Danielle James's Posts - crafthaus2024-03-19T03:28:36ZDanielle Jameshttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/DanielleJameshttp://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/357636437?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1http://crafthaus.ning.com/profiles/blog/feed?user=3pvaenuqtl651&xn_auth=no“I went to the Yuma Art Symposium and all I got was this life changing experience” The Final Daytag:crafthaus.ning.com,2014-03-24:2104389:BlogPost:4637542014-03-24T01:00:00.000ZDanielle Jameshttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/DanielleJames
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398878057?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398878057?profile=original" width="257"></img></a></p>
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<p>If you remember anything about traveling to the Yuma Art Symposium, let it be this. Do not; I repeat DO NOT drink copious amounts of alcoholic beverages in the desert while jumping back and forth between a salt-water pool and a hot tub. You will most certainly wake up the next morning feeling exactly how I imagine a grape feels after transforming into a…</p>
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<p>If you remember anything about traveling to the Yuma Art Symposium, let it be this. Do not; I repeat DO NOT drink copious amounts of alcoholic beverages in the desert while jumping back and forth between a salt-water pool and a hot tub. You will most certainly wake up the next morning feeling exactly how I imagine a grape feels after transforming into a raisin. (Now I know why no one else was swimming in the pool) I opened my eyes the morning of the last day and instantly felt a rush of nausea and regret hit me like a steam engine. After hugging the toilet in the hotel room for what felt like a millennium, I made myself as presentable as possible and headed to the first workshop of the day. </p>
<p> Kat Cole was giving her liquid enamel workshop that morning so we headed over to watch her show us her magic. After filling my notebook to the brim with notes, I stepped outside to get some fresh air and settle my still angry stomach. I had a quick chat with the always-amazing Harlan Butt about the many strange and loud birds that were flying around Yuma (Not quite a starling not quite a black bird.) then headed downtown to join the group. </p>
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<p><span>Our group Yuma veteran told us that we needed to stop by Red’s Bird Cage for something called “Bloody Mary’s with Dave”. Although the thought of more alcohol floating around in my stomach made my eyes roll back into my head, when I found out the origin of this Yuma tradition, there was no way I would pass it up. Dave Pimentel was a founding member of the symposium, a wonderful artist and professor at ASU. Unfortunately Dave passed away in 2004 and to honor of his memory and celebrate the Yuma family some of the participants donated all the “fixin’s” for what I hear are “the best bloody Mary’s around”. </span></p>
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<p>We celebrated life, art and friends in a bar that at one time was a whorehouse then had some free time so we did what came natural, ANTIQUE SHOPPING!</p>
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<p>Did I mention that Yuma has the most amazing antique stores? It was almost like the stores owners anticipated a bunch of crazy artists coming through their town and were ready. Imagine a place where you can find <span style="color: #3e454c; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 15.359999656677246px; orphans: auto; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #f7f7f7; display: inline !important; float: none;">aisle</span> upon <span style="color: #3e454c; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 15.359999656677246px; orphans: auto; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #f7f7f7; display: inline !important; float: none;">aisle</span> of antique tools, an entire wall of every color tin imaginable, more kitsch figurines then your brain can handle and you pretty much get the picture. It was a collectors dream, and because we were so close to the border there were many beautiful hand raised Mexican copper vessels for sale! </p>
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<p>I just could not believe how reasonable all the prices were either. Our only problem was creating enough space in our luggage to carry all the stuff we acquired in those three days. (Some stuff was never going to get through security so we mailed it back home)<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398885759?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398885759?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-center" width="750"></a></p>
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<p>Many participants take this break in the schedule to hunt for the perfect costume for the saw, file, solder sprints. No matter what your teams theme you can find the perfect accessory or wardrobe in one of these eclectic stores and the local goodwill has some great treasures too. After a few hours of bargain hunting my body was almost restored to normal so we headed back to the hotel to get into our team costumes, then we were off to the races!</p>
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<p>Our team consisted of Alison Bailey (Our saw woman), Mary Klacza (Our file woman) and myself as the solder woman. We decided to call our team the East Carolina Greenvillians after our hometown of Greenville North Carolina. (Honestly, we just wanted an excuse to wear green mustaches and capes.) We were unsure about our sprinting skills because it was Alison and my first time competing so put our money on winning the best costume trophy. It became quite clear that was not going to happen while were walking up to register and saw the complex costumes the other teams had put together. So we collectively decided to do our best and most importantly have fun.</p>
