Highlighting Riverside’s local artists, The Artist Tree integrates cannabis and art for a unique community experience.

RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES, August 6, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Artist Tree Weed Dispensary in Riverside is redefining the cannabis retail experience by seamlessly blending the world of art with the finest cannabis products. Located in the heart of Riverside, The Artist Tree not only offers premium cannabis but also serves as a dynamic space showcasing the works of local artists, creating a unique and welcoming environment for the community.

The Artist Tree Weed Dispensary Riverside, known for its innovative approach, integrates a diverse selection of cannabis products with a carefully curated art gallery. This unique combination offers a distinctive shopping experience, where customers can explore a variety of high-quality cannabis brands while appreciating local artistic talent. The dispensary is committed to providing an inviting atmosphere that fosters both creativity and relaxation.

This weed dispensary in Riverside features renowned cannabis brands such as 710 Labs, Wyld, Kurvana, Yada Yada, and Papa & Barkley. Each brand is selected for its exceptional quality and consistency, ensuring customers receive only the best products.

710 Labs is known for its award-winning cannabis products, bringing a craft cannabis approach to every product. They are celebrated for their meticulous processes and dedication to purity and potency, making them a favorite among cannabis connoisseurs.

Wyld offers a range of cannabis-infused edibles, particularly their fruit gummies which have become a staple for those seeking a flavorful and consistent experience. Their commitment to using real fruit and high-quality ingredients sets them apart in the market.

Kurvana provides premium cannabis products, renowned for their purity, potency, and full-spectrum extraction methods. Their products are designed to deliver a smooth and potent experience, catering to both novice and experienced users.

Yada Yada brings a playful and approachable line of cannabis products, making it easier for new users to navigate the world of cannabis. Their products are crafted with care, ensuring a reliable and enjoyable experience every time.

Papa & Barkley focuses on wellness-oriented cannabis products, including topicals, tinctures, and capsules. Their products are made using whole plant infusion processes, ensuring the retention of beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes, aimed at providing relief and enhancing well-being.

In addition to its impressive product lineup, The Artist Tree offers convenient in-store pickup and in-store shopping options. Customers can browse the extensive selection online and pick up their orders at the dispensary or explore the products in person with the assistance of knowledgeable staff. The dispensary is designed to be more than just a retail space; it is an experience that merges the sensory joys of art and cannabis.

The dispensary’s art gallery features a rotating selection of works from Riverside’s local artists. This initiative not only supports the local art community but also provides customers with an enriched cultural experience. The Artist Tree believes that art and cannabis together can enhance the quality of life and bring people together in a shared appreciation of creativity and wellness.

The Artist Tree Weed Dispensary is Riverside’s only cannabis dispensary and art gallery, offering a unique blend of premium cannabis products and local artwork. The dispensary is dedicated to creating a welcoming and thoughtful experience for all visitors, integrating the joys of art and cannabis into one seamless adventure. The Artist Tree carefully curates the cannabis it offers and the team it hires to ensure the most inviting environment possible. For more information about The Artist Tree Weed Dispensary and its offerings, visit www.theartisttree.com.

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The Arc of Washington County is providing a chance for artists of all abilities to put their talents on display.

Connecting Through Inspiration, the organization’s first art festival, is scheduled for noon to 6 p.m. Aug. 17 in the Jefferson Avenue parking lot next to the organization’s 111 W. Pike St. location in Canonsburg.

“It’s really just an opportunity to bring the community together to celebrate inclusion, diversity and the arts,” said Darrilyn McCrerey, advocacy director. “We support people of all abilities.”

The Arc of Washington County provides support and services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as autism and mental health diagnosis.

“We offer a variety of services and support to get people involved in the community, find employment, and support and guide them in everyday life,” McCrerey said. “We also provide advocacy efforts. We work directly with families and people with disabilities to ensure that they’re receiving the services they’re entitled to and encouraging and empowering people with disabilities to use their voice.”

