Former KS Arts Commissioners Respond to Governor Brownback

700 SW Jackson Street, Ste. 1004

Topeka, Kansas 66603-3774

http://arts.ks.gov/

Statement from Former Kansas Arts Commissioners regarding

GOVERNOR SAM BROWNBACK’S ELIMINATION OF

THE KANSAS ARTS COMMISSION

TOPEKA, Kansas – As former Kansas Arts Commissioners and current citizens of Kansas, we wish to state our desire to help Governor Brownback achieve his goal of a balanced state budget. However, we strongly believe that abolishing the Kansas Arts Commission, and creating a private, nonprofit corporation will not help the Governor in his efforts.

Cutting state funding will jeopardize direct federal dollars and indirect programs and services that go to small businesses, not-for-profit and for-profit, throughout the state. The loss of these dollars on top of the loss of state funds will mean a smaller rate of return to state and local governments, thereby contributing to the deficit in the long run.

Arts organizations will decrease their services to their communities and people will lose jobs. It will have the opposite of the desired effect, and will end up costing the state far more than the $575,000 in savings that are described in the Governor's executive reorganization order. The Kansas Arts Commission has been a successful investment, helping generate a large percentage of the $15 million in revenue generated by the Kansas nonprofit arts and cultural sector, for the low cost of 29 cents per Kansan.

In addition, a private corporation for the arts will then compete with other arts organizations in Kansas for funds. Eighty-five percent of arts organizations have seen private contributions decrease in the last two years; it would be wrong for the designated state arts agency to compete with the organizations it serves merely to provide minimal services.

As Kansas communities strive for economic growth, particularly in rural Kansas, it is essential that communities offer a quality of life that appeals to businesses. Businesses want to relocate to communities with a strong arts base, and young workers with families want to live in communities that offer arts opportunities. Without support from the Kansas Arts Commission many rural communities will not be able compete with larger cities. This is a direct conflict with the Governor’s goal of attracting business to our state.

The quality of life for rural Kansans should not be disproportionately sacrificed.

For many rural communities, the Kansas Arts Commission’s support, with its matching requirements, is vital to attract local funding, which is very limited. The Kansas Arts Commission makes it possible for many small communities to offer arts education programs and summer and afterschool activities to children as well as keep senior citizens active and engaged. Without state funding, many of these activities will simply disappear.

Therefore, we, former Kansas Arts Commissioners, strongly support level-funding of the Kansas Arts Commission and its retention as a state agency that serves the entire state.

Former Kansas Arts Commissioners:

Leah Ann Anderson, Lindsborg
Clark Balderson, Wamego

Martin Bauer, Wichita

Jennie Becker, Wichita

Julie Britton, Elwood

Ruth Browne, Clay Center

John Divine, Salina

Christine Downey-Schmidt, Inman

Ann Evans, Lawrence

Joshua Garry, Leawood

John Hunter, Topeka

Sharon Kriss, Manhattan Don Lambert, Topeka

Judy Langley, Hutchinson
Alberta McGrath, Prairie Village
Ellen Morgan, Salina
Harolyn Clark O’Brien, Leawood

Martha Rhea, Salina

Elwanda Richardson, Kansas City, KS
Callie Allen Seaton, Winfield
Denny Senseney, Wichita
Lemuel Sheppard, Pittsburg
Jill Warford, Fort Scott
Anita Wolgast, Topeka

The Kansas Arts Commission is a state agency, funded by the State of Kansas and the National Endowment for the Arts, dedicated to promoting and supporting the arts in Kansas. Its mission is to provide opportunities for the people of Kansas to experience, celebrate and value the arts throughout their lives. For more information on the Kansas Arts Commission, please visit the KAC website at http://arts.ks.gov/.

Fleischers Lose Legal Battle over Betty Boop Rights

Who actually owns the Queen of that beloved catch-phrase, “Boop boop be doop?”  Is it heirs of the original Fleischer Studio, Paramount Pictures, or the public at large?

Well, Reuters reported Sunday that the Fleischer estate has lost their court battle for the rights to Betty Boop. Originally created by Grim Natwick at Max Fleischer’s studio in 1930, Miss Boop has been co-licensed by Fleischer Studios for decades.

The Studio recently tried to sue Avela Inc. over its licensing of public domain Betty Boop poster images.

The 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, based in San Francisco, ruled against the Fleischers.  The judges claimed, “If we ruled that AVELA’s depictions of Betty Boop infringed Fleischer’s trademarks, the Betty Boop character would essentially never enter the public domain."

