Science Online 2012 Conference

Here is my submission for the Science Online 2012.

This work explores the moment of creation where a thought or energy is transformed into matter. To read more about this work go here.

Images included are as follows:

Mana Force, 28” x 51”, oil on board, 2011

Transfusion, 39.5” x 25.5”, oil on paper mounted on board, 2011

Earth, Skin, Water, Blood, 32” x 38”, oil on canvas, 2011

Science Online 2012 is the sixth annual international meeting on science and the Web.

Every January since 2007, the Research Triangle area of North Carolina has hosted scientists, students, educators, physicians, journalists, librarians, bloggers, programmers and others interested in the way the World Wide Web is changing the way science is communicated, taught and done.

ScienceOnline2012 will take place January 19-21, 2012 on the campus of N.C. State University.

As in all the previous years, the meeting will be held in an ‘un-conference’ style – the program is built beforehand with the help of participants on the planning wiki, and the sessions are designed to foster conversations and discussions among everyone in the room rather than a traditional one-before-many lecture approach.

Artist in Progress

My solo show at Gallery in the Woods is ending soon...so this week will be your last chance to see it in its current form. The good news is that the gallery will be keeping most of the work for a strong presence during the winter season. I hope to be rotating some new work into the display as well during this time period.




My Nature Angel painting, which I painted in about 2006/07, was featured in Gallery in the Woods December window display Sold the other day. She has found a new home. I know she will bring many blessings to her new owner.


I am so happy be working in my studio space again!.... although I can not stand for very long when I am painting, It is helping me to build up my strength and stamina again post accident by adding a little more time to my painting practice each day.

Lastly I have work featured in the Worcester Windows "Light Up the Night" exhibition located at the Hanover Theater. It will be there untill Spring 2012. I am showing Gateway a 32"x 32" mixed media piece from my Inherent Divinity series was painted in 2009.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season! xo~Alicia

Meat for Tea Presents Cirque de Fantomes

I had a wonderful surprise today in finding out that one of my paintings is featured in Mince, the latest issue of Meat for Tea: The Valley Review (Magazine). I will write more details later when I find out which image they used.

There is a release party at the Elevens Tonight!

Located on Pleasent St. in Northampton. MA. A Facebook Event page is here.

The mixed media event MCd by Rob Murphy and featuring Dan Cashman's Video Mixtape, The Happy Hour Burlesque Troupe, live painting by Ramiro Davaro-Comas, and music by Them There Ghosts, Walking Ghosts, and Azwan and the Savages. $7 at the door.

Meat for Tea: The Valley Review

was founded by Elizabeth MacDuffie and Alexandra Wagman.
We are a non-academic affiliated magazine committed to recognizing and featuring the work of the artists, writers, and musicians living in western Massachusetts and beyond.

The Altered Book

I like to get out of my comfort zone in the studio and participate in several types of group shows at least a few times each year. I appreciate getting the chance to look at what I am exploring in my work through new eyes….via a new medium, process, format, or theme….or to just get the chance to contemplate something totally different.
I created this altered book for a group show that is now on view at Hampden Gallery, A Novel Idea, runs through Feb. 19, 2012. A catalog of the show will be available.

Title of my piece: In Praise of Non-Conformity

Name of the book altered: “Know and Follow Rules” by Cheri J. Meiners M.Ed.

Dimensions: photo: 8”x10” Jar: 7”x 3”

Catalog statement:
In the burning of the book “Know and Follow the Rules” I attempt to make a statement on the impact of conformity and the unhappiness that it causes in our contemporary society. Strikingly, the process I had to go through to complete the burning paralleled the process we all must go through to incorporate change in ourselves and in the grander scheme of life, the changes that we need to go through to transform society. I was not able to burn the book all at once, I had to first deconstruct the book and burn it piece by piece, rule by rule. Stopping after each page to stir and re-light the smoldering darkness that remained at the bottom of the container. Alchemically transformed to the dust of the past, this jar of ash is a testament that change is possible. That we can all transform our beliefs and patterns of behavior so that we may honor our differences and know that they make us beautiful in our uniqueness. In that uniqueness we all have something to contribute.

May all beings be happy and find joy!
~Alicia Hunsicker, November 2011

Gallery hours:
Monday through Thursday: 12 PM to 6 PM
Sunday 2 PM – 5 PM

Orbs, Brain Neurons, Root Systems, Colliding Particles

Things that inspire me to paint…..

