Arts Commission Accepting Nominations for State Poet Laureate

The Indiana Arts Commission is now accepting nominations for Indiana State Poet Laureate. The Indiana Poet Laureate represents the State of Indiana and the art of poetry through the development and implementation of programming to the education community and general public. The Poet Laureate makes formal presentations at various educational facilities and events, and offers advice to the Commission regarding ways to further the art of poetry in Indiana. Nominations for Indiana Poet Laureate should be limited to one, single-page cover letter and resume or CV detailing the nominee's qualifications and accomplishments. No additional materials should be included with the initial nomination. Successful nominees must be current residents of Indiana and remain residents during their two-year term of service as State Poet Laureate. Nominees should be published poets, with experience in educational program development. Nominations must be submitted to the Indiana Arts Commission by email only, and must be received by 4:30 p.m. (EDT) Thursday, August 1, 2013. Nominations should be sent to the attention of Susan Britsch: sbritsch@iac.in.gov. All nominations will be reviewed by a committee comprised of representative from Indiana's major institutions of higher education. The committee will be convened later this fall to begin review of the nominations. Joyce Brinkman was the first State Poet Laureate selected under legislation signed into law in 2005 creating the program. Norbert Krapf succeeded Ms. Brinkman, and Karen Kovacik (pictured above), is the current Indiana Poet Laureate.

Legally Blind Photographer Sees World Like Impressionist Painting

Photographer Kurt Weston spoke recently before a group of college students in California about his work and life. Weston, a former fashion photographer, lost most of his eye sight due to AIDS complications, but still produces photographic work. Weston's career was taking off in the early 1990s when he was diagnosed with AIDS - a disease that eventually left him legally blind. His condition left him totally blind in one eye, and with limited peripheral vision in the other. "It permits me to see the world like an impressionist painting," Weston said during the presentation to photography students at El Camino College near Torrance, California. "When I look at someone's face, I don't see eyes or nose or mouth - I just see flesh tone." Weston didn't allow the loss of his sight to derail his ambitions. Prior to his diagnosis, Weston worked primarily in the fashion industry. But in the mid-1990s he adopted a more artistic style. His body of work includes a photo called "A Modern Crucifixion" that was purchased by the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, Texas. The photo depicts a haunting profile of a man clutching a crucifix. The man is wearing the mesh mask meant to protect his head during treatments for brain cancer. In 2010, Weston won first place for outstanding achievement in the amateur-fashion division of the Black and White Spider Awards. Titled "Runway," the photo depicts the legs and flouncy dress of a fashion model taking a brisk walk down the runway. Weston said he'd taken the shot many years before, and advised students not to discount the photos they are taking for class. "Don't think that because it's a class assignment that it's invalid," he said. "You never know when it is going to go big." (Story submitted by National Arts and Disability Center, UCLA. Written by Rob Kuznia, Photo by Steve McCrank)

Deadline Extended for Mural Art Initiative Proposals

Tippecanoe Arts Federation (TAF) has extended the deadline for artists to submit design proposals for a mural in Crawfordsville. TAF is requesting design proposals for the mural on the Journal Review Buildings, 121 E. Market Street, Crawfordsville. This is a paid opportunity for a qualified artist or team of artists working collaboratively to create a design. The artist(s) chosen for the project will work directly with the community to execute the design. The application and additional information are available at the TAF website. All proposals are due by 5:00 p.m. April 12, 2013. All questions regarding the proposal should be directed to Tetia Lee at tetial@tippecanoearts.org or call 765-423-2787. The Mural Art Initiative is a collaborative educational outreach program that serves area at-risk under-served populations. The three primary objectives of this multi-faceted program are to: beautify community areas vandalized by graffiti, visually promote the clear benefit of arts in our community, and provide a life-long positive impact on all project participants. The Mural Art Initiative is funded in part by a grant from the North Central Health Services, and the Indiana Arts Commission. (source: press release)

Artist Opportunities

Call to Artists, Alice Carter Place Pump House Mural, Indianapolis, IN
The Arts Council of Indianapolis, in partnership with Midtown Indianapolis, is requesting proposals from artists or artist teams who are interested in creating outdoor public murals. This RPF is an open call to experienced mural artists from Indiana. Midtown seeks to commission a mural on all four sides of a brick pump house located near the center of the park. The full RFP can be downloaded here. Deadline for submissions is April 29, 2013.

Call to Artists, Downtown Transit Center, Bloomington, IN
The City of Bloomington Arts Commission, in partnership with Bloomington Transit, is issuing a call to artists for four separate artwork commission projects at the Downtown Transit Center currently under construction at the southeast corner of S. Walnut St. and E. Third St. in Bloomington. Bloomington Transit is investing approximately $14,000 towards public art at the Center, with project administration provided by the Arts Commission. Four commission opportunities are available in this call. Custom designed and fabricated pedestrian benches and bicycle racks; a Bloomington Transit Logo Artwork; and a Transit Mural. Full project descriptions and artist criteria is available at www.bloomington.in.gov/arts. Deadline for application is April 29, 2013. For more information, contact Miah Michaelsen, the Assistant Economic Development Director for the Arts, at 812-34-3534 or email michaelm@bloomington.in.gov.

