Buddha Abides

2012

2012-01-31T14:42:00.000-08:00

Here we are just revving up for the 12th Buddha Abides!

It's amazing, but through thick and thin we have persevered to create a show every year thanks to the enthusiasm and support of so many.

Buddha Abides is many things. It is an art show, a vehicle for local artists to be discovered and appreciated, a fund raiser for Santa Barbara Domestic Violence Solutions and Tibetan Children's Village, a way to explore Buddhist philosophy and the Path, a joyous celebration of our interconnectedness and spacious hearts, and a party.

We truly look forward to what will show up at the IN-GATHERING on the 21st of April. It is always, always, always a revelation of the imagination and spirit of Santa Barbarian artists. You can download the guidelines from this site. Be sure to fill out the application form before you arrive at the gallery to show us your work. It makes a big difference.

This year, we are pleased to announce a new category:

PERFORMANCE ART

I, Lark, already have several ideas myself and am in the process of enrolling performers to participate. The financial structure of this idea remains in the works, but I know in my bones, that it is time to expand our expression in this way, whether through music, dance, theater or trapeze...

Here are the basics of the show this year:
Buddha Abides
12th Annual Contemporary Art Exhibition
April 28 through June 2, 2012
Opening Reception on Saturday, April 28 from 5 to 7pm
at the Santa Barbara Frame Shop and Gallery
1324 State Street
Across from the Arlington Theater
Hours: Mon - Sat 10 to 6, (805) 963-2332
20% of our profits go to two charities:
Santa Barbara Domestic Violence Solutions and
Tibetan Children's Village in Dharamsala, India.

All the art is created by local artists. All the art reflects Buddhist themes.

This year we will be showing paintings, drawings, original prints, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, photographs, mixed media, collage and for the first time, performance art!

Curated by Lark Batteau

Thanks,

Lark

Thank You

2011-07-10T16:04:00.000-07:00

Well the 11^th Buddha Abides was a great success!

This year we represented 49 artists. With the sale of thirteen pieces and a few dozen T-shirts we made enough money to send $235 to both Tibetan Children’s Village and Santa Barbara Domestic Violence Solutions. Even though this is not a lot of money to most Americans, it can really help those in need of safe harbor and support our kid in India to complete his education.

This never could have happened without artists' participation. The submission fee they gave, the art they created and were willing to share, their joyous presence at the opening and of course the work sold all made it possible for us to be generous to our causes.

So, from the bottom of my heart I’d like to say to all the artists:

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

The beauty of our true nature is in us and surrounds us all day everyday. Within this radiance we are connected and all rise together.

Namaste,

Lark

Curator

Joyous Opening

2011-05-09T10:09:00.000-07:00

Wow! That was so much fun on Saturday. It was great to see the artists and their families, friends, and friends of friends all gathered to celebrate, appreciate and enjoy. I do love a party.

David Beardon hung the show beautifully and in such a way that nothing felt crowded in spite of the numerous works of art. That takes skill! His radiant wife Angela was there, as well as his young, son Ben. Ben was hanging around the gallery on the day of the judging and I think quite liked kibbutzing with us about the works of art, so he really wanted to come to the opening, perhaps because he felt partially responsible? Hmm. Our future is before us.

My dear friend Cecilia drove down from Berkeley to help, too. Of course she is absolutely amazing. We have close to 30 years of friendship, partying, and party organizing under our belts. So it's just plain fun, fun, fun. She told me which shoes to wear, and borrowed some earrings. She arranged the food, while I arranged the flowers. The flowers, by the way, I'd collected from my burgeoning garden. Those delicate Queen Anne's Lace flowers, were actually parsley gone to seed. Yes, I am seriously over committed right now and some things just have to be allowed to do their thing... The grape vine is all over the apple tree...

David Batteau played his guitar at the front of the gallery. What a joy it was to hear him singing his unique songs. Did you know that over 200 artists have covered his songs? From Bonnie Raight to Chaka Kan. Yah, he's a treasure. We were so lucky to have him come up from LA.

Several works of art sold that day, and we also received some straight donations for our charities. This is always a wonderful surprise. Both Santa Barbara Domestic Violence Solutions and Tibetan Childrens Village need funding to fulfill their services. That said, if you are not interested in buying art (20% goes to our charities), or a t-shirt ($1 a shirt goes to our charities), please open your purse, or dig down into your pocket and give a little or a lot to these causes, 100% of which will be donated. Please go to the gallery to do this.

