I am delighted to have my ”Ocean Blues” pattern featured on one of SpoonflowersDaily Favs page! This nature-inspired, repeat design was created from a detail section of a photo of aMan-o’-Warthat I encountered on South Beach during my Miami days. The colors of this venomous sea creature reflect the ocean blue-greens, frothy white waves and sunset coral pinks.
Ocean Blues is available as fabric, wallpaper and gift wrap in addition to the home decor products from Roostery.
See all of the options from my Spoonflower shop at: https://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/557663-ocean-blues-pattern-debra-cortese-designs-by-debracortesedesigns
It’s always charity event season here in Miami and as an artist, I receive dozens of requests from all over the country to donate art or my handbags to all kinds of worthy causes. I’ve become much more selective over the years after experiencing a variety of unprofessional situations and attitudes. It makes a tremendous difference when the organization is professional and shows their appreciation for the time, materials and creativity an artist puts into a work of art. The official letter thanking each donor for their contribution is pretty standard and it makes a great impression when I am also invited to be a guest at the event, but getting personally introduced to the winning bidder creates the most rewarding experience of all because charity event patrons often become collectors of the artist and look forward to seeing more of their art at future events.
This is a major benefit of the dynamics of cultivating donors and collectors. It’s about building relationships and communities. It is about everyone winning on all levels. The charity raises money to support their projects, the patron not only buys the painting that generates the sale, they get something unique and beautiful for their home or office and the artist gets recognition and ideally, a new collector.
When I think about my Orchid Angel I often wonder where if she is hanging on someone’s wall that truly appreciates her nurturing, peaceful energy. I hope so. On the other hand, she could be stuffed into a storage closet with unsold auction items. If that’s the case, I’d love to reclaim her!
Macarena Zilveti, a graphic artist, and founder of Badges of Courage Foundation and I have co-created the “Healing Pinks Badge”, an exclusive and limited edition design for the “Badges of Courage Foundation”. Each hand-sewn ‘Healing Pink Badge’ is adorned with delicate beads that outline and magnify the vibrational lines of the healing energy of the sensuous, pink mussaenda leaves which are the basis for this custom design.
All “Badges of Courage” are mini, palm-sized pillows designed to resemble the female breast. Each one is created with loving care and includes an inspirational message on the back.
Badges of Courage Foundation, a non-profit organization, was founded by Macarena Zilveti to pay tribute to her great-grandmother, grandmother and mother, all breast cancer survivors. The foundation raises funds to provide financial assistance for cancer patients.
The fabric design for the “Healing Pink Badge” is a pattern I created that is based on photos I took of the “Queen Sirikit”, a mussaenda that grows in a friend’s garden in Miami, Florida.
This plant emanates with the beauty and energy of nature’s sensuous pink tones. I specifically chose this design because of the powerful, joyful and compassionate vibrations that I sensed while taking the original photos. All Cortese Designs are created with a conscious intention to share the positive vibrations of nature’s energy.
Purchase tickets for Fashion Designers Expo Florida now!
MUSIC, DANCE, SCANDALS, MYSTERY & 100 YEARS of HISTORY
Many of you know that in addition to creating art, presenting art business workshops, and designing handbags, I’ve also been working with Arts at St Johns on design and marketing projects. One in particular took on a life of its own, went through several incarnations and a year of intense work by teams of people. That project, “Miami Beach – the MUSICAL”, premieres this weekend at Arts at St Johns’ home theatre (also the sanctuary in St. John’s Methodist Church) at 4760 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach, FL . Performances start at 8 pm on Friday, Oct 1 and Saturday, Oct 2 and there’s a matinee on Sunday, Oct 3 at 3 pm. Tickets are $25 at the door, but I strongly suggest you order in advance to save $5 and to be sure you have a seat!
$20 tickets online at www.miamibeachthemusical.com
This all original production is directed by David Kingery, who has incorporated historical research by Dr. Carol Hoffman-Guzman, dozens of real stories from WISH YOU WERE HERE – the history of Miami Beach Facebook pages and so much more into an entertaining and poignant story, complete with original music by South Florida composers Andrew Sargent, David Cohen and lyricist,
On October 1, 2 & 3, 2010, the Arts at St Johns presents the World Premiere of this all-original musical production at their theater (also the sanctuary in St. John’s Methodist Church) at 4760 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach, FL .
