ISSUE December 2018

THE ARTS MAGAZINE OF THE ART STUDIO, INC.

PAGE 4

DECEMBER 2018

INSIDE: GEEKS, SCHIELE, SHOP-O-RAMA, AND MORE

WANTED

Live models needed for Life Drawing, Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m.

Contact Sara Tuell at saratuell@gmail.com

ISSUE Vol. 25, No. 4 Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Art Studio, Inc. Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andy Coughlan Copy Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beth Gallaspy Contributing Writers . Stephan Malick, Jeff Dixon Contributing Photographer . . . . Stephan Malick Distribution . . . . . . . Olivia Malick, Elijah Malick

A View From The Top Greg Busceme, TASI Director I would lIke to submit an Art Studio Manifesto in this issue. Somewhat tongue-in-cheek, it still contains our goals and purpose, and clarifies our intent and means to get there. I hope you enjoy the ride.

But first — I hope all will come to the Shopo-Rama dec. 1 and 8. the invitation should be in your hands as we speak, and you can expect amazing work from local artisans, crafters and artists. In these times of Amazon overreach and mail order everything, it is refreshing to find something unique from a person you know or will know and have a face behind the work. the job of the Studio is to help preserve the autonomous craftsperson and their work. Art is the quintessential process that defines us as humans, and it is of utmost importance to support and preserve this amazing and ancient tradition of transforming raw materials into objects of beauty.

The Art Studio, Inc. Board of Directors Corporate President . . . . . . . . . . Greg Busceme Corporate Vice-President . . . . . Angela Scheibel Chair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joe Winston Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Roberts Secretary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jessica Davis Members at Large . . . . . . Stephanie Chadwick, . . . . . . . . . Olivia Busceme, John Fulbright, . . . Stephan Malick, Sara Tuell, Jes Prince, . . . . . . . . . . Sheila Busceme, John Rollins Tenant Representative. . . . . . . . . . Kailee Viator Assistant Director . . . . . . . . . Marilyn Tennissen

The Art Studio, Inc. 720 Franklin Beaumont, TX 77701 409-838-5393 www.artstudio.org info@artstudio.org The ISSUE is a monthly publication of The Art Studio, Inc. Its mission is to publicize The Art Studio and its tenants, and to promote the growth of the arts in Southeast Texas. ISSUE is also charged with informing TASI members of projects, progress, achievements and setbacks in TASI’s well-being. Further, ISSUE strives to promote and distribute the writings of local authors in its “Thoughtcrime” feature.

ISSUE is provided free of charge to members of TASI and is also available, free of charge, at more than 30 locations in Southeast Texas.

Regular features include local artists of note and reputation who are not currently exhibiting at TASI; artists currently or soon to be exhibiting at TASI; Instructional articles for artists; news stories regarding the state of TASI’s organization; and arts news features dealing with general philosophical issues of interest to artists.

Contents

Cover illustration by Andy Coughlan

See VIEW on page 13

UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS AT THE ART STUDIO

DECEMBER

FEBRUARY

Holiday Shop-O-Rama Extravaganza Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 1

John Fulbright “Previously Invisible Worlds” Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February 2

BECOME A MEMBER OF THE ART STUDIO

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Membership in The Art Studio, Inc., provides invitations to all exhibitions and one year of ISSUE, the monthly arts magazine of The Art Studio. It also gives free eligibility for members to enter the annual membership art exhibition (TASIMJAE) and participate in various exhibitions throughout the year.

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Moulin Rouge Fundraiser . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4 Menil Drawing Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6 Shop-O-Rama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 7 Geek’s Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8 Egon Schiele . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 10 Richie Haynes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 12 Around & About . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14 Thoughtcrime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 15

we would like to give a shout out to the good people at del Papa distributing who since September have generously provided us with a variety of craft beers from their warehouse here in Beaumont. we hope you enjoy the new collection of refreshments during the openings.

Also, a thanks to Frankie Randazzo from Madison’s restaurant and bar for offering us a chance raise some funds and have a good time while allowing us to introduce the Art Studio to a new audience. the Beernefit raised more than $600. tickets are now available on Brown Bag for “the Beaux Arts Ball: Moulin Rouge,” set for Jan. 19. Channel your Impressionist muse and don your French period attire from this provocative time in artistic history. Burlesque dancers will be the stars of the show along with

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4 • ISSUE December 2018

Volume 25, No. 4

BAll to CAPtuRe SPIRIt oF Belle ÉPoque PARIS In whAt Could Be considered a reference to Southeast texas, the character Charles Zidler from 2001’s “Moulin Rouge,” greets his audience with, “outside it may be raining, but in here it’s entertaining.” this line highlights the enthusiasm as the Studio revs up to host its annual Beaux Arts Ball fundraiser, Jan. 19, rain or shine, to support its art education programs, encourage membership and celebrate the year’s accomplishments of

