Washington Post Interview: 'Twitter Bird' Artist Simon Oxley

Japan-based illustrator Simon Oxley is not a cartoonist, but rather a brilliant artist with a truly comic sense of humor. He has created thousands of whimsical illustrations, yet most of the world over, there is a particular one that is iconic to millions. (And for which, we must note, he was paid a grand sum of less than seven bucks.) The image? The Twitter bird.

Oxley, who grew up in England, has created countless bright, engaging images for the stock-library company iStockPhoto, using Adobe Illustrator and "vector-based" images. Oxley, who lives with his wife, Noriko, and family in Fukuoka, recently discussed his work in far more than 140 characters: voices.washingtonpost.com/comic

Fund the Arts in Ohio WITHOUT SPENDING A DIME

As the State of Ohio considers its new budget, it is up to you to communicate the importance of the arts to your representatives in the State House. With the proposed reductions to the Ohio Arts Council, all arts organizations will see drastic reductions to these dollars (possibly up to 50% or more) which increases the responsibility of securing replacement funds on the shoulders of the Trustees and Staff of the individual organizations.

Take the time to go to the Ohio Citizens for the Arts website and use their easy to use format and talking points to email or send a print letter to your representative.

Once you get to their website do the following; Type in your zipcode. Scroll down to the “Take Action” link entitled Ohio Citizens Must Act Now to Support the Arts The rest of the process is very user friendly and takes LESS THAN 2 MINUTES to complete.

Tremont ArtWalk FRIDAY JUNE 12th

Tremont ArtWalk's this Friday. Larry Zuzik, and Tim Herron are featured in the drawing show at Asterisk. Their crew will be drawing at The Lit after 9PM, and jazz combo Martini 5-O will be holding court at Prosperity. Join us, if you dare...

New Exhibitions this month include:

The Drawing Show at Asterisk Gallery (2393 Professor Ave),

Can a Sculptor Paint? work by Melanie Newman at doubting Thomas (858 Jefferson Ave.)

Curve Sets [information art] work by Jayce Renner at Brandt Gallery (1028 Kenilworth)

Jack Valentine Pottery and work by Chuck Wimmer and much more at Eye Candy Gallery (2173 Professor Ave.)

Parade The Circle This Saturday

The 20th Annual Parade the Circle Celebration will take place this Saturday, June 13th.

Bring the family to University Circle to enjoy a free celebration of the creative spirit. Festivities begin at 11AM, parade at noon and entertainment, food and activities for the whole family in Circle Village until 4PM.

THIS FREE COMMUNITY ARTS PARADE is presented annually by the Cleveland Museum of Art. International and national guest artists join Greater Cleveland artists, families, schools and community groups in a spectacular display of bright costumes, giant puppets, stilt-dancers, handmade masks and colorful floats.

For more details, see the Parade the Circle.

A Nicolas sighting!

Smooth Mike Chipchak was in LA last week and had lunch at Dreamworks with Nicolas Weis. 'He told me to tell everyone in the Murray Hill group he said hello.'

'Drawn and Quartered' a hit! Read a review.

Drawn and Quartered was an unqualified success!! CONGRATS to Deb Steytler, Adam Pate, Roby MacDougall, Larry Zuzik, Jeff Suntala, Jack Flotte and the rest of the crew for making it such an event. But don't take my word for it; read this stirring account from examiner.com:

Drawn and Quartered: a drawing battle royale at Asterisk Gallery

Competitive drawing.
Models and waitresses.
Prizes for the best drawings.

That's all you need to know.

Four of Cleveland's established drawing groups went head to head on June 6th at Asterisk Gallery. Dr. Sketchy vs The Murray Hill Group vs Tremont’s Pretentious Artists vs The Northern Ohio Illustrators Society. Bring it on!
Read More

SPECIAL THANKS to the models (S.A.F.M.O.D's Hope and Marta, Nikki, Jordan and Danielle), gallery owner Dana, our wait staff—the lovely Carmen and the lovely Tony—and EVERYONE that came out to support us. It IS appreciated!

Art Event: Drawn and Quartered Sat. 6.6 @7PM

Figure drawing as a spectator sport? It's never been tried but on Saturday, June 6th, 2009 at the Asterisk Gallery in Tremont, four established figure and drawing groups will meet up and draw against time and each other for the amusement of an engaged audience. Costumed models and dancers will be drawn live by competitive artists vying for praise and prizes. The disciplines will range from quick gestures to a 90-minute portrait (run concurrently.)

Groups planning on participating include Dr. Sketchy, The Murray Hill Group, Tremont’s Pretentious Artists of the Literary Cafe and N.O.I.S.
(The Northern Ohio Illustrators Society.)

The public is invited to witness this first-ever event and will be encouraged to comment and/or join in. Finished artwork will be available for purchase during and after the event.

Refreshments, music, and drawing materials for the inspired will be provided.

June 6, 2009 7PM
Asterisk Gallery
2393 Professor Street
Tremont
Contact Dana DePew at Asterisk Gallery for more info: contact@asteriskgallery.com
Facebook: Asterisk Gallery
www.asteriskgallery.com

Murray Hill Art Walk this weekend

The three-day Little Italy June Art Walk today through Sunday is getting a value-added Little Italy Street Festival from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. The festival will be complete with jugglers, music and face painting. Sample some of the good wines available in the neighborhood on Mayfield Road.