Performances start at 8 pm on Friday and Saturday night and there is a matinee on Sunday at 3 pm.
Time for me to get back to work!
Finishing a new series of mixed media paintings for my ‘wall’ as GroveHouse Artist of the Month. Opening reception is Saturday night at 7pm (so I’ll be in Grove Sat. night to meet you and share the ‘blues’ – sneak peak of art progress posted below) and we also have a new ‘RED & GREEN’ grid show opening that night plus the fabulous art of dozens of GroveHouse Artists!
If you’re an artist in the Miami area and would like to know more about the business of licensing your art, you may be interested in a workshop that I’ll be presenting in Coconut Grove and on Miami Beach titled: The Business of Art Licensing – A Workshop For Artists.
Sweet Sprouts -garden art by Debra Cortese
A bit of background information:
In 2009, I facilitated the highly successful 8 week ‘Art Marketing Salon‘ based on the book, “I’d Rather Be In The Studio.” by art business coach, Alyson B. Stanfield. Over two dozen people (artists, curators, and agents) participated in the Art Salons which culminated with an outstanding Summer Salon Art Exhibit and Fashion Show on June 6, 2009 at the Windisch-Hunt Fine Art Gallery in Coconut Grove, FL.
As the Art Marketing Salon was coming to an end, we briefly touched on the subject of art licensing and about half of the artists said they would be interested in learning more about this topic. Since this is a subject dear to my heart and work, I made a verbal commitment to the group and myself to develop an art licensing workshop. After months and months of reading, researching, and networking, I realized one workshop would not even come close to covering the subject. So now, 14 months later, I’m putting the final touches on the first three workshops which will begin later this month starting with the introductory session: The Business of Art Licensing – A Workshop For Artists. I’m offering the introductory session at $15 per person because I want artists to have enough information to decide if art licensing is something they want to pursue. The progressive sessions will explore key topics more thoroughly with specific research and creative assignments to help each artist move forward and create a portfolio of work specifically geared to the business of licensing art on a variety of consumer products.
The material I’ll be presenting is based on my personal experience and a good portion is based on the work of artist Tara Reedand herArt Licensing Info business. I’ve been following Tara for over 2 years and highly recommend that any artist interested in learning more about licensing your art follow her blog and listen in on her free, Ask Callswhere she conducts live interviews with many of the top selling licensed artists in the country.
Tara Reed interview with artist Paul Brent
She’s interviewed Paul Brent, Mary Engelbreit, Jill Seale, Suzanne Cruise, many others and many more are coming up. In addition, Tara has been creating and licensing her own whimiscal art for over six years and regularly attends the Surtex and Art Licensing Expo trade shows where the majority of art licensing connections and contracts are made every year.
If you’re an artist in the Miami area and would like to know more about the business of licensing your art, here is the link to full details on “The Business of Art Licensing – A Workshop For Artists” which will be presented in two locations, one on Miami Beach and another in Coconut Grove, Florida.
If you are not able to attend the workshops and want access to some of the most informative and useful information available on how to get started in art licensing, I highly recommend Tara’s eBook, “How to Get Started in Art Licensing”.
NOTE: I may earn a commission on products that you purchase from following a link that I recommend and I only recommend products or services that I personally use and believe in. This is another way for an independent artist/entrepreneur to earn money and continue doing the kinds of work you love. It’s also a good topic for another workshop 😉
Weak from emotional and physical abuse and the previous wounds inflicted over the past several decades, M.E. is fighting to survive the latest and most brutal attack by her own children. On April 20th, she collapsed during an explosive episode that severed an artery which caused massive hemorrhaging.
She is now under the constant watch of teams of professionals who are monitoring her healing process and are most concerned with the extensive and long-term effects the trauma will have on other vital body functions.
