Blog Post #9

Marketing Team: Lauren Baum, Meliah Bell, Katelynn Burg, Stephanie Slavin

Poster: Has been designed by Katelynn and Meliah - and emailed to msub printer services. If it is not done printing today, it will be first thing monday morning 3-24-17.

Meliah will make corrections to poster and postcard. Leanne will order postcards as soon as possible. (corrections have been made 3-21-17).

Posters have been ordered and printed 3-24-17

Posters have been distributed by Katelynn and Meliah, Wednesday March 29. On campus, elevator bulletin boards, SUB, ASMSUB office, Housing, Library and stingers cafe.

Katelynn and Meliah also distributed posters to City Brew & Starbucks in the heights, heights and downtown Albertsons, City Brew on 27th St North, Rock Creek Cafe, Downtown Pita Pit, and House of Books bookstore. 4-4-17

Lauren distributed posters to - Hobby Lobby was able to hang a poster in their break room, Albertsons on Central, West End City Brew, Natural Grocers, Jo-Ann’s Fabric store.

Stephanie distributed posters to -
   2905
   Billings Clinic
       1st and 3rd floor break rooms of the cancer center
       Financial support service break room
       Quality Insurance break room
       Patient Account break room

Press Release: Leanne to send a template of last years 2016 juried student exhibition to meliah. Then send to Lauren to begin working on 2017 press release. Lauren emailed to Leanne, Tuesday March 28, 2017

TV Promotion on campus: Katelynn, Meliah, and Lauren spoke to Student Services in the SUB and created a mp4 of PP slide for jury show. 

Katelynn created a mp4 PP slide for the pottery sale.

Stephanie emailed Meliah her image and artist statement for her show and also created a PP slide

Meliah created a slide for her show and emailed it to Leanne, as well as the slide for the pottery sale.

Lauren corresponded with Brandee in student services about the slide for TV’s around campus. A new slide was made and emailed to her by Lauren 3-31-17, and Brandee said it will be put up on the screens over the weekend.

Katelynn converted the powerpoint presentation to a mp4 file to be displayed on the monitor by the elevator. 3-31-17

Billings Gazette: Lauren need to get the press release sent in order to have submitted to newspaper

Jaci Webb is the lady to contact. Lauren made an event on the event calendar for Billings Gazette.

MailChimp E-Blast: Once the poster corrections have been made (corrections have been made 3-21-17), an e-blast can be sent out to the NSG mail list - need password and login from Leanne

Meliah and Katelynn compiled the mailchimp template, and will be proofread by Leanne. 3-31-17

Meliah helped with lighting of the show and started the labels template for Brenna and Meagan on Wednesday April 5th, 9-11am.

Facebook Event has been made by Meliah on Thursday March 30.

Images of receptions and post to social media i.e. facebook, instagram, twitter etc.  - Stephanie took images of Chasing Time reception 3-23-17 with personal camera

Stephanie will video tape install of student show. Also created a slide mp4 for the monitor by elevators. 3-31-17

Stephanie also posted install of student show to NSG facebook page.

Blog Post #8

Toucan Gallery Visit

Functional considerations:

• Has traffic flow been planned for in the gallery space?
• Traffic flow has been planned for this space. I have been here during artwalks and although it can become crowded rather quickly, traffic seems to run smoothly throughout the facility. 
• How has the space been designed to serve multiple purposes (frame shop; openings; boutique, etc.)? Do you see any potential problems with traffic flow or the exhibition of artworks? If so, what are they?
• The owners of Toucan have designed a shelving system to display artwork, which I think is genius. Rather than having to hang up artwork every time an artist sends in new artwork, they place it on shelves at the front of the gallery so it is the first thing you notice when you walk in. Aside from the many ceramic art they have on display too. The space serves three main purposes: Art display, boutique, and framing. 