Story by Stephan Malick

tenants and local artists. the Belle Époque period is what most comes to mind when people think of the Moulin Rouge, made popular with Baz luhrmann’s film and stellar cast — roughly a period from the 1870s to the end of world war I in 1918. “we want to capture the fun and wonderment of that time period and scene,” Gina Garcia, event chairperson, said. “we thought it would be a great idea since there are so many artistic and performance elements we could have that would help celebrate the Studio with our patrons and with the local arts community.” the annual ball is tASI’s largest fundraising event and is known for its eclectic atmosphere and one-of-a-kind presentation and performances — in other words, the Studio knows how to throw a fun party and support a good cause at the same time. the night will feature live music, a variety of dance performances and dancing, a dJ with a special lightshow and a silent auction from artists around the area. the spectacle with be emceed by local acting sensation Ramona Young and Studio tenant artist Andy Coughlan. they will conduct the night with entertaining aplomb as patrons go back in time to a fanciful and exciting time period of art, entertainment and culture.

December 2018 ISSUE • 5

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Committee member Grace Mathis is planning decorations and suggests some points of inspiration for guests planning their costumes. “the 2001 movie is great place to start to get inspiration for costumes and the art and culture of the time period,” Mathis said. “there are going to be burlesque and cabaret-style performances. It’s going to be fun and like nothing else around the area.

“If you have never been to a Beaux Arts Ball, you have to come. It’s so much fun and will transport you to a different place. there’s nothing to compare it to, and the Studio is a great community cause to support.”

Committee member Rebekah herzberg said the goal is to create a fun and flashy experience for everyone who attends. She will be performing a burlesque act, and all the performers are rehearsing in preparation. “we want the community to come out and see this,” herzberg said. “this community has so many talented people, and this a great way to showcase their creativity and bring people together for a great cause.”

Committee member Yolanda Perez is volunteering with the decorating committee and said every year the Studio transforms from its working appearance to a completely different visual experience. “the BAB always has some interactive experience as part of the event,” Perez said. “we are going to have characters of the time period performing throughout the evening, like can-can dancers, cabaret performers, green fairies representing the absinthe culture and many other surprises. “the Studio has made great strides in the last year recovering from harvey, but also in enhancing our class offerings and improvements for our tenants and their workspaces. A lot has been done in such a short period, and we want to celebrate and show that off to the community. we want everyone to see what we’ve accomplished, but also what we’re planning for the future. It’s a great time to dress up and have fun.”

In addition to all the activities, music and shows, the 18-and-over event will feature adult beverages,

heavy hors d’oeuvres and sweets. tickets are $50 through Jan. 18 and are $60 at the door. online purchases may be made by clicking on the Studio website at www.artstudio.org or on the event link on Facebook. Click the tickets link to purchase with a credit or debit card. tickets are also available 1-5 p.m. tuesdays through Saturdays at the Studio, 720 Franklin St. in downtown Beaumont. tickets will also be available dec. 1 during the allday holiday Shop-o-Rama extravaganza from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For more information, call 838-5393, visit www.artstudio.org, or visit the Studio Facebook events page.

6 • ISSUE December 2018

Volume 25, No. 4

DRAWING INSPIRATION

Menil Collection unveils impressive addition Story and photos by Andy Coughlan

The new Menil Collection Drawing Institute, above, with Ellsworth Kelly’s “Menil Curve” sculpture in front.

The main entryway, dubbed “The Living Room,” right, is inspired by a Shaker meeting room.

houSton — the new AddItIon

to the Menil Collection’s campus

is, as one would expect, a thing of beauty. the building takes its place on the collection’s campus and, like Renzo Piano’s museum building, is a work of art in itself. the building is dedicated to modern and contemporary drawings, defined as unique works of art on paper (which excludes prints). the institute focuses on the study of drawing through an artist-centered approach, director Rabecca Robinow said, adding that the Menil’s first drawing acquisition was a Cezanne watercolor.

