Art Supplies Blog

Here is some cool information to apply for Syfy’s sfx competition:

Face Off, Syfy’s critically acclaimed sfx competition show, is bringing much deserved attention to the special effects community and the amazing work performed by these very talented individuals.

We are, once again, looking for sfx artists to be a part of the show. Please help us spread the word. The application and additional casting info is below. We are accepting video submissions until Wednesday, February 22nd.

I would like to thank you in advance for getting this information to the next potential contestant for the show.

If you are a sfx artists, I would like to take this opportunity to personally invite you to be a contestant on Face Off. As you may know, FO is designed for sfx artists of ALL skill levels. From the seasoned veteran to the green newbie, we want everyone to apply for the show. This is your opportunity to be a part of an amazing show designed especially for you.

You can download the application and see previous episode of season 2 on the link below.

Syfy’s Face Off / Casting Info

Thanks and GOOD LUCK!

IMPORTANT DATES:
1. Completed applications and online video submission materials must be received by Wednesday,
February 22, 2012 at 6:00pm ET – 3:00pm PST to be considered. Remember, the earlier the better.

2. If you are selected as a Semi-Finalist for the show you must be available to fly to Los Angeles for
final interviews from approximately March 4, 2012 to March 9, 2012. (We will cover your food,
hotel and travel) (Dates are subject to change)

3. If selected as a final cast member you must be available to tape the show from approximately April
24, 2012 through June 22, 2012 (Dates are subject to change)

Here is some cool news we just received, but hurry the deadline is quickly approaching! Happy T-Day everybody.
Lonny.

Stan Lee's "WORLD OF HEROES" T-Shirt Design Challenge

The formal President of Marvel Comics is teaming up with online community MASScanvas, encouraging fans to design and illustrate “HERO-themed” T-shirts. Anyone can enter! The prize is a total of $5000 and a portion of the sale of winning T-shirts will benefit the John Wayne Cancer Institute.

Through Sunday, November 27th, anybody can submit designs for the ‘WORLD OF HEROES’ challenge at masscanvas.com. ALL entries will be featured on masscanvas.com, the only requirement being they reflect the theme of “WORLD OF HEROES.” Entrants and fans can comment on designs throughout the challenge and VOTE for the top 20 designs. On December 8, Stan Lee will choose 5 winning tees (each receiving a $1,000 cash prize), from the top 20, that he feels best represent the theme. The 5 winning tees will be custom printed in limited quantity, individually hand-numbered, and sold in support of the charitable cause.

Here’s a video with a bit more info about the contest:

Here is a call to artists we just received from the Social Butterfly Foundation:

Call to Artists:

We are currently accepting resumes for artists in visual, literary, performing and media arts for participation in 4 exciting Saturday Art workshops sponsored by UBS. Mentors will be instrumental in each child’s artistic development as they work together to increase their awareness and understanding of art, the processes of creativity, and community involvement. Art Showcase opportunity surrounding UBS Miami Art Basel Events in December.

Program Duration: September – December 2011
Applicants must have: an arts centered education and training, experience with exhibitions and performances, experience working with Youth-at Risk, and excellent communication skills.

Send inquires and resumes to: ingrid@socialbutterfly.org
Website: www.socialbutterfly.org

About the Social Butterfly Foundation:

Social Butterfly Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization established to enrich the lives of children in foster care with a Cultural Arts youth mentoring. Our 5 Step Enrichment Program fosters relationships that create stability and caring relationships with mentees using cultural arts appreciation and social skills development as our platform. These are areas that we feel are instrumental to each child’s success and social metamorphosis by building Self development, teaching Social Etiquette, and infusing cultural arts awareness. Our partnerships with our cultural arts community provides a vehicle to allow mentees to experience and appreciate our wonderful world of cultural arts, allow them to use the Arts as a canvas for expression, become enriched and have the confidence of belonging, interacting, and demonstrating Social Skills developed within our program and most important addressing the fundamental need for close and caring relationships.

RexArt.com Celebrates Over Sixteen Years in Business

First Online Art Supply Store Still Going Strong

Miami, Florida is home to RexArt.com the original on-line art supplier since 1995 and South Florida’s oldest art supply super store. This fourth generation family owned and operated business offers customers 21st century convenience and technology, along with old fashioned, knowledgeable, fast, and friendly personal service.

Founded in 1950, Rex Art has long been a pioneer in the art supplies community. In 1995 Rex Art launched the first online art supply store offering artists from all over the world access to an unequaled selection of quality brand name art supplies at discount prices. To quote Lonny Morris, President of Rex Art, “Today, our family owned company’s mission is to continue to offer our customers the most convenient and secure means of purchasing brand name art supplies at an excellent value, while providing superior product information and individual support – just as if they were shopping in our store.”

