Habitat for Artists

2011-02-05T10:07:00.000-08:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/06/nyregion/06artwe.html

At the Studio Recycled in Peekskill , Artists Sharehttp://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/06/nyregion/06artwe.html

2011-02-05T10:02:00.000-08:00

Susan Hodara's article on the latest HFA project is out on line . Check out the link !

SOME RECENT THOUGHTS and IDEAS

2011-02-03T18:48:00.000-08:00

Winter is always a good time for deliberation and this year with a few good snow days already under our belts , thoughts and ideas have been prevalent . So in between the dig outs and the de icings we've been digging up some thoughts and scrapping off a few old plans of an HFA kind .

We've been wanting to start to move in a new direction for some time now especially with our various electronic feeds . FB has been steady , the HFA .org blog got some good play time with Michael Montella posting regularly and some cool stuff of a video kind , but the old original here has been wanting ....

So over the next few weeks we're going to start to turn the site over to some new writers ,and bloggers and let them post current articles ,and items of interest to artists and that elusive other audience from the region .... then start going further afar . Even to the WEST coast !!

Menawhile bear with us as we still post our ramblings from up the river and in and around Philipse Brooke , and await the February thaw .... (you think?) .

THE TEMPORARY PROJECT SPACE

2011-02-03T17:32:00.000-08:00

Alot has been happening in the world of HFA . We finished the indoor project at ROOS ARTS in Rosendale NY , packed most of the studios away at various locations including Stowe VT and now we have a NEW indoor project at a NEW location in Peekskill NY .We started with a mix of material and built a recycled studio at THE TEMPORARY PROJECT SPACE mid January and invited almost 30 artists to come by and make stuff .... along the lines of the Studio Recycled.

In between the snow storms and ice rain we've managed to get some works going with artists form Peekskill , Cold Spring , Garrison , Beacon and Rosendale . Part of the appeal is having a space we can show up almost any time and work together , outside of our normal or usual practice . Many of the artists got alot out of the working experience in Rosendale and we felt compelled to do it again .

THE TEMPORARY PROJECT SPACE is what ? Its a small , former store front used by a local T shirt business which moved out at the end of last year , in the small industrial area of Peekskill

off Rte 6 heading north . Throw a stone you might hit the HVCCA building ...more likely the RV place or that other fence company ....

Seriously its the Project Spaces intent to show a variety of groups work which dont always get air time at usual art venues .. such as Matthew Slaats PAUSE /Poughkeepsie project , Amy Lipton and ecoartspaceNY and a few others ...including HFA .

Its current location is 1215 Park St Peekskill NY stop by we're OPEN Saturdays Noon to 5pm

JUNE Residencies start at HHLT , NY

2010-05-12T13:34:00.000-07:00

We're hoping to get the studios rolling end of May at the Hudson Highland Land Trust in Philipstown NY . WE're kicking off with a local childrens group the "River of Words " led by Irene O Garden and Lisa Mechaley . The children will get a chance to help build the studio and will also create new tiles for its exterior re-purposing other material , continuing our theme of Recycling the Studio .

We have 12 artists scheduled to begin short term residencies at this site , once we have installed our small quadrangle of studios behind the HHLTs offices ... The artists are predominantly from the area as we want to minimize our travel foot print .. others will be taking the train which is close by .

Chris Kennedy and the School for the Future will be doing a work shop in June , and HFA will be making an exchange at the Schools project site in Bushwick NY in July . Dates to be confirmed .

HFA ARTISTS show works at RANK Realty

2010-05-01T19:33:00.000-07:00

Six artists in the Cold Spring area showed work at the new offices of RANK Realty . All the artists have worked with the HFA project over the past three years , and more to join as Art gets seen at Work . Current exhibitors include Richard Bruce , Kathy Feighery , Marnie Hillsley Grey Zeien, Simon Draper , Michael Natiello . Hudson Valley artists Tom Sarrantonio , Jeanne Englert and Carol Flaitz are also showing work at the new offices . Works from the previous show at Work Space Harlem also on show .. 3166 Rte 9 Cold Spring NY 10516

RECYCLED DRAWINGS go to ROOS ARTS

2010-05-01T19:26:00.000-07:00

Roos Arts Rosendale NY will be showing the RECYCLED Drawings from Chashama 112 exhibit in NYC , which closed yesterday . The HYBRID Recycled Studio will be going forward to be the first studio at Hudson Highland Land Trust Garrison NY with the River of Words Group ..more on that soon . The Recycled Drawings will be part of a benefit to bring a studio to Rosendale in July as part of the art celebrations end of that month .

RECYCLING the HYBRID STUDIO

2010-04-06T18:48:00.000-07:00

Recycling the studio parts to make the hybrid studio for the w.44th St ,Chashama space opening April17th .....

2010-03-28T06:55:00.000-07:00

RECYCLING the STUDIO opened on Friday March 26th , Twenty artists who have worked with the project since it began in 2008 up to this year . Some of the artwork directly comes from the artists working with the project or are examples of how it has changed their working method , others are of their "normal" working practice .....ALL inclusive methods !

On show at WORK SPACE HARLEM til April 24th , 2340 Fifth Ave NY NY 10037

Different artists from the show will be sitting on the weekends and working in the recycled studio in the gallery . SAT 11 to 5 SUN 11 to 4 or by appointment .

Artist RICHARD BRUCE will be sitting /working APRIL 3rd and 4th 2010

INSTALLATION BEGINS at WORK SPACE HARLEM

2010-03-25T03:34:00.000-07:00

The installation of the show began Wednesday at Work Space Harlem . Here the RECYCLED STUDIO takes shape . Thursday with the help of curator , Nadia Perucic the rest of the work

will be chosen and installed , OPENING Friday MARCH 26th 6 to 9 pm

Work Space Harlem , is located at 2340 Fifth Ave NY NY 10037 ( btwn 141 /142nd ST)

HABITAT FOR ARTISTS in ROSENDALE NY

2010-03-15T19:29:00.000-07:00

This morning we visited Rosendale NY to discuss the possibility of a Studio going to ROOS Gallery , 449 Main St .....this July . Details pending . HFA will set up a studio and associated work sometime in July and run through the summer . ARTISTS in the area please contact us ...

MAKING ART with AIDAN

2010-03-13T14:29:00.000-08:00

Saturday morning Aidan and I went to the Studio to make some Art tiles . I've been organizing the studio preparing material for the upcoming show at Work Space Harlem end of this month

Aidan was keen to select a variety of material to make his two art tiles . He decided later that he was going to donate them to the project and put them up for SALE at a local store in town .

ART made AFFORDABLE

2010-03-13T04:29:00.000-08:00

Over the next few weeks , we'll be partnering with a number of stores in the area to have art 'in stock' , which will benefit the new HFA projects . Starting with these small , original works by Simon Draper which will be priced to sell . They are made from the collected off cuts from the project which could have been an old art work , actual building material from a studio or other material collected for the project.

The idea is to have the art priced so it relates to the needs of the NEW project . $50 could either pay an artist in residence honorarium for a day or provide new material for RECYCLING a studio. Other works will be ON SALE soon , and their pricing will relate to a project need .

Participating stores in Beacon , are ARTISAN WINESHOP and in Cold Spring , THE COUNTRY GOOSE and HIGHLAND BASKETS. So if you are shopping for wine or getting a gift , take a look at the art in stock as well . ALL proceeds go to the HFA Projects in 2010 , including helping put on the show in Harlem !!

RESOURCE to TREASURE

2010-02-28T18:32:00.000-08:00

Storm King from Little Stony Point , in 1964 this landscape was under threat from a proposed plan to build an electric power plant. The fight to save Storm King began and 17 years later it was saved . This was the beginning of the environmental movement in the States .

PRESS RELEASE FOR MARCH EVENT IN HARLEM

2010-02-28T17:24:00.000-08:00

HABITAT FOR ARTISTS and WORK SPACE HARLEM present

2010-02-28T07:02:00.000-08:00

Habitat for Artists and Work Space Harlem will be announcing the upcoming show at WSH in March . In association with ecoartspace NY , Co director Amy Lipton . Twenty artists will present a variety of work in HFA's latest iteration entitled "RECYCLING THE STUDIO " . The exhibit will be curated by Nadia Perucic . Included in the show will be a recycled HFA studio . Official press release 3/01 . Stay posted !!SD

AYESHA's "ART for a SMILE" STUDIO 2009

2010-02-24T12:48:00.000-08:00

Last year Ayesha Ibrahim set up in the Studio at 36 Main St New Paltz NY . During the course of her studio residency she gave passers by her Art for a Smile . Ayesha documented many smiling recipients with their new acquisition of original art work .

A MEDLEY of STUDIOS 2007 to 2009

2010-02-24T07:41:00.000-08:00

From Beacon NY , New Paltz NY, New York City to Philadelphia , small temporary reusable art studios with an ever changing collective of Artists , exploring their creative process and engaging in new dialogue with their communities .

ENDORSING GROUPS 2010

2010-02-24T07:27:00.000-08:00

THREE STOOGES OR TRES AMIGOS at SCEE 2009

2010-02-24T06:06:00.000-08:00

Cathy Lebowitz took this picture of the three amigo-stooges prepping the beds at SCEE last year . I love this photo as it has that Jeff Walls feel to it ... far from staged . For the record that is Odin E Cathcart on the truck , Me w/wheel barrow and Todd Sargood shoveling .... 2009

AFFORDABLE ART on SALE to BENEFIT NEW PROJECT

2010-02-23T19:45:00.000-08:00

This is one of the first pieces on sale now for a 100% TAX deductible donation of $75 . This piece will be on display at a store in Beacon where it may be purchased . All proceeds to benefit the NEW project in Philipstown NY . A list of Art works and stores will be posted shortly .

Any questions may be forwarded to habitatforartists@gmail .com , in the meantime .

This work is by Simon Draper , and is made from a variety of materials used in the building of the Studios , last year . It is 6 ins by 6 ins and resembles Draper's 2007 series "Meditation , Dedication and Prayer " . Other Artists donating works include , Kathy Feighery , Chris E Manning , Todd Sargood , Tom Sarrantonio , and Jennifer Zackin . PRICES will vary .........SD

LOST and FOUND STUDIO

2010-02-23T04:29:00.000-08:00

Molly Rausch's Lost and Found Studio in New Paltz ,NY last year . Her accumulated drawings will be on view in March , opening 3/26 at Work Space Harlem NYC . The show curated by Nadia Perucic , and partnering with ecoartspace NY will be the first of a number of events the two groups are putting on in NYC . Also to be found in and around Times Square will be the HFA's new green box Studio . Dates to be confirmed . At Exit Art , ecoartspace will be putting on its benefit show of donated works as to "WHAT REALLY MATTERS ". Stay posted , SD

HFA FAN PAGE NOW ON FACEBOOK

2010-02-20T14:01:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder that we are now on Face Book . Become a FAN and you may WIN a Prize !! WE are now making random drawings from our FAN list and sending the winners a variety of items , small artworks to HFA T- Shirts .

Keep up with daily posts and news about HFA on FB , by becoming a FAN . HFA has new projects starting , new exhibitions of Artists who have worked with the project , and developing new ways to help connect the artist to their community . Become a FAN of Habitat for Artists , today !

ART ON LINE AND AT A STORE NEAR YOU

2010-02-20T07:30:00.000-08:00

Over the next few weeks we'll be posting art for sale . These will be more affordable pieces that have been donated by various artists near and far to help raise money for the next project in May

As we want a local connect we will have different works at a variety of locations . This brings attention or interest to an organization or business we have worked with and an opportunity to view a work and engage with the particular store or group .

The starting point will be the post on line here and on Face Book . The individual pieces will be placed each week at a business in a town where we will be installing a project . This coming week we will be starting in Beacon NY . The significance here is the project started in 2008 in Beacon and we are continuing to install studios at the CSA farm close by this spring .

This is the beginning of a larger idea which we'll be developing over the next few months to help artists place work in new locations and offer an alternate source to sell their work ON LINE .

This week we'll be starting off small and getting the idea rolling ,.......

My thanks to the artists who have already contributed works and have pledged a piece to help the new project . We will be posting their names shortly as others respond to our call .

2010-02-20T07:26:00.000-08:00

Well we finally got there , my thanks to Todd Sargood who went beyond the usual to produce the new HFA logo . We're looking forward to getting a new batch of HFA shirts done and seeing how it'll work in one color as well !

Its official HFA's NEW logo is here

2010-02-20T07:23:00.000-08:00

STUDIO wrapped up for the Winter 2009

2010-02-15T13:18:00.000-08:00

Todd and I managed to get down to Philadelphia last November to wrap things up at SCEE .

This Studio will be traveling east to Burlington Community College NJ , this Spring 2010 .

STUDIO at SOLAR ONE 2009

2010-02-15T13:13:00.000-08:00

Here are the two studios at Solar One NYC , solar building behind . The studio on the right was moved to become the new studio at Urban Go Green 's Expo at the Harlem Armory , October 2009 . Thanks to Dina Elkin and all the staff at Solar One for looking after these studios .

STUDIO Footprint at Poets Walk Red Hook NY

2010-02-15T13:07:00.000-08:00

This was the site of the Studio at Poets Walk Park , note the square in the circle of plants and the walking circle around the studio's square foot print.

STUDIO at Common Ground CSA Farm Stonykill NY

2010-02-15T13:01:00.000-08:00

This was our studio down on the farm last summer , just outside Beacon , NY Summer 2009

OFF THE PRESS 2010 NEWS

2010-02-04T09:30:00.000-08:00

Hi , well getting off that vortex of time , Facebook . I wanted to post some new news !! The show at WSH (work space harlem) will start to be installed the week of MARCH 22 nd . We are drawing up the final list of artists .Our guest curator, Nadia Perucic , and I will be crafting a short press release to bring you all up to speed . Todd Sargood will be putting together a wonderful set of images for the exhibit's card,.. which I think encapsulates some of the essence of HFA !

Ecoartspace has offered to sponsor us at the Chashama space on E 42nd st NYC . So we will be percolating an additional show there for 2 weeks in April . We hope to launch our new studio

concept and hope this will be an unveiling for that idea !,....as well as bringing in some NEW collaborators , such as Chris Kennedy and his Institute of Applied Aesthetics (and friends of ..).

Also a particular note to " coolcool 654" , Happy New Year to you also !!

Drop us a note at habitatforartists@gmail.com

We are VERY close to our NEW LOGO .... Todd Sargood has been in the studio with sumi brush and massive amounts of recycled paper fine tuning the new essential logo for a new HFA.

WE were pleased to announce our 25 th fan of HFA on Facebook , Helen Gutfreund ,who will be choosing her SUR-PRIZE !! If you are an FBer become a FAN of HFA we hope to reach 50

fans by the week end ,... well who knows what we might give away then !!??

100 th Fan gets our soft cotton Tee shirt , varied sizes , a bevvy of colors ,... and yes the old logo

so these will become a collector's items . So stop using the ones you have as a cleaning rag !!!

Getting alot of support for the new project in Philipstown , we may have some really exciting news there . BUT I can not at present tell you ,... so you'll have to WAIT and see ??

We hope to have an interactive journal for the project called the Philipsebrook Journal .

This will be part of our MEDIA Studio at the site . And we just met with two members of the newly formed theater workshop " The Actor's Habitat" who will be working with kids on site

at our Performance space with kids of ALL ages !

Jenn Zackin announced an idea for one of the studios at a Hudson Valley CSA , which we will be

growing over time , may even install her piece at two locations . See what prevails !

Remember , ......... How Much ? How Little ? The Space to Create ,......... best SD

HFA EXHIBITION at WORK SPACE HARLEM

2010-01-29T13:21:00.000-08:00

We're planning a new exhibition at the Work Space Harlem . It's planned for March and we will be featuring many works , old and new , by artists affiliated with the HFA project . We hope to have at least 20 artists participating and there ought to be a wide variety of work on exhibition.

