Art Archives - Susan von Seggern

The Clark Hulings Fund Has Discovered the Secret Sauce for Visual Artists’ Entrepreneurial Success

11/07/2019 by Susan von Seggern

Report on the Working Artist Proves Business Education for Artists Leads to Their Success and Thriving Communities

Santa Fe, New Mexico – Today, the Clark Hulings Fund (CHF), the only national nonprofit dedicated to helping visual artists succeed as independent entrepreneurs, has released its first research report, the Report on the Working Artist. The report is a comprehensive assessment of the circumstances, contributions, and needs of professional visual artists in the US, as well as a thorough examination of the ingredients necessary for their success.
The report arrives at a pivotal moment in the country’s recognition of the vital role that working artists play within our communities, culture, and economy. CHF is so committed to broadening the entrepreneurial ecosystem to acknowledge, welcome, and equip artists, that they’ve released a first of its kind research report demonstrating how exactly that works.
CHF’s Co-Founder and Executive Director Elizabeth Hulings notes, “We are just a scrappy, upstart not-for-profit, yet we’re the ones telling the true tale of this country’s independent creative sector and its powerful potential that’s hiding in plain sight. It’s when we support and respect the artists and inventors among us that we foster the kind of creativity that enables us to take big strides—to go to the moon and cure polio and develop the Internet and the iPhone—because that support and respect permeate our culture and society. Creativity begets creativity. People heal better, feel better and think better when they have art in their lives, and we absolutely need it to tackle the huge issues we face today.”
The report was spearheaded by CHF’s chief data scientist Daniel DiGriz who adds, “Artists are the untapped entrepreneurial source of innovation and energy. While manufacturing is in decline, energy volatile and goods are increasingly caught in the uncertain world of trade deals and tariffs, artists are an economic powerhouse that can fuel an uncertain economy, given the appropriate training and tools. Truly, where artists thrive, the economy thrives! We may have sensed this, but now CHF has proven it.”

Groundbreaking in both scope and depth, Report on the Working Artist is the product of 30 months of dedicated research and analysis by CHF’s data science team. It represents the first time that anyone has collated and analyzed extant research across arts organizations to examine the conditions facing working artists, and the many impacts these artists have on their communities. With this report, CHF is also the first to publish data on the impact of business education on artists’ careers as demonstrated across various art-business learning programs and multiple cohorts within those programs.

Some of the most exciting findings in the report include:

Artists create jobs: 25% of working artists have hired someone to help them with their artist business
Artists are savvy investors: 27% of working artists have reinvested over 50% of revenue from their art business back into their enterprise
Working artists become intensely committed entrepreneurs: Those with training, are willing to commit between 25-50% more of their time to develop their art businesses.
Behavioral changes: 67% of those working artists who receive concentrated business education take part in more events, obtain more media coverage, increase conversions from their marketing, and sell more art or gain more commissions.
Bottom line outcomes: A whopping 75% increase their involvement in sales and marketing channels, track their sales more effectively, and (bottom line) increase their total income from making and selling art.

CHF’s report found that the economic success of professional visual artists does not have to be the stuff of fantasy, business education for artists really does move the needle. It is an attainable outcome, as long as certain basic steps are taken to overcome the systemic challenges artists face. Artists are entrepreneurs, and—just like entrepreneurs in other fields—they need business education and peer networks to thrive.

As the research shows, business-education programs that meet these professional needs produce prosperity for working artists and their communities. Artists who participate in entrepreneurial learning programs follow a measurable trajectory of change, from internal to external. First, they exhibit changes in attitude, as they build confidence in their ability to manage their art businesses and finances, and increase their clarity around career goals. Next, they change their behavior, increasing the time they spend on their businesses, and networking with peers and other industry leaders. Over time, these shifts lead to demonstrable changes in business results—increased contacts, sales, and commissions—and increased profit/revenue.

One of CHF’s recent Art-Business Accelerator Fellowship alum, Donna Lee Nyzio – an oil painter from North Carolina bears this out noting, “CHF’s Accelerator is like getting an MBA, with your art business being the thesis.” Adding “Yesterday was one of those days that makes your day as an artist and entrepreneur. First online sale over $1000, for a painting, but it was in a gallery, so I had to do some coordination and included the gallery in the client contact 100%. My new collectors emailed me a letter about my work so beautiful I was in tears. I am so Thankful for this year and for all I learned.”

