Department of State Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15 - October 15, 2005!  During this month-long celebration the State of Florida will be honoring the hispanic and latin-American influences that are a rich part of Florida's heritage.  These influences have played a dynamic role in shaping where our state is today.  In celebration of Hispanic Heritage month the Department of State has coordinated an exhibition of Puerto Rican Artist Amaury Diaz (see below).  The Department has also helped to support an exhibition of Pop Artist Romero Britto's work that is on view at both the Governor's Mansion and the Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science.  The State of Florida has also planned may other educational activities and programs to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.  For information about these other offerings, please visit:  http://www.floridahispanicheritage.com/. 

Individual Artists Grant Program Panel Meetings Coming Up! 

The following panel meetings will be taking place over the next few weeks.  The meetings are open to all persons and will be held in Room 307 at the R.A. Gray Building in Tallahassee. 

October 5, 2005- Media Arts Fellowship Panel Meeting
October 6, 2005- Visual Arts 3 Dimensional Panel Meeting
October 11, 2005- Visual Arts 2 Dimensional Panel Meeting

October 21, 2005- State Touring Roster Panel Meeting

The R.A. Gray Building is located at 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, Florida. For more information on these panel meetings, or if you have questions about any of this information, please visit the Division's website at: http://www.florida-arts.org/grants/panels/, or contact the Division at 850/245-6470. 

Career Forum for Artists with Disabilities

Creativity Works! A Forum on Careers in the Arts for People with Disabilities will be held Saturday, November 5th 2005 in Jacksonville, Florida at the Cummer Museum of Art.  The forum is free, however registration is required.  For registration information please visit: http://www.vsarts.org/x1464.xml. 

Through statewide focus groups, VSA arts of Florida has identified the education and career needs of adults with disabilities that have an interest in the arts as a career and what barriers/obstacles when pursuing a successful career.  Participants in Creativity Works! will gain information and knowledge in how to pursue a career in any of the 500+ jobs that are arts oriented.  Sessions will be in the format of workshops, panel discussions, key notes and individual counseling.  The forum is free and open to the public.  For any additional information, please contact Chandra Daniels at 813/558-5092.  Accommodations are available.

Just Above the Water: Florida Folk Art

Images of Baskets by Lucreaty Clark, From Just Above the Water

A new exhibition is on view at the Heritage Gallery in the R.A. Gray Building in Tallahassee.  Just Above the Water will be running from September 29 - January 8, 2006 and features work by over 30 Florida folk artists in addition to informational panels about the artists themselves.  For information on this exhibition please contact Tina Bucuvalas. 

Artwork by Puerto Rican Artist Amaury Diaz Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15), Secretary of State Glenda E. Hood announces an exhibition of paintings by Puerto Rican-born artist Amaury Diaz. Organized by the Office of Cultural and Historical Programs, this exhibition is part of a statewide celebration initiated by Governor Jeb Bush to commemorate five centuries of Hispanic history, culture, and prosperity in Florida. 

Diaz is a Puerto Rican-born, Orlando-based artist is known for his landscape paintings and for works exploring themes of Latino heritage. Although he is often described as a contemporary realist, Puerto Rican artist, Amaury Diaz, says he's not sure what that means. The basis of his landscape paintings, the majority of which depict urban and rural setting of his native Puerto Rico, develop the atmosphere of a place rather than any particular subject within." I'm more interested in the mood and light than subject matter, which is secondary." "I sense a mood, and that's what I'm trying to capture — not necessarily what I see. I paint what I see, but I twist it to paint it the way I see it." Full of contrast, Amaury's paintings emphasize color over form. Energetic brushstrokes join lush darks with glowing bright hues. 

For more information on the Capitol Complex Exhibition Program, please contact Allison McCarthy at 850/245-6475 or email her at amccarthy@dos.state.fl.us. 

October is National Arts and Humanities Month!

Get ready for National Arts an Humanities Month coming this October!  National Arts and Humanities Month is a time for arts organizations across America to highlight and discuss the cultural life in their communities and the role of the arts in educating our nation’s children.  The celebration is coordinated by Americans for the Arts a national organization working to empower communities with the resources and support necessary to provide access to all of the arts to people everywhere.  For more information on Americans for the Arts and National Arts and Humanities Month, please visit www.artsusa.org. 