Orbs, Brain Neurons, Root systems, Colliding Particles, String Theory,Quantum Physics, The Golden Mean Ratio, Natures Patterns, Dark Matter, Nebulas, Primordial pools, Cosmology, Intelligent Design, Micro/Macro, Anatomy, Light, Connection, Duality, Structure, Matter, Energy, Birth, Fire, Water, Alchemy ……

Brattleboro's Gallery Walk is Tonight! Please stop into Gallery in the Woods to see "Moments of Creation"

Brattleboro's Gallery Walk is happening Tonight!

With over 30 venues, there is something for everyone.

Here is a link to help you plan your stops.

While you are there please stop into:

Gallery in the Woods & Dante's Infurniture at 145 Main St. to see the continuing featured exhibit for this November and December:

Alicia Adams Hunsicker: Moments of Creation.

The artist says of her work: "Originally evolving from the idea of a moment in time where thought is transformed into matter, these paintings capture not only the energy of creation but also decay. I am fascinated by nature's repeating patterns and see these forms as part of a cosmic language that links humanity to the Divine and shows our interconnectedness." Hunsicker's transformative compositions recontextualize the inner structures of the human body, exposing them in a colorful, alluring, abstracted landscape. In them we are drawn into a thoughtful world where we are asked deep and meaningful questions and where we are shown the exquisite fragility of life. This exhibit is funded in part by a BEAN Micro-Grant from the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center.

Gallery 2 features Sculptural Baskets by Jackie Abrams, who returns home with a Best In Show from the prestigious Philadelphia Museum Show. Abrams has worked with Third World craft development for a number of years -- she's heading next to South Africa with the mission of developing Women's Craft from recycled materials.

Come in and see the Best of the Best, Dec. 2-Jan. 31.

Artists' reception on Friday, December 2, 5:30 to 7:30.

The Moondogs provide live music.

Nature Angel Adorns Gallery in the Woods' Holiday Window

Wow, is it really almost December?

My painting Nature Angel (a popular favorite) will be gracing Gallery in the Woods holiday window display this year.

Painted in 2005/06. She has a custom built archway frame, painted in gold and black and built by fellow artist James Whitbeck, a realist still life painter.

She was one of my first attempts a capturing “Glow” in my paintings. At the time, I traveled to lots of area churches to take photos of stained glass windows for research.

I have loved living with her powerful presence and beauty the last few years and there has always been lots of interest in her but its time that she found her forever home! That said, In the spirit of the holiday season, while she is at Gallery in the Woods, I am offering her at a special price of $2800. Well below her normal price range. At her size of 27” x 65”, she makes an exceptional statement piece.

Sales inquiries should go directly to Galley in the Woods at this time.

Reformer Extra Article by David Aquino

I have been so wonderfully gifted with outstanding press for my show at Gallery in the Woods with feature articles appearing in Artscope Magazine, The Rutland Herald, The Greenfield Recorder, and now the front page of The Reformer Extra among other mentions.

I want to sincerely thank these publications for recognizing and featuring my work as well as the journalists that took the time to meet and speak with me and for their expert writing talents.

Moments of Creation, by David Aquino was released today in Brattleboro, VT and surrounding areas.

The article starts " Alicia Hunsicker's art is undeniably beautiful. She is an expert at extracting the highly-detailed textures and fibers of the human body, bringing them from darkness, into the light, with a technical precision that rivals any modern-day master." to read more follow this link.

Installation Photos from Moments of Creation

Here are some installation photos from the Moments of Creation Series now showing at Gallery in the Woods until December 31st.

Artscope Magazine Spread

Here are the jpegs of the Artscope Magazine spread written about my work currently showing at Gallery in the Woods, Main St., Brattleboro, VT.

Alicia Hunsicker: Moments of Creation, by Clara Rose Thornton, Nov./Dec. issue, 2011. I noticed that if you increase your page browser to 200% it is easier to read, but getting a hard copy is always best!

Alicia Hunsicker in Artscope Magazine

Alicia Hunsicker: Moments of Creation
by Clara Rose Thornton

During noiseless moments when the clatter of human endeavor and steel and spinning tires and rail yards and computer keys subsides, and my mind latches onto the occasion of a thoughtless space, I have, periodically — through no effort of my own — bumped against a peculiar ethereal buzz, one that seems to resonate and vibrate under the heavy cloak of the mundane world.

One could call this crystalline drip “God.” One could call it an alternate dimension existing alongside our own. Or, perhaps it is a subconscious awareness, made tangible, of the humming atomic fury binding every particle of our world, at once invisible and omnipresent.

