Art Ladders: The Creative Climb

We are nearing the time when galleries and art centers announce their exhibition line up for 2023-2024. This process involves not only reviewing proposals sent by artists but also planning logistics such as funding, delivery and installation. Artists can choose different ways to seek out exhibitions but the most common are submitting online proposals, word of mouth, or starting a relationship with the venues. Val and Armin have done all those different approaches and in this episode they share stories that relate to the ins and outs of obtaining solo or groups shows. It takes perseverance and a bit of courage to make those connections. Once a show is granted then comes all the elements of planning a delivery and framing budget, timing, marketing, and creation of events related to the show. Solo and group shows can be excellent exposure for artists that leads to sales and recognition. However it is important not to become discouraged if the reward doesn't come immediately. It can ofter take months for some contacts to be made.

Valerie and Armin will be showing together at Van Singel Fine Arts Center in Byron Center, Michigan from September 5-October 12 with a reception on Saturday, September 23 from 12:30pm - 2:30pm. Valerie will be exhibiting with Tim Ricketts and Todd Burroughs at the new Jefferson Road location of Creative 360 in Midland from September 8 - October 15. The opening reception will be September 8, 7-8:30pm.

Here are a few links to venues and art schedules ahead.

⁠Linktree app with links you need to learn more about Val and Armin's Events such as classes, podcast, exhibits and mentorships. ⁠

⁠Van Singel Fine Arts Center where Val and Armin will have a two-person exhibit. ⁠

⁠⁠⁠Creative 360 in Midland, Michigan where Val will be exhibiting.⁠⁠⁠

⁠Facebook Reception Event to Honoring the Process: The Art of Valerie Allen, Todd Burroughs, and Tim Ricketts at Creative 36⁠0

⁠Information on upcoming Abstraction Workshop at Creative 360 with Valerie Allen.

Creativity, community and mastery are the trio of words that best describe the online community for artists that Mike and Julie deBoer founded along with Victor Lee in Canada. Mastrius is now serving artists in 29 countries through an online mentor program that connects aspiring, emerging and accomplished artists with masters who provide feedback, motivation, and encouragement through online sessions.

As mentors with Mastrius, Val and Armin were anxious to share a conversation with Julie and Mike. This is a chance to hear the origin story of the company and learn more about Mastrius' exciting growth and future. The unique model of providing artists across the globe the chance to learn face to face with art mentors via Zoom encourages a community that is dedicated to mastering artistic competence in a supportive, noncompetitive atmosphere. It truly provides a niche for artists looking to hone their skills in the comfort of their studios and home and along the way the artists become part of a connected community of like-minded creatives.

Here is information on Mike and Julie through their bios posted on the Leadership Team page of the Mastrius website.

Julie deBoer

Julie is a professional artist, instructor, and business owner with intuitive skills in branding, marketing, and messaging. She has  successfully built a career as an artist, achieving professional status and gallery representation with over 6 galleries in her first 10 years as an artist. She has worked with a variety of charitable and non-profit organizations, creating and leading many grassroots teams over the past 20 years. She has also had the unique opportunity to spend over a decade establishing and growing a new church in inner city Calgary.

Julie’s belief that each of us has a responsibility (and privilege) to give a leg-up to those around us, is at the heart of Mastrius. She is pleased to ensure it is knit into the company’s very DNA. Julie serves as Chief Messaging Officer and Co-Founder of Mastrius.

Mike deBoer

Years of seeing people struggle with inexperience and isolation caused by our technology-saturated culture sparked Mike’s passion for changing the world one person at a time. After successfully leading teams of 100+ people, executing projects worth $250M+, leading several organizational mergers, Mike left behind his career in oil & gas executive-level management to pursue his vision to restore an ethos of people-helping people.

A life-long student of leadership best practices, Mike is known as a leader who is empowering, effective, engaged, and possessing the highest integrity. He’s worked hard to earn the title of Alberta’s Strongest Man on numerous occasions and was 2016 Western Canada’s Strongest Natural Man. Mike has grown into a tenacious and visionary entrepreneur who believes the path to growth, to mastery of great skills, is never more successful than when journeying alongside a seasoned traveller. Mike serves as Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Mastrius.

Programs through Mastrius include mentorships available with master artists, opportunities to exhibit and sell art in Mastrius online exhibitions, attend art events online, access an online library of instructional events, and be part of an extensive chat community via messaging and online face to face conversations.

