Nature photography course coming to library with Scarborough Land Trust

Apr 3, 2023 By Admin in Photography

Wildlife photo. Dan Kehlenbach

The Scarborough Land Trust, in partnership with the Scarborough Public Library, is running a six-part Introduction to Nature Photography Class. The course will be taught by nature photographer Dan Kehlenbach.

“Yeah, basically it’s an introduction level course to nature photography,” Kehlenbach said. “Geared to anybody, whether somebody is using a smartphone, or a point and shoot camera, mirrorless camera, SLR, whatever camera they may have. It’s going to be an overall introduction to all aspects of nature photography. It’s going to be six lessons, all each about an hour long.”

No experience is necessary for the free class, and any type of camera may be used, including smartphones. Registration for all six classes is required.

“Dan has been a volunteer for the land trust for two years, something like that, as a photographer,” said Andrew Mackie, executive director of the Scarborough Land Trust. “He has been a great asset for us. You know, if we are looking at a property and need some pictures, running fundraising efforts, or if we are doing a report and we need some photos of something. … You know, I email Dan, and say this is what we need, and he goes out and does it. He’s an amazing photographer.”

“And obviously a great thing that people like to do out in nature especially is take pictures,” Mackie said. “So having a workshop on landscape and wildlife photography seemed like a natural. And partnering with Scarborough Library seemed like a great fit and we’ve partnered with them on a lot of projects in the past. And Dan was offered his time to do a pretty extensive workshop, you know it’s six sessions, with some additional optional outings at land trust properties.”

Lesson one is an introduction to nature photography, cameras, and gear, on Tuesday, April 25, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Scarborough Public Library.

“Lesson one we’re just going to talk a little about nature photography, the ethics of nature photography,” said Kehlenbach. “Which I believe is really important because as photographers we can be stewards of the natural world, so we are going to touch on that quite a bit in the first lesson.”

The first lesson will also go over how to use the gear and cameras, including cameras participants may have brought with them.

Lesson two will be on landscapes and scenics, “ranging from what people think of as the grand landscape all the way down to more intimate kind of scenes in nature that are virtually everywhere,” Kehlenbach said. “What I try to get across is that you do not need to travel to exotic locations to make beautiful photographs, they can literally be done in your back yard”.

This session will be held on Saturday, April 29, 1-2:30 p.m. There will be an optional morning meetup session that day at a Scarborough Land Trust location.

Lesson three will be on wildlife photos, Tuesday, May 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Lesson four will be on closeups and macro shots on subjects such as flowers, patterns in nature, moss, etc. Kehlenbach will teach different techniques to capture such close-up subjects. This session will be held Saturday, May 6, 1-2:30 p.m. There will be another optional Saturday morning session at a land trust area.

Lesson five is on “after the capture,”or how to take a photo from the camera to editing for optimization. This session is on Tuesday, May 9, 6:30-8 p.m.

Lesson six is on projects for nature photography and what to do with your photos. “I’m guilty of this myself,” Kehlenbach said. “I have thousands of photos on my computer, but what do I do with them? We can share them in various ways. We can put together projects. We can help out organizations in the community. We can make cards for people, make gifts for people. All kinds of things to do. What I’d like to try to emphasize is, get those photos off of your device or off of your computer and into the hands of others, in whatever capacity that may be.”

This session is on Saturday, May 13, 1-2:30 p.m.

There will be a final session for a photo gallery and kickoff on Tuesday, May 16, 6:30-8 p.m. Participants can take one or two of their favorite photos they took from the course and present them in any way they choose.

People can register for the course at https://www.scarboroughlibrary.org/events/1703850025

Wildlife photo. Dan Kehlenbach

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As generative AI hype hits full steam, consumers carry reservations

Apr 3, 2023 By Admin in Art World News

Dive Brief:

With the adoption of generative artificial intelligence (AI) solutions growing, consumers are valuing brands that prioritize transparency, according to a new Consumer Navigator survey shared by Dentsu.
Over two-thirds (70%) of respondents said brands should disclose when AI has been used to develop products, services, experiences and content. Seventy-seven percent agreed that brands must monitor the technology to ensure it does not propagate existing biases and inequalities.
Among those surveyed, 61% supported brands experimenting with generative AI. However, less than half (42%) agreed that they prefer brands that are using AI versus those that are not, pointing to some underlying reticence.