University of South Florida Jazz Composers Symposium Opportunities Available

Image of John Clayton, Featured Artist, Jazz Composers Symposium

Deadlines: November 4, 2005
Two opportunities available:

The Jazz Composer’s Symposium welcomes proposals from scholars and composers of all ages and nationalities for presentations of original research related to aspects of jazz composition: analysis, historical perspective, the creative process, business/audience models, criticism, etc. The applicant may elect one of four different formats in which to present: poster session, paper presentation, clinic, or panel discussion.  Applicants should submit a completed application form (found on the CJC website), two copies of an abstract, a brief bio, and a list of required AV equipment by November 4, 2005. Materials will not be returned unless an SASE accompanies the submission. Expenses for attending the symposium are the responsibility of the participant. Contact: Chuck Owen/USF Professor of Jazz Studies at owen@arts.usf.edu.

CALL FOR SCORES: The Jazz Composer's Symposium also invites composers of all ages and nationalities to submit scores (big band and/or small group) for inclusion on one of two new music reading sessions. Selected pieces will be performed by Chuck Owen & The Jazz Surge in an open workshop setting with the guest artist panel. The guest panel will then select one or more of the new works to receive:

1)  an additional performance at the final evening concert
2)  a cash prize of $500

Qualifying works may have received prior performances but must not have been published or released on a professional recording.  They can be scored for standard jazz big band (5,4,4,PBGD) or any subset of that ensemble.  While longer compositions may be considered, works of less than 10 minutes are preferred.  Applicants may submit only one composition in each category- small group and big band. 

Interested composers should submit a completed application form (found on the CJC website), two bound copies of the score(s), and a recording (CDs only please) by November 4, 2005.  Label scores and recordings with the following information: composer's name; title of the work; instrumentation; duration; track number (if relevant).  Scores/CDs will not be returned unless a SASE accompanies the submission.  Expenses for attending the symposium are the responsibility of the participant. 

Submit applications to:
Center for Jazz Composition
Call for Scores and Papers
University of South Florida
4202 East Fowler Avenue FAH 110
Tampa, Florida 33620
813/974-4285

For more information, visit the Center's website: http://centerforjazzcomp.arts.usf.edu

Deadline: October 1, 2005
The Unity Church for Creative Living will be having a fine art show on October 22 from 10am to 4pm. The show is at The Unity Church for Creative Living, 2777 Race Track Road (2 miles east of State Road 13.) This program is looking for artists from the Northeast Florida area (the show is promoted as having local artists.) Please call 904.287.1505 for more information.

Deadline: October 6, 2005
Tucson, Arizona Police Department Westside Substation is seeking one or more artists to create public art for a substation located on the northeast corner of Miracle Mile and Flowing Wells Roads. The Westside Substation will be a functioning police facility located on a main entry point into Tucson off I-10. The budget for artwork is $50,000 for the exterior and $22,000 for the interior. See Tucson Police Department Westside Substation for the complete Call to Artists and site plans and elevations: http://www.tucsonpimaartscouncil.org/.

Deadline: October 15, 2005
Mount Dora Center for the Arts, located in Central Florida near Orlando, and producer of the Mount Dora Arts Festival, announces the availability of applications for artists wishing to participate in the 31st Annual Arts Festival. The 2006 Arts Festival will be held in historic downtown Mount Dora, Florida on Saturday, February 4th and Sunday, February 5th 2006. This juried event, showcasing the work of 285 artists and attracting over 300,000 attendees annually, awards $21,000 in prize money. The postmark deadline is October 15th, 2005. Applications with complete entry rules are available on the Internet at the Arts Center's website www.mountdoracenterforthearts.org or by calling 352-383-0880.

Deadline: November 5, 2005
5th Biennial National Art Exhibition, fine art painting media. Feb 4-March 17, 2006 juried by M. Stephen Doherty. Cash awards include $2,000 Best in Show; $7,500+ in prizes. There is a $15 application fee with a max of 3 slides submitted. Prospectus #10 SASE may be sent to, Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St. Punta Gorda, FL 33950. Visit www.visualartscenter.com for additional information.

Deadline: December 1, 2005
Helford Prize – New Play contest at Jacksonville University is now accepting entries. Submit entries for $10,000 prize and main stage production of original work. The three finalist will be read by Bruce Helford. Submit 3 copies of your play bound; because the play will be submitted to the juries anonymously, the author’s name should not appear on any page of the play. A signed statement that the play has not been previously produced or published and the release which authorizes Bruce to read your work. The copies of the plays submitted will not be returned. Please do not send one and only originals.

