So....a week away with my family and am back at it with the mural mosaic. (thought I'd start off with some pics from my holiday- my little nieces who are adorable). I drove 6 hours through the beautiful fall mountain landscape of Radium and Fairmont and reached Edmonton just in time to quickly pack and jump on the plane for Columbus, Ohio. It was pretty hectic making sure we had the office set to handle all inquiries while we were on the road but Paul Lavoie has the gift of internet skills and has done some amazing things so we can simulate the office from our hotel rooms here.

We flew into Columbus at 10 p.m. and saw my first few drops of rain in weeks. It seems much like Edmonton here. I am looking forward to exploring the Congress venue Saturday as we begin to construct the mural. The mural should arrive by 10 a.m. and Paul and I plan to spend the day putting the 22 foot high puzzle together getting it ready for the big day next week. This will be our first ever showcase of one of our murals in the land of the free AND the home of the brave. Went for a good ole gravy and biscuit meal tonight at a late night breaky joint. That will be the first and the last of that. My goal is to keep fit here as doing the opposite will only make it that much more challenging dealing with my severe horse allergies.

Its nice to be out east again. I will be heading into Ontario form a few days here and there to visit old friends and do an art exhibit in T.O. and head to Ottawa and Perth as I need to pick up my FAVORITE easel which I have been missing now for two years.

Well...its just beginning here so I will try to do a photo journal of our tour here. Wish us luck and if you are in the hood stop in and see the mural starting October 9th at the Ohio All American Quarter Horse Congress!

Had a productive day today getting ready for the trip to Ohio. Had an NOA meeting this a.m. discussing the 2009 festival. Good start to the day. Then I headed out to the ranch/studio and began priming the next mural which we are beginning for the west coast. After the morning was exhausted from hours painting away I spent the afternoon dealing with US customs. Did another interview with another equine magazine regarding Le Cadeau Du Cheval and worked on hotel arrangements in Ohio with the Congress crew. Got our flights booked today and I took a peak to see when the Columbus Blue Jackets were playing as I would love to see an NHL game while I am in Columbus.May be going to see the BUCKEYES...coolio...
Discovered a musician named Missy Higgins who is peforming in Columbus. Thought it was "lil Miss Higgins" from Saskatchewan but this Missy Higgins is an Ozzie. Might go check her show out anyways ha.

Worked late tonight, had a couple of beers with the team and am off to home. Still kinda feels weird walking in the house without the little guy sitting there waiting for me with tennis ball in mouth.

So two more days and then I am going to take a week holiday before the work begins in Ohio. Hot-springs, golf and vino here I come! YES!!!

How about a pic from the fashion show since I was tlaking about the NOA fetsival this a.m.. Maybe I'll post two pics as I am going to add more fashion this year! sweet...

So - back into the studio I went today. After the challenge of losing my bud Roscoe I am just plugging away now getting set for the big show in OHIO of the mural Le Cadeau Du Cheval. Dogs are pretty hard animals to lose. Its kinda like losing your shadow. Some may wonder what there is to get upset about but I don't need to explain to the "some" why I miss him. I just do.

So packing and unpacking and packing seems to be the order of the day. Just unpacked from Spruce Meadows and have to pack to got to Ohio. Customs....paperwork...no rest for the wicked!! If anyone wants to do these murals like we do I think you will be surprised at the amount of work there is. Even when I think that we have things figured out...yikes...more work comes along. But I am still able to write about it so I guess I am keeping my head above water thus far.

I have four more days to work with Lewis and Paul to get ready before I have to leave and meet up with my family for a well deserved reunion. Then its probably 6 weeks until I get a chance to see my home again. There is a strong chance we may be showing the Le Cadeau du Cheval mural in Toronto....more details soon.

So...I guess nose to the grind stone and adventure abounds!!

Thought I'd add a pic of Colin James with his portrait painting that Lewis Lavoie did in 2005 for the Alberta Saskatchewan Centennial mural. Thanks again Colin!!

So life goes on although hearts can break and you always miss what once was there. So back to what is here in front of me.

Today was an exciting day. I'll call it Roscoe day as I had a great chat with the Calgary Stampede and "the Royal" Winter Equine show in Toronto. Both are very excited about what we are doing with the murals. I guess I can see why without much modesty mainly because of the artists who we have had work with us. I love these murals because of what the artists do to bring them to life. The amazing paintings that the artists contribute absolutely makes these murals.

Truth is if we could all just get along in this world in the way that these murals work we would all be in a better place. Imagine if everything we did was all about each one of us doing what we love and using our own freedom to create. Yet by always keeping in mind our neigbour and knowing that we effect everyone around us everyday. We should always be cognaissant of that and while maintaining our spirit always keep in mind those around us and avoid being too selfish with what we do.

There in lies the beauty and why these murals are more then just art.

The Gift

I slowly walked up to the door and put the key in the slot. I've done it thousands of times before. Its been a long day and my legs hurt, I'm tired and I can't wait to chill. I turn the key and the lock makes the kachunk sound which I always knew he heard. I look through the glass of the door knowing within seconds he would emerge with a bark and then quickly grab a gift for me-his favorite gift which he would give to me daily.



I open the door and its quiet.



Its quiet…



There is nothing. Nothing at all.



I walk in the room and all I see is a room full of useless junk. TV, stereo, furniture…lifeless materialistic shit....



I look around the room and nothing is there for me anymore. Nothing except quiet. I look around and see the gift still lying on the floor. But he is not there anymore to bring it to me. I pick it up gently, walk slowly to the kitchen and put it away ...forever.



I cry…



Goodbye my little friend….

My best friend left today...

Today was a painful day. With all the people that have come and gone in my life there was always one friend that I could turn to who would always greet me, never turn me away,never judge me, followed me everywhere I went and when I cried licked my tears away. There's no one here today to take care of the tears...but the tears are here....and he is not. Goodbye...you were this mans best friend.

It was a mixed emotions kind of day. I woke up and my lovable litle dog Roscoe was quite ill again. Its not bad enough he is blind but today he was so weak and vomitting everywhere. He had a day like this before. So I am hoping he just needs to get through a couple days of weakness. He is truly my best friend so I hope he pulls through ok. He is just about 13.

Other news...lots of interest in the mural Le cadeau du cheval. Had a great discussion with a group in Kentucky and we now have on our radar screen the 2010 World Equine Olympics. It is just an idea percolating in many minds but thats where it begins. We spent the day packing getting ready for Ohio. Lewis is putting together some great ideas for the next few murals. Things are really happening.

So on that note...I have included a video of my poor little guy and on the upside another picture of us putting together the world renowned Cochrane mural in 2007.

It was a fun Sunday. Went and did some shopping today. If I am going to keep you all informed I want to do it visually as well as with my writings. So I needed a camera. I got a great deal at Future Shop and am now in business. This is my second blog of the day so it is all about my test video ...enjoy haha

Thought I'd start off today with a pic of one of my jazz pieces that I painted a few years ago.

Saturday came and went as a great day with my little bro and his stepson John. Spent the morning having a great round of golf on a beautiful sunny morning. Just me and Dave hanging out. I am so lucky to have a brother that is like a best friend I have had all my life. Its nice to have someone on this planet who you know you could trust with your life and would NEVER do anything to hurt you. I have been blessed with a family that I would classify more as angels then siblings and parents. I always know they are there for me at all times.