Furthermore, the report shows that the impacts of concentrated business-education programs are not only measurable but also reproducible. When art-business education is offered in multiple formats, it can be scaled up to reach ever-greater numbers of artists, replicating their success across the country. In short, the stereotype of the starving artist is not destiny; there is a far better alternative, and it is completely within reach.

Finally, CHF’s Report on the Working Artist demonstrates the catalyzing role that artists play. When the prosperity of individual visual artists and groups of artists is boosted, the economic and cultural impacts of their success are felt near and far.

About The Clark Hulings Fund
The Clark Hulings Fund for Visual Artists (CHF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes the legacy of American painter Clark Hulings (1922-2011) by equipping working visual artists to be self-sustaining entrepreneurs. Founded in 2013, CHF showcases Hulings’ life and work as an example to today’s artists, and offers them a comprehensive art-business education so that they can thrive as he did. Because they are self-employed, visual artists are necessarily entrepreneurs, but like all business owners, they need training and real-world experience to achieve financial prosperity. CHF equips working artists with critical entrepreneurial skills, business tools, technology, and networks of peers and experts. We make it possible for artists to thrive and ensure collaboration among artists, collectors, other members of the industry, and the wider world of which they are part. A healthy social ecosystem is one where all of its members can connect, and artists are the key to building these vibrant communities. Without artists, we’re all left culturally stranded. When artists flourish, we all flourish.

The Clark Hulings Fund Adds Two New Advisory Board Members – Artist Camilla Webster and Curator Valeray Francisco

10/09/2019 by Susan von Seggern

October 1, 2019 Miami, Florida – The Clark Hulings Fund for Visual Artists (CHF), America’s only nonprofit solely dedicated to equipping working visual artists to be self-sustaining entrepreneurs, is excited to announce that two wonderful new artworld luminaries are joining the Fund’s advisory board – noted artist Camilla Webster and curator Valeray Francisco.

Both new board members are based in South Florida, a visual art hub where CHF has been quite active over the last year: presenting at the Figurative Art Convention & Expo, hosting one of their Art-Business Conferences, and facilitating Thriving Art Exchanges both in-person and virtually in the region.

CHF Executive Director Elizabeth Hulings notes, “we are so grateful to existing CHF Board members, business development superstar Samantha MacRae Foerster and noted South Florida financial advisor Paula Oddone for bringing on these new fantastic advisors. Camilla and Valeray have huge South Florida and national reach and we are looking forward to them bringing their energy and experience to serving our mission of helping artists on their entrepreneurship journey.”

Camilla Webster is a museum collected and exhibited fine artist, best-selling author, and speaker. Painting in South Florida since 2017, the New York artist has focused on the essence of Ocean Reef, and the water around the Florida Keys in acrylic on canvas. Capturing the attention of the Miami art scene upon her arrival, Webster was given a solo show during Art Basel Miami Week at The Edition Hotel sponsored by Sotheby’s ONE. Her work was then chosen by interior designer Elizabeth Ghia for “The Grand Salon” in the Miami Designer Show House at The Deering Estate. In the summer of 2018, her portraits and abstracts were part of “The Power of Her” exhibit curated by art patron and expert Tanya Brillembourg at IdeoBox in Wynwood, Miami. Mercedes Benz celebrated Webster’s work during Miami Art Week in 2018 with a special installation exhibit curated by Jill Deupi, director of The Lowe Art Museum. The Ocean Reef Art League curated a joint exhibit of Camilla Webster and Pasta Pantaleo in January, and a solo exhibit of her work is planned at the Roberto Russell Gallery in Islamorada from October 5 – December 30, 2019. Camilla Webster’s solo museum show at The Coral Springs Museum of Art (CSMOA) opens to the public on June 13 and runs through August 23rd, 2020. Webster’s painting “Cocktail Hour” was acquired in the fall of 2019 for the museum’s permanent collection. Her work is in private and corporate collections in New York, Palm Beach, London, and Hilton Head.

