Sunday, July 30, 2006

The Show Must Go On.

























Friday has come and gone and I needed to collect my thoughts in order to write them down...

Thank-You to the Artists, The Petri Dish, all those that came to check out what art vending is all about.Above you will see all the vending machines and a couple of pics of friday night,the one machine that was not featured here on the blog was the Queer Vending Machine i created and the art in it came from a queer artist from eastern Canada.

The art vending show for me bought with it many lessons and blessings, my experience that night was rather stressful and most certainly i don't feel that i shone in a postive way. Putting this together pushed and pulled me in many directions. Interactive installations are an island all to them selves and Murphys law was in full force. Vending machines like many machines can be very tempermenatal and so i was powerless as each machine chose not to work at any given time, mind you as i looked out of the small space there was a line up down to the door. People were exicted to put their money in for their art surprise, unfortunately i was not able to partake in that exictement as things were falling apart and i was powerless over many glitches all of it was lessons to learn.

Thank you so much everyone for your support and believing in the project,Friday night i lost the faith as to why i had started this whole thing and was ready to let it all go. Today is a new day and so with the most wonderful support from my partner and friends i have a fresh perspective. Outsider Art In A Box Vending will live on.

The lessons i learned from Friday;

When your powerless over circumstances let it go....

Pick and Choose your battles.....

Everyone has their own way of doing things let it be...

Sometimes my opinions are just that..

Zip it...keep the yap closed

Don't take it so personally.

Respect yourself and others no matter how stressed you are

Take a time out

Really is it that important!!!

Whatever.

If its not working move on

Ask for outside help in big projects

personality conflicts are a fact of life...

Get over yourself...

Laugh about it...


The Blessings;

Honesty and support from loved ones

Feedback

Curiousity about Art Vending

Seeing the happy faces after opening the art box

The Artists( a great bunch of womin)

More exposure of the project.

Expansion of the project

The art venue ( The Petri Dish)

This will my last art show that i will organize.....good insight for me

An unexpected donation

All the great support and turnout on Friday night

help with last minute things on Friday night( Thanx soooo much)

Ok people my confession time is over you all know now that i am human..Please take the time to go and check out the machines they really are beautiful and very unique. The artists really did and awesome job!!!

The Petri Dish
2406 Main Street
Vancouver,BC

In Artistic Solidarity;
Rhonda

P:S.. yep that is me pointing at the Queer machine.


Friday, July 28, 2006

COME ON DOWN!!!!!












I WANT YOU!










Outsider Art In A Box Art Show
Vending machines that dispense art!
Come by the Petri Dish on July 28th from 7pm-late for a party to celebrate the 8 vending machines each decorated by a different artist. Put $4 into one of the machines and out pops a piece of art for you to keep! .
For more info call 604-876-3060 or visit http://www.alteredanything.com/.

These machines will be on display at my store (2406 Main St) starting July 28th for one month and then they will be going off to their different venues to be put to use spreading art to the masses.

Machines are being decorated by various artists. These artists are Jackie Dives (owner of The Petri Dish), Suzanne Summersgill, Violette Clark, Nicci Battilana, Leanne Bishop (owner of Rubydog's Art House), Ann Blackwell, Krystin Goodsell and Rhonda Simmons(Creative Midwife of Outsider Art In A Box). machines will be offering art by those listed above and other local artists including Sheri Bakes, Justine Warrington, and Laura Gibson. They will then go off to different venues to be put to use spreading art to the public. --

Ok people come and drop in and say hi see the fab vending machines created by very talented artists plus you get a chance to purchase the artists work which is in their vending machine they painted..

Also all the art features have been posted scroll through and check it out...

Don't Walk Run and see us tonight....

Warning: Outsider Art Vending Machines may become habit forming

Bring loonies and toonies

Till Tonight
Rhonda

Thursday, July 27, 2006

Artist Feature............Violette Clark


























A Canadian Artist born in Casablanca, Morocco to Spanish parents, Violette is a compulsive painter, who paints with the colour and warmth of Mediterranean Sunshine.
She works in a rush of artistic energy, painting not only on paper and canvas, but on whatever object falls beneath her gaze. She feasts on gorgeous bright colours and glitter and sunshine and joy, producing delightfully playful images filled with naivete and charm, poignant meaningful observations, wild patterns and colours.

Violette's art and life have become inseparable, her whole house has become an example of her creative energy.Violette's spirit and artistic drive are completely uncontrollable, her creativity bubbles out of her and expresses itself in all that she does. Sometimes her work is simply a whimsical little adventure of delightful pure graphics, peppered with the moons, stars, suns, butterflies, ufo's, flying people, flying animals that delight her and constantly penetrate her art. Sometimes however her work has a serious side, a social comment to make, or a personal feeling to convey, even then, Violette's love of patterns and colour and life bring a spirit of delicate optimistic love to all that she does.

