Publishing Launched by Performing "Future Seed"

The cover for the new ebook version of a
heartwarming short story.

     With the performance of our two-person reader's theater piece, "Future Seed", we announce the beginning of our e-publishing venture.

     You can now get your own copy of "Future Seed" the short story at http://bit.ly/futureseed . 

     See Mark's profile page

at http://bit.ly/markrtbooks 

where the list of publications is growing.
Adaptation Process Starts

      Now that publishing and world wide distribution costs next to nothing on the Internet, ebook purchases are growing faster than traditional print books.  Mark is systematically adapting his key plays, screenplays, poetry and instructional material to make them available as ebooks. 

Scripts to Books

      Plays and screenplays will be taking the form of short stories and novellas. If there is interest in the script versions, either production arrangements will be made, or they could be made available for e-reading. 

Poetry

     Volumes of poetry could appear under various themes such as aspects of nature, inspirations from scripture, or comments on society. Mark may even include visual arts in a poetry volume. 

Non-Fiction

     How-to ebooks could include texts on our "Word Show" methodology and the plan for the Film Gallery Café. 

Pick Your Favorite

     If you remember a favorite script, story, or seminar we have presented in the past and would like to read it, e-mail your request to bump it up in priority for epublishing. e-mail mark (at) horizongate.org

Next Short Art Film In Production

Frame #1

Frame #2

Frame #3
The sky and flowered landscape around a Minnesota lake peel back in a transition to deep space in the film "A Prayer for Beauty" by Mark Turner.

     The third in our collection of short art films, entitled "A Prayer for Beauty", is in production with a release date at the first of February, 2012.  

5 Year Hibernation

     This film started as an illustrated poem printed in 2006. The photographic illustrations were then used as a slide show in art exhibits and this motivated Mark to begin animating elements of the illustrations. The motion graphics project was set aside and re-activated five years later to provide a third film in our next demonstration of the Film Gallery Café concept.

New Techniques

     Mark sees a growth in his skills and ideas since first working on the film. For instance, he had been stumped as to what kind of sound track would be appropriate, but now has a rich sound design based on knowledge he has gained in music, spoken word and recording technique. New visual techniques are also enhancing the film.

Christmas Is Real

     Many are upset by some calling the Christmas story "myth" or even "fairy tale", but our faith is not based on material possibilities.  

     Truth is not limited to the scientific method. Is it possible that God moves heaven and earth to save humanity? Oh, yes. Does God overcome murderous opposition in the process? Oh, yes. Can we understand all this?

     God has given us wondrous signs in the natural world and our ability to tell about them, to pass on the witness that God is, indeed, saving us. It is taking a long time by our reckoning, but in God's Love it is all accomplished.  

     Praise God for the privilege of walking through the drama with our fellow players, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the magi, people not so different from us in previous episodes. God is still walking us through even as we celebrate what He did back then; new circumstances, the same incomprehensible Truth.

     It's our turn to hear God in dreams, accept hard missions like bearing children, registering for taxation, or fleeing from genocide; our turn to seek the new king, to give our wealth and allegiance to the kingdom of heaven.

     Future episodes may refer to us too as fairy tales.

Art Capsulizes Truth Like Seeds

     Art is the capsulizing of multileveled Truth like seeds we hope will open in good soil, grow and bear more seeds.   

     In Matthew 13 Jesus talks about seeds: good and bad; of soils: prepared and unprepared. Why does he speak in parables covering up "the facts" with metaphor? Because so many close their eyes and hearts to guard against intrusion, fearing that God (or someone) might enter and do damage rather than heal.

     The artist can not open unwilling eyes and hearts. Even God will not force revelation onto a person. So, we make seeds to be buried and await the conditions when the soil of the heart is conducive to the epiphany compressed within the seed.

     To those whose hearts turn toward God are given the treasures locked inthe mysteries, parables, art and the myriad of other vehicles carrying the revelation of God. When we risk turning to God our eyes are opened, ears unstopped, seeds sprout to multiply further revelation of God in our lives.

