June is Looking FINE
So far, anyway.....
Hello and welcome.
If this is your first newsletter from us, thanks for joining! If not, thanks for sticking with us. This newsletter is a source for PNW artists as well as art collectors for art news around the PNW from which you can mine all kinds of valuable opportunities for collecting, selling, or viewing great art.
As I am a new employee and head social media coordinator of The Lucky Dumpster, I will always include some new information about what’s going on in The Dumpster as well as art news from around the PNW. I will also close out every newsletter with artist opportunities.
WORDS OF WISDOM BY JAMES
The problem is that James is always saying all kinds of wise shit, but I’m usually enjoying it too much to write it down. This week the quote is good, but requires context. It’s been warm in Edison lately, but when the back door of the store is open the breeze that blows through there is heavenly and constant. When I asked James if the building was engineered this way, he got a faraway look in his eye, smiled, and replied: “This building is an accidental passive solar masterpiece.”
The quotes will get better, I promise.
THE LUCKY DUMPSTER
The Lucky D had a pretty typical sales day yesterday, (Friday), though Thursday was somewhat slow. We took the opportunity to move some things around. We do this almost every day, but we really took advantage of down time on Thursday.
We’ve taken in one of our largest pieces in a while by found metal artist Tim Gred. It’s a large abstract animal named Larry Longhorn named after a cowboy the artist used to know. The piece is a delight to behold, though it’s quite heavy and James and I have a heck of a time moving it in and out of the store every day. It stands and watches guard over the place when the store is open so if you’re in the neighborhood, come by and see it. It’s anatomically correct, so there is plenty to see.
We have gotten some new artists in recently, earrings by Wildewire Designs and Tinventures. We are also about to welcome back Goat’s Coat. Pottery and clay things continue to sell well as does jewelry, cards, and soap. We are still carefully considering what we will be doing in the room next door. As soon as I know something, you will know something.
EDISON, WA and REGIONAL ART
Two really great shows are happening in the galleries of Edison. Michel Angela Petersen’s ICON show is at i.e. and if you are a clay sculpture appreciator, do not miss this show. The work is gorgeous and the show is incredibly well arranged. There is an artist reception June 7, (today) and an artist talk on June 21st. Don’t miss it.
David Eisenhour is showing at Smith and Vallee gallery. The pieces are a wonderful mixture of bronze and rock, and represent different varieties of sea plant/creature. There is an opening this evening (Saturday, June 7) for the artist, which is usually a pretty fun event.
There is also a market happening the last Friday of every summer month at Terra Mar so if you are a maker, contact Sara at Terra Mar. Tell her The Lucky Dumpster sent you, she will hook you up.
There is a nice print/clay show at Geheim Gallery this month by artist Amy Simons. I went last night to the opening and was completely charmed. Floor to ceiling quilted prints and delightful smaller pieces too.
Paper Whale is doing an immersive exhibit thing in some of the empty store fronts of Bellingham. Go see it if you’re interested.
Ai Weiwei is still at the Seattle Art Museum. He has long been my art hero and I would go so far as to say that he is one of the most important artists of our time. It’s a great show. Get down to Seattle if you can to see it.
THE MONSTERS IN ART
I’ve been having some pretty interesting conversations with people about great art and the monsters that sometimes make it, and where the responsibility of the culture, society and viewer lie. Is it our responsibility to separate the artist from the horrible things he might have done? (I use the masculine as 99.9% of the time the art monsters represent as male).
I think it’s a personal choice. It’s up to each of us to have our own standards for what we will and will not interact with, and do what we can to be good humans and models as we put our own art into the world. It’s a challenge to be in the art world and watch horrible people get and give funding in order to make art possible, one need look no further than David Syre and the Whatcom Museum or Nick Hartrich of Paper Whale to run into some type of existential conflict around this topic. In the end, it’s important to remember that art is for everyone, and if someone with questionable morals is able to give access to artists who might not otherwise have a voice, then I believe that it’s worth it. Art, after all, should be for everyone, and in that each person’s responsibility to decide what art they will and will not engage with.
