A View From The Top Greg Busceme, TASI Director

THIS IS A TALE of of two cultures. One of seamless to their lives as breathing. To the perks that goes with having regular the boomers, it is an abstract maze of public events is the opportunity to random button sequences that never observe humans in action. Another is get you where you want to go fast being able to see two separate cultures, enough or send it where you want soon generations, micro-gens at two separate enough. Binary hell! ISSUE Vol. 17, No. 1 times of the month each month — those Xers like to stand up during con- being art exhibitions and Band Nites. certs and they don’t dance, but occa- Publisher...... The Art Studio, Inc. I’ve always have been a fan of soci- sionally they will bump forcefully Editor ...... Andy Coughlan ology. I took just enough sociology against each other in a wild jumping Copy Editor ...... Tracy Danna courses in college to be dangerous. manner (mosh pit). Boomers like to Contributing Writers ...... Jacqueline Hays, That bit of knowledge is tied with years dance although we do it badly and don’t ...... Andrew Strange, Chelsea Henderson, of watching human beings being bump into anyone while dancing ...... Elena Ivanova human, on two different generational because you might get punched. Contributing Photographer...... John Fulbright plateaus — war baby/boomer and Band Nite participants only listen to Distribution Director ...... Terri McKusker genX/genZ. the band they came to hear, otherwise The technological difference is they sit in a huddle until their big event The Art Studio, Inc. Board of Directors astounding. When I started using a tele- begins. The art show folks will look at phone, it had two letters and 5 numbers. anybody’s work that hangs on the wall. President Ex-Officio ...... Greg Busceme TE2-5555. TErminal. An easy way to They loosely divide among smokers, Vice-President...... Angela Busceme remember the two new numbers on the eaters and drinkers, but they are all Chair ...... Elizabeth French phone. In small towns they would pick talkers. Treasurer-Secretary ...... Beth Gallaspy up and Margie the operator would What is most interesting is that, Members At Large...... Kimberly Brown, answer and connect your call. Simple. over time, it’s not about generations but ...... Sheila Molandes, Andy Ledesma, We are now all “Margie,” routing and about culture. And not two different cul- ...... Sebastian Ramirez, Stephan Malick, connecting the deluge of random calls tures, but different evolutions of the ...... Heather Eager that may or may not have anything to same culture. One cannot easily detect do with us. the gradual changes in art and music The Art Studio, Inc. Computers, games, iPods, 720 Franklin Smartphones. To the genXer, these Beaumont, TX 77701 pieces of Star Trek miracles are as See VIEW on page 15 From: flower_girl17 409-838-5393 www.artstudio.org [email protected] UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS AT THE ART STUDIO SEPTEMBER OCTOBER The ISSUE is a monthly publication of The Art The Art Studio, Inc. Tenants Show Richard Tallent Photography off 2 gynocologist 2day Studio, Inc. Its mission is to publicize The Art Studio and its tenants, and to promote the growth of the arts in Opening ...... September 4 Opening ...... October 2 Southeast Texas. ISSUE is also charged with informing then get art studio membership TASI members of projects, progress, achievements and setbacks in TASI’s well-being. Further, ISSUE strives to promote and distribute the writings of local authors in its “Thoughtcrime” feature. BECOME A MEMBER OF THE ART STUDIO ISSUE is provided free of charge to members of TASI and is also available, free of charge, at more than 30 loca- Membership in The Art tions in Southeast Texas. Studio, Inc., provides invita- Regular features include local artists of note and rep- tions to all exhibitions and Name(s) utation who are not currently exhibiting at TASI; artists one year of ISSUE, the currently or soon to be exhibiting at TASI; Instructional monthly arts magazine of Address articles for artists; news stories regarding the state of The Art Studio. It also gives TASI’s organization; and arts news features dealing with free eligibility for members City/St/Zip general philosophical issues of interest to artists. to enter the annual mem- bership art exhibition Phone e-mail (TASIMJAE) and partici- pate in various exhibitions Credit Card Type: Visa MC Amex Disc throughout the year. Contents Number MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Exp Date Andy Ledesma at BAL ...... Page 4 THE ART STUDIO, INC. Day Phone e-mail Understanding Contemporary Art ...... Page 5 Joie De Vivre: Wentz At AMSET...... Page 7 SUGGESTED MEMBERSHIP AMOUNT for office use TASI Tenants Show Preview ...... Page 8 Individual: $35 Patron: $500 Musician Karl Prien Remembered ...... Page 10 Family/Group: $50 Angel: $1,000 pd $ Around & About...... Page 12 in comp Thoughtcrime...... Page 13 Friend/Business: $100 Benefactor $2,000 issue ISSUE Press Club Awards ...... Page 15 SEE MEMBERSHIP FORM ON PAGE 3. Sustaining: $250 Life Member: $10,000 thanks New? Renewal? Artist? If yes, list medium Cover: Tenants of The Art Studio The Art Studio, Inc. 720 Franklin, Beaumont 77701 Photo by John Fulbright 4 • ISSUE September 2010 Volume 17, No. 1 Volume 17, No. 1 September 2010 ISSUE • 5 COLLECTIVE EXPERIENCE Don’t Get It? H ANDY TIPS FOR UNDERSTANDING CONTEMPORARY ART

LEDESMA’SONE-MAN mastery of execution played the leading role. Artists “It’s art when you can convince someone else that it is.” became more interested in exploration and experimen- — MICHAEL HEIZER, ARTIST tation. Today artists do not necessarily just “make art,” SHOW NOT SO SOLO they do many things. “YOU SHOULD GO THERE now,” said the medium or a subject matter. The idea may be more Essay by “But what is art?” interjected one of the attendees. Story and WHEN ANDY LEDESMA TALKS guard at the front desk as I checked important than the execution. “We have to define art in order to appreciate it.” Elena in at the Museum of Fine Arts, • “It does not look real.” Tip: Try to get away from Lauren smiled. Photos by about his art, he gets a mischie- vous twinkle in his eyes. This Ivanova Houston. “The room fills up quickly.” thinking about art as a mirror of reality. Realism is only “I try not to answer this question,” she said and Andy time last year it would have been I thanked her and headed down the one artistic method among many. Realism does not then added, “Do not get bogged down trying to define Coughlan just one eye (he has since a mac- escalator to Farish Classroom to equal value in art. art. The question ‘what is art?’ is not about producing a ular vetrectomy for a detached attend the lecture “How to Look at • “This is offensive.” Tip: If an art work seems perfect definition, it’s about a dialogue.” retina). Contemporary Art.” The guard did offensive to you, look back at the history of art and you So, how can a person with little or no background He is now healthy and he not tell me anything I had not known. will see that many art styles and movements which are in art have a meaningful visit to a contemporary art feels as though he has got his Just a few days earlier I was one of accepted and admired today were seen as offensive show? Lauren and Chelsea suggested a four-step strat- groove back, he said. the unlucky latecomers who was turned away from the when they were introduced (for example, egy: A lot has changed in a year, and Ledesma is pon- locked door because the room was full. Impressionism.) Every generation had a hard time • Active looking: create a visual inventory of every- dering how he got to this point on his artistic journey. The fact that so many people were anxious to learn swallowing a new thing. Change is good. thing you see. A manifestation of his thought process will be on how to look at contemporary art amazed and • “This isn’t art.” Tip: Be open to various manifes- impressed me. For the last nine years, I have worked as tations of art. Marcel Duchamp freed artists from the display in the exhibition “The Road Less Traveled,” Andy