Formal considerations:

• Describe the typographic aesthetics: evaluate its effectiveness. How do the choices of fonts, etc. on the signs and signage complement or detract from the artwork?
• Due to the diversity of products the Toucan sells, there is no typographic aesthetics that detracts from the artwork. There is much to take in and observe. They mainly have one sign with the business name located in the very front display.
• Is there visual unity of elements/components within the displays in the gallery space and within the window displays? Explain why or why not? Is there a clear information hierarchy throughout? If so, how is this achieved?
• I noticed there is not much signage that reminds you that the establishment is called the Toucan Gallery. They do have small business cards and stickers by the registers next to the framing part of the gallery.
• Does the gallery seem to have a visual style? If so, describe it. Is it appropriate to the type of gallery this is? Why or why not?
• It is evident that the Toucan features specific artists that are very colorful and full of life. While they are not a typical Montana Western art gallery, they do feature some western designs such as horses, mountains, copper fish, etc. They are very diverse in their selection which includes a variety of wearable art like scarves, jewelry, and hats. 

Conceptual considerations:

• Describe the overall message of the gallery (as you understand it) in one sentence. You may wish to refer to the gallery website.
• Toucan Gallery offers a variety of attainable artwork made from local artists of Montana.
• Does the organization of the work in the gallery have a linear sequence (a beginning and ending point), or is it a fluid sequence (the visitor can start at any point in the exhibit and move to any other point?)?
• The gallery has a fluid sequence, in which a patron can enter the space and move about as they please. 
• Is the type of sequence effective? If not, how would you improve it?
• Sometimes it seems as though there is so much to look at and is exciting when you turn around and see another display you may have missed and can go back and explore through the gallery some more. 

Visitor observations:

• What do you believe would be the most and least popular aspects of this gallery space for visitors under the age of 25?
• The most interesting aspects of this gallery space for a visitor under 25 would most likely be the smaller ceramics, hand made cards, scarves, or hats. The jewelry would be too but might be moderately expensive. Least popular aspects would be buying artwork. Since most 25 year olds may or may not be extremely wealthy to afford a $500 painting or work of art. 
• What are the most and least popular aspects of this gallery for visitors over the age of 25?
• I imaging everything about the establishment would be popular for someone over 25. There's not even a least popular aspect I would imagine either. 
• Can visitors share their experiences of the art with others, or are they designed to be individual artistic experiences? Explain.
• Yes, and yes. Everything about the Toucan is an artistic endeavor! 
• If you could change one thing in this gallery space, what would it be? Why?
• I would change the layout of the entire space. I understand it is an old building that is also historic. But the layout obstructs their capability to house more art. If they had a separate room for framing with a workshop for it next to it as well, I think they would be able to house more art and boutique product. 

Blog Post #7

Artist Letter of Agreement:

1500 University Drive

Billings, MT 59101-0245

Northcutt Steele Gallery

Leanne Gilbertson, Gallery Director

Liberal Arts Building; Rm 100

406-657-2903

Leanne.Gilbertson@MSUBillings.edu

Dear Deborah:

Thank you for agreeing to exhibit your work at the Northcutt Steele Gallery. 

Below is the agreement for your visit. Also included is a contract for your agreement. Please read these over carefully and contact me should you have any questions or concerns. 

If all is on order, please sign and date these and return them to me no later than May 1, 2017.

Thank you,

Leanne 

Artist Agreement

• Artist Name: Deborah Bright

• Address: Pratt Institute, Dept. of Fine Art; 200 Willoughby Avenue; Brooklyn, NY 11205

• Phone: (401) 345-6734

• E-mail: dbrightnyc@gmail.com

• Delivery Date: September 1, 2017 (to be received by gallery no later than)

• Return Date: October 26, 2017 (to be returned to the artist no later than)

• Exhibition Date: September 6, 2017 through October 19, 2017

• Reception Date: September 7, 2017

Insurance: Work exhibited at the Northcutt Steele Gallery will be insured for the wholesale value against theft, loss, or damage incurred while on the Montana State University Billings campus. This does not include damage due to faulty craftsmanship or damage incurred before receipt of artworks. Montana State University Billings is responsible for damage incurred during return shipping if an insured bonded carrier such as UPS, Fed Ex or a professional art handler ships the work.

Inventory: The gallery must receive a signed insurance/inventory list detailing title, description (size, media), date and value of the work to be exhibited, prior to the artist shipping of the artwork.

Shipping: The artist will provide shipping of the work to the gallery and the gallery will make arrangements for return of work as mutually agreed upon.

Sales: A twenty-five percent (25%) commission fee will be retained from all works sold during the exhibition.

Compensation:

• The artist will be paid an honorarium of $600 for two class presentations and a public conversation with an artist reception immediately following on September 7, 2017.

• The artist will receive a consulting fee of $200 for her work over the course of three days (approx. 3 hours/day).