Thus I have the strength to prepare for the big US unveiling of Le Cadeau Du Cheval in Ohio. Although I worry that my strength may weaken as almost a full month talking to thousands about the mural from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily may eventually take its toll. So I am thinking about the thingas I love other then art while I am there. How about the Buckeyes, Blue Jackets and the Browns?? Maybe even the Cavaliers????

I am going to make a point of enjoying some sporting events while I am there. Mix a little art culture with some sport culture. I love the American spirit when it comes to sports. Its a little rabid but the crowds are almost as entertaining as the games. Gotta live the culture. When in Rome....

Today is a day of rest and a day of house cleaning. Thats always fun...bah.

I am going to paint a bit today too as it will help me think of all I need to do for OHIO so I am ready for a crazy Monday.

Think I'll go check out the fashion show tonight after a nice dinner! Its sunny and life is good!

Just when you think you get to relax...they throw you back on the buckin bronco!! Well...crazy news day. Started slow then picked up big time. Spent the day at the studio working with Paul Lavoie and Lewis Lavoie on the next projects for Mural Mosaic and worked on wrapping up final details from the Le Cadeau Du Cheval unveiling. Made a lot of phone calls and actually got to see a great article in the Spectrum newspaper in Utah about Sue Kroll and her participation in the Mural Mosaic. Had a good chat with Michelle Grant in Calgary today as well who is one of the FINEST equine artists I know.

Then at the end of the day I spoke with the Ohio Congress Quarter Horse Association and discovered they want us down in Ohio for October 4th...yikes!! Could be a long tour of duty. Very short time to prepare so we really have to get our butts in gear. But first....I need a 24 hour span to be me. So I am off to an art show then going to have a few beers and chill....

Well today was a good day. The mural team had a great meeting today. Reviewed the past show and planned for Ohio. Had a great discussion with Utah this a.m. and I totally believe the next mural fully South of the border will be our biggest and most powerful one yet to date. We reviewed the plans for the next few months and worked on some packaging today.

I also started helping out a future music star Joe Nolan as he gets ready for his big CD release. This guys rocks. 18 years old and he performs like he has been doing it for 50 years. His lyrics are wonderful and the way he engages the audience is a skill that can't be taught. I LOVE this new Cd coming out. Pretty easy to stand behind this fast moving train.

I am looking forward to the weekend. Plan to hang with bro...get a round of golf in, go to the football game and breath :-). Its been a long haul for Lewis Lavoie, Paul Lavoie and me the last few years with the murals but with the great artists we have worked with we have made some pretty special murals. I plan in savoring the moment and smiling through the weekend feeling like we have not only done ourselves proud but have represented our artist team in a way that will make everyone smile.

How about more shots from the unveiling for this blog?

Today I have decided I HAVE to make a serious effort to blog daily. I also am going to make a serious effort to keep the workouts going and take care of my health ha. So...if I miss a blog day you know my health is going down the tubes too ;-). Today I am still coming down from the thrill of unveiling the newest mural "Le Cadeau Du Cheval" The Horse Gift at Spruce Meadows in Calgary. Lewis Lavoie's newest design has really knocked it out of the park. The master image is wonderful and the artists that contributed to the project have absolutely nailed their contributions.There is something to be said about our company slogan...UNITY THROUGH DIVERSITY.

Today we began preparing for Columbus Ohio. We had a fascinating meeting with Customs and Immigration and learned a helluva lot. Some things I wish we didn;t know and some things I guess its good to know now before its too late. We have a lot of work ahead of us.

Mural Mosaic took a half day off today to celebrate (ha..) Paul and I took in Body World. WHOA!!! Skinned human carcasses in graphic detail. It was educational but is it maybe too much?? I can understand studying the body but pulling bodies apart in twisted ways and turning them into art pieces...hmmm....I'm not against it but not sure I am for it either. Literally bodies are sawed into slabs like logs and you get to look at the fat layers and bone. Sure...its fascinating....but...I'm still in shock as to where my morals should be in all of this.I guess when a person dies, the soul leaves the vesel that carried it around for the lifetime- so the fact that someone is recycling the used vessel I guess is better then it just rotting away. I just can;t help thinking what if that was someone I knew....

So...Back to reality after the half day off...We are immediately beginning new projects for the murals and at the same time it is just about time for me to begin plans for NOA XIII. So tomorrow I will write more. Lets count this as day one of writing and health watch for Phil. More coming soon!

8 was gr8t

Wow- the "8" show Sunday night was fantastic. To have Bill Bourne ask to join in for the finale was a real treat and for a Sunday night of music I have never felt such a good vibe. To have the entire crowd singing with Neil McDonad, Scott Cook and Bill Bourne to finish things off was powerful. Chloe Albert's solo percussion and vocal performance was in my words- "magical" and changed the night into something that I have not witnessed in a while.

Ahhhh.....looking so forward to -THE "8" Ball- on July 8th.

As many of you asked me to let you know- tomorrow night (Tuesday) at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. in Edmonton - Lewis Lavoie and I will be on the Celebrity Chefs segment on CITY TV. If you are in for a laugh check it out. Don;t worry about writing down the recipe to what we make....you have probably made it before haha.

Peace ;-)

NOA Magazine Launched and US NATIONAL MURAL
Current mood: accomplished

The NOA magazine was launched to great bravado at the Royal Alberta Museum on April 8th. The magazine features Darlene Hildebrandt's phototgraphic journey of Peru, The Stone Scultpors Guild, "Eight"- featuring musicians young and old, the Mural Mosaic Project, The Guitar Women tour of 2007, Editorial by Sue Foley, The Scotiabank art Gallery, Stop and Shop article, Step by Step details of art creations by Monika Dery, Elana Goodfellow and Doris Charest and over 40 features on various visual artists.

Also- we have been asked to create the FREEDOM MURAL for the USA. This will be a mural involving every single State combined into one massive mural to be unveiled in Jordan City Utah July 9th 2009. It is very exciting and we can't wait to begin. Check it out at http://www.MuralMosaic.com.

So good things are happening....keep up to date at these websites:
http://www.MuralMosaic.com
http://www.NightofArtists.com
http://www.8minutesofpeace.com

Phil :-)

Exciting news abounds. The Night of Artists festival is three weeks away and good things are happening. Tuesday April 8th is the NOA magazine launch as well as the 4th concert for "8"- a Concert for Peace. I love watching how people can unite for such good things. This weekend we are also fortunate enough to be in the Homeand Garden Show at the Northlands Agricom in Hall D. I can barely keep up with all the art opportunities being presented these days. Edmonton truly is a wonderful arts community!!

All Phil Alain wants is eight minutes of world peace
Local artist picks 8th day of 8th month of 2008 for pacifist event
Scott McKeen, The Edmonton Journal
Published: yesterday 3:01 am

Phil Alain is asking for a little peace.

Not peace for a year. Not peace in our time. Just eight lousy minutes of world peace. He wonders: Is it beyond humanity's ability to achieve such a thing?

Alain, it should be noted, is not your stereotypical peace activist. The former college hockey player is now an Edmonton artist, first and foremost.

His moody, stylized series of jazz-themed paintings hang in homes and businesses all over this city and beyond. He's often seen at local events like the Works, painting and peddling his artwork to regular folk.

This ethic -- of taking art outside of snooty galleries -- also led him to create a music and visual arts event known as Night of Artists.

The annual tour features gala nights of song and painting, with a living market of unheralded local artists displaying and selling their works.

Going against stereotype, Alain eschewed government grants for this effort, preferring to make Night of Artists self-supporting.

First, through ticket sales. But also by attracting local sponsors by offering businesses and their employees a team-building event around a canvas.

