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.

Tonight there is a great holiday party at Art From Scrap. There will be all sorts of holiday activities to partake in, and it is also your last chance to see the Retro Muse exhibit at the AFS Gallery. There is also a toy drive, so bring any unwrapped toys you might have sitting around and give them a good home.  If you haven’t got plans for the evening, this is a great event for a great cause. Happy Holidays!

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October 22-December 11, 2010
RETRO MUSE
“Reception Friday October 22, 5-7pm”

Muse- noun: a source of inspiration; especially: a guiding genius. On Friday, October 22, from 5:00-7:00 pm, the new exhibition Retro Muse opens at the AFS Gallery. Retro Muse features the work of well known assemblage artists Susan Tibbles, Tony Askew, Dug Uyesaka, Ron Robertson, and Alver; all of whom have been selected as the “Assemblage Muse” at the Art From Scrap Annual Assemblage Art Show. We guarantee that these assemblage geniuses will a-muse, move, and inspire you.

The funky folks that make up Fishbon are at it again. They have brought together a seriously eclectic group of artists and performers for an alternative holiday “Fishmas Bizarre“.  The event takes place right off State Street near the corner of Helena and Mason streets.  The bazaar opens Friday Decemer 10th at 4 pm with a holiday market stuffed with artist-made gifts, Fishbon Trees, and other fabulous Tchotchkes. SantaCon leaves from the event at 9 Friday. If you haven’t participated in or seen a SantaCon, it is truly a sight to behold. Saturday features a full lineup of livepainting, Aerial, fire, performance vignettes, stellar DJs, live music, artist booths and much more. Sunday 12-6. I have insider information that amongst the other awesome artists’ booths will be  hot LA clothing design company Kucoon.

There is a lot going on and the fun lasts all weekend. So make sure to stop by and spread the holiday cheer.

Fire Story by Bari Ramoy

On June 13th the annual Assemblage Art Show opened at the Art From Scrap Gallery at 302 East Cota Street in downtown Santa Barbara. The show features many local artists using items found at the Art From Scrap Rescue Store. This year’s challenge to the artists was to incorporate circles into their pieces. The show ends with one of my favorite local art events of the year, the artist reception and silent auction of the work. The money raised from the auction acts as a fundraiser for Art From Scrap’s many projects, including their Green Schools environmental education program. The auction lasts until the reception festivities on July 25th when the final bidding occurs.

An added twist to this year’s auction will be the ability to silently bid on the art via Twitter.  Twitter users can either send a direct message or a reply to Art From Scrap regarding their bid on a particular item, and will be sent their bid number in return, which they will use throughout the show’s duration. The Art From Scrap Twitter profile can be found at www.twitter.com/artfromscrap.

I look forward to a bit of absurdity as people walk around with their faces stuck in their iPhones, bidding away.

You can find more information on the Art From Scrap website by clicking here.

Images of all the artworks up for auction can be found here.