Artistic Conversations, Tucson Social Media

I’m meeting with a group of local artists who are part of an entrepreurial network called Arts Marketplace. The goal is to talk Social Media, and I’m sure people are looking for the tools and formulas that give insights into this huge, complex online world. Yet I hope I can convince artists that it’s not about converting the social media masses into instant shoppers of art. Rather, it’s about finding the people and the conversations that compel them and lead them to potential partnerships of all sorts.

The Social Media world provides artists with the outlets and audiences:

  • To generate  creative ideas
  • To build identity of your artistic pursuit
  • To sustain your creative business momentum
  • To build relationships with like-minded advocates,  fellow artists and potential partners
  • To cultivate new opportunities

For example, you can look every day on Mashable and find unique and creative ideas to explore and refresh your creativity. Here’s one group of tools that help artists work with colors: http://mashable.com/2010/06/10/color-tools-web-design/ t

So many organizations provide suggestions on how artists can build identity. Here’s one providing info on writing that all-important Artist Statement:
http://handmademarketing.org/how-to-write-an-artists-statement-handmade-etsy/

The artist dream is in part about business, and I’ve found good info about business strategy on this site: http://www.artprintissues.com/2010/08/does-social-media-work-for-visual-artists.html

To help artists build relationships – with customers, partners, friends, fellow artists — here is a good network: http://www.myartspace.com/

And to cultivate opportunities, including looking for grants and projects, there is a universe of good resources in the social media platforms. Here’s one: http://www.artworkinternational.com/grant.html

This is a start for the exploration. I’ll be adding more resources!

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World Water Day in the Tucson Desert

Water: A word that’s so important today. It conjures up images of and unstoppable tsunami….and in Tucson water is an issue that binds our community together in the desert. This week, the 2nd Annual Tucson Synergistic Water Festival will find a way to combine water awareness and advocacy with one heck of a party.

Read my Downtown Tucson article on the Festival here. And may each of us find ways to help protect this precious resource.

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Social Media Influence & Tucson Festival of Books

Monica Surfaro Spigelman talks about at Tucson Festival of BooksConversations about books and the digital universe go hand-in-hand at the country’s fourth largest book festival.  Nooks, Kindles, iPads and mobile devices are everywhere in the tapestry of authors tents and books. Is there any doubt that communication, reading and media have forever changed through social networking’s influence?

I’m speaking at the Tucson festival about how organizations or businesses can build their own online influence: I go live on Sunday, noon, at the Festival’s UA News booth #305 on the Mall. It will be great to see you but if you’re immersed in author talks or book signings, here are some Social Media resources to snack on:

  • http://pewinternet.org/: Pew Charitable Trust is my go-to source for all research on Internet, Social Media, Engagement, Age Groups;
  • www.briansolis.com: My Social Media superstar is Brian Solis, Mover & Shaker in our digital industry;
  • http://mashable.com/ I get a daily dose of this online resource and its links are invaluable.

Niche is the New SM Trend
While mass social platforms, like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn will continue to be important, the niche, industry-specific networks will be of greater value in the future. Social media is not a one-size-fits-all solution:

If you want a copy of my presentation or additional resources provided please contact Tucson Cowgirl.

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Beading Lore, Tucson Gem & Mineral Show

beads, Monica Surfaro Spigelman, TucsonHand-made. Hand-painted. Historic. Traded. Hand-strung. There is a romance to beads that was celebrated in Tucson this month. Bead enthusiasts  including dealers, buyers, artists and historians joined in a celebration of gems and minerals and other assorted wonders including beads.

As part of the Tucson showcases I met one bead enthusiast/historian, Steve Ellis, who opened my eyes and heart to how beads are elements of cultural tradition, ornamentation, religion, art, commerce and mystery. He told stories of how beads speak to our individuality, and he showed me beads centuries old which have been used as currency, protective talismans and family tradition.

I purchased eight small beads which told stories to me, and I relate them here, paraphrasing Steve’s words:

Clockwise (sorta!):
Millefiorie – an 1800s Venetian bead, meaning 1000 flowers in Italian – popular across the world for trading except in our Americas. It was modeled after the famous mosaic beads of the Islamic period;

King Bead – symbolic of status, mostly traded in Africa, bicone in shape and often yellow, representing maturity and prosperity;

Russian Blue – a Bohemian bead, hand-faceted. Russian fur traders brought them in from Alaska (very large Russian blues) and as they were traded further and further south, the beads grew smaller and smaller. This tiny Russian Blue probably was traded in the Southwest;

Feather Beads – two of them because I love them! Mid-1800s, Venetian, hand “trailed” – traded and beloved by Native Americans;

Black Skunk – Popular with Blackfeet and also known as eye beads. Protection and also beloved by Native Americans;

Green Vaseline – Bohemian and Czech glass bead, possibly early 1900s;

and in the center:
Gooseberry – hand-made Venetian glass bead, later 1800s, also beloved by Native Americans.

What are the messages that the beads tell us? What memories or gifts do your beads bring to you? May beads continue to transcend time, and may beads with all their uses continue to relate important stories about culture, the economy and art.

