Saturday, December 24, 2011

Merry Christmas Music!

Wishing you a great big dose of Christmas Joy! 
Everybody takes away something  different from the holidays. Shouldn't your music do the same?
Music from NPR  - funky, fun, and nontraditional. 


Music from Pandora - Many stations to choose from
Click on NEW STATIONS 
Click on the red words LISTEN TO OUR HOLIDAY STATIONS
Choices include
   Christmas
   Classical Christmas
   Country Christmas
   R&B and Pop Holidays
   Rockin' Holidays
   Swingin' Christmas
   Family Christmas
   Indie Christmas
   Peaceful Holidays
   Navidad Latina
   Christian Contemporary Holidays
   Jazz Holidays
   Folk Holidays
   Hanukah
   Christmas Blues
   Gospel Christmas
   Soulful Holidays
   Electronic Holidays
   Today's Christmas


Wow~  that's a lot of choices!  Merry Christmas!

Sunday, December 18, 2011

50% off at Michaels

Just a quick link to a coupon page for a few Michaels coupons.  50% off one item, 20% off your order.  Pretty good stuff if you are buying this season.


Also, if you are planning on making any donations around this time of year, make sure you do it before December 31st.  Tax breaks will end this year.  Right now, Forgotten Harvest is doubling donations made online until 12/31/11. 


Merry Christmas!


Saturday, December 17, 2011

MOCAD Family Day December 2011

Free!
Sunday, December 18, 2011 from 12-4pm


MOCAD (Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit) & The Family Hootenanny present a special HOLIDAY HOOTENANNY!


The third annual Family Hootenany is a gathering of kids and their grownups brought together for the express purpose of singing, stomping, shouting, strumming, and taking part in silliness.  


This year, MOCAD will be leading holiday craft workshops, making fun and creative musical instruments from recycled everyday materials.  All materials are provided free of charge.


LINK to MOCAD's Upcoming events page


Link to MOCAD's facebook page (I take some of the photographs - so check out the photo pages - Noel Night 2011, Family Days & other events in the Fall of 2011)

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Minigrants in Macomb & St. Clair Counties

THIS IS ONLY FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS.  THEY ARE NOT OFFERING THE MINI GRANTS TO INDIVIDUALS.  


The Anton Art Center on behalf of the Michigan Council for the Arts & Cultural Affairs, is now accepting applications for minigrants up to $4,000 to help fund arts and cultural projects occuring March 1-September 30, 2012 in Macomb and St. Clair Counties.
Schools, towns, churches, civic groups, art groups, libraries, and non-profits - check it out! Application Deadline is January 31, 2012
FLYER with links to the guidelines and requirements.


Link to Anton Center page about Minigrants


Good Luck!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

$15 Fleece Blankets at Kohls


Today and tomorrow only (Tues. & Wed) Kohl's has their Home Classics fleece blanket all sizes for only 14.99 !!!!!!
 Home Classics Fleece Blanket
It only comes in three colors.  Navy, moss green, and white but they are real nice and wash and dry well.  The king size normally sells for $49.99.  Twin normally $29.99.
Get in there and stock up.  You can use a coupon if you have one.  I have one for 20% so may just get a couple extra to stock up on.
A $50.00 blanket for only $12.00.  C'mon folks....get off your butt.  Buy a few and turn down your furnace at night and save some energy and some money.


Thanks Kathy for the tip!  
These would also be a great gift or a great thing to donate to your local shelter or organization.

$6 off DIA's Rembrandt exhibit


Rembrandt and the Face of Jesus
If you are a big fan of art, you may enjoy this deal.  The Detroit Institute of Arts is offering a coupon for $6.00 off the price of the special exhibition price to see Rembrandt and the Face of Jesus now through December 23rd.  Limit four per person.  

Please click on this link to the discount for "Rembrandt and the Face of Jesus"   


Regular price for individual tickets to this exhibition are $16 for adults, $8 for children. (which is in addition to the price for admission to the DIA)


Admission
$8 adults
$6 for seniors
$5 for college students
$4 for youths 6-17 years old 
free for kids under 5.


DIA hours are 
10-4 Wednesday & Thursday
10-10 Friday
10-5 Saturday & Sunday
Closed Monday & Tuesday

Monday, December 12, 2011

Clever Ideas from The Daily Buzz

Thank you Betty for sharing this in an email.  Too good not to share with everyone.  


