Museum Studies

We are now truly an art museum family.

This past week Sarah started her job in the education department at Albany Institute of History & Art (AIHA)—we are thrilled, since it brings her back to her original course of study. A talented artist, she is also great with kids—so hopefully this is the beginning of a positive experience for her.

Erastus Dow Palmer sculpture exhibition
at Albany Institute of History & Art. Photo by Jeremy Clowe.

Founded in 1791, AIHA is one of the oldest museums in the nation. Its holdings are said to form the best collection in the United States documenting the life and culture of the Upper Hudson Valley region from the late seventeenth century to the present day. It's a beautiful building and intriguing collection—my favorite are the works by Nineteenth-Century American sculptor, Erastus Dow Palmer (1817-1904); a grand, cascading stairwell in the museum frames an elegant grouping figures created by the artist, who lived for many years in the Albany area. In addition, there are a considerable number of works by contemporary artists. Last week we attended an evening lecture, where many of the exhibited artists spoke about their work—it was an interesting talk, which struck me as slightly different in tone from those offered at my museum, which focuses on art of a more narrative nature.

Things have been busy at Norman Rockwell Museum as well. We recently announced a major gift from the Famous Artists School, one of the largest art correspondence courses of the twentieth century. Norman Rockwell was one of the featured instructors for the program, which was in business from the late 1940s through my childhood (I remember their "We're Looking For People Who Like To Draw" ads on the back of my comic books). The donation nearly doubles our collection, with more than 5,000 un-catalogued artworks, including several original works created by Rockwell, plus an archive of hundreds of thousands of items. This past week I coordinated a visit for a major press contact, which hopefully will result in great exposure for the Museum and our mission.

From The Dean & DeLuca Sketchbook, Lynn Pauley, 2001.
All rights reserved.

My other big accomplishment this past week was finally picking up a new HD video camera and accessories for the Museum. We are now the proud owners of a beautiful Sony PMW-100 XDCAM, made possible through the generosity of one of our National Council members (who has a background in broadcast television production himself). This upgrade should enable me to produce more quality promotional and exhibition videos for the Museum—I'll cross my fingers. 

Actually, the day after my pilgrimage to B&H Photo in New York City (where I picked up our new items), I was already putting the video equipment to good use. I set up and captured an interview with Lynn Pauley, an illustrator known particularly for her reportage-style work. The camera picture looked wonderful, and Pauley proved to be a interesting subject—I enjoyed her sense of humor and learning more about her work, which held an constant, energetic line quality.

Some promising new opportunities ahead for me and Sarah. I'm looking forward to taking it to the next level. 

Related Links:

Albany Institute of History & Art

Albany (NY) History: Erastus Dow Palmer

"Famous Artists School archives donated to museum," Westport News, March 2, 2014

Heavenly Host

Schenectady Neighbors for Peace memorial march,
Central Park, Schenectady, NY, 2009. Photo ©Jeremy Clowe.
All rights reserved.

Tonight it's Sarah's turn in the spotlight, as she takes on hosting duties for both TV and radio shows! 

As I reported before, WEXT will be re-airing our "My Exit" guest DJ hour tonight at 11 p.m. ET, giving you all a chance to hear music that has been important to both of us through the years. You can stream the show on their website: exit977.org

Before that, tune into Schenectady's Open Stage Media (OSM) at 10 p.m., as Mrs. Clowe makes her TV debut, guest hosting for the program, "Building Peace." Created by Schenectady Neighbors for Peace (of which we are both members), the show looks at non-violent resolutions to current issues: tonight's program features an interview with SUNY Albany Professor Larry S. Wittner about nuclear disarmament. The show will be aired throughout the week, and those outside of Schenectady can watch the program on the OSM web page: openstagemedia.com

In the words of Beatle John: "Give Peace a Chance"—

of course we'll be playing some Beatles on the radio show!

Update (12/24): It's the gift that keeps on giving... WEXT will broadcast the radio show one more time this Saturday, December 28, 8 a.m. ET

Merry Christmas everyone!