• The artist shall perform these services and the University shall not pay any assistants or substitutes to the artist in their performance under this agreement.

• The payment for these services shall be made within 30 days of completion of services, and upon artist’s submission of W-9 if a US taxpayer.

Lodging: Montana State University Billings Northcutt Steele Gallery shall book and pay for three nights (9/7, 9/8, 9/9) lodging in a hotel of our choice. 

Meals: The artist will not be provided with meals during the visit.

Artist’s work may be photographed during the exhibition for publicity purposes. Work may also be photographed by amateur and students photographers for educational use.

ARTIST 

Signature: _______________________________________

Name: _Deborah Bright____________________________

Title: _Being and Riding____________________________

Date: ___________________________________________

MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY BILLINGS

Signature: ______________________________________

Name: _Leanne Gilbertson_________________________

Title: _Northcutt Steele Gallery Director_______________

Date: __________________________________________

 
 

Exhibition Contract

AGREEMENT made as of the 1st day of May, 2017 between Deborah Bright (hereinafter referred to as the "Artist"), and Northcutt Steele Gallery, Montana State University Billings (hereinafter referred to as the "Exhibitor").

The AGREEMENT as is follows:

1. Creation and Title. The Artist hereby warrants that the Artist created and possesses unencumbered title to the works of art listed and described on the attached Gallery Schedule and has the right to loan these works for purpose of exhibition.

2. Duration of Loan, Manner of Exhibition, and Fee. The Artist hereby agrees to loan to the Exhibitor the works listed on the Gallery Schedule beginning September 1, 2017 and ending October 26, 2017. The exhibitor agrees to exhibit these works for no less than 28 days during this time period as part of the exhibition titled: Being and Riding. Northcutt Steele Gallery hours are 8am-4pm, Monday through Friday. These works shall be exhibited in a solo exhibition.

3. Delivery, Condition, and Care. The Artist shall be responsible for arranging to have the works listed on the Gallery Schedule shipped to the Exhibitor. All costs of delivery (including transportation and insurance) to the Exhibitor shall be paid by the Artist. The Gallery Director and Gallery Professional Practices class will be receiving and ensuring proper handling, storage, and installation of the work. The Exhibitor agrees to transmit a written report to the Artist within five working days of the delivery of the works, specifying their condition and whether they appear in any way in need of repair. Further, the Exhibitor agrees to use the same standard of care for the works as it uses for comparable works in its own collection. The Exhibitor shall return the works by the date specified in Paragraph 2 for the conclusion of the loan. The Exhibitor shall pay for the costs of delivery (including transportation and insurance) of the works back to Artist.

4. Loss or Damage and Insurance. The Exhibitor shall be responsible for loss or damage of artwork for the duration of the exhibition and until it has been returned back to the Artist. Insurance coverage during transportation to the Northcutt Steele Gallery, MSU Billings, shall be the responsibility of the Artist. Insurance coverage during transportation to the artist from the Northcutt Steele Gallery, MSU Billings shall be the responsibility of the Exhibitor.

5. Use of Work. The Exhibitor hereby agrees that the loan of the works under this Agreement is solely for purposes of exhibition and that no other uses shall be made of the work, such as uses including but not limited to commercial exploitation, broadcasts, or other reproduction. The Exhibitor further agrees that the works shall be kept at the following location: Northcutt Steele Gallery, MSU Billings, and shall not be moved or displayed elsewhere without the express, written consent of the Artist.

6. Condition of Work (Framing, Installation, Cleaning, and Repairs). The Artist shall be responsible for delivering undamaged, ready for display artwork to the Exhibitor by the agreed delivery date. The Exhibitor shall not be responsible for proper installation of work that is not properly framed, wired, mounted, etc. All framed artwork must have a secure wire on the back and all three-dimensional work should have a sound base. In the event special installation is required for the display of any work, the labor and equipment involved shall be outlined in the Gallery Schedule and paid for by the Artist. Exhibitor agrees that the Artist shall have sole authority to determine when cleaning or repairs are necessary and to perform them him/herself.

7. Copyright, Reproduction, and Promotion. The Artist reserves all reproduction rights, including the right to claim statutory copyright on all works on the Gallery Schedule.

