ARTSTILLERY
CORE MEMBER 2017-2021
Artstillery is a group of artists that combined real stories with 360° immersive performance, puppets, video projection and set design.
I was the marketing director and video expert. I also designed and built sets. Documented community members and productions with video and photography. As well as mentored young visual artists.
I created a framework for writing a new narrative from the communities' stories; "Inspiration not invention." This simple idea kept us focused on the community and guided our creativity while honoring their stories. It was the beginning of defining the Artstillry process.
I made the video below that finally put all the pieces together for the process in 2021.
Skills gained include:
How to guide artists from different disciplines and backgrounds.
How to have an open safe environment for ideas and creativity.
How to work with community activists and build trust.
How to lead without getting in the way of creativity.
VIDEO ASSOCIATION of Dallas
MANAGING DIRECTOR 2009-2010
As Managing Director I made the budget, applied for and reported grants. I worked with artists, vendors, locations, publicists, designers. I published the newsletter, and coordinated and managed our three annual events: 24hr Video Race, Video Fest, and The Program.
I revitalized Video Fest in 2009. I did this by changing the venue, adding new casual viewing spaces for films, rejuvenated our design, engaged with social media and grew communications.
During my tenure we had a record number of participating artists.
My most accomplished initiative was mentoring the students from the Dallas Arts Magnet High School in a month long video art class. It culminated in an exhibition of their works in the lobby of 23rd Video Fest.
Skills gained include:
Budgeting, grant writing, engaging a board of directors, coordinating large events.
This opportunity gave me insight into how much one person with vision can uplift others, empower artists, and change a community.
Learned how to mentor artists, and I have since seen the lasting effects.
philanthropy as motivation
In 2015 I was looking for more reasons to do art.
My alternative movie posters started as a way to share my love of movies. I gave them away at my local theater to the delight of movie fans like myself. Later I turned this passion into fund raising for non-profits. t.
I'm always looking for ways art can make a difference outside being a social mirror or spectacle.
Johnnyposterpants.com
I'm currently building my alternative movie poster business that donates a third to different charities.