McCrerey said about 25 art vendors will display and sell their work at the festival, plus the Connecting Through Inspiration Art Gallery inside the building will be accessible. A new show was recently placed in the gallery that festival goers will be able to view.

The gallery was opened in February 2022 to display artwork of artists of all abilities. Since the venue opened, more than 75 artists have had their artwork on display and more than 115 pieces of art have been sold. A number of classes also are offered in the gallery space.

A portion of the proceeds from sales of that artwork goes to the Arc of Washington County for its advocacy program.

Much like the gallery, the festival will feature the art of a wide variety of artists of all abilities.

“We offer the opportunity for all artists,” McCrerey said. “It’s some people that we support and some are other local artists that have submitted their work or are setting up a vendor space. Giving the opportunity for artists of all abilities to be able to show the community their talents, I feel is a great way to get the awareness out there.”

The festival also will feature live entertainment, an outdoor Kids Creation Station hosted by the Frank Sarris Public Library, a hands-on community art project, caricatures, face painting and other activities.

“We’re going to have lots of fun and exciting things for the whole family,” McCrerey said.

The winners of the 47th Annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards were announced during a ceremony held Saturday at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center.

Maui musicians won multiple awards and were showcased throughout the event, which took time to recognize the ongoing recovery taking place following the August 2023 wildfires.

Maui’s Kalaʻe Camarillo took home three Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards for Music Video of the Year, Song of the Year and Single of the Year, bringing to six his overall Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards over his career. In accepting the award for “Sands of Old Lahaina” he said, “I’m born and raised on Maui… so this song, this video is special for us—to be able to do that for our family and the people of Lahaina.” Camarillo wrote the mele two days after the wildfires and dedicated the award to the people of Maui and Lahaina.

“This was probably the fastest song I ever wrote and because of that, I know God put the words on my heart to this song,” said Camarillo in acceptance of the award.

He thanked fellow musician Tarvin Makia as someone who inspired him, as well as his dad Rama Camarillo. “To me, this is such a meaningful award because as songwriters, I know we have the power to shine light on people in dark places, and that’s what I intended to do with this song,” said Camarillo.

Among the big winners this year was Raiatea Helm, who received multiple awards, including Album of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year for her album “A Legacy of Hawaiian Song and String Volume One.” This year’s recognition brings to 10 the total number of Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards for Raiatea Helm, and the fourth she has received in the Female Vocalist of the Year category. She is also a two time Grammy nominee. Helm is originally from the island of Molokaʻi in Maui County and is also the first Hawaiian musical artist fellow of the Native Arts and Cultural Foundation.

Maui’s Shane Kahalehau earned the award for Most Promising Artist of the Year. Kahalehau was recognized for his work on Kaonohiokalā, an album produced by fellow Maui musicians Kason Gomes and Kalani Miles of Mea Nui Records. More on his journey is posted here.

Maui musicians Kealiʻi Reichel and Cody Pueo Pata won the Hawaiian Music Video of the Year for “He Hoʻoheno No ʻEʻeka.” The video was directed by Ruben Carillo, with music produced by Kealiʻi Reichel and Shawn Pimental. This was the second Nā Hōkū Hanohano award for Pata who was watching the broadcast from Japan, and the 39th award for Reichel, who was watching form his home in Kahikinui. The client for the video was Hawaiian Airlines.

Maui’s Ekolu won two Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards on Saturday for Longevity (Waiehu Records): one for Group of the Year and the other for Reggae Album of the Year. It marked their 11th and 12th Hōkū awards to date. The group is composed of Lukela Keala, bass player and vocalist Makapu Ho’opii, and Kalehua Kahele. Lead singer, Luekela Keala also has two awards from his solo release.