Show Notes

Mastrius Website

Julie deBoer Art

Video with Julie on How Mastrius Started

The Mastrius Experience Video

Visiting Littlefield Gallery is a highlight in any artist or art lover's time in Maine. It is located in Winter Harbor, a small fishing town on the Schoodic National Scenic Byway. Armin and Valerie had the pleasure of visiting Littlefield Gallery while attending a Golden Apple Residency less than an hour away from the gallery. On the very first visit, they struck up a friendship with Kelly and Jane Littlefield. Now, that can sound like a far-fetched thought that artists just walk into a gallery and have an instant rapport with the owners, but if you ever meet Kelly and Jane, you will understand that relationship building is a way of life for them both.

They live and breathe promoting art as they literally live in their gallery. This combination of live and work space has always been appealing to both Val and Armin. It is not unusual to hear the washer and dryer running as you view the art or smelling delicious aromas from the kitchen of the Main House Gallery as you explore the different levels of the main house built in 1891 . You'll hear stories in this episode about how they offered an exhibiting artist a chance to do their laundry on the spot! But it does not have a homespun aesthetic in either the main house or the detached exhibition space, the vibe is contemporary, museum-like with wonderful lighting and open space between paintings as well as a very tasteful collection of sculptures inside and out.

This adventure started thirteen years ago for Kelly and Jane, who came into the gallery world with their background in education combined with a passion for collecting art. That passion is contagious and they represent artists with connections to Maine in particular. The beauty for those artists is that Kelly and Jane use their relationship building skills and finesse to treat each of them like family and friends. It's a beautiful moment to hear Jane talk about a particular artist with love and fondness. Collectors can't help but want to purchase the art and learn as much as they can about the chosen artist.

The exhibition space, which is detached from the historical New England style house, was custom designed to feature two-person shows. Kelly talks about curating two artists that encourage a compare and contrast conversation with the viewers. By displaying about a dozen works of art from each artist, you can see the complete exhibit in the long gallery as you enter the door or turn to each wall to study the individual artists closely. This narrow layout is a very engaging way to experience the exhibits.

Currently on display is the featured exhibit with Shelley N. Stevens and Barbara J. Zucker. This landscape-based show is a celebration of the power of the land and sea and how many times these paintings tell stories of life in a particular part of the country. Barbara J. Zucker is an artist, gallery director and art consultant who lives and works in Maine and Pennsylvania. Shelley N. Stevens is familiar to our audience as the artist and director from Golden Apple Studio and Residency in Harrington, Maine. Shelley divides her time between Maine and Michigan. You will hear from her as well in this episode.

We want to thank Jane, Kelly, and Shelley for their precious time recording this episode. Artists, please learn and take to heart, the words of wisdom from Kelly and Jane regarding approaching galleries. These insights from the gallery owners align with Art Ladders mission to provide best practice tips for artists in our audience.

Enjoy this conversation!

Show Notes

Littlefield Gallery

Barbara J. Zucker

Shelley N. Stevens

Exhibition feature Barbara J. Zucker and Shelley N. Stevens

"Hold the Vision, Trust the Process" Author Unknown...Artists bring artwork into existence with determination, perseverance, and courage. Their original vision can go through many edits and transformation during the process. The day to day studio practice can be fulfilling and stressful all during the same project. Val and Armin discuss their own struggles and joys in being artists. Everyone's life is enriched by the many ways artists categorized as visual, performing and/or literary contribute original concepts that bring awareness, beauty, and life quality to the world.

Motivation for artists to continue this important work often begins early in an artist's life. This drive is made stronger as the artist studies, and bonds with other artists. Finding their artist community is important to keep the momentum alive and well. Artists also discover their "why" later in life when their schedules allow time for personal passions. This time period can be very fulfilling and rewarding for those artists.

If you are an artist, treaure your journey and be proud of your accomplishments. For friends, fans and family of artists, be thankful you have them in your lives and let them know you admire their imagination. The world needs art more than ever to help us process emotions and improve mental health.

Show notes:

Acrylic Painting Lecture at Golden Apple Residency, Downeast Maine, Wednesday, July 12, 2:30pm

Drawing in Detail Workshop, Studio 23, Bay City, MI with Armin Mersmann

Contour Drawing Workshop, Studio 23, Bay City, MI with Armin Mersmann

Episode 50 is a conversation with artist Audrey Phillips. We learn more about Audrey and her beautiful acrylic paintings and her incredible journey through life that included both dark and light, tragedy and triumph.

Audrey received her Bachelor of Fine Art from the University of Florida. Audrey has exhibited in solo and group shows in Florida, where she currently lives, Georgia, North Carolina, Minnesota, Michigan, California, Texas, New Mexico and New York. Her work is can be found in corporate and private collection in the United States and internationally. In 2019, 54 of her paintings were acquired by the University of Tampa for permanent installation in their newly renovated Southard Family Building.

