January Arts is About to Launch Exciting New Platform

Posted on by Diversions LA

You may know Kristine Schomaker as the creator of Shoebox Arts, an inclusive arts community that includes Shoebox Projects exhibitions,  mentoring artists throughout Southern California and beyond, and Art and Cake,  digital publication you’ve likely read along with DiversionsLA.

Now Schomaker has begun a joyous new project for her, January Arts, a nonprofit she originally conceived of in 2018,  and is bringing to fruition now, with a launch party that includes a small works fundraiser this Sunday, August 18th at the Moonhuts in Los Angeles from 3-6 p.m.

The nonprofit will serve as a hub, a facilitator, a connector, an introduction to the art world—the place where any artist can find mentorship, professional development, exhibition opportunities, critique groups, professional speakers, workshops, tools, and more.

As Schomaker says “The world is in a wonky place right now, but I knew I could help artists keep going: I’m a good cheerleader, advocate, and facilitator. While I’ve been doing this work for a decade through Shoebox, I’ve been itching to reach a wider audience. Now, through the tax-deductible nonprofit, we can apply for grants and fundraise to bring more support to creatives; with January Arts, I’m better positioned to offer my experience, knowledge, and passion to those who wouldn’t otherwise have access to support.”

She visualizes Shoebox “evolving into the more holistic platform that is January Arts. I am excited about January Arts being a hub of artist resources, where artists from all over can find whatever help they need.” Her board members were culled form diverse backgrounds in business, journalism, artist support, technology, and finance, among others.

Schomaker, left with board president Ellen Friedlander

She stresses that she wants “January Arts to be a platform where artists can find community, learn to network, and achieve their goals, whatever they may be. I also want it to be a place where any artist–regardless of career level–can realize that there are opportunities available to them. We know how hard it is to be a creative: trying to be vulnerable and put yourself out there can be an emotional rollercoaster. We want artists to know that they aren’t alone. Their story is our story. I also want January Arts to bridge the gap between artists and their needs, both material and otherwise: We have resources for graphic design, printing, framing, shipping, taxes, workshops, classes, art supplies, self-care, organization platforms, mentorship and more.”

According to Schomaker, “Once we have a bit of history under our belts, we will be applying for grants. The Launch party will feature a small works exhibition where all work is $100. We are also accepting donations on our website www.januaryarts.org. All donations are tax deductible. Fundraising will be key to providing unencumbered support to all artists.”

January Arts will officially launch on September 1st. “When you sign up through our artist membership, you have access to an abundance of benefits, including group zoom meetings three times a week: on Mondays we hold open forum Q&As; on Wednesdays we hold a book club; on Thursdays we hold co-working sessions where we all log in and work separately, using the energy of the group to finish the work we’ve been procrastinating on. We also hold a monthly meeting where we bring in an art world speaker. In the past we have had art writers, gallerists, curators, well-known artists, consultants and other guests,” Schomaker says. “Coming up we have someone talking about different technology that is available to artists to make their lives easier, as well as someone talking about licensing. Once a month, we also hold a zoom critique group. Each artist gets 10-15 minutes to share their work/projects and get feedback.” Additionally, she says “We have in person meet-ups at museums and galleries, too. Ongoing benefits include a call for artist list, an artist registry on the website, a private Facebook group, social media PR and more. Artists can check out our services as well as testimonials and FAQ on our website, www.januaryarts.org Artists can pay monthly, every 6 months or every year. We have been able to keep the fees lower due to donations and fundraising.”

The indefatigable Schomaker describes January Arts as “a passion project. It is a culmination of so many ideas coming together to continue supporting artists. In the future, we look forward to more collaborations with organizations and institutions. We look forward to expanding Art and Cake and bringing in art writer fellowships. We want to do more workshops with emerging artists and students. ”

And, she still dreams of starting an artist residency outside of the city, hoping to travel and share available opportunities with artists everywhere. “The internet and social media have opened up so many opportunities to artists, but it is still overwhelming. We want to be able to help artists navigate their individual path. We believe there is no linear or predetermined path for artists,” she attests.