Encore

With Diego Garcia this past November at a WEXT-
sponsored show in Albany (yes, he made "OurExit!").
Photo ©Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

Sarah and I just learned that the guest DJ spot we recorded for Exit 97.7 WEXT over the summer will be rebroadcast this upcoming Monday, December 23, at 11 p.m. ET. We stumbled upon this news by hearing our promo air on the station a couple times during the last 24 hours... a bit of a surprise, but a nice compliment and way to end the year! 

WEXT's weekly "My Exit" program allows listeners to host an hour of their favorite music— this was my second time hosting, and Sarah and I used this occasion to celebrate our one year anniversary. It was good fun. 

We're lucky to have a non-commercial station like WEXT in the area. They produce several ongoing specialty shows, focusing on local music, Latin rock, classic soul, and so on... earlier this year they broadcast a retrospective I produced that looked at the 30 year career of Norwegian band A-ha, and this past week they have been counting down a list of the "top 500 bands of all-time"— for the most part I appreciate their choices (I even submitted a few picks of my own to them before hand). The station is currently in the midst of their year-end fund drive— to make a donation, learn more about their programming, or stream our show next week, visit exit977.org

High Fidelity

Back in Rochester for my birthday weekend. I had a great time yesterday catching up with friends and family... even a lobster dinner and bonfire in the mix! Year is off to a good start.

Today I enjoyed an early morning jog around town, and was home in time to listen to the rebroadcast of our My Exit show over breakfast. Thanks for the nice comments for those who listened in. Here is what we played for our anniversary playlist:

Dancing on air... photo by John Whipple for Jeremy and
Sarah Clowe. All rights reserved.

-"Strange Effect" live- Diego Garcia, "iTunes Live from Soho" EP

-"Under My Thumb"- The Rolling Stones- "Forty Licks" 

-"Lips Like Sugar"- Echo & The Bunnymen- "Ballyhoo: The Best of Echo & The Bunnymen"

-"There Is A Light That Never Goes Out"- The Smiths, "The Queen Is Dead"

-"You Can't Hurry Love"- Stray Cats, "Runaway Boys: A Retrospective '81-'92"

-"Cry To Me"- Solomon Burke, "Ultimate Dirty Dancing"

-"Get Up Offa That Thing"- James Brown, "20 All Time Greatest Hits!"

-"Say Hey (I Love You)"- Michael Franti and Spearhead, "All Rebel Rockers"

-"Way Over Yonder In The Minor Key"- Billy Bragg & Wilco, "Mermaid Avenue"

-"In My Life"- The Beatles, "Rubber Soul"

-"Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall"- Coldplay, "Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall" single

-"Analogue" (live)- A-ha, "Ending On a High Note"

-"Scarlet Begonias"- Grateful Dead, "From the Mars Hotel"

-"I Found You"- Alabama Shakes, "Boys & Girls"

I would love to do more radio... I miss the days when I had a regular show here in Rochester on WBER-- I have been listening to the station since I have been home, and recognize a few of the DJs. 

If you're in the Capital Region this weekend and up at the crack of dawn, you can catch me on Radio Disney Albany's "Backyard Show" this Sunday, July 28, at 6 a.m. I am the featured guest, talking about the Snow White exhibition and other happenings at Norman Rockwell Museum. You might be able to stream it online as well.

I have also heard that a recorded interview I gave to WGBH radio has been making the rounds during NPR stations' broadcasting of Tanglewood concerts. Again, talking about the Museum and our summer lineup.

Who knows... maybe my radio days are just getting started again...

Related Link:

"My Exit: Jeremy and Sarah Clowe," All Over Albany, July 22, 2013

Sound of Sunshine

Wow. What a great week this has been for music. 

Take me out! Franz Ferdinand, live on Letterman. Photo by Jeremy Clowe. 
All rights reserved.

Thanks to all who tuned into our radio show this past Monday. Sarah and I were heading back from the Franz Ferdinand concert in New York City that evening, and were able to catch the live streaming of the show off our phone. I really think Sarah sounded great, and I enjoyed our banter and song selections. For those who missed it, WEXT will rebroadcast our My Exit show this Saturday, July 27, 8 a.m. ET. 