According to court documents, the Fleischer Studio originally assigned its rights to Betty Boop to Paramount Pictures on July 11, 1941. Paramount assigned those rights to Harvey Films, Inc on June 27th, 1958. Harvey actively licensed the character in the early 1960s. On May 15th 1980, Harvey Cartoons transferred “Betty Boop and her Gang” to Alfred Harvey and his brothers.

Judge Susan Graber said there was no break in the chain of title.

Original article posted by Jerry of Cartoon Brew reported February 27, 2011 5:30PM

New THUNDERCATS Trailer Released

The new anime-style inception of the ThunderCats is sure to have die-hard fans screaming, "Ho!"  The new series promises fans all the beloved action of the original infused with new characters and villians.  But don't worry!  Mumm-ra still has the Cats' fate all bound up in intrigue.

We provide a little sight beyond sight with this sneak peek at what's next from Plun-Darr, courtesy of Cartoon Network:

Autodesk Users Group Meeting Tuesday!

AAUGAKC UPDATE for Meeting 3/01/2011!!!

Hello all! Tomorrow's meeting content will be changed.  Sorry for the late notice. Larry had some prior commitments and can't present for March. SO, I'm going to show what I was going to show for April instead. Tomorrow I'll show new features of Max 2012. Also, I'm going to show how to use Microsoft's Kinect set up a simple motion capture stage utilizing MotionBuilder and some freeware.

Sorry for the confusion and I hope those of you who already RSVP'ed will still find this presentation interesting. Anyone else who hasn't RSVP'ed feel free to let me know or pass this on to someone you may think is interested!  If you have any questions, feel free to contact me or check out the site.  http://www.aaugakc.com/Thanks!

Chip

admin@aaugakc.com

Oscar Update! Best Animated Feature...

Winner: Best Animated Feature Film

Toy Story 3

Lee Unkrich

A Pixar Production/Walt Disney Animation

Including his nomination this year for Adapted Screenplay for TOY STORY 3, this is the second Academy Award nomination for Lee Unkrich.


Thank You Speech:
Oh boy. I can't believe I'm actually saying this, but thank you to the Academy. I wouldn't be standing here if it weren't for the vision of three incredible guys. John Lasseter, Ed Catmull, and Steve Jobs, the founders of Pixar Animation Studios, which by the way, is the most awesome place on the planet to make movies. To my producer, Darla Anderson, screenwriter Michael Arndt, my cast and crew, everyone at Disney and Pixar, every single person who had absolutely anything to do with making Toy Story 3 and getting it out into the world, I share this with you. To my grandmother, who always insisted that she'd see me up here someday. To my parents, my wife, Laura, my kids, Hannah, Alice, and Max, I love you all so much. And finally, thank you to audiences all over the world who came out in historic numbers and embraced a movie about talking toys that hopefully had something very human to say. Thank you. Thank you! Thank you!

Oscar Update! Best Animated Short...

Winner: Best Animated Short Film

"The Lost Thing"

Shaun Tan and Andrew Ruhemann

A Passion Pictures Australia Production

Nick Batzias for Madman Entertainment

Thank You Speech:

Wow, this is quite surreal. Our film is about a creature that nobody pays any attention to, so this is wonderfully ironic. The award really goes to our producer, Sophie Byrne, the true champion of this project for the past 10 years. Alongside Andrew and our splendid animation team of Leo Baker and Tom Bryant. The Oscar also goes to John Kassab, Mike Yezerski, Adrian Medhurst, Tim Minchin, Screen Australia, and everybody whose supported us with such generosity and patience. Many thanks to our families and friends, to my wife Anari, [FOREIGN LANGUAGE], and to Perth and Melbourne this one is to you too. (Shaun Tan)


Thank you, a very quick one, just say I love my wife, Jennifer Nadel, who is out there and my business partner and great friend, Jonathan Battsek, and everybody at Passion Pictures. And this is dedicated to all lost things everywhere. Thank you

-Andrew Ruhemann

Thanks Academy

-Shaun Tan

Vote for Your Animated Favorites at the Oscars!

With the 83rd Annual Academy Awards coming this weekend, creators of the varous animated nominees, both long-form and short, wait with baited breath to hear those infamous words..."And the Oscar goes to..."  We invite you to vote for your favorites right here on our official MAPA poll in the sidebar to the right.

Here are the nominees for the Animated categories:

Best Animated Feature Film:

How to Train Your Dragon

Synopsis: The island of Berk and its Viking inhabitants have long been plagued by dragons. When Hiccup, the diminutive young son of the Viking leader, comes of dragon-fighting age, he unexpectedly befriends a young dragon and fast discovers it is better to communicate with, rather than fight against, the creatures.

The Illusionist

Synopsis: When Monsieur Tatischeff, a French nightclub magician, takes an engagement in Scotland, he befriends a young girl working in the pub where he performs. An act of kindness on Tatischeff's part leads the innocent Alice to believe he is truly magical, and she follows him to his next job in Edinburgh.

