Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Call for Art - Gaines Street Public Art Project
Sponsored by COCA and the City of Tallahassee. COCA is now accepting applications for a unique project to be completed in 2011. A regional artist or artists will be selected to install permanent original artwork on a retaining wall being built on Gaines Street to protect a historic oak tree. Call is open to all artists living within 100 miles of Tallahassee. The budget for this project is $15,000. Download the complete information, application and detailed illustrations of the wall here. There is an entry fee of $25 or $10 for current COCA members. Questions: contact Amanda Thompson at amanda@cocanet.org or 850-224-2500.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Tallahassee Selected as LivCom Finalist
In June, City staff and a community representative from the Council on Culture & Arts collaborated to prepare and submit the City's nomination package for this prestigious, international award. The areas highlighted in the competition are enhancement of natural and built landscapes; arts, culture and heritage; environmental best practices; community participation and empowerment; healthy lifestyle; and strategic planning.
"We are proud of being an 'All America City' and having some of the best parks in America," said Mayor John Marks. "Now, to be a finalist for international recognition for our environmental practices and being a livable community is another major accolade for the citizens of Tallahassee. This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire community."
A Tallahassee delegation will attend the November 4-9 finals in Chicago. Due to limited funding, community sponsorships will be sought to help cover participation. Contact the City at 891-2476 for additional information.

Whereas, arts education, comprising a rich array of disciplines including dance, music, theatre, media arts, literature, design, and visual arts, is a core academic subject and an essential element of a complete and balanced education for all students; and
Whereas, arts education enables students to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, imagination and creativity, discipline, alternative ways to communicate and express feelings and ideas, and cross-cultural understanding, which supports academic success across the curriculum as well as personal growth outside the classroom; and
Whereas, to succeed in today’s economy, students must masterfully use words, images, sounds, and movement to communicate; and
Whereas, as the arts equip students with a creative, competitive edge at a time when the nation is working to strengthen its foothold in the 21st century global economy; and
Whereas, the arts provide the skills and knowledge students need to develop the creativity and determination necessary for success in the global information age; and
Whereas, extraordinary results occur where schools and communities delivering high quality learning opportunities in, through, and about the arts for children; and
Whereas, studies have found that schools in under-resourced environments with large populations of students in economic poverty who are highly involved in the arts have better grades, less likelihood of dropping out by grade ten, have more positive attitudes about school, and are more likely to go onto college; and
Whereas, attracting and retaining the best teachers is vital and can be achieved by ensuring that schools embrace the arts, becoming havens for creativity and innovation; and
Whereas, arts education has the power to make students want to learn not just within the arts, but other areas of study; and
Whereas, art is integral to the lives of all citizens and essential to the health and vitality of our communities.
Now Therefore I, John R. Marks, III, in order to raise awareness of the value and importance of arts in education for all our children at every level of education and to acknowledge the extraordinary teachers who provide these students with the very best arts education here in the city of Tallahassee, proclaim September 12- 18, 2010 as
Arts in Education Week
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Join us for Tallahassee's Arts in Education Week Announcement

Thursday, September 2, 2010
Imaginarium of Images: Marguerite Foxon and Stewart Nelson
Through her photography, Marguerite Foxon challenges viewers to see everyday objects in a completely different way. On exhibit are images of a mesmerizing world, revealed in extreme close-ups. Her macro abstract photography captures the mysterious shades and textures of rust, the fascinating colors and designs of mold and the rich images buried in bark. Through her macro lens, intriguing shapes and patterns, colors and textures are revealed and things that are usually overlooked take on a new life. “It gives me great pleasure to find such beauty and inspiration in the discards of our society – a derelict car, an abandoned warehouse, a rusted can, a dying tree.”
Stewart Nelson combines traditional photography with computer imaging to produce digital/photographic fine art prints. After freezing a moment with his favorite camera, the Pentax Auto 110, which produces thumb nail sized negatives, Nelson manipulates the images until they evoke fading memories. He allows the film grain and processing flaws to remain, adding texture to the image. Nelson also explores digital image capture, using either a digital camera or a flatbed scanner to create art from found objects such as leaves and crushed cans. “My sense of color and texture pushes my photography beyond photorealism with the manipulation of color and light, changing their relationship and creating an altered reality.”
The exhibition is curated by the Council on Culture & Arts’ Arts in Public Places program on behalf of the City of Tallahassee. For more information about this exciting exhibition or upcoming exhibitions contact Amanda Karioth Thompson at (850) 224-2500 or Amanda@cocanet.org. For a schedule of other exhibitions and arts and culture programs throughout north Florida, visit http://www.morethanyouthought.com/. Learn more about COCA and sign up to receive COCA’s weekly email blast at http://www.cocanet.org/.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Art meets Football
But, that is not the only intersection of arts and football. No, Gaines Street and Railroad Avenue is where the arts will supply a critical Game Day demand.
Football fans, from near and far will all be searching for one thing- a place to park. There are of course ordinary parking places to choose from. But, there is only one place that will actually take your money and use it to build the exciting new Gaines Street destination known as the Arts Exchange.
That's right, ladies and gentlemen, get your motors running and turn south at the corner of Gaines Street and Railroad Avenue. Look for the bunch of cool people wearing Arts Exchange T-shirts leading you to the best parking spots in town. You might recognize some of those volunteers as the young men from the world renowned Boys' Choir of Tallahassee, or dancers from the Tallahassee Ballet or, maybe even the FSU Golden Girls. One game you may be greeted by local writers and another by local musicians, all of whom are helping to build the Arts Exchange.
And, your ticket to park on game day will play a leading role in making that happen. The doors will open- oh sorry, back to the theatre analogy- the lot will open three hours before each game.
Tailgate if you'd like, walk across the street to Fat Sandwich, or mosey on over to Railroad Square and shop for some local art until it's time to stroll down to the stadium.
So, Go 'Noles. Let's go Parking for the Arts. See you on Game Day.
* The Arts Exchange parking lot does not discriminate based on school colors or affiliation. Money to park will not be refused from Bulldogs, Cougars, Demon Deacons, Eagles, Tar Heels, Tigers and especially Gators. The more you would like to give, the more we will like you.
The Council on Culture & Arts is pleased to presentThe Works of Don Taylor: Creatures Great and Small
An exhibition at the Artport Gallery from August 26 – November 12, 2010 as part of the Arts in Public Places program.
As a veterinarian and a watercolorist, Don Taylor is uniquely capable of capturing not only the physical presence of animals but also their personalities. In this exhibit,
For more information about this or upcoming exhibitions contact Amanda Karioth Thompson at (850) 224-2500 or Amanda@cocanet.org. For a schedule of other exhibitions and arts and culture programs throughout north