Ecoartspace is planning a benefit down on E 42nd St NYC , so we will be tying in with some of their events later in April .

We have a guest curator , who will be helping select and organize the show . And we hope to have new works from Chris Kennedy with his new project , Schools for the Future . HFA will be looking to partner with Chris and associates at their Brooklyn site this summer .

Chris also plans to visit the new HFA project in Philipstown both to give a workshop and to participate as a new artist in residence this summer 2010.

There are designs afoot to have a Performance Space,with plans to have a new actors company run workshops at the new site on Rte 9D at the Hudson Highland Land Trust .Details to be posted SOON .

Mid FEBRUARY should see the NEW Artists Residencies Guidelines and Proposal form , available by downloading from our new website .

Lastly we have plans to change our LOGO . That means new T shirts and the old ones becoming collectors items , so wipe the paint on something else NOW .

And finally after many requests we will be posting hand picked PIX from the numerous 2009 projects that we were involved with . .... New Paltz , Solar 1 NYC, SCEE Philadelphia , Common Grounds CSA and Urban Go Green at the Harlem Armory . LATER SD

HFA FAN PAGE ON FACEBOOK

2010-01-27T05:27:00.000-08:00

Yes its finally happened .YOU can become a FAN of HFA , by joining that happy throng of Face Bookers . (If that is a term?) . Due to an overwhelming number of people wanting to know more and to be able to interact with the project we went FB ! Check it out ,......

Meanwhile HFA is organizing an exhibition of work by past participants of HFA . All the way back to 2008 ! This event will be in March and hosted by WORK SPACE HARLEM . In conjunction with ecoartspace who are having an April Fund raiser in NYC at 217 E 42nd St .

One of the hopefully cool components of the NEW project will be the Media Studio . This is the project hosted and sponsored through the Hudson Highland Land Trust (HHLT) . With this added element we are hoping to get live feed and a plethora of activity via You Tube , Blogs and possibly FB ? WE should have the final outline and proposal forms by mid February , so stay posted .

HFA has changed a few elements and we look forward to telling you more about those changes.

The interaction with the community is key and we have been working with a variety of people to engage with a larger audience . This will spark some lively discourse during the project's run

and we hope it's reflected in the artist's residencies .

Also coming up , Burlington Community College NJ , with the help of Jeff Bailey have agreed to take the studio that was at SCEE in Philadelphia . HFA is planning to make that move and installation in March /April , weather permitting .

So if you haven't become a fan of HFA on Facebook ,.... do that NOW ! later SD

VARIETY OF VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR NEXT PROJECT

2010-01-23T06:45:00.000-08:00

There are a number of areas that will need active participation this year within the new project.

HFA is scheduling a number of events through out the project's run , May to September which we will need help with .

There are 'Build" days , which if you are handy or have construction skills contact us . We plan to have a Performance Space which will require someone coordinating a mix of events and people. Any admin or people set skills are always good to have on board. Education experience as we hope to have a workshop month and after schools project days , with occasional weekend events.

And just lending a hand ,..... we hope to have some larger events during the summer so any one who is up for helping with set up , take down , and you want to get out the house , also needed !!

Lastly we would like to see a few small raised gardens , so those of you with green fingers do contact us . I will be making a request to a number of groups and individuals but others welcome .

Again this is for the HFA project at HHLT in Philipstown on Rte 9D , so if you live near by ie

Cold Spring , Garrison , Beacon , Peekskill , Continental Village drop us a line .

PROPOSALS AND GUIDELINES FOR THE NEW PROJECT

2010-01-22T06:15:00.000-08:00

The Art Panel which is HFA's selection committee is putting together the guidelines for artist's proposals for temporary studio residencies for the new project this Summer. The target date is mid February and the information can be down loaded from the soon to be NEW website !

The project this year is very much focused on community participation and encouraging a variety of collaborations . There are a number of local and metropolitan organizations who we hope will be presenting workshops in May. The hope is that artists will be working with them later on during their short term residencies in Philipstown.

It has become apparent that the premise of HFA isn't that apparent and we will be looking to present this information concisely on a NEW website . Until that appears lets just go through a few clarifications . HFA provides small, 6 by 6, temporary working studios (not live in ) for artists to explore new approaches in their practice and in their role in their community.

The studios are built from a variety of materials , reused, repurposed and FSC approved . Each studio is broken down and stored over the winter and re built at a new location . Last year we were allied with the SDMA at New Paltz , and gained permission from the Village to place several studios around New Paltz. The project usually runs 5 to 6 months as its temporary especially in a municipal setting where we have to adhere to a 9 month (max) ruling.

Where possible artists from the immediate area are asked /invited to participate in the project in number of ways . This year there will be a more communal nature to the set up as the studios will be close to each other. Again we hope to encourage dialogue between the artists as well as with the community. In order that we have a healthy flow of people to the site there will be a

studio that is designated our Performing Space. A schedule of events , music ,theater and other is being put together and we hope to have 8 to 9 scheduled acts.

This year we are encouraging MORE dialogue in all forms . There will be a studio which both visitors and artists alike can log into and blog from the site . In addition to the 'hub ' site we are hoping to have a number of satellite studios at other locations in the Valley . It seems a bit daft to have artists traveling long distances to work so we are looking to site other studios where there is interest and they can be sustained .

HFA is not a non for profit but we work in partnership with other nfps . We are still partnered with ecoartspace and this year we are sponsored through HHLT , who will also be our hosts.

AGAIN HFA is seeking volunteers with a variety of skills to help build and run this project . We would like to hear from you if you have a number of skill sets to offer and live in the Philipstown area (inc.Peekskill/Beacon / Cornwall) . The ball is rolling now so don 't delay !

The success or failure will be determined by how invested the community feels (or not) in this endeavor. In every creative act there is the equal part of something failing . However we are working to bring people into the building process of this project so that THAT prospect is lessened.

Hope to hear from you , stay posted again ..... habitatforartists@gmail.com

WHAT IS HABITAT FOR ARTISTS ?

2009-12-20T06:54:00.000-08:00

As the year draws to a close it's always a good time for reflection, and especially after a seasonal snow storm ! I am very aware that as we go forward with the project that we are about to begin again . Each time we have an event or an installation there is a new experience gained that helps inform the next event or project . With this very much in mind I thought it useful , especially to new readers, to perhaps explore What is Habitat for Artists or maybe better put what has it

become?

Habitat for Artists started in the Spring of 2008 on a patch of green in a parking lot in Beacon NY. It was to be a project that was allied to an Art Fair planned for early summer , that for reasons too many to recall here , didn't transpire . So HFA become it's own entity and artists used the small studios when they could , dealing with crazy nesting Robins to sunny , hot days where some had to take a break and visit DIA museum for a cool break !? There was always an aspect of asking the artists to examine the way they worked , what materials they worked with and the ability and openness to repurpose and reuse what ever we could in the building and in the art made (if any) there . There was a more or less communal side to it . We occasionally got together for a beer or a discussion , but alot of the artists had , which is typical ,an array of commitments which made being there at the same time difficult. Some artists were more able to come at certain days others struggled to be there and the confines of space were more to do with the confines of the life of an artist juggling two or more jobs !

In 2009 we had an invitation from Brian Wallace at SDMA (The Dorsky Museum) to be a part of the regional show in June and to also place the small studios around the village of New Paltz.

HFA now had to seek approval for the placement of these studios around town from the Village Board. We were now on the radar !We had decided that winter to reduce the time in the studios to a maximum of 3 weeks, in order that artists could sustain a presence in them.We also tried to place a collaborative component and especially a public outreach aspect to these short term residencies. Many artists in their time in the studios came up with wonderful interactive ways to engage with the passers by. They created new dialogue with many folks who wouldn't have passed over the threshold of a museum or gallery .This started to feel like what the project might become and what needed to be fostered and grown.

During this time we were allied with Solar 1 in NYC and were part of a Food and Garden project in Philadelphia (SCEE) , curated by Amy Lipton of ecoartspace. These asscociations started to greatly effect what HFA might become and the relationship with gardening grew when we were asked to place a studio at a CSA near Beacon , farmed by Tim Heuer.

The year ended with a bang by being allied with Urban Go Green , an inner city green education group , that organizes a Green , alternative Expo at the Harlem Armory at 142nd St.. We were fortunate in working with Work Space Harlem , across the street and building the NEW UGG studio at the work space location ! These alliances were along way from that small piece of green in that Beacon parking lot , but a lot of the issues were the same and began taking shape !

HFA is on its way to becoming its own not for profit . We will begin to formulate the process in the new year by which we can take direct contributions. This is not to say we won't partner with other groups and we are fortunate this next year to be sponsored through HHLT, in Garrison.

WE are still working closely with ecoartspaceNY and Amy Lipton. (and this will continue).

At the center of the project and Todd Sargood has been key in reminding me of this, is the exploration of the Role of the Artist . For those who care you can read yesterday 's post which touches on that subject (below). This for me has become the resonant reason for continuing the project and much to many folks chagrin a constant source of conversation. The small studios being placed in unexpected places, puts those artists who take up residency , in similarly not the normal place to come across art ! And to find someone actually engaged in the process of making art,... and who is then open to discussing that activity,.. in a variety of ways.

We are entering a new chapter , and the likes of Daniel Pink seem to agree ! The artist can no longer place themselves at the periphery of their community. The irony as Brian Wallace discusses in his short introduction to the June show at the Dorsky , "was that the artist although immersed in the culture has found themselves at the edge of the community they work in ". The Transition ZONE ! The question that I now pose is that as artists, can we continue this marginal role and be forced out of any meaningful existence OR can we change this paradigm? So that what Habitats for Artists was is changing in to what it needs to become ! (or more pronounced ! ). In short a habitat for artists !! A place in the community that encourages artists to engage with a broader audience and with a broader , a more meaningful subject matter. Subjects that resonate with a community and the artist is capable and able to help the community envision. This is the ability and willingness to see the Bigger Picture !

It is with this intention that HFA aims to continue and grow . To continue working with a series of groups and a variety of organizations where the artist is placed as the catalyst for a new kind of dialogue. The act of engaging with an audience with out prior knowledge of what might be created. Within this aim HFA also seeks to discover what role the artist might become and be sustained by the community the artist works in . A whole new Mind !?

THE STATUS QUO

2009-12-19T05:42:00.000-08:00

I've been working on this new HFA project for a good two months . Talking with individuals and getting their input to help guide the outline and structure of the NEW project happening in Philipstown next year. At the heart of it all is this key idea of working to change the Artist's usual ROLE in the community . Over many years the artist has allowed themself to become a peripheral entity , to a point of now seemingly surprised irrelevance ! OUCH ?

Too much ? I don't think so ,.... the bulk of people are NOT impacted by the once called FINE arts. Not to the extent that leads say the GATES project in NYC , by CHRISTO and JEAN CLAUDE ,to become a phenomena in that it attracted a large amount of people to the park during an unseasonal time to experience that ART work . Much of the work now being produced has become a pandering to an entitled few . The artist has allowed themselves to be engaged in widget making on any scale. The next , new idea soon becomes passe and the artist scurries back to the studio to try and invent the new enticing widget and win court favor !

Many artists enjoy this activity and have become defined by it . Damien Hirst having pronounced the Death Of Painting , now paints (badly) to the courtiers and art elect , but the majority of us remain " NOT AMUSED" . And to take this point further most artists subject matter for the most part is unfortunately so personal or bland that most people have little interest in comprehending what its' about . OR really care . WHY ? Because ART has lost, in the majority of cases an IMPACT, or relevance . Whilst the bulk of art occurs there is a sense of Nero fiddling whilst Rome burns ?

I think we are at the height of this state currently. The juxtaposition of the failure of the economy and the inability to effectively grasp that alternatives need to be found ( or we are on the road to the next economic crash ) with articles on whether a gallery will survive the economic drought, illustrate this predicament. When there is rising unemployment and we can't even get our Gov't to conceive of effective Health care ,.....who cares !?

As an artist are we trained to block this out and continue with Business as Usual ? Return to our studios and continue Fiddling ? OR can we become involved in the NEW Vision which it seems many now need to SEE ? Is this all too broad and inconceivable to most of us ? Including alot of artists ? OR is our current role such that we DON'T become involved as its not our business ? Return to the garret and work on the next collectible widget . The artist as the child is requested not to worry themselves with the REAL world . So what are we imagining ?

What if we , as artists RE imagined our role as playing a central role in our culture , our society so we were contributing to it by helping solve and realize some of the solutions to the community we live in rather than observing or making snide remarks ? We could be good at imagining a better world, of seeing potential, of realizing the abstract . What if we engaged in a larger canvas that took us out of our usual context and began engaging in ideas that need now to be helped and conceived ? Started to explore a new role for the artist and the creative practice which enlisted others in a series of new dialogues on many topics that need a new vision ?

There are the beginnings of grass roots groups of artists that are starting to engage in this way in various communities and redefining the assumed artist's role . The likes of the Harrisons are becoming or gaining relevance to our current predicament . Artists in Wisconsin taking the local CSA farmstands and turning them into works of art ....along the roadside. Seemingly a small step but relevant as it changes the context of art occurring only in sanctioned places !BUT this isn't new in any way .... DADA .... nearly a 100 years ago now was actively upsetting the established realm of art .

So ask yourself if you want to begin to be a part of rolling the ball forward or continue in the usual practice which is for most of us highly unsustainable and unsatisfying.ie To Continue the current STATUS QUO ?Many artists claim to ask their audiences QUESTIONS in their work maybe now its time to ASK ourselves what are the types of questions we are asking !

As a friend recently said NO I don't have all the answers but I do want to be part of the change for the future because I believe it to be of value .

BUT is this the place of art , does it make for GOOD art ? I'd say by the current state of things we don't have a lot to lose , cos I sure as heck do not want the likes of Damien being my representative in the Senate of Culture ! Do you ?

BACK FROM PHILADELPHIA Studio under wraps

2009-12-17T17:40:00.000-08:00

Just got back from Philly !! Wow ,... return journey a little longer than usual but a good day with the studio getting wrapped up . I 've been joking that we had to wrap up the project and thats what we were actually doing. Ensuring that winter won't or at least it's effect lessened by getting some tarps on the roof and over the windows and door so all alittle better protected . Normally not a big deal but this is the one we want to go forward to become the studio on campus at BCC.

Burlington Community College NJ , which I believe is around 45 miles due east of Philadelphia .

We unscrewed around a 100 tiles. Tiles that were painted there and others from New Paltz that we had applied to the studio's exterior . These we hope to use again on the various projects coming up next year . We also took down the cabana structure behind the studio and we'll be reusing these parts in other habitat studios . Fortunately weather wise it was perfect . Brisk but not too cold that made undoing the structure a pleasant activity especially at this time of the year.

We're looking forward to moving the studio to the new site come spring and working again with Jeff , who has been pivotal in getting the project to the new BCC site !

Well that about wraps things up for 2009 .Now the planning and meetings to steer the new project in the Hudson Valley plus some others lurking ,... but that's another day .

Later SD

HABITAT FOR ARTISTS at Philipse Brook , Philipston NY

2009-12-16T14:24:00.000-08:00

We're making plans to bring the project to Philipstown next year . So far we have had some really important , initial support from individuals and groups in the area , and its continuing .We've come up with what we think is going to be a hybrid project . An amalgamation of some of the initial ideas when it first was at Spire Studios in Beacon , and lessons learnt in New Paltz this past year. We hope we can also sustain some satellite interests .We'll be looking to grow the number of studios at the CSA farm near Beacon , and venture in to new territory around Hudson NY.

Had a great chat with Tim and Devin from the Beacon CSA about ideas that could be used in the context of the farm . Devin will be moving on to help legislation down in DC so who knows HFA might get to go to Washington , Mr Smith ?? Tim and I will be continuing this dialog in the new year.

