Survey Results
November 2008
4. Why
are you interested in the MMG? What would you like it to be for you? Mission
statement ideas?
- The group would work best for me if it provided
opportunities, inspiration and knowledge. I love that we do group shows.
It would be fun if we incorporated some of the ideas from the Fine Arts
Mosaic site: Artists spotlights, competitions, help/challenges... I'd love
for the presentations to be useful, fun and noteworthy!
- information, shows, getting to know people with the same
interest, Mosaic, art. Support for each other, I like all of it!!!
- I would like to get back into it, but I have 2
small kids and so I haven't been keeping up with my mosaics. It is a great
group and I have learned so much from other members. It is a great group
for support and education.
- I like the comrade of the other members. But the
experience levels vary greatly, and it can be intimidating to talk about
my basic abilities with professional artists. It may make sense to have
all group meetings every other month or quarterly, and have experience
level meetings more often for those that would like them. Or, have
"social" meetings, that could even be at coffee shops, bars,
people's houses. Might be easier to have an executive committee/board to
make decisions.
- I'm interested in learning more about mosaic but
because of some of the discussion that took place a couple years ago
regarding specific techniques and methods and people who teach mosaic
feeling upcomfortable giving away the information for free, I've hesitated
to attend meetings or ask questions for fear of asking something
proprietary and inappropriate. Some of the artists who also teach have
come off to us on the outside as rather arrogant and glib and I'm not sure
I want to be a part of that. That said, I would like to learn more about
how it all works but I don't want to feel as if I'm intruding if I ask a
question without having paid a fee first.
- Like any other art organization I think the MMG
creates the opportunity for mosaic artists see each others work and allow
them to get inspired, discover new techniques, build relationships with
artists and other community members who have the same passions for
mosaics. Keep creating opportunities and you will continue to have a
successful organization.
- To stay connected to artist and inspired to
create better work. Equally important, I want to keep learning about
techniques, materials, marketing (the "topics"); I don't want it
to just be a social gathering; I really want the full-time artists to be
present, too, but make it fulfilling for them - not just a place where
beginners can glean free information.
- I would like the words Learning together to be
included.
- I like the group shows.
- inspiration- socializing with like-minded people-support-encouragement-group
shows-community-learning from each other-group projects-
- I am interested in MMG as an opportunity to meet
other that enjoy the art of Mosaics. I would really like to have MMG be a
support for those of us in the professional end of Mosaic creation. If we,
as a group, can set the standards of Mosaic art in the community and to
spread knowledge of the art form, it can only be a benefit to us all.
- Networking with other mosaic artists is
important; sharing experiences, struggles, discoveries. Would like a
stronger social aspect to it; maybe an annual picnic, outings on
non-meeting nights. Mission: To foster the education and public presence
of the mosaic media. To provide opportunities for everyone to experience
the art of mosaic.
- A place to expand and grow as a mosaic artist
and an organization that gives to the larger community - art in schools,
community projects...
- Since I am a full-time mosaic artist &
business owner, I find it challenging to commit the time and energy that I
used to have for MMG. I feel like when I am at the meetings that I am
still working and I really just feel like calling it a day, or spend the
that time getting caught up at the studio! I will always be a member of
MMG and participate in shows but right now I don't see going back to the
monthly meetings for awhile. I think the group is perfect for those
looking to learn more about mosaics and to connect and network with other
mosaic artists in the community. I honestly don't think this group is a
great fit for professional mosaicists (but maybe I'm wrong since I haven't
been to a meeting for a long time) and I'm not saying that's a bad
thing... But that's another story.
- I like networking with other mosaic artists and
seeing their work. I like hearing about how they come up with what they
create. I like the shows.
- I
love mosaic art and artists. I want to see and do anything in this area
and the group supplies that need. I like the shows we have and the
demonstration meetings best.
- Interested as a professional organization to
function as a resource for people looking for mosaic artists and also as a
group that can function to promote mosaics and be a resource.
- To further the art of mosaic and have a group
where I can grow personally in my art.
- Visiting artist's studios; opportunities to
exhibit; hearing about other opportunities to show work or create work....
5. Many
people say it would be easier to attend meetings if they were always at the
same location. Do you have any contacts or know of anywhere that might be
willing to let us meet there (always the 2nd Wed of month)? Could be a
community center, a church, a restaurant where we can have large groups, etc...
Near the center of the cities would make the meetings more accessible to all.
Can you please help and maybe even make some phone calls? (Free would be
nice...) Thank you!
1.
I'd be
happy to host an upcoming meeting (Lisa Arnold)
2.
