Just found this website: www.amandagrosjean.com
Amazing work. Nice to see a talent like this in town.
New portrait artist in Toledo
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Ooh...I'd love to get something like that done of my kids.
Of course, I'd have to plan it in the budget a good year in advance.
(Where's that art loan program when you need it?) ;)
It's got to take a long time to do a painting like that. Must justify the cost for the artist.
Either way, it'd be great to have something like that in the family. Talk about an heirloom.
posted by CaptainLance on Jul 26, 2008 at 08:13:05 pm #
BTW - I didn't mean to sound like I was "complaining" about the cost. Of course I realize that the artist puts a lot of time into the experience and deserves to be compensated.
I just meant that I'd have to plan and save up for a year to actually work it into our family budget. :)
there's also an "old" portrait artist in town too. Harold Roe is in his late 70's and has been painting nature works for years. His work has been used on US Postal stamps, If you buy the Ohio license plate with the eagle on it, that was his, and if you go to the zoo and look at the merry go round, you'll see each panel is something he did. He donates 100% of the proceeds from the sale of his prints to nature groups, and thru that, has raised millions. Like CaptainL said - it's nice to see we have talent like this in town. (OK, Harold's from Sylvania...)
I didn't know 100% or Roe's print proceeds go to nature groups. I've met him a few times - very nice guy, so I'm not surprised. His work is incredible.
posted by CaptainLance on Jul 27, 2008 at 08:26:30 am #
mom2 - didn't think you were complaining! :)
posted by CaptainLance on Jul 27, 2008 at 08:27:26 am #
"Where's that art loan program when you need it?"
Joking aside, I wonder how the program has fared in its first year? Is the program still available?
June 25, 2007 Ben Konop blog posting - Art Assist for Lucas County :
The great thing about this program, in my estimation, is that its pro consumer, pro small business (galleries), and pro artist. More art will be sold and more citizens of Lucas County will be able to purchase art without having to put it on a credit card or fork over a large lump sum on the spot. I think this program will make it easier for people to enjoy art throughout the county. Overall, the community is strengthened and the already strong arts community of Lucas County can help foster even more economic development and increase the vibrancy of our community.
June 29, 2007 Toledo Free Press - County establishes arts loan program :The county placed a CD valued at $250,000 in an account with Key Bank at 1 percent, as a way of getting the business relationship started. The loan money will be available at the Westgate FSC branch in Waterville, as well as the branch located on Secor and Central. The term for all Art Assist loans will be one year with a $25,000 cap. The bank has been provided with a list of Lucas County-based galleries, compiled by the Commissioner's office, where the artwork may purchased. Local arts-based businesses are free to inquire as to whether they are on the gallery list.
July 23, 2007 Toledo Blade - Got art? Konop program hopes to woo patrons :Under the Art Assist program, residents who pass a credit check can receive a one-year loan at 1 percent interest for $500 to $2,500 of the price tag of any artwork, regardless of the artist's origins, as long as the piece is sold in a Lucas County gallery that carries work by local artists.
July 23, 2007 Toledo Talk - lucas count 'art assist' program - (30 Comments)July 24, 2007 Roberta deBoer column - Is proposal for art loans heaven sent?
August 29, 2007 Toledo City Paper - Live. Work. Create.
September 25, 2007 ANTworkstudio.com - Lucas County Commissioner - Ben Konop : For the love of Art
September 26, 2007 - ANTworkstudio.com - Lucas County Commissioner - Ben Konop : Specifically 'Art Assist'
March 12, 2008 Thurber's Thoughts blog posting - Is the Art Assist program paying off? :
As this program is costing the County $7,881 and since it's been about 6 months, I wondered how successful it's been to date. A couple of emails regarding this public information and I got an answer. Since it was announced, only three people have applied for the low-interest loan. Only one loan has been issued and it was for $3,500, which is higher than the original parameters for the loan amounts.
Today, July 27, is the Art on the Mall exhibit at the University of Toledo.
More than 100 artists have been selected to display a broad variety of work at The University of Toledo's 16th annual Art on the Mall juried art exhibit Sunday, July 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Centennial Mall in the center of Main Campus. Most of the 115 artists have UT or Medical University of Ohio connections, whether as alumni, former students, faculty, staff or other ties. The art fair also may include up to 25 non-affiliated artists.Glass, photography, ceramics, jewelry, watercolor and oil paintings, wood, fiber, pen and ink, mixed media and sculpture will cover one of UT's most beautiful locations. Children's activities, including face painting and art activities, will be offered throughout the day, and live music will be played as well.
"didn't know 100% of Roe's print proceeds go to nature groups."
I dont think there would be a McGee March today without the man. And that's just one project.
He's a very talented fellow - and was gifted with enough self confidenct to NOT need to let everyone know what he's doing to better his world.
Wow... just checked out the posted portrait website... impressive work. Talent like that never ceases to amaze me. I can only imagine how those paintings look "in person". You can almost imagine the people breathing the images seem so life-like.
@jr and mom2:
the art loan program runs at least through the end of july of this year. at that point i believe it will be considered for extension if it seems to have been successful.
posted by kmcgilvery on Jul 28, 2008 at 12:35:46 am #
Just noticed an ad for Amanda's website in the new City Paper. Page 15!
posted by CaptainLance on Jul 30, 2008 at 08:59:31 pm #
nice! thanks for sharing
posted by upso on Jul 26, 2008 at 12:18:06 pm #