 

Toy Story 3

Synopsis: As Andy prepares to leave for college, his toys face an uncertain future now that the little boy who played with them is growing up. Their problems seem to be solved when they are donated.

Best Animated Short:

Day & Night
Synopsis: When Day and Night meet, their mutual suspicion and jealousy give rise to an escalating competition.
The Gruffalo
Synopsis: A tiny mouse goes for a walk in the forest and must outwit a fox, an owl, and a snake.
 
Let's Pollute
Synopsis: The time-honored tradition of polluting is examined in a parody of educational science films from the 1950s and 1960s.
 
The Lost Thing
Synopsis: A young boy finds a strange creature on the beach and decides to find it a home.
 
Magascar, carnet de voyage (Madagascar, a Journey Diary)
Synopsis: A European traveler records his efforts to come to terms with the unfamiliarity of Madagascan culture.
 
The 83rd Academy Awards airs Sunday, February 27, 2011 8/5p on ABC.

Comic Book Legend Dwayne McDuffie Dies

Original article, The Associated Press, By MATT MOORE PHILADELPHIA February 22, 2011.  Image courtesy http://dwaynemcduffie.com/.

Comic writer Dwayne McDuffie died Tuesday.  His age and whereabouts at the time of his death are unknown.

Along with several animated features, the Detroit, MI native wrote comics for comic superpowers DC and Marvel over the course of his career.  His titles include "Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight," the Fantastic Four and the Justice League of America.  He also founded publishing company Milestone Media in 1992.

KANSAS ARTS COMMISSION TO HOLD MEETING IN TOPEKA

TOPEKA, Kansas – The City of Topeka will host the Kansas Arts Commission’s next meeting on Friday, March 4, 2011. The meeting is open to the public. The Kansas Arts Commission business meeting will take place from 9:00 to 11:30 am, at the Dillon House (404 SW 9th Street), in Topeka.

On Thursday prior to the Commission meeting, Commissioners will attend Arts Day at the Capitol at 1:30 on Thursday, March 3, at the Dillon House (404 SW 9th Street), Topeka. This advocacy event is hosted by Kansas Citizens for the Arts. For more information on Arts Day at the Capitol, visit http://kansasarts.org/.

The day will conclude with the Governor’s Arts Awards, from 6:00-8:00 pm, in the Washburn Room of the Memorial Union, at Washburn University (1700 SW College Avenue). Ticket information is available at http://arts.ks.gov/gaa.

2011 Governor’s Arts Awards honorees are Arkansas City Area Arts Council (Arts Organization); Louis Copt, Lecompton (Artist); Willa Griswold, Marysville (Arts Advocate); Martha E. "Betty" Muncy, Dodge City (Arts Patron); and Linda Reimond, Lawrence (Arts-in-Education). In addition, Sara Paretsky, a best-selling author and native Kansan, will be honored with this year’s Distinguished Arts Award.

Guests are welcome to attend the meeting. Individuals with a disability may request accommodation in order to participate in commission meetings. Requests for accommodation should be made at least two working days in advance of the meeting. To be placed on the Commission agenda or to request accommodations, please call 866/433-0688 or 785/296-3335, or e-mail kac@arts.ks.gov.

The Kansas Arts Commission is a state agency, funded by the State of Kansas and the National Endowment for the Arts, dedicated to promoting and supporting the arts in Kansas. Its mission is to provide opportunities for the people of Kansas to experience, celebrate and value the arts throughout their lives. For more information on the Kansas Arts Commission, please visit the KAC website at http://arts.ks.gov/.

Cutting the KS Arts Commission could cost more than it saves

Could salvaging $600,000 from the demise of the KS Arts Commission really help Governor Sam Brownback attack the state’s $450-500 million deficit this year, or could it end up costing the state even more?

Despite support from the House Appropriations Committee earlier this week, several Senators on the Topeka hill take issue with abolishing the commission.  The prime argument they are touting is the possible loss of $1.2 million in matching grants supplied annually b the National Endowment for the Arts and the Mid-American Arts Alliance.

The Lawrence-Journal World reports Kansas unemployment could face another surge if the commission is dissolved.  The Kansas Arts Commission claims the state’s nonprofit arts and cultural sector makes for a $153.5 million industry, which supports 4,000 full-time equivalent jobs.

Original editorial published on the LJWorld.com By J-W Editorials, February 20, 2011

Naka-Kon Anime Convention this Weekend!

Kansas City’s Premier Anime Convention takes over the Hyatt Regency Crown Center.

