Contents for January 6th, 2025
CONTENTS (please click on the links or scroll down for complete information on each post):
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Weekly Spotlight: Kal Spelletich, FF Alumn, in collaboration with Oakwood Arts, presents American Aria, January 6, 2025, 2:00-9:30 PM EST
1. Alvin Eng, FF Alumn, at Drama Book Shop, Manhattan, Jan. 30
2. Kenneth King, FF Member, now online at YouTube.com
3. Beverly Naidus, FF Alumn, online program, starting Jan. 11
4. Susan Mogul, FF Alumn, at 2220 Archives, Los Angeles, CA, Jan. 7, and more
5. Frank Moore, Annie Sprinkle, Veronica Vera, FF Alumns, now online at mondoheather.com
6. Richard Alpert, FF Alumn, at Museum of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa, CA, opening Feb. 15
7. EIDIA House, FF Alumns, January news
8. RT Livingston, FF Alumn, at Santa Barbara Tennis Club, CA, opening Jan. 10
9. Mo Angelos, Beverly Naidus, Ruth Wallen, FF Alumns, named 2025 Community of Practice Residents, Santa Fe Art Institute, NM
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Weekly Spotlight: Kal Spelletich, FF Alumn, in collaboration with Oakwood Arts, presents American Aria, January 6, 2025, 2:00-9:30 PM EST
https://franklinfurnace.org/americanaria/
American Aria is a durational video installation created by multimedia artist Kal Spelletich and filmmaker Seamus Davis in partnership with Oakwood Arts JET Productions, inviting audiences to reflect on the transgressive nature of the January 6, 2021 insurrection on our nation’s capital. As our nation emerges from one of its most consequential presidential elections in modern history, American Aria reflects on surreal and horrifying aspects of that day and calls upon us to remain vigilant in upholding democracy.
Current political rhetoric suggests that the dangers of the insurrection have yet to pass, making this project urgently relevant. This piece serves as both a warning and a reflection on the volatile state of American democracy. Its visual and thematic content aligns with ongoing discussions about political accountability, free speech, and the fragility of democratic institutions in the face of rising extremism. American Aria catalyzed a nationwide screening of the project at venues including Oakwood Arts (Richmond, VA); Artists Television Access (San Francisco, CA); and Office Space Gallery (Detroit, MI).
Join us on Monday, January 6, 2025 for a screening and conversation on the anniversary of the insurrection. Franklin Furnace’s digital LOFT will host a full durational screening of American Aria – 6 hours and 11 minutes – the same length as the actual insurgence on our Capital. A Q&A session with the artists and a special guest will follow the screening.
Kal Spelletich is a San Francisco-based artist known for exploring the intersections of technology, politics, and art. His activist-oriented work critiques power structures and uses art as a tool for political commentary. Known for his pioneering work in robotic and mechanized art, American Aria builds upon his decades-long commitment to using art as a vehicle for social change.
Seamus Davis, an Irish filmmaker and activist, collaborated with Spelletich on the creation of American Aria, overseeing the editing process and reviewing hundreds of hours of source footage to shape the final six-hour-and-eleven-minute film. His deep understanding of narrative and visual storytelling amplifies Spelletich’s vision, highlighting the political and cultural significance of the piece.
This project was inspired and informed by Spelletich’s conversations with Emmy-nominated journalist AC Thompson, whose investigations into American fascism for PBS and ProPublica have been crucial in shaping the thematic focus of the work.
This project was generously underwritten by Mike Schewel and facilitated by Oakwood Arts JET Productions. Oakwood Arts is a Richmond, Virginia-based nonprofit. Supporting creative opportunity for all, Oakwood Arts makes art and careers in creative industries accessible to all through community engagement, inspiring programming, and experiential education. Their programs include classes and workshops that focus on the digital and technical skills students need to succeed in the creative workforce. Oakwood Arts’ Fall semester interns and OA JET members contributed to this project through tasks such as video editing, 3D mock-ups, trailers, marketing design, website design, and planning for events and the online exhibition, while gaining insights into copyright laws and ethical sourcing.