Clark Hulings was noted for supporting other artists on their path to success, and Webster also tries to help fellow creators to be as successful as she has been. Camilla notes, “as you know an art career can be the loneliest, tense and most baffling of journeys. Marrying the practice, exhibiting and then developing and maintaining real cash flow and sustainability is a remarkable achievement for any artist. The trifecta. I am so grateful to Clark Hulings and now CHF for shedding light on the path and look forward to helping my fellow artists become more successful.”

Valeray Francisco is the Co-Founder of The Directed Art Modern (DAM) and engaged nationwide notably in popular art markets Miami, Aspen, Santa Fe, and Jackson Hole. The mission of The DAM is to be a service to and for artists in all levels of their careers, including in exhibitions management, and opening doors to not only collectors but also to the public, in general. To facilitate this, The DAM is a melding of individuals from the art world – an artist and a curator bringing 27 years of art market experience and by combining these aspects The DAM is able to cover a myriad of topics relating to the career of the artist. With this combination, The DAM is able to not only encourage the artist but is also able to negotiate terms for the artist and navigate the labyrinth of today’s modern art market seeking the best opportunities for the artist to move forward in his/her career. With the ever-increasing prices of exhibiting in the modern art market, The DAM believes that the art market should be taken back from the vanity trend and returned to the realm of reward for one’s creativity – to do this The DAM will explore not only traditional modes of exhibition but also innovative locations.

The addition of these two Advisory Board members comes at a time of increased momentum at CHF. They have just completed their 3rd Annual Art-Business Conference in Santa Fe, including an emotional and gratifying Thriving Artist Exchange event, and have their Virginia Art-Business Conference and Thriving Artist Exchange event coming up November 7-9. Additionally, they are releasing their first major research effort “The Report on the Working Artist” October 16. Finally, they are hosting a panel “Artist as Entrepreneur: Becoming the CEO of your life” at the StartUp Art Fair in Houston on October 12.

The Clark Hulings Fund Presents “Artist as Entrepreneur: Becoming the CEO of your life,” a Panel at stARTup Art Fair, Saturday, October 12

10/09/2019 by Susan von Seggern

October 8, 2019 Houston, TX – The Clark Hulings Fund (CHF), which helps professional visual artists compete in an increasingly complex marketplace by providing them with strategic business support and training, is bringing its message of artist empowerment to stARTup Art Fair Houston with a panel on Saturday October 12, at 4:30pm, at the Hotel Icon, 220 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002.

Entitled “Artist as Entrepreneur: Becoming the CEO of your life,” the panel will be moderated stARTup Art Fair founder Ray Beldner, and will feature Adreon Henry an Austin based artist and 2019 CHF Art-Business Accelerator Fellow, Susan Morrow, a Dallas based strategic communications consultant and the chair of CHF’s advisory board, and Startup Art Fair exhibitor, Little Rock-based artist Jeff Horton.

CHF has organized this panel to discuss how artists can take charge of their businesses in today’s art market. With gallery disintermediation, social media, and other modern concerns, how can artists take advantage of new ways to reach collectors, show their work, and run their art business to maximize both their vision and their bottom line?

“We’ve been working with the stARTup Art Fair for almost two years now, and are happy to partner with them again for their inaugural Houston event,” notes Elizabeth Hulings, CHF’s Co-Founder and Executive Director. “We love that they are so aligned with our mission of helping artists become self-sustaining entrepreneurs, and are looking forward to expanding our partnership with them even further.”

“CHF’s panels at our Los Angeles events have been so informative,” says stARTup Art Fair Founder Ray Beldner, adding, “we’re thrilled that they are able to bring their unique message to our fair since our goal is also to empower artists’ success outside of the gallery system. We are looking forward to planning other ways we can work together to help artists succeed as entrepreneurs.”

The stARTup Art Fair takes place from October 11-13, at the Hotel Icon, 220 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002 concurrent with Texas Contemporary, just three blocks away.

About stARTup Art Fair
stARTup Art Fair is a unique contemporary art fair for independent artists. This intimate boutique fair provides artists and art enthusiasts with direct access to the art world, fostering new relationships and creating a new exhibition platform for thought-provoking contemporary artwork.

