So Close!

Yesterday I had a phone interview with La Monica Everett-Haynes from UA News. I spoke with her about our class involvement with the BICAS auction and was exited to hear from Marissa today that she will be joining us at our symposium. Yesterday was also exciting in the way of Casey coming to class and giving us more specifics about the auction. I think it made a lot of people realize how close the event actually is. I spent some time yesterday re-flyering to insure that they word gets out and lots of people attend. I am curious to see if we have been successful in expanding the audience of the action. Since I have never been before, I must rely on Casey feedback for this information.
See you at the auction!!

Process

On Friday morning I met with Michelle, Jessie, and Erin to create thank you cards for the artist’s who donated work to the BICAS auction. Our plan was to make post cards out of index cards with rubber block printed designs on the front. I have never done block printing before and did not feel creative enough to make my own block to print. I ended up printing “thank you” blocks that Casey had lent us to use. After Michelle’s demo of how a print is made, we rapidly began printing. We quickly realized that the “thank you” block I was printing was a little too plane and impersonal, so Michelle carved a bike wheel block as the rest of us continued printing. Then we placed the wheel between the “thank” and the “you” and the cards looked great! I think it was a great idea for use to make these cards for the artist’s, and hopefully it will encourage them to submit work again next year. It was a fun and easy thing that we did to help BICAS with little need of assistance or instruction from them. Hopefully we will be able to obtain the list of donators soon so we can begin to write the thank you notes and send them out shortly after the auction. Ihad fun learning this new technique!

a semi final blogger reflection

This week the art auction group completed the last of our workshops/activities related to soliciting artwork for the auction itself. On Friday (the 12th) Shantaye, Emma, and Michelle hosted the mobile workshop at BICAS. I went, in hopes to make a mobile, but became artistically frustrated and made nothing. I was however excited when my friend Mitch came by (he got the facebook invitation, go facebook!!) and it was great to see him collaborate with Val’s son Farrell to make a bull head sculpture. Both he and Farrell were very excited about it.


Additionally, Dr. Garber’s husband Roy came by and showed us some very interesting things that he had made out of recycled bike parts (including the FANTASTIC roller skate). It was nice to share with a more experienced bike-artist and his talk got me thinking a bit about the workshops overall (and the average low attendance). I wonder if the workshops may have been more successful if they were marketed to local artists in Tucson as a kind of work/share experience. Additionally, if we had had outside artists come in to facilitate the workshops perhaps they might have drawn a different (and larger) audience. Although I wasn’t successful in making a mobile, I had fun spending time with everyone and also had the chance to chat with Casey about our potential roles at the auction itself. This was super helpful information to have and I was able to share it with the whole group on Thursday.


On Tuesday we had our second mall workshop. Erin found an excellent design for weaving with bike inner tubes online and we made bracelets, headbands, and belts. Her and Emma prepared the art materials for the workshop and came prepared with samples and templates. Shantaye took on the role of flyer queen and distributed the art auction flyers to the rest of the class to pass out. I think that this equal distribution of art creation and promotion was a good decision. Hopefully we gathered some new attendees for the auction.


We also had TWO people come by and participate who were in no way connected to the class. This was especially exciting. Although the art that they made was not perfect, I think that the experience of them making art with us and using the bike parts was important. Casey mentioned that she appreciated our presence and the act of the community based art itself more so than the art created – the good old process vs. product debate. In retrospect, because simply the act of creation and visible promotion of BICAS as an arts organization seemed to be what was important, perhaps this kind of workshop would be better suited for an alternate committee in the future – perhaps outreach, as that is really what it was!

As this is our final blog entry, our upcoming work with the auction itself will not be documented, but I expect that it will be fun, exciting, and lots of hard work. I am super excited about the culmination of all of our work thus far and feel that the auction will help complete the circle of our collaboration with BICAS and Casey. Below is the photo that I plan to donate to the auction!

Today was our second workshop on the mall. It seemed as though many more people stopped to inquire about BICAS and the workshop than previously. I think our simple set up (with only one table instead of three) was more effective andconcise. The project was also simplified, yet moreopen ended at the same time. We made bracelets, headbands, and belts out of bike inner tubes. There was no sewing necessary (simplifying the supplies) although some needles and thread were provided.Erin, Shana, and Emma brought examples, templates, and inspirational photographs. We discovered that if the figure eights were cutlarger and from the thicker rubber they would lay flatter. I made a bracelet using the template and tied a bike part at the end to toggle through a hole on the opposite end. People that did not have time to participate seemed intrigued by the idea and surprised that BICAS even had an art sector. Both non-participants and thosethat stopped to make something seemed interested in joining the Friday workshops. People were also excited about the auction and it helped to have the action flyers this times. The majority of people that stopped by and took a look at the items on the table commented on the stickers we had laying out. Most people thought they were really funny and would read them aloud to their friends.

schlepping and inner tubes

On Tuesday the art auction committee held it’s first mall workshop – inner tube wallets and coin purses. The planning for this workshop was slightly hectic but everything got taken care of and we seemed to have everything that we needed for the workshop. It was a lot of schlepping though and my arms hurt the next day from carrying the tables.