Ledesma’s an educator at museums of contemporary art and know traditional concept of art, in which the content and the on display at the Beaumont Art League, Sept. 11-30. piñata of you- See CONTEMPORARY on page 6 The show opens Sept. 11 with a reception from 7 to 9 know-who will be first hand that lectures on contemporary art have a lim- p.m. part of his show at ited audience unless the speaker is a famous artist. I Ledesma earned his show after winning BAL’s the Beaumont Art could not wait to hear how my colleagues at MFAH membership show in 2009. League, opening would tackle the issue of interpreting contemporary “I won the best of show last year and they pre- Sept. 11. art. sented me with two galleries to do whatever I wanted The guard’s prediction came true. There was not a with,” he said. “It’s a good opportunity to have a single chair left unoccupied in the room that accommo- career one-man show. It got me thinking about where dated sixty people. During the first fifteen minutes, the I am in my artistic career and how to define it. presentation was constantly interrupted by knocking “To me, my career is not finished. It’s metamor- on the door. At one point, a sheet of paper was pushed phosizing. Being in Southeast Texas is just the latest under the door. It read, “I have traveled all the way from stepping stone.” Galveston. Please let me in.” Ledesma picked the show’s title from the Robert The speakers, Lauren Fretz, Student Program Frost poem of the same name. Coordinator, and Chelsea Schlievert, Public Programs “The weary traveler is reflecting on not just the Coordinator, at the Education Department, conducted road, but also his life,” he said. their presentation as a part classroom discussion, part One decision he made was eschew the idea of a in-gallery workshop. They started by asking the audi- one-man show and to invite a group of local artists to ence what brought them to this program. Most of the participate with him. The artists include Marty responses were typical – “to learn about something I do Arrendondo, Greg Landry, Roy Bares, Beau not know much about,” “to enjoy more museum visits,” Dumesnil, Karen Dumesnil, Willow Roseaux, Andy and the like. However, there were unexpected ones as Coughlan and Kimberly Brown. well. “My husband is an abstract painter and I want to “Filling two galleries I felt would be kind of pre- be able to understand what he does. He refuses to tentious,” he said. “I think the art scene here in explain it to me,” said a young woman. I wondered if Southeast Texas can seem a little redundant. In the Kimberly Brown is just starting on her artis- she would go to such a great length to know more past, two-gallery shows have been too much. tic journey. I think it will be interesting to about her husband’s work if he were an engineer or a “Having just one artist, mid-career, is like going see how she evolves as she starts to devel- scientist. The artist seems to have a special aura, like a to a buffet and only having roast beef. People might op her craft.” magician, and we just have to know how he does his like roast beef, but they want variety.” He said he tried to find artists that reflect the get a variety of expressive modes,” he said. “I love tricks…. Ledesma said that as a person, and as an art cre- variety and quality of work in Southeast Texas. playing with ideas.” The discussion moved to typical negative respons- ator, one of his strengths is being a collaborator — “By showing all this, it’s showing the health of The Port Arthur native spent much of his career es to contemporary art, and Lauren and Chelsea used “maybe even more than my actual skills as an artist.” the local arts scene,” he said. “We have what I call in Los Angeles where he was a muralist and worked each of them as an opportunity to offer a tip on how to “I spent years coming up in the mural scene in barbed-wire guys. These are people who in the with young people to encourage them to find a posi- improve the quality of interaction with art. Here are Los Angeles,” he said. “I was known for attracting the marines will lie on the barbed wire so others can get tive life path through art. some examples: best people to my crews. through. They establish a pre-existing dialog for oth- He returned after Hurricane Rita to take care of • “I don’t get it.” Tip: Spend more time looking at “I’m about the collective.” ers to work from. All of our arts organizations are his mother, who has Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s dis- the works. On the average, a visitor spends about 30 Ledesma decided to use the second gallery to reflecting that. ease. She is participating in her first and last art exhi- seconds looking at a work, which roughly equals the curate a show of local artists who were inspiring and “I also chose these artists because they would be bition, he said. length of a TV commercial. However, while this time would have an impact in our future, he said. a different choice than what’s normally shown at “For a year I tried to paint with her while she had should be enough to get the idea of the commercial, it’s “And so, using the road metaphor, I chose artists BAL.” the mental faculties and she got quite good,” he said. not enough to get the idea of an art work. Art makes that are at different points on their particular jour- The artists comprise a broad cross section of “She taught me how to draw and paint. My father was you work for it, while a commercial spoon-feeds you the UNTITLED (MEN'S SUITS), 2009. Charles LeDray, American, born 1960. Laundry cart contents: purple satin bag; clear, white, and neys,” he said. “I also tried to choose artists that are ages and Ledesma was keen to get a good gender bal- information about a product. black hangers made from alumilite clear cast resin and galvanized steel wire; six pairs of trousers, one shirt, two neckties made doing things a little differently. For example, Willow ance as well. • “It’s almost nothing.” Tip: Appreciate the idea. from various fabrics. Laundry bag with nylon cord, alumilite toggles, fabric, thread, stuffed with fabric. The MFAH, gift of Nina and Roseaux is a self-taught artist who uses markers. “I have a variety of people and I also wanted to See LEDESMA on page 14 Contemporary art tries to push the boundaries of a Michael Zilkha in honor of Joseph Havel. Courtesy photo. 6 • ISSUE September 2010 Volume 17, No. 1 Volume 17, No. 1 September 2010 ISSUE • 7

CONTEMPORARY from page 5

• Choices: what choice did the artist make? What if he did something differently? • Connections: Viewer’s connections: what does this remind you of? Artist’s connections: what factors (social, political, cultural, personal) motivated the artist? • Possibilities: possible meanings of the work. This strategy was promptly tested in reference to Joie de Vivre “Jurassic Age,” a sculpture by Chinese artist Sui AMSET EXHIBIT Jianguo. I can imagine the perplexed glances of visitors to MFAH when they were greeted at the entrance by a red dinosaur, which looked like an oversized children’s HONORS LIFE, WORKS toy locked up in a cage. Undaunted, our group confront- ed the mind-boggling sculpture and came up with a vari- OF BEAUMONT’S WENTZ ety of impressive interpretations. To sum up, the sculp- ture was seen as a reflection of the artist’s vision of Story by ARTISTS HAVE THE GIFT of being China’s place in the world. While China is steadily Andrew able to capture life’s many growing more powerful politically and economically as Mark di Suvero, feelings, emotions and experi- the global manufacturing center of all conceivable American, born 1933 Strange ences, and interpret them goods, its cultural heritage becomes dumbed down and FOR MOTHER TERESA through their work. Few commoditized. At the same time, the scowling monster 1998 artists have captured the joy trying to break out from the cage is evocative of the Collection of of living through their art so Trojan Horse with all its catastrophic consequences. Cranbrook Art Museum, uniquely as George Wentz. Are we acting like the mindless Trojans when we out- Bloomfield Hills, Michigan The Art Museum of source