Help The Baltimore Clayworks!

Maryland Citizens for the Arts has asked us to ask YOU to send an Email to Legislators .
The House Appropriations and Senate Budget & Taxation Subcommittees held budget hearings on February 19 and 20, 2009, and a large group of representatives were in Annapolis to testify and support the MCA advocacy goals. Thank you to everyone who participated!

Today, we are launching the next step in our Advocacy Plan - an Action Email Blast.
For this, WE WILL NEED EVERYONE'S HELP!

The process is very simple. As soon as you have read this alert, click on this "Take Action" icon. That hyperlink will take you directly to the Maryland Citizens for the Arts website. There, using a prepared letter which insures that the issues are properly identified and our advocacy goals are clearly defined, you will be able to contact your legislator directly. Enter your zipcode, which will identify the senator and/or delegate from your district who serves on one of these subcommittees. After you have provided your home address, you will be able to read the letter, edit it, and provide your e-signature. Please take a few minutes to do this right away!

NUMBERS ARE IMPORTANT! Encourage your friends and associates to join in sending this message. Pass this message on to the local arts advocates in your region, and urge them to send this email. *Please note that CapWiz will ONLY allow you to send this message to the legislators from your district. That is why we need participation from every part of Maryland !

One person CAN make a difference! Hundreds of people can make a HUGE difference!

If this cut is sustained, Baltimore Clayworks will lose approximately $40,000 in funding, and murals like this one made by residents in our urban community, classes for children in city schools, exhibitions like Tour de Clay and much, much more will be in jeopardy. Please act NOW!!

Thank you for caring and transforming your care into Action!

PS:
MCA WILL HOLD AN ADVOCACY CONFERENCE CALL TO THE FIELD ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2009 AT 3:00 P.M. TO UPDATE YOU ON OUR ADVOCACY PLAN AND TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS. THE CALL-IN NUMBER IS 1-800-935-3856 PASSCODE: 465287

Apply for Spring Shows Now!

It's that time again - time to start thinking about spring & summer craft fairs... which gives us hope that Spring is around the corner, so we don't mind one bit. BUST magazine recently posted the above call for entries for their Spring Fling, and there are plenty more popping up all over the country. Two great websites for you to check constantly for new applications are:
IndieCraftShows.com & Craftershock.com. Are there other sites any of you look at for news of new fairs?

Hello Craft & The ACC show!

Tina Seamonster and the folks of Hello Craft have really outdone themselves this winter, setting up the Hello Craft website, running a great craft blog, and creating a very addicting crafty Podcast that we can all listen to for FREE on their site, at any time. And just to turn up justification for our plug of this new site one more notch...we'll remind you that these are the same heroes behind Crafty Bastards Craft Fair in Adams Morgan & Silver Spring. Where do they get all this energy?

In the latest episode of the Hello Craft podcast, the Hello Craft gals took stories from 3 local crafters who will be showing at the American Craft Council show this week! Caitlin of Rebound Designs, Rania of Goshdarnknit, and our very own fellow mafiosa, Shannon of Sweet Pepita! It's a great podcast - so if you get the chance- go take a listen.

All three of this episode's contributors, as well as the ladies of Hello Craft will be at the ACC show this week in Baltimore.
For more info on the ACC show, visit www.craftcouncil.org/baltimore
For more info on Hello Craft, visit www.hellocraft.com

CCCM In Southern Living Magazine!

Pick up the latest issue of Southern Living Magazine this month, and flip straight the the Mid Atlantic Living Section! The folks from Southern Living were nice enough to interview us a while back about crafting, community and running our businesses & the craft mafia in the Greatest City in America. It's the March 2009 issue. On shelves now (we think)!

Crafting Your Own Hula Hoop with Carlybird!

Photo of Carly courtesy of Kevin Griffin Moreno.

Spring is coming and you'll be kicking yourself if you aren't prepared to make the most of it.

Carlybird Weaves offers workshops not only in weaving but also in hula hoop making!
This Saturday, February 28th, I will teach you to make your own adult-weight hula hoop. I provide all the necessary tools and supplies, and you provide a creative mind and a desire to swivel your hips in style! Once our hoops are made, I'll teach you a hooping trick or two to boot!

Email me at carlygoss-at-yahoo.com to register!

Crafting Your Own Hula Hoop I
Saturday, February 28, 2009
2:00pm - 4:30pm
$20.00
Open to 5 students.