More than 30 galleries, studios & boutiques present handmade works by regional, national, and internationally known artists.

Be sure to stop by our home base, the Tricia Kaman Studio, #202 in the Schoolhouse.

The Little Italy June Art Walk is on Mayfield Road between Random Road and East 126th Street


The Schoolhouse
2026 Murray Hill Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44120
LittleItalyCleveland.com

Asterisk Gallery Presents: "the drawing show"

Asterisk Gallery Proudly Presents: “the drawing show”
curated by Dana L. Depew

Opening reception Friday June 5th
Show runs through June 26

draw•ing (drô ng)
n.
1. The act or an instance of drawing.
2. a. The art of representing objects or forms on a surface chiefly by means of lines.
2. b. A work produced by this art.

a visual exploration into the concept and process of drawing.

Featuring works by: Julie Friedman, Tim Herron, Ron Johnston, Mark Keffer, Tom Kochheiser, Peter Green, Jacob Wesley Lang, Michael Loderstedt, Liz Maugans, Brian Pierce, Darice Polo, Scott Radke, David Simmerer, Sarah Sutton and Larry Zuzik

Opening reception Friday June 5, 6 – 11pm
Show runs through June 26
Hrs by appt
2393 Professor Ave. in historic Tremont
330-304-8528
www.asteriskgallery.com

Dr. Sketchy May 26th @GROG SHOP

One of our favorite Dr. Sketchy models, Brenna, will be the model tonight when Dr. Sketchy returns to the Grog Shop. Check it out if you get the chance.

Tuesday, May 26th at the GROG SHOP (2785 Euclid Heights Blvd. in Cleveland Heights.) Doors open at 7:30PM and it goes to around 11PM. Drawing starts at 8PM. Cost is $10.

drsketchycleveland.com features event pictures, drawings and iTune's playlists.

A session consists of a warm-up round
of one to two minute poses, a break, drinks, five and ten minute poses, a break, more drinks, and then as many long poses (15-20 minute) as they can fit in. There are also prizes and contests.

They do have a few rules:
Dry mediums only, as in ink, markers, crayons, pencils, graphite, pastels, etc. If we can clean up with a broom it is good. If you make arrangements with us ahead of time, me may be able to accommodate a very limited number/types of other mediums.
Be respectful. That means no pawing at the models and no asking them out. Hooting and hollering, however, is encouraged.
No photography at the events. Our models are posing for life drawing.
21 and up. This is a drinking event and held in a bar.
Most of all, have fun.

Hessler Street Fair: May 16 and 17th, 11AM 'til Dusk

The Hessler Street Fair begins Saturday at 11AM and goes on until dusk, and again on Sunday. Hessler Street is one block North of Euclid and Mayfield. The fair features music, poetry, and arts, clothing, and food vendors and more.

Check out Sunday's awesome music lineup:

SUNDAY MAY 17th
11AM–6PM
Lost State of Franklin
Umojah Nation
Alex Bevan
Martini 5-0
The Kind Revolution
JiMiller Band
Jim Volk
Tarace Boulba
Mifune
Carlos Jones & The P.L.U.S. Band

Go to www.hessler.org for more information.

Oberlin's "Empty Bowls" Chili Cook-off Benefit 5.16

This is a cool event that Jack Flotte is participating in. The Oberlin Pottery Co-op is hosting an "Empty Bowls" chili cook-off to benefit the Oberlin Food Pantry and raise awareness about hunger in the community. Local potters have donated bowls, and restaurants including Black River and the Feve have donated chili for a picnic in Tappan Square with live music. Choose a bowl, fill it with chili, enjoy a meal, and keep the bowl as a reminder that there is always an empty bowl somewhere. Suggested donation $10.

Sat, May 16 2009 5PM–8PM
Tappan Square, Clark Bandstand
(Tappan Square @state rtes. 58 and 511)

Dr. Sketchy @ Shoparooni Thursday, May 14, 7:30PM

Drs. Aaron and Jason invite you to "Dr. Sketchy @ Shoparooni" on Thursday, May 14 at 7:30PM. A benefit for Waterloo Walls Mural Project, it's in the Shoparooni Annex Gallery, a few doors down from The Beachland.

Dr. Sketchy @ Shoparooni
Thursday, May 14 at 7:30–11PM
Shoparooni Annex Gallery
15813 Waterloo Rd. Cleveland, OH
$10 at the door.

To see more details and RSVP, Click Here

Art House's Urban Bright Reception 5.8 4PM—7PM

You are cordially invited to join us as we celebrate the artistic accomplishments of the students from the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.

