Thursday, July 11, 2013

Artists in New York, New Jersey and the MidAtlantic – please join us!

Summer Arts Business Institute

 August 10, 2013

9:00 a.m – 3:30 p.m.

Luna Stage Theater

555 Valley Road

 West Orange, New Jersey


This one-day intensive educational event for artists is hosted by the ValleyArts District, a dynamic community for artists in northern New Jersey, 20 miles from New York City.
Carolyn Edlund,  the founder of Artsy Shark and the Executive Director of the Arts Business Institute, will be presenting. Joining her is Wendy Rosen, the founder of The Buyers Market of American Craft, which is the largest trade show for handmade items in the country. She is also the publisher of NICHE Magazine.

Topics for this workshop: 

What Sells? A Formula for Success     

What can an artist really make?  How to design a sustainable growing business model. What’s the right mix of art fairs, commission work and wholesaling to shops and galleries? Is wholesaling an option for your art or craft business? How to structure your business for growth. Terms and standard practices; How retailers think and why they buy; Presentation of your work; Building those essential gallery relationships.

Creative Marketing for Artists     

Learn how to create an effective marketing message that adds value to your work; Tell your story the right way; Understand and reach your target audience; New marketing techniques; Website content and design for artists; Social media rules of the road; Press and publicity.

Product Development     

How to build a wholesale collection from the ground up; Understanding themes and trends; Expressing your own signature style; Creating efficient production systems; Working with suppliers; Designing for your target audience; Building value into your line.

Selling Strategies for Wholesale      

How many ways can you sell? New Niche Markets for Artists; Trade shows; Working with Sales Reps; Wholesaling online; Consultative selling; Moving from consignment to Net 30 wholesale; Selling one-of-a-kind work to galleries; Prospecting, follow up and closing the sale; Out-of-the-box sales strategies for artists and craftspeople.

Scheduled Personal Critiques/Consultations

One-on-one pre-scheduled critique sessions with the workshop speakers are available - but very limited. First come, first served only; these are booking quickly. Artists who reserve critique appointments will bring samples or photos of their work and their marketing materials. Each appointment will include a personalized consultation for the artist. Evaluation of your collection, price points, target audience and appropriate markets, including strategies to improve and build your business.

Tuition for this Business Workshop is $95.00
$30 additional for Critique/Consultation Appointment.

Learn More and Register for this Event

Friday, June 7, 2013

June in the Valley

 



Saturday, June 15, 11am-9pm

Forest & Tompkins Streets, Orange NJ
Mainstage Line-up 

-- 3:00pm -- 


KIWI
With its unique, signature sound grounded in roots rhythm, Kiwi invokes a variety of influences including the classics of Jamaican reggae, ska, and rocksteady, as well as American folk, soul and R&B.  
-- 4:30pm -- 
Wincey Terry
  
At once a gifted storyteller and a powerful singer, this soulful artistlights up the stage with her songs of life and faith. Further lifting Wincey's set is her extraordinary band that features trumpets, sax, and trombone. 



-- 6:00pm --

Roy Rodriguez & Swing Sabroso
 
This perennially popular big band takes Salsa Dura to a whole new level in a hard-charging brassy celebration of Latin music that will have you dancing!

-- 7:30pm -- 
High and Mighty Brass Band


A party in progress, this fiercely entertaining and refreshingly inspiring band captures all the spirit of New Orleans second line as it runs the gamut from Funk and R&B to the more modern influences of Afro-Beat and Hip Hop.

Bring a Lawn Chair!

Just Added!
Meet the Authors!
Saturday June 8, 4 to 6pm


ValleyArts Connect 
A blog-o-zine featuring interviews, stories & news on all things ValleyArts. 

Reach us by email at: info@valleyartsnj.com

Tuesday, June 4, 
6:00pm
Hat City Streets
Volunteer Meeting
Firehouse Gallery
580 Forest St. 

Come and meet Festival 
organizers and learn how you can become involved! 