For next year's selection of artists at the project in Philipstown we now have a terrific panel. Made up of past HFA artists and local curators plus an art writer you may have heard of ,....

They will be formulating guidelines so artists can propose projects for a 3 week residency

or less and encouraging artists to collaborate with various groups in the community . We hope to encourage a variety of work combining topics that deal with land use as well as purely visual devices but all looking to put art in the every day and encourage new dialogue about visual stuff !! AND more !

We'll be teaming up with some usual suspects and some new partners to see how far we can take the dialogue . We hope to be partnering with Chris Kennedy from Artiscycle . Chris was at Solar 1 and developed a great book called The Green Innovator . Dionis Ortiz from Work Space Harlem will be getting involved with the project in a number of ways . WSH will be holding an exhibit of past HFA artists in the Spring and Dionis will be taking up a residency at HFA some time in the Summer. We hope to get the studio back at Poets Walk and be working with Scenic Hudson again . We've a plan to make the studio there exclusively for Writers(working with the

theme of the Park !) . Chris Albert might be back with us as he heads up a proposal with the Beacon Community Center next spring .

A big part of this next project will be OUTREACH . Getting a variety of volunteers to help with a variety of tasks . Getting the community in and helping and participating with all sorts of projects we have planned . From helping build the studios to help in the creation of new work and getting to document the project and blog about the whole thing !

So young and old , and all kinds of experience will be welcomed as we start to build the community with in the community . We'll be coming up with new stuff and recycling some of the old stuff ... so it only gets better ! If you're in the area and want to get involved get in touch

SOON ! As usual stay well , stay healthy and eat heartily but know where the food comes from !! Best SD.

The NEW THREE 'R'S

2009-12-10T10:04:00.000-08:00

This one really hit me recently and I am quoting a good friend , Joe P. in reply to an improved idea I had proposed....his response was .."its the new three 'R's , reuse , recycle , restore ."

As a mantra that might be applied to a lot of what is going on today and obviously , seasonally

as GIFT giving comes around in that frenetic , head spinning ,and mind numbing way .What are we left with ? So stepping outside the realm of perhaps making some THING out of old other things what if we applied this new R mantra to the season of GIVING .(Though its better than buying new ).

What might be restored ,.. perhaps MEANING ? We is fast over taken by ME , and it seems we have suffered by accumulated ME s so step one , (1) what does or could this season mean ??

AND how might it benefit US ? Inherent in cultures that adopt belief systems other than what is in front of me is the idea of the group. AND preserving that group . Taking care in all manner of ways the health and welfare , and being of that group . So what might it mean to GIVE to your group , yeah lets start with your immediate community , your neighbor , a friend ,... now you're thinking about some one else other than yourself . What might you give to them ?

(2) Recycle ,... there are some great ideas , and philosophies that might just be re looked at and brought into parlance again . As well as perhaps looking at some of those things you have that you haven't looked at for an age sitting on the shelf , sitting in the basement , waiting to have relevance again . The idea of using this particular time to bump start our economy so we can have more stuff accumulate ... it's not a good idea . Lets add another R , RETHINK . If and it is if we are going to get out of this current pickle in ain't going to be plying others with more stuff ? So it 'd be great to look through and repurpose some THINGs that others might not have and enjoy even USE ?

(3) REUSE ,..... how much stuff didn't get used first time or hardly used . The paper bag or ooohh the plastic bag ? One use from shop to larder . Then OUT it goes . None of these are new ideas , I 'm just recycling some old ideas that I recall from some 30 odd years ago . Yep I was brought up unbending nails . What ? 8d , 12 d all kinds of nails so I could fix something broken.

Though there is one thing really over used and that is this OLD make more MODEL that should be thrown out . NOW. And getting back to the season , how about getting your kids to re box a toy and give it to a younger kid ? And have it come from that older kid , that now has a cool factor added to it ....which makes up for the lack of wrapping !! and MORE .

Its really hard to walk around seeing creative ways of getting folks to buy stuff we don't really need. I was handed by my son a list of things he thought he wanted . Aside of the large dollar items which I winced at , I asked him to give a set of reasons as to why he needed these things. .How would his life benefit , how could this thing enhance his life aside of its cool ? Were there unseen aspects to having this be a part of your life ? Would others benefit by its use ??

Some of his answers did examine these other benefits and he did come up with some real added bonuses to having one or two things added to his life (style).

I am NOT going to steal or demean the essence of this Holiday . I would however like to RE examine what it MEANS for us as a family , for us as a community and beyond ... the world at hand , and I am NOT saying DON'T enjoy yourself . Perhaps extend a hand to those who won't be spending the holidays with family or friends . I joked with a garden group I 'm in about having a post holiday group dinner that was "Sustainable" ? Perhaps I wasn't joking ?

Three , now there's an old idea .... perhaps we can look at that again , the NEW three R s

can be quite useful . Oh and by the way DO NOT buy your tree just yet it won't get to the 25th

inside your house ... and what are you going to do with it after ? At least find out if its chipped in your municipality .

So as the parties begin perhaps sharing good cheer and and imbibing good micro beer where possible is a good idea . Where it becomes a quick fix to some thing that needs to be carefully repaired , you may want to re look at the larger picture and envision your part a little more creatively ? You might also want to walk home too ?? Or use public transport ...mmmmm.

Best and as always , be well ! SD

EATING WELL and HEALTH CARE

2009-11-29T08:48:00.000-08:00

Or , sorry that 's an opener, taking care of Health Care . This subject has been looming and it'll hit a head as it's potential improvement (or NOT) gets voted on by the Senate this week . There's alot of debate about the now called , Public Option , which has been renamed and covers those unable to get health coverage . How it'll work or whether it'll work is under debate ,... and depending how the question gets asked whether the public at large understands the importance of the option ??

What seems really misunderstood is that every year thousands of people are dying due to lack of any health care coverage . They have NO choice , NO option currently . If you need further prompting go to to days NY Times and read Nicholas D. Kristof's article 'Are We Going To Let John Die ?' . Note the figure he quotes as Americans dying each year from NO health care is.... 45,0000. For a further read on the health care debate go to nytimes.com/prescriptions .

I was reading these various articles thinking why aren't we encouraging people to EAT better ?

The then came across Melanie Warner"s article in the Business section today (SUNDAY) on the program initiated by Zoe Finch Totten called Full Yield which looks to offer cafeterias of large businesses better /healthier options for Lunch . With added benefits and adding incentives for employees to eat better and perhaps lose weight , also exercise more a healthier work force is being seen as a benefit , both as less of a strain on company health insurances and improved wellness... "adding things to your life and feeling better psychologically and physically ...." Sounds good !?

My query is why we aren't looking at this issue from a larger perspective and with the Full Yield approach encouraging more people to EAT well . We're bogged down in the notion of choice and which plan we choose when we're sick ... NOT improving our life style choices so we might NOT get sick ? WE're also engaged in producing so much UNHEALTHY food and pumping vast quantities of anti-biotics into animals in the production of Meat , we are producing super strains of Bacteria which lead to other health issues ,....

Sustainable food production seems as important as what insurer to choose for Health Care ? If we are constantly feeding ourselves less nutritious foods and exercising less we're going to be sicker MORE often. AND we could afford NOT letting John die , by being healthier as a whole. BUT we're not taught to think of the whole ... it's MY choice , MY right ....

Which funnily enough brings us on to Micheal Sendel's new book : JUSTICE "what's the right thing to do ?" (a profressor of Govt' at Harvard ) which looks at how politics and a certain preception of justice effect policy . There's coverage of theories of justice as well as honed explainations of the ideas of Aristotle/ Bentham/Kant/ Mill and Rawls . I quote the book review " virtuosic untangling of Kant's notorious knots , in under 40 pages ."

There's something truly strange when a society can allow a large part of it's populace to dye due to not being 'cared for ' and yet almost simultaneously preach value of life and sanctity of that life BUT allow such an injustice to prevail ? As though those dying had made that CHOICE.

There's a larger examination here and one which we ALL need to start looking at if we are going to really work on fixing the Economy , our Education system , the Financial institutions , the Mortgage rate , the Car Industry , the HealthCare System , the Energy Crisis which is what defines a healthy, fulfilled life and HOW we support that life ( or NOT ) ?

I think we need to take a much more creative approach to many of these issues which are so inter connected yet we keep treating the symptoms not looking at what produced the condition

They're big issues but if you really care you might start by making the choice about your next meal ? And yes so close after Thanksgiving and just before the next major Holiday season ,....

Its akin to making art you first have to start asking why you might be making a piece of art ?

Then how ,....

When it hits home it starts to feel real when you start connecting you begin to see the me in them and perhaps start to relate to the WHOLE ?

But thats another topic .

later SD

The HFA STUDIO and NEW PROJECTS in 2010

2009-11-28T06:48:00.000-08:00

I tried to post this yesterday but for what ever reason I couldn't get the server to accept it ,...

After an extended period of taking the HFA studios down and bringing them in for the winter there has been new activity in planning the next events and improving aspects of the project .

HFA is finalizing arrangements to bring the project to the central Hudson Valley region in Putnam County . We are securing a site and a supporting host , plus a number of initial sponsors who will help build six new HFA studios in 2010 . We want to have 6 artists help build these initial six studios on site , with a possibility of more being built as interest grows and we find different groups to partner with . This initial 'hub' site will continue to have workshops on different topics through out a 5 to 6 month period , with artists taking up 3 week residencies with a potential to work together and with other community groups.

There will be an Art Panel who will select the artists based on proposals and guidelines HFA is currently putting together. HFA is encouraging the next set of artists to work with a number of themes especially concerning such topics as energy , land use , farming , food and sustainable practices as well as ecological or green issues . There is a potential to engage with 30 artists

this next season and create a vibrant catalyst for new dialogue and exploration.

We will be seeking internships with area colleges and building on community outreach programs in the next few months.

Odin Cathcart will be heading up a HFA project in Vermont . Now the Exhibitions Curator at the Helen Dat Gallery in Stowe , Odin will be looking to build several HFA studios around the

Stowe area and engage with a number of colleges and Vermont artists. There is an exhibition of artist's work who have participated in the HFA project planned for the new year at the Helen Day Gallery .

Burlington Community College , NJ looks as if it will be taking the studio from SCEE in Philly.

Jeff Bailey has been heading up this effort to bring the project and the one studio to BCC .,some time in the Spring of 2010. We have been putting together a plan to have the project take on the potential of working with different departments and growing and being sustained over a few years . This will be an interesting on campus project where the artists studios become the focus of other dialogs with other disciplines , and art integrates with other departments like engineering and the culinary school (to be) .

Work Space Harlem will be host to a HFA studio workshop and Exhibition of HFA artists in

March of 2010 . Details , sponsors and specific dates are still being discussed with WSH manager, Dionis Ortiz . Dionis was instrumental in helping HFA partner with Urban Go Green

enabling a studio to be built at WSH !

HFA will be posting a NEW website in 2010 . There will be some changes in the look and content of the project . We are currently looking to have those blueprints and a manual done by early 2010 . Expect to see a NEW T shirt as well , our old supply is dwindling .

HFA is partnering with Scott Gibson of Ecopioneer and there'll be explorations into the HFA studio taking on different solar applications and H2O collection systems . Scott has a site up in Kingston which we'll be looking to develop in a number of ways where alternate design and technology fuse with art ... with a view to what's sustainable ?

Lastly HFA will be working on posting some of the pictures of this year's activities in New Paltz New York City , and Philadelphia which we missed posting BUT want you to see and know about, as we work on the NEW site for 2010 .

We'll be posting new topics over the winter as we develop the new projects for the various sites for 2010. And we hope to engage with new writers and contributors to the project on a number of issues , as we see the Art and cultural sections of regional publications dry up !

Talk soon , stay well SD

CONVERSATIONS AT THE BARN , Saturday November 14th

2009-11-14T11:16:00.000-08:00

We have had one of those exciting weeks where you're computer gets compromised and you don't know what information is left unscathed . So amidst this technical debacle the job of blogging got put squarely to one side . So apologies for this late post of Joan Bankemper's invitation to meet

for "Conversations at The Barn" located at East Ridge Rd , Warwick , N Y. at 6pm Sat Nov.14th .

Joan wants to have regular meetings or conversations at The Barn . The goal is to create a dialogue about sustainability. This week she has invited four speakers who have studied in four

diverse corners of sustainability : a curator, a lawyer an artist and a farmer. Each will give a short

presentation of their concerns in their respective worlds.

Joan will also be serving soup , hot cider and beer to wet you appetites but bring something for

something more substantial .

The guest speakers will be : Guy Jones , of Blooming Hill Farm , Amy Lipton co founder of ecoartspace , Caroline G. Harris lawyer and artist and Simon Draper artist and Hudson Valley

resident , originator of the HFA project .

It'll be an informal affair and I think you'll need to dress appropriately as it will i n the Barn !

This week saw the last of the Habitat studios in the city . Todd and I took down the studio at Solar 1 despite strong winds and persistent rains . I was encouraged to see that it had worn well and was surprisingly in good shape . This is the studio that had been seen at ecoartspace in the Spring then moved to East 23rd for Solar1 's CITYSOL event in July and then moved to one side

for the Out door Film festival there in September.

Monday I took down the indoor studio at Work Space Harlem , on 141st and 5th Ave , and we hope to be having a workshop building a studio there in the new year . Keep posted !!

At some point we have to wrap up , and I mean that literally as well as figuratively the studio at SCEE, Philadelphia . It looks as if through the efforts of one of the summer's participating artists , Jeff Bailey , we will be moving the studio east to Burlington Community College NJ. We hope to be doing this in the Spring of next year and are currently planning how the project will take shape there . We hope to be able to involve not only artists and art students but other groups in other areas , especially engineering and culinary arts . I hope to see further applications of the studio manifesting itself as not only a studio but a kitchen , a work shop or

a mix of things . Perhaps a hybrid space in which it takes on the character it needs to ,enabling

new ideas to come into the project .

We are pioneering new alternatives with Scott Gibson , of ECOPIONEER . Scott has come up with a wonderful solar system that uses the run off water in a number of ways . He and I have been discussing this idea which came up in discussion between us a couple of weeks ago whilst brainstorming ideas with HFA and his emergency disaster response initiative for a Buckminster Fuller proposal . More on that project later . We intend on building this solar prototype at Scott's IFEE site in Kingston NY . ( Pretty soon weather permitting ). He has some parts of a studio on site and we need to get the structure up before winter hits properly .

We intend this site to be a mixed use site for the merging of design /engineering ideas and art.

Oh IFEE ,.... Institute For Environmental Exploration .....yeah iffey but it works !! For others ,..

Not another outdoor art area ?? But thats limiting .

I am also looking for a site in the Garrison Area for a project to start some time in late Spring , which we can discuss is now what month ? I've been working with Andy Chmar of HHLT to find a suitable site and host . This promises to be quite the project and we hope to be getting a wonderful sponsor for this venture which we hope will really start to connect some dots between green building, art , farming /land use , energy and sustainable economic strategy with community !! YES a big goal but I think its the right place and time to have this discussion .If not here , WHERE !? It is quite the back yard to a number of notable and talented individuals who are already thinking about these issues ! So a logistical , strategy filled winter is ahead .

The Garrison Project is still being conceived but the focus is how we might set up a number of the small habitat studios in a group and have the artists work collectively as well as with other organizations and folks in the area which touch on the areas of food , land use , conservation as well as energy and the economy . The resulting site will also influence what events we can plan around this community experiment which we hope will put many an idea into practice !

Before I wrap up for the evening , any WRITERS please write to me with regard to the NEW studio (or Writer's Shack ) at SCENIC HUDSONs Poet's Walk Park , Rhineclif f NY . We are re furbishing it to suit writers primarily of ALL disciplines ,.... prose to poetry , history to art

plays to documentaries ..... 2 hours to 2 weeks . We hope to get it re installed by early summer.