Franz Ferdinand shining light on the dark of the
matinee. Photo by Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

Franz Ferdinand was fantastic. We queued up outside of the Ed Sullivan Theater an hour or so before showtime, and caught a glimpse of Paul Shaffer as he left the building following that evening's taping of The Late Show (no sign of Dave Letterman though). It really was interesting being inside of the historic theater, seeing the stage set in-person and realizing how small the venue actually is (I kept thinking that this was where the Beatles made their U.S. debut!) Franz Ferdinand ran through a rocking, energetic set... seriously, I was completely in my element, dancing in the aisles to the band's infectious blend of angular, artsy, indie rock. FF have been consistent songwriters over the years, and I loved hearing many favorites (especially The Dark of the Matinee!). Their new stuff sounds solid as well. 

After the show, which was streamed live on the Letterman website, we were able to meet the Scottish rockers... a real treat! The following day we relived the concert by watching the webcast, still dumbfounded by how small the studio is. You can catch the show here and, if you're look close enough, see me raise my arm in triumphant indie rocker glory.

JC with Alex Kapranos, lead singer of Franz Ferdinand.
Photo ©Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

Last night we kept the live music theme going by checking out roots rocker JD McPherson  at The Ale House, a very small pub in nearby Troy, New York. I only found out last week about this last-minute show, and I was elated! I have been waiting for McPherson to play in the area... hell... even the East Coast, since I first heard his music a year ago (his album Signs & Signifiers was high on my list of favorite albums for 2012). 

JD McPherson and band rocking out The Ale House, Troy, NY,
July 2013. Photo by Jeremy Clowe. ©Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

This show really was intimate... it felt like we were in the band's living room! The brick and mortar design of the pub lent a real throwback atmosphere to the gig. Rockabilly at its finest, and McPherson did not disappoint! I mentioned before how, as a performer myself, I am a little intimidated by his vocals... he brings such raw energy and conviction. Real soul. The music has a similar quality... in fact, we met the band after the gig and spoke with them at good length about how they deliberately sought out vintage equipment and recording methods (analogue vs. digital) to get the right groove for their first album. It was a truly memorable evening... a raw, feel-good vibe... the crowd loved the band, and they seemed to feed off of that energy. Sarah said she had a smile on her face the entire evening, and for me it was just a dream to see them in such a venue... Before last week, I had been tempted to drive out again to the Newport Folk Festival, where they are playing this Friday, but they finally came to our backyard. A special evening... I hope they will return soon.

Mr. and Mrs. C with JD. Photo ©Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

This weekend we are heading back to my hometown to visit friends and family. Really looking forward to getting away... with music blaring from the car radio, of course.

Related Links:

Exit 97.7 WEXT (listen live)

www.franzferdinand.com

www.jdmcpherson.com

Live on Letterman

Music To Our Ears

Tonight's the night! Tune into Our Exit show on WEXT. To celebrate our anniversary, Sarah and I play some of our favorite songs, and I think you'll enjoy the results. You can get a preview today on the site All Over Albany, and listen live to the broadcast at 11 p.m. this evening on the station's website.



Speaking of music, Sarah and I are on our way to New York City this afternoon to attend a taping of Live on Letterman, featuring Scottish indie rock band, Franz Ferdinand. Our first time seeing the band, so we're excited... and cool to know that the venue is where the Beatles made their North American debut (Ed Sullivan Theater). You can watch a live stream of the concert here.

Related Links:

http://exit977.org

"My Exit: Jeremy and Sarah Clowe," All Over Albany, July 22, 2013

www.cbs.com/shows/liveonletterman

Harmonious!

Now that's what I call "The Clowe Show!" Photo ©Jeremy Clowe.
All rights reserved.

Another way Sarah and I chose to celebrate our anniversary was to head over to the WEXT studios last week. Music has been such a big part of our relationship that we thought it would be fun to record a MyExit show together. 