The Exhibitor will provide an exhibition postcard. The Artist should provide an acceptable, print-ready digital image (300 dpi, 5”x7”, jpeg or jpeg with longest dimensions between 2100 and 3500 pixels) for reproduction at least 6 weeks before the opening of the show. The Exhibitor will make every effort to provide color postcards for the Artist. The Artist is also responsible for providing the Exhibitor two (2) copies of an Inventory List of the artworks that will be shown, including title, medium, price (for insurance purposes), and dimensions. 

Six weeks before the exhibition opening, the Artist shall also provide the Exhibitor with a short Biography paragraph, Artist Statement, and Resume for exhibition and promotional purposes. If desired, the Artist may provide the Exhibitor with a list of 25 names (consistently formatted) to be included within the mailing of the announcement postcards. The Exhibitor will also provide 25 cards to the Artist prior to the opening that the Artist may choose to mail. The Artist will note that the bulk mailing label located on the postcard that says “postage paid” is a bulk mailing label that used by the university and will need to affix postage. 

8. Right to Refuse works not listed in the schedule. The exhibitor shall retain the right to refuse for inclusion in this exhibition any work that has not been listed in the schedule of artworks.
9. Notices and Change of Address. All notices shall be sent to the Artist at the following address: Pratt Institute, Dept. of Fine Art; 200 Willoughby Avenue; Brooklyn, NY 11205, and to the Exhibitor at the following address: Northcutt Steele Gallery; 1500 University Drive; Billings, MT 59101. Each party shall give written notification of any change of address prior to the date of said change.

10. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Montana.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Deborah Bright and Northcutt Steele Gallery, Department of Art have signed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.



_________________________________________
NAME OF ARTIST                                            Date          
Artist                                                                  


_________________________________________
NAME OF REPRESENTATIVE                         Date
Northcutt Steele Gallery

Blog Post #6

                                                                   Northcutt Steele Gallery
 For Immediate Release

Press Release

The Performance of Dance and Nature
Digital Photograph
24”x30”

Meliah Bell
Natural Revelation

April 16-May 4, 2017

Reception: Thursday, April 20^th from 5:00 – 7:00pm

Natural Revelation is a senior capstone exhibition creatively produced by MSUB art student, Meliah Bell. Through a compilation of photography and painting, Bell portrays a mixed media approach to being a part of the world we were created in, rather than being a part of the world we created.

Through photography and painting, Bell brings into discussion the human emotional connection to nature. The human connection to nature translates to a Germanic word; Waldensamkeit: the feeling of solitude, being alone in the woods, and connectedness to nature.

The mixed media installation of Natural Revelation will be located in the Student Gallery of Northcutt Steele Gallery this spring. Meliah Bell will be graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from MSU Billings this coming May 2017. Bell hopes to pursue a career of directing and owning her own art gallery, as well as becoming a thriving artist.

This exhibition and reception are free and open to the public. The Northcutt Steele Gallery is open Monday through Friday 8:00-4:00pm.

Northcutt Steele Gallery
Liberal Arts Building, 1st Floor
1500 University Drive
Billings, MT  59101
Dr. Leanne Gilbertson, Gallery Director
406-657-2903
Leanne.Gilbertson@msubillings.edu

Blog Post #5

Reviews of Exhibition Calls:

1. http:// http://maep.mnartists.org

When directed to the Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program, I was instantly taken to the call for art submission page. It gave background info on the program so that considering artists would have an idea of what sort of program they are submitting to. There was also another link which could take you to learn of the Artist Panel they currently include. I did appreciate the fact that the submission deadline was bold and highlighted in bright fluorescent yellow which made it super easy to see and obvious. It gave the exact date and last possible hour that you can submit your proposal. On the website it also has specific instructions and guidelines for submissions. 

I thought it was very organized. It had a brief couple of paragraphs on information of the program, the deadline was easy to spot, and the instructions for submitting were readily available. 

One positive aspect of the site would be it is short and to the point. 

One negative aspect of this site would be that the call for submission did not specify if this is for a specific show or if any artist of any medium could submit. 

The design did not directly relate to the call for art because no info is given for specific shows. 

2. http://box13artspace.com/2014-2015-call-for-exhibition-proposals/

After plugging in the link to this submission website, I was directly taken to the exact page with the information on it. Box 13 Art Space gives another short bio on their gallery, the gallery space, and how they operate as a whole. It transitioned into the call for art rather smoothly. However, the submission deadline date and time are only in bold and not colored or highlighted for easy spotting. It goes on to give instructions on how to submit art and asks that considering artists only submit via email and not "snail mail". It also includes the submission criteria which I thought would be very helpful for an artist. 

