One Ear Society

One Ear Society: Life imates Art?

2010-11-24T05:08:00.000-05:00

Monica back from Cuba part 2

2010-05-23T17:29:00.003-04:00

I studied with the resident company at Teatro America in Centro Habana and at the Projecto Comunitario Ile Bata in Vieja Habana. I focused on the development of my dances for both Yemaya and Oshun, the goddesses of ocean and fresh water , respectively in the Santero Pantheon. It was a tremendously rewarding experience, leaving me with a humble understanding of the complexity and depth of this art form. The roots of Afro-Cuban dance extend back to West African rhythms that traveled across the atlantic on slave ships, merged with indigenous instruments, were influenced by Spanish colonial dance and then syncretized with Catholic saints. Learning a folkloric dance is much more than just a technical study. There is a cultural essence that one must learn through a process that feels more osmotic. I believe it is important to experience the cultural context of how the dance is passed down from teacher to student, mother to daughter, father to son and how the essence of it is maintained and preserved within the culture itself. There is something very sacred to me about a live performance art in all its illusive intangibility that is nurtured by a community and kept alive. To me, this is a profound concept, where art and culture collide and how one feeds the other. The degree to which the Cuban culture and its music and dance are merged is remarkable. As a dancer and choreographer I look for ways to translate this natural exchange between art and ones community. In a more technological, post-modern world that often focuses on individuality rather than community this is not a easy process. I was deeply inspired by all that I learned in La Habana from its art to its people, as a reminder of it is not what we own, but rather how we live our lives that is important. As Erich Fromm wrote "To have or to be" it is how we infuse our lives with soul, culture and art that matters. It is this connection both to nature and to ones community that fuels my desire to dance and create art.

Monica back from Cuba part 1

2010-05-23T15:27:00.002-04:00

Poster says "Old Havana, City in Movement 15th International Festival of Dance in the urban landscape"
La Habana, Cuba
I recently made a pilgrimage to the source of Afro-cuban dance to study both the rhythmic patterns of the percussion and the dance itself. La Habana in many ways reminded me of why I dance, for what and for who. "Habana is very much like a rose. It has petals and thorns, so it depends on how you grasp it. But in the end it always grabs you."- A quote from the film The Lost City, well describes the often contradictory beauty and fragrance of the city. Wandering the streets of La Habana I found musicians on street corners, open air Son, Rumba and Salsa bands, dancers on stilts in the streets and walked by more than a few Santeria ceremonies in houses with their doors open. The prominence and accessibility of music and dance within the culture was remarkable to experience. In a city that has much less access to the material things with buildings falling down, rickshaws, horses and buggies, there seemed to be a tremendous compensation in the realm of spirit and art. This is what spoke to me. The way music and dance are truly lived and breathed by the community seemed very organic. It felt natural to experience dance and music as a part of life and as a mode of relating and connecting with ones community. I was struck by the overall artistic integrity of the community and their deep appreciation for music and dance. My journey was to learn more about the Yoruba based dance form that I have been studying since I was 19 years old. I am interested in the earthy power of the Afro-Cuban rhythms that tie communities together, creating a space to express joy, unity, and spirituality.

Your branches speak to me of love.

2010-05-17T07:02:00.006-04:00

Rare Poinciana Blossoms

Windisch Hunt Fine Art will be sponsoring an open call to artists for the month of June.
"Your branches speak to me of love" will feature Poincianas to lage still life paintings. The images of Poinciana's are not restricted by size just beauty.

Start of entree process is Sunday May 30 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Deadline for entrees are Monday June 7 9 p.m.
Entree fee $35 for 1st and $15 for each additional work of art.
Those entering the first week will be part of the Coconut Grove Art Walk held on Sat June 5, along with the Goombay Festival Event being held in the gallery.
From June 1 - 7th part of the gallery is dedicated to Caribbean art, with a special reception on for the artists and dignitaries coming from the Caribban.

Poinciana trees are about to blossom and here Spotted looking for painting places artists Fred Hunt and Audrey Scott Along with this event the Kampong has full schedule of evens as part of their Poinciana Festival. Speaking of Poinciana trees our friend , artist Linda Apriletti has been selected as the official Poinciana Festival Artist 2010 by the Flowering Tree Society.

Museum Month Miami

2010-05-16T18:13:00.006-04:00

AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt of Windisch-Hunt Fine Art

AnnaMaria is seen here, taking notes at the Myrna & Sheldon Palley Pavilion; one of her many stops during Miami Museum Month. She had just visited the ANNUAL MASTERS OF FINE ARTS CANDIDATES EXHIBITION at the Lowes Art Museum with guests from Ocala, Fl. as the University of Miami has several murals by artist Fred Hunt which always generate interest from clients.

Miami Museum Month is also her renewal time for purchasing membership, and she will make it a point to visit several museums this month in recognition.

AnnaMaria has just been acknowledged by NY Arts + Arts Fairs International for the work on this blog which is going into it's third year now. Catch up on the blog where you can even view short videos of artists at work.

Priceless!

This from the Annual Masters of Fine Arts Candidates 2010 exhibit. This work title "Jesus and the Apostles" by Jeff Larson is well executed and somewhat edgy but not new.

Artist Egos trials and tribulations

2010-05-16T12:13:00.005-04:00

Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal by Max

Trials and tribulations no pun intended, the court has documents so do we go to trial? Odd how things come together. Artists find themselves doing similar work, claiming the other infringed . Here we have some of what goes on when you think your a big wig. Not that we all want to be in their shoes, now, do we? But, how is this done!
Here is a must read from the Miami Herald.
Just yesterday I attended "Max in the Grove" a opening by none other than Peter Max
who gained fame and fortune in the sixties then slumped and now with the resurgence
of the peace signs, Woodstock anniversary, another peak. So what am I getting to.
Well first of all no photography was allowed except by Peter's own photographer. Not that the familiar images of his art work aren't universaly known and then of course there is his book.
You want his signature, that will be a $50 donation to the humane society. He also dictated that the entire gallery walls and footage be dedicated to him, so everyone else was put into storage. He has such a name that even the city fathers underwrote some of the expenses for the publicity leading to this etc. etc. etc.
How much is that helmet in the window? The helmet is fifty nine forty eight. Lady standing next to me wine glass in hand "oh is that all". the art assistant repeates five thousand nine hundred ........LOL
Peter Max got his start as a graphic artist at Push Pin Studios New York. Love his style.

Someone just into gallery looking for Peter Max show, half way through giving her directions from Windisch-Hunt Fine Art to there, she says "Britto Gallery?" " "Mmm well yes", of she went.
Wonder if Britto has heard.
This is the start of the Miami Herald article. link to read the entire story.
""It's hardly a secret that the art world has an out sized share of prickly egos. But rarely does it all get documented in reams of court filings.
Enter Craig Robins, a prominent Miami collector and developer, who recently filed an $8 million federal suit in New York against a gallery he claims got him ``blacklisted'' by one of his favorite artists.
His offense? As Robins tells it, he got on the bad side of painter Marlene Dumas by re-selling a Dumas painting six years ago rather than hanging the work on his wall or donating it to a prestigious museum.
"She wants very much to control the supply and increase the demand'' for her work, Robins' lawyer, Aaron Golub, said in an April court hearing, according to the transcript. ``She wants paintings given to museums and she wants [paintings] in very wealthy collectors' collections.''"

Five minutes of Fame

2010-04-28T20:08:00.006-04:00

Guest contributor Monique Lassooji
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) has a Wednesday Evening Program called “MOCA by Moonlight”. This is a program aimed to make people acquainted with contemporary art through lectures, hands-on activities inspired by contemporary artists and also through the “5 minutes of Fame”.
It allows local artists to explain how and why they create their art.

In January of this year I went to MOCA, signed up and was told I was up for April the 14th. I felt excited and at the same time nervous because I don’t have a lot of experience doing presentations in front of a large group.

Over the following two months I finished the paintings I wanted to include in my presentation, painted another one for the Show “Circus, Circus” at the Windisch Hunt Gallery and then it became time to work at the presentation itself.

Hoops - oils - 24" x 24"

I put together the presentation and visualize what I want to tell about my work. My partner kept asking me when I was going to write down my presentation and I kept telling him that I would on the day itself. I was still in the stage of deciding which paintings to show, what to tell about them and in what order.

Now it all sounds very calm and collected, but it was not. The mere thought of having to talk in public gave me the jitters and whenever friends would tell me I would do just fine, I thought: “Sure, but I am the one who has to do it.”

On April 14th, I was the first to do a presentation. I had seen a little of the other 3 artists’ work and I was happy about the diversity. I had written down a few words to guide me and I knew exactly the order of the slides. I started by telling them a little about Holland and how I started as an abstract painter. Then I showed my first paintings here – all nudes – and how the difference between Holland and Miami inspired me to do nudes. I described my move to Miami as “moving from the fridge into the microwave”.

My next set of slides was about my series “Fresh from the Fridge” where the content of my fridge inspired me to paint fruits and vegetables for a showing in the Focaccia, Coconut Grove.

While I was talking about this series, I calmed down, especially when I heard a whisper that sounded like “Wow, look at that.” I told the audience a little anecdote about how my partner, by mistake, took a bite out of one of my models.

I closed the presentation with my last 3 paintings called “Transitions” which are really personal paintings. With these paintings I picture my feelings about my transition from Holland to Miami: to start again with nothing and to find my place here. They are not gloomy paintings but painted with bright “sunny” colors. I live in the Sunshine State in a beautiful city and even when it is not always easy, I do not regret it.

After answering some really interesting questions from the audience, Lark Keeler, the assistant curator of the MOCA asked me what I would do next.
“Less fruits, more nudes” was my reply.

Then I enjoyed the presentation and work of the German painter Jutta Rakoniewski, the whimsical robots by Mike Rivamonte and Gerry Stecca’s clothespins installations. A week later Lark Keeler told me that I was the audience choice recipient and that MOCA will show one of my paintings on their website.

This is a wonderful opportunity for artists created by MOCA and a really nice way for people to interact with the artists about the why and how behind their work.

Just a part of life

2010-04-28T10:49:00.006-04:00

Left but not forgotten
I've been missing in action for several weeks but did not miss documenting the art happenings. I've just had very little time to post. We are two days away from our Opening Reception of the Anti-Show. Windisch-Hunt Fine Art is featuring street art. While waiting for the artists to arrive with their pieces, I continue to move the other work out. We will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. I should be caught up by then. The one thing I must get used while updating is to work backwards, but that's just not going to happen!

Ok, here is one for the books.... We were asked to make an appearance for the Miami Herald via the public relations group hired by the Peacock Tour people. Wow, what artists would not want to be in a major metropolitan newspaper. We went to the studio where most of the peacocks are kept - This is the first of many publicity opportunities. We were not the only artists invited, while we were there, the only other artist LEBO who's peacock was finished, did not even show. Fred Hunt is not a verbal artist, however, he and the photographer got along quite well. They have photography in common. Fred used to do the covers for Atlanta Magazine. I can see right away that this is not the easiest photo to shoot because the Peacock is large and dominates. I kept my mouth shut while the photographer set up some shots that I knew would not work as I used to work for United Press Int'l.
We were looking forward to seeing the photo and story in the paper but it didn't make the following day. When it finally hit the paper it was The Peacock with LEBO. Like I said it's part of life.

Deering Estate Affair en Plein Air Diary

2010-04-21T19:38:00.004-04:00

Chance of Showers, 12" x 16"

Guest writer Linda Apriletti
This past weekend I participated in the "Deering Estate Affair en Plein Air" held on April 17-18. We had from 9 am to 4 pm to paint on Saturday and from 9-3 on Sunday so I decided to do a morning painting. My best bet would be to let the weather inspire me to paint something catching the mood of the Deering estate that weekend. Maybe something moody looking over the water and mangroves if the weather turned out to be as predicted. Leading up to the event I was checking the weekend weather report which was rapidly deteriorating to scattered showers on Saturday and 60% chance of rain on Sunday.

Saturday morning started out with slivers of sun here and there but overall very cloudy overcast skies. I drew a small value sketch of the shapes and values of the sky, water and mangroves to figure out my composition, then blocked in the values on my canvas with paint and got started. It was so windy. Not so bad near the house, but by the water it was almost a gale force constant 25+ mph and very frustrating. I anchored down my easel with bungees attached to weighted objects and then tried to use a royal palm trunk to block some wind but it didn't do much good and I often had to hold onto canvas to steady it when the worst gusts came.
The annual Baynanza cleanup was held on Saturday morning and one of the gathering locations was the Deering Estate along with a smorgasbord of tents, festivities and music all morning down by the royal palms. The boyscouts were having a very hard time paddling their canoes out to collect trash from the mangroves and they eventually tied up their canoes by the water where I was painting and came ashore. They did a great job of cleaning up the mangroves based on the trash count in the canoes.
More clouds accumulated as I painted and an hour in it looked like we could have rain any time. That's when I came up with the name for my painting, "Chance of Showers". I often have a hard time with titles but this one was easy. There was a pretty constant light over everything so painting past the morning didn't cause confusion with chasing the light. I wrapped up my painting around 2:30 and turned it to the overnight wet paint room.

Sunday morning I awoke to drizzle and pale gray skies. It just turned into harder rain as the day progressed. We were allowed to paint from the porch if it was raining but I didn't feel inspired by the wet gray day and decided not to try a second painting. Instead I waited and arrived at Deering around 2, made a few minor finishing touches to my painting and turned it in. The sunshine actually came out when I arrived and I found Perri Cox on the porch working on a new palm painting while she was sheltered from the wind behind some shutters. Mr Sheldon, the president of Northern Trust Bank was invited by the Grovehouse Artists to be the juror this year in appreciation for his generosity in funding the entire plein air event. Just as Mr Sheldon finished with his judging and Barbara Tejada announced the award places, we heard the first crack of thunder and everyone quickly departed. It poured the rest of the day. My painting didn't place in this event but I felt I came up with a good painting. I felt like I was successful in expressing and keeping the mood in my painting, and it feels like it's going to rain.

