Reality shows aren’t all bad! (Warning – Scary Images)
I have been excited for a show called Halloween Wars on Food Network, where a cake designer, sculptor, and sugar artist team up to compete for a $50,000 prize. I will admit that my interest is heightened by the fact that an old high school friend of mine and amazing sculpture artist, Andy Bergholtz, is in the competition and is getting to show his very awesome talent on a national stage!
In my opinion, I think these reality shows are amazing advocacy tools. The artists featured in them are often struggling to receive recognition for their amazing talents, and showing them competing together is true entertainment! With the proliferation of singing competitions, dancing competitions, and even the megahit sitcom like Glee, the Arts are finally in a position of mass appeal equal to or possibly surpassing dating and physical competition shows, a real triumph!
If you haven’t already checked out the shows below, make an effort to set your DVR or even try to grab episodes from the internet. More than likely you’ve heard of a few of them, but perhaps some will be a new and welcomed discovery.
Music
American Idol on Fox
The Voice on NBC
Sing Off on NBC
Theatre
Hot Set on SyFy
Face Off on SyFy
Visual Arts
Project Runway on Lifetime
Halloween Wars on Food Network
Fashion Star on NBC
Dance
Dancing with the Stars on ABC
So You Think You Can Dance on Fox
Grad Gift Ideas for Arts Majors
With many 2012 grads throwing up their caps in celebration of the end of highschool, many family and friends want to celebrate and honor their grad with gift giving. Incoming arts majors are often required to purchase many unusual supplies for their classes that can be given as very creative and useful gifts by their loved ones. Here is a list of possible gifts to give to graduating loved ones. Click on the links to explore product ideas.
MUSIC:
- Keyboard/digital piano
- Recording device
- iTunes gift card to purchase apps or music
- Gift certificate to online sheet music website
- Personalized tote bag for sheet music books and instrument supplies
- Engraved drumsticks, a new guitar pick, rosin, or new reeds depending on instrument needs
THEATRE:
- Stage makeup kit: (Professors usually suggest a certain brand.)
- Audition outfit:
- Girls: Wrap dress (long sleeve, knee length) or other timeless style to portray any kind of character.
- Guys: button up shirt and pants in classic colors.
- Headshot photo package- Hint: Renee Rocket photography has some great packages.
- Monologues for Young Actors and/or Shakespeare’s First Folio to use for auditions
- Netflix Instant Watch: To view The Seagull by Anton Chekhov or other classic plays
VISUAL ART:
- Art supply tackle box: Like an Art Bin
- Portfolio with a carrying strap and pockets.
- Media: pencil and/or charcoal set
- Art papers: sketch books, watercolor pads, tracing paper, Bristol board pad
- Tote or bag to carry art supplies
DANCE:
Articles 