Longing for Spring

A spot of must appreciated colour during a very snowy winter

Summer long ago and far away  ... Manitoba pre 2005

A Visit on a Garden Tour in Manitoba in 2003

Another summer time pic from Manitoba during a hot summer

Digby NS  in 2006

Car Show ... What says summer better?  2009

Call For Submissions - 2011 Planet in Focus Film Festival

SUBMIT NOW! Call for Submissions—2011 Planet in Focus Film Festival
Planet in Focus is Canada's leading environmental media arts organization, showcasing and promoting outstanding environmental films and videos in all genres (documentaries, dramatic, experimental, short films, features and animation) by Canadian and international filmmakers.
Planet in Focus is now accepting submissions for the 12th Annual Planet in Focus Film Festival taking place October 12-16, 2011 in Toronto, Canada. Documentaries, features, animations, experimental, short films and dramatic stories, produced as of January 1, 2009, that look to the planet and the way we live in it are eligible to be screened.
For more information visit our website
submissions@planetinfocus.org

SUBMIT NOW! Call for Submissions—2011 Planet in Focus Film Festival
Planet in Focus is Canada's leading environmental media arts organization, showcasing and promoting outstanding environmental films and videos in all genres (documentaries, dramatic, experimental, short films, features and animation) by Canadian and international filmmakers. Planet in Focus operates year-round. We produce Canada's largest environmental film festival every October in Toronto; we bring environmental films to communities and schools across the country and around the world through our Touring Programs; we teach youth how to tell stories about the environment using the latest video production and storytelling tools; and spearhead a pan-industry program to reduce the environmental footprint of the film and television industry. Find out more at www.planetinfocus.org.
General Submissions
Films and vides can include stories and explorations of urban and rural spaces; wildlife; social, cultural and political environments; farming; Aboriginal perspectives; health and environment; climate change; human displacement; war; globalization; water; farming; forests and food security and other interpretations of the theme "environment". In addition to our regular public screenings, the festival features an Industry Day with panels, workshops and pitch sessions devoted to the subject of film production, distribution and funding, a school program for elementary and secondary school students focused on environmental education and an entertaining and inspiring children and youth program.
2011 Spotlight: Landscapes
The 2011 Planet in Focus Film Festival spotlight is on 'landscapes'. Created over time, landscapes are more than simply the physical environment; they directly impact human existence and cultural development. People and place combine to form local and national identities, and help define the identity of a particular region and their cultural and artistic expression. Landscapes inspire artists to explore, challenge and create dialogue around the complexities of this interaction. The Planet in Focus Spotlight on landscapes will look at contemporary film and video makers who are challenging and exploring our changing perceptions of landscape and how the human-made and natural landscape shapes our identity and future.
Awards
The festival presents 5 film awards: Best Canadian Short Film, Best Canadian Feature Film, Best International Short Film, Best International Feature Film, and The Mark Haslam Award.
Films are evaluated according to the following criteria: rich and challenging environmental content, production values and technical quality, diversity of voice and point-of-view, uniqueness in form and overall presentation, and artistic merit.
The Mark Haslam Award was established in honour of the festival's founder, Mark Haslam. It is awarded to any drama, documentary or experimental film programmed in the festival that gives voice to individuals, communities, struggles or stories that are under-represented in the media, and made by a filmmaker who is a member or participant in that community, struggle or story. The selected work demonstrates the power to inspire reflection and positive action towards the social and ecological health of the planet.
Sign up for our e-newsletter and keep updated on new festival award announcements. More information and the submission form is available on our website http://www.planetinfocus.org/festival/submissions Submit through Withoutabox and save $5 on your submission fee! https://www.withoutabox.com/
submissions@planetinfocus.org

