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Arts Advocacy in the Whitehouse

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:36:28 CDT

An interesting sidenote: Has any politician in recent memory inspired so much original artwork? Above: Propaganda Artist Shepard "Obey" Fairey's Obama Portrait.

In February, I posted a review comparing the art policies (federal support and arts education) of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. I thought it would be nice to revisit the issue with Obama and McCain. However, the McCain art policy would seem to be quite simple - no art. It would actually be more accurate to say the John McCain has an Anti-Arts Policy.

I wrote of Obama's Art advocacy: "As the author of two books, Barack Obama is no stranger to creative expression. His public stance on the arts has been to stress the importance of Arts Educations in terms of the importance that creativity has in the math and science skills needed to fuel the nations future. So in addition to an increased in funding for the NEA, as president, Obama has vowed to Expand Public/Private Partnerships Between Schools and Arts Organizations which would increase resources for the U.S. Department of Education’s Arts Education Model Development and Dissemination Grants. He has also promised to create an Artist Corps; young artists trained to work in low-income schools and their communities -- again linking arts curriculum to improved test scores."

Solid huh. You can download Obama's official Arts Policy Platform here: "A Platform In Support Of The Arts"

On the opposite end of the creative spectrum is John McCain who makes it quite clear that he would prefer to eliminate all federal funding for the arts. In 1999, McCain voted with, among others, Sens. Robert Smith, Jesse Helms, Strom Thurmond, Sam Brownback and John Ashcroft for the Smith-Ashcroft amendment. The amendment sought to cut all funding for the NEA from that year’s budget.

As for McCain's official policy on Art's education? Nada. The McCain/Palin website doesn't seem to address the subject. To be fair, McCain has been quoted as saying ”I have opposed federal funding for the National Endowment for the Arts because I believe it is not proper to use tax dollars for what many Americans feel are the obscene and inappropriate projects this organization has supported. I support providing federal block grants to the states for arts education and artistic endeavors pursued by state and local authorities, while assuring that federal tax dollars are not spent on obscene or offensive material.”

So while McCain opposes the NEA he does indicate a basic level of arts education as long as it's not offensive or obscene. However defining offensive within art education is a slippery topic. See example #1 and more recently example #2. This runs along the same lines as school libraries - who decides what's appropriate? I am quite certain the the level of art that I want my child exposed to is much more 'expansive' that other parents may feel comfortable with.

The candidates records on the arts are not going to define the election but I believe that arts and arts education are an important part of our society's well-being and a crucial aspect of our future financial strength. The importance of the arts education (music, visual, performing, etc) and creative development in general cannot be underestimated. No matter the industry, politicians included, creativity is a competitive advantage. Is it another educational advantage that our country is willing to cede to other nations?

BTW - In August of 2008, The Americans for the Arts Action Fund PAC released their congressional arts report card. It was nice to note that Colorado's standing has improved from the last time I reviewed the report in 2006. 2 A's 2 B's and 3 F's (2006: 1 A, 1 B, 2 D's and 3 F's) thanks to a one Dem (John Salazar) coming round and one less Republican. What does remains the same is that each F sits next to a Republican.

Obit for Francis! RIP

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 11:10:24 CDT

Francis! Francis! (right) vs. The Ascaso Dream (left)

9 years ago my wife surprised me with a shiny, orange Francis! Francis! for my birthday. Coffee connoisseurs panned the model for it's substandard pump, aluminum boiler and non standard collar. But I loved-loved my Italian built Francis! Francis! I prefer jump starting my day quickly by using e.s.e pods rather than grinding whole beans. Again, coffee geeks have turned their collective noses up on espresso coffee pods but - whatever. Francis! Francis! is a beautifully designed and simple to use machine at a time when the only commercially available alternative was the black plastic Krups models from Bed, Bath and Beyond. Every morning I was greeted by the "Francis" (Designer Luca Trazzi's Daughter) sticking her tongue out at me as I enjoyed the surprisingly satisfying toggle switching experience. Last year the temperature gauge went out so I would just wait till I heard the boiler turn off before I pulled the shot. However, this week the pump died mid pull. - sniff.

So now I have a decision to make. Buy another Francis! Francis! X1 or shop around. The new X1's have upgraded the pump pressure and added a brass collar. However, I don't like the new 'icons' under the toggles and the price is $900 (We don't have the disposable income we had in out twenties - I blame bush). I'm eyeing the BMW designed, 15-bar Starbucks Sirena machine which for $399 is an affordable alternative - but lacks the inspirational design of the Francis. However, I am really leaning towards the Ascaso "Dream". This machine is built in Spain, has a 16 bar Pump, nice lines and sells for $749. Not a huge savings over the Francis but perhaps enough for me to justify the purchase?

Fiesta Day - Dia de Colores y Cultura

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 00:05:49 CDT

Photos from Fiesta Day in Pueblo Colorado

I spent this last weekend in Pueblo for Fiesta Day at the Colorado State Fair. Last year was the first year I had attended the fiesta and thankfully I was invited to participate in an art show for the event again. The show was organized by Ed and Charlene Simms and participating artists included Jerry Jaramillo, Carlos Fresquez, Evelyn Martinez and Pueblo's Doug Candelaria.