Thursday, June 6,

6:30pm
Jane Mandel


Luna Stage 20th Anniversary Gala 
A Tribute to Jane Mandel
The Club at Orange Lawn, 305 N Ridgewood Rd, South Orange, NJ   
  
You can still reserve seats to this spectacular evening of celebration and tribute to the 20-year legacy of Luna Stage and Artistic Director Jane Mandel. 





Monday, June 10, 6pm
  

ValleyArts Artists' Salon


Shared Artist Studio Co-op Update |
 
Free 
Hat City Kitchen, 459 Valley Street, Orange  

Want to learn more about the Shared Artist Studio Co-ops now being in formed in the Valley Arts District?  Come, have a drink...and bring your artist friends!

Second Monday of every month at HCK. 
Free admission plus drink specials and half-price appetizers.

Saturday, June 15,
11am-9pm
More than 200 artists will participate in the first ever Hat City Streets Festival! It all starts at 11am on Saturday, June 15 with performances, arts exhibitions,family activities, food, and more!
For more information,visit 


Renowned NJ printmaker Stephen Mckenzie will join other master artists to lead family activities beginning at 11am

Saturday, June 15,
1-4pm
 
Yema Gallery
540B Freeman Street, Orange, NJ
The Artist Accordion Book
A workshop for artists who wish to explore the book form as an extension of their creative practice. Participants need to have an idea that will fit the structure of an accordion book. 
Cost: $30 
  


Music at Hat City Kitchen
Hat City Kitchen Presents
459 Valley Street, Orange
Live music is a standard at this Valley Arts District landmark featuring American cuisine with a New Orleans influence. Enjoy an eclectic mix of artists playing original music across genres - rock, blues, funk, R&B, soul, and jazz.
For event listings:

Join ValleyArts!
Whether you are an artist, audience member, collector, community builder, or someone who wants a more creative lifestyle, ValleyArts  has a variety of membership options!  

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Hat City Streets Festival Preview


June 15th promises to be a big day for the Valley! Read below and meet some of the faces of the Hat City Streets Festival! 



ValleyArts Director Richard T. Bryant (left) is executive producer of the Hat City Streets Festival. With him is Orange businesswoman Tracye Johnson, who is the Festival's director of volunteer services, and Festival Mainstage Producer Mike Griot, musician and executive producer of the South Orange International Blues Festival.   Photo by Camara Edwards.



Brass is the order of the day when Kiwi, one of New Jersey's fastest rising bands, leads off the Mainstage line-up with its high-energy combination of traditional Brazilian, reggae, and ska.  Opening at 3pm, the Mainstage also features New Jersey Gospel singer Wincey Terry and her band; New Jersey's popular Swing Sabrosa, the Salsa Dura band led by Ray Rodriguez;  and Brooklyn's energetic High and Mighty Brass Band, which takes New Orleans second line tradition to new heights.   






The Family Stage features acts for and by young people.  Maplewood's popular band 8 Bit, comprised of rising 10th graders, will perform, as will Luna Stage's Mi Casa Su Casa Band, and three different units from Orange High School, including the marching band.






Family arts activities include hat making, printmaking, mask making and more.  Stephen Mckenzie's popular printmaking activities will captivate young and old. Ivy Omere's clay masks evoke an African spirit.





Tuesday, May 21, 2013

ValleyArts Presents: Hat City Streets Festival, June 15, 11am-9PM


Hat City Streets Festival, Saturday, June 15, 11am - 9pm, will Animate New Jersey's Orange Valley with Music, Art, Family Activities, Food, and More!

ORANGE NJ --- The inaugural Hat City Streets Festival on Saturday, June 15 from 11am to 9pm, is a day-long cavalcade of music, arts exhibitions, family activities, delicious food, and non-stop fun that reflects the spirit and diversity of the region and celebrates the creativity of Orange. The Festival is free and open to the public.

Produced by ValleyArts and hosted by volunteers of Creative Orange, the Festival is centered at the corner of Forest and Tompkins Streets, which will be closed for the occasion, and on the grounds of the International Central Gospel Church (438 Valley Street, Orange NJ). Festival programs will also take place at the Firehouse Gallery, Hat City Kitchen, Ironworks Community Art Center, Yema Gallery, Arts Unbound, and other nearby spaces in the Valley Arts District. Free parking is available at nearby churches, and on the streets.

