A: Is for the Art of Shopping

You’ve heard about shop till you drop, but have you heard of “Shopdropping?”“Shopdropping,” or the reverse act of shoplifting, is an ongoing project in which Watkins-Hughes buys cans of food, replaces the label with his own image while retaining the original barcode and “drops” the cans back on the grocery shelves.  The result is a disruption of the regulated continuum of the commercial activity within the store.  Watkins-Hughes explores the large-scale order and dynamic flow of the grocery store while infiltrating its giant operation structure.  Putting this activity within the gallery setting, Watkins-Hughes reminds us that the Lower East Side has become increasingly more gentrified with “mom & pop” shops closing their doors to give way to galleries, luxury boutiques and salons.  From Gallery to Grocery: Yes, We Canned becomes an act of “de-gentrification,” an acceptance of the current recession and a friendly nod to the local neighborhood.  Yet, the gallery remains a commercial art gallery, accepting that art is still a commodity available for purchase much like canned food or a pack of gum. 
 
Coolers, candy, cans, signs, cash register and a surly clerk are all part of the installation that shares its space with the multitude of detailed works Watkins-Hughes will exhibit.  Even the brown paper bags to “brown bag” the 16oz beer the gallery will serve at the opening reception will have screen printed images for viewers to collect.  The cans as well as the documentation of his “Shopdropping” events will be available for sale.  All the miscellaneous foodstuffs will be donated to the Food Bank for New York City after the closing the exhibition. From Gallery to Grocery: Yes, we canned will be on view at Eisenberg Deli & Grocery through May 9, 2009.
 
A semi-live video feed of the opening reception can be viewed online.  During the course of the exhibition, a live video feed will run on the artist’s and gallery’s website.  There will be regular 5 minute long updates added throughout the course of the event. 

Ryan Watkins-Hughes was born in Atlanta, GA and attended Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. He has exhibited his work in New York City and throughout the Americas and Europe. Currently living in New Orleans, he will receive an MFA from Tulane University in 2010. His work can be viewed at www.ryanwh.com and www.shopdropping.net.
 
Heist Gallery, located in the heart of a vibrant neighborhood, is a new addition to the dynamic gallery scene of the Lower East Side. Always seeking to show work that speaks its mind in the context of its rich and unique neighborhood, Heist Gallery is thrilled to add to the mix of rampant creativity. Tel: (212) 253-0451. For additional information visit www.heistgallery.com.
Sometimes art imates life and that is a F.A.C.T.

F: for your face and saving it!

For those who have noticed I've been missing. My cat was messing with my internet portal and broke it. 7-10 days to fix. eeek! I will try to publish regularly but it's a little hard until I get my computer back. I feel naked.

Summer is coming and saving our faces and skin has become more and more important. Enter KINeSYS products which contain Topical antioxidant Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) to scavenge free radicals and contain a Photo-stable Broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection with Parsol 1789. They are PABA-free / Preservative-free, water-resistant / sweat-resistant, hypoallergenic / Non-comedogenic and Fragrance-free. All right it sounds like a lot, but does it deliever. The answer my little water and sun lovers is ....YES! KINeSYS Skin Care products are designed to both protect and rejuvenate. They are available in either a cream or the exclusive microSPRAY formulation – a non-aerosol ultrafine mist that is 100% alcohol-free, yet applies smoothly, dries quickly, and allows skin to breathe. The products are oil-free too, which means they won’t clog pores. A ray of light in the fight against skin cancer and premature aging, the KINeSYS Skin Care product line offers a top-of-the-line skincare solution for practically everyone and they are affordable.

NEW SPF 30 Girl Sunscreen Spray: Rich in Vitamin E for maximum complexion protection; sprays on light with an unbeatable vanilla and green tea scent. 1oz $6.99 / 4oz $18.99
FUNSCREEN Sunscreen Spray: The kids are covered when it comes to sun protection, with this Parent Tested Parent Approved (PTPA) award winner. $6.99
KIDS SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray: More sun-busting fun for kids. iParenting and Mom’s Best award winner. 1oz $6.99 / 4oz $18.99
KINeSYS SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray: Unparalleled sun protection for every lifestyle, in light-mango scent or fragrance-free. 1oz $6.99 / 4oz $18.99
· Performance Moisturizer with SPF 15: Rejuvenation meets protection in a single bottle. 1oz $6.99 / 4oz $18.99
· Sun Protection Stick: Heavy duty protection for hard to protect skin. $12.00
· Footspray: Soothing foot relief in a convenient non-aerosol spray. $14.00
· Analgesic Sport Stick: Penetrating warm/cool pain relief. $14.00

We need to protect ourselves and this is a great way to do it and that is a F.A.C.T.

S: Is for Solutions

I can’t say this any better. This is from an article in the St. Petersburg Times Newspaper on Sunday. The Business Section asked readers for ideas on  "How Would You Fix the Economy?"
 
Dear Mr. President:

Please find below my suggestion for fixing Americas economy: 

Instead of giving billions of dollars to companies that will squander the money on lavish parties and unearned bonuses, use the following plan.