the jobs to China to feed our consumerism? Gift of Margo Cohen Southeast Texas is hosting Where will we be in relation to China a few years or Feinberg in honor of “Joie de Vivre,” an exhibit celebrating the life and decades down the road? Maurice Cohen. works of the late Beaumont artist, through Sept. 26. The best part of discussing contemporary art is Photograph The show features a collection of Wentz’s works that arriving at a consensus is not important. © Balthazar Korab, donated by his friends and family as well as collec- Everyone’s opinion is valid as long as one can give a rea- provided courtesy of the tors. son for it. Of course, this does not mean that anyone artist and Spacetime C.C. George was born in Beaumont on Sept. 27, qualifies to be an art critic. The fact that we perceive art 1945. He studied under Herman Hugg (another by looking may lead to a delusion that no special educa- well-known Beaumont artist), graduated from South tion is needed to understand its meaning and make Park High School and later from Lamar University. judgments. However, looking at art is only the first step Having exhausted ideas, the group started looking particularly well. It maintained that the sculpture was a Sarah Hamilton, curator of exhibitions and col- in the process of art interpretation. Lauren summarized for the label. After all, the third step in the four-step conceptual “portrait” of Mother Teresa, in which the lections at AMSET, said she met Wentz last May the importance of knowledge and scholarship in the fol- strategy suggests that viewers should consider the fac- crossed red I-beams represented her faith, the silver and had discussed putting a retrospective together. , lowing metaphor: “How many of you can throw ball? tors that motivated the artist, and this information could floating part her spirit, and the corrugated steel part Hamilton said she, and others at AMSET, felt “Joie And how many of you consider yourself qualified to play be available on the label. The text on the label read that her mortal body. Then, in 2005, Mark di Suvero came to de Vivre” would be a great way to honor George in the national league?” the installation “presented in miniature the furnishings Cranbrook for the sculpture dedication ceremony and and his work. I was anxious to see how our group will fare in a sit- of a charity center (such as Goodwill), where clothes was asked in what way the sculpture was related to “I thought it would be a way to give him some uation when they have to interpret a work of contempo- are sorted, ironed, and folded, then offered for resale.” Mother Teresa. Di Suvero’s response was remarkable. credit for all of the great work that he has done,” rary art without the aid of a museum educator. We Bingo! We were on the right track. In elevated spirits, He said that wanted to honor the life of this incredible she said. “I wanted to show a lot of different aspects headed to the galleries to look at our “assignment”: the we returned to the classroom for the closing remarks. woman. At the same time, he discouraged attempts to of his work, the collages, the abstract work — he installation “Untitled (Men’s Suits)” by New York artist On my way home, I reflected upon the program I interpret the sculpture through its title. He explained also did abstract and drip paintings. A lot of people Charles LeDray. Like a spy who had infiltrated a local had attended and the travails of interpreting contempo- that his sculptures were like his children, and he gave thought he only did florals, so I wanted to show dif- community, I tried to blend in and absorb as much as I rary art in general. I liked the four-step strategy. Neatly them names, like people give names to their children ferent perspectives.” could. It was one of the most engaged brainstorming printed on a business card, it can be easily carried in a when they are born. The name of a work is important, The collection covers a wide range of Wentz’s sessions I have ever observed. pocket or a purse and be used as an instant reference but it is does not express its meaning, like a person’s life works including pieces from as early as 1969’s LeDray’s work is a puzzle. On one hand, it seduces whenever the viewer confronts a challenging work. name does not express the complexity of his or her “Untitled: Abstract Color Forms.” There are a vari- you by its apparent simplicity: the objects used in the I was also flooded with memories from the time character. ety of florals — some realistic, some more impres- installation are mundane and pose no problem for iden- when I worked at Cranbrook Art Museum in This incident made me think of how literal we tend sionistic. tification. On the other hand, the work’s meaning is Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. There, on the lawn in front to be in our interpretation of art. We expect the title to There is a collection of apparently religion- extremely elusive. We were standing around a Plexiglas of the museum, soaring sixty feet into the sky, is the provide us with the key to the work’s meaning and try inspired collages that, while somewhat darker than cube and looking down upon an enclosed environment. sculpture by Mark di Suvero, “For Mother Teresa.” to identify what we see in familiar terms instead of rely- some of the other pieces, have a certain curiosity There, on a tiled floor, was a canvas hamper filled with Like many di Suvero’s sculptures, it is made of intersect- ing more on our visual experience, free associations about them. A repeat figure in a few of the drawings hangers and clothes, some loose, some in bags; a ing steel I-beams which are painted bright red. A silver and emotional response. is a classical era man — sometimes featured as broom with particles of lint and dust stuck between the object of an uncertain origin (although some people If I had to add anything to the four-step strategy of merely a bust on a table, sometimes as a man UNTITLED (YELLOW LILIES IN RED VASE) by George Wentz. Acrylic on canvas. Undated. Collection of Joelle Rogers. bristles was lying by the hamper. One thing was per- swear it looks like Mickey Mouse’s ears) is dangling looking at contemporary art suggested by my col- engaged in activity. One gets a feeling of George’s plexing: everything was miniature size. from one end and swings freely with the wind. At the leagues at MFAH, it would be step five: experience the interest in the past and its figures. “It must be children’s clothes,” suggested one view- bottom, a corrugated steel frame is clinging at the foot work of art as you experience a poem or a musical In addition to paintings and drawings, Wentz optimism that (his art) brought looking at it. And ers of art — of the creative process — was really, er. “No, children don’t wear suits and ties,” argued the of the I-beam structure. piece. Once you have scrutinized and tackled the work was a regular contributor to “Thoughtcrime,” the they enjoyed his spirit.” really important to him.” other viewer. “Besides, these clothes won’t fit even a Di Suvero’s sculpture always attracted and baffled from every angle, stand back, take a deep breath and let poet’s corner of ISSUE magazine. To open the July 23 reception, artist and ISSUE Coughlan said that Wentz had a zest for all man- toddler.” “Maybe these are doll’s clothes?” interjected visitors. Cranbrook docents were peppered with ques- the flow of associations run freely through your mind. “His writing was really strong, too,” Hamilton editor Andy Coughlan said a few words about ner of artists and artistic expression and had a way yet another viewer. This idea got promptly discarded: tions in regards to what it was supposed to represent After all, if the meaning of an artwork could be fully said. “…his poetry — people liked it almost as George and noted Wentz’s love for all things art. of making every artist feel like they were the best at children would not want to play with such unappealing and what the connection to Mother Teresa was. As expressed in words, why would an artist spend time and much as his art.” “Poetry, plays, he loved music — if it could be their craft. toys. It is impossible to imagine Barbie’s boyfriend Ken Curator of Education, I once organized a docent brain- energy to create it? Hamilton said that Wentz and his works have a created, if it was an expression of creativity, George wearing a drab suit like this, unless he got outfitted at a storming session to discuss possible meanings of this Elena Ivanova is chief educator spirit that people connect with. was into it.” Coughlan said. “He was just wide open Salvation Army. work. One of the suggested interpretations I remember at the Stark Museum of Art in Orange “People enjoyed the quality of his art and the to everything. The recuperative, regenerative pow- See WENTZ on page 11 8 • ISSUE September 2010 Volume 17, No. 1 Volume 17, No. 1 September 2010 ISSUE • 9 WHO THE #@%! ARE THESE PEOPLE? TASI tenants launch 2010-2011 exhibition season with September show