Hey, while you are here, why not click the "Follow" button on the left?  Or share on Twitter or Facebook? Then you will get updates automatically. 
<------Thanks!


Link to The Daily Buzz by Simone where these ideas were compiled.  If you look closely under each photograph, you will see where each of these ideas were found (via realsimple.com marthastewart.com...)



25 clever ideas to make life easier

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Clever ideas: hull strawberries with a straw  
Via: amy-newnostalgia.blogspot.com
Why didn’t I think of that?! We guarrantee you’ll be uttering those words more than once at these ingenious little tips, tricks and ideas that solve everyday problems … some you never knew you had! (Above: hull strawberries easily using a straw).
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Clever ideas: use a walnut to heal furniture scratches  
Via: apartmenttherapy.com
Rubbing a walnut over scratches in your furniture will disguise dings and scrapes.
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Clever ideas: WD40 for cleaning crayon off TV screens 
Via: unplggd.com
Remove crayon masterpieces from your TV or computer screen with WD40 (also works on walls).
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Clever ideas: keep a cut apple from going brown 
Via: athomewithrealfood.blogspot.com
Stop cut apples browning in your child’s lunch box by securing with a rubber band.
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Clever ideas: store bedlinen sets inside their pillowcases 
Via: marthastewart.com
Overhaul your linen cupboard – store bedlinen sets inside one of their own pillowcases and there will be no more hunting through piles for a match.
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Clever ideas: bowl as iPhone sound amplifier 
Via: realsimple.com
Pump up the volume by placing your iPhone / iPod in a bowl – the concave shape amplifies the music.
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Cleaver ideas: wet wipe dispenser as plastic bag storage 
Via: savvyhousekeeping.com
Re-use a wet-wipes container to store plastic bags.
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Clever ideas: baby powder to remove sand from feet 
Via: iheartnaptime.net
Add this item to your beach bag. Baby powder gets sand off your skin easily – who knew?!
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Clever ideas: velcro strip on wall to hold soft toys 
Via: realsimple.com
Attach a velcro strip to the wall to store soft toys.
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Clever ideas: gift wrap storage on cupboard ceiling 
Via: flickr.com
Look up! Use wire to make a space to store gift wrap rolls against the ceiling, rather than cluttering up the floor.
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Clever idea: stocking over vacuum to pick up lost items 
Via: instructables.com
Gotcha! Find tiny lost items like earrings by putting a stocking over the vacuum hose.
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Clever idea: box lid cupcake holder 
Via: realsimple.com
Make an instant cupcake carrier by cutting crosses into a box lid.
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Clever idea: how to fold a fitted sheet 
Via: stephmodo.com
For those who can’t stand the scrunching and bunching: how to perfectly fold a fitted sheet.
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Clever idea: magnetic bobbypin storage 
Via: sprwmn.blogspot.com
Forever losing your bathroom essentials? Use magnetic strips to store bobby pins (and tweezers and clippers) behind a vanity door
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Clever idea: use shower caps to hold shoes when packing 
Via: realsimple.com
A tip for holiday packing. Store shoes inside shower caps to stop dirty soles rubbing on your clothes. And you can find them in just about every hotel!
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Clever idea: muffin pan craft storage 
Via: familyfun.go.com
A muffin pan becomes a craft caddy. Magnets hold the plastic cups down to make them tip-resistant.
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Clever idea: bread tags as cable labels 
Via: unplggd.com
Bread tags make the perfect-sized cord labels.
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Clever idea: cook cupcakes in ice cream cones 
Via: kiboomu.com
Bake cupcakes directly in ice-cream cones – so much more fun and easier for kids to eat. Definitely doing this!
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Clever idea: microwave your own popcorn in a plain paper bag 
Via: squawkfox.com
Microwave your own popcorn in a plain brown paper bag. Much healthier and cheaper than the packet stuff.
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Clever idea: use a tension rod to hang spray bottles 
Via: jengrantmorris.blogspot.com
Brilliant space-saver: install a tension rod to hang your spray bottles. Genius!
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Clever idea: how to make heart-shaped eggs 
Via: 9gag.com
Win friends at breakfast with this heart-shaped egg tutorial. Aww shucks!
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Clever idea: use upside-down muffic pan to make cookie bowls 
Via: wilton.com
Turn your muffin pan upside down, bake cookie-dough over the top and voila – you have cookie bowls for fruit or ice-cream. Click here for recipe.
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Clever idea: freeze aloe vera lotion for soothing burns 
Via: realsimple.com
Freeze Aloe Vera in ice-cube trays for soothing sunburn relief.
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Clever idea: gutter veggie garden 
Via: lifehacker.com.au
Gutter garden: Create a window-box veggie patch using guttering.
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Clever idea: egg cartons for Christmas ornament storage 
Via: re-nest.com
Use egg cartons to separate and store your Christmas decorations.