...and if you can't make it this weekend, there's always March!

Crafting Your Own Hula Hoop II
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
6:00pm - 8:30pm
$20.00
Open to 5 students.

After the Oscars

Feeling fabulous after watching the glamour of the red carpet? Why not dress up your everyday with a bit of glam from Feather Brain of D.C? Her beautiful headbands are inspired by the 20's flapper era of fashion. Each design is named for the famous jazz musician who inspired it. Check out her etsy shop if you would like to pick one out for your next red carpet debut!

Great new Documentary Film

Via whipup, a new must-see documentary for anyone who is a woman, an artist, a mother, or who knows one...




More information about the film, the artists, and the filmakers can be found here.


Playing in Chestertown, MD, at Artworks, on March 28th, 8pm. More info here.

Indie Fixx Shop Closing Sale!

I was (finally) catching up on my blog reading this morning, and read that Jen Wallace of Indie Fixx, one of my favorite blogs (and people- I had the pleasure of being behind Jen at Pile Of Craft last year) has decided to close the Indie Fixx shop. While this is sad news, it sounds like Jen is re-evaluating her time priorities, and I find that very inspiring. I think I might make some pro-con lists for my own time...

Luckily, we'll still be able to read Jen's blog and check out the Galleria at http://www.indiefixx.com/.

Click the image to view the sale items (act quick, there's not much left, and at these prices, they're bound to be gone soon!):

Your Weekend Soundtrack

Baltimore has so many amazing musicians who keep old-time alive, sometimes its hard to keep up! Splice Today, a web magazine worth browsing, has just put up an online mix tape of traditional folk music recorded by contemporary musicians, a handful of them from our fair city.

Baltimore's own Wye Oak, Caleb Stine, Walker & Jay, Dave Heumann of Arbouretum, Stephen Strohmeier, and Noble Lake all made brand new recordings of traditional songs for this compilation that is available online here for FREE. Listen long and loud...and over and over.

Weekend To-Do List!

Friday, February 20
Win a free Ticket to the ACC Show!
Today is the last day to enter a comment on the imogene blog to win a free ticket to the American Craft Council show at the Baltimore Convention Center next week! Be sure to post your comment by the end of the day today for a chance to win!! (want a bonus shot at a freebie? email hellocraftinfo@gmail.com with the word "BALTIMORE" by today and visit the HelloCraft website!)


Friday February 20
Shattered Wig Night at 14 Karot Cabaret
$6 - 9pm
With John M. Bennett, Jack Wright, and Ben Bennet as Rotty What; Susan Mele, of Roxy Starr fame, performs with pianist Daniel Meyer; Kristen Anchor and Rahne Alexander show/perform “Facts About Cats;” and Francis Poole and Blaster read their own works.


Involving Violence at School33
February 20 – April 11, 2009
Curated by Lasso
Karin Patzke and Carrie Ruckel
Part of School 33 Art Center’s Annual Open Call to Curators
Baltimore area artists include:
Ramsey Barnes, Gerecho Delaney, Matthew Freel, Brook Halvorson, John Morris, Diane Ramos, Marilee Schumann
Chicago area artists include:
Alan Lerner, Regina Mamou, Sari Maxfield, Joe Sikora, Jason Stec, Krista Wortendyke

Opening Reception: Friday, February 20, 2009 | 6 – 9 pm | 7pm gallery talk
School 33 Art Center
1427 Light Street | Baltimore, MD 21230 | 410-396-4641

Friday February 20 & Saturday February 21
Glassblowing Miniworkshops at Corradetti Glass
On Feb. 20 and 21, Corradetti Glassblowing Studio will host two thrilling hot glass mini-workshops on making flowers - perfect for spring! The first workshop will take place in the evening and include wine and cheese. The second is a daytime event. Visit the Corradetti web site for more details and/or to register.

Saturday, February 21
Propositions at Area 405

Propositions exhibits works that investigate the function of propositions. The absence of spatial qualifications in a proposition means that a proposition locates a placeless space. A proposition identifies its subject with a space always-already in transition. Artists in propositions produce works that locate in a liminal, third space of transition from the everyday to the uncanny and vice versa; the application of boundaries to boundless space and vice versa; semblance to dissemblance and vice versa; and, between the interval of light becoming shadow and vice versa. Propositions intends to locate works within the present that negate certain ends in occupation.

