Why JerryTodd?

One of our work-horses from the start has been custom carpenter and educational tutor Michael Schottelkotte. To say the least, Mike's dedication to helping make our events happen has been crucial ...especially when constructing stairs, bridges, soffits, railings, etc. For example, the above image was taken during a late night work session for our last major event The State of Matter -- a glass exhibition we held throughout Northside. With Mike's help, we customized 30+ wooden pedestals and pulled off the multi-venue exhibition ...and introduced our shipping-container-gallery ideas to Cincinnati.

Thanks Mike.

 parProjects 

Solar Decathlon

The Solar Decathlon is held by the US Department of Energy. The award winning program challenges 20 collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost effective, energy-efficient, and attractive. The first solar decathlon was held in 2002 and has been held  every two years since, creating a biennial competition. The next event will take place on the National Mall, West Potomac Park in Washington D.C. in the fall 2011.



Video: University of Colorado at Boulder: Entry in 2007, which won third place.

Over the course of the 10 year run of the competition many materials have been incorporated into the designs. Shipping containers have been a common structure incorporated into the designs, due to the ease on transportation, durability and strength.

Video: Team China's Tongi University's Solar Decatholon 2011 Computer-Animated Walkthrough.

http://www.solardecathlon.gov/

Enjoy,

 parProjects 

2/21 - 2/26 in Review

While it started off in a bit of a holiday/travel blur, thankfully this week wasn't quite as hectic as the previous two. Plus, Jonathan flew back into town on Tuesday,  so we've been able to hold meetings and take care of business as usual since.

Most notably, we met again with DAAP Galleries and further discussed the possibility of landing our shipping container gallery spaces throughout the campus of UC ...for the upcoming kinetics exhibition Movement. We've also started planning the budget for Movement and continued to research/locate possible artists for involvement. The thought of inviting regional, graduate program (MFA) teams has even been discussed, so we'll soon see if we have any takers here soon.

Aside from our meeting at DAAP, we sat for coffee with another, heavy-hitting, Cincinnati artist regarding his participation in the exhibition. He definitely seemed receptive, so our fingers are crossed in regards to him joining the talented group of exhibiting artists who have already been accepted for the exhibition.

Beyond in-person meetings, we were also in contact with representatives from the city this past week ....via telephone and email. And as of Thursday, our first-level, architectural floor-plans (pictured above) have been forwarded to some of the people who will eventually be in charge of helping get everything built here in Cincinnati. To say the least, this was a rather large step for us in the continuation with our building plans ...and a great way to cap off the week.

As developments continue to take shape, we'll naturally keep you posted. But, that's about it for now.

See you soon,
 parProjects 

Kyle and Kelly Phelps...

Artists Kyle and Kelly Phelp's current exhibition, God Steel and a Wasted Dream..., is currently on display at the University of Dayton's Rike Center Gallery. The collaboration represents more than 20 new works created during their sabbatical leave from both of their respected positions; Kyle Phelps ~ University of Dayton & Kelly Phelps ~ Xavier University.

Kyle and his twin brother Kelly both grew up in the small town of Newcastle, Indiana, where they experienced the midwestern factory life first hand. Their father worked at the Chryser, Warner Gear and Firestone factories, and Kyle and Kelly even shared in the experience (at the factory) before receiving their masters degrees from the University of Kentucky.

The Phelps brothers' work can be described as tableaus of scenes from the factory and working class despair. Common themes in their art include race and the deterioration of the working class. The assemblages utilize elements of metal, fiberglass, wood, found objects and clay. The combination of materials give the works a stylized feel, reminiscent of the artist Thomas Hart Benton. In contrast to Benton, the scenes are of industrial of factory towns. The figures are often slumped over their days work, still with exhaustion.

The exhibition at The University of Dayton runs through March 2nd, in case you're interested in checking it out. More information on the gallery space can be found on their website (http://academic.udayton.edu/visualarts/rike_gallery.htm)

Thanks again,

 parProjects 

ARC

Artist Reaching Classrooms is the Taft museum's stellar example of making real impact in young adults lives. This gem of a program goes the extra step to deliver young artist to adulthood with experience.