Contact me at : habitatforartists@gmail.com

Stay well , stay dry and please take a look at the NY Times current Book Review ....

Some excellent reviews , most notably Harold Bloom's review of Peter Ackroyd's Canterbury Tales ....retold !! Good stuff !! Enjoy and digest ... best SD

A TIME TO DO , A TIME TO REFLECT

2009-11-02T13:58:00.000-08:00

We are in the last stages of taking in the various habitat studios for the winter . We have one still in New Paltz NY , on Huguenot St . We also have one left at Solar One in NYC . Another has gone indoors and is part of an Exhibit ,"Cornerstone" at Work Space Harlem . (until Nov 7th ).

In going through various papers and notes from this last year I found a piece of writing by my then 11 year old , son Aidan on the subject of UNITY . He takes on a big view with a discussion on alliances and countries' tendencies to not trust one another , which invariably leads to war. He then throws in a curve ball and I quote :

" My dad is an artist and has many believes about his art . Because his art could connect , the pieces sink in and stay connected . After a while the art would change. It might have been the colors or it could have been the whole shape. The shape would change by the removing of nails . Later the nails wold hold up a new shape with new pieces. " A reference to the many tiles people have contributed ,... he continues :

" We must use our believes to nail in place . Every new belief can separate us or make us larger.My dad's art has shaped my whole life . Some of his art was making puzzle pieces , but now he is working on a new project called " Habitat for Artists " . He has to keep taking these small sheds apart and changing them . He piles the pieces of wood in the back of his silver truck

From there he decides whether just to move their location or to make a new better habitat . I believe we must connect the pieces , like my dad has done , except in a global way for the sake of unity ."

In accordance with this sentiment I read a recent article in the NY Times by Mary Tripsas in the weekends Business section on the sharing of new innovations by companies that are of an environmentally friendly nature. In an effort to share new product ideas with out charge !!

Such as Eco-Patent Commons started in January 2008 . Following on from this will be others like the Green Xchange in 2010 . Innovations include the use of microorganisms to identify pollutants , water based shoe adhesives and packing inserts which are recyclable and use less

fossil fuels to create and transport them. Perhaps more of us can unite under larger ideas for a better world ?

During the next few weeks I 'll be sharing a short retrospective of the year's activities with an emphasis on the artists who participated in the the project from New York City to up river to New Paltz . After a lot of activity and making its time to bring it all in and give pause for reflection .

We''ll be bringing things inside again but at a new location in Harlem . Stay posted for events and times starting in January 2010.

HARLEM TALK RADIO at WORK SPACE HARLEM EXHIBIT

2009-10-30T04:06:00.000-07:00

This past Wednesday , October 28th , we were lucky enough to be invited to share our thoughts at the Closing Reception of the exhibit at Work Space Harlem with Talk Radio Harlem . Thankyou to Danielle and Nizer for coming out on what was a wet and blustery evening , to see what was going on at 2340 5th Ave . After a brief interview with me about the project , Vincent Smythe who along with Tiwana Jackson had made the habitat studio happen for the Expo last Saturday , took the role as interviewer with the artists who were part of the Corner Stone show at WSH. A wonderful event and one filled with inspired conversations on a variety of topics .

The show runs until NOVEMBER 7th .

The interviews will be available shortly , details to follow .

SCHEDULED PANELS AND SPEAKERS AT URBAN GO GREEN EXPO

2009-10-24T03:22:00.000-07:00

SATURDAY OCTOBER 24TH, As well as being the International Day of Climate Action, see www.350.org . its the 2nd Urban Go Green Expo at the Harlem Armory at 1 W 142nd St /5th Ave..

Shannon Ayala of 350. ORG. will be on the panel "Greening the Culture " at 4 30 pm ,as well as CSA farmer Tim Heuer , from Common Grounds .

Manhattan Borough President , Scott Stringer to address the Expo at 1 pm to 2 pm . Among his green projects are " Go Green East Harlem " . a collaborative community -based initiative aimed at breaking the pattern of harmful environmental conditions that have been part of East Harlem's history for decades. Dealing also with reduction and treatment of Asthma since 2008 , he has led the planting of hundreds of trees in the area . As well as opening green markets to the community with the introduction of healthy ,locally grown food in the East Harlem community . In addition to these actions he has allocated $4,225, 000 to parks and playgrounds in the borough of Manhattan.

Michael Caslin III , CEO & Chairman ( Urgent VC ) The Sustainable City Solution , will be on the Green Entrepreneurship and Careers Opportunities Panel at 3 45 pm .

Sharon Griffith of NYSERDA will be a panelist on the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Panel at 2.00pm .The Community Outreach Manager for New York Energy Smart Communities program and NYC "s Special projects for NYS Energy research and Development Authority .

There is alot more scheduled to happen , so despite the weather make an effort to stop by ,...

further details at www.urbangogreenexpo.com .

NEW HABITAT STUDIO AT THE URBAN GO GREEN EXPO

2009-10-22T04:59:00.000-07:00

Its coming right up so start clearing your schedules ,.... THE 2ND URBAN GO GREEN EXPO at the Harlem Armory this SATURDAY OCTOBER 24TH ,..... 10 to 6 pm . The Habitat for Artists project is happy to be a focal point of this green event with the installation of a NEW habitat studio by artists from Harlem and the surrounding NYC area . Featured artists will be :

DIANNE SMITH , ALEATHIA BROWN , WILLHELMINA GRANT , JEREMIAH KYLE DRAKE,VINCENT SMYTHE , BARBARA RUSSELL aka Ms B the Doodle Queen , CHANDRA TRAVIS , GLORIA ADAMS , JILL AUSTEN and RAY A. LLANOS .

I would like to thank Dionis Ortis from "Work Space Harlem " for allowing the use of work space in which we were able to build and coordinate the new studio prior to the Expo event . The studio will be on display after the Expo at the WORK SPACE HARLEM building at 2340 5th Ave .

There will be presentations by the artists on their work during the day , Tim Heuer from the Common Grounds CSA at Stonykill will be on hand to discuss other green matters as well as being a featured panelist at 4 pm ,.... there will also be a speaker who is concerned with the initiatives to LOWER Carbon emissions from the 350 Group !! Want to know more ,....drop by !

I'll be posting further details as I get confirmation of speakers and scheduled events .

ENTRY is on 142nd St off 5th Ave , 2nd floor . Look for a large brick Deco building next to an AMERICAN Storage facility (yes it is red / blue and white). Thats the 369th Armory building !

Hope to see you there for things of a greener nature ! Best SD

HABITAT STUDIOS COME IN FOR THE WINTER

2009-10-21T03:51:00.000-07:00

We are getting ready for this week end at the Harlem Armory with the Urban Go Green Expo 09 .

And next week we finish taking down the studios in New Paltz . The Studio at SCEE in Philadelphia will stay there as it looks as if it may play forward to a college near by . The Poets Walk Studio is getting refurbished and will be reinstalled next Spring. (Look for details) . We do have an errant studio upstate which will probably return to the fold in the spring and the studio at Solar 1 will be being dismantled some time in November .

People ask what happens to the studios ? Well , after getting taken apart , all the parts get stacked and we sort through them .We check which pieces need attention or replacing and we store them ready for use the next year . The point is to mix the material up as much as possible and to add new reclaimed components the next project . This way a history of material begins and each rendition becomes a part of the next chapter.

We'll be looking to build the studios this coming year more on site . That means we'll be formatting a downloadable set of plans and hopefully a video to aid in the building of a studio. This means that other artists can resource material where they are being built and we are not transporting components long distances . This will be the case with the project in Stowe ,VT.

What about the pile of studios ? We have several individual applications we are working on one looking to go to a local kid's doctor at his practice , another with a group locally in Beacon and we want more to appear at the CSA at Stonykill .

There is a larger plan a foot , but we're still in planning stage so I can't say exactly what that will be ,....YET !

Enjoy the better weather we're currently having and get out side as much as possible Best SD

URBAN GO GREEN EXPO at Harlem Armory OCT 24th

2009-10-20T06:04:00.000-07:00

This week as the leaves are turning I hope you get a chance to stop by at a Green Event ! NOW Saturday only 10 to 6 there is the Urban Go Green expo at the Harlem Armory at 142nd St and 5th Ave . (Just off the FDR heading south actually still the Harlem River Drive at that point !) There will be a number of NEW artists who have contributed to a NEW habitat studio . All materials were specifically repurposed for the habitat studio which will be showing its new art cladding this Saturday . Currently on view by appmnt at the work space Harlem at 141st St ,......

A number of the artists will be talking about their work , I'll be catching people up on things HFA with various new projects on the horizon and trying to find a HOME for this new habitat in the Harlem community . I also hope to have some of the artists who have experienced a short term residency at a habitat studio over the past couple of years to answer questions and give a short presentation .

I'm going into today to see how things are looking and check it all goes together , so it can come apart to come together for this SATURDAY , so more soon Later SD

PS The SUNY Campus Habitat Studio officially came down October 15th despite the snow flurries that accompanied the journey home . The two remaining are up until the 26th so stop by to take a look , that's Main St and Huguenot St (NOW only 6 days left !!) NEW PALTZ NY.

Urban Go Green Expo 09

2009-10-08T07:56:00.001-07:00

WORK SPACE HARLEM studios hosts Habitat Studio

2009-10-07T18:49:00.000-07:00

This weekend and in collaboration with HOAST (Harlem Open Artist Tour) there will be a group exhibition at the WORK SPACE HARLEM studios at 234o 5th Ave (btwn W 141st and 142nd St).

The studios will be open Saturday , October 10th , 12 to 6pm and Sunday 11th Oct 1 to 6 pm .

In room P23 the habitat studio will be part of a group exhibit of work from the studios at 2340 5th Ave. The studio is being worked on for the next 3 weeks by a variety of artists including some from the studios , before it becomes part of the Expo at the 369th Harlem Armory , next door on October 24th (10 to 6 pm ) organized by URBAN GO GREEN .

We hope to have some of the artists from the previous HFA projects at the open studios this week end . WE will keep the habitat studio at this location and erect a new habitat at the Armory to exhibit the panels which are currently being worked on as the NEW Urban GO Green studio. This will allow new artists to have an opportunity to work in and on the habitat at the Work space Harlem studios .

We are seeking a more permanent home for the habitat studio after the EXPO and hope to engage more artists in the project through a series of short term residencies .

HFA is currently seeking sponsorship to facilitate this venture , please contact us at

habitatforartists @gmail.com

NEW PROJECT IN BEACON NY 2010

2009-10-03T07:37:00.000-07:00

I know we haven't finished with 2009 yet and there are projects still going on at various locations, BUT I did want to get the ball rolling with a project that is very close to me for various reasons. This our partnering with the CSA at Stonykill , Beacon NY .

As you may already know we have one studio there NOW and it will provide storage for various items over the winter . With recent conversations and more to come with the farmers Tim and Devin , the idea of putting more studios for artists to use next year came about .

BUT it depends on your input , and this is where I 'd like to have readers participate (in a number of ways) conceptually and if in the region , physically . Added to this I would also like to start a campaign to raise money to pay for the installation of two additional studios and to try and have $ for each artist's residency . This is our model for community sponsored art . It's success depends on YOU !

IF you are an ARTIST in the Hudson Valley Region please contact me if you would like to be considered for a short term residency at the CSA . We hope to have a summer program with courses for kids of all ages . BUT this will depend obviously on interest and funds.

IF you would like to DONATE to this PROJECT at the CSA , ECOARTSPACE is involved with the project and contributions are TAX deductible , any amount will be welcome . Again contact me at habitatforartists@gmail.com for those details .

Once again more details will be forthcoming as we pack things away and use the winter to gather interest and ideas , as well as work on making the project available in a number of ways through the internet and small press , or downloadable book versions . Who knows we may do a HOW TO RAISE YOUR STUDIO ROOF video , available at coffee shops nearer YOU !? Later SD.

RAIN POSTPONES OUTDOOR EVENT

2009-10-03T05:35:00.000-07:00

OCTOBER 3RD the event at Solar 1 is NOW tomorrow SUNDAY OCT.4TH .This is due to the bad weather which seems to be socked in . So JOIN us tomorrow around 10 am to Raise the
Studio Roof !! All hands welcome to rebuild the Habitat Studio at E 23rd St by the East River.

ECOARTSPACE : The project room at 53 Mercer St NYC has an OPENING RECEPTION for the "DOWN TO EARTH " exhibit , PART 2 . TONIGHT at 6pm !! All the artists from the project started in Philadelphia at SCEE and some NEW additions (see listing link below).

Hope to see you at these events and to catch up on what has been developing with the project .We have an opportunity to work with a group in Germany , but we will be providing the plans through the net and hope to have a video HOW TO BUILD component as well !

Scott Gibson is hatching some wild plans with ECOPIONEER partnering with HFA and ecoartspace. BUT more on this later .

URBANGOGREEN HABITAT STUDIO is being played forward from Solar 1 to a site opposite the Harlem Armory where it will be worked on by a new group of artists , led by Vincent Smythe . Press Release with details will be posted shortly .

Stay well , stay dry see you at one of these events SOON . SD

HABITAT STUDIO TO MOVE TO HARLEM

2009-10-02T06:48:00.000-07:00

YES October 3rd at SOLAR 1 ....tomorrow providing we DON'T get rained out !!

We are at E 23rd St re locating and building the habitat studio .

Monday 5th and any one who wants to help , I will be taking apart the 'other' habitat so it can be moved to a new site in Harlem . We have a donated site where we can place the habitat studio so it can be worked on by several artists from the metropolitan area ready for the URBANGO GREEN expo at the Harlem Armory October 24 and 25th !!

More details to follow ,this is fresh off the wire .....so stay posted ! SD

Oct 3rd: ecoartspace, Solar One, & Habitat For Artists event

2009-09-24T05:26:00.000-07:00

Please join ecoartspace and Solar One on Saturday Oct. 3rd for events with the Habitat for Artists Collective.

A performance piece Mothers and Daughters at Solar One by artist Chere Krakovsky from 1 – 4pm.

Solar One - East 23rd Street and the East River, NYC
Map here.

Followed by an opening at ecoartspace NYC, for Down to Earth from 6 – 8pm

ecoartspace - 53 Mercer St. between Broome and Grand, 3rd Fl, NYC
Map here.

Down to Earth Artists:

Joan Bankemper, Knox Cummin, Stacy Levy, Ann Rosenthal/Steffi Domike, Susan Leibovitz Steinman, Simon Draper and the Habitat for Artists Collective, including Todd Sargood, Cathy Lebowitz,E Odin Cathcart and Jeff Bailey.

Additional Contributing Artists:

Jacinto Astiazarán and Fritz Haeg, Lenore Malen & The New Society for Universal Harmony, Eve Mosher, Andrea Polli and Chuck Varga, Andrea Reynosa/Kevin Vertrees-SkyDog Projects and Christy Rupp.

ecoartspace is a nonprofit operating from both the east and west coasts in a growing community of artists, designers, scientists, curators, writers, nonprofits and businesses internationally who are developing creative and innovative strategies to address our global environmental issues. We promote a diverse range of artworks that are participatory, collaborative, interdisciplinary and uniquely educational.

Facebook event page.

More information here.

OCTOBER 3RD @ SOLAR 1 NYC

2009-09-21T18:46:00.000-07:00

We are putting together an event at Solar 1 , on October 3rd . There will be various artists bringing their works and applying them to the new shed studio at 23rd St and East River . BUT before all that can happen WE will be building the NEW studio . So Sue Hope Altkin , if you are reading we will be doing that WORKSHOP ..... or more a SHED RAISING !! Bring tools , and heft .

Chere Kravosky will be doing a performance "Mothers and Daughters " bteween 1 and 4 , and there will be talks by various artists and curators including ecoartspace's Amy Lipton.

