MIA is an active member of the downtown arts community and hosts two annual events; an Earth Day celebration in the spring, and International Day of World Peace on September 21st. She has orchestrated numerous art shows at the BACC & Read’s Ground Floor Gallery.

She is the organizer of the “Think Green 2013″ event series. For more information visit Read’s Ground Floor Gallery’s homepage.

“Celestial Unity” Plaster Sculpture

MIA has chosen to present a biographical Artist of the Month feature, taking the reader through her life’s journey through a series of self portraits.

Since birth, MIA expresses an indigenous talent for drawing, painting, and creating things with her hands. She inherited this skill from her maternal grandfather who was a full blooded Inca Indian from the Andes Mountains of Lima, Peru, South America.

At an early age, MIA was recognized for her artistic abilities while in Kindergarten and received an award and a rose from Mayor Curran. She did a portrait of an African woman wearing a purple outfit with bright yellow floral pattern. It was put on display in City Hall.

She continued to demonstrate a natural gift in the arts and it was apparent in her doodles, drawings, and poetry over the years. In high school, MIA learned how to work in copper and loved working with clay!

One constant theme of MIA’s has always been the image of a butterfly.

In Junior Year, at the age of sweet sixteen, MIA suddenly took ill and was diagnosed with cancer.

MIA had to deal with many existential issues at a very young age and sought spiritual guidance during her battle for remission.

MIA was awarded a Mayor’s Neighborhood Arts & Heritage Grant in Spring 2012 for her “Painted Angels” series.

After being told she may not have children, MIA was blessed with the miracle of twin girls, and then again three years later with another daughter.

When the children were of school age, MIA attended Sacred Heart University and procured an English and Painting Bachelor Degree. She also received a Masters Degree in Elementary Education.

Some of MIA’s art influences are Cezanne, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Vincent Van Gogh.

MIA celebrated the 2005 New Year as a resident of Read’s Artspace in downtown Bridgeport. But in 2007, MIA had a medical setback and suffered the misfortune of losing sight in her left eye!

Art became very inspirational, and she continued to draw and paint as part of the healing process. Each day offers up its own set of blessings and challenges, as MIA tries to keep one step ahead of that Moon Shadow which lingers close behind.

Today, despite her obstacles MIA continues to focus in the Arts and flourish in the budding art community in Downtown Bridgeport.

MIA has organized exhibitions “EGO”, “Empower”, “Green” and “Think Green 2013″ at Read’s Ground Floor Gallery. Her photo was one of the few selected for a juried members exhibition, “Culture Today” at the Westport Arts Center.  The exhibit was part of their annual Art Affair Gala: The Warhol Ball, which included an art auction.

“NYC Express”-Copyright MIA 2013

Her solo exhibition “Inspiration” was also held at the Bridgeport Arts + Cultural Council in April 2013. She will have a booth “Imagine Art”  at the Bridgeport Arts Fest 2013.

What is MIA working on now?

“Starry Night Over the White Mountains”- Copyright MIA 2013

For more information or if interested in contacting MIA  please email: info@bridgeportarts.org

WANT TO BE PART OF OUR “ARTIST OF THE MONTH” SERIES?

The Bridgeport Arts + Cultural Council is presently accepting applications for our “Artist of the Month Series”.

Are you an individual, group, or organization who resides/works in Bridgeport with a current project/exhibit/performance/program/award you would like to feature?

Please email info@bridgeportarts.org with your name, contact information, medium, and a brief description of your project (1pg maximum) for our consideration.

Artists of all mediums are encouraged to apply.

The deadline for our July applicants is June 20th.

The Program enriches the quality of life in the City by funding arts and heritage projects and programs, and underserved individuals and organizations are strongly encouraged to apply.

Individual artists, artisans, craft makers and musicians who are residing or creating works at a studio within the City of Bridgeport may apply for a grant up to $250. Bridgeport organizations with an evidenced visual and/or performing arts or heritage mission and non-profit educational, faith-based or social service organizations offering arts and/or heritage programming may apply for a grant ranging from $500 to $1,000.