Alicia Hunsicker simply calls it “art.”...........



to see more of the article click here
To see the full article, pick up a copy of the Nov/Dec Artscope Magazine.

Image: Transfusion, 39.5 x 25.5 oil on paper mounted on board, 2011

Moments of Creation runs through Dec. 31st at Gallery in the Woods, Main St. Brattleboro, Vt. Hours are 11 to 5:30 daily and 12 - 5 on Sundays.

~I advise every local art lover to head out and experience a type of daring, complex work rarely exhibited in Vermont. ~ Clara Rose Thornton

Opening Night Fun @ Gallery in the Woods

I had a wonderful time at the opening for my show “Moments of Creation” now showing at Gallery in the Woods until Dec 31, 2011 (there is still lots of time to view the show if you couldn't make it out to the opening J ) It was jammed packed with patrons and the Moon Dogs rocked the night away! I was especially impressed with all the Leyden peeps in attendance! Thanks so much for all who were able to come out to see the show. I may decide to attend the next Gallery walk on Friday, Dec. 2^nd, (weather permitting) for those of you who would like another chance to talk with me about the work. There may be a few more new pieces added to the collection at that point as well!

This is me at the opening with one of my many male admirers. LOL… notice the crutches….I am paying for it now but I stood the whole night! I will hopefully be walking without them in 4 to 6 weeks and I am really looking forward to being able to drive again.

Moments of Creation Opening Reception Tonight!

Well tonight's the night of my opening reception at Gallery in the Woods that premiers my 2011 painting series "Moments of Creation" 6:30 to 8:30 pm. I am looking forward to seeing friends and meeting new ones!

I had a pleasant surprise yesterday when I was contacted by journalist, Clara Rose Thornton telling me that a feature article that she wrote about me came out in the Rutland Herald, titled Spirit and form: Alicia Hunsicker's Moments of Creation. We ran up to Brattleboro last night to secure some copies and it was well worth the trip! Clara has a wonderful penetrating writing style that explores not only the paintings but the artist (or whoever she is writing about) as well. The Artscope Magazine interview will also be distributed today and I am looking forward to getting a copy.

To Quote Clara she says "Today's piece, on newsstands in the Rutland Herald. Here is a second tackling of the fascinating magical realist painter, Alicia Hunsicker Artist. As opposed to her ArtScope profile, wherein I attempt a colorful recreation of my subject's philosophy, here, I take many fun snapshots. Whereas in ArtScope, I attempt to paint a portrait, in the Herald I'm sketching whimsical outlines."

This is one of the paintings in the show tonight....Earth, Skin, Water, Blood, 32” x 38”, oil on canvas, 2011. Come see them in person! Its always better that way :-)

Happy Halloween!

My favorite time of year where the veil between worlds is thinnest.

I am the proud momma of Frodo Baggins today J

The work drop off to Gallery in the Woods went well despite the 2 feet of snow that was dumped in our neighborhood. I actually delivered the work on Sat. instead of Sunday the scheduled drop off day and I am really glad I did. We were with out power from the storm for a little over 24 hours…..Which is actually not as long as we are used to going after a bad storm. There have been times where we have been with out power for over a week. I am happy this was not one of those times!

Four days and counting to my opening on Nov. 4^th! I have been housebound with a broken leg for so long it seems and am a little nervous about being out and about never mind the center of attention. I was able to go up Main St. Brattleboro with my crutches on drop off day so it will probably be ok to get around for the opening night….I will just have to rest up.

I also can’t wait for the article to come out in Artscope Magazine…I tentatively heard that it comes out the same day as the opening (on the 4^th).

In the studio I have started 2 new paintings and am working on ideas for my altered Book for the show at Hampden Gallery also coming right up!

Facebook Event Page for The Solo Show at Gallery in the Woods

Art Opening: Moments of Creation, new paintings by Alicia Hunsicker

This is the Facebook Event Page for my opening at Gallery in the Woods.
All the show information is included.

Please feel free to R.S.V.P, write messages on the wall, share, and invite friends!

Mana Force, 28” x 51”, oil on board, 2011,
Alicia Hunsicker

From Mind to Matter

I just put the last brush stroke on this sweet little painting From Mind to Matter, 8" x 11", oil on board, 2011. I hope it will be dry for the work drop off on Sunday....one week away! All that is left to do is wait for varnish to dry and decide on prices.