The energy during the two hours of normal class time was great. Everyone seemed into the art-making component. We all sat together and actually created tangible items, which is always fun and, I felt, a nice bonding experience between the class members. Casey came and stayed throughout the whole workshop, which I thought was wonderful. For me, it helped to connect us (and the workshop itself) more officially to BICAS.


I was a little disappointed about the lack of outside participants in the actual workshop. We had a few friends of Casey’s and another BICAS staff member there, and also some friends of Emma and Erin, but aside from that no one else really participated. I’ve given some thought as to what we can do for the next workshop to gather more outside participants. I think that pre-promotion is important – maybe placing flyers promoting the workshop around campus. Also, I think having a few people promoting the workshop vocally while it’s happening might be a good addition as well. Julian and Shantaye did some of this last week and I think it’s important that we do it again and with more energy. As this week continues, I plan to think about what else we can do to encourage and invite more general student participation.


That aside, Casey seemed excited about the workshop – even if it was only our class members creating art. I’m glad that she felt our attempt positive.

workshops, workshops, workshops

The art action group kicked off it’s first workshop of the semester at BICAS last Friday. There was an abundance of supplies and even a well organized idea and direction manual on jewelry making tips, thanks to Shana. Michelle brought a bunch of great examples of bike jewelry she made in the past. For me, having all of the examples out among the bike parts and beads was very inspiration. Unfortunately, I could only stay for two hours because I had to go to work. During my hours, I untangled and disassembled old jewelry to reuse the beads. This potentially tedious process turned out to be therapeutic. Sometime when in a less creative mood, I enjoy observing the people around, which is what I did while unstringing beads from old tacky necklaces. After all the supplies were set up and a few visitors had joined our class group, Michelle led a demo that included a few basic skills such as wire wrapping. The materials were small, but she did a great job and I think everyone got a chance to see what was going on because of the comfortable size of the group. People were not shy about browsing through the bike parts. I spent the little time I had left cutting up bike tires into little rings. I had been inspired by a website posted on our D2L page (I think, or maybe it was the BICAS facebook page) and wanted to provide others easy access to the materials to make the tire necklaces if they desired. One lady who was doing work hours in the shop had very curious about the group of girls sitting in the back. She sat down to join the workshop and told me that she was doing work hours to earn points to buy a bike because she wanted to ride with her kids but didn’t have enough money to buy one. The woman remarked again and again as the workshop proceeded, that she had never seen or heard of such a class that collaborated with community groups, or that even specialized in art education at all. She said she had never done anything like jewelry making before and was astonished by the opportunity we were providing. It really hit me at the moment that this is what Casey was striving for when she said she wanted different types of people to attend the auction, people that may be unfamiliar with art events or art making in general. I really hope that this woman decides to come to the auction to see the piece she made.

Tuesday was the wallet (and coin purse) making workshop on the mall. I arrived around 9:45 am to pick up the event permit from the events office in the student union. The other members of the group arrived at 10:00 am with the supplies, which I helped to carry and set up. We had tables with the craft materials, as well as promotional materials to inform people that walked by but may not have had time to make a wallet. Behind the tables were blankets for people to sit on and make art. Most of the class ended up sitting in a circle on the blankets, sewing little wallets and coin purses. I thought it was very cute and laid back, something that if I was walking by and saw I would think looked fun. A few

people were sitting at the table sewing and others were simply handing out fliers and informing people about BICAS and the auction. Even though most of the people that participated in the workshop were students in the class, I think that it helped to strengthen our class community and gave a positive view of the BICAS community to the university students.

BICAS and ART, yea!

This week was yet again full of BICAS fun. On Tuesday I had the chance to meet with Casey and ask her some very pertinent questions about the jewelry workshop (which was today) and the first mall workshop (which will be on Tuesday). This was very helpful and it was great to see/hear that Casey was excited about all the work we’re doing. This was especially inspiring because I was getting a little concerned that we might be creating more work for her. She reassured me that this was not the fact and had some great ideas for both workshops (the image is taken from Casey’s notebook). She also met with our group before the workshop to show us how the make the inner tube wallets for the mall workshop. These seem very fun...

The jewelry workshop today was WONDERFUL. In preparation, I created a binder that had bike jewelry from the BICAS website and another website that Jamie found. Additionally, it had some “how to” info on basic wire skills, which are necessary when working with the bike parts. I felt hopeful that the visual and written directions that this binder contained would help people during the workshop.

Michelle and Jessie created some wonderful samples that we displayed along with the binder, and Michelle gave a helpful demo on how to do some basic wire/jewelry techniques. All together, I think that we had options for all kinds of learners for the workshop. I also fulfilled my desire for organization by separating all the jewelry parts and labeling them in different bowls. Erin, Jessie, Sarah, Michelle and Jamie helped and did not laugh at my uber organization.