Humanity Forward Fund Launches Andrew Yang Meme Museum Mobile Billboard Honoring the Artists Helping Fuel His Presidential Campaign

10/09/2019 by Susan von Seggern

Meme Museum to tour Ohio in conjunction with Democratic Debates, October 15 and 16

October 8, 2019 Columbus, Ohio – HumanityFWD, the Independent Expenditure Committee (aka SuperPAC) founded by Andrew Yang supporters, is launching a “first of its kind” Meme Museum, a Mobile Multimedia Billboard that will highlight the art and creations of the supporters of Andrew Yang.

“Andrew Yang is known as the ‘Internet Candidate’ and the ‘meme candidate’. His forward-thinking policies and honest rhetoric have inspired his supporters to be extremely creative in how they show their support. These artists have helped fuel the viral sensation of the Yang Movement, introducing Andrew Yang and his policies to the American people both online and in person. We want to honor these important contributions to the grassroots movement, draw attention to Andrew’s vision for our country in a dynamic and accessible way, and continue spreading the message and values of this campaign” says Larry Cohen, Co-Founder of HumanityFWD.

The “Meme Museum” will be on tour throughout Columbus and Westerville Ohio on October 15 and 16. (See example memes below)

HumanityFWD is on a mission to build a new economy, one that puts people first and at the center of our society. HumanityFWD recognizes that 21st Century Problems require 21st Century Solutions. This includes transforming the future of work in a world of rapid advances in automation and technology; tackling the existential threat of climate change and recognizing healthcare and basic economic security as human rights. These challenges are existential and urgent. HumanityFWD seeks to build a new future, based on abundance and American prosperity, by supporting transformational leaders and bold policies that address these challenges.

The Clark Hulings Fund for Visual Artists Announces Virginia Art-Business Conference November 7-9

08/10/2019 by Susan von Seggern

Fredricksburg, Virginia – The Clark Hulings Fund for Visual Artists is excited to announce that it will be hosting an Art-Business Conference at the University of Mary Washington November 7-9.

The conference will kick off Thursday, November 7th, with a Thriving Art Exchange event featuring working artists and other industry stakeholders including municipal, college, and nonprofit arts administrators, collectors, gallerists, retailers, and others on Thursday, November 7th, from 12 – 5:30pm, at the Belmont estate, which was the home and studio of famed American painter Gari Melchers.

Noted organizational change leader Shem Cohen, the president of Change Events, Inc., will facilitate the event. His strength is creating a collaborative journey of discovery and learning. He helps groups achieve shared meaning, make well-informed decisions, and energize their system around possibility, vision, and hope. The purpose of the Thriving Art Exchange is to examine the art industry’s current reality, dynamics, and trends, and foment discussion and ideas to shape a flourishing local arts economy that serves all of its members. This interactive process will involve spirited inquiry and dialogue, as the group works towards the discovery of shared goals, values, and strategies.

Cohen notes, “We are especially looking forward to delivering this program and being part of building a sustainable ecosystem of artist-entrepreneurs. The arts contribute almost $17 billion to Virginia’s economy, over 3% of the state’s GDP, and employ over 76,000 people in almost 17,000 business. We are excited to bring the stakeholders of this vibrant economic engine together to plan for the future growth of visual art in Virginia.”

Programming for the following two days of the conference will be held at the University of Mary Washington’s Stafford Campus, from 8 am to 5 pm, and consists of high-level presentations and interactive sessions designed to educate and support artists in becoming self-sustaining entrepreneurs. Topics include setting a viable business objective and action plan, honing a brand story, understanding sales channels, and effective pricing, developing sales strategies, and building a dynamic peer network. The program will be led by Elizabeth Hulings, CHF director and co-founder; Carolyn Edlund, CHF sales director, and events manager; and Daniel DiGriz, CHF education director.

The Art-Business Conference is presented by The Clark Hulings Fund for Visual Artists, the Stafford County Virginia Department of Economic Development and Tourism, the University of Mary Washington, and the Fredericksburg Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

The event manifests CHF’s assertion that “Art is a business and artists should run it.” With the art market undergoing rapid and significant change—not only with regard to technology but also HOW art is marketed, bought, and sold—artists need to reclaim their rightful position at the center of the industry. The Art-Business Conference will help them to take charge of their careers, captivate their audience, and maximize the extraordinary professional advantages they already possess to sell their art effectively. With the inclusion of an industry-wide exchange, CHF provides a powerful opportunity for all sectors of the arts community to work together toward developing a stronger ecosystem in which artists can thrive.