The Hawaiian Slack Key Album of the Year award went to Jeff Peterson for “Paniolo Sun.” In a text message the was read during the pre-show awards ceremony to accept the honor, Peterson said: “It’s a very meaningful album for me and is a tribute to my father who was a paniolo on the Haleakalā Ranch for many years. I’m so blessed to be able to share the music that I love and feel that my father is still with me wherever I am playing Kī Hō ʻalu.” The cover art for the album features a painting of Peterson’s father in Kaupō, Maui by artist Jan Kasprzycki.

Independent artist Kaʻimi Hananoʻeau, who is originally from the island of Maui, won Instrumental Album of the Year for “He Aha Kaia” (Loihi Inc.). Over the years, he has been nominated 15 times but this was his first Nā Hōkū award.

In the Liner Notes of the Year category, Maui Attorney, Lance D. Collins won the award for “Kāwili 2 Various Artists” (Hawaiʻi Institute for Philippine Studies). In accepting the award, Collins said, “Musicians can’t be replaced by machines. It’s one of the few things we can’t replace with technology. So music needs to be funded and children need to be given the time and space to know music and to be able to play music.”

General Categories

Album of the Year (Producer’s & Artist’s Award)

• A Legacy Of Hawaiian Song & String Volume One – Raiatea Helm – (Raiatea Helm Records)

EP (Extended Play”) of the Year

• In Your Hawaiian Way by Bruddah Waltah (Bless Up Hawaii): He earned this award posthumously. This was his second Nā Hōkū Hanohano award. The first he won in 1991 for the release Hawaiian Reggae.

Hawaiian EP (“Extended Play”) of the Year

• Piano Kauaheahe – Kenneth Makuakäne (Makuakane Music)

Single of the Year

• Sands of Old Lahaina – Kala’e Camarillo (Kala’e Camarillo)

Hawaiian Single of the Year

• I Leo Kakou by Kalenaku (Kalaʻe Parish Music). Earlier in the evening, Kalenaku was honored for the Christmas Single of the Year along with her husband Kalaʻe. This is her first solo award. Kalenaku Parish is a five time winner as the longtime keyboard and vocalist for the group Kapena. She is the daughter of musician Kelly Boy De Lima. To be eligible for this award, the track needed to be at least 75% in the Hawaiian language.

Christmas Album of the Year

• Hanau ‘ia – Zeo Worship (Zeo Music)

Christmas Single of the Year

• Mele Kalikimaka lã ‘Oe by Kala’e + Kalena (Kala’e Parish Music)

Music Video of the Year

• Sands of Old Lahaina – Kalaʻe Camarillo – Director: Nikki Miyamoto – Music Producer: Imua Garza.

Hawaiian Music Video of the Year

• He Hoʻoheno No ʻEʻeka – Kealiʻi Reichel and Cody Pueo Pata – Director: Ruben Carillo – Music Producers: Kealiʻi Reichel and Shawn Pimental.

Instrumental Composition of the Year (Composer’s Award)

• Heartbeat Melody – Brittni Paiva & Chardonnay Pao, Composers – from Heartbeat Melody – Brittni Paiva Music

Song of the Year (Composer’s Award)

• Sands of Old Lahaina by Kala’e Camarillo (Kala’e Camarillo)

Female Vocalist of the Year

• Raiatea Helm for A Legacy Of Hawaiian Song & String Volume One (Raiatea Helm Records)

Male Vocalist of the Year

• Sean Na’auao for e Kahiau (Maliona Records): Na’auao has won nine awards as a solo artist, but this was his first time being recognized as the Male Vocalist of the Year.