As always, 'it takes a village' to make Buddha Abides happen year after year. So thanks to Thomas and Brian for their computer savvy. Thanks to Christina Altfeld for her gorgeous art work that was used for the poster. Thanks to all my yoga students that put up posters. Thanks to all my friends and family that boost me up.

As Lauren Hoey and Wayne Darling said when they arrived on Saturday,

Happy Buddha Abides!

Lark

Batteau Music

2011-04-14T17:01:00.000-07:00

I am beyond thrilled to announce that my brother David Batteau, singer and songwriter supreme, will be performing at the Buddha Abides Opening Reception on May 7th!

Those of you who over the years have visited my house for Summer White Parties and such know what a treat this is and how rare.

Go to my website: larkbatteau.com
to listen to him singing a couple songs under 'Events'.

I can say no more... Me? Speechless? Never happens...

Whoa!
Lark

Buddha's Insurance

2011-04-14T16:34:00.001-07:00

Want you to know that Santa Barbara Frame Shop & Gallery insures all the art that is in their gallery. Galleries are not required to do this. So it is with great appreciation to David Beardon that he is making the expenditure.

It is very important to remember that if something is damaged, you will get reimbursed only the cost of materials, unless you have a documented paper trail that proves the value of your art that has been sold in the past.

I am an American. I have health insurance, house insurance, car insurance and so forth. It doesn't make me feel more secure in my heart though. I know from experience that those companies will raise my rates, fight me for every tiny little bit of money owed and stall as long as possible to pay it, thus making me angry and fearful. Yuck. What a set up. I hate that.

Seeking absolute security (insurance), certainty, and even resolution is a recipe for absolute misery.

I am a Buddhist. When I think of what has brought me happiness in this life it was a humbling acceptance of the way things were, whether divine (my puppy) or Hellish (my divorce). Tibetan Buddhism helped me to find a more balanced life view. Especially the Four Immeasurables (a group of qualities that can be cultivated to catalyze happiness). The forth of which is Equanimity.

My wish is that this art show reveal the emergence and maturing of American Buddhism. Not just as an intellectual study, but as a practice that has depth, kindness, juicy beauty and hopefully for the sake of us all, humor.

Pema Chodron would say it takes a lot of courage to not immediately, desperately seek solid ground after the rug has been pulled out from under us. It is hard to let things go. But if we hold things more lightly, more light and air will surround us, and we will be able to breath and think clearly and with kindness.

Practice, practice, practice,

Lark

T Shirts Now Available

2011-03-17T17:54:00.000-07:00

Buddha Abides eleventh annual art exhibition is only a month and a half away.

Beautiful posters can be seen all around town, now. Post cards are being sent out.

And 2011 T shirts are now available!

The women's T is a rich teal color with bright olive green printing. This is a traditional Japanese color combination. The T has 3/4 sleeves and a high V-neck. I personally attach a glittery rhinestone to the center of the logo. This is the nicest T we have ever had.
100% soft cotton. Cost $25.

The men's T is the classic American Apparel short sleeve T in pale gray with vermilion (kind of an orange-red) printing. 100% soft cotton. Cost $20

Most important remember $1 per T goes to our charities!

I got the Ts on Wednesday and already about 10 of the 3 dozen printed have sold. So go to the
gallery a.s.a.p. so you can be sure to get your T, too. The gallery is in the corner of the mini shopping plaza across from the Arlington Theater. Ask David Beardon to help you. Please make checks out to Lark Batteau.

Wear them everywhere you go to let people know about our wonderful show and the charities for whom we raise money.

Thanks for your participation.

Love,
Lark

New Gallery

2011-02-08T14:41:00.000-08:00

As my mother always says, "Life is Never Dull". So, another bump in the road has me jumping in a lively way! Caruso/Woods Gallery has closed. It was a shock when I heard the rumor a few weeks ago. The end of an era. We have put on the Buddha Abides art exhibition in collaboration with them for ten years. Through deaths, several owners, fires and recessions, we have remained connected, stalwart and successful.

Because they hosted us after the fire a few years ago, I approached Frank Goss about collaborating with his gallery. Because he had artists already lined up for shows in May, he declined our request. Already the end of January and no gallery...

I was prepared to write a sad letter that we were not going to hold the event this year. What with losing our gallery and at the same time quitting my job and starting a new business, it just felt overwhelming to go running around looking for a new host.

I went to meet my friend Robin for tea at Renaud's Patisserie. I'd been barely managing mini panic attacks around starting a new business and needed my dear old friend to talk to! We've known each other since the 70's. She has seen it all with me, and could tell that I was nervous and scared when I called her. She knew just what to say. I could breath again!