     In Psalm 40 the psalmist pictures himself in an impossible pit with walls of miry clay which can not be scaled. There he seeks God Who hears his cry, lifts him out and sets his feet on a firm rock where he can stand and make progress in all his potential. Artists need to believe that God will lift them out of the impossible place. When they experience that they capsulize it in art forms like seeds which will be carried in the soil of their audience's hearts until the time when it helps them to salvation.

Let us bear the fruit and scatter the seed generously.

"Future Seed" Two-Person Show Performing Near You

Donna & Mark Turner perform reader's theater on national tour, 2007.

      Mark and Donna are reviving their performance of "Future Seed" which was part of their national tour in 2007. It has received enthusiastic reception wherever it has been presented and now you can book it for your group.

A STORY FROM OUR ROOTS 

     The Turners tell this story in the vein of Garrison Keillor's "Lake Wobegon Days". It is all about a mid-western farming family transformed by the opportunity to act in risky faith and charity like their pioneer ancestors, by the gift of a trip to the Old World they are given and by the hostility it all generates from their neighbors.  

     Mark wrote the story speculating on characters like his own roots in Nebraska and Europe.

FOR ALL SEASONS

     The storytelling lasts about 40 minutes and sparks conversations which can also be part of the program. As the story deals with both spring planting and harvest it makes an excellent centerpiece for both seasons. There is even a version which brings out Christmas references.

     Available starting the end of November, the first booking is set for the December sixth Christmas dinner of the El Cajon Presbyterian women's group. Contact the Turners by e-mail, mark (at) horizongate.org to inquire about bookings.

Mobile Exhibit Inspires Creativity In Your Group

Illustration of the art, film screen and conversations coming to your group.

     The Film Gallery Cafe is now taking bookings for the mobile exhibit. We bring to your group the art films and art. You provide the place, beverages and cafe atmosphere. 

THE BENEFITS

     Just organizing a time and place to contemplate art and film in a conversational atmosphere with refreshments is reason enough to book the Film Gallery Cafe.
     The conversations sparked by the films and art can take off in any direction your group wants and those who attend will be inspired on their individual spiritual journeys.
     Artists and filmmakers in your group will be inspired in their own art production, or discover a way to collaborate with us. Would it not be wonderful for your own artists and filmmakers to eventually create enough to have their own Film Gallery Cafe? We can show them how.
     These results are indeed worth bringing our exhibition to your venue. 

YOUR OPTIONS MULTIPLY

     Even as we go on the road with our current collection more films are being produced. The third film is in production with a finish date of February and will be a fitting way to start the event as it is "A Prayer for Beauty".
     You can choose to follow that up with the more confrontational film "To the Diggers" and finish with the more contemplative "Comforting Hovers", or vice versa. Any order that you think is best for your group and event is your prerogative.
     As other films become available more combinations are possible for return engagements. 

HELPS TO BROADEN THE EXPERIENCE

     At the tables we provide helps to encourage conversations such as cards with visuals and text from the films. Simple art materials are set out for doodling. Prints of artwork and DVD sales extend the experience beyond the event.

Donna Invited to Provide Program

     After our last demonstration of the Film Gallery Cafe, Donna was approached by a psychotherapist to collaborate on a lecture about self-compassion. The lecture will include references to the Prodigal Son story.

     Donna is growing as a curator by gathering paintings and drawings of our artists for the slide show illustrating the talk. She has also been given the entire program for the meeting of the same group in February for which she will demonstrate the viewing/discussion concept of the Film Gallery Cafe.

Artist Support Group Explores Meaning

     In October the Artist Support group met for a lively discussion of the three stages of art. 
     Our new friend, Dr. Jim Soules, opened by leading our thoughts concerning Inspiration. Mark took up the discussion about the Execution of art. Donna led in thinking about the Exhibition of art. 
     The 13 attendees found our hour-and-a-half session instructive and helpful for the direction of our artistic endeavors.
     The discussion also raised the topic for next time, but it is hard to find an appropriate title for it: "Meaningful" Art, or "Art with a Mission" - What is it? How does it fit in the world? How do we do it?
     Join the discussion. The next meeting will be Dec. 4th, 12:00pm to 1:30 in the Guild Room of St. Paul's Cathedral, 5th & Nutmeg, San Diego (by Balboa Park). Everyone is welcome to these stimulating meetings. 