Performance Art vs Entertainment

2010-04-07T11:44:00.003-04:00

Choreographer Monica Craun

Developing non-commercial yet attractive performance art in Miami has proved to be a challenging process in a city that is a thriving tourist destination with a booming nightclub and "entertainment" dance industry. I moved here hoping to encounter a richly diverse dance scene that reflects the diversity of the Miami population. I was excited to experience this fusion of cultures and continue to develop my dance and choreography. I have found Miami to have only a handful of dance companies and not much representation of the folkloric dances from the Americas considering the cultural diversity.
The focus is in the entertainment dance industry, but not necessarily the type of dance I was looking for. It has been hard to find contexts or venues that view the dancing body as art rather than just as entertainment. Art can and should be entertaining but I believe it should also be respected with the same integrity that the artist put into it. The majority of the jobs that I have been offered here in Miami have involved dancing in nightclubs or casinos, body painted or semi-nude to an intoxicated crowd as a background diversion. As an aspiring choreographer it is hard to imagine myself dancing in such venues without compromising my artistic and social integrity. Not to say that that is all there is in Miami, but there is definitely a gravitational pull in that direction due to the money for "entertainment". I shudder to think at how many talented young dancers have lost their focus due to the lack of opportunities. Instead I have been doing shows at art galleries, Haiti Benefits, alternative music videos and film projects. Most of which involve no compensation and a lot of work . But no complaints, it is fulfilling work that I seek that leaves one with an invaluable feeling of heart and purpose for which one must pay the consequences of zero compensation. In a city that has abundant resources, crowds and venues, dance is not the only victim. Is there something to be said about a society that views the body more as entertainment than art? Perhaps due to the constant influx of travelers and pleasure seekers the market for more substantial or intellectual pieces has not been fully addressed.
Maybe people are lulled by the turquoise oceans of Miami, that create this oh so seductive serenity. Miami has seduced me, but I don't want to loose my integrity or edge for creating meaningful pieces. It is hard to stay fiery in a city surrounded by water. The water element seems to diffuse energy, focus and resistance into this harmonious happy feeling. Happy is good, happy is great, but so is depth and so is substance. A composer friend of mine said that Miami is "fertile ground" for the arts, and I have yet to find it.

Peacock Process

2010-03-26T18:55:00.005-04:00

Peacock on parade...
Artist and Marketing Director Debra Cortese of Arts at St Johns stops by to view Artist, Fred Hunt's Peacock painting progress. The word was out that Fred got the go ahead to create the first Coconut Grove Peacock which he is painting on location at Windish-Hunt Fine Art Gallery. There have already been many curious visitors checking on this colorful community project.
The peacocks arrived via freight and was destined for another artist who is enroute to Barbados and found herself overbooked! The sponsor visiting realized progress was non-existent and a unanimous decision between gallerist Anna Maria Windisch-Hunt, Heather Bettner, project promoter and two sponsors agreed to let Fred begin. The other artists will work on a different peacock upon her return to the Grove.
Needless to say, with the naked peacock sitting for a week and a half, Fred was inspired. Once he heard he had the go ahead he was painting within 20 minutes!

photo is day 2 check back as new pictures are uploaded.

Peacock Soiree

2010-03-13T15:02:00.008-05:00

Commissioner Sarnoff with some of the artists who will be doing peacocks

Heather Bettner, AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt with Ed Perlaz sponsor, Fred Hunt and Deborah Starbuck

Just finished the 1st Saturday Art Stroll in Coconut Grove with a new exhibit and already another major event in the gallery. These events are wonderful exposure for the artists exhibiting in the Windisch-Hunt Fine Art Gallery. It brings in more and more art lovers, and in this case sponsors of the "CoconutgrovePeacockTour". It was well attended and the work to put it together did not fall on my shoulders. I just let them have the gallery. The entire enterprise is that, of Heather Bettner of Coconut Grove. When all is said and done it benefits our community via the tourist influx and then of course the trickle down effect to the merchants/restaurants of Coconut Grove. We owe Heather a great deal of gratitude in undertakeing this venture. We also owe a hugh gratitude to the New York Times for printing the story on Aug. 27, 2008 and bringing world wide attention to our own folly.

Pop Artist Ed King with his sponsor

Camille DePhillips who handles the PR and media

Deborah Starbuck and her Peacock shades

Barefoot Winery

Garland leading AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

Eleganza Strings Serenading us all evening

Jerry Wade with Peacock pin

Antoinette Baldwin not to be outdone strutting her stuff

The Gift

2010-03-12T10:38:00.003-05:00

This is a small moment of the dance Monica Craun created for Fred Hunt's Birthday it premiered during the "Homage a la femme and the artists who love them" March 6, 2010

One of our own

2010-03-11T17:32:00.004-05:00

This was taken right out of the MiamiSocial.com As a matter of fact I did a little boasting about our artist Linda Apriletti in 2009 "Success Story". Enjoy Linda and her work during the
Opening Reception for Everglades En Plein Air
Sunday, March 14 from 2 to 4 p.m.

A new exhibition entitled The Everglades En Plein Air featuring the paintings of Linda Apriletti will be on display through March 31. The works in this exhibition were painted outside in the open air in the southern section of Everglades National Park and explore the various ecosystems within the Everglades, including the pinelands, saw grass marshes, cypress prairies, coastal prairies, mangrove transition zones and shallow lakes. Apriletti, a native of Miami Springs, is an acclaimed artist and outdoorswoman who draws upon her time outdoors to provide the inspiration for her landscape paintings.
Ernest Coe Visitor Center Gallery

Everglades National ParkLinda Apriletti

mile stone for Fred Hunt

2010-03-10T14:43:00.008-05:00

.Monica Craun performing AWHAK

Mile stones mark important dates. After you reach the wonderful age of 80, then each additional year becomes a milestone. This gift had to be memorable. A lovely French visitor to our gallery suggested a corp de ballet, what a charming idea, but where would I find a troup of dancers on their toes in white tutus? I found Monica Craun an interpretive dancer and new addition to Coconut Groves hip artistic community. I commissioned her to create a dance (video coming) dedicated to Fred and to to be performed during our art opening. She choose perfectly AWAHAK, is Egyptian L to R Norah Silva, Andrea, PJ Mills, Renee Falsetto, Galleriest AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt, Juror Annette Rawlings, Robert Veil, Ruth Karp, Cathrine Anderson and Karen Deilke just a few of the artists in our juried exhibition " The Homage a la femme and the artists who love them.
Photos taken by Michael Marko and if you log onto his Coconutgrovetoday a blog. See more photos plus the Grovehouse Artists, 1st Sataturday Artstroll openings. To view these photos enlarged click on them and see Fred Hunt's appreciation of his gift.

Our Juror Annette Rawlings

2010-03-05T11:51:00.008-05:00

Most jurors are artists who have reached a certain standing in the art field - many start out with Art History. Annette Rawlings started out studying Art History and Fine Art and has a degree in both. She also studied abroad in Germany, Italy, Spain and Mexico

Her experience encompass Art Restoration, Art History, Painting, Glass in Murano, and Tempra Fresco, Grinding Pigments and Painting in Perugia Italy, Jewelry Making, Eutruscan pottery, Mexico fiber, Ceramic, and she has worked on a Pre-Columbian dig. These were not workshops they were extended studies lasting up to one year. These were all master studies.
So from our perspective we can see that her qualifications have been earned. Currently she is the director of the Andrews Art Museum and curator for the Whatmore Art Museum in Andrews North Carolina she also writes a art column. She makes her home in Virgina, four hours from N Y City and two hours from Washington DC, so she has access to the very latest exhibitions that the big cities offer.
Steeped in The Renaissance technique, "I hand stretch Belgium linen secured with copper tacks then I use rabbit skin clue which I make to seal the linen. I also make my own colors." The image above is Annette Rawlings.
There is a sense of worth that is attached to being seen by someone who is knowledgeable and influential. It gives the artist confirmation of their abilities. Some artists do not enter certain shows based on who the juror is. It is not unusual gauge the exhibition by the juror.

Opening night more photos coming

follow the juror's comments

2010-03-03T12:38:00.005-05:00

transition art going out and coming in

The call to artist for "Homage a la femme and the artist who love them" was fairly specific. We were looking for large works, by not just women artists but by our male counterparts also. We never said it had to be figurative, but as any call there were some questions so we sent out a facebook announcement clarifying we were looking to showcase the artists strongest work and the feminine side of the male artists.
Today is jury day we got in quite a number of works; some brought in just one. Many asked me what I thought. Well thankfully, I am not the juror and as such was glad to state the fact. Several artists' work were not accepted by the juror.
Here are some of the comments I was privy to, with the jurors permission I share.
"Good Turn out" ..... "nice variety" .... "lot of good work" ...
To be more specific, as The Juror went about the room some of her musings were about the fact that the work should relate even though an artist does a lot of different work, for a group show it should be consistent - if one is framed in the group then they all should be. One artist's work was inconsistent and it was not chosen for the show. Similarly, pieces were disqualified for being framed poorly. These points should be taken into consideration when you come to see this show. What did the artists, who are in the show, do right?
One submission was poorly executed, lots of artists use spray paint in this day and age but your not suppose to see it. ( Murakami is such a nit picker he has 16 layers and between each he sands. Mr. Murakami first became famous in the 1990s for a theory he called Superflat). One of the artists presenting also attempted it but unsuccessfully. You won't see that work. What you will see is the work that was selected. Also, at the Jurors suggestion painted two walls black.

TRAGIC

2010-03-02T10:50:00.005-05:00

roadside show

I have a story for every day that I sit here in the gallery. This one is tragic on so many levels. Gentleman comes in and he asks me if I buy art and of course no, I try to sell it. He has some paintings he wants me to see. This is exciting you never know what will pop up. I've had works here by now deceased Tony Scornavacca who in his time was considered a Picasso in this area. The work presented to me was being divested by a friend. The small paintings I re-framed and he had another which was magnificent a drawing on paper, unfortunately it was foxed so badly I would not allow it into the gallery for fear of the fungal spores would fly around and infect other works of art in the gallery. His had been lovingly stored on a boat in the Keys.

A foxed Tony Scornavacca

This new situation is even more tragic. The person in question reached the sun only to be burned. Could have been an attorney, now disbarred perhaps a Dr. no longer licensed. He still has his wardrobe and beautiful leather shoes. At one point if I had identified him by this exterior, I would have said he could purchase anything his heart desires in the gallery. Now he is somewhat disheveled no longer interested in maintaining his appearance. Instead he shows me two paintings and a large sketch on newsprint. He wants my opinion. I've assessed the situation, he is not the first homeless to come in and show me work. I look at the work and it does not speak to me. One piece is badly scratched, the other a amateur attempt at a nude, very stiff, the third is the badly water stained newsprint. I see some elements that are familiar. He has admitted that he is not the artist. He wants a valuation and possible submission to the incoming exhibition. "Hommage a la femme" Look at the signature and I know the artist , she has recently moved from our community and put them in the dumpster on Gifford Lane.
He came in again, this morning after leaning on a trash container and presenting me with a crude drawing which I watched him execute through the window. There were elements that flowed natural and pleasing and then the critical parts they were horrid. I guess if you can't do anything else do art, it works for some but not for him.

what did you do for christmas?

2010-02-22T19:52:00.006-05:00

Not referred to, one of the monthly chores is the upkeep of our windows to the world. It reflects the current exhibition. We also have our artists working close by the windows so that we entice the passer by to drop in. A show stop window is important, then again it cannot obstruct a view into the gallery.

As a working gallery it has it's down time and messy times. Day to day our artists, friends in the arts have trials and tribulations. They understand we have an enormous overhead and obligations to meet. Unlike a Co-op where helping out and being nickeled and dimed .. .. is mandated we are respectful of each others creative time and only ask for help when we are desperately needed. Then the SOS flag is up.
Here is Fred Hunt after he got a great deal at Jerry's Art a Rama. He soon discovered that the white gesso from there is not as white as the white gesso from Utrecht. He has never used black so thought to try it out. He is forever stretching outside his comfort zone.
Ok this is me and what am I doing. Well we all know that when presenting a work of art it should be tagged with all the info regarding the work of art and contact info attached. This particular artist forgot hanging gear. So, it's always easier to just do it then to make a fuss about it. But take into consideration 20 artist leaving out this critical part. Some savvy collectors keep up with galleries and want to be the first to see and possible discover the art they cannot live without before opening. This has happened on several occasions.
Here we had a double surprise Birthday party for artist Audrey Scott and watch out for this young artist Garland. Garland's mother is also an artist and the apple does not fall to far from the tree.
One of the projects around xmas time was the Snow Village here is one of the village houses done by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt for the Coconutgrovegrapevine a blog in and about Coconut Grove. Out of the ten village houses, seven were painted in the Windisch-Hunt Fine Art Gallery. Why because we are seen as the source for talent, we have space and we have yet to say NO to any project brought to us by our neighbors or our city.
This was a installation which brought lots and lots of attention to us. It being Barbie's 50 anniversary. There were 50 Barbie dolls on this dress. What you do not see is the petticoat which had 12 calendar girl Barbies underneath all sans clothes. Clever, charming and absolutely well thught out. by U of M.'s Regina McFall.
We of the Once Ear Society participate in this annual satire parade known as the King Mango Strut Parade. As artists we always try to bring in more color and less politics. There is a link on You Tube that shows what all we did and what a mess the gallery was the morning of the parade which takes place every year Sunday after Christmas. It has music and click over to.

CIRCUS circus

2010-02-22T17:06:00.007-05:00

"Ta Dahh" and " Win your sweetiepie a Kewpie Doll"

Artwork on left by Fred Hunt and 3D by Theresa Calluori. This is the exhibition "Circus Circus"
A theme that brought out some of the finest artists in this area. Who Knew, when I put this call out, with some trepidation. Picasso and Chagall and a myriad of famous artists all dealt with this subject, they had access to performers. Would we also be able to put something together of quality?

Audrey Scott Yana Bem, AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt, Ring Master Elias, Chia, and two lovely performers from the All Star Circus.

The art started to arrive and became one of the largest collection of circus art assembled in one space, according to Ring Master. The good quality was a surprise factor for me. Monique Lassooij was the first arrival, PJ MILLS participant of the 2009 Venice Biennale brought in 3 fine oils. Danielle inspired by the local performers of the Lipizzaner show she saw. Yana Bem of Prague treated the subject matter as second nature. Theresa Calluori continued with her 3D body series plus created the bearded lady. Fred Hunt had two submissions. Kathey Penner did a large piece of a clown face she found on the internet. It was Fred Hunt who told Kathey that it was Felix Adler. Fred is one of our only participants, who actually lived with the Circus performers in a trailer park, while attending the Ringling School of Art, not just that but he also made an appearance in the Cecil B DeMill's film "The Greatest Show on Earth"

In the spirit of joy that the circus brings to everyone who is young at heart, we decided to have a special art opening just for children. (We served Pink Lemonade and Popcorn) They after all are the collectors of the future. We presented fine art in a fun way in a atmosphere that at times is apprehensive to some adults.