Saturday, December 10, 2011

Ford Free Sunday at the DIA 12/11/11

Sunday, December 11th is Ford Free Sunday at the DIA.  
http://www.dia.org/calendar/?this_date=12%2f11%2f2011

Drop-In Workshop 
(Bojagi)


Michigan Harp Ensemble Angelaires at 11am & 1:30pm
Drawing in the Galleries
Storytelling at 2:00
Lecture - Extending the Contexts of Vodou Symbology at 2
Drop in Workshop (near the Farnsworth entrance) Bojagi
Detroit Revealed Photography Exhibition
Gift of A Lifetime:  The James Pearson Duffy Collection
Rembrandt and the Face of Jesus (extra cost)
Free tours at 1 & 3 pm in the Great Hall 



Monday, November 28, 2011

Talk to the Train Station

Lovin' this city of Detroit.  Spoke with someone today who had lunch with one of the potential developers for the Michigan Central Station.  We chatted about the potential for the MCS and art, of course.  So, I looked around on the interwebs and learned more about two sides of a couple of issues regarding the Ambassador Bridge (links Detroit to Windsor, Canada) and the iconic train station.  So, having photographed it a little this year on the fly (from outside the fence), I have decided to learn a bit more about this once beautiful building and who will "SAVE THE DEPOT".  Lots of Detroiters are getting involved.  People in Corktown have been developing and maintaining the gardens in front.
Logo
So, my point, is I was looking for info on the train station and the upgrades that have begun and found an article in the Detroit Free Press "What Would You Do with the Michigan Central Station?"  that led me to the page where you can actually talk to the station and give your input.  Check it out!!! http://talktothestation.com/ It's going to take awhile, but it will be fabulous!


First Thursdays, Buy Local

A wonderful little article about Berkley, Michigan.  A quaint little town full of unique small businesses.  You can find it all, several bakeries, clothing, bikes and repair, at least two arty craft stores, several antique stores and several restaurants.  Check out this article that features June Moon.  This week begins the premier Coolidge Collection of Businesses' FIRST THURSDAYS.  December 1, 2011. 

Happy shopping everyone!

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Grants for Artists

Found a few more Grants for artists thanks to the CAID - Contemporary Art Institute of Detroit
http://thecaid.org/index.php/grants




Aaron Siskind FoundationOpen to photographers using still-photography based media. Eligible to US citizens not currently enrolled in a degree granting program. Several grants of up to $5000 awarded annually to photographers based upon past accomplishments and the promise of future achievement. Funds must be used to support the artist's creative endeavors. 

Send SASE to The Aaron Siskind Foundation, c/o School of Visual Arts, MFA Photo, 214 East 21st St., New York, NY 10010

http://www.aaronsiskind.org/

Academy of American PoetsOffers several awards including the James Laughlin Award of $5000 for author's second book of poetry and the Walt Whitman Award of $5000 and a one-month residency for first book of poetry. 

The Academy of American Poets, 588 Broadway, Suite 123New York, NY 10012. 212-274-0343.

http://www.poets.org/awards/

Adolph and Esther Gottlieb FoundationTwo grants for painters, printmakers and sculptors: 1) Individual support grant-20 yrs mature phase of art. 2) Emergency assistance grant-10 yrs mature, victim of catastrophic incident such as fire, flood, or medical emergency. No Geographical restrictions. Open to USA residents andInternational Artists 

380 West Broadway, New York, NY, 10012. 212-226-0581.

http://www.gottliebfoundation.org/

Agape FoundationAgape Foundation founded in 1969 is a nonprofit tax-exempt foundation that raises and distributes funds to groups and projects (not individuals) working for nonviolent social change in California. Agape provides seed grants, loans and fiscal sponsorship to organizations addressing the following six areas: Peace, Human Rights, Environmental Protection, Economic Justice, Progressive Arts, Media and Grassroots Organizing Support. 

