SHARON – Hope Center for Arts and Technology is presenting a Fine Art show featuring artists from around the country and a solo exhibition from artist-in-residence Liz Beach.
HopeCAT Fine Arts Invitational Thursday
Seaweed sculpture planned for Scarborough harbour
Paul Morrison’s £79,000 artwork will boost tourism, North Yorkshire Council says.
Photographer doesn’t force young girls to smile in photos and the results are powerful
Professional Tips for Wedding Photography
From the “must have” shot list to unexpected candid moments, couples place their trust in their wedding photographer to assure they can infinitely relive their special day. However, those frame-worthy photos don’t come without expertise, and New Orleans photographers all agree the better a couple’s relationship is with their photographer ahead of time, the better the photos. Here, four local photographers share their like-minded emphasis on establishing an easygoing relationship with couples up front and much more on how to best capture a wedding day.
Kristin Soileau Photography
On par with her peers in the New Orleans photography industry, Kristin Soileau Freeman and her one-woman show that is Kristin Soileau Photography advises her couples to assure they align and “vibe” with their photographer on a non-business level first. When this is established up front, it opens the door for one of Soileau’s goals as a photographer, to “photograph with walls down,” meaning her couples don’t have theoretical barriers up on their Big Day.
Furthermore, Soileau recommends couples get their family and friends on board with their photographer as well, so all the couple’s closest people are comfortable come wedding day and don’t view the photographer as just another vendor.
Soileau believes there’s no need to mock or create scenes, shooting with an “If I miss it, I miss it” motto, one that allows her photography to capture more organic moments. Soileau advises couples to not forget that the day doesn’t have to fit a definition of “perfect”; ordinary moments are extraordinary, she says.
Booking with Soileau means couples forgo the director type for more of an observer, as she reminds couples they don’t need to think or worry about her on their day as she captures moments as they naturally unfold. Although she may be found pushing the limits with a unique photo angle, Soileau says it is important for couples to remember they’ll likely be spending more time with their photographer on their Big Day than any other individual person, even their betrothed.
“At the end of the day, this is their day and I’m just stepping into it and it’s an honor,” Soileau said. kristensoileau.com
Mateo & Co.
With a stylist accompanying their lead photographer and owner, Matt Diaz, to every wedding, Mateo & Co. has been focused on “fun and fabulous” luxury since 2012. Diaz emphasizes meeting couples for a cocktail or coffee before arranging plans as a friendly rapport is crucial to a wedding’s photographic success.
Diaz advises couples he works with to stay true to themselves as capturing organic moments is key to storytelling. Couples can expect Diaz’s shots to be classic, timeless and authentic, as he believes in capturing timeless styles, angles and moments.
When booking with Mateo & Co. couples are required to have a wedding planner, an asset to the day that Diaz considers the “best investment they’ll make.” As a reminder to couples on their Big Day, Diaz assures there should be comfort in asking your photographer questions and suggestions, something he warmly welcomes.
Diaz, who enjoys a good time himself, affirms that couples will be satisfied with their photos if they invest the time in building solid rapport with their photographer. Once compatibility is established and wedding day comes, Diaz and his stylist will assure every detail of the day’s photographs are on point, from a clean background to reducing stress, the addition of a stylist reminds couples why booking Mateo & Co. is unique.
A recommendation Diaz has been reminding couples of lately is the crucial importance lighting plays in the day. Investing in lighting is a great way to enhance the scene and photographs, Diaz said. mateoco.com
Silver Loop Studios
For destination wedding couples, familiarizing yourself with New Orleans can greatly impact the essence of the photos, according to Cameron Johnson, Silver Loop Studios’ lead photographer.
Once a couple secures a photographer for their wedding, it’s time to put trust in them and remember they’re likely in the business because they value people and want the best for your day, Johnson said. “We are legitimately on your side.”
Not falling into the trap of styling your wedding day off someone else’s is a key to original and personal photographs and a generally happier wedding, Johnson believes.
Given that “time is your most valuable resource” on a wedding day, to assure a diverse range of moments are captured, Johnson recommends having the day’s events in only one to two locations, to maximize time. With roots in photojournalism, fine art and fashion, Silver Loop Studios recommends communication between couples and their team, as it is the easiest way to assure efficiency and satisfaction.
As with fellow photographers, Johnson recommends — budget permitting — that couples invest in a wedding planner as they too, assure effectiveness in the day’s success.
“Anything can happen on a wedding day and there [are] no do-overs,” Johnson said. silverloopstudios.com
Eau Claire Photographics
Specializing in documentary-style photography, Sandra O’Claire of Eau Claire Photographics, has organically captured New Orleans weddings since 2002.