The event fee is $795, but CHF is offering an early-bird price of $295 until September 8th. Tickets and info are available here. In addition to conference admission, registrants will gain automatic access to CHF’s Digital Campus and Learning Portal, a comprehensive online learning and community resource for working artists.

About The Clark Hulings Fund
Founded in 2013, The Clark Hulings Fund for Visual Artists (CHF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that equips professional visual artists to be self-sustaining entrepreneurs. Because they are self-employed, visual artists are necessarily entrepreneurs, but like all business owners, they need training and real-world experience to achieve financial prosperity. CHF equips working artists with critical entrepreneurial skills, business tools, technology, and networks of peers and experts. We make it possible for artists to thrive and ensure collaboration among artists, collectors, other members of the industry, and the wider world of which they are part. A healthy social ecosystem is one where all of its members can connect, and artists are the key to building these vibrant communities. Without artists, we’re all left culturally stranded. When artists flourish, we all flourish.

Rachel Mason’s New Single for Circus of Books Documentary “Give You Everything,” Out Today

08/10/2019 by Susan von Seggern

Single release to precede Circus of Books, Opening Gala Premiere, and Platinum Alchemy Performance at OUTFEST

Los Angeles, California – Renowned visual artist/musician/filmmaker Rachel Mason (aka FutureClown) is releasing her new single “Give You Everything” on today via Spotify and other online services. The release precedes her acclaimed documentary Circus of Books premiering in Los Angeles as the Opening Night Gala film for OUTFEST July 18, and a special performance at the OUTFEST Platinum Alchemy Party July 20. Mason wrote the song for the closing credits of Circus of Books which documents her Conservative Jewish parents’ saga as the owners of landmarks of queer culture in Los Angeles, the Circus of Books gay porn bookstores in West Hollywood and Silver Lake.

The single will be followed by a full-length album, called Circus Life, which will be released when her film, executive produced by Ryan Murphy (Glee, Pose, American Horror Story), comes out on Netflix in the Fall. The “Give You Everything,” single package will include the original song and mixes by a pioneer of house/disco/electro/hip hop Man Parrish.

“When I met the producer Man Parrish, whose own music was made for gay porn, and who worked with my heroes like Klaus Nomi, David Bowie, and Madonna, and he offered to do this remix and contribute some songs for the film, it felt like divine intervention, as I suddenly had a direct link to the actual music of my film’s era. So many of the great artists of the time died of AIDS, so the fact that he’s still alive and I was able to meet him right as I was working on completing the film, was so lucky for me. And thanks to the label Dark Entries for the intro. Additionally, through them, the film was able to secure tracks by gay dance music composer Patrick Cowley whose songs are also featured in the film.”

Of the song and mixes Mason notes, “As a kid, driving up to the front of the store with my parents, they would go inside to do business, and there were all these guys standing out front in super short cut-off shorts, and everyone was just hanging out. That was an era that I now look back on with childhood nostalgia. A big part of the impetus for making the film was the knowledge of this piece of history disappearing. I saw all of the hustling and cruising from a kid’s perspective, and the store was a place of joy and hilarity. The song being upbeat, positive and danceable is important because that’s the vibe that matches the store.”

In the song’s lyrics, Mason writes from the store’s perspective, embodying a character who is both sly and mischievous, but also exuberant. She references the culture of the street, men picking up guys on the corner and signaling with colored bandanas. The song also references the notorious cruising zone “Vaseline Alley.” where sex was rampant:

“Wait on the corner till I give you a sign, can you see my red bandana is set to the right”

“Let me celebrate what you don’t understand, its where I get the strength to be who I am, and when you give me a look it takes me up, and away…”

“Cruising the alley with a broken tail light, Lose a few dollars but get a good price, I’ll be a friend for the night…”

The second set of remixes from electro-punk duo, L.A. Drones, noted Austrian electronic producer Patrick P, and Ian Coletti who composed the score for Circus of Books, is on the way as well.