This was my third time in the WEXT studios, and each time has been a great experience. For Sarah, it was her first time DJing... and I thought she did a great job! I was particularly impressed with her volume control (makes sense, knowing that she is a teacher). 

Anyway, you can listen live to OurExit show next Monday, July 22, 11 p.m. ET, and again on Saturday, July 27 at 8 a.m. 97.7 FM around New York's Capital Region or online at exit977.org

Next week should be a great week for music... I'm finally going to see rockabilly artist JD McPherson in concert at Troy's Ale House (should be quite the intimate show!) and I just won tickets to see Scottish indie band Franz Ferdinard in New York City next Monday ("Live at Letterman"). And the hits keep on comin'...!

Related Link:

"The Clowe Show!," blog entry, May 15, 2012

House Warming

Better late than never. I'm betting that decorating our first Christmas tree together will lead to us into finally getting the place in order. Hallelujah...!

Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3, manual setting. Photos ©Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas...

We headed back to Hudson, New York today to pick up a Christmas tree. This came courtesy of my family's farm property, and was Sarah's first! 

Funny how they look different once you get them inside... it's huge! Probably the largest tree I have ever had. Now to decorate... 

Festivus

Holiday party day. My wife is a great cook.

Photos by Jeremy Clowe. ©2012.

Weekend Update

Our improv show went well on Friday night. The rehearsal earlier in the week helped, and we had a full house (which always helps). It was Lee's Founders Day Weekend, so there was a lot happening in the town... in fact, my in-laws came out to see the show, and were impressed by the energy of the town... kind of funny, since it seemed so dead when I lived there. Regarding the show, some of my fellow improv mates seem newly inspired, which is great--it made me all the more motivated to give a great performance. Of course, with improv you can get anything, so there's no way to predict how a show will go... but this one was good- I think we're getting better at telling stories and listening to each other.

Photo ©Jeremy Clowe for Norman Rockwell
Museum. All rights reserved.

This afternoon Sarah and I trekked back out to the Berkshires to help out at the Girl Scouts Festival being held at Norman Rockwell Museum in honor of the 100 year anniversary of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America. I basically took photos all day to document the event, which was fun and challenging at the same time. I have felt a little inspired by our wedding photographer's work, and trying to take a few cues from things I observed him doing with his photography. There was watercolor painting on the outdoor campus (leaves are starting to change), horse grooming and tricks (a live horse jumping hurdles), and an actress who portrayed Girl Scouts founder Juliette Gordon Low. Sarah was a long-time girl scout, so I was happy to have her join me, and interested in learning more about her times with the service organization. 

Tonight we packed... getting ready to move, and we still have a ways to go. Tomorrow I finally have a true day off... looking forward to it after a long, exhausting week.

Back to the Future

Today is National Dance Day, so tonight we are heading to... where else? The Fuze Box! Where it all began!

Photo by John Whipple. All rights reserved.

Bachelor Daze

The sun always shines on JC!
Photo © courtesy M to the T.

Survived New York! We had a great time in the city—dinner, dancing and, yes, karaoke. Sarah also enjoyed her bachelorette party, with a wine-tasting tour and apparently ended the night by riding a mechanical bull-!

I'd say the wildest it got for me was accidentally falling on someone while doing karaoke (don't ask), and climbing to the top of the bar during one of my songs (I always did like to set the bar high for my performances). 

Thanks to my friends and family for a truly memorable evening!

Going Out In Style...

So I'm getting ready to head to New York City for my bachelor party... yeah, this should be interesting. I'm looking forward to my groomsmen Rick and Frank finally meeting--in a way Rick represents my visual artist side, and Frank represents the performing (Joel is the musician, but he has to work at the music store today). Sarah is off on her bachelorette party... a wine-tasting and hanging out in the Capital Region (they better not go to the Fuze Box!).

It's a beautiful day out, and I'm sure we will have a blast... yet I was feeling a little blue this morning at the idea of not spending the day in New York or at a wine-tasting with Sarah myself... that's a good sign, right?