Call for Submissions - NSDCC members

Call for Submissions

Inspired
A juried exhibition of works by NSDCC members
Theme and Intent
Inspired encourages NSDCC members to visit any museum or heritage site in Nova Scotia, select an artifact, and then reinterpret that artifact through the creation of a new work of craft.  Some examples include:  being inspired by a wrought iron railing detail and reflecting that pattern in a woven blanket, or being inspired by a fossil’s shape and incorporating that shape into a piece of jewellery.   Artists are asked to provide a photo of their inspirational object and a brief (150 words maximum) description of why or how that object inspired them.
A list of Nova Scotia museums and heritage sites, with contact information, can be found at: www.novascotiaheritage.ca
A list of Nova Scotia museums and heritage sites, with contact information, can be found at: www.novascotiaheritage.ca
Click on the link,  then go to the box headed “Find Heritage Organizations”  -- the search fields will allow you to narrow your search by county, community, and/or the type or theme of the facility.   Another resource to assist you with finding and accessing your inspirational object is the Association of Nova Scotia Museums.  You can reach the Association of Nova Scotia Museums by calling their toll-free number (1-800-355-6873 -- Metro callers please dial 423-4677) or by visiting their website at http://www.ansm.ns.ca
Once you’ve selected your inspirational object, please contact the museum or heritage site in question to ensure you have permission to photograph the object – the exhibition will feature photographs of inspirational objects displayed next to the works they’ve inspired.   Depending upon size, fragility, and accessibility, some inspirational objects may also be displayed as part of the exhibition.  The NSDCC will be responsible for making any arrangements to borrow objects.
Eligibility
Open to all individual members of the NSDCC, in all membership categories.  Individuals who are not currently members of the NSDCC may participate in the exhibition by paying membership dues.
Entry Fees
There will be a fee of $10 for each entry.  A maximum of three items may be submitted by any one member.  Cheques and money orders should be made payable to the NSDCC.  Visa and MasterCard are also accepted.
Entry Rules
Each entrant may submit up to three entries.  Each entrant must complete and return the application form with their entries.  Entries accompanied by incomplete entry forms will not be put before the jurors for consideration.   Artists whose work(s) is accepted will be asked to provide both a brief biography (max. 200 words) and brief description (max. 150 words) about why or how their inspirational object inspired them.
To be considered, entries must have been fabricated after June 2010.  All entries must fit through a standard doorway.  Entries must not require unusual care.  Objects intended to be hung on the wall must arrive with hanging devices included.  Please call the office to make arrangements for delivery of entries weighing over 22 kg (50 lbs).
Pricing, Sales and Insurance
If the artist wishes to offer his/her work for sale, s/he should indicate that in the appropriate space on the entry form.  A directory of names and addresses of these exhibitors will be available in the gallery to facilitate sales.  Neither the NSDCC nor the Mary E. Black Gallery will  transact any sales.
Insurance values should be set by the artist, and should reflect a fair replacement cost.  In the case of items offered for sale, it will be assumed that the insurance value and the sale price are the same.
Objects are insured against loss or damage while in the care of the NSDCC.  Insurance during shipping is the responsibility of the entrant.  The NSDCC will not assume responsibility for the damage or loss of any item during shipping, and reserves the right to refuse to insure objects that are excessively fragile or unstable.
Selection
This exhibition will be selected from the submitted entries by a group of three jurors.  Works will be identified only by number.  Jurors will be asked to select works bearing in mind:  (a) the exhibition theme; (b) that works selected will work well with other works selected to form a cohesive exhibition; and (c) that the exhibition overall will fit within the Mary E. Black Gallery.   Jurors will not be asked to explain their selections.  The jurors’ choice will be made in private, and the jurors’ choices will be final.   Due to space and financial considerations, the exhibition will be limited to 30 works.
Jurors
We’re still lining up jurors for this exhibition.  Stay tuned to NSDCC Online and the NSDCC Newsletter for more information as jurors are confirmed.
Jurors’ Choice Award
Jurors will be asked to select one work from amongst the entries to receive the “Jurors’ Choice Award”.  A cash prize of $250 will be awarded to the maker of the winning work.
Documentation
All works selected for the exhibition will be professionally photographed.   A catalogue/poster will be produced to accompany the exhibition.  All artists participating in the exhibition will receive a copy of the catalogue/poster.
Inquiries and Questions
Individuals with questions concerning any of the information in this brochure are encouraged to contact the NSDCC office at 902.423.3837.
Inspired Calendar
25 April 2010
Deadline for delivery of completed works and entry forms to:
NSDCC
1113 Marginal Road
Halifax, NS  B3H 4P7
902.423.3837
30 April 2010
Jurors meet to select works
2-3 May 2010
Notification to entrants by telephone
4-6 May 2010
Pick up of works not selected
7-10 May 2010
Photography of selected works begins
June 2010
Opening reception
Mary E. Black Gallery
1061 Marginal Road
Halifax, NS  B3H 4P6
4 July 2010
Exhibition closes
26-28 July 2010
Works to be picked up from
NSDCC
1113 Marginal Road
Halifax, NS  B3H 4P7