Get the New DVD!

Get the New DVD! 

 Be among the first to own your copy!

 To Order e-mail mark (at) horizongate.org requesting the DVD you want and we will reply with a PayPal button and instructions for alternative methods of payment. 

"Comforting Hovers" DVD -- $15

"To the Diggers" DVD -- $15

Both films on One DVD with all bonus materials -- $25

Films Get Born Again AGAIN as DVD's

This sub-menu in the "Comforting Hovers" DVD will take you to 5 different conversation topics derived from the film.

     Mark is giving birth to two films the third time by authoring DVD's for them.

     The films made it through the inspiration (1st birth) and execution (2nd birth) and now have the difficult birth of exhibition. (See the article below "Giving Birth to One Baby Three Times".)
     Unlike birthing a human baby, we can pause our labor right here to ask for help. Exactly like birthing babies, the "mother" must be fed and kept healthy, the lights kept on, the supplies flowing.   

Will you help this birthing?

     We need $1,000 dollars immediately to catch up on staff salary, utilities and supplies to print and package the DVD's. 

Please click here to go to the "Donate" button on our homepage and contribute online, or click the "Donate" button on the right panel of this blog. (You do not need to have a PayPal account to make it work.)
or
send a check to Horizon Gate Productions, 4060 Louisiana St., San Diego, CA 92104.  
We are a 501(c)3 organization. All contributions are tax deductible.
You can pre-order the DVD's in the post above.
 
     Films are not complete works of art until people watch them. We are working on getting our short art films out as stimulants for life changing conversations. 
     "Comforting Hovers", the advent themed film, is ready to copy, print and package.
     "To the Diggers", the film which just premiered in July, is in the process of being integrated into a DVD program.

The Main Menu for the DVD of "To the Diggers".

To review the Film-Gallery-Cafe concept
go to the latest blog post on it.

Bonus Materials
     Both DVD's feature menus of helps for conversation, the text of the sound track poem and menus of artwork used in the films. Each film will be available as a single DVD and a DVD is being created to carry both films with all their bonus materials.

     These DVD's will also be helpful tools in growing support for the Film-Gallery-Cafe concept. We hope to produce a video soon to accompany these DVD's explaining the gallery concept .

     Thank you for all your prayers and support.

     Okay, may I continue to give birth now, please?.   

Giving Birth to 1 Baby 3 Times

     Making a work of art is like giving birth three times. We must allow each birth to be fully realized, or suffer its premature death.
     Only the artist feels this in such drastic terms. It often seems to artists that no one cares about "our baby".
     The three births usually overlap. At each stage the artist is tempted to stop with a satisfaction of completion, but each stage must be thoroughly developed.    

The Artist Support Group is hosting a fuller discussion of the three stages of art on Sunday, October 16th, 12 noon to 1:30pm in the Guild Room of St. Paul's Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103.

Inspiration

     The idea excites the imagination and grows as the artist considers the range of methods, materials, and final outcomes. It is developing inside the artist. Planning, sketching and experimentation give way to the second birthing.

Execution

     The artist chooses a path to realize the physical manifestation of the idea. Mistakes, re-working, labor, fatigue, losses and gains, discouragements, discoveries and successes are part of the process toward the final piece sitting completed in the artist's space. But, the piece could remain unknown without the third birth, and this one may be the hardest of all.

Exhibition

     It can be like a christening, sending your child off to her first day of school, or giving her away in marriage when the artist brings their work out to the public. Having agonized to birth it twice already, the artist prepares to give it away, to say good-bye, knowing that it will never be fully realized until it enters the hearts of others.

Artists May Seem Crazy Sometimes

     When a work is thoroughly developed in each stage it is truly a dear part of the artist and this is partly the reason for neurotic behavior of artists worrying about rejection, criticism and acceptance by others. Mark and Donna's dream is that the art and films we produce will spark new life and fellowship with God in the hearts of those who experience them.

