shopgifting - a new form of art

I received a newspaper clipping from my mother in law about a type of conceptual artist's exhibit or should I say ongoing art performance exhibit?!

Zoe Sheehan Saldana buys clothing from a local Wall Mart, creates a similar item - perhaps in color and style but not exact print and then carefully puts the store tags and labels on the item and returns it to the rack. She only does this with clothing - no toys or food. And on items that are generic.

She is a West Village artist and a Baruch College art professor and most importantly a Shop-Dropper
web site is www.zoesheehan.com

Her artwork is currently on exhibt at Real Art Ways in Hartford .

In an article written by Benjamin Genocchio, she says "I'm interested in projects where art and everyday life intersect, in particular moments and experiences where you can't really tell one from the other." She doesn't keep track of where her art goes but has noticed that some items are gone.

Wall Mart did not have any response.

I thought this was a very creative approach to art and performance art. Without knowing it, some people are actually getting a one of a kind piece of art when they are looking to buy generic off the rack multiple made clothing.

check out her sites.

thanks
r

The Black Belt

Perhaps because I just sent my youngest to art college, I found this recent email of interest....


THE BLACK BELT
A parable tells about a martial artist who kneels before a master sensei in a ceremony to receive the hard-earned Black Belt. After years of relentless training, the student has finally reached a pinnacle of achievement in the discipline.
“Before granting the belt, you must pass one more test,” the sensei solemnly tells the young man.
“I’m ready,” responds the student, expecting perhaps one more round of sparring.
“You must answer the essential question: What is the true meaning of the Black Belt?”
“Why, the end of my journey,” says the student. “A well-deserved reward for my hard work.”
The master waits for more. Clearly, he is not satisfied. The sensei finally speaks: “You are not ready for the Black Belt. Return in one year.”
As the student kneels before his master a year later, he is again asked the question, “What is the true meaning of the Black Belt?”
“It is a symbol of distinction and the highest achievement in our art,” the young man responds.
Again the master waits for more. Still unsatisfied, he says once more: “You are not ready for the Black Belt. Return in one year.”
A year later the student kneels before his sensei and hears the question, “What is the true meaning of the Black Belt?”
This time he answers, “The Black Belt represents not the end, but the beginning, the start of a never-ending journey of discipline, work and the pursuit of an ever higher standard.”
“Yes,” says the master. “You are now ready to receive the Black Belt and begin your work.”

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You may not be hoping for a Black Belt, but you might be at a crucial point. Maybe you’re facing a life change, perhaps even a painful one. Or maybe you are awaiting something you have worked hard to attain – graduation, a new job, a promotion, or even retirement.
All wise people see that changes can be new beginnings. Change need not be feared. And neither should we be looking for permanent resting place, for a full and happy life is never stagnant.
Does the change you face represent, not just an ending, but a new beginning in your life’s journey? If so, you may be ready to move forward.

From “Prescription for Peace” by Steve Goodier (60-second readings to help you build a better life.)

Patricia R. Pikor
V.P. Sales & Marketing
Kenneth A. Pikor, Inc.

Hello

I was invited in May and have finally gotten around to joining. I'm looking forward to sharing with all of you.

Loss of New Orleans

TO: Literary Arts Community (Columbus)
FROM: John Fraim

Here is a beautiful piece about the symbolism of New Orleans from Anne
Rice ... I'll never forget reading her Interview With the Vampire while
living out in the Avenues of San Francisco (where the "interview" took
place in the book).


Do You Know What It Means to Lose New Orleans?

We have all lost something of ourselves with the loss of this city.

John Fraim
www.symbolism.org

Postpone our event to help Hurricane victims

The recent hurricane and it's aftermath, as we know, has reached all of us. We have heard from many of our invitees/volunteers and members that they would like to contribute to the hurricane victims and we at Gallery 202, Partners in Art, Inc. also feel that monies need to go to the needs of the thousands of affected people in the Southern states.

After consideration, the Gallery 202 Board has decided to postpone our A Taste for Art Event for September 17th and encourage everyone to contribute to the hurricane relief programs. Monies currently received will be returned to current ticket holders.

When the time is right, we will look at when the possibility of having our A Taste for Art event should be. We hope that you will be able to join us then.

We thank all of you who have worked on this fun project and all of those who wanted to participated. But at this time, we do want to help our fellow citizens and feel that funding is needed for food/water and necessities.


Thank you,

Renee Kropat
President
Gallery 202, Partners in Art, Inc.