The deadline to apply is Tuesday July 2nd at 3pm.

Complete guidelines and application materials are attached below and can also be found online at www.bridgeportct.gov or at the BACC visitor center at the Arcade, 1001-12 Main Street, Bridgeport, Tuesday through Thursday, 11am to 3pm.

The Mayor’s Neighborhood Arts & Heritage Grant is a highly competitive program, and funding-available twice each year in spring and autumn-is limited. The Fall 2012 funding round supported the following artists and organizations:

INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS:

Lana Andrade

Kevin Conklin

Robert Foley

Herm Freeman

Peter Konsterlie

Julia-Rose Liptak

Brec Morgan

ORGANIZATIONS:

GBAPP-Greater Bridgeport Area Prevention Program

Read’s Ground Floor Gallery

Click here to learn more about these projects! 

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION MATERIALS: 

Mayor’s Grant – Individual Artist Application Packet – Spring 2013

Mayor’s Grant – Arts & Heritage Organization Application Packet-Spring 2013

Bridgeport Arts + Cultural Council pops this summer with our “Pop Art Bridgeport” Exhibition.

We are currently seeking submissions for artwork in the Pop art style.

Pop art traditionally incorporates imagery from popular culture, advertising, media, and found objects.

Notable artists of the Pop Art movement include:

• Andy Warhol.
• Jasper Johns
• Robert Rauschenberg
• Richard Hamilton
• Roy Lichtenstein
• Eduardo Paolozzi
• Pauline Boty
• Tom Wesselmann
• David Hockney
• Rosalyn Drexler

Artists are invited to submit their own interpretations of this theme for consideration.

1. HOW TO SUBMIT:

Please email submissions as Jpeg files to info@bridgeportarts.org with the subject line: LAST NAME-“Pop Art BPT Submission”

2. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: 

Entries for submission are currently being accepted from applicants 18 years and older.  Artists must live in or have a studio in Bridgeport. Up to 5 pieces are allowed for consideration.

*Most mediums accepted. Works must be under 48” wide and under 60” high and properly wired ready to be hung.

*Jpeg entries must be labeled accordingly or will not be accepted; First initial. Last name.TITLE IN CAPS

Ex; j.Smith.POPANDART

Body of email MUST include:

First Name:

Last Name:

Title of Artwork:

Size (hxw):

Medium:

Price:

Date of Work:

4. DATES:

Show will run from July 11th (reception)- September 5th . Selected artwork must be dropped off for installation June 24^th-26^th  between the hours for 11-6 and picked up following the close of the show September 9^th-11th. Appointments for work drop-off/pick-up will be scheduled.

6/19: Jpegs due for consideration by midnight, June 19^th, 2013.

6/21: Artists are notified by 5pm

6/24-6/26: Selected artwork dropped off for installation between the hours for 11-6pm

7/9: Exhibition Reception, 5:30-7:30pm

5. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please note: Upon acceptance there will be a $10 per artist hanging fee payable via cash or check. Checks should be made out to: Bridgeport Arts + Cultural Council.

The commission for artwork sold in the gallery is 25%

The Bridgeport Arts + Cultural Council is located inside the Arcade Mall at

1001-12 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT06604.

For more information please contact: info@bridgeportarts.org or call: #(203)522-4154

Planned and curated by students at the University of Bridgeport this exhibit will feature original artwork by 7 UB students.  Kevin Corrado, Gelisa Henry, Maddee Jacques, Michael Lawson, Johanna Loerracher, Asha Hobbs, and Erin Turner will feature their drawings, paintings, photography and web collateral in The UB Exhibition.

“Having the opportunity to have my various types of design work displayed at the UB Exhibition is great. It gives me the chance to meet prospective employees and it also gives me the practice I need when explaining my pieces during interviews. I’m very excited!” says graphic design major, Erin Turner.

The event will also feature a spoken word performance by student spoken word group SLAM and live music by Dan Tressler. Tressler currently performs with popular groups: The String Fingers Band and Cricket Tell the Weather.  Refreshments will be provided by  Amici Miei Café, Barnum Publick House, and the Beach House Restaurant. The exhibition will run until Thursday May 2.

