MAUI ARTISTS FOR PEACE : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SP_I1mF_08&feature=youtu.be

Aloha! I am online for questions at narvaezaloha@gmail.com for the next few hours while I post my blog. I will check emails before I log off and answer questions here...by latest tomorrow after breakfast.

I am putting some time in today to check out whats buzzing on Maui with other artists. Here's what I gathered online...I'm sure theres a ton of other things...but again, I'm just a typical "starving" artist with minimal time to surf the net or even hit all the shows...I'm usually at my hale with painted overalls on, elbow deep in wood glue and toilet tissue...or trying not to saw my fingers off outside building more cool stuff! 

I found out theres some awesome events on the way; (http://www.mauiopenstudios.com/2015html/2015registration.html) time to sign in!...going to apply for and hope to get picked /: Also found out about an interesting new idea, an art vending machine! I'm excited to submit something for this asap!  (http://mauiartscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Artist-Flyer.pdf

Getting emails ready too...sending out info to other Maui artists interested in sharing studio space. My front living room is now my only art studio again...and the more projects I start, smaller the space gets. Definitely time to move now that I'm putting more efforts into promoting my art...plus I am itching to go bigger...much bigger. I need a space to bring people for business too. 

I posted an ad on CL and had little responses and a few people to attend...it was a last minute ad...I thought I'd put idea out there and hope for the best. After meeting, I started to get more responses!...about 23 so far. I emailed everyone letting them know I'd be planning another meeting. It's always nice to meet with other artists anyway.

Because I work on rather large scale projects, the bigger the space the better. (I plan to put up a sign & pic of Greg Knoll near the entrance to studios "Go big or go home" hehe can't wait).  I found woodworkers, seamstresses, glass blowers, metal workers, etc...all interested in meeting. So now we can plan a meeting of the artful minds and see whos serious and whos not. 

Its taken me some time to make the decision to manage another facility. Wasn't sure I wanted to be "in charge" or just send in my rent check every month (still may do this!) For now, I am going to get things underway until someone else can manage facility, I am going to set things up in a way I can work from my home. And keep the studio as stress free as possible for myself & the other artists. I gave up carrying a cell phone (6 months so far!! yay for my brain!!), so I can guarantee there will be no ringing phones in anyones ears while trying to create.

Many of the artists interested, are wanting the same type of environment so it will be my goal to make sure they get it. I ran a spa as a massage therapist and this helped me gain first-hand knowledge of what my staff wanted and expected. This time around I will be an artist running an art studio (temporarily I hope!), so I am confident my vision will be successful...just need to begin interviewing the right professionals to add to a creative & respectful atmosphere. 

Something else I will be doing is sharing more of the responsibilities; cleaning, inventory, advertising...and not carrying as much on my shoulders. I plan to set up a 'studio fee' to cover all extras...like hiring someone to do the stuff I'd rather not.

Other plans for this studio include; adding more art tutorials from this location by visiting artisits, exhibits, classes, community fundraisers, etc....a collaborative effort for sure.

Only thing that is a downer about planning a meeting like this are people who attend just to bring up why they are against the idea. Maybe thats ok at a community meeting banning gmos, its necessary there if you ask me!...but this is for a studio rental share, you either want it or don't. Attending a meeting to discuss a rental share, I'm assuming you're there to find out the rental guidelines. "If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything" applies here, sincerely not trying to win anyones approval, I have a system that works with any type of shared rental space where similar businesses are involved. I like to have it all black and white, on paper, that way, everyone is super clear before anyone signs. Once we all can agree, we all do our thing...smoothly without stress. I'm in no hurry when it comes to legal documents.

Working with a variety of different creative professionals has always been interesting to me, makes getting up for "work" more enjoyable...not knowing what to expect is exciting when you know its at least something you will benefit from...I dig that type of work environment. It's when people go in during shared hours rather than private hours expecting quiet or need to be around other people to complain...those people are difficult to see coming. This time I will have it all written out better so I have an easier way of letting those kine people OUT. 

Something that will be a challenge---I absolutely hate (and I hate the word hate sorry!) doing...collecting. collecting rent. collecting fees, whatever it is, collecting is a drag. And that's my reason for insisting on deposit or 'studio fee,' to stay sane each month and I will also be encouraging auto payments. This would tell me right away, the person is responsible enough to have a checking account and confident enough rent will be on time. Again, still lots to plan, but luckiliy, I love everything to do with art and very excited about learning new techniques from other artists on Maui. Will post date/time on here, social sites, & CL. 

See you on the other side,

~M.

Can donate to The Other Side Studios by clicking on PayPal button to the right of screen or can make checks payable to: Earth Conscious Designs, P.O. Box 1614, Makawao, HI 96768.