Opening reception 7 – 10 pm
Curator’s talk 7 – 7:30 pm
Show runs 15 February – 29 March 2009

Curated by
Stephen G. Dewyer

Works by
Neal Reinalda
Ding Ren
Glenn Shrum
Elena Volkova

Saturday, February 21
Charm City Roller Girls

Saturday, February 21 at 7 p.m.
Du Burns Arena - 1301 Ellwood Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224
Flat track roller derby with the Charm City All-Stars vs. Dutchland Derby Rollers and the Charm City All-Stars vs.the Rhode Island Riveters. Check out the Rollergirls website for more info!

This Weekend's To-Do List!

Friday, February 13
Save the Senator (Theater)
A friday musical treat to kick off A weekend of music to benefit the historic Senator Theatre featuring the Payola Reserve, Wye Oak, the John Hardy Boys, US Royalty, Nathan Bell, Rob Timm, and Alex Cortright.
9 pm
Senator Theater
5904 York Road
Baltimore, Maryland 21212



Saturday February 14
Maestro Sensational

"An evening of puppet acts, songs, romance and more! For Grown-ups! Hosted by the biggest sock in show business, Maestro Sensational! Maestro and his chorus of feisty sockophants will perform tender bits of comedy sure to warm your heart on the cold winter night of Valentine's day. House band Walker & Jay provide tunes and soundtrack for the evening of puppet performances by various Baltimore artists including Matt Gemmel and Liz Ensz, Sean Blue, Dawn Swartz, Dana Schloss and more! "
Seating is limited, so get there early. No date required! Tell your friends!

Doors 8pm / Show 8:30
Black Cherry Puppet Theater in SOWEBO
1115 Hollins Street Baltimore, MD 21223 (directions at blackcherry.org)
Only $5!!


Also Saturday, February 14
One Out of 100 - The Art of John Malloy
6pm - Midnight
Art Whino,llc
173 Waterfront St.
National Harbor, MD 20745


Saturday February 14th, Sunday, February 15th... and all year
Donate to a Local Film!
You might know local director Matthew Porterfield from his beautiful movie Hamilton (based in the Baltimore neighborhood of the same name) which played at the MD Film Fest last year. Now, the local mastermind is at it again, and his new film Metal Gods is officially in Pre-Production, and needs funding. That's where you come in. Instead of giving a valentine full of waxy candy to some babe you barely know, why not give a valentine full of cash money to support Baltimore Filmaking? You can be a part of Baltimore movie making by donating $1 or $1,000,000,000 toward the production of this film. Simply visit THE WEBSITE to learn more.

Happy Weekend!

One of our own!

Whoa! The Craft Mafia's very own Rachel Bone is one of 26 semi-finalists for this year's prestigious Sondheim award. This is awesome!

from the Baltimore Sun:
...

Sondheim arts prize names 26 semifinalists

Exhibit coincides with Artscape

By Edward Gunts | ed.gunts@baltsun.com

5:46 PM EST, February 11, 2009

Twenty-six visual artists or groups from Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and the District of Columbia were named semifinalists today for the fourth annual Janet & Walter Sondheim Artscape Prize, one of the most prestigious arts awards in the Baltimore area.

Named for civic leaders who were strong supporters of the arts, the prize includes a $25,000 fellowship to a visual artist or "visual artist collaborative" working in the Baltimore region. About six finalists will be selected in the spring, and an exhibit of their work will be shown at the Baltimore Museum of Art during the summer. An exhibit of the semifinalists' work will be shown in the Decker and Meyerhoff galleries at the Maryland Institute College of Art in July, coinciding with the 2009 Artscape festival from July 17-18. The winner of the Sondheim prize will be announced at 7 p.m. July 11 at the BMA. This year's competition drew 334 entries.

The competition is sponsored by Mayor Sheila Dixon and the Baltimore Office of Promotion & the Arts, and the juried exhibition is held in conjunction with the BMA and MICA. Judges for this year's prize are Ellen Harvey, a New York-based artist; Valerie Cassel Oliver, curator of the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston; and Elisabeth Sussman, a curator at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York.

The semifinalists are:

• Seth Adelsberger, Baltimore

• "Alzaruba," also known as Al Zaruba, Baltimore

•The Baltimore Development Cooperative, Baltimore. The cooperative includes Scott Berzofsky, Dane Nester and Nicholas Wisniewski, who are working on a community farm/art project in East Baltimore. Berzofsky and Wisniewski are former founding members of the artist collective known as Camp Baltimore.