The “University of Bridgeport Exhibit” reception is a culminating event of a semester long partnership between University of Bridgeport’s Publicity Methods class and the BACC. As part of this program, under the direction of Professor Susan Katz, the Bridgeport Arts + Cultural Council has acted as the class’s client for an intensive fieldwork component to the course. This collaboration has strengthened the relationship between the organization and the University, resulting in the planning of the arts exhibition.

In addition to providing superior marketing material, the Publicity Method’s class has also organized “The UB Exhibition” with a special event on Thursday, April 25th. We hope you will join us for the opening reception and learn more about this innovative partnership.

 ABOUT THE CLASS

University of Bridgeport Mass Communication Prof. Susan Katz has designed and created the curriculum for two service-oriented classes where students develop professional advertising and publicity campaigns for non-profit organizations that provide significant contributions to the Greater Bridgeport region.

Students at City Lights Gallery

The Publicity Methods class is currently working with the Bridgeport Arts and Cultural Council (BACC) to develop six key publicity goals:

• develop image publicity
• develop Thursday night Mixer publicity
• add website content
• create new social media sites
• create a media kit
• produce the UB Exhibition showcasing university student artists

Denise and Alex getting ready to do an interview at The Klein Memorial Auditorium.
Photo ©Ana Trinidad

Specific work which has been created for BACC includes:

• BACC YouTube channel with four student-produced videos
• BACC Flickr site featuring BACC endorsed organizations
• BACC Pinterest site
• Facebook Page seasonal banners
• Web content that includes feature stories on City Lights Gallery, American Fabrics Building, Klein Memorial Auditorium, Downtown Cabaret Theatre and Discovery Museum, each complete with a photo album and podcast
• Press releases, feature stories, email blast
• Media kit
• Promotional and novelty collateral
• Schematics to bring BACC’s presence to the streets of Bridgeport
• Radio Public Service Announcements

Katz’s other class, Advertising and Public Relations Campaign, works just as the Publicity Methods class, with the class serving as an agency, working directly with each client. The work from these classes were produced for the following organizations:

• Discovery Museum
• Barnum Museum
• Downtown Cabaret Theatre
• Playhouse on the Green
• Connecticut  Beardsley Zoo
• Int’l Institute of CT
• Black Rock Arts Center

To view the work from some of these projects visit the Flickr links under “Student Work Galleries” in the left sidebar.

ABOUT PROFESSOR SUSAN KATZ

Katz is an award winning writer/producer/director/designer and Creative Director and has worked in the media industry her entire career. In 2013, she was awarded a bronze Telly Award for Best Political TV Commercial, a bronze Pollie Award from the American Association of Political Consultants for Best Political Website and a finalist nomination from Campaigns & Elections magazine for Best Political Website. Katz’s work can be found here.

UB students Ricky Grasso, Tim Moskal, Gabby Giaquinto, artist Janine Brown, and UB student Steve Salvio pose after a successful interview for a BACC podcast about the American Fabrics Building.
Photo ©Johanna Loerracher

UB student Tara Drinks after conducting and interview with the Discovery Museum.
Photo ©Malcolm Clar

UB Students Tim and Kat with Hugh Hallinan at Downtown Cabaret Theatre. ©Anna Trinidad

ABOUT “THE UB EXHIBITION”

The Bridgeport Arts + Cultural Council (BACC) is excited to announce a special event and exhibition in collaboration with the University of Bridgeport (UB).  The UB Exhibition will commence with a launch event on Thursday, April 25, 5:00pm-7:30pm in the Arcade Mall, 1001-12 Main Street in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Planned and curated by students at the University of Bridgeport this exhibit will feature original artwork by 7 UB students.  Kevin Corrado, Gelisa Henry, Maddee Jacques, Michael Lawson, Johanna Loerracher, Asha Hobbs, and Erin Turner will feature their drawings, paintings, photography and web collateral in The UB Exhibition.

