Monday, November 30

What?

Last class day before the event. We are not quite running around like chickens with our heads cut off, but the tension/stress level is definitely higher.

I've taken on the task of creating the tags for the artwork. Alyssa C. and I transported the pieces to 1509 and sorted them. There were some more submissions collected, which is very exciting -- including a range of work made by 3 to 5 year old students of the VCU Child Development Center. They are the Coolest. Pieces. Ever. Alyssa C. had promoted this event to the VCUCDC, and the children made art actually using apples and potatoes. I was thinking that it was pretty neat, since while that's a project that many children did at school, this time there might have been more discussion about the foods they were using and information from our project. And I'm pretty excited about posting them alongside pieces by other artists -- I hope that some of the children are able to come (not sure, since it's later in the evening), since I think they would be pretty thrilled to see their work up in the show.

So What?

We met as a group and discussed what was happening with all the groups; lots of publicity, we've been published in a number of blogs, online magazines, and newspapers around Richmond. It's neat since it feels more real when people outside our class talk about it, like it will actually have an impact and influence people more than just our group members.

However, it still feels a little uncertain since while we've done a lot to publicize and promote the event, and people are talking about it... it is talk. Hopefully enough people will actually show up and follow through!

Now What?

It's become more evident with this project the need for people focusing on the promotional side of projects. Luckily we've had a great team working on that, getting the word out on the internet and blogs, promoting through interviews and press releases to magazines, newspapers, radios, etc.. and everyone spreading information about it via word-of-mouth. But, without so much effort from the promo team, there would not necessarily be as many people interested in showing up. Its crucial to promote as much as possible, so your message can be heard by more than just people in your own network.

Monday, November 25

What?

The Recipe book layout is completed, proofread, edited, and the artwork, etc added to it, and then rushed over to Uptown Color in order to make deadlines for submitting it to get printed. Members of our group were requested to go proof the print yesterday; apparently it ended up that at different times, 3 different members of our group (including me) went to go proof the pages. oops? Apparently we need better communication.

Art submissions! YaY! Got most of the art from people in the class, as well as a handful of submissions from outside sources. The art group decided to extend the deadline til the Monday after Thanksgiving, in case anyone wanted to make work during Turkey-break. In the meantime, Alyssa C. is holding onto the work in the trunk of her car for us. We will be tagging and pricing art when we come back from break.

So What?

It was a bit discouraging when even the class members were a little lax about turning stuff in! Many people didn't bring their work on the day that group members' art was due. It was hard even just getting information about the pieces planned (the exhibit group will be really pulling some things together at the last minute, since they won't really get access to the pieces til they've been priced and labeled with exhibition tags). We extended the deadline, since many people wait until the last minute to turn things in, and there might be more submissions after the small break, when people might have some time to do art.

Now What?

There have been some setbacks and complications in almost all the parts of the project, but this has led to figuring out how to adapt and make things work. The ArtSquad is facing the dilemma of pricing the art -- the money is going to raise funds for Gallery 5 and the Central Virginia Food Bank. We want to consider the value of the art submitted, but we also want to make it affordable for people to purchase, donate, and contribute. There is also a bit of a range of the quality of the work, so that affects how to price it. We also want to consider factors like what our target audience can likely afford when pricing the art, but also that it is for charity.

Monday, November 23

What?

Again reminding students to submit art, as there are still no entries in the submission box. Particularly trying to convince people that since we are accepting ALL work, to just take a liiiiiittle bit of time to create something for Project Winterfood -- it is helpful for the show, promoting the cause, and the students as well, since they can add it to their list of show credits.

However, on the flip side of that coin, we have been asked to submit photo documentation of our art pieces for the promotional pieces in RVA news and magazine articles. I find myself echoing similar sentiments listed above (not too much effort to snap a photo, would be great exposure, promotion, and being able to list my work as being featured in the article/write-up), I was unable to complete my art pieces in time to submit the photo documentation. Alas.

So What?

Even if people know something is for a good cause (external), can benefit themselves, and doesn't need to take too much effort, it can still be difficult to get people to act. This is definitely a challenge that activist group organizers probably encounter quite often. They have to try to catch people's attention (among the millions of other messages people are bombarded with constantly), inform people in a way they will understand, and try to prompt them to action. Being on the both sides of trying to get people to do something that is for a good cause and will benefit them, I realize how difficult it can be.

