So, it was nice to be nominated as a Re-cycle Artist for the 2013 "Outstanding Artistic Performance Award". I think that it is super cool to get recognition!
I was asked to submit a bio on what I accomplished in 2013 as an artist.
I think 2013 was a pretty good year for me as an "artist" trying to expand in my local community.
And just so you know, "artist" is not a term that I would use to describe myself.
Maybe "eclectic" or "crazy-creative-with-too-much-going-on-in-her-head"
that would be more my self-description. . .
OK Back to the events of 2013.
I took a big chance and crossed that language barrier that seems to loom over me!
Maybe next year, I will give myself an award for finally conquering Spanish!
Well, here is my BIO with some photos added.
We had some great times!
And, I have some great 2013 Memories!
Naomi Black
The year of 2013 was a busy year for me as January 5th
was the first Mermaid’s Market of the year. With the goal of providing a venue
for local artists and artisans, late in 2012 I had brainstormed the idea of a
“Mermaid’s Market” (similar to previous events that had been termed farmer’s
markets) with the goal of providing a regularly scheduled artisan’s showcase –
a well-advertised event where visitors would have a fun place to congregate to meet,
browse and shop.
With the help of my husband, Russ, we procured the permissions to
host this event twice each month thru the months of October to May each year. The
event has become a well-known Saturday event where between 10-20 artisans
display a great variety of items from coffee, chocolate confections, jewelry,
painting, clothing, metalwork, candles, recycled items and much, much more. www.mermaidsmarket.com
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In 2013, I was also invited to return to the Tucson Flamenco
Festival as one of their International Designers of Flamenco-Inspired clothing.
Along with three other designers, I had the great honor of having my designs
showcased at this fantastic Flamenco Festival.
In April of 2013, I hosted the Spring Fling Fashion Show and again
in November I hosted the Fall Fashion Fiesta. Both of these events, included my
recycled clothing designs along with those of Cathi & Dalia – local clothing
designers from Casa Turquesa. My hope is for the Fall Fashion Fiesta to be an
annual event and to expand to include more local clothing designers.
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However, the highlight of 2013 in my opinion, was October’s Peñasco Runway
Project: Altered Ropa Challenge. This was an idea that I
have had for some time, inspired
by the popular US
reality show, Project Runway. This
was a sewing project focused on re-cycling or re-designing existing items of
clothing into a new garment. This project was the most challenging for me,
because I am not bilingual, and I wanted to cross the language barrier for this
contest. In all, over a dozen local contestants entered the
contest, and just a very few of them spoke English! A select group of
patrons allowed me the ability to award several cash prizes to the winners in 3
categories, along with a Grand Prize of $3000 pesos for the most outstanding
designer! www.mexiconaomi.blogspot.mx/2013/10/the-altered-ropa-contest-october-8th.html
Along
with these events of 2013, I keep busy at my studio, “Off the Beach” where I
create a variety of seashell crafts, jewelry pieces along with many sewing and design
projects.
http://mexiconaomi.blogspot.mx/p/blog-page.html
http://mexiconaomi.blogspot.mx/p/blog-page.html
Puerto
Peñasco is such a great community for any artistic endeavors! I think creativity
thrives here under the Sonoran Sunshine – the Sea of Cortez
and the surrounding Desert Reserve inspires us all with its beauty.
It
makes me absolutely happy to have this recognition in my community! And a big Thank You for the recognition of
being nominated.
~ Naomi Black