During their initial unsuccessful attempts to close the wound and stop the bleeding, she began to convulse so severely that smaller arteries ruptured which triggered even more convulsions so strong that her entire body began to shatter and quake in an effort to realign her own bones and organs to help repair the damage. Experts fear that her tears may turn into giant cleansing tsumani waves as her blood supply continues to drain, dark and sticky, coating every cell or organism that must have its vital nourishment to sustain any living functions.
Mother Earth is speaking loudly.
She is a live, pulsing, vibrating host for all of humanity and like a human body, her parts (oceans, mountains, rivers, lakes, trees, plants, rocks, dirt, minerals, diamonds, gold, boiling volcanic lava, coal, oil and more ) are all connected and vital for a healthy, vibrant planet.
Are we listening?
What will we do?
Visit: Hands Across The Sand and come out to your favorite beach on Saturday, June 26th. Your mere presence IS a statement of support for Mother Earth (M.E.)
Hands Across The Sand on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=117178948325485
What is Hands Across the Sand?
Hands Across the Sand is a movement made of people of all walks of life and crosses political affiliations. This movement is not about politics; it is about protection of our coastal economies, oceans, marine wildlife, fishing industry and coastal military missions. Let us share our knowledge, energies and passion for protecting all of the above from the devastating effects of oil drilling.
Did you get the tickets and the costumes? I can’t wait to see the live preview of
Miami Beach – the MUSICAL at the KICK-OFF Party for Arts at St Johns
History of Miami Beach Project.
There will be decadent delights from different decades
(made by Val of Sandbar Lounge with organic veggies from The Market Company)
plus drinks made with organic Prairie Vodka.
I can’t wait to play the Miami Beach Trivia games by Seth Bramson
(hope you’ve read his books about Miami Beach ;-), oh, and there’s
a Celebrity Look-alike contest and I heard something about Magic Sand Bag Treasures.
Wonder what they are?
A Silent Auction too with all kinds of art, vintage jewelry, Marlins tickets, super
Gold’s Gym memberships, Cortese Design Bags
(heard Debra created an Art Deco and Flamingos design just for this event!),
Miami Food Tour, Art Deco Pillows by Dorit Norgaard, Paintings by Rosie Brown,
Pauline Goldsmith, Elizabet Chacon, an Arts & Business Council of Miami membership,
a Biscayne Nature Center membership, Jewelry by Deborah Ruggiero,
vintage pink glass bowl, vintage vase, incredible handcrafted masks by Barbara Donachy
and more items coming in every day!
Better get YOUR Tickets today!
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT: www.artsatstjohns.com or call 305.613.2325
If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed with so many events this week, but still want to get out, see fabulous art and maybe even do a little holiday shopping…you will definitely want to visit our One-Night-Only, Holiday Art Bazaar on Sat, Dec. 5th at the Mutiny Hotel in Coconut Grove, Florida.
The Bazaar starts at 6 and runs until 9 pm. Arrive early, enjoy complimentary champagne and chocolates, meet the artists, see original paintings and prints, sculpture, designer handbags, custom made jewelry, reiki demonstrations, and much more…all created by the following local and international artists:
Shari Beffingham, Leo Casino, Debra Cortese, Laura Cerwinske, Karen Deilke, Pauline Goldsmith, Carol Haggiag, Atena Komar, Monique Lassooij, Maria Napoles, Irina Patterson, Valentina Ramos, Maui Reple, Fevi Reyes, Eileen Seitz, Harry van Gestel.
The Mutiny Hotel is presenting this event as part of their Pure Imagination program in conjunction with the monthly Coconut Grove Art Stroll. You can also enjoy poolside cocktails and even stay for dinner at Atchana’s East/West Kitchen, located right on the premises and just a few steps from the Holiday Art Bazaar!
Where else can you enjoy complimentary champagne and chocolates, hear great live jazz, wrap up your holiday shopping with delightfully unique art gifts and not have to pay an admission charge?
Mark you calendar right now for Saturday night, December 5th and join us at The Mutiny Hotel, 2951 S.Bayshore Dr, Coconut Grove, FL 33133.
Many of the artists will have special offers available only during this event!
For example: I’ll be showing my line of handbags and, for this event only, when you BUY ONE bag at the regular price of $130. you can get a 2nd bag at 50% off! Click here to preview Cortese Design Bags.