Now What?

I guess the main thing I'm taking away from this is to try to reach as many people as possible. That way out of the large group of people interested, there will be a higher percentage of people who are actually moved to act. The more people acting, the larger the movement gets, and then the more people to learn about a cause and join. Even if people aren't able to submit work at this time, most people do intend to come check out the show. Of course, we will have to continually remind them, since... that's what you have to do, hah.

Monday, November 16

What?

Multiple reminders are being sent around regarding the call for entries. We set up a box in the GDES office for collecting art (as a rolling drop-off deadline) and so far there are no entries. However, I think (hope) that more art will show up when the deadline gets closer. I have talked with various classmates about submitting work, and people are excited about it.

So What?

It has become readily apparent that people need multiple reminders to submit things, especially when they are not mandatory. Everyone is really busy, and even though a number of people have expressed interest in the project, it can be hard to carve out time to work on optional projects. I try to remind people that we are accepting all types of art (photos, sketches, etc) so it could be a smaller, not too time intensive project, which then they can list as being a participant in a show, and having their work featured without the pressure or cost of a juried exhibition.

Now What?

I have become more inclined to talk to people about the project -- not just spouting off quick dates and soundbites. People are generally interested and want to do things for it, but many that I have talked to have expressed a complete time deficit. I know that oftentimes I have this problem personally when wanting to contribute to causes, but not having enough time. Working on re-evaluating personal priorities and time management for other reasons, but thinking about ways to incorporate causes I care about into my time and life is important. Since, there's only so long you can keep saying that you'll do something for it when you're less busy, cuz face it... I'm always going to be busy. So, taking my own advice, something small and done is better than good intentions and no actual effort taken. When you put a lot of little small-somethings together, they do add up to big changes.

Wednesday, November 11

What?

We focused today on trying to figure out the layouts and content for the recipe book. We broke the recipe book down into smaller projects and tasks for individuals to tackle. I will be working on the layout of the book; unfortunately this means that I somewhat have to wait on the others to supply the recipes, information, sponsors, website addresses, and images/art.

The press release is being circulated throughout Richmond. Live entertainment (fiddle music!) has been obtained for the opening event; the Project Winterfood is definitely growing from more than just an art showing with some information to more of a gathering, celebration and EVENT.

So What?

Getting the press release out to all our contacts is important so that people will actually hear about the event and actually know what it's about. The promotional aspect of this feels like something that's neverending, and that's essentially true. You have to get the initial word out there, then keep reminding people, since people will likely forget, and resending out information as we make new contacts. Sometimes feels like we're nagging or bugging with the constant reminders, but.. it's important to make sure people will remember! (and show up.) As a result, Project Winterfood is starting to be posted on blogs and online magazines.

Now What?

I've never been very good at promoting myself in terms of art, design, skills, etc. It is definitely a good experience to work hard at promoting a good cause, since learning how to make contacts, working within one's network, and expanding your network will be extremely useful skills when I want to promote either myself or causes I am passionate about. There is a somewhat fine line between being helpfully remindful and annoying, so this is where we're feeling out that distinction.

Monday, November 9

What?

Fundraiser = great success!

All of the crochet bracelets I made sold; I believe all of Kristine A.'s did as well. Actually, I believe most items made or baked were sold. Altogether we raised $199.75 for Project Winterfood. (Which is pretty awesome considering that all items were priced at just one dollar!) This will be extraordinarily useful for working with our budget, and having immediate access to funds.

Today in class, there was a guest speaker on the topic of "real world" working. I jotted down some brief notes about some points he mentioned; have a PDF download of your file of work/portfolio available online, make the résumé on your website all text so that search engines can find you, etc. Good tips to plan to incorporate in the future.

We posted up more Call for Entries everywhere. Found guys to put them up in the males bathroom (since the ArtSquad is all girls). Started work on the recipe book -- a bit of an issue due to group miscommunication regarding expectations of the recipe book. We are still trying to sort out the details to make it a memorable, yet cost effective piece.