Simulation of Film Gallery Cafe for Your Group

Artwork used in the "Diggers" film was matted for display and used on flash cards to aid conversation.

     The first demonstration of the Film Gallery Café took place at St. Paul's Cathedral, Sunday, July 31st .
     The invitation to demonstrate the concept was a confirmation to us that this idea is indeed unique and timely.
     Approximately 35 people who attended the demonstration were very positive that the concept should be developed. About half of the participants wrote their comments on response forms and requested to be on our communications list.

One of the conversation cards

     Completing the film "To the Diggers" the week before was the first requirement for the demonstration. Next we needed to prepare display samples of the physical art which appeared in the film. Conversation cards were created bearing an image from the film and a thought provoking statement, or question.
     Participants sat around cafe style tables and talked about the films and art with the help of the cards and sketching materials.
     Fellow artists assisted in executing the event and expressed the desire to be involved as the concept develops into a full fledged ministry. Video excerpts of the event will soon appear on the St. Paul's Cathedral web page, click this link: http://stpaulcathedral.org/9am-forum .
     We are looking for more opportunities to demonstrate the beginnings of this community building outreach. The films and conversation will provide your group an intriguing event and they will be helping to develop this excellent concept. So, contact us if you have a group which may be interested.

"To the Diggers" Premieres with Calls for More

     "To the Diggers" had its first public showing July 23rd at the annual Art-Jazz-Poetry event of St. Paul's Cathedral sponsored by their Center for the Performing and Visual Arts.
     The audience of approximately 90 applauded enthusiastically and called for a second showing. Comments afterward urged us to enter the film into festivals.
     At two minutes and 40 seconds, the film belies the two years it took to produce. It is a multidisciplinary work of art incorporating poetry, the spoken word, music, sound production, visual arts and filmmaking all created by Mark Turner.
     It is one of a prototype collection being built for use in our Film Gallery Café and to act as a catalyst for more productions in the genre. The film was part of a program of five poets, nine visual artists and a koto/violin duet.

"Move It Baby!" Campaign In Final Month

Heart felt thanks to 34 individuals and one church who participated in moving us to the city: 15 by the sweat of their brows and loaning vehicles, 16 and one church by financial contribution and three in both ways! There is still time to contribute and get a reward. Click this cartoon.

Heart felt thanks to 34 individuals and one church who participated in moving us to the city: 15 by the sweat of their brows and loaning vehicles, 16 and one church by financial contribution and three in both ways! There is still time to contribute and get a reward. Click this cartoon.

     Many times in the last few months we had to reject thoughts about the "impossibility" of paying for the major move from the mountains to the city, let alone physically accomplishing it!
     By the grace of God and the faith of God's people we just put one foot in front of the other and soon our new office was busy completing a film and making an elaborate presentation of the mission. Many thanks to all who prayed, contributed and labored with us to get this far.
The Robbery
     Even getting robbed during the move fit into the plan! Our main audio and video equipment were part of the loot that was amassed by someone who hit many nearby places the first weekend of our move. Amazingly, our insurance policy is replacing all that equipment with more current models! We had not even tackled the thought of upgrading our equipment in addition to the move! We have to accept this as God turning a disaster into a house-warming gift to get a fresh start for greater things coming.
What's Spent - What's Still Needed
     The expenses of the move did hit us but we have been able to ride the wave instead of wiping out (a little surfing lingo in honor of coming back to the ocean breezes). The goal of $7,000 which we set in June turns out to be accurate in the moving needs for which we are campaigning. The $3,371 which has come in so far has kept us moving ahead with the extra gas, extra food, truck rentals, dump fees, moving supplies and rent deposit.
     The storage units and some outstanding balances on old utilities still need help. You can help get us back to normal cash flow by clicking the DONATE button on our homepage, or sending a check to our new address: 4060 Louisiana St., CA 92104.