Audrey states, "My art practice started quite by accident—a collision of tragedy and creative healing. In 2000, I started painting faces that were somewhat representational but mostly raw, darkly expressive and strangely abstracted. This work sprang forth from a deep loss. In my search to heal, my newly formed art practice became a visual healing process. After this ten-year journey, I started painting abstractly. This abstract work allowed me to tap into the internal energy I had learned to access through my yoga and meditation practice that also started in the year 2000," in an interview for Arts on Douglas.

Audrey's paintings are expressive, bold and large, with beautiful colors and gestural mark making. Nature is her primary springboard and she often works in diptychs or two panels that symbolize the duality of life, the yin and yang, the light and dark. Her influences of artists are Joan Mitchell, Cecily Brown, and Willem de Kooning.

Audrey teaches week-long workshops throughout the country. Her teaching style includes sharing her lifestyle with students. This includes the practice of meditation combined with full sessions of painting. The students work large in spacious studios in venues that have those types of facilities. This year she is teaching at Beverly Todd's Santa Fe Artist Getaway (you can hear more about this venue in our episode 46 with Beverly) and Paint Space NOLA in New Orleans. She accepts students after doing a portfolio review to make sure it is a good fit for intermediate to advanced painters. Check out the show notes for information on enrolling.

Many thanks to Audrey for sharing her story with us. This episode is a powerful testament to the power of art in regards to healing and uplifting your life.

Here are links with more information on Audrey.

Audrey Phillips Website

Interview with Audrey by Arts on Douglas, a gallery in New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Article in Growing Bolder on Audrey Phillips (page 30)

Audrey's workshop at Santa Fe Getaway Dates: September 25-30.

Audrey's workshop at Paint Space NOLA Dates: November 6-11.

Join Val and Armin as they discuss setting intentions to keep your art practice engaged throughout the summer. Setting a few intentions of what you want to accomplish will help you stay focused but still have time to just relax and daydream. The trick is to keep your plans flexible and give yourself a lot of room for improvisation for some spontaneous experiences. These experiences can then pop up many years later and supply narratives for works of art or topics for ongoing series.

Summertime recommendations to keep in your radar!

Pack a travel set of art supplies. Could be as simple as a sketchbook and a pencil. Val likes to take a sketchbook, Sharpie pen, some charcoal, and oil pastels. Armin is a light packer with sketchbook and mechanical pencil. Some travels such as month-long stays or artist residencies can have a much bigger supply list, especially if you are driving.

Take time to daydream and/or just look at the clouds. Those quiet times yields future ideas.

While driving, be sure to leave time open to stop for photographs along the way. Great way to collect reference photos.

If staying home, spend some time making your studio just the way you want. This could mean organizing and cleaning or adding new equipment to your studio.

Continue your journals, if that is one of your rituals.

When going to museums and galleries, pace yourself. Smaller time periods in museums allows more retention of the memories.

Keep flexible. It's more important to collect experiences than sketches so be easy on yourself.

Show notes:

Your Brain on Art Written by: Susan Magsamen & Ivy Ross

Urban Sketchers: A Global Community of Artists

Travel supply ideas from My Modern Met

Littlefield Gallery with Jane and Kelly Littlefield

Intermediate and Advanced Online Drawing Class with Armin Starts Wed. May 24

Abstraction Now! Summer Session with Val Starts Wednesday, May 31

It is our pleasure to introduce our audience to Kelly Anne Powers. We have listened and enjoyed her Learn to Paint Podcast throughout the year. Val connected with Kelly via Instagram and invited her to interview with us and she accepted! In the meantime, we learned that several of our listeners were already taking full advantage of Kelly's in-depth and practical painting episodes after we had shared her posts on our social media outlets. Now is our chance to get to know Kelly even better!

More about Kelly that we learned from her website which we will list in show notes below.

Kelly is a third generation artist. Her grandmother, Jan Kunz, taught watercolor workshops across the country and has written a half dozen books on the subject. 
Her mother, artist Lynn Powers, started a business with her Dad, Jim, called Creative Catalyst Productions that brought live workshops to video format. Youtube wasn’t around yet. Growing up in that atmosphere of artistic process and marketing inspired Kelly to learn to paint and become an entrepreneur in the business of art.

She started the podcast with the goal of helping artists become better painters. By interviewing artists, primarily painters, she asks the questions we all want to know. How do painters work? How did they learn to paint? What advice do they have for other artists? Her interviews are formatted and produced with attention to details and leave listeners with lots of food for thought to ponder as they continue their journey in art. She also has a wonderful Art Club through Patreon with extra content and art challenges to reach for even higher heights as an artist. All of her projects have the stamp of quality and professionalism that attracted us to her podcast from the very beginning.