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<p>After we registered we took the ceremonial tequila shot (or four) to calm our nerves and then settled in to watch the show. We were the eleventh team in line so we got a good long look at how the other teams were doing then solidified our game plan. Right away we could see the biggest obstacle was not breaking the saw blade while sawing out the ring blank. (The table looked mighty wobbly), second was not dropping the ring while someone was passing it to you, and thirdly that damn propane torch never wanting to light correctly. Alison went back to eradicate her butterflies with a few more shots, and then we were on deck. Two teams race at the same time trying to get the lowest time possible, each with their own timekeeper and judge. We all lined up and waited what seemed like a lifetime for the gong that signaled the start of the race.</p>
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<p>The gong rang, and Alison was off to a great start with her cape furiously flapping behind her. Since Mary and I were in line about 30 feet behind Alison all we could see was her right elbow furiously going up and down then her left elbow quickly turning the blank and then in what seemed like two seconds she finished and running back in our direction (WITHOUT BREAKING ONE SINGLE BLADE).</p>
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<p>Mary picked up the flat ring shape (looked more like a string bean shape) and sprinted back to the table to file the crap out of it. Mary was the veteran in our team and gave us many helpful pointers during the days leading up to symposium. She knew what kind of finicky torch we would be using and to make sure to account for the unpredictable weather etc. She quickly finished filing and ran back to hand the ring blank off to me.</p>
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<p>Making sure to not drop the ring I channeled my long forgotten catholic upbringing and made a tiny communion basket with my hands so that Mary could easily drop the blank without complication. I darted to the table while bending the ring into a roundish shape with my hands, sat down, picked up the striker and to my surprise lit the torch on the first try! Dumbfounded I dipped the entire ring in flux then immediately stick soldered the hell out of it. (For those of you who think solder does not fill gaps, you are sorely mistaken!) After quenching and a quick trip to the ring mandrel to round the ring out, I crossed the finish line in heels with an amazing time of 2 minutes and 38 seconds, the best time so far. (After some deliberation from the judges)</p>
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<p>After a few more celebratory tequila shots we hooted, hollered and cheered for the teams that were still racing and enjoyed the family we found ourselves in. After everyone was finished we did not win best costume BUT FIRST FREAKING PLACE! I actually got to pickup, wear, and keep the trophy I had lusted over the first day we arrived, a very surreal experience.</p>
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<p>Eventually the shock wore off and it was time to party! Directly next to the parking lot where the races are held is a lovely little outdoor area complete with a stage and light displays. The dinner provided was delicious and you guessed it, Mexican! The corn tortillas were made on literally nothing more than a metal trashcan with a fire inside topped with a sheet of steel; it gave me goose bumps to watch the lady work so diligently to make each one by hand. Everyone ate, got liquored up, and danced the night away in that order.</p>
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<p>A first timer like me had no idea whatsoever what to expect out of this adventure. I knew almost no one and basically nothing about the west cost art scene on Thursday when we touched down in Phoenix. On Sunday I had gained a first place trophy, many newfound friends, more pride in my community, much needed inspiration, and a little bit of melancholy because I didn't want to leave. I am so grateful for this experience that almost did not happen, in retrospect I cannot believe I almost bailed on attending.</p>
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<p>We all have our excuses, maybe the thought of being thrown in with so many new and talented artists is too intimidating, or maybe you feel like you would not fit in, possibly the cost is too high for your budget. My advice is this; that intimidation you are feeling is only in your head, if can't afford airfare and you have a pair of legs WALK to Yuma and do work-study to get your registration waived, and if you feel like a misfit in your community this is the place your can be yourself and be celebrated because of it. I often feel like in our line of work we constantly compare ourselves to each other in a negative way and define ourselves by someone else definition of success. I am guilty of this self-destructive outlook more than I would like to admit but Yuma creates a place to celebrate each other not compartmentalize. As my good friend and mentor Ken Bova always says “A victory for one artist in is a victory for every artist.” Yuma is the victory party to end all victory parties.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398900516?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398900516?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-center" width="750"></a></p>
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<p>Thank you for reading and until next time, go forth and make good things!</p>
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<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>Danielle James</p>
<p>D-J-metals.com</p>
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<p></p>“I went to the Yuma Art Symposium and all I got was this life changing experience” Day Twotag:crafthaus.ning.com,2014-03-14:2104389:BlogPost:4623722014-03-14T16:30:00.000ZDanielle Jameshttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/DanielleJames
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398876265?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398876265?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a> After a jet lagged deep sleep, we were up and ready to take on whatever Yuma had in store for us! Our group piled into the rental car we affectionately nick named the “Pri Pri” (Short for Prius) and headed down town. One of the interesting things Yuma is its location, West of the Colorado River and a hop skip and a jump from the Mexican and California border, if you have a…</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398876265?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398876265?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></a>After a jet lagged deep sleep, we were up and ready to take on whatever Yuma had in store for us! Our group piled into the rental car we affectionately nick named the “Pri Pri” (Short for Prius) and headed down town. One of the interesting things Yuma is its location, West of the Colorado River and a hop skip and a jump from the Mexican and California border, if you have a passport you can squeeze in a ton of adventuring in between scheduled presentations and social events. Also, a surprising amount of bratwurst hauses and German restaurants are peppered in between the droves of Mexican restaurants and taco shacks. The reason being, this is Snowbird country, and many retired Mid Westerners with German heritage flock here. Yuma has an average temperature of 80 degrees during the fall and winter months (very different from the 120 degree summers) making this the perfect climate to spend a few months dodging the rain and snow elsewhere. A few miles away in the border town of Algodones there are cheaper eye doctors, pharmacies, and general practitioners than in the any U.S. town and many locals refer to Algodones as the “dental capital of Mexico.”</p>
<p>With all the things to do that morning; needing to register, donating my pin to the pin auction, dropping off my work for the student exhibition, and signing in to work-study I had no time to pick up a quick bite for breakfast. We first arrived at <a href="http://www.tomkinspottery.com/tomkinspottery.com/home.html" target="_blank">Tomkins Pottery</a>, the brainchild of Yuma Symposium Executive director Neely Tomkins her husband George Tomkins. (Both immensely talented ceramic artists in their own right) They graciously open up their gallery every year for symposium attendees for breakfast, lunch, and the occasional bonfire blowout. We swiftly registered then walked inside and to my stomachs delight I saw a tasty array of baked goods, fresh fruit, cheese and Quiche, all made by Yuma volunteers! </p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398877410?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398877410?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></a>I quickly found where to drop off my pin and student work, got all set up for work-study and we were off! To save myself from being redundant and beating a dead horse, I would like to focus more on the overall experience of the symposium not the presenters themselves. If you would like more info on who presented, or who might be presenting next year check out the website <a href="http://www.yumaartsymposium.memberlodge.org/Default.aspx?pageId=102915" target="_blank">here</a></p>
<p>The assemblage of so many people from so many artistic backgrounds affords anyone (with a bit of forethought) an amazing opportunity to bounce creative ideas off one another. (For God sake I found another Metalsmith that was drawing up plans for the same mini awning brooch I was!)</p>
<p>For instance, when I registered back in January, an email was sent to me asking which presenter I would prefer to aid for work-study! That by itself is an amazing amount of control to have over your overall experience, if you reply to the email with lightning speed (which I did) you might even get your first choice. Mine was Willam Volkersz an amazing installation artist who combines neon light and kitschy found objects into powerful work about growing up in war-torn Holland. As someone who works with neon myself and someone who is very interested in how the past shapes our future, I was ecstatic to aid Willam.</p>
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<p>I dropped off my auction pin/student work and had a few minutes to look around the Yuma Art Center while they were setting up the exhibitions on view that night. With beautiful high ceilings and great natural light this place is a stellar spot for any exhibition. So much was happening in this building, the student exhibition was in the process of being installed, the presenters exhibition just needed some labels and vinyl letters and Laura Wood and Kat Cole were putting the assembling their debut of The Jewelry Edition pop up show. These traveling pop up collaborative shows feature seven amazing contemporary artist that rotate yearly while having online representation <a href="http://www.jewelryedition.com" target="_blank">here.</a></p>
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<p>While making my rounds I got a chance to scope out this years Saw, File, Solder Race trophies and secretly made my fantasy decision of which one I would pick if our team miraculously won. The saw file and solder race is a highly anticipated yearly tradition at Yuma. The amazing handmade trophies change makers every year and are highly sought after. Each team of three comes up with a name and a themed costume and race is relay style. One person saws out a ring band then run back to the person in charge of filing and it continues from there. The ECU Symposium has a one-person mini saw, file, solder race every year but nothing like what was about to go down on Sunday, and I had practiced and pumped.</p>
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<p>We had lunch at Lutes Casino (Best onion rings I have ever eaten) and it felt like the day was going by entirely too fast. I already realized that Yuma is the kind of gathering where you can walk right up to a presenter and shoot the shit, talk about life without even batting an eye. (Not always the experience at larger artistic gatherings) So that is exactly what I did, I made it my mission to talk to anyone and everyone, to get the most out of my experience and I was not disappointed. This is what I mentioned in my earlier post by making true friends not just connections. Sure, a workshop or job interview may come out of a few late night conversations at anyone of the many bars downtown, but I got the feeling that being cliquish, ego boosting or a flatterer was not going to get anyone very far in this group of artists, a very refreshing thought.</p>
<p>After a little R&R at the Cabana we got gussied up and hit to town! I highly suggest (If you are a maker of adornment) wearing a piece of your own to this evening! I had just finished a necklace for me thesis exhibition that I was unsure about and thought I would give it a ride around town, AKA the most honest and rapid-fire critique ever!</p>
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<p>That evening was jammed packed with awesome! We got to the arts center and the presenter/student exhibition opening was in full swing. At one point the place was shoulder to shoulder, and for good reason. Seeing the presenters work in person was a great privilege and the slides in their presentations just are not the same as seeing the real thing. </p>
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<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398885412?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398885412?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></a></p>
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<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398889834?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398889834?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></a></p>
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<p>On the other side of the gallery was the highly anticipated Pin Auction. With all the proceeds going to help keep the symposium running next year, the room a buzz with friendly bidding wars and excitement.</p>
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<p>Each pin is donated by anyone who wishes to (With the word pin being used lightly, some people donated small sculptures or paintings) and is displayed on the wall with a number. Once you have found the piece you just cannot live without it is time to go hunt down the yellow card with the corresponding number and place your bid. The veteran auction goers were a sight to behold. Some would hover around their auction slips like a predator circling his or her prey, resort to playful intimidation, or wait to pounce as the last second bidder, but it is all in good fun and for great cause.</p>
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<p>At the end of the allotted time frame, there is a ten second count down in which begins a frenzy of scribbling and laughing. I had the wonderful work-study duty of warding off any late bidding and circling the last bid with a big red pen. Once the craziness is over, the winners pick up their slips and head to the table to pay and receive their pin or five. Being a person who donated a pin I occasionally observed my auction slip throughout the evening and watched a tiny bidding war begin over my work. That by itself made the trip worth every penny, especially when I was able to speak with the gentleman who won my pin and ask him why he choose mine out of all the others. It felt a little like an artist to artist blind date, but without all the awkwardness.</p>
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<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398893384?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398893384?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></a></p>
<p>After the auction and the exhibitions winded down the night kept on rolling.</p>
<p>Show your Stuff is an adult show and tell about you, your work, anything you want to share really. Formally titled “Slide Abuse” we all packed into The Pint House across the street from The Yuma Art Center and settled in for an evening of drinks, laughs, and five-minute presentations.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398894735?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398894735?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></a></p>
<p>After Show your Stuff we piled back into the Pri Pri with our DD and headed back to the hotel to make a quick change into our bathing suits for the pool party at one of the neighboring hotels (There is always a bonfire at Tomkins Pottery each night but tonight swimming my goal. Once in the proper gear we headed to the party for an even more casual and socially lubricated gathering of friends, strangers, and people who I have only heard their names in magazines and on the Internet. So my ridicules self got so excited about jumping into a pool in February while it was 35 degrees back home, when I cannonballed and came back up to the surface I realized I WAS THE ONLY ONE SWIMMING! So I decided to stick it out and have the rest of my conversations with people sitting by the pool while I was enjoying floating around staring at the stars in my own private oasis in the desert. (With a little hot tub hopping sprinkled in) An amazing end to an amazing day and I was assured that Sunday would be even better.</p>
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<p>Stay tuned for the last installment of my adventures at the 2014 Yuma Art Symposium!</p>
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<p>Cheers,</p>
<p>Danielle James</p>
<p>D-J-Metals.com</p>
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<p> </p>“I went to the Yuma Art Symposium and all I got was this life changing experience” Day One Part 1tag:crafthaus.ning.com,2014-03-06:2104389:BlogPost:4612252014-03-06T19:30:00.000ZDanielle Jameshttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/DanielleJames
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398873829?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398873829?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a> As the 2013 chair of the East Carolina University “Material Topics” Metals Symposium I know first-hand what is possible when a few passionate and innovative individuals come together for one goal: To invite makers from all over to participate in a gathering that emphasizes emerging talent, new interdisciplinary techniques and the future of our field while…</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398873829?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398873829?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></a> As the 2013 chair of the East Carolina University “Material Topics” Metals Symposium I know first-hand what is possible when a few passionate and innovative individuals come together for one goal: To invite makers from all over to participate in a gathering that emphasizes emerging talent, new interdisciplinary techniques and the future of our field while still staying small and intimate. It takes months to coordinate an event like this. With changing locations, presenters, participants, and demonstrators to wrangle each year, the ECU metals graduate and undergraduate students get a crash course in programs management, curating, fundraising, grant writing, event planning, and patience. It seems the hardest thing to stick to is keeping the gathering intimate. We all want our symposium baby to be a success but that baby could easily get too big for its britches and end up running out of steam and funding before year ten. Being part of such a well-oiled and well-intentioned machine is an experience I will cherish forever and none of it would have been possible without another symposium on the South West.</p>
<p>For those who are unaware, here is your history lesson for today. “Material Topics” actually has a parent symposium called The Yuma Art Symposium and this little shindig has existed for a little over a third of a century!! Now in its 35<sup>th</sup> year (possibly more, the first few years no one was counting) The Yuma Art Symposium explodes onto the streets of Yuma, Arizona for three days and three nights every year. By their own admission “The Yuma Art Symposium is comfort food for hungry artists” If you are looking for a low key, delicious, and breathtakingly beautiful place to make true friends not just connections, you might want to consider adding a trip to Yuma in February to your bucket list. For details and a more in depth look at the history of this shindig click <a href="http://www.yumaartsymposium.memberlodge.org/Default.aspx?pageId=103383" target="_blank">here</a>. </p>
<p>Three other ECU students and I booked our flight and hotel in January. I highly recommend teaming up, everything becomes super cheap!!! Then we impatiently waited until February 20<sup>th</sup>, 2014. Registration is a reasonable, $80 for students and $120 for general admission. They also provide a work-study program for FREE registration! In order to save a few extra bucks and experience the Arizona desert landscape up close (this being my first time traveling this far west) we flew into Phoenix, then acquired an electric rental car to drive the three hours to Yuma. </p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398876192?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398876192?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></a></p>
<p>Aside from the biblical traffic jam we got stuck in while trying to leave Phoenix, the drive was amazing. After being freed from the bonds of bumper to bumper we put the pedal to the metal. We flew past Date land U.S.A, abandoned motels, the Best Western space lodge, hilarious metal reptile sculptures and thousands of waving cacti on Interstate 8 (we would stop by all of them on the way back) in order to make the highly anticipated pin swap at the infamous Lutes Casino on the first night.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398877256?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398877256?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></a>Built in 1901 right in the heart of old downtown Yuma Arizona, it looks old, like old places should. It was built as a general store with a hotel located on the second floor, with the hotel balcony overlooking Main Street and some illegal gambling halls in the basement. Every corner of Lutes is covered in neon, old tin advertisements, kooky paintings and even kookier taxidermy. This is where the Yuma Symposium attendees start their engines, welcome old friends, make new ones, and catch up on gossip.</p>