The Hat City Streets Festival will feature concert headliners that range from Brazilian reggae to contemporary gospel; appearances by marching bands, choirs, dance ensembles, and a step team; arts exhibitions by professional artists from around the region; and a variety of arts activities for children and families, including hat-making workshops that evoke the neighborhood's past as the hat-making center of the world.
  
"Our Festival will be something akin to a great church picnic and art show that transforms itself into a professional concert stage," said Richard T. Bryant, ValleyArts executive director and co-chair of Creative Orange. "In addition to a full day of music, art, food, and fun, festivalgoers will also experience the extraordinary hospitality of the people of Orange." 

Opening at 11am, the "Family Stage" will feature performances by professional bands and dance ensembles, and appearances by award-winning vocal and instrumental performers from Orange High School, including the marching band.

Heralding the afternoon opening of  "The Mainstage" will be 100 Voices of Hillside, the acclaimed children's choir directed by Troy Bell.  Next up is Kiwi, the fast-rising New Jersey band that performs Brazilian music and jazz with influences of Jamaican reggae, ska, rocksteady, American folk, soul, and R&B.  Also featured is Wincey Terry, the gifted storyteller and powerful singer whose songs of life and faith are propelled by a tght band that includes brass and winds. At the dinner hour, one of the New York area's most popular Salsa bands, Ray Rodriquez and Swing Sabrosa, will launch a big, brassy celebration of Latin music that will have you dancing. Capping the evening will be High and Mighty Brass Band, the fiercely entertaining group that channels the energy of a New Orleans second line into a brassy explosion of Funk, R&B , Afro-Beat, Hip Hop, and more!

Visual art on display will include the ValleyArts Firehouse Gallery exhibition by Afro-Cuban artist Eduardo Roca (known as Choco), "Retrazos del Sol (Traces of the Sun)."  Choco, who lives and works in Havana, is one of Cuba's most important artists and is internationally recognized for his collagraphs, ceramics and oils. The nearby Ironworks Gallery will open "Tatamae Alive," featuring the paintings of ORNG Ink artist Khari Ricks. The event will also include a hip-hop dance jam. The YEMA Gallery will also be open with "Call & Re-Call: An Exhibition of Artist-made Books," curated by Terry Boddie. 

A range of delicious foods found in the Valley Arts District will be available onsite, with a "Feast on the Street" featuring a long table so visitors can enjoy their food and share their festival experience together. The grounds of the Hat City Streets Festival are alcohol free. Participating restaurants include El Palacio del Pollo, Hat City Kitchen, La Galera Centroamericana, Libretti's, SuzyQues BBQ, Valley Diner, and others, to be announced.

Also participating in the Festival are: the anchor organizations of the Valley Arts District including HANDS, Inc., ORNG Ink, Luna Stage, Arts Unbound, YEMA Gallery, and Garden State Urban Farms; City of Orange Township Department of Parks and Recreation; Orange Board of Education; and several area churches. 

Visit valleyartsnj.com/hat-city-streets for more information and a complete, updated schedule of events and activities.  At this site, you can also sign-up to volunteer or apply for an arts booth. 

About ValleyArts 

ValleyArts is the arts service and activist organization of the Valley Arts District. The highest priorities of ValleyArts are to inspire the neighborhood to recognize the arts as essential to community health and vitality; help build up and serve individual artists, arts organizations, and creative entrepreneurs; and encourage everyone to participate in arts, culture, and creativity as part of everyday life. To propel this mission, ValleyArts seeks to attract, serve, and support artists and creative organizations to work and live in the Valley Arts District. ValleyArts is closely allied with HANDS, Inc., a nonprofit organization that combines strategic real estate investment and community organizing to revitalize communities.

ValleyArts is funded in part by JPMorgan Chase Foundation, The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Kresge Foundation, New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Wells Fargo Regional Foundation, Orange Orphan Society, Junior League of the Oranges and Short Hills, Essex County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs, and others. The membership roster includes visual and performing artists, creative entrepreneurs, area businesses, audiences, art buyers, and community members. 