Holiday Art Bazaar: FREE Admission. Valet parking ($8.00 – a bargain most anywhere in Miami!)
Just posted Pauline’s Painting News in the comments below. Here’s an image from one of the cards Pauline will have at the show. Package of 4 amazing botanical images @10. Great Stocking Stuffers!
Tropical Botanic Art Greeting Cards - Goldsmith Galleries
An eclectic array of talent, refreshments, live performances, all genres of music and entertainment come together in celebration of 10 years of artistic excellence that Arts At St Johns has presented to the Miami communities!
photo: Nimby Cirque
Join us tomorrow night (Oct. 24th, 2009) at 7 pm at St. John’s on the Lake, 4760 Pinetree Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33140. (Save $5.00 when you purchase your ticket online athttp://www.artsatstjohns.com ) Tickets $20 at the door.
photo: Nydia Noriega
David Kingery, Artistic Director of ASJ, once again presents a fabulous lineup of Miami’s most talented performers, musicians, comedians, artists and a few surprises! There will be performances by: Raymond Yanez, Nydia Noriega, Kristen Long, Rachel Faro, Rachel Currea, Charmille Wlters, Geoffrey Philp, Mo Morgen, Madafo, Kiki Sanchez, Stuart King, Nimby Cirque, Deborah Weed, Paula Turk, Debra Cortese and more!
David Kingery, Artistic Director, Arts at St Johns
Join us tomorrow night (Oct. 24th, 2009) at 7 pm at St. John’s on the Lake, 4760 Pinetree Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33140. (Save $5.00 when you purchase your ticket online athttp://www.artsatstjohns.com ) Tickets $20 at the door.
In case you’re new to South Florida or have just missed some of the greatest art and entertainment in Miami, here’s a list the many talented artists, performers and events sponsored by Arts At St Johns over the past 10 years:
1999-PRESENT
ARTISTIC INSTRUCTORS/TEACHERS
Charmille Walters
David Kingery
Dena Stewart
Margaret Ledford
Mindy Diamond
Michael Donnell
Susan Hamilton
Tiffany Madera
CLASSICAL and PRE-MODERN MUSIC
A.K. Khaw
Bach Society – Univ. of Miami Baroque Ensemble
Carl Landerman
Chung Park
David Hertzberg
Florida Grand Opera – Young artists
Generica
Greater Miami Youth Symphony
L’Opera Nostra
Maria Letona
Melissa Lesniak
New World Symphony – young artists
Paul Schwab, organist
Project Copernicus
Rachel Currea, Pianist
Ramos de Flores
South Beach Chamber Ensemble
Stephen Danyew
Vicki Richards
Walt Strony, organist
DANCE, CHOREOGRAPHERS, MOVEMENT
Aireen’s Oriental Dance Ensemble
Ana Miranda
Anais Alvarez
Ashley Herrera
Charmille Walters
Corina Fitch, Takada Womens Ensemble
Cristina Vidal
Dalia Carella Dance Collective
Dance Now!