Film Premieres with Music & Desserts July 23

     The first public showing of Mark Turner's film "To the Diggers" is scheduled as part of the annual Music-Poetry-Art event, Saturday, July 23, 7 pm in The Great Hall of St. Paul's Cathedral, 5^th and Nutmeg, San Diego.
     The art and sound track of the film are nearing completion but Mark will be working long hours to finish just by the deadline. Part of the presentation is intended to include some of the physical art used to make the film. This will happen if the time and expense of matting and framing the art can be squeezed into the schedule.
     The film has been in production for about two years woven through all the delays and turmoil of disengaging from our mountain home base in Julian.
     Music for the evening will feature Reiko Obata on the Japanese Koto. She will be accompanied by violinist Annelle Gregory, recently featured at Carnegie Hall. Well known local poets and artists will also present their works and luscious deserts will be served.
     Tickets for the event (suggested donation of $10) can be reserved by e-mailing Rev. Richard Lief liefr@stpaulcathedral.org .

First Demo of Film Gallery Cafe July 31

     Our concept of the Film Gallery Café will be demonstrated at the St. Paul's Cathedral Forum in The Guild Room on Sunday, JuLY 31, 9 to 10am.
     Cathedral Dean, the Very Reverend Scott Richardson suggested that people need to see what we are describing in order to support it and he extended the Forum to do so.
     This will be the first time we attempt to simulate what we are envisioning and we are hoping artists, filmmakers and arts supporters will connect with us there.
     The first showing of Mark's film, "To the Diggers", a week before (see above article) will have been the next step in the on-going vision of our ministry to present a collection of short art films along with the art used to make them. We want to present the collection in a place where it will stimulate significant conversations which draw people to God.
     The Forum will offer a short introduction and the showing of two films each followed by conversation and art viewing. Forms will be available to retrieve people's responses, suggestions and offers of involvement.

Key Ministry Tools Stolen During Move

Key tools for ministry were stolen during the move. Clockwise from top left: audio work station (recorder), portable audio recorder, external hard drive for the keyboard, video camera, studio microphones

Key tools for ministry were stolen during the move. Clockwise from top left: audio work station (recorder), portable audio recorder, external hard drive for the keyboard, video camera, studio microphones

     After nearly 11 years of peace in Julian, as we began our move to the city, we were robbed. Key instruments of our ministry were stolen as they sat prepared for the move. The Sheriff told us that this was part of a rash of burglaries in our neighborhood on the weekend of June 24.
     When we reached to pick up our video camera in its expensive case it was not there. Then we looked for our digital audio workstation in its case, the portable audio recorder, the expensive microphones, the big bag of all our cords and recording accessories --- gone.
     The total replacement value of the losses is estimated at $8,910. We await the decision of the insurance company as to how much, if any, of the loss is covered.
     Please pray that we will have the tools we need to create the works of audio and film which God has inspired in our hearts. We had prayed for God's protection in this whole move and still believe that even this robbery is within God's abundant care.
     May God use this incident to show His ability to provide all we need. Donations to off-set the loss can be given by clicking the "Donate" button on our homepage.

Moving Campaign Almost Accomplished

Our new front room is till clogged with boxes and as yet undecorated.

     We have made great strides toward our goal of $7,000 for the moving expenses. One church, eight individual donors, one yard sale and the sale of our washer/dryer/refrigerator have raised $3,171.
     That has made it possible to pay first month rent plus half of the deposit. On top of that we have been able to rent a truck twice, buy gas for many trips up and down the mountain, as well as feed some laborers and pay a dump fee.
     Nine people have put in labor and their valuable time physically moving us. Thank you for that generous sacrifice, friends.
     The July rent and half of the deposit are due on the 17^th . We had to rent a storage unit and we still have two more trips to finish up the last details in a borrowed truck.
     We need to reach that $7,000 goal to accomplish this new start. $3,829 to go!
     Thanks to all who have pitched in and to all sources of help whom the Lord is using to conquer this move. Follow the progress on our homepage where you can click on the "Donate" button to participate and receive our thank you gifts.

