Archive for September, 2013

Prism: An Urban Art and Culture Festival Takes Oakland by Storm!

Thursday, September 26th, 2013

The Estria Foundation hosts two weeks of cultural curated art events for the community of Oakland, CA and beyond.

The Prism: Urban Art and Culture Festival encompasses a series of public events.  This festival will feature an array of activities beginning on September 28 and running through October 12th. These events entail visual art, music, dance, symposia and sustainable culture practices in an effort to emphasize arts programming for the community.

Concurrent with Prism’s event schedule, October 12th will highlight the return of The Estria Battle at Life is Living (click here for details), an all day arts event at the historic Defremery Park hosted in partnership with Youth Speaks, and sponsored in part by Montana Cans and Art Alternatives. This is a free, family-friendly event with a focus on public art, diverse music, health and environmental local sustainability. Youth are invited to join fellow Oakland residents to participate in a series of multi-faceted activities including the new Youth Mural Art Battle, Blackbook Graffiti Battle, t-shirt Stencil Workshop and Arts Arena. Attendees are also welcomed to enjoy a range of artistic performances and are encouraged to participate in generating energy by dancing on the “Pedal Powered Stage”.

EstrIa_Poster_Revised4

Derwent XL – It’s time to be BOLD!

Wednesday, September 25th, 2013

The Derwent XL range comes in two types:  XL Charcoal in rich natural color and XL Graphite in dense graphic tones of water-soluble color.

These chunky blocks are 0.787” square and 2.26” long – so they are big and bold!

XL gripper

XL gripper

XL Charcoal is available in 6 colors; Ochre, Sanguine, Mars Violet, Sepia, Black and White, all traditional drawing colors, and a must for life drawers and landscapers alike. They produce broad sweeping marks to the most delicate lines, blend easily and layer over eachother. Charcoal is naturally water-soluble, so splash some water on there and experiment!

XL Charcoal 6 tin

XL Graphite is also available in 6 colors; Olive Green, Dark Prussian, Raw Umber, Burnt Umber, Soft and Very Soft. These last two are dense dark graphite perfect for deep tonal work and expressive marks. This soft fine art graphite is water-soluble. Try working with water or embossing tools, or lifting out tone and color with an eraser.

XL Graphite 6 tin

Use both ranges wet or dry and enjoy the bold expressive mark making you can create with these captivating chunky XL blocks.

Supported by 3 accessories; the Groove Cube which carves lines in the block’s surface to create a wealth of marks and textures, the Sprinkler which, when used with the blocks, creates a fine graphite or charcoal powder, and the XL Grippers keep your hands and the block clean and allow for a steady grip.

Groove Cube in use

Groove Cube in use

Sprinkler in use

Sprinkler in use

The entire XL line is available from all  MacPherson’s DCs. Check in with your MacPherson’s sales rep for all the details or Click Here. Best of all the MacPherson’s “What’s New” Intro discount is 50/10% (enter “SI” code)!!!

Golden News for September 2013

Monday, September 23rd, 2013

High Flow Acrylics Work Great in Refillable Markers!

8566-4_HFFlrscntBl_wMarkerNew High Flow Acrylics from GOLDEN began shipping June 18!

New High Flow Acrylic colors from GOLDEN work great in markers. Artists can mix their choice of colors with any size and style of empty marker available. Whether artists just want an easier way to sign their artwork, or want to explore totally new ways to make marks, the combination of 49 High Flow colors and the wide variety of empty markers available today offers endless creative options. Learn more by watching this new YouTube video:

Several dealers are already on board and have placed orders through MacPherson’s, so now’s the time to get your order in! Buying opportunities for assortments are available through your MacPherson’s and GOLDEN Reps.

Just Paint # 29 Hitting Mailboxes and Website Soon!