Naka-Kon Anime Convention is a three-day convention that allows anime fans, also known as otaku, from across the country to gather and learn about anime and Japanese culture. It has no headquarters, and is run by a staff of uncompensated volunteers, many of whom are students and most of whom live in the greater Kansas City area.  The convention was founded by members of the University of Kansas Anime Club in 2005. It was a one-day, free event funded by the club and the University of Kansas Student Senate.

Naka-Kon hosts a wide variety of events that appeal to all attendees, from veteran anime fans to those who are new to anime and Japanese culture. Game Shows offer attendees with an abundance of Japanese and anime-related knowledge with which to test their wits while simultaneously offering newcomers a glimpse into this popular subculture.

Our large Gaming Room features many different console games with games in both English and Japanese in addition to tabletop games which allow attendees to come together to solve problems while having fun. Contests let attendees demonstrate their talent through creation of stories, anime music videos (AMVs), and other forms of media.

Dozens of entertaining and educational Panels hosted by Naka-Kon staff, knowledgeable volunteers, and prominent American voice actors and manga artists are held throughout the weekend. We also host a Cosplay, or costume, contest on each day of the convention, with the main Masquerade competition on Saturday night and smaller Hall Cosplay contests on Friday and Sunday. In addition to these exciting events, we offer 24-hour anime showing rooms.

"Paul" Trailer (I CAN NOT WAIT)

Courtesy: Universal Pictures

This movie looks amazing!

I will be at an advanced screening and promise a prompt report the second I get home.

I even asked the next day off so I can stay up late enough to go! (I work an early shift.)

And for more movie crap, don't forget to visit your resident film snob.

HurleyCon 2011 This Weekend!

When: Saturday, February 19th

Where: JLW Convention Center, 5309 S. Rangeline Rd. (about 1 mile South of I-44 on Rangeline Rd.), Joplin, MO

This year we’re adding a couple of new features:

A costume contest with local celebrity judges!

Game Demos for some of the most popular board and card games on the market, like Magic: The Gathering, Carcassonne, Vegas Showdown, Munchkin, Ticket To Ride, Puerto Rico, and more!

We’ll also have tons of guests from the world of comics, including our first Guest of Honor!

Guest of Honor:

TIM SEELEY

Tim is the creator of the smash hit Image comic Hack/Slash. He’s also the writer/artist of books like Ant Man and The Wasp, WildCats, G.I. Joe, Forgotten Realms, Exiles, and many more!

First Time HurleyCon Guests:

Alex Grecian – Writer – Proof, Seven Sons, Hack/Slash: Trailers

Buster Moody – Artist – Maintaining Bohemia, Hack/Slash: Trailers

Jai Nitz – Writer – Tron: Betrayal, Green Hornet: Parallel Lives, Kato: Origins, El Diablo

Returning Guests:

Cullen Bunn – Writer – The Sixth Gun, The Damned, Immortal Weapons, Deadpool Team-Up

Jeremy Haun – Artist – Batman: Red Hood, Battle Hymn, Detective Comics, The Leading Man, Captain America/Iron Man, Chuck – Writer – Narcoleptic Sunday

Dennis Hopeless – Writer – Gearhead, Hack/Slash: Trailers

Brian Hurtt – Artist – The Sixth Gun, The Damned, Hard Time, Jumper: Jumpscars, Queen & Country

Brian Koschak – Artist – Star Wars Adventures, Star Wars: Clone Wars, Narcoleptic Sunday – Writer/Artist – Eavesdropper Cafe

Kevin Mellon – Artist – Gearhead, 13 Steps, Devil Wears Prada: ZOMBIE, Hack/Slash – Writer/Artist – Suicide Sisters, Hack/Slash: Trailers

Steven Sanders – Artist – Marvel’s SWORD, Five Fists of Science, Uncanny X-Men: The Heroic Age, Deadpool: Team-Up

Harold Sipe – Writer – Screamland

Amber Stone – Writer/Artist – Love The Dango

Kyle Strahm – Artist – We Will Bury You, Hack/Slash: Trailers, Amory Wars – Writer/Artist – Clockwork Creature

Bryan Ward – Artist – Widower

New Guests Just Added!

B. Clay Moore – Writer – Hawaiian Dick, The Leading Man, Battle Hymn, Superman Confidential, Hack/Slash: Trailers, Our Fighting Forces

Mike Norton – Artist – Young Justice, Shazam, The All New Atom, Runaways, New X-Men, Loaded Bible – Writer/Artist – The Curse, Hack/Slash: Trailers

MoGraph/3D Designer Job Alert

Senior Motion Graphics/3D Designer (In Kansas City)

Employer: Riverkey Creative

Location: Kansas City, Missouri

Job Type: Full Time

RiverKey Creative “RKC” (design. visual. cgi) is looking to add a senior member to our

team. We're looking for someone with 3- 5+ years experience, an After Effects

genius, great client skills, ability to work with a creative team, brilliant

concept development, fantastic typography, and most of all, excellent motion

graphic design. Knowledge of a 3D package and integration into motion design is a must. This is a leadership position within our growing company to work under our Art director. RKC works with many prestigious clients throughout the US. There are 2 positions. The opening is immediate.

