Thoughtcrime

Volume 11, No. 1 Volume 14, No. 5 September 2004 ISSUE • 5 February 2008 ISSUE • 13 Distinctly Diverse Submission Guidelines and Disclaimer ISSUEsolicits and publishes the work of local authors. Poetry, short fiction, scholarly works and opinion pieces may be submitted for review. All works must be typed or submitted on a donors to TASI. Send typed works to: ISSUE 720 Franklin, Beaumont, TX 77701 or e-mail: artstudio@artstudio.org THE ARTS MAGAZINE OF THE ART STUDIO, INC. APRIL 2005exans have their “Twang,”the distinctive vocal style that distinguishes them from people from other states.“Twang”also refers to the guitar sounds of Texas R&B and country. At the Art Museum of Southeast Texas,“Twang”is a group show of contemporary Texas sculpture featuring work by a dozen artists. Texas is both Western and Southern,cotton and cowboys,and a multitude of clashing cultures.If The piece consists of an automatic tennis serve machine that fires a series of balls (each labeled “Joey”) against a wall on which is a large Argyle pattern that may or may not be a net.The machine is labeled “Playmate”and the balls are fired with monotonous regularity,with the gallery walls echoing a repetitive thud thud thud,like the Dada soundtracks of Kurt Schwitters. The “Joey”of the title refers to Joey Mussacchio,a childhood friend of the artist who is now dead. Does the lifeless “Playmate”long for someone with whom to play? It seems to connect with the quintessentially American past-time — a simple the balls hit the wall and bounce randomly away as a museum guard chased after them.This viewing emphasized a sense of “play,”with the machine,like a rambunctious child,teasing its reluctant “playmate.” The same piece,but two games and,therefore, two different pieces. Even though the “Playmate”is inanimate, Powers has created a performance piece reminiscent of the 1960s Fluxus group,whose creations existed in the reactions of the viewer. Powers plays with our emotions and delicately balances the the joys of childhood with the loss of innocence.T DIFFERENT APPROACHES U NITE ‘TEXAS TWO DOZEN’ disk (using approved word processing software), or may be sent to TASI by e-mail. All works are subject for review by our editor, and may be rejected or edited on the basis of grammar, spelling or content. The opinions expressed in “Thoughtcrime” do not necessarily reflect the opinions of TASI, its Board of Directors, ISSUE’s editorial staff, or Authors must submit a daytime telephone number along with all submissions. Pen names are acceptable, but authors must supply real names for verification. All submitted works become property of TASI, and whether rejected or accepted, are not returned to the author. ISSUE does not notify of rejection by mail or telephone. there is one thing that defines game of catch. Another piece that demands viewer participaTexas,it is its indefinability. “Twang,”like the state that Visitors to the opening witnessed the balls bouncing off two walls and back into the machine, tion is Justin Kidd’s “In and Out Box.” Consisting of a crudely constructed mailbox links these artists,incorporates a completing a never-ending solitary game of catch. hanging on the wall,visitors to the exhibit are invit- plethora of styles and forms. Among the strongest pieces on display is “LoveJoey,”a study of friendship,loneliness and loss by The piece had a melancholy quality that reflected both the loss of a childhood friend and of childhood itself. ed to “mail”a postcard from the Czech Republic Michael Powers. However,visitors at a later date may have seen See TWANGon page 11 Among the works featured in “TWANG:

Contemporary Sculpture from Texas,” on display through Sept. 26 at the Art

Museum of

Southeast Texas, are, clockwise from left, “E.B.”by Erick Swenson, “Museum Bench” by Chris Sauter, “Two Paintings on a Rock” by Bill Davenport and “Sell Me Something Brown” by Franco Mondini-Ruiz. INSIDE: MAKING AN EXHIBITION OF THEMSELVES PAGE 7 Review and photos by LISA REINAUER: JUDGE AND JURY, HOT PIG, AND MORE Andy Coughlan

SALSAfrom page 10

Mission Statement

Founded in 1983, The Art Studio, Inc. is devoted to: providing opportunities for interaction between the public and the Southeast Texas community of artists; furnishing affordable studio space to originating artists of every medium; promoting cultural growth and diversity of all art forms in Southeast Texas; and providing art educational opportunities to everyone, of every age, regardless of income level, race, national origin, sex or religion.

