University Art has been honored with Palo Alto, CA’s coveted Tall Tree Outstanding Business of the year award.
Congratulations to UA who has been supporting local art for decades since 1980. Tall Tree awards have been conferred on individuals and businesses (or nonprofit organizations) that have demonstrated “exceptional civic contributions and service to the community.” University Art was selected “based on their local impact, breadth of contribution, diversity of individuals impacted, timeliness and originality of contribution,” according to the nomination form.
“A comfortable space in the core downtown, it is well-known for its generosity and genuine interest in our entire community,” Tall Tree nominator Barbara Gross wrote of the retailer. University Art has donated prizes to local art contests, including the Weekly’s Photo Contest and shows at the Palo Alto Art League, and supplies for the art projects made in Downtown Palo Alto’s annual street festivals. University Art also holds its own children’s art contest and a juried competition for adults.
This year’s awards will be presented on Thursday, March 31, at the Crowne Plaza Cabana Hotel. Those to be honored include Outstanding Citizens: William Alhouse and Jane Gee; Outstanding Business: University Art; Outstanding Professional: Jim Baer; and Outstanding Non-Profit: Youth Community Service. Read the whole article!
British buyout firm Electra Partners reports that on March 30th, 2011 it had acquired fine art materials specialist Daler-Rowney for GBP 26million (USD42million) in Bracknell, England. Patrick Giraud, Chairman and CEO of Daler-Rowney said: “We are delighted to be working with Electra Partners and very excited by the next phase of the Daler-Rowney story. We will keep on working hard to build on what we have achieved over the past six years.”
We are very excited to share the news that MacPherson‘s Vice President Natasha Nicholson-Bjerre and her husband Frank welcomed their little boy, Emil Martinus, to the world at 3:21am March 23rd. He weighed 8 lbs 12 oz and was 21 1/2 inches long. Natasha reports that they are a bit tired, but doing well. Congratulations to Natasha, Frank & Emil!!!
Kerry Kemp reports that Art Outfitters in Little Rock, AR will celebrate its 130th birthday this year.
Brenda Ladd will be retiring from Plaza in Nashville, TN. She is the office manager and started there 22 years ago when it was Griffin’s Art Supply.
Industry maven Susan Kocsis has left Search Press to pursue new career opportunities. Look for her at NAMTA in Phoenix, AZ.
Chroma asks all retailers to visit their booth at Booth #621 at NAMTA! Find out what’s new, and learn about NAMTA only promotions, specials, and discounts. Chroma is committed to providing creative solutions for artists, students, and hobbyists, and to provide a wide range of products to suit all skill levels, styles and techniques. To schedule an appointment, please contact Kathryn Betz at 1-800-257-8278 or via e-mail at kbetz@chromaonline.com.
NAMTA members have elected Robert (Bob) Buchsbaum, Chief Executive Officer of Dick Blick Holdings, Inc. in Highland Park, Illinois to the new seat of Large Domestic Retailer on the NAMTA Board of Directors.
Last weekend aerosol artist Max Ehrman picked up some Montana Black and did a painting demo at Flax in San Francisco. Once a year the artist travels to Europe to paint with friends at several Graffiti/Hip Hop jams in Germany, Holland and Belgium. Max, aka Eon75‘s travels he has been lucky enough to paint with some of the most talented Aerosol Artists in the world. Currently living in San Francisco, Max has partnered with Montana Sprays, and Flax is pleased to have him create an original artwork on our front exterior wall. This live art event is a precursor to a series of Aerosol Art Seminars, the first of which will be held on April 23rd. For more information about his upcoming seminar, or to sign up, please call or email Joni Theodorson (415-552-2355).
Juxtapoz Magazine posted a crazy story about a new art material. How about a palette of one-hundred thousand carats of jewelry? Plus it took someone who had a bit of time on their hands. A Chinese jewelry collector re-created Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” with 100,000 carats of jewelry. A little gaudy? ya think! Read the complete article. Crazy at Art!
We are sorry to report that James A. King, father of SLS Sales Manager Phil King and a long-time Merced, CA resident passed away on Monday, March 14, 2011, at University of California San Francisco Medical Center with his family by his side. He was 66 years old. Family and friends celebrated Jim’s life on March 19, 2011 at the Yosemite Church in Merced. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jim’s name to UCSF Foundation, Department of Neurology, P.O. Box 45339, San Francisco, California 94145-0339.
Masterpiece Artist Canvas is pleased to welcome Maxine Harnish as a new account manager on its sales team. Her extensive product knowledge is matched by her friendly demeanor, willingness to serve and prompt and open communication. We know she will be an asset to Masterpiece and a helpful resource to you.
Mark Wiener has announced that he will close his Blueprinter/Art Colony Store in Palm Desert on April 1st, 2010.
Preston’s celebrated its 70th Anniversary on Saturday, March 5. Kathy Brennan reports they hosted an open house where the best customers were treated to demos and seminars put on by manufacturer and distributor representatives.
Jim Hair is running for Mayor! Retired long-time Sakura USA team member (and former MacPherson’s employee) Jim Hair is running for Mayor of Richmond, Indiana. For more information and to support Jim in the race click here: Jim Hair’s Candidate Web Site The primary is May 3rd.