Ivy Tech John Waldron Arts Center seeks Visual Art Exhibition Submissions, Bloomington, IN
The Ivy Tech John Waldron Arts Center seeks visual art exhibition submissions. Installations and new media are encouraged. Shows run for one month. Application fee is $25. Receptions, publicity and advertising is supported by Ivy Tech. Artists keep 100% of all sales. Deadline for entry is April 30, 2013. To apply, click here. Gallery specifics, photos, and FAQs can be found here. To see art by 2012-2013 exhibitors, click here.

Call for Artist Submissions, 2013 Sculptfusion, Michigan City, IN
Michigan City's Public Art Committee (MAC) seeks submissions for the 2013-2014 public art project "Sculptfusion" which will be located in the Uptown Arts District of Michigan City, Indiana. Selected artists will be awarded an honorarium of $2,000. The installed artwork may be available for sale. Sculptfusion is open to all professional artists in the Midwest region. Artists must own the rights to the artwork. Artwork must be available for the duration of the one-year contract. Accepted artworks must be professionally constructed of durable materials which will withstand the year-round elements. All durable outdoor media are encouraged. Submission details may be found at www.sculptfusion.us. Selected artists are responsible for transportation to and from the installation site. Artwork must be delivered as exhibition-ready, must be stable, and well-fabricated. Artwork deemed unsuitable for public display will not be accepted. Deadline for submission is May 1, 2013. The exhibition will run June 15, 2013 to June 15, 2014. Installation will be June 8 through June 15, 2013.

Call to Artists, Redondo Beach Public Art Program, Redondo Beach, CA
Greenstreet Redondo Commercial Development, Greenstreet Development, and the City of Redondo Beach Public Art Program seek a single completed public artwork to be located at the Greenstreet Redondo commercial site. The budget for the purchase of the public artwork is not to exceed $30,000. There is an entry fee for submission. Deadline for submission is May 1, 2013. For more information, call: 310-318-0644; email john.larock@redondo.org, or visit their website: http://www.redondo.org.

Performing Arts: VSA Playwright Discovery Script Writing Intensive! Washington, D.C.
High school student-writers with disabilities are invited to the first annual Script Writing Intensive! The event will bring a select group to Washington, D.C. in September for a weekend of pre-professional activities, including script workshops, roundtable discussion, staged readings, and more. Applications must be received by May 15, 2013. For more information, click here.

Call to Artists, Musicians, Performers, ORANJE 2013, Indianapolis, IN
Each year, ORANJE accepts its participants through a submission and jury process. In other words, individuals and groups interested in showcasing their art or music at ORANJE 2013 must submit via their website. In early June, a panel of trusted individuals who are not on the ORANJE staff will convene to select this year's participants. If you are an artist, musician or performer and are interested in participating, please visit: www.oranjeindy.com. The deadline for submission in May 31, 2013. Submission does not guarantee a spot in the event. ORANJE gives preference to contemporary and original artists and musicians. ORANJE will take place Saturday, September 14, 2013 and seeks to showcase art and music in a fun, interactive environment. All participants must be at least 21 years of age by the time of the event. Please use the web submission form on the site and only submit once per artist or performer.

Call for Entries, 2013 FOCUS Film Festival, Chico, CA
The ninth annual Short Film Festival on Diversity and Inclusion is now accepting entries of short films, 30 minutes or under, for competition in the 2013 FOCUS Film Festival's Annual Filmmakers Competition: FOCUS on Living with a Disability." Submissions will be accepted in the following categories: drama, comedy, documentary, animation, or experimental. Visit www.FOCUSFilmFestCalifornia.com for more information and to download an entry form. Deadline for entry is June 30, 2013.

Call to Artists, The Music & Arts Festival 2013, Art Association of Henry County, New Castle, IN
Artists are invited to take part in The Music & Arts Festival 2013, September 7th, 2013 at the Art Association Pavilion and Arts Park in downtown New Castle, Indiana. Each artisan will receive a 10'x10' area to display merchandise; one 8-foot table and two chairs; free admission to all concerts; inclusion in all website, social media, and printed promotions; electrical service can be provided upon request, but limited access is available. Cost for space is $25. Artist spaces must be secured by July 20, 2013 and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Entry forms are available by email: aahc2@comcast.net.

Logansport Art Association Seeks Artwork for Exhibition and Competition, Logansport, IN
The Logansport Art Association seeks visual art entries for its 102nd Fine Art Show & Competition. Each artist may enter only two entries; fine art only; photography and crafts are not accepted. Two artist categories will be judged: advanced and amateur. Artists must be 18 years of age or older. Entry fee is $15 for Logansport Art Association members / $45 for non-members. For a complete list of rules and entry form, please visit www.loganart.org or request information and entry form at loganart@loganart.org. Entries will be received May 31, 2013 from 12:00 - 5:00 p.m., and June 1, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Small Bronze Sculpture Symposium Call for Entries, Yellow Springs Arts Council, Yellow Springs, OH
The Yellow Springs Arts Council (YSAC) of Yellow Springs, Ohio invites national and area artists to submit design images for consideration for a small abstract bronze sculpture symposium in October, 2013 and take place over 14 days on the campus of Antioch College. The committee hope to commission three artists for three pieces each. One of the artists will be from the state of Ohio, and two will be selected from the remaining entries from the United States. In addition, an invited artists from Yellow Springs will participate. Commission amount is $3,000 plus transportation, room and board, and one bronze casting valued at $1,500. For more details on the call, please visit here.