Children's Art Opening

Artists in need of Studio

2010-02-22T16:18:00.008-05:00

Juan Kurtzman
Juan is the newest edition in our gallery. He came to us via the "Breakfast with the Artist"© program and just grew on us. He saw how productive the right kind of space can be and asked if he could come in and paint. My sense of seriousness in tune with his need, I acquiesced.

Jeff Passage, has been in our gallery for quite some time and found his niche right by the entrance of the Windisch-Hunt Fine Art Gallery. A victim of Hurricane Katrina, he found himself without a house, home or studio. Here he established himself in Coconut Grove among like minded artists.
Fred Hunt, for whom half this gallery is named is also a victim of a hurricane. This one had a one two punch. It destroyed everything he had, studio/live work space plus to add insult to injury, non-hodgkins lymphoma. Hurricane Wilma was a major disaster for Fred.
Juan comes in to paint on Mondays, Jeff has his own key. Fred stays alive coming in daily. Visitors to our gallery enjoy a unique experience of seeing fine art as it is being created, beside the hand selected works of hart hanging on our walls.

social media learning curve

2010-02-22T16:13:00.002-05:00

It just took me 3 hours to log into this blog after a long hiatus of at least a month and a half.
So it took much longer than 3 hours all together. Lets get rolling and catch up. My deepest
apologies to my readers who have nudged me and said they missed the input. Have learned the
importance of social media but who truly has that kind of discretionary time.

enough enough

2010-01-15T19:31:00.004-05:00

"what I liked best about this film was that it made me think about how much I appreciate small, artist-run gallery spaces sustained by dedicated individuals who are happy for the privilege of living on creativity, no matter how small their bubble might be"

The above quote came from a film review, a must read and a must see for anyone interested in the who, wonder why! we talented, competent, creative, egoless artists, don't have a chance. The Film is just being released "The Great Contemporary Art Bubble" You Tube trailer the full review worth your time . To my readers and followers I'm back on track. Sometimes we in the small independent galleries need a boost just like this one. I am grateful, to have the reviewer follow me on twitter, and send this info."The Magician" oil 30 x30

I share with you the newly completed painting by artist Fred Hunt. Now this is an artist who has not allowed me to raise prices in the last few years because as he says " I want people to have my art" and so we have very reasonably priced art by our Regional Treasure Fred Hunt, but also by wonderful area artists such as Karen Deilke, Sheri Rose, Jeff Passage, Jane Balevage Harris, Astrid Dalins, Yana Bem, Bettyann Pober just to name a few of our active gallery members. Plus we have featured Artists monthly right now we have P. Cherry, and highwayman Roy MacLendon. Every one of the artists we have at the Windisch-Hunt Fine Art Gallery are a solid investment. We are proud to be independent and ethical.

Not a bad day after all

2009-12-13T17:00:00.006-05:00

Fred Hunt being serenaded by Augustine Mariche of York Penn.

Got over the rude artist mentioned below. I lovely package arrived via a husband delivery service. Thank you so much. Monica Bo of Costa Rica. Some time ago, Monica stop by our gallery Windisch-Hunt Fine Art, asking for advice. I was hard put to give guidance. What I did do was suggest she get a copy of Alyson Stanfield's book 'I'd Rather be in the Studio". I mentioned that I was working on having her come down to Miami and book her into Lake Worth and Ft. Lauderdale during the same period of time. Monica was resourceful found Alyson's e mail and next thing I know my name is being bantered about on the internet. Not bad .:) Then I had this child star walk in with such bravura. He is in Miami to appear on Univision's top rated Spanish language show Giant Saturday "Sabado Gigante" with host Don Francisco. Next, two lovely persons shopping for nephew gift, made that sale. Of course our hand painted coconuts are

hand painted coconuts $22 + postage ship anywhere

always popular this time of year. The painted coconuts are heading north for the holidays. We had 88 degree weather today. Our merchants in Coconut Grove brought in 6 tons of snow for the children who have never ever seen SNOW or felt it. Part of my past week was spent painting facades of Xmas houses on flats to enhance the event Snow Days. This last one, after Art Basel.See those painted shoes. They are the culprits of Vernissage which I wrote about during Art Basel. This news stand is for the coconutgrovegrapevine.com our local news alert, opinion blog
for which I provide photos periodically. Actually it's a friendly photo competition between the blogger Tom and myself a former UPI photographer. Who can out do photos of the Miami Herald or each other. I'm winning.

attitude - antagonistic behavior

2009-12-13T15:11:00.003-05:00

I'm writing this as this artist just visited my gallery gave me grief in front of clients. How embarrassing. Hope I never see him again. I also had in the gallery two very young girls doing community service hours, just completing their tasks and I pointedly asked them to go back to their tasks as I was interviewing an artist. I look at the work and ask the artist had he ever been in my gallery "No" as I carry paintings and am not interested in illustrations. I point to one example in the gallery that has been much admired and he calls it "con art" and tried to give me an art history lesson. He took classes from U of M graduate in art???? who thought him, really. The third work of art he had was an erotic depiction straight out of Hustler magazine lacking painterly quality. He accused me of not liking it because of the "snatch" and took a very defensive stand. I explained that we do indeed carry nudes. I tried to explain why certain figurative work sell or not, Why his direct approach would be a negative, all the while trying to laud his draughsman skill. He was in a defensive mood and by now the Father of the young girls was here to collect them. I excused myself to fill out the paperwork for their community service. The artist left without a bye your leave. ATTITUDE!

ART Basel recall

2009-12-09T20:48:00.004-05:00

One workshops going on during all this was conducted by the Bernice Steinbaum Gallery. Several Artists I knew attended Freda Tschumy sculptor, Ellen Girod and Wendy Coad from the South Florida Art Center. and Collector Pat Thompson. I attended on behalf of Fred Hunt who remained in the studio to paint, doesn't that sound familiar. It was about preparing a Legacy which many of us do not even consider while creating our body of work. Primarily good record keeping. i.e when and where you have shown, correct documentation on each and every work that is shown. For the collector this information is also important, to know the documented art will realize a ROI . This was sponsored through the Joan Mitchell foundation. While there we all were treated to a spontanious art performance by an African Cuban American Chinese. It was Poetry in motion and here I was most fortunate to have my new Flip camera. I received a small bird which I shall cherish.

Vernissage Dec. 2, 2009

2009-12-03T13:13:00.008-05:00

, The premier opening was last nightat the Miami Beach Convention Center. We were greeted by Ambassador plenipotentiary the honorable George Neary seen here with artist Fred Hunt. George was instrumental in bringing Art Basel to Miami. There was a crowd ready to enter when we arrived five of six. We got in and as is my way of keeping on track and seeing it all. I started to the right. One of my first delightful discoveries was the new body of work by David Hockney Forget the volume and my blah blah blah on video ( that would be an inside joke if you'd been to Art Basel). Recently You Tube video showed David and his assistant going back to nature. The next work of art which drew my attention was the gloved one, yes, a take off on Michael Jackson. It was impeccably executed and as I turn away my Flip Camera captures Debra Cortes. I mentioned her Holiday Art Bazaar only yesterday. Found myself standing in front of a Louise Nevelson and I am wearing the shoes I commissioned her granddaughter to paint for me. It's one of those moment's. (pictured in this link provided )

Art History came alive at Galerie Thomas, a who's who of the 20th century art. this was a space you could linger know you cannot afford it however this viewing is worth the price of admission.

Frank Stella

Only half way through we are thirsty. Found the refreshments and right as we sat I spotted the Champagne cart several of those are through out the hall, nice touch. I turn on the camera for people watching.

Once the saturation of appreciating what is on the walls, you cannot avoid the characters portraying themselves. Are they artists,who cares. They add to the circus. segue
I have a call to Artists for in Feburary it is "Circus Circus" . I could not get enough of Botero's circus images, and all in one place. Who knew he had done so many circus images, wonderful fun works, some on paper, pre sketches for the large oils.

Botero's "Circus Act"

I highly advise if you go pick up a Art Circuit map at the right of the entrance by the red walls. The new configuration will leave you confused. Unless your mind is focused on how you got in you will have a hard time finding your way out.
Large does not make for better. You know when your standing in front of a masterpiece.

Overwhelmed Dec. 2 2009

2009-12-02T13:49:00.005-05:00

As of today I have received e-mail invitations to approximately half the receptions and openings all relating to ART Basel Miami. From artists friends and artists I've never heard of. I can actually party into the night with all the happenings some start as late as 10 p.m. Overload, overdose! I am starting this evening and along the way I will report on those. Don't expect me to critique, should I run into something that is worth seeing and affordable I will definitely let you know. So this evening I am heading to Wynnwood with my flip camera. BAC is enticing people to start early with breakfast on the house, why not. Should you do that I highly recommend you not miss the Rubell Family Collection which during the next few days is open to the public and free. GO
At the Windisch-Hunt Fine Art Gallery business goes on. I have two artists here earning holiday money painting Village Houses that will be on display for the Coconut Grove Snow Days. Eight (8 ) tons of snow will be brought in for everyone to enjoy this Saturday. EXhibited in our gallery is "Our Regional Treasures", 3 outstanding artists who have earned that title. How many of the up and coming edgy artists exhibiting this week in Miami will be with us and producing much less surviving into their 80's to leave a legacy as P. Cherry 86, Fred Hunt 82 and RA McLendon
the youngest at 77, a original Highwayman.

Wynnwood's American Art

2009-12-01T16:38:00.006-05:00

Fred Hunt and Sheri Rose share this wall

Ran up to Wynnwood to put last touches on our art. "American Art" is located at 3302 N. Miami Ave. in the Wynnwood Art District and will have its official opening tonight. We are adjacent to Kunsthaus Miami

Dan Walker's Chandelier under construction
click to enlarge images

Ran into Rafael Manresa a former One Ear Society member.( interesting link hmmm) Rafael has an installation with several of his artists on the other side of Kunsthaus. They will have their opening tomorrow night. It's called MyPAC Got this sneak peak and they are very busy installing. You can See Dan Walkers intricate work coming together here. Also Rafael Manresa is putting his signature RMutt on the toilet. How did I get this photo, While looking at their work I noticed a glaring absence, his signature. Now lets not all copy this, Rafael has been doing this for years now, to the consternation of myself while he was a member of the OES. Wherever he goes you will know if he has been there. Most recently he was at the Windisch-Hunt Fine Art Gallery and don't you know he did it to me again. However, this time we had a most interesting outcome. We had an elderly lady visit and asked to use our facilities. She came out giggly and said she so enjoyed the experience of using our toilet and now she can tell everyone she sat on a Marcel Duchamp.

You don't have to come to us, now you can go to 3325 N. Miami Ave and have the same unique experience.
Most art openings are tonight at 5 p.m. a wonderfull initiative for this year is benefitting Lotus House via the Sundari foundation. Everyone attending will be required to make a $25 donation. If you don't want to carry cash here is how you do it. Don't leave home without your check for $25 per person to the Sundari Foundation. Have a great time that your evening of see and being seen benefits the unseen.

Midnight musings

2009-12-01T15:49:00.003-05:00

What did I forget. what all do I still need to do and my I Cal looks like a checker board for this week. Just remembered another committment the Holiday Art Bazaar at the Mutiny Hotel. Last night was Coconut Groves kick off event for Art Basel and all the galleries were open with wine and food for the My neighbor on the right was closing up just as I was getting the ice for our opening. said there was no one on the streets that was true, it was only 6:30. The C of C blasted the opening reception for a young and upcoming artist, it was well attended by family and friends. My reception was in tandem with the Coconut Grove Art Festival opening. Had one be back, from Sundays reception. Bernice Stein art dealer, came with a client of hers. So we have a serious nibble, and we made some small sales. It is always worth it when someone truly takes time and appreciates all the art on our walls. I closed Windisch-Hunt Fine Art around 9:30 p.m. Back to my checker board calendar Some of the meetings are weekly like the Holiday committee,Holiday Committee

This week is also 1st Thurs of the month WC of CG luncheon, missed the last two, just slipped right on by. Meeting with Mgmt about the Peacock project early tomorrow morning. I've got tickets for opening night ART Basel. Wynnwood Art district opening is officially tomorrow evening, last year thousands showed up as most independent satelites are located there in rented warehouse spaces. It's a free party. I signed up for a workshop about documenting art, artist, who want to leave a legacy. Lets not forget the 1st Sat of the month is this Saturday in Coconut Grove.

Opportunity at ART Basel Satilite

2009-11-30T15:56:00.004-05:00

We are in the middle of getting ready for 'Our Regonal Treasure" reception and lets not forget about Art Basel and all the 100's of satellite art happenings. This is Miami in the first week of December! I get a call from a person who also belongs to the Woman's Club of Coconut Grove offering me this opportunity, an opportunity artists only dream about. Be seen during Art Basel in the Wynwood District. I said OK, I am busy and do not return the call. If it is going to happen it will. The next phone call came. An hour later I drive over there and she tells me who the other artists are that have accepted. Lynn Facteau, Freda Tschumy all friends and artists whos work has been exhibited in our gallery.This is it. No one had come by yet to view, so I pick my space considering the location to the door I already know what is hanging where. I have always pre visualized all the shows I've curated, no problem. The light is good and I write on the wall "This wall is taken"Back at the Windisch-Hunt Fine Art Gallery I layout the work as I visualized it. I measure the space I measure the art I measure twice even the hight. It's a go. Fred gives me his approval. Looks a bit different. What seemed an ongoing long wall shrunk I remeasure knowing I want one more work of art in and I need inches. Started out with 20 inches between the paintings down to 16 for breathing space and ended up with only 10. The next consideration was the lightswitch, it is in wrong place, never noticed it before. The work of art is on silverleaf and way to delicate to be handled daily by moving it by just anyone. Ok thats not going to work. When it all came together we were happy we compromised and it's what we do to make things happen.

Busy working gallery

2009-11-28T13:00:00.007-05:00

You can see, the mermaid from the Miami Watercolor demo is now finished and hanging . We posted a few videos below of it's progress. This photo is from the outside of the Windisch-Hunt Fine Art Gallery. All the artists in the gallery have something of theirs in the window. We try to be democratic. We always stay busy. Had a person stop by and tell me how satisfying it was to watch the work in progress.
Hans Feyerabend is returning a painting by Yana Bem which he framed for her, at my request. I love Yana's work and at first meeting her I asked her "Do you know who Richard Lindner is" She did, she also worked in NY for a while. Her women are bold strong much like Lindners. I have always admired his work.