Story by IT’S SEPTEMBER, AND WITH it Jones, Heather Eager, Ashley Lawrence, Cynthia the tenants in their spaces and they can see what we grads…and then all the old tenants,” he said. Jacqueline comes cooler days, shorter Grimes, Andy Coughlan, and Beau and Karen do.” Cynthia has participated in many tenants evenings and the annual Dumesnil, “We have eight artists working downstairs, shows and has been making ceramics for 14 Hays Tenant Show at The Art Studio “This is the first time in a number of years that which is mostly sculpture, ceramics — dirty,” years, but said she was never exposed to art until Inc., located at 720 Franklin in we have had this number of tenants,” Elizabeth said. Elizabeth said. “If you are going to be a painter or coming to The Studio. downtown Beaumont. “Especially since Hurricane Rita and Hurricane Ike.” work in mixed media, or wood, there are 10 spaces “I started right before I turned 40,” she said. “In the summertime we Hurricane Ike damaged the building as well as upstairs. “I saw an advertisement on TV for a hand-build- don’t have any shows because the as the show that was up, which happened to be “We also have intermediate tenants who partici- ing clay class that Greg (Busceme) did when I it is blazin’ hot,” assistant direc- the 2008 Tenants Show. pate who don’t have a full space. Either we don’t have was 39. My friend and I came in and took it — tor of The Studio Elizabeth This year promises to be an exciting show. enough space or they can’t afford a full space, or and I am still here.” French said. “We start off our arts season in “It’s a big time,” Elizabeth said. “It is always a they are not going to use very much room. They are Cynthia did not immediately become a tenant September.” pretty popular exhibit. There is a big turn out also able to participate in this exhibit.” after her first class. TASI’s annual tenant exhibition will open with a because there are so many artists participating. Patrons will be able to peruse the gallery at their “There are only so many tenant spaces to reception 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Sept. 4. This year, “If you have just one artist showing, it’s their leisure and engage the artists themselves, engaging rent so I started out as an intermediate,” she said. visitors can get some face-to-face time with the ten- friends and then the regular crowd. But when you them in their own workspaces. As an intermediate, Cynthia worked in a ants, many of whom will be in their work spaces from have so many people, like the membership show, “We will be in our element,” Cynthia said. “To common area and was able to use some of the 7-8 p.m. The show will be up through Sept. 25 and there is usually a large, large crowd because of so me that is a biggie. I feel like people don’t really tools provided by The Studio like the pottery will be full of all different styles and media, from many people showing — especially this one because know about The Art Studio and what we do — we wheels. When a space became available she etched glass and candles to paintings and drawings, we have so many tenants, although not all the ten- create here, we rent our spaces here and it is a work- moved to the “pottery area” located downstairs. as well as ceramics and mixed media. ants participate.” ing art studio.” Painters and drafters work on the second floor. There is quite a buzz around The Studio as the “I had an idea this year,” ceramics artist Cynthia Showing off their work once a year is part of “I came here and basically blossomed,” she opening date nears, with 18 current tenants; Rhonda Grimes said. “Because we are the only working stu- being a tenant, Elizabeth said. said. McNally, Sandra Laurette, Suzanne Garrett, dio around that I know of, I have asked all the ten- Tenants range from beginners to “masters,” Port Arthur resident Courtney Boles is new Courtney Boles, Rhonda Rodman, Sue Wright, Greg ants to come in and be in their spaces so the people Beau Dumesnil said. to The Studio. She paints and draws and is exper- Busceme, Elizabeth Fontenot, David Gravitz, Jessica can come to the show and then go around and visit “We have many new tenants, a few post imenting with non-ceramic sculpture. She is working to complete her pieces that will be shown and is readying her space for the opening. Art Studio “I’ve been cleaning up my area and trying to tenants include, bring in other supplies and materials that I have from left, at home,” she said. “I’m a fairly new addition to Rhonda TASI so I’m still getting settled into my space and Rodman, really want it to be a better reflection of me Greg before I have visitors. Busceme, “I have been coming to shows at TASI since I Cynthia was a kid and realized that it would be feasible Grimes, for me to lease a space here. Rhonda “It’s great to be a part of the community of McNally, Suzanne artists who work here. It is inspirational in a few Garrett, different ways and it is good to have a place to go Elizabeth to be creative and get some work done.” Fontenot, One of the benefits of being a tenant is having Sandra other tenants around to bounce ideas off, Cyndi Laurette, said. She has also seen others struggle with tech- Courtney nique and was able to lend a helping hand. Boles, Beau said that the members and tenants at Sue Wright, The Studio have always been very welcoming Andy Coughlan, and nonjudgmental, offering constructive criti- Karen cism and acting as a “root system” to the area art Dumesnil community in general, since most of the tenants and Beau do work with other art outlets like The Dumesnil. Beaumont Art League and the Art Museum of Not pic- Southeast Texas. tured are “But they always come back here,” he said. David Courtney said she thinks TASI is an invalu- Granitz, able part of this community. Jessica Jones, “It provides a location for creative juices to Heather flow freely and an outlet for so many different Eager and types of artists and thinkers,” she said. “Even if I Ashley never get any work done here, which I do, I’d Lawrence. still be proud just to support the organization.” For more information, call 409-838-5393 or Photo by visit www.artstudio.org. John Fulbright Tenant Courtney Boles works in her space at The Art Studio. Photo by Andy Coughlan 10 • ISSUE September 2010 Volume 17, No. 1 Volume 17, No. 1 September 2010 ISSUE • 11