Three ways to help the campaign:

• Click here to go to our homepage "Donate" button and make a one-time contribution, or write a check to Horizon Gate Productions and send it to P.O.Box 2186, Julian, CA 92036 
• Make a monthly pledge for July through August via conventional check, or online (e-mail: markanddonna (at) horizongate.org) 
• Purchase Shaklee products from us instead of store brands. We will send you a list of store products most people already buy from which you could switch. (e-mail: markanddonna (at) horizongate.org)

Move To Be Done By June 30th

     We have finally been given June 30, midnight, as the firm time to be moved out.

     This blog is a prayer.  

We are making our needs known, putting the list out there in the same way we would pray privately, well, maybe more concisely. God knows we are talking a lot to Him and listening, listening, for the wise guidance He has promised.

Needs

a place to live and work:

• 2, or 3 bedroom
• garage
• quiet (to record, to write, to think)
• not far away from the city as we have been, nor bereft of natural inspiration
• funds for first month rent and deposit (average amount to get into a place: $3,400)

help to move:

• strength
• vehicles
• funds for extra gas, rental of truck & dolly and to feed helpers

     There is no question we need the right people to help open the way for us to continue doing in a different place what God has called us to do with our lives. Your help is needed to minimize the upheaval of this move at a time when we are attempting to finish a film for its July premiere.

(See the article "Film Visuals Expand Sound Track")

 Three ways to help the campaign:

• Click HERE and then on the "Donate" button to make a one-time contribution, or write a check to Horizon Gate Productions and send it to P.O.Box 2186, Julian, CA 92036 
• Make a monthly pledge for June through August via conventional check, or online (e-mail: markanddonna (at) horizongate.org)
• Purchase Shaklee products from us instead of store brands. We will send you a list of store products most people already buy from which you could switch. (e-mail: markanddonna (at) horizongate.org)

     Help minimize the down time of this move and get us all hooked up again so we don't have to skip a beat in our mission. Then you can come to our house blessing party (to be announced) knowing a piece of you is in this big move.

New Details Emerge for Film Gallery Cafe

     The vision of the Film Gallery Café is taking on more concrete form. Our brochure-in-the-making describes the "peaceful, open and friendly place where you meet for good conversation" around short, thought provoking films and the tangible art used to make them. It describes the multi-layered experience of film, art and conversation which encourages spiritual growth.
Helps for Conversation 
     Some new details of the vision are to provide the audience with art materials to help facilitate responses to the films and art through notes, sketches and doodles. These will be offered the opportunity to be posted at the venue and online. They may even be the basis for contests and new films.
Three Phases
     It is becoming clearer that the growth of the vision into a mission is happening in three phases:
1.) Creating the Prototype Collection of films and art (now)
2.) Touring the Mobile Exhibit as a service to existing galleries, coffee houses, community centers and houses of faith (perhaps by next summer)
3.) A Permanent Home in a resident gallery as homebase for the touring exhibit (when we have sufficient following and support base).
The Team 
     Other details are coming into focus such as positions on the working team of Content Creators, Exhibitors, Business People, and Finance.

Film Visuals Expand Sound Track

Mark's drawing of the space
shuttle launch culminates a
film sequence depicting
humanity striving to top themselves.

    It has become apparent that the brevity of the sound track for "To the Diggers"

is cramping the style of the images Mark is creating for it. The images simply need more time to grow, move and be appreciated. To deprive the images of their proper timing would be to force the dance to take a short cut and become trivial.
     So, the sound track is being expanded, giving opportunity to improve it with more expressive detail. This means more work, requiring more time in order to be ready for the July premiere deadline right at the time of our major move.
     Please read the article "Move to Be Done by June 30th" to see ways you can help minimize the interruption of the move so we can get this film done in time.

    Now you can follow our filmmaking on one blog devoted completely to our progress building the art film collection.  The blog is called "Film Gallery Colxn" and you are invited to subscribe.  Click on this link to go see our design unfold: 

http://filmgallerycolxn.blogspot.com.