The High School focused program is divided into several components: 

Participating schools meet with local professional artists. These artists share their experiences and artwork in the form of presentations and studio visits. Many artists know and remember the value of being in the studio and seeing the art making process first hand. 

The program seeks to engage students in thinking and discussing the visiting artist's methods & techniques. The dialogue is an examination of the relationship among artist, art, and society.

The museum is opened up to the students as a resource for artists to draw-inspiration. In this process students are invited to create art that draws from the experience of visiting artist, the taft museums collection, and beyond. This experience all comes together in a widely celebrated professional exhibition held at the Pendleton Art Center in Over the Rhine. 

Mentioned curation...

As briefly mentioned last post, co-founder Jonathan Sears also takes on curating roles from time to time.

After finishing grad school (MFA from UM, College Park), but before relocating to Cincinnati, Jonathan hosted a number of art related events in the Washington, DC metro area. His passion for innovation eventually led him to co-find and help run the independent/renegade art space formerly known as Woodman Studios of Silver Spring ...that oddly enough hosted exhibitions on the first floor of the group's residence.

And while the shows he helped put together back then were of a much more temporary and experimental nature, this experience is what started his initial curating/collaborating momentum. Images from his most recent exhibition can be found below. For this event, Jonathan collaborated with the SolSource Group of Washington, DC to bring together eight up-and-coming DC artists and two notable fashion designers (including Artistic AYA / ARTAYA) to create a four-floor exhibition and rooftop fashion show.

Please enjoy...



Opening image from:
http://www.dallasartsrevue.com/d-archives/profiles-tm.shtml

Thanks again,
 parProjects 

Jonathan Sears...

Fun-loving, fine artist, animator, curator and graphic designer Jonathan Sears is a self-proclaimed artist's artist ...and the other co-founder of parProjects.

For the most part, Jonathan handles the design work and promotional side of all things related to parProjects. But, he too has his hand in the curation, when he's not encompassed by the planning and programming of a lot of the group's events.

Jonathan, like Chris, has also enjoyed the benefit of teaching at the University level ...most recently upper-level design (computer-imaging/illustration and package design) at The University of Maryland, College Park. And while he looks forward to getting back into the professor circuit, he's currently enjoying the freedom that freelancing as a graphic artist is giving him ...as he takes on daily tasks related to getting parProjects off the ground.

For a little more information about Jonathan, you can visit one of his websites or send him an email to parProjects1@gmail.com.

His online facets include:

+ http://www.justJonathan.com
   (personal online hub)

+ http://www.LangurMedia.com
   (graphic and web design)

+ http://www.reCollectCreative.blogSpot.com
   (creativity-related discourse)

He also heads up the parProjects website, located at:

+ http://www.parProjects.com

...Oh & Jonathan also feels it necessary to note that he's originally from "the wonderful city of Virginia Beach ...part of the Hampton Roads community." And while he hasn't quite found a life-guard stand or been able to see the waves crash against the shore from here, he's enjoying the "work hard and people may actually pay attention" mentality he's found in the Midwest ...so, he thanks everyone for the warm welcome.

 parProjects 

From Germany...

equals

Relevant link:
http://www.lotto-turm.com/

Thanks,
 parProjects 

Bunny Lane

Adam Kalkin is considered one of the most influential and innovative architects in the development of ISBU (Intermodel Steel Building Units) shipping container building. ISBU is the term architects use for the use of prefabricated container structures. Kalkin's use of these structures in his designs are as much sculpture as they are architecture.



"Bunny Lane" built in 2001 by Kalkin is located in Bernardsville, New Jersey. The piece of architecture features an existing two story 19th century clapboard house and stacked shipping containers all contained within a large open industrial shed.

http://www.architectureandhygiene.com/

Thank you,

 parProjects 

2/7 - 2/18 in review.

As this is being typed from out of town, we'd easily conclude that we've had an extremely hectic two weeks. It's not so much that loads of work were completed in regards to The Road To Refresh; its more so that a lot has gone on behind the scenes with parProjects ...especially in regards to our upcoming kinetics exhibition (which is now "officially" on the CCAC's website HERE.)

