Archive for the salinas category
What The Deck? Unique Auction Event to Support The National Steinbeck Center and Dorothy’s Place
by Chuck on October 12th, 2009
5:30-9pm, Saturday, October 17th at The National Steinbeck Center
Non Profit Media Release
For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Colleen Finegan
Interim Executive Director
colleen@steinbeck.org
831-775-4724
Marci Bracco
Marketing Consultant
marcibracco@yahoo.com
831-747-7455
Skateboard design by Michael Osborne
SALINAS, CA (October 7th, 2009) When Chuck Casella, a board member at Dorothy’s Place Hospitality Center in Salinas, California approached the National Steinbeck Center located at One Main Street in Salinas, California about doing an exhibition featuring skateboards, he wasn’t expecting such an enthusiastic response. What do the National Steinbeck Center and Dorothy’s Place have in common? Community and culture. Focus on subcultures marginalized by the mainstream. Together, these two institutions feed the mind, body and spirit of all members of our community.
Do you want to see and hear how lives have been transformed by the work of the National Steinbeck Center and Dorothy’s Place Hospitality Center? Be a part of the closing reception and program for the “What the Deck?” exhibition, on Saturday, October 17th beginning at 5:30 PM at the National Steinbeck Center. Hear from the artists themselves about their personal journeys and why they felt compelled to offer their hard work and creative spirit to elevate the disenfranchised and marginalized through the work of these unique cultural icons.
Dorothy’s Place, providing opportunities and hope for the poor and homeless and the National Steinbeck Center, honoring the legacy of native son and Nobel Laureate John Steinbeck, share a common vision: that all cultures should be treasured and that expressions of the human condition, especially those out of the mainstream, can be appreciated when brought into the light. More than a mere exhibit of vastly different media on skateboard decks, the October 17th event allows the visitor to participate in the celebration of the skateboard subculture and actually own the art by financially supporting the two divergent organizations with the similar vision. They will be encouraged by the program’s keynote speaker Michael Osborne, President and Creative Director of the San Francisco-based graphic design firm, MOD/Michael Osborne Design, Inc., which has created some of the most memorable packaging, corporate identity, and retail design solutions for clients that include Gymboree, Williams-Sonoma, Safeway, numerous wineries, and the U.S. Postal Service. Osborne, who designed several of the skateboards currently on exhibit at the National Steinbeck Center, has become a national leader known for his advocacy of the graphic design industry’s partnership with non-profit organizations. After many years of working pro-bono with many non-profit clients, Osborne recognized that there was a real need for sustained support for his non-profit clients. As a result, he developed a plan to create a separate non-profit design firm that would provide services for charity-based non-profit groups. And so, this new model design firm, Joey’s Corner, a non-profit 501c3 organization, was founded with an “Ideas that Matter” grant in 2006. Joey’s Corner honors the life of Michael’s deceased son, Joseph Michael Osborne. “There is nothing more gratifying than designing projects for dedicated, hard working non-profit organizations doing the most important work in the world, with the most incredible people I’ve ever met,” said Osborne.
A “Sappi Ideas That Matter” grant in 2007 was the beginning of “What the Deck?”. Local graphic designer Chuck Casella, inspired by the work of Michael Osborne, asked if he could purchase blank skateboard decks with a portion of the grant, to create a fundraiser to feed homeless people. When given the green light by Sappi, he brought the concept of a skateboard art exhibit to the National Steinbeck Center and recruited several ‘street’ artists to participate, as well as nationally and internationally renowned artists like David Ligare and Tom Davies.
The exhibit opened on September 19, 2009 with a extraordinary surprise: record numbers of excited enthusiasts flocked through the doors to be the first to see the exhibit. Museum curator Deborah Silguero commented, “We’re overwhelmed with energy! This is the most diverse group of museum visitors we’ve seen here in recent years – over 600 came through the exhibit in three hours. We just didn’t expect it.” Patrons were joined by many of the contributing artists and live art demonstrations.
Come and be inspired by the generous contributions that these artists have made, enjoy food and drink, speak with the artists and then place your bid at the auction to participate in the liberation of the marginalized though the work of these new partners in social change. Those that can’t be at the National Steinbeck Center on Oct. 17th can participate by bidding on-line. These unique collectible art pieces are available at every price point. See the bidding details below to make an offer today. Several of the most impressive pieces will be converted to a live eBay auction that runs through Oct. 17th if not sold prior to October 14th.
Together we can make a difference. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to share in a celebration of art and the resilience of the human spirit, and a chance to take home a piece of art that will help you share this story for years to come.
