A View From The Top Greg Busceme, TASI Director
THE GAS HEATERS RETURN to collecting dust for the next nine months as we go into the warm days of summer, looking forward to enjoying the toasty respite from a chilly, wet winter. As far as a “State of The Studio” report goes, we are in a stable state of existence. We are spending less on operations and earning more from sales. We have all spaces rented to 20 artists in residence, along with a couple of intermediates. Classes have revived after a four-year slump, as is evidenced by the Life Drawing class and the work of individual teachers. Although not to 1990s levels, classes are showing a good comeback for young people and adults, as interest outweighs economics and stimulus outweighs boredom. Band Nites are showing modest but steady gains with expected increases in enthusiasm, reflected in a new crew in charge of the event. As always bands must play their own original music, and this is the draw we depend on for innovative and unique presentations. Young musicians see The Studio as a rite of passage for their band. Because of this, and the potential for
ISSUE Vol. 19, No. 8 Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Art Studio, Inc. Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andy Coughlan Copy Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tracy Danna Contributing Writers . . . . . . . . . . . . Elena Ivanova . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kristen Stuck Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Betty Smith The Art Studio, Inc. Board of Directors President Ex-Officio . . . . . . . . . . . . Greg Busceme Vice-President. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Angela Busceme Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Roberts Treasurer/Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beth Gallaspy Members at Large: . . . . . . . . . . . Sheila Busceme, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elizabeth French, . . . . . . . . . . Andy Ledesma, Stephan Malick, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heather Butler
The Art Studio, Inc. 720 Franklin Beaumont, TX 77701 409-838-5393 www.artstudio.org artstudio@artstudio.org The ISSUE is a monthly publication of The Art Studio, Inc. Its mission is to publicize The Art Studio and its tenants, and to promote the growth of the arts in Southeast Texas. ISSUE is also charged with informing TASI members of projects, progress, achievements and setbacks in TASI’s well-being. Further, ISSUE strives to promote and distribute the writings of local authors in its “Thoughtcrime” feature. ISSUE is provided free of charge to members of TASI and is also available, free of charge, at more than 30 locations in Southeast Texas. Regular features include local artists of note and reputation who are not currently exhibiting at TASI; artists currently or soon to be exhibiting at TASI; Instructional articles for artists; news stories regarding the state of TASI’s organization; and arts news features dealing with general philosophical issues of interest to artists.
Contents Blackout Poetry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4 Love For Lynne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6 TASIMJAE in Pictures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 7 Amy Faggard: 0913 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8 Who Are You, Ultima? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 10 Around & About. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 12 Thoughtcrime. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 13 Cover photo of Amy Faggard by Andy Coughlan
future members, Band Nite is one of our strongest assets for the inovation of new music and the investment in the interests of young people. If you haven’t been to a Band Nite lately, you owe it to yourself to go. Art exhibitions are the only events that did not go through a slump as participation seems to peak during especially tough times economically. This is attributable to the lack of weekend travel and a lack of funds. Art exhibitions, as an event, open the door to people looking for cheap family activities. Art sales have been considerably better than average and has held to that trend after the new year. I account for this in light of a buy local mindset and other economic conditions. We continue to work on our facility, but we must make some key decisions on what to build and for what function. Near future- — a covered deck out back of the clay studio would really help with the Studio congestion we are suffering. Further in the future — a metal fabricated facility divided into one part warehouse/ metal works, one part performance space. While I’m dreaming — A/C everywhere and new bathrooms, too.
UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS AT THE ART STUDIO MAY
JUNE
Amy Faggard, TASIMJAE 2012 Winner Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 4
The Alternative Show Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 1
BECOME A MEMBER OF THE ART STUDIO Membership in The Art Studio, Inc., provides invitations to all exhibitions and one year of ISSUE, the monthly arts magazine of The Art Studio. It also gives free eligibility for members to enter the annual membership art exhibition (TASIMJAE) and participate in various exhibitions throughout the year.
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