The product selection on rexart.com is based on the most popular products sold in each medium. Though extensive, the website represents only a selection of the vast array of products available. Rex Art continues to endeavor to expand the product selection to meet the ever changing needs of 21st century artists. If searching for a product or manufacturer that is not currently listed online, artists may contact Rex Art directly for the requested item. They will do their utmost to locate and special order it.

As a pioneer in online art supply sales, Rex Art features one of the most streamlined and secure on-line stores. Katrina Morris, Executive Director of Technology, says,“When we designed rexart.com we wanted our customers to be able to shop as if they were browsing through digital aisles – laid out in a way an artist thinks, rather than the standard directory structure.“

When artists shop with Rex Art on-line, they can order with confidence. The site is equipped with the latest secure transaction protocols, which safeguard all personal data. Also, any information received from shoppers is never lent or sold to any other source, and its use is restricted to Rex Art only. Additional information is available through the company’s privacy statement.

Service, knowledge, price, family pride, and convenience are the secrets to Rex Art’s longevity and success. Though the company has grown tremendously it has never abandoned these core values, and in turn, is one of the most successful on-line art suppliers. The company’s commitment is to ensure that each customer is provided the best service at fantastic prices with a personal touch. Every customer has unique needs and Rex Art endeavors to ensure they are met.

To shop the selection of art supplies from one of the most trusted online retailers, visit RexArt.com or call 1-800-REX-ART2 (1-800-739-2782).

New @ Rex the Alvin Craftsmaster II Glass Top Drawing Table

New @ Rex is the Alvin Craftmaster Glass Top Drawing Table, which was released several years ago, but has since been redesigned and refined. This was one of our most popular tables at Rex, and the new version is an improvement over its predecessor. The Alvin Craftmaster Glass Top Drawing Table features a modern, sleek alternative to a traditional melamine top table, and the glass surface is wonderful to work on.

Alvin Craftsmaster II Glass Top Deluxe Drawing Table Back View

The Alvin Craftmaster Glass Top Drawing Table is angle adjustable utilizing dual, quick-release tilt mechanisms that lock into position with one hand. This table is also height adjustable and firmly locks into distinct horizontal positions on four large diameter uprights.

New @ Rex The Alvin Craftsmaster II Glass Top Deluxe Art & Drawing Table Flat Position

The Alvin Craftmaster Glass Top Drawing Table also features two full-sized and compartmentalized side storage trays with removable covers and two 4-drawer storage units (one of each on both sides). A hefty cross member between its vertical support legs, combined with the rubber-treaded footrest, provide added stability. Lastly, each table is equipped with four casters (2 locking), as well as floor glides, depending on one’s need for mobility.

If you are in the market for a new drawing or drafting table The Alvin Craftmaster Glass Top Drawing Table should definitely be on your list. As always our family at Rex thanks you for your support and 61 great years!

Prat Mera Presentation Case

As an artist or photographer, you know that being able to present your work is important.   You also want to be able to keep your artwork in great shape, and free from the elements that could ruin it. Besides protection you also want to consider an archival portfolio case that is acid free and will not damage your artwork while it is being stored.  By using archival portfolio cases, your work can easily be shown, protected and transported safely. Rex Art has a huge selection of portfolio cases to choose from, all at our everyday great prices.

Rex Art Carries Traditional and New Portfolio Cases With Rings, Posts, Paper and Pages

Rex Art makes it a point to carry something for everyone, whether traditional or more modern. Whether you are a painter, pencilist, or a photographer your work is valuable and can’t be reproduced easily. Choosing the right portfolio case is a worthwhile investment, and will ensure that you can present your artwork in a clean, sleek and safe way. Those who know art realize that portfolio cases are an important investment. Your painting, photograph or portraiture is valuable, and should be shown and protected in a portfolio case that suits your personality.  Whatever type of portfolio case you are looking for you can find it when you shop with Rex Art and always at a great price!

Best Aluminum and Gallery Wrap Stretcher Bars

Artists need a go to place where they are able to get all their art supplies, including canvas and stretcher bars. Rex Art has stretchers that are pre-cut and spliced for easy assembly, meaning anyone should be able to put these together. Rex Art only carries the finest quality stretcher bars to produce a sturdy and durable support for your next canvas project. Do you know who the top manufacturers are for your stretching application? We do at Rex Art. That is why we only carry BEST and Fredrix.

How Reliable Are Your New Stretcher Bars?

When choosing which stretcher bars to use, you should carefully measure the size of the canvas you are stretching and consider what type of bar to use.  Keep in mind that you need to allow enough extra canvas to staple on the side or preferably the back of the stretcher bars (gallery wrap).  You can choose from the most lightweight to our aluminum heavy duty gallery stretcher bars.   Heavy duty stretcher bars have a wider profile (what you see when hung against a wall) and require more canvas to staple on the back of the stretcher bar.  Measuring your artwork, the type of stretcher bar and scope of the project will help you determine what to buy.