Auction Details:
What: One of a Kind Decks Auction: Benefiting Dorothy’s Place and the National Steinbeck Center (a 50/50 split).
Details: Silent Auction:
September 19- October 17
Place your bid in the National Steinbeck Center Museum Store, (831) 775-4721, or make an offer on-line (see below).
eBay Sales/Auction:
October 1- October 17
Go to: http://givingworks.ebay.com/
Type in Non-profit: Dorothy’s Place
(or search by eBay seller: stpebble)
The decks will be available for a fixed price Oct. 1-14. Unsold decks will be entered into an eBay auction starting Oct. 14th and ending Oct. 17th during the Exhibition’s Closing Reception, 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Give the Museum Store staff your email address and we will send you a link to the auction.
Exhibit Details:
On September 19, 2009 the National Steinbeck Center celebrated the opening of its newest exhibition featuring art by Central Coast artists on the unique platform of a skateboard deck.
This exciting innovative exhibition, co-presented by Dorothy’s Place Hospitality Center of Salinas, brings street culture to the masses. The skateboard decks have been painted, burned and re-assembled in mediums from acrylic and oil paint to permanent marker, spray paint and gold leaf. You defiantly won’t be bored, and are sure to find at least one deck you can’t live without!
The exhibit is complimentary.
Exhibit Details:
September 19-October 17, 2009
Contemporary art exhibition entitled, “What the Deck?” Approximately 70 artists will take the surve foundation of a utilitarian sproting tool (the deck of a skateboard) and transform them into rad pieces of art – honoring the vehicle itself and the sub-culture that uses the vehicle. At the end of the exhibition, all of the skateboard decks will be auctioned to benefit both the National Steinbeck Center, serving our community with culture and educational programs and Dorothy’s Place Hospitality Center, serving the poor, homeless and otherwise marginalized.
Exhibit Location: National Steinbeck Center One Main Street Salinas California 93901.
National Steinbeck Center Background:
The National Steinbeck Center is located in Oldtown Salinas, right in the heart of Steinbeck Country. Its permanent and special exhibits pay tribute to not only the life of Steinbeck, but his commitment to the forgotten and disenfranchised. The Center is also an attraction for school groups and adult tours, and is a unique venue for special events. The Center is a 501(C)3 non-profit institution.
Dorothy’s Place Hospitality Center background:
Established as a soup kitchen in 1982, by a handful of Catholic Workers, Dorothy’s Place first served the forgotten of Salinas in the derelict Chinatown area with regular meals and warm acceptance. It eventually evolved into a multi-faith intentional community of servants to the poor, adding a health clinic, an emergency women’s shelter and most recently, an art studio and gallery called @risK, where the marginalized are encouraged to express themselves creatively. It has become a local Mecca for graffiti artists, exhibits creations from many subcultures, including prison art and campesino art, and was featured in the Summer 2009 edition of nationally distributed Artworks Magazine.
Skateboard Art is Live – Let the bidding Begin!
by Chuck on October 6th, 2009
What the Deck? auction at the Steinbeck Center has started. All skateboard decks are live on eBay as of Tuesday, October 6th. They are currently listed in a fixed price format. Some decks will convert to auction format on October 7th for online bidding until October 17th around 8:00PM. You may view them on eBay with the link below.
Link to eBay Store displaying What the Deck items:
http://stores.shop.ebay.com/ST-Pebble-and-Company__W0QQ_armrsZ1
Oil Paint by Tunstall
Skateboard Artshow in Salinas – What the Deck?
by Chuck on September 18th, 2009
The concept of Casella Creative, a new contemporary art exhibit at the National Steinbeck Center features the works of Central Coast artists on skateboard decks.
Titled “What the Deck?” the show features the works of 80 artists, is co-presented by Dorothy’s Place and is meant to bring street culture to the masses.
The skateboard decks have been painted, burned and re-assembled in mediums from acrylic and oil paint to permanent marker, spray paint and gold leaf. The exhibit is open through October 17.
At the end of the exhibit, the decks will be auctioned with proceeds to benefit the Steinbeck Center and Dorothy’s Place.
Here are some of my favorite entries.
Billboards with a strong message
by Chuck on September 23rd, 2008
The City of Salinas in partnership with Casella Creative launched the first phase of the anti-violence campaign. Below are links and articles of the media coverage.
Below is the article for the Salinas Californian.
Coming to a billboard near you: four thought-provoking scenes aimed at persuading young wayward gang members to leave the road they’re on.