Requirements:

• Degree or equivalent experience in Motion Graphic Production or Communications required.
• Strong design sense
• Advanced training in promotion and presentation, graphics, animation, and design.
• 3- 5+ years experience in every facet of video and motion graphic production and post-production.
• Previous experience working with designers, interpreting producer/clients ideas and working with editors and support staff.
• Previous experience at a design or post production house/studio
• Excellent directorial and collaboration skills.
• Must have superior knowledge of After Effects, Photoshop and Illustrator as well as Cinema 4D (Preferred), Maya or Lightwave; with the ability to integrate all of these skills together into a finished piece.
• Interactive and Flash design is a plus, but not required.
• Must be both MAC and PC proficient.
• Strong ability to work well under tight deadlines both independently and with groups. Able to lead as well as direct others to success.
• Strong problem solving skills.

Please submit reels/websites and resumes to: careers@riverkeycreative.com

In the Subject line please put RKC-MOGRAPH POSITION exactly.

Animated shorts make Oscar spotlight

Original article in The Daily Cardinal by Mike Kujak, published: Friday, February 18, 2011.  Image courtesy Pixar.

Here is the list of five animated shorts included in this year’s "Best Animated Short" category at the Oscars.  Shining out among them is Pixar’s “Day & Night,” which is earmarked as the people’s choice.

·         “Day & Night" (directed byTeddy Newton; 6 minutes)

·         "Let's Pollute" (directed by Geefwee Boedoe; 6 minutes)

·         "Madagascar, a Journey Diary" (directed by Bastien Dubois, 11 minutes)

·         "The Gruffalo" (directed by Jakob Schuh, Max Lange; 30 minutes)

·         "The Lost Thing" (direceted by Andrew Ruhemann, Shaun Tan; 15 minutes)

A BIG THANK YOU FROM MAPA!!!

This past weekend, MAPA entered its first partnership with the official Adobe User Groups, KCCoreGroups to present our first After Effects Boot Camp, which turned out to be a phenomenal success!  With the help of some very special volunteers, we were able to entertain and educate more than 100 people with the magic of this extremely powerful software!

MAPA would like to extend warmest thanks to the very talented people and organizations who made it all come together.

Our Presenters, by order of appearance:
Kenny Miracle
Editor/Motion Designer
http://www.kennymiracle.com/

Andrew Falk
Motion Designer
http://vimeo.com/channels/andrewfalkport

Kyle Hamrick
Editor/Motion Designer/Project Manager

http://www.kylehamrick.com/

Chad Perkins via Lynda.com
http://www.lynda.com/home/ViewCourses.aspx?lpk1=90

Our Sponsors:

Jon Trozzolo of StagePort KC, part of the OfficePort Network

http://www.stageport.tv/

Bruce Swanson of Digital Video Midwest

http://www.digitalvideomidwest.com/

Adobe Systems, Inc.

http://www.adobe.com/

Our Partners:

Buck Sommerkamp of KCDesignCore

http://www.meetup.com/kcdesigncore/

Nick Schale of KCVideoCore

http://groups.adobe.com/group/485

And Special Thanks to our Wonderful Volunteers:

Arie Monroe, Comic Illustrator at Draw Like Crazy
http://ariemonroe.blogspot.com/

Mike Sullivan, Comic Illustrator

http://www.comicbookdb.com/creator.php?ID=5901

Jason Turner, Videographer at Dark Train Films

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/Darktrainfilms

Nick Ingenthron, Broadcast Engineer at NBC Action News

http://www.nbcactionnews.com/

Greg LaPlant, Illustrator/Designer

http://www.youtube.com/user/GregLaPlant

Phillip A. Woodward, Designer at Corporate Clone 2.0

http://corporateclone.com/

QUICK FLASH JOB FOR QUICK $$$

Client is looking for someone who could do some 2-3 minute basic ("primary") Flash opening sequences for a church project.  Each sequence would have a narration soundtrack provided and would be a very basic Bible story.  Some of the assets used in the sequences would be provided in Illustrator, but artist would need to come up with some basic assets/patterns on their own.  (For example, the creation story needed sun, clouds, mountains and water but the Adam and Eve characters were already provided).