January Arts Fundraiser August 18th 3-6pm
MoonHuts
5320 Valley Blvd LA CA 90032
https://www.moonhuts.com/
Catered by @district5kitchen
Small works exhibition, fundraiser, silent auction and more…

For more information,  visit:

January Arts Small Works Exhibition
https://www.januaryarts.org/post/off-the-wall-small-works-fundraiser

January Arts Website
https://www.januaryarts.org/

  • Genie Davis; images provided by fundraiser artists and Kristine Schomaker 

Kristine Schomaker Celebrates 10 Years Supporting Artists at Shoebox Arts

Posted on by Diversions LA

Kristine Schomaker is an artist – and as such she understands personally what an artist needs to establish a successful artistic career. Ten years ago, with that need in mind, she established Shoebox Arts, which serves as a significant support system for artists. Using her own experience, she guides artists through the always evolving art landscape.

Above photo credited to Baha Danesh, Shoebox 1st anniversary

10 years is a significant anniversary, and over the years, Shoebox has evolved with the needs of artists. Schomaker explains “We started out doing PR for exhibitions, then expanded to support artists with resources, tools, education, advice, critique, coaching and mentoring.” She relates that “Whether artists want gallery representation, to sell, to have a solo exhibition in a museum, Shoebox helps artists with the steps they need to take to achieve their goals.”

While the services Shoebox offers have evolved over the years, the basic components have stayed the same, they continue to provide accountability as well as inspiration through one-on-one meetings, group meet-ups both online and in person, art professional introductions and more.  Shoebox also offers a Call for Art subscription, consistent email support, and workshops that cover topics such as  social media and networking.

It’s difficult for Schomaker to name only one artist support success story,  but she can count many over the last decade. “We’ve had artists invited to exhibit at prestigious museums and galleries. We have empowered artists to ask for studio visits and helped them receive press in newspapers and magazines. We have helped artists find their voices within their artwork, supporting them in finding communities where they thrive. We have created leaders, and inspired artists to continue and persevere despite barriers of sex, age, race, and gender.” 

What inspires Schomaker the most is “knowing I am helping to change someone’s life.” She can attest that “Being an artist is not an easy thing. If I can empower someone to follow their path, find their voice, grow, and thrive, it gives me joy. When I watch an artist create a body of work they love or exhibit their work in their dream space or receive press that was unexpected, I am thrilled. I have always been inspired to follow my dreams, not settle, be authentic, face my fears and persevere. I am happy to share these experiences, so artists know anything is possible.” 

As her second decade begins, Schomaker says that she wants to continue to bring artists together in various ways – from exhibitions to dinner parties, and with community in mind, she plans to offer everything from performances and workshops to artist talks and support groups. The reason? “We lift each other up by supporting each other.” 

She foresees her own continued growth as a facilitator, organizer and all-around cheerleader for artists, creating more collaborative art projects as well as peer mentorships and studio visits. 

The bottom line is this: “I want my artists to know that it doesn’t matter where they are in life, they are creators and can thrive in their practice. All art is important. Whether for personal reasons or political, whether for commercial or experiential, all art is worthy.”  

Shoebox Arts, like the art world itself, continues to evolve, and recently added a new, affordable, online-only membership component. The online membership includes weekly meetings focused on Q&A, coworking sessions, and an art book club. It also includes a monthly online critique group, a speaker series, and access to a private Facebook group.

In addition, Shoebox still offers their more individualized one-on-one mentoring sessions as well as PR services, and when you sign up as a management client, you’ll also receive a solo exhibition in the Shoebox Projects space located at the Brewery in DTLA. 

Starting the new year off right, Schomaker says, “In January, we are offering 3 free workshops: Instagram for artists, networking for the socially anxious, and goal setting. We are also offering a 6-week workshop on how to get your work exhibited.”

Pricing remains reasonable, ranging from free peer mentorship and workshops to $150 an hour for online consultations and $550 a month for the Shoebox management program. A full list of all services and pricing is available on their website, here.  Those who sign up through the end of 2023 will receive a discounted holiday rate. 