Violette is an amazing creative being,i am grateful for her energy in my life....I've followed Violettes blog for several years in total oh's an wows and finally i met her and her beautiful expressive home what a blessing she is.....I 've learned alot about the artists life from violette and the way she "Creates her Way" One can't help but fall in love with the art and the person
Click on to Violettes blog updated daily and become hooked as you gain insight into violettes creative journey....

http://www.violettesfolkart.com

http://www.violettesfolkart.com/blog.html

OK FOLKS I am on limited time here but i wanted to get up this last artist feature...See u tommorow.

Chow For Now
Rhonda

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Artist Feature......Ann Blackwell




















Today I travelled to Maple Ridge to pick up a vending machine from my friend Ann Blackwell...
Ann's perspective is all about fabric and beads...her machine is eye candy in my humble opinion

Ann is an amazing artist and an example of her work above is not only the vending machine but the beaded bra she has done its beautiful and a labor intensive piece of work. Ann and I shared a website for awhile and the beaded bra was the logo piece stating that anything can be altered .

Ann has a masters in Fine Art and has used her skill and knowledge to create unique original pieces fromPhotography to detailed beading.Ann is all about pushing creative boundaries as well as altering anything her hands touch. Please take the time to read her artists bio on Friday night its very insightful.

Murphys Law...

When any one thing can go wrong everything does...My day has been a challenge in trying to put this show together its the details that get ya...Until one has taken the time to learn all they can behind the scenes, it all looks simple there are many reasons why one researches and troubleshoots details, anal u say......No!!!!

Oh well i will suck it up .......tomorrow is another day.

I've enjoyed doing the artist features its been quite insightful tracking this project and i am happy for those that have particpated from the artists to the Petri Dish. Please take the time to put your hands together for all their hard work. I'm off as still things to do places to go and peolpe to see. Tomorrow will be the last artist feature i will put mine up after the show.

Looking forward to seeing you all Friday Night...

TTFN

Rhonda




Monday, July 24, 2006

Artist Feature............Nicci Battilana















About The Artist:
I have always loved art. My earliest memory of discovering the diversity of art was in kindergarten when they had us place a leaf on a piece of paper. We then suspended mesh above it, and ran a large paint filled paint brush across the top of the mesh. Once we were satisfied with our amount of colours and paint we removed the leaf and were left with a wonderful piece of art that was no longer just a plain blank sheet of paper.

My love for painting on clothing began in the mid Eighties in Junior High School. We were given the general sheet of paper or poster board to work on, yet I preferred working on denim jackets and t-shirts. I did not want to create art pieces on paper that would end up being filed away in a school storage room drawer once completed (or worse yet..the trash can due to limited space availability). I wanted my art to live out loud in the world and by creating functional art I believe that I succeeded.

I met Nicci last year at a studio tour in White Rock and she was wearing her beautiful handpainted wearables. I recently purchased a funky custom pillow for my daughter from nicci's girlz series . I enjoy her womin centered creativity and am grateful to have her do one of Outsider Art In A Box Vending Machines.

Please cruise on over to Nicci's webspace and check out her art expression...

http://brushedwithmagic.com/

Ta Ta For Now;
Rhonda

Saturday, July 22, 2006

Artist Feature.....PINNstudio



















Pinnstudio
p-r-o-j-e-c-t-s
#8 246 E. Broadway

pinnstudio@telus.net
pinny’s- michelle weeks, suzanne summersgill


about us....
Pinn is a little studio tucked away in East Vancouver where suzanne and michelle work together.
They share a love of detail and an obsession for bits and pieces, especially interesting things being thrown out.
One project leads us to the next.....
We consider projects carefully before going ahead. Our favorites are artistic approaches that contribute in some way...perhaps to our community ; like working with young artists in the schools.
We teach Workshops on being creative and spend hours in our studio painting and drawing.
Presently, at Pinn we are simply playing with tossed out papers and lovely finds that we come across.
Finding Pinn........
Our work is available through various retail stores in canada and the US
- in vancouver you can find pinnwork at: The Petri Dish, Stepback and Shed.
and through special events at cafes and galleries.
we teach on being creative workshops- in schools, in studios and in homes
we like to use eco-choices and restructure great finds that we come across
we send out a quarterly newsletter to keep you up to date on our goings on.
You can call us directly at the studio
604 874-6216
or by
email:pinnstudio@telus.net
P.

I had the pleasure of meeting Suzanne through The Petri Dish and i really like her work and so i felt that her and Michelle would be a fit to do a machine for Outsider Art In A Box..I wandered over this week to Pinn studio its cute and creatively filled. They really have embraced the vending machine in the very early stages and i so look forward to the outcome. I am so thrilled to see the awesome talent in our beautiful city!!!