About Creative Orange

Creative Orange is a city-wide collaborative effort to further advance Orange through arts, creativity, and innovation. In recognition of Orange's emergence as a significant creative place in the State, Creative Orange was formed last year as one of six sites in the state-wide Creative New Jersey movement. Last March, nearly 100 Orange leaders from the arts, business, religion, education, real estate, government, and civic sectors came together for a two-day, multi-generational retreat to build a shared agenda for the future. More information about the Creative Orange agenda can be found at valleyartsnj.com/creative-orange 

Monday, May 6, 2013

This May in the Valley


 
ValleyArts Firehouse Gallery
580 Forest Street, Orange NJ 
Direct From Cuba!
Exclusive New York Area Exhibition
 
CHOCO
Retazos del Sol (Traces of the Sun)
May 9 - June 23, 2013
Artist Reception: Thursday, May 9, 6-9pm 
Artist Talk: Saturday, May 11, 3pm

Choco, who lives and works in Havana, is one of Cuba's most important artists and is internationally recognized for his collagraphs, ceramics, and oils. Curated by Astrid Martinez-Jones of Latin Art Space, the exhibition will showcase a fabulous mixed-media installation, Yemayá, Goddess of the Sea, first shown at the 2012 Havana Biennial, as well as other three-dimensional works and his coveted collagraphs. 
 
Retazos del Sol is a series of works representative of contemporary Cuban life and culture. Many of Choco's works reflect the magical world of Afro-Cuban religions, as well as the ethnic mix of people, and the racial and economic challenges of daily Cuban life. Choco's art is boldly colorful and his technique gives the images a three-dimensional and stunning textured feel, as if they were in motion.
 
Refreshments compliments Christine Hyder Events
 
ValleyArts Firehouse Gallery Hours 
Saturdays 10am to 4pm, Sundays 12:30 to 4pm; or by appointment  
The exhibition can also be viewed during ValleyArts Drop-in Hours:  
Thursdays 2:30 to 4:30pm 

paintSplash

ValleyArts Artists' Salon:
Writing an effective artist statement
Monday, May 13 | 6-8pm | Free | Everyone welcome!
Hat City Kitchen, 459 Valley Street, Orange   
Do you have a hard time writing about your artwork? We will offer tips on how to write an artist statement that engages your audience and helps them connect with your artwork. Bring your artist statements for critique by your peers... and bring your artist friends!
ValleyArts Artists Salon meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month at HCK.
Free admission plus drink specials and half-price appetizers.
Moon for the Misbegotten 
Luna Stage 
Moon for the Misbegotten
Betrayal. Deception. Lies. A love story.
By Eugene O'Neill
Directed by Nancy Robillard

Final performances!
Thursday, May 2, 7:30pm
Friday, May 3, 8pm
Saturday, May 4, 8pm
Sunday, May 5, 3pm
555 Valley Road, West Orange
 
Josie Hogan is a strong woman, the rock that holds together her family farm. When the fate of the farm is at risk, Josie and her father scheme to trap their landlord into assuring their future on the property. This is a classic story by one of our greatest American playwrights.   
 
Comedy Night | Thursday, May 16, 8pm 
Hosted by Monroe Martin III
Featuring: Kate Wolff, Josh Wesson, and Menuhin Hart
 
Moonlight Jazz Series | Sunday, May 19, 7:30pm
Greg Bufford 
 
20th Anniversary Gala: A tribute to Jane Mandel
Thursday, June 6, 6:30 - 10:30 pm
The Club at Orange Lawn, 305 N Ridgewood Rd, South Orange, NJ 
 
Music at Hat City Kitchen
Hat City Kitchen Presents  
459 Valley Street, Orange
Live music is a standard at this Valley Arts District landmark featuring American cuisine with a New Orleans influence. Enjoy an eclectic mix of artists playing original music across genres - rock, blues, funk, R&B, soul, &jazz.
 