Group of the Year

• Ekolu for Longevity (Waiehu Records)

Most Promising Artist(s) of the Year

• Shane Kaonohiokala Kahalehau for Kaonohiokalā (Mea Nui Records LLC)

Genre Categories

Alternative Album of the Year:

• Peachy Keen – Eyes of Red (Tin Idol Productions)

Anthology of the Year (Producucers Award)

• Maui On My Mind – Mango, Pandanus Club & Kenneth Makuakāne (Makuakāne Music)

Compilation Album of the Year (Producer’s Award)

• Kalama O Kauaʻi: The Songs of Nathan Kalama, Volume One – Hōkū Zuttermeister, Mark Yamanaka, Kūpaoa & Poʻokela Wood; Kellen Paik, Producer (Hulu Kupuna Productions)

Contemporary Album of the Year

• A Tribute To Linda Ronstadt – Sandemonium (Tin Idol Productions) – This multi-genre band features band members from the island of Maui and Oʻahu. This is their first Nā Hōkū nomination and award.

Contemporary Acoustic Album of the Year

• Kona Grown – Kenny Tagavilla (Kenny T. Music). Kenny T is a Big Island musician from Hōnaunau has been nominated five times. This was his first Nā Hōkū Hanohano award.

Hawaiian Music Album of the Year

• A Legacy Of Hawaiian Song & String Volume One – Raiatea Helm – (Raiatea Helm Records)

Hawaiian Slack Key Album of the Year

• Paniolo Sun – Jeff Peterson (Peterson Productions)

Kī Hō ʻalu Foundation “Slack Key Legacy”

Mo Keale “Aloha Is Award”

Hip Hop Album of the Year

• Kūʻokoʻa – Sudden Rush (Sudden Rush Nation). This is the first Nā Hōkū award for the group from Hilo, Hawaiʻi. The award recognizes their blend of English and Hawaiian lyrics with hip hop beats.

Instrumental Album of the Year

• He Aha Kaia – Kaʻimi Hananoʻeau (Loihi Inc.)

Island Music Album of the Year

• Uluwehi – Waipuna (Poki Records): Kale Hannahs, Matthew Kawiaola Sproat and David Kamakahi celebrate their 17th year as a group. This was their ninth Nā Hōkū Hanohano award.

Jazz Album of the Year

• My Story In Song – Maggie Herron (Herron Song Records)

Metal Album of the Year

• Samurai – Storm (Tin Idol Productions)

R&B Album of the Year

• Moon of Manakoora – Stacie Kuʻulei (Tin Idol Productions)

Reggae Album of the Year

• Longevity – Ekolu (Waiehu Records)

Religious Album of the Year

• Death, Love And The Second Coming – Tiffa Garza (Zeo Music)

Rock Album of the Year

• Jesus Christ Supernova: “The Remake” – Tin Idols (Tin Idol Productions)

Favorite Entertainer of the Year

• Kenneth Makuakāne. He produced over 150 albums, has received over 150 nominations for these awards, and this is his 28th Nā Hōkū Hanohano award.

Adjudicated Categories

General Engineering of the Year

• Imua Garza for Pearls – Aolani (Aloha Aolani)

Hawaiian Engineering of the Year

• Dave Tucciarone – A Legacy of Hawaiian Song & String Volume One – Raiatea Helm (Raiatea Helm Records)

Graphics of the Year

• Kanaiʻa Nakamura for Uluwehi – Waipuna (Poki Records)

Haku Mele of the Year

• Kainani Kahaunaele, Composers for Keao’õpuaikamakaokanalu from A Legacy Of Hawaiian Song & String Volume One – Raiatea Helm – (Raiatea Helm Records). Kaunahele is a Kauaʻi girl that lives on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. This is Kaunahele’s 13 Nā Hōkū Hanohano award of her career and her third in the Haku Mele category for composition.

Hawaiian Language Performance of the Year

• A Legacy Of Hawaiian Song & String Volume One – Raiatea Helm – (Raiatea Helm Records)

International Album of the Year – Special Recognition Award

• Lei O Nani ʻAilana – Kaulana (Kaulana Entertainment)

Liner Notes of the Year

• Lance D. Collins – Kāwili 2 Various Artists (Hawaiʻi Institute for Philippine Studies)

Hawaiian Liner Notes of the Year

• Noah Haʻalilio Solomon – A Legacy of Hawaiian Song & String Volume One – Raiatea Helm (Raiatea Helm Records)

Lifetime Achievement Award honorees for 2024 included the work and accomplishments of Milan Betosa, Keith and Carmen Haugen, Gaylord Holomālia, Samuel Kekulanui Kapū Jr., Janet Maduli and Rev. Joseph Recca. Additionally, this year’s 2024 Lifetime Legacy Recognition honorees include: Rev. Samuel Kauakahi Kapū and Samuel Kekulanui Kapū Sr.

The Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, held annually, are synonymous with excellence and recognition of the highest caliber in the recording arts. The awards highlight the diversity and brilliance of the music across the Hawaiian islands, honoring both established legends and emerging talents in various categories.

The Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards not only celebrate the achievements of the winners but also serve as a platform to inspire future generations and preserve the essence of Hawaiʻi’s music and culture, according to HARA.

ATLANTA – The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) public art program, Artbound, announces a call for artist qualifications to create a design for a crosswalk mural at Kensington Station.

This call seeks artist qualifications, with a shortlist of 3 artists each compensated $500 to create and provide design proposals. The selected artist will receive a $5,000 fee for the final design.

The mural will be painted on the crosswalk by a third party hired by MARTA. The project aims to serve as a safe wayfinding solution for children traveling from the Kensington Station to the StationSoccer fields.

One percent of MARTA’s annual budget is allocated for its Artbound program which was developed to enhance the ridership experience through visual and performing arts.

WHAT:          CALL FOR ARTISTS: Crosswalk Mural Design

WHO:             All artists and designers who show artistic merit demonstrated in a strong    

portfolio of past work are encouraged to apply 

WHERE:        Kensington Station  

WHEN:          Applications due Friday, Aug. 16 

HOW:            Visit this link for application instructions or @marta_artbound on Instagram

Post Views: 83

Boosie BadAzz gives his opinion on why people shouldn’t blame Gucci Mane for the tragedies that befall Guwop’s past and present label artists.

Boosie Defends Gucci Mane

On Sunday (Aug. 4), VladTV uploaded a new segment of their latest multi-part interview with Boosie where the Louisiana rapper was asked to address Gucci Mane receiving backlash following the death of his former artist Enchanting, which added to the list of artists that have suffered tragic fates while on or after they were a part of Gucci’s 1017 label. Boosie explained it’s not the rapper/CEO’s fault.

“That ni**a giving muthaf**kas a chance,” Boosie said in the video below. “What a n*gga go do on they own, that’s what they do on they own. We grown. Don’t put it on that man like that’s his fault.”

“Come on, man. That ni**a giving you a chance,” Boosie continued. “You probably wouldn’t know [the artist] to be a celebrity if he didn’t give him a chance.”

Boosie went on to mention his own struggles with his former artist Yung Bleu.

“This sh*t make you don’t ever sign a muthaf**ka again, dawg,” he added.

Read More: Boosie BadAzz Gets Federal Gun Charge Dismissed

Gucci Mane Catches Heat for His Artist’s Actions

Tragedies and legal issues have befallen several artists who have been signed to Gucci Mane’s 1017 label in the last few years. In January of 2022, Hotboy Wes was arrested on a robbery charge in Texas. He has since been sentenced to 15 years in prison. In April of 2022, Pooh Shiesty was sentenced to over five years in prison after pleading guilty to a firearm conspiracy charge. The following month, Foogiano was sentenced to five years in prison after removing his ankle monitor and going on the run when he was on bond for a firearm possession charge.

Big Scarr died from an accidental prescription drug overdose in December of 2022. In January of 2023, Mac Critter was arrested and charged with murder. This past February, FTO Sett was arrested after his bond was revoked on weapons and drug charges.

Following the death of Enchanting in June, Gucci Mane’s wife Keyshia Ka’oir defended him after people came for Guwop on an Instagram post about the passing.

