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Past 2008 and Archived Resource Focus articles NEW Visual Arts Resource for the Physically and Mentally Challenged Artist What resources are there for Artists with Disabilities here in San Diego? This has to be one of the most interesting and long range subjects I have ever explored. I have been researching this subject since I graduated from CalArts with a BFA in 2001. I still haven’t quite found the answer! Before I go further, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Melissa Regas. I myself am physically disabled with chronic syndromes. I have to deal with the emotionally and physically tiring chores of insurance paperwork, doctor visits, and the continued list of medical tests and procedures that already takes up so much time. I am a visual artist who came back home clueless after graduation, not knowing where to start or where to go with my career. Like many developmentally disabled artists I am not able to have a full time job and I struggle to support myself. I know how these challenges might affect an artist’s will to create. I did searches for galleries, then emailed them, visited them with my portfolio. I got the paperwork from them with cost for gallery fees, advertisements, etc. I found myself often putting more money into art promotion than I was earning from the art. And this was money I didn’t have to spare. I asked people who work at Access Center of San Diego, if there is an organization for Disabled Artists in San Diego. I received blank stares. They had no idea and had never even thought about this subject. But I have found some valuable resources here in San Diego. Synergy Art Foundation is a non profit whose mission is to provide emergency financial assistance to San Diego County's visual artists who are in desperate need because of a medical crisis, accident, fire or loss of personal and professional property. Established in November 2003 in response to the untold damage created by the San Diego Cedar fires, Synergy Arts Foundation benefits artists in need through it’s San Diego Emergency Artist Support League (SD-EASL ). Currently they give one time grants of $1000 - $3000. One incredible resource is Sophie's Gallery & Gift Shop located at 109 Rea Avenue, El Cajon, 92020. This space is developed through St. Madeleine Sophie's Center. The purpose of this center is to help disabled adults to live in an environment where one feels “able” within the bounds of their mind and body. Their gallery has exhibits throughout the year bringing awareness to society about the healing nature of art for physically and mentally challenged. One example of a show is Passageways: Journey Through Life. Contact Wendy for further details. The art shows aren’t their only specialty; they also have monthly classes. Another resource is an exciting opportunity to apply for a grant for funding through the San Diego County government. Application packets for each cycle become available annually in September for a mid-November deadline. Successful applicants receive their awards beginning in March of the following year. These are all good resources but there does seem to be a necessity for our local art community to have one place to find resources for artist with disabilities. This needs to be where an artist with disabilities can find an advocate to guide them and companions to share the work. These artists need help in many areas: grants for funding art making, placement of art in exhibits, discounts for art supplies, free or discounted handicap parking, transportation of artwork to galleries, public relations advice, identifying art classes to further develop skills, and the list can go on. In short, a community of people who understand the complex needs of Artists with disabilities. The more I journey as an artist I realize God has put a strong need into my heart to open a non-profit resource for all artists with disabilities in San Diego. I am at the beginning of this journey and need help for example to apply for the non-profit and ideally a grant writer with some experience in this area. Please look at my Honeybees Fly site for full information. I call my project Honeybees Fly because the bodies of honey bees are designed in a way that it is a challenge for them to fly high and move quickly. They are limited by their physical design. For a honeybee to reach the skies outside the limits of their bodies is a miracle. That is also the center of my dream; Artists with Disabilities should be able to achieve through art and rise above their physical or mental challenges. Finally, in my many web searches, I come up with some awesome resources to get your art out there nationally and create connections through the Internet: Visual Aid is one major resource in San Francisco. Their mission of is to encourage artists with life-threatening illnesses to continue their creative work. Visual Aid helps produce, present, and preserve the work of professional artists whose careers are challenged because of a life-threatening illness. There serve professional artists from the nine-county Bay Area, providing artists with direct services from art supplies to exhibitions and career development National Council for Support of Disability Issues Arts Edge at The Kennedy Center National Forum on Careers in the Arts for People with Disabilities National Arts &Disability Center Reminder: You can see Melissa Regas's Art @ booth #330 on Cedar Street in downtown, Little