Decipher Ancirema – Latin rock dancer
Dena Glazer
Elisa Silverstein & Brendon Russert
Habibi Project
Hanan Arts Cooperative
Harmonic Motion
Jorge Mendez
Kamaria Dailey
Lucky Bruno
Madhavi Menon & Meenakshi Menon
Nancy Andrade
Obini Odara – dance & drumming troupe
Paul Tei
Roxy’s Performing Arts Center Artists
Shirley Julien
Teo Castellanos -D Projects
Tiffany Madera
Unidos de Florida Samba School
Urban Disturbance
FASHION DESIGNERS & SHOWS
Griselle Gaudnik – “art to wear” fashion show
Krelwear
MarketPlace India
FILMMAKERS
Giovanni Savino, Bachata La Musica del Pueblo
Joshua Bee Alafia – Beeloved Creations
HIP HOP, RAP
Brimstone 127 and Supah Maaario
Coppa Kidd
Chillski
DJ Madame Turk
DJ Majica
DJ Moses
DJ Mr. Cisum
Drejon from the Klown Fellas
Extravagant – beatbox artist
Kimani Kenyatta
Mecca aka Grimo
Mireya Alfonso – DJ
Speedy Legs – hiphop artist & breakdancer
Urban Art
HISTORY. SCIENCE & CULTURE
Paul George – historical bike tour
Seth Bramson – book talk
Steve Woodmansee
HOSTS & MASTERS OF CEREMONY
David Kingery
Tom Calucci
JAZZ & BLUES, LATIN MUSIC
Afro Polyphonic World Orchestra
Alan Renaglia’s Midnight Blue
Arthur Barron
Black Punjabi Music Ensemble
Bob Grabowski
Bob Rosati
Chassidic Jazz Project with Reuben Hoch
Clube De Choro
Duffy Jackson
Dennis Noday – 19-pc band
Ira Sullivan Quartet w/ Duffy Jackson
Jack Wilkins/Richie Perri Quartet
Jazz Survivors
JazzJones
Jean-Michel Daudier
Jesse Jones Jr. and Judi D
Joe Donato
Jonathan Gross
Jose Elias
Juan Turros
Julie Silvera
Ken Kay
Kiki Sanchez
Los Hermanos Vargas
MAC Steppers
Mantra
MoJazz with Mo + Madafo
Oriente
Oscar Salas, Latin Jazz Quintet
Philbert Armenteros & Aina
Rob “Wild Boar” Moore Blues Band
Sammy Figueroa
Sandy Bermudez
Sandy Poltarack Trio
Saul Gross
Saulo Ferreira Brazilian Jazz
Sonido Batido – Caribbean jazz
The Baboons
Way of the Groove
JUDGES & JURORS
Debra Cortese
Dena Stewart
Elaine Lancaster
Mary Damiano
Paula Turk
Roger Abramson
Winsome Bolt
MUSIC & DANCE FROM SACRED TRADITIONS
Angela Fischetti
Chogyal Namkhai Norbu
Deva Primal and Miten
Dr. Andrea Mantell-Seidel
Drepung Loseling Monks
Harvey Aronson
Laura Simms, Steve Gorn & Rachel Faro
Moti Deren – musician-composer
Mystical Arts of Tibet
Naqshbandi Sufi – talk
Rumi Night & Sufi Dancing
Shambhala teachngs
Eckhart Tolle’s teachings with Kim Eng
Susana Reyes- modern dancer-choreographer
Tibetan Drumming with Lama Khyimsar Riposee
PLAYREADINGS, COMEDY & THEATRE
Aqua Girls – comedy show
Conundrum Stages
Fantasy Theatre Factory
Ghost Light Series – Play Reading
Gold Coast Theatre, Jude Parry
Mystery on the Menu, Barbara Fox
Ralphy Love
Ruben Romeu
POETS, WRITERS, STORYTELLERS, PLAYWRIGHTS
Amy Baez
Andrea Askowitz,
Dan Wakefield – “The Hijacking of Jesus”
Fantasy Theatre Factor
Fiorella Podesta
Geoffrey Philp – novelist, poet
Georgia Brown
Gina Montet
Jabez
Katrina Mena “Beijinhos”
Lela Lombardo
Linda Spitzer – Storyteller
Malachi Smith
Norvell Holyfield
Rick Schweikert
Seth Bramson
Shamele Jenkins
SINGER/SONGWRITERS, FOLK MUSIC
Allan Taylor – folk Music
Amy Carol Webb
Carla Ulbrich
Grant Livingston
Hope Littwin
Jez Lowe – folk singer
Samantha Garcia
VISUAL ARTISTS & PHOTOGRAPHERS
Aimee Ortiz
Aleks Rosenberg
Annette Mauricio
Asandra
Barbara Frank, sculpture
Crome
Daniel Fila (Krave)
Danny Ramirez
