Thursday, July 8, 2010

J.Wecks In Italia



My good friend Jenn Weckselblatt is currently painting in Venice, Italy as part of the New York University program for the arts. While I am highly, highly jealous of her place in the country I love, I think I love her new GIANT paintings more. The gesture of the paint and, as usual, her command of light is astonishing.
I have known Jenn since Arcadia and have always been jealous of her ability to create a glowing light unlike anyone else. Her change from working smaller to larger seems to thus far be a good transition; allowing her to create larger, more expressive strokes in her works.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Call for Entries: MELT


For our third show, we're introducing our first theme. It is a simple idea of something we view everyday in life. It is common. But to everyone it is something a little different.
Food.
Meals.
It is the basis of many still lives by most, if not all, artists at one time. To you it could be what nourishes you. To another it could symbolize a struggle with vanity. Some don't have enough, while others decorate and decorate creating elaborate pieces of art to catch your eye.
Please take this theme in the most abstract of ways if you must.
I look forward to see what you come up with!

Submission cost: $20.00
Deadline: August 13, 2010

Send all submissions (also include a self address stamped envelope) to:
Megan Coonelly
2908 Elbridge St
Philadelphia, PA 19149

Please include:
Artist Name:
Title:
Medium:
Price:
Email:
Website:
Phone:

Any questions please email at tbdartists@gmail.com

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Artist of the Week: Meg Coonelly





As the inaugural post I think it's important to know where the TBD came from. We will focus this week on Founder, Meg Coonelly. Due to the fact that I am Meg Coonelly and I am writing these entries, I will not be speaking in the third person. Sorry to disappoint anyone.


I have considered myself many things over the years, but the most important title to me is the title of artist. I remember all through college my Dad asking me what I planned to do as an “artist.” My response was always simple “I would figure it out.” The truth was I had no idea. I almost took the Forrest Gump approach to situations responding with an “oh, ok.” Just move forward with the idea and execute it; one thing will always lead to another. That is how TBD Artists was formed. It was an idea on a whim and it is through the support and confidence I have in the TBD and its fellow artists that keeps us moving forward.

Education wise I attended Arcadia University, and I could easily be identified as the person with paint all over her clothes, literally. Researching artists was a pleasure and it was how I found my “all-star” team of artists and influences. My All Star Team Includes: Paul Cezanne, Wayne Theibald, Frank Auerbach, and John Singer Sargent. Theibald's cakes and carnival prizes intrigued me and while many thought of his work as “pop,” he merely painted of nostalgia. I look to that in my recent works (pictured above). To a normal eye they are studies of fruit “paired off”. To me they are studies of relationships. I attempt to continue to pour myself in my work whether finding inspiration in fruit, desserts, or a coffee cup.





Sunday, June 13, 2010

Holy Redeemer Thirft Shop

Coming this September, TBD Artists will be putting together a show at the Holy Redeemer Thrift Store.
Why a Thrift Store?
Why do people show in coffee shops? Is it for the exposure? Is it for the diversity in clientele? Probably both.

Why have I been involving different organizations in the TBD as of late? I think it is important for us not to only look out for ourselves and our abilities and our mission of being seen, but also that we can make a difference with other organizations with a similar cause. How are our causes similar? We desire exposure to be noted as either an artist or as a vessel to do good and make a difference in a community. Art can change communities, it can empower them no matter where they are seen. Art is alive everywhere and should be viewed everywhere. Whether it is at the small coffee shop, the thrift store, or the swanky gallery in Chelsea.

If you would like more information regarding this show, or any other upcoming show please contact Meg at: tbdartists@gmail.com

Keep Creating!!

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Food for Thought





(#1, Random Food photo#2, Britt Miller, #3 Meg Coonelly, #4 Jennifer Weckelsblatt)


Coming late summer the TBDArtists are being welcomed back to the James Oliver Gallery (most likely August). While those details are being finalized let's talk theme.
As most of you know I am really interested in focusing on a food theme. "MELT" if you will. I don't expect only glorified paintings of apples, muffins, and coffee cups. It is merely a thin guideline to go with.
Case in point: I paint food. I paint food a lot. It is a basic subject matter for any still life. I gravitated towards it because for me it helped me explore certain relationships in my own life (I.E. Meg Coonelly's "Pairs of Pairs"). I have always used food to express many aspects of everyday life and what I encounter, much like Wayne Thiebaud painted many, many cakes, carnival prizes and candies out of childhood nostalgia. Or as Elizabeth Murray pointed out that Cezanne's fruit was also charged with sexual frustration (and by the looks Madame Cezanne gave in every portrait...) can you blame him?
I look forward to seeing what will come out with this theme, if you have any questions or are looking for guidelines, please ask.
Any medium will do!

tbdartists@gmail.com

There are more shows on the way as well. In November/December we've been asked to show at the Eris Temple Artspace. More to come about that show as well.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

FourBlocks.


