Fortune cookies

My business life is being controlled by fortune cookies. Yes. Shocking I know, but true. I did a strategic planning day a couple of weeks ago, then went for Chinese food afterward. We each laid out our 'fortunes' and they seemed so appropriate that perhaps there just was something in them. Or we simply wanted them to be that way, more like. I like to think these three phrases will guide my business work in art over the next few months - or until the next meal of Chinese food!

Actually I had an ulterior motive for this image too, I thought it might make an interesting drawing, despite its poor lighting. Something may come of it if I can squeeze in some time. I have a whole day to myself tomorrow and I'm almost giddy with the thought of it. Oils, drawing, coloured pencil, watercolour, what will I tackle?

What's in a name? Perhaps not a lot, but the concept is the same with a provincial art procurement program. So I'll submit a piece and hold my breath to see what becomes of it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I'm still working on a symbolic self portrait for I class I was doing with Armin Mersmann awhile ago. I became a bit unstuck trying to figure out what to put into the right side of the drawing, but I think I have figured it out now. Or I hope so. I've been looking at the work of Vija Celmins lately and becoming inspired. If you don't know her work, please go and look, you'll be glad you did. She is an extraordinary artist with exquisite drawing ability.

Province Announces Newly-Renamed Art Bank and Submission Deadline for Purchase Program

Tourism, Culture and Recreation November 16, 2007

In keeping with national and international practice, the Provincial Government today announced the Art Procurement Program has been renamed the Provincial Art Bank. "The term Art Bank better reflects the nature of the collection and the purchase program associated with it," said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. "This program is of considerable significance to artists’ careers and livelihoods, and it is appropriate that its name be aligned with similar programs in other jurisdictions." No other changes have been made to the annual program, which is open to visual artists residing in the province. The Rooms Provincial Art Gallery will continue to administer the program and care for the works purchased.

Artists are advised that January 15, 2008, is the deadline to submit work to be considered for purchase. After the submissions have been collected, The Rooms Provincial Art Gallery will assemble the jury and manage the selection process. The results are expected to be announced by the end of April 2008. Submissions can be made through an artist’s commercial art gallery or
dealer or, if an artist is not represented by a commercial art gallery, submissions can be sent directly to The Rooms Provincial Art Gallery,
addressed as follows:

Attn: Collections Technician, Art Bank
The Rooms Provincial Art Gallery
9 Bonaventure Ave
P.O. Box 1800, Stn. C
St. John’s, NL A1C 5P9

Artists are reminded that they must provide images of the work to be considered in either digital files or 35 mm slide format, as per the submission guidelines. Detailed submission guidelines and submission forms are available at www.therooms.ca, or by calling 709-757-8047. "The Provincial Art Bank collection includes significant works by both well-known and lesser-known artists," Minister Jackman said. "Displayed in Provincial Government offices and public spaces, these works reflect the cultural expression of visual artists, over time, and are a lasting legacy for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador."

The Provincial Arts Bank budget for 2007-08 is $125,000. Established in 1982, the Art Bank has more than 2,500 pieces of artwork.The Provincial Art Bank Program recognizes and promotes the works of Newfoundland and Labrador’s visual artists by exhibiting original art in public buildings. This program offers visual artists a chance to showcase their work to a wide audience, while also increasing the public’s general awareness of the importance of arts and culture in our daily lives. The Rooms Provincial Art Gallery manages the submissions and adjudication process, as well as providing ongoing support and care for the acquisitions. The art bank jury is made up of representatives from the arts community.

Media contacts:
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 697-5061 Deanne Fisher
Director of Marketing and Development
The Rooms Corporation
709-757-8070, 691-5681
deannefisher@therooms.ca