Yet Alain is best known for his work with friend Lewis Lavoie in creating huge mosaic murals. They invite artists -- and in one case, a ham-handed columnist -- to paint one single panel, with specific instructions on use of colour and space.

Amazingly, once the panels are assembled, a single vision emerges of Alain and Lavoie's intended image.

Brilliant stuff, indeed. So much so that the murals have been displayed at major events including the Alberta centennial, in front of the Queen.

The mosaic murals have garnered interest from afar. A website devoted to the effort -- www.muralmosaic.com -- now gets as many as 100,000 hits a day. An Internet video of the murals was a hit in Japan and Korea.

Alain and Lavoie are being flown this month to Utah, where there's interest in having them co-ordinate a freedom mural. And British Columbia's Galiano Island wants the pair to foster a mural to commemorate the upcoming Vancouver Olympics.

The moral of the mural is that the creative energy of the many can be united in a single effort -- that the artistic whole can be greater than the sum of its parts.

This ethic led Alain to dream a bigger dream of unity. He calls it simply "8." Alain says he was struck recently by how lucky we are to live in a city that is safe from war or terror attacks.

The number 8 came to him, in part, because he turns 40 this week, on Jan. 8. But he also knew that in some cultures 8 is revered as a symbol of unity and infinity.

So he launched "8" as a group on the global Internet meeting site Facebook. So far, about 900 people have signed up.

It's opening line sums it all up: Can we create eight minutes of world peace?

The idea is to promote the idea for Aug. 8 of this year -- the eighth day of the eighth month of 2008. It is also the day of the opening ceremonies for the Olympics in China.

"It may be a dream or a ridiculous fantasy to believe that something like this can begin through a page such as this," writes Alain on the Facebook screen. "But I believe that we have to dare to dream and I know that the only way to make dreams come true is to follow your heart."
Alain also plans events on the eighth day of every month. The first -- Concert for Peace -- will be this Tuesday evening at the Alex Taylor School at 8 p.m. Eight musicians and eight visual artists will perform and display their work.

He's hoping people around the world pick up on the idea to spread the word and launch their own peace events.

Alain admits to being "scared to death" about his latest venture. First, he's out of his comfort zone and into the political realm.

Second, because he knows some people will think of him as terribly naive; that his idea for global peace is at best "cute."

"I'll be honest, I don't know much about politics," says Alain. "I'd lose in a debate every time."

But as he says, he never likes ideas to just sit in his head. Better to put them out there and see what happens.

"I know I can't change the world. I'm no fool," he says. "But I hope people show leadership on this and make some noise. At the very least, we can make a statement."

Such things don't take much time. Just eight peaceful minutes.

smckeen@thejournal.canwest.com

NOA is set to start its 12th year. What I hope people get from NOA is that "art isn't scary" and that all should enjoy it. FLOCK TO THE GALLERIES!!! Too many people are scared to go into galleries with no need to be. Edmonton has a plethora of galleries to enjoy. Edmonton could use even more. If NOA can bring art out to the people so that people go INTO the galleries more frequently then I am HAPPY!!

Two days to the first day of "8". I am already pleasantly surprised at the public support. I guess we will see how the turnout is on Tuesday at Alex Taylor School at 8 p.m. to see where it will go next. My hope is that 8 establishments in Edmonton host their own event for 8 in February and that people keep thinking more and more how we can each make a difference.

Mural Mosaic continues to get thousands of visitors daily through our website. We are beginning a massive equine mural, a west coast mural and then in a week off to Utah to discuss the USA Freedom mural.

This week other then 8 I begin creating a mural mosaic with St. Angela's School. We will create a wonderful mural with 246 grade 4's, 5' and 6's. Can't wait!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Off we go to the year of 2008. My goal this year is to create some new amazing projects with as many artists , musicians, poets and performers as I can in 08 and hopefully not only raise awareness for the arts but maybe make a difference in the world. Working with Lewis Lavoie and Paul Lavoie doing the mural mosaics is a guaranteed way to bring people together. NOA also achieves that. So off I go to help bring it all together.

Yesterday I spent the day working with Lewis Lavoie on future Mural Mosaic projects and dealing with the tens of thousands of hits we are getting daily on our mural mosaic website. The town of Cochrane Mural continues to get international attention. I also have gone full bore on the project "8". I had no idea it would start together so much interest. The world needs peace I believe and the only way to achieve it is if we all get together and make a stand. I'll do my part...what will you do??

Had great interview with Chris Allen and CKUA about "8". The musicians are great and to have the first 8 show on my birthday...January 8th....what better way to start the year off.

I am off to an exciting day with many new adventures around Edmonton. More soon....

MURAL MOSAIC, Mural Mosaic, Mural Mosaic. Its crazy but those two words are going everywhere right now as the murals are being passed along like wildifre on the internet. The uniting of hundreds of people into one large mural, a concept designed by Lewis Lavoie, has people talking. The Cochrane mural festuring a child and a horse can be found on blogs all over the world and on Remembrance Day of this year the newest release of "Heroes" will undoubtedly create a stir internationally.

Enjoy the two murals on this page then visit www.muralmosaic.com

On August 8th 2008- 08/08/08...the world unites for the Olympics in China. It is at this point that I hope we can all unite to bring the world together for a day of peace, forgiveness and love. 8 is the symbol of eternity. It is time for us to make a stand in the world. Too many of us are aware that the world has too much pain. We can help ease the pain by loving one another that much more. Revenge is not necessary. Forgiveness is the only way to heal and those who can forgive will make this world a better place. We need to heal the world.

Go to Facebook http://www.facebook.com and join the group "8".....lets make a difference. We have one year to do it. Something beautiful could happen. Good can overcome evil.

The stage is set in China 2008...lets all make a difference.

I took some time off to have some fun and gear down after NOA Edmonton this year and now am gearing up for the summer. But first two personal notes to share about NOA people. On a sad note- we lost a beautiful person and wonderful artist as Patrick Doyle passed away 10 days ago. He was a wonderful man and we will miss him dearly.
On a positive note- LEWIS LAVOIE and his lovely wife RENAE welcomed into the world their beautiful son Peter on the first day of summer.

We are getting set for a summer of good times as we are proud to be a part of the ARTWALK on Whyte Avenue and we are also a major component of the Taste of Edmonton and the Capital Ex.

Lots of art and lots good times ahead!!

More soon!

Well - tomorrow is the big day!! Are you coming to the show? I guess you are and you are bringing a friend ...or maybe your mother since its a Mother's Day Spectacular Spectacular weekend!
GET YOUR BIDS IN NOW!!! Got to www.muralmosaic.com asap and bid on your favorite mural painting. Some are as low as $50 and that includes not just an original painting but also a limited edition print of the mural and a book about the mural mosaic. www.muralmosaic.com
BIDDING CLOSES MAY 14th at 7:00 p.m. MST.
Come to the show this weekend and pick out your masterpiece that you want to bid on then go home and add to your art collection with a piece of artwork that will go down in history as an incredible national project that helped protect our fragile environment by supporting the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS).
Make sure if you come to the show you say hit to me and tell me you read this blog! It will make my day!! or email phil@nightofartists.com and let me know what you think of the mural and the Night of Artists shows.

Tickets for Night of Artists are at MEGATUNES on Whyte Ave or at TIX On THE SQUARE 420-1757....see ya at the show!