Really? Really! Four blocks. How many times have I walked four blocks in Mayfair and it was ok. I'm lucky. I've been told I am lucky. I never realized why until now.

PYT you've lost someone. I am trully sorry.

I've never had food there nor have I met her; but I know the thought process. The thought of safety being upheld. It had to be safe. It was only four blocks. What can go wrong?

Now that safety is torn down. I hope to GOD they find this person. To make me feel safe again not only in Mayfair but in the persuit of home. Because let's face it wherever home is, that is where our heart is.
Donation can be made at: pytphilly@gmail.com

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

First Friday! Britt Miller!

BookSpace will be featuring the brilliantly colorful work of Britt Miller and Fishtown's Art by Nathan for the month of June. Music and adult beverages will be served or feel free to BYOB!

Start Time:
Friday, June 4, 2010 at 7:00pm


End Time:
Saturday, June 5, 2010 at 12:00am

Location:
BookSpace (Philly Book Co)

Street:
1113 Frankford Avenue

City/Town:
Philadelphia, PA

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Together We Can Do More

http://www.hopeworks.org/


Hopeworks is looking for individuals who are interested in submitting art work to adorn the walls of the C.R.I.B. Original pieces of art would be greatly appreciated.
If anyone is interested in helping this great cause, please let me know. It's more than a chance to be seen, it's a chance to help with change.

I know I have a garage full of paintings/drawings/ and prints. I might not love them all, but that doesn't mean someone else won't find something inspiring in it.

Please contact me if you are interested in donating!
tbdartists@gmail.com

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Thank You!


A big thanks to everyone who was involved, came out, and enjoyed the recent show at the James Oliver Gallery.
Please stay tuned for upcoming show news, as well as information regarding the upcoming show on the TBDArtists filmed by Jess Graziani.

For those interested: this summer we are planning a small scale show involving small works. So get painting, drawing, printing and create! As more info comes out on this show, I will let you know!

For any info, or if you, or someone you know is interested in the TBD please contact Meg Coonelly: tbdartists@gmail.com

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Opening This Friday

With only days until our new show at the James Oliver Gallery there has been a great write up by Mikey Il regarding the TBD Artists:

http://www.uwishunu.com/2010/05/megan-coonelly-the-james-oliver-gallery/

This time around our "melting pot" offers even more. Some old favorites return and more new artists are expressing themselves in ways that are sure to inspire anyone whether you enjoy the traditional, the popular, the conventional, or the unconventional. There is something for every art-lover.

See you there!

Monday, May 3, 2010

FEATURING WORKS BY:

FEATURING!
Meg Coonelly
Maria Maneos
Anna Breininger
Jenn Wecks
Dominic Doyle
Stephen Herko
Tim Batten
Lisa Serpiello
Melanie Springer
Lee Barksdale
Annemarie Szambelak
Renee Ward
Britt Miller
Mikey Il

All Philadelphia based artists looking to make Philly a lil' more beautiful.

We open this Friday, May 7th at 5pm. Come out and support Philadelphia, the arts and James Oliver and his gallery!

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

The Calm Before

It is just over a week until we unveil the new TBD show, and I have not reached the "stressed" moment yet. Hooray! While I am sure that will change in the coming days, I take this calm with arms wide open.
The process of installation is much like that of painting itself. It is the organization of creating an environment that entices the viewer to continue. To follow a pace and complete a journey you have mapped out for the viewer's amusement. Everyone takes that journey through a gallery differently. Some never start at the first piece upon entering a the doors. Some ignore the piece directly to the right, while others are blind to the fourth sculpture above "that one painting." So maybe that's the true challenge: keeping the viewer's attention even when they start in the middle. Grabbing their attention enough that if they were to view the ending first, they will want to go back through and start from the beginning.

While you may want to know what to expect from the show I can say the following: The works involved in the show so far seem to convey sense of "comfort."