Yes... same
place and time/date, this would be easier. Maybe a trip?? I will start to look
for a place and make a few phone calls. Barb Steen
3.
I live in
the West burbs, so I might try to make it more often if the meetings were
Central in the cities. I can host it out here, but I get the impression people
like keeping it in Mpls/St. Paul proper.
4.
Possibly -
I'm on the Parks and Rec Commission for St. Paul - maybe a rec center -
although there may be a small charge. Maybe libraries - Rice Street has a big
meeting room..I'd have to think about it - but I do have some ideas.
5.
I
absolutely agree on one location. I will make a two calls to Whole Foods and
Byerly's about their community rooms.
6.
The Edina
Community Center would be a good spot
7.
The
meetings at people's homes are more interesting.
8.
i called
sap methodist church=they charge a lot for meeting space-I called the oddfellows
hall in so.St Anthony Pk.- they are returning my call- The St. Anthony Pk.
Library has free meeting space-but they are full on the second wed. of the
month. Java Train coffee shop in the Como neighborhood has a beautiful meeting
room renting for 10.00 per hr. I didn't find out what the availability is for
2nd wed.-but they have great food available,too.(see
http://www.javatraincoffee.com/rental.html -check out the menu, too.) the 3
hr.catering pkg. for water and coffee and muffins would be only about two bucks
a piece if we had 30 people. Still checking other spots.....
9.
It would
absolutely make things easier to have the meetings in the same place (and
personally skip the pot luck end). My life is just so crazy that trying to
figure out where I need to go and then to find something to bring adds a major
mental burdon. I'll think about what places we might be able to use.
10.
The
restaurant in NE Mpls. in the building where we had 2008 Art-A-Whirl may be a
good location. The seem to have the space. Diamond Cafe? We could check out the
Como Park Pavillion, but they have many summer activities that could interfere
then.
11.
I don't
think the meetings should be in the same location. Hosting meetings is a lot of
work, and I think it's best if that responsibility is shared by the large
group. Unless we have the meetings in a paid space (like a restaurant, which I
doubt people want to do) there's still going to have to be someone in charge of
the space.
12.
happy to
help find a place. I think a community center (or something like that) would be
better than a restaurant - too hard to talk
13.
If I were
to go to meetings I would prefer it to be something new and different each
time. Like a exhibition, store, installation, studio, inspiration, ect.
14.
Mosaic on a
Stick would be nice if we could do it. It would be best to be in a room where
we can move around to socialize, have lectures, demos, etc...
15.
I would be
even less likely to attend at one location. I like the inspiration that occurs
by seeing new places, artist's studios, businesses, museums, galleries, etc.
Perhaps meeting every 6 weeks would allow more time to set up new meeting
places.
16.
I think
this is a good idea.
17.
I recently
attended a meeting at the Brave New Workshop on a date when they did not have a
show. There was a bar where you could order drinks & popcorn.... I have met
at Rec Centers & libraries for other groups. I enoy the free parking and
not having to buy anything. Libraries tend to be quieter than Rec Centers!
6. We need
topic ideas! What would you like to discuss or learn about? Could you (please)
show us something you do? Some topics might require hiring a speaker. That's
okay! Please list all the ideas you can think of. List them below, and if you
would be willing to lead a discussion on a topic, let us know. Brainstorm and
dig deep!
1.
I'm
interested in... materials, products, styles, techniques, artists (mosaic and
other), organizations, challenges, career assessment, conference info,
publication, workshops, history of mosaics, individual process discussions, ...
I'd be happy to lead a creative exercise.
2.
I'll
think about this one.
3.
My
biggest questions are usually about techniques and materials - and I hate
relying on our experienced artists to always have to share their secrets with
the less experienced ones. Different grouts, thin sets, structural techniques,
applications to different types of settings - like walls, or scupture,e tc. An
annual group project may give us a direction or goal to work toward. Perhaps if
our own members talk about something they are knowledgeable about, they get a
stiped? Even just $25?
4.
I
would like to see a series of talks on types of mosaic techniques. invite
mosaic artists who have done public art to talk about the experience. Discuss
how you can get SAMA to have its conference in Mpls/St.Paul. Create mosaic
tours and have artists on the bus who made the work discuss it on the tour.
Compare and contrast mosaics from other parts of the world. have a joint
meeting with the Handmade Tile Association and discuss how they can do joint
ventures Have a travel slide show of peoples pictures of the mosaics they saw
as they traveled the world.
5.
WARM.