Did you know that Robert Bateman, The Barenaked Ladies Kevin Hearn, The David Letterman Late show Orchestra's Felicia Collins and Bill Lishman- the man that Walt Disney made the movie "Fly Away Home" about , are all featured painters in the Mural Mosaic www.muralmosaic.com. Amazingly- there pieces are still quite cheap. Under $200....and they come with a limited edition print which itself is worth $100 on its own. Here are their paintings....Go bid for the celebrity paintings!!

Well- if the NOA magazine launch was any indication of whats ahead....Well I can;t wait until next weekend. What a great night with some great people. Our sponsors, artists, musicians...everyone. All out for a very special night.

Weekend passes are almost out for the festival. They are a steal of a deal at only $45 for two gala's with appetizers, a four time juno award winning concert, a fashion show on Mother's Day, a powerful poetry event. WOW!!!! I'd buy a ticket if I hadn't already paid thousands just to create this event for my own enjoyment.

Hey!!!! DON'T FORGET----THE MURAL MOSAIC becomes EXTINCT on Sunday May 13th!!!
It will be a sad day...but what a day it will be as thousands will have been raised for our environment.

YOU HAVE TO COME SEE THE MURAL FOR THE LAST TIME ......EVER!!!! http://www.muralmosaic.com

Hey folks! The show is less then two weeks away so very exciting times. Watch for us on the tube/radio and in the funny papers next week! Thanks to the Journal, CTV and CKUA for sponsoring the show. They have all been great as always. I am in Edmonton today running around like mad. Going to poster the town today with Denise Lefebvre and Lili Vanderlaan ...then late tonight with Laura Dreger.

On the side I am working on some great Mural Mosaic projects. Lewis Lavoie may create the most amazing mural mosaic yet this summer. Details to be coming soon. In the mean time just check out our site www.muralmosaic.com.

I am also planning the Guitar Women tour for this fall. That too will be VERY cool. Lot of fun there. www.guitarwoman.com.

The paintings above are created by Charity Dakin, Eric Renk and Gail Adams. See their work in the mural at www.muralmosaic.com.

You should go to CPAWS and check out there website. They have a great event coming to Night of Artists called "Journey to The Three Rivers" you have to see this!!

In the mean time....here are three more paintings from the mural...

Happy Friday to you all!! I am in a great mood today as life gets better and better. I am thrilled to be creating new projects and today we are meeting with the Capital Ex to discuss the NOA mini show and an amazing Mosaic that Lewis Lavoie may be creating this summer "Live".
Also Chapters in Edmonton has graciously offered to work with us on our NOA magazine and Earth's Treasure Chest book.
I will be on Whyte Avenue in front of the Paint Spot Saturday if anyone wants to chat about NOA, see the Earth's Treasure Chest project or see my own personal work.

Today is a good day to show some more art. So go bid on the ark...time is ticking to the deadline

http://www.MuralMosaic.com

Have a great day y'all

Exciting things continue to happen. The VIP NOA mag launch party is next week. Invite only so sorry to those of you who want to come but weren't invited :-(. Tts what the big show is for on the 11th-13th.
I am working on many things right now including the forthcoming Guitar Women tour for October. I am now going to be working with a US partner on the project to bring it to a new level and hopefully create some big things- on both sides of the border.

Today I thought I would feature a band ot two from this years show. Here is Alexia Melnuchuk and Lara Yule Singh and Kristilyn Robertson. These guys are moving up in the circuit and we are thrilled to have them in our show.

Mother's Day weekend is going to be great!! Did you get your tickets yet? 420-1757...ya know you want to come to the show....so just do it!

I'm up at 4 a.m. today. Just can't sleep. I am going to walk to the gym, enjoy the peace and tranquility of a city that is more or less still sleeping. I love that feeling.

Then I will get home and walk my best bud Roscoe...my old blind dog who will follow me anywhere and listen to every word I say. A leash on this dog is a waste of time because he listens better then any child and you don;t see kids on leashes. Oh wait...yes you do haha.

Anyways- Today will be a marketing day as we keep pushing the show. Lots of preparations happening as we get closer to the day. I am getting very excited about what lies ahead. I want to focus on a few more paintings from the mural that people should start bidding on.
http://www.muralmosaic.com

The whole mural will be at the show so you might as well start bidding and then come se it live.

We have Helena Ball's Polar Bears, Heather Brewsters Iguana and Lewis Lavoie's Gorilla. You can OWN these original paintings! Go bid www.MuralMosaic.com....see ya later.... my day just is beginning.

GOT YOUR NOA festival TICKETS YET??? 420-1757... get em fast!! Weekend passes are the way to go baby!!

Hey there

Had a great day Sunday hanging out at Earth Day talking about the mural and the show. The people were warm and friendly even though the weather was not. Had a lot of interest in the festival and the auction!

Today I spent the day meeting with sponsors and talking about the show. Met with Chris Allen at CKUA and did a segment on the show which will be aired later next week. Saw Peter North and had a chat. Always good to see him. Mari Sasano from the Edmonton Journal emailed me today and plans on doing a feature as well.

Also working on the third Guitar Women show for October 5th 2007. Lots of cool stuff coming up.


More later...........

Did you get your tickets yet?? 420-1757.... don't miss the big weekend festival!!
Did you bid on a painting yet?? http://www.MuralMosaic.com your gonna wish you had!!

Its the weekend and I'm off and running. Heading off to the gym this a.m. for a good start to the day. I am really excited that BILL BOURNE, MADAGASCAR SLIM , AND LESTER QUITZAU -"TRICONTINETAL" are coming to perform at the Night of Artists festival. Its going to be a great show! Actually the whole weekend is going to be great with Ellen McIlwaine/Cassius Khan, Souljah Fyah, Anne Vriend....and so much more.

I had a great meeting with Paul Lavoie and Lewis Lavoie yesterday. We are hoping to create an exciting event at the Capital Ex this year. I also am preparing for the big VIP magazine launch on May 3rd. Should also be very exciting.

I am going to showcase a few more paintings today- David Birch, Otter- Beth Dunlop, Rooster- LeeAnn Jones-Blue Poison Dart Frogs ....bid online at http://www.MuralMosaic.com

Two posts today. JUST BECAUSE I HATE SNOW RIGHT NOW!!!! It's the middle of April and I want to see my grass. Do I hear an AMEN???
I couldn't drive to Calgary tonight because of a blizzard. Whats up with that???
Anyways... on a more positive note- I have the NOA magazine proof in hand and there is lots to be getting excited about. I think all the people involved in the magazine and guests reading it are really going to enjoy it very much.

If you are reading this today...do you have your weekend pass for NOA yet? If not get 'em fast. They are the hot ticket so don't miss out. $45 for a weekend of 8 musical groups, TANGENT, Mothers Day Fashion show.... THE MIGHTY MIGHTY MURAL MOSAIC!!!

Even the legend himself- LEWIS LAVOIE painting live paintings all weekend long...well twice anyways :-). Get your tickets at 420-1757 and visit http://www.muralmosaic.com

Come one come all :-)!! Tickets at 420-1757 see the mural at http://www.MuralMosaic.com

Man...Its snowing today! When is this winter going to end!!!!

Well yesterday had a great meeting with the Capital Ex as we try to turn the ex into a great art exhibit. I think its going to be great! We have the first ever NOA mini show happening so that's exciting!! Over 200 miniature paintings 5x7 in size on display. Should be very cool!

Also had discussions with the Leonard Cohen Festival and our Leonard Cohen art show in September will be really funky. I am of to Calgary today as I am driving the proofs down to be reviewed by our wonderful designer Cathy Stevenson. Quick visit then right back again!