O’Claire highly encourages her couples to remember it’s their wedding, not a photo shoot, which if embodied successfully, will result in the off-shoot moments captured matching that of a photoshoot.
When booking Eau Claire, couples can expect natural laughter as she admits her continual verbal communication invokes plenty of candid moments. As a couple, finding a photographer who matches your personality is a make-or-break aspect for the fluidity of the Big Day, O’Claire said.
Rather than posed shots, O’Claire has found the off moments mean more to the couple in the end, so she reminds them that she is just a “fly on the wall” and that a ton of intentional engagement between the couple and her isn’t necessary for a great gallery. However, for posed portraits, O’Claire encourages an intimate moment for her couples to lessen the stress and discomfort of excited onlookers, usually the wedding parties.
For those looking for a New Orleans essence in their photos, O’Claire reminds her couples that is an element of the planning process, as it is hard to weave in last minute.
O’Claire’s documentary focus comes into play when couples enjoy the reception together, engage with each other, and work the room as one. eauclairephotographics.com
Pan-American documentary photography exhibit to open at Centro de Artes
San Antonio – A new Pan-American documentary photography exhibit is opening at the Centro de Artes Gallery in downtown San Antonio this week.
There are over 200 works from 20 award-winning photographers living in South, Central and North America to explore at the exhibit “From SA to SA: From South America to San Antonio.”
“The idea behind this exhibit is to bring a glimpse of different images from these regions, but also explore and understand what are some of the social, economic and political issues taking place,” said Guillermina Zabala, the exhibit’s curator.
Zabala says she has been working on this project for a few years, and the audience can immerse themselves in the stories of the photographs.
“On this side, you will find the work of Francisco Cortes, who is a photographer from San Antonio, Texas,” Zabala said. “He explored the images from the West Side. This is the neighborhood of Cassiano Homes connecting individuals, the culture, the landscape around the space.”
Different sections of the exhibit focus on community, immigration and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The exhibit is open from August 10 until December 30, 2023.
DJ Casper, artist behind ‘Cha Cha Slide,’ has died
(CNN) —DJ Casper, born Willie Perry, Jr., has died after a battle with cancer, his wife told CNN affiliate ABC7 Chicago on Monday.
The Chicago native was reportedly 58. CNN has reached out to his family for comment.
Casper was responsible for the popular song “Cha Cha Slide,” which came out 23 years ago this month. Coming off of his “Cha-Cha Slide: The Original Slide Album,” the track gave way to a popular line dance that is still performed at events all over the world.
[embedded content]Casper’s “Cha Cha Slide” has quickly become a staple at events from proms and weddings to corporate functions and more – wherever dance is a part of a celebration – thanks to its easy dancability and the way it fits into the Black tradition of line dances including the Electric Slide and the Cupid Shuffle.Such traditions are not unfamiliar to the world at large due in part to the show “Soul Train,” which celebrated Black music artists and the art of line dancing well before some of today’s most popular dances were invented.
Casper told ABC7 during an interview in May that he was surprised by his song’s international success. “When I first did it, I did it as an aerobic exercise for my nephew at Bally’s,” he said. “From there, it just took off. Elroy Smith from WGCI grabbed ahold of it.”
The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.
Connor McCann on how creating grotesque comics has helped him process being alive
On how creating grotesque comics has helped him process being alive.
DJ Casper, artist behind ‘Cha Cha Slide,’ has died
(CNN) — DJ Casper, born Willie Perry, Jr., has died after a battle with cancer, his wife told CNN affiliate ABC7 Chicago on Monday.
The Chicago native was reportedly 58. CNN has reached out to his family for comment.
Casper was responsible for the popular song “Cha Cha Slide,” which came out 23 years ago this month. Coming off of his “Cha-Cha Slide: The Original Slide Album,” the track gave way to a popular line dance that is still performed at events all over the world.
Casper’s “Cha Cha Slide” has quickly become a staple at events from proms and weddings to corporate functions and more – wherever dance is a part of a celebration – thanks to its easy dancability and the way it fits into the Black tradition of line dances including the Electric Slide and the Cupid Shuffle.
Such traditions are not unfamiliar to the world at large due in part to the show “Soul Train,” which celebrated Black music artists and the art of line dancing well before some of today’s most popular dances were invented.
Casper told ABC7 during an interview in May that he was surprised by his song’s international success. “When I first did it, I did it as an aerobic exercise for my nephew at Bally’s,” he said. “From there, it just took off. Elroy Smith from WGCI grabbed ahold of it.”
Thanks for reading CBS NEWS.
Create your free account or log in
for more features.
DJ Casper, artist behind ‘Cha Cha Slide,’ has died
CNN
—
DJ Casper, born Willie Perry, Jr., has died after a battle with cancer, his wife told CNN affiliate ABC7 Chicago on Monday.
