Martha Friedman, Noodle, Cast polyurethane, pigment, rope, steel, 40 in. x 43 in. x 11 ft. (height variable), Courtesy the Artist and Wallspace, New York, NY

Thank you for helping to spread the word about the Youth Docent Crew (YDC) program at the Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Forum (CAF).

YDC application DEADLINE EXTENDED

Start being jealous of me. In two days I am going on wild adventure that will send me to the far side of the country and leave me with a cross-country road trip back home. I’ve done portions of this epic journey a couple of times, but never have I done it all in one go, and I’ll be doing it solo. Hopefully you understand my excitement, though I’m sure there are those of you who think I’m crazy.

Regardless, this will mean that the blog is going to go radio silent for the better part of two weeks, which will mean that my usual monthly 1st Thursday preview will not happen. Nor will I have time to publicize the next round of Art in the Mayor’s Office, which will be happening from 5 – 6 on that evening (the office will close at 6 sharp, so get there on time).  And what about the 1st Thursday Art Crawl? I should be screaming back into town just in time to lead the troops on the repetitious flash mob that we enact upon local galleries that night.  If you want to join the Art Crawl, meet me on the back steps of City Hall promptly at 5:30. You should also check out the Art Crawl group that started at Meetup.com. This is a really cool website that uses virtual connections to organize face-to-face gatherings, and the Art Crawl already has a loyal following of over 30 strong (Thanks, Chris).

Finally I won’t have time to highlight this really important seminar at the Contemporary Arts Forum. For any of you who have aspirations of being a career artist, this is a requirement. There will be a quiz afterwards.

I’m sure there are many other events that I am going to miss over the next two weeks, so please do us all a favor by posting  comments on this post to let people know what is up while I am gone.

Also, I’ll be posting pictures of any of the iconic road trip things that I see upon the way on twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/sbartsblog

The Road Trip: A Defining Part of the American Grand Narrative

I can’t believe its been a year since the first “From Dusk ’til Drawn” show at the Contemporary Arts Forum. This is easily one of my favorite art events of the entire year. I love the camaraderie that develops as artists collectively embark on a 24 hour art-making marathon. And, I love the opportunity to get some really amazing art for really amazing prices. For those of you who didn’t make it last year, there are four walls in the space marked with four respective price points ($25, $75, $150, and $300). Art hung on each wall can be had for that price. Whoever’s idea that was, let me just say: “Brilliant, really brilliant.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND VISUAL IMAGERY CONTACT:  Kimberly Hahn   (805) 403-8108  press@sbcaf.org

CAF is pulling an all-nighter for this 2nd annual, unique 24-hour drawing extravaganza! Artists will draw side by side with dabblers, providing a unique laboratory for sharing, creating, and participating in a community art experience. Register to draw next to local contemporary art luminaries such as Ann Diener, Dane Goodman, Saul Gray-Hildenbrand, Kimberly Hahn, and Keith Pucinelli as well as children, community leaders, and others! All drawings will be sold to the public at one of four prices ($25, $75, $150, and $300 plus tax) and proceeds will be divided among the participants and CAF. Drawing is broadly interpreted and artists of all disciplines, skill levels, and ages are encouraged to join us. There will be a free, closing reception to celebrate the artists’ efforts and show off the remaining artwork on Sunday, July 24, 4-6 pm. Prospective drawers may sign up for any period of time throughout the 24 hours and must contact Nicole Biergiel at nbiergiel@sbcaf.org to register by July 1. For more information visit sbcaf.org or call: (805) 966-5373 x102.

Event Committee: Nicole Biergiel, Karla Blancas, Miki Garcia, Saul Gray-Hildenbrand, Dulce Griego, Kimberly Hahn, Sophie Leddick, and Warren Schultheis.

I hope you all  had a wonderful 4th of July and are ready to hit the street for this month’s 1st Thursday.  There will be no Art Crawl for the next two months, but that doesn’t mean I won’t be out there check out all the art and festivities. I hope to see you out there too.

Reef City by Mark Goerner

This month I’m most excited about a show at Roy by Mark Goerner. Mark is a friend of mine, so I know that shows of his work are rare, but I can also say without bias that he is one of my favorite artists anywhere. Mark’s work tends to have a sci-fi edge that is very unique in Santa Barbara and is exactly the kind of stuff I get weak in the knees over.

Another highlight that I want to focus on briefly here is the gallery that seemed to pop up out of nowhere right before 1st Thursday last month. The Project (740 State Street, Suite 1) is “a collaborative non-profit art gallery owned and operated by nine local artists. The Project will benefit Girls Inc. by donating 20% of all art sales to their organization, Girls Helping Girls [Awesome!]. Featured artists include Donna Ayscough, Liz Brady, Erika Carter, Theresa Carter, Lloyd Dallett, Ashley Dart, Virginia McCracken, Lisa Pedersen and Susan Tibbles.” This place was packed to the gills for the entire evening last month. And I wish them the absolute best in their new venture.

I am also going to make a pointed effort to check out the Forum Lounge at the Contemporary Arts Forum. You never know what you will get when you walk in to one of these events, and that’s part of the fun.  I’ve pasted the information below.

For a full list of activities this Thursday check out the Downtown Organization website.  If you encounter any really great work out there that I should put on my radar for future reference, please leave a comment to this post.