So all is moving ahead. I am working on the fall Guitar Woman show as well. That seems to e going quite well also.

So - time for some new images for this page again today to promote the auction at www.MuralMosaic.com. Today's images are Jesse Wolski's - Dolphins, Bernadette McCormack's - Hummingbird, and Lorraine Sherwood's- Macaw's. BID ON THESE and over 216 other images.www.MuralMosaic.com

Hey... its cloudy and cold and they say its going to snow today. I thought it was spring!!! Well- things are shaping up nice for the show. CKUA's Chris Allen contacted me yesterday to do a special segement on NOA on his Arts Alive program. I also had a great meeting with Trevor Wiltzen regarding a Mural Mosaic for STARS. I spent the day doing a lot of walking in between meetings. Had a good visit with Lewis Lavoie and Paul Lavoie as well - discussing Mural Mosaic projects. Probably the most exciting news of the day though was ....WE COMPLETED THE 4th annual edition of NOA magazine and today it is off to the printers. So it looks like another magazine goes into the NOA collection and creates more history for our national event.

I have to run off to walk my wonderful blind little hound. Before I go though- today's feature painting are by LEWIS LAVOIE- gorilla, LISA LUKAN- white tiger, LYNN KINGHAM- Musk-ox. BID ON THESE SQUARES at www.MuralMosaic.com.

Its one month until the Ark auction closes so I am going to try to feature some images you should go bid on. I will only put up one today because I need to go to bed. Tonight I am
featuring Darlene Hildebrandt's Peacock. You will find this wonderful piece in the top row of the mural. Go to www.MuralMosaic.com and bid on this piece!! You will get this piece and a limited edition print of the entire mural as well if you win the bid. I used to call these beautiful birds "pork hawks" when I was a kid. Don't know where that came from...other then I was just completely whacked!!

Hey- Where is Phil is back on the NOA website! I have been bugged about this link being removed ever since i took it down three years ago. Well... Where's Phil is back and i will do my best to keep you informed. I have been getting things ready for the NOA show this year in Edmonton. The 11th year of this craziness. But what a show its going to be! The finale is going to be fantastic!! Plus the farewell to the Ark is going to be emotional as we have toured all over with this beauty. I hope you people are all bidding on the mural squares at www.MuralMosaic.com.

I am up late working with Cathy Stevenson on the NOA magazine. Its looking really good but I am feeling really tired. Not sure how I ever did 10 NOA shows in one spring. This one this year feels like enough for me ha.

More later....

Ok- well Wednesday is here and some fun meetings today. Yesterday was successful in some ways. I connected with Bonnie Raitt management and Ani Difranco management regarding the Guitar Woman project so that looks promising for the book. RBC is meeting today to discuss the support of the Rideau Canal project. We aligned an interview with Kenya for the conservation project they have in mind. I spoke with Ron Sigurdson regarding the Cochrane mural and that looks promising. Ron Corbett from the Ottawa Citizen confirmed he will paint in the mural as did Max Keeping which is great! So now we just wait to see where the chips will fall. Today I am off to a meeting with CPAWS as we want to get this auction built up to much higher levels. So we will see where that will lead us. Felicia Colins from the David Letterman Late Show band has expressed interest in performing at our event in May which is wonderful. There is a lot of excitement on the horizon. I will just keep moving until the path presents itself....which I think will be soon.
Another Guitar Woman painting is shown today... this time its Roxanne Potvin....

I am beginning Tuesday on a positive note. Monday was a good day. I spent the morning working on media kits for James Cohen- Flamenco guitarist extraordinaire! Then continued my work on sponsor kits and promotional material for NOA 2007. Lots and lots of writing!!
Then in the afternoon I drove out to Lavoie studios for a Mural Mosaic meeting. Good to see the boys- Paul especially as I had not seen him since he left 2 months ago for Thailand.
Good meeting and we have some great ideas for marketing the mural auction.
Returned home then went to meeting with Flavia Robles to discuss possibility of creating my own venue for events in downtown Edmonton. Could be very cool... Just waiting to see what the partnership agreement would be and what my life options will be as well.
Today the picture I am adding is the second in the four I created for the Guitar Women series. I will add a new one daily. This one is based on Ellen McIlwaine.

Today is the day I will begin a new life with NOA and my own self. It has been a very hard last 2 months personally and although I have pain inside I know that I have to move forward in order to heal. Today is the day where I will be reborn and start something amazing. I have realized I have many great friends and many people that love me. My art can help heal me and my passion will lead my on to new adventures. Today I am writing to start fresh and have posted an image that will always mean something to me- more then words could ever say. It may represent a chapter in my life that I will miss but it also represents the future. ..whatever that may be.

So beginning January 20th I will begin to write from the heart and begin to create amazing things again...

I am back....Philly

Just testing my blog status

I'm sitting out here in Port Coquitlam visiting my family and getting ready to go to a meeting for Vancouver NOA. I have covered the country the last 6 weeks and am looking forward to seeing what today brings. There will be some new faces at the meeting this year so I am looking very forward to seeing who all will be in NOA Vancouver in 2006. There is snow on the ground out here so I guess its not the weather I was hoping for coming to the coast. But with that said at least its not minus 24 like it is in Calgary/Edmonton. Its good to see my folks who I rarely see now since I am living out east. A few days here then back to Ontario.

It has been a while since I lasted posted on line here. In fact it was just around the time I was hanging with Queen Elizabeth back in May so its about time to start this up again.

I am currently in Perth Ontario and today fly out to Vanocuver and Victoria to work on the coast NOA shows. The shows out east here are setting up nicely and I am excited especially about Kids Up Front and the group of artists in Toronto.

This NOA expansion is nice but the travel is hard. I am hoping for a successful trip out west though and I am looking forward to some good things.

Its snowing here today so it will be nice to get to the mild weather of the coast.

Anyhooo... for now I will sign off. Although it should be noted that as we plan NOA 2006 we are alos building a new mosaic mural in the mean time. Watch as the new mural comes to life!!!

Today we are going through rehearsals for the Royal Visit and how we are to present ourselves and the mural to the Queen. It is pouring rain and I guess with the horrible weather we at least will know the worst case scenario we could have to deal with tomorrow. I hope it clears up as it would be such a shame to have our special moment with the Queen spoiled by bad weather. No matter what though it will be a sunny day in our minds as when will we ever get to experience another day like this with the Queen.
The rehearsals are expected to last almost 10 hours today. our portion with the Queen is about 6 minutes. So you work for 5 months prepraring for 6 minutes with the Queen. Even then it seems worth it :-)

Where's Phil, Where's Phil???
Here I am finally again! I have literally been all over Canada travelling around spreading the good word of NOA. We just completed our first two shows in eastern Canada and we are no officially rolling along wonderfully nationally. On Tuesday we will be presetning our mural to the Queen which is definitely a highlight of the 9 years of NOA history. Ottawa was big but the Queen will be a day to rememebr for sure. I am enjoying a rare Sunday rest. I have had quite the busy spring and with two NOA shows to go yet I am amazed I am still standing. H0wever with that said i am looking forward to both the shows as well. 2006 will be the year we make more of a move into eastern Canada. It is at that point that we will truly have a success under our belt that hopefully will last the rest of our lives as hopefully the show will have a life of its own after that and will carry on like such great festivals as the Folk Festivals and the Fringes. The passion of those involved with NOA was most apparent in Ottawa this year. The artists that made the trek out were amazing and their spirit flowed into each other and all the guests who attended the event.
I will do my best to get back to a daily update. I feel it is something i owe to all as watching the growth of NOA is really something to behold!