Here is the gapping hole in the wall. It's the leak that I wrote about in an earlier post. They assured me it would not impede, the opening. What we did not recon with was the fact that during that period of time, Thanksgiving falls right into the middle of the week, and we loose two work days. Panic! not yet, my motto go with the flo. I have the "Our Regional Treasures" reception to plan still.
The workmen are tinkering with their copper pipes and we proceed with gallery business. Here is Yana with Barries and Beer on her left. This is going her Holiday greeting card.
Fred Hunt is building stretcher bars for his oversized watercolors. Garland one of our gifted Sat. morning students is hanging out because her mother works in the gallery just two doors down and it is always much more fun elsewhere. So I put her to work documenting Fred via my newest toy the Flip camera. She did a great job and he finds her presence less intrusive than mine.
Hi Fidelity is blastin away in the gallery and the mood upbeat along the riff. Six artists are painting away on their own project. Saturday morning was the art class which ended and a new project was introduced so that what the students learned in the past six weeks, now has application. A house for the Christmas Village that will travel through Coconut Grove during the snow days. They learned about fresco and how to achieve this faux finish.

Success Story - Sale

2009-11-22T12:41:00.008-05:00

Boca Chica Light House

Artist Linda Apriletti
She has been working extremely diligently. Her day job is as an accountant. I have to tell you, of all the artists I have worked with she is the most dedicated. She has free time, she paints. She makes time to paint! She invests in herself: she takes workshops, saves her money and plans vacation time to coordinate with workshops with artists she admires. To be honest, I know of no other artist this passionate, other than my husband. So, I admire artist Linda Apriletti a great deal and am delighted to have her in the Windisch-Hunt Fine Art Gallery. She also listens to advice which is given freely and implements them. As her background is business she has the advantage of handling her art as a business. Does things we tend to be to busy to do. I advised her when I thought it was time for her to paint larger pieces and she did.
She keeps me posted, here is something she sent me and I am glad to share and let other artists see.
"I just had a great sale today. The "elevator man" as I call him (he's seen me in the elevator in my building bringing a painting to my office or back home now and then) came to the Palm sale the past 2 sales, this last one with his wife to show her my work. She liked it so they made an appointment and came to my house htis morning. And went home with 5 paintings, and a 6th on loan to see if it fits on their wall. The largest was the 20x20 Palm Island with the backlit cloud for their house in the Keys, the others ranged from 10x12 to 8x10 to group around the larger painting and to save for gifts for their children. The man loves my paintings and was telling some other people I'm the next "Beanie Backus". They were going to buy a large photo from Clyde Butcher and instead decided they wanted my paintings instead. If they have room, there's a likelihood of another sale of an 18x24 or this brand new painting 24x20 that I painted this week.

Miami 's Surrounded Islands

2009-11-21T15:52:00.004-05:00

Jean Claude part of the creative team of "Christo and Jeanne-Claude"
Passed away on Wednesday of a brain aneurysm. She raised the funds for his ideas and they worked together. Miami is now side by side with the Ponte Neuf and the Reichstag and many other environmental projects that were touched by them. No one will ever forget her contribution.

“Surrounded Islands" 1983

Politics in ART

2009-11-19T14:46:00.003-05:00

I think I owe my en plein air artists an explanation of how it is that we were to have an exhibition at the Mayors Gallery at Miami City Hall. Perhaps if I cannot bring this off I will post the Cliff Notes version of who did what to whom and what was said. At this junctore they, the City of Miami doesn't even realize they have a Mayors Gallery, yet every small town celebrates it's culture and has call for art in their public spaces. Even our State House in Tallahassee. Perhaps that is where this show should go.

Gallery Representation

2009-11-18T13:21:00.006-05:00

Getting there for ART Basel

I am always on the look out for new work, fabulous artists who will help me make my gallery more successful. We should have a symbiotic relationship. I don't expect you to go back in my archives and read what I had to say, even though the information is plainly stated and valuable. I have artists come in daily looking for it. Gallery representation is an important topic. Why pick Windisch-Hunt Fine Art? You do not know me, as a matter of fact, I have never seen your here before. Have I made my point? I do portfolio reviews every Saturday (not during ArtBasel please). You should also be looking at Miami Beach galleries or in Wynnwood. Now is a real good time. After Art Basel most galleries disappear. Here is what I want from you when I take my time to visit with you: One portfolio, one original work of art, a CV, and a "thank you for your time" a week later. I find I'm assisting those artists who have the time to say thank you and stay on my radar.

Coconut Grove doing what it does best

2009-11-16T17:10:00.009-05:00

This is what a Grove Buck looks like, much prettier than the BerkShares.

Picture perfect weekend for this Mad Hatter here our own version of the cast of characters, borrowed from our Sat. morning art class, today's class was performance art. What fun!
Here are just some of the tasks we take on as part of the committee. Tom Falco our own news beacon via the coconutgrovegrapevine and Stephen Licata head of the Merchants Assoc. and owner of Palm Produce. Go to the grapevine for more stories and photos of the event.
Now this hat of mine has a story. I knew I wanted a traditional hat a"Lampshade", We had a hat making party in the gallery. Night before I had created some of the committee's hats. Mine had to wait till the eleventh hour. This lovely lady come in, spend time, chatted, I lamenting that I had not found a bird and needed to run out to a craft store. She saw my had and said wait here I have just the thing. She returned with THE PERFECT PEACOCK ornament. It worked on all levels. Right now CVoconut Grove is in a controversy about them, the issue made the N.Y. Times. We are going to have Peacocks on Parade, and the colours complemented the shade, well you can see how this all came together.
I have advocated drumming for all sorts of reasons. Soon it may become a reality in the Grove. This is one of our gallery artists Karen Deilke with an authentic Indian drum.
The spirit of the Mad Hatter was embraced wholeheartedly as Grove Bucks were given out to the most outlandish creative hats. Grove bucks are legal tender in Coconut Grove.
One hour before closing, part of the committee seen here are all happy. Tom Faclo, Barbara Tejada, Daisy Lewis, Pauline Goldsmith. Lovely turnout for this event.
The first day was slow but on the Sunday the crowds tripled on our tree lined streets. Word of mouth was out. Both Pauline and I sent additional e mail reminders out as we had a vested interest in making this a success.
Here again hats were worn for fashion and for shade. As happens when you do art shows there will be people who are looking at the art for possible inclusion for upcoming art events. This was the case here. Center is Debra Cortese who will be doing a Holiday Bazaar and is visiting with artists who will suit her event.
Right in front of the Windisch-Hunt Fine Art gallery we had this scene. How wonderful to see such meticulously done crafts by Lisa Kundle seen here with her sister.

Festivals of all sorts do not happen on their own. Periodically you've read about the meetings on this blog. I attend, Coconut Grove community meetings as part of creating a network. This weekend I did not post as I was busy with the Mad Hatter art event. What stood out this weekend, the fun everyone had taking on the theme of Mad Hatter. Ascot would rival some of our creations.On Sunday I opted for a decorated sailor hat. This was one of the things I was asked to do. The peacock hat was difficult to wear.

Photographers pay attention

2009-11-12T17:03:00.005-05:00

"Laura" A digital Print by photographer Dave Woody

Every two years the Smithsonian National Gallery sponsors a portrait exhibition. It is a very prestigious show, what could be more important than to be affiliated with the likes of the Smithsonian! It always surprises me and every artist ( our ego), who participate in juried venues, when we do not win. In this particular show the variety of wins was astounding. A lot of photography placed very high..... Hello Photographers -- those of you who still think you are stepchildren of art....Look at this 1st place photograph!! Congratulations Dave Woody!
And here is what we entered and didn't even place.

"Fur Elise" oil By Fred Hunt

I congratulate all the artists who put their best work forward to be juried by such a distinguished panel of judges. You would not have done so if you did not think there was an inkling of chance you would be in the shoes of Dave Woody.

Linda Wellens checks WC progress

2009-11-11T20:43:00.009-05:00

I purchased my new toy only minutes before the Miami Watercolor Society demonstration. This was long time in coming. For several years now I had wanted to document Fred Hunt at the easel. You will see he is not exactly happy about this. Years ago when I started the One Ear Society I made a five year plan and it was to video tape artists I knew. I knew of no more interesting people than artists. What makes them so special, what is behind the drive, behind the creativity. There was a moment when I assisted Fred at U of M as he was painting a mural. I watched him load the brush and with one sweep he had painted a completed tree trunk. This is hard to explain, it was one of those magical moments that only a camera could do justice. I witnessed this and am still awe struck with no words to express what I witnessed. I knew this was no ordinary artist. We were not married then. So as not to digress to far, I'd been told that this was a fail proof camera and I had just enough money,for this advertised Sunday special. I had to have it or there would be no demo.
I am so glad, I got it. Now I can report via show and tell. This afternoon Linda Wellens came by to check on the progress of this watercolor demo piece . So, I took the time to record the interchange. The Miami Watercolor Society is going to get their money's worth.

I'm actually spending more time trying to download it and figure out which clip to show. Enjoy and give me feed back. This is another learning curve to hurdle,
Linda came back twice. I include this last image. It is important as you heard what Fred"s plans are for this area and this is when the magic begins. Now you see it, but will you recognize it when it is done.

Street Festival Jury duty

2009-11-09T13:31:00.009-05:00

Took this challenge very seriously. For many years I was on the other end of this process, and don't you know we never ever agreed on the winning pick, by the jurors. Now my process was not to choose the winner, merely to select the artists who applied to participate and narrow the field. I felt it my duty to represent all the artists fairly. I went in with specific questions which may be the same ones you would have asked, after attending or participating in Street Festivals.

I've been there.

My questions

Is this process different from last year? No, however Zapplication has gotten better.
Have you already accepted artists? No the only ones not being juried are last years winners.
Are you promising locations? No
How many are we selecting? 160
Are we able to revisit artists if there are questions? No, but we did decide to add extra time by previewing each category prior to selection. This was a way of not choosing the first few who looked good only to find the best artists were at the end.
How have they been filtered to this point? Zapplication is the process we use and these artists notified them that they wanted to be in this show.

My poster was one of the best selling T shirts design s, they ran out before I got mine.

We were 3 jurors assembled in a school room equipped with Mac computers, all color calibrated so that we all saw the exact same image. The largest category was painting with 75 applicants, the next was 74 for photography. To my surprise, only 15 water color painters submitted. Historically they make the best posters. I was also very surprised that one of my friends who is always there did not submit this year. Carol Garvin what a shame.
We all had our own computer and sat in different areas of the room. First we previewed all the images together then went back to our stations to individually rate what we saw, from 1 to 10. The images on the whole were clear, what became somewhat confusing, were the artists

descriptions of their craft. We were able to read what the artist had to say abut their work not the artist statement. One artist had a very obtuse description making it difficult to decide was this the category, that they should be in. Another artist in their tent shot, showed their hand crafted work plus purses hanging on the wall, yet they showed no close up of purses. Purses go into the vendor part of the show not fine art. Another artist had lovely work then on their booth shot showed their name indicating this was not an individual artist. Also we had several people standing in their booth, now you all tell me why? That's the same as putting your name in bold letters somewhere on the image. I did ask to be recused on one as not only did I know the work well, I love it, I liked it so much that I featured her in a one woman show at one of my my galleries. She also had her pix in front of her booth with her husband. Doing these shows most artists already know each other and the jurors also have come to know street artists particularly if the style is distinct. My Key to the City of Miami Beach what a surprise.!

We three were there to make sure that they had the best show ever with a diverse collection of

beautiful art. The process was gruesome, I thought it would be a walk in the park. The fact that I asked to previewed each category before facing our Macs added more than two hours to the process. Breakfast was promised and was the usual, we did much better with lunch. We never left the premises. We had carry out lunch from Greenstreet Cafe, wraps. Now I didn't even know they had wraps on the menu, they was delicious that was a unanimous vote. So when your in the Grove for any kind of show, definitely try Green Street Cafe. I had the shredded chicken it was easy to eat and tasty. The wraps made it easy to continued through lunch. The entire process has become easier from the past. There are no slides to send back no trays to fill with slides. No abacus it all is digital. Click on the computer scroll through the images, take a moment to read what the artists has to say, rate them, continue. I was there approx 8 hours. No pay, just worked for food just like most artists are known to do. I admire the artists who still travel pay the submission fee, booth fee, hotel, food, travel. You all are in a league of your own. Now the process is left to the administrator to put everyone into the area that they said they belonged in. Vendors with vendors and the others all rotated throughout the show to make it interesting and enjoyable and the best to date. It was gruesome sitting in little chairs for 8 hours.

Miami Watercolor Society Demo

2009-11-08T17:21:00.012-05:00

This afternoon one of our premier gallery artists did a demonstration for the Miami Watercolor Society. The demonstration basically invited the Miami Watercolor Society artists to expand the scope of what is normally the typical size for a watercolor painting. Fred Hunt at age 82 has not lost his touch. He is still witty and charming and made what could have been a dull demo interactive.Click on image to enlarge

Fred W. Hunt no longer paints with watermedia due to the physical demands of a traditional watercolor painting (bending over a flat surface) he is still investing in rolls of Fabriano paper with anticipation of going back to watercolor, a media he loves. He also sculps. Oil is now his preferred painting medium which is more suitable for a man of his age. Come and visit Fred as he is painting daily in the Windisch-Hunt Fine Art Gallery. See the progress of this painting,

we are open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Did you catch the quip about painting with a dry brush like the English.

Boggie and we

2009-11-08T10:38:00.006-05:00

artist Theresa Calluori and photographer Lynn Latham

Here once again doing a benefit for whom, you might ask. No sales, but a great deal of interest. What happens at this select events is that we showcase our work with the hope of making a sales. It is almost impossible with such romantic lighting, as you see in these pix. But everyone agreed unilaterally, that we had a very fine time. When was the last time anyone of us had such authentic delicious faire provided by Chef Andre. What a treat. The world knows that the Austro-Hungarian empire produces the finest in the culinary arts. Chef Andre hails from Linz, Osterreich. I went in the spirit of Morocco and dressed accordingly, after all this was a Bazaar. I pulled out art that was small and that had been around for a bit and some very new things. We did get a nibble, and she was at the gallery the very next day. THAT is why these events are important but not on your resume.

Casablanca for a night

Bank Event

2009-11-06T15:18:00.003-05:00

Karen Deilke with what I consider Feng Shui correct art.

