Distribution of 2011 Catalogues

We have taken delivery of the 24,000 NEOS 2011 catalogues and are hurriedly getting them to the distribution points for areas of pick up around the whole of the north east of Scotland...

You might have seen some catalogues making a break for freedom, which is great - but fear not - if you are awaiting your allocation - an email will be issued very soon (this week) as to where and when to pick them up.

Be patient, and if you can help ship boxes to distribution points, please do get in touch.

info@northeastopenstudios.co.uk

Holding the Heart - Experiential Writing Workshops

Experiential Writing Workshops

A year-long series of workshops based around the creative writing technique, Free Writing. These will nurture your individual creativity and encourage its expression through the exploration and sharing of your own unique story. We use visualisation, photography, artwork and music alongside other creative springboards.

Workshops: Fortnightly beginning Monday 22nd August ~ 7pm to 9.30pm

Fee: £80 per term (4 terms per year) Location: Corse House, Near Lumphanan AB31 4SB

Bookings: 013398 83411 or janislouden@btinternet.com

NEOS 2011: 10th - 18th September Visit www.northeastopenstudios.co.uk for more information

People of Our Time presents Macbeth

Can Mel Shand tempt anyone with whisky & shortbread, and, a GREAT looking production of Macbeth on this Saturday in Finzean?

Just a wee note to tell, prod or even remind you that you can buy tickets for this exciting show coming to the lovely Finzean Hall this Saturday. Whether it's the weather, or the holidays or the recession or a fear of Shakespeare this is something NOT to miss!!

So, do come along and support POOT (People of Our Time) if you can ~ and spread the word if you cant!) Tickets are only £8 & £6 ... AND it's got the chap from Raven! It is also cheaper than a night out with Harry Potter! You can get your tickets from Mel by ringing her on 01330 850674, or emailing her at: melshand.artist@gmail.com

NEOS 2011: 10th - 18th September 2011, or visit www.northeastopenstudios.co.uk for more information

Guide (map) proofing now closed

Thanks to everyone whom checked their guide dots. The guide proofing process is now over.

A common "problem" arose when people searched in the "quicksearch" for their full name. The idea of the quicksearch is just that - to search quickly - meaning you can put in a portion of a text search - even a partial name ("Thomp") will return any name with "Thomp" in it.

We forgot to remind members that there is a "search" menu item - where entrants can be listed in alphabetical order (Search Surname) - or even "Surname ALL" will display every single NEOS 2011 entry...

The catalogue artwork is now being joined at the printers with the guide artwork - ready for printing - keep your eyes peeled for late July - early August for a fat square catalogue representing a lot of artistic and creative people in the North East of Scotland.

NEOS 2011 Guide - ready for proofing

Dear 2011 members...

The NEOS 2011 guide (map) is now ready for proofing - after years of trying to place hundreds of dots, and occasionally getting one or two wrong, we've decided to get you (the members) to help us ensure that the dots are as close to the venue as possible...

so! check out http://www.northeastopenstudios.co.uk/proofMap.asp and find your dot (instructions on how to find your NEOS entry number on the page).

Tell your friends about it (if they are involved in NEOS) - just in case they don't get (or read*) the NEOS emails, read the blog, follow us on twitter, visit the NEOS website or are following us on facebook.

Yours,

The NEOS Team.

* - did you know that on average, only 48% of people getting the NEOS emails read them? - Mailchimp provide some very interesting statistics...

Wall Space Offered to Artists!

Gary and Rebekah of Leaf & Bean a tea and coffee merchant in Montrose, will be opening on the 1st June and we'd love to showcase the work of artists from the North East on our walls with any sales made on a commission basis.

We feature many local products. Our coffee beans are roasted fresh locally, our preserves are made in Edzell, our artisan chocolates hail from Aberdeen and our heavenly fudge is handmade in Inverurie. Unfortunately, we couldn't find any local tea plantations....

