Paintpushers

I got an interesting email this morning:

Dear performing and visual artists:

Your presence is requested at a focus group regarding a downtown Des Moines multi-disciplinary visual and performing arts center on Monday, December 10th from 6-7 p.m. at the Pappajohn Center, 1200 Grand Avenue, downtown Des Moines.

In May 2007, five local arts organizations joined forces to pursue the creation of a non-profit umbrella organization that could develop and manage Des Moines’ first multidisciplinary cultural arts center.  The organizations involved in the creation of Visual & Performing Arts Des Moines (VPArts Des Moines) are The Drama Workshop, the Iowa Motion Picture Association, the East Village Art Coalition, the Des Moines Music Coalition, and Hurley & Dancers.

The facility VPArts seeks to create will be able to nurture the creative spirit of the non-profit arts in Des Moines by helping in the creation and management of several multipurpose rehearsal, exhibition and performance facilities, as well as much needed office space for local arts organizations – all housed in one central location…  The goal of VPArts is not only to help Des Moines artists, but also to create a destination location for art supporters in Des Moines, who would for the first time discover theatre, film, dance, music and visual art housed under one roof…

....Your attendance does not obligate you to any commitment, however you will gain valuable information as to how you can be a part of this unique opportunity… Your attendance will be critical in helping ArtSpace assess the potential for such a facility in Des Moines, as well as to represent the City of Des Moines’ rich artistic offerings…

Any thoughts?

I’ve been inspired by Keri Smith ever since I received one of her books, Living Out Loud, as a gift. She’s a talented illustrator, writer, and all around creative person. I recently discovered her blog as well. If you’re in need of a pick me up, check out her Artist’s Survival Kit, How to Feel Miserable as an Artist, or 100 ideas.

Check out the Iowa Arts Council’s In-Box for June art opportunities. While you’re at it, you can sign up for the monthly newsletter, Iowa Arts News, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Want to hire a model, but can’t afford to?

Catherine Dreiss and Jeffrey Thompson have non-instructional life drawing sessions in their studio every Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Fitch Building, Studio 406, 304 15 Street. Space is limited, so call 515 284 6980 to reserve a spot.

Catherine and Jeffrey provide coffee and models. You are responsible for your own chair, paper, and drawing tools. Participants pay the models $15 an hour, so the amount you pay will vary by the number of participants. Sessions begin exactly at 10, so be early to be let into the building and to set up.