Mother's Day Brunch Sunday | May 12, 11am - 3pm
Music by the Blue Brush Trio (Jazz) from noon to 3pm 
Featuring a Southern Style Brunch Buffet with great homemade breakfast favorites including Fried Chicken and Waffles. It's the perfect destination to show Mom just how great she is in a fun, funky place! 
Call 862-252-9147 of email info@hatcitykitchen.com to make your reservation today, as seating is limited. 
 
For band and event listings, visit  www.hatcitykitchen.com
Yema Gallery
540B Freeman Street, Orange, NJ
Yema Gallery Call-Re-Call
Call & Re-Call: An exhibition of artist-made books
Curated by Terry Boddie 
May 4 - June 15, 2013 
Opening Reception: Saturday, May 4 from 7-10pm | Free!
Yema Gallery is please to present our second book arts exhibition. This exhibition features the unique perspectives of visual artists that are enticed by the possibilities of creating within the framework of a book and working with the theme of call and response. Exhibiting artists include Shirley Parker Benjamin, Eleta Caldwell, Lebra Turman-Chase, Lauren Dubeau, Mansa Mussa, JC Lenochan, Ibou Ndoye, Shonda Nicholas, Nell Painter, Lynn Presley, Toni Thomas, Gwen Verner-Jarju and Sheltry Ward. The reception will include performances by poet Esther Morales and artist and poet Shonda Nicholas.
Catfish Friday Women's Art Collective Meeting and Potluck Dinner
Saturday, May 18 I 7pm | Please bring food to share
540B Freeman St., Orange
Join this supportive, creative gathering for women artists for inspiration, collaboration and lively conversations about art and life.
Info: toni@artsetcnow.org
Visit our website!     www.valleyartsnj.com

Reach us by email at:    info@valleyartsnj.com
Save the Date!
HC Streets
Watch your inbox for full details of this day-long
cavalcade of music, art, dance, craft, food, and family-friendly fun! 
 
To volunteer, click here!
 
To apply for an art exhibition & sales booth,click here

Arts Unbound
544 Freeman Street, Orange, NJ
Live Auction and Wine & Cheese Party to benefit Arts Unbound 
Sat, May 18, 6 - 9pm 
Sneak Previews: 
Thurs May 16, 6 - 8pm
Fri May 17, 6 - 8pm

Items offered include signed artwork by Norman Rockwell, LeRoy Neiman, Marc Chagall, Nina Palumbo, Mary Drylewicz, Ronaldo Byrd and more.
Plus, silent auction: Valuable Art Related Items

Arts Unbound 544 Freeman Street, Orange, NJ | 973-675-2787/2788www.artsunbound.org
ORNGinkPaint 
ORNG Ink | Ironworks Community Artspace
406 Tompkins St. Orange
Treadbone now on view!
Fashion and art by Robyn Modest and Laura Campbell
paintSplash
Call for Artists 
Original artwork in all media will be considered for solo and group shows in 2013 including the Orbiting Gallery Series and quarterly installations at Hat City Kitchen, Luna Stage and other spaces, TBA. Rolling deadline. No cost to apply. Click here to download an entry form
Green Chevy Heidi Sussman
Another Green Chevy 
Heidi Sussman
Through May 19:
Art at Hat City Kitchen
Featuring original artwork in a variety of media by ValleyArts and other local artists. 
Join ValleyArts!
Whether you are an artist, audience member, collector, community builder, or someone who wants a more creative lifestyle, ValleyArts' newly enhanced 
membership programhas a variety of benefits!  
Mural by Dan Fenelon 
The Valley Arts District is filled with creative spaces for artists, teens, and adults. The 15-square block neighborhood hosts a growing number of exciting events in the performing and visual arts for people of all ages. And the VAD offers plenty of good restaurants, from some of the region's most famous Italian landmarks to the vibrant southern-themed Hat City Kitchen. 
ValleyArts Connect 
A blog-o-zine featuring interviews, stories & news on all things ValleyArts
ValleyArts is a nonprofit arts service and activist organization funded in part by JPMorgan Chase, The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Wells Fargo Regional Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, and others.