Week Three - My 2011 In Pictures

Well this week was quiet.  Mounds of paper on my desks - at work and at home. But we did escape for a few hours to Keji Park and took the following pictures.  For more information about this great underused National Park visit the part website at http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ns/kejimkujik/index.aspx

Climate Change isn't new

Taken from the Look off tower in the park 

These pictures show the snow covered lake in the background, Look Closely.

Snow everywhere.

Call for Submission - University of Western Ontario

Calls For Submission

University of Western Ontario: Application Deadline Reminder, Graduate Program in Fine Arts, Deadline February 1, 2011

Upcoming Deadlines for Applications to Graduate Programs in Visual Arts at Western!
The University of Western Ontario offers three graduate programs in Visual Arts:
The MA in Art History; the MFA in Studio Art; and the PhD in Art and Visual Culture.
For information on our programs please check our website, or call the Department to speak with us, and to arrange a tour.
Graduate Assistant, Ms. Paula Dias
(tel.) 519-661-2111 (x86287)
www.uwo.ca/visarts
Application Deadlines & Information:
Applications are due by February 1st and must be completed and submitted online.  The application can be found on the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies’ website at http://www.grad.uwo.ca/prospective_students/index.htm which contains information on the application process and the programs and services that are offered. Please note that supporting materials (i.e. Images; sound works; digital outputs, etc.) must be sent directly to the Visual Arts Department by mail to the following add ress:
Department of Visual Arts
The University of Western Ontario
John Labatt Visual Arts Centre
Perth Drive, London, Ontario
Canada N6A 5B7

Week Two - My 2011 in Pictures

After the first of the snow

 

Even Bears Mind the Cold

LaHave River and the Old Railway Bridge, Part of the walking trail

Snow and more snow

Somebody really like playing in the snow

It does look pretty

And it just keeps on coming

...and coming

Inside looking out is good

Good activity for a snow day

Winter wonderland...enough for this year, let's see spring!!

Calls for Submission - MayWorks Festival

Calls For Submission

MayWorks Festival of Labour and the Arts: Call to Artists of All Disciplines, Deadline February 11

Call for Submissions

MayWorks Festival of Labour and the Arts 2011

Deadline February 11, 2011

We shall not give up the fight,
We have only started ...
Together we'll have victory,
Hand holding hand ...
Never ever put to flight,
We are bound to win ...
We shall not give up the fight,
We have only started. “We Shall Not Give Up the Fight” (South African Freedom Song)

From this well known song of the struggle against apartheid MayWorks takes the theme for its 2011 Festival of Labour and the Arts.

Resistance to unjust conditions and the struggle to change the world has inspired generations of artist/activists to create art that represents the times they live in.
MayWorks invites artists to explore the issues and struggles of today using the theme “We shall not give up the fight, we have only started”.

MayWorks is a multi-disciplinary festival that focuses on working class themes. Founded in 1994 on the 75th Anniversary of the Winnipeg General Strike MayWorks is now in its 17th year of representing working class art. Festival events will take place in the month of May 2011. We would like you to be part of this year’s MayWorks Festival of Labour and the Arts.

