Decorative Artist Exchange Forum

We have created a forum for all of us to start dialogues about subjects that pertain to our industry and subjects that do not. The blog will act as our website for now (keeping it industry related only) and the forum will be for discussions (anything goes).
The forum’s address is: http://groups.google.com/group/decorative-artist-exchange

Art Business book

Hi everyone. Thanks for an enjoyable night last night.
The book that lays out the contract for "commissioned pieces" ie: murals, is titled:
This Business of Art by Diane Cochrane

I bought my copy from ebay, or half.com, amazon or somewhere like that. I would suggest checking books out at the library before buying them. It gives you a good idea of if they are worth your time and money. (book stores are also useful)

Have a great afternoon.

Stef

PS: We were talking to the owner of Shay's and had an idea to follow up on a dream/idea of hers. She had envisioned people coming in and giving them crosses to hang on the large curved ceiling/wall. She imagines that there would be many crosses overlaying or gathered together. I have been spreading the word through the school and community and trying to get people to drop in and hang a cross. This is great publicity for the store but also for the christian community that needs to support other Christian Businesses. Please go in again and hang a cross!! Let any friends know and media people if you know them!

Thank You & Logo Contest

Thank you to the artists who came to our May meeting. Thank you for all of your inspirational ideas and positive attitudes. The Decorative Artist Exchange is on its way to contribute greatly to Huntsville, Alabama, and the southeast… just to start. Please contact Alissa if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for our group and meeting agendas. Alissa will be sending everyone a list of members’ contact information in the next few weeks.

Any great organization needs a Logo. The Decorative Artist Exchange invites you and/or a graphic designer you know to design and donate an original logo to be submitted by our June 19th meeting. We are looking for a professional, clean design that will be timeless yet creative and translate well in all advertising mediums.

June Meeting

The Decorative Artist Exchange meet the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 6:30pm. Our next meeting is June 19, 2007 at Shea’s Express. Visit http://www.cynsheas.com/express/ for directions and menu options.

Book of Interest: Murals/Drawing

“Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain” by Betty Edwards is a fabulous book that teaches you technical skills to improve your murals/artwork. Using this book, it is easy to set aside a half hour very day/week to read and practice a “lesson”. You will see fast results, improving your work quickly.

Book of Interest: Decorative/Faux Finish Pricing

“Faux Estimating Made Easy” by Lynn H. Fife is an excellent book/resource that teaches you how to properally bid jobs. Get fair prices for your clients and your business. Their website is http://www.evergreentech.net/ or http://www.gofaux.com/ and their phone number is 800.697.5413. They also sell software you can order or download off of the site to make bidding easier.

Meeting Reminder

Tuesday, May 22, 2006
6:30 @ Shea's Express on Church Street

Directions and menu: http://www.cynsheas.com/express/

Please Bring:
-Business Cards
-Picture and/or sample portflio

Average To Art's Huntsville Hospital Pediatric Playground Mural Project

Average To Art was asked to paint the 66’ x 13’ exterior mural for the Huntsville Hospital Pediatric Playground. We painted it over about 14 days, averaging 10-12 hours a day, adding hidden elements along the way. It was a terrific experience and can’t wait for the kid’s to enjoy.

Thanks to our contributors:
-Average To Art Team:

Alissa Murnane (Mural Design/Character Development/Painter),

Austin Ramsay (Technical Advisor/Painter),

Judy Mosley (Technical Advisor, Painter),

Cindy Pressnell (Character Development/Painter)
-Howard Studios Ltd. provided character sketches
-The Blinds & Borders ladies helped “color in the lines”

If you are in the Huntsville Hospital area, stop by and see the mural.

DAE's Next Meeting

You are cordially invited to our next Decorative Artist Exchange meeting Tuesday, May 22, 2007 at 6:30pm at Shea’s Express. They have great atmosphere, coffee drinks, desserts and an extensive lunch/dinner menu. To see more and get directions, click on the link http://www.cynsheas.com/express/

We are trying our best to reach as many finishers and muralists in the area to be a part of the Exchange. If you know of any PROFESSIONALS in the field, please feel free to invite them along or pass on the information to Alissa Murnane (Average To Art) and we will contact them directly.

Decorative Artist Exchange History

Sample Provided by Average To Art

The Decorative Artist Exchange was founded by Alissa Murnane (Average To Art, Inc) and Lou Ann Lanier (Faux & Beyond Faux Finishing Studio) in the summer of 2005. Our goal was, and still is, to establish a positive working relationship and build a network of professional decorative/faux finishers and muralist in the Tennessee Valley.