More works to Malaysia and local Arts news.

Markham Visual Artist Franklin Beecham — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:54:45 +0000

Since a shipment of several of my paintings made it to Malaysia earlier this year, another collector from that region contacted us through a local relative to acquire some pieces with possible followups that may be shipped later. Seems that she liked my works in Kuala Lumpur and hoped that her sister could bring her some of my art direct from Canada. Thank you to Jessica for visiting us and choosing my paintings. I hope your travels back to Kuala Lumpur will be exciting and memorable along the way. It was a pleasure to meet you and your family. Have a great trip to China and Malaysia! Thank you for making my paintings a part of your lives.

Regarding Markham Arts Council news, Robyn and the tent are in festival mode as she and her volunteers strive to promote the Markham Arts Council to the general public and arts enthusiasts alike. To aid in their endeavours, I designed and produced a membership brochure outlining the benefits and results of membership with the Markham Arts Council. Check it out – I think its just the right giveaway to visitors of the Markham Arts Council tent. As always, we have loads of Council and members’ literature available at the tent. And Robyn is always there with a cheerful and helpful outlook, ready to answer your questions.

This weekend was the Art in the Park event at the Markham Museum. Robyn was there with the tent along with some of our artist friends. Congratulations to those of you who braved the weather and made sales.

A couple of key Markham Arts Council events are coming up. First, the 2010 Photo Contest which is already underway, and coming in November, the TIFF-affiliated Markham at the Movies film premiere event, to be held at the Markham Theatre. For information, visit the Markham Arts Council website by clicking here.

The York Region Arts Council is also getting underway with an offering of grants, made possible through fundraising efforts. Plans are also in the works for a 2-day conference in April 2011 called “Arts Exposed“. Information can be found at their website by clicking here.

Looking forward to the upcoming Markham Jazz Festival and watch our own June Garber performing.

One last note for those who live in the Markham area: check out the new Dragon Bistro at the Planing Mill in Unionville.
Food and service are great!

Until next time…

Namaste!

3TC2W7MHTAY2

Show and tell

Markham Visual Artist Franklin Beecham — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 01:39:07 +0000

Judging by the bags of ‘People’s Choice’ entries, we had a lot of feedback at the Markham Arts Council’s Art Show in Unionville this past week. I personally saw a lot of art lovers come by the ‘gallery’ to see our local artists’ paintings, and marveled at some of their comments. Congratulations to all those who had sales. Just remember that its not always about the sales but being out there in the faces of art patrons. We have a lot of talent in Markham and its great to be able to showcase our creations to the general public.

To the newbies, I hope you will consider doing this again. You can learn new and different painting techniques from your peers as well as different ways to market yourself. I’ll be putting up photos from this show on the markhamartshow.com website very soon. Thanks to Robyn and Judi for putting up with all us artists and for all the help behind-the-scenes (Keith, Helen, Murray, Bob et al)

Good luck everyone as you embark on another summer. I know some of you are off to other shows. Remember to check in with the Markham Arts Council tent at upcoming local festivals. Robyn will be happy to chat with you. The Arts Council will be sending you the next printed newsletter in the next couple of months. A Photo Contest is in the works as is the new Film series. Also watch out for the new York Region Arts Council website which will be a great new portal for the arts. You can get info at www.yorkscene.com.

Check back soon, Franklin

Gift of the Gods

Markham Visual Artist Franklin Beecham — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 14:59:35 +0000

Congratulations and thanks to Christiane on purchasing my mixed-media painting “Under Peruvian Skies”. This painting has deep spiritual meaning to me and my wife. I took the photograph after finishing a gruelling 4-day hike along the Inca Trail in Peru to reach our goal of Machu Picchu. The Gods listened as I begged for the strength to finish the hike – and boy was the vista worth it!

Last night’s Artist’s Reception for the Markham Arts Council’s Art Show was a success in that the gallery was wall-to-wall people. Fantastic given that we were all faced with a torrential downpour and incredible humidity. Our gallery air conditioning wasn’t up to par due to the door being open most of the night – moving some guests to the covered porch outside. However there was plenty of food and wine to please everyone, and of course some great art by our local artists.

I had positive responses to my exhibit and also to my new “lotus” brand – thank you to all your kind words.