If you were following, you know that last week we were off to DC in search of inspiration, artists and adventure. Behind the scenes though, we were packaging some of our fundraising ideas (for our proposed container structure) and solidifying further contacts to make it all happen. Thankfully, the interest continues to build. And please remember, downloadable DIY flyers to help spread interest can be found by clicking HERE or the image below.)

Also, to note: In the coming days, we'll be adding a way for you, our public, to sign up for daily email reminders, for when Pepsi voting begins (in April).

Since the top of this week, we've been solidifying how the promotion of "Movement!" will look, as well as solidifying more participating artists. And while our list is yet to be finalized, we can let you know some solid names have already signed on. [Excitement!]

Research on where the container-gallery-spaces will land has also been taking place. Also, as you may have read, a similar container art space has been located in northern Virginia ...and I hope to visit or speak with someone in regards to their project on Monday.

At any rate, I'll conclude here as the night is approaching. I will say though -- to all of the fellow night-time drivers -- "Watch out for kitchen sinks on Interstate 68 when driving through the mountains of West Virginia!" We had quite the snowy, scare and swerve around midnight a few days back.

 parProjects 

FUNKe FIRED ARTS

A trip of sheer curiosity landed me at FUNKe FIRED ARTS -- a gallery, studio, and education space located in the Hyde Park/Oakley area of Cincinnati. Along the way (at art openings, etc.), I'd met a couple of people that work or worked in the space, so I decided to check it out for myself.

What a great decision that was [patting myself on the back].

At FUNKe, the atmosphere is quite pleasant and maybe even a bit jovial. Artisans are working privately. Open classes are being held around clay wheels. Preparations for upcoming exhibitions are taking place behind mystical curtains. Still, folks like Kirk Mayhew are willing to stop everything they're doing to show you around and introduce you to their education schedule and gallery offerings (currently showing the 3rd Annual Member's Show) ...the reason for this post.

The current exhibition at FUNKe FIRED ARTS was a bit of a treat. A slew of skill levels are represented, but the standouts do just that ...stand out.

Movement!

June 2011 >>
Email us at: parProjects1@gmail.com

Thanks,
 parProjects 

Phil Spangler (reCollected)...

A while back, I wrote an article about Cincinnati artist Phil Spangler. He's a young talent that has a keen eye for materials as well as a passion for kinetic sculpture.

Below is the article that was originally published for the blog reCollect Creative back on April 5th, 2010. Please enjoy the work of Phil Spangler and consider this another preview for our upcoming kinetics exhibition!

More about Jonathan...

(coming soon)

...Happy Valentines Day.

This is fascinating...

I wonder how much weight these expandable shipping containers can handle.



http://www.cargoshell.com/

Happy Grammy Sunday,
 parProjects 

ContainerSpace

George Mason's container space is the result of a Grant awarded in 2008 from the schools Office of Sustainability. The funding was used to purchase a 130 watt solar panel and it's varies components that are currently the main power supply for the container space.

Construction Photo's

Exhibition Opening, Kendall Nordin

"Future plans include a giant seesaw that invites visitors to ride & generate power that is stored in batteries. [Also being discussed is] a power generating stationary bicycle that allows visitors to participate electricity for the container space."

Thanks,
 parProjects 

Reviewing "Bound"

"Bound" is a two person exhibition at Hamiltonian in Washington, DC. The two artist Katherine Mann and Selin Balci both are currently Hamiltonian Fellows and who's work focusses on vivid abstractions.

Katherine Mann's work focusses on drawing primarily, but also incorporates elements of ink, cut shapes, over lay and patterning. The four large drawings on paper reflect a mixture of techniques influenced by textiles and Japanese sumi paintings. The process of constructing is one of intuition and is one of seeing. The beautiful shapes created out of ink are delicately defined by painted elements. The result is one that can be felt, quality gut wrenching abstractions.