Send entries to:
Helford Playwriting Competition
Jacksonville University Theatre
2800 University Blvd North
Jacksonville, FL 32211.

Application/Entry Fee: None, Application Deadline: 12/01/05, Download Application and Release At: http://arts.ju.edu or email whill@ju.edu. Jacksonville University Alum Bruce Helford is the creative force behind the hit comedy sitcoms The Drew Carey Show and George Lopez . Helford is a veteran comedy writer and Golden Globe and Peabody Award-winning executive producer with over 20 years experience. He began his career as a writer on the network series Family Ties , and served as the writer-creator and/or producer for Roseanne, The Bronx Zoo, Nikki, Norm, The Oblongs , and Wanda at Large.  His newest show is Freddie.

Deadline: December 12, 2005
UrbanArts, endorsing sponsor of the WINDScape ideas competition, invites artists/designers/teams to participate in the WINDScape ideas competition. Cape Wind Associates has proposed America's first offshore wind farm - 130 wind turbines in Nantucket Sound to supply 70% of Cape Cod and the Islands with clean and renewable power. This project presents the unique opportunity to connect the community to its energy source and to make renewable energy visible and meaningful to its users. The Boston Society of Architects, along with public- and private- sector sponsors, invites designers to participate in an ideas competition. This design competition challenges entrants to envision a Cape Wind Park that is more than just a utility to generate electricity, but a place to educate the public about the impacts of renewable wind energy on the environment. Information: www.architects.org/windscape or Alexandra Lee 617.951.1433x225. 

Deadline:  December 15, 2005
Florida Craftsmen is hosting a national, curated exhibition titled “Unrestricted” that will feature established and emerging female artists. The show will open April 2006 at Florida Craftsmen's St. Petersburg gallery. Applicants must be female contemporary artists employing the following materials: clay, metals, glass, wood and fiber to create body of work which "steps outside tradition and successfully marries concept to fine craftsmanship." Curators are Maria Saraceno, Professional Visual Artist, and Karen Haraminac, Director of Exhibitions at Florida Craftsmen Inc.

.Entry packet must include:
7-10 slides, or uncompressed, un-retouched, high-resolition digital images on a CD-ROM, representative of current work. Images may include both works in progress and completed works. CD-ROM with Microsoft Word Documents plus paper copies of artist resume, all current contact information, corresponding image information which lists: title of work, size, medium, year completed, retail price and artist statement pertaining to the work submitted.

SASE for return of materials

Non-refundable application fee of $20.00

Mail Packet to:
Women's Invitational
Attn: Karen Haraminac
C/o Florida Craftsmen
501 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

For more opportunities for individual artists, please visit the Division's website at: http://www.florida-arts.org/jobs/individual.htm. 

Broward County Cultural Division has a challenging, detail-oriented, project management opportunity in the Public Art and Design section. Manage visual art projects for Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport, one of the fastest growing airports in the country. Coordinate highly specialized, integrated construction, sound, art, and lighting projects in a fast-paced, visible position. Lead the implementation of commissioned works of public art working with aviation management, world-class artists, government and civil leaders, architects and community members.  Recent projects include artwork for the Rental Car Facility, a 27-bus fleet that services airport passengers; Stone Glass Garden by public artist Alice Adams; Luminous Portals by public artist James Carpenter, and photographic work of renowned artist Clyde Butcher. Over 1.8 million residents, 9 million visitors, 10,000 artists, 450 not-for- profit cultural organizations and 31 municipalities are beneficiaries of the services, technical assistance and grant funds through Broward Cultural Division. The Public Art and Design department administers an average of 89 art projects annually, including 24 conservation projects. Broward County citizens own 208 titled works of public art, of which Aviation accounts for 30 percent.  The position requires graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in the arts, public or business administration or field related to area of assignment; and four (4) years experience in arts management, including two (2) years experience in the supervisory aspects of the work.

Applications/resumes must be received on-line by 5:00 pm October 14, 2005 at www.broward.org/careers.

The Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg is seeking a seasoned professional to join the Education Department as the Assistant Curator of Education. The Museum of Fine Arts collections have more than 4,000 objects extending from antiquity to the present day and features stellar French Impressionist paintings. A gallery is devoted to photography from the permanent collection and others to Steuben glass, Asian art, and pre-Columbian objects.