This Friday I will be releasing the names of the artists involved in the TBD: Artist exhibit.
Thank you for all of your support, and per usual any question please direct them to:
tbdartists@gmail.com

Meg



Monday, April 19, 2010

#2: Stay Seated


Hey Everyone,
Preparations are going well for our upcoming show and I should have a list of all the artists participating in the exhibit at the James Oliver Gallery up shortly.
Be sure to come out and join us May 7, 2010 for the opening of the show!
www.jamesolivergallery.com

A special thanks to Dennis Beerley for once again putting together the flyers for the show. There were many variations done on this theme, and I will post them all for your viewing pleasure soon!

You may ask yourself: what does "Stay Seated" mean? Is it the theme for the exhibit? While there was no concrete theme for this show, "Stay Seated" is an idea I have played around with. The TBD itself is a phrase of always being on your toes. There is no set destination from one show to the next. Personally, I wasn't even sure May was going to happen. None the less, I am glad it is.

Stay Seated has many levels to it as well. In a way it's a relief that you can sit down having found a place for the work, and having been given another chance to be seen. For you to stay seated, sit back, relax and learn something new about an artist, or finding a different way to look at a painting, sculpture, ect.

In a way, this May, I am asking you to enter with an open mind to artists whose work are all different and try to find ways in which they are all brought together. Whether through similar palettes, use of line, use of furniture, or subject matter. I like the idea that so far these shows are a "melting pot" of art. It allows individuality of each piece to shine.
But that in no way means I object to themes, I'm sure in the future there will be many themes to play with.

Thanks!

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

MAY! TBD! YOU! ME!

Great News! It seems we may have found our home for May! After many weeks of attempting to contact several people/places/cardboard boxes under bridges, it's is almost official that the TBD Artists will be featured for a short time at the James Oliver Gallery in Old City, Philadelphia. While it would be a short run, it will be up for the first full week of May (First Friday in Old City!).
The James Oliver Gallery is located:
723 Chestnut St. 4th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19106

Why we're drawn once again to the 4th floor of a building, I'm not entirely sure! But I can promise another great show!

Please stay tuned for further details and in the meantime check out the official James Oliver Gallery website!
http://www.jamesolivergallery.com/index.htm

Thanks!
Meg

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Moving Forward


I have begun the process of looking for our next location. I am scouting out a couple more spots within the next week or so and should have a more definite idea of where we'll be next following. My goal is a May show.
This spring, stay seated with the TBD.

For those interested in participating in our next show, please contact me:
tbdartists@gmail.com

Some of you have asked about creating a theme. While I do not object to a theme, I will not concretely enforce one either. At least, not this time.
For those of you needing inspiration though, I present the following: STAY SEATED. (A formal blog post regarding this idea will be posted shortly. As soon as I find the right terms to say what I need to).

Thanks again,
Meg

Friday, February 19, 2010

Join in the last Horrah! (For this month)


Come join us for the last weekend of our show. We will be having special extended hours on Saturday in hopes that all of you who have not been able to view the exhibit yet will find the time. For those of you who have, come back and revisit the show and learn something new or discover a piece you may not have noticed last time.
Hours on Saturday are as follows: 1pm - 9pm.
Several of the artists will be making appearances as well. Come join the TBD for one last hoorah as our first show comes to a close!

So many of you may be asking: Hey, Meg? What's next for the TBD? Well, as the name suggests it's To Be Determined as well. We are aiming for a spring show in the April/May time frame. As things become more concrete I will inform you. If we can create what we did in three weeks I know given a bit more time we can do even more.
There will be a theme for the next show, but remember any theme can be taken in the broadest of aspects, and it is only to help give direction for those who may not have one.


If you are interested in joining please email me at tbdartists@gmail.com


Happy painting, sculpting, printing, and creating!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Gallery Times - This Weekend

This weekend the show will be open both Saturday and Sunday hours running from 1pm-5pm.
The address once again is 319 N. 11st.
****If you have a problem with entering, the code on the door is 319****

There will also be extended hours next Saturday, Feb 20, 2010 starting at 1 and going until about 9 o'clock that night. Many of the artists will be present as well!

Things are going really well with the exhibit and I have gotten a lot of positive feedback. I am aiming for another show to take place in April. I will provide more information and thw ideas regarding that show in the coming days. I am currently open to any ideas any of you may have.
Please email tbdartists@gmail.com

Pictures from our first showing will be available on the blog shortly!