Dive Insight:

Major marketers have jumped on the generative AI hype train as software like OpenAI’s ChatGPT reaches new levels of sophistication and mainstream implementation. As concrete applications multiply, brands must keep consumer preferences in mind lest they fall victim to shiny object syndrome. They must also ensure transparency and learn to navigate a Wild West phase with few regulations and safeguards in areas like privacy and protecting intellectual property. Following that, dedicated PR strategies in relation to AI were recommended by Dentsu.

“Marketers would be wise to start developing communications strategies and frameworks now as generative AI plays a growing role in consumer-facing business,” the authors of the report wrote.

Dentsu’s survey indicates that consumers are interested in learning more about generative AI but hold some serious reservations. The report found that nearly half (45%) of respondents were “curious” about the sector, with that curiosity prevalent across demographics. On the other hand, skepticism was the second-most common sentiment on a broad basis and stood at particularly high levels with baby boomers (45%).

A company using AI is not yet a surefire hook for driving engagement or commanding higher prices, per the findings. Just 34% of respondents said they would be willing to pay a premium for products and services built with the help of AI. Consumers do not see every category reaping the same rewards from experimenting with generative AI, either.

While 72% of consumers view the field as having a positive impact on tech, just 58% said the same for advertising and 48% for arts and culture. Other industry verticals analyzed included entertainment, where 61% expect a positive impact, along with shopping (60%), healthcare (58%), finance and travel (both at 53%).

That said, 59% endorsed leveraging AI to create ads and content and 61% supported the idea of using it to develop products and services. At the same time, 78% believe brands should disclose when a service was powered by AI, with that desire echoed for disclosures around AI-assisted branded content (75%) and products (73%).

Millennials were the most enthusiastic about generative AI. Half the cohort expressed excitement on this topic versus just 12% of boomers and 29% of Gen Z. Women, generally, seemed less enthused about AI than men, but both sexes cited anxiety over losing their jobs to automation as their top worry. Four in five of those surveyed believe generative AI represents “the future,” but less than two in five were excited about that prospect. Close to one-third (32%) were “concerned” and 29% were neutral on the matter.

Dentsu’s findings were accrued through online panels conducted with Toluna. Surveys were distributed among a random sample of 1,000 adults in the U.S., with the audience controlled for a representative balance of race and gender.

Despite growing scrutiny, brand buy-in on the generative AI front doesn’t seem to be cooling. Coke in March debuted a platform that is the first of its kind to combine OpenAI’s GPT-4 and DALL-E technologies. Bombay Sapphire and director Baz Luhrmann are planning an art installation with works created with the help of an AI-powered robot.

Celebrate Dallas Arts Month with these 13 events

Apr 3, 2023 By Admin in Native

Dallas Arts Month is toasting its 10-year anniversary! The month-long April celebration shines a spotlight on the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene. There are hundreds of events to enjoy including festivals, exhibitions and performances.

To make the most of the whole month of April here’s a sampling of a 13 events you won’t want to miss. Take in a jazz stroll, an exhibition or two, or even a Broadway-style dance class.

FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS

AT&T Discovery District Arts Festival
Where: AT&T Discovery District – 208 S. Akard St.
When: Saturday, April 15, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: Free

The AT&T Discovery District Arts Festival is the perfect way to experience and celebrate the best of Dallas Arts Month. The family-friendly event features everything from art workshops to a vendor market. Meet 40 local artists, check out exhibitions and hear live music from local musicians.

Dallas Art Fair
Where: Fashion Institute Gallery (F.I.G.) – 1807 Ross Ave.
When: April 20-23
Cost: $20-$250

Peruse a wide variety of artwork at the 2023 Dallas Art Fair. The annual event features works from just emerging artists to those who are well-known in the art world. This 15^th edition of the Fair includes 88 exhibitors representing 20 countries and 46 cities from around the globe.

American Indian Art Festival
Where: Latino Cultural Center – 2600 Live Oak St.
When: April 28-29
Cost: Free

The Intertribal Community Council of Texas presents a 2-day cultural celebration of Native American visual and performing arts. The free event showcases works by Native American artists, stage performances in drumming, dance and music, cultural demonstrations and traditional and contemporary tribal food.