PURPOSE

The purpose of The Art Studio, Inc. is to (1) provide educational opportunities between the general public and the community of artists and (2) to offer sustained support for the artist by operating a non-profit cooperative to provide studio space and exhibition space to working artists and crafts people, and to provide an area for group work sessions for those artists and crafts people to jointly offer their labor, ideas, and enthusiasm to each other.

GOALS

1. To present public exhibitions 2. To provide educational opportunities 3. To provide accessible equipment for artists 4. To provide peer feedback through association with other artists and crafts people

OBJECTIVES

1. To present 10 art exhibitions per year 2. To maintain equipment for artists in a safe working environment 3. To provide better access to artists for the public 4. To offer regularly scheduled adult and children’s classes 5. To develop and maintain public activities with all sectors of the community 6. To develop and maintain equipment to aid artists in their work 7. To provide a display retail outlet for artists 8. To expand programming and activities with increased facility space

ARTIST COMMON TO HOST DRIVE BY PRESS FEB. 11 ON LAMAR CAMPUS

WE WANT YOU FOR BAND NITE Hear original music by local musicians LIVE every month at February 9 • 7 p.m.

Our Left Shoe, Stereo Jesus, The Gonzo Sirens, The Feedback, and solo artist Alex Rozell. Beer garden off limits to minors • BYOB if you’re over 21 (we check IDs) $5 admission • FREECoffee & Donuts

THE ART STUDIO, INC. CLASS SCHEDULE

Volume 11, No. 1 Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Permit #135 Beaumont, TX

This fall we are offering another class,but these sessions will be 1 mask-making class, and Cindy eclectic mix of classes at The Art hour shorter.So,it will cost a little Picou will show you how to make

Studio,Inc. less. wire-wrapped jewelry. There are a few changes to a George Wentz will be teaching Make sure youpay attention to some of the familiar classes.SalsaINSIDE another acrylic painting class.Grace the ISSUE,your e-mail,and fliers at night is nowon Wednesdays.Life drawing has not been attracting the • XENIA FEDORCHENKO Megnet is comingback in October to do bookbinding.No photography the Studio for updatesas we add even more classes to the list. numbers itused to,so we will now this session,but look for it to return• THOUGHTCRIME: MUSINGS FROM AREA POETS hold itevery other week. in the future.• AROUND & ABOUT: INFORMATION ABOUT ART HAPPENINGS Ren Brumfield, GregBuscemeis going to offer adaytime clay class.It will meet the • ‘DEATH AND THE MAIDEN’ We are offering several new classes.Andy Coughlan fuses theTASIeducation coordinator same number of times as the night• ‘THINGS IN THE SAND’ ater and visual art in a creative new

Mission Statement

MASK MAKING ADULT BEGINNING DRAWING KIDS CLAY Founded in 1983, The Art Studio, Inc. is

Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon devoted to: providing opportunities for interac-

Sept. 16-Oct. 21 Aug. 31-Oct. 12 Sept. 18-Oct. 23 tion between the public and the Southeast Texas $100 ($80 for members) $115 ($95 for members) $75 community of artists; furnishing affordable stu-

Explore the rich tradition of masks in the- You CAN draw! Learn to draw realistically Beginning clay class introduces a variety of dio space to originating artists of every medium; ater. Create and decorate large-form masks in this fun and easy class. handbuilding techniques, preparation and promoting cultural growth and diversity of all art for performance or decoration using a vari- Instructed by Karen deMedrano. application of glazes, and the raku firing forms in Southeast Texas; and providing art eduety of techniques from painting to collage. process. cational opportunities to everyone, of every age,

Imagination is the only limit. This six-week BOOKBINDING Instructed by Katheryn Rogers. regardless of income level, race, national origin, course will also include tips on using your masks in performance and the history of Fridays, 6-8 p.m. Oct. 8-Nov. 12 WIRE WRAPPED JEWELRY When you support The Art Studio with your membership, you receive ISSUE, sex or religion. masks around the world. $110 ($90 for members) Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Southeast Texas’ and Southwest Louisiana’s alternative press as well as class schedules, invitations to opening receptions and various Studio functions.