So What?

While we do want to make it a great recipe book, we also have to consider practicality issues and cost factors (as these will function as a take-away piece with information, a couple recipes, and websites for local food resources and our sponsors). A group member had very high hopes for the recipe book (all hand-done letterpressed with stitched binding), but for an item being given away freely with a fair bit of text, it would be a disproportionate amount of work. Part of why letterpressing and screenprinting were brought up as options for creating the recipe books was to save on printing costs. However, the time intensive nature of such projects would negate any savings. Plus, with the paper hopefully being donated, and the funds we raised, it will probably be more cost effective to get them printed, but we still want to incorporate some sort of hand-done element.

Now What?

The guest speaker of today brought up good points about ways to find work in the real world; definitely feeling like I need to get my personal-professional website up and running. Project related, today was definitely a learning experience in trying to compromise between what you really want to do versus time allotment, skills and deadlines. Also, trying to make sure that everyone's opinions are heard and taken into consideration when making group decisions, but also that time isn't wasted rehashing options... but also making sure not to step on others' toes. Definitely a useful skill for the future.

Wednesday, November 4

What?

Today we worked on last minute fundraiser stuff, as the fundraising event is at the end of the week for First Fridays. Attempting to get enough items to sell at the fundraiser. Luckily the official date and location of the Project Winterfood event have been ironed out and finalized so we can also promote the actual event we are raising funds for. It is a little early to expect people to remember an event that is a month away, but exposing people to the event is a start -- they will need to be reminded many times in the future to actually get people to come out.

We also posted more Call for Entries post and more partners joined in for support of the event. We also generated a list of information to help convince the audience the reasons to buy local produce:

• Buying local gives you freedom of choice for your family's health and nutrition.
• Buying local protects the environment.
• Locally grown food is fresh and delicious!
• Buying local supports endangered family farms and strengthens the local economy.
• Buying local protects open space and farmland.

So What?

Promotional apple cubes with the event date and time! People need something to catch their eye in order to remember it. Since people are so bombarded with so many images and information daily, it is crucial to do something that stands out, in both presentation (intriguing apple promo boxes) and in meaning (for a good cause, Project Winterfood).

It's very important to have an easily understandable list of reasons to back up your claims. The public wants to know WHY you are telling them to do something different, in specific terms (not just that it's better to do it that way or that it is "good" to do). If the points are quick, clear, concise, logical, and reasonable, you are much more likely to convince someone interested and inclined to change.

Now What?

Being able to quickly and effectively communicate ideas and concepts is a necessary skill when working on a variety of projects. Through this experience, I am able to work on honing my communication skills. Also, working to come up with ways to catch people's eyes and their attention is important! People can't hear your message if they aren't aware or not listening/paying attention, so finding a unique way to grab people's interest or pique their curiosity will open them up to learning more about your cause or project.

Monday, November 2

What?

Today was the day for the group photo -- being able to put a human face with a project can positively affect people's attitudes towards a project, if considering donating, partnering, supporting, etc. The photo will be posted on the website/blog.... which after some delays, is finally up and running! It's at winterfood.org ! We updated our Call for Entries online to include this information.

The fundraiser is coming up soon, so the budgeteers are trying to sort out all the details. We landed a location in front of Quirk Gallery to set up our tables. Working on the crochet bracelets for fundraiser -- seems like a lot of effort for items that will sell for $1 (as we decided that's an amount that people will likely be willing to donate without too much hassle). It is much easier to convince people to give money when it is a nominal amount and for a good cause.

So What?

It is crucial to have a web presence these days, as the web is where people turn to for information. Its great since in order to make the Call for Art posters not too cluttered with information, we directed people to get more information at the website. We can also continually update the website with more information, details, and links, unlike a print piece. However, there still need to be print pieces in circulation in order to direct people to see the site.

Now What?

Working on the Call for Entries, we planned to have further information accessible online. However, due to various factors, the website wasn't ready until now. Obviously, this was a bit of a learning experience, as we made references to a site that wasn't live, and likely lost some interest who tried to visit a dead-end 404 error. Dealing with the unexpected allows us to figure out ways to adapt to problems and potential setbacks.