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<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398878045?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398878045?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="465"></a>After the pin swap it was time to organize and file into one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited for opening remarks.</p>
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<p>Please Click <a href="http://crafthaus.ning.com/profiles/blogs/i-went-to-the-yuma-art-symposium-and-all-i-got-was-this-life-1" target="_self">HERE</a> to read Part 2</p>
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<p></p>“I went to the Yuma Art Symposium and all I got was this life changing experience” Day One Part 2tag:crafthaus.ning.com,2014-03-06:2104389:BlogPost:4611852014-03-06T19:30:00.000ZDanielle Jameshttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/DanielleJames
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398873265?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398873265?profile=original" width="289"></img></a> The Zeller Theater is attached to the Yuma Art Center, complete with art deco light fixtures, original concession stand and of course two hand-painted nude mermaid women at the front of the house. Originally built in 1911, it is a perfect example of the time traveling charm that the majority of the buildings in Yuma possess. The place was the first in Yuma to contain…</p>
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<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398873265?profile=original"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398873265?profile=original" width="289"></a>The Zeller Theater is attached to the Yuma Art Center, complete with art deco light fixtures, original concession stand and of course two hand-painted nude mermaid women at the front of the house. Originally built in 1911, it is a perfect example of the time traveling charm that the majority of the buildings in Yuma possess. The place was the first in Yuma to contain fixed seating and to have the ability to show motion pictures. Once the attendees settled into the seats and after a few well timed whistles Executive Director Neely Tomkins started off by asking the question “How many Yuma virgins do we have this year?” With myself included, a little over one third of the audience raised their hands, and the room burst into a frenzy of whooping and clapping, the energy was infectious. After more quieting noises, some formalities and housekeeping announcements each of the presenters came on stage and gave a five-minute preview of their work and gave an outline of what they would be discussing in the coming days. I felt this was a nice touch on the organizers part, since there is no set schedule when you register, you can literally go to any or all the presentations! All of the venues that were housing demos or talks were all well within walking distance of the Yuma Art Center in the center of town. </p>
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<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398874366?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398874366?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" height="401" width="750"></a></p>
<p>After the presentations I had a very clear idea of which artist talk I wanted to attend and my stomach was about to eat itself. Having survived that day on airplane soda water, vodka (I hate flying) and ginger snap cookies, I was ready for some real food. We walked a few blocks to what I was told would be some of the best Mexican food I will ever eat. All eleven of us filed into this very small building that was painted lime green and was essentially a kitchen attached to a dining room. One of the attendants flipped the open sign to close and we had the place to ourselves.</p>
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<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398875904?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398875904?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" height="437" width="750"></a>Sometimes, when I am lucky enough to be in a group of individuals that I know are insanely talented and motivated I like to imagine: what if all that ability was a tangible force or energy that you could see? I can honestly say that during that dinner with old friends and new ones at the infamous Tacos Del Ranchos (where we ate every day of the Symposium) I felt a creative energy zipping back and forth across that table like fireworks. I remember a feeling of gratefulness washing over me, partly because of the fish tacos and partly because I was imagining the creative energy in that room building up and popping the roof right off that taco shack. </p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398877058?profile=original"><img class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398877058?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" height="410" width="750"></a></p>
<p>After the best tacos in the entire world and a margarita or ten we parted ways to go recharge at our hotel. A majority of attendees stay at the Best Western Coronado, located within walking distance of Downtown with two pools and a sweet hot tub. However, my love of mid-century neon signs and the fact that we had rented a car took us to The Yuma Cabana three miles down the strip. As we drove up we immediately noticed: “With a Lazy Boy in every room!” proclaimed the easily thirty foot tall sparkling beacon of hope, a shower and finally sleep. We wearily checked in (I took like fifty free postcards that were in the lobby) and hauled our belongings into our surprising clean and pleasant smelling room. Ordinarily my excitement for the day to come (still needing to register, donating my pin to the pin auction, dropping off my work for the student exhibition, and signing in to work study etc.) would have kept me awake for some amount of time, but the mixture of extreme exhaustion and a few strong margaritas is a magical concoction. All in all the first “unofficial” night of The Yuma Art Symposium was a whirlwind of creative energy and it was only just beginning. Stay tuned for my next post on the second day of the Yuma Art Symposium.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Cheers,</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Danielle James</p>