“Art is an essential experience,” founder dominique de Menil said. there are 2,500 drawings in the Menil Collection, with the largest amount by any single artist being ellsworth kelly’s “tablet.” It is a single work comprising 188 drawings and found pieces, which may be shown alone or in any combination.

the new drawing Institute is 30,000 square feet and was designed by Johnston Marklee architects, with Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates landscape architects. At the nov. 1 press preview tour, architect Sharon Johnston said the objective was to have a uniform sense of scale, both with the other Menil buildings, as well as the houses in the surrounding neighborhood. the $40 million facility features canopies of white steel sheets with crisp folds, echoing the feel of sharply folded paper. the lines are elegant and sweeping. wherever one goes, there are large window-walls that look out on the carefully sculpted gardens. the workers are always just a glance away from open spaces. Similarly, the work of the institute is on view to visitors walking by. the entry hall has been dubbed “the living Room,” as it is the center of the Menil campus,

See MENIL on page 13

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Volume 25, No. 4

THE ART STUDIO, INC. DEC. 1 & 8, 2018

HOLIDAY S HOP -O - RAMA EXTRAVAGANZA

tASI’s annual event offers great opportunity for unique gifts the AnnuAl holIdAY ShoP-o-RAMA extravaganza, hosted by the Art Studio Inc., will be held dec. 1 and 8. the event will include a free reception from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. dec. 1. “this is an opportunity for local artists to exhibit their work and connect with the community,” Stephan Malick, Art Studio board member, said. “the community can buy original artwork at very affordable prices. Customers get to meet the artists whose work they are buying, and that makes for a great time. Most art events are social events, so they should just come to enjoy art and each other.” the sale starts dec. 1, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the early-bird sale, with the reception 7 p.m. to

10 p.m. the following Saturday, dec. 8, the sale will be open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Instead of buying a mass-produced gift from a giant chain, patrons will be able to buy oneof-a-kind gifts made locally. “we are a pretty good venue, and people have faith in what we do,” Greg Busceme, executive director, said. “People buying our artists’ work know that they are getting work that is quality and created with a passion for the art.

It makes people want to come back every year.” the Shop-oRama will feature vendors from around the area.

Malick said he hopes people will come and support the local artists. “what we are trying to do is have a good

participation from the community,” he said.

“Since it is Christmas shopping, we want the opening reception to be a Christmas party. look at it like the first party of the season.

Vendors interested can pay a $25 booth fee for both Saturdays or $15 for one.

Shop-o-Rama offers a one-stop shopping experience for unique, funky, artistic and inexpensive gifts. All work will be handmade and original by the artists and includes jewelry, paintings, illustrations, drawings, photographs and much more. the Art Studio is located at 720 Franklin St. in downtown Beaumont.

For more information, call 409-838-5393, or visit the Art Studio’s Facebook page.

8 • ISSUE December 2018

Volume 25, No. 4

A Guide to Holiday Giving

‘Marvel’-ous gift ideas to keep your nerd occupied for the season

Commentary by Jeff Dixon

Jeff Dixon is a True Believer and a Marvel Zombie

well the Cold And indifferent winds of winter have come early this year to Southeast texas, which means that I am most likely bundled up in a flannel blanket with a hot cup of cocoa in my hands and netflix shining its warm light across my face. In between episodes of “the Good Place,” I’ve been doing some online shopping in preparation for the holidays, and I’m here to share my discoveries with you, dear readers.

THE JERK: 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION — when I was a kid we didn’t have cable, and my uncle tommy often took pity on me and sent me VhS tapes of movies he’d recorded off of hBo. one of these films was “the Jerk,” and I watched it so many times that the tape had tracking problems during the classic thermos scene. without a doubt, this is one of the greatest comedies ever produced. It’s Steve Martin in his prime, and let’s not forget Bernadette Peters in her most memorable performance. this edition features new interviews with Martin and the writers, as well as an instructional video on how to play “tonight You Belong to Me.” HANG’EM HIGH: 50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION — For all the dads on your list, you can’t go wrong with Clint eastwood. this 50th-anniversary edition is fully restored and remastered. the deserts of new Mexico have never looked better. You’d swear you could strike a match on eastwood’s stubble. unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of special features on this disc, but for a film like this I’ll take anything I can get.

BEASTIE BOYS BOOK by ADROCK AND MIKE D — no fan of old school hip hop should wake up on Christmas morning and not find this under their tree. From the origins of the hip hop scene on the east Coast, their falling out with def Jam and subsequent move to the west

Coast, and their return to the Big Apple, this book chronicles the ups and downs of the boys from Brooklyn and how they changed the face of hip hop’s early days. Filled with rare personal photos from the band and their loved ones, this book is packed with history.

I’LL BE GONE IN THE DARK by MICHELLE MCNAMARA — For everyone on your list obsessed with true crime or serial killers, or both, this is a perfect gift. Chronicling one of the largest manhunts in u.S. history, Mcnamara’s book deserves a spot on the shelf right next to Robert Graysmith’s “Zodiac.” Completed posthumously by her husband and manager, this book was released mere weeks before the actual Golden State killer was arrested, due in large part to Mcnamara’s findings, which reopened the case and ended decades of dead ends and speculation.