We are hoping to get a local CSA from the Hudson Valley with produce and they will also present a short talk on Alternate Farming in the Hudson Valley . Especially pertinent after the weird summer we had this year !!

We're hoping to get going around 11 , so bring tools if possible and note pads as there will be a
short step by step on how to build YOUR habitat studio .

Also presenting material we hope to have URBAN GO GREEN , inner city green initiatives from
start up opportunities to training for green jobs . We are currently working with UGG and will be showing a new habitat studio at their expo , October 24/25th at the Harlem Armory.NYC.

Here's hoping for more of this wonderful FALL weather continuing through October .

Stay posted ...SD

HABITATS IN THE HABITAT STUDIO

2009-09-20T05:25:00.000-07:00

We recently took down the habitat studio at SCENIC HUDSON's Poet's Walk Park , Redhook NY. The paintings had weathered quite well and the color for the most part still vibrant . I want to thank those of you who left their comments either on the studio or in the comments box. There was a diverse range of response to the shed , some positive some very dismissive . What I found interesting were the notions of nature and natural surroundings in which there were many points of reference to an object in the landscape. For the most part we are culturally imbued with notions of beauty or natural beauty with out a point of reference . But I'll get back to that later. Amidst this interesting and somewhat polemical range of comments we found that the creatures in the park had quickly adapted the studio to their own needs .

We found that in the rafters both hornets and yellow jackets had built extensive nests . Above the one window ants had found enough cellulose and moisture to build an extensive home. A small field mouse had established two abodes for herself and her young , one in the floor and one behind some of the artwork on the work bench. Below the habitat floor around the footings was a nest of garter snakes who were glad of the shelter. A boston creeper or similar ivy had started to climb the north side and the studio was surrounded by the various plants now growing in that field . A testament to how "Nature " adapts to changes sometimes better than humans ?

So back to those comments ,.... my musing about this come from our whole relationship to what we perceive as natural . The park at Redhook follows the tradition of classical romantic ideas in respect of landscape. Wholly european in origin with exponents such as Capability Brown in England and Downing at the turn of this century in this region. A walk in the park where we come across an object , a folly placed to intrigue , a vista , a bridge over a stream ,.... a moment to reflect or comment upon in the our course of walking. BUT this groomed landscape was created in europe by the centuries of clear cutting , building fleets of frigates for the Navy and scaling machines to lay siege to some castle ,.... and building houses .

The fields we now walk in, all along the Hudson were for the most part Forested . From this fine exponent of the classic park at Red hook we have a grand view of the untamed mountains of the Catskills a beautiful juxta position to the rolling 'tamed ' fields . The small studio shared this view with many a visitor to the park , yet for some its placement there seemed an afront to the natural beauty surrounding it rather than a compliment , both were shaped by human hand ,.....
save the mountains . Our notions of beauty in the landscape groomed by generations of classical romantic painters who ultimately influenced the Hudson River School . During the height of this Painting school , the views were being pock marked by the rise of the Industrial Revolution ,...the very Railroad that brought these painters and poets up the valley tore through many land masses and mountains in order to be built.

Many of these fine Estates in the Hudson Valley were built from this new wealth and fueled the new age of Industry and Urban dwelling .... a wonderful counter point to the landscape in the growing slums of the Lower East Side of NYC ?

Meanwhile the old residents of the habitat sudio have had to find new dwellings in their 'natural ' Habitat . Some may return to the studio at its new location in the Park next Spring .We'll see ...

In the meantime enjoy the view , and I'll be reading more comments left for thought and contemplation at the old studio at Poets Walk Park , Redhook NY.

PANEL DISCUSSION SEPTEMBER 24TH @SUNY,and MORE

2009-09-19T05:41:00.000-07:00

Wendy Bounds , will moderate a panel discussion on the habiat for artists project this Thursday evening , September 24th at 7pm on the SUNY New Paltz Campus. There will be a number of artists who participated in the project , curators Amy Lipton and Brian Wallace and Board Trustee Shai Osborn . Also joining the panel will be Richard Heyl De Ortiz Director of Public Programs at HHS . Please make a note of this event if you wish to attend , and add your comments.

SEPTEMBER 9th Saw the dismantling of the Ecotones Show at the Dorsky Museum at SUNY
with the "in museum" habitat studio getting de installed . The various parts and materials will be finding their way into other habitat studios over the next few projects to come .

SEPTEMBER 10th We moved the two habitat studios at SOLAR 1 in NYC to make room for their outdoor film series running over the next couple of weeks . OCTOBER 3rd we are planning a joint event with Solar1 and eoartspace . Details to be announced.

SEPTEMBER 12th Despite the grotty weather we had a wonderful turnout for the reception of the 'Down To Earth' exhibit at SCEE in Philadelphia . Thankyou to Cathy Lebowitz , Jeff Bailey and Todd Sargood who were instrumental in this project occurring and who were in attendance that day . Unfortunately Odin Cathcart couldn't be there as he had previous engagements in VT
at the Helen Day Gallery, Stowe. Thankyou to the SCEE staff who were key to the gardens surviving since planting in June ,.... and thanks to Amy Lipton , for her inspired show concept!

SEPTEMBER 14th HFA , partnering with URBAN GO GREEN , gave a presentation to the HARLEM ARTS ALLIANCE , at the theater of Riverside Church NYC to gain interest from visual artists and others in participating in the project which will be part of UGGs 2nd ANNUAL EXPO at the Harlam Armory on OCTOBER 24 /25th .Thanks to HAA Executive Director , Michael Unthink and Tiwana Jackson of UGG for making this possible .

SEPTEMBER 16th The habitat studio at SCENIC HUDSON"s , POET"s WALK Park,Redhook NY was removed from its bucolic setting to get a little 'TLC' over the winter and will return to the park at a NEW site . We will be looking for WRITERS to take up short term residencies at the studio in the Spring of 2010. Further postings about will be announced .

As you can see we have been very active of late and will be posting a variety of pix from these events. Remember we still have THREE (3) habitat studios in New Paltz , more on those Monday . Chris Brandon just finished his writers residency at HHS and will be drafting a story from the many suggested stories he collected whilst at his temporary writers shack there.

Common Grounds Farm at Stonykill had their benefit Picnic Sunday 13th and we'll be hearing how that went from Tim and Devin this week end . We were able to pay fwd some material from other studios and combine with the boards the GREEN TEENS painted during the Summer.

SCEE Philadelphia MORE PICKS

2009-08-23T08:17:00.000-07:00

MORE PIX

2009-08-23T08:09:00.001-07:00

The interior of the Studio cum Shed at SCEE Philadelphia this past week , more pix to show of this project .

The window installed at the Old Main Circle on campus at SUNY New Paltz , last month .

The first install of the habitat studio at Solar 1 , the "Hidden Drive "sign was stolen 2 days later !

A MIX OF PIX AUGUST 2009

2009-08-23T08:03:00.000-07:00

Changing the Habitat Booth at Solar 1 , to a working wall for Todd B to use this week , 8/17/09

An early stage in the Habitat studio/shed at Common Ground CSA at Stony Kill NY

Habitat Studios Update AUGUST 23rd 2009

2009-08-23T07:49:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to get some of the latest pictures up on the blog as I have been promising for some time and have been unable to get time to sort and file. Well now I have and here they are . Just a brief re-cap . I was recently in the City (NYC) and the artist, Todd Betterly has started there at the Solar 1 Habitat studio at E 23rd St and East River. We , Todd S and I were in Philly at the studio at SCEE this past Wednesday and I was in New Paltz to meet with a new resident artist

Chris Brandon , a writer , who will be starting at HHS , August 30th , this past Tuesday . Ustya is going to be extending her time at the invitation of the folks at HHS (Huguenot Historical Street). I hear that Patti Nelson has found her "pipe" and has been reconstructing the habitat studio on campus. Ayesha is back on Main and painting up a storm , she also has HFA T-shirts !! (nudge !).

A MIX OF PIX .......... above is Molly Rausch at her Lost and Found Booth on Main St New Paltz

BACK FROM PHILADELPHIA

2009-08-20T03:48:00.000-07:00

I have to say , and Todd will attest to this , I was a little nervous about what to expect. When you go away for a week on vacation you 're a bit unsure as to how much or how little , rain has fallen or things have grown (especially weeds) . SO here we are gardening from afar with reports from the center as to watering and weeding , but I had no sense of how well the plants were doing . Especially with the recent blight in our region with Tomatoes devastated ....

We had also alloted to grow in the fresh tilled soil and add some composted material , but hadn't established a feeding regime . The other gardens at the center had been built up or grown in raised beds . And used fresh organic soil from else where ,...

So we arrived at The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education on a hot ,sunny day yesterday around 11 30 ish . On first glance there was this over riding sense of things gone hay wire . The growth in that area can be staggering and the heat sometimes has a tropical feel to it.

As we entered the compound , the deer fenced area of allotments the various lots started to show signs of doing well . The tomatoes were bearing fruit , the melon plants although small were in blossom and looking healthy , and we had a few cukes in one garden .The runner beans weren't as tall as wished for but there were flowers coming in . So all in all not an August garden, but has promise to bear fruit soon ....

After a hour of weeding each lot, things were looking a lot better and when each was watered they decidedly sparkled. We then started to apply some of the new tiles to the habitat studio

which had been done by a group of children from the center's summer camp and by an adult education program near the center. We also bought material from the Main Street Habitat in New Paltz which had been painted by Todds SUNY painting class , earlier his year .

We were fortunate in between all this activity to have a visit and interview from Philadelphia columnist , Bruce Schimmel . Bruce writes for the City Paper and covers many aspects of Phillys art and cultural events , especially of a "green" nature ! After a little bit of a rusty start we got the interview going in which Bruce recorded a varied sound interview with me describing the project with all its various connections and relationships .

After getting a new reclaimed window in the one west side we cleaned up , having taken Tim and Devin's cue of painting your sheds brightly !! Tim and Devin are the Common Ground CSA farmers at Stonykill NY . A few more photos and back on the bus ,.... I mean pick up ...tools

loaded and hope nothing spills ( I always have an assortment of paint cans and open boxes of screws after an install , you never know what you might use !!)

Photos to follow. I 'd like to thank all the staff at the center who have organized the various teen volunteers , especially Zoe Cohen and Mary Salvante . In fact we met Kim our next water volunteer before leaving who'll be watering Mondays .... Many thanks .

Huguenot Habitat Studio New Paltz NY

2009-08-18T15:31:00.000-07:00

Here is the habitat studio at Huguenot Street , New Paltz , nestled in the cedar grove which has not only helped in the heat , but provided an extra layer of protection from the many summer rain storms . This has appealed to the artists who wanted a quieter residence for their 3 week working stint. There has been a great rapport with the artists who have been here this season and the various staff who run the HHS . Historical Huguenot Street not society ! Those directly involved PJ , Richard and Shari . Many Thanks !!

The Habitat Studio in Philadelphia

2009-08-18T15:19:00.000-07:00

This is the Habitat Studio in Philadelphia at The Schuykill Center (for Environmental Education)or SCEE. This was earlier in the year before our summer of torrential rains and the North east
Potato / Tomato Blight.

This particular habitat studio was sponsored by the center and curated by Amy Lipton of ecoartspace NY for the show "DOWN TO EARTH" , Artists Create Edible Landscapes. This was the precursor to our getting involved with Tim and Devin at Common Grounds CSA at Stonykill NY (near Beacon) .

Behind it it was what we referred to as the Cabana , which was a covered outdoor area which we could use for classes and prepping plants , seed trays or as a prep area for out door cooking .

One Pick up , One habitat Studio

2009-08-18T15:10:00.000-07:00

The Basic elements fit on to the back of my Tacoma p/u Truck . I've made a couple of bed attachments to "float " larger sections on and can attach by screwing down with Stimson framing hard ware . This allows quite a bit of mobility and cuts down on hand hauling. The pick up truck is the ultimate wheel barrow . I am patiently waiting for the Tacoma to have a turbo diesel model so I can use bio diesel fuel. That or they go hybrid ??

The Basic Structure

2009-08-18T15:02:00.000-07:00

Here you can see the floor attached to frame , with the 4 corner "columns " or posts with the 71 "
Rails attached horizontally ( 1 by 4 s) ...green elements in photo above, running left to right at 32" on center. The ends are framed out to produce an opening 48 by 82 high ,with a header box frame.

Habitat Studios 2009

2009-08-18T14:45:00.000-07:00

I thought it might be good to recap on how the habitat studios work this year.

In New Paltz we gained Village Board approval to put them at various sites in the village.There were limited zoning issues as they are classed as temporary structures. We recommended a 2 by 6 crib frame that was affixed to the ground with rebar or lag bolts , depending on field conditions.

Here Ryan Cronin and I attach the 2 by 4 floor frame to the 2by 6 crib frame which was partially dug in and levelled , then pinned to the ground with re-bar.

MAKING THAT CHOICE

2009-08-18T03:32:00.000-07:00

I was just visiting Tim and Devin , the farmers at the Common Ground CSA at Stonykill near Beacon yesterday to see how things were going. Many of you may have seen the NY Times article recently "You say Tomato , I say Agricultural Disaster ".

They with countless other organic farmers have seen the loss of their Tomato crop due to the blight helped along by the wet un typical Summer weather we've been having. It appears the fungus is also a threat to their potatoes , and is the same fungal disease that caused the Potato Famine in Ireland in the mid 19th Century.

Where a field of tomatoes or another crop has to be ripped out and destroyed as their is NO organic solution to the disease you suddenly see the reality of making a choice to grow or buy organic produce . It 's been a veritable topic of conversation as to the unseasonal amount of rain there has been and how for many they've had a great summer as they work outside and the temperatures and humidity have been lower. BUT if you were also wanting a good local organic salad with some fresh tomatoes ,.... you'll be having to pay more for them now . Or they are not available when you go to pick up your share at the local CSA .

On the other hand the Greens , the kales and similar plants have been loving the alternate weather this summer. So you adapt ,..... but these are the hard choices when you opt for a less toxic form of produce . And most organic farmers know this , and that's part of the realities of a principled decision to grow with out the array of pesticides, fungicides and petro fertilizers .

Unfortunately the blight wasn't helped by the effects of the large agro-business entities who compounded the situation by allowing thousands of tomato plants on to the market which were contaminated back in April. The usual box stores , that require excessive numbers to ensure low prices every day , had a part to play in this frustrating situation.

Despite this underminded blow to their efforts ,Tim and Devin have continued to work hard on ensuring that other crops made the farm stand. When I was there chatting in the field Tim , Kim and Devin were digging up some handsome carrots . And in a creative outburst this past weekend they've managed to bring some vibrant color to the various structures around the yard

There was the most brightly painted Hen house in the field I have ever seen . So despite the realities and consequences of a crop lost , the team at Common Ground found that something sunny can come in a different form. The reality of art and agri-Culture was met in this wonderful creative act. I shall be finding more time to continue working on the habitat studio there,inspired by this healing activity , this week.

I think there is a wonderful lesson here and also a strong argument of how different worlds can impact each other , the one detrimentally the other rejuvenative , healing some times in the face of adversity . These are the choices we make , and how we make sense and learn from them not always coming with a price tag ,.... these are invaluable .

I 'm off to Philadelphia tomorrow to see how the gardens grow there . We will be putting more material up on the habitat studio and accessing the conditions of the various lots planted .
Talk soon , SD

BEFORE SUMMER ENDS

2009-08-15T10:50:00.000-07:00

Well I'm having one of those days where I really feel I ought to be outside enjoying a day of hot sun sans rain showers . On the other hand there's all this other stuff that needs to be dealt with inside. So I am going to recommend , as much to myself as to you all out there in blogos-sphere to go out and enjoy the day and the SUN !!