Here at the Windisch-Hunt Fine Art Gallery we are asked to participate via volunteering time, allowing for neutral territory meetings to take place in the gallery, and the list goes on. That is part of being in a community. So it was my pleasure to recommend artist Karen Deilke when I was approached by the local bank to recommend some artists who might want to showcase work. There were stipulations and even then, not everyone I recommended made the cut. The exposure is priceless, we handed out cards for the gallery and personal artist business cards. Even though we sometimes feel we are part of a unique small community like Coconut Grove and everyone should know us. Many business people attending had no idea that we were just around the corner. The bank was wonderful as they encouraged the purchase of the art on display.

Transitioning into ARt Basel mode

2009-11-05T15:46:00.007-05:00

Fred Hunt getting ready to do a demo for the Miami Water Color Society on Sunday

NOVEMBER
Every month we go though a change up, but during this time (Nov. Dec.) we consider it a major transition as the competition in Miami gets stiff. Here in Coconut Grove at Windisch-Hunt Fine Art we take it personally. We don't get the crowds even though we are on the water and are part of Miami. The lucky thing for us is we are surrounded by five 4 star hotels all less than 7 min. strolling distance. So it stands to reason that if somethings goes wrong it will, and that just happened and it was funny.

Not a pretty picture but reality

I've had a leak which we discovered did not come from our space but from the Mayfair House Hotel above us. As we do monthly shows it's difficult to schedule a good time to have the work done, the same for the Hotel. Well we are transitioning and gaining one week because of Art Basel so we have workers tearing out a 8 ft. section of our gallery. I moved my desk area to the other side of the gallery and had not had the time to complete the move. ( I have something every single night for the next 5 nights and none in the gallery) One of the workmen said something to me, I neither speak Creole or Spanish so I just nodded after all her does our windows. I took a break for coffee with Fred Hunt to discuss our move to the Coconut Grove Bank's Event this evening. Something special for their large depositors. I look over and the workman had put everything that was left not tied down in a large trash container. My bills, my list of last months participants, print outs that are numerous. my shoes, DVDs, my change of clothes. amd some actual trash. I guess using LOL is appropriate here.

pay the piper!

2009-11-03T21:30:00.003-05:00

Had a photographer come by and lament his good fortune. Seems to resents the fact, now that he is no longer in the Wynnwod District Gallery, he still has to pay a % for the sales that are generated out of that space. They had his work for a month and it didn't not move. It did start to sell however after he left. This has happened at our gallery as well. That is why a gallery will hold the artist to a 3 mo. clause from the start of the exhibit.
The fact that he was in a prime space with a reception, press, on going marketing escaped him and someone has to pay the staff, hello! I wrote this in the middle of the night and today I am changing out the art for a new show. Lo and behold the same question arises. "How do you know that the sale comes from here. " This one was eas from the departing. Because, the art in question hadn't seen the light of day as it was all collectible. I turned the question around. "When was the last time you exhibited this work?" He went on to tell me it had been in his High Rise Condo. I said "so how many people come through there to see the work". It was his private residence and not open to the public. " Well I had Dr. so and so and one other person." I responded "and they didn't buy it then possible if they buy it now it is because the Windisch-Hunt Fine Art Gallery has cachet" and now in my e mail I have "Fine Art Views" by Clint Watson The Benefits of Gallery Representation by guest columnist Lori Woodward Simons. Haven't read it yet but I'm sure their not to far off on what I just wrote.

Blow a hole in adj.

2009-11-03T14:01:00.006-05:00

Astrid Galan with her work.
She will have a reception at the Colombian Consulate Nov. 6th 7 to 9 p.m. Good Luck

Now I've seen it all. Termites? Big holes, big ones. She dropped by, all the way from Colombia. I'm looking at her work and am reaching to touch her frame, to have a closer look, I see specks of silver or light something not right? Filtering through the frame was light. Can you believe this, charming

Can't imagine what some of the imports for Art Basel will look like this year. There is not enough structure left to hang this work of art for any period of time. It cost the young artist to have her work framed and look at her size, she is definitely a petite.

2009-10-31T19:04:00.004-04:00

courtesy of http://www.artworldsalon.com/blog/2009/10/artoon-11/

Priceless

2009-10-31T11:29:00.004-04:00

Today Mia + Issa

Issa and instructor Sherrie Rose instructor

Taking an art class is pricelessand should not be equated with cost, a nuance lost on quite a few. Currently in our gallery we have a wonderful teacher, teaching a fresco class for age 9 to 15. One student is seeking to improve her portfolio, all art classes have value for her. She knows she is going on to Art School. The other happens to be a trust fund baby and today, a no show, now why does that not surprise me. Having taught children at the Bass Museum for several summers, has given me insight. Some children embrace the projects because the want to. Others are being chauffeured from one activity to the other satisfying someone elses ego. To a portion we are babysitters. Having experienced this I am adamant about the completion and full participation of students that sign up for our classes. Here I suffer no fools or disruptions.

What is a day off

2009-10-30T21:23:00.003-04:00

A day off is not always what it seems. One artist left some work when he found he could not get all his work into his vehicle. I offered to meet him half way as I was heading up to Lake Worth for a joint City Commission+CRA meeting (community redevelopment agency).We met in the parking lot of the meeting. Made the transfer and made an inquiry about some artists and gallery there. They knew of the gallery but not the artist in question. The meeting was arduous as most are. Attend in hopes of seeing progress right in front of your eyes. Well at the end, it is a case of make a motion to address this motion, revisit it one month and at the next meeting another lets see. If you don't follow Roberts Rule of Order it becomes a mess. There are few parliamentarians left.
The presentation, Lake Worth has an "artist overlay district" but it is not recognized. They are aware they have a large blighted area. Artists to the rescue! The vision is to bring in artists and develop a premier art colony. The timing could not be better for this venture. Lake Worth has gone though some severe changes and could benefit artists who are willing to uproot.(who else is crazy) How to kick start? They hired a consultant and he and I met several months ago and talked about bringing artists up there and where they will come from. LW has the good fortune of owning a building and getting $700,000 from the CRA to renovate. The building was assigned to the Palm Beach Cultural Council, a noble act. It does not stop there as there is always more to the story. The artists in attendance brought up a valid point. Cultural Councils on the whole do not service the individual artist but art organizations. Great point. The vision is to bring artists into the blighted area. I've looked at the property and it is in close proximity to everything. Lake Worth is quite small 20 blocks N from downtown and 18 S. It is so important to always ask the right questions in these meetings otherwise it is business as usual. The city has and owns abandoned homes and needs only to identify them. Now why that has not been done or why they do not have the numbers is amazing. I spoke of that to the CRA more than a month ago. They were to have those for this meeting. Again it is about communications from one department to another. Everyone was aware that the city has abandoned properties. They identified seven *7. Driving around the area and looking into the PB County Property Appraisers index, this number is only the tip. Put that into the pot with the bank owned properties, practically a third the community is now up for grabs. If the CRA talks to the banks and allows them to do the right thing, give the CRA some of their holdings for tax credit or deduct part from government bailout repayment, Lake Worth could be a contender. Last stop Starbucks for ride home, a call from Art Serve in Ft. Lauderdale to collect art work that was on exhibit they are open till eleven pm .they facilitate other organizations who are using the space for rehearsal. During this day I also found time to do my laundry at the local lavanderia. You learn so much about a community by hanging out there. Sorry no photos from there.

Volunteering

2009-10-30T20:17:00.004-04:00

at Miami Science Museum
We artists pay our dues in ways one can only imagine. Here I am at the Science Museum and it is Holloween. I enjoy kids in their place and enjoy teaching them, if they really really love art and it shows. When it comes to funding arts for children I always lean on the, not side, as let them be creative and be good students if they are meant to be artists they will persevere. There is to much of "My kid can do that". Well fine, let them and see in which gallery they are exhibited or which museum they are showcased . Emerging artists are a slippery lot. Having gone back into my catalogue of art, six years back and try to find certain artists who impressed me. They are no longer. Did they get married, now to support their family only to surface at age 62 once again missing their golden years, if art had only meant enough to them. There are sacrifices even artists must make.

AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt with Heather Bettner who has initiated the Parade of Peacocks soon to be unveiled. Artists if you want to do one of those peacocks get hold of her or me use the subject Peacock on Parade, I shall forward it on to her. my e mail is grovite1@mac.com.

November just around the corner

2009-10-30T19:04:00.006-04:00

This up and coming show is most important it is called "Our Regional Treasures." and am quite proud presenting these artists. I am still waiting for one more artist to come aboard but it is not necessary as I have star power in the three being featured. Last night I attended H Allen Benowitzes reception at the Coconut Grove Art Festival offices. H Allen and I go back a few years as I gave him his very first solo photo exhibition at Gallery Vincent. So I went to congratulate him there. As is the case when visiting other people in your field business is always on the forefront especially as Art Basel/Miami is looming. I was asked, what was I doing for Art Basel. Well, I have already decided and I will have a very successful show. Hitch your wagon to a star.

Now in Coconut Grove we have established 1st Sat. in the Grove Art Stroll, a version of that exists in most communities. Wynnwood does Gallery night or Viernes Culturales translates last Friday Cultural nights in Little Havana. We all do it. Are you ahead of me here. Last night was not 1st Sat. thats right! Was asked if I might consider having my opening on the same night as she is presenting a young new thing out of NY, Art Basel bait. Now the two of us could make this happen but there is baggage here, that will never be forgotten. Politics !!! Miami City Hall by artist Jeffrey Passage

Speaking of politics I have a show which has been cleared to go into City Hall with only days away from electing a new Mayor for Miami and again Politics are interfering with the Arts. I am ready to install and a certain person thinks it would just be wonderful to welcome the new Mayor in style via these en plein air painting,s depicting Coconut Grove where City Hall is located. Of course credit goes to whom? Not I for supporting our community via having these event here for the 8th time. But having great art available for the New Mayor. Where is this all goin? I am going to city hall with tape measure in hand and meet.
As I am ruminating this at 5 a.m. in the morning, that is when most of my blog posts are written. Im thinking about the person who wants to meet and discuss this unique alliance. There is strength in numbers. But would it benefit the Windisch-Hunt Fine Art gallery.? moi. I have a good thing. My promo cards are waiting for the one more artist.

Miss quoted ?

2009-10-30T18:34:00.004-04:00

My day started at the beach it was refreshing, one would think that this being end of October the weather would be NORMAL, well it is not. It t is hot, still in the high 80's. Maybe this sounds great to the east coast but the electric bill is killing me. I 'm in catch up mode and with the economy as it is, the sales we have had for the most part are small pick up items .
Showcasing fine art is fine, but galleriest have to live as well as ARtists. We are a working gallery and open year round. Half the galleries in Wynnwood are closed waiting to bait in NY artists for ArtBasel/Miami. Coral Gables galleries are almost extinct as they moved to Wynnwood with high hopes, then the economy happened.
Current issue of New times is out and as I look to see who all is doing some thing. I recognize an image I submitted for the reception which happened a week ago. Stating that we have an event reception tonight, oh my, so we will have it again after all I still have Rhum Barboncoure, why not.
Have you ever been miss quoted well, The article states something about voodoo or spirit bottles. Never erven heard of those. I'm think where on earth did they get that, then add insult
to injury they said I chirped . Oh dear no i am not a happy camper , chirp, indeed. One of my wonderful gallery artist Jeff Passage he must have beeen a diplomat in his former life looked at the bright side "They used a word that would fit in the limited space "Yes Jeff, there is a Santa Clause chirp is a 5 letter word, and said is four 4 letters. lol.

Stolen Haitina Art

2009-10-28T14:06:00.010-04:00

Absconding with art maybe considered a white collar crime but in Haiti its gruesome. The last heist I heard about, took place in 1997 and involved highly collectible artists. Each with very distinct style that even after less than a one week study, you too would recognize the works of such greats as Lyonel Laurenceau, Castera Bazile, Sejourne Bernard, Philome Obin, Jacques Gabriel.
I have the privilege of having these artists in the gallery and am enjoying them thoroughly. I still can't pronounce their names correctly. The interest in this art is minimal most of the people coming in already have one of these artists and are using our prices as a benchmark for their valued procession. These works are the foundation of Haitian art. Last exhibited at the Bass Museum 10 years ago. Since that time Haitian painting has become and industry. The work which is seen and sold on the streets now, can be had at garage sales or at the antique market next door (they have one for $45) That is not what this Haitian art is at the Windisch-Hunt Fine Art in Coconut Grove. Art stolen! Reward upon recovery I just tweeted this information as I'm being followed by several major museums. It is with hope that they can also assist in recovery.
The 9 works of art are by well known Haitian artists. This was published in the Le Nouveliste newspaper and one painting was immediately recovered, a piece by RoseMarie Desruisseau .
It has been acquired by a friend of Georges S. Nader. upon finding out where it came from he called Georges immediately and returned the painting with much apology. Georges did offer to pay for the inconvenience and never mentioned the name. The purchaser and his entire family was threatened with death if he revealed the source. Obin's very distinct signature on bottom right.
for the average art lover this is the most recognized signature of Obin. For those in the know the painting may not have been done by him but signed by him. The Obin family is extensive and they all paint.

MAM Director resigns

2009-10-26T17:37:00.004-04:00

This poster is from a forthcoming book release on Nov. 7, 2009 The first line SF is not South Florida but it might as well be, however it is San Fran. We are all about the same. Now with the massive layoffs artists are among the ranks. Do what you can for your friends.
I did post these two stories together on purpose.
From the Miami Art Museum
“We engaged Terry with the dual goals of focusing MAM’s mission and creating a clear vision for the development of the museum’s new building, and he has done a superb job on both,” stated Aaron Podhurst, chairman of the museum’s board of trustees.
This does come as a surpris, as it is effective immediately. Terry Riley is going back to Keenen/Riley Architects, YES he is partner of that firm. But looking at it more deeply does this seem odd ? Miami Art Museum afloat without a rudder?

Tony Scornavacca

2009-10-26T11:09:00.008-04:00

Early morning 8:00 a.m. meeting at my bank, they do a yearly event for their large depositors. They asked me to recommend artists and out of the 4 they selected 3. The decision after all is theirs. A quick coffee with friends down the street and waiting for me at the Gallery doors with a box was Tony Scornavacca Jr. inside a rare find of cartoon books created and assembled by Tony Scornavacca aartist loved and remembered by all Grovites.
The dedication reads as follows.
"To my dear self whose quiet desperation and noisy depressions were a constant inspiration......... come to the Gallery and get your copy.