Italy at the ArtWalk this Sat & Sun April 26.27 from 12-6pm Our thanks to Rosemary KimBal for her aid in preparing this article . Past Art Resouce Focus 2008 2007 past Art Resource Focus including: Artists Demonstrators edited by Jennifer Meeder 2006 past Art Resource Focus including: Past Art Resouce Focus 2008 Visual Arts Resource for the Physically and Mentally Challenged Artist What resources are there for Artists with Disabilities here in San Diego? This has to be one of the most interesting and long range subjects I have ever explored. I have been researching this subject since I graduated from CalArts with a BFA in 2001. I still haven’t quite found the answer! Before I go further, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Melissa Regas. I myself am physically disabled with chronic syndromes. I have to deal with the emotionally and physically tiring chores of insurance paperwork, doctor visits, and the continued list of medical tests and procedures that already takes up so much time. I am a visual artist who came back home clueless after graduation, not knowing where to start or where to go with my career. Like many developmentally disabled artists I am not able to have a full time job and I struggle to support myself. I know how these challenges might affect an artist’s will to create. I did searches for galleries, then emailed them, visited them with my portfolio. I got the paperwork from them with cost for gallery fees, advertisements, etc. I found myself often putting more money into art promotion than I was earning from the art. And this was money I didn’t have to spare. I asked people who work at Access Center of San Diego, if there is an organization for Disabled Artists in San Diego. I received blank stares. They had no idea and had never even thought about this subject. But I have found some valuable resources here in San Diego. Synergy Art Foundation is a non profit whose mission is to provide emergency financial assistance to San Diego County's visual artists who are in desperate need because of a medical crisis, accident, fire or loss of personal and professional property. Established in November 2003 in response to the untold damage created by the San Diego Cedar fires, Synergy Arts Foundation benefits artists in need through it’s San Diego Emergency Artist Support League (SD-EASL ). Currently they give one time grants of $1000 - $3000. One incredible resource is Sophie's Gallery & Gift Shop located at 109 Rea Avenue, El Cajon, 92020. This space is developed through St. Madeleine Sophie's Center. The purpose of this center is to help disabled adults to live in an environment where one feels “able” within the bounds of their mind and body. Their gallery has exhibits throughout the year bringing awareness to society about the healing nature of art for physically and mentally challenged. One example of a show is Passageways: Journey Through Life. Contact Wendy for further details. The art shows aren’t their only specialty; they also have monthly classes. Another resource is an exciting opportunity to apply for a grant for funding through the San Diego County government. Application packets for each cycle become available annually in September for a mid-November deadline. Successful applicants receive their awards beginning in March of the following year. These are all good resources but there does seem to be a necessity for our local art community to have one place to find resources for artist with disabilities. This needs to be where an artist with disabilities can find an advocate to guide them and companions to share the work. These artists need help in many areas: grants for funding art making, placement of art in exhibits, discounts for art supplies, free or discounted handicap parking, transportation of artwork to galleries, public relations advice, identifying art classes to further develop skills, and the list can go on. In short, a community of people who understand the complex needs of Artists with disabilities. The more I journey as an artist I realize God has put a strong need into my heart to open a non-profit resource for all artists with disabilities in San Diego. I am at the beginning of this journey and need help for example to apply for the non-profit and ideally a grant writer with some experience in this area. Please look at my Honeybees Fly site for full information. I call my project Honeybees Fly because the bodies of honey bees are designed in a way that it is a challenge for them to fly high and move quickly. They are limited by their physical design. For a honeybee to reach the skies outside the limits of their bodies is a miracle. That is also the center of my dream; Artists with Disabilities should be able to achieve through art and rise above their physical or mental challenges. Finally, in my many web searches, I come up with some awesome resources to get your art out there nationally and create connections through the Internet: Visual Aid is one major resource in San Francisco. Their mission of is to encourage artists with life-threatening illnesses to continue their creative work. Visual Aid helps produce, present, and preserve the work of professional artists whose careers are challenged because of a life-threatening illness. There serve professional artists from the nine-county Bay Area, providing artists with direct services from art supplies to exhibitions and career development National Council for Support of Disability Issues Arts Edge at