Prerequisites: Masters in Education, preferably Art Education, 3-5 years experience in a museum education environment interpreting permanent collections and special exhibitions; prior work with broad Western and non-Western art history collections; public speaking, teaching, collaborations with curators, volunteers and diverse populations, excellent written and organizational skills, ability for innovation, proven ability to work independently and under pressure. 

The Curator of Education will act as the

*Docent programs coordinator: administer, recruit, interview, train volunteer docents for museum collection tours and outreach programs for schools and community organizations. Provide written material on new exhibitions and update reference material on permanent collection.
* Adult programs coordinator: develop, schedule and implement Museum lectures and gallery talks and other adult programs.
* Assists Curator of Education with all educational programs, including writing grants.
* Maintain the Museum’s education and docent calendars.

Please send by postal mail only: resume, writing sample, letter of intent and 3 letters of reference to: Faith Rockenstein, Curator of Education, Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701. Please refer to the Museum of Fine Arts website: www.fine-arts.org for more information. Please no phone calls. The Museum of Fine Arts is an equal opportunity employer and its salary and benefits are in accordance. Deadline: October 14, 2005. 

Executive Director, Kentucky Arts Council
The Kentucky Arts Council is seeking an experienced, professional arts leader to manage a 19-member state arts agency in the Commerce Cabinet. The Arts Council is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the Governor. The work of the Council focuses on grantmaking, technical assistance, resource delivery, and convenings. The Council believes that its major responsibility is to make the arts accessible to the people of the Commonwealth and designs its programs and services toward this end. The Executive Director is responsible for program development, budget development and oversight, staff supervision, working closely with the Board, and maintaining a positive and supportive relationship with the Cabinet, the Governor’s Office, and the General Assembly. Also, the Executive Director leads the strategic planning for the Arts Council, assuring that the work of the agency aligns with and supports the vision set by the Board. The salary range for this position is $68,000 - $75,000. A full job description and details about making application for the Executive Director position can be found at www.artscouncil.ky.gov. Applicants must submit requested letter and materials by September 30, 2005. No phone calls or faxes please. Send materials to the following address:

Kentucky Arts Council
500 Mero Street
21st Floor, Capital Plaza Tower
Attn: Maraskeshia Walker
Frankfort, KY 40601-1958

Please visit the Division's website for many more Job Opportunities, http://www.florida-arts.org/jobs/positions.htm.

October 13-15
Downtowns and Small Towns Forum
VISIT FLORIDA, in partnership with the Florida Department of State and the Florida Redevelopment Association is hosting the Downtowns and Small Towns Forum. Using Florida models and success stories, this 2.5-day educational forum with local industry leaders and on-location sessions will highlight downtown and small town tourism development and marketing applications.
For further updates, go to www.VISITFLORIDA.org, and click on "New Product Development."

November 2-5
Educators and Museums: Building Inclusive Learning Communities
Museum accessibility has grown far beyond simply building a ramp to the door. Attracting new and diverse audiences requires museums to not only rethink the use of architectural spaces, but more importantly how to be accessible programmatically. The VSA arts Institute is a unique opportunity for practitioners at all levels. Teachers and Museum Educators will join other professionals to examine best practice strategies for extending the teaching arm of both museums and school classrooms to maximize their ability to engage students in accessible and inclusive arts-based learning programs. The meeting will be at The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, 829 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32204.  For registration and additional information go to www.vsarts.org and click on Jacksonville Institute.

November 9-10, 2005
Southern Harmony: Many Voices ~ One Spirit, Birmingham, Alabama. This annual conference is designed to attract anyone interested in the unique Orff Schulwerk approach to music education, which actively involves children in movement, and playing instruments as they sing. Susanne Burgess will present The Stories Our Songs Can Tell. William Powell will share Interpretation of the African-American Spiritual and a demonstration lesson, Experiencing the Gospel Style. Authentic Southern Play Parties (children’s singing games) will be presented by Alan Spurgeon. Topics for sessions to be presented by a host of international clinicians include: World Music, Vocal Health, Special Needs, Curriculum/Instruction, Early Childhood, Integrated Arts, Jazz, Movement, Process, Recorder, and Singing. Our Cajun, Navajo and jazz music as well as that of Cuba, China, Africa, West Africa, Israel, Russia, New Zealand, Europe, Asia, Canada, South and Central America will be featured. For additional information, contact: American Orff-Schulwerk Association, PO Box 391089, Cleveland OH 44139-8089; FAX 440-543-2687; www.aosa.org.

Many more conference and workshop listings can be found on the Division's website at http://www.florida-arts.org/resources/events.cfm