Well howdy all!! Bet you thought I'd never blog again after a two month hiatus!! I guess its called just being too busy...

The Mural Mosaic was launched this past weekend and Lewis lavoie and myself Phil Alain along with Paul Lavoie are all thrilled with what transpired. What an amazing accomplishment!! The artists should all be very proud!

Tomorrow we are adding one last piece to the puzzle as Premier Ralph klein will paint an image into the mural.

After that i am of to calgary for the NOA show. I have some media to do on A-Channel, CJAY 92 and CBC. More coverage then we usually get in Calgary and yet our show still packs them in!

I am looking very forward to this years show and hope for great successes with it as always.

So things are plodding along and we are getting set for Ottawa. Big undertaking but i think we will make it work!

More later... hopefully not two months later haha

Today is a busy day as we begin to get the AB SASK centennial mural prepped for the painitng process. We have over 100 artists already applying to be involved in the mural. We are accepting 200 in total and at the rate we are going that will be filled within a matter of a few days.

The shows are all falling into place nicely. Calgary, Edmonton, Manning, Fairview and Slave lake already have their tickets up for sale.

The north looks like it will probably be sold out shows once again and Edmonton and calfary are moving along solidly as well.

Our goal is to sell over $200,000 worth of art and raise over $100,000 for charity through NOA this year. I believe it can happen and will happen!

So today its mural day and some meetings weith Rotary clubs.

Today we are beginning the creation of the Centennial mural. That is... the gathering of all the supplies and the prep work. We are getting an amazing number of artists emailing wanting to be a part of the project. Its very exciting! Our long term goal is to unite the world through this project- sounds big but you gotta dream big right?
Today I managed to get all the tickets for the Edmonton show up and running, all the Slave Lake, Manning and fairview tickets are selling already.
I am meeting with the Rotarty club today as I am doing multiple guest speaking dates and also they are promoting the Gala dinner.

I have a ton on my plate with the planning of ten shows and co-ordinating the mural project. But I think its all working out well thus far.

Its the beginning of February and we are moving ahead nicely. Last night we completed the third painting party on the tour in Edmonton and a great time was had by all.
The day is getting closer when the NOA magazine will be released. It is going to be a show stopper!!
I am having so many interesting emotions around NOA this year. The show is moving ahead nicely and it looks like this year could be an amazing tour all around. Its not the shows that are affecting me so much its all my personal interaction with all the people that are now my friends through NOA. Its has been such a happy time and a sad time all in one. NOA artists and even my sister are having babies everywhere as new life is springing up all around me. But at the same time we are lsoing people- people that are so dear to us and it hurts quite deeply. Debbie Boodram- a dear friend of mine and a leader for us at CBC through her support passed away at the young age of 39. The Vi Isaacs (artist in the show) lost her husband to leukemia. Its the circel of life I guess but it is still hard to swallow sometimes as I find myself in my weak moments sitting in tears missing my friends.
I am at least home in Edmonton for a few days before I head off again to Calgary and Ontario. The show must go on and it will. Only 4 weeks until the first shows so there is some very exciting things ahead. Including the Mural Mosaic which we are creating for the AB Saskatchewan Centennial. Lots to look forward to!

More later.....

WOO HOO

Sue Foley wins best female vocalist and Best Recording of the Year at the Maple Blues Awards and she is playing at NOA this year too! Plus she is such a darn sweetheart :-).
Today I met the the Livia Stoyke Foundation abou the mural - good meeting! Things are looking good. I also spent a good chunk of the evening discussing the mural with Lewis. We also lined up an Edmonton Journal interview for the Painting Party.

I went to see Debbie Boodram today for her CD release at the Pallative care unit of the Grey Nuns Hospital. It was very emotional. Debbie was bed ridden and was unable to really communicate due to exhaustion from her suffering. I just hope for her pain to go away. Its so hard to watch her suffer so. The evening as painful as it was - it was beautiful too as Debbie's music moved my soul and her words echoed in my mind as I thought of the days where she was singing at our shows. She is an angel....

I have returned home for a few days and have many good things going on to be excited about.Today we had the NOA Edmonton meeting which went very well. The Edmotnon show is shaping up nicely. We have quite a few teams confirmed for the Painting Party and also many positives as far as other sponsors. I met with Tanya Wood today to go over the fashion component. I also had a great chat with Carolyn from the Rotary Club who also had some great news about their contributions to the event.

Tomorrow I am meeting up with Lewis to go over magazine and mural details. I am also dealing with the magazine sponsors and getting more people involved in the centennial mural planning.

I also have a very sad and challenging part to my day as I am going to celebrate the CD release of Debbie Boodram. My close friend and a former singer in our show as well as the biggest supporter NOA had from CBC. Its sad because Debbie is currently in Pallative Care at the Grey Nuns hospital as her cancer is winning the battle against her. Her heart is so strong though and she is fighting it all the way. All we can do is keep praying that miracles will happen. No matter what happens with Debbie she will be taken care of. She is an angel on this earth. She will always be an angel to me.

1. I am sitting out her in Ottawa- or should I say running around out in Ottawa as NOA goes national!! We are just finalizing details on our Ottawa show and will soon be putting on our biggest show yet on May 7th. All the shows are coming together nicely and the magazine is just about ready to be finalized with all the details.

I am going to be buying a lap top tomorrow so I hopefully can keep everyone more up to date on where I am as it seems many want to know! So onwards and upwards!

VERY BIG DAY FOR NOA!!
Thursday was a very exciting day. After running around all day long meeting with the rotary club, painting a new series I am working on, meeting up with Paul Lavoie and of course beginning the set up for the Night of Artists show at Investors group, the best news of all came via phone at 4 p.m..
Thursday December 9th is the day that CIBC Canada came on board with Night of Artists nationally. After creating a big proposal and sitting and awaiting the reply- the good news couldn't have been anymore exciting. Now as we go national we have some major backers in CBC and CIBC as well as the Ottawa Citizen and the Edmonton Journal. This will only make the magazine that much better!! Wonder what good stuff Friday will bring....

VERY BIG DAY FOR NOA!!
Thursday was a very exciting day. After running around all day long meeting with the rotary club, painting a new series I am working on, meeting up with Paul Lavoie and of course beginning the set up for the Night of Artists show at Investors group, the best news of all came via phone at 4 p.m..
Thursday December 9th is the day that CIBC Canada came on board with Night of Artists nationally. After creating a big proposal and sitting and awaiting the reply- the good news couldn't have been anymore exciting. Now as we go national we have some major backers in CBC and CIBC as well as the Ottawa Citizen and the Edmonton Journal. This will only make the magazine that much better!! Wonder what good stuff Friday will bring....

Tomorrow is NOA at Investors group so today is the beginning stages of planning the set up and making it work out as good a spossible. Should be interesting to see what results come from this.
Yesterday the Edmonton Journal officially came on board and we are currently confirming the Ottawa Citizen and hopefully the Calgary Herald and Times Colonist as well.
The magazine is coming together nicely. Cathy Stevenson and Beth Dunlop seem to have it all under control.
I will be running around Edmonton like mad for the next few days getting stuff ready for a long road trip as I head to Ottawa for almost six weeks as I prepare the NOA expansion shows out east.
I will be going to Dubai in the United Arab Emirate in February as a guest of Sue Foley to witness an amazing concert and see about NOA in the middle east... that would be something eh? I hear those Arab fellas have a few dollars. Maybe I can make a career painting Oil derricks. I'll see what I can line up while i am there. Any suggestions??