“Having the opportunity to have my various types of design work displayed at the UB Exhibition is great. It gives me the chance to meet prospective employees and it also gives me the practice I need when explaining my pieces during interviews. I’m very excited!” says graphic design major, Erin Turner.

The event will also feature a spoken word performance by student spoken word group SLAM and live music by Dan Tressler. Tressler currently performs with popular groups: The String Fingers Band and Cricket Tell the Weather.  Refreshments will be provided by  Amici Miei Café, Barnum Publick House, and the Beach House Restaurant. The exhibition will run until Thursday May 2.

Time: 5:30-7:30pm

Artist Discussion: 6:30pm

A teacher at John Winthrop School, Rachel has partnered to develop the creative fundraiser Greetings from Black Rock on April 6th. Featuring a silent auction of original “postcard size” art, live music and refreshments, funds from this benefit support Black Rock School and the Burroughs Community Center. In addition to her work in the school system, Rockwell  has a multifaceted background in the arts including experience in interior design, painting, and drawing.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Born in New York City in 1970, Rachel Rockwell grew up in an artist’s home. As the daughter of the late illustrator Richard Rockwell, and great niece of Norman Rockwell; art, drawing and painting were part of her everyday experience. Later she studied painting and drawing at Parson’s School of Design and SUNY Purchase.

Following Purchase she went on to study interior design at the Fashion Institute of Technology and begin a career working in residential architecture. Rachel spent over a decade designing and illustrating homes in Fairfield County. Her love of architecture and buildings continues to have a great influence on her art.

A 16 year resident of Black Rock, Rachel’s work has appeared at The City Lights Gallery, Framemakers Gallery, The Black Rock Arts Center and The University of Bridgeport.

Currently, Rachel is teaching art to children in Bridgeport’s public schools.

ABOUT “GREETINGS FROM BLACK ROCK”

“Greetings From Black Rock” is a joint fundraising event for Black Rock School and the Burroughs Community Center. The event, held on Saturday April 6th at 7pm,  is family friendly and open to the public. Local artists are creating postcard-sized artworks to be sold in a silent auction. Local Jazz musicians have donated their time and talents to provide entertainment during the evening. Food and beverages will be provided.

Visit the Facebook Event Page

Purchase Tickets Online!

Q & A WITH RACHEL ROCKWELL

A. The small artworks will be sold at silent auction during the event.  Using the small format allows us to bring together the work of many artists and create a fun auction atmosphere with low opening bids.  The goal is to have people purchase original artworks, at an affordable price.  With some opening bids as low as $5, we hope to inspire many bidding wars and make it an entertaining evening in which everyone; at every income level can participate.

Paper Cut by Rachel Rockwell-Part of Greetings from Black Rock Event

 

"Open Heart" by Rachel Rockwell

GREETINGS FROM BLACK ROCK-ABOUT THE CAUSES

Black Rock School and Natures Classroom
50% of the funds raised from Greetings from Black Rock will be used to pay for the fifth and sixth grade students to attend Nature’s Classroom. Black Rock School is a title 1, Bridgeport public school, where every student receives free breakfast and lunch. The following description of the Nature’s Classroom experience is from their website: www.naturesclassroom.org

“Nature’s Classroom is an unforgettable learning experience for children and their teachers, offering the very best in environmental education, working closely with school teachers to create a learning partnership that lasts a lifetime…During the morning field group, students will gain a
better understanding of dynamic interactions in the natural world, as well as interpersonal interactions among themselves. In the afternoon, students have a choice of many classes which are both academic and enjoyable…A science class might study the life in a pond…A math class
might find their way through the woods with a map and compass.”

Burroughs Community Center
50% of the funds raised will benefit The Burroughs Community Center, a non-profit organization serving children and adults in Bridgeport.
One important program that will be funded with monies raised is the community garden. The garden in which neighborhood children and adults work together, teaches everyone about sustainable living and provides participants in this in low income community with fresh vegetables. The Community Center also teaches classes, including cooking classes for adults and children. These classes are an opportunity for
the community to bring the food from the earth to the table and connect the garden work with lesson is preparing nutritious meals.