If you are a North East artist and you are interested, then please send an email to suppliers@leafbean.co.uk. We are fitting the shop out at the moment, so email is the most reliable contact method and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

NEOS 2011: 10th - 18th September
Visit www.northeastopenstudios.co.uk for more information

There are a few places left on this FREE course so please share the information through your networks and book if yourself in. I've attached a PDF of the information for you to share.

ONLINE MARKETING FOR THE TERRIFIED

Friday 27 May, Dickson Hall, Laurencekirk, 10am – 4.30pm Admission free, booking essential.

Who is this for? Arts organisations, venues and creative individuals with little or no experience in web marketing and social media, who would like to become more confident in using the internet to grow their audiences. A fantastic opportunity to get free, practical training in online marketing in a friendly, informal environment.

For more information please don't hesitate to contact us: fionajack@ganeaudiences.co.uk tel: 01330-826522 (mon-fri 9.30-13.00) A beginners course in using Social Media and what makes a good website. Learn how to: - promote yourself online - use Facebook and other platforms effectively - make your website work well for you

http://ganeroadshowlaurencekirk.eventbrite.com



NEOS 2011: 10th - 18th September
Visit www.northeastopenstudios.co.uk for more information

Blairs Museum

Blairs Museum have been in touch and would like to call out to North East Artists...


Recently restored portrait of the young Bonnie Prince Charlie

We are already entered for the NEOS 2011 but would like to put out a call to
all artists that we are actually available as a venue for exhibitions all
year round as opposed to just that week. We welcome artists working with
different types of media, only mindful of the fact that as a Catholic
organisation it could not conflict with their policies. Previously, we have
had photographers, watercolourists and textile designers who use a large
display area at the back of a beautiful and ornate church. We are out of the
way (4 miles out on the South Deeside Road) but enjoy scenic and peaceful
surroundings.


Mary Queen of Scots costumes

We don't ask for a percentage of any sales, only a donation of a piece of
artwork which we can include in our annual raffle to raise money to keep the
museum open. As the curator is present all year round, weekdays between 0900
and 1500, the artist does not need to be 'in residence'. However, we would
welcome talks/working practice wherever possible.

Please contact Vikki Duncan, curator, on 01224 863767.
www.blairsmuseum.com



NEOS 2011: 10th - 18th September
Visit www.northeastopenstudios.co.uk for more information

Can anyone help these artists?

Photographer Andy Martin is looking for a venue (or a group of artists with whom to share a venue) in the Banff area for NEOS 2011.
Time is running short for making the NEOS registration deadline (5 days left) so if anyone is able to help Andy please contact Suzanne Edge (NEOS secretary) as soon as possible at suzanne@suzanneedge.co.uk

Julia Oliver is showing at Inchmarlo Golf Course club house and is looking for artists to join her. There is indoor and outdoor space available. Anyone interested can contact Julia by email info@eventmanage.co.za.

Don't forget that there's a chance to get help with your online applications from Phil and David at the registration event at The Loft (50 Cotton Street) between 12noon and 5pm - details in the blog below. Please shout if you need help in the last few days before the application deadline.


NEOS 2011: 10th - 18th September
Visit www.northeastopenstudios.co.uk for more information

Live sign up / QnA with CCS

NEOS are working closely with Creative Cultures Scotland to bring you an "open day" - at the Loft (50 cotton street) - where David Officer and Philip Thompson will be there from 12 noon to 5pm to answer questions, encourage people to join and participate in Scotland's largest and longest running open studios event.

There will also be a PC there, connected to the internet so people can join up there and then.

So! if you have always want to know more about NEOS, but were afraid to ask, then this is the event for you! If you are coming to use the free "sign up", why not bring a print quality image too (on a removable drive or SD memory card)!

here's a map to the CCS head quarters (50 cotton street)... we look forward to seeing you there!

The NEOS 2011 sign up deadline closes on the 12th of April - so this is a great chance for you to join, with a little bit of help from Phil and Dave.