Michael Jackson - May You Rest in Peace

I got the news of Michael Jacksons death while on the treadmill at the gym late this afternoon,,, sorry to see Michael go,, very sad indeed,, a great talent and inspiration to most all who grew up experiencing his talent and music.

One favorite memory of the power of his music was when I got off the wrong subway stop at Bedford Sty (1993) in Brooklyn late one HOT Summer evening and a car pulled up to the stop light, windows down and BLARING "Thriller" on the radio.... the ENTIRE street went into "DANCE",, It was just magical and amazing,,very surreal and very "street/Brooklyn" like... thank you Michael for a wonderful talented life~!!

PS: this post is to recognize his artistic contribution ... I'll leave others to discus his personal life.

A Tall Glass of Walking Art

I can't remember which bloggers site I found this picture on, but I do recognize the NYC character pictured here. I believe this particular picture was taken in Central Park, but I know this guy best as the bearded fellow who walks up and down the gay 'catwalk' at the east end of Riis Park beach. Having what seems like an endless bag of veils and accessories, he transforms his attire every several minutes and performs up and down the gay beach proudly and in complete confidence and playful abandon. What a colorful and soulful blessing he is to our landscape here~! God bless him, and his little dog too. Photograph found on Dr. Jeffs site, good stuff, check it out.

Something to look forward too

Earth from Above USA is a breathtaking collection of large-scale aerial photography by world-renowned French environmentalist, Yann Arthus-Bertrand. A visual record for future generations, this outdoor public art exhibition and experiential event presents awe-inspiring portraits of our planet, and a new perspective on the need for sustainable living.

The Earth from Above exhibit will come to NYC at the World Financial Center Plaza in Battery Park City (an area in Lower Manhattan) in the Spring of 2010 for 8 Weeks. It will be open day and night and will be free to the public.

ArtGroup Night

If it's the first Tuesday of the month, it's my night with ArtGroup. The Gay and Lesbian Art Group meets at the Gay Community Center here in New York City.

Tonight will be an "Open Art Forum":

Artgroup members and non members that attend the meeting are invited to bring work for all of us to see and respond to. The April meeting had the same venue and many of the artists attending brought artwork and/or photographs of work that was new or had not been seen before. It was good getting the work out of the studio and getting feedback from other artists.

I will be bringing the above card of my most recent painting with a link to my TOAST weekend experience.

ArtGroup is under the Art umbrella of All Out Arts. Since 1993, ArtGroup has hosted a variety of speakers, demonstrations from art companies and organizations, it's members over the years have presented their works individually and as a group collectively on our popular "Slide Night". Artgroup produces a e-newsletter as events and exhibits arise, and the group is a great asset and support to the Gay and Lesbian artists here in NYC.

We also exhibit several times a year at various locations. Last December/January our "Encryptions" exhibit was held at the MH Art & Framing Gallery. Our annual group show, "Universal Diversity XVI" will be in September at The Center.

PiCturE ThiS

"jims feet", photographed by Mark Cook