The project has a very tight deadline and would be some quick, easy money for the artist.  Expect it to include up to 9 or 10 sequences with $$$ for each.

For more information, contact:

John@AliasCreativeGroup.com

Phone: 816-ALIAS-CG (254-2724)

What the Academy Got Right and Wrong Including Best Animated Feature Nominations

Every year, the Academy announces their nominations and every year there are disappointments and a couple of pleasant surprises.

Courtesy: Sony Pictures Classics

Here's what they got right and wrong this year.

And of course, I'll be ranting a lot more over at theresidentfilmsnob, so stop by.

Traveling Art Show Opens at Three Locations!!

Cultures Without Borders Traveling Art Exhibit 2011

15th Annual presentation of Greater KC and 4 state region Artists.

March 6 - June 24, 2011

Sneak Preview of work at our Jury Location

NorthEastminster Presbyterian Church

301 Van Brunt Blvd., KCMO 64124

Sunday Feb. 27 from 1-3 pm

Display will be in the Fellowship Hall downstairs.

·         First Venue

Show opens March 6 – April 17, 2011   American Heartland Theatre lobby

Reception for the Artists, guests & the public

Live entertainment by Celtic Moon

Sunday, March 6, from 6:00 – 8:30 pm.

Crown Center

2450 Grand Ave KC MO 64108

http://www.ahtkc.com/

Open to the public

Cash bar in the lobby

Awards presentation 8:00 pm

Viewing Hours:  Check web site for viewing.

Show coincides with performances of “No Way to Treat a Lady”

·         Second Venue

Central Bank of Kansas City, Lobby

April 19 – May 14, 2011

2301 Independence Ave., KC MO 816-483-1210

Viewing Regular Banking Hours.

·         Third Venue

UMB Bank Lobby,

Show opens May 17 – June 24, 2011

6400 Independence Ave.  KC MO 64125   816-245-8510

Special Cultures Closing reception June 23, 5-7 pm

Light refreshments served.

Viewing Regular Banking Hours

Contact:

Rebecca Koop

3922 St John Ave.

Kansas City, MO  64123

816-483-6964

Cell 816-808-2789

E-mail:  NortheastArtsKC@aol.com    

http://www.northeastartskc.org/

Sponsored by Northeast Arts KC, Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund, American Heartland Theatre, Central Bank of Kansas City,  UMB Bank  local businesses and volunteers.

Juror: Christopher Leitch, director Kansas City Museum

Awards:

$100 Cash Awards for Theme, 2D, 3D, and Mixed Media

$500 in Certificate Awards of Merit

ILLUSTRATOR JOB ALERT

A Los Angeles firm, Bakers Man Productions, is looking for an contract artist to work with their KC office on a project for a rather large client. They need a quick turnaround.

Here is the listing from the employer:

- We would need you to illustrate and animate a pre-loader for a match game.

- Description of pre-loader: Includes two trucks moving towards each other, with two cartoony food characters pairing up after the crash. More details will be provided if interested. But, think Peanut Butter and Chocolate from the old Reese’s ads. Then, the game landing page will be revealed.

- If you could send me a bid for, 1. Just illustrating the components, and 2. Illustrating and animating the entire pre-loader. And, a url with samples.

- Optimum timeline: I am trying to keep this as realistic as possible! Sorry, this is a rush job for us too, but hopefully it is doable for you. This timeline is working from the assumption that you would be doing both the illustration and animation:

View rough sketches: 15th
Pre-loader complete: 21st/ 22nd
Promotion goes live: 28th

If you're interested, email Erik Lundy at erikl@bakersman.com and I will forward the info. You can also call 913 262 4355.

AFTER EFFECTS CAMP KC LINEUP

Whether you're a seasoned motion graphics designer or want to start launching into the world of After Effects CS5, we have coverage for you during an intense all-day AE Camp in Kansas City! Your $25 fee includes a full day of learning and networking with some of the Midwest's top motion graphics talent, a delicious catered lunch from Cupini's, and a chance to meet others who share your passion for great visual design on multiple screens.

Come and share your day with colleagues as we learn about tools, tips, techniques, and concepts to save you time and sharpen your skills.

We plan to offer content for beginners through intermediate and advanced users in different rooms simultaneously, so choose your skill level and GO!

It will be a day filled with education and fun. We look forward to seeing you there!

Buck Sommerkamp, KCDesignCore

We will be hosting two seminars simultaneously:

• 101 - Basic Camp: hosted by Lynda.com
• 201 - Advanced Exhibition: Demonstrations by the Local Masters

We will also be giving away a full retail copy of Adobe CS5 Production Premium valued at $1699 -- your choice of Windows or Mac versions! Someone will win this at the end of the day, and we hope it's you! Details when you arrive on Saturday morning.