KARLfrom page 10 1943, they would call Karl because he could find that part,” McKusker said. “He was an encyclope- dia of electronic information. I think he was a bor- nights — just everything.” derline genius. This guy had a plethora of part Carolyn said that many of her “kids” from The numbers.” Studio had no idea her husband played guitar until Greg Busceme, founder of The Art Studio, said he did a benefit at The Vortex. She said their jaws that Karl was dependable and one of the most loyal dropped the first time they heard him play. friends a person could have. “I am bragging on him,” she said. “My husband McKusker agreed. started playing guitar at the age of 11 as a rhythm “I got 10 friends in my life, and Karl was num- guitar player. His teacher told him, ‘I’ve shown you ber three on this list,” McKusker said. “I don’t all I can show you. I can show you no more.’ So he know if I can ever replace this person. It took me 40 went from rhythm guitar player to lead guitar play- years to get these 10 people, and we would all have er. taken a bullet for each other. I guess my bullet that “Karl was always about, ‘I love doing sound, but I’m taking is making sure that Carolyn is okay.” I’m not a sound man — I’m a guitar player.’ But he Carolyn said that she, Amber and Karl will loved it too. Karl will tell you he was a guitar player remain members of The Studio and continue to first and a sound man second. But he thoroughly support it in any way they can. enjoyed doing sound for those kids, and they fell in “We loved The Art Studio,” Carolyn said. “It’s love with him because he wasn’t an aggressive still a great place. I love it, I’ll always support it. sound man. We’ve done galleries, we’ve done everything to sup- “He did everything he could for each band so port it because I love it, and I miss it, and I miss that everyone could have the same quality. In his him being there. eyes one band wasn’t more important than another “My wish is to eventually get both my systems band. Every band was equal.” up and running and find a good tech so we can Carolyn said that he qualifies as one of the keep providing sound to The Art Studio, because great guitar players because it was his passion. An that’s what Karl wanted,” Carolyn said. “He sup- employee of Ralph’s Industrial Electronic Supplies ported all genres of music. Whether he liked it or for 20 years, Karl “not only knew music, but knew not he still supported music because that was his how to fix musical parts, build stuff and help musi- number one love, other than us.” cians with whatever they needed to find,” she said. When The Studio gets its new stage, Busceme “When people needed electronic things worked said that it will be named the Karl Prien Memorial Karl Prien plays one of his last concerts. on and couldn’t find that part that was made in Stage. Photos courtesy of Carolyn Prien

WENTZ from page 7

“Anybody who is an artist was George’s friend,” he said. “If you ever had anything to do with any creative process, you were George’s friend.” While George’s physical being may not be present at the exhibit, his spirit certainly is. And one gets the impres- sion his spirit is pleased. “If you look around the room, his heart was happy,” Coughlan said. “Beautiful, vibrant colors, excellent brush- Rockin’LOCAL GUITAR LEGEND KARLMentor PRIEN REMEMBERED strokes, the pictures are bright — they just jump off the page. (They have) this movement, this power, this vibran- Story by ANYONE WHO HAS ATTENDED a “You didn’t go out to watch Karl and just leave. box thing in it. Over the years Karl had replicated it, cy….” Band Nite or watched a classic When you left you were going, ‘Wow, did you see and it was amazing. He had a very particular sound. Coughlan said that for an artist like Wentz, art is about Chelsea Rock ‘n Roll cover band perform that dude playing that guitar?’ Pretty soon it was It was Karl’s sound, and no matter where you were in Henderson more than passing the time or earning a living. in the past 20 years around ‘Man, did you see that dude playing that beat up town you would know who it was. Karl would teach “It is about taking your life, and taking the pleasurable Southeast Texas probably heard piece of shit?’ Same guitar he’s had since I’ve known you some kind of screaming little riff, and you’d hear things in life and grabbing it and making it your own,” he the musical styling and sound him.” it on the street and go, ‘Wow, Malayden’s playing in said. “George tried to do that every day. It’s not about being provided by Karl Prien. Carolyn, Karl’s band-mate and wife of nearly 26 there.’” ‘good,’ it’s not about if everyone likes it — the critical Described as a perfectionist years, said that his guitar, a beaten-up 1979 Stratford, Karl became involved with The Studio 10 years acclaim. and master of the guitar, Karl was his number one love apart from his family. She ago when the couple took their daughter Amber to a “It’s about making art, connecting with the world, con- played with his band Malayden said the paint’s worn off from so many years of show there for the first time. necting with the universe, connecting with our lives — for more than 20 years and provided sound to The action, but otherwise in its original condition. “They were struggling for PA, and Karl and I dis- George embodied that whole concept.” Art Studio’s music gatherings for 10 years. “He’s had that guitar since 1979,” she said. “He cussed the fact that we have a small system at home “Joie de Vivre” is on display through Sept. 26. The Art After being diagnosed with lung cancer in loved that one. There’s a great musician who builds — this is before our system grew,” Carolyn said. “We Museum of Southeast Texas is located at 500 Main in down- January 2009, Prien died at the age of 49 on Feb. 21, guitars, and he was going to put a new neck on Karl’s thought, ‘Why can’t we come out here and do sound town Beaumont. 2010. guitar last year because it’s been re-threaded so for the young adults?’ We started doing sound, and For more information, call 409-832 or visit Willie McKusker, fellow guitarist and Karl’s many times that there’s no wood left. Karl said, ‘I we fell in love with the Art Studio. www.amset.org. friend of 40 years, says that Beaumont lost one of its wouldn’t know how to play it.’ It’s in its original form. “Karl was not biased when he did sound. He best guitar players. It’s only been re-threaded.” wanted every band to sound just as good as the next “He was the greatest guitar player ever,” Carolyn said that her husband played a variety of band. Even some bands would say, ‘Is Karl doing McKusker said. “He just played guitar, but he did it everything, but preferred classic rock. He wrote sound tonight?’ And we fell in love with the place. We masterfully. There’s three guys in this area that are some original music, but Malayden mainly played fell in love with different types of music, the shows, really good — Scott McGill, Kenny Sanders, and covers. She and McKusker agree that Karl had a sig- the horror shows, the band nights, the Halloween UNTITLED (SELF PORTRAIT) by George Wentz. Acrylic on Panel. Karl. If there was a Rock ‘n Roll Museum Hall of nature sound. Undated. Collection of Rob Flurry. Fame for Beaumont musicians, those would be the “His claim to fame is Peter Frampton’s song three guys in it right now. ‘Feel the Way I Do,’” McKusker said. “It had a talk See KARLon page 11 12 • ISSUE September 2010 Volume 17, No. 1 Volume 17, No. 1 September 2010 ISSUE • 13

Li’l Fred’s Balls Around & About Li’l Fred could entertain himself. He threw the small rubber ball. Thoughtcrime It bounced chaotically around the living room. If you come across any interesting exhibitions, museums or other places on your travels, share them with us. Call 409-838-5393, or contact us through He chased the small rubber ball. our web site at www.artstudio.org. Be sure to include the location and dates of the subject, as well as any costs. He caught the small rubber ball. Submission Guidelines and Disclaimer donors to TASI. Send typed works to: He brought the small rubber ball back to his spot. ISSUE solicits and publishes the work of ISSUE We should all be so easily contented. local authors. Poetry, short fiction, scholarly works 720 Franklin, Beaumont, TX 77701 and opinion pieces may be submitted for review. or e-mail: Winners of the BEAUMONT ART LEAGUE The MCFADDIN-WARD HOUSE MUSEUM is er performing tasks using household items. All works must be typed or submitted on a disk [email protected] Then he threw it again. (using approved word processing software), or FIGURE and 3D SHOW were announced at a recep- seeking quality applicants to become museum docents. Contestants will race to see who can be the first to And so on and so on may be sent to TASI by e-mail. All works are sub- Authors must submit a daytime telephone tion Aug. 14. The next DOCENT TRAINING PROGRAM empty a full box of tissues using only one hand or to Until it rolled under the couch, ject for review by our editor, and may be rejected or number