  • Genie Davis, photos provided by Shoebox Arts and Baha Danesh

It’s Time to Perceive Me Again

Posted on by Diversions LA

Just before the pandemic struck us numb, artist Kristine Schomaker opened a stunning exhibition of works not by her, but about her, at the Ronald Silverman Gallery at CSULA.

Today, a new iteration of that exhibition, Perceive Me, replete with fresh curation and artist’s talks, is currently on display at Studio Channel Islands through September 25th. It will move to the Museum of Art and History, MOAH Cedar location, in Lancaster October 9th through December 12th. Whichever venue you choose to view the show at, you will not be disappointed. It’s as meaningful as it is magically fun.

Kristine Schomaker had an idea. It started with the personal and has become a galvanizing collaborative project that reaches and speaks to a wide-range of viewers. It’s a conversation starter, it’s a collection of absolutely unique artworks, it’s an exultant vision of personal spirit, a creation from and of the soul that’s grounded – both literally and figuratively – by the body that holds it.

Artist: Kim Kimbro Taylor
Artist: Emily Wiseman

According to Schomaker – artist, curator, publisher and founder of Shoebox Arts – the concept for the show started with a conversation between herself and artist Amanda Mears. Mears was drawing Schomaker at the time. “We were talking about body image, ideas of beauty, modeling nude, and I brought up the story that I had only been asked out on a date a couple times in my 46 years of life. I think unconsciously I took that as this validation that I wasn’t worth anything. Of course I know it is much more complicated than that,” Schomaker laughs, noting that the first time she expressed this out loud was in a previous interview for DiversionsLA.

Artist: Holly Boruck

Describing the idea as having come “full circle,” Schomaker says “I never realized that that was where a lot of my self worth came from. The need for outside validation. Or the idea that we often take our own self-worth from how we imagine others perceive us. Working with Amanda and looking back to a collaboration I did with J Michael Walker for his Bodies Mapping Time project as well as Chris Blevins-Morrison for a photographic project, I thought it would be an interesting ‘research project’ to see how I look through another person’s eyes. It was like a lightbulb.”

Artist: Austin Young

Over the next several months, Schomaker put together the idea of how Perceive Me would work, meeting with 57 different artists between November 2018-August 2019.

Schomaker selected the artists for the exhibition beginning with artists she knew who created work using a figure. “I have a folder on my computer of ‘Artists to Watch’ and culled from that. Plus, I looked at my walls, my art collection and invited those artists. And I invited friends, of course. I started off with the idea of 20 artists, then it went to 40; because I couldn’t say no then it went to 60. Most of the artists were invited, but there were a few who contacted me and after looking at their websites and seeing how their art practice was aligned with mine, I knew they were a perfect fit.”

What she mosts want viewers to take from this powerful and poignant exhibition is to “feel free to be themselves. I want people to be less afraid of ‘going for it,’ whatever that means for them. I want people to not be afraid to be different, unique, authentic and to not hide from others or themselves.”

Artist: Geneva Costa

What led Schomaker to create such a vital piece of the project, or as she calls it, performance, is her belief in its social practice/impact and community engagement.

“I think my thesis was to see if my perception of myself changed as I saw myself through others’ eyes. Or maybe by inviting the many talented artists to collaborate with me, I thought they could make me beautiful? I am just now at this moment asking this question. This is just one project in many in my art practice that will continue helping me develop my own identity.”

Artist: Sydney Walters

“I have a story to tell, a message to relay. I want to educate and inspire. I knew an exhibition would not be enough to get the message out there. I knew a catalog would help get the word out there more,” she relates. “We are also doing artists talks; I am working with classes at the colleges, and there will be a video. I want to support others as much as I can. The catalog was one way of sharing the artists’ amazing work.”

Artist: Dani Dodge

Schomaker terms the exhibition a continuation of her own work, which focuses on challenging and finding herself. “I don’t think I will ever get to an end-point, because life changes all the time. Our identity changes all the time. Our weight changes all the time. My art practice is about telling my story of my eating disorder, struggles with weight and self-confidence. So, it will continue on.”

Artist: Nurit Avesar

The genuinely brave and beautiful show is uniquely notable from its lush and individually terrific images to the concept and Schomaker’s willingness to literally and figuratively expose herself.

