Hi all,

One day our friend Gretchen Diehl was talking with us about the problems of an independent artist getting feedback about their work. We spoke about how, when in art school, crits were something we all did regularly, weather we liked it or not.

During school or in classes, this schedule of regular crits helped us all do something very important: we learned to articulate our thoughts and motives regarding our work. Crits also created a discourse for the viewers to give feedback about our work, allowing us to know if our goals were being reached or if we needed improvement somewhere. It also allowed an easy venue for us to learn from our fellow artists.

Hello all,

I don't know if you know this, but the building that we're located in (1241 Carpenter) is JAMMED with talented and interesting artists. And every two months all these artists put together an informal open studio event - open to the public. We hang art on the walls and through the hallways and throw open our studio doors! This is a great chance to meet the many people that make 1241 an incredible building! Doors open at 7pm, and refreshments abound. Join in and learn about the many wonderful things happening @ 1241.

Hi all,
One of our members, Nora Hiriart, has put together a particularly interesting show that's opening this Friday (Nov. 14th) entitled "Small but Unexpected". I personally think this show is uncommonly beautiful and encourage you all to share in it.

Nora has a special perspective that comes from being a transplant from Mexico in our American world. She's never lost that perspective of someone who is simultaneously looking from the outside in and the inside out. It is this trait that I believe pushes her to explore the works produced by many cultures and her drive to create a space in which cultures create an understanding. In her show, "Small but Unexpected" the pieces are typically of small scale or have aspects to them that are small, but impact the piece and the viewer in a big way. There is a trading of nuances achieved when viewing the show as a whole: you can see the big picture of pieces or movements within pieces so small.

#996633;">Special second Dr Sketchy's session!
#996633;">#333333;">NEXT SATURDAY, October 25, 2008 (7-10PM)
@ The Midwives Collective and Gallery
1241 Carpenter St., 2nd floor, suite 2, Philadelphia, PA 19147.