Anyway, while waiting for Robin, as so often happens in my life, a little miracle occurred. In spite of my breathing problems and nerves, I popped into the Santa Barbara frame Shop and Gallery in the corner of the plaza. The owner, David Beardon, was sitting at his desk. I mentioned our show, our situation, and the need for another gallery to host it. I suggested he look at our blog to get a sense of what we do to see if he might be interested.

Yesterday, we had a meeting and went over particulars.

Now, we are so VERY pleased to announce that Santa Barbara Frame Shop and Gallery has stepped forward to host our little Buddhist celebration and fund raiser!

Perhaps this is short notice for many artists. Perhaps you already have created, or have an idea for a piece for our Eleventh Annual Buddha Abides? I certainly hope so.

The show is now scheduled for the month of May. Opening reception will be Saturday, May 7th. In-gathering of art will be, as usual, the Saturday before: April 30th.

We will be updating the downloadable (is that a word?) guidelines and application forms by next week.

Let's give a big THANK YOU to Christie and David of The Frameworks and Caruso/Woods Gallery for being our host and partner all these years. Although their gallery has closed, they will continue to do framing in the little studio behind the former Patti Look Lewis Gallery in the middle of the block. We wish them good fortune for the future.

So, it's time to get out the paints and crayons and sissors and clay and beads and junk and rocks and enamel and marble and cloth and make something beautiful!!!

Charles Darwin said that it is not the strongest or the most intelligent beings that survive but those that can adapt and change.

Enthusiastically,

Lark

10th Annual Buddha Abides show!

2010-05-11T16:26:00.000-07:00

The opening was a wonderful opportunity for the artist and the public to participate and celebrate. Here are a few photos of the event.

Artists and Charities

2010-05-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

To all our Artists:
We have been supporting two charities now for 10 years. During that time we are so happy to report that we have given them each approximately $5,000. We hope that this year we will be able to continue supporting them with 20% of the profits from the sale of YOUR art! So you should also be happy that you have made a difference in a lot of children's lives!

We are all connected. We all rise together. Carry on!

Regarding the two charities we support, here is some basic information:

For Domestic Violence Solutions of Santa Barbara
Contributions support the following

$50 Teen workshop on Healthy Relationships.
$100 Buys one day of food, shelter and support for one mother plus two children.
$250 provides on woman with counseling for 3 months.
$500 Allows DVS program staff to respond with police to all 911 calls for 1 week.
$750 Provides 3 months of outings and activities for 10 children.
$1000 Keeps the Crisis Line Service running 24 hours a day for 1 month.
$2,500 Provides one month of food, shelter and support to a woman and 2 children.
$5,000 Houses a family in our transitional housing program for 18 months.

Administration: (805) 963-4458
Web: www.dvsolutions.org

For Tibetan Children’s Village
So that they can go to school, you may sponsor a child for $40 per month

You may make donations that support other needs:
School improvement
Outreach Programs
Education Publication
Medical Fund
Scholarship Find for Higher Studies
Emergency Fund

Address:
Tibetan Children’s Village
Dharamsala Cantt. 176216
Distt. Kangra, H.P. INDIA

Email: headoffice@tcv.org.in
Web: www.tev.org.in

Buddha Abides 10th Annual 2010

2010-05-01T08:49:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time meeting the artist on Saturday, April 24th for the 10th Annual Buddha Abides submissions. It's going to be a great show.

Please join us on Saturday, May 1st from 5- 7pm at The Frameworks and Caruso/Woods Gallery

Needed Information

2010-04-20T21:23:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been receiving a lot of emails informing me that people have not been able to get the information they need from our blog. Very sorry about this. We are in the process of fixing the links so that the info is accessible.

In the meantime, here are the basics:

The Frameworks and Caruso/Woods Fine Art Gallery is our host
813 Anacapa Street (805) 965 1812

Receiving of entries: Sat. April 24, 9-11am
Judging: Sat. April 24, 11-1pm
Posting of accepted works, pick up: Sat. April 24, 1-3pm
Opening reception: Sat. May 1, 5-7pm

5 x 5's are $5 per entry, maximum of 5 entries.
5 x 5's will all sell for $55
Other pieces, $15 per entry. Maximum of 3 entries.
Minimum total payment, $15
All entry fees are non-refundable.
Make check payable to Lark Batteau

All entries will be considered for sale. Maximum sale price is $3,500. Caruso/Woods Fine Art, in consultation with the judges and artist, reserve the right to assess prices. Caruso/Woods Fine Art will handle all sales and sales tax. A commission of 40% will go to the artist, 20% to charity, 30% to the gallery, and 10% to the curator.