along with all submissions. Pen names First place in the 3D Show was awarded to Nathan at the museum’s visitor center, located at Calder bounce a ping-pong ball onto a slice of bread covered And when all the balls were gone, edited on the basis of grammar, spelling or con- are acceptable, but authors must supply real tent. names for verification. All submitted works McCray, second place was awarded to John Puckett, Avenue and Third Street will start Sept. 21 and will run with peanut butter. The slowest contestant to complete Trish fished under the furniture and third place went to Beau and Karen Dumesnil. for four Mondays. the task in each round will be eliminated until one con- The opinions expressed in “Thoughtcrime” become property of TASI, and whether rejected or Collected them all in a basket do not necessarily reflect the opinions of TASI, its accepted, are not returned to the author. ISSUE Honorable metion was awarded to John Fulbright. “By the classes’ end, you will be ready to join the testant remains. And dispensed them as he needed them. Board of Directors, ISSUE’s editorial staff, or does not notify of rejection by mail or telephone. The show was judged by Kurt Dyrhaug, art ranks of our marvelous docents,” Donda Foran The winner of the first phase will then go on to instructor at Lamar University. Thomasson, MWH communications coordinator, said race against the clock to perform a series of four tasks, Trish was 14 when she got the poodle. In the Figure Show, first place was awarded to in a release. “Then you can be part of the volunteer fun each worth $12,500 in donations to AMSET, if success- A teen-ager with a real-life toy. Garden Sonnet Heart In A Jar Andy Coughlan, second place went to Mary Dupree — book clubs, day trips, special programs, private fully completed. Five donors have agreed to take an She threw him around. and third place was awarded to Earnest Bost. Tri Le movie showings, teas, etc. — while you meet fascinat- aggregate risk to contribute funding to the museum She painted him up with magic markers — The flora did not suffer a disease. was awarded honorable mention. ing people whom you tour through the McFaddin- based on the completion of each task giving the muse- Green for St. Paddy’s Day, I see the world, Juror for the show was Dennis Nance, director of Ward House and encounter at our many events.” um the potential to win up to $50,000 if all tasks are Roses, four leaf clovers by the pound— A pumpkin for Hallowe’en. I see the lie, exhibitions and programming at the Lawndale Art For more information, call Becky Fertitta at 409- completed within the allotted time. Donors are Joy and and in my garden, I kept sturdy trees. Center in Houston. 832-1906, or email [email protected]. Will Crenshaw, Barbara and Bob Quinn, Lisa and Sam And there was the ever-present “Poo-Hawk.” Its all within your eyes, A fire burned my garden to the ground. For more information, call 409-833-4179 or visit More info is also available on the museum’s web- Parigi, Gay and Bill Scott and Janie and Mark Fur cut to a ridge on top of his head, Afraid to hear www.beaumontartleague.org. site under “Volunteer Opportunities.” Steinhagen. Most times colored. Your sweet voice, may disappear, BAL is located at 2675 Gulf St. in Beaumont. ______Contestants on board to play “i.AM.SET.to.win.it” He just sat and took it all. I don’t know how he found my sacred spot, ______include Carla Allen, Pat Avery, Slate Babineaux, Angie I guess it was love. I thought I’d kept it hidden safe and sound; My world would shatter, The SPINDLETOP ROLLER GIRLS will close McClelland, Dennis Moncla, Coffy Pieternelle, She certainly loved him. but there I stood in ruin and in rot— A gap torn in it, The DISHMAN ART MUSEUM will host the out their home schedule Sept. 11 with a match against Heather Petkovsek, Jennifer Swantner, Russ Waddill my crafty vigilante not around. LAMAR UNIVERSITY ART FACULTY EXHIBI- Assassination City’s Dirty Little Secret Service at the and Clark Winslow. I die with it, And now he’s chased his rubber ball And even though he set fire to my garden, TION through Oct. 1. Ford Park Exhibit Hall. Tickets are $200 per person or $1,600 for a table of For the last time. I loved my offender all the same. I can’t lose, A reception will be held Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the bout starts at 7 eight; premium seating tickets are $625 per person or And there’s nothing Dad can do I still don’t know how one learns how to harden; It’s not the what you do, The museum is located on the corner of E. Lavaca p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance available at the Ford $5,000 for a table of eight. Dress is black tie. Seating is To stanch a daughter’s tears. and MLK Pkwy. on the Lamar University campus. Park Box Office or through Ticketmaster. limited. I was no contender for that game. It’s who you are, But justice is not something I’ll explore, For more information, call 409-880-8959. “We will be saluting our families in the military Visit www.amset.org or call 409-832-3432 for reser- And under the furniture, somewhere, I’d give you my life, my heart in a jar. ______and our fallen soldiers,” spokesperson Jessica Corral vations. A small rubber ball is still. for wild blooms grow where they were not before. said in a release. “There will be a slide show and ______The ART MUSEUM OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS moment of silence before the game.” Andy Coughlan Lucy Biebel Betty Langham is currently showing WOMEN ARTISTS: The featured charity for this bout is LiveStrong Each day, high above the clouds, dozens of sophis- SELECTIONS FROM THE AMSET PERMANENT and co-hosting sponsor is Crossfit Beaumont. ticated imaging satellites circle the Earth. These high- COLLECTION, on display through Sept. 26. The exhi- The after party is at The Hub on Crockett Street in tech machines are capable of capturing extraordinary bition includes photography, painting, sculpture, mixed Beaumont featuring Houston band conditions and events that are nearly impossible to In Search of a Better Understanding media, textiles, and printmaking. DOLLYROCKERS. document from the surface of the planet. These The Ides of March Consisting of 40 works primarily by contemporary For more information, visit www.spindletoproller remarkable images, which reveal the awesome beauty One day, while looking in my rearview mirror women artists either born in Texas or who have spent girls.com. of the planet’s surface through the “eyes” of a space The last flayed day of winter’s come. at my beautiful magnolia tree in my back yard, a majority of their career working in the state, the exhi- ______satellite, are on display in the Smithsonian exhibition Don’t ask me why or how I know this. I noticed that the closer I got to the mirror the more flowers I could see. bition has a wide scope. Works on view will include EARTH FROM SPACE, a traveling exhibition at the Sometimes you just know these things. Then I noticed my face in the corner of the mirror, and I then I thought… fine art and also vernacular art by artists such as On Sept. 10, the ART MUSEUM OF MUSEUM OF THE GULF COAST through Oct. 24. It seems, almost, as if you wake up — Mirror, Mirror, the reflection of my realities, Bessie Harvey and Sarah Mary Taylor. Beaumont SOUTHEAST TEXAS will celebrate its 23rd anniver- Featuring 40 beautifully detailed satellite images of knowing. You know. And that’s all you provide the advantage of seeing the world twice – artists featured in the show include Patricia Cargill, sary with COATTAILS, COCKTAILS AND the planet—from the swirling arms of a massive hurri- that you can say. You travel off to work, once when I gaze into your face, Maudee Carron, Cherry Sha Ela Re El and Janna CAPERS, a black- tie cocktail party and seated dinner cane and the grid-like pattern of Kansas farmland to a bit much earlier, because you know, and again when I turn and look back to see reality. Fulbright. followed by “i.AM.SET.to.win.it,” the most exciting the triangular shadows cast by the Great Pyramids and what with the weather being bad and all, Both are totally