A link to the project’s website, including a short of the full-length durational video and links to upcoming screenings, can be found here: https://www.americanaria.com/
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1. Alvin Eng, FF Alumn, at Drama Book Shop, Manhattan, Jan. 30
On January 30, I will have a chance to discuss the “Our Town” side of my memoir, “Our Laundry, Our Town.” at the Drama Book Shop. I will be joined in conversation by Shoshana Greenberg from the Thornton Wilder Society. Details at https://dramabookshop.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoozGV2bflDGUaPTgSJZZgyXOW1S5Art0o9BACNsMW2YJS-mwNba
Thank you. Alvin Eng
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2. Kenneth King, FF Member, now online at YouTube.com
Moving Through Time (A “Choreohistography”) – Time and history–images, pictures, and memories–constantly move through us in mysterious ways. The camera eye has the uncanny ability to intercept and reveal what’s hidden in the intervals. (8:12′) Here’s the link:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ri8fvf7DIlQ
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3. Beverly Naidus, FF Alumn, online program, starting Jan. 11
A new online program, ART MEDICINE FOR CATASTROPHIC & TRANSFORMATIVE TIMES, starts Saturday, January 4th. IF you can’t make the first session, no worries. We will meet every subsequent Saturday in January 2025, at 10 am Pacific Time. Venmo a suggested contribution of $20/per class to participate to @Beverly-Naidus and you will receive the Zoom link. You can also use PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bnaidus
If you can’t make the first gathering, no worries. Let me know if you want to sign up for the following ones. Classes will run about 90 minutes, and there will be an “after-party” for more informal discussions.
Each class will start with a guided meditation and visualization process. A conversation about the times we are entering as a species (sometimes referred to as THE LONG DARK) will act as a prompt for our work together. Participants will be encouraged to bring a sketch pad or journal for writing and drawing. We will have brainstorming break out sessions, and time to share projects and collaborate on building our visions for how to ground, drop into a different rhythm from the dominant culture, and develop disobedient & creative tactics for navigating this time. Our goal is to offer up something tangible and expansive to guide you and your community through uncertain times.
Questions, don’t hesitate to ask them.
bnaidus@uw.edu
Bee (Beverly) Naidus
Artist/Writer/Facilitator/Collaborator
Studio #2, Merlino Art Center, Tacoma
(the unceded traditional lands of the Puyallup people)
Gravity Humming: https://beverlyenaidus.substack.com/
Rooting Deep in the Storm: https://wordpress.com/post/beverlynaidus.wordpress.com/251
Author of Arts for Change: Teaching Outside the Frame (New Village Press)
Professor Emerita of Interdisciplinary Studio Arts
University of Washington, Tacoma
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4. Susan Mogul, FF Alumn, at 2220 Archives, Los Angeles, CA, Jan. 7, and more
Tuesday January 7th 3:30 PM PST time
NY time 6:30 PM
Virtual Presentation
hosted by the Art Gallery of Guelph in Canada. See link below. I will discuss my personal films. The event is in conjunction with the gallery’s exhibition of my film “I Stare at You and Dream”- my “sequel” to “Echo Street”.
https://artgalleryofguelph.ca/program/in-conversation-with-susan-mogul/
https://www.instagram.com/p/DD41Y19viHg/?img_index=1
and
8 PM at 2220 Archives on Beverly Blvd. in Los Angeles
See link below. It is a dual screening of “Echo Street” and a new film by a young NY filmmaker.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DD41Y19viHg/?img_index=1
if the IG post does not work for you here is a different link on another site.
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5. Frank Moore, Annie Sprinkle, Veronica Vera, FF Alumns, now online at mondoheather.com
Please visit this link:
https://www.mondoheather.com/post/this-body-is-love-will-never-conform
Thank you.