The Kennedy Center National Forum on Careers in the Arts for People with Disabilities National Arts &Disability Center Reminder: You can see Melissa Regas's Art @ booth #330 on Cedar Street in downtown, Little Italy at the ArtWalk this Sat & Sun April 26.27 from 12-6pm Our thanks to Rosemary KimBal for her aid in preparing this article . San Diego International Airport Art Program A building merely reflects its larger reality. And the better it is at reflecting this reality – of connecting people, place and time – the more interesting it becomes. - Teng Wai Man - Architect Why art at an airport? Why not sell more advertising or lease more space? In these post 911 days, operating an airport has become more than merely processing people on and off planes and transporting them from one destination to the next. We are now charged to develop unique identities of places. This includes providing:
All of this can be accomplished through art. The art program for San Diego International Airport (SDIA) seeks to provide enhanced customer service by creating artwork and programming that engage travelers in innovative, memorable experiences that enlist a “wow” response and encourage people to return to the airport. While this is our mission, our ultimate objective is to make a positive impression while people are in this airport. Presenting art programs in such an unexpected public space creates an opportunity to offer free cultural attractions to the traveling public. By supplementing regional cultural institutions, SDAI is helping to further cultural tourism. The airport art program becomes the thumbprint for SDIA; creating an airport ambiance unique to San Diego and welcoming people to the Airport and to the region. The program consists of:
Each component has a unique purpose, but the overall aim is to bring texture and depth to the airport environment through the involvement of artists (especially those of the region) and artistic enhancements in the planning and design of the Airport and its infrastructure. WHO and WHAT The exhibits programming is determined through an open call for proposals to organizations, groups and individual artists. Live music in the terminals offers moments of cultural richness to mitigate stress during long waiting periods. Performances are free to the public and are available to travelers, “meet and greeters” and residents. Artists are selected based on presentation, charm and popularity and are placed on an annual roster. Museums, cultural institutions, arts organizations and individual artists are afforded opportunities to perform and exhibit their collections of wares, artifacts and original artwork at the airport free of charge. Public art opportunities vary from large and dramatic statements to intimate and subtle experiences. Artwork could be functional such as a reflection room, exterior seating, floor mosaics, multimedia installations and also more traditional art forms. All commissioned work is expected to be specifically created for SDIA; further shaping the uniqueness of this airport. Some concepts will create an experience to excite different senses, while others will have deliberate placement to direct the traveler. There are no specific thematic criteria; however arts and culture of local and regional San Diego are highlighted. The public art program is also inclusive of the national and international artists’ communities. All considered media must be durable, require low maintenance, and of a permanent nature. Artists must take into consideration public safety for both children and adults and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, a s well as the constant changing nature of the airport where remodeling and renovations often impact the artwork. Ensuring the lines of concessions and retail are not crossed when exhibiting work by the creators who sale their art, wares or crafts is vital. HOW In December 6, 2007, all the components of the art program were consolidated under one policy. Funding for the art program is afforded in two ways. The operating budget and a percentage for the arts allocation from new building programs. The operating budget supports temporary and rotating exhibits, performing arts and maintenance and conservation of public art. Addition of ten new gates, infrastructure enhancements, structured parking and more efficient airport roadways are just some of the improvements that will be added to the existing facilities. A two percent allocation from most landside construction is appropriated for public art projects. Funding for SDIA’s art program is not unlike those for other airports. There are over 50 airports nationally that have temporary and rotating exhibits programs and at least 17 others that have percentage allocations for art programs. In an effort to maximize collaborative opportunities and to avoid more plop art, a site and opportunity plan for inclusion of public art has been developed. The ultimate goal of this plan is to identify prime opportunities which result in a unique collection of artworks that are seamless with building design and function. Often balancing the wills of internal stakeholders, the public, elected/appointed officials and arterotti becomes a relentless struggle. The selection of artistic enhancements and artists for the airport is overseen by the nine-member Airport Art Advisory Committeeand involves a cross-section of the local community and diverse arts professionals (this includes designers, professional