I love meeting on-site where a member has done an installation and that member
discusses the work (although that does stray from the one location idea, but
it's worth it.) Have one person (or two) give a presentation on a book review
or artist overview. Have a member profile portion of each meeting -- the MMG
member takes 15- 30 minutes to talk about their work, techniques, passion, show
examples/pictures.
6.
I
would like to talk more about techniques
7.
When
can we repeat a topic? We have done many topics already.
8.
marketing-glass
fusing-stone mosaics-wood mosaics-tin mosaics-useful dremel bits-using a glass
grinder--design-color-food mosaics-tile making-more polymer clay-frame
ideas-darjit sculpting-mosaic jewelry-portraiture-indirect
method-smalti-different ways to "sign your work"-copyright
issues-packing and shipping-famous and not famous mosaic sites with
pictures....Inspirational artists....
9.
I
would love to have more topics related to professional development as well as
technique.
10.
Substrates
- the best and the worst; preparation Adhesives - the science behind your
choice Materials - how do you decide; what considerations depending on purpose
To grout or not to grout - if so, what to consider Creating forms to mosaic I
would be glad to lead discussions, even if I'm not that experienced Bringing in
experts could be helpful - yeah, we can pay for that
11.
SAFETY
AND ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES - what to do with waste - thinset, grout (I know,
not very sexy, but it bothers me every time I toss wet, sloshy grout onto the
ground) TECHNIQUES - exploring all the different ways to make a mosaic -
substraits, materials (again, not very sexy, but I think interesting) DESIGN
WORKSHOPS - either with an invited mosaic artist or just as a group together
QUARTERLY CRITICAL RESPONSES (scheduled ahead of time) where you can bring in a
piece, ask specific questions and have a group discussion about it (WARM uses a
specific procedure that I've found to be amazingly supportive and informative)
12.
I
think it would be amazing to see the group do a large, collaborative, community
project together. As for topics- 1. mosaics online: communities, blogs,
supplies, selling online 2. Share your best and worst mosaic experience, what
did you learn, ect? 3. Making mosaics with youth, elderly and disabled- where
to start? challenges? funding?
13.
Hitting
some of the good old topics is good, like framing, using different materials
(tempered glass), marketing
14.
Hammer
and hardy demonstration and discusson of working with stone/marble.
15.
Artist
marketing tips Studio safety Organizing a public art project
16.
Speaker
on Trusting the Process of Art Demos on mosaic skills from substrate used,
different materials, color blending, maybe drawing classes (simple stuff that
helps in mosaic), using hammer & hardie demo, how to cut mosaic materials
to get a tight fit like Sonia King does, mosaic challenges like the Fine Arts
Mosaic Group, mixed media in mosaic, using found objects...
Studios spaces
in & out of one's home-- what is important to have in either; what are the
pros & cons of each? I can help with teaching the Critical Response method
developed by Liz Lerman.
8. How
can you help? (By the way, some people currently in these positions have been
doing an AWESOME job and I know we would all like to have them continue!)
I'd like to be
on the Board - You know, that small group of people that take care of business
so everyone else can enjoy the meetings. The board could include a president,
secretary, treasurer, and possibly other jobs listed below. It may involve
getting together a few times a year outside of the regular meetings. It would
also look pretty dandy on an artist's resume!
Stephany Eaton
Connie Cohen
Barb Keith
Sharra Frank
Facilitator -
Leading the meeting, keeping on schedule, etc...
Gil Gragert
Maria Ricke
Contact persons
- So people with questions about MMG can be directed to you.
Sharra Frank
Notetaker - We
need a few people for this job which involves taking notes and sending out a
summary.
Judy Sell
Danette Polglase
Treasurer -
money stuff
Laura Burlis
(hopefully can continue)
(otherwise,
Danette Polglase could take over)
Membership -
Helps with signing up, like printing out forms, collecting checks, etc...
Barbara Steen
Danette Polglase
Group
Communications/Yahoo - sends out announcements about upcoming meetings, shows,
other news, helps people sign up for yahoo listserve
Mimi Holmes
Publicity - ads,
letting the world know how great we are!
Judy Sell
Meeting Programs
- selecting topics for upcoming meetings
Betsy Mowry
Danette Polglase
Shows - seeks
out opportunities and fills out applications
Gil Gragert
Hospitality -
brings cups, napkins, plates to meetings
Barbara Steen
Cheryl Anderson
Danette Polglase
Greeting new
members and taking them under your wing
Barbara Steen
Gil Gragert
Danette Polglase
Website
Barb Keith
9. Please
comment on anything else that you didn't get to above. We want this to be a
happy and fulfilling group. We can't make that happen without knowing what
people are thinking. Thank you so much for taking time to fill this out!