Advertisement
QuantcastThe billboards are newest campaign by the city of Salinas to fight gangs. One billboard features two panels; in one, an image of a big toe on a body tagged at the morgue next to a college identification card. The message is “Choose your identity.”
Another billboard features scenes from a funeral and a graduation with the caption, “choose your ceremony.”
“Part of our game plan is to work on all the different levels such as prevention and …” said Salinas Mayor Dennis Donohue on Thursday. “None of these things are in response to current events; we’re rolling out the game plan.”
The billboards will be erected at these locations: John Street at Spring Street, Market Street at Clark Street, Abbott Street at Romie Lane and Sherwood Drive at Market Street.
Donohue said the campaign is a collaboration between the business community and students at Heald College through the city’s Community Awareness group’s communication committee.
The campaign is privately financed by Foxy produce company, he said.
Billboards target gang culture
Message on Salinas signs brutally honest
Communication committee members Shelly Smith, an instructor at Heald College in Salinas, and Chuck Casella of Salinas-based Casella Creative, came up with the campaign. Smith said she brought in 50 students from criminal justice and business classes to help conceive the idea in March.Because many of her students came from a background of having to make “difficult choices” in their own lives, Smith said that makes the effort and resulting work all the more powerful.
Casella said the billboards are focused on raising community awareness and aimed at those submerged in gang activity.
“Basically, you can’t tell kids not to join the gangs,” he said. “The only thing you can do is state the brutal facts.”
Casella said more billboard and campaign ideas are dependent on fundraising through corporate donations.
“It makes people think about it and be aware of it,” said Salinas police Cmdr. Trevor Iida, the city’s Community Safety Alliance director. “The more people are aware, the more they will want to help change. I don’t think the majority of the community understands the gravity of the gang problem.”
By Sunita Vijayan
Monterey Chamber of Commerce Showcase 2008
by Chuck on September 8th, 2008
Casella Creative supports the Monterey and Salinas Chambers of Commerce by sponsoring the Fall Showcase 2008. We rebranded the whole event, from brochures to tickets. The first step was to create the tagline “The power of Local.” It represents the idea that local businesses could provide better value and service than big conglomerates. Next the tagline was incorporated into an illustrated mark that displays the Monterey and Salinas chambers.
New Showcase Logo Design
Info on the Event:
The Salinas Valley and Monterey Peninsula Chambers of Commerce will present “Showcase 2008 – The Power of Local!” on Thursday, October 23 from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Monterey Conference Center. More than one hundred Chamber members will display their products and services, and approximately one thousand guests are expected to attend. Members of the public are invited to attend Showcase 2008 and see what their local business community has to off er, while also having an opportunity to network with hundreds of other potential customers. In addition to the potential business opportunities, guests will be able to participate in food and wine tastings.
Sappi Ideas that Matter: Fighting poverity in Salinas
by Chuck on June 1st, 2008
Here are some close up photos from the sappi grant projects. All the projects were sent to the national Sappi competition held this week in Dallas.
Sugar & Spice Video
by Chuck on May 11th, 2008
Zach Ashton released a new video last month “Sugar & Spice,” to support his album “Just like Beautiful”. Casella Creative has worked extensively over the years with Zach, and recently designed his latest album artwork. Currently he is touring Brazil.
Casella Creative designs Biomass 2008 Report
by Chuck on April 19th, 2008
Casella Creative has been working with BCurtis Energies and the US Department of Energy to create a 56 page report that states the potential of the next generation of ethanol. Clients like this reaffirm our commitment to the environment. The total report is still being politically vetted, but it’s almost complete. It’s comprised of 30 color charts and 30 company profiles. Casella Creative specializes in taking complex information and distilling it down to easy to understand charts and graphs.
Download a pdf of the “Biomass 2008: Fueling Our Future slide presentation biomass2008slides-bcurtis
Agriculture Photos in Salinas,CA
by Chuck on March 17th, 2008
Here are a couple of pre-harvest shots I took in the Salinas Valley. The dramatic clouds remind me of the Lord of the Rings. These photos are part of a promotional series I’m currently in the process of creating. The idea is to creatively show the life cycle of agriculture in Monterey County.
Complete Sappi Grant
by Chuck on February 15th, 2008
Six months and 30 grand later, Dorothy’s Place finally has a solid brand to raise the funding they need. Thanks to Sappi paper and their “Ideas that Matter Grant” Here is the full range of collateral that was designed by Casella Creative.