HOW TO DRAW COMICS THE MARVEL WAY by STAN LEE AND JOHN BUSCEMA — with the passing of Stan lee,

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for the Discerning Geek hot 16 without fail. Before trump was sworn into office there was a running joke online that this administration would inspire some great punk music. that hasn’t happened yet, so I’m glad someone like Cube is taking the initiative and giving us some politically minded hip hop instead.

ZIVIX JAMSTIK+ — will wonders never cease. the folks over at Zivix have outdone themselves with this little electronic wonder that teaches you how to play the guitar by plugging into your phone or tablet and working with several different apps to instruct you in multiple styles. It also includes a headphone jack so you won’t annoy your spouse, roommate or parent while you better yourself.

CAPTAIN MARVEL CROSSBODY PURSE — For the ladies on your list who are waiting with bated breath for the Captain Marvel movie, there’s this lovely purse inspired by Carol danvers herself. Made of faux leather and fully lined with starburst rivets on the handles, it also includes a removable crossbody shoulder strap. Perfect for sneaking candy into the midnight showing of “Captain Marvel,” in theaters March 8.

I had to include one of, if not the best book on making comics that has ever been published. Stan was a master storyteller, but he was also one hell of a teacher, and this book is a true testament to just how talented he was. Along with artist John Buscema, Stan takes you through the entire process of making a comic from the ground up. In these pages Stan and John give you all the tools you need to start creating your own universes with nothing more than a pencil and paper.

EVERYTHANG’S CORRUPT by ICE CUBE — taking a little break from family films, one of nwA’s founding members is back with a new solo album, and I couldn’t be more excited. the first single, “Arrest the President,” is a reminder that while Cube’s bars might not always be the most clever or cerebral, the man knows how to deliver a solid

SUPER MARIO LIGHT UP WREATH — A thinkgeek.com exclusive, this pixel wreath will bring holiday cheer to all the gamers on your list. Perfect for hanging on the front door, it features leds to give off a warm glow. You’ll swear you’re spending the holidays in the Mushroom kingdom — just watch out for flying turtles heading south for the winter. well that’s it for me. I hope you’ve all got a few gallons of eggnog in the fridge and some warm slippers on your feet.

May the holidays find you full of good cheer and good food, and may your house never recover from the onslaught of wrapping paper soon to adorn its floors. excelsior!

“Stan (Lee) takes you through the entire process of making a comic from the ground up”

10 • ISSUE December 2018

Volume 25, No. 4

Master of Line

Exhibition commemorates centenary of Egon Schiele’s death from Spanish flu

new YoRk — the SPAnISh Flu PAndeMIC that swept the post-world war I planet took the life of more than 50 million people. Among the dead was a 28year-old Viennese painter and his pregnant wife.

In the 100 years since his death, egon Schiele’s reputation has steadily grown. to mark the anniversary of his death, major exhibitions have been mounted in london, new York, liverpool and Paris, with two in Vienna. the most recent opened in early november at Galerie St. etienne in new York, the scene of Schiele’s first oneman American show in 1941.

Galerie St. etienne is one of my favorite places to visit whenever I am in the Big Apple, and when I found out they were mounting a Schiele exhibit, I knew a trip was in order. the gallery is small, with an emphasis on German and Austrian art from the early 20th century, and their exhibits are consistently excellent. the current exhibit, “egon Schiele: In Search of the Perfect line,” is an excellent example, featuring 46 works on paper ranging from aged 16 to his death at 28. the “Perfect line” of the title

Story by Andy Coughlan

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Volume 25, No. 4

references Schiele’s greatest strength — the magnificence of the line work in his drawings. the exhibition begins with traditional drawings, full of subtle shading, typical of a young artist. “Portrait of a Man” is a beautiful study that shows his prodigious talent. But by the age of 19, he was already finding a style that pushed the envelope beyond mere representation toward the expressive. his figurative work, such as “Portrait of a woman with an orange hat” and “Young Girl with hand to Face,” shows his mastery of line. Schiele’s mature style is represented with group of Fauve-ish gouache, watercolor and charcoal works that show his signature elongated style, including “Male nude” and “Reclining Male nude.” the fluidity of his line work is evident in the buildings of “City houses” and especially “houses in krumau.” the village is rendered in simple lines, yet it is clearly a real place, a vibrant community. what is not drawn is suggested, and we believe it is a real place. the small offset room has 10 of his most beautiful pieces. Schiele’s reputation is built on his drawings of women. there is definitely an eroticism at play, but Schiele does not approach the figures with the

typical male gaze. the women in the drawings seem to own their sexuality. Far from being mere objects, their penetrating gaze challenges the viewer, as if reclaiming their sexuality for themselves. their poses are sexual, yet they are not coy. when eduoard Manet first exhibited “olympia,” people were shocked because she was looking straight out at the viewer, rejecting the coyness expected of the classical nude. Schiele takes it one step further. his nudes not only are not coy; they seem to be inviting — but on their terms.