In the latest issue of Just Paint GOLDEN shares their new High Flow Acrylics with you! High Flow Acrylics, GOLDEN’s thinnest product line, dramatically extends the range of possibilities beyond airbrush. Sarah Sands shares innovations that allowed GOLDEN’s Technical Director, Jim Hayes, to develop this paint, while Amy McKinnon and Mike Townsend detail the many applications this new addition to the acrylic system offers. We know for sure that as artists begin to use these paints, even more options will be discovered!

In Just Paint # 28, GOLDEN committed to dedicating the next several issues to explore various substrates used by artists in their work. In this issue  two materials specialists were asked to share their insights and years of research into understanding solid and hardboard panels. Elaine Salazar, President of Ampersand Art Supply has provided a thoughtful technical examination of these supports in this issue. Noted author and educator, Mark D. Gottsegen, provides expertise gained over 3 decades of teaching, writing and lecturing on art materials.

Lastly, readers are introduced to ‘Made In Paint,’ an exhibition of works by the Sam & Adele Golden Foundation for the Arts’ 2012 Artists in Residence.

Look for these articles in late September or early October by going to either http://www.goldenpaints.com/justpaint/index.php or you can visit www.justpaint.org, a developing web site dedicated to housing all past issues of the Just Paint newsletter and much more!

If additional printed copies of Just Paint are required for in-store presentations or staff distribution, contact your MacPherson’s sales representative for ordering instructions.

B-T-S Promotional Period Reminder

The last date for additional promotional advertising is September 30, 2013. Saving Paint with OPEN Acrylics

OPEN Palette

The slow-drying formulation of GOLDEN OPEN Acrylics allows artists to use the same paint for weeks when kept in a sealed container. This means artists can mix colors and use them over several weeks rather than wasting paint and trying to match mixtures with each painting session, which is particularly useful for classes and workshops. Learn more by watching this new YouTube video:

Click on the link below for a quick demonstration, highlighting the unique qualities of OPEN Acrylics and tips for using it successfully in artwork.

You can also go to http://www.goldenpaints.com/open to learn more.

GOLDEN Product Discontinuations

Heavy Body Acrylics Colors:
In April 2013 Golden Artist Colors announced a change to the Heavy Body Acrylic line. This change has two components:
1.     Beginning April 1, 2013, all Heavy Body colors are now available in 5 oz. tubes.
2.     Effective October 1, 2013, the 4 oz. Heavy Body line will be reduced to the top 40 selling colors. All other Heavy Body colors in the 4 oz. size will be discontinued. Details include:

  • With the expansion of the 5 oz. tube colors, artists will now have access to more colors in the popular larger tube including, iridescent colors, Quinacridone/Nickel Azo Gold, Light and Medium blends.
  • The 40 colors remaining in 4 oz. will include the mica flakes, primary colors, core earth and mixing colors and some iridescent colors.
  • A total of 94 colors will be discontinued in the 4 oz. size.
  • This change does not impact OPEN Acrylics, Matte Heavy Body Acrylics or Fluorescent colors.

Airbrush Acrylics Colors:

As High Flow Acrylics are introduced, GOLDEN will stop shipping Airbrush colors,
effective October 1, 2013.

  • The Airbrush Colors line is being discontinued to be replaced by High Flow Acrylics.
  • High Flow Acrylics began shipping June 18, 2013.
  • Effective October 1, 2013 Airbrush colors will no longer be subject to the MAP policy.
  • Conversion Set-Ups are available to convert existing Airbrush displays to High Flow Acrylics. Please speak with your MacPherson’s sales representative for more information.

If you have any questions regarding these product discontinuations, please contact your GOLDEN Sales Representative or your GOLDEN Customer Service Representative.

Jacquard News September 2013

Monday, September 23rd, 2013

New sunlight-developed dyes for paper and natural fabric – SolarFast opens up a whole world of light-powered printmaking and photography.