MUSIC

Decades: Back to the ‘80s
Where: Meyerson Symphony Center – 2301 Flora St.
When: April 14-15, 8:30 p.m., April 16, 3 p.m.
Cost: $37-$175

Join the Dallas Symphony Orchestra on a trip back to the ’80s. Hear music from Madonna, Debbie Gibson, Huey Lewis & The News, Phil Collins, Queen, Joe Cocker, and others. The show contains all new arrangements by Grammy Award-winner Jeff Tyzik and performances from three soloists.

Music in the Park
Where: Samuell-Grand Amphitheater – 1500 Tenison Blvd.
When: April 14 -16, 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $25

Shakespeare Dallas brings back its popular Music in the Park series for three nights at Samuell Grand Amphitheater. The lineup includes Cosmic Cowboy Country Review, soul singer Maya Piata and Salvage Enterprise Listening Experience with Tim DeLaughter of The Polyphonic Spree. Bring a picnic or enjoy food from one of the many vendors.

D’JAM Jazz Stroll
Where: Dallas Arts District – 2403 Flora St.
When: Saturday, April 29, 1 – 7 p.m.
Cost: Free

Dallas Jazz Appreciation Month, also known as D’JAM, shines a spotlight on all things jazz during the month of April. To celebrate its 10-year anniversary, D’JAM is presenting its first annual Jazz Stroll in the Dallas Arts District. The “Day of Jazz” will transform Flora Street into a Jazz Alley with participating venues.

DANCE

Arts Month Dance Classes
Where: AT&TPAC, Sammons Park – 2403 Flora St.
When: Saturday, April 8, 10 a.m.
Cost: Free

The AT&T Performing Arts Center hosts free community dance classes every Saturday morning in April in Sammons Park. Different styles led by guest instructors are offered every week. This Saturday join Dallas Theater Center’s Gena Loe for a Broadway-style “Singin’ In the Rain” class.

Dallas Black Dance Theater: Encore! Rising Excellence
Where: Moody Performance Hall – 2520 Flora St.
When: Friday, April 21, Saturday, April 22, 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $25-$45

Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s performance of “Encore! Rising Excellence” draws on themes of heritage and memories. Choreographer Takehiro Ueyama creates “Heroes” to honor the dedication and preservation of citizens who played a crucial role in Japan’s recovery after World War II. Katarzyna Skarpetowska choreographed “Snow Playground,” as an abstract work inspired by the image of swirling snow across a children’s playground.

THEATER

A Light in Dark Places: Plays for Hope
Where: Bath House Cultural Center – 300 East Lawther Dr.
When: April 7 – 15
Cost: $20–$30

A Light in Dark Places is a series of five short plays that breaks down the stigma surrounding the topic of suicide. The shows use a mix of comedy and drama to encourage healthy discussion, create community, and offer hope to those affected. After each performance, there will be a Q&A session featuring a mental health professional and members of the ALIDP team, followed by a reception with complimentary drinks and the opportunity to connect.

The Butterfly’s Evil Spell
Where: Theatre Three – 2800 Routh St. Suite 168, Dallas
When: April 6 – 30
Cost: $37–$40

Theatre Three’s latest production is an “insect comedy” set on the side of the road in South Texas. It’s about the unrequited love between a beetle and a butterfly set on the side of the road in South Texas.

MUSEUM & GALLERY EVENTS

Pop of Art: Estamos Bien
Where: Dallas Museum of Art – 1717 North Harwood St.
When: Friday, April 7, 5-9 p.m.
Cost: $0-$15

The Dallas Museum of Art dedicates an evening to Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny. Create an album cover, dance to the rhythm of Latin Trap, or take a Spanglish tour that draws connections between Bad Bunny song titles and works in the DMA collection.

Dreamland
Where: Sweet Tooth Hotel – 1511 Elm Street, #100
When: Thru December 31
Cost: $20-$45

“Dreamland” is Sweet Tooth Hotel’s largest exhibition to date. Make your way through 6,000 square feet of adventures that includes reboots of its original fiber art installations and new works by latch hook artist Bobcat & Birdie, multi-media artist Shamsy Roomiani and others.

Beethoven Walks
Where: Nasher Sculpture Center – 2001 Flora St.
When: Thru May 21
Cost: 0-$10

Experience the music of Beethoven in a whole new way at the terraced gardens inside the Nasher Sculpture Center. The installation called “Beethoven Walks” is a visual and auditory experience of the composer’s music, his creative process and the inspiration he drew from nature.

Be sure to check out The Dallas Arts Month website for a complete list of events going on around town.