Artist: Anna Stump

A wide variety of styles and media fill this powerful and delightful show.

Artist: Bradford Salamon

Participating artists include: Amanda Mears, Anna Kostanian, Anna Stump, Ashley Bravin, Austin Young, Baha Danesh, Betzi Stein, Bibi Davidson, Bradford J Salamon, Caron G Rand, Carson Grubaugh, Catherine Ruane, Chris Blevins-Morrison, Christina Ramos, Cynda Valle, Daena Title, Daggi Wallace, Dani Dodge, Debbie Korbel, Debby/Larry Kline, Debe Arlook, Diane Cockerill, Donna Bates, Elizabeth Tobias, Ellen Friedlander, Emily Wiseman, Geneva Costa, Holly Boruck, J Michael Walker, Jane Szabo, Janet Milhomme, Jeffrey Sklan, Jesse Standlea, John Waiblinger, Jorin Bossen, K Ryan Henisey, Karen Hochman Brown, Kate Kelton, Kate Savage, Kerri Sabine-Wolf, Kim Kimbro, L Aviva Diamond, Leslie Lanxinger, Mara Zaslove, Marjorie Salvaterra, Martin Cox, Monica Sandoval, Nancy Kay Turner, Nurit Avesar, Phung Huynh, Rakeem Cunningham, Serena Potter, Sheli Silverio, Susan Amorde, Susan T. Kurland, Sydney Walters, Tanya Ragir, Tony Pinto, Vicki Walsh.

The exhibition at Studio Channel Islands, through the 25th, is located at 2222 Ventura Blvd. in Camarillo. MOAH Cedar is located at 44857 Cedar in Lancaster, and there the exhibition runs October 9 through December 12th.

You owe it to yourself, your body, and everybody to “perceive this.”

  • Genie Davis; photos courtesy of the artists

Perceive This

Posted on by Diversions LA

Kristine Schomaker had an idea. It started with the personal and has become a galvanizing collaborative project that reaches and speaks to a wide-range of viewers. It’s a conversation starter, it’s a collection of absolutely unique artworks, it’s an exultant vision of personal spirit, a creation from and of the soul that’s grounded – both literally and figuratively – by the body that holds it.

Art above by Sheli Silverio.

We’re talking about Perceive Me, an exhibition about to debut on January 25th at California State University Los Angeles.

Artist: Emily Wiseman

According to Schomaker – artist, curator, publisher and founder of Shoebox PR – the concept for the show started with a conversation between herself and artist Amanda Mears. Mears was drawing Schomaker athe time. “We were talking about body image, ideas of beauty, modeling nude, and I brought up the story that I had only been asked out on a date a couple times in my 46 years of life. I think unconsciously I took that as this validation that I wasn’t worth anything. Of course I know it is much more complicated than that,” Schomaker laughs, noting that the first time she expressed this out loud was in a previous interview for DiversionsLA.

Artist: Holly Boruck

Describing the idea as having come “full circle,” Schomaker says “I never realized that that was where a lot of myself worth came from. The need for outside validation. Or the idea that we often take our own self-worth from how we imagine others perceive us. Working with Amanda and looking back to a collaboration I did with J Michael Walker for his Bodies Mapping Time project as well as Chris Blevins-Morrison for a photographic project, I thought it would be an interesting ‘research project’ to see how I look through another person’s eyes. It was like a lightbulb.”

Artist: Austin Young

Over the next several months, Schomaker put together the idea of how Perceive Me would work, meeting with 57 different artists between November 2018-August 2019.

Schomaker selected the artists for the exhibition beginning with artists she knew who created work using a figure. “I have a folder on my computer of ‘Artists to Watch’ and culled from that. Plus, I looked at my walls, my art collection and invited those artists. And I invited friends, of course. I started off with the idea of 20 artists, then it went to 40; because I couldn’t say no then it went to 60. Most of the artists were invited, but there were a few who contacted me and after looking at their websites and seeing how their art practice was aligned with mine, I knew they were a perfect fit.”

What she mosts want viewers to take from this powerful and poignant exhibition is to “feel free to be themselves. I want people to be less afraid of ‘going for it,’ whatever that means for them. I want people to not be afraid to be different, unique, authentic and to not hide from others or themselves.”