A true Tale re-told by Grove artist Fred Hunt about Tony Scornavacca

Now there was that time when Tony the one known as Scornavacca had been trying or attempting to lure this young lady up to his studio to pose. But the requirements were as always, that Tony, the artist wanted to paint her in the nude. Of course she kept refusing, and one day, lo and behold she showed up and said yes she would do it. Of course Tony was delighted. As I recall he gave the young lady one of these model drapes and showed her where she could undress. Here he excused himself, and left her to her privacy. After several minutes she heard Tony say from the privacy of his office, are you ready to pose. She replied yes she was. So he said to her to position your self on the model stand, I'll be right there. She checked her watch for the time and stepped onto the platform, she didn't wait long before out walked Tony, stark naked.
Of course his unexpected appearance threw the young lady into total disarray and shock. After several minutes of unladylike language and gestures she embarrassingly covered herself and stomped out of the studio into the dressing room throwing on her clothes almost and left slamming the door. Tony was bewildered, he spent all his time in advance telling her of his intentions. Of course after she left he once more narrated them. "I said all along that I wanted to paint you in the nude" that was my honest explanation and still remains.

Fred Hunt "I can't believe he didn't put it into his cartoon book. "
Every guy who ever knew Tony has an antidote about Tony. So if your out there and want to tell it, I shall put it into this blog. Tony Scornavacca was as well known as Picasso in his heyday.

Oct. 25, 2009

2009-10-24T19:46:00.004-04:00

Celebrate, take an artist to lunch, buy some art. Here in Coconut Grove, you can do both. We have, according to the Miami Cultural Council over 250 artists living in 33133, our zip code. I know quite a few not registered with the Council.
We have a Britto Gallery and next door to him is the new Peter Max Gallery, Grove House Artists Co-op are once again up and running. ArtWay 66 is not to be missed. Windisch-Hunt Fine art has 18 artists. Dharma Studio and Blue Moon Studio and L K King Kinetic Art everyone is alive and well in Coconut Grove. We also enjoy the support of our Daily newspaper the Coconut Grove Grapevine

Jewel of Miami "Coconut Grove"

2009-10-24T16:47:00.009-04:00

Greg Little " Vizcaya Waltz"

Greg Little "Vizcaya Morning"

Cesar Santos "Spoil Island"

Cesar Santos "Peacock Park"

Audrey Scott "Atargatis"

Runcie Tatnall "Little Park"

Richard Del Ponte "Vizcaya 1"

Richard Del Ponte "Vizcaya 2"

Dan Bondroff "Le Petite Paris"

Ellen Weiss "Morning Sunshine at Vizcaya"

Pricilla Coote "Tea On The Sea"

Erik Speyer "Fountain at Vizcaya "

Talia Rodriguez "Moroccan Dream"

Linda Apriletti "Longitude Latitude"

Priscilla Coote "Into the Secret Garden"

Priscilla Coote "Roaring Waters"

Claudia Moriarty "Plein Air Vizcaya 1"

Claudia Moriarty "Plein Air Vizcaya 2"

Guess what?

2009-10-23T23:48:00.004-04:00

Today waiting for the reception, I had a moment to check my email and found that the One Ear Society blog was recommended as the web site of the day by the New York Arts + Arts Fair International. What a thrill that we have come to the attention of the New York art world for our blog which covers the ins and outs of a working gallery which honestly represents what is happening in the Miami art scene. Thank you to our New York followers.

Haitian Art Opening

2009-10-23T23:19:00.004-04:00

Our Dear Diary Wall

Come to the gallery how ever you are. We do not stand on formality. I love this photo because it shows Miami. There are many areas with distinct personality. Coconut Grove where we are embraces all. Too hot out, wearing shorts is fine. Just sailed into town? We love docksiders, we are right on the water. Just come from the opera? Formal wear always right. Just make sure you are wearing some kind of clothing to cover the naughty bits.
Georges S. Nader and Charles Ames discussing in Creole the finer points of Haitian art collecting. Tonight's event was lightly attended as we were up against the season premier of the Miami City Ballet. The after dinner crowd arrived around 10:30 pm so we remained opened till midnight. Bernard Sejourne's painting in center of photo.
Monica Craun, performance artist, getting pointers from Georges S. Nader about Haiti's drink of choice 7 star Rhum Barbancourt which was served at tonights' opening. Also check out the Coconut Grove Grapevine.

And the winner is

2009-10-23T22:01:00.004-04:00

Echos of Vizcaya

The painting done by Priscilla Coote titled Echos of Vizcaya was the winner of the 8th Annual En Plein Air competition sponsored by the Windisch -Hunt Fine Art Gallery of Coconut Grove, FL. It was one of the hardest jury decisions because the quality of the paintings were exceptionable. The winning piece was chosen because it captured en plein air spirit at its finest. The painting shows a sense of place, depicts light beautifully and was not overworked. On close examination it seems effortless. During this two day event Priscilla managed to complete 4 paintings. Tomorrow we will show case all entries.

Mail ART being shown

2009-10-16T14:07:00.005-04:00

It's not to late to participate in this fun expression of your talent. Put an extra special touch on the envelope, you’re an artist!
"International Mail Art Traveling Exhibit"

Mail to:
Andrews Art Museum
Po Box 868
Andrews NC 28901
For those who have heard me say I believe in serendipity well. I was just posting this and searching for the correct address to the Andrews Art Museum. In walks my favorite mailman and bring me a large envelope from there. Send an envelope today, the curator Annette Rawlings is showing her own work in some very impressive venues. Congratulations to all who are included. Don't hesitate, don't miss out on this traveling Mail Art exhibit.

Welcome Sail the Grove

2009-10-15T15:55:00.003-04:00

Welcome "Sail the Grove"
right now we are they only window in all of Coconut Grove recognizing the value, the sailing community brings to our restaurants and merchants. We have created a small gift shop, we sell painted coconuts from Coconut Grove, even allow tourists to paint their own. We are hoping for the trickle down effect to take place. I miss being on the water. Yes I do still go swimming at 8 a.m. and open the gallery by 11 a.m. daily. This is my life.
Today was spectacular, stopped for Starbucks coffee and watched the sun rise.

My Life in pictures part 5of 5

2009-10-15T15:17:00.004-04:00

Checking in on the progress of the artists painting en plein air at Vizcaya. Here are Greg Little and Richard DelPonte each with their own vantage point.

Priscilla Coote

Claudia Moriarty

Audrey Scott

Bernard Sejourne in our window

Marcie Ziv and Les Roberts at the Peter Max opening Peter was in Germany

We did sell this lovely water color by Karen Deilke sans frame. In his left hand he had the measurements of his wall space, and so it goes.

My life in pictures part 4 of 5

2009-10-14T21:20:00.005-04:00

What else do we squeeze in. Visit to another artists opening here Deborah Weed and friends hold court at the Mutiny Hotel. Congratulations.

A Life in art? That is what I choose. En route from getting art supplies we were going to pick up food. This year it seemd like Oktober Fest would just happen with out us. A quick stop, once there, the musik , die gemutlichkite, we stayed only a half hour, ate, one dance, back to the gallery.

This painting is coming along, it grew out of two other paintings. The 16 x 20 was reviewed favorably. It demanded to be larger and more developed and as the larger one was being painted, this little group of characters, made themselves known. " We want to be noticed,what about us" so they said to our artist Fred Hunt. Here they are no longer hidden in the other painting demanding his attention. For those who always wonder how a painting is created.
Well this is one way the muse spoke through them.

Word is out we have Haitian art at the Windisch-Hunt Fine art gallery and Gwinette has a fine collection of her own. Possible she will find something she doesn't already have or purchase a work that will compliment what she does have.

En plein air workshop with Erik Speyer "2 brushes 3 colors" maybe four colors.? He donated his fee to the Barnacle Historic Park located right here in Coconut Grove 5 min walk from the gallery. This seems incongruous, as we are a cosmopolitan Miami.

My life in pictures part 3 of 5

2009-10-14T20:52:00.007-04:00

A chance discovery of artist Bernard Sejourne and I'm in love. What do I see, wonderful strokes that flow, a man who loves women. So if someone says come see my etchings maybe you should go. I went up to his hotel room. This is how I found the treasure trove you will read about soon.
Periodically we get students in who are in a humanities class at one of the local colleges. The questions spill What, Why, explain this tell me about as they take notes.. Here a chance encounter with a real artist who is earning her living doing what she loves, even if it's not on a canvas at the moment. Art is everywhere some people like to be surrounded by art and commission mural work, faux finishes and artist Trish Jesselli is doing just that.

Art delivery "and you want to be my latex salesman" $500,000 in art doesn't seem possible, but it is. Who commands these prices? Dead artists. So, how are you feeling. There is a joke about an artist who wore a T shirt stating he was feeling poorly so in no time he might expire and of course the purchase of his art would be priceless upon his demise.

Photos of outside our gallery

1st Sat. of the Month Coconut Grove Art Stroll. That was the day available and Coconut Grove took it. Now we know why it was available here in Miami. During this transitional time we get busier than at other times of the month. Change out of art, end of month books, inventory, etc.. We find ourselves doing things so that we can survive in this business. Some of it is setting up in shows that might not have an immediate return but don't count those out. Have cards of your work or gallery and cross promote. It takes just one person to make the difference.

My life in pictures part 2 of 5

2009-10-14T20:37:00.007-04:00

wow I sit through some of these meetings and wonder what am I doing here? This is where my sketch book takes over and I do shoes. You can cross reference this meeting as I posted a comment http://coconutgrovegrapevine.blogspot.com/2009/10/changing-up-billboard.

Fred Hunt painting in the gallery a variation on the theme?

This is a Refresh Miami meeting that took place in our gallery as they lost their space at a hotel due to change of ownership. Sound familiar? I was glad to have this group see the art available at the Windisch-Hunt Fine Art Gallery. Social media is amazing. Not only did they lose their space but when I offered this gallery I was 5 min away from my gallery and said I would reopen and allow them to have their meeting here. People attending this meeting were already standing at the door waiting on me. Now that news traveled fast via social media.

Artist P. Cherry in her studio

Studio Visit, sometimes these are enlightening. We will be presenting "Our Regional Treasures" for Nov. through Art Basel Dec 2009. We are showcasing four Artists who are still creating daily, still sell and have collectors hovering. All past the age of 72 which is the age the Japanese honor the life long endeavor of their artists.

My Life in pictures part 1 of 5

2009-10-14T20:05:00.006-04:00

All the missed days, there are reasons, being overwhelmed is a very good reason.
After all my intern is missing in action and I wish I were in her shoes some very elegant
shoes no doubt in DC.. We left off with a wonderful "Breakfast for the Artist"© Focaccia Rustica now under new
mgmt. and suddenly they no longer want what we had provided, they want more splash. We gave them splash via our artist Karen Deilke her work is seen below, that wonderful feng shui shade of red. A Toast to our artist of the moment. FREE Mimosas served with breakfast.
I made it into this photo, but what is even better I surmounted another social media challenge. I managed to get them on facebook and tagged the artists, find us under http://www.facebook.com/annamariawindischhunt?ref=name

a delivery of a work of art, it's been a while but when it rains it pours or are we coming out of the recession. Lets hope so. Seen more people in the gallery in the last few days than in previous month. Now this painting has a home. Oh my, just realized that I've been getting lots of Jehova's comments on this one.

en plein Vizcaya in Miami (Coconut Grove)

2009-10-11T09:13:00.009-04:00

Greg Little

This was an open call, many of the premier paint outs are juried affairs. You must first pass muster to paint with them. Ours, an affair of the heart.
Each of the artists participating are devoted, en plein air painters. The rewards come from participating with friends, access to the location, known as the jewel of Miami and lets not forget where the exhibition will be shown and how many will see it.
We were fortunate to partner up with Vizcaya in allowing a select number of artists to paint the expansive gardens of the Italian/French Renaissance chateau right on the Bay of Biscay. Vizcaya was created with a vision to beauty. Wherever one looks, you see a scene wanting to be painted.

Ellen Weiss

Priscilla Coote

The Artists all knew how special this location is and the spaces filled immediately. Seen here painting on the estate are Ellen Weiss and Greg Little who carpooled from north Fort Lauderdale and Pricilla Cooote from Naples FL.. Click on images to enlarge

Hatian Art the creme de la creme

2009-10-07T13:03:00.005-04:00

Report from the beach

2009-10-07T12:49:00.004-04:00

Wednesday Oct. 7, 2009

One of those fabulous mornings. Low tide and calm waters. Smooth as glass however today it was a mirror of the sky. I swam with pompano on my left and tuna on my right, sea gulls on the waters edge followed along the shore line hoping to get lucky.
Aunt Mermaid

En Plein air

2009-09-30T13:39:00.003-04:00

Click on image to enlarge! (9 days to go)

Intern Hasti Sept 24, 2009

2009-09-25T20:39:00.006-04:00

Yet another week has flown by! It's already Friday evening and I don't know where all the days and hours went! It must be because we have been so very busy planning the closing of 'The Wedding Dress' event with a true Bridal Soiree (October 3rd is the date to write down your calendar!). As a former event coordinator I know that there are a lot of elements that have to be in sync for this to flow perfectly. All our friends who want to participate and contribute, the decorations, reception preparations, goodie bag items..the list is long. But first we need the flier to come out in time and be distributed which needed plenty of coordination too To give you a sneak peak I can reveal that we have very exclusive designer wedding gowns for sale the evening of the event. These gowns are brought here by Roseanna Martino, who used to run a very upscale wedding shop in Boston for over 21 years. The rumor is that these gowns $2,000 - $7,000 are now going to be up to 85% off original price, so if you know any brides-to-be out there, make sure they hear about this!
Dreaming about that picture perfect wedding, but still looking for the perfect gown? You voted we counted and then hit the racks in search of "New England's Best Bridal Store". 5 years on the list of the BEST in Boston.
Channel 7 Boston .... partial interview with Roseanna Martino

Roseanna Martino Altered Bride
"Most of the gowns are my own design."

This small boutique style shop offers dresses, shoes, bags and jewels to the over 350 handmade tiaras, veils and headpieces.

Roseanna Martino Altered Bride
"I want the consumer to have something different."

And if it's too roomy or too snug, a seamstress will seamlessly fix any fit...

Roseanna Martino Altered Bride
"It definitely is one stop shopping..."