About Rachel Mason:
Rachel Mason is best known in visual art and experimental music circles for performances which often contain fantastical narratives which interweave musical, theatrical and narrative elements into unexpected operatic journeys. Through her wide-ranging portfolio of mixed media work, she instigates fantasy and harsh realities through scripts, sculpture, rock operas, live performances and unique collaborations with artists, scientists, and dancers. She has recorded hundreds of songs and created a feature-length musical film which toured as a live performance, The Lives of Hamilton Fish in 2016. Mason has exhibited her visual art and performance work at museums, film and performance festivals internationally and at many of the country’s leading art spaces. Her work has received praise in VICE, Interview Magazine, The New York Times, Artforum, LA Weekly, The New Yorker, The Los Angeles Times, Art in America, and Flash Art. Her second feature film, Circus of Books premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, is the headlining gala film at Outfest 2019 and will be released on Netflix in 2019, with Ryan Murphy as one of the executive producers.

LINKS
Insta: @FutureClown
https://soundcloud.com/futureclown
http://youtube.com/rachelmasonrocks
https://www.facebook.com/RachelMasonArt/
https://twitter.com/rachelmasonart
https://www.rachelmasonart.com/

The Clark Hulings Fund for Visual Artists Announces Its Third Annual Art-Business Conference in Santa Fe, September 16-18

07/05/2019 by Susan von Seggern

Santa Fe, New Mexico – The Clark Hulings Fund for Visual Artists 3rd Annual Santa Fe Art-Business Conference will be a three-day event taking place September 16, 17, and 18, 2019 at the Santa Fe Convention Center, 201 W. Marcy Street, Santa Fe, NM, 87501.

Programming for the first two days of the conference consists of high-level presentations and interactive sessions designed to educate and support artists in becoming self-sustaining entrepreneurs. Topics include setting a viable business objective and action plan, honing a brand story, sales channels, pricing, sales strategies and building a dynamic peer network.

Artists will be joined on the final day by art industry leaders and influencers, government and business owners, collectors and other stakeholders for a Thriving Art Exchange. The purpose of the exchange is to examine the industry’s current reality, dynamics, and trends, and foment discussion and ideas to shape a flourishing local arts economy that serves all of its members. This interactive process will involve spirited inquiry and debate, as we work toward shared goals, values, strategies, and action plans.

The Art-Business Conference is presented by The Clark Hulings Fund for Visual Artists in partnership with the Santa Fe Arts Commission.

The event manifests CHF’s assertion that “Art is a business and artists should run it.” With the art market undergoing rapid and significant change—not only with regard to technology but also HOW art is marketed, bought, and sold—artists need to reclaim their rightful position at the center of the industry. The Art-Business Conference will help them to take charge of their careers, captivate their audience, and maximize the extraordinary professional advantages they already possess to sell their art effectively. With the inclusion of an industry-wide exchange, CHF will provide a powerful opportunity for all sectors of the arts community to work together toward a stronger ecosystem.

The program will be led by Elizabeth Hulings, CHF director and co-founder; Carolyn Edlund, CHF sales director, and events manager; and Daniel DiGriz, CHF education director. New for the Santa Fe event will be Shem Cohen leading the Thriving Art Exchange event. Shem is the CEO of Change Events, whose expertise is strategic planning, people, organizational systems, and change. His strength is facilitating a collaborative journey of discovery and learning. He helps groups achieve shared meaning, make well-informed decisions and energize their system around possibility, vision, and hope.

“We are especially looking forward to delivering this program at the Santa Fe Convention Center and to be part of building a sustainable ecosystem of artist-entrepreneurs in our hometown. Visual art drives tourism, creates jobs, furthers economic development in local and national spheres, and keeps capital in the region. With a vibrant gallery scene attracting visitors from around the globe, and an unparalleled wealth of local artists—1 in 6 residents according to the IRS—we are excited to continue delivering tangible business skills and training here, and to partner with the Santa Fe Arts Commission, who have long set a national example of how support for the arts enriches a community, state, and region,” says Hulings.

The event fee is $795, but CHF is offering an early-bird price of $295 until July 16. Tickets and info are available here. In addition to conference admission, registrants will automatically gain access to CHF’s Business Accelerator Portal, a comprehensive online learning and community resource for working artists.