Bring The Art On!!!!

Rhonda







Friday, July 21, 2006

Artist Feature...Jackie Dives























The Petri Dish is this wonderful small retail space,gallery and workshop space located at 2406 Main St. Wondeful things come in small packages and i gotta tell ya this store is funky!!!!

The retail and gallery space is all about the local creative talent here in our very own Vancouver BC...The range of creativity and materials used is a constant inspiration and quite refreshing.

Jackie the owner/operator of the Petri Dish is a go getter and loves the art scene which is clearly reflected in this creative space.

Jackie contacted me regarding hosting a Outsider Art In A Box Vending Machine and i have been a Petri Groupie ever since.

Jackie is one of my biggest supporters of my project as well as a very active contributor to the art vending machines. The store showcases Jackies work throughout the store. Above pics is a pic of the Petri Dish and in progress Outsider Art In A Box Vending Machine. Jackie is hosting the Outsider Art In A Box Art Show July 28th at 7:00pm

The Petri Dish also hosts workshops for Outsider Art In A Box Vending Machines
give it a try and exercise your creative self.

More workshops have been added!

Thursday..... July 20th

Sunday........ July 23rd

Thursday.... July 27th

Sunday........ July 30th

you must pay in advance--

The Petri Dish2406 Main Street

Vancouver, BCV5T 3E2

www.thepetridish.ca

604-876-3060
Drop In And Say Hi to Jackie and check out and support local art

In Artistic Solidarity;

Rhonda





Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Artist Feature.......Leanne Bishop

















Artist Alert!!!

RubyDog's Art House is your Vancouver source for found, vintage, recycled and just generally amazing art materials.
We're obsessed with collage and altered art, especially altered books, and it shows in our stock. (Although we do have a soft spot in our hearts for rubber stamping.)
We carry such diverse items as optometrist lenses, rubber stamps, collage packages, slide mounts, old postcards, vintage ledger pages, , acrylic paints, turn-of-the-century labels and much, much more.
We also host a myriad assortment of workshops, many of them unique in Vancouver.
We invite you to stop in for a visit and get inspired!

I loveeeeeeeeeeee this store and always find kewl funky items to use in my artwork. I am not sure how i stumbled upon Ruby Dog's Art House but i gotta tell ya its an art dream come true..Leanne Bishop the owner/operator of this awesome store knows her creative art stuff and is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to bringing unique items to the store.

Leanne also embraced Outsider Art In A Box Vending Machines and is hosting the first machine....I look forward to see the outcome of Leannes decorated vending machine with all that kewl stufff in her store how can you make one creative decision..

Don't Walk But Run to Ruby Dog's Art House Today and meet Ruby the Dog yep the store is named after her....

4738 Main St.(between 30th and 32nd, on the East side)

HOURS
Tuesday to Sunday: 11 - 6
PHONE:
604-873-2825

http://www.dxmarket.com/collagejoy/




Friday, July 14, 2006

Artist Feature.....Krystin Goodsell

























An Upcoming Art Show at The Petri Dish 2406 Main St July 28th at 7:00pm will showcase the creative talents of local artists painting Outsider Art In A Box Vending Machines... Please put your hands together for the first artist feature.

Krystin Goodsell

About Me
Does it matter where I studied, my training or discipline? Reviews and critics are just words; hollow letters on an empty page. Art is an intimate exchange: you the viewer, I the painter... an offering to my Creator. Share your reaction with me, for it is written on your face without the grace of spoken words.

I met Krystin at Ruby Dog's Art House and find her art expression full of diversity and inspiration from her poetry to her Altered Art, Krystin also is a painter like i said she is a full fledged mixed media artist and it shows. Above are pics of Krystin and also her beginning process of her work applied to one of the Art Vending Machines.

Krystin is a contributor to Outsider Art In A Box Vending Machines. Check her blog which is full of her diverse creativity.

http://walkingwithkrystin.blogspot.com/

Outsider Art In A Box Art Show

Vending machines that dispense art!

Come by the Petri Dish on July 28th from 7pm-late for a party to celebrate the 8 vending machines each decorated by a different artist. Put $4 into one of the machines and out pops a piece of art for you to keep! . For more info call 604-876-3060 or visit http://www.alteredanything.com/.

These machines will be on display at my store (2406 Main St) starting July 28th for one month and then they will be going off to their different venues to be put to use spreading art to the masses.

Machines are being decorated by various artists. These artists are Jackie Dives (owner of The Petri Dish), Suzanne Summersgill, Violette Clark, Nicci Battilana, Leanne Bishop (owner of Rubydog's Art House), Ann Blackwell, Krystin Goodsell and Rhonda Simmons(Creative Midwife of Outsider Art In A Box). machines will be offering art by those listed above and other local artists including Sheri Bakes, Justine Warrington, and Laura Gibson. They will then go off to different venues to be put to use spreading art to the public. --

Please read previous posts so you get an idea of whats happening..

