Isadora has been hard at work getting our See-Give-Love campaign off and running! Now, she’s introducing our comment/boxes to the mix! These are a great way for us to really get to know the community and learn what it is exactly you think and love about the Arts!

 

They’re also a great way for business to show they support the Arts, so if you are business owner, or now someone who’d be interested, email Isadora (below), and she’ll get one over for you to display as well!

See Give Love : Comment/Question boxes...

More like a Movement??

The great thing about our Main Space in downtown Auburn is that we get a great deal of visitors who are shopping below at Behind The Glass. The other day, I had a very nice young lady pose the question:

So...The Layman Group is actually more like a movement, than just an organization, right?

Now, although we don’t openly market ourselves as a “movement,” she was EXACTLY dead on. It made me very happy to hear someone else come to that conclusion after learning about what we are focused on as an organization.

The truth is, our goals are not a “short term thing.” Our expectations for the community, and the state of Alabama as a whole, are certainly more chess...than checkers. And I don’t think there will ever be a point when we’ll be able to say… “Done!” That’s just not the nature of what we’re taking on. This is a movement. And if history has taught me anything, it’s that movements don’t happen overnight, but with passion and resilience, and willingness to give as much as it takes.

 

- DOC, Executive Artistic Director

May is our Random Acts of Art Month! Have a peek at some of our
random creative fun!

CHALLENGING OUR AUDIENCES

 

There aren’t too many things that come effortlessly easy to anyone. Even the things that we, or those around us, would say come natural, require a certain amount of effort. Jordan, Warhol, Elway, Sinatra...all made what they did look easy, but the work was still there.

That same notion is relevant when it comes to expanding our appreciating for the Arts as an audience. Rarely do we considering being an “audience” or an “advocate” something that requires effort. We feel “we love what we love” and that’s the end of the story. However, I’d truly beg to differ.

 

Consider how many times we’ve gone to a play, seen a band, visited a museum, etc., and walked away unhappy and/or unfulfilled. Then think about what we could’ve done to make these experiences slightly more satisfying :

 

· get some rest before we leave so we don’t fall asleep during the show

· research the bio of an artist, or back story of his/her exhibit

· have a discussion with someone involved with the project/production afterwards

· read a few reviews beforehand so we have a few things to look forward to

· ask an “artsy-fartsy” friend to go with us

· ...don’t get drunk ; )

 

The point, is that going...just isn’t enough when it comes to expanding our appreciation for the Arts. Most artistic productions/organizations aren't consumed with mainstream entertainment’s “ready-made” elements that make-up the majority of say...reality television; or whatever else has America’s attention span in a choke hold: gossip, sex, catfights, prize money, affairs...etc. The Arts usually lend to more thought provoking themes that require not just our presence, but also our ability to escape from our present mind state, and into the capacity of the artist(s). On some occasions, this could even mean depressing our beliefs, traditions, and convictions, in order to give voice (freedom of speech) to that which we have paid and driven to see.

 

Now, as artists and organizations, it’s time we begin to challenge our audiences, making them aware of the work at hand. Yes, we need them dearly, but not at the expense of forever spoon-feeding our art, or watering down the process. Educating our audiences is just as important as “entertaining” them, if not more. For as long as we live, we will only be able to present what our audiences are capable or willing to receive. This realization alone, should be enough motivation for us to reach out to those who follow us, and give them the tools and inspiration...to keep following.

 

- DOC, Executive Artistic Director (founder)

RAAM : “Leroy Black” the office oracle!

 

Sometimes you just have to act on creative moments, which is why Random Acts of Art Month (May) has been fun for us.

 

Here, we were inspired by a quirky image Doc found on the internet. Not only did we decide to name it (Leroy Black), it’s now become the all-knowing office oracle, who will give us advice on all of our tough decisions.

 

So, if we do something you happen not to like...it’s Leroy’s fault! (smile)

Isadora says goodbye

 

Yes, we’re sad that one of our first Ambassadors, Isadora Blanche, is saying good-bye. She’s been a great part of The Layman Group team for a while and we truly benefited from her dedication and energy to here position.

 

She’s headed to Spain for a little bit of studying, then jumping into the “real world” when she gets back. We wish her all the best!

 

Here, she talks about her time with The Layman Group,  as well as our upcoming Dollar Drive!

Before you answer that question, consider this: have you seen a piece of art that you wish you had created, that tugged at your imaginary heartstrings for reasons unexplained? Have you rolled your windows up tightly and belted along to a song on your car radio? Have you been dragged to a school performance and found you actually enjoyed the show?

 
You don’t have to be an “artist” to be a member of the art community. We ALL are. Well, maybe not, like, Voldemort or whoever the bad guy is in Twilight...or people like that, but the rest of us DO have had some kind of emotional connection to the arts. Whether you’ve thought about it this way or not, YOU are a member of the art community.

With that “membership” comes responsibility. Appreciate the arts. Participate in them. The Layman Group wants to challenge you to reach out to the arts in our area. Check online to see what kind of art is going on right in our neighborhood. I think you’ll be surprised at the number of opportunities there are. And we’re trying to create even more of those opportunities. But we can’t make them happen without the support of our community.

Pledge today to make a point to reach out to the arts. What does that mean? It means whatever it means to you. Go to an open-mike night. Write a poem. Visit a museum. Come visit the Layman Group offices and ask us whatever questions you have (and I’m sure people have questions). Maybe what you can do is really think about the lyrics to your favorite song and appreciate the melody. That’s loving the arts. That’s something.

I’ll be visiting some businesses over the next few weeks to deliver the Layman Group pledge sheets. They simply ask you to make the arts a priority, to reach out, to do something.  Our website has information about our projects and how to get involved with them. Our See. Give. Love campaign is ongoing through the summer, so there are opportunities to give to the Layman Group and help with practical needs.

I’m not asking you to sponsor an entire production or commit to a sizable donation. Those things are great, but what’s just as great is when people just take a little bit of time and get involved in the art community. You’re already a member; take advantage of that membership.

Look for me in the community (maybe at your business!), and email me with any questions. Get ready to pull out your George Washingtons for our upcoming Dollar Drives, and keep your eyes and ears open for information about some fun things we’re planning for the fall! [teaser: Auburn & SUCC freshmen should leave their first Friday open…]

And remember to reach out to the arts. Email me and tell me what you’ve done, and we’ll feature them on the blog!

Peace and harmony,

Shelli Brown

Ambassador, Fundraising / Development
shelli@thelaymangroup.org

On Bravo’s new reality series
“Work of Art”

 

Eli, Sam, & Kristi share their opinions on the new show.