“Leave my husband alone!” Keyshia responded. “He signs these artist to help them & give them a better life! I wish it wasn’t like this ! Chant we love you baby girl ! RIH.”

Read More: 12 of the Wildest Meet-and-Greets Between Rappers and Their Fans

See Boosie explaining why people shouldn’t blame Gucci Mane for the bad things that happen to 1017 artists below.

Watch Boosie on VladTV

See 27 Hip-Hop-Related Police Raids

Holly Gordon likes to say that she was born with a camera and canvases in hand. 

The Bay Shore artist and former art teacher first picked up a camera when she was 5 years old and she hasn’t put it down since.

The inventor of an art style she calls “photo-liminalism” — a photographic art style focused on states of transition — Gordon is known for her nature photography, and for digitally altering her photos to look like abstractions and Impressionist paintings. Some of that work will be featured in an exhibit at Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Great River starting in late August.  

“The viewfinder is my canvas. And when people are so involved in shooting crisply, I am looking out through my viewfinder, I’m seeing art elements, shapes, colors, rhythm, pattern, movement,” said Gordon, 81. “I want my colors to blend together.”

The exhibition of Gordon’s work will be displayed in four sections at the Bayard Manor, a focal point on the historic 691-acre property that once belonged to William Bayard Cutting, an attorney and businessman involved in the railroad industry, land development in New York City and the founding of the U.S. sugar beet industry, according to the arboretum website.

His wife, Olivia Murray Bayard Cutting, and their daughter, Olivia Bayard James, gifted the estate to the state in 1936 as a family-trust endowed memorial to William Bayard Cutting.

“At the arboretum, we always want to have something that is connected to nature,” said Mireille Belajonas, a curator at the estate, because “the arboretum itself, the outside, is considered to be a museum for trees.”

“What we try to do inside, in the annex of the manor house, is bring nature inside,” she said, adding that displaying nature-themed exhibits from local artists has been a tradition for at least 10 years.

In a recent interview, Gordon said the arboretum has been a source of inspiration for years.

“As the Bayard Cutting Arboretum has developed and matured and evolved, so has my creativity,” she said.

As an example of creativity originating from the estate, she described a film photo of a magnolia taken more than 30 years ago that, to her mind, resembles stained glass.

“Every year after I photographed this, I would go back, I would make my pilgrimage to the arboretum to see if I could do it better and it never happened,” she said.

Gordon has made a name for herself on the local art scene, especially through her role as a board member for the Islip Arts Council, a nonprofit that develops artistic programs across disciplines. She has curated multiple exhibits for the organization, including a 2019 show focused on artists over 50.

“Holly is a very vocal and vibrant 80-plus-year-old,” said Lynda Moran, executive director at the Islip Arts Council. “She’s this tiny little bundle of fire and has been really a great person on our board.”

Gordon describes her style as painting with her camera. Her photos of subjects from around the world — including Cuba, Antarctica and China — emphasizes movement and colors.

Among her recent works is a contemporary art book, “Parallel Perspectives: The Brush/Lens Collaboration,” co-authored with Northport watercolorist Ward Hooper.

“We discovered that we both had an affinity for color and light. And then along the way of our collaboration, I discovered that we were following in the footsteps of Arthur Dove and Helen Torr, the early 20th century abstract artists,” Gordon said of the book.

Gordon’s art style has qualified her to join the Techspressionism movement, a modern art movement that highlights the use of technology to express emotions.

“It’s always been my aim to humanize technology for people to understand that it is a series of tools that we can use to create our vision, not that it tells us what to do and how to do it,” said Gordon, describing her work in the movement.

Gordon’s upcoming exhibit at the manor, however, will focus on her nature photography, including works of the estate itself and other photos of the Long Island environment.

Her exhibit, showcasing art from throughout her photography career, will also display altered photos of breaking waves and the garden of Impressionist painter Claude Monet in France.

Gordon’s exhibit was curated by Denise Bilbro, who said she wanted to “connect Holly with the arboretum because she has quite a bit of history” photographing the area. 