Looking forward to being surprised and delighted,

Lark

10th Year

2010-03-14T15:30:00.000-07:00

2010 Buddha Abides

Can you believe it? We are in our 10th year! Just around the corner is our opening on May 1st.

So much fabulous art has been shown in the welcoming space of the Frameworks and Caruso Woods Gallery. Through thick and thin, fires and recessions we’ve managed to go on, yes, abiding. Not necessarily calmly, as a good Buddhist should, yet, abide we do. Kind of like most humans, I strive toward relaxed, focused, smooth-flowing activities, full of clarity and intention.

This never happens.

I am always somewhat pressed for time, doing too many things at once, my mind hopping about like the sparrows outside my window. The miracle is, stuff gets done! Amazing grace, I think. So now, here I am in the midst of divorce (horrible heartache), house repairs (quite thrilling really), taxes (tedious) and tenants (quite stable I’m glad to say) and I’ve just forced myself to sit down and write.

I really am excited about this years show. Only because every year for 10 years I’ve been surprised, delighted, touched and even moved to raucous laughter. So it is certain to be no different this year. Hope you are all ‘at it’ surprising yourselves with beauty. Last year was phenomenal in that even though we were in a recession, we raised more money for our two charities than any other year. Let’s go for it!

We’re doing the 5”X5”s again, a little different structure (see the application form), but still making them completely affordable.

Looking forward to seeing your luminous faces and resplendent art. Until then, be well, be happy and never, ever, ever give up.

Yours truly,
Lark

Show Extended!

2009-05-31T19:20:00.000-07:00

We have extended the show through the first week of June. This Thursday, June 4th is now our First Thursday Event.

Due to the unbelievably ferocious Jesusita Fire in Santa Barbara that first week of May, First Thursday had to be canceled. After all, 30% of our population was evacuated!

Everything has settled down since then, especially the ashes, which could have caused dreadful air and a lot of problems for those with respiratory situations. We have never been so grateful for all the fog we've been getting.

We are also grateful for all the sales of artwork this last month. In spite of recessions and fires people still need beauty to sustain them and still want to contribute to the welfare of others.

If you didn't have a chance to visit the gallery, this is the last week to do so. Many absolutely fabulous works of art are still available to entrance and enthrall you.

There will be a fun party this Thursday. Come and enjoy all the Buddhists frolicking about.

Namaste,

Lark

So go view the gallery this week before the show comes down.

Art Opening 2009

2009-05-03T20:21:00.000-07:00

What a fun opening we had last night!

The gallery was filled with hundreds of people viewing the fabulous Buddhist art, munching on organic strawberries from the Farmer's Market, sipping white wine or cranberry juice bubbly, as the 5 by 5s sold briskly.

Haunting strains of shakuhachi flute music played by Bob Sedivy drifted throughout the space.

This year, after about an hour into the event, I finally got up the courage to make a little speech to the happy throng. As there was no stage, I climbed up on the table amidst the food and wine. A little reminiscent of my out of control youth, only this time instead of dancing and yelling I had something important to say.

Mostly it was to remind everyone that this was a charity event, and any contribution they made would make a difference to Tenzin Lodoe in the Tibetan Children's Village or a woman who is being assisted by Domestic Violence Sollutions in Santa Barbara. I also wanted to thank all those who participated in creating our 9th annual, including gallery owners Christi and David, my friend Thomas, husband Brian and friends Cecilia and David who drove all the way from Berkeley to participate, and the many, many talented artists who year after year continue to astound us.

Remember, if you were not able to attend last night, there will be a fun gathering this Thursday evening, the First Thursday Art Walk, and that the show will be up for the month of May.

I encourage you to go. You may be uplifted, you may laugh, you may be intrigued and hopefully moved to purchase a piece that will continue to give you joy for the rest of your life, as well as help us to help those in need.

Be Blessed,

Lark

Gathering In

2009-04-28T07:32:00.000-07:00

This Saturday we received the art work for our 9th annual Buddha Abides. Can you believe it, but we took in over a hundred! It's always exciting when the artists come out to play.

As usual there was a mix of media and a mix of emotions from exquisit and reverent to down right silly. In this day and age it's good to have a little frivolity. After all this is about en-Lighten-Up-ment. (How much did we all laugh with the Dalai Lama last Friday???)