Its the weekend Yahoo...

I'm Outta Here...POOF!!

Rhonda

Thursday, July 13, 2006

Happ-N-Ings!!!




















Whats Up????

When it comes to updating the blog time flaps by big time...so lots to tell

Outsider Art In A Box Art Show

Vending machines that dispense art! Come by the Petri Dish on July 28th from 7pm-late for a party to celebrate the 8 vending machines each decorated by a different artist. Put $4 into one of the machines and out pops a piece of art for you to keep! . For more info call 604-876-3060 or visit http://www.alteredanything.com/. These machines will be on display at my store (2406 Main St) starting July 28th for one month and then they will be going off to their different venues to be put to use spreading art to the masses.

Machines are being decorated by various artists. These artists are Jackie Dives (owner of The Petri Dish), Suzanne Summersgill, Violette Clark, Nicci Battilana, Leanne Bishop (owner of Rubydog's Art House), Ann Blackwell, Krystin Goodsell and Rhonda Simmons(Creative Midwife of Outsider Art In A Box). machines will be offering art by those listed above and other local artists including Sheri Bakes, Justine Warrington, and Laura Gibson. They will then go off to different venues to be put to use spreading art to the public. --

The Petri Dish
2406 Main StreetVancouver, BCV5T 3E2
www.thepetridish.ca
604-876-3060

Artist Feature:

For the next little while i will do a feature on the artists that are decorating the Outsider Art In A Box Vending Machines. Tomorrow will be Krystin Goodsell

Art Changes......

I 've done a few small creative things and as it goes there is always room for improvement...so i have taken the hemp cord off my chalkboard necklaces and added chain..kinda gives them an edgey feel.

Outsider Art In A Box Workshops....

The Petri Dish is offering workshops to people that would like to participate in this fantastic idea. The workshops will provide you with art supplies to create work for the vending machines. You can make as many pieces as you would like in 3 hours. All materials are provided . This includes art supplies, registration forms, an info package about Outsider Art in a Box and the boxes to put your work in for the vending machines. The workshop also provides fun and encouragement from the other people there! Artists of all ages are welcome.

This is a great opportunity to involve your child in an amazingly cool art project.

The money that is made on the vending machines is divided like so:

$2 - artist

$1 - venue

$1 - Outsider Art in a box (for vending machine upkeep and to keep the project going)

To submit art to the vending machines there is a one time only submission fee. Outsider Art is asking for $15 - $25 (sliding scale) to help get the project going. However , if you come to one of the workshops held at The Petri Dish you will pay $15 for the workshop and that will include your one time submission fee. That is a great deal!

The workshops will be held on the following days at

More workshops have been added!

Thursday July 20th

Sunday July 23rd

Thursday July 27th

Sunday July 30th

you must pay in advance--

The Petri Dish2406 Main StreetVancouver, BC

www.thepetridish.ca

604-876-3060

There is a limited number of people per workshop.

Recycle & Reuse...

So can we talk..have you recently gotten an art surprise from Outsider Art In A Box..what have you done with your little boxes...If you are going to toss the box out please throw it back my way.. Recycled outsider art boxes can be dropped off at Ruby Dog's Art House 4738 Main St. or The Petri Dish 2406 Main St.

Inside The Box.......

Its a mystery as to what one can get when they put their $4 in Outsider Art In A Box Vending Machines., it may be an Art or Craft find....Art/Craft is a very personal choice what is to ones liking is to someones dislike...I am not here to define or debate what art/craft is, that is for you to decide....What i strive to do is to choose quality work, the project is still new and so i learn....Hang in there and as always I thank all for the support!!!

I am approachable and open to suggestions by all means contact me...

alteredanything@shaw.ca

Thanx for tuning in

Chow For Now;

Rhonda

Thursday, July 06, 2006

Peek-A-Boo's & Going On's

























Howdy Ho!!!
Another day in Outsider Art In A Box......I haven't had a chance to post peek-a-boo's so here they are i am so delighted with the range of creativty that has come to Outsider Art In A Box...A big heartfelt thank-you to all the artists that have contributed and thank-you to Jackie from The Petri Dish for hosting the workshops.

Yes i have had a small window to create, as u can see from the pics the little black necklace is called a chalkboard necklace and comes with a piece of chalk. So this is some of the diversity that one can get from a four dollar investment...Bring It On!!!!

There is more artwork that i have not had the opportunity to photograph yet..Keep it coming.....

Stay Tuned .................

Till I write Again....
Rhonda