The Chicago native was reportedly 58. CNN has reached out to his family for comment.
Casper was responsible for the popular song “Cha Cha Slide,” which came out 23 years ago this month. Coming off of his “Cha-Cha Slide: The Original Slide Album,” the track gave way to a popular line dance that is still performed at events all over the world.
Casper’s “Cha Cha Slide” has quickly become a staple at events from proms and weddings to corporate functions and more – wherever dance is a part of a celebration – thanks to its easy dancability and the way it fits into the Black tradition of line dances including the Electric Slide and the Cupid Shuffle.
Such traditions are not unfamiliar to the world at large due in part to the show “Soul Train,” which celebrated Black music artists and the art of line dancing well before some of today’s most popular dances were invented.
Casper told ABC7 during an interview in May that he was surprised by his song’s international success. “When I first did it, I did it as an aerobic exercise for my nephew at Bally’s,” he said. “From there, it just took off. Elroy Smith from WGCI grabbed ahold of it.”
CMA acquires contemporary works by Columbia native Rodney McMillian, solo exhibit planned
Rodney McMillian is an artist with works in nearly all of America’s top contemporary and modern art museums. His paintings have hung in Oslo, Norway and London, England. Now, the Irmo-born son comes home.
The Columbia Museum of Art acquired two paintings by McMillian. The yearlong feat is from the Contemporaries board of volunteers, who raise funds and seek new work for the museum’s contemporary art collection.
McMillian was joined by his family and friends at CMA on Aug. 7 to present the works, where the Los Angeles-based artist was given a key to the city of Columbia, and presented a resolution from the General Assembly.
Rodney McMillian, left, sits on the stage with Michaela Pilar Brown, right, to discuss his art and history
“They say you’re never a prophet in your own town, so when your hometown begins to recognize you it should mean something,” said State Sen. Todd Rutherford, the minority leader who represents Richland County. “It should mean something for those of us that have watched from afar, seeing the artwork be created and seeing all the things that you’ve been able to do; to take history and bring it present.”
Rutherford and McMillian grew up together.
McMillian is a prominent voice in 21st Century contemporary American art. Rooted in landscape painting, McMillian examines the intersections of place, race, gender and politics in his mixed-media collections.
One of the acquired works is “Twice Painted,” a still life of empty flower vases. It’s a dark piece, with the vases painted near-black, and the background all but swallowing the light. It’s simple in object and small in stature — a change from most of McMillian’s large-scale works — but “Twice Painted” holds your attention; there’s something to be found in the blackness.
“Twice Painted,” a still life by Rodney McMillian, hangs in the Columbia Museum of Art.
In contrast, the CMA also acquired a work from McMillian’s collection, “The Body Politic,” an exploration and damnation of America’s history of experimentation and “medical exploitation” of Black people.
The painting, “Untitled (For Dr. Raegan McDonald-Mosely),” dominates the wall upon which it hangs. Black and purple tributaries weave through murky yellow and green, like a marsh bleeding into an estuary. Along the bottom of the piece is a quote from OBGYN and activist, Dr. Reagan McDonald-Mosley. It glares in red, blocky letters: “You can’t educate your way out of the problem. You can’t health-care-access your way out of the problem. There’s something inherently wrong with the system that’s not valuing the lives of Black women equally to White women.”
The Columbia Museum of Art acquired two paintings by contemporary artist Rodney McMillian
“Being able to have an artwork that really speaks to the vast disparities in the systemic inequities as it comes to your women’s bodies is incredibly profound and powerful to me, and I hope that it will be for you, as well,” said Columbia City Councilwoman Aditi Bussells, an epidemiologist and Contemporaries member who helped acquire McMillian’s works. Bussells and Councilman Peter Brown were on-hand to present McMillian with the key to the city.
McMillian’s works hang in CMA’s second-level Contemporary Art Gallery, just right of Mao, a 10-work series of Andy Warhol’s Mao Zedong portraits. As part of CMA’s Collection, the works will be a permanent fixture at the Main Street museum.
Visitors observe of one of two Rodney McMillian works at the Columbia Museum of Art
And while the acquisition took a year to pull off, CMA and McMillian aren’t through working together.
Speaking to the crowd at the private Aug. 7 event, McMillian announced a solo exhibition at CMA, slated for 2025.
“I’m just deeply, deeply touched,” McMillian said of his time with CMA thus far. “And I can’t wait to keep seeing you around as we build this show, in a couple of years.”
While he said McMillian’s announcement was “a surprise to you and me both,” CMA Curator Michael Neumeister said the exhibit will be created specifically for the museum, but planning is in the early stages.