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6. Richard Alpert, FF Alumn, at Museum of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa, CA, opening Feb. 15
UNЯULY: North Bay Artists from San Francisco Art Institute
Museum of Sonoma County, 425 7th St, Santa Rosa, CA
Show Dates: February 15 – June 8, 2025
Reception: Saturday, February 15, 5-7 pm
The founding of the San Francisco Artists Alumni (SFAA) marked a defining moment in the history of the San Francisco Art Institute (SFAI), uniting a community dedicated to honoring the school’s storied legacy. Curated by SFAI alum Jude Mooney, UNЯULY embodies the daring spirit that has always set SFAI artists apart. This exhibition, featuring works by 18 alumni and former faculty members from the North Bay, brings together diverse artistic voices to explore uncharted territories in form, materials, and meaning.
Alumni Richard H. Alpert will be presenting the sculptures Mechanism for Twisting Wire and Glad/Sad.
Richard H. Alpert
Sculpture, Abstract Filmmaker, and Performance Artist
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7. EIDIA House, FF Alumns, January news
The best to all in the New Year,
Looking back while moving forward (and thinking positively) EIDIA House has been hard at some good work. The most comprehensive to date is the documentary BOB’S WORLD (40min. receiving 20 Awards). The Robert Allen Witz Estate has been placed in climate control storage. The EIDIA House Studio Tapes (14 min.) has just been completed. The Plato’s Cave Exhibition Series continues with artists to be announced. Many of you recall “FOOD SEX ART the Starving Artists’ Cookbook & Video project.” We happily placed the archive with the Getty Museum / Getty Research Institute, GRI. We are honored that the archive is housed in such a prominent institution alongside such an illustrious array of creatives. We thank all the 160 plus artists who helped make the massive project a success. To name a few: Lousie Bourgeois, Al Hansen, John Cage, Paul Bob, Charlie Morrow, William Wegman, Bonnie Sherk, Paul Zaloom, Martha Wilson, Carolee Schneemann, Jonas Mekas, Olivier Mosset, Gracie Mansion, Lawrence Weiner, Peter Beard, Luis Frangella, David Sandlin, John Sex, Buster Cleveland, Ira Schneider, Willoughby Sharp, Dennis Oppenheim, Andrea Evans, John Epperson, Mary Beth Edelson, Nam June Paik, Shigeko Kubota, Franc Palaia, Arleen Schloss, Kit-Yin Snyder, Papo Colo…
Heading into the New Year if you would continue to support EIDIA House visit eidia.com for our new film and BOB’S WORLD ( f.io/fKLhkbSs ) both free. Please click the Donate button for your support.
Thank you!
With Warm Regards,
Melissa P. Wolf
Paul Lamarre
EIDIA House
Plato’s Cave
@eidiahouse
@bobs_world_the_film
https://www.eidia.com/bobs-world.html
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8. RT Livingston, FF Alumn, at Santa Barbara Tennis Club, CA, opening Jan. 10
The Abstract Nine is an evolving and diverse group of artists whose work connects and conveys individual interpretations of non-objective art. Curator/Director Susan Tibbles invites you to the artists reception, Jan. 10, 4:30-6;30 pm.
Show continues thru March 5 10 am-6 pm daily.
Santa Barbara Tennis CLub,. 2375 Foothill Rd.
93105 805-682-4722
www.2ndfridaysArt.com
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9. Mo Angelos, Beverly Naidus, Ruth Wallen, FF Alumns, named 2025 Community of Practice Residents, Santa Fe Art Institute, NM
Please visit this link:
https://sfai.org/residents/2025-community-practice-residents
Thank you.
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Join Franklin Furnace today:
https://franklinfurnace.org/membership/
Goings On for Artists is compiled weekly by Rohan Subramaniam, FF Intern, Summer/Fall/Winter 2024/2025
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