We had almost 20 people in total create jewelry (about half from outside the class/university) and most donated it for the auction (yea!). Personally, I felt that the workshop was a success but I felt frustrated artistically. I wanted to make jewelry but was also dedicated to helping people make their own art. I spent some time with some cute 13 year old girls helping them with their jewelry as well as preparing the paperwork for them to donate their creations. I should have realized that I would not have as much time to create while helping and facilitating. I did manage to make a pair of earrings and a necklace, but am VERY excited for the jewelry workshop facilitated by the outreach/workshop committee as I will get to create more!




Tuesday is our next challenge…inner tube wallets…very exciting.

Amazing Workshop!

Today was the jewelry workshop and we had a great turnout about 20 people, give or take a few, and everyone participated.  I made a necklace and it took some time because I have never worked with wire before, so I had to practice and play around a bit before I got the hang of it.  Michelle was a great help because she knows how to make jewelry and she taught me and basically everyone who came in how to work with wire. Thank you Michelle!

We had people who came by themselves and some came with their kids and all made great items and all of them made some type of donation, either an item or money donation.  One thing that was really fun was that my family came, my parents and my aunt and uncle and they all made something, even my dad who is not artistic in any shape or form! :)

My dad!

Tonight we also got supplies for our workshop on Tuesday and we learned how to make the wallets and the different variations that can be done with it.  I think that it will be a hit.  It's nice to see all of our work being put into action.  Tonight was a lot of fun and time just flew by.  I helped a little boy make a necklace and that was just so much fun! My family had such a great time that they want to come to the workshop next Friday and I hope a lot more people feel that way.

love, peace, and bicycle grease

This week was full of BICAS related activities. On Wednesday I spent some time posting “call for artist” flyers. Assigned to the “east Speedway” area, I went around and was surprised that all businesses that I approached were more than willing to support BICAS. Along the way I found some cool bike racks (see pictures below) and I felt good that I was promoting the auction and supporting BICAS, but I did begin to wonder how much these flyers contribute to art collection. Perhaps I’ll ask Troy if they have any way of tracking how art donors find out about the auction. Maybe they should be asking if they aren’t already…

We received a new email from Troy this week asking if some people could help create mailers to send out to people who donated art for last years auction. A few of us agreed to stop by BICAS to help with that. I arrived today and began the process. Each donor got a “call to artists” flyer with a personalized message on the back – what Troy requested. He gave me some ideas about what to say and I formulated a two-sentence message: "Dear Blank, It’s time for the BICAS art auction again! We loved your piece last year and hope that you’ll donate something for the 2010 auction! (heart) BICAS." I managed to get about half of them done before the welding workshop, and Michelle finished them up. Great teamwork!

I finished the day participating in Troy’s welding workshop. I met Kristen, another BICAS employee, who was super nice and helpful. After creating a jewelry tree/stand (which was very fun) and having Troy weld it together, I donated it to the auction (yea!). Kristen showed the necessary paperwork to fill out, where the auction binder is kept, and where they store the donated artwork. This information will certainly be helpful for future auction related workshops. I also checked out their jewelry making supplies for next weeks Friday workshop and noted what was needed. Shantaye and I also asked Adam (yet another BICAS superstar) about any signs/banners that they might have available for the mall workshops.



Overall, I felt great about my participation with BICAS this week. I’m excited for the jewelry workshop I’m facilitating with Jessie next week!

Tape and Push Pins Included!

Working with a group of nine active members has its challenges and it’s benefits. For the most part, our group dynamics prove to be strong and successful. It seems to me that the challenge has come from the need to keep everyone updated, provide time to listen to and develop each individual’s ideas, while coordinating with Casey and respecting the graduate students’ leadership. BICAS proved themselves more organized than I had previously thought when Troy provided our group with packets of flyers. The packets were sorted by location and included a list of places to post flyers, a map, flyers, tape, and push pins! The group has agreed that it would be more realistic and efficient for the only grad students to meet with Casey for our next conference with her. I have confidence that after this meeting much progress will be made and our tentative plans will be clarified.

organization?!

After our first meeting with Casey, I had a sneaking suspicion that there may be certain levels of disorganization at the heart of BICAS. The "collective" nature of the organization means that many people have a say in the decision making process. This can often make simple things more complicated, but certainly creates a stronger bond within the members of the organization itself. That said, I went into our partnership with BICAS expecting some disorganization. I am happy to say that Troy proved me super wrong.



An email exchange took place between Troy and the facilitators of the art auction committee (myself, Jamie, and Michelle) in which we discussed the distribution of flyers soliciting art for the auction. I told Troy that I would come by BICAS to pick up the flyers and he said he would have everything ready for me. Boy did he. When I got to BICAS there were seven packets prepared. Each packet contained two sizes of the flyer, BICAS pamphlets, pushpins, and tape. On the outside of each packet was a detailed map outlining a specific part of town and a list of locations to post flyers within that area.

I was very surprised by the intense organization of these packets, and realized that perhaps I judged BICAS and it’s staff too quickly. I’m now excited to post flyers in my designated area and begin our collaboration!