•Lisa Blas, Washington, D.C.

• Rachel Bone, Baltimore

• Jessica Braiterman, Beltsville

• Travis Childers, Fairfax, Va.

• Mary Coble, Washington, D.C.

• R.L. Croft, Manassas, Va.

• Alyssa Dennis, Baltimore

• Liz Ensz, Baltimore

• Leslie Furlong, Baltimore

• Ryan Hackett, Kensington

• Christian Herr, Lancaster, Pa.

• Jason Horowitz, Arlington, Va.

• Jessie Lehson, Baltimore

• Kim Manfredi, Baltimore

• Katherine Mann, Baltimore

• Baby Martinez, Washington, D.C.

• Sebastian Martorana, Baltimore

• Lisa Moren, Baltimore

• Ellen Nielsen, Baltimore

• Louie Palu, Washington, D.C.

• Molly Springfield, Washington, D.C.

• "TwoCan Collective," Baltimore. TwoCan Collective consists of two women, "Emily C-D" and Jessica Unterhalter, who often make work using recycled materials.

• Karen Yasinsky, Baltimore

...

Congratulations, Rachel! We'll be rooting for you all the way to Artscape!

Baltimore on a Budget.

I know the green stuff has been a majorly dark cloud on every one's mind lately but through my contribution to the CCCM blog I hope to offer some ideas for stretching your dollar while enjoying all the charm that Baltimore has to offer. Last week I made some suggestions for valentines that support local crafters while keeping to a budget. Today I would like to share some tips for eating out (think date night?) without breaking the bank. There are still lots of great deals in the Charm City where you can go for a tasty meal, after all, we're not New York yet!
Did you know that Clementine, the super cute and tasty new addition to Harford Road serves a killer brunch? Dates don't always have to be at night right? Next weekend make a trip to Hamilton and enjoy an egg casserole with a side of famous cheese grits or a plate of really yummy french toast with apple infused maple syrup, both are just 5 bucks! They also boast a homemade muffin for $2.25 or bagel and homemade cream cheese for just $2.50. Top off your meal with a cup of Zeeke's coffee, organic, fair trade and free refils for just $1.50.
Looking for a lite bite? The Parkside, also located on Harford Rd, makes a delicious flatbread pizza for $8 on Tuesday nights and a very gourmet house salad,$6, with sauteed shallots, figs and goat cheese crumbles. The salad was so delicious my mom and I ordered another one to eat for "dessert"! Order both and split them for a yummy meal for 2 for under $20. If you go on Saturday night you can take advantage of the $1 Boh special and Thursday they offer vegetarian specials as well as drink specials:) Another plus? They are open late most nights and feature a section in the back dedicated to local crafts and baked goods.
Sweet tooth? Check out the Desert Cafe in Mt. Washington for their irresistible case of homemade desserts. They change weekly but you can look here to find out what they are currently serving. Bonus? Go on Saturday night to check out the belly dancer who circulates the dining area twirling swords and shimming around the tables.
So here are just a few of my suggestions for a cheap date out. If you have more (I'm sure you do!) add them below in the comments.
The comic in the photo is from marriedtothesea.com check them out for more comics you might like.

This Weekend in Baltimore:

THURSDAY February 5:
YO! The Powers of Love in 3D
Work by the multi-talented Charles Theater employees. Opening tonight - 7-9pm
Charles Theatre Workers Art Wall, 1711 North Charles Street.


FRIDAY, February 6
Coraline
Based on a Neil Gaiman novel, Directed by Henry Selick. This highly anticipated animation was filmed entirely in stop motion, and shot for screenings in 3D. Look for theaters around town showing in BOTH regular and 3D - starting Friday!

LOS SOLOS - Susan Alcorn & Clyde Forth
The LOS SOLOS Series is an innovative monthly series of solo performances by groundbreaking female artists. The series presents the solo performance work of female dancers, musicians, writers, filmmakers, conceptual artists, theatrical performers, performance artists, and curators.In the city known for it’s collaborative zeitgeist, the LOS SOLOS Series hopes to in addition recognize the strength of it’s solo performers. curated by visual artist Jackie Milad and musician/writer Bonnie Jones.

