April is not just a month in the springtime, it is a time for new beginnings and the start of the art season around the world. I have been participating in artist communities in the state of Minnesota for over 25 years and it certainly is one of the biggest artist communities in the United States. Home to Northeast Minneapolis Artist District. Yes! The art crawls in the Twin Cities are unmatched. It is growing in popularity due to the inter-generational artist communities.
Especially when it comes to pottery and the ceramic arts. Northern Clay Center, St Croix Pottery Tour, Cannon River Clay Tour, American Pottery Festival and a host of Universities and Colleges that teach ceramic arts. Let’s please not forget the community art centers that host many affordable community pottery classes. I have noticed in the past few years post-Covid 2020 a growth of interest in the ceramic art scene. It helps to acknowledge that Minnesota is one state that grants financial support through disbursements of grants to artist organizations and individuals, making it one of the most ideal places to live and work as an artist.
Society pages, social media, and word of mouth around communities. Art is just how it is advertised, purchased, marketed, and spoken about around the world. I am fascinated that although the world's environments are somewhat static, art is still big and it is an important staple in the psychological mindset of humanity. I found out that Artnet AG (an online art market company), has stock on the stock market exchange called “Xetra”. Artnet’s stock symbol is ART. Its holdings are around 22 million. It has at least nine competitors out there that are also online art businesses. Following art trends is very important to makers in all fields, particularly if art is your sole income.
As an artist in ceramics, it’s important to remember that the American ceramic scene is still relatively new in comparison to Japanese and European ceramics. We have a stake in the future direction and growth in this field. We are dedicated to ensuring that it stays in the forefront past the 21st century and it fully embraces every spectrum of creativity. Regardless of if it presents itself in the form of non-functional, sculpture 2D or 3D wall art, or functional pottery wares. Where we are today in the pottery/ceramics world it is growing more and more popular in the American art scene in the form of sculptures. Multitudes of artists from various disciplines are now incorporating it in their work be it in the most primitive format of non-fired clay, pinch pots and so on etc…. Taking our profession seriously means following social media and online galleries/art businesses.
This is a section of Donna’s Corner where snippets of trivia/information will appear. Future goals of encouragement for subscribers to closely examine contributions and the artistic styles of women in the arts. Substance to the newsletter for the sake of exploration and future investigation of your own chosen discipline in the ceramic arts. In researching artistic styles & forms they give many men's examples and hardly any women's examples.
I want to give food for thought about the other half of humanity: Women.
Five organizations spearheading the art culture movement for women.
1. National Association of Women Artists.
Established in 1889 has an online gallery and membership. It strives to help women get a stronger presence in the art community. The membership opens in the Fall and Spring. Its members are invited to join the Florida Chapter during the months of November through March with the opportunity to participate in exhibitions and gallery shows in Florida.
Website: thenawa.org
2. Catherine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club
Established in 1896 its members represented prestigious collections and museums inside the Who’s Who series of American art and in homes around the world. I like the fact they have an annual show held in New York City and Museum curator serves on the jury selection. The prize given out is $18,000 in awards. The Club also hosts a preview reception and awards dinner. Women artists can apply for membership to the committee and the best part about this club is the opportunity to possibly do research and travel.
Website: clwac.org
3. Women Made Gallery (WMG)
located in Chicago, Illinois and founded in 1992 their mission is to ensure women have equal placement in the art galleries around the world. Big on the advancement of women in the arts financially as well as community outreach. Membership, exhibition, and educational opportunities. They have three different membership levels.
Website: womanmade.org
4. Women Caucus for the Arts
founded 1972 Mission creating community through art and social activism. This is the most politically involved organization, I enjoyed its feminist approach. Website: Nationalwca.org
I saved the best for last:
5. Renee Phillips aka Renée Phillips wrote this article the list was compiled from above. Title: Organizations That Advance The Status Of Women Artist. I loved all the places mentioned in this article and needed to share it with everyone. She is a writer/advocate/educator, and mentor. Founder of the Healing Power of Arts and Artists.
