Tom Kelly Presents at TAWA Meeting

Tuesday October 12, 2010

"When you're painting, be focused."

"Have your work at the ready."

"Go to events."

"Be available."

"Build a support team."

"Pay your support team."

"Become a post card gorilla."

Sound like good advice? This is just a sampling of the things you'll find in Thomas Kelly's new book One Hundred Rules for the Aspiring Painter. Tom presented this information as well as slides of some of his more popular works at a recent meeting at the Hamilton Township Public Library. In his presentation he emphasized the often overlooked (and somewhat dreaded) aspect of being an artist - the business of art.

"Art is a business, let's face it." He explained. "You have to expect surprises. Finish everything, don't quit." Tom further expounded. His insights were straight to the point, explaining painting at one point like a fight. The fighter only needs to be the last one standing, he explained. Tom touched on all aspects from the creation of his art, to marketing to psychology and networking. "It's easier to keep momentum then build momentum." is another great expression that can be a reminder to an artist just getting started to keep going.

The presentation was very informative and geared to the serious artist looking to build their professional presence.

Tom's contribution to TAWA is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

www.thomaskelly.net

www.fineartistprints.com

Katie Hector Earns TAWA Stockton Award

September 2011

Trenton Area Artist Katie Hector is this years recipient of the TAWA Stockton Award. This annual scholarship is awarded to a local senior who demonstrates exceptional work in the arts and is attending college in the fall.

Katie Hector’s journey as an artist began at a young age as she was guided by the influence of her grandfather, a master watercolorist. She has since been mentored and taught by Khalilah Sabree and Sean Carney, and has participated in programs with the Princeton Arts Council and Temple University’s Tyler School of Art. Her work has been exhibited in solo
showings at Gilmore’s Café in Trenton and Fedora Café in Lawrenceville, in
addition to her participation in both the Ellarslie Open and TAWA's Face
Value at the Ellarslie Museum, two consecutive years in Trenton’s Art All
Night, and an annual school show at the Abud Gallery in Lawrenceville. Katie
will continue her art education at Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School
of the Arts, where she will major in the visual arts.

As Katie puts it "Three years ago my love for visual arts, specifically painting,
took form." She has been extremely active in the art community and
has been able to hostsolo shows, both in Trenton and Lawrenceville and has
participated in the Congressional Art Competition and Art All Night the past
two years. She has also participate di the Teen Arts at Mercer County
Community College. In her senior year of high school, Katie had two pieces
accepted into the prestigiousEllarslie Open - Salon Show as well as the TAWA
Face Value show.

Congratulations Katie!