Aug 2020 - Jack, JITP, Big Murals, Black Cat, LSW, DNC
Dear readers, this has been a heartbreaking month in many ways. I hope you are all still persevering.
I am feeling blessed with a good month for promo and art. I was interviewed by my friend Grace Matson and featured in her Off the Cuff series in the Shepherd Express. The theme was ‘Jack of All Trades’ proving again that I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up. ARTICLE LINK. I was very pleased with how it turned out and heart warmed by the response and support from friends, old and new! I loaned out two large musical themed paintings to ACA Music & Entertainment for two online streaming concert fundraisers for Virtual Jazz in the Park. The bands were ‘Cigarette Break’ & ‘Lockjaw’ w Manty Ellis, Toty Ramos, Luis Diaz, and Jamie Breiwick – top notch. VIDEO LINK #1 / VIDEO #2. My art was featured prominently behind the band. If you purchase a painting, I’ll donate a percentage of the proceeds to JITP for a WIN-WIN! (Bass & Keys, Composition #1 - $750 each / 36” x 48”).
In the beginning of August I painted a BIG mural. The side of a garage, in fact. It was for my dear brother (and favorite Republican) in thanks for his many years of computer repair work and advice. I am certain I got the best end of the deal. He really wanted to be part of the process and painted all the background stones – with a little guidance. I must say it turned out pretty spectacular. Someday he plans to add a stone path in the grass that blends into the mural and terracotta potted plants on either side to enhance the illusion of being transported away to vacation-land. The scene was based on a painting of unknown location so we imagine it could be anywhere from Europe to a tropical island. We love that. While I was in mural mode – I submitted two designs to Black Cat Alley (near the Oriental Theater) to be considered for updated walls. My theme is music & dance with anthropomorphic instruments dancing across rainbow colored music staffs and piano keys. Tom says they remind him of the dancing hot dogs and buns from drive in movies! Hahaha, I like that too. I would be so thrilled to get this gig! Check out these Black Cat Alley murals – Wowzers, that is stiff competition!
The good people at Literacy Services of WI are celebrating 55 years and hosting their annual fundraiser on Tuesday, Sept 17 at 7pm. Check out the inspiring and moving 'Unlocking Potential' video at the link with comments from students and instructors. Warning: guaranteed to cause tears. Usually I gather a group of artists to create work to donate, but due to the quarantine we just selected art of our choice. Two of my amazingly talented and fierce girlfriends Alice Steuck & Carol Kraco contributed beautiful art. *See photos below. Like the DNC and Jazz in the Park, this event will be all virtual this year – with several days of bidding. Log in if you are interested in getting great art for a great cause! EVENT LINK.
Though it was a huge loss of revenue to Milwaukee, I must say I really enjoyed the virtual DNC convention. The speeches were not constantly interrupted by clapping and nonsensical hoopla. It allowed you to really listen to and reflect on the messages. It made me cry more than once, I have not been that filled with hope in a very long time. I enjoyed the opening videos and ‘regular’ people interviews and roll call from each state. I would not mind tuning in to this format again. The Democrat Party Platform is uplifting and full of values that most of us hold dear. Will you consider reading it? Even if you are a republican, but tired of lies and no plan for the country. It will take us a while to get out of this political and quarantine quagmire and even longer to wage the battle for social and economic justice. Even Michelle Obama is suffering from low grade depression – I feel it too. I frequently vacillate between hope and despair, but I try to keep positive. There are good things all around. Sometimes they are small and you just have to look harder to find them.
In Peace and Solidarity,
Anita
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European Garage Mural / JITP art - Bass & Keys, Improvisation #1 / Sketch for Black Cat Alley mural / Donations to LSW - hand made baby afghan and snuggie toys by Alice Steuck Konkel / Mill Pond photo by Carol Kraco / 2 prints on metal by Anita, MAM Old & New and Marcus Center w Reflection
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Anita Burgermeister, eclectic independent artist in Milwaukee ~ creator of faux finishes, murals, fine art, photography, websites & more. Sharing news about creative people & events in art, music, magic, dance, dining, film, writing, architecture, inventions, life & other stuff. Hope you enjoy and read often!
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