Man , there are a ton of things going on today in the Valley . Garrison Art Center is having a craftcome tag sale 9 to 5 , Beacon is having a Foodie thing on behalf of BCC (Beacon Community Center ) called a Taste oF Beacon , hosted by the Piggy Bank. New Paltz is having its THIRD ART LOOP Saturday . Rosendale is have their continuing PUPPET SLAM at the Black bird Theater., this afternoon. And you need only drive around in your NEW high mpg vehicle you've just bought with the CLUNKER turn in programme , to see a dozen more events this weekend .

And for those bargain shoppers there are a number of TAG sales occurring withthe fine weather.

What is it now ? Two weeks before SCHOOL starts ? Labor Day is the weekend of the 6th .?

So before you all get semi-mental about the end of another summer , not that it really got started, get off the couch and go DO something . And why am I digressing on this tack of doing something ? Well , having these various projects around the place and having many a friend in another part of the valley or Hudson Valley Region , it amazes me how little folks know about what is going on , area to area . And , yes I am starting a sentence with this word , and how hard it is to find out about what is happening UNLESS you're in that small town or area .

And honestly I am not that interested in the local garage sales or fish bakes than the cultural events that occur with out due attention, most weekends up and down the Region , Lower Mid
or Central and in the nose bleed zone of Albany .PS Hudson turned around at just before what is the Albany area so officially I 'm stopping there too .Just FYI .

So over the next few weeks I 'm going to be chatting with alot of folks OUT THERE as to how to get to know what's going on and whose doing what , which art center is holding a this/that sale and what ( if any thing ) artists , poets , writers and other creative souls are thinking about .Even
discussing currently . Despite the economy folks up and down the valley almost beyond Albany are getting and doing creative things ! No matter if they can't sell those creations , they are still doing their thing !

Well I 've got to get going because one of my son's chickens has flown the coop and in case you're all wondering if my chickens have left their roosts , or words to that effect , NO ...just having some summer time fun . BUT I am serious as to improving the art dialog or encouraging it as I seem not always to be that serious in my method . So tune in or drop me a line or two at :
habitatforartists@gmail.com

Love to hear about the proverbial chickens , but don't bother to tell me about the clambakes!
Thanks SD

2009-08-15T10:10:00.000-07:00

36 MAIN STREET New Paltz NY

This is how the habitat studio looked like earlier this year .

Fifteen students from SUNY Art Dept. with instructor Todd Sargood , installed 60 panels on the outside of the studio. Many of these are now at other habitat studio locations .

AYESHA IBRAHIM will be here from August 15 th onwards.

MOLLY RAUSCH ends Saturday 8/15 with her LOST & FOUND BOOTH

2009-08-15T10:02:00.000-07:00

OLD MAIN CIRCLE, SUNY Campus New Paltz NY

This is an early photograph of the habitat studio on campus .

Which has changed drastically since Ryan Cronin installed his

water collection system early this summer. Mercedes Cecilia

had some fun repainting some of the old habitat material during

her residency there .Now PATTI NELSON is about to effect some change. She will be there for 3 weeks from Friday August 14th.

2009-08-15T09:58:00.000-07:00

HABITAT STUDIO in the SDMA @ SUNY New Paltz NY

This is an early photo of the studio at the Dorsky Museum .

Many people have been very bold in writing on it as to what

inspires them . Remember show ends SEPTEMBER 6TH .

2009-08-15T09:50:00.000-07:00

HUGUENOT STREET HABITAT SUDIO , New Paltz NY

Ustya Tarnawsky is currently in residence here , late into August

This is a wonderful spot on a sunny day ,very cool . Remember to bring a picnic as there are a number of wonderful tables close by .

SMILE , AYESHA IS BACK ON MAIN !!

2009-08-13T14:16:00.000-07:00

For those of you who missed that beacon on Main , just passed the other light on Main and 32 , Ayesha is back . So bring your best smile and choose a new work of hers. Those of you who might have lost more than a smile and would like a rendition of that missing item or even mood , Molly Rausch will be at Main St this Saturday to close her Lost and Found Booth . So final requests must be in by Saturday evening.

For those of you who didn't get a chance to SMILE and choose an artwork , Ayesha will be at the Main St Habitat Studio until the END of August.

Patti Nelson is settling in at the Old Main Circle on the SUNY Campus. She will be there for a 3 week term. She is exploring aspects of Shelter . Found material that might be repurposed for a use that implies possible habitat. With in her exploration of taking the studio structure apart and reinventing it with other material she is examining our concepts about class , heirarchy

and economics . An interesting project with regard to recent articles about Dharavi , Mumbai

slum , and their Gov't 's wish to go hi-rise and relocate as something "Modern and Progressive"

This also touched a chord with Mercedes Cecilia who was at the same studio . Growing up in Peru she commented that the habitat structures were similar to ones being lived in there. We

forget that a vast amount of the earths population live in simple dwellings . For those interested in taking a side ways look at this topic I'd like to refer you to the Slumdwellers website.

And not far removed from this topic is the site in NYC , which is wearing well but has definitely seen other uses . The lock had disappeared but there were no signs of other activity . There seems to be a tendency for the homeless in this area to seek shelter with in the structures of the park near by. But issues of shelter are closer to home than we like to think about!

Todd Betterly will be taking up residency in the studio at 23rd St at SOLAR 1 this Monday August 17th . He'll be thinking up a variety of ways to engage with both passers by and with the structure itself. This will be new territory for him as he has been engaged in the applied arts and has a wish to return to a less commercial orientated creative process, after a time away.

Stay posted for his accounts and experiences at this Studio Habitat.

I'm going to try and get to some of those images that have been gathering electronic dust in the camera , so I hope to return with some new images of studios past but not forgotten.

Take care , and stay dry ( you forget it's August ) SD

ECOTONES and TRANSITION ZONES EXHIBIT

2009-08-13T03:16:00.000-07:00

I was up in New Paltz yesterday seeing how the project was going. Brian Wallace,the museum curator , reminded me that the current show "Ecotones and Transition Zones" at the Dorsky Museum at SUNY NP will be closing SEPTEMBER 6th .

A provocative show when juxtaposed to the many Hudson River painting shows going on up and down the valley ,( Hudson) , now celebrating a 400th anniversary of said explorer bumping up the river in 1609 .

It stands out as it reflects the diversity of work being produced , conceptualized , created in the region now in a variety of medium. What many forget is that many works of the original school were produced in traditional studio practices not outdoors and usually back in NYC. Many times actually from a photo format . Today NYC has become a safe haven to live in .Having been made habitable by artists converting work to studio/work spaces into living spaces many artists have been unable to continue living and working in the city. We'll see if this trend abates

in the current economic climate ?

As city rents rose the valley and it's many rivertowns became the new destination for artists to head for. Many major towns up and down the valley now have many artists working in them. Beacon with the initial focus on it through the location of the Dia Museum attracted a larger proportion of artists to it. Larger towns such as Poughkeepsie attracted many artists who needed more industrial spaces and had it had a variety of empty commercial space available.

At this point in time there are a considerable number of artists who have made their residence and place of work , their studios , in the valley. A far greater number of artists produce work in the Hudson Valley than a 100 years ago, yet this is not reflected in the number of exhibitions celebrating the 400 year anniversary. The valley for many reasons has attracted artists to it and especially now not only due to economic necessity . There has been a continued reevaluation of the natural splendour of this river region with the significant growth of the environmental movements , started over 40 years ago close to West Point . Prevailed upon by pioneers such as Pete Seeger and the Clearwater crew.

But artists though inspired by their surroundings are not merely mirrors to that landscape to day . There is a cultural phenomena which is quietly occurring which is not about galleries and the relocation of exhibition space to the area but an influx of working artists into an area that for many years had lost its soul. And that loss was not solely a regional phenomena .

Artists today are engaged in many forms of creative expression . And given the number or lack there of of exhibitions that are reflecting this shift it behooves you as an interested member in your community , having probably relocated here for similar reasons , to engage in seeing the diversity of work being made in the region . The current show up until SEPTMEBER 6TH is

more significant in this "QUAD" year. There are 22 artists whose works were selected to be apart of this show this year . (out of a submission of over 100 artists) All applicants live in the Hudson Valley region.

And when you're there pick up the gallery guide.. its well written and informative . I'll also point you to some of the captions that were added by the curator in a wonderful twist of putting museum objects in this case art work into context. This is an opportunity to take in the work in a new way which is not always bothered with in most exhibition /gallery settings .

Remember todays events are tomorrow's history , were you apart of it ?

LOST and FOUND

2009-08-12T07:54:00.000-07:00

For those in New Paltz this weekend . DO and it is the village's Art Loop 3rd Saturday this week, drop by the Habitat Studio on Main St (next to the Restaurant 36 Main, good stop for Brunch Lunch or Dinner plans !) .Molly Rausch will be there to take in your requests of objects you've lost, in return and by way of your description she mails you back a drawing of the lost object .She's had a great response from people and alot of anonymous requests so we are respecting peoples privacy in responding to those personal items which aren't for public consumption .

During the week Ayesha Ibrahim is continuing her Art for A Smile so be sure to wear your best face, unless you happen to have lost it in which we'll refer you to Molly's Lost and Found and she might be able to draw it for you , but be sure to desribe your BEST face !!

Up on campus check on the progress by Patti Nelson , at The Old Main Circle of Plattekill St ,....
Old SUNY entrance , follow the construction fencing . And whilst you are there take a path through the campus to visit the Ecotones Show at The Dorsky Museum and another Inspired habitat studio inside . Micahel Asbills piece is a must see along with Tom Sarratonios painter's paintings tucked away in a corner .

Finally to cap the day off end up at HHS ....Historical Huguenot Street and if you are riding the bike trail drop in and have a sandwich near the fourth habitat studio in the Cedar grove by the picnic tables. Ustya Tarnawsky has been working there having been on site about a week now .

I am off to visit the studio on the East River,tomorrow . Meeting up with an artist who wants to use the studio at SOLAR1 . Other artists do stop by the SOLAR1 office if you want a riverside studio for a short time residency. STRICTLY no living WORK in only ! ENQUIRE within ,.......

Next week I have to see how the gardens grow in Philadelphia at the Habitat studio/potting shed at SCEE. Off Hagys Mill Rd . Part of Amy Liptons curated show "Down to Earth " with several other environmental , greenfingered artists. Check out Amy's blog at ecoartspace (see link). AND save the date SEPTEMBER 12TH for the Reception for this show , if you survive the opening festivities down the road at Abington Art Center in Jenkintown the previous evening.

Planning ahead do SAVE the date SEPTEMBER 24TH there is a panel discussion at the museum , The Dorsky at SUNY New Paltz is host to several artists from the habitat project and myself , with ecoartspace curator Amy Lipton . Details still to be announced .We hope to have a very special moderator for the panel discussion so more to follow . Thursday evening at 7pm .

Please tune back soon I am anticipating some cool stuff in New Paltz , including

*..a possible Solar component to the campus studio by Michael Otis's Engineering class

*... how green can we make the habitat studios by leeds in training architect Joe Thompson

*... Michael Asbill is concocting a creative term at one of the Habitat studios in September

*.... Mercedes Cecilia hopes to be in residence in the Museum habitat in September

*.... A recent SUNY alumni , artist Chris Manning is going to stage an install at a studio habitat.

*... There might be a short residency by Marnie Hillsley , originator of the Poets Walk Habitat !

*.... A final got to go tag sale most likely at Main St of collected items which were found and now
we want to part with , for a small donation to the project . This item still has to be talked over with the other members and a date fixed.....

Meanwhile enjoy the cooler weather today and bask in the August heat til the thunder showers come. I am now up and off to New Paltz to meet with Patti Nelson . Later SD

CHANGES , FORGIVE THE MESSENGER

2009-08-11T20:46:00.000-07:00

At this point I am assuming that any one and I might mean one as in a person is reading this currently SORRY to say there have been some schedule changes .

NEW YORK

Solar 1 we have decided due to a variety of reasons to postpone events there BUT we are interested in getting Artists to work there at the habitat studio so do contact us !!

We will be posting the NEW events and NEW dates asap at this location !!

NEW PALTZ

Patti Nelson begins working at the Old Main Circle Campus habitat studio tomorrow ,Wednesday AUGUST 12th ....further details to follow Her residency to go through to August 21st .

Molly Rausch continues her Lost and Found Booth through this weekend . Ayesha Ibrhim will be joining her this week at some point at the Main St studio ... I'll have more news SOON.

Huguenot Street Studio continues with Ustya Tarnawsky (pix to follow !)

PHILADELPHIA

I am going there next week to see how the Gardens Grow or Not ! And to add new material to the studio potting shed . This location for those joining us now is at SCEE 8040 Hagys Mill RD
PLEASE note Reception for Project Saturday September 12th Hope to see you there !!

POET'S Walk Rhinehook NY

Weather permitting I am hoping to move this studio off the "siteline " very soon .I'll be making a few changes to the structure and we're looking to get some Writers in there soon doing their thing !!

ART OMI, Ghent NY

This is our errant studio ,.... we are not on the map and I am unsure as to what the future holds for this quiet participant . I am anticipating we will see this studio being relocated before the year ends . Our team is ready to pick up and go when we have the word !? Bill please call us !!

BEACON NY

The original habitat site is slowly being cleaned up . We still have ONE studio there which will be moved by the month end . Materials gathered will be repurposed or disposed off as weather and other natural effects have taken their toll .

GARRISON NY

As part of the Collaborative Concepts Exhibit Michael Natilello will be building a habitat studio at Saunders Farm off OAP RD very soon . This promises to be an interesting hybrid in the studio/shed concept ! Those of you who missed Michaels Fish Shanty at Annsville may like to google that from the Peekskill Project 2008.

MUMBAI , INDIA

We're NOT there yet . BUT there is a festival in Dharavi , aka the slum city as in Millionaire Dog Movie ... which is planned to celebrate what may soon be changing if Real Esate Speculators and the Indian Gov't get their way . This could be a rich exchange if we can propose a relevant studio habitat as part of these celebrations. I'll be posting links to this new material soon .

HOCH TAUNUS ,Bad Homburg , Germany

There are plans to have a habitat studio in the Hoch Taunus Park near Bad Homburg which is a short distance from Frankfurt a.m. . Currently looking at Spring Early Summer funds permitting
Again more news to come on this from OUR Messenger !

Please as a reminder do look at HOW you might support this project , go to the side bar and see donations. YOU can make a difference . AND you might just be that ONE reader who gets it ?

THANKS talk soon Best SD

HABITAT STUDIO SCHEDULE

2009-07-30T12:44:00.000-07:00

Or is that SHEDule ?

Just an update of which ARTISTS are at which HABITAT studio :

NEW PALTZ NY

Ayesha Ibrahim is at the Studio in The Dorsky Museum

Friday JULY 31 st Saturday AUGUST 1st and Sunday AUGUST 2nd

Molly Rausch is at the Main St Studio next door to 36 Main st Restaurant

continuing through this week to Sunday AUGUST 9th

AUGUST 10 th Molly and Ayesha will be sharing the studio on Main St.

Ustya Tarnawsky will be starting for 3 weeks at the Habitat studio at Huguenot St

Monday AUGUST 3rd through Sunday AUGUST 23rd

Mercedes Cecilia will be finishing up this week end at the Old Main Circle studio on campus Sunday AUGUST 2nd

NEW YORK

E Odin Cathcart will be starting at the habitat studio at Solar 1 AUGUST 11 th through

AUGUST 14th ( all the way over on East 23rd beyond the FDR Drive next to the East River)

Chere Krakovsky will be doing a performance piece at the Solar 1 habitat studio AUGUST 15 th and 16th

Shed Building Workshop with Simon Draper , a hands on build your own habitat studio

learning what tools , what materials and basic techniques you can use to build your own shed studio . There will be a simple manual to purchase ( PRICE to be announced). If you are interested sign up on : habitatforartists@gmail.com just so we have an idea of numbers !!

Sunday AUGUST 29th around 4pm.

