R I C K J O N E S P R O J E C T S

I’ve been working on some new paintings, drawing, prints and cut-paper work lately so I decided to arrange for a solo show, which is now set for Friday July 11th 8-11pm at 2424 E Robinson Street in Orlando.  For those of you familiar with the area, it’s the old Juicy Temples space, next to Covert, Beta, Etoile Boutique and Sportstown.  For everyone else… maps.google.com

There’s a lot added to my visual vocabulary so the new stuff looks a lot different from the old, but still obviously made by Rick Jones.

Thanks go out to Chris Bremer at Element 113 for the space, Pabst Blue Ribbon for the drinks and probably more people who will be helping out but don’t realize it yet

See you there!

-rj

I’ve been spending the last month or so on a new body of work, some of which is visible on the Portfolio page of this website.  Right now I’m still working on the acrylic-on-canvas paintings but there are several ink, pencil, colored pencil and other drawings already finished and ready to be framed.

This work will be in a new solo show in July in Orlando.  If you’re in the mailing list you’ll receive an invitation soon with all the details.  It won’t be publicized through the press so check here often or sign up for newsletters at rickjonesprojects@gmail.com.

(Thanks to filmmaker Chris Bremer, Katie at Frames Forver in Winter Park and Sam Flax Art and Design Supplies for their generous support!)

Later this summer/fall I will be in a two-person show with Jonathan Scarboro, which will feature several new works on paper from both of us.

And Thread returns with a big fancy new multimedia art show this fall!  Details on this event are forthcoming so if you’re not already on the mailing list write to rickjonesprojects@gmail.com or  info@threadorlando.com to stay in touch!

13 of my smaller and medium-sized paintings are now on display at Frames Forever gallery at 941 Orange Ave. in the design district of Winter Park, FL. Stop by and see them (and Katie)!

Also, the collection of large paintings at The Vue in Downtown Orlando will only be at that location for another week-and-a-half or so. It’s been a privilege showing in such a nice building. Check it out before next weekend. All but one of these paintings are still available!

A Rant

So, I had a wonderful tour of a new arts venue today, a type of space for which that this town has been crying out for years!

Then I got home, opened up my email and got this little bit of advertising which has been making the usual rounds in the local art world today:

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WrestleManiArtTM brings Art with Attitude to Orlando

ORLANDO – WrestleManiArt, an event showcasing original artwork created by current WWE® Superstars, will take place in Downtown Orlando on Wednesday, March 26th. The first-of-its kind occasion, which will be held at City Arts Factory, is the official kickoff event of WrestleMania week, which culminates with WrestleMania 24 on Sunday, March 30th at the Florida Citrus Bowl. WrestleManiArt is co-hosted by the Central Florida Sports Commission, the City of Orlando, United Arts of Central Florida and World Wrestling Entertainment®.

“World Wrestling Entertainment is one of the world’s most creative brands,” said John Saboor, president of the Central Florida Sports Commission. “WrestleManiArt blends that creativity with Central Florida’s deep appreciation for the arts, giving WWE fans a unique glimpse at the hidden talents of some of their favorite superstars.
“

Several WWE® Superstars will join invited guests at WrestleManiArt for an evening of art displays, silent and live auctions, food and refreshments. Among the artwork to be auctioned off will be pieces by WWE legend Jerry Lawler and memorabilia from past WrestleMania’s. Also included will be a tribute collage by Smackdown® General Manager Vicky Guerrero honoring her late husband and former WWE Superstar Eddie Guerrero.

“WrestleMania is the ultimate match-up of sport and art,” noted Margot Knight, president of United Arts of Central Florida. “We are thrilled these superstars are willing to share their talents to help the local arts community.
Who knew these superstars had artistic talent OUTSIDE the ring?”

WrestleManiArt will also feature a WWE-inspired piece of work by local contemporary dance company DRIP.

Tickets for WrestleManiArt will go on sale to the general public on March 12, 2008 for $50. All net proceeds will benefit the ongoing community programs associated with the Central Florida Sports Commission and United Arts of Central Florida. Visit www. Redchairproject. com for ticket purchase and additional event information.