Got a tip? Email Therese Powell at tpowell@kera.org.

Art&Seek is made possible through the generosity of our members. If you find this reporting valuable, consider making a tax-deductible gift today. Thank you.

6 Must-See Murals at Starbucks Community Stores Around the World

Apr 3, 2023 By Admin in Native

In 2015, Starbucks launched its Community Store Program to help strengthen the communities where we live, work and grow. These stores offer unique opportunities for Starbucks partners (employees) to connect with, engage and represent the communities they serve. One way this can be seen is through custom artwork found within these stores. Throughout the world, Starbucks works with local creators of all backgrounds to develop unique art pieces for its Community Stores, celebrating local community customs, traditions and heritage.

While Starbucks Community Stores serve different groups and different cultures around the world, each of the unique art pieces within these stores depict the power of connection and belonging, core to the company’s mission.

Farming & Cultivation – San Antonio, TX

Dedicated to the San Antonio community, this store’s mural depicts local culture, traditions and history.

Artist Alex Rubio is a San Antonio native, identifying with Chicano culture. In this mural, Rubio demonstrates his signature curvilinear line design, Zarape, which can be seen dancing around the artwork’s central image. In the mural’s center, two hands are depicted holding newly picked coffee cherries, preparing for their freshly brewed order.

Rubio has a long history of mentorship in the San Antonio community. This commissioned piece was put together with support from the youth program Rubio is mentoring called San Antonio Street Art Initiative (SASAI). Members of the program collaborated with Rubio on the initial sketch and concept phase of the mural, which Rubio finalized for the store.

Unity & Vibrance – Fort Lauderdale, FL

Dedicated to the people of Fort Lauderdale, this mural represents unity and coffee.

Nate Dee, a local artist from South Florida, channels his Haitian roots in his artwork and is inspired by the quality of the Art Nouveau movement, Greek art from the Hellenistic and pop surrealists. Dee pulled from these influences to craft a mural depicting animals from regions where Starbucks sources its coffee beans, paired with symbols of unity.

Texture & Movement – Xiulin Township, Hualian

This store draws on the rich indigenous culture in Hualian, including featured artwork created by indigenous artists Miru Hayung and Eleng Luluan.

Miru Hayung is a self-taught Atayal artist who was born and raised in the LaLa Mountain region of Taiwan. Of his art, Hayung shares that the abstract approach to his art has given a new identity towards his culture. To create this piece (left), Hayung used vibrant images to illustrate how coffee connects people and the environment.

Eleng Luluan has lived in Dulan, Taitung for the last 20 years, where she specializes in sculpture with composite media and environmental installation. In this piece (right), Luluan used local textiles and embroidery cloth to create an artistic landscape of plants and coffee trees.

Generational Ties & Flourishing Colors – Brooklyn (Bed-Stuy), NY

Dedicated to the Bedford–Stuyvesant (aka Bed-Stuy) community, this mural is bright, colorful and community-minded.

Artist Olalekan Jeyifous is a Brooklyn based artist whose work re-imagines social spaces that examine the relationships between architecture, community, and the environment. This vibrant mural depicts individuals of all ages coming together, holding up plant-life and watering a city that emulates the beauty and life in the city of Brooklyn.

Inclusion & Togetherness – Seoul

The Seoul Community Store, located in the Seoul National University Dental Hospital (SNUDH), was designed with a specific focus on inclusive design.

The store’s central art piece, created by Starbucks partners (employees), demonstrates the positive impact that Starbucks partners with disabilities have had on the company. It also depicts partners’ hopes to create a place where all people can come together over a cup of coffee. To create this piece, partners across South Korea contributed individual clay pieces, arranged to create the word “Together” in English, mounted on a background of upcycled Starbucks coffee grounds.

Black History & Culture – Columbia, SC

Dedicated to the Columbia, South Carolina community, this custom mural is titled “A Great Cloud of Witnesses” and depicts three Columbia locals – a nurse and two artists – overlaid with photographs honoring local Black history and culture.

The one of a kind piece came to life from the collaboration of two artists, Lauren Andreu and Jared Owens. Andreu is a muralist based in Columbia who uses color that draws the eye to show the different parts of the story she is looking to tell. Owens is South Carolina native who began his art practice while incarcerated, where he studied art magazines, books, encyclopedias, and critics reviews in newspapers to inform his artistic style and craft.