Been a while since I posted something... darn computer has a weird virus so its hard to get into this some times. Anyways...Busy as heck as always as we try to expand NOA into Ontario and at the same time keep the show solid in western Canada. Have been very busy also trying to create the Centnennial mural for 2005 that will really make some big waves!

Its all very exciting what lies ahead in 2005.

I am going to try to get back into more of a rouitne with this. So here was my day today...
Spent the morning putting together multiple proposals for sponsors out in vancouver as i try to boost the show on the coast. Had a meeting with Deb Thrall to go over show management for the Edmonton region for 2005. Began hiring bands for 2005... always fun... yikes! Drove my mom to the airport as she left back for the coast where she and my dad are spending 6 months with my sister as she has our families first child (grand child/niece nephew)
Cheryl Bozarth from NOA had her baby a couple of weeks ago now. She is leadin the baby brigade as Summer Bozohora and Michelle Vekved will soon be following... Kinda nice to see the good stuff after a challenging 2004.
Spent the afternoon dealing with new and old sponsors. Have to re-apply to CBC for the west coast. Seems a little odd and will take up valuable time but I will do what is necessary.
Spent the day making contacts in Ontario as we continue to work on show plans out east.
I have a big meeting next week at the Westin as we try to get some more concrete things in place.
Rset of the week is crazy as I line up as much as i can before i head east on Sunday.

So November hits and we are on the verge of some amazing things in 2005. We have begun our NOA sponsor drive and it is looking absolutley fabulous! The magazine this year will definitely make some waves as it should be a fantsatic art and music magazine.
The dates for all the shows are confirmed now and we are just waiting on Ottawa to see if we will be part of the Alberta Scene or not. Hopefully they include us as we have created our own Alberta scene with NOA. If they do not however we will just take our show there on our own terms and be a part of the scene. The artists and musicians in NOa deserve to be there so we will be there one way or the other.
We have some big sponsors coming on board this year and we should be able to put on quite an exciting years worth of shows. My goal is to raise over $100,000 for all the charities and to also sell over $15,000 worth of artwork an the avearge at all the shows.
Almost all artists returned from last year and we also have many new ones that will really make the year very exciting!
I am currently working on mural workshops with lewis for the St. Albert Mosaic Mural. Sunday will be a meeting with the NOA Edmonton group. NOA Calgary is set and the group is fab!

Today Lewis and I held a workshop for the St. Albet mural and will do the same again tomorrow.

More later....

It is a few days before Halloween and I am about ready to make my way back to Edmonton from Ottawa. The shows are moving along as planned and we are beginning to get our sponsors lined up for the 2005 season. We also have many new opportunities lined up and may be having our first NOA art contest on line.
The possibilities seem endless for 2005 and it should be a year like no other. As I make my way back from Ottawa I am continuing to build the foundation for the Eastern Canada shows and look forward to an amazing year where we finally become a national show!

I am currently in Ottawa again still working on the expansion of NOA out East. We are also beginning the final stages for planning NOA 2005. We are no longer accepting new applicants for the shows as there are too many applicants and not enough space. Good problem. We will have our final line up established for 2005 by the end of September. We are also on the verge of our mural Grande Finale on October 17th at the Paramount Theatre in Edmonton featuring Sue Foley- Juno award winner, Rachelle Van Zanten and Mo Lefever. Also Lewis Lavoie and other artists from the group will be there to talk about the mural and what we have on the horizon. Things are looking great for 2005!

I drive home from Ottawa on the 2nd-5th of October.

Well 2005 is upon us - that is the 2005 NOA shows! I am back on line and back at the craziness. We are lining up all the shows and this year we will be national as Ottawa will come into the loop. Its quite exciting to see the growth over the years. We have 90% of the artists returning this year and we also will be adding about another 20 new artists at the end of the month.

I am in Edmonton until Wednesday next week and then i am off to Ottawa and Toronto again for three weeks.All I can say is.... her eis to another crazy beginning of another crazy year!!

I have been out in Ottawa the past few weeks relaxing , doing some new paintings, visiting with Sue and enjoying meeting new connections and selling my artwork at the Byward Market in Ottawa. Its been nice to take a break from the Night of Artists grind and just have some fun with my own art and some R & R. I will be back in Edmonton at the end of the month but until then I will just be enjoying some down time and exploring the eastern part of Canada.
I have had a few galleries decide to pick up my artwork and have afew new potentila locations lined up for Night of Artists as well. Should be a very exciting 2005. The mural is a hit out here in Ottawa as well. So things are still moving ahead while I take a breather.

Tonight I am finishing packing for my first drive out east since I was 13. I have flown the route many times but tomorrow I will get to SEE Canada!! NOA is going to be a national show in 2005. It is going to be my biggest challenge yet but 2004 proved that there is definitely a way when there is a will. I knew that NOA would not benefit anyone in the group if I simply remained idle in one location. We needed to get across the country so the people that are involved truly get some advantages. I am going away for a month and I plan on relaxing and at the same time expanding my horizons. It should be a memorable trip no matter what. I leave behind my prayers for Debbie and her family who i pray continue to be strong and I know if there is someone who can beat cancer it will be Debbie.

So- off I go with a little bag of dreams and the hopes of opening more doors. I am even going to Flin Flon Manitoba. NOA loves the north no matter what province we are in!

So I finish the last show and I think its time to relax....HA!!!
Off I go again as we continue to showcase the mural pieces and look at creating another one.
On top of that I am preparing to head to Ottawa for a month while I focus on my own artwork for a while.
I am currently marketing my own jazz pieces and at the same time I am beginning a new series based on Leaonrd Cohen's music to be unveiled in September.

I am looking forward to going to Ottawa and seeing what new opportunities await. I will also get to spend some Quality time with Sue and relive my childhood as Ottawa was where I spent three memorable years back when I was 11-13.

NOA continues to grow and we are now begiining the new plans for 2005. Submissions will be coming in soon.

I am sitting in Vancouver 4 days before the show and the sun is shining as a great day comes along. The last NOA show of 2005 and it looks like it will be a GRANDE FINALE!!

Everything is falling into place nicely. I am having mixed emotions as of late though because as great as NOA has been this year we have had many sad moments and another one is currently being faced. We expereinced Holly Crictons son being seriously injured in a head on car collision. Then Bernadette McCromacks father passed away. Then Patrick Doyle's Mother passed away and now we are facing the serious situation of Debbie Boodram- a dear friend of mine and also the first person at CBC to notice Night of Artists and really get us connected across the country- who has just been diagnosed with cancer at the very young age of 38. She has been so instrumental in the growth of NOA in the past 2 years and has also been a wonderful performer in our show.

I love NOA and what it does for the arts and who we have had join us along the way. Debbie is one of those incredibly special people that have been such a builder of our show. Keep her in your prayers. She and her family need our support as Debbie fights against the cancer that has challenged her.

This week will be an amazing week for NOA but my thoughts will be with Debbie and her family.