Please submit an outline (50 to 75 words in length) of the proposed project to MayWorks by the February 11, 2011 deadline. The proposal also needs to include information concerning date, time and venue for the project/event.

Proposals will be reviewed by the MayWorks Board and artists will be contacted if their submission is accepted for inclusion in the 2011 programme.

Submissions may be sent by email to info@mayworks.org

Call for Submissions

Halifax Central Library: Request for Qualifications, Public Art, Deadline January 25, 2011

Request for Qualifications
Halifax Central Library
Halifax Regional Municipality
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Budget: $450,000
D
eadline: Tuesday January 25th at 2:00pm local time (AST)

The Halifax Regional Municipality is seeking qualified professional artists and artist-led collaborative groups to participate in a public art design process for the new Halifax Central Library, scheduled for completion in 2013. The first stage of this solicitation is a Request for Qualifications. From the submissions to this stage a shortlist of up to five artists will be invited to participate in a second, Request for Proposals stage. These artists will work in consultation with project architects and municipal staff to produce a detailed design for integrated public artwork to be included in the construction of the Halifax Central Library.
Artists selected to the shortlist will be paid a fee of $3000 for the completion of their detailed design proposal. Artists will submit proposals based on a total project budget of $450,000 for the public art component of the Library. This budget is inclusive of all material and production costs of the artwork, as well as all artist and professional fees.

More information:
http://www.halifaxcentrallibrary.ca/media-room/request-qualifications-public-art.html

Call to Artists

Call to Artists - Details below 

Art Ex: MultiDay Visual Arts Experience Exploits Valley Region, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada: Call to Artists, Deadline January 31, 2010

Call for Artists – Art Ex: MultiDay Visual Arts Experience Exploits Valley Region, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
About Art Ex: Art Ex is an annual multi‐day celebration of visual art which takes place in the Exploits Valley region of central Newfoundland, July 7‐10, 2011. Art Ex provides a unique venue for exhibitions, introductory and advanced workshops, panel discussions, artist talks, interactive art interventions, public artworks and collaborative community based art events. The activities occur concurrently in a number of municipalities within the region. The objective is to offer innovative and diverse experiences for all age groups and skill levels in a number of culturally and geographically diverse locations along the Exploits River watershed. Art Ex takes a thematic approach to each year’s event.  This year’s theme is:

“River as Source”. Artists are encouraged to consider the following when planning proposals for Art Ex:
The river as “source” or “wellspring”
Revitalization, renewal
Human interaction with the natural environment/each other
Concepts of memory/time/history in
The river as continuum: a continuous sequence which adjacent elements are not perceptibly different from each other, although the extremes are quite distinct
Fragility/transience vs. Strength/permanence
Specific historical events pertaining to the river/region

About the Region:
Geographically, the region is defined by a river. Ostensibly dividing the island portion of the province in half, the Exploits River flows from its headwaters near the southwest corner of the island, 246 kilometers northeast to the sea, draining an area of 1,100 square kilometers. The Exploits is one of the largest rivers in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. It is truly a natural wonder, and is tied closely to the history of this place. It has provided refuge, transportation, power, and sustenance; it has been the lifeblood of the region from prehistory to present‐day. The River connects 19 communities from its headwaters at Red Indian Lake to the Bay of Exploits, which opens onto the North Atlantic. The geographic diversity of these locations should be explored and utilized when considering a proposal.