“We wanted to curate images that reflected the influence that arboretum has on her natural work,” Bilbro said. “We wanted to also convey that she’s not just a nature photographer, but her work goes beyond that.”

Her work will be displayed at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum from Aug. 22 through Sept. 15, open for visitors Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

TULSA, Okla. — The Artists Creative Fund (ACF) has awarded 20 Tulsa artists $10,000 each to test, explore and create innovative work.

From a pool of 110 applicants, ACF welcomes its second annual cohort, rewarding local artists’ achievements and supporting the development of creative projects in Tulsa.

Developed by the George Kaiser Family Foundation (GKFF), the annual program launched in 2023 to improve funding, visibility and professional development for Tulsa-based artists and creatives.

“Through ACT, George Kaiser Family Foundation has had the privilege to support a broad array of creative projects. I have full confidence the current awardees will continue that effort in unique and exciting ways,” said Anne Koppel Van Hanken, Chief Program Officer for GKFF.

Some of the selected artists, who will showcase their work during the grant period of August 2024 – March 2025, are as follows:

Jackson Augustus Adair is a photographer specializing in documenting rodeos, including Gay, Black, and Indigenous rodeo culture. He will bring this b=vibrant world to life through a multimedia experience featuring bull and bronc riding.

Ryan Allen, with Tulsa-based folk-rock band Bandelier, will produce a digital release of Six Stars – Song for the Pawnee, an American roots-inspired song blending folk-rock with chamber music elements.

David Bizzaro is an Emmy award-winning puppeteer, actor and clothing designer who has worked with the Jim Henson Company, Sesame Street, The Muppets and the Flaming lips.

Bizzaro’s project will highlight Oklahoma’s once thriving garment industry, fusing his Indigenous heritage and 1800s workwear techniques to produce the first seed-to-stitch garments made in Tulsa.

Maryalice Carroll will produce a ceramic-based exhibition called Finding Acquiescence, which brings to light the unseen struggles associated with chronic pain, autoimmune disorders and neurological conditions, drawing from both her own experiences and those of others who endure similar discomfort and pain.

Rogelio Esparza will utilize his experiences as an immigrant child from Mexico to produce Los Nopales Del Norte, a collection of portraits featuring Mexican-born and American-raised dreamers.

Carey Flack is the creator of @pressed.roots, a blog that explores the intersection of Black and Native land memory in Oklahoma and the South.

Her project will explore the profound relationship between Black Oklahomans and the state’s landscapes, towns, neighborhoods and historical sites through photos and narratives that intertwine with Southern, Cowboy, Trans-Atlantic, Afro-Indigenous and Tulsa histories.

Janae Grass is an interdisciplinary artist from the Sac and Fox, Mvskoke and Absentee Shawnee Nations, Her project will explore Oklahoma history and Sac and Fox material culture, through portraits of women who have contributed to the continuation of the Nation wearing their hand-sewn ribbon work blankets.

Deborah hunter is a poet, spoken word artist, playwright, essayist, actor, teaching artist, workshop facilitator and social justice activist. A descendant of 1921 Greenwood Massacre survivors, she will host a poetry workshop for seniors culminating in a spoken word performance by the participants in a public venue.

Brandy “Branjae” Jackson is a Black American soul, funk, and R&B artist. She empowers and inspires hope through her music, which has been featured in Billboard, Afropunk, and Rolling Stone.

Branjae’s Master of Ceremonies is a 20-minute film and seven-piece musical project that delves into mental health, resilience, and overcoming self-doubt. A digital musical release will follow the film.

For a full list of recipients, including their project descriptions, click here.

For more information about the Artists Creative Fund, click here.

The Hulk Hogan vs Gawker court case looks to be getting the movie treatment as sources tell Deadline that Gus Van Sant is in early talks to direct the pic Killing Gawker with Artists Equity producing. Artist Equity co-founders Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are producing but not attached to star at this time.