Not sure what stretcher bars would be best for your job? We know it can be confusing.  Here at Rex, we have helpful and most importantly knowledgeable Rex Associates standing by to answer any questions to help you with our massive selection of stretcher bars.   We have over 100 years of combined experience.  No question is a dumb one – we are here to assist you with your creative needs!

Buy Your Stretcher Bars at Rex Art in Bulk and Save!

When you know that you are going to be stocking up for your next showing, gallery, or even for your personal hobby, consider buying in bulk and save even more with Rex Art. Don’t know who Rex is? You should! Please visit us at www.rexart.com.

Michelle Dick's scratch art image titled - "Shell"

It is always wonderful when one of our customers, or Rex Artists as we like to call them, shares their artistic vision with us, and how they use our tools in their creative endeavors. A long time Rex Artist, Michelle Dick, is passionate about scratch art, and one of her favorite artistic tools is the Speedball #112 Flat Scratch Knife pictured below.

Michelle Dick's favorite Scratch Art tool - the Speedball #112 Flat Knife

Here is what Michelle told us about her artistic passion:

I find my inspiration living on the Island of Kaua’i, in it’s natural beauty, and in its people and cultural heritage. Black and white, and the almost infinite shades between the two, have always been my primary means of expression. Before I discovered scratch board, I worked in pen and ink…. another medium that could feed my obsession for fine detail. For the last 15 years, scratch board has given me full rein to explore dramatic contrasts of shade, as well as contrasts in detail, and negative space.
I am self-taught, having set challenges for myself in this somewhat marginalized medium, and still find myself surprised and newly inspired with the results.

Here is some more of her fabulous artwork for you to enjoy:

Michelle Dick's scratch art image titled - "Nene"

Michelle Dick's scratch art image titled - "Awapuhi: Hair-washing Ginger"

Michelle Dick's scratch art image titled - "Star Tree"

Michelle Dick's scratch art

Michelle Dick's scratch art image titled - "Anthurium"

If you are interested in contacting Michelle regarding her artwork please visit the NaPali Art Gallery.

Are you a Rex Artist? Do you want to share your favorite Rex Art tools, techniques and artwork to be featured on Rex ARTicles? Please send us an email with a sample of your artwork, background information, and a synopsis of your technique and we might just feature you here on our blog!

As always our family at Rex thanks you for your support and 60 great years! We look forward to the next 60!

Save up to 58% on Selected Fredrix Cotton Canvas Rolls from Rex Art!

We are having an amazing sale on some of our best selling Fredrix products! Save up to 58% on our most popular cotton canvas rolls from Fredrix. Need a 12oz heavy weight, acrylic primed canvas roll 96″ wide for your next mural? We’ve got it, right here! Maybe you would like a medium weight, cotton, in a 73″ width, primed and ready to paint? Check out the Fredrix Yankee rolls. Here at Rex we have a massive selection of canvas rolls from America’s finest and oldest provider of artist canvas, Fredrix. Whatever your artistic needs we are sure to have a cotton canvas roll to meet your creative needs, and as always at the fantastic Rex Art prices you know and love! But hurry these sale prices will only last until April 30!

New - Pro Series Stretched Canvases from Fredrix - On Sale now at Rex Art!

Maybe you want something ready to paint, but are looking for something above the standard every day stretched canvas? Introducing the Pro Series from Fredrix. These canvases are definitely a cut above the rest. Featuring:

• 12 oz 100% cotton Dixie canvas
• Acid free acrylic titanium gesso
• Kiln dried stretcher strips
• Extra bracing for added support
• Primed in the USA
• Profile Widths of 7/8″, 1-3/8″, and 2.25″

So what are you waiting for? With our fabulous products, fantastic prices and warmer weather on the way it’s time to get creative! Please act soon our special sale on these products will end on April 30th!

As always our family at Rex thanks you for your support and 60 great years! We look forward to the next 60!

Xanadu Gallery

Ashley Sinclair, Director of Marketing, at Xanadu Gallery wrote us to let us know about an informative art marketing workshop coming to South Florida in March. The workshop is titled, “Starving to Successful”, and according to their site, “is a one-day, intensive workshop where you will learn everything you need to know to get into galleries and sell more art.”
From their website, “in this intensive one-day class, you will learn:”

• How to create a consistent body of gallery-ready work
• What you should do to present your work in a manner that will appeal to galleries
• How to price your work
• How to organize your work and track your inventory
• How to best allocate your marketing efforts and dollars with an eye toward getting into galleries
• How to build your resume
• How to pick the best markets for your work and how to find the galleries in those markets that would best suit your work
• How to confidently approach galleries and what to say when you meet the director or owner.

For more information please see the workshop information on their website.