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Comment by JulsnMatt1028 on March 17, 2011 at 8:55pm

Phantom Galleries holds it down for DTLB with out a doubt. Keep us on your list as a touch point for outreach though! We'll do our best to push out info too... :)

Comment by Phantom Galleries LA on March 17, 2011 at 1:04pm

I apologize on behalf of all Phantom Galleries participants. clearly we are not doing a good job of communicating to each and every artist here in Long Beach about the rich possibilities our program offers.   Phantom Galleries programming currently has over 10 active Long Beach galleries that are open to the public on a regular basis. The program has shown over 3000 regional artists in over 400 art shows here in Long Beach, highlights include international artists such as Bill Viola, Lita Albuquerque, JR, Kim Abeles to briefly name a few.  We regularly receive international, regional and local general press and  art press each month which highlights our artists and offers them new opportunities. We just hosted a TED conference event that we opened to the public for the artist JR the current TED Prize winner given a wish to change the world. Artwork sales are networked at our locations every month and some works have landed in major collections  as a direct result.  Currently each gallery is curated by a dedicated curator largely made up of long beach based organizers including Jeff Rau, Jeff Chabot, Efren Luna, Monica Flemming, and Neil France just to name a few.  You can submit work to these Gallery Directors as you would any traditional gallery. Artwork from LBCC, CSLUB, and other local educational institutions are shown and promoted. We have also offered the opportunity for our curators and artists to have their first museum show and many have gone on to recive invitations from other galleries.   We currently have a show up at 218 N Promenade which includes the current Director of Civic Art at Los Angeles County Arts Commission. Demi Moore and Ashton Kuchar were at our launch for the TED Prize.  I apologize if every artist in the community does not know about all of this. The program is open for new submissions and we have a gallery space available. The Long Beach Downtown Art Walk now received up to 2000 visitors each month.  Clearly we need to do a better round of communication.  Please contact us at Liza@phantomgalleriesla.com We welcome all of you and are here to support your career goals. 

Comment by Kalem on March 16, 2011 at 6:26pm

I really appreciate the comments in this particular thread. I am a photographer with a passion for photography. However, I do not consider myself an artist. I just don't bring the disciplined creativeness that I see in the work of most artists.

 

Although I'm not an artist, I'm convinced that photography is made to be seen. I've found that those that sell their work do a better job of marketing themselves and their work than those that don't get many buyers for their work. Often, when I display my work, viewers refer to me as an "artist." I don't correct them (any more). I just go with the flow. I think that art consumers (like all consumers) must be educated. That's what good marketing does - educate. All marketing doesn't necessarily cost money. But it must be intentional.

 

Since I'm not an artist, I don't always recognize 'art.' But, I do know what I like. I think that most consumers of art (especially new art consumers) must be 'informed/educated' to better appreciate art. Most consumers prefer to buy from someone that they know.

 

I live in Bixby Knolls and regularly hang out at First Fridays. This particular activity is "hog heaven" for a photographer in my opinion. I now plan to visit the art resources listed in this thread. Once again, great thread!

Comment by MsTmusze (Misty Muse) on March 16, 2011 at 2:24pm

Luis - You've answered your own question in this post. There are indeed many many artists living and working in Long Beach yet, as you've noticed, their numerous faces and art are not well represented at the 2nd Saturday Artwalk and I'd go further to say, the many represented at the First Friday's event in Bixby Knolls represent still only a fraction. The question of why has many answers. Not one of them is a lack of opportunity for artists to participate. Both 2nd Saturday and First Friday are as open door as you can get with consistent chances for artists, visual and otherwise to exhibit.

 

Some visual artists aren't ready. They either don't have enough work to show, or it isn't ready to hang/show, or they don't have the hi res photo samples of their work (aka porfolio) to submit for consideration (insane because of the number of photographers around who could help with that), or they're not organized enough to research and respond to opportunities in a timely fashion.

 

Others are ready and then some. They've actually shown at one or both of the events mentioned. Maybe on multiple occasions in the past. Maybe have even sold. Now they're off, as they should be, responding to opportunities elsewhere in the city and beyond because getting one's work 'out there' does not mean showing to the same crowds at the same two events month after month.

 

Others still are beyond simply getting their work 'out there.' They are all about getting their works sold, and it is a well known and discussed issue that art walks (even the giant one in LA), mixers, receptions and the like are at present, more venues for socializing, hearing music (perfomed/spun by musicians/djs not often paid) and drinking wine than they are locations where artists can expect buyers seeking to purchase art. These artists are focused on showing where the buyers are and while some of us might be wondering where they've gone, there are art dealers and gallery owners who know exactly where they are - creating new work for them to sell.

 

Speaking on passion to do art full time, if possible - making art costs money. Outside of those supported by art buying or otherwise financially supportive patrons, investors, family members or lovers - some of the artists you don't see out and about are out there working their second job or third job, hanging on to their passion by their teeth, yearning like everyone else to earn enough to cover increasing living expenses with enough left over financially and inspirationally to invest into the creation, packaging, marketing, showing and selling of their art. Or not, because some artists are differently intentioned.