Artists Equity had no comment.

The film is based on a script by Charles Randolph and the book Conspiracy: Peter Thiel, Hulk Hogan, Gawker and the Anatomy of Intrigue by Ryan Holiday. The book details the landmark 2016 court case in which Hogan won a $140 million judgment against Gawker Media, its founder Nick Denton and one of its editors.

Following the ruling, Gawker shut down operations. It would relaunch in 2021 under the ownership of Bustle Digital Group, after founder and CEO Bryan Goldberg bought the website’s assets for $1.35 million in a 2018 bankruptcy auction.

If a deal for Van Sant closes, it would reunite him with Affleck and Damon, whose careers were launched after Van Sant directed them in Good Will Hunting. The film won Damon and Affleck the Oscar for Original Screenplay.

The InSneider Newsletter was the first to report Van Sant’s involvement.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee Craft, in partnership with the Tennessee Arts Commission, announces the opening of the 2025 Master Artist Apprentice Program (MAAP) apprentice application process. This mentoring program offers artists a unique opportunity to learn traditional and contemporary craft skills firsthand from master craft artists.

All artists in the program choose challenging goals that will advance their skills and knowledge as craft artists. The MAAP was created to boost artists to the next level of their professional development during an intensive six-month one-on-one apprenticeship, not typically available in most learning environments.

Deadline for apprentice applications is November 7, 2024. APPLY HERE.

Meet the 2024 Master Artists

Brittney Boyd Bullock (Fiber/Textile) Memphis

Brittney is a visual artist living and working in Memphis, TN. As an artist working in fiber, mixed media, and abstraction, her practice explores the power and connection felt when we slow down to reimagine and reframe the observable world. She’s known for her use of color and repetition by using abstracted patchwork as a tool for sensory stimuli. Her two and three-dimensional collage and fiber works explore themes of ritual/rebellion, slowness, and wonder. Bullock’s practice of using traditional techniques and materials in a new way honors the unexpected and nostalgic.

Marty McConnaughey (Mixed Media) Sharps Chapel

Marty, a self-taught East Tennessee artist, was deeply inspired to explore a new medium while traveling with her husband to Michigan and later with her sister to Florida. Divine inspiration presented Marty with a muse resulting in a shift in medium from painting portraiture to working with found gourds from Michigan and the fiber from a harvest of long pine needles in Florida. This profound shift in medium has resulted in a growing body of nationally recognized, award winning sculpture using the shells of natural and dyed foraged gourds; harvested long pine needles; Tennessee and Florida sweet grasses; paper tree bark and many other gifts from nature. 

Tom Turnbull (Ceramics) Nashville

Tom’s journey in ceramics began before birth. His father, a WWII veteran, joined a ceramic materials company in 1946, and Tom was born in 1951. In 1960, his father founded Standard Ceramic Supply in Pittsburgh, where Tom grew up immersed in ceramics. At nineteen, Tom apprenticed with Charles Counts and Legatha Walston on Lookout Mountain, GA. After college at NYU and exploring various ventures, he founded Mid-South Ceramic Supply in 1986, became the US agent for RZM Zircon, and led the development of Opulence Glaze. In 1999, Tom sold his company and the Opulence patents to focus solely on being a full-time potter.

To read the full bios of the 2025 Master Artists, visit tennesseecraft.org/programs/maap.

Awarded apprentices receive an $1,900 stipend to work with their chosen master from December 1, 2024 to June 15, 2025. For more information, email ttallonblanchard@tennesseecraft.org.  

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About Tennessee Craft: Tennessee Craft, formerly The Tennessee Association of Craft Artists (TACA), works to continue and create Tennessee’s fine craft tradition. With more than 500 members throughout the state, Tennessee Craft serves as the premier connecting point for local, independent makers and their audiences through craft fairs, exhibitions, professional development, networking, mentorship and other educational programs. Visit tennesseecraft.org to learn more.

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