Saturday, February 6, 2010

#1: Thank You!!!




















Well, she opened. It took four days to get the space ready, figure out how to light the pieces, paint the walls white and finally have enough confidence to say "yes, we are ready." And regardless of the weather, we were. There was a good response by those who attended, and I want to thank them for their interest and participation. To those who had to deal with me all week with the installation, thanks for being "Meg's bitch" for a couple of days as your hard work really paid off. I will post more pictures soon, but I currently just wanted to say "thank you."
For those who were unable to make it, no worries, the 20th (should the weather cooperate) will be a great time and you have a much better opportunity to come by and see the show. The gallery will be open during that time from 1pm onward. In the meantime the space will be closed due to a blizzard the rest of the weekend. I will post times for the space opening this coming weekend sometimes during the week.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

TBD... in more ways than one















Dear Everyone:
I understand the forecast snow plays a large factor in many of your choices to attend tomorrow's opening. While I cannot control mother nature, I can say the following:
I still plan to have it fully installed by tomorrow. That being said, I do plan on attending regardless of weather (but that's only because of who I am).
Should this turn into a blizzard and it disables many of you to attend this date I will throw out the following:
The show is open all month long. The hours will primarily be on the weekends (Friday, Saturday, and Sundays), and you can check the blog regarding hours tbdartists.blogspot.com
I will also open up the artists' reception to be held on Feb. 20th to everyone as a "contingency date." It is the Saturday following Valentine's weekend, it will be an afternoon reception but I will also extend exhibiting hours so more people have a chance view it during the day or night.
Thank you all for your continued interest in the TBA and as the show is being installed I know it is going to be a show that you will all be glad you've attended at some point in the month of February.

-Meg

Wednesday, January 27, 2010



















This is 319 11th Street, future home to the the first showing of the TBDArtists, just one week from Friday. (The 4th floor)

There will be a variety of works being shown. All original art covering traditional painting, to abstract works, photography, hand made jewelery, drawings, print making, weaving, collage, and pottery.

The exhibit features the following artists (in no particular order):

Anna Breininger
Jess Colarette
Dennis Beerley
Dillon McKenzie
Lee Barksdale
Dominic "Billy Corgan" Doyle
Meg Coonelly
Maria Maneos
HoiLam Tang
Melanie Springer
Renee Ward
Annemarie Szambelak
JennWecks
Justin Greskiewicz
Allie Lefebvre
Margaret Negro
Meghan Bickel
Lisa Serpiello
Tim Batten
Margaret Auchenbach
Sara Fioriglio
Maria Cicchini

More to come.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

A Happy Hectic

How great are those flyers? Thanks to Dennis Beerley for the design! He has also designed the postcard in a similar format and will be hand printing them for the show.
Everything for the show is coming together really well! I'm incredibly excited to not only to show, but to see what everyone else has been working on as well (a full list of artists to be exhibited coming soon!).
Please continue to read the blog for up-to-date details on the TBD.
For more info on showing please contact: tbdartists@gmail.com

I plan on starting new pieces for the show within the day or so (I've been watching oil ground dry... very similar to trying to watch water boil/paint to dry, ect..) but I am excited to see what I come up with.

Monday, January 18, 2010

To Be Determined.

Sometimes the best ideas hit you out of no where. Sometimes it's during a conversation you weren't sure you would take seriously. Even if the idea was with you before, sometimes your gut finally takes hold and all you can think is: this is something you HAVE to do.
I'm very glad I listened to that gut feeling.
The inspiration for the TBDartists took hold fast, and because of the rate in which the organization has progressed it feels as though it was an idea on a whim (because in a way it was), and the response thus far has been more than I anticipated.
Those involved I respect as both artists and people. I know their passion for the arts runs deep, and it is that thought that has pushed me to make this happen.
"To Be Determined" begins as a statement to be said about our determination as artists. Our unbridled passion to be seen whether you are someone who has been showing for years or if it is your first time to be part of an exhibit. It is fearless.
As a traveling exhibit, we have no real "home," thus making our next place of exhibition "To Be Determined" as well.

On that note, I am please to announce our first show opening on February 5, 2010!

Date:
February 5, 2010 - February 27, 2010

Time:
5pm-10pm
Address:
319A North 11th Street
Floor 4
Philadelphia, PA 19107

More information to come on the artists, the progress and of course the show!