At this point, it seems appropriate to issue the disclaimer that I am a male. So, can I truly make judgments on the nudes without them being subjected to the male gaze? So I took my daughter, Bridie, to the show, and we talked about it. of course, she is a fan of Schiele’s and has been for many years, but I wanted to find out why. what was it about these naked women that she liked?

About “Reclining woman with Green Stockings,” she said, “She looks like she’s about to kick your ass.” Again and again, Bridie related to the strength of the women in the drawings — often his wife edith or his lover wally. the women consistently look empowered. In “Green Stocking,” the model has her legs spread invitingly, but her arms are muscular, something society didn’t really prize until the 1980s workout craze. If her arms were softer, more “womanly,” then maybe her look could be interpreted as “come hither,” but she doesn’t look as though she is vulnerable. She is strong and knows what she is doing.

Schiele’s models were often prostitutes, women who knew how to use their sexuality to get what they wanted.

A careful examination of the poses reveals that they are actually in poses that are natural, as if Schiele said, “Get comfortable.” In “Seated nude with Right knee Raised, looking to the Right,” the model sits on the floor, one knee pulled up with her hands around the knee — a comfortable pose.

Schiele’s line is simply magnificent, and I have written often about it. the subtle gouache and pastel that he adds to them are simply there to suggest color, suggest a translucent skin tone. Schiele really sees the line, the beauty of the sweeping line that

runs down the thigh or along the back. there is clearly a love of the form — not just as a woman, but as a perfection of the form.

Schiele is, if not the best, one of the best purveyors of line in the history of art. he has the ability to capture more than just what is seen, but the essence of what he is drawing. one can only imagine where he would have gone had he not died so young. As it is, he left more than 300 paintings and 3,000 drawings. Schiele is a giant of 20th-century art whose reputation is continuing to rise — any artist should try to replicate his skill with the line. only then can one truly appreciate his brilliance. “the Perfect line” is on display through March 2.

Galerie St. etienne is located at 24 west 57th St. in new York.

For more, visit www.gseart.com.

Opposite page: “Reclining Woman with Green Stockings” and “Self Portrait With Brown Background.”

This page: “Seated Nude with Right Knee Raised, Looking to the Right,” top left, “Houses in Krumau,” left, and “Young Girl with Hand to Face.”

All images are part of “Egon Schiele: The Perfect Line,” at Galerie St. Etienne though March 2.

TASIMJAE 2005 winner Richie Haynes dies 12 • ISSUE December 2018

BeAuMont ARtISt RIChIe hAYneS died nov.

3. haynes won the 2005 the Art Studio, Inc. Member Jurored Art exhibition. As a result, he had a solo show in May 2006. the following is excerpted from the ISSue story on the show: Haynes says his involvement in the art of music led to his exploration of other art forms. For years he played music with a band, Train in Vain, and is still making music today. “Though now I’ve picked up other artistic habits,” he said. “Where is it going to end?”

Several years ago, Haynes began to look at old throw-away items at garage sales, flea markets and antique stores.

“I began to look at old junk that people accumulate throughout their lives as some sort of weird artistic statement of their lives, kind of beautiful, if you think about it,” he said.

Accumulating experience in music, painting, sculpting and mixed media has

Volume 25, No. 4

shown Haynes that with all of the forms of art out there, there’s still plenty to dabble in.

“I’m definitely not ruling anything out.”

During the day you can find Haynes teaching sophomore Pre-AP English at Ozen High School, a career that he calls a “happy accident.”

“I never planned on teaching as a career,” he said, “but after college and a few years of bumming around, doing odd jobs and playing music, I got the opportunity to teach at a school that had an emergency need for an English teacher and the rest is history.”

“It would be great if the show makes people think about art and its place in their lives. Maybe someone will look at it and be inspired to use their own talents to do something artistic.”

Richie haynes was 54 years old. he is survived by his wife, Stacey. we at ISSue magazine will miss him.