Friday, May 8th, 2009.
Student Reception 4-6PM
Funder, Teacher, and Artist Reception 6-7PM
Art House, 3119 Denison Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44109

View student artwork and enjoy refreshments provided by McDonalds.
For more information contact Stephanie Kluk
skluk@arthouseinc.org
216.398.8556

www.arthouseinc.org

Mother's Day Coffee Gift benefits Waiting Child Fund

Mother's Day Coffee Gift
Sunday, May 10th

This Mother's Day give the gift of great coffee that supports a great cause! Send a pound of our locally roasted gourmet coffee:

1 Pound - $9.99 + shipping

Sampler Coffee Box - $23.00 + shipping

3-Month Coffee Subscription - $42.00 (shipping included)

Shop Online

Save-the-Date: Drawn and Quartered 6.6

Drawn and Quartered
June 6, 2009
7PM
Asterisk Gallery
2393 Professor Street
Tremont

Four established figure drawing groups will meet up and draw against time and each other trying to capture the magic of an honest drawing. See costumed models and fiercely competitive artists vying for praise awarded by a participatory audience. Quick sketches juxtaposed with 90 minutes portrait studies all in Asterisk Gallery, Saturday, June 6, 2009.

The groups planning to participate include Dr. Sketchy, Murray Hill, Literary Club and NOIS (Northern Ohio Illustrator's Society).

The fastest caricature artist in Cleveland, Adam Pate, will be on hand as part of one of our competition teams as well as be available for audience portraits.

The public is invited for the first time to witness this intensity and are welcome to comment or join in. Finished art work will be donated by the artists for purchase with the proceeds supporting the gallery.

Refreshments, music, paper and pencils and a lot of working artists will be provided.

Contact: Dana Depew at Asterisk Gallery for more info.

Tremont ArtWalk Friday May 8th

The Tremont ArtWalk, Friday May 8th, begins at 6PM and goes to approx. 9:30PM

Art Openings:

Work by Shannon Meeks and Photographs by Amy Roskilly at Mastroianni Arts (2688 West 14th Street) See right.

Domestic Nature - drawings on wood and paper by Ivy Ma at Brandt Gallery (1028 Kenilworth, www.facebook.com/l/;www.brandtgallery.org)

Megan Louise Dance and Photography by Brooklyn High School Students curated by Christopher Kaspar at Studio 11, (2337 West 11th Street)

The May Show at Asterisk Gallery (2393 Professor, www.facebook.com/l/;www.brandtgallery.org)

and much more.
Information and map available at
www.facebook.com/l/;www.tremontartwalk.org

Dr. Sketchy SATURDAY, May 9th @ Carol & John's Comics

Dr. Sketchy @ Carol & John's Comics
"Comic book themed model"
Dr. Sketchy Cleveland
Saturday, May 9 at 7PM—11PM
Cost is only $10
(Refreshments supplied by Carol & John's Comics)

Click here to see more details and RSVP

drsketchycleveland.com has pictures, drawings and iTune's playlists from the events.
A session consists of one or two models, a DJ, your host and three rounds of poses; a warm up round of one to two minute poses, a break, drinks, five and ten minute poses, a break, more drinks, and then as many long poses (15-20 minute) as we can fit in. There are also prizes and contests.

They do have a few rules:
Dry mediums only, as in ink, markers, crayons, pencils, graphite, pastels, etc. If we can clean up with a broom it is good. If you make arrangements with us ahead of time, me may be able to accommodate a very limited number/types of other mediums.
Be respectful. That means no pawing at the models and no asking them out. Hooting and hollering, however, is encouraged.
No photography at the events. Our models are posing for life drawing.
21 and up. This is a drinking event and held in a bar.
Most of all, have fun.

Films from Film Fest Debut at Cedar Lee 5.8—6.19

FILMS FROM THE 33RD CIFF MAKING THEIR DEBUT AT THE CEDAR LEE
If you missed these films at the 33rd Cleveland international Film Festival (or want to see them again), here's your chance to catch them on the big screen at the Cedar Lee Theatre!

Sugar - Opening Friday, May 8th
Shall We Kiss - Opening Friday, May 22nd
Brothers Bloom, Lemon Tree, and Tyson - Opening Friday, May 29th
Rudo Y Cursi - Opening Friday, June 19th

The Cedar Lee Theatre is located at 2163 Lee Road, Cleveland 44118. Purchase your tickets online at www.clevelandcinemas.com.

Intermuseum Conservation Association Open House for Fashion Week 5.8

Fashion Forward: Caring for Your Textiles Now for the Future
ICA Conservation Center, Cleveland, OH
May 8, 2009, 5PM-7PM

The Intermuseum Conservation Association is pleased to welcome Fashion Week Cleveland attendees and the public to an open house at our Detroit Avenue facility. Textile conservator Jane Hammond will make a brief presentation (at 6:00PM) on issues of preservation around modern clothing materials, and conservators from other disciplines including paper, paintings and three-dimensional objects will be on hand to answer questions and show examples of recent conservation treatments. Light refreshments will be served. This event is FREE of charge; no advanced registration is required.

The Intermuseum Conservation Association (ICA) is the oldest not-for-profit regional conservation center in the United States, dedicated to the preservation of works of art and objects of cultural significance. The ICA provides professional, high quality, and cost-effective services to collecting institutions, corporations, government agencies, and the general public.

Check out the CoolCleveland video feature:
http://www.coolcleveland.com/files/video/ica.html