1.
Thanks for
the survey! I'd love to see the group keep going!
2.
Hi Judy,
Thank you for getting this together! ...and getting me to the form
3.
Sorry I
can't be more helpful right now. Thanks!
4.
I have
monthly Park & Rec meetings on second Wednesday nights. Sorry! I currently
manage the approve or disapprove of new members to the yahoo group. I can't
always be places in person, but write killer press releases, and don't mind
helping to get the word out about anything. I know tons of people in the Twin
Cities arts area, and can help keep an eye out for opportunities or possible
speakers. I am also interested in helping to line up speakers.
5.
I do want
to help more, but my daughter has just been diagnosed with a serious illness. I
hope to be more involved in the future. THANKS A TON FOR DOING THIS BARB.
YOU'RE AN AWESOME ARTIST AND DEDICATED MMGM MEMBER. MUCH HAPPINESS AND SUCCESS
TO YOU.
6.
I would
like to meet every other month.
7.
I'm
thinking that a lot of the jobs could easily be rotated or are something that
we should all be working on(i.e.hospitality-greeting, seeking out opportunities
and shows, etc.) Wouldn't the secretary be responsible for note
taking-communications? And wouldn't the treasurer handle membership? What will
the president and vice-president do? Publicity? Facilitator? Is this to be a
working board ? Should they be paid? How do other non-profit boards function?
Should we ask Deb Wasmund? Mimi? Also, if we hire presenters for various
presentations- will that cut into the business of those that teach? Does this
need to be resolved before we go ahead ? This survey has made me think about
things I do not even want to deal with- maybe Gil is right and we are "not
there yet"? On the other hand- maybe if these teachers present -it will
encourage newbies to take more classes? I have a feeling that if we conduct
meetings at a more "neutral" location-such as a library-we might gain
more newcomers that might be intimidated by going to a complete stranger's
home....
8.
Perhaps we
need to think about being closer to mosaic purists. Some things we've had at
shows are a real stretch. I've heard some members being alienated by this.
9.
I think it
might make sense to meet every other month. I know that we could commit to
hosting two meetings a year and hosting an annual guild show at the Stick, but
we are not able to extend ourselves further. If we had 6 meetings per year, I
think it would be easier to schedule them a year in advance and get people to
commit to hosting and leading a topic. I can do a presentation on leading a
large group community mosaic mural project (including a power point slide
presentation) for the January or February meeting and we can have the mtg at
the Stick.
10.
I am always
telling every one of my classes about the MMG and also hand out MMG business
cards at my studio events when I meet someone who is making mosaics but doesn't
know about MMG.... I definitely think the business stuff should be taken care
of outside of the group meetings, that always seemed like the most dreadful
part to me. I fully support the MMG and wish the best for the group!
11.
Let's have
elections so we can start off 2009 in the right direction.
12.
I think we
need to have a few regular positions, but that will only work if there are
people willing to step forward to do it. I am a past facilitator and note taker
and could share either of those again, but am out of towm for the summers.
13.
I think
there is a divide between those that are members for professional reasons and
those that are there for the social element (and rarely actually make mosaic
art). Those people are not so interested in organizing shows or looking for
other opportunities for MMG to have a presence. I'm interested in continuing to
be a member and promote the group at my shows - I want to participate in any
group shows and public projects, but can't make the meetings a priority in my
life right now.
14.
I think
that groups evolve and change as people lives change. Aa member of the Stone
Soup dollmakers several years ago some of the professionals lamented the change
in the group as it grew. Although they wanted the growth to some extent, it
ended up different than they had hoped with more "craft" and less
dedication to the art form. This is my observation rightly or wrongly regarding
the leadership of the Mn Mosaic Guild group. As Sheryl Tuorila's career
blossoms along with her family, she has less and less time for organizing and
inspiring the group with her leadership (many others probably fall within this
same category...as their careers take off they have less time). I think the
idea of having a set agenda for the entire year with one location may help participation.
I would like to see more educational meetings where we have demonstrations
about techniques used. I thought the art show discussion was excellent. We may
have to keep in mind that professional artists may find these meetings boring.
But professional artists can benefit too by displaying their expertise which
helps their name recognition. I think when groups evolve and have members who
are making a living at their art and those of us who are not, it is a difficult
situation since the needs may be different. This will be a challenge for the
group.
15.
To be
honest, I am not sure how much longer I will be a part of MMG as I am hunting
for full-time employment; and have decided to quit my glitter art &
concentrate on my fiber art. But I have gotten a lot from the group and have
enjoyed meeting members & watching everyone's work develop.