Richie Haynes in 2006,

ISSUE file photo by Trish Coughlan

SUPPORTS THE ART STUDIO, INC.

info@signinternational.com 409.832.0117 7398 College St. in Beaumont

December 2018 ISSUE • 13

Volume 25, No. 4

MENIL from page 6 which runs from Alabama to Richmond. the room will be used for lectures and gatherings and will also host art related to the philosophy of drawing. the room is inspired by Shaker meeting rooms, suggesting a place of community. the floor is european white oak with wider panels than one expects. nothing draws attention to itself, except nature and the art, Johnston said. the courtyard, 60-feet square, has a canopy to reflect and deflect direct light and features a garden room to ease entry. the crisp white canopy is supported by dark wood walls. ellsworth kelly’s “Menil Curve” stands sentry by the front entrance, its glossy surface juxtaposed with the matte walls — a white-on-white abstraction. the sloping roofs inside and out carry the folded paper motif, all working on the same modules.

Much thought has been given to the relationship to other buildings, and the Cy twombly building next door

VIEW from page 3 an auction, great food and, of course, the thing that makes the Ball, the Ball — You. don’t miss this chance to impress!

the Art Studio Manifesto: As artists, dedicated to the occupation of the majority of our lives to that end, we hold that creation is a gift we’ve given ourselves and each other. we love art! Covered in mud or paint or ink, hoarse with the joy of singing, hands cramped creating music, bodies exhausted in the reveries of dance or theater, numbed by the craft of words and phrases. Creating art, seeing art, building art, showing art, sharing art, teaching art, living the life of art, living in a community of art, raising our children with art, bases our beliefs on the beauty and persistence of art.

A world without art is a cold, repressive, barren environment filled with inhabitants that fear life’s innovation, diversity and rareness, who repulse in fear from the unique unusual and intimidating challenges that are part and parcel with the daring and fearless act of creativity. they hold deep worthless prejudices, are stupid about themselves, ignorant about others, lost in a world of sadness and relegated to an empty existence. to love art is to love humanity, the flora and fauna and the beauty of all the elements of the visible and invisible world and all the stimulations to our senses and minds. these are our human condition, our recognition of self, our markers of the great advance we call life!

•we believe the heart of humanity has been based on our images — painted, drawn, printed, filmed and digitized.

•we believe the heart of humanity has been based on our objects (functional and nonfunctional) — sculpted,

is a perfect companion. the Scholar Courtyard, adjacent to the curatorial offices, is designed to bring the feeling of outdoors to the indoors. As the trees mature, there will be no need for artificial shade. the design also addressed the issue of light, utilizing as much natural light as possible, similar to Renzo Piano’s main museum building, but having to recognize the demands of works on paper. the design allows for natural light, so that one can feel the passage of time. It is important, Johnson said, that one can see the clouds passing by.

In the study room, where visitors can make appointment to study works from the collection, the light from the skylight is controlled according to the needs of the work by a series of scrims and shades. the light can be set exactly as it would be on view in the gallery to help the curators determine how the work can be exhibited. the walls are grey so that the paper stands out against them. the study room and the conservatory are close by each other to ease in the relationship between the two disciplines.

From a technical standpoint, the storage area is intriguing. It is underground, which seems like a strange choice. the architects consulted the Flood Institute at Rice university to design a space that is like a bathtub inside another room. this allows the room to have a space that will allow for drainage. the Menil campus is at a high point in the city, and hurricane harvey did not cause any issue — Johnston said the building was far enough along to give a good test of the system. In the unlikely event that flooding exceeds harvey levels, there are four-foot flood doors that rise up — which do not require power — which will give time to remove the archives. the gallery adjacent to the living room will host exhibitions. the current exhibition is “the Condition of Being here: drawings by Jasper Johns,” which features works from the Menil Collection or promised to the collection, as well as works borrowed from Johns. the Menil Collection is a jewel in the houston arts community’s crown, and the new drawing Institute is a magnificent addition to the campus. the building not only houses art; it is art itself.

For more, visit www.menil.org.

thrown, carved, cast, performed and constructed.

•we believe the heart of humanity has been based on our performances — composed, played, sung, acted and danced.

•we believe the heart of humanity has been based on our words, spoken and written — poetry, prose, essays, manuscripts, references, blogs and texts.

•we believe these disciplines have bound the world as unified through the acceptance of art as a universal language.

•we believe art raises our mind. no culture is bereft of some form of creativity based on belief, beauty or function.

•we believe art is imperative to our intellect.

•we believe art is indelible in the soul of people even when it is not utilized.

•we believe art makes children brighter, mentally agile and far more capable to face the world.

•we know a society, with a strong cultural base, is happier, more secure and innovative.

•we believe that to affirm this idea and support our efforts to create a society that can proliferate the notion that arts are essential to your wellbeing, you have made a first step to a community that is viable, strong and compassionate.

•to realize the highest potential that a young person can achieve to compete in the world as an artist or, at the least, a well-rounded, open and intelligent adult.