Chance of Showers

Montreal, June 2011 (another good shower).
Photo ©Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

Well, the Old Farmer's Almanac is right on again. Today's forecast: Showers, warm. Not only has there been a steady drizzle, but it's time for Sarah's bridal shower! I hope it's going well. I was asked by her maid of honor to contribute some trivia questions about the two of us, which was fun to do--hopefully not too obscure.

And the groom? Well, my morning/afternoon has been rather "dry," mostly spent trying to make room on my computer to handle some HD video files I have been working with... oof!

Ok, I'm off to the shower... aka: helping to move all the gifts.

"Om" is where the heart is

I thought I would do things a little different today and turn the spotlight over to my beautiful fiancée, Sarah. It's her birthday today-- a BIG one! She celebrated by finally using the day pass I gave her to Kripalu, a world-renowned yoga center located in the Berkshires. I have done more pilates myself, but have been to both Kripalu and Soluna centers nearby, and appreciate the strengthening and meditative qualities of yoga... would love to learn more.


Sarah has actually received her certification to teach yoga to children, which is great−as a museum educator (and aunt), she is great with kids... they all seem to love her, and her creative side certainly shines through in her teaching. The following photos are from a free workshop she offered to families during a community day in Schenectady, New York a couple years ago. I was impressed with the way she turned the practice into a fun game that encouraged the kids' imaginations. 

Om... waiting for my "yogi-to-be" to come home so that we can celebrate with friends over dinner. Here's hoping she comes back recharged, refreshed and renewed for the new year... and hopefully can squeeze more yoga teaching in there as well... namaste...


http://sproutingyogis.wordpress.com/about


Photos by Jeremy Clowe. ©Sprouting Yogis. All rights reserved.

Creative Partnership

So this past weekend Sarah and I were busy designing our invitations and a website for our upcoming wedding. It was fun, and struck me that my romantic partner might also be a promising creative collaborator in the future-- it hadn't really dawned on me before that!

Yup. Sarah painted this. She interned at the
Georgia O'Keeffe Museum during college,
and the artist has been a big influence.
Me jealous?... Artwork by Sarah Klein.
All rights reserved.

You see, as many similarities as we have, we can also be quite different. I tend to be the "ham," while she gets absorbed in great books; Britpop and classic soul caught my ear, while she was raised on folk; I tend towards design and keeping organized, while she is more craft-minded and likes things where she can reach them. We're both artists, but we have different approaches. This became all too clear to me when we attempted to carve a pumpkin together one Halloween. Wow... now that was a "challenging" exercise!

But we are still artists in temperament, and that is a common bond that is hard to ignore. We met on the dance floor, and sometimes have to remember the "give and take"that is necessary in a partnership. The fact that we are getting married proves that ultimately we realize how good we are for each other. In fact, Sarah has been great for my perfectionistic streak. I remember a few years back when we took our easels up to Olana State Historic Site, the former home of Hudson River School founder Frederic Edwin Church; we took advantage of a beautiful summer day to paint "en plein air" in the style of the artists that came before. We had a stunning view of the Catskill Mountains, but I was a little intimidated-- more about the process than the scenery. Sarah was inspiring to watch as she emptied her oils on to her palette, and just began painting... effortlessly! Maybe I have been hanging out in "Norman Rockwell world" too long, because I was much more methodical about my process, and was not really enjoying it as much as I should have. It was only when I started to follow my painting partner's example that I loosened up and could enjoy the day. I may be a little too hard on myself, as oil painting is something I haven't really done too much... but I sure did admire Sarah's approach-- it definitely made an impression on this ambitious soul!

Sarah has made me slow down a bit, and not be so concerned with having all the details in place.

Pumpkins in love (I'm pretty sure this is how we looked
when we met)!

I can already feel the great potential that we have as a couple. How nice then to also realize that "creativity," which is so important to me, can also be shared. This past Halloween we bought two pumpkins, but had each of our carvings relate to one another-- "pumpkins in love," Sarah's mother commented. The seeds are certainly there... here's looking forward to my life blooming in many new and unexpected directions.