Historically speaking, similar string instruments are evident in early Babylonian artwork circa 1800 B.C. The guitar as we know it today was birthed during the Renaissance Period between 1400-1700 A.D. To gain some perspective, in 1492 Columbus set sail from Spain to the Americas, DaVinci painted the Mona Lisa between 1503-1505, and in 1841 Adolph Sax invented the saxophone. The guitar was birthed from a period of social, intellectual, and cultural reinvention and subsequently the Renaissance period would serve as the bridge between the Middle Ages and Modern Era. The same attributes that define the Renaissance Period continue to resonate with the guitar. Today’s society and culture reflects a niche for guitar that has continued to gain in popularity, but is often overlooked and under-utilized in traditional institutions of music education.

Throughout the spring term, five leading design experts who illustrate remarkable and exciting approaches to problem solving and innovation are featured in a free, open-to-the-public lecture series held at the University of the Arts.

Presented by the Design programs at the University of the Arts and the University’s Corzo Center for the Creative Economy in partnership with DesignPhiladelphia, lectures take place on selected Tuesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:30 pm in CBS Auditorium (Hamilton Hall, 320 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia).

Second in the series, on Tue, Mar 1, is:  “Design Thinking for a Sustainable World” with Susan Szenasy: Editor in Chief, Metropolis

Utilizing a variety of techniques and media, including painting, print and wall-mounted assemblage, the artist demonstrates her connection to place.  The work is as much about the performance of making as it is about the paradoxical tension between the use of fragile materials and the strength of the designs.

“Wax and Wane IV”, Alexis Granwell, courtesy CTRL Gallery, Houston TX Granwell is inspired by the cycle of decay and renewal in the urban landscape.  Using detritus from the city she assembles constructions that suggest new possibilities. Her prints incorporate the lines and patterns of topographical maps leading us to a visualization of a psychological geography.

Continuing Studies faculty member, Alexis Granwell’s current work at the Art Gallery of Hamilton received a nice mention in The Globe and Mail. You can see more of Alexis’ work by visiting her website. Work will be on display until May 22.

Barry McGee Installation view at UCLA/Armand Hammer Museum, Los Angeles, 2000. Mixed media. Photo by Robert Wedemeyer. Courtesy of Deitch Projects, New York + via Art21 (pbs.org/art21).

You have probably heard of San Francisco painter + graffiti artist Barry McGee (also known as TWIST) before, but I recently rediscovered his work and thought I’d share some interesting videos, interviews, and images I came across in my rediscovery…

Part 1 + Part 2: Art Talk! interview with McGee – animated/edited by McGee.

Beautiful Losers: clip from the film, featuring McGee.

McGee’s work at Deitch Projects.

The Adobe User Groups are kicking off the 2011 season with a schedule of free events. One of these events, Adobe Illustrator, is in the city and another, Adobe Flash Platform/Flex/Air will be held in Glenside, PA.

Philadelphia Adobe Illustrator User Group/Event

“Drinks, Design, & Drawing in 2011”

When: February 23, 2011 6:30 PM – 09:00 PM

Where: Dark Horse Pub – 421 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia – (215) 928-9307

Agenda:

6:30 – Meet + Greet, Networking, etc..

6:45 – Get together to discuss what it is that you would like to see in 2011

Learn about business issues relating to starting and growing a marketing/design firm through this panel discussion on Feb 24, presented by AIGA Philadelphia (American Institute of Graphic Arts).   This event features experts in marketing, law and finance – as part of a continuing series of talks focused on the business behind design.

Bring your burning questions addressing the challenges of a growing business.  Moderated by Business Coach Brian Mattocks, the panel includes Susan Segal, Timothy Berger and Joe Haney, recognized leaders in the areas of marketing, business law and finance.  Each panel member will provide an executive summary of how their area of expertise intertwines with the challenge of growing a business. They will be available to field your questions to help your business grow.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

As you have probably noticed, Google creates interesting new versions of their logo to coincide with some holidays, events, famous birthdays and more.   One of my favorites was the interactive Google Pacman logo.

In honor of today’s celebration of love, Google has created a logo version of Robert Indiana’s artwork:

Based on Robert Indiana's "Love"

"Love" by Robert Indiana, Year: 1964. (First created for a Christmas card for the Museum of Modern Art; put on an eight-cent US Postal Service postage stamp in 1973, the first of their regular series of "love stamps.")

Throughout the spring term, five leading design experts who illustrate remarkable and exciting approaches to problem solving and innovation are featured in a free, open-to-the-public lecture series held at the University of the Arts.

Presented by the Design programs at the University of the Arts and the University’s Corzo Center for the Creative Economy in partnership with DesignPhiladelphia, lectures take place on selected Tuesday evenings from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in CBS Auditorium (Hamilton Hall, 320 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia).

First in the series, on Tue Feb 15, is: “Redesigning the Throw-Away Culture” with Tom Szaky: Founder, TerraCycle Inc.

The Lucie Foundation is holding its third installment of Fresh Look Portfolio Review April 29-30, during the Month of Photography Los Angeles. Fresh Look pairs photographers with top photography experts for an in-depth conversation providing feedback and critique in a relaxed environment. You can find the application form on the MOPLA website. The $50 application fee is being waived until February 10.

Fresh Look – Juried Portfolio Review – A stimulating and interactive review of your photographic work.

OPEN SUBMISSIONS FEE FREE FOR 10 DAYS! Submit your work from February 1st to February 10th with no submission fees. After February 10th, a $50.00 submission fee applies.