ARTIST OPPORTUNITIES
It’s About Time Gallery in Ferndale will be opening up a gallery shop and is looking for local artists to sell there. I am the point person on this particular project, so if you are interested in getting your work seen by the good people of Ferndale and perhaps being a part of the blooming art scene, email me at young.spike@gmail.com with your contact info and any questions you might have. We will reach out to you when we are set up to start taking in work. The cut for artists is 60%.
The Lucky Dumpster is always looking for new artists. If you’re interested, come on down to Edison and stop into the shop to talk with James or myself. We take all comers. It’s our belief that the world needs art, and whether you’re a maker, a collector, or an appreciator, we are here to support you in your endeavoring.
2025-2029 Public Artist Roster (Seattle)
DEADLINE: Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 5:00 p.m. PST
Application opens Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 12:00 p.m. PST
Click here to apply on Submittable
GRANTS TO CONSIDER
Harpo Foundation Founded in 2006, this foundation awards 7-10 grants per year as well as offering two artist residencies based in Vermont and Santa Fe. Artists must submit a 200 word artist statement, up to ten samples of work, their full resume, and there is a $15 application fee. Harpo is committed to nurturing emerging artists and encouraging new ways of thinking. Despite the name, Harpo Foundation is in no way affiliated with Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Studios.
Joan Mitchell Foundation Joan Mitchell was a twentieth century abstract and expressionist painter. The Joan Mitchell Foundation was started in 1993 to continue her legacy of supporting young artists. During her lifetime, she personally supported many artists at her home in Vetheuil, France. The foundation awards grants for painting and sculpture as well as grants for emerging artists, emergency grants, and an MFA grant.
Warhol Foundation Although this foundation typically funds organizations that support the work of artists, there are a handful of grants awarded to individuals. Most notably, the Warhol Foundation offers grants for those wishing to further the pursuit of art writing. The grants cover media from articles and blogs to books and new/alternative media. Visit the foundations website for more information about this and other grants offered to organizations and individuals.
National Endowment for the Arts Despite its government status, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has been funding the work of artists since 1965. Grants are awarded across the wide field of artistic disciplines, and there are multiple grants available depending on your medium.
National Parks Artist in Residence Program Strictly speaking, this is a residency and not a grant. But the opportunity to take up residence in one of our glorious national parks is just too good to leave off the list. Artists have been an integral part of shaping the public view of national parks since the 19th century. Programs vary in length from two to four weeks and typically include lodging. Visit the website for details.
Pollock-Krasner Foundation The Pollock-Krasner Foundation was established after the death of Lee Krasner, an abstract expressionist painter and the widow of famed artist Jackson Pollock. The foundation seeks to financially support working artists who demonstrate both merit and financial need. Artists must be currently exhibiting work in order to apply. Grants are intended for a year and cover expenses ranging from professional to personal including medical expenses. There are rolling applications for grants at Pollock-Krasner.
William H Johnson Prize William H Johnson was a twentieth century African American painter. The William H Johnson Prize is awarded annually to an emerging African American artist in the field of painting, photography, sculpture, installation, or new media.
Lillian Orlowsky and William Freed Grant This grant, established through the generosity of Cape Cod artists Lillian Orlowsky and William Freed, is available to under-recognized American painters over the age of 45. Award amounts vary and typically there are four awarded each year.
Creative Capital Grant Grants are available for those working in visual and performing arts, film and video, and emerging fields. Applicants must be at least 25 years old, cannot be full time students, and have been working in the arts for five years.
MacArthur Fellowship Chances are, even if you have no first-hand experience, you are at least aware of the MacArthur Fellowship program. This venerable institution has been supporting people in creative fields, as well as those who work to build “a more just, verdant, and peaceful world” since 1981. John D. and Catharine T MacArthur were philanthropists during their lifetime and sought to continue this legacy long after they were gone.
I think this might be enough for the next two or so weeks. If you have any questions, comments or statements of a revelatory nature, just let me know.
Have a great day. Go see some art, why doncha?