On the 30th I will load the car and deliver it to Gallery in the Woods for my solo show which opens Nov., 4th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. I hope that I am able to walk a little better for the opening!

I was surprised to find out that a large group of Leyden-ites will be carpooling to the opening
:-) Its wonderful to be a part of such a supportive community!

I think its going to be a great turn out!

Studio visit with Clara Rose Thornton, Arts Journalist for Artscope Magazine

I was delighted to be contacted by Clara Rose Thornton, Arts Journalist, Cultural Critic and Editor, to interview me for an in-depth preview article for Artscope magazine about my upcoming show at Gallery in the Woods.

Amongst my paintings and a table of delicious munchies we immersed ourselves in interesting conversations about life, art, painting, and spirituality.

I enjoyed meeting this lovely, free spirited, talented writer who’s activities this weekend alone included, an Occupy Brattleboro rally, reviews of the Literary Festival also happening in Brattleboro and a studio visit / interview with me. A busy freelance writer for sure!

I am looking forward to reading her piece about my work in the Nov./Dec. issue of Artscope magazine. Artscope is a vibrant, dynamic magazine with arts news and reviews, available for pick up at over 700 museum, gallery, university, and commercial locations across New England!

This is my finished painting “Creation and Destruction”, 24”x 29”, oil on board, 2011 which will be in the Moments of Creation show at Gallery in the Woods. The Opening is Nov. 4th, 6:30 to 8:30pm.

Excerpts from The Creative Life in Leyden article

Excerpt from The Greenfield Recorder's LIFE & TIMES *9/3/2011
By DAVID RAINVILLE

The Creative Life in Leyden
When thinking of small-town artists, paintings of landscapes, farm buildings and animals may come to mind, but the abstract work of three Leyden artists couldn't be further from folksy.
Maybe it's something in the water, or maybe it's the serenity of the hills, but whatever the cause, something about the little town of less than 900 residents seems to foster creativity. The following three artists, as well as several others, have made Leyden their home.

Alicia Hunsicker
Working from a home studio in Leyden, Alicia Hunsicker uses a variety of media to create her art. She works in oil paints, digital photography, Xerox transfers, and acrylic under-paintings, done on paper, board or canvas.
Her painting, "Moments of Creation," sets neurons against a multi-colored backdrop, with orbs that could be interpreted as thoughts in the making.
"My interest lies in using patterns found both in nature and the body -- brain neurons and tree roots, for example," she said. "My current themes are inner and outer, micro and macro, and materialization and dematerialization. They all evolve from the idea of the moment of creation, when a thought manifests into form."
Hunsicker says her style is based on realism, with things placed in a surreal way, in what some would call a "visionary style," but feels that her work can't be categorized.
Her "Inherent Divinity" series can be seen in the Worcester Windows Summer Exhibition presented by Worcester State University, now through Nov. 30.
"In this work, I transform the eye and hand into symbols that represent the divine," she said. "This series is more than just an exploration of the divine spark in us all; it's about the creative process and about mapping of self. (The pieces in the series) are mixed media works on paper."
Hunsicker has received several grants and awards for her work and, last summer, she was invited to a month-long residency at the Vermont Studio Center in Johnson, Vt. There, she was one of 50 artists from around the world who were given an apartment, studio and meals to allow them to concentrate on their work.
This fall, she will feature about eight paintings from her "Moments of Creation" series in a solo show at the Gallery in the Woods, in Brattleboro, Vt. The show will start on the day of the town's monthly "First Friday Gallery Walk" Nov. 4, and run through Dec. 31.
For more from Hunsicker, visit her blog at http://www.aliciahunsicker.blogspot.com/. She also welcomes tours of her home studio; if you're interested, email her at mahunsicker@netzero.net.

For more on these and other artists who hail from the hills of Leyden, as well as exhibit listings and samples of their work, visit:
www.artistsofleyden.com.

All the Little Details...

This past week and for the next few weeks I will be attending to all the little details it takes to be ready for a solo show: updating artist statements, writing P.R. and sending it out, printing mailing labels and stamping the post cards, sending them out, Finishing paintings, doing final coats of varnish, mounting works on paper, cleaning edges, photographing work....etc..etc....
(take deep breath now)

All the while getting out the end of Sept/beginning of Oct. grant and fellowship deadlines, which are many! I am soooooo busy, but am glad for the distractions so I cant even think about being mostly housebound with my broken leg. I am thankful for the work and deadlines!

This is a new painting in progress that I hope to be able to finish for the show.

Creation and Destruction, 24"x 29", oil on board. 2011

Opening Reception & WIndows Walk for Worcester Windows Summer Exhibition

Worcester Windows is pleased to present its Summer 2011 exhibition to run August 1 - November 30, 2011. This exhibition was coordinated by Worcester State Gallery, Bethany Strothers curator.

You may find my paintings at two locations;

*Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge Street: featuring the work of artist Alicia Adams Hunsicker, 'Duality', 'Waterfall', and 'Divination'

*60 Franklin Street: featuring the work of artists Alicia Adams Hunsicker, 'Palmistry: Inherent Divinity #4', 'Iris: Inherent Divinity #5', 'Divinity Tree: Inherent Divinity #6', 'Hansa Eye of God: Inherent Divinity #7' and 'Illuminated Angel'.

Opening Reception Worcester Windows Community Gallery

Friday, September 16, 2011
5:30 PM-7:30 PM

60 Franklin Street, Worcester
60 Franklin Street
Worcester, MA 01608

Opening reception for newest exhibition of the Worcester Windows Community Gallery program to be held at 60 Franklin Street, overlooking historic Worcester Common. Reception to include complimentary refreshments, live entertainment and walking tours of the Community Gallery footprint.

Cost: Free and open to the public

Worcester Windows is a community gallery program which uses storefronts throughout downtown Worcester as exhibit space to enhance the City’s downtown and to provide display opportunities for local emerging and established artists. Originally intended simply as a means to provide exhibit opportunities, Worcester Windows has grown dramatically, successfully raising the awareness of Worcester as a Creative City by not only bringing artwork to the public and showcasing local talent, but in also establishing itself as a true community gallery through which many of the exhibiting artists have sold works.

B.E.A.N. vs. IRENE at the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center

As the recipient of the last B.E.A.N. Grant, I will be attending to hand out the postcards for my show that I had printed with the award. I am awaiting the delivery of the postcards as I write! In the meantime here is a digital copy of the postcard for preview.

This time the dinner is a family event with lots of entertainment to help artists and arts organizations who were impacted from the Irene floods.

BEAN vs. IRENE
Sunday, Sept. 18th, 6-8pm
at the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center
All the details of this event are available here: http://www.brattleboromuseum.org/2011/08/16/bean-micro-grant-dinner/

Kaboom!

Its been a while since I have blogged.....The Chain Letter show was unfortunately more eventful than planned! Here's the story:

I fell in a pothole on the sidewalk in Boston and broke both bones in my leg right above the ankle. I spent a week at Boston Medical Ctr. and two surgeries later I found myself having to stay with family for aftercare and one story living. A month after the accident I moved home (two weeks ago) but am limited to one floor. I will not be able to put weight on my foot for another 6 weeks. The recovery time is long but I am mending well and getting a little painting done in my living room as the studio is downstairs :-(.
I did miss some opportunities because of the accident but I decided to keep on track for my solo show dates at Gallery in the Woods. Thankfully I was in great shape before the accident.

The Opening Reception will be Friday, November 4th, 5:30 to 8:30 pm.
Save the Date!

Yesterday, I designed and ordered my postcard for the show and am asking people who may like a postcard sent to them to send me their mailing addresses. You can email me at mahunsicker@netzero.net if you would like to be added to my mailing list.

On another note a wonderful feature article came out in the Life & Times section of The Greenfield Recorder about 3 artists from Leyden (me included) called "The Creative Life in Leyden" by David Rainville.

Life is interesting isn't it! One day you have plans, and a way of doing things then Kaboom! Everything changes in one instant!

Pioneer Valley News Cover Art

The Pioneer Valley News magazine contacted me last week and asked to use an image of a painting in the orb series that they liked. They will be using this painting for the cover of this months edition.


Other Studio News:

This week I found out that I was awarded a grant from the Artists' Fellowship of NYC.

Yesterday I met with an Art Director from CT. It was one of the best studio visits ever! I really enjoyed my visit with her.

Tomorrow I will be traveling to Boston to the Sampson projects to drop off work for the Chain Letter show. (which has been very mysterious!!!) I hope to have a good experience to report later this week!

Lastly...I am really excited about the new work that is happening in the studio and I cant wait to share it ....Soon!!!

Commission Delivered Today :-)

I delivered a commission today that I spent the last year painting.

It felt great to finish it and see the owner light up upon seeing it in final form for the first time.

A sense of freedom to move onto new projects was present for both of us.

When I returned home the painting's absence in the studio was palpable....the empty easel where it stood for the last year is waiting to be filled again. I get so much from the creative process, even the emptiness is good! Though this time the emptiness is fleeting, as I have lots of work going on right now and can use the space that has been created for those paintings.

New Facebook Fan Page

I have just started a new FB fan page where you can find quick studio updates and other information you might not see here on my blog, though there may be some cross over.
I invite you to go to the side bar and click on the link to give it a "like" or to follow this link.

I have lots of new work in progress that I will be sharing soon, Studio visits scheduled, show updates, and art road trips planned. This is going to be a busy and exciting summer!

Chain Letter @ Sampson Projects, Boston, MA

"Chain Letter" is a global group show wherein 10 artists have been invited to participate. Those 10 then invite 10 artists that they admire. Those 10 invite 10 more and so on. This cycle continues for 30 days.

The result is an exponentially massive, artist-curated group show based
entirely on admiration. We hope every admired artist on the planet will be
included in "Chain Letter" this summer.

I will be participating in this show at the Boston venue and have invited 10 artists that I admire to show with me...This show will be massive! I can't imagine being on the administrative side of it! I am really interested to see how it all plays out it has a little bit of a mysterious factor.

Chain Letter
Samson Projects Gallery
450 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA
Opening Reception July 16th from 5 to 8

A Novel Idea

I have been invited to create a piece for A Novel Idea, an altered book exhibition, showing at Hampden Gallery, UMass, Amherst. The show will run through Dec. 11, 2011 - Feb. 19, 2012.

I am pretty excited by the ideas I am exploring for the piece I will create. I will post the opening or closing reception dates when they are available.

A Novel Idea

Electronic devices like the Nook and the Kindle have already captured huge swatches of the reading public’s loyalty. Quick. Before it’s too late, this group of painters, sculptors, writers, film-makers, printers, and all-round lovers of the printed page, boldly bend, fold, and mutilate traditional books until all that remains are discrete art objects. These one of a kind altered works stand witness to the rapid evolution of the book as we know it.

Artists:
Alexis Fedorjaczenko º China Marks º Ilgim Veryici º Jessica Ferguson º Candace Bradbury Carlin º Jesse Connor, Pam Glaven º Oriole Feshback º Rita Edelman º Jeanne Williamson º Linda Stillman º Laura Holland º Mary Sherman º Terry Jenoure º Sally Curcio º Holly Murray º Cynthia Consentino º Alicia Hunsicker º Claudia Sperry º Sergei Fedorjaczenko º Zoe Fedorjaczenko º Jesse Epstein º Cynthia Guild º Sondra Peron º Rhoma Mostel

Worcester Windows

Friday I drove out to Worcester with a fellow artist to have lunch with the gallery directors at Worcester State College and to meet a WSC art student and curator who wanted to meet me and talk about painting. We had a wonderful lunch and then headed into Worcester Center where I was able to see my paintings hanging in the windows of the Hanover Theatre. The Worcester Windows Community Gallery program provides a wonderful opportunity for regional artists to showcase their work and gain exposure by transforming storefront windows into exhibition space. This community art gallery not only beautifies the city, but also encourages a greater appreciation and awareness of the arts. I was invited to participate in the the next Worcester Windows exhibition, an invitational show that will run August 1, through December 1, 2011.

Brattleboro Museum's BEAN Micro-Grant Award Recipient

I am pleased to announce that I am the recipient of the Brattleboro Museum's BEAN Micro-Grant competition. The grant will be used to support promotion of my upcoming exhibit at Brattleboro's Gallery in the Woods this winter.

I feel much gratitude for all who came out to support me last night;
Deborah, Karen, Anne, Jim, Chris, Marcia, Joyce, & Mike, Danny Lichtenfeld & The Staff at the Brattleboro Museum , The wonderful dinner provided by The Elliot Street Café, and the room full of arts supporters who made a granting possible. It was a really wonderful night and I plan to go back to support other artists in the future.

This is an article from iBrattleboro

BEAN Micro-Grant Dinner Yields Funds for Artist Alicia Hunsicker

Attendees at the May 23 BEAN (“Brattleboro Essential Arts Network”) Micro-Grant Dinner at the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center awarded a grant of $300 to artist Alicia Hunsicker of Leyden, Mass. According to Hunsicker, the funds will help cover the cost of printing and mailing a large full-color postcard advertising her upcoming exhibition at Brattleboro’s Gallery in the Woods. This was the seventh BEAN micro-grant awarded since the program began last fall, and it was the first to be given directly to an artist, as opposed to an arts organization or school group.