In contrast to the traditional methods of Mann's work, Selina Balci's plexi panels and videos take on a whole life of there own. Selina Balci's pieces are "alive!" Literally, She works mold and as time lapses amazing color and shape fill her compositions. Her work represented in the show is a combination of photography, a large plexi assemblage and several video's. The star piece in bound is undoubtedly Balci's plexi assemblage. In this piece there are a dozen or so panels in a grid in which cultures of mold have been introduced. Over time the mold breaths and lives out in a spectacular fashion. They create vivid colors and shapes that can only appear in nature.

The Show at Hamiltonian continues thru March 5.

Please Check them out at:

1353 U Street NW
Suite 101
Washington DC 20009-4444

Friday!

 parProjects 

Educational Model

Hamiltonian immediately comes to mind as an inspirational model of educational programming. This nonprofit space founded by Paul So resides in the U Street corridor of Washington DC. The focus of the space is to develop and advance the careers of emerging artists ...all of which is anchored by its prominent exhibition space. Featured Hamiltonian programming includes: Artist Fellowships, Professional Development, Panel Discussions and Speaker Series. 

Artist Fellowships:

The two year fellowships allow for focused development of emerging artists. Hamiltonian fellows are expected to participate fully in the fellowship program, which provides a schedule of exhibitions as well as opportunities to participate in gallery operations and other activities to further their careers and knowledge of the business of art management. 


Our artist in residence program has similar goals in growth for artists' work ...as well as sharing the form of an exhibition with overlapping educational projects.

Professional Development: example, Taxes for Artists:

Hamiltonian features an annual workshop that focusses around the subject of tax structuring for artist. We support this type of pragmatic programming, leading to more educated artist able to survive in the industry as well.

Panel Discussions and Speaker Series:

At Hamiltonian, the discussions involve a diverse group of professionals. Past speakers include gallery owners, established artist and art professionals in the field. In Hamiltonian's speaker series artist fellows are also asked to share their thoughts on their work and development. 


Our project shares a similar mission within the artist residence program; however, in contrast, we ask artist to participate in teaching projects and team building to share their knowledge with the community. This is done in weekend tutorials, artist talks and demonstrations.

Thank you,

 parProjects 

Headed to DC in a Cargo Van

An important aspect of curating is seeing. So, in the spirits of this blog, we currently find ourselves seeing the road again ...this time to the DC area in search of artists, inspiration, and possible participants in our upcoming programming.

The great thing about quick trips like this one, is that for the most part, all we'll be able to do is pay attention. We'll be visiting a handful of galleries, taking a bunch of pictures, and simply observing a different energy. It'll probably take a few days for the experience to soak in, but when it does, we'll more than likely have a bit more direction.

We have a few hours left until we reach our destination, so with that, we'll keep this blog post short and bid you all adieu. Still, to note, the opening image is by Washington, DC artist Billy Colbert who we'll be talking with about the upcoming kinetics show. He has a number of robotic pieces that we hope you'll be able to see soon!

And we're off,
 parProjects 

About Chris...

Chris Hoeting is one of our two founding members. He hails from the great Queen City and is happy to contribute his knowledge and skill sets to the mission of parProjects.

Chris is an artist as well as an educator who started his professional education at University of Dayton, where he earned his BFA in sculpture and painting back in 2002. He received a number of awards while at UD, including the Mary Dunsky Award -- based on artistic merit -- which helped encourage him to continue his artistic pursuits. The University of Maryland, College Park was the next stop on his educational journey, where he earned his Masters of Fine Arts degree (painting) in 2004.

Since finishing his University studies, Chris has taught fine arts at Montgomery College, The University of Maryland, Xavier University, and The University of Dayton where he's currently a guest lecturer. This skill and passion to teach is why Chris leads the way (working with other teammates) in the development of parProjects' educational programming. Plus, his clear goals, and familiarity with Cincinnati help him fine tune ideas so they'll work well within the city.

