The Journal
〰️
The Journal 〰️
Summer 2022 | Vol. 1 / Issue 1
Director’s Note
Welcome to the first issue of the Journal for The Art Supply Co. (TASC).
This publication is our chance to share a little bit about our world—the artists we work with, the projects we’re excited about, and the ways Good Art can truly transform spaces and experiences for the better. The Art Supply Co. is a new beginning for our consulting arm at Casey Droege Cultural Productions. As with many other businesses, the pandemic forced us to think on our feet and re-examine our model. I’m thrilled that our business not only survived the shutdowns but also grew and thrived in unexpected ways.. As I look to the future and the pathway of growth, I’ve decided to launch this rebrand, which streamlines our consulting services and adds a few new offerings as well. (It’ll also save you from having to try to pronounce my last name all the time!) The Art Supply Co. will continue to facilitate artwork acquisitions and commissions for businesses looking to connect with independent artists and designers. We work with architects, interior designers, developers, and more, to acquire art and hire artists for their projects. We have an incredible network of artists available to create beautiful works, connect with the community, and build memorable experiences in your space. We’re also adding in project management offerings and other forms of support. This triannual publication will provide a deeper look into our projects and the philosophy behind our process.
For the most up-to-date news about our work, be sure to follow us on social media and sign up for our email list, where we regularly share news, artist opportunities, and exclusive events. To the future!
Casey
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Meet Fran Flaherty
Eriko sat down for a brief interview with artist Fran Flaherty, who we've worked with on numerous projects throughout the years as CDCP.
Where Pedantic Began
Read the report back on our inaugural residency period and see how the idea for Pedantic all began.
How to Support Your Favorite (Living) Artists
Learn how to show love and support to living artists and not the dead ones (they don't have to worry about survival).
From Busted to Beautiful
Learn about Alison Zapata's parking garage mural in Southside Pittsburgh and see how a parking garage has potential for becoming Good Art.
What Makes a Healthy Arts Community?
Three stakeholders weigh in on what they think helps support the pulse of a supported arts community.
Testimonial Highlight: The Salon
Read about Cathy Lewis Long's experience working with us throughout the years.
Meet Fran Flaherty
We recently sat down with Pittsburgh based Fran Flaherty and asked her a few questions about her creative process and career.
Fran is a Deaf artist and educational consultant living in Pittsburgh for over 25 years. As a first-generation immigrant from the Philippines, her work is centered in issues surrounding migrant family relations and assimilation, maternal feminism, & disability aesthetics that synthesizes traditional media and physical computing.
How to Support Your Favorite (Living) Artists
1. Share resources and opportunities with an artist you like.
2. Subscribe to their mailing list.
3. Follow them on social media and like and engage with their posts for visibility and encouragement.
4. Attend an art event—in-person or virtual—depending on your comfort level.
5. Support their monthly Patreon or subscription service. Or look to see if they offer small works to purchase.
An Artist, a Curator, and a Writer walk into a building...
By Eriko Hattori
Pedantic Arts Residency, a new program created by artist Henry Simonds, launched this June with its inaugural three residents.
Located in Pittsburgh’s Garfield Arts District, Pedantic is built on the belief that structured contemplation, education, and study can benefit artistic output through collaboration and discussion. By selecting an artist, a curator, and an arts writer to work and live alongside one another for one month, the program fosters its mission by centering the residents’ relationships with one another and prioritizing the exchange of ideas. The end result is a collaborative exhibition that showcases their communal thinking and working processes. Pedantic's first cohort included photographer SHAN Wallace of Baltimore, MD; curator Elise Butterfield of Chicago, IL; and writer Joshua Ware from Denver, CO.
RESIDENTS (LEFT TO RIGHT, BACK ROW) SHAN WALLACE, ELISE BUTTERFIELD AND JOSHUA WARE WITH HENRY SIMONDS (FRONT) | PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
View of SouthSide works mural, designed by Alison Zapata and executed by Bella's Army Painting
Photo credit: Hannah Colen
Parking Garages: From Busted to Beautiful
By Hannah Turpin
Public art presents an opportunity for individuals to immerse themselves in art during their everyday routines. It heightens art’s accessibility within different communities, fulfilling the ideal that art truly is for everyone and something we all can experience and enjoy. Instead of being preserved and protected within the walls of an institution, public art invites people to directly engage with it, inviting play and conversation.
How does art improve the lives of people in concrete and meaningful ways?
In addition to TASC's mission to provide quality art and consulting services, we also build arts economy and support art communities. We reached out to stakeholders in the arts community and asked them what helps to make it feel healthy and vibrant.
“A healthy arts community requires continual financial support of our local artists through purchase of their work or funding their practice, and it requires a respect for the work done by the arts administrators that support artistic endeavours. CDCP has created innovative ways for collectors and art patrons to connect with artists, and I have loved participating in CDCP's programs, visiting their exhibitions, and seeing their curation of collections such as the Benter Offices and at TRYP hotel in Lawrenceville. I have been exposed to so many talented artists and love seeing their artwork in my home."
Stephanie Garrison | Collector and Arts Administrator
“To me, a healthy arts community is one that provides artists with equitable support systems and opportunities for growth. Whether the support is formal or informal, and the growth is artistic, economic, personal, or professional, if you have these things, you are setting up a community to be generative and inclusive.”
Marina Balko | Executive Director, Radiant Hall
“Sharing resources, creating opportunities for others, supporting emerging talent, and collaboration. Free arts education. Approaching community and interpersonal issues with a genuine intent to solve them, instead of grandstanding, which isn't productive or helpful to anyone. Also, being open to constructive criticism and being down to have the conversations that could lead to solutions.”
Sean Beauford | Arts Worker and Curator
We've worked with Cathy Lewis Long and The Salon many times throughout the years, co-hosting events featuring women and non-binary artists, art workers, and influencers. Check out what she has to say about working with us as CDCP. We're looking forward to continuing our work with her as TASC.
"Working with Casey and her team as CDCP is a dream! Our partnership embodies one of the key principles of The Salon—empower women creators across Pittsburgh. This is Casey. She has her finger on the pulse of the local art scene. As a cultural producer, Casey creates exciting and authentic programs that lift up amazing local artists in powerful ways that allow athe broader audience of interested community members and art patrons to connect, learn, and discover one another."