Featuring some of KC's Best Special FX Artists:

Kenny Miracle
Editor/Motion Designer
www.kennymiracle.com

For the past 6 years, Kenny has done post production work for various studios & non-profit organizations. His experience includes commercials, title sequences, TV shows, and documentaries for worldwide release. He has a passion for raising up teams and creating videos that impact people in a positive way. He is currently the Head of Post Production at the International House of Prayer & a freelance editor/motion designer. Kenny was trained as an intern at the Center for Creative Media.

“Using Kinetic Typography to Tell Your Story”
Motion graphics are very popular these days, but an age-old truth still applies: content is king. Motion designers are still storytellers. Because of this, it's often important to communicate both clearly and creatively. One excellent method is the growing trend of kinetic typography. In this presentation, Kenny will be sharing about typography and the art of blending relevant images with moving text. This presentation is aimed primarily at intermediate users, but should be informative for users of every level.
-----------------------------------------------------
Andrew Falk
vimeo.com/channels/andrewfalkport

A recent transplant to the KC area, Andrew has spent the last 18 months at Real Media LLC producing and designing MoGraph for local and national sports teams. Having spent the beginning of his career in gaming graphics and corporate presentations, Andrew brings a wide range of styles to the table. Some of Andrew’s weapons of choice are: After Effects, 3DS Max, Cinema 4D and the entire Adobe suite just to name a few. Andrew attended the Art institute of Fort Lauderdale and studied VFX and Motion Design.

“Advanced Shape Layer Techniques and Camera Moves”
Ever use shape layers inside After Effects (or have you even heard of them?) Maybe you have and wondered what they are really for, or why would anyone use them. They don't even look that good -- oh but they can, my friends! For one of the most overlooked and underrated features of After Effects, we’ll take a journey down the shape layer road and learn not only one of the most robust features in After Effects, but how to make them look sexy as well! Learn advanced shape layer techniques and some snazzy camera keyframing as well.

------------------------------------------------------
Kyle Hamrick
Editor/Motion Designer/Project Manager
www.kylehamrick.com

For the past eight years, Kyle has worked as an editor, motion designer and producer for various KC production companies, as well as an independent media producer. After several years in broadcast advertising and corporate production, Kyle moved into the field of sports entertainment, and is now working as a freelance motion designer. In the past few years, Kyle has created or directed creation of both in-stadium and broadcast entertainment elements for teams including the Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, San Antonio Spurs, Tampa Bay Lightning and the Washington Nationals, in addition to numerous projects for non-sports clients. Kyle received his Bachelor of General Science degree in Theater and Film from the University of Kansas.

"Making AE Work For You"
Why should you have to do all the work? Many people can use AE to make great-looking designs, but even many professional designers do a lot of things the hard way. AE is full of features, tricks and shortcuts that can do a lot of the work for you. Through the use of scripts, expressions and proper project organization, you can greatly simplify several common AE tasks, and get your work done faster. In this presentation, Kyle will dissect and discuss the mechanics behind some of his finished projects, and discuss general tips and tricks on expressions, parenting, and project organization/streamlining. This presentation is aimed primarily at intermediate users, but should be informative for users of every level.

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Basic Class Chad Perkins (prerecorded) - AE CS5 Essential Training via Lynda.com
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So load up your laptop or be prepared to take some good notes. The After Effects Camp Kansas City is right around the corner!

This Boot Camp is produced by the Midwest Association of Professional Animators, KC Design Core, KC Video Core, Stageport and, of course, Adobe.

ArtsKC News for February

5th Annual ArtsKC Fund Campign Has Kicked Off!

Ringmaster, Walter Coppage, kicks off the 5th Annual ArtsKC Fund Campaign with confetti.

Photographer: Kyle Rivas

We launched our Annual ArtsKC Fund Campaign on January 28th, 2011. The ArtsKC Fund campaign is currently in its fifth year and benefits more than 100 arts organizations, arts programs and artists in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Last year alone, thanks to the support of over 70 participating companies across the metropolitan area, the fund provided over $420,000 to our local arts community. Over the past four years, we have raised a total of $2,102,851 for the ArtsKC Fund.

This year the ArtsKC Fund goal is to raise $440,000, and you can help! Giving has never been easier.

Choose from the following options:

• Payroll Deduction - (pledge forms available from your Workplace Giving Employee Campaign Manager)
• On-line at www.ArtsKC.org
• Credit Card - one time or installment payments
• Personal Check

Increase employee morale and creativity - host a workplace giving campaign! Companies interested in hosting an ArtsKC Fund Employee Giving Campaign may sign up now through May 2011 by contacting Liz Albers at 816-994-9223 or Albers@artskc.org.

