April 4, 2005 - So I began work on my two 5x7 paintings for the annual Arthouse fundraiser.  Last year's event was fun, with a large crowd in attendance for the opening night, dotted with minor celebrities, rich people, art dealers, gallery owners and art collectors, in addition to a lot of artists who donated work.  Of course, there's a certain amount of pride on the line for all the artists, and smiles grow and the bombast begins when the works start selling and you notice one of your works has been taken.  I sold both paintings, all priced at an even $100 dollars, and walked away after a fun night hanging out with friends, drinking some beer, and meeting some new folks.  I also got a membership to the Arthouse, which entitles me to healthcare and access to emergency funds if I ever should need them.

This year's package arrived promptly in the middle of March like a giant turd in a punchbowl.  The introductory letter, which comes with three 5x7 boards, starts with an ominous 'there were some changes to the event this year.'  Instead of giving artists who donate their time, skill and art to the show a free invitation to the reception, the Arthouse is charging artists $25 for the privilege of attending the opening reception.  Of course, its is stated that the $25 can be applied to a purchase, but I spent weeks thinking about the audacity of an arts organization that is generally unfailingly supportive of artists pulling a low class and vulgar act to charge donating artists to come to their fundraiser.

Of course, by the time I read down to the last line in the instructions that came in my packet, it stated, "REMEMBER, WITHOUT YOU, THE ARTIST, THIS EVENT WOULDN'T BE POSSIBLE".  Words that the Arthouse failed to heed themselves.  I have produced two paintings for the show, both of which will be available to purchase online through this website for the bargain price of $60.  You have until April 30 to purchase the works online, otherwise they will be donated for the target audience at the Arthouse.

UPDATE:
April 20, 2004 - I've been in contact with a number of artists throughout Austin and all have expressed dismay and anger towards the change in the Arthouse's policy.  I still believe that the Arthouse is a worthy institution to support, but they need to be reminded that artists are actually the reason they exist. 

I have also sold the first two 5x7 paintings I painted, and have worked on three more.  I will be sending two to the Arthouse on April 30 for submission to the show.  I agreed to do the show in advance and will donate the same number of works I did last year.

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