105. Looking for New Curator for the Elaine Biondi Gallery Space

The Friends of the Monroeville Public Library are looking for someone who would be willing to serve as the curator, or manager, of the Elaine Biondi Gallery Space located within the Monroeville,Pennsylvania Public Library.  This place is a wonderful and beautiful venue for art and a real treasure in our community.  I was honored to have been offered this position, but for various reasons, was unable to accept. This is, however, a great opportunity to be a vital part of the art community here in Western Pennsylvania. This position needs to be filled as soon as possible as the library may be in position to reopen the gallery to the public sometime this summer.  Here is the official job description:

Director, Elaine Biondi Gallery Space
Monroeville Public Library

PROFILE
The Director coordinates the artistic exhibits in partnership with the Library and the Friends of the Library. This is a volunteer position facilitating the exhibits with the artist, within the rules of the Library, for the benefit of the Friends of the Monroeville Public Library. The Gallery Space is a section of the Library that is often used for talks, presentations, and special events.

EXHIBITS
Once every 18 months, the Director holds the artists’ screening to select artists for the upcoming year. After an agreement is signed, the Director sets up the exhibits with the help of the artist and the Friends volunteers. As items are sold and recorded by the Library staff, at the end of the show, the Director calculates the amounts for the Treasurer to send to the artist, the state sales tax, and the Friends of the Library.

PUBLICITY
For each exhibit, the Director works with the artist to send out news releases to the local media.

SCHEDULING
The Director works with the Library staff reserving the room for the exhibit setup, take-down, and if desired, a reception. This is a wonderful volunteer opportunity to manage an art gallery and network with area artists! Expected re-opening is late summer. 

To apply, or for more information, contact Diane Lindsey, President, Friends of Monroeville Public Library at dianedlindsey@gmail.com or 412-335-0242.

104. New Website Added: bobbickers.art

The regular website you know as bobbickers.net has been updated and now allows you to examine my major exhibitions over the years.  In addition, I have added a new website available to the public: bobbickers.art , which at this time has the same content as the ".net" website.  That might change at some time in the future, but when the ".art" domains became available, I just couldn't take the chance that another Bob Bickers might snatch it up.  I had that happen to me once before when I tried to obtain a ".com" address only to discover that a California realtor had taken it for himself, so I had to settle for a ".net" address instead.  At this time, I will start pushing the bobbickers.art website for my art business.

You might have noticed too that this blog, which used to be located at fineartbybobbickers.blogspot.com is now found at bobbickersart.blogspot.com.  I thought this would be a little easier to type and remember.  

Finally, I want to mention that I do have a Facebook page where some content is usually posted.  Quite frankly, you would do better to check out this blog to keep up on what I am doing, at least for now.  Surf the net and enjoy!

103. Free Acrylic Landscape Painting Class - CANCELLED

NOTICE:  The art program cited below has been CANCELLED for the time being.  If or when this event is rescheduled it will be announced here.

As I did in October, 2016 and in March, 2019, I am offering another acrylic painting class on behalf of the Monroeville Arts Council Outreach Program on October 17, 2020.  Details are outlined below (click on the poster to enlarge).  Registration will begin in mid-September.  Space is limited, so be sure to mark your calendar and register early!  Hope to see you then.

102. Autumn in Western Pennsylvania

Diane and I captured a number of images of the changing leaves last month while driving the countryside, bicycling on local trails and visiting some of our state parks.  Here is a sample of what we saw.  Locations include Saltsburg, PA, and vicinity,  the West Penn Trail at Conemaugh River Lake, Ohiopyle State Park, the Westmoreland Heritage Trail between Murrysville and Trafford, Pleasant Valley Park in Murrysville, and Walter Road in Westmoreland County. Enjoy.