You can call it the Patriotic Retirement Plan:
There are about 40 million people over 50 in the work force.

Pay them $1 million apiece severance for early retirement with the following stipulations: 

1) They MUST retire. Forty million job openings - Unemployment fixed.

2) They MUST buy a new American CAR. Forty million cars ordered - Auto Industry fixed. 

3) They MUST either buy a house or pay off their mortgage - Housing Crisis fixed.

It can't get any easier than that!

If more money is needed, have all members of Congress and their constituents pay their taxes...

and these are the F.A.C.T.S. out of the mouths of citizens who see a bigger picture.

T: Is for Trouble in transportation yet again

Is the MTA ever going to get it together and why should we have to pay for their mismanagement? There are several solutions to the current crises.1: Stop the monopoly and give New Yorkers a choice at who they ride. 2: Put camera's on the buses and make a lane on each street for NYC busses and bikes, only. If a car enters that lane 1st time $100, 2nd time $500 3rd time you lose your car. One snap shot and there's the proof. Think of the revenue. Think of the cut back on pollution because less cars would enter the city. Think of the efficiency which has yet to be addressed. The latest proposed taxes to people not living in the city makes the most amount of sense. New Yorkers never seem to get the break, tourists do. Your live out of Manhattan then you pay to get in. The only exceptions should be Brooklyn and Queens. Why not a NY MTA pass for less? A workers pass a little more and a out of towner pass raise the rates. It's time New York citizens got what they pay taxes for and that is a F.A.C.T.

C: Is for another cell phone provider.

There's a new cell service in town. Watch out corporate America because Market America is the on who's in charge here. Voitel Wireless announces the rollout of a wireless cell phone service designed for Market America Distributors. Voitel Wireless, an affiliate of Exit Mobile and 011 Mobile, is now providing mobile service to Market America customers on the nation's largest wireless network. In order to address the changing needs of the Market America distributor, Voitel Wireless announced that they will not only be providing cell phone service but they will also be assisting distributors in selling the wireless product to their customers. Rate for 900 minutes $59.95 and no hidden charges or ad ons. I pay $100 for the same service with AT&T and every onth I spend at least a half an hour trying to solve the problem. Not only are their rates better than any other service around, they offer one on one personal service and you get paid to to use your phone. Now how cool is that. For more information contact me. Freedom is finally here and that is a F.A.C.T.

A: Is for the album of Carol Hall

One of the albums and songs up for a MAC award is legendary songwriter and singer Carol Hall Best known for her Broadway musical and film "Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" and the classic lullaby "Jennie Rebbeca," this CD has been a critically and popular success. Her songs have been performed by Barbara Streisand, Tony Bennett, Olivia Newton John and Kermit the Frog to name a few. Dolly Parton's recording of "Hard Candy Christmas" won an ASCAP award for most performed country song. This CD starts off with Carol herself singing that song. Next up is my favorite cut "It's only a Broken Heart" sung by the wonderful Sally Mayes. This song is the perfect antidote for all of those people who can't get over a relationship. This is Carol lyrically at her best. "Dublin in the Rain" is reminiscent of a "Nightingale Sang in Barkley Square." Poinently sung by Farah Alvin this a classic song waiting to happen. The Honky Tonk "Change in Me" is performed by Johnny Rodgers and is the song up for best song and it is the perfect movie theme song for a those laid back country films. I love Amanda McBroom and she is her singing "Tattooed Boy in Memphis." Her lush comprehension of lyric is perfect for the idea's Carol sets out like life on a platter. Leslie Gore's "Hungry for You" is an anthem of want and longing. The gospel Carol Woods who was in "Whorehouse" is given "Do You Know What I Mean." Together with the Broadway Inspirational Voices lifts the soul. "War on Christmas Day" sung by Scott Coulter music by Robert Burke is a Dixie Chick hit waiting to happen. It is also a remembrance to times past and times present in war. Steven Lutvak's singing and music to "I'll Imagine You a Song" is the song that should be sung at funerals to offer hope and and uplifting of love felt. Hallways the songs of Carol Halls is a CD that is sure to please and should be a staple on theatre lovers and music connoisseurs and that is a F.A.C.T.

F:Is for Food that is Ready Made

Game season and concert season are about to start. If you live in New York tailgating is next to impossible. Dragging tables, chairs, grill, condiments, cooking and eating utensils let alone food is hardly feasible unless you have super human strength. Enter tailwaiters who for under $20 a person will supply your feast. Expect Hebrew National Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, American Cheese Slices, Bags Ruffles Potato Chips, Cold Slaw, Potato Salad and Macaroni salad. For a few extra bucks you can add sausages, NY Strip Steaks, Filet Mignons, Jumbo Shrimp and more. It is so easy just you just go on-line, http://tailwaiters.com/menu_price_tailgate.aspx, pick your event and order your food. Then show up at your event. When you are done with your tailgate, they come back and pick up the supplies and clean up everything. All you have to do is enjoy and that is a refreshing F.A.C.T.