In concert with these points, its important to understand that Mr. Hoeting is a practicing artist as well. He uses one of a kind painting techniques to create sculptural images that you have to see in person to truly appreciate. He's exhibited his work in galleries throughout the US and abroad -- having shown in places such as Indiana, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Dundee, Scotland -- and looks forward to where his work will take him. His most recent exhibition was at the Weston Art Gallery in Cincinnati, OH and he's been enjoying the creative momentum that show provided since.

Beyond this, Chris stays tuned to public radio and enjoys watching films in his free time. Plus, you can catch him in & out of galleries/museums day and night. He also enjoys the occasional Unicorn Bloodbath soccer game.

Surely,
 parProjects 

Green & Yellow...

Green and Yellow...

Green Bay Wins.

A little inspiration from Joe...

We noticed that an artists who was selected for our kinetics show posted some links in the comment section of one of our posts ...so we decided to share them with you. Please enjoy Joe Hoffman's examples of moving sound.





Thanks again,
 parProjects 

1/30 - 2/4 in Review

This week was more positive relationship building than anything else.

We started on Sunday meeting with an extremely talented Cincinnati artist, Alice Pixley Young (who happens to be featured in the Jan/Feb issue of Sculpture Magazine -- find one!). We'd been trying to catch up with Alice for a while. So, we were pleased to discuss the project with her and her husband Eric over Mexican cuisine and Margaritas. (Hooray Margaritas!) And through conversation, she's agreed to help us bounce ideas around in terms of educational components and general problem solving. For us, this was especially comforting because, as  mentioned, she's a great artist; but also, I personally think she'll do a great job influencing the camp's vibe as she contributes her ideas (and hopefully challenges some of ours). Go Packers!

Since Sunday, we've also had a couple of conversations with our architectural consultant concerning some floor plan logistics and ideas to raise the ceiling-height of the second gallery space. Fourteen foot ceilings sound good to you right?! We still have to consult with engineering about this. Regardless, some new releases will be heading this and your way soon.

We also wrapped up the week meeting with our business/planning consultant down at Happen Inc. This was primarily just a catch-up visit. But, we did agree that we'd like to create a few educational programming opportunities that can benefit the youth ...when working with Happen Inc. Still, I think the general consensus (amongst many) is to continue making Northside one of Cincinnati's art hubs/mainstays ...and to help one another along the way. Currently in Northside you can find Art on All Floors, Chase Public, Fabricate, Happen Inc., Prairie, Thunder-Sky and Visionaries & Voices. With that being said, we hope to be one of the bridges between the entities ...as our goals are similar, but not too much like another's. Plus, if built, our space will be available to these and other community organizations.

Beyond team and building details, we've also been figuring out some of the logistics for the upcoming kinetics show (at The Clifton Cultural Arts Center) this June. A number of artists have been accepted for the exhibition, so we're definitely looking forward to further submissions from you all. 

...Please tell the talented people you know!

The one snag of the week came when Pepsi announced on/by Tuesday that it will be postponing its March "Refresh" competition until April 1st. (But don't worry, as far as fundraising goes, our fine art silkscreen prints will be released soon enough ...for those of you who are anxious to support this project.) Regardless, we'll have an extra month to get our Pepsi Refresh voter team numbers up.

So we ask, have you mentioned us to anybody lately?

Relevant links include:

http://alicepixley.blogspot.com/

http://chasepublic.com/

http://www.cliftonculturalarts.org/

http://fabricatestore.wordpress.com/

http://www.happeninc.com/

http://www.pixleyart.com/

http://www.prairiecincinnati.com/

http://www.thunderskyinc.org/

http://www.visionariesandvoices.com/content/vv-home

Thanks again,

 parProjects 

A good show at The Cincinnati Art Museum

In accordance with our newly adopted schedule (found HERE), today marks the day to post an "Independent Feature" that highlights a local artist or creative experience ...that, of course, can be related to our current drive.

With this in mind, I did a bit of Googling, and eventually landed on an exhibition that -- even if not relatable -- seemed like a good fit for today's exploration. That show was "Way We Are Now: Selections From The 21C Collection" (a collection from a rather "swanky" hotel I gather) down at The Art Museum of Cincinnati. It's on display until May, 15th, 2011 if you find yourself in Cinci before then. At any rate, it's a fun spirited show, that has many more highs than lows ...& is easily relatable (as long as you're not growing cobwebs that it is).

