Sunday, August 31, 2008

Outside Lands, Allen...thank you!



I just returned from a fantastic trip to San Francisco where I was rejuvenated by music, art, and my friends Sara and Allen. (Both ex-jacksonites, we all worked together at The Range years ago. That's Allen, smiling above, some of you might recognize him as your busser-extraordinare from back in the day. Who knew he would become my music hero in San Fran?!) Three days in Golden Gate Park with Radiohead, Manu Chao, Rupa and the April Fishes, Galactic, the Liars, Devendra Banhart, Primus and Kaki King...just to name a few of my favorites. It is a given that the music rocked in a gorgeous venue and a very diverse and huge lineup, but what I was most impressed by during the weekend was the festival's commitment to a greener place and eco-awareness. Lots of information was available all over the event about recycling and composting, with plenty of receptacles accessible to the huge number of people attending and Clean Vibes staff readily available to answer questions. Eco Lands was set up with a solar-powered stage, organic farmer's market, the Recycling Store, and tents representing a wide-variety of non-profit organizations showing ways to contribute to a healthy environment and world. There is way more info available at www.sfoutsidelands.com and it is very worth checking out everything they did.

Sunday night I watched everyone clear out after enjoying a gorgeous San Fran evening with Jack Johnson and all his friends on stage. We were waiting for Allen Scott, one of the co-producers of the event through Another Planet. I was amazed to see that the polo fields, which had just hosted over 60,000 people, were almost completely clean, and this was pre-cleanup crew. I pulled Allen aside to show him the fantastic results of his and his crew's huge eco-effort.(of course he was sad that there was even a minuscule amount of trash out there) I wanted to be sure though that he saw and felt that he really did make a difference because there was proof right there on those clean, grassy fields. All those music and earth lovers really did take responsibility for recycling and cleaning up after themselves and their neighbors on a huge scale.
Thank you Allen, and the musicians and crew that made it all happen. Thank you for making a difference in our hearts, ears, and minds!!

"An individual action, multiplied by millions, creates global change."


Saturday, August 16, 2008

Makes me wish we had subway grates here...

I love these sculptures by Joshua Allen Harris and am desperate to find air grates around here. I am curious about the fact that most adults walk by and ignore these crazy, flapping garbage bag sculptures. It's the kids who are willing to stop and interact. Sad. Are they embarrassed? Or on the phone? Or just too busy?

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

'08 Creativity Award goes to McCandless


JH News&Guide

Lyndsay McCandless, owner of Lyndsay McCandless contemporary art gallery, is winner of the 2008 Award for Creativity.

Given the past 14 years by the Cultural Council of Jackson Hole, the honor recognizes people who are enhancing and enriching the Jackson Hole cultural community through creative efforts.

"The extraordinary dedication, talent and kindness that Lyndsay extends to our community makes her an appropriate honoree," the group said in its announcement. The Cultural Council of Jackson Hole is dedicated to promoting arts and culture and includes 20 nonprofit organizations. McCandless who moved to Jackson Hole in 1991 and taught art classes, waitressed and worked at the Martin-Harris Gallery before hanging her own shingle, first as Jackson Street Gallery and then as Lyndsay McCandless Contemporary.

Nominator Tammy Christel said it's McCandless' activism that sets her apart. "She has overturned our traditional concept of art galleries by turning hers into a welcoming 'home' for countless worthy initiatives," Christel said. "Her energy and commitment are unmatched. "Through her exhibits and events, Lyndsay provides venues for women's initiatives, conservation, Latino resources, children and more. Lyndsay McCandless Contemporary does so much more than support the arts," Christel said. "There are few concepts Lyndsay won't consider. Artists are activists, and Lyndsay's personal brand of activism furthers and supports our ever-diversifying arts community."

The Cultural Council of Jackson Hole invites everyone to attend the 14th Annual Award for Creativity Celebration from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 11 at Dancers' Workshop Studio 1 in the Center for the Arts. McCandless will be honored at the free event, which will include hors d'oeuvres, wine and live music.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Progression by Dave Eisenhour


An update from sculpture artist Dave Eisenhour:

This 20 piece installation is considered one unique piece entitled Progression. All 20 bronze pieces are based on the Fibonacci pattern. The installation is a sentence in a conversation with the natural world.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Where the Hell is Matt?