The Alternative Show is my Christmas. Each year I am inundated with so many works of art that I feel like they are gifts specifically for my pleasure. Hanging this exhibition is a labor of love that I relish each year. The variety of work and the diversity of subject and technique tells me that we have a vast and thriving visual arts community. Consider this: Nearly 80 artists submitted over 180 pieces of creativity to be viewed, considered, critiqued and, on some level, enjoyed by the Southeast Texas community. Not just here, but there is a creative aura that seems to permeate the atmosphere. The Beaumont Art League, Artist of Southeast Texas, and The Music Studio are also having regular exhibitions and have enthusiastic participation by artists as well. The gallery walls would be empty but for the willingness of artists to create and show. It means so much to me that The Art Studio exists to have the pleasure to serve such dedicated local artists.
I am eternally grateful for individuals who, through their own volition, express themselves through the visual arts. It is a noble and courageous act when one chooses to create something. No matter what style, genre or collective to which we belong, we are all dedicated to developing a means to best express our perspective on the world. This is the very reason The Alternative Show is my favorite free-for-all art event. The unvarnished collection has always given me a glimpse of the overall creative health of our community. Is the selection diverse in form and content? Are there a wide selection of artists? Are they taking unique paths? A healthy arts community answers yes to these questions.
Recently I found a term that describes certain organizations as an Arts Service Organization. These groups are advocates for individual artists in support of their creative pursuit. By offering exhibitions, seasonal sales, references for commissions, studio space, classes and workshops and support toward public art. This is the definition of The Studio’s goals and purposes and I am pleased to know what we have been doing all these years.
Finally, a reminder about our RAISE The ROOF campaign. We are in the midst of a Challenge Grant through EDAREN foundation for repair of the two metal buildings’ rooves. The challenge is if we can raise $35,000 EDAREN will match for $10,000 which will be the total expense of a 30 year roof on both metal facilities. That will leave the main building as our second target for funding at $95,000. Baby steps first. This is the first capital campaign at TASI since 1990 and we are simply trying to preserve a facility that will serve us through the ages. We won’t get cocky, I promise!