Studio Mate Wanted for Ceramics Studio in Murphy Building, Indianapolis, IN
Ceramic artist looking to share studio space at the Murphy Arts Center, located at 1043 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46203. Large studio dedicated to ceramics has two large rooms plus added storage area. Access to IDADA First Friday events, which is a great way to showcase your work. For more information or to see the space, please call Meg Olson at 317-695-2469.

Job Opportunities

Teaching Artists, The Art Lab, Indianapolis, IN
The Art Lab is seeking three additional professional teaching artists to share in work and teaching space. Their group works to support each other in personal and teaching projects, minimize costs and do work within the community. The Art Lab partners with area non-profits as well as provides low cost workshops and classes. Artists give $100 each month toward rent and utilities and meet monthly. Find out more at www.artlabindy.com or on Facebook artlabindy and contact Maren Bell at information@artlabindy.com.

Artistic Director, Hampton Coliseum/Hampton Arts Commission, Hampton VA
Hampton Coliseum/Hampton Arts Commission, a newly merged department of the City of Hampton, Virginia seeks an experience industry professional to fill a leadership position of Artistic Director. This position is responsible for overseeing the programming and booking of the American Theatre and Charles H. Taylor Arts Center and directing activities designed to bring about awareness, education, participation, general interest and appreciation of arts as a vital quality of life for the city. Qualifications include, but not limited to: a Bachelor's degree in fine arts, marketing, communications, business administration, or related field of study; a minimum of five years experience as a programming/booking director at a performing arts center or in administering festivals, visual or performing arts programs; knowledge and experience in the management and operation of a performing arts center and art gallery; experience in working with appointed or elected commission is preferred; knowledge of federal, state and local funding sources for the arts and experience in securing grants and funding; must posses a valid driver's license and must have satisfactory driver's record based on the City of Hampton's criteria. For a complete job description and to apply, please visit www.hampton.gov/hire. For more information, contact Joe Tsao, Hampton Coliseum/Hampton Arts Commission Director at 757-896-1235, or email jtsao@hampton.gov.

Managing Director, Watts Village Theater Company, South Los Angeles, CA
Watts Village Theater Company nurtures and produces original works of theater and educational programming that inspire action and dialogue about contemporary issues to honor the rich history, cultural diversity and underserved populations of South Los Angeles. The managing director is responsible for the administrative and fiscal operations of the company. He/she coordinates and oversees the day-to-day and overall company operations. The managing director is in charge of earned and contributed revenue streams, and supervises the accounting and bookkeeping functions of the theater. Also serves as the supervisor of all grant writing activities and supervises all support staff. The managing director is responsible for four key areas of operations: managing operations, financial oversight, fundraising, and community outreach. The ideal candidate for this position should have a Bachelor's degree and at least 15 years' experience in arts organization management. Also must have excellent computer and writing skills. Salary commensurate with experience. Questions should be directed to Karen Rushfield, Board of Directors karm2k@aol.com or call 310-556-0605. Cover letter and resumes should be sent to Karen Rushfield at the above listed email address.

Communications Coordinator, Arts for Learning, Indianapolis, IN
Arts for Learning, the Indiana affiliate of Young Audiences, is seeking a creative, self-starter to fill the position of Communications Coordinator. This position reports to the Arts for Learning President and CEO. Manages all communications (external, internal, board) coordinates events, graphic design, and will provide support to the President and CEO and other staff. Major responsibilities will include: manage website, including editing/uploading video; produce monthly e-newsletter and e-blasts; manage social media sites; serve as lead in-house graphic designer; co-ordinates all events and fundraisers; write and distribute press releases. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter, with excellent verbal and written communications skills, moderate to advanced graphic design skills (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), ability to work independently and on teams, and proficiency in typing with attention to detail and accuracy. To see a full job description and to apply for this position, please click here.

Administrative Assistant, Young Actors Theatre, Indianapolis, IN
Young Actors Theatre, Indianapolis' oldest independent youth theatre, seeks a part-time administrative assistant to help with office and production related tasks. The applicant should be someone with a flexible schedule who will be available to attend all performances and aid in production set up if needed. For a complete listing of responsibilities, applicant qualifications, and to apply, please click here.

Human Resource Manager, Indianapolis Art Center, Indianapolis, IN
The Human Resources Manager has overall responsibility for designing, implementing and managing effective human resources programs, plans and initiatives to attract and retain people of talent, in support of the Art Center's mission. To see a full list of job requirements, applicant qualifications, and to apply for this position, please click here.