In addition to the parade and a multitude of acts around the fairgrounds we also checked out the Celebracion De Los Charro. The event featured Colorado's Charros de Las Delicias accompanied by Mariachi Vasquez. However, big draw of the event was the horsemanship and rope work of Tomás Garcilazo. The only regrettable part of the weekend was eating fried fair food for every meal - churros, fry bread and a deep fried snickers bar. This was the first time I had tried the snickers (last year i did the twinkie) - not impressed. My father tried the cheesecake - not bad.

I'll post some more photos when I have a chance.

Even the Dogs in Denver do Marathons

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:08:59 CDT

Fit in Denver

A friend in Seattle sent me the this short bit about one journalist impression of Denverites while visiting for the DNC. I'm sure not all visitors have been as pleasant. BTW - one of my big pet peeves is guests, to any location, complaining about that location to their hosts - how rude.

"Life expectancy has to be higher here in Denver. Everyone is lean and fit and looks like they just finished mountain biking, are on their way to yoga class, and might end the day with a run."

"The other striking thing about the city is the number of dogs. There must be a city ordinance requiring all residents to own at least one dog. I'm not talking roving bands of stray dogs here, just everyone on the street with a leash in hand, and dogs that look very accustomed to hanging out in coffee shops, chilling in the shade of sidewalk cafes, and in general being part of the life of the city."

David Kurtz, Dog Town U.S.A. - Talking Points Memo

"Children that create will not destroy" - Americans for the Arts

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:46:44 CDT

Americans for the Arts Action Fund co-hosted an educational forum at the Democratic National Convention in Denver today in partnership with NAMM, the International Music Products Association. The event was held at the Museo de las Americas to discuss the future of the arts and arts education in America. The forum was part of ArtsVote 2008, a national initiative designed to promote the arts during the presidential election.

Moderated by Richard Riley, Former U.S. Secretary of Education and Former Governor of South Carolina the panel featured Miami Mayor Manuel Diaz, President, U.S. Conference of Mayor, Philanthropist Sheila C. Johnson, Musician John Legend and, previously unannounced, Congresswoman Louise McIntosh Slaughter.

This video has some of the highlights from the event - my favorite of which was the recollections of Congresswoman Louise McIntosh Slaughter involving the major budget cuts the NEA experienced during the Reagan administration. She closes with an inspirational concept "Children that create will not destroy"

Sweet Sweet Sugar Skulls

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 21:25:04 CDT

Artist Jerry Vigil just sent me an email about his new book Day of the Dead Crafts: More Than 24 Projects that Celebrate Dia de los Muertos. Jerry is a MosaicGlobe member and a very active artist in the Denver area. The book looks great and the timing is perfect. With Dia de los Muertos right around the corner (November 1st and 2nd), it's time to start thinking about those little Calaveritas. Read more about Jerry in a profile we did of him a couple of years back and be sure to visit his website. Jerry will be at the Tattered Cover Bookstore on Tuesday October 14th but if you're not in the area or can't wait to get your copy (like me) head over to amazon for a good deal - even if they did misspell the title.

Making some changes

Fri, 1 Aug 2008 12:51:26 CDT

I have an art opening in a few hours so I probably should not have started any new projects for the day but I have been putting this off long enough. I decided to drop the spitbubbles moniker from my site and go with pxldan which I use nearly everywhere else. Well that means broken images throughout the entire site. For the time being I'm going to close down all the sections until I get all the images fixed. I'll concentrate on the blogs first - which is the largetst section and hoepfully I'll get the whole thing updated over the weekend.

All My Paintings Lack a Creative Title

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 01:11:36 CDT

I just spent the better part of a Saturday evening (now Sunday morning) optimizing all the images of my artwork over at DannyVigil.com. I pulled down all the art from last year and this year and brightened them up a bit. For some reason they all seemed rather muted. See the rooster posted last week compared to the one on the other site. My palette tends to be muted but not that dreary. I am also realizing that I do not have a gift for naming my work. The all tend to be a very generic names: cup, dog, man on bench, etc. The painting here seems to want a introspective, inspirational title but all I can come up with is; flag, girl with flag or flag girl. Also, earlier today it hit me - some of these paintings need to be ready to hang next weekend and have yet to be varnished. There goes Sunday.

Perhaps, I forget the flag and go with "Red Boots".

Party like my Dad!

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 10:02:04 CDT

Typically the daddy-to-be does not get to participate in the pre-birthing festivities - for good reason I'm sure. However, us aging lads made our own pregnancy pact and that merits special guest status at our own non-shower. What do you buy a dad-to-be? Honestly, when asked, I drew a blank. Like I have any idea.

Anyway, this invitation is super awesome so I thought I'd post it. Much love to the Wera Family for reminding future dads that we always have a place to hangout on the weekend!

Photographing the New Artwork

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:57:08 CDT

I am finally getting around to photographing the new artwork. The paintings at the next show will most likely be wet :)