Nearly 70,000 fans from all 50 states and 21 countries will converge on Orlando for WrestleMania 24, marking the first time the WWE’s signature event will take place in Florida. Tickets are available at www. ticketmaster. com.

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Seriously?

Reading this put a huge knot in my stomach. Nothing says “awful local art scene” like a WWE art show, and nothing says “sellout” like that little quote from United Arts President and CEO Margot Knight.

I hate to say this out loud, because I am always loathe to openly criticize people and institutions if I think it might sour people’s optimism in the Orlando art scene, but this needs to be said. This is a serious mistake. Not that I blame WWE for putting this on; they hardly have a serious cultural reputation to maintain, nor am I unsympathetic to the CityArts Factory’s need for revenue as of late.

Who I am going to call out on this one are three other people and organizations: Margot Knight, for squandering some of her heretofore excellent reputation as a force for good in the community; Jim Lussier, Downtown Arts District board member and proprietor of a heretofore useful email newsletter which, on many occasions, has been of measurably good service to myself and other artists and promoters; DRIP: Paint in Motion for lowering the perception of the already-misunderstood art of modern dance to a subterranean level.

As a prudent member of the arts community, I would never put at risk my good (or neutral) standing with the area’s major grants-giving organization, especially as a “starving artist” who could really use a good grant right now. (Note: I’ve never applied for a UA grant.
)

However, my restrained confidence in the United Arts of Central Florida’s competence has hence been eroded to a level of disenfranchisement. It may not be a fact that Margot Knight herself is an arbiter or jurist in my bailiwick of grant competitions, but I feel like the reputation of the entire organization is besmirched beyond my capacity to believe they are capable of distinguishing my own artwork from any work of lesser quality.

Margot Knight did not have to register that quote, nor did Jim Lussier have to pass along that press release. The WWE is a huge marketing machine capable of promoting its own silly projects. There’s a HUGE banner on the face of the Lynx Central Station, for goodness sake.

I’m sure I will receive some angry phone calls today blaming me for not standing behind the art community’s marketing efforts, but I must argue that a short-term kick in the pants is better than a long-term erosion of confidence in those charged with the space and the money which make a lot of the art community possible. Jim Lussier and Margot Knight have each done a lot of good for Orlando, but this time they made a mistake worth noting.

Having my work in and now out of four galleries in Central Florida, all of my unsold paintings are back in my possession.  I intend to update photographs of every single piece and update the portfolio page very soon with a full accounting of them, including prices and sizes.  See you then!

See a small preview of what will be on display at Stardust Coffee and Video starting Saturday 2/2/08 at 7pm by clicking the “Portfolio” page in the column to the right.

Rick Jones
New Paintings

This Saturday night at 7pm (2/2/0
(show runs through 2/29/0

Lots of brand new work no one has seen yet, plus a few
oldies-but-goodies. There was a cancellation at Stardust for February
so I jumped on it a few days ago and have been painting like crazy.
So come on out Saturday night and hang out, have a drink, whatever.

Now that painting and school have settled down (pictures soon I promise!) it’s time to get back to work on the public art symposium, WORK  PLACE.  I’ve met some interesting people lately working on this, and hopefully we’ll start to see some interesting art and designs come in.  There will be more information published tomorrow so stay tuned!

Last night was the grand opening of The Vue condo building downtown. Fun party. I had eight paintings on the first floor and got a lot of positive feedback, so hopefully that will turn into something. I’ll post pictures ASAP.

I’m up late drawing a thousand little ink lines for my final project in architecture class and working on paintings, all of which (architecture and paintings) are due Tuesday.  I have to work the day job most of the day Monday so I’m bustin’ it to get as much done today as possible.  I’m well reasted bu staring at this stuff for too long is exhausting.  I don’t know how other people do it for 50-60 hours a week (DL barn and henhouse).

The paintings are for The Vue condominiums in downtown Orlando so it’s a good gig, but it’s a lot of space to fill.  Unfortunately some paintings won’t be brand new, only four at this rate.  But 8-10 total, so it’s still a big install for one person.  Everything is around 3 feet square.  I’ll put pictures up on the portfolio page later this week.

Ok back to work now.