Submission Guidelines:

Art Ex will be accepting submissions for the following activities for 2011:
1. Exhibitions ‐ Art Ex has one main gallery space of approximately 1300 square feet, with 1100 linear feet of wall space (for technical details and floor plan contact Robert Lodge 292‐4520). Artists are also actively encouraged to submit exhibition and activity proposals that take advantage of other natural and built environments throughout the region. Specify any special requirements or technical considerations in your detailed proposal. Other projects which can be accommodated include interactive art interventions, public artworks, collaborative community based art events, environmentally sensitive installations, performance art, sculpture, interactive projects or site specific work incorporating any number of disciplines.
2.Dinner & Art talk series (a venue for all manner of art talks and critical discourse)
3. Introductory and advanced art workshops (for arts professionals and/or the public)
4.Professional development opportunities for visual artists
5. Art on the Water ‐ Centered on the riverfront in Grand Falls‐Windsor, Art on the Water represents the highlight of the Art Ex activities, and invites artists to explore the cultural, historic, social and environmental legacy of the Exploits River. The event will facilitate the creation of, and provide a venue for, a series of temporary, floating public artworks that will attract visitors to the riverbanks and invite them to interact with the environment throug h the creations of the participating artists.
The concept behind Art on the Water is: by bringing art to the river’s edge viewers and artists will be asked to contextualize the human (creative) experience within the natural environment. Through these exchanges with their surroundings, artists, residents and visitors will come to a better understanding of complex historical relationships between the unique geography of the Exploits Valley region and its inhabitants, while gaining insight into the way all people interact with the physical environment.
These projects could include (but are not limited to) environmentally sensitive installation, performance art, sculpture, interactive projects, or site‐specific work incorporating any number of these disciplines. While anchored floating platforms and designated areas of the shore will provide the exhibition space for the artworks, artists are encouraged to consider the entire river and region as a whole when planning proposals for Art on the Water.

Submission Procedure:

Submissions for Art Ex 2011 must be postmarked no later than Jan. 31, 2011. Submissions are reviewed and evaluated by the Art Ex steering committee. If submitting more than one application, please forward separately. Art Ex does not accept email submissions.
Proposals will be selected based on consideration of the following criteria: artistic merit of theproposed project, thematic appropriateness, feasibility of the proposed project, and the ability of Art Ex to accommodate the project. CARFAC  fees will be paid.

Submissions must include the following:

Detailed Proposal: clearly outline the work you are proposing; provide details about any special requirements (including any equipment needed).
Artist Statement
Curriculum Vitae
Images/Support Material: 15‐20 JPEG images with name and title; image list detailing medium and size. Video artists may submit a video no longer than 5 minutes.
Self addressed, stamped envelope with sufficient postage for return of support materials

Please mail submissions to:

Art Ex 2011 Submissions
Exploits Valley Economic Development Corp.
5B Bayley Street
Grand Falls – Windsor, NL
Canada, A2A 2T5

  The website is currently under construction, for further information please call 709.489.8700 or email artex@exploitsvalley.nf.ca

Week One - My 2011 in Pictures

Annis Lake with the ice starting to form. One of my favourite views, always changing

Annis Lake

 Breakfast

 Memory of a trip for our 20th anniversary in 1989

 Sunset in  our neck of the woods...well in the woods anyway

Cold and crisp ... beautiful day 

 January 4, 2011

Flash Fiction Contest

Frightmares! Flash Fiction Contest - No Entry Fee


Frightmares! Flash Fiction Anthology Contest is open to all writers, published or not. The story style does not matter as long as it is a horror tale and does not exceed 500 words. Submissions for Frightmares! will be accepted until the volume has been filled, with an estimated release date of Fall 2011 which means a closing date of approximately July 2011. Five authors will be awarded cash prizes. Story must be unpublished. Copyrights remain with the author. Submit all entries via e-mail to Frightmares2011@gmail.com as an attachment in either Word (.doc) or rich text format. Please use “Frightmares Anthology Submission” in your subject line. Include your name, address, phone number and e-mail address on the first page of your submission and in your e-mail. Use a serif type to format your short story. (i.e. Times Roman, Georgia, Garamond, Courier). Do not use headers or footers.



1st Place - $100

2nd Place - $50

3rd Place - $25

4th Place - $15

Random Drawing - $50

Thanks to C Hope Clark for posting the above info on her blog at

http://hopeclark.blogspot.com/2011/01/frightmares-flash-fiction-contest-no.html