Arts Council to Perform Research Study
We are proud to be participating in Arts & Economic Prosperity IV, a research study conducted by Americans for the Arts to evaluate the economic impact of nonprofit arts organizations and their audiences' spending in local communities. This spending pumps vital revenue into local restaurants, hotels, retail stores, parking garages, and other businesses. The study will also assess the impact of the recession on the employment and government revenues that are generated by the nonprofit arts industry. The findings are expected to demonstrate that the arts remain a formidable industry in spite of recent economic challenges. Grants Director, Paul Tyler, and Research Intern, Erinn Faulconer, will head up the study.

When we participated in the study in 2005, it was found that nonprofit arts are a $279.3 million industry in our five county area, which includes Wyandotte, Johnson, Jackson, Clay and Platte.

Our President & CEO, Harlan Brownlee, states "When creative activities are occurring in this city, whether large or small, there is an increase in economic vitality; the arts are an economic engine."

Complete details about the 2005 study are available at www.AmericansForTheArts.org/EconomicImpact.

Art venue in Lawrence!!!

SHOW YOUR ARTWORK AT LAWRENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY:

If you would like to show your artwork in the Lawrence Public Library's GALLERY during the month of April, please contact Laurie Culling at mylar@sunflower.com.

Also, if any of you have scheduled exhibits of your artwork in the library from March through the end of the year, please contact Laurie.  Her computer's hard-drive died, so she lost some information for the 2011 Library Art Exhibit Schedule and needs to re-contact those artists who are scheduled to show. Thank you.

CALL FOR ARTISTS (deadline friday feb. 11, 2011)

• Feb, 16th-Mar. 20, 2011: “Memories, Memoirs and Musings” (An entry fee of $10 for first artwork $20 for up to five pieces.) Featured artists Jennifer Unekis and the writings of Phyllis Copt and company.
• Feb 11-Deadline for information to Gallery Director
• Feb 14-Receive artwork 2-7pm
• Feb 15-Install Show
• Feb 16-Show Begins
• Feb 19-Readings by writing group led by Phyllis Copt at 5:30pm and Reception 7-9pm
• Feb 21-Movie at 1109 Gallery: "Herb & Dorothy" Vogel. This is about a couple, with very moderate means of support, who acquired over 4000 pieces Minimalist and Conceptual Art. The Spencer Art Museum has 50 pieces from their collection.
• Feb 25-Open until 9pm for Final Friday Art Walks 

For more information, visit the guild website: http://www.lawrenceartguild.org/

Kansas governor closes curtain on arts commission

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- Gov. Sam Brownback signed an executive reorganization Monday order to abolish the Kansas Arts Commission.  All powers and responsibilities have been transferred to the Kansas Historical Society.

Brownback argues the order will save the state about $600,000 in the next fiscal year.

The Kansas Arts Foundation, which will support the arts as a private organization, will replace the commission.  Brownback's executive reorganization order is scheduled to take effect July 1.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR AFTER EFFECTS CAMP!!!

We need about 10 volunteers to help during an all-day seminar on Adobe After Effects. 

Saturday February 12, 2011

9:00 AM to 4:00 PM CST

Stageport KC
208 W. 19th St
Kansas City, MO 64108

The event will feature some of Kansas City's talented Special Effects artists:
Andrew Falk:

http://vimeo.com/channels/andrewfalkport

Kenny Miracle:

http://kennymiracle.com/

Kyle Hamrick:

http://kylehamrick.com/TempVideo.html

Chad Perkins (prerecorded) - AE CS5 Essential Training via Lynda.com

http://store.lynda.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=963

We need help with set-up, tear-down and the registration desk. We also need videographers/photographers to capture the action for us.

All volunteers will get free entry and food from Cupini's!!!

AE Camp Kansas City is organized by MAPA, KCDesignCore, and KCVideoCore

KCDesignCore and KCVideoCore are two of four KCCoreGroups:

official Adobe User Groups in the Kansas City Area.

Whether you're a seasoned motion graphics designer or want to start launching into the world of After Effects CS5, we have coverage for you during an intense all-day AE Camp in Kansas City! Your $25 fee includes a full day of learning and networking with some of the Midwest's top motion graphics talent, a delicious catered lunch from Cupini's, and a chance to meet others who share your passion for great visual design on multiple screens.

Come and share your day with colleagues as we learn about tools, tips, techniques, and concepts to save you time and sharpen your skills.

We plan to offer content for beginners through intermediate and advanced users in different rooms simultaneously, so choose your skill level and GO!

It will be a day filled with education and fun. We look forward to seeing you there!

Buck Sommerkamp, KCDesignCore