exact yet totally reversed. “In curating an exhibition with a wide scope, it is game show Beaumont has ever seen where contest- the sinuous channels entering the Arctic Ocean — that someone must fill in — that someone Nurturing a dual perspective important to reflect on and attempt to identify the par- ants compete against each other and the clock to win “Earth From Space” illustrates how satellite imagery is being you. It’s things like that — you just and therefore balancing my judgment of what I see. allels that may or may not exist in the artists’ works donations for the museum, Melissa Tilley, AMSET gathered and used to expand mankind’s understanding know before they really are. Like the way I also see me in the corner. featured,” said curator Sarah Hamilton. spokesperson, said in a release. of life on Earth. It also explores the remote sensing I know about the cat. The old gray tab Do I dare stare close enough to see only my face? The intent of the permanent collection exhibition The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with cocktail hour technology used to gather the images and discusses that came to nap its last under the morning And what do I see when I stare at me? series is to expand visitors understanding of the muse- followed by a three-course dinner prepared by Denson the individual satellites whose images are on display. paper while the coffee was still dripping. Just me — staring back at me um’s holdings and to allow for artwork in the collection Hilton and served in the museum galleries. “At 9 p.m., A Magic Planet digital video globe — a digital dis- His castrate eyes opaque with age told me Every blemish — every line. to be researched and highlighted in a new capacity. guests will move into the AMSET foyer for the hilari- play with a sphere-shaped screen — complements the perfectly what I already knew. Tonight, All with their own story to tell. While a number of spaces in the museum showcase ous and exhilarating entertainment of the evening,” traveling exhibition. The animations on this tool will he’ll slip away — to wherever cats that do And if I look close enough I can see an endless sea of joys and pains. permanent collection works year-round, this time Tilley said. allow visitors to observe the global extent of images this go — and I will never have him shed Yet the closer I get to you the less of my face do my eyes see. specifically promotes an introspective look into what “‘i.AM.SET.to.win.it’ will add huge excitement to returned from orbiting satellites. again his warm old fur on winter’s favorite Removing only my life in total exactness yet totally reversed. distinguishes AMSET’s collection in the community the entertainment at the gala this year,” said gala co- An educational companion website is available at trousers. He’ll go tonight. And tomorrow, But when I turn to look back to view what I see in you – and on a national level. chair Kim Steinhagen. “No one has ever done a game www.earthfromspace.si.edu, which contains an online I will wake up in the spring — beginning, I’m not there! AMSET is located at 500 Main in downtown show like this to raise money, so it should be immense- version of the exhibition, as well as additional images expecting him to still be here; although, Where did I go? Beaumont. ly engaging for guests.” and information. It also provides numerous educational I know he’s gone for good. And I know I’ll I can’t see me! For more information, contact AMSET at 409-832- Based on the NBC TV game show “Minute to Win resources, including lesson plans, classroom activities, never understand just how and why I know. Until I turn my face back to you. 3432 or visit www.amset.org. It,” pre-selected contestants from around Southeast links and available publications. Oh, Mirror, Mirror, in you must my reality reside. ______Texas will compete in “i.AM.SET.to.win.it.” In the first For more information, visit www.museumofthe Jesse Doiron phase, ten contestants will compete against one anoth- gulfcoast.com. Johnny Ray Lowe Thoughtcrime continues on page 14 14 • ISSUE September 2010 Volume 17, No. 1 Volume 17, No. 1 September 2010 ISSUE • 15 LEDESMA from page 4 VIEW from page 3 ISSUE earns seven awards at Press Club a minister and I would act up in church. My mother gave me pencils and paper to keep me occupied.” made over the past 20 years unless you As the two painted together, he said she would only do three observed it and heard it. Observing ISSUE MAGAZINE, THE ARTS maga- ries are like that. This area has such ISSUE magazine is published motifs — hearts and roses, suns and moons, and a lighthouse. young people seeing art over the next zine of The Art Studio, Inc., won a large group of talented and inter- nine times a year to coincide with Ledesma is by nature iconoclastic. Much of his work casts a twenty years will make you a keen seven awards at The Press Club of esting people in all the arts. The exhibitions at The Art Studio. satirical eye at conventions and institutions. He drew on the date observer of the nuances others will Southeast Texas Excellence in ISSUE’s job is to give the people “While we concentrate on all of the opening to create an interactive piece. never understand. Media Awards banquet, held June 4 the exposure they deserve and I the great programs at The Studio, we “Since we are having a 9-11 opening, I want to demystify the Through the years, listening to on the Eighth Floor of the John and think we do a good job of that.” really try to include all the arts in whole experience,” he said. “I am going to play with the icon of local young musicians create their own Mary Gray Library at Lamar The writing portfolio category Southeast Texas,” Coughlan said. Osama bin Laden. The mere idea of an Osama bin Laden piñata sound right before your ears, from all University. was awarded for overall work on “We feature music, theater, film, is resonating. In commemoration of the futility of our search for the musical influence that has gone The ISSUE won second place in multiple stories. poetry — if it is creative, we want to bin Laden, we will all get a chance to beat the piñata with a stick before them, your age and life experi- the Special Section/Tabloid category. “As editor, I get to pick the know about it. And we try to cover and see what comes out. ence makes their music more familiar “The ISSUE is run on an entire- good stories,” Coughlan said, “and it all the arts organizations in the “The point is political satire. I’m not talking about Muslims. to you than you would ever expect. ly volunteer basis, so it says much is the hard work of the other con- area.” It’s just debunking ideas that are going around. This is indicative Mission Statement My little tale of two cultures contin- about the quality of the staff that we tributors that allows me to have the Coughlan said the ISSUE’s mis- of the power of art.” ues twice a month. If you haven’t been are competitive every year,” editor time to dedicate to these articles.” sion is an extension of The Art People haven’t even seen the piece yet and it’s already caus- to a Band Nite, drop your prejudices of Andy Coughlan said. Coughlan picked up a second- Studio’s. ing a stir, he said. Founded in 1983, The Art Studio, Inc. is Coughlan won first place awards place award for personality profile “All that matters is that the arts, devoted to: providing opportunities for interac- what you think it will be and just arrive, Thoughtcrime “With this piece I am touching base with a philosophy that I for Special Reports and Headline. of Fu Lien, former director of the which are often overlooked as frivo- tion between the public and the Southeast Texas listen and enjoy. (Continued) tapped into when I was creating murals — Bertholdt Brecht said, “I am especially pleased to win Dishman Art Museum. Fu will be lous and irrelevent, get the attention community of artists; furnishing affordable stu- Our art shows are casual and “Art should not be the mirror of reality, but instead the hammer for special reports as the subject, the exhibiting artist at The Art and respect they deserve,” he said. dio space to originating artists