If you need to look like an angel for a match made in heaven before you say "I do", check out our first-place spot.
It's truly a rare chance to get your hands on a exclusive and unique wedding dress which one normally might not be able to afford. Our intern Chrystele left for Paris yesterday and the gallery already feels a tiny bit more empty. I enjoyed having her here, I definitely liked the charming accent and I also kind of enjoyed being the English teacher when she had questions :) I don't know a single word of French, but we did good! Yesterday we had a band rehearsing here all afternoon, its always such a mood up lifter and a ambiance plumper. Annamaria likes to have them here, they are artists too, and it's also fun to have them sitting in the window playing instruments for the passerby's. I know that would've made me curious to peek in! Fred has been painting this week as well, I love to see how he can paint for hours and hours straight. I do wish I had that amazing focus and patience.

Well, enjoy the weekend in sunny Coconut Grove and do not hesitate to drop us a visit!!Artist Karen Deilke

Oh and a reminder - Do not miss "Breakfast with The Artis"© tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 10:00 AM at Focaccia Rustica. You have the opportunity to meet Karen Deilke and see her work! And Don't forget the free Mimosas!! Location: 3111 Grand Ave, Coconut Grove

Any given moment in our gallery

2009-09-24T16:54:00.014-04:00

Any given moment things happen in the Windisch-Hunt fine art gallery. Friends meet, musicians are welcome to rehearse giving the space the joie de vivre. The gallery is open and inviting.The galleries front door opens onto the main street of Coconut Grove. These photos were taken all within two hours. Lots of work was done in the best of circumstances.

Artist Audry Scott meeting up with old friend art instructor Jill Mullins from the Internation Fine Arts College of Miami

AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt Galleriest

Fred W Hunt resident artist responding to the music

Theresa Calluori graphic designer ?

Louis DelBordello and AnnaMaria Windish-Hunt

Fred W Hunt

Dorian Avila (Guitar player) Michel Gonzalez (Guitar player and composer)

Chrystele Moulun Intern

Hasti Riedlinger Intern

Theresa

"My last day in the gallery, and lot of work to do before I leave. I gave to AnnaMaria my ideas for the the gift shop, and for the future event "The wedding dress". People was agree with me and take the idea.
What I did during this internship was first make in relation The Gallery Pixi in Paris ( with who I'm working like internship from February) and Windisch-Hunt gallery to promote two Artists, Kate Daudy and Grant White. I really like their work. They use clothes like papers and give to famous poets a new life. Everyone loves the work and asks for web site.
http://www.kateandgrant.com/home.html
When I spend my first day on the gallery AnnaMaria talked about the show she was make it then I propose to her to make a picture of the wonderful wedding dress of Kate and Grant, (you can see her on the window).
For me if you are working in a gallery is to promote artistes whatever you are whatever you do. It's really important. After that AnnaMaria and me, we worked together on the show "The Wedding Dress",everything went well.
The new show is about the Wedding dress again, Is must like a fashion show of a fabulous designer Roseanna Martino.
http://www1.whdh.com/features/articles/ne_best/DBM479/
Hasti worked on the flier all the day and before ,we used the photography of the wedding dress of Kate Daudy and Grant White, and the result is really great.
I worked on the first Show called "Wedding Dress" and I missed the opening and now I work on this closing show and I will miss that also !! But it OK. I'm glad to be a part of those works.
Now I go back to Paris, and I hope AnnaMaria and Me can stay in touch"

already Wednesday?

2009-09-23T19:06:00.005-04:00

Within a few days I will loose Chrystele, my other intern Hasti was shanghaied. She became the graphic designer for the wedding lady! We were approached several days ago about renting out part of our gallery but that was NO. I'm a free spirit and think out of the box, out of necessity most of the time. So, we have the "Wedding Dress" exhibit and she the wedding lady is selling wedding dresses not a far reach or is it? So all of a sudden I'm in the middle of planning a small bridal show. Showcasing hotels, beautyshops and Grove business, I'm being civic minded.

Hasti did a wonderful job of putting this flier/invite together. Did I want her to spend ALL her time on this today? What is done is done and done well. Meanwhile I took Chrystele with me and introduced her to artist Neith Nevelson granddaughter of Louise Nevelson. We ended making a few stops and getting lunch. I inadvertently ran into an ongoing meeting getting coffee of which I am on the board , so I stayed and brought back cold coffee. I have no recall of Tuesday .

Interns at Windisch-Hunt Fine Art

2009-09-19T13:54:00.004-04:00

Tea Time with Chrystele and Hasti

INTERN a. A student or a recent graduate undergoing supervised practical training without pay in order to gain work experience.

This month I've been blessed not just with one intern but two. They do not get compensated they are on a limited schedule and they are worth their weight in gold. This gallery with more than 8,000 sq. ft. it is a large undertaking. Chrystele is from France on leave from her business school. Her interest in art brought her here as she also works in a gallery in Paris and some of what she will do is a comparison study. We have 17 gallery artists and bring in guests monthly. We change out the art monthly we participate in the art stroll and have other venues where we showcase our artists. Having an intern is a blessing. Hasti hails from Sweden and came to us after working for a collector who thought she might go on the road to divest his vast collection. Hasti is a Grovite and lives only blocks from here, lucky for her or lucky for me?

I document my life and gallery doings via photos daily. I now realize I forgot what all was done just yesterday. Both young women were here working dilegently, and by looking at the photos realize how much more was done. I encourage both to keep a log and participate in the blog via their musings Hans Feyerabend picking up his sculpture

Chrystele collecting art work from Focaccia

and this in turn will help you the reader to see the inner workings of a gallery, not just the glitz of a beautiful window or opening receptions. ART on our end is WORK

Sept. 19, 2009 Hasti, Intern

2009-09-19T13:20:00.003-04:00

Uta and Hasti packaging up Muy Caliente

One thing on today's schedule was to clean out the jewelry display. Uta and I were scheduled to come in for several hours to gently handle this task. Jewelry made by different designers, in all shapes and sizes. Glass, copper, ribbons, silver, you name it. These pieces have been out on display since the Convergence show two months ago. Well now it was time to clean the case out. The idea was to separate them by designer, put them back in their original boxes in which they came in and send them back. The problem now was that there were 12 small boxes total, for 11 artists who have a average of 5 pieces each. I later was told that all of the boxes for the individual pieces were placed in a crate that was moved to the hotel where the jewelry auction was held. So it seems like the boxes never made it back to the gallery. Now we're waiting for new boxes to come is so that we can have these items returned to their owners. Beside the box episode it has been quite the eventful morning here at the Gallery. We had a visit from two ladies who were looking for something to bring back home with them to Virginia. We all know how tricky that can be, airports and all. Though, our most interesting drop by would have to be the gentleman with the bird on his shoulder. My bird knowledge is limited, it was some kind of small tropical parrot looking creature with a pale face and beady eyes. Other than that he was very lime green and squeaky. Very interesting. I had a feeling he would take off from the shoulder at some point, but he did not. Oh and Annamaria showed me how to turn on the gallery lights and the huge fan this morning, I was not surprised that there's quite a machinery back there with a whole bunch of buttons, It is in fact quite a big gallery we're in.. Well enjoy this beautiful Saturday in Coconut Grove, and always feel welcome to visit us here at the Gallery.

Duchess County Fair by Fred W. Hunt

2009-09-17T17:06:00.010-04:00

They are some new arrivals in the gift shop. We want to make a gift shop more accessible for people who love art, sin obligation to spend more and accommodate the many tour buses that stop in front daily. The economy is down. The gallery is inviting independent artists to sell funky one of a kind objects d'art that has wide appeal.Fred Hunt completed his best work of art to-date ( The Duchess County Fair ) Sept. 17,2009

History of this painting. Fred attended the Duchess County Fair when he was creating in his Woodstock Studio two summers ago. At that time he did a 16 x 20 which had great reviews in N.Y. Due to the many subjects he felt it should really be a larger work of art and to develop the many characters. This painting is h34 x w40 and has the multiple personalities developed. Even as he was coming to the finish, he was heard to say "These people are popping up and want to be recognized, today I found two men with birds" and so he keeps painting. It is finished but from across the room he is still looking at this work and seeing that there might just be more characters. He does put his work aside for cooling period, to later revisit and see if anything more is needed.
Already on his easel is his next inspiration half done.
AnnaMaria was gone most of the day to meetings as she curates other venues.
"Il y a de nouvelles arrivées dans le Gift shop. Nous voulons rendre le gift shop plus accessible pour les gens qui aiment l'art, l'obligation de dépenser plus et de faciliter les nombreux bus de touriste devant notre porte tous les jours. L'économie a baissé et de ce fait la galerie invite des artistes indépendants à vendre de petit objet marrant.
Fred Hunt a accompli sa meilleure oeuvre d'art jusqu'au présent.
L'histoire de cette peinture. Fred a assisté à la Foire de Comté de Duchesse quand il travaillait dans son Studio à Woodstock il y a deux ans. Il a realisé un premier tableau de 16 x 20 pour une rétrospective a N.Y.
Il a estimé qu'en raison des nombreux sujets l'oeuvre devrait vraiment être une plus grande afin de développer les caractères. Cette nouvelle peinture fait 34 x 40 avec des personnages plus développés. Quand il pensait avoir fini son oeuvre, on l'a entendu dire "Ces gens apparaisse là haut et veulent plus d'attention, j'ai trouvé deux hommes avec des oiseaux aujourd'hui" et donc il continue à peindre, étant donné qu'ils veulent son attention.
Déjà sur son chevalet son inspiration suivante à demi faite."

What we make today

2009-09-15T17:26:00.014-04:00

A big day, today. Every body does what he can.
Fred with concentration try to ignore every body who are teeming around him, to do his work and wants to make believe to us that he hears nothing... but we understood his game.
AnnaMaria does her best to make some cleaning, put some photography on the wall, and rearranging art work.
Chrystele makes an inventory and try to make some cleaning with AnnaMaria. And she does her best on the blog.

Let me introduce myself : My name is Chrystele Moulun, I'm from Paris, I work on a gallery, the gallery Pixi. I have worked for two weeks all ready with AnnaMaria. I'm feeling good on this gallery. And I'm studying on a Business School.Chrystele Moulun

"Un grand jour aujourd'hui. Tout le monde fait qu'il peut. Hasti travaille sur la lettre d'information, nous annonçons ce qui se passe pendant le mois en octobre, vous la recevrez d'ici quelques jours. AnnaMaria fait tout son possible pour faire un peu de nettoyage, mettre des photographies sur le mur, des hommes portant une robe de mariée.
Chrystele fait un inventaire et un peu de nettoyage avec AnnaMaria. Et fait tout son possible sur le blog.
Et Fred avec concentration essaie de nous ignorer alors que nous fourmillons autour de lui, pour faire son travail. Il veut nous faire croire qu'il n'entend rien ... mais nous avons compris son petit jeu."

Hasti

A week has gone by here at the Windisch-Hunt Gallery. My first week at a art gallery. It has not been anything like I have imagined it to be, what exacly it was I had imagined I frankly don't know. But it has been different. I never would have guessed that this place would bring such calm. The atmosphere is so easy and light, pleasant to almost a meditating effect. Maybe it's only me, but I sure do enjoy it and try to inhale every inch of it.
So what have I done in this passed week? I have written my first press-release. I have updated and modified our contact list of artists, writers, poets, enthusiasts and all other people who share our love for creation. This so that we can communicate with the Gallery's friends on a more effective level.
I have also worn a wedding dress for the first time in my life, at The Wedding dress opening night. Although my own wedding was last year.. it was quite the experience :)
I have also seen many of the most colorful and expressive people, who will just drop by to chat or admire the work on our walls.
I have definitely seen another face of the Coconut Grove community, and it has been quite uplifting to see how so many people share the joy of art and culture in a city that might not be know for a traditional art-life.
Annamaria requested a little introduction of myself. Well to make a long story short, I'm a 25 year old Persian born Swede who moved to the US in 2008 to be with my very charming husband (I know you're reading Michael).
I have a Bachelor in Fine Arts from Stockholm, with a focus on Advertising and Graphic Design. My future goal is to be rocking the production department of a big ad agency, but until that time I want to learn as much as possible from Annamaria and Fred, as art and creativity is a great part of my life. On my free time I illustrate and recently I've also started taking jewelry making classes. Not beeding, we're talking sodering here!
Well, it has, to say the least, been a very eventful and different week for me here at the Gallery. And I am very curious to see what the next will bring.

2009-09-10T14:31:00.005-04:00

On this photo we can see Santiago Villegas real estate magnet and art collector with AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt of Windisch-Hunt Fine Art.
"Nous pouvons voir sur cette photo Santiago Villegas promoteur immobilier et collectionneur avec AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt."

2009-09-09T15:59:00.005-04:00

We can see Richard Deilke and Sylvia on this photography.
"Nous pouvons voir sur cette photo Richard Deilke et Sylvia"

2009-09-09T15:15:00.004-04:00

On the left we can see a dress by Regina McFall. This dress was inspired from a glacier at the top of the world. On the right we can see Sylvia, she is wearing a wedding vintage dress.
"Sur la gauche vous pouvez voir une robe dessinée par Regina McFall. Cette robe a été inspiré par un glacier au sommet du monde. Sur la droite vous pouvez voir Sylvia, elle porte une robe de mariée vintage."

2009-09-08T18:01:00.002-04:00

In this photograph we can see Eric, he is a performer, and came in drag. He is standing right front of his photo.
"Sur cette photographie nous pouvons voir Eric, Il est un performeur, et est venu en Drag-Queen. Il se trouve devant sa propre photographie"

Our guests

2009-09-08T17:52:00.008-04:00

Mystery Guest. "L'invitée mystère"

Nos invites

2009-09-08T17:17:00.006-04:00

The wall of new artists.
"Le mur des nouveaux artistes"

2009-09-08T16:01:00.005-04:00

In this photography : Lynn Latham , Fred Hunt and Hasti during the opening.
Sur cette photographie vous pouvez voir : Lynn Latham, Fred Hunt et Hasti.

2009-09-08T15:49:00.006-04:00

We help young trainees at best by giving them a professional experience in our gallery. In this photography Hasti a new inter.
"Nous aidons nos stagiaires de notre mieux pour leur donner une experience professionnelle dans notre galerie"

2009-09-08T15:26:00.007-04:00

During the opening a lot of people come to see us, like photographers, journalists, collectors... We can see on this photography AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt with Ms Pardee.
" Pendant le vernissage beaucoup de personne viennent nous voir, comme des photographes, journalistes, collectionneurs... Vous pouvez voir sur cette photographie AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt avec Md Pardee."