Rachel Mason Performs New Single for Circus of Books Documentary “Give You Everything,” at Outfest Platinum Alchemy Party

07/05/2019 by Susan von Seggern

Following Circus of Books, Opening Gala Premiere at OUTFEST

Photo Credit: Dan Busta

Los Angeles, California – Renowned visual artist/musician/filmmaker Rachel Mason (aka FutureClown) contributes a special additional performance to the OUTFEST Platinum Alchemy Party in honor of the Los Angeles Premiere of her forthcoming Netflix Documentary, Circus of Books. Mason takes the stage at exactly 8:30 pm, on Saturday, July 20 to perform the song she wrote for the closing credits of her acclaimed film. Mason’s exclusive performance comes two days after Circus of Books headlines the opening night gala for OUTFEST, the city’s longest-running LGBTQ film festival, which was started in 1982, the year Mason’s parents became the official owners of a landmark of queer culture in Los Angeles.

The Outfest Platinum Alchemy party takes place at Stellar Stag, 205 S. Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004 from 8 pm to Midnight. The bill is filled with established and emerging
LGBTQI talent namely, Madame Gandhi, Jesse Saint John, Tolliver, Chanel & the Circus, Josh Peace (DJ set), and Bapari (DJ set). The event is curated by noted filmmaker and festival programmer Tiffany Naiman. Tickets for the event are $25 ($20 with Outfest ticket stub or Outpass), include open bar, and are available at https://festival.outfest.org/2019/special_events/platinum-party/. The party is sponsored by Stellar Stag, Angel City Brewery, and EFFEN Vodka.

Mason’s single will be available on Spotify and other services July 12 and will be followed by a full-length album, called Circus Life, which will be released when her film comes out on Netflix. The “Give You Everything,” single package will include the original song and mixes by a pioneer of house/disco/electro/hip hop Man Parrish, as well as electro-punk duo, L.A. Drones, and Ian Coletti who composed the score for Circus of Books.

Mason, who sometimes performs under the moniker of FutureClown, was introduced to Man Parish through Dark Entries Records’ Josh Cheon who hosted a panel discussion with him for a RedBull Music Academy event organized by Taylor Rowley, music supervisor for Circus of Books and a longtime DJ and curator in Los Angeles. Mason notes, “Man Parish’s original songs provide the film a direct link to the legacy of queer dance music which was central to the culture around the store at its heyday. He is a treasure because his music is amazing, but also because he outlived his contemporaries like the brilliant Patrick Cowley whose songs are also featured in the film, thanks to Dark Entries who works with his estate to preserve the great work of many such artists.”

Since Bringing A Spiritual Dimension to Woodstock 50 Years Ago, Founder Sridhar Brings Bhakti Fest to a New Home for 2019

07/05/2019 by Susan von Seggern

29 Palms, California – 50 years ago this summer Woodstock promoters Michael Lang and Artie Kornfeld sought now Bhakti Fest producer Sridhar Silberfein’s advice on the soon to be legendary art and music festival they were producing upstate. Sridhar said to them, “Ya got some of the greatest musical acts in the world but what’s missing is the spiritual component.” With their to-do lists already bursting, they answered, “Ok you deal with that part.”

As can be seen in the documentary film about the event, Woodstock, on August 18, 1969, Sri asked singer/songwriter Richie Havens to introduce Swami Satchidananda. Still reeling from his legendary set, Richie gave him a “that would be a no” look. So, Sri escorted Swami Satchidananda and his entourage onto the Woodstock stage to deliver an invocation. More than half a million American youth were in attendance – the largest peaceful gathering in the West at the time. Swami Satchidananda introduced the power of mantra, inviting the crowd to recite “Hari Om” and “Ramaramarama.” A moment of silence followed. Not even a camera clicked.

While still on stage, Sri whispered to Swami Satchidananda, “Swamiji, wouldn’t it be great to bring this many people together to chant the names of God?” Swami Satchidananda smiled knowingly and said, “Yes, it would be great if you could do that.”

Finally, in 2009, 40 years after receiving his life’s mission, Sridhar founded Bhakti Fest, which has since become Southern California’s largest and most beloved yoga and spiritual music festival. Now after a decade in Joshua Tree, the festival is moving to a new home just up the road in 29 Palms, California.