More dates to come at other locations .

MOMENTS OF QUALITY

2009-07-29T14:44:00.000-07:00

I just got back from the HABITAT STUDIO at Solar 1 , on the East River. I was going over the various events we want to schedule for the habitat studio there during the next few weeks. Including E. Odin Cathcart taking a short term residency there for the second week in August.

A Shed Building Workshop ,probably end of August with hands on techniques to build your own back yard studio . And a couple more things we want to confirm with others .

Whilst I was there I needed to repair part of the side of the Shed working photos ,which given the location I was very pleased with how well it was all holding up and looking pretty good ! Just as I was finishing up a fellow came up to chat . He remarked that he'd been enjoying the project and also showed me a photo he 'd taken on his cell phone . He went on to tell me he'd gone to the website and had been taken by the references to Tiny Homes, on the Shed working site .And had enjoyed looking at the various other ingenious small spaces folks had built and designed. He continued how especially in the city space is a premium and we can all do with making the most out of less !! Thanks Chris , that exchange was one of those quality moments that make this project and some of the material we are discussing worth it all . Chris also mentioned that he took other opportunities to talk about the various websites and to show other people the photo of the studio at 23rd Street .

Infact each time I visit one of the Habitat studios around the valley and in the city I usually have a moment or exchange with someone about the project which is similar to this exchange

and is a shared moment of quality which makes a lot of the work well worth it !!

What's funny I 've been thinking about some of the topics that Lewis Hyde discusses in his book, "The Gift" recently and I think this sharing of creativity is key to this type of exchange. There is also the recent discovery of janitors that had set up a "special" place to hang out in, with in the State Assembly in Albany. Their own little habitat studio ? Whether or not you applaud their particular creativity and how it revealed itself, is not the point BUT I do think it indicates the notion that underlies this project of the need for personal space which is not

predetermined .(?) People engage in vast projects to add a bit more space to their house and are surprised that it doesn't always seem to warrant the cost . Could have maybe built that shed in the yard . As a friend said , his grand dad would take himself off to the Pout House to just have a pout and a smoke. A house out side the House .

Space has become a very interesting topic of late with a friend who just got back from Mumbai. Bombay for those who haven't looked at a map lately.... He'd been asked to visit with a view to making a film about Dharavi ,the 'slum' in Mumbai (and the subject of escape from in the movie "Slumdog Millionaire". ) What he and I find interesting are the many attitudes to the conditions with which people discuss the "quality " of living because of the lack of space. Infact he has been quoting Ivan Illich's many books about the proliferation of middle class values on the rest of the world by the West . As though we were exporting tomes for greater happiness ?

What we're suffering from in the West more than not is disconnect, even given the prolific number of electronic interfaces we have which SELL on the premise of how in touch we will become.

Its moments such as the one with Chris today which are lacking in the normalcy of most peoples lives which don't come about because of a phone or email . It s real exchange , moments of quality that ideas about impulses and thinking outside the box are shared in person. How much might we learn from Dharavi if we rethought the value of really being connected ?

Would we want to put any more people in disconnected hi-rise dwellings or a shed with better sanitation and running water ?

Talk later SD

Words aren't Pictures

2009-07-23T14:30:00.000-07:00

Before I start , I know there have been a lot of promises of pictures lately and NOT to say there won't be BUT what has been going on of late is MORE about words , or more to say the lack of them . As with any starting point its merely a beginning . What ensues is not always planned and I think this project is about what is not SEEN or not planned . So where was I , well yesterday I met with Anne Gorrick and Beth Wilson to discuss the possibility of other writers being involved in the project specifically Poet's Walk and hopefully the New Paltz project as well.

As with many meetings especially when across or inter disciplinary there is a moment of WOW we are not seeing things the same way ... and that is not a slight .. but the way we are wired and how we might express the SAME experience(s) . What was said was that the blog does not convey the dimension of the project does not convey the the excitement which is palpable when around an artist working at one of the habitat studios. The changes being made in real time,the realm of all possibilities in a moment. In that moment I realized that there needed to be a change in what was being "blogged "about .

Coming from a visual background we do not work with that vocabulary there is a sign language which is an estimation of a reality ,... it's cryptic and a cypher is needed ....there are hooks to bring the viewer to the work BUT at that moment the artist anticipates the viewer to do a lot more work . What you put in you will get out .... and I think this is how how I have been blogging in regard to this project .

So over the next couple of evenings I shall be looking to try and encapsulate some of the special qualities that make this project ...exciting , engaging and worth a look NO which might rock your boat.

Sometimes when you're in the thick of it you can't SEE .let alone catch the right words. SEEING may be believing BUT the right words can engender the right FEELING . Bear with me as I seek the right words to EXCITE and involve you in this , I am told enticing project. Later SD

Habitat News

2009-07-21T07:29:00.000-07:00

Having had the day rained off I thought I"d relay some Habitat news . I was bound for the bucolic setting of Scenic Hudsons Poet's Walk Park near Redhook today , with the intention of moving the habitat studio off the site line to the field nearer the Pavilion . Whilst in the process of moving the studio I was going to make some changes to it so it would suit writers rather than visual artists . It is slightly smaller than the usual 6 by 6 and therefore more suited to the creative act of writing. I will be having a meeting this week with Beth Wilson and Anne Gurrick
to discuss a writers group using this particular studio .

In New Paltz , artist Molly Rausch will be setting up her "Lost and Found Drawing Booth". There'll be more about this when she has completed the necessary signage to inform passers by
on Main St . how the Booth works.

At Huguenot Street , Nils Kulleseid will set up his stone carving at the picnic grove opposite the museum .

On campus Mercedes Cecilia continues her work , and there have been some wonderful changes made to the habitat studio's exterior .

I 've noticed that the Habitat studio in side the Dorsky Museum is getting thoroughly covered with renditions and words that inspire folks , Thank you .

In Beacon one of the remaining Habitat studios will be leaving to take up residence in Kingston with the help of Scott Gibson , of Eco pioneer. The water collection studio will be reset up at a piece of property Scott has off of Rte 209 behind the Staples store . More on the larger plans that the Habitat studio will be part off , later.

For now stay dry , and YES pictures to follow . I have over stocked my camera and now have to download individual pix so as not to duplicate and create those awful crammed non specific photo files . Perhaps a rainy day activity ? Later SD

Closing Reception at Huguenot Habitat Studio

2009-07-18T14:38:00.000-07:00

Try to see artist,Sarah Haviland and what she has been making at the Habitat Studio in the Picnic Grove on Huguenot Street. She is having a closing reception this Sunday July 19th 3 to 5pm. She'd love to share her ideas and the experience she's had which she refers to as her "incubation period". Join her for a light refreshment and share in the creative habitat !

Sunday also marks Ayesha Ibrahim's last day at the Main Street Habitat Studio. And remember to bring your best SMILE to receive a wonderful painting . Ayesha has had a blissful time at her temporary studio these past 3 weeks and please share with friends the time and exchange you have with this vibrant artist .

Mercedes Cecilia continues at the Habitat Studio on SUNY campus at the Old Main Circle.Though recently she has been suffering from some severe allergies at home so her time at the Habitat sudio has been hampered by this recent condition. She is seeking responses to a set of questions she poses based on the premise that most of us in the USA are IMMIGRANTS !

New Paltz Artist , Molly Rausch will start this week at the Main Street Studio. There will be a couple of days of installation BUT she assures me viewer participation is a large part of this new work .For those unfamiliar with Mollys usual work you can go to the Van Brunt website ,a Beacon gallery that shows her work.

We will be posting a schedule (SOON) for future artists taking resident at one of the four New Paltz Habitat Studio locations . And,..... YES we now have a MAP of their locations around the village , pick up at a habitat studio near you !

IN ADDITION , visitors will notice a NEW sculpture at the Main Street site . This is by New Paltz's very own Richard Gottlieb , known by most as owner of the climb store ROCK and SNOW. Well it turns out he's a sculptor too . I believe he described the piece as a SELF PORTRAIT. Check it out ,.....

We will be posting photos from the CITYSOL event from last week .This studio will continue there some time and still has the Shed Pavilion as part of it , so if you're in the City stop by !

There's more stuff brewing at the various locations and for those not in the know pick up the NEW card which has all current locations plus a dazzling tapestry of Habitat studios past and present . I'll post this card on the blog as its a good-un !! Thanks to Todd Sargood for getting that together .

Enjoy the week end and try to stop by one of the MANY habitat locations . Oh , by the way the habitat studio in the Dorsky Museum is looking great . AND we still need images of other peoples studios !! (large or small) for the interior collage. Email to me at habitatforartists@gmail.com

Habitat @ Citysol features shedworking.co.uk

2009-07-10T04:02:00.000-07:00

Habitat will be displaying a sneak preview of the new book by the folks who bring you shedworking.co.uk - "The only daily updated guide to the lifestyles of shedworkers and those who work in shedlike atmospheres." Gotta love that!

JOIN US at CITY SOL at SOLAR 1 E 23rd St NYC

2009-07-09T19:37:00.000-07:00

Please join us at the Habitat Studio which now resides on the banks of the East River at 23rd St,
Stuyvesant Cove. The studio is part of a three day festival , see details below , starting this Friday July 10th through Sunday July 12th . Programmed events start at 6pm , but there will be some of us there before setting up a second pavilion habitat which is celebrating the SHED. For those of you who didn't know the UK has been giving pride of place this week to this most idiosyncratic and democratic structure . With the generous gift of many images of all things shed by Alex Johnson of Shedworking .uk.co , we have been able to give a brief preview of images that will be appearing in his new book on the varied uses of the common and not so garden shed .

Over the course of the event I and others will be repurposing material from other habitats inside this pavilion , including old artwork and a mix of off cuts that have been made in making habitat studios. Drop by and join in or pick out a piece you might like to have reside elsewhere,....and make a bid , every dollar counts ! This pavilion will only be here for 3 days so make the effort to see it . Amy Lipton, of ecoartspace will also be there so do try and come by and see what else we 've been up to.

This small pavilion will evolve into the square foot garden which will accompany the original studio first seen at ecoartspace this past Spring at their Mercer Street project room .We hope to have the CSA ,Common Grounds at Stonykill join us in the weeks to come ,so stay posted.

Other artists will be using the habitat studio at Solar 1 during it's stay on the River banks , so make a note to stay posted on upcoming events.

More news from other habitat studio locations will be posted over the next few days , including sightings of artists at Poet's Walk , en plein air ...... NEW artists in New Paltz and new habitats
sprouting up at Common Grounds CSA near Beacon NY .

Lots to see and do , hope to see you sometime ....... best SD

Habitat at Citysol 2009

2009-07-09T18:31:00.001-07:00

Solar One hosts - learn more here.

CURRENT NEWS , WE HAVE MOVED !!

2009-07-01T03:59:00.000-07:00

A random selection of habitat studio pix, which one is which ?

Lets start by saying Saturday's performance was pure magic ! Those of you who were there witnessed something unique and sustaining . Dar's final song "Hudson" is the track that accompanies the video short on "Marnie's Shed" (link) .Which has now moved to Poet's Walk Park and has been our poster habitat ! It 's those tie ins which make this project meaningful as we don't have some design team working on stufff like that , it happened organically ,....

More to come on the Concert.

This week the Habitat Studio at the project room of ecoartsapce MOVED . It is now residing on the banks of the East River ,at Stuyvesant Cove , home of Solar 1 . We are in our second day of install and will be eventually building a 6 by 6 ft raised garden in front of it . For the week of the shed I will be posting many images of sheds supplied by Alex Johnson Of Shed Working /UK and images of Habitats , past and present. I am calculating that with a 12" by 12" format we'll get 48 images on a habitat studio side. Calendar NOTE ...... CITY SOL event JULY 10 /11 /12 th .

We'll be there .

Changes in New Paltz today , we have artists starting at Main st and on Campus ,and there will be a writing performance piece at Huguenot Street . New artist starting there next week July 6th. We will be posting links and schedule dates very soon . There are a number of artists who will be taking up residence over the summer and once we have dates confirmed we will link to a schedule . This week is particularly nutty as many folks have left on vacation for the 4th , but HFA never sleeps ,....

. Back soon with more news and opinion .SD

2009-06-25T04:58:00.000-07:00

DAR WILLIAMS to play at SUNY New Paltz , June 27th

2009-06-25T03:37:00.001-07:00

Okay , so things have been moving a little fast lately and there doesn't seem time to get it all down on the blog ! My apologies . THIS SATURDAY JUNE 27th at 7 pm at the Mckenna theater on the SUNY New Paltz campus , next to the Dorsky museum of Art

DAR WILLIAMS will be playing at a concert to benefit the Habitat for Artists project and its sponsor ecoartspace , with special guest Nick Panasevich .

The pre concert price is $25 at the door $ 30 TAKE NOTE so phone this number now as I am told the tickets are selling like 'hot cakes' TEL # 845 257 3844 .

Dar is really psyched about this concert as it appeals to her on many levels , first off she hasn't played in New Paltz for a while , and it connects community with art .It also raises issues about one of her passions , Ecology and the Environment . She has helped inniate a community garden in her own back yard and is prepared to get involved in local issues , such as doing a concert for a geothermal study at a local school . AND still balances appearing at Madison Square Garden to celebrate the career of Pete Seeger or a REM tribute at Carnegie Hall, with the need for people to get GROWING in their OWN Garden ! These are rare attributes and we hope you come out on Saturday to celebrate not only her music , and special guest Nick Panasevich , BUT ALSO her wish and desire for people to connect through creative and ecological endeavours , such as the Habitat for Artists project and the work of ecoartspace. READ her blog and see how many times she discusses her passion for gardening as well as music and her connection to her community !

We were discussing many of these issues the other evening as she was making a cake with her son Stephen . I was supposed to bring over the chocolate chips but forgot ! So WRITE this event on your calendar SO you DON'T FORGET !!! Saturday JUNE 27th at 7 pm , No you don't have to bring the chocolate chips JUST a wish to enjoy and support art and music which is going on right NOW , right HERE , in your back yard , the Hudson Valley . If you can turn up to see a bunch of old ships ........ SEE YOU THERE !!

June 21 st DROP BY HABITAT STUDIO ON MAIN ST NEW PALTZ

2009-06-20T03:02:00.000-07:00

If you haven't seen the show at the Dorsky Museum , it's a must see exhibition . There are many outstanding pieces to be seen and a good variety of approaches to the subject of "ecotones and transition zones" . If you want to know what that is about then drop by the museum SOON .
One of my favorites is Michael Asbills "Boat Piece" , but that's all I am saying . Heather Hutchison has several pieces that bear closer contemplation and don't miss her installation outside ! And some wonderful gems of context and painting has to be Tom Sarrantonio's pieces which you can miss if you don't look !! Which are next to Gilbert Plantinga's moving photographs.

This week I , and a few other artists will be changing it up at the 36 main st habitat studio . If you already didn't know Dar Williams, with special guest Nick Panasevich , will be playing JUNE 27th at 7 PM at the McKenna Theater at SUNY New Paltz campus (near the Dorsky Museum)

If you can't get tickets on line I may have a few at the NEW TICKET BOOTH habitat studio at
Main st . So DROP BY ,........ CASH only as we haven't got wifi hook up for plastic and knowing me I won't have my reading glasses with me so won't know what you may have written on a check .

Fingers crossed that the rain holds off especially as the Farmers Market is going to be at the Rock and Ice car park , so more reason to stop by ....... Art and Veggies amongst other things .
Or is it art amongst the veggies ?

We have artists lined up for the studios , as always its those summer schedules but currently RYAN CRONIN is using the studio on campus at the OLD MAIN CIRCLE , and JEANNE ENGLERT is in her second week at the studio habitat at Huguenot Street . AND if you are still interested do contact us there are slots available still . ( 845 216 35 07 )

MOLLY RAUSCH will be taking on the studio on Main St in July and has a surprise in store ,.....