The possibilities are endless with Jacquard’s new line of light-developed dyes. SolarFast is used to create photograms, photographs, shadow prints, and ombrès on fabric and paper. Others will find it ideal for painting, tie dyeing, screen printing, stamping, batik and more – just apply the dye, expose it to sunlight, wash and you’re done! Photographic printing has never been so accessible, and printing on fabric has never been easier: no heat, steam or chemical setting required. SolarFast leaves fabric completely soft to the touch and the prints are washable, lightfast and archival. On paper, SolarFast has zero relief and offers ultimate detail. Textile and paper artists can now print continuous tone photographs in any color, quickly and easily, directly onto fabric or paper, no darkroom required!

Available in 14 colors with Film, Wash and Thickener. Many dealers are already on board and have placed orders through MacPherson’s, so now’s the time to get your order in! Buying opportunities for assortments are available through your MacPherson’s or Jacquard sales rep. Kits will be available later in the fall.

For more information contact your MacPherson’s representative or to see SolarFast in action, watch the instructional video below.

Faber-Castell Cool Children’s Art Products

Monday, September 23rd, 2013

Faber-Castell’s Premium Children’s Art Products are recommended by Art Educators for their Quality, Innovation, Safety and Respect for the Environment.  100% of their Children’s Pencils are produced with reforested wood that comes from the over 1 million seedlings that are planted each year!

MacPherson’s Category Managers have worked with Faber-Castell to create an eye catching 3ft POG to help dealers improve their holiday Children’s Art offering of quality creative products. We are committed to helping build your sales in the important children’s art category as we need to develop future artists! You can drop ship this terrific selection just in time for the crucial holiday selling season. The POG contains 30 items and has a retail value of $2,816.50. The special pre-paid net for retailers is $1,337.84. Watch for an e-blast soon giving all the details.

RR - 3POG

CONNECTOR-DISPLAYEncourage your youngest customers to get connected with their creativity!  Faber-Castell’s Connector Paint Box features an Award Winning innovative design that encourages creative play.  Children can create all kinds of shapes and palettes by clicking the paint pans together.  The brilliantly colored paints are highly pigmented allowing for both watercolor and opaque effects, use the tube of acrylic white paint included for color mixing and blending.  The Connector Paint Box Display (FC125000D) is an easy to shop all-in-one that includes the 12 count paint sets, Clic & Go water cups in blue and pink and 3 sizes of Clic & Go brushes. It contains $367 in retail value and the net is only $183.50 (pre-book sales beginning with e-blast publication).  See the connector set in use here:

New Strathmore Softcover Art Journals

Monday, September 23rd, 2013

Softcover BeautyFine Art Paper in Finely Crafted Books

Strathmore Artist Papers™ introduces Softcover Art Journals, offering artists the quality fine art papers they want in a velvety-feeling softcover book.

These new Softbound Art Journals give artists the choice of high quality sketch, drawing, watercolor, mixed media and toned sketch papers they’ve been searching for in softcover formats.

  • Softcover Art Journal features include:
  • Velvety softcover in rich dark brown that you have to feel to appreciate
  • Less formal format for artists who find softcover more approachable and less intimidating than other books
  • Durable Smyth-sewn binding allows pages to lay flatter
  • Flexible, light-weight format
  • Convenient, portable sizes
  • Made with 400 Series/Best and 500 Series/Premium quality papers to provide the ultimate performance
  • Removable packaging band communicates detailed paper information and leaves behind no residue
  • Made in the U.S.A.

The expansion of the art journal program is another example of Strathmore’s commitment to develop innovative new products that meet the needs of artists, help grow the market, and create in-store news and excitement for retailers.

book displaySoftcover Art Journals will be featured in Strathmore’s holiday promotion, which runs September 16 – November 8, 2013 and MacPherson’s Holiday Buyer’s guide, effective NOW through 12/14/13 (see page 35). You will also find Strathmore’s new Art Journal Floor Display in this promotion (MacPherson’s Holiday Buyer’s guide –  on the inside back cover). The Art Journal Floor Display has high quality construction, beautiful aesthetics and superior functionality. It is perfect for merchandising Softcover Art Journals, Hardbound Art Journals, Visual Journals, and Field Journals.