The site is fairly organized. It's not hard to read or boring. But rather bland in design. It does feature a photo of a previous exhibition which is pleasing to the eye and may give considering artists an idea of the space. 

Positive: The site includes detailed instructions on submissions and the info the gallery specifically would like to receive when an artist submits.

Negative: The deadline is only listed once and after another quick skimming of the page, a person would have to look a few times to find the deadline date and time. 

The design only says it's accepting submissions for three specific gallery spaces or rooms, the Downstairs Galleries, the Window BOX gallery, and the Upstairs Gallery. But no dimensions of these spaces are given on the page. It would be helpful if the dimensions of these rooms were listed in case a sculptor who is considering applying, would be able to visualize the space they would possibly need. 

3. http://www.akimbo.ca/18558

Personally, this call for art website was the most visually pleasing. It had friendly colors, and features of the several programs they work with, as well as a quick look of their social media pages. Another great aspect was that it got right down to business. They were looking to hold a specific type of exhibition, a Flip Book exhibition, in which artists could pick a neighborhood of their choosing, and create an artist flip book in any medium they like. The information gave design specifics on how big the book should be too. The page is broken up into three different sections which makes it a lot easier to read through. One section for information of the exhibition and program, another for proposal criteria, and the last is for contact information and submission deadline date and time. It also includes the curator's name in the last section as well. 

Positive: Extremely well organzied. Easy to follow through and understand. Information is clear cut.

Negative: The deadline is colored in red letters, which could be hard for some with visual impairments to be able to see. 

The design does directly relate to the call for art, especially this is for a specific exhibition. And is nicely broken up into three different sections. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Northcutt Steele Gallery

Call for Art!

The Northcutt Steele Gallery offers a variety of exhibitions throughout the academic year featuring works of a diverse group of artists including international, national, regional, local, and student artists. Exhibitions are frequently accompanied by receptions, lectures, and in some cases special workshops. 

The Northcutt Steele Gallery is seeking artists who present a strong conceptually based artistic voice. Artists who have a cohesive body of work, and demonstrate a general knowledge of their materials and display an extensive level of artistic quality. The Northcutt also seeks artists who display a proficient level of professionalism. 

The Northcutt Steele Gallery is currently accepting proposals for October 2017 exhibitions.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: June 30, 2017 No later than 5pm.

Notification of acceptance will be sent the third week in July via email.

Submissions must include:

-Artist Statement (500 words or less)

-Artist CV (Please include email address for acceptance notification)

-Exhibition Proposal (up to 500 words)

-Image List
-At Least 12 Images on a CD or Flash Drive

-Please only submit artwork that has been created within the past 2 years. 

Submission can be sent to:

Northcutt Steele Gallery

Liberal Arts Building, 1st Floor
1500 University Drive
Billings, MT  59101
Dr. Leanne Gilbertson, Gallery Director
406-657-2903
Leanne.Gilbertson@msubillings.edu

Exhibition Label Revision

Exhibition Label Revision

By expressing moments of disconnectedness and vulnerability each figure in the confines of its each cell portrays the sensitivity that is associated with feeling exposed. Anxiety, helplessness and apathy are among the many emotions numerous people often deal with. Help is offered but is not accepted out of fear that the help from others would turn out to be in-genuine. According to Anxiety Disorder Statistics, approximately 40 million people between the ages of 18-54 struggle with an anxiety disorder. In an unfortunate occurrence, the people who face such emotional struggles, often don't know others are facing the same battles. 

Isolation
Oil on Paper
15" x 15"
2016

Vulnerable
Oil on Paper
15" x 15"
2016

Gallery Post #3

Exhibition Label

Vulnerable
Oil on Paper
15" x 15"
2016

This work is meant to express disconnectedness and vulnerable moments some may face in very personal and private moments. By depicting each figure within the confines of its own cell, this portrays the sensitivity that is associated with vulnerability.

Some feel utterly helpless while others experience apathy. The help from others seems ingenuine and out of fear we often do not accept this help. It is in our most private moments we decide if we are going to fall or pick ourselves back up and start again.