MAC 650 Artspace

Monday, July 13, 2009

Celebrate Columbo/ African Heritage With Us!

We will have a new show starting August 7th, combining a Benefit for the Artisans of Ghana with exposure to a Columbo-African Artist! Barbara Toce, a fellow co-op member, will be displaying recycled-glass beaded jewelry and garments. International artist Juan Pablo will be displaying photographs representing his rich cultural heritage.

Come out for a night of diversity and beauty!

Juan Pablo is a Colombian photographer and biologist. He’s a travelling man, calls nowhere home, and goes wherever his feet take him.

“My passion for photography started many years ago. I have always loved the beauty of the world around us. Some of the most beautiful things are often hidden in the little details: I endeavour to capture that beauty and bring it into the light. I draw inspiration from everywhere, mainly from the many biologically and culturally rich environments that I have lived in over the years”.

“I’m an adventurist when it comes to photography. I like to explore images and see something from a new perspective. Most of all, I try to capture the energy and beauty of a moment in time: the very soul of a photograph. My photographs are reflections on the natural and unnatural, the good and the bad, and the immensity of life on earth”.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

New Artists Network!

Check out the Middletown Artists Resource Collective, at http://ctartists.ning.com.

A new social networking site which seeks to unite artists of all creative backgrounds in order to encourage a cooperative atmosphere!

Stay tuned for new events!

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Co-op Member: David Davis

David Davis is one of the most promising, young, talented and gifted musicians today. David was born and raised in Connecticut. He is a Hartt School of Music graduate with a degree in Jazz studies and Music Management. For five years he studied with and is a protege of the late world-renowned, professor and jazz saxophonist, Jackie Mclean. Before launching his career as the front man of the incredible, contemporary jazz band from Hartford ("Just Us"), he has performed and recorded with the hottest contemporary gospel band in the Tri-state area ("A Better Way").

David has performed at venue's along with Mary J. Blige, Deborah Cox, LL Cool J, Brian Mcknight, Keith Washington, Sean Puffy Combs, Kid Capri, Biz Markie, John P. Kee, Karen Clarke, Marion Meadows, Roy Ayers, Donald Harrison, Dave Valentine, Onaje Allen Gumbs, Sherry Winston, Chuck Loeb, Cherryl Hayes and Gloria Lynn to name a few.

David has traveled and performed in Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai, China at some of the most prestigious venues and hotels. David's contemporary and Straight-ahead collections have established the Connecticut-based musician as one of the most prominent artists. His self-produced music features him on keyboards, Drums and Percussions, EWI (Electric Wind Instrument), drum programming, and background vocals. David has definitely earned the reputation as the "musician's musician."

He recorded his debut Album in 1998 as a Christmas recording, "The Reason For The Season". His sophomore recording is called, "Can't Get Enough Of Your Love", which has received rave reviews. David completed another recording, which is called "Reparations". This project displays David's producing talents. It's a compilation of various artists from Connecticut ranging from R&B, Hip Hop, Soul, Jazz and Spoken Word. After recording "Smile" in 2005 and having it played on Smooth Jazz stations nationwide David has recently released 3 simultaneous recordings, "Pop Droppin' It", "An R&B Edge" and "Song Of David". The 3 are Pop, R&B and Gospel cover Cd's, respectfully. Recordings include incredible renditions of songs ranging from Donnie Hathaway to Justin Timberlake and Gnarls Barkley.

Whether he is playing contemporary or straight-ahead jazz, David stands in a class all by himself. He is known for his swiftness on stage, his unique round sound which is percussive yet soulful and his contagious smile. He has the ability to surprise the audience with something out of the ordinary. David gives his audience what they come for - a great show!

David has his own production and publishing company and is partner of a recording studio by the name of "Cream de Cocoa Productions" in Middletown, CT. David produces and writes music for Hip Hop, R&B, Gospel, Jazz, and Dance artists. With 8 CD's under his belt and many collaboration CD's, David has definitely gained his place in the music world as a player, songwriter and producer.

Co-op Member: Paul Gobell

My imagery is inspired by an incessant need to observe things around me. Colors, shapes, and textures are the stimuli of my oil paintings, and rhythm and harmony are the resolution. My experience of painting is a dance between formal composition and happenstance.

My artwork has been exhibited in museums and galleries. Also my artwork is in private collections. Among my accomplishments are numerous commissions, interior design projects and book illustrations. Contact me at gobellstudio@gmail.com

Co-op Member: Jorge Arévalo Mateus

Jorge is a Colombian-born musician/composer, ethnomusicologist, and curator/archivist. With an MA in Ethnomusicology from Hunter College (CUNY), Arevalo Mateus is pursuing a PhD at Wesleyan University; his areas of specialization are Latin American, Caribbean, Jazz and Popular Musics. As curator/archivist for the Woody Guthrie Foundation and Archives since its founding in 1996, he has developed exhibitions for major museums and institutions such as the Experience Music Project, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum, and the Smithsonian Institutional Traveling Services (SITES). As a musician, composer, and audio installation artist, his music has been performed and exhibited at the Venice Biennale and the Whitney Biennial. Through his company, AREVARC, Arevalo Mateus produces music for recordings, performance, video and film soundtracks.

Co-op Member: Barbara Toce

I love working with my hands and creating something that others appreciate and enjoy. I most enjoy working with natural types of material such as wood, glass, freshwater pearls, stones and those materials with a natural look to them. I prefer my pieces to have a light and airy feeling, so I make it a point to use light materials as much as possible.

I am captured by the appeal that Coco Chanel had with using costume jewelry to compliment her designs. It is as if she brought the idea of wearing this type of jewelry to a whole new level.

I remember as a child looking at my grandmother's jewelry collection and feeling like I was looking at her life history. Some were costume items, some finer pieces, but they were all very interesting. I must have looked through it a hundred times, and was always fascinated by each and every one. I never tired of seeing how she found a new home for a lonely earring on a chain, or how she took a necklace which was too long and made a complimentary bracelet for the newly shortened chain. I truly believe she really turned on those creative sparks in me. I really love to share my history, knowledge and interest with jewelry making with those around me.

I taught a Jewelry Making class for 2 years at Travelers Insurance. I have performed repairs on pieces given to me by clients and have also provided custom designed pieces based on clients' specifications.