Instructed by Andy Coughlan. Learn terms, tools and basic techniques in Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, Dec. 8 PURPOSE ACRYLIC PAINTING Saturdays, 1:30-3 p.m. Sept. 11-Oct.16 $95 ($75 for members) Learn to express your own ideas and feelings with painter and art educator George Wentz. You will explore brush techniques, acrylic paint mixing, and layering paint. Supplies to be purchased separately. List available from the Studio. BASKET CLASS this introductory class. Instructed by Grace Megnet. ADULT CLAY (MORNINGS) Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.–noon Sept. 14-Oct. 14 $100 ($80 for members) This course is designed for the complete novice at clay work. Students learn the basics of clay manipulation, glazing and firing. Instructed by Greg Busceme. $45 per session Introduction to creating unique jewelry using wire and beads. You will learn basic techniques and complete a bracelet or anklet. Students will need to purchase some materials separately, list available at The Art Studio. Instructed by Cindi Picou. LIFE DRAWING GROUP Every other Monday, 7-9:30 p.m. Sept. 13, 27, Oct. 11, 25, Nov. 8, 22, Dec. 6, 20 Volunteers These people are the life blood of our organization. WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU! To volunteer, drop by The Art Studio, Inc., or call 409-838-5393. THE BEAUX ARTS BALL REVIVAL The purpose of The Art Studio, Inc. is to (1) provide educational opportunities between the general public and the community of artists and (2) to offer sustained support for the artist by operating a non-profit cooperative to provide studio space and exhibition space to working artists and crafts people, and to provide an area for group work sessions for those artists and crafts people to jointly offer their labor, ideas, and enthusiasm to each other. GOALS ISSUE DISTRIBUTION POINTS Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 18, Oct. 9, Nov. 13, Dec. 4 $32 to $50 Step-by-step instruction in creating a different functional and decorative basket each session. Instructed by Emma Hughes. For more information and to register, call ADULT CLAY (EVENINGS) Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 14-Oct. 14 $150 ($130 for members) This course is designed for the complete novice at clay work. Students learn the basics of clay manipulation, glazing and In Pictures. See page 4. $5 per session Uninstructed group creating studies of the human form, drawing from a different model each session. THOUGHTCRIME: THE READING Third Thursday of the month 1. To present public exhibitions 2. To provide educational opportunities 3. To provide accessible equipment for artists 4. To provide peer feedback through association with other artists and crafts people Emma at 337-527-5328. FOUNDRY WORKSHOP Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m./Saturdays, 12-4 p.m. Dates to be announced $100 (80 for members) In this two-day workshop, you will design and cast your original artwork in aluminum. Ages 15 and older. Limited to six participants. Instructed by Rhonda McNally. firing. Instructed by Greg Busceme. SALSA WITH AMBER AND GORDON Wednesdays, 7:30-9 p.m. Sept. 8-Oct. 13 $10 per session ($5 LU students) Salsa, Merengue, Cha-Cha, Cumbia, Rhumba. Free Poetry night: read, hear, think, and corrupt original poems, rants, and stories. Led by Guiseppe Barranco. OBJECTIVES 1. To present 10 art exhibitions per year 2. To maintain equipment for artists in a safe working environment 3. To provide better access to artists for the public 4. To offer regularly scheduled adult and children’s classes 5. To develop and maintain public activities For more information on TASI classes, call 409-838-5393 or visit us on the web at www.artstudio.org REGISTER EARLY AS CLASS SIZES ARE LIMITED with all sectors of the community 6. To develop and maintain equipment to aid artists in their work 7. To provide a display retail outlet for artists 8. To expand programming and activities with increased facility space