We encourage you to follow and subscribe to Kelly's Learn to Paint Podcast. You will be happy you did!

Kelly Anne Powers Website

Learn to Paint Podcast

Learn to Paint Podcast Most Recent Episode

Learn to Paint Blog Post with Artist Mark Eanes on The Importance of Drawing

#20for20ArtChallenge Information here

Family background links:

Creative Catalyst Productions

Kelly's Grandmother, Jan Kunz Bio

Kelly's Mother, Lynn Powers website

In this episode, Armin and Val discuss the close relationship Armin had with his artist and author father. Their bond helped make Armin the artist he is today Stories about art lessons, studio practices and big dreams of art round out this episode and encourage us all to honor the pivotal guides and mentors we've had in our lives.

Fritz Mersmann came to this country in August of 1962. He was commissioned to create paintings for Zehnder's in Frankenmuth. Fritz was a professional visual artist until he was in his mid-fifties. He went on to write 5 manuscripts as an author. These manuscripts were never published but are valued by the family nonetheless.

Fritz's teachings to Armin have become an integral part of Armin's classes and he often breaks into a heavy German accent as Armin tells "Fritz Stories". Val's memories of an older Fritz and his wife Carolyn are told with a fondness for the couple's daily drives and lunches. She remembers Fritz as a huge personality full of charm and wit.

We hope you enjoy this homage to Armin's father or as Armin calls him even as a child, "Fritz".

What a wonderful conversation we had with the effervescent artist and creative entrepreneur, Beverly Todd. It's always remarkable how much we find in common with other artists who are connecting all the dots with artists. Bev connects artists with workshop leaders and/or space to create their work either during a class setting or a totally independent on-site residency. And what better place to do that than the magical and artistically rich city of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Put this on your bucket list and we will, too. We will lists links so you can see the details on connecting with Bev. In the meantime, here is short bio on this working artist, Beverly Todd!

Through large-scale abstract painting, Beverly interprets nature. Connects with ideas. And explores emotion. Her painting process is physical, using hardware-store brushes. Broken sticks. Rags. And hands. To move paint. To add layers. To pull back layers. To drip. To scrape and wipe. And to pull the paint across the surface.

Beverly grew up in rural American near Union, Nebraska. Often happily lost for hours in the open prairie landscape that inspires her work. Today, she paints in her Santa Fe, New Mexico, studio and takes cues from the high desert landscape. Wanting to give other creatives the same experience, Beverly opened Santa Fe Artist Getaway in 2019 - a place for all artists to stay, play, and create.

A former non-profit executive, now a creative entrepreneur, Beverly is a workshop leader and creativity coach, sharing her passion for exploration, adventure, and creativity. Blending her two passions – art and personal development – she founded TeamPaint , an innovative team-building workshop that uses arts-based learning. As teams paint together, they think strategically, build bonds and open communications.

Beverly Todd Website

Santa Fe Artist Getaway Website

Ninth Street Women

Hans Hoffman: Color Creates Light

A Guide to Santa Fe Art                                                     

Have you ever had a mentor or a coach who brought out the best in you and propelled you forward just from their belief in you? It is a wonderful transfer of energy that can be helpful in all works of life but especially so for artists as they navigate the creative process with emotional stamina. The definition of a mentor is an experienced and trusted advisor. Top qualities for an art mentor are great listening skills, amazing critique technique, and the mentor is passionate about art. Both Valerie and Armin have had mentors during their art careers. Armin speaks of his dad and artists Larry Butcher and Todd Burroughs. Larry was Armin's college prof who pushed him forward with strong critiques and work ethic influence and Todd was influential in developing positive people interactions by being a friend he could model his life after. Valerie was connected to her high school art teacher, Mrs. Morris way back in the day. Mrs. Morris believed in Val and stressed to her that anything was possible. Very empowering to hear as a teenager. Later in life while Val was going thru life changes and divorce she connected with art coach, Ghislaine Mahler. She introduced Val to Julia Cameron's Artist Way and Morning Pages that she still practices. This podcast topic came about to share a very special announcement that Valerie and Armin were selected to be mentors for Mastrius, an online global community for artists. It is full circle for them both and they are excited to start small groups soon online. This is where all the art skills and knowledge they have accumulated through the years can help other artists. Here are some show notes to study.

Mastrius Mentor Program

Armin's Mastrius Mentor Group starting May 2. Limited to 8 artists

Valerie's Mastrius Mentor Group starting May 2. Limited to 8 artists

Valerie's Art Coach Ghislaine Mahler

Ghislaine Mahler's Facebook Group: My Journey to Self-Mastery

Armin's friend and mentor Todd Burrough's Atelier School of Art

Valerie's guiding book: The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron