Great to see that the 'arts' are alive and well in Montclair.

Not only does the township have a fine Art Museum (with a national reputation) but there are many fine venues throughout the township to display the works of local artists.

Yes the art community established by George Inness in the 1880's continues to thrive.

Let's just hope that the rising price of real estate in Montclair doesnt eventually price the art community out of the town!

Perhaps the Mayor and town council members can creativley establish an artist housing zone - similar to Westbeth in Greenwich Village, NYC?

It is time to value and preserve the artist community that is an intregal part of Montclair's image and history.

Posted by: Franklin | Sep 30, 2005 9:37:06 AM

Where was this photo taken? I too, would love to see "Divers" even though it's too rich for my blood.

Posted by: patrick | Sep 30, 2005 9:54:35 AM

That's at Gallery 51 at 51 Church Street, with a whole bunch of other great paintings by Bud McNichol.

Posted by: The Barista | Sep 30, 2005 9:57:42 AM

Obviously, artists are being "priced out" of Montclair when they must charge so much for their work.
But, art is only worth what someone is willing to pay. Thank goodness for patrons who value art and its importance in our world.

Posted by: grme | Sep 30, 2005 12:20:18 PM

I couldn't believe the talent of Peter Jacobs and Kevin Lee Allen on display at Intimate Engagements. I thought Allen was a talent but not that good.

Makeready Press has an unbelievable showplace for art. I was amazed at what I saw when I passed through the doors. Unfortunately only six people checked them out last night.

I heard that the Mayor and Deputy Mayor skipped over some venues on their guided tours. Probably a lack of time. That's unfortunate. The shop owners invested tons time and money with the hope of hosting many guests last night.

I hope this event returns in the future.

Garrett Morrison

Posted by: Garrett Morrison | Sep 30, 2005 3:52:28 PM

Garrett,

Thanks for the compliments. I too hope the event becomes an annual affair. I suggested to Irisha (the owner of Intimate Engagements and chair of the event) and Phoebe Pollinger that they continue to hold the event on the last Thursday of September and begin now to plan for next year.

I have to think that Makeready Press saw more than six people all night. I spent a good part of the evening on the stoop in front of Intimate Engagements (I had already seen the art). I saw a fair number of people in and around Makeready. I estimate that we had 25-30 visitors in Intimate Engagements.

All in all, not a bad first year.

Deputy Mayor Micheaelson stopped at Intimate Engagements and dashed down to Makeready, she was hoping to join Mayor Remsen at a Master Plan public hearing.

There are many demands on the council's time. I thank them for their hosting the event.

Posted by: Kevin Lee Allen | Sep 30, 2005 4:26:42 PM

gee..just think, if it was video taped..
how many others, who could not have been there, would have been able to see such a grand event as this, and perhaps have a chance to hear the artists talk about their work...

golly..just think, if it was video taped, what a great marketing tool it would be for promoting this event for next year...

gee, just think, if it was video taped, and then, maybe aired on Tv - 34, our community could have shared with so many
other people( tv - 34 broadcasts to West Orange, Verona, and Glen Ridge too ) the wonderful Art happenings here in Montclair...

golly, just think, how usefull this would have been, for example, if and when, applications for Art grants, suggest, or ask for, a video of Art activties, that groups who are applying for said grants, would be able to submit...

gee...Just Think!!

Posted by: wayne robbins | Sep 30, 2005 11:59:34 PM

I missed it. Why was it not video taped?

Posted by: Sebastian | Oct 1, 2005 1:18:58 AM

Gee..just think, if it was video taped?

Gee..just think, was this a peronal ad for business?

Gee... it would have been great if someone did video tape the art happenings in Montclair as a public service.

Gee...Channel 34 does invite individuals and organizations to submit video tapes of events and happenings in the community.

Gee...Let's keep the 'profit' out of video taping for channel 34!

Posted by: Franklin | Oct 1, 2005 7:54:24 AM

Sebastian, I have no idea...For many years, I had, on my own, with my own money, video taped many town activities that happened in Montclair.

Sometimes, I need help in doing these projects, when I had asked for some help with some expenses, to cover the tapes needed, I was told there was not any money in the budget to do this.

I was looking to just keep my own expenses in check, ( not to make a profit, my good man Franklin ). If you add up what I have spent over the years, I'd say I 'm in the Red for almost 80% of my own costs.

And although airing such events on Tv - 34, I feel, would benefit our community, many are not, the videos were used by the org. ( non profits ) to have as a great visual of the event,
and to help them in their own marketing.

Supporting Artists is major, and there should be as much of that going on as possible.

Posted by: wayne robbins | Oct 1, 2005 9:31:01 AM

Gee...is Channel 34 a non-commerical cable channel?

Gee..is the video taped program "Inside Montclair" done as a public service?

Gee...is there a fee charged for the video taped store promos on "Inside Montclair"?

Gee..would the video tapes of art activities be available to groups who are applying for grants at cost?

Gee..that would truly be a public service.

Or do I see a profit center/market niche here?

Ge...the ARTS need patrons NOT profiteers!

Posted by: Franklin | Oct 1, 2005 4:57:04 PM

Wow Franklin.
I fault business men for seeking profits in the middle east. You fault them for doing the all american thing here in the usa. And i am the big bad conservative.

Posted by: Sebastian | Oct 1, 2005 7:32:40 PM

My Dear Franklin..its nice to know that all the people I have been working with over the last 9 years understand how community access programming works, and they also understand all that I have given to this community.

Perhaps before you start making such false statements about what I do, you should get the facts right..

Here , for your benefit is what I do.

I am an independent producer of local community programming. I get nothing from the township to produce my cable show. It is allowed, to ask for a sponsorship to cover the cost of production of such programs.

In all the years I've been doing this, I've spent a lot more then I raised..When I ask for help in producing my show, I'm looking to cover at least some of it back..I do not make money at this, believe me, not even close like I said before. Any funds collected, goes for supplies only ( maybe you should ask people what I get, then you'll understand).

And yes, Tv - 34 is a non commercial station, and like any other PBS broadcast, one can look for help in producing it, not to make money from it.

For many years, I've covered activities/ events, related to the Arts / Music, on my own, spent thousands of hours, and my own money producing them..and then, some are submited to Tv - 34, for possible airing. I have received "0" funding for about 99% of these, yet I do it anyway.

And yes, when an org. or group, wants a copy of such, I just ask them for a blank tape for me to make them a copy..I'm not looking to make money in doing that..

So before you start making such statements, get your facts right..and while you're at it..lets see the list of what you've been doing for the town lately.

Posted by: wayne robbins | Oct 1, 2005 7:57:31 PM

Keep up the good work, Wayne.

Posted by: Bitpusher | Oct 1, 2005 11:02:56 PM

My Dear Wayne:

Thanks for your prompt response.

But for clarification I did not make "false statements" in my previous positing -- as an advocate for public access television -- I raised some legitimate questions and concerns.

Your response is appreciated.

However, in order to facilitate the taping of community events and activities, perhaps the township and/or channel 34 can offer video taping workshops which would provide individuals and community organization with the technical expertise to produce their own video tapes for airing on Channel 34?

BTW - re: your statement in your previous posting "and while you're at it..lets see the list of what you've been doing for the town lately" -- do I sense an air of defensiveness on your part. Please note that many individuals choose to engage in community activities anonymously and without the need for 'ego gratification' or to seek to profit from their community involvement.

Posted by: Franklin | Oct 2, 2005 9:38:53 AM

I see you Anne Marie....always hobnobbing with the beautiful people! Is there anyone in town that she doesn't know.....

Posted by: emsquared | Oct 3, 2005 9:21:07 AM

Anyone who missed Thursday's Artwalk can still view the art through November. We have maps for self guided tours at Church Street Cafe.

I agree w/ Kevin (gasp! faint...) that this should be an annual event, but submit that if the opening was held on a weekend afternoon attendance would skyrocket.

Franklin - Wayne...profiteer??? Please stop by the Cafe & drop off a little bit of what you've been smoking.

Posted by: Greg Spinelli | Oct 3, 2005 11:54:55 AM