Under the direction of Professor Susan Katz, students will be working in teams to provide pro bono publicity support in the areas of press & public relations, art & design, video/audio/photography, social media, and brainstorming concepts for future campaigns.

This is an excellent opportunity to strengthen our relationship with the University of Bridgeport while exposing this talented class to the arts marketing field.

Projects will be unveiled as they are completed throughout the spring and more details TBA.

Lee Walther

Multi media – Conceptual Artist – Designer

A conceptual artist and designer, Lee is a member of Bridgeport’s vibrant Black Rock community. She is one of 17 artists on view at the University of Bridgeport’s Schelfhaudt Gallery in their current exhibit Black Rock Creative.

With a keen eye for design and a love for art, Lee Walther considers herself a “Dadaist”. For Lee, who has always been in the creative field relating to the arts, fashion and design, everything is and can be art. Inspiration is drawn from found objects, nature and images that can only be seen through Lee’s special lens and imagination where new concepts and ideas are created in different mediums.

A Visionary/Creative who easily sees the multi-dimensional potential for all sorts of objects and combinations, Lee creates original pieces of ‘Functional Art”

Lee’s removable boxed assemblages are incorporated in her unique “CreaTable”. CreaTables are a customizable table of her own design. A 20×20 handmade table, CreaTables feature a clear acrylic, empty lidded box that becomes a see-through center piece of the table. She hopes the design will encourage someone to’ think outside the table’ and tap into their own creativity by making their own art tableaus/ assemblages with. For example: memorabilia, floating candles, collectibles, miniature gardens, holiday displays, and treasures from the beach. Even a handful of coins and miniature toys take on a new perspective and dimension to become a piece of functional, interactive art. Lee’s work includes assemblages and empty tables that can be purchased individually or as a cohesive piece.

Lee’s unique ‘CreaTables’,  boxed assemblages and collaged mirrors, incorporating removable jewelry that doubles as a jewelry display, were  featured at the Armstrong Gallery  Bridgeport Studio Tour and the Creative Designs Studio. Her CreaTables have been showcased at Spruce, Home and Garden, Westport, CT, and currently at the Monmouth Museum in Lincroft, NJ and the Schelfhuadt Gallery at the University of Bridgeport, CT.

With a diverse background, Lee’s additional projects include “Sense of Style” a wardrobe consulting/personal stylist venture and “Where’d You Get That!-Fabulous Finds” which was started following her position with the Fairfield Museum as a buyer/manager.

The BACC team sat down with Lee to discuss the Black Rock Creative exhibition and her current projects:

Q. Your work has recently been on exhibit at the Monmouth Museum in Lincroft, NJ and the Schelfhuadt Gallery at the University of Bridgeport, CT. What has this process been like as an artist?

A. It’s been very exciting and it’s all very new. Like a lot of artists we’re afraid to call ourselves artists-so I prefer to say I’m a creative. Because I don’t see myself as a “fine artist”, I’m more of an idea person-a creative person. I don’t think of it as “I’m going to make some functional art today”. It’s just the way I think. The ideas just come to me. I see ideas.

Q. You describe yourself as a functional artist. What does that mean to you?

A. Everything I do seems to have functionality to it. I see something and I think of different uses for it. For example, I started creating these collage multi-media mirrors. They incorporated jewelry into the design as part of the jewelry holder, but pieces could also be removed and worn.

Lee Walther-Jewelry Design

Q. You mentioned that this was a new process for you. Can you tell me more about your background?

A. It all started to come together about a year ago. I finally decided, I wanted a studio and I found an amazing space at 305 Knowlton. I just jumped in.

Q. What was working in a studio like for you?

A. It was challenging at first. I was confronted with the idea that, what I might have done for fun in my own space at home, all of the sudden there was that fear of having to produce. I started thinking “I don’t have anything in me-I don’t know how”.  And finally something shifted and that’s when everything started to happen.