<p><a href="http://d-j-metals.com/home.html" target="_blank">D-J-Metals.com</a></p>
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<p></p>Call for Entries! Tongue in cheek "Where mockery and material merge!"tag:crafthaus.ning.com,2012-07-16:2104389:BlogPost:3568252012-07-16T15:30:00.000ZDanielle Jameshttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/DanielleJames
<p><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398854672?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398854672?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a> </span></p>
<p><span>We are seeking work to feature in a</span> exhibition that is to be held at the Greenville Museum of Art in Greenville NC. In conjunction with the 2013 East Carolina University Metals Symposium “Making Marks”.</p>
<p><strong>To Download Full PDF entry from …</strong></p>
<p><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398854672?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/398854672?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"></a> </span></p>
<p><span>We are seeking work to feature in a</span> exhibition that is to be held at the Greenville Museum of Art in Greenville NC. In conjunction with the 2013 East Carolina University Metals Symposium “Making Marks”.</p>
<p><strong>To Download Full PDF entry from <a href="http://towhomitmaynotconcern.wordpress.com/2012/05/29/i-am-curating-a-show-tongue-in-cheek/" target="_blank">HERE!</a></strong></p>
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<p>Tongue-in-cheek is a phrase used as a figure of speech to imply that a statement or other production is humorously intended and it should not be taken at face value. This statement may have a double meaning, some sort of innuendo or is witty in some way, particularly to the speaker. The tone or the context of the statement may make it to be taken seriously by the listener. “Tongue-in-cheek” is a show that seeks to understand what happens when a sense of humor comes in contact with a material. Presenting the question: Why as makers do we feel the need to bestow laughter into our objects, and why can that laughter be so contagious to the viewer?</p>
<p><br> <strong>Deadline to receive all entry materials: <span style="text-decoration: underline;">September 1st, 2012</span></strong><br> <span>Notifications will be emailed by September 20th.</span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p><span><span style="text-decoration: underline;">REQUIREMENTS:</span><br> <span>Images - Minimum: 1 , Maximum: 3</span><br> <br> <span class="text_exposed_show"><strong>Entry Fee: $20.00</strong><br> <br> Please pay your entry fee via Paypal to <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">ecusymposium@gmail.com</span></strong><br> <br></span></span></p>
<p><span><span>Juror:</span><br> <br> <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Jillian Moore</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span><br> <span>Jillian received her MFA in jewelry and metals from University of Iowa and her BFA in metals from Western Illinois University. She maintains a solo studio practice out of her home in Iowa </span><span>City. Jillian is a 2011 Raphael Founder's Prize finalist as well as a 2010 LEAP award finalist. She holds the Juror's Prize in South Seas at Friends of Carlotta in Zurich, as well as having </span><span>solo shows in 2011 at the Appalachian Center for Craft, and a solo show as part of the Tributaries series at the National Ornamental Metal Museum in Memphis, TN in 2009, Her work </span><span>has been published in “Humor in Craft”, “500 Pendants and Lockets”, “500 Wedding Rings”, and in “American Craft Magazine”, she also blogs frequently for Crafthaus.</span><br> <br> <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Eligibility:</span></strong><br> <span>All mediums and artists are welcome to apply. Images of up to three pieces of original artwork can be submitted and must have been created during the 2010 – 2013 academic years.</span><br> <span>Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.</span><br> <br> <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Entry Procedure:</span></strong><br> <span>• Work submitted for the exhibition must be available from January 10 – January 23, 2013.</span><br> <br> <span>• Submit all application materials through email at <strong>tongueincheeksubmissions@g</strong></span><strong>mail.com</strong><br> <br> <span>• Submit one full screen image for up to three pieces (one detail image for each piece may also be submitted).</span><br> <span>All work must be accompanied by title, material, dimensions, and year of completion on a separate thumbnail word document.</span><br> <br> <span>• All decisions of the jurors are final.</span><br> <br> <span>• All work must be original. By completing this application artist agrees that he/she is responsible for the creation of submitted work.</span><br> <br> <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Liability:</span></strong><br> <span>Accepted works must be shipped and insured according to the emailed instructions. Artists are responsible for paying all shipping charges and applicable customs fees to the exhibition site. Artists are responsible for any return shipping fees.</span></span></p>