 

Thanks for the prompt to write on this close to home topic. Re: photography ( I see you Jackie Joyce!), I've had an exciting idea rolling around in my head for a photography event. I'm open to meeting in person to discuss it sometime soon. There's always the next LBCreative! Potluck Mixer held at Exhibit A, 555 Pine Ave., 7p, Monday night, March 28th. Or some other time or place. Let me know.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comment by JulsnMatt1028 on March 16, 2011 at 2:03pm

You guys are all bosses! Seriously, much respect to you. Daniel, we're greatly looking forward to seeing your re-emergence. Juls and I were just saying how much we miss you the other night. She's can't wait to hang that piece you gave her in out house... Luis, we'll see you at First Fridays! :)

 

Also, 4th st is looking to make a fresh move at their last Saturdays event, so keep an eye out for that.

Comment by Daniel Quinonez on March 16, 2011 at 1:33pm

Luis. You are an awesome artist and an amazing person. You have a passionate heart for the arts and have the right outlook. Keep feeling that special passion for what you love. Always explore how to raise the level of creativity for yourself. I have enjoyed every opportunity I have had in Long Beach and miss all of it. Sadly sometimes our personal lives go through different turns and we have to rediscover ourselves and start over. Bixby Knolls is a terrific place to network and feel inspired by the people that are involved. Do not be afraid to talk to anyone of them. Attend the after walk gathering at Nino's and meet and greet. It is wonderful to read when people have so much passion for art. It makes me feel alive. I cannot wait to be involved again and create works live for everyone to see and enjoy and also and more importantly meet the public and fellow artists to energize me and inspire me to grow. Stay focused on your purpose as a visual art creator and keep that creative fire burning. I was lost without it and have been alive ever since I have ignitied it again.

Comment by lbcsrw on March 16, 2011 at 1:15pm

Luis, the 2nd Saturday event on Linden has suffered from a lack of vision since its start more than a decade ago.  Many people have tried to become involved, hoping that their efforts might improve the quality and positive impact of the event on the local businesses, and on the reputation of the City as a serious arts destination.  Unfortunately, the opposite is true. 

 

The Downtown Art Walk arose because the Linden organizers were unwilling to work with arts professionals who desired to bring highly collectable, successful, and emerging artists to the area. 

 

While the monthly Lyon's At Night events are similar in spirit, they do it right.  Opportunities abound on the Bixby Knolls' First Fridays events.  If you're interested in showing at the EXPO, speak with Doug Orr. 

 

Most importantly, develop relationships with successful artists, and learn from them. 

Comment by Luis Tobon on March 16, 2011 at 12:17pm

I felt like I just replied and there are more replies. I didn't think this post would get this much attention.

 

Rachael - It is great to see all of the events and I just wish I could do them all. My main issue is not having the wherewithal to get all of the art and materials to the outdoor events. My only way to get everything I need is my mother in law and weekends are my real only option.

 

I actually just found out about the Third Thursdays at Shoreline at the Long Beach Mardi Gras Festival from last week.

The Second Saturday Artwalk is included in the LBDAW as it sits on Linden Ave.

 

Emily - I agree. These temporary events get to anybody after a while and is not the answer in the long run. I am young now and it is still exhausting. I don't even want to imagine how bad it would be if I was older.

 

Luis

Comment by Emily Quest on March 16, 2011 at 11:52am

The LBMA Rental gallery closed decades ago. The LACMA Rental Gallery is still closing. If LBMA had one as a service to lb artists, that would rock. I was in the LACMA Gallery for 10 years. Bi-monthly checks were incredible for stability! Most Corporations want to rent instead of buy for business expense. That's what would bring the LB artists together-  respect, checks, and stability. Temporary setups like artwalks are exhausting and it's not something a career artist wants to add to their resume.

Comment by Luis Tobon on March 16, 2011 at 11:47am

Wow! Great replies and time to reply to them.

 

Bixby Knolls - I was actually part of First Fridays last month. I had my photography over at the Everyday Zen Relaxation Studio.

 

How does one get into the Expo Center? I'm not sure if I can do it but it is nice to know the option is there.

 

Victoria - FIrst Fridays is a great event in Bixby Knolls and lots of fun.

http://firstfridayslongbeach.com/

 

562 - Yep, First Fridays is a great event and keeps bringing in not only the crowds but also the art.

The artist community is pretty close and once you know a few artists, you know them all. It is amazing who knows who and yes, I know Daniel. I love his pieces and they are easily recognizable.

 

For First Fridays last month, wife and I set up my display early and had some time to kill. We walked from Bixby up to The Factory, a great eatery, and saw a piece in front of Elise's Tea Room. My wife and I instantly knew who did it. We weren't able to stop by again to see if he was there later but it is great to see his work.

 

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