Artist: Geneva Costa

The catalog that accompanies the exhibition is beautiful and rich; delving much deeper into both the intent behind it and presenting a fuller depiction of the images that most exhibition catalogs.

What led Schomaker to create such a vital piece of the project, or as she calls it, performance, is based on a fundamental belief in its social practice/impact and community engagement.

Artist: Marjorie Salvaterra

“I think my thesis was to see if my perception of myself changed as I saw myself through others’ eyes. Or maybe by inviting the many talented artists to collaborate with me, I thought they could make me beautiful? I am just now at this moment asking this question. This is just one project in many in my art practice that will continue helping me develop my own identity.”

Artist: Sydney Walters

“I have a story to tell, a message to relay. I want to educate and inspire. I knew an exhibition would not be enough to get the message out there. I knew a catalog would help get the word out there more,” she relates. “We are also doing artists talks; I am working with classes at the colleges, and there will be a video. I want to support others as much as I can. The catalog was one way of sharing the artists’ amazing work.”

Artist: Dani Dodge

Schomaker terms the exhibition a continuation of her own work, which focuses on challenging and finding herself. “I don’t think I will ever get to an end-point, because life changes all the time. Our identity changes all the time. Our weight changes all the time. My art practice is about telling my story of my eating disorder, struggles with weight and self-confidence. So, it will continue on.”

Artist: Nurit Avesar

The genuinely brave and beautiful show is uniquely notable from its lush and individually terrific images to the concept and Schomaker’s willingness to literally and figuratively expose herself. Following its debut at CSULA, the show will travel to Oxnard College in November 2020, Coastline Community College in January 2021, Mesa Community College in San Diego in March 2021, MOAH in Lancaster in October 2021 and the College of the Sequoias in Visalia in 2022.

Artist: Anna Stump

“We are actively sending out proposals to colleges and Universities right now, because I believe that is where a large part of our audience is. If I can reach our youth and make a difference, I feel like there is hope for the future,” Schomaker asserts.

Artist: Bradford Salamon

Perceive Me opens January 25th  5-8 p.m. at the Ronald H Silverman Fine Arts Gallery, Cal State University LA, under the direction of Dr. Mika Cho.

Participating artists include: Amanda Mears, Anna Kostanian, Anna Stump, Ashley Bravin, Austin Young, Baha Danesh, Betzi Stein, Bibi Davidson, Bradford J Salamon, Caron G Rand, Carson Grubaugh, Catherine Ruane, Chris Blevins-Morrison, Christina Ramos, Cynda Valle, Daena Title, Daggi Wallace, Dani Dodge, Debbie Korbel, Debby/Larry Kline, Debe Arlook, Diane Cockerill, Donna Bates, Elizabeth Tobias, Ellen Friedlander, Emily Wiseman, Geneva Costa, Holly Boruck, J Michael Walker, Jane Szabo, Janet Milhomme, Jeffrey Sklan, Jesse Standlea, John Waiblinger, Jorin Bossen, K Ryan Henisey, Karen Hochman Brown, Kate Kelton, Kate Savage, Kerri Sabine-Wolf, Kim Kimbro, L Aviva Diamond, Leslie Lanxinger, Mara Zaslove, Marjorie Salvaterra, Martin Cox, Monica Sandoval, Nancy Kay Turner, Nurit Avesar, Phung Huynh, Rakeem Cunningham, Serena Potter, Sheli Silverio, Susan Amorde, Susan T. Kurland, Sydney Walters, Tanya Ragir, Tony Pinto, Vicki Walsh.

CSULA Gallery is located at:
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles CA 90032
Opening Reception: Saturday January 25, 5-8pm

Artist Talk with Alexandra Grant Sun February 2, 2-4pm
Artist Talk with Leslie Labowitz-Starus Sun February 16, 2-4pm
Artist Panel and Closing Reception Sat February 22, 2-4pm

Artist: Daena Title
Artist: Mara Zaslove
  • Writer: Genie Davis; photos: provided by artists through Kristine Schomaker