of every medium; relaxed and exhibit some of the best Grieving Again with which to shape it.” promoting cultural growth and diversity of all art Herman Hugg, was so worthy of the Studio in March. “The arts are the soul of a com- Ledesma wants this show to take the viewer out of his com- artists in Southeast Texas and you’ll coverage,” Coughlan said. “In many Coughlan also picked up second munity and I am happy that we can forms in Southeast Texas; and providing art edu- meet some of the friendliest people Part I fort zone and focus on the art, rather than just attending a recep- cational opportunities to everyone, of every age, ways, it is like cheating. With place for Photo Essay for coverage do our small part is keeping that tion for a few snacks and idle chit-chat. ever. Herman, I just get the interview of TASI’s post-Ike cleanup, and a soul vibrant.” Grieve for the red fish and the trout regardless of income level, race, national origin, Hopefully, by pulling this collective together, we will get to Keep up with our events through going and his rich storytelling allows third place award for Magazine For information on the ISSUE, That lie belly up sex or religion. re-energize the ideas pool,” he said. our website or check us out at the story to almost write itself. Photography for his photo of artist contact The Art Studio, Inc. at 409- Near the marsh grasses. “There are a few artists who haven’t shown in Beaumont, or facebook.com/art studio. “Most of the award-winning sto- Nathan Jones. 838-5393. Grieve for the Brown Pelican at least not together. We are putting together an eclectic mix. PURPOSE That flounders on the riverbank “I hope to get a chance to interview all the artists and play Instead of gliding proudly over. the interviews in the gallery so visitors can get a better idea of The purpose of The Art Studio, Inc. is to (1) Grieve for the Dolphin nearby the art and where the ideas came from. provide educational opportunities between the With oil in its eyes and nostrils After many years exploring his Hispanic heritage, Ledesma general public and the community of artists and And a death ache in its stomach is shifting to an exploration of Southeast Texas and Louisiana, (2) to offer sustained support for the artist by Grieve for the Sea Turtle having grown up in Port Arthur. operating a non-profit cooperative to provide studio space and exhibition space to working And the lowly Nutria Fans of Ledesma’s chicano skeletons and brightly-colored artists and crafts people, and to provide an area WE WANT YOU designs will not be disappointed. Basically, he said, there will Grieve for the Marsh Prairie for group work sessions for those artists and something for everyone. As it soaks up the crude crafts people to jointly offer their labor, ideas, The road less traveled has led him home, he said. He has And its ecological cycle begins to warp. and enthusiasm to each other. been back in Port Arthur for seven years and until recently Grieve for the Vietnamese and the Cambodians thought of it as a temporary stay. who survived war, Katrina and Rita GOALS “But now I realize it is something more permanent,” he said. But who now sit in silence on their boats FOR BAND NITE “I still go to Los Angeles to sell my art, but I find Southeast 1. To present public exhibitions At night time. Texas to be a good incubator for making art. I have never been 2. To provide educational opportunities Grieve for the Houma, the Cajun, the Atakapa around so many artists who do not have a financial stake in mak- 3. To provide accessible equipment and the African American ing their art, and yet they create such interesting work. for artists Whose ancestral way of life is being altered “It kind of humbled me a bit. I was kind of bitter about hav- 4. To provide peer feedback through associa- Hear original music Without their permission ing to come back here, but these artists taught me how to love tion with other artists and crafts people Grieve for the eleven art again for its own sake.” Who died at work The Beaumont Art League is located at 2675 Gulf St. in OBJECTIVES On the sea. Beaumont. For information, call 409-833-4179 or visit by local musicians at www.beaumontartleague.org. 1. To present 10 art exhibitions per year 2. To maintain equipment for artists in a Part II safe working environment Pray for the children who do not understand 3. To provide better access to artists for the The unspoken fear and sadness public On the faces of their parents. 4. To offer regularly scheduled adult and Pray for the parents who wonder children’s classes Whether their children will learn 5. To develop and maintain public activities Their ancestral way of life. with all sectors of the community For upcoming gigs, visit 6. To develop and maintain equipment to aid Pray for Venice, Boothville, Buras, Triumph, artists in their work Empire and Port Sulphur 7. To provide a display retail outlet for artists www.myspace.com/artstudio And for their roots 8. To expand programming and activities with Sunk deep in the oily marsh. increased facility space Pray for us all, that we my yet find a way to save the earth And to teach our daughters and sons To fish. $5 admission All ages welcome • 21 and up BYOB and have your ID. Paul Unruh Andy Ledesma shows off one of his New Orleans-inspired paintings. 720 Franklin, Beaumont, Texas 77701 Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Permit #135 Beaumont, TX

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INSIDE • TASI TENANTS SHOW • THOUGHTCRIME: MUSINGS FROM AREA POETS • ANDY LEDESMA AT BAL • UNDERSTANDING CONTEMPORARY ART

When you support The Art Studio with your membership, you receive ISSUE, Southeast Texas’ and Southwest Louisiana’s alternative press as well as class schedules, invitations to opening receptions and various Studio functions. Volunteers These people are ISSUE the life blood JOIN US DISTRIBUTION POINTS of our organization. DOWNTOWN WE COULDN’T DO IT THE ART STUDIO, INC. 720 FRANKLIN FOR ART OPENINGS ON ART MUSEUM OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS 500 MAIN BABE DIDRIKSON ZAHARIAS MUSEUM 1750 IH-10E WITHOUT YOU! BEAUMONT CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 801 MAIN (IN CITY HALL) To volunteer, drop by THE FIRST SATURDAY BEAUMONT ART LEAGUE (FAIRGROUNDS) 2675 GULF ST NEW YORK PIZZA & PASTA 790 NECHES The Art Studio, Inc., SETAC (IN JULIE ROGERS THEATER) PEARL STREET OF THE MONTH @ FORSYTHE or call 409-838-5393. TATTOOMANIA 601 PARK SOUTH END/LAMAR UNIVERSITY Bryan Castino BOBCAT 1535 E. CARDINAL DR. CARLITO’S RESTAURANT 890 AMARILLO @ COLLEGE Katy Hearne DOS AMIGAS 1590 FRANKLIN Heather Eager KAMPUS KORNER RESTAURANT 4637 CALLAGHAN KOCH’S FLOWERS & GIFTS 2270 AVENUE C Benee Bernard THIS MONTH: LU ART DEPARTMENT DISHMAN ART MUSEUM Clint Dearborn OLD TOWN HAIRY BUSINESS SALON 2121 MCFADDIN Rhonda Rodman JASON’S DELI 112 GATEWAY SHOP CNTR JEFFERSON CO. DEMOCRATIC PARTY OFFICE CALDER Sue Wright KATHARINE & CO. 1495 CALDER Cyndi Grimes TASI Tenants Show RAO’S BAKERY 2596 CALDER SIGN INTERNATIONAL EXPRESS 2835 LAUREL Rhonda McNally SUNRISE 2425 S 11TH Andy Coughlan SWICEGOOD MUSIC CO. 3685 COLLEGE THE TATTERED SUITCASE 2590 CALDER Renee Coughlan CENTRAL/WEST END Olivia Busceme SEPTEMBER 4 BASIC FOODS 229 DOWLEN BEAUMONT VISITORS BUREAU IH-10 Uriah Keneson GALLERY RECEPTION IS 7-10 P.M. CHRISTIAN MYERS-RMT 6755 PHELAN BLVD 24E Les Warren COLORADO CANYON 6119 FOLSOM FOREVER YOURS FLORIST HWY 105 Colleen Bonnin GUITAR & BANJO STUDIO 4381 CALDER Beth Gallaspy LOGON CAFE 3805 CALDER THE MASSAGE INSTITUTE 2855 EASTEX FRWY, SUITE 1 Lige (@ DELAWARE) Joanna Clark NORTH END CYCLE HWY 105 PACESETTER COLONNADE CENTER Chris Dombrowsky QUIZNOS 3939 SUITE 9 DOWLEN RED B4 BOOKS 4495 CALDER Terri McKusker REED’S LAUNDRY 6025A PHELAN @ PEYTON Willie McKusker STUDIO 77 6372 COLONNADE CENTER TIP-TOP 7271 EASTEX FRWY Sheila Molandes TRENDY’S 5905 PHELAN, STE. E Deborah Ragsdale WEST END MEDICAL PLAZA 2010 DOWLEN WILSON CHIROPRACTIC 7060 PHELAN BLVD. Colby Duhe PARKDALE Beau Dumesnil RAO’S BAKERY 4440 DOWLEN ORANGE Karen Dumesnil STARK MUSEUM OF ART 712 GREEN AVE. Tosha McKusker