According to BMAC Director Danny Lichtenfeld, approximately 30 people paid $10 each to attend dinner at the museum. Over dinner, which was donated and served by Brattleboro’s Elliot Street Café, guests read and discussed six proposals submitted in advance and then voted for the one most deserving of the dinner proceeds. “I was very impressed by the thoughtful discussions that took place over dinner,” said Lichtenfeld. “Everyone took their responsibilities as philanthropists and community decision-makers very seriously.”

Several guests expressed gratitude to BMAC and the Elliot Street Café for facilitating a program that simplifies the funding process for art projects, cuts out the middle man, and enables virtually anyone to have some measure of control over the vitality of art in their community. Dinner guest Anne LaPrade Seuthe said, “Simply having the opportunity to eat a meal in an art museum is a great thing. It makes the place feel so much more accessible and inviting.”

Alicia Hunsicker’s solo exhibition, entitled “Moments of Creation,” will be held at Gallery in the Woods this coming November and December. According to Hunsicker, the exhibition consists of “paintings that explore the moment of creation, when dark matter turns to matter, when a thought manifests the spark of life.” With funds to help publicize her exhibition, Hunsicker hopes more people will visit the gallery, perhaps purchase artwork, and also “discover the many delights that Main Street has to offer.”

“Our goal with this program is to empower our community to support art projects it deems worthwhile,” said Lichtenfeld. “We look forward to partnering with the Elliot Street Café to present more BEAN Dinners in the future.” For more information about BEAN Micro-Grant Dinners, visit www.brattleboromuseum.org or the Elliot Street Café.

Brattleboro Museum's BEAN Dinner & Micro-Grant Competition

I am one of the finalists in this Micro-Grant competition. I applied for a small grant to help with postcard and advertising costs for my solo show at Gallery in the Woods this Nov./Dec.

Please come join us for a mexican inspired dinner at the Brattleboro Museum and vote for my project! :-) It will be fun!

This Sunday, May 22 at 6 to 8 p.m. at the Brattleboro Museum, enjoy a Bean Micro-Grant Dinner. This program empowers our community to take arts philanthropy into its own hands. Click on any of the links above for more information or directions to the Museum.

The Brattleboro Museum & Art Center and the Elliot Street Café are teaming up to empower our community to take arts philanthropy into its own hands!

Based on similar programs happening all around the world, BEAN Micro-Grant Dinners aim to enhance the vitality of art and artists in our community by providing artists with much-needed financial support and encouraging dialogue and collaborative decision-making between artists and the general public.BEAN (which stands for “Brattleboro Essential Arts Network”) also aims to change the face of arts funding—from a top-down model with limited interaction between funders and recipients to one that features direct, personal contact between donors and their beneficiaries, allowing virtually anyone to become a philanthropist.

HOW IT WORKS, PART 1: Eat, Discuss, Vote

For only $10 anyone can attend a Mexican-inspired dinner at BMAC provided by the Elliot Street Cafe (no, it’s not just beans!). Over dinner, guests will review and discuss funding requests for local art-related projects. At the end of the night, guests will vote for the proposal that deserves to receive the proceeds from dinner.We recommend you arrive early – BEAN dinners are first come, first serve, and capacity is limited!

Images of Osama take on new meaning at Aldrich

This is an article written about the James Esber exhibiton that I did a drawing for. There is a slide show as well located at the link below. Enjoy!

RIDGEFIELD -- In sepia and black, 157 images of Osama bin Laden are mounted in neat rows on the white walls of the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum.

In some, the beard is all black, in others, mostly red -- in some, the red stains the black. On some, cross marks stain his cheek like scars. In others, the markings look like jet planes. One has is a faded circle over much of bin Laden's head. With only a bit of imagination, it looks like a target.
Adam Calderone, of Newtown, a student at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, saw the exhibit by artist James Esber a couple of weeks ago. He said he was interested in the technique -- how each of the 157 images, traced by 157 different people -- altered the Esber's original drawing.

Calderone revisited it Tuesday, the first time the Aldrich had been open since Navy SEALs ended bin Laden's life on Sunday. The sudden shift of history altered Calderone's perceptions about what he was seeing.

"It's different," he said. "It has more meaning."

Which doesn't surprise Esber, who lives in Brooklyn, N.Y.