1095 Market Street, Suite 304, San Francisco, CA 94103, phone: 415.701.8707, fax: 415.701.8706
info@agapefn.org 
http://www.agapefn.org/

Alexia Foundation for World Peace Annual Photography Contest$15,000 for the production of a proposed project. The Alexia Foundation seeks to "provide the financial ability for a photographer to produce a substantial picture story that furthers the foundation's goals of promoting world peace and cultural understanding." If you've received a grant or award exceeding $1,000 in the previous year, you're not eligible. Judges look for entries that conceive concise, focused and meaningful story proposals. 


http://www.alexiafoundation.org/
ArtographyThis national, competitive grantmaking program provides grants of $80,000 to $100,000 over two years for general operating expenses to 8 exemplary arts organizations. Recipients must be focused on demographic change, aesthetic innovation, and critical social engagement. Applicants must be a U.S.-based, non-profit organization classified as a 501(c)(3) public charity and have a minimum five-year history of programming in any single or combination of arts disciplines. 

info@artsinachangingamerica.net
http://artsinachangingamerica.net

Astraea Lesbian Foundation for JusticeCreated in 1977, Astraea is a global foundation providing critically needed financial support to lesbian-led, LGBTI and progressive organizations. Astraea funds lesbian organizations and cultural media projects that directly address the depth and complexities of lesbian and trans issues. Astraea's grantmaking is guided by their understanding of how social change and movements for social justice develop. They believe art and cultural work are powerful tools for resistance and inspiration and are necessary components towards building a future guaranteeing human rights for all. 

116 East 16th Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10003, phone: (212) 529-8021, fax: (212) 982-3321
info@astraeafoundation.org 
http://www.astraeafoundation.org/PHP/AboutUs/Main.php4

Betty Bowen Memorial Award, Seattle Art MuseumOpen to artists working in any 2-D or 3-D medium who live in Washington, Oregon, or Idaho. No video or performing arts. 

Betty Bowan Memorial Award, Seattle Art Museum, PO Box 22000, Seattle, WA 98122. Call 206-654-3131.

http://www.seattleartmuseum.org/bettybowen

Black Rock Arts Foundation GrantsProvides funds in the amounts of $500 to $10,000 to art projects that interact with people and environments and that invite, create, or enrich community. 

1900 Third Street, 2nd floor, San Francisco, CA 94107. Tel: 415-626-1248
info@blackrockarts.org 
http://www.blackrockarts.org/grants
Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF)CERF accomplishes its mission to strengthen and sustain the careers of craft artists through direct financial and educational assistance to craft artists, including emergency relief assistance, business development support, and resources and referrals on topics such as health, safety, and insurance. 

info@craftemergency.org 
http://www.craftemergency.org/

 
Creative Capital FoundationSupports work with the potential for significant artistic and cultural impact. They seek to act as a catalyst for the development of adventurous and imaginative ideas. Open to US citizens. Rotates mediums annually. 

65 Bleeker Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10012. Tel: 212-598-9900.
info@creative-capital.org 
http://www.creative-capital.org/
Foundation for Contemporary Arts Emergency GrantsProviding funding for visual and performing artists who have unanticipated, sudden opportunities to present their work to the public, or who incur unexpected or unbudgeted expenses for projects underway and close to completion. This program does not support life-related emergencies such as paying for food, rent, medical bills and other basic necessities. 


http://www.foundationforcontemporaryarts.org/grant_programs/immediate_needs



Don't forget about the 2012 Kresge Fellowships for Literary Arts and Performing Arts. http://kresge.collegeforcreativestudies.edu/index.html
Deadline is February 1, 2012.  This is a long process, so get started right away!!!  APPLY on this page.
The next (and last) informational meeting takes place at the Virgil H. Carr Cultural Center at 311 East Grand River, Detroit, MI  48226 on Saturday, December 3rd from 2-4pm. Then you can head to mid-town for Noel Night starting at 5pm, although  most of the shops, galleries, and museums will already be open for you to enjoy!