May 15, 2010 by Markham Visual Artist Franklin Beecham
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!
Tags: Art Show, Arts & Tarts: A Royal Tea, Markham Arts Council, Mayor's Art Showcase, York Region Arts Council
Posted in 2010, May 2010 | 3 Comments »
February 10, 2010 by Markham Visual Artist Franklin Beecham
The Markham Arts Council is diligently at work advocating and promoting the arts to the community. From our Annual General Meeting in December we elected four new Directors to the Board and said goodbye to those who left. All are volunteers who support the arts in any way they can, some tirelessly, to which we are grateful.
Next round of business is our annual Members’ Directory. Yours truly designed the cover for this 2010 version – hope you like it. Vito at Whiteboard Studios handled the printing. Look for it in the mail or find it in a variety of community locations throughout the Markham area. A lot of work goes into the production of this piece. Thanks to Robyn and Judi for getting it together for the members. Included in your Members’ Directory will be your 2010 Membership Card. This card, when presented to certain retailers and local businesses will offer the user special discounts. Don’t lose it! A list of vendors can be found on the Markham Arts Council website.
The next member publication to be distributed by the Markham Arts Council will be the Arts In Motion newsletter. The newsletter covers events and interesting articles related to our members. Look for it in the coming weeks.
Several events and activities are planned for 2010, including the Mackie Awards, honouring supporters of the arts, our new major fundraising event: Arts & Tarts: A Royal Tea, Photo Contest, Art Shows and many more. Don’t forget to visit our booth at the various local festivals.
The Markham Arts Council is primarily run by volunteers and we need your help with planning committees for our events. Contact the office at 905.947.9054 if you can lend a hand or visit the website for information on how you can help.
We appreciate your support.
Tags: Arts & Tarts: A Royal Tea, Arts In Motion, Mackie Awards, Markham Arts Council
Posted in February 2010 | 1 Comment »
February 3, 2010 by Markham Visual Artist Franklin Beecham
The world became a smaller place when my website was able to cross the globe and inspire my new Kuala Lumpur representative to contact me. “Your artwork pieces are exactly what I am looking for. Love the style and the vibrant colours. We can organise a solo exhibition for your pieces. I love all your pieces. I hope you are interested to work together with us to promote your work in Malaysia” she wrote. Of course I am! Most definitely!
I’m sure this will be the beginning of an exotic journey for my creativity. I can feel new designs brewing in my head… guess I better stock up on canvases.
For those who are in town, several of my pieces are being showcased tomorrow night at the afore-mentioned fundraising event on behalf of the Markham Village Music Festival. Please show your support and drop by to see my work along with paintings from other local artists. The event will be at 74 Main Street in Markham from 7:00 pm. Make sure you mingle with me.
On Sunday evening I along with a few hundred others were entertained and awed by the talent of Markham’s youth at the Markham Teen Arts Council’s annual blockbuster, the 24-Hour Film Challenge. The teens put on a fabulous show. Nine films were viewed to much applause. As always, the teen talent in Markham is outstanding. Well done to all who participated. My son took some great photos which are now online at the Gallery section of the MTAC website. Please take a look by clicking here.
By the way, Happy Birthday Nicky!!!
Tags: 24-Hour Film Challenge, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Markham Teen Arts Council, Markham Village Music Festival
Posted in February 2010 | Leave a Comment »
January 31, 2010 by Markham Visual Artist Franklin Beecham
Just a note to thank all who voted my website as the Markham Economist & Sun’s Reader’s Choice for “Best local business” web site. I appreciate the votes.
LATEST NEWS
Tonight is the Markham Teen Arts Council’s screening of their first event of the year: the 24-Hour Film Challenge, to be held at the Markham Theatre. Those in Markham, please support the teens by attending. For info, go to www.markhamteenarts.com.
The Markham Arts Council 2010 Board of Directors elected me to the Executive as Secretary/Treasurer this week. We have a full schedule of events this year, withe Mackie Awards, the Arts & Tarts Fundraiser, 3 art shows, photography contest and our regular road trips to festivals around Markham. Look out for us and say hello. Our schedules can be seen at www.markhamartscouncil.com.
The Markham Village Music Festival are having a Fundraising Event on February 4. There is an art show which I was invited to attend. Should be a good turnout. See you there.
Tags: Markham Arts Council, Markham Economist & Sun, Markham Teen Arts Council, Reader's Choice Award
Posted in 2010, January 2010 | Leave a Comment »
December 1, 2009 by Markham Visual Artist Franklin Beecham
Many thanks to all who came to the Art Show’s opening reception. It was the happenin’ place to be in Markham! Remember though that the Art Show goes through to December 6. Lots of great art for the holidays. Robyn created the “Artaments” tree with miniature canvases created by the artists — with proceeds going to the Centre for Dreams charity.
Tags: Art Show, markham
Posted in December 2009 | Comments Off