Taking place September 25 – 30 at Roadrunner Dunes in 29 Palms, Bhakti Fest 2019 will feature amazing conscious music, yoga, spiritual and wellness workshops and more, attracting spiritual seekers far and wide. New features include a lake for swimming, aquatic, and paddleboard yoga, and vast vibrant space for art installations.

Headliners for the event include Deepak Chopra, Krishna Das, Mike Love, Dharma Mittra, Shiva Rea, Radhanath Swami, MC Yogi, Fannah Fi Allah, Saul David Raye, Donna De Lory, Sianna Sherman, Mas Vidal, Girish, Govind Das & Radha, Kia Miller, Dawn Cartwright, Ram Das (via video), and many, many more to be announced in the coming weeks!

The new location will feature three music stages, expanded yoga and workshop villages, a sound temple for sound baths, a healing sanctuary for bodywork, a mantra dome, Bhakti Kids Land with ongoing children’s programming, men’s and women’s sacred spaces, and a Kirtan school.

The City of 29 Palms has rolled out the red carpet for Bhakti Fest, and the producers are thrilled to host the festivals here. 29 Palms, known as the “29”, has become one of the hottest destinations for rock climbers, stargazers, nature lovers, Joshua Tree fanatics, and sunset seekers alike. It is the home of Joshua Tree National Park’s North Entrance, and the official Gateway to the Mojave Trails National Monument. Expect skies painted with color at dawn and dusk, night skies filled with an abundance of stars and the stunning Milky Way.

Expanded housing options include camping, RV Hook-up sites, on-site cabins, Glamping Yurts, Cozy Trailers, and many hotels and rental homes nearby in 29 Palms.

The Bhakti Fest Eco Artisan Village offers the best in vegetarian and vegan food, yoga clothing and gear, jewelry, art and unique collectibles. The organizers pride themselves on running a green event, offering free water and mindful recycling practices.

Early bird festival pricing is available for Bhakti Fest 2019, plus there are discounted tickets available for local residents, veterans, military, seniors, and students. Tickets are available at https://bhaktifest.com/bhakti-fest-tickets/.

The Clark Hulings Fund Presents A Thriving Art Exchange Virtual Town Hall Focusing on South Florida Monday, April 1

04/11/2019 by Susan von Seggern

Miami, FL – Following up their early 2019 live events in South Florida, the Thriving Art Exchange launch in Royal Palm Beach and the Art Business Conference in Fort Lauderdale, The Clark Hulings Fund will virtually return to the region with an online Thriving Art Exchange Town Hall Monday, April 1 at 4:00 PM (Eastern). The town hall will continue the discussion of the state of the visual art industry in South Florida, and brainstorm ways to better meet the needs of its stakeholders – artists, gallerists, collectors, and more.

Panelists on this virtual event include Rickie Leiter, publisher of The Rickie Report; Elayna Toby Singer, artist and Palm Beach County Art in Public Places administrator; and Neil Capozzi, chair of the Arts Council of Martin County, owner of Stuart Art Supply & Studio, and board member of Martin Artisans Guild.

The live broadcast April 1st 4:00 PM (Eastern) will be available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHV1zukpnbI. That link includes the chat window for participants to ask questions. To ask questions attendees will need to log into Youtube with their Google account. Questions and comments will also be taken from Twitter with the hashtag #CHF.

The Clark Hulings Fund Executive Director Elizabeth Hulings notes, “We are so gratified with the response we have gotten in South Florida. As our mandate is to help working artists and their communities, we are eager to assist local artists to thrive in this community that is so excited about visual art. We’re thrilled to be bringing the area’s art community together to utilize this excitement to fuel expanded careers for local artists.”

The Thriving Art Exchange brings together the art world’s various players to engage in constructive dialogue, structured brainstorms, and honest debates about the future of the visual art industry, locally, regionally, and nationally. The ultimate goal is to foster positive transformation and build a vibrant community that serves all its members.

About The Clark Hulings Fund:
The Clark Hulings Fund for Visual Artists (CHF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that champions economic sustainability for working artists. CHF does this by delivering business education and entrepreneurial learning through a rigorous Art-Business Accelerator, a Digital Learning Portal, in-person education events in local communities, and a federation of artist-formed and artist-led networks of opportunity. All of this work achieves one aim: equip visual artists to thrive as self-sustaining entrepreneurs.