La Piazza: Chalk Art on Larimer Square

La Piazza, Larimer Square's Italian street-painting festival, is a two day-street closing-pavement painting-event on Larimer Square. More than 200 artists come down to turn the streets of Larimer Square into a museum of chalk art. Artists, sponsors and spectators find it difficult to describe in words the splendid experience that La Piazza creates. Enjoy Italian food including hand-made gelato. Beer, specialty drinks, and soda will compliment the visual feast. Is Italian wine your thing? Visit the wine-tasting tent and taste different wines from around Italy!

When:
June 6 & 7, 2009 10 AM - 10 PM
Saturday 10 AM - 7 PM Sunday

For more information on La Piazza, call 303-685-8120.
Click here to download an Artist Application!

Call for Entry - Artist's Haven Gallery

Artist's Haven Gallery
2009 Juried International Photography Competition
2757 East Oakland Park Blvd
Ft lauderdale, Florida 33306

Open to all photographers 18+.
Entrants must choose from 8 categories listed on the entry form.
Juror: Barbara O'Keefe (Executive Director, Coral Springs Museum of Art)
Entry Deadline:
June 30, 2009

Click here to read more information and obtain an entry form.

Artist Interview - Jeff Basinkewitz

How has the current economic situation affected your plans for 2009?
It hasn't affected my plans because I don't watch the news. The passion I have for my art will drive me the same regardless of the economic situation.

Do you have a devoted studio space? How does it influence your work?
I do. It allows me to create uninterrupted without outside influences.

If you could only listen to one album for the rest of eternity, what would it be?
A Perfect Circle's "13 Steps". The music that Maynard creates sounds like religion.

The 80s movie that should be remade:
Fast times at Ridgemont High, I am pretty sure that was an 80's movie.

The crazy celebrity name I'll give my firstborn:
Duche Bigelow

Can you describe an evolution in your work from your first projects to the present day?
Most def. My first project, was so constrained it was a nightmare. My current work is so much more impulsive and free. It feels like second nature now.

What project has given you the most satisfaction?
A piece that I am proposing to Jerry Glick. Because it was inspired purely by an anger impulse. It is my first piece of art created solely for arts sake. With no thought of a monetary reward for it's creation. That's really the truth, too.

How separate are you from your art?
I am at one with my art. Every waking moment of my life revolves around my thought for creation of new work, and that's the truth.

Links to Jeff Basinkewitz:
Artwork Network Gallery Site
Personal Site
Watch-ing Change on YouTube

Artwork Network is now accepting submissions for its 2009 juried show! This show will take place completely online and will first be judged by the public, then by a few of Denver's well known art dealers, including Ron Judish and Sandra Phillips.

All entries are due Sunday, April 26th, 2009 at 12am. There is no theme. Pieces will be judged on artistic expression and lasting impression. The public voting period begins Thursday, April 30th. Complete details, including information about voting, prizes and entry fees can be found on our website here.

Call for Entry - East End Applied Arts

East End Applied Arts
1556 Florence Street
Aurora0, CO 80010
info@eastendarts.com

Mail art exhibit entitled "Where Are You Coming From?" Regional and international artists are open to submit 4" x 6" original work on paper for exhibition and sale. Each work will be sold for $10, with proceeds funding this project and future Fe-Mail Box events. Painting, drawing, photography, printmaking and mixed media are all welcome.
Entry Deadline:
April 30, 2009

Click here to read more information and obtain an entry form.

Banker's Blog: Financial Organizational Tips

Introducing a new blog series: Banker's Blog

Did you know that the founder and owner of Artwork Network started his career as a banker? Alan Kircher parlayed his love of art and respect for the creative process into a successful business helping artists market their work online. He also has a passion for helping small businesses manage their money.
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As tax time looms you may be dreading the thought of filing, especially if you are self employed, as many artists are. It is often just a matter of keeping your finances organized so that that tax time doesn't drain you of energy to create.

Here are some financial organizational tips:

• Open a separate business checking account and use it only for business expenses.
• Open a separate business credit card account and use it only for business expenses.
• Keep your statements in separate files labeled by account.
• Keep all of your receipts and separate them by category. For instance use 8.5" x 11" white envelopes. Label each with its own category Supplies 2009, Marketing 2009, Equipment 2009, etc.
• Another idea is to organize your business paperwork into a large binder. Make tabs for each of your accounts and insert the statements. Make a tab for expenses and hole punch your big envelopes or use page protectors labeled with each category. Insert your receipts as you get them. Now everything is in one place and you can find it all at tax time, or hand it over to your accountant.
• Use bookkeeping software or hire someone to enter your information for you.
• If you have not entered your finances into a software program, at the end of the year enter each category onto a spreadsheet (don't forget those items you paid cash for!) and total- this make it easy to enter into tax software,for you or your accountant.
• If you are filing your taxes yourself, use an online tax filing software like turbo tax.

Also, keep in mind, that even if you have another job, it is important to keep track of your art related expenses as well. Even if you are just starting out with your art career, getting in the habit of organization will save you a lot of headache in the long run. You never know when your business may grow, and along with it the paperwork!