The Wedding Dress opening came off without a hitch

2009-09-07T15:57:00.006-04:00

The invitations went out and Ray Neubert's art arrived at the gallery. Four 3-D artists were invited to participate in the"The Wedding Dress" Exhibition. Christel Moulun, my new intern from Paris with a limited knowledge of our language, was assisting and at one point she said,
" We also having an exhibition of Wedding Dress at Galery PIXI this moment." I mention this here, as most concepts in art have been done. There is energy out in the universe and it moves. Artist who worry about having their ideas stolen or copied should maintain a high integrity in their work and nurture those fabulous ideas. Here you see 5 artists' rendition on "The Wedding Dress".
This is Regina McFall's Glacier dress. It was inspired by her visit to Norway just this summer. It came accessorized by the famous Blue Heart of Titanic fame. On the music stand is a photo of the glacier. She did not create this for this exhibition. The urge to create came from when she saw the glacier. It was pure inspiration! This is what ART is about!!!Elcira Chomat Morals created this dress, titled, "I Do, I Do". All these natural fibers used in this artwork have a personal meaning that is relating to her marriage and culture. This work has traveled to other exhibitions and just returned from Pueblo, New Mexico.
This is M.A. Maruchi Carmona's "The Wedding Grown" created entirely out of used coffee filters. It is made to resemble the iconic "Bata Cubana" which Celia Cruz made famous around the world. Each of these dresses are so unique.
The fourth interpretation by Artist Jane Tinney, is seen in our window. See the last post below for viewing.
On a note of creativity, Windisch-Hunt Fine Art looks for works that are new. Andy Warhol is Andy Warhol. When someone presents work to me like Andy Warhol, why would I want to exhibit it. Warhol did it so well that imitation, in this case, is not flattery. So, having found Raymond Neubert, I found a new voice. His presentation of "The Wedding Dress" stands alone.

At Le boudoire de Marie-Victoire Poliakoff presented this collaboration of Kate Daudy and Grant White. The gown is embroidered and the words are based on poetry. We share this image with permission by Marie-Victoire Poliakoff of Galerie Pixi, Paris

Windisch-Hunt Fine Art Windows

2009-09-04T23:28:00.003-04:00

Our windows look great at night. You can see from the front all the way to the back of the gallery 80 feet, the back wall has a sculpture dress inspired by voyage to Norway "The Glacier Dress" by Regina McFall and the ever popular "Dear Diary" series by Bettyann Pober.
You need only to click on images to get a better view.

Sept. 4, 2009

2009-09-04T22:08:00.009-04:00

Sometimes it's hard to concentrate when issues (not in a nice sense) loom. Miami is still in the 90's and no let up in sight. Labor Day just days away. Art opening tomorrow night.
This week has been long. Above you see photos of just a few of the helpers who appeared when I needed them most or just when I needed that bit of boost of moral support. One person would come for just a few hours then leave and pass the next one arriving to help.
Writing this late on Friday night sitting alone in the dark gallery hearing the voices of the revelers outside. I've been remiss . Last night we had over 80 some young enthusiastic bed racers in for a pre race briefing.
Just finished sending out invitations which were late. I combined them with the Labor Day weekend events and a little bit of what was to be our Windisch-Hunt Fine Art newsletter. I finally opened up my e mail, found the top images, I knew it was time to share. After all I am being followed :)
Top left is Linda Apriletti, to the right is our new intern from the Pixi Gallery, Paris. Chrystele Moulun, enjoying a brief moment in an antique wedding gown. Center is our Miami Master and resident artist Fred Hunt. Yes he is no diva and knows when I need him. To the right of him is our newest member in the Windisch-Hunt Fine Art Gallery Kathey Penner who did the photo collage. On the bottom is Chrystele again with Audrey Scott putting together our new gift shop. Missing are all the well wishers who boosted my moral.
We have a new neighbor "Grove House Artists" they found a new home right around the corner from us and are re opening after a brief hiatus. We are so happy to have them. The signs are good for the Grove . Peter Max is also moving into Coconut Grove and will have his own gallery less than two min. from ours. Once upon a time Coconut Grove had 17 viable art galleries.
Our feature artist is Raymond Neubert whom I met at the "unkown project" call for artist. I was there looking for talent and he stood out. He made it to the second tier of this show casting but not as far as N.Y. Those are the breaks.
Again fortunate for me, was able to book him into our gallery and put together a very unique exhibition/installation curated by Mona Mandal. I put this in as someone today asked how did I come up with this concept. Well, it is not new. Out there in the universe are flows of energy and thoughts intersect. One such occurance, our new Intern not knowing English all that well, saw the sculpture installation arrive. We have four 3 d works of art which support the mixed media
work of Ray Neubert. Chrystele mentioned that her gallery in Paris is currently having a show of Wedding Dress. She opened her lap top and pulled out these fab photos of one of a kind costumes which so appealed to me as a calligrapher. I have written for permission from the artist to use image. Waiting to hear. We did get permission from Gallery Pixi "le boudoire de Marie Victoire Poliakoff" the owner to use one and forge an affiliation with Gallerie Pixi.
So tomorrow you will see the opening and shall try to present them as a wedding album meanwhile I'm looking at the Greenstreet Cafee Racing Bed hidden in our gallery LOL.

Sunday Afternoon In Woodstock

2009-08-16T17:28:00.004-04:00

Woodstock yes, Woodstock N.Y. on Sunday Afternoons they have a drum circle. In fact all the surrounding small towns appear to have drum groups, here they all come together on Sunday.
This attracts not only the regulars but the visitors from the city, off the Trailway Bus, who've come to spend the day. I think they timed the departures just right, for maximum effect. So, hop on the bus Gus.

Both in 2008 and 2009 we were up in our Woodstock studio painting when I discovered the drum circle by chance. I had heard that they gave free lessons at the community center/no drum required. Fred was not feeling well and about that same time we were reading "The Mozart Effect.". Which lauded all the reasons why music was healing, reduces blood pressure, increases the ability to learn, and that drumming resonates with the beat of your heart. I started to drum and found that it left me in a very good mood. I got Fred to comedown to the village green and before long he was drumming with me. Needless to say he was a far better drummer .Here we are

Found people from Miami drumming there, small world. Fred said he would buy me a drum but the store Out of Africa didn't have any when we got back to Miami.This past Saturday what with the 40th Woodstock celebration, I put my wish out to the universe. It was granted. I got myself a drum made in Ghana and the sound is sweet with a carved gazelle.

Just got this blog going again as I had hit my learning curve by trying to get my own video of the Woodstock drum circle up and found to my surprise, there are several already on youtube. So watch mine and if you like that view some of the others. The drum circle is sanctioned by the Town of Woodstock and as you can see from the various videos everyone is welcome. One of my friends was watching over my shoulder and his comment was "Oh look at that, even kids are doing it."

I am being Followed

2009-08-11T16:42:00.003-04:00

Social networking is something new for me. I've attended networkers via Chamber of Commerce, workshops and breakfast functions but never quite with the intent to be social. It was always business. This new social media is making networking a more genial experience. Somewhere I heard that what took a year to accomplish the old fashion way now takes only about two hours.
Recently I had the pleasure of receiving 3 invitations to the same event from 3 different sources. The one I responded to was "thank you party for POW WOW volunteers". Now that was some event and I met so many people and to see them all again would be fun.
"Windisch-Hunt?" I looked not sure I heard correctly "Windisch-Hunt?" she said once more as I also read her lips and I responded questioningly Yes? she said "I follow you". I think I must have had a very surprised look on my face. I, AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt aka oneearsociety have a follower, this was one of my most exciting moments in quite a time. I am being followed, my blog posts have meaning. Oh my goodness. There is a face out there that I can direct my art insights too. I requested the first photographer to please take our photo so I can share it with everyone. Now that I have a face to address. (that photo did not work out)

Sylvia Quinn of the Mutiny Hotel, Coconut Grove

We exchanged cards and this morning I asked via Facebook if she was attending this social media networker this afternoon. She called, we are actually only a few buildings apart. She brought with her a treat and we, She, I and Fred Hunt sat down to Tea Time and exhchanged community news and what all had transpired in the past few month and the state of the affairs.
Thank You Sylvia for the treat.

We are listening Alyson

2009-08-10T14:04:00.005-04:00

Always good to see friends

"Being around other artists builds your confidence and sustains you emotionally. In addition, you will hear about opportunities you never knew existed if you hadn't been a part of a group. ...........be introduced to new art products and materials: and receive business advice in many areas ...............Most importantly, with the right organization, you'll make contacts that lead to the next step on your career path. As you are learning, contacts play a seminal role in your success." by Alyson Stanfield of "I'd Rather be in the Studio"

What a great segue to our monthly "Breakfast with the Artist"©
1. Mano, mix/media 2. Valentina Ramos, graphics, 3 AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt galleriest, 5 Cuqui Bernstein Mano's Rep. 5. 6. Liz Gibson mixed media, 7. Ileana Holman 8.Giuseppee aka Joe Moniques other half 9.Monique Lassooij, oil , 10 Audrey Scott, photographer/painter 11. UTA environmental art, 12. Linda Apriletti, 13. Karen Deilke watercolor 14. Jerry Wade poet, 15 Dylan Terry oil/acrylic.
The Artist Featured this month Monique Lassooij was introduced to us via Linda Apriletti who is an exhibiting artist at the Windisch=Hunt Fine Art Gallery which initiated this monthly get together, as a win-win situation for the Bistro, the Artist and the Gallery. Focaccia Rustica is a wonderful small bistro in the heart of Coconut Grove, walking distance to the gallery. It has a good clientele and in this way we bring together artists, loyal friends and people interested in our featured artists.

Monique took figure drawing classes along with Linda and came to support her friend, Linda our then featured artist, showcasing her smaller en plein air work.

Now it has come full circle. Moniques's work title "Fresh from the Fridge" is the current exhibition for the month of August. What is cool about being part of such a lively group, is it brings together the artists who find themselves in their studio working. They have the opportunity to chat with other artist about the the subject most dear to them and the person sitting next to them completely understands. This type of collaboration is now being looked at by several arts organization including the Adrian Arsch a performance art venues on a much larger scale.A quick trip to the galleryto see whats new by Cuqui

A bit of inspiration when pricing your work

2009-08-09T18:15:00.000-04:00

Worn by our guests at Convergence Reception

2009-08-04T14:30:00.005-04:00

This wonderful exhibit which traveled all the way from the Ohio Glass Museum via Milwaukee Bead Show brought out some of our own fine art jewelry worn by patrons of the arts. It was wonderful to see the support given to an artform not often recognized as an artform by the general public. More photos of this exhibit further down this blog post.

Miami Heart Gallery in Coconut Grove

2009-08-02T18:45:00.005-04:00

Another class act.

Last night Miami Heart Gallery had their opening in the Windisch-Hunt Fine Art Gallery. Once again they brought out the best in people, those who support the efforts of theThe Children's Trust
Our gallery has turned out to be a very good venue for them. We are not in a warehouse district, neither downtown, which is empties out in the evening nor at the Airport where people rush to catch the next flight out. Here in Coconut Grove we are the original community that established Miami. This historic walking district is surrounded by homes which translates to longevity, sense of values, and careing for our community which we are invested in. The result, a wonderful ratio of children, found stability with adoptive families last year. This is their second year that we have made space for their exhibit once again in hope to do our share for this valient effort and find homes for this years poster children. in the foster care system. We sincerely hope that they succeed as they did last year.

Life imates Art?

2009-07-30T18:03:00.005-04:00

"The Artists Studio" in Vero Beach
"Jehovah's Witness at my Door"

Fred Hunt painted his studio in Vero Beach, working title "Jehovah"s Witness at my Door" in early 2005, finished just before Hurricane Wilma hit and destroyed the studio, swept it clean of the Kolinski brushes he'd cared for since his school days at Ringling, and photo gear etc etc. So what remains from the studio are the bronze heads of Leslie (one was stolen since, more on that in another blog post.) In the painting we see these two bronzes. Today Fred put patina on them and said "That's what's been missing, I painted them that way" A revelation?
Fred Hunt's paintings were in my care during the hurricane at The One Ear Society, in Coconut Grove. The title for the above painting came from the fact that the ladies of the Jehovah's witness group interrupted him every Wednesday like clock work. So he just painted them in. You can see them at the bottom of the steps, through the screen door with pamphlets in hand.

Convergence Reception Windisch-Hunt Fine Art

2009-07-25T13:05:00.007-04:00

Four bus loads of ISGB participants brought from the downtown Hyatt Hotel
it looked like a photographers convention. We still have catalogs for sale.
Special cases display the work to a high level of opulence.
Los Ranchos catered the affair
Uta wowed everyone with her mime welcome, changing the jewelry she wore, during the evening.
Another successful event. It was ISGB International Society of Glass Beadmakers' Traveling show CONVERGENCE which culminated in raising 14,000 for their society via their Auction. Here are some of the photos of the Reception and some of the work. Overheard "in the 14 years I've attended never saw beads look so high end." I guess location location has merit.

What was truly wonderful was the ladies who came for the show were themselves a show, they wore their jewelry which are reserved for special occasions and this was one such occasion, at the Windisch-Hunt Fine Art Gallery, in Coconut Grove. As soon as I learn photoshop I will do a Bill Cunningham on this blog of what was worn this night.UTA

A big thank you goes to UTA for assisting in laying out the beautiful pieces for maximum impact.

Summer Rendezvous Coconut Grove

2009-07-19T14:14:00.004-04:00

Those of us who are fortunate to live in Coconut Grove enjoy summer breezes coming from Biscay Bay all summer long. Another enjoyable reason to be a residence here. Summer Rendezvous block party on Commodore Plaza every Saturday evening in July. The small street is closed to vehicular traffic. Coconut Grove Artists are set up, not so much to sell art, as to remind everyone this is the original art heaven in Miami. Music played from both ends of the block and the restaurants bring additional tables out onto the street. Nice European touch. This was last night with Suenalo on stage. As evening turns into night dancers take to the streets.

Summer Art Openings are Fun ONE

2009-07-19T12:28:00.005-04:00

Cats and Dogs and Mermaids. Go to one of these summer art openings, you will find some fine art being created. Objects you can live with that give back in enjoyment. This week Miami Int'l Arts Institute at 17th and Biscayne Blvd. by the Omni presented Paws as well as Cats with Cattitude. I went to support one of my artists friends and came away happy having seeing these impeccably finished works of art. Purchase some of these wonderful works of art or take home the real deal. The event benefited the Humane Society, These photos speak for themselves.Who stole who's heart?
These shows don't leave you wanting to judge, is this art or is it any good. Yes, to both questions These special pieces are affordable so that you can enjoy them in your own home.