The end of June has arrived and still one NOA show left on the horizon. I have been a bit wiped out so have been trying to gain my strength back. I had planned to have the artists from Night of Artists in the Works festival this year however due to a disagreement things did not work out with the Works and we were excluded from the festival. Unfortunate but sometimes we agree to disagree.
Nevertheless things are going quite well as the Vancouver show is shaping up incredibly well. July 10th will be a landmark date as it will be our first NOA show in Vancouver.
I am also busy getting ready to launch our NOA centennial mural on Friday July 2nd as well as participate in the two festival in Edmonton that we are very welcome in- the Taste of Edmonton and The ArtWalk. Both events are shaping up wonderfully and we are looking very forward to an exciting summer in Edmonton. I will be once again on the road beginning July 4th as I head west to Vancouver

I have been home for the last few weeks just trying to get my life back in order from being away so much this spring. Still have one more show to focus on so i am still pursuing that. Also I am dealing with the mural launch which we hope to have happen within the next couple of weeks. Never a dull moment. My focus is to finish of the NOA year with bang in Vancouver and then take the next month or two to relax and paint. I soooooo need it right now. Night of Artists will not be in the Works as we had planned due to some rather unfortunate and odd circumstances. Maybe its just as well so I can actually re-charge my batteries a little. It will be nice to have a break.

I am finally home ...sheeeessh!! Its been a long three weeks betweeen Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver and Victoria. Driving to Vanocuver twice and back took a lot out of me.
The Victoria show was fabulous!! The art was amazing and we more then doubled our last years crowd. Sales as well!

All in all 2004 is a year where we have to be proud of what we have done. i am amazed at what hard work can do if you stick with it long enough.

I must admit I am a bit burnt out but now that i am at home I feel I can recharge for a week or two. One more show left and then looking ahead to 2005. Its hard to believe the miles I have covered since the first show in Slave Lake. Its been a great ride and I love the direction we are going.

Now that I am home I am looking forward to The Works festival and making new projects for the fall. But first... some sleep and a couple of rounds of golf. I think I deserve a break :-).

Still in Victoria getting ready for the big show. Looks like we will have double the crowd thatw we had last year. It just takes time for people to see what we are doing and undertsnd how good it is! I have been doing show prep and at the same time painting in my hotel room which i like to call me little jail cell. It is a small room with a little toilet in one corner and a shower in the other. They both have doors though so at leats its not exactly like a jail cell haha. But at least i am only payin $70 a night... yipes!!! Everywhere else is $100 + a night!
The hazards of doing a show in a toursit community. I only pray i sell some artwork so i can pay for my hotel room... or should I say my bail to get out of this jail cell.

I am in Victoria at the moment plugging away. Did the Corporate Painitng Party last night and it was great once again! The trunout was wonderful and Mc Morrans and Opus did a great job of creating an event for us! Next thing on the agenda is the show on Saturday. I am booting around Victoira chatting it up and its looking like it will be another great show!! I look forward to the evening and showcasing to Victoria/Sidney the second annual NOA event in the area!
I am in need of some rest soon howvere. The travle to Ottawa and then jumping in my car to head to the coast has me a bit out of whck with the time zone change. The body clock is a bit messed up... yipes.

Just flew back from Ottawa/Toronto late last night after an incredibly productive trip. The Royal Bank was wonderful to chat with and they seem genuinely interested in what we are doing. i also met an incredible photographer and also a supporter of the arts- Michele Valberg.
I had a great time hanging with Sue Foley and her Manager Ann Forbes who also was very supportive of NOA. NOA is definitely making its national stage appearance in 2005 in Ottawa!!
A little disappointment on the trip was the scheduled meeting I had with the NAC was a bust. I went to my scheduled appointment only to find out that the person i was supposed to meet had obviously forgotten about the meeting as they were not even in the province. Not a big deal if I was from Ottawa. I could always re-schedule the next few days. However i can't fly out there every week unfortunately so i guess i miss out on this one for now.
I have one day to get some fresh clothes into my suitcase and then I am off to Victoria for a week for the NOA show out there. The Corporate Painting Party is on Monday and should be fantastic!!

I am in Ottawa right now and just returned from Toronto and a meeting with The Royal Bank. The meeting was very positive and I am hoping to set up a partnership with the Royal Bank and NOA. Today I am meeting with the National Arts Centre in Ottawa as well as Michelle Valberg. Beautiful sunny day in Ottawa. Good things lie ahead!!

I am just tieing up loose ends for the shows in Vancouver and Victoria and then i am off again to Ottawa/Toronto. I am unpacking long enough to do my laundry and then off to spread the word of NOA. Looking very forward to the shows on the coast. Should be a great little adventure!

The amount of emails I am recieveing from artists wanting to join NOA is hard to fathom. I remember when I started this show 7 years ago I had to beg people to join. They would look at me like I had two heads. They didn't understand how a concept that is just based on good people working together could work I guess. Now the train is moving and everyone wants to join the ride. Its wonderful to see and I am just glad the show is bringing in the results that make people want to be a part of it!

I am really enjoying watching artists and musicians rise to new levels! Its truly an amazing thing to behold!

Whirlwind tour completed! Went to Calgary, Vancouver, Victoria and back in 5 days by car! Drove to Calgary Saturday and visited Vicki in the hospital, (She is home and doing well now), met up with Christine and dropped off "pay day" checks for the artists, drove on to Golden and crashed for the night. Got up and carried on to Vancouver where I arrived in time to visit Jake in her new artistic atmosphere and her great new pad on Granville Island. Then we drove off to the NOA meeting. All were in attnedance and it went wonderfully!
Next day had meeting with Kids Up Front! Love Kids Up Front. They are a great bunch. John Dalziel is a wonderful guy to work with.

Then off to the roundhouse to check on the space. No one around to discuss details. So off I went to CBC to discuss show details. Then after that was complete went back to the roundhouse and found someone and hammered out little details for the show. Its going to be a lot of work ....yipes!!

Quickly left there and drove to Tsawassen and jumped on the ferry. off I went to the Island. Had a quick supper then met with Karel! Had a great meeting. Things are going well it seems.

Had a nice rest at hotel and got up early and scouted out Bastien Square Arts marketplace. Then went to CBC for a radio interview. After that I had to sprint to Sidney to meet Krista about the Mary Winspear centre details. Then back on to the ferry. Which was full.... so I had to wait in line for 2 and a half hours....

Met two great ladies in line who love NOA and are planning on comign to the VIC show now!

Then finally got across the great divide and drove to Kamloops where I had to crash ( exhausted). Got up at 6 a.m. and made the last leg home. Stopped in Calgary to check out a gallery- Room Two. Very cool space!

Then on my way home...... I am sleepy... two days and then back on the plane to Ottawa and Toronto for very BIG meetings!!

I am in Golden right now heading to the Coast. Had a nice nights rest in the mountains and look forward to being in Vancouver today. The weather is nice so it should be safe travels. My mind is spinning with new ideas and optimism as the shows wind down for the year. I have some great meetings in Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver/Victoria coming up that could change the history of NOA and lead us into a new world completely. I will wait and see but I am cautiously optimistic for the future.

First and foremost though- Two big shows await in Vic and Van.This trip will iron out some of those detailas and then we are away!

wow- I just realized I haven't entered any writing since April 28th... sheesh! Too much work not enough play....
Our shows have been amazing this year. Calgary was an unbelievable event. Over 800 plus people attended and the sales broke records for calgary. I was thrilled with all that transpired. All shows have been unbelievable in Alberta this year! 2005 should be even more unreal. The corporate painting parties have been a hit and could be the next best thing to hit NOA in quite some time.
I am leaving for the coast on saturday as we head into the craziness of the western swing. This is always a bit more of a challenge due to the freshness of the show on the coast. But i think it will be a great success nevertheless.

I am also going to head to Ottawa and Toronto in 10 days. I have meetings with the Royal Bank and also with the National Arts Centre. Wonder where this will lead us??????? Stay tuned!!