Dava Lipsky Carson
Deborah M. Mitchell
Deborah O’Dwyer
Deborah Weed
Debra Cortese
Debra Holt, ABBA Gallery, sculpture
Dee Clark
Dena Stewart
Diego Romero
Dina Knapp
Dina Stewart, painter
Dinorah de Jesús Rodríguez
Ed King, painting
Elizabet Chacon
Eric Walton
Eurydice Kamvisseli
Eva Ruiz
Evelyn Mitchell
Giuliano Cavallo
Flex Maslan
Hannah Lasky
Ignacio Font
Irene Sperber
Jamie Crooke
Jean Villamizar – visual & graphic artist
John DeFaro
Juan Carlos Bravo
Keith Kimmel
Krave
Laura Cerwinske
Linda Apriletti
Louis “Junior” Vitale
Louis Ulman, drawing
Luis Valle
Margo Segal
Marian Wertalka
Marielle Gomez-Kaiser, sculpture
Marilyn Valiente
Mark Diamond
Mary Catello
Matt Stock
Miguel Paredes
Monica Eichmann
Natasha Duwin
Nelson Viera
Neysa Jin Felker
Olga Suarez
Pamela Palma, visual artist, weaver
Patricia Roldan
Patti Black
Paul Turk, photography, metal sculpture
Perri Cox
Rianne
Robert Zurita
Rosa Gallardo
Rosie Brown
Ruben Martinez Chamizo
Sabrina P. Azadi – Photographer
Scott Hickey
Steve Forero-Paz
Stewart Stewart
Tammy Clammer
Terry Arroyo Mulrooney
Thomas Banks
Uta
Vanessa Garcia
Winsome Bolt
Xavier Cortada
VOCALISTS
Abdiel Vivancos
Angela Fischetti
Bill Feuer
Brazilian Voices choir
Cafidia Stuart
Cecilia Torres
Chris Kent
Cristina Martin
Georgia Brown
David Kingery
David Leddick
David Vance
Eileen Faxas
Elliot Pilshaw
Eric Miji
Florenza Campos
Geo Macia
Jade Whelans
Janelle Sanchez
Jesse Carlo
Jessica Slatkoff
Julie Silvera
Kelly Roberts
Kristen Long
Kyrah Arango
Mark Akens
Melissa Youngblood
Miami Gay Men’s Chorus
Michelle Gonzalez
Nicole Kidd
Nydia Noriega
Parker Cristan
Rachel Faro
Ray Melton
Ray Raymond
Ray Yanez
Reggie Whitehead
Renee Fallios
Roger Houdaille
R-yan White
Sam Hosking
Samantha Natalie
Sean Patrick Doyle
Steve Jenkins
Tennille Maisner
Teresa Bridges
YOUTH ROCK BANDS
Adore Miridia
BJ Experience
Branded
Caution Automatic
Jacob’s Ladder
Lasso the Moon
Lights Out
Never in Red
No Such Thing
Point of Origin
Pygmy
SaveArcana
Tyranny of Shaw
ASJ BOARD MEMBERS – 1999-present
Bernie Mickley
Carol Haefner
Christine Pena
Clay Hamilton
Deborah Weed
Dennis Wilhelm
Dr. A.J. Khaw
Dr. Julie Weaver
Felice Lifshitz
Geoffrey Philp
Jean Villamizar
Ken Whiting
Lisa Koslow
Manuel Pila
Marc Thayer
Pamela Palma
Paul Schwab
Paula Turk
Rev. Dr. Annette Jones
Rev. Esther Robinson
Rev. Melissa Pisco
Robert Holcomb
Susan Hamilton
Sylvia Ospina
Valentine Dawlec
ASJ STAFF – 1999-present
Carol Hoffman-Guzman, Founding Director
David Kingery, Artistic Director
Tiffany Madera, Program Director
Mark Akens, Program Director
Jose Elias, Program Director
Charmille Walters, Program Director
Ken Whiting, Lighting
HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Founder, Carol Hoffman-Guzman and everyone who has participated in making Arts At St Johns one of Miami’s most respected and outstanding community arts and cultural organizations. Can’t wait to see what ASJ has in store for the next 10 years and I’m so looking forward to participating !!!
Join us tomorrow night (Oct. 24th, 2009) at 7 pm at St. John’s on the Lake, 4760 Pinetree Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33140. (Save $5.00 when you purchase your ticket online athttp://www.artsatstjohns.com ) Tickets $20 at the door.
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