The show features some great photography (especially in the balcony area), a fun but somewhat disturbing sculpture ("Surrogate") by Patricia Piccini and a typically-consistant Kehinde Wiley larger-than-life painting.

But, the reason for this post was an amazing work, and the lucky find of the day by Shih Chieh Huang of Taiwan. Titled EX-C-FW, this kinetic work was quirky, electrically powered and simply fun to watch. It rotated slowly via fan power, had lights that blinked when triggered by a video (being retina-scanned) and featured inflating/deflating plastic cones.

Here's a video to give you a better idea of what I'm writing about.

Regardless of your artistic taste (if you have any sort of fun spirit left in you), this is a grat show to see. Its simply a good time ...plus being housed in a great museum, a worthy artful experience is a safe bet.

More info on The Cincinnati Art Museum can be found at the link below:

http://www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org/absolutenm/templates/exhibitionscurrent.aspx

Cheers,

parProjects

A little more education...

Around this time last week, we presented a basic outline of our proposed educational programming that will happen in conjunction with the kinetics show ...based at the Clifton Cultural Arts Center. It all revolves around the creation and use of solar PV panels (to power a kinetic sculpture). But if you missed that post, you can find it here.

A few developments have come together since -- related & unrelated to this particular program -- so we thought to share them with you tonight.

For starters, it's been suggested, by a few, that we use ready made kits for the project, but upon further investigation, we've found it's much more affordable (and seemingly more explorative) to use a much more bare-bones approach. Still, for those in the know, we won't be approaching the project at the extreme bare bones level ...starting with single sheets of copper.

For our panels, we've decided to use broken solar panels, which can be found for as little as $5 - $10 for a bag weighing a few pounds (direct from certain manufacturers). To note: with simple welding/wiring, our research has found that these panels still function at a high level. This approach not only emphasizes basic ideas of recycling, but it also gives more possibilities as far as creativity is concerned. Ideas of mosaics come to mind. Plus, it's one of our educational goals to provide inexpensive options ...in materials, etc.

--
Aside from the educational program, our curiosities have been raised about the his/her "facilities" of our structure ...and whether or not we'll have a "green" approach to this concern. For that, we've decided to present you with an inspirational presentation delivered by Green School co-founder, John Hardy (at a recent TED Talk). It's a little long, but we implore you to give it a chance. Its a beautiful idea/concept for a school ...something worth copying for sure!



...And if you missed what we're mentioning, it was introduced around the 4:40 mark ...and it involves composting. We hope you enjoyed this video as much as we did. The Green School's holistic approach to  education is undeniably inspirational.

Cheers!
 parProjects 

Sound

Thinking Kinetic

Several artists have been invited to participate in our up and coming kinetic exhibition planned for the summer of 2011. With this, we will be introducing a selection of artists over the course of the next few months. We will highlight artists during our Tuesday posts (curator notes). Please enjoy the previews and follow along as the exhibition picks up steam.

Focussing on Sound

One category of Kinetic work that we'll be including in the show is "sound art." 

We believe that sound art is an important investigation in the sensory experience and often overlaps the world of kinetics. In the broadest sense kinetics is defined as "having movement."

Featured Artist: Joseph Hoffman currently resides in columbus, OH. 
His recent work focusses on sound art. His unique method of artistry uses sound engineering software and a complex channel distribution that only the artist can comment on. Still, the combination of sculpture and installation allows Hoffman to play with movement. His work could be described as a wall of sound. The overlapping channels of sound have a distinct narrative approach, often times cryptic. Noises move across the wall as new sounds and introduced. The  visual movement of intervals create a vibration that carries the eye through a grid of speakers. 

Hoffman's work can most recently be found at Pheonix Gallery in New York, NY. We are extremely pleased with his addition to our exhibition roster.

More of his work can be found at: http://www.joseph-hoffman.com/Home.html

Thanks,

 parProjects