"Move It, Baby!" Campaign Is On

    Since our property is now in escrow, we estimate our move will need to happen mid to late June. This is right during months when our income has traditionally slumped. The extra expenses of moving and paying deposits for the new place will be extra challenging

UNLESS . . .

         a bunch of people collaborate with us in the"Move It, Baby!" campaign.     

     No heavy lifting required! Just pledge whatever you can for the months of May, June, July and August. Help pay for the truck, the gas, first & last month rent deposit, and miscellaneous stuff that will hit us in the face during that time.

Three Ways to Help in the Campaign:

• Click the house at right to make a one-time contribution, or write a check to Horizon Gate Productions and send it to P.O.Box 2186, Julian, CA 92036 
• Make a monthly pledge for May through August via conventional check, or online
• Purchase $30 worth of Shaklee products and get FREE membership (a $19.95 value including a 15% discount on future purchases). We will send you a list of store products most people already buy from which you could switch.

     Leave a comment here and tell us which way you want to participate. Help minimize the down time of this move and get us all hooked up again so we don't have to skip a beat in our mission. Then you can come to our house blessing party (to be announced) knowing a piece of you is in this big move.

Artists to Give 5 Minute Presentations

     The Artist Support Group held its first meeting at St. Paul's Cathedral, downtown San Diego, April 3^rd.  More writers, performers and visual artists showed up than expected and all were enthusiastic about the potential benefits of the group.  

     After introductions the discussion touched upon the needs of artists, how we could help each other and what the group might sponsor. Two modes of help were proposed:  

1.) Regular meetings for networking, information and how-to helps.

      Next meeting will be May 15^thdevoted to getting to know one another. Artists are invited to give a 5 minute (max) presentation of themselves. The number of presentations will be limited to about 10. Please send Mark a synopsis of your presentation if you are interested in presenting (markarturner (at) gmail.com) . The meeting will be in the Guild Room of St. Paul's starting about 12:15pm. Bring a lunch.

2.) In-between meetings interaction online and getting together personally.

      Discussions have been started on the Facebook page for Cathedral Center for the Performing and Visual Arts ( http://on.fb.me/centerarts ). The topics are "Galleries to Show In", "Films Recommended by Artists", and "Books for Artists".  Please go "like" the page and participate in the discussions. You can even start new topics.

      For more information call Donna's cell 760-445-9470, or e-mail Mark

markarturner(at)gmail.com.

Work In Progress About Work In Progress

     Mark's drawing of a construction worker guiding the placement of a steel beam is superimposed over another drawing in progress of a skyscraper under construction. When the drawing is complete there will be two skyscrapers. The drawings are part of a sequence to be culminated by the launch of the Space Shuttle. This is the second-to-last visual sequence in the film aiming for a release date in July.

     Now you can follow our filmmaking on one blog devoted completely to our progress building the art film collection.  The blog is called "Film Gallery Colxn" and you are invited to subscribe.  Click on this link to go see our design unfold: 

http://filmgallerycolxn.blogspot.com.

Artist Support Group Holds First Meeting

The first meeting of the Artist Support Group will be this Sunday, April 3^rd , shortly after 12 noon in the Guild Room of St. Paul's Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Ave., San Diego, CA 92103. Bring your own lunch.

This meeting will be a guided discussion of benefits which the group could offer such as tips for the business side of your art, income generating through your art and aids to productivity.

Many artists have expressed interest in this group on various levels of need. Some are concerned about a lack of inspiration and being "blocked". Others feel the need for an accountability group to aid their productivity. Still others want to know how to make a living without curtailing their art.

All of these needs are related: without inspiration your productivity is lowered which, in turn, limits the art that people will invest in, or base various kinds of financial support upon. Without financial support the artist has to do something else and the world is the poorer for it.

Under the sponsorship of St. Paul's Center for the Performing and Visual Arts, we hope this group will help artists work out solutions to these challenges and that more art will flow as a result. It is based on the model of mutual help, networking and occasional guest speakers.

All interested artists and arts supporters in all artistic disciplines (including writing and filmmaking) are invited to come. For more information call Donna's cell 760-445-9470, or e-mail Mark markarturner@gmail.com .