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Tucson Gem Fever & the Greatest Show on Earth

Gem fever starts this week in Tucson, can you feel it?  There’s nothing like this international treasure hunt for the thousands who descend on Tucson this week. It encompasses 40-plus shows taking place now across the city, combining to be the world’s largest show-museum-marketplace about rocks, minerals, gems, beads, fossils and jewelry.

Tip #1 = Plan
Some resources to help include the Tucson Visitor and Convention Center MTCVB website.  Download the new mobile application to help maneuver.The bible for many buyers and sellers is the Tucson Show Guide.

Find a Show
There’s everything from meteorites to finished jewelry and obscure beads. Most shows are free and the hours vary. A few ideas:

  • The newest venue, the 22nd Street Mineral Fossil and Gem Show has plenty of free parking.
  • The Flamingo Hotel once again hosts the American Indian Exposition. If you’re a fan of native arts, music and dance, as well as hundreds of authentic handicrafts from the tribal nations, this is the show for you.
  • The Mineral & Fossil Marketplace at the  Hotel Tucson City Center is a good stop to view Fossil Hall and large group of Meteorite Dealers.
  • If beads are a favorite then head to To Bead True Blue at the Doubletree Reid Park where more than 500 exhibitors will be waiting for you.
  • A favorite each year is the African Art Village on Farmington Road off I-10 and Starr Pass Blvd., with its hundreds of vendors displaying and selling ancient and modern art as well as masks, beads and textiles.
  • The Tucson Gem and Mineral Society is the organization of dedicated volunteers whose started the whole showcase fever when it opened the first show with a handful of dealers in 1955. Now, the Society’s Tucson Gem and Mineral Show™, with its educational displays, museum collections and extraordinary gem and mineral exhibits/sales, is the showcase of all the Tucson shows (February 11-13, Tucson Convention Center).
  • And…finally…come see my little celebration of this Tucson phenomenon at the Crafted Tucson Gems of History show. A little bit of history, beads, photos and lots of respect for the geological natural wonders all rolled into a small exhibit. Hope to see you there!
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National Day of Service: The Challenge & Commitment in Tucson

Across America, on Martin Luther King Day and our National Day of Service, we sit together at our community’s family table, facilitating and inspiring at the most local level the compassion for and belief in our fellow man.

Particularly in Tucson in these unsettled times such a day of service is a joyful release from current horrors. Symbols of tragedy at my local Safeway flood media, but I know these will subside soon, as the media moves on to the next headline. I look for ways now to work against the depression that still will be embedded in my community beyond the camera’s eye.

Participation in our National Day of Service is a way to rise above the mess. It is day to affirm goodness and compassion. What I think about:

Last week, President Obama showed his compassion by visiting our hurt city and by challenging each of us to seek a way to live up to the dreams and spirit of those lost, like beautiful Christina.  So every day now, I ask myself to move away from the buzz and seek ways to do something meaningful at my local level.

One step at a time. One community at a time. Working together to build upon a commitment each of us makes.

I am fortunate to know many individuals in an informal partnership to focus on kindness. They’re Tucsonans as well as friends from afar – motivated not by a scorecard of self-interest but by a sense of personal stewardship, of commitment to a “vision for America.”

On our National Day of Service let’s celebrate individual positive action and community quality of life. Let’s bring to life the values I hope we all share!

To mark the 25th anniversary of the MLK Holiday and to encourage ongoing service throughout the year,  the MLK 25 Challenge was launched– a call to all Americans to honor Dr. King by pledging to take at least 25 actions during 2011 to make a difference for others and strengthen our communities. What are you doing to accept the challenge?

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Tucson Crafted and More

surprise balls, tucson, monica surfaro spigelmanI’m a writer and marketer and I am a fan of building cities. Cities are vital to our communities and our quality of life.

Now, with five other women, I’m crafting in Downtown Tucson, as well. As a way to build our downtown foot traffic and support downtown economics, our little band of enterprising women has opened Crafted Tucson: An Urban Design Space. I personally have my handmade fabric surprise balls, purses and art snack packs in the shop. We also have a gallery. If you’re in Downtown Tucson, and want a conversation about the future of our city (or to shop for handmade gifts), drop by for a glass of wine or some cookies. I hope to see you there.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful people can change the world.  Indeed, it is the only thing that ever had. – Margaret Mead

Special sad Tucson note:
My heart breaks in Tucson, my home for the past five years. A senseless act, hurting so many in this funky desert town. So many friends have questioned the move from New York City to this state. I’ve tried to explain the strength and beauty of this vast region, its wildly beautiful nature, arts and culture.  The horrible act is a reflection of our world’s unrest, stress, a pervasive lack of gentleness and respect for all creatures and nature.
In the weeks ahead, I pray for Gabby, for those injured and killed. I also pray for our world and for humankind.

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Savoring Family Traditions

family ornaments, heritage, holidayOne of the best gifts of the season is the opportunity it gives us to celebrate family traditions and to forge new ones. This season is a banquet for the senses and I bless all the sounds, smells and sights it offers.

