeek.is a multi-day Festival for story-telling/making to be held this July, 2011.  All individuals and cultural communities, organizations, businesses and neighborhoods are invited to sharing their stories through whatever form of artistic expressi on they choose.  For more information, visit www.artscovenant.com or contact Mary Stanley at artscov@gmail.com 

  

   
Jobs/Grants 

CNY Arts Covenant Artist Grants Competition The CNY Arts Covenant is holding a competition to design the rewards CNY Arts Covenant participants receive when they complete their four Arts Covenant agreements. Your artwork can be THE example of why Central New York is becoming an exciting art world. There is $4,000 in total of grant money available in for artists to create works. Click HERE for more information or contact Mary Stanley at artscov@gmail.com 

   


Resource Listings   
Workshops/Classes/Group Meetings    

Ongoing:

Community Darkrooms Classes and Workshops
ongoing throughout the Fall and Spring.  Visit their website HERE for more information. 


Clayscapes Pottery Adult classes in handbuilding and wheel throwing for all levels of experience.  Find info on current classes on www.clayscapespottery.com

Wacheva Cultural Arts World Dance & Drum Classes
  in West African dance & drum, Salsa, Samba, NIA, Belly dance, Zumba, Kazoon (afro-modern), Flamenco , Ballroom and women's drumming; Mon. - Sun. Beginners welcome. Go to www.wacheva.com for the complete schedule, or call 315-396-0748. Classes are $10 adults, $7 students.

Downtown Writers Center
offers creative writing classes  and workshops on a regular basis.  For more information click HERE. 

Y Arts
Register for classes in pottery, drawing, painting, ballroom dance, jazz and ballet. Classes are available to everyone, from preschoolers through adults. Each session lasts for 6 weeks and all art materials are supplied by the Y Arts Studio. Open to YMCA Members and
 Non-members.  Private music lessons also available in guitar, drums, violin, voice, piano and wind instruments. For a complete description of classes and fees visit www.ymcaofgreatersyracuse.org or contact Kat Kane, Arts Studio Director at 637-2025 ext 216.   

Open Figure Drawing $8 drop in fee, Wednesdays at Westcott Community Center from 7-10 PM, for info call Iver Johnson 315.475.3400


Other   

Giffordslist.org A resource sharing website, administered by the Rosamond Gifford Foundation, for Central New York nonprofits and businesses.

www.ArtsinOswego.org The Oswego Arts Collaborative, a local service and advocacy organization whose mission is to be a catalyst for the economic development and sustainability of visual and performing arts, is compiling a list of artists and arts organizations interested in strengthening the cultural life of Oswego County. All artists, groups and

residents interested in receiving regular information about the Collaborative and its initiatives or in taking part in the mission of the Collaborative are asked to email artsinoswego@gmail.com.



 
My CNY Arts

www.MyCNYArts.org


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How to Submit

If you have information on an opportunity or resource available to the local arts community including calls for entry, grants, job postings, workshops, classes, etc., please email Courtney Rile at communications@mycnyarts.org. Include basic information and a link to where details can be found online or, if no online presence is available, a contact phone number.  The submission deadline is the 20th of each month prior to publication. Thank you.