artists and academics).The committee is approved by the airport’s Board of Directors and provides advice and recommendations regarding the art program policies and procedures, artist selection juries and processes, commission and placement of artwork, maintenance and removal of artworks and any further development and changes to the plan. SDIA distinguishes itself in regional San Diego as well as the global community with an art program of the highest integrity. In this era of globalization, the encroaching world of chain stores, franchise restaurants and shopping strips; one town looks like the next. We rush through life to get to our next destination. Through its art program, SDIA seeks to create a unique public place which will ultimately impact people. Perhaps they will become subsumed in the significance of here and now or maybe just slow down and consider where they are. It is our hope that the public will have an earmarked memory of San Diego International Airport For more information about the San Diego International Airport Art Program please visit www.san.org Constance White, Art Program Manager - San Diego County Regional Airport Authority Our thanks to Rosemary KimBal for her aid in preparing this article . SD Art Prize 2007/2008: Roman de Salvo and Lael Corbin The 2007/2008 second season and second exhibition of the San Diego Art Prize features works by Roman de Salvo and Lael Corbin. Roman de Salvo was nominated for this prize by Stephanie Hanor, Derrick Cartwright and Amy Adler who all contributed Art Notes to the SD Art Prize for the 2006/2007 season. After those nominations were made, Lael Corbin was then featured in the New Contemporaries exhibition held at Simayspace at the Art Academy along with 16 other emerging artists nominated by committee. Roman de Salvo chose Lael Corbin to mentor and become his co-exhibitor in the exhibition that opens at the L Street Gallery ( 628 L Street, San Diego, 92101across from the Omni Hotel) on Saturday, Jan 26 (7 to 9 pm). Roman de Salvo’s art work Nexus Eucalyptus at the new Caltrans District 11 headquarters in Old Town is a 115-foot-long, 50-foot-wide construction in wood. Lael Corbin was an integral part of the crew that helped build and install this large scale work. Working together previously is not a requirement of showing together for the SD Art Prize, but it certainly has helped these two artists put together a show which takes advantage of the L Street Gallery space. Besides Nexus Eucalyptus , we have seen new works by Roman appearing at the new Museum of Contemporary Art downtown San Diego building. He installed a multi-part multi--function light sculpture in the stairwell leading to the top floor and it is definitely worth while to ask one of the guards to show you this work. Another work of the same series is featured in the window of the museum. Just last month, a new light sculpture was installed in the recently opened Lux Institute in the board room but visible to the public through an outside window. Roman made the difficult decision to forego all teaching and works successfully as a full time artist showing his work internationally. Quint Contemporary Art just featured work by Roman at Art Miami, Lael Corbin was one of the f artists chosen by the Cannon Gallery to be featured in a four person exhibition. These artists had been included in the juried biennial exhibition and further honored with this group show. Lael works has also been included at the Art Produce Gallery. Currently Lael teaches drawing, design and photography in the Department of Art and Design at Point Loma Nazarene University, as well as overseeing their workshops and facilities. He is truly a working artist. Our honorary chairpersons for this exhibition are Coop and Patti Cooprider. Both have dedicated untold hours working for the arts in San Diego including leadership in the San Diego Art Institute, Scripps Memorial Hospital Healing Arts program, Children Museum, Patrons of the Prado, KPBS Program Advisory Board, and the MOCA Art Council. We are delighted that they will expose their friends and colleagues to the work of excellence in this exhibition. We started with a vision to help those outside of the visual arts community take pride in the excellence of Art in San Diego and thus build audience for the arts. The San Diego Art Prize in its first year has been a success beyond our expectations:
We are most encouraged by the support we have had by special art appreciators. It is their knowledge that art is an essential necessity in our lives and a vital ingredient of any world-class city that has been vital. If we want the San Diego Art Prize to flourish it is because supporters of the SD Art Prize see the necessity of encouraging dialogue, reflection and social interaction about the visual arts in our region. Our chosen artists of excellence are doing their part creating work, which feeds us intellectually and emotionally. We are now asking the public to play a financial part in making sure that we can continue to grow the prize to include:
Please visit the SD Art Prize pages on SDVAN and consider becoming more involved with this project by giving of your time, expertise or with donations to SDVAN. Please feel free to contact us with suggestions or questions. Patricia Frischer, coordinator, www.SDVAN.com Archived Resource Articles 2007 past Art Resource Focus including: Artists Demonstrators edited by Jennifer Meeder 2006 past Art Resource Focus including: |