I make my way back to the city still home in my heart — New York City. Street-side carols, chestnuts roasting in carts, bells ringing from Church steeples, smiles all around. If I’m lucky there’s a blanket of snow, a beautiful peace descending, and the strength it brings I wish for the world.

The ritual of tree trimming, Christmas Eve seven fishes, crackling fires, pulling out century-old ornaments from my grandparents and my Mom and Dad — It all grounds me. Am I imparting this sense of unexplainable magic to my son, so he will keep it in his heart? I hope so.

The holidays are a welcoming place I can return to in my heart, over and over. I wish the same for Leigh, Brett, my family, all of you, for our crazy world. May you find comfort in the rhythms of this special season, and may you pass the sense of peace all around you, on to others.

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A Tucson Locavore Tale: In Thanks for Local Food and Business

Tucson Cowgirl is Local First AZ memberWe choose local foods and businesses as part of a more sustainable lifestyle. In this all-American week of pilgrims and thanks I am pleased that the go-local movement is growing.

Going local is about business, food and a way of life. I’m part of our Local First Tucson group of businesses focused on enriching communities throughout Arizona. Strong local economies will turn the tide in these volatile times.

Foodies have embraced the locavore aspect of go-local. Award-winning author Barbara Kingsolver helped put it on the map when she practiced it and wrote about it in her 2007 best seller. In October 2008, NY Times Magazine contributing writer Michael Pollan, in his provocative piece on importance of regional food economies and small farmers, called upon our next president to be Farmer-In-Chief.

For me, focusing local began in 1972, when place-making and the back-to-the land movement was in full swing. I was a young journalist attending a conference titled “How to Live Sanely in a Trouble World. Helen and Scott Nearing, Vermont and Maine homesteaders and authors of the 1954 cult classic, The Simple Life, were there, as were many other leaders of the early green revolution.  Since then sustainability and community-building (incorporating nature, art and culture) grew roots in my professional and personal life. Amazing- Just recently, the People’s Garden NYC contacted me about a story I wrote for the New York Times on Urban Agriculture 30 years ago. Sustainability is timeless.

I’m lucky to know several locavore leaders  in my desert backyard. One is Janos Wilder, whose restaurants are a mecca for exploration of regional cuisine and Sonoran ingredients, which he sources locally for his Downtown Kitchen. Janos continues to inspire food enthusiasts of all ages with his farm-to-table culinary events. Janos also creates feasts in honor of Sonoran Region farms, vineyards and breweries and inspires all with his farm to table celebration of community sustainability. I also like lifetime farmers here in the Tucson area including Jim McMannus of Walking J Farm, part of the Double Check Ranch family, and Yong Rueb, who began her farm with her husband, John,  Forever Yong Farm in Amado, Arizona, about 10 years ago.

To get involved in your locavore table and business:

1.    Look local. Get to know your community’s agriculture, your native foods, your local business. The best place to start is a national compendium in Local Harvest and for business something like our Local First organization.

2.    Taste local. Find out if your local farms participate in Community Supported Agriculture by checking your ZIP code in the Local Harvest CSA Directory.

3.    Support local. There are many regional organizations focused on strengthening the local economy and supporting local farms. The Local Harvest and the SBA are good first-stop resources for you.

4.    Learn local. Check out this resource page for the Small Business Saturday movement.

5.    Enjoy local. The most important of these 5 tips! Find cultural associations that celebrate native food traditions and participate in their events. Frequent restaurants that support local farms. Buy gifts from local vendors and small businesses. Challenge businesses and restaurants to stock and serve more locally-produced items. Challenge yourself to intentionally buy and support local.

The best and most sustainable adventures are often the ones closest to you. I’m thankful for them in this holiday season.

Posted in Business Marketing, local food, Local Small Business, Marketing, Regional Planning, Smart Growth, Sustainability, sustainable farms, Tucson | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Students: Don’t Forget Social Media When Envisioning Career Development

Recently I spoke with a group of Art Institute of Tucson students about using social media for job hunting. Too many don’t keep their ear to the ground and don’t use social networking platforms to help them envision their career opportunities. The advice I gave was basic: If you’re a job seeker social media is an essential tool in networking!
•  Get yourself visible: Twitter, LinkedIn and FaceBook.
•  Build your Brand – Get yourself an online Social Media Resume and Portfolio.
•  Consider a Blog or other platform to share ideas, build business and networks.
•  Ask: What’s My Goal?
•  What are the key words that keep coming to mind when I think of my goal?
•  Search: Google, Bing, Yahoo
•  Identify people, businesses and groups of interest.
•  Connect, network, foster relationships, ask questions, make yourself known.

Enjoyed my mini teaching experience! I provided students with a post-class Resource Goodie Sheet; I also thought the following Social Media Resources were helpful links and shared them with the group:
From Yahoo News, a good story on using social media to find jobs.
An old resource list from Mashable is still helpful.
Can’t go wrong with Chris Brogan resources.
More useful Mashable tidbits here. And here.

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