We are proud of our accomplishments, and also know that they would not have been possible without support from the community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors, volunteers, members, and patrons, and sincerely hope that 2008 proves to be the best yet for the Memphis art scene. Happy New Year!

Images from Class of ‘07

New technologies are combining to change the way we influence our communities. In her book, Momentum, Allison Fine writes about these new technologies and how they are igniting social change in our connected age. Allison is a senior fellow on the Democracy Team at Demos: A Network for Change and Action in New York, and was the founder and Executive Director of Innovation Network.

Also with us are Deepa Naik and Trenton Oldfield, coordinators of This Is Not A Gateway, a thoroughly modern, self-organizing festival of ideas planned for London next October. Unlike organizers of recent big-name U.S. “think” festivals, Deepa and Trenton are more curious than curatorial. Deepa’s work has focused on cross-cultural contemporary art practice and community activism. She has recently worked as an artist and educator with Public Works and Art for Change. Trenton is coordinator of the Thames Strategy - Kew to Chelsea and he was project manager of Cityside Regeneration.

The theme of Li’l Film Fest 8 is RESOLUTIONS, you know, the New Year’s kind. I know, I know, you will cut back on the partying and staying out so late, you will exercise more and loose weight, you will remember to call your mother on her birthday, you will stop watching so much television, you will eat more veggies, and of course you’ll spend more time with the dog. But surely you can manage to squeeze in a few hours to make a film, right…?

Please read aloud:
“I resolve to make a film for Li’l Film Fest 8. I will capitalize on this unique opportunity to hone and improve my filmmaking abilities. I will have fun while contributing to the success of the Memphis filmmaking community. I resolve to make a film for Li’l Film Fest 8.”

Join them on Saturday, December 15 at 2:00 pm at the MeDiA Co-op for the festival! And be sure to congratulate LFM and the L’il Film Fest for making it to year two…

Go to GoodSearch.com and select your cause (yes, Lantana Projects is on the list!), then click the GoodShop link. Then shop away!

Carol DeForest: Clay, candles, found objects and Uzbekistani textiles • Martha Hettich: Guatemalan textiles • Suzanne Henley: Fused glass, ancient beads, oriental rugs • Dorothy Northern: Jewelry • Robin Lathroum: Hand-dyed textiles • Brooke Sarden: Watercolor • Colleen Couch-Smith and Kelly Myers: Rock, paper, scissors, handmade paper and concrete • Tatia Johnson/Solstice Studios: Lampwork glass • Ann Jackson Designs: 14k & sterling & gemstone jewelry • Mary Durham: Mary’s Memphis Crunch • Olga King/Amber Road Imports: Amber jewelry • Peter Sohngen: Stoneware pots • Carol Robison: Elvis ornaments • Karen Bottle Capps: Folk art • Tootsie Bell and Laurie Bartholomew: Fine art jewelry • Carol Jordan/Girl Frenz: Zulu beadwork and baskets • Robert Ashely Snyder: Blown glass • Kristine Riis, Nashville: Jewelry • Circe Zugno: Brazilian jewelry • Caroline Hurley: Ladeeda handbags

Detour Memphis Online Magazine ceased publication this morning with its October/November issue, it was announced by Nick A. Davis, director of Detour Memphis Productions. The television program on WMC TV 5 has also been ended.

“Thanks to everyone for the many years of support, submissions, and long hours,” Mr. Davis said. “I wish everyone the best - all the artists, filmmakers, and other creative individuals in the Mid-South and beyond.”

Thanks to you, Nick, for all of your efforts with the local art scene, and we wish you luck!

Winner: Melissa Farris
Jonathan and Bo
36″x50″, oil on canvas

Runner Up: Carl E. Moore
Gluttony
32″x32″, acrylic on canvas

Second Runner Up: Nancy May
Self-Proclaimed Portrait, Defeated
16″x20″, digital print