•to making it clear that art has everything to do with economic and population growth through positive community diversity based on race, gender, religion, income, origin or profession.

•to doing our utmost to champion the right of everyone to artistic expression.

•to applying our best skills and abilities to maintaining an institution that provides a bastion of hope and support for the arts.

•to offer our services through knowledge, equipment or presence, to aid those educators committed to bringing the arts to our children.

•to expanding and growing this organization through all means possible to better serve the local community.

•to making this organization deserving of your support.

the Art Studio is committed: •to help artists to realize their full potential as creative beings through exhibitions, teaching, workspaces and moral and practical support.

•to preserve and proliferate traditional art techniques and practices while embracing new and innovative art processes.

•to provide opportunity for the artists to interact with the community as a whole through exhibits and education.

•to offer our youth an atmosphere of creativity, support and knowledge in a safe and secure environment.

Revolt against the ordinary. Stand against the tyranny of the banal. the mundane world offered by our oppressors is intolerable to the creative mind. hold against the gruel of mediocrity fed to us as if it were ambrosia from the gods. Rise up to high ground as we stand above the lost souls who turn their eyes away from the light of creativity.

Bask with us in the loving radiance of arts salvation gained through years of dogged determination. we have the passion to persevere through adversity, the single-minded focus to realize our goals, and the sheer will, though hard work and dedication, to foster a vision of hope for the future for our community committed to the cultural health of our precious corner of texas. there is a critical player to this art precipice — your participation! the presence of community is imperative lest we hold in our hands a mere building, an empty box of bricks.

14 • ISSUE December 2018

Volume 25, No. 4

Around & About

If you come across any interesting exhibitions, museums or other places on your travels, share them with us. Call 409-838-5393, or contact us through our web site at www.artstudio.org. Be sure to include the location and dates of the subject, as well as any costs.

local artist GRACE MEGNET will be the CONTEMPORARY LOCAL ARTIST SHOW SERIES featured artist at FINDER’S FAYRE ART AND ANTIQUES GALLERY, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. dec. 6.

Megnet’s show JUST BECAUSE will exhibit her latest works, with many created especially for this event, as part of the ongoing C.l.A.S.S. series featuring local artists.

Finder’s Fayre is located at 1485 Calder Ave. in Beaumont.

For more information, call 409-8337000. ________

the lamar university department of art will host SPECTRUM, the fall 2018 SENIOR THESIS SHOW, in the dishman Art Museum, nov. 30-dec. 15.

“Spectrum” will feature works from students Rebecca Broussard, Cristina Cabrera, James holt, Andy Ramos, edgar Sanchez and Becca Jo Stephens.

Projects include a fashion brand, a typeface that creates an illusion, digital photographs addressing the metaphorical

meanings of nightmares, sci-fi illustrations and a cinemograph series. the senior thesis exhibition is the final requirement of art majors before being rewarded the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in studio art or graphic design.

Prince thomas, lu professor of photography, said the thesis program is unique to lamar’s art program due to its similarity to what higher level art students will experience.

“It is unique in the sense that most university art programs do not require a thesis from their undergraduate students,” he said. “You simply take the required courses and the student graduates. whereas at lamar, we require our students to go through a formal thesis process very similar to what students have to do to get their Master of Fine Arts degree in art. the opening reception for “Spectrum” will be nov. 30 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. the dishman Art Museum is located on the corner of Mlk Parkway and east lavaca. ________

the STARK MUSEUM OF ART celebrates the holiday season with an encore exhibit of SPIRIT OF BETHLEHEM: THE BOEHM PORCELAIN NATIVITY. the exhibit will be on view in the museum’s lobby through Jan. 5.

Spirit of Bethlehem tells the Christmas story through the figures of a 16-piece nativity scene in white bisque porcelain.

Boehm Porcelain (founded in 1950) produced the set of figurines in the years 1979-1983. Centuries of tradition inspired the artisans of the Boehm studios. they followed the Biblical accounts enriched by medieval stories in designing the porcelain sculptures. the set includes the Christian holy family and those gathered at the manger such as angels, shepherds, kings, townspeople and animals. the works of edward Marshall Boehm (1913-1969), founder of Boehm Porcelain, also gave inspiration to the project. Boehm established the firm’s identity with his naturalistically modeled

birds in porcelain, but he also made works with religious subjects.

Spirit of Bethlehem is a gift to the Stark Museum from the estates of david and Sara lindsey.

Stark Museum of Art is located at 712 Green Ave.