SEE MORE OF THE ARTICLE HERE

More Information
If you go What: "Your Name Here,'' an exhibit of works by James Esber, including his 157 images of Osama bin Laden Where: Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St., Ridgefield When: Through June 5. Hours: Tuesday- Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. ADMISSION : Adults, $7, seniors/college students, $4 Free to museum members, K-12 teachers and children 18 and under; free on Tuesdays and to active military families

Cover Art for The Pioneer Valley News Magazine

I am just about finished with my new painting Spring Birches/ Spring Mana which is a 24x36" oil on cradle board. Although the finishing touches still need to be done I was invited last minute to submit a Spring time painting for the cover of the May/ June issue of the magazine The Pioneer Valley News and they loved it. It comes out Friday so keep your eyes open for a copy!

Here is some information about the magazine;
The Pioneer Valley News is a free bi-monthly newsmagazine featuring stories by talented local writers and artists,with a distribution of 5,000 to Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties, MA and beyond.

Founded in 2010, its purpose is to challenge the established press by engaging area citizens who live and work in the area to discover their experience and open up dialogue to develop positive changes in their communities when it is needed. We believe news shoud be used as and instrument for the people, not line the pockets of media moguls and their lackeys. This was not what the press was ever intended to be, but unfortunately, this is our reality today. If you feel this way, please join us!

Pioneer Valley News on FB .

This is the cover proof.

Osama Bin Laden

It seems like my participation in the James Esber "This is not a Portrait" exhibit is timely with recent the death of Osama Bin Laden.

I drove out to the Aldrich Museum this past Sunday with fellow artist Anne Seuthe. We were both pleased to see our drawings incorporated into the exhibition. Here is a close up of my drawing, and another with some of the pieces that were hung near it.

All the pieces including my own will be incorporated into a video which I hope we will be able to see on-line at some point. The Exhibition will be at the Aldrich for a few more months and will then go to another venue.

Dakin Animal Shelter: My new Studio Cat

I am in Love with my new studio mate!

This past winter I lost my 9 year old cat Jasper to a bobcat attack. It was all pretty traumatizing at the time. A few weeks later when my son Ben was really missing having a pet, I brought him to the Dakin Animal Shelter in Leverett MA to play with the cats in the Play room they have there.

Of course we went back the next day to get one!!! I was glad we took the night though to really think about which cat would be best for us.....I would like to introduce you to my new Studio Cat Lovie :-) She is a Lover! and is living up to her new name. She is even prettier in person and resembles a Raccoon....or Coon Cat and has a huge plume of a tail.

Thanks Dakin!

The Artist Reception @ The Aldrich Museum

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum is holding the OBL Reception tomorrow to which I will be attending. It is an occasion to celebrate the newest additions to the This is not a portrait project in James Esber's exhibition, Your Name Here.
James Esber will also be joining us.
The OBL Reception is on Saturday, April, 30, 2011, from 2 to 4 pm.
Light refreshments will be provided.
The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum
258 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877

Greenhouse or Studio?

Lately my studio has been looking a little more like a greenhouse!

I have been enjoying painting to the earthy smell of springtime and the colors, soft blues, new greens, and yellows are seeping into my palette.

Here in the foot hills of the Green Mountains, spring is just starting to pop as the leaves on the trees spread for the first time to see the sun.

I am excited about my new work and my new seedlings and looking forward to the bounty both will yield.

Draw On! @ The Aldrich, with James Esber

I was happy to be one of the 18 artists chosen to make new drawings in the series that will be included in Esber’s 2011 exhibition, at The Aldrich Museum.

On March 27, 2011, I attended the Draw On session where we had the pleasure of meeting artist James Esber (pictured here). He did a short talk about the show, and the importance that our individuality to come through in the drawings. Drawing was fun, there was a rhythm to his mark making which we were to paint over with our own style of mark making.

I have been working with circles (orbs) in my own work and wanted to incorporate that into my drawing. At the same time I had been thinking alot about the situation going on in Japan. I decided that one area in the piece would be a red circle and the rest would stay black.

Here I am working on my piece. We had a paint brush and two colors of ink black and red. We could do what we wanted while sticking to the parameters of the project

While we all started with the same materials, instructions, and base drawing, Every piece turned out different. After I finished my drawing I enjoyed discovering what the other artists did with their pieces.

This is my final piece that will be added to the exhibion.
This is not a portrait, 2009–11
Ongoing series of collaborative drawings
Ink and gesso on parchment
Drawings, 18 1/4 x 15 each
Hand-painted frames, 22 x 18 each

Here are a few views of the show hanging at the Aldrich.

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