MICAHAEL ASBILL will be taking resident at a studio soon . SARAH HAVILLAND will follow on from Jeanne at Huguenot Street . To name a few of the participating artists at HFA studios in New Paltz.

I'll be posting a few gems from recent installations and I think I need to get Todd Sargoods photo gallery for the SCEE project linked . There are some great pix of the day we had working with twelve 6th graders and their teacher Amy Kennedy from the Waldorf school .

Meanwhile a few older shots have been submitted for print for Alex Johnsons SHED book in the UK , Alex has the wonderful Shed working blog and mentioned HFA on his blog back in March this year . More on that with links but right now I need my daily tea . Which reminds me thank you for a wonderful blog on the DAILY GREEN by Brian Howard .

Time for TEA Grommet . best SD

Edible Landscapes HFA at SCEE ,PHiladelphia PA

2009-05-24T09:58:00.000-07:00

We're just back from Philly , and what a blast ! We managed to get a lot done in a short amount of time . Below are some of the pix from that venture . We owe a debt of gratitude to Jeff and Cathy who despite scorching sunshine continued to turn over most of the garden plots around the habitat studio. This allowed myself , Todd and Odin to get most of the basic structure of the habitat studio potting shed and outdoor work area built with in the short time there. I'll post more images as Todd has a whole stack he took of the process ,start to finish . Friday morning Odin and I were able to get our gardens planted so others can follow on and continue planting and sustaining the gardens. YES it's outstanding in it's field so we had to protect it from the deer that reside in the woods by erecting a full scale deer fence around the garden's perimeter .

New Paltz continues with the habitat at Huguenot Street .Below is a detail of that habitat studio before it left the shop . Todd has some great shots which I will download soon . I'll get a link to the rest of them as there are some crackers !!

Memorial Day activities prevail and we have a family visit to New Paltz , not just to see habitat studios but to check out a skate board store "Liquid" ......

Check in later for more images and new posts SD

Habitat Projects continue , NEW Pictures !!

2009-05-24T09:48:00.000-07:00

New Habitat Studio installed at Historic Huguenot Street, New Paltz NY

2009-05-17T09:13:00.000-07:00

May 15 th . The second New Paltz Habitat was installed Friday , Thursday having been a wash.
The initial install will be finished by Monday and will have two sides for artists to add to during their use of the studio over the next few months.

We are scheduling artists to use the studios around town for a MAXIMUM period of 3 weeks.
We are stressing that the artist reflects some of the issues that the project is engaged in especially ecological or environmental issues as well as being prepared to engage in a direct dialogue with the public when that artist is working in one of the habitat studios.

Artists are encouraged to enter into conversation or discourse with the specific studio location such as the History that surrounds the Huguenot Street site . Also to anticipate interaction with passers- by , with work that invites direct participation from viewers in order to create conversation.

As much as possible we ask the artists to be flexible in their approach to working in these studios and also to engage in alternative practices such as re using or repurposing material in their creative process. We do ask that artists minimize the level of toxicity and refrain from potential harmful solvents when working in these studios. This for many may prove challenging but we do want there to be a self examination or questioning of studio practice that artists engage in, in order to make their work.

We are open to artists working certain days , but also for them to be OPEN to others having access to the space during their alloted time . Our goal is to have as many artists using these studios and for there not to be periods where there is no activity. We are drawing up a guideline and agreement package for artists to refer to before their period of use.

As the warmer weather comes our way we will be scheduling artists on a consistent basis.

Please CONTACT the project if you live near the New Paltz area and would like to be considered
as a participating artist in one of the habitat studios . PHONE 845 216 3507 .
We suggest that you have a PROPOSAL for the period of time you wish to use the studio and how it might fit in with some of the project's considerations.

This is invitation is OPEN to painters, sculptors , videographers ,and photographers .

TIME LINES

2009-05-09T05:05:00.000-07:00

I did promise that I would be posting NEW images of NEW habitats and recent site visits, so yes I apologize for those of you who had returned with great expectations ,to find me prattling on AGAIN !

BUT and ( never start a sentence with these two words) ,... I felt compelled to share these recent thoughts.

My father passed away a few years ago on 9/11 2005 . A keen gardener, an incessant tinkerer and very committed to his community. Which was not as I was growing up always easy to contend with . What he spent his life doing in the real world was less of a consequence to me as were these activities that he engaged in, in the evenings and at week ends .

Gardening was I think central to our relationship . He couldn't relate to my early dabblings in art making as he was I think disappointed that I hadn't pursued a more musical creative outlet, BUT believe me there is only so much George Shearing you can stand as a truculent youth living in the punk era of the UK !! So there was growing stuff and Dad 's passion was the VEG garden. Here we could both engage in a world that was magical and always full of surprises. And you got to eat what you grew !! "Simon , look at these beans , how green how tender and we're still picking them.We'll have to start freezing some soon ?" Fathers and sons go to soccer games ..Dad and I part-steamed beans and devised ways of economic bagging for maximum use of space in the freezer ! Here we were both teacher and student , he had his favourite veggies and I soon discovered new varieties and began planting "spaghetti" squash and swiss chard.

And how does this relate to whats been going on of late ? Well , simply put you have the whole concept of the shed and it's use of a creative / magical space and with the recent project starting in Philly with the shed/studio at the center of a series of different gardens .

My Dad introduced me to the book by Mel Bartholomew "Square Foot Gardening" .Which , I suspect and this is what Dad liked ,was that Mel was an engineer by training and I think this appealed to Dad's systems approach to certain matters, (tho' he tended to be more emotional about his response to certain things than he cared to sometimes show...and he had his moments later in his life,) .... I digress. This concept which was then a new thinking in veg gardens, now influences the small gardens soon to take shape in Philly.

Recently with all the various meetings to gain permission and agreements with a variety of groups, I have felt my Dad beaming some where , maybe chuckling as I plow into evening meetings of village Boards , listen to business groups try to reach consolidation on events and approach and my sitting sometimes quietly thinking ,....."Haven't I been here before ?"

Simply put , this is community and now a return to that magical world of gardening with all the awe inspiring varieties and processes to engage in . Now put in an ART context ,...

I came across a wonderful world in high school , the Center for Alternative Technology in Mid Wales . I spent some time visiting this place , discovering a variety of inventions that were alternate to the standard norm. I didn't realize it at the time but I was equally drawn to these as an emerging artist, visually as well as for their obvious engineered purpose. It appears that many past worlds and interests have found placement with this project and as I look forward to the new opportunities for it to grow and flourish , my past has had a new light and meaning cast upon it and a new understanding is growing with regard to that man that was my father , John .

In mid life you stand holding the thread of a future to come and the thread of things past , you hope that you have time to hold this thread and gain insight not only into your own world but other worlds that surrround and influence us, every day. At this juncture you can become aware of an altered timeline which exists in a non linear, dimensional reality .

Art has this capability and this is what draws me to it every day. Sometimes it connects so many things which makes it a meaningful, real activity and absolutely relevant on its own merits. This is one recent experience that words only begin to express ,..... best SD

CURRENT NEWS

2009-05-09T03:49:00.000-07:00

With this sort of a project you are always aware of the weather , and lately we've all be aware of the rain. Despite the seemingly incessant precipitation we have been out and about checking on new sites and making new Habitat studios.

MAY 14 th, rain or shine we are slotted to begin installing the Habitat Studio at Huguenot Street
in New Paltz. The site is outstanding in that it is nestled in a glade of tall evergreens which have proved a wonderful asset during a recent hot spell (before the rains),giving ample shade cover! It will, also sit close to a group of picnic tables which we hope will instill conversation between the artists and picnicking visitors .... On a specific note would Martin DAVIS please contact us , phone # on cards at the Lower Main St Habitat studio , so we can arrange a slot for you to work in this studio !! Martin contacted the project with regard to using the space to continue his work of producing paintings of the various buildings in this Landmark area .

MAY 16 th THIRD Saturday in New Paltz . Various events are planned in and around town, HFA is slotted to have artists at the habitat studios and we'll be posting the first names SOON . There is an artist , Michael ASBILL who will start working in the studio on Lower Main St this Monday, May 11th......from 2 30 . Stop by to see what he has in mind ..............................................
There are various Music performances scheduled so pencil a cultural date in your calendar ! TA !

MAY 20th , HFA is going to be Philadelphia bound. The project "EDIBLE LANDSCAPES", curated by Amy Lipton of ecoartspace NY will be breaking ground. Taking place at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education , (hence referred to as SCEE) there will be a number of artists starting projects at an old farm property at Hagys Mill Rd & Port Royal Ave. .

We hope to have various groups and artists involved in this project as we will be relying on local input to sustain this project ,and as there are a number of small footprint gardens being planted
we do mean sustain,.... There will also be a Habitat studio / Habitat Garden Shed that sits at the center of the gardens which will be available to artists and groups to use if interested , in exchange for tending the seven (7) 6 by 6 gardens.

JUNE 1st HFA starts install at SUNY college New Paltz . As part of this years regional exhibiton , curated by Brian Wallace, at the Dorsky Museum (on campus) "Ecotones and Transition Zones"
the habitat studios will be being installed inside the museum and on campus .Stay posted there is a Benefit performance for HFA and ecoartspace at the college , end of JUNE (27th) by singer /songwriter DAR WILLIAMS. The opening act is an up and coming musician by the name of Nick PANASEVICH. Meanwhile back at the campus mini studios start popping up so as to be in place for the exhibition opening on JUNE 13th . ( MARK the calendar , again !!)

I realize that it's time for me to start posting a few more images of the various new stages in the project , and recent site visits so you can better envision what we've been up to. As it is said a picture is worth a thousand words , especially a thousand of mine !! And on that note I think I'll sign off ,and wish ALL MOTHERS all over a HAPPY MUM"S DAY . ( NB The UK already had their Mum's day , but my mum by default gets TWO days , just incase I forget one !!)

Stay dry , stay well and try to get out and visit some ART event this week end , best SD.

News and Comments

2009-04-21T11:55:00.000-07:00

Back again ! The first habitat Studio in New Paltz NY has already created some "chatter" and the local press with a humorous penchant likened them to latrines which has others chunnering .
I would say OUT HOUSE , but as I said to a few of you better to start with being likened to a toilet shed and end up being asked by the Town Board to help envision their Master Plan . Rather than have aspirations to want to help with the Master Plan and end up in the Toilet !! There were a few typos which ultimately were funny BUT CODA is COTA (FYI) and the small studios sit on wooden cribs NOT concrete slabs or slaps . The printed word is merely printed and NOT always FACT . We will be putting out a press release so keep your eyes posted if you're in and around New Paltz. AND remember this IS all part of the dialogue so if you have an opinion write to the New Paltz Times Editor ,.... it'd be great to heat, I mean hear from you !!

Other NEWS : we are checking out the site near Philly . Pa , next week at SCEE. Going to start building raised beds and planting small footprint gardens (also 6 by 6 ) . Working title is "DRAWN to and DRAWN from the Garden " . We're hoping to hook up with artists down there as gardens need sustained care and though we will be visiting, not that frequently come the Summer ,.....There will be a chance for those caretaking the garden to have use of a habitat studio which will be built in the center of the raised bed gardens. We'll post photos next week when we're back .

Mercer Street . We still have our INDOOR habitat studio at the ecoartspace project room at 53 Mercer St NYC third floor walk up ! Also many of the tiles we did and others at the VanBrunt Gallery Beacon NY , INDOORS this past winter, are displayed . See article in The Daily Green
by Brian Howard. We may have linked to it so check it out , scroll down & to your left ,.......

Thanks to all those people in Rhinebeck /Red Hook NY that responded not always to the question "What gives YOU Hope?" BUT also gave their valid opinion of the habitat studio located at Scenic Hudson's Poet's walk Park . (last field). Due to some peoples' view point WE will be moving it back from the panoramic view line so that the magnificent view of the majestic Catskill Mountains is NOT blighted by that "unsightly" structure ! SORRY to those of you who mistakenly arrive with the hopeful expectation that Scenic Hudson had met some of your needs and installed a wonderful latrine (with that royal majesty's spectactular view , talk about , the throne room !?) It IS a small studio which will be starting to be used by invited Artists and Writers very soon (whilst these cold days persist we can't expect those creative souls to suffer THAT much for their work?). So having completed the cycle of toilet humour I end on this note.

And I look forward to sharing new Views and News, and further rich Commentary on these Shed like things , coming to a neighbourhood like YOURS ? SOON ? Best SD.

Earth Day , Ecoartsapce presents Solar One Talk

2009-04-21T11:47:00.000-07:00

Hi , for those of you tuning in I wanted to remind you that SOLAR ONE is giving a presentation on PV Panels , this Saturday APRIL 25th at 6.30 PM . WHERE ? At the ecoartspace project room at 53 Mercer St NYC (3rd Flr) .
Please don't miss Chris Neidl's presentation , very illuminating and inspiring !!

Further info on link with ecoartspace ,...... (to your right ...... ) scroll down .

Habitat Update

2009-04-11T07:39:00.000-07:00

I thought it a good moment to refresh those that are following or just signing on as to what is happening with the Project. As you see we have just begun the first studio in New Paltz NY with Todd Sargood's Painting Class at SUNY NP . Despite cold temperatures and snow flurries the students engaged collectively in cladding the structure with the many tiles they had made in class from recycled ply wood . We'd set up a slide system on two sides so the tiles could be changed and alternated as the class wished. Very soon the students will get to have the experience of working in the 6 by 6 studio and entering into dialog with the numerous passers by on lower Main St.
Amy Lipton, of Ecoartspace was down in Philly this week visiting SCEE . The HFA project will be part of an exhibit titled "Edible Landscapes" which wonderfully has a whole garden element attached to it . A number of us will be travelling down there to start the gardens which are based on the 6 by 6 footprint of the studios (soon). See Amy's blog at ecoartspace for her comments,.....

STILL continiung at ecoartspace project room at 53 Mercer St NYC , 3rd floor OPEN Saturdays. The HFA Collective is still exhibiting work and a studio indoors . Take a LOOK .....
Meanwhile , the Habitat at Poet's Walk will be being relocated to a new site at the park , so stay
posted for new pictures. We'll be working very closely with Scenic Hudson in the times to come and hope to get one or two more studios in SH 's Parks this summer. Including the work from the show at Van Brunt Gallery , whilst we were working there INDOORS . We hope to get a studio built in the park at Mount Beacon which will use this material !!

Starting in June we have various other events , "Ecotones " the regional show at the Samuel Dorsky Museum at SUNY New Paltz , will be playing host to a habitat and will have an overiding ecological flavor to the work , so get the info ..."Call for Artists and Collaborators ".

HFA will also be starting work on studios down at the Solar One site on the East River @ 23rd St

We shall also be changing things up at SPIRE Studios , Beacon soon . We shall be reducing the site to having ONE studio there and will be "rematerializing" the others into the project as a whole . The material gets reused on "new" studios in the various projects mentioned above.

LASTLY , we have Odin Cathcart up in Vermont building a studio which will eventually be part of the Solar One project in NYC . Odin is working , along with Todd Sargood and myself on the HOW to Manual for your Habitat Studio. Which reminds me , Shedworking an english blog site just picked up on our project and put together a cool collection of material to peruse. (will link soon .....)

Stay well and keep in touch . SD

Habitat Makes Front Page in the New Paltz Times!

2009-04-09T20:20:00.000-07:00

Read the article online.

Download the pdf.

Solar One at ecoartspace , April 25 th 2009

2009-04-06T20:22:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note , Chris Neidl of Solar One will be doing a presentation at ecoartsapce on Saturday April 25th at 6.30 pm . Chris is a passionate advocate for the metropolitan area assuming a Solar prescence by installing PV panels on buildings where possible.How significant a
prescence these could be , please join us and him at 53 Mercer St , 3rd flr ......