Thanks again to all who attended the event. The Art Show runs through to June 7. See you there.

…and all the paintings were hung with care…

Markham Visual Artist Franklin Beecham — Mon, 31 May 2010 00:48:15 +0000

Today we attended a hanging. All the artists for the new Unionville version of the Art Show gathered at the Planing Mill to hang their paintings. The space is tighter than usual, but adequate enough. I put up four of my mixed-media pieces – two of which were also exhibited on Friday at the Rouge Watershed Arts Mixer held at the Markham Museum.

new logo

You will note that I have a new brand this season. I’ll be using my new purple lotus from now on. The lotus is the spiritual symbol of purity, and for me, my art is pure and simple.

Those in the Markham area, please come to our artists’ reception from 6 to 10pm. wine and nibblies will be available. I look forward to seeing you there.

Down to the wire

Markham Visual Artist Franklin Beecham — Wed, 26 May 2010 02:49:00 +0000

Got to prep some paintings for two upcoming shows. The Markham Arts Council is co-hosting an Arts Mixer at the Markham Museum. The theme is the Rouge Watershed, so artwork with historical significance and referencing to the Rouge river system will be on display. I have a couple of mixed-media pieces that will be displayed. Nicky’s got some amazing photography which will be his contribution to the event.

A couple of days later and the Markham Arts Council’s Art Show will get going. Due to a Markham venue snag, we’ve relocated the show to Unionville thanks to a sponsor. I’ll probably stack this show with mixed media as well. The tail end of this show will coincide with the Unionville Festival. Hopefully we’ll see a lot of art patrons dropping by. We had some good art during the November show, click here to see pictures.

For those who want to see the Arts & Tarts event in pictures, I uploaded a bunch to the Markham Arts Council’s website. Click here to see them. It was a fun-filled event – took a lot of work to accomplish!

TTFN

Fit to print

Markham Visual Artist Franklin Beecham — Sat, 15 May 2010 23:47:34 +0000

Wow, so much has happened lately and new things are about to become.

Today, Rhiana and I entered a juried Mayor’s Art Showcase. I entered “Reach” and “The Pond“. The latter was accepted. Rhiana’s two entries also got in, one of which garnered an Honourable Mention. Way to go Rhiana! Congratulations!

Tomorrow is the Markham Arts Council’s major fundraiser: Arts & Tarts: A Royal Tea. Yours truly was the sponsoring graphic designer. Over 200 guests are expected and will be entertained by June Garber — our favourite local songstress, Opera York and local pianist Scott Christian. There’ll be a Hat Parade managed by Nancy Farr and Christiane Bristow with beautiful models showcasing the latest in headwear. A Tea Tasting by Roger Clements of the Old Curiosity Tea Shop. A heART Gallery with paintings and sculptures – all with a heart theme in honour of our star, the Queen of Hearts played by Christiane Bristow. Elaine Cooledge our décor designer has created a wonderland memory. There’ll be boutiques and balloon pop draws, silent auctions and of course, a Royal Tea. All proceeds will go towards the Markham Arts Council. The invitation was a unique design whereby I created a box with a real teacup and saucer inside. Its been a big hit. My sister Elizabeth created an amazing fused glass dish in honour of the event for the heART Gallery. Robyn Craig and Judi McIntyre are the most important component to this event. Without their continuing hard work, it wouldn’t be happening. Thank you on behalf of all the members of the Markham Arts Council for all that you do for us!

Nicky’s represented Markham Teen Arts Council at several events and attended their first rock concert at the Crosby Arena. He also took the initiative to write a letter to the Director of Culture, John Ryerson requesting an Arts & Culture Centre to be included in the Town of Markham’s long-term Leisure and Culture strategic plan. Good job Nicky – you are the future generation that will be appreciating everything the Town and the Arts Council are doing and your voice is important!

On Thursday, Robyn and I attended an announcement by the York Region Arts Council who showcased a new grant program and an upcoming conference to be held in April 2011. I design the theme logo: Arts Exposed, plus an accompanying flyer that was included in attendee kits.

On May 31 for a week, the Markham Arts Council presents the Art Show to be held in Unionville. I’ll be participating in this show as well and designed the marketing communications for this event. Click here for a poster.

Well, that’s my update so far. TTFN!