First Fridays in Hampden!
Come visit your favorite neighborhood shops in Hampden tonight. Many are open late into the evening, and many serve free snacks & drinks to enhance your shopping experience! Shop local!!!!

SATURDAY, February 7
El Rancho Grande turns One!
El Rancho Grande is that unassuming coffee shop on the corner of Falls Rd. and 36th Street that for the first half year in business... you may not have been sure exactly what it was. The shop now hosts some of the best folk and acoustic music performed in our fair city as well as curating art openings and providing a place to get late night coffee and play board games. Benefit Concert for this little slice of music heaven. Caleb Stine, Wye Oak, ellen cherry, Andrew Girmm, Tim Bracken, Macgregor Burns and The VCR, Katie Feild, Stephen Strohmeier, Kathy Fahey, and Young Sir Jim.
8-11pm - Metro Gallery. 1700 North Charles Street, Baltimore. $20


Mise en Scene
Stemming from the theater, the French term mise en scène literally means "putting on stage." When applied to the cinema, mise-en-scène refers to everything that appears before the camera and its arrangement – sets, props, actors, costumes, and lighting.
Mise-en-scène also includes the positioning and movement of actors on the set, which is called blocking. These are all the areas overseen by the director, and thus, in French film credits, the director's title is metteur en scène, "putter on scene."

Paperwork Gallery 107 E. Preston Street 7-9pm

SUNDAY, February 8
Crafts and Kisses
An indie craft fair just in time for Valentine's Day! Buy something shiny, fluffy, smooshie or sweet for your loved one.
12-6pmat the Josephine Butler Parks Center at 2437 15th St NW, Washington, DC.

New Feature: Around Town with the Craft Mafia

In an effort to engage the quirky and dynamic DIY community that is Baltimore, we at the Charm City Craft Mafia have been discussing ways to embrace the other creative forces in town, both within and beyond the craft scene. With our new blog, we'll be bringing new features through which we share upcoming performances, openings, and other fun events. In the spirit of DIY, I've noticed that most people I meet here have their hands in multiple pies; why not share the love?

That said, I encourage, nay, insist, that you check out the up and coming Hexagon, a co-operative gallery and show/performance space, this weekend! The Hexagon is located in Station North, a stone's throw from our neighborhood buddies The Charles Theatre and The Wind-up. The space began as a small venue operated by a few friends who shared a love for experimental music and community art, and has now expanded into a volunteer/co-operative run gallery and show space, staffed by about 20 members with exhibitions booked through July and weekly shows by local and touring bands.

This Friday, come out to The Hexagon to check out Cube, a film installation by Miguel Sabogal. Part post-industrial narrative, and part muted color-play, Sabogal's 16 mm films investigate memory and time as they are altered by changing light. Cube opens this Friday, February 6th and runs until the end of the month. DVDs of Sabogal's work are also available for purchase.

After the reception, plan to stick around for a night of folk and hip hop jams from local bands Jefferson Forklift, Love Peace Project, and Coaching the Ghost. Information about future shows and open community meetings are always available online at http://hexagon.space.com.

Planning. In Baltimore and Beyond.

Baltimore Design Conversation #5:
What's Your Plan? An open conversation on planning in Baltimore and beyond.

Wednesday, Feb. 4 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Windup Space
12 W North Ave @ Charles St

A/V System available for short presentations
contact ben.stone@gmail.com for more info!

Baltimore on a Budget.

Can you believe it's time for yet another Holiday? Valentines day sneaks up on us just after the December holiday madness comes to a close. This year don't fork over cash for the cheesy mass produced big box store card (after all, they are the ones to blame for this holiday, right? You know who you are!) instead why not check out these local, handmade picks? They are all made right here in Baltimore and are priced just right for those of us watching our budgets, all picks are $25 or less! So go ahead, support your local economy and bring a smile to the face of that someone special!

1. With Love and Oh, So Pretty a card to say it how you feel by Sugar Paperie, $4.00
2.Would you Love Me Cuff links perfect for the man in your life by Block Party Press $25.00
3.I do Love You wall graphic sticker decal, know any newly weds? by Lana Kole $20.00
4.Clean Green vegan clay bath, perfect for a special friend by Seagrapesoap $5.00
5.Golden Teardrops a little treasure to dress up everyday by Elisa Shere Jewelry $24.00
6.Hum tee for women, why not treat yourself? by Spaghetti Kiss $25.00