Learn how the new Strathmore Softcover Art Journal program and the Art Journal Floor Display can increase the productivity of your retail space by contacting your MacPherson’s sales representative today.

Don’t forget, you can learn more about all of Strathmore’s products online at: Strathmore Artists Web site. Like us on Facebook at: Facebook Page

Industry News

Monday, September 23rd, 2013

Looking for ways to make Urban Art tools relevant to mainstream creative makers and consumers? Check out this cool blog post for ideas on using Montana Markers to create hip home decor wall pieces. Brittany Makes Blog

What is there not to love about all things “Made in America”, but especially when it’s our very own General Pencil of Jersey City, NJ? General’s factory and employees were recently featured in PARADE MAGAZINE (Sunday, September 1, 2013) With a National readership of 60 million across the USA, the story and photos in PARADE MAGAZINE showcases, General Pencil Company  in a special Labor Day “MADE IN USA” Issue.  Check out this very heart warming video:

Sam Flax South principal and art supply retail royalty David Flax has talked his son Sam into moving to Orlando from Israel in order to join the family business.

Canson announced Mike Novak from Daler Rowney will be taking over as their new sales rep for the Northeast.

Change is afoot at Michaels. Alison Norton who managed their online custom printing business unit (midesign@michaels) has left the company. Sam Laboi has transferred to Vice President – Space Planning reporting to Philo Pappas. In this role he is responsible for all planogram and space management. Eric Dickenson has announced his intent to retire in January 2014. Currently he is Vice President – Business Unit General Manager for General Crafts. Eric started his career with Michaels in 1998 as a Senior Buyer when Michaels had just 496 stores. He was promoted to Vice President in 2001. Mary Kuniski will lead the 3 year project to upgrade Michaels merchandising systems as Vice President – Merchandise System Reform, reporting to Tom DeCaroJeff Martin, Vice President – Supply Chain Optimization, will add Vendor relations to his portfolio. Tom Petersen is no longer with the company. Jennifer Beesley has joined the company from Coldwater Creek as VP – Visual and Creative, reporting to Paula Puleo, and will be responsible for communicating, executing and sustaining the Michaels Brand to ensure the stores tell a cohesive story and provide their customers with “a great shopping experience”.

Living Walls – Atlanta, 2013 Living Walls, The City Speaks, is an annual conference on street art and urbanism that began in August 2010 in the city of Atlanta. Along with changing the urban landscape, the Living Walls conference set out to highlight a number of problems facing the city. Living Walls did not just showcase art, but also built a platform for much-needed dialogue in the city.  The 2013 event featured 20 top artists from around the world producing 20 murals, along with film screenings, lectures, block parties, exhibits, and bike tours – all free to the public.  Check out some videos from of the mural paintings here:

Through Facebook, Golden Eagle Art has announced they will not have to close the store because they have found a new home in East Hampton, NY. The new location will be open sometime in October!

Meininger “Art Outside” event in July featured Montana Gold and Black being used to paint a Salvador Dali car. Sprayed by Richard, one of their multi-talented urban art store staff, the “Art Outside” event included hands on with Montana Gold and Crafters Workshop stencils. There were also artists demonstrating sign painting, pin striping, spraying with Montana Gold and Montana Acrylic markers

Dali Car!

Dali Car!image

FLOX x Cloudy Bay Wine – New Zealand artist FLOX was chosen by New Zealand wine maker Cloudy Bay, as the featured artist for live painting at the US launch of their 2014 Sauvignon Blanc. The launch consisted of 2 evenings of FLOX painting complex artworks featuring endangered bird species that had been created through a series of intricate stenciled layers, on round wooden panels. The launches took place in New York and LA and the artist materials were proudly supported by Montana Cans with a little extra help from the amazing cityscapes of NY and LA.

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