NEW AND RENEWING MEMBERS

kwanzaa edwards Joe & Rosemary elwell kristen elzey Jose esparza-Rico Albert & Amy Faggard Susan Chu Sylvia Clubb Scott and Jen Comeaux Celia Crittenden Jessica davis uliana trylowsky & Jesse doiron Jacob dugas karen & Beau dumesnil Cheryl dunnels Mary e. "Beth" dupree don eckols Sunny Breland Mallory Brown olivia Busceme Guadalupe Cabrera Michael S. Cacioppo Sarah M. Cannatella Jerica Carrier Bryan Castino Charles Celestine Stephanie Chadwick dexter S. Augier ken Baskin C. delle Bates linnis & duyen Blanton kathleen Boudreaux Mike Bourne Patricia Pittman

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 nonprofit 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 nine 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

Volume 25, No. 4

Thoughtcrime Submission Guidelines and Disclaimer ISSUE solicits 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 and may be sent to TASI by email or by messaging the ISSUE Facebook page.

The opinions expressed in “Thoughtcrime” do not necessarily reflect the opinions of TASI, its Board of Directors, ISSUE’s editorial staff, or donors to TASI. Send typed works to:

Silence I close my eyes and I feel your touch when all is silent I hear you speak I open my heart, ears and eyes And nothing is there Silence.

Grief gets no greeting no salutations for the soul

(a found poem from A Book of Pot Pourri) flee away

pure love refusal

long-lasting affection is fleeting when love has nowhere go

temptation

Silence listen, holding breathe You’re still not here Silence Stephan Malick

Pennyroyal

pure and ardent love

inconstancy

Murmurs, heartbeats all run with a pulse the only sound is my own

Authors must submit a daytime telephone number and email along with all submissions. Pen names are acceptable, but authors must supply real names for verification. All printed works are protected by copyright. The author retains rights to any published work. ISSUE does not notify rejection by mail or telephone.

“Chapter XIII”

Silence

Silence

ISSUE 720 Franklin St. Beaumont, TX 77701 or e-mail info@artstudio.org

love

Red Double Pink Red Single Pink Variegated Pink Evening Primrose Quince Rose

unconscious beauty

Burgundy Rose

pleasure and pain

Dog Rose

capricious beauty

Musk Rose

I declare war against you Tansy

Jesse Doiron

December 2018 ISSUE • 15

It Is What It Is I’m struggling right now. death and disappointment have reared their ugly heads.

I’m seeing red.

I hate these two sleeping partners in my bed. we tussle, we wrestle I growl I throw in the towel.

I’m struggling right now

I’m tired of putting on my big girl panties. tired of this world raising up the antes tired of being responsible and tough tired of saying “I got this!” enough is enough how much more will my God allow?

I’m struggling right now.

I’ve had my share of taking care of business. doing it all plus washing the dishes It’s time for me to fulfill my wishes, but instead my hopes land face first in muddy ditches. lord please tell me how?

I'm struggling right now.

I know I've been blessed In a mighty way.

I try my best not to go astray.

But I know there's more to life than my story portrays.

I hope to find happiness within me someday.

Because the outside world is destined to betray.

So I continue my journey grinding to this day, but I’m struggling right now.

Dorothy Sells Clover

720 Franklin, Beaumont, Texas 77701

Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Permit #135 Beaumont, TX

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

INSIDE • TASI’S MOULIN ROUGE FUNDRAISER • THOUGHTCRIME: MUSINGS FROM AREA POETS • GEEK’S HOLIDAY GUIDE • SCHIELE

When you support The Art Studio with your membership, you receive ISSUE, Southeast Texas’ and Southwest Louisiana’s alternative press, as well as class schedules, invitations to opening receptions and various Studio functions.

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.

elizabeth Fontenot Bryan Castino heather & Adam Butler Rhonda Rodman Sue wright Rhonda Mcnally John Roberts Beau dumesnil karen dumesnil Sheila Busceme kailee Viator Stephan Malick terri Fox Michelle Falgout Stacey haynes Joe winston John Fulbright Mark Jacobson nathaniel welch Gina Garcia Jack hays tyler hargraves Aslinn Garcia Paisley Polk Zoe williams Rana Matthews Caroline Badon david Granitz latasha hagan James king Madison Rose Stuckey dawn S. Fischer Madison Bonds Chris Garcia taylor Vandevender Jaycie henderson nathan west kay o'neal olivia Busceme Chad Barrows

JOIN US

FOR ART OPENINGS ON THE FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

THIS MONTH:

THE ART STUDIO, INC. DEC. 1 & 8, 2018

HOLIDAY S HOP -O - RAMA EXTRAVAGANZA OPENING RECEPTION IS DECEMBER 1, 7-10 P.M.

this project was funded in part by the B.A. & e.w. Steinhagen Benevolent trust through the Southeast texas Arts Council.

ISSUE

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