Q. CreaTables are your newest projects. What was the inspiration for these pieces?

A. CreaTables were first shown at the 2012 Bridgeport Art Trail at Gallery 305K.  I love the idea of this open centerpiece. It allows the table to be recreated depending on what is placed inside. I hope it helps engage owners to create their own little art piece into the table. The concept allows the person to tweak it and make it their own. Hopefully it will express something of the owner because they’re going to put their ideas into it. They can play.

Q. Is that what you have on exhibit right now?

A. Yes, I have three tables at the Schelfhuadt Gallery and one at the Monmouth Museum. But these all include assemblages as part of the table. Because of the nature of the CreaTable it can be regarded more as an interactive work of art or a part of custom designed furniture. I would like to share the design with interior decorators and designers as well. It’s interesting that it can work in both venues.

Melt Down by Lee Walther

Q. What is an example of one of your assemblages?

A. “Melt Down” is a commentary on Global Warming. Here is a large glass bowl incorporating molded icebergs. Floating in this water-filled globe are acrylic ice cubes with a glass penguin perched on the vanishing ice berg. This was originally shown with a blue beta fish swimming in the water, further illustrating the effects of climate change. This has been displayed on a clear acrylic pedestal.

Q. The exhibit Black Rock Creative features 17 artists. Would you describe Black Rock as a creative hub?

A. There’s so much energy there. It’s filled with artists, writers, filmmakers, and actors. You’ve got that kind of diversity of the community that’s very engaged.

“The energy is palpable.”

I admire a chunky, glittery ring that Lee is wearing.

Q. I love that ring you’re wearing. Can you tell me a bit about Sense of Style?

A. Sense of Style is a way of helping women express who they are by the way that they dress. I like to think of it as using their clothes as the back-drop of a painting, creating the interest, the story of the painting and getting in touch with their creativity. I want to take women back to the time when they were children and they played dress-up with their mother’s clothes and everything was beautiful. I would go in their closet and assess their outfits, showing them how to put together an outfit 5 different ways.

I think it also relates to my functional art, how I see things and put them together.

Q. Do you have a favorite piece of clothing or “go-to” accessory?

A. I can’t pick just one. It’s like art, people ask what kind of art I like and I always say, “I know it when I see it”

Q. What inspires you?

A. I’m so visual, shadow, shapes….other works excite me; they bring about new ideas. Anything and everything! It’s a blessing and a curse. It starts in the head, the ideas come to me and then I play.

Q. What are you working on now?

A. In addition to CreaTables and my other projects I’ve also started creating felt abstractions mounted on pillows. It’s very interesting the way the color of the pillows create a frame.

Q. What’s next?

A. I don’t know. It’s definitely a journey. I was very creative in a lot of ways, but I really was a shadow artist. And now, at last, I’m finally coming into my light and out of the shadows. I’m really in my element and I am having a ball.

Lee’s work in the exhibit Black Rock Creative will be on view from Feb. 7^th through Mar. 1^st.  The Schelfhaudt Gallery is located at 123 Arnold Bernhardt Center, University of Bridgeport, 84 Iranistan Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06604.

Are you a Bridgeport artist or arts enthusiast?

Join us for our monthly mixer series. Mingle, network, and share about projects at this free social event. Plus, meet the team and learn about Bridgeport Arts + Cultural Council news and developments.

Date: Thursday, March 21st
Time: 5-7:00pm

This Month: Open Sketch

This Month: Spring Themed Open Sketch

Visual artists, take part in an evening of live art making! Bring your sketchpad and congregate, talk, and share at our open sketch session.  There will be a floral still-life set up but guests are welcome to draw any scenes that they find inspirational. Pencil, Colored Pencil, Ink, Pastel, and Watercolor only please.  Artists must provide their own supplies. Refreshments provided!

Literary artists, our neighbors, World Artist Network, will also be hosting a POETRY OPEN MIC! Their open mic readings are for anyone who wants to read their poetry in a public venue. It’s a great way to meet other writers in your area and find out about your local writing community.

*Are you a Bridgeport-based acoustic musician/group interested in exposure? We’re seeking volunteer performer(s) for this event. Contact info@bridgeportarts.org for more information.