PPF & SS - a public service announcement

The following painting is 3ft x 3ft and is, alongside another smaller still life (oil paintings both) gone - dissappeared.

I wanted to take the time to share folks in art blogs my cautionary tale.

Sometime last year, i began to think about maybe hopefully possibly dedicating a more serious attitude to what one might call an art's career. and went out looking willy nilly for places to display. I settled on a restaurant 30 minutes from where I live. Later on learned for many reasons why displaying at restaurants is such a bad idea - people go to eat, not look at art, you appear as an unserious artist, etc - but at the time I figured, I'd rather the large thing be on display somewhere than gathering dust in my garage you know?

I remember this was, say, last September. I showed up with my two paintings, signed a release of liability (wear & tear, damage, etc), and never bothered about it again.

I decided this week to get my art back since I've been managing to make some sales of my own, etc.

Turns out the restaurant is out of business, was out of business for I don't know how long-  the new restaurant only could say they had been there a week, and to contact either the original owners or the building owners. No number or email works for the previous restaurant owners, and I have yet to hear back from the others.

So - I might have lost this painting, for good. A good 3 months went into it, not counting expense of materials.

I wanted to warn others to please, please take care of what you do with your art!

1) I agree with what artists have previously said, don't waste your time with restaurants or coffee shops, unless these stores are willing to purchase your work outright. It's a waste of time for all concerned, and essentially free decoration for a business that has no interest in reimbursing artists for work

2) Don't be like me - check up on your art! Inconceivable for places and things to go belly up like that, from one second to the next, but it does happen. In fact, if you have your work at a place (store, cafe, etc) and you haven't monitored it for a while, please go check up on it! now, right now! And either bring  it home or verify it's ok

other than that have a good weekend - seriously prob. won't get around to visiting anyone till well after the weekend is over - busy at craft fairs, etc

am conneting to paint party friday and sunday sketches

Still Lives Live at Local Restaurant

The still life at left and the Vanitas still life (titled Calaveras y Diablitos) described in the previous post are now to be seen, and are available for sale, through Oct 4, 2011 at a brand-spanking-new and groovy-looking Mexican Restaurant called Puebla in Swannanoa - some 15 or 20 minutes from downtown Asheville.

The place (Restaurant Puebla) is located a stone-throw away from I-40 on , somewhat near Black Mountain, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Warren Wilson College. The area itself seems to offer some interesting things, including a magnet arts school and a random artists' collaborative close by.

The atmosphere is excellent - spacious, cheerful, and well-appointed. The staff is incredibly friendly, helpful, and close-knit, from what I could tell from my interaction with them. The little street the restaurant is from looks like a small oasis of coolness in an otherwise non-descript highway run.

More on Puebla:

"Mexican Restaurant Puebla offers authentic Mexican food from Puebla Mexico. Such as Semitas, Mole Poblano, Enchiladas, Gorditas, and more."

Address:

204 A Whitson Avenue, Swannanoa, NC 28778

Since I live somewhat far (in Marshall, NC), I have not had the chance to sample their fine cuisine, though I am sure it is excellent. If anyone goes by, let me know and drop a line. Am hoping to make it there eventually, and would love a list of opinions.