We have an abundance of 5" by 5" pieces that will all be selling for $50. I am anticipating a rush on these jewels!

Bob Sedivy will once again be playing his wondrous, haunting shakuhachi, Japanese flute, to create an zen ambiance amidst the madness.

I look forward to seeing everyone at the party this Saturday at Caruso Woods, the Frameworks Gallery located at 831 Anacapa Street, just across from the main post office. The opening will go from 5pm to 8pm.

With Joy,

Lark

5"X 5" for $50

2008-05-08T15:06:00.000-07:00

Announcing a New Category! 5x5 for $50

Because our economy is what it is at this time, I thought we needed to do something fun and inviting and affordable to bring in fresh, new energy to Buddha Abides 2009.

So here's the idea, every artist who submits at least one piece to the show, is invited, with no submission fee, to submit one to three pieces at precisely 5” X 5” dimension. That's five inches by five inches, framed or unframed, ready to hang. Each piece will sell for $50 with the same financial split as for all the other works.

We will hang all the pieces together in a big grid. This will be a marvelous addition to our show, making it possible for more people to buy some art and help us support the education of our ward, Tenzin Lotay at the Tibetan Children's Village in India, and the women and children of Santa Barbara's Domestic Violence Solutions.

A few weeks ago I was at a party at Thomas' house. Lots of people in funny hats talking, laughing, eating, you know, the usual. Well, I met an interesting woman named Sue Fowler who works for Direct Relief International. My hats off to her, because that company provides enormous support to millions of people around the world. Feeling a little small, I squeeked, "I put on an art show that provides a few hundred dollars to support one Tibetan boy in India. I know it's not very significant". Sue retorted, " To that one boy it's pretty significant..."

Let's be pretty significant this year to Tenzin, shall we?

Can't wait to see all the beautiful, crazy, strange, irreverent and magnificent art you present come April 25th! (Opening will be Saturday, May 2nd) Better get cracking...

Infinitely Curious,
Lark

Gratitude

2008-03-30T21:25:00.000-07:00

Thomas and I went for a walk after the busy day of receiving entries for the show yesterday. We've been buddies since the early nineties, continuously participating in Tibetan Buddhist studies and events here in Santa Barbara. I'm grateful for all for the times we set up chairs, and hung tankas and lit incense and carried tables and collected donations and created flyers and discussed priorities and laughed and cried and carried on. The Buddha Abides might never have happened if it weren't for this friendship.

This evening I was reading some of the letters I've received from the Tibetan children we've been supporting for the last eight years in Dharamsala, India. Their sweetness, sincerity, determination and pride in their culture comes through loud and clear every time. I am so glad that we can help them in our small way, with the donations which come from a percentage of the sales of the Buddha Abides art show.

This would not be possible without the generosity and creativity of Santa Barbara artists. So I want to say Thank You to all the artists who brought their work to the gallery yesterday. It is really you who are making the biggest difference here. Although we could not accept every piece, never-the-less, the very act of participating by submitting an entry provided a contribution toward out ability to help those in need.

This coming Saturday, April 5th, will be the eighth year for our little exhibition. It's always been a joyous party, so I hope you can come join in the festivities this year. The work is as usual whimsical, moving, intriguing and divine.

Let it be,

Lark

It's Showtime!

2008-03-27T21:21:00.000-07:00

Well, I hope all the artists have their work ready!

Fliers announcing the show are all over town, postcards have been mailed, those on email lists have been informed, notices are in the papers, adverts are in magazines, and people are already wearing the T-shirts, which I might add are particularly gorgeous this year. (We are using the American Apparel company's T's: light weight, soft and they pay their workers a living wage. Colors: Magenta for the women, Navy for the guys, both with light gray logo. They'll be available at the gallery.)

Receiving of entries is this Saturday. Thomas, Christi and I look forward to viewing the always wonderful and surprising art. The following Saturday, April 5th is our Opening Reception where everyone can meet the artists. We are happy to report that Bob Sedavie, the wonderful Shakuhachi musician, is once again going to transport us with his haunting Japanese flute.

Thomas and I are also hoping to hang hundreds of Tibetan flags, as a way of sending our blessings and prayers for a cessation of violence and an opening of discussions between the Dalai Lama and the Chinese leaders. (If you have any flags you would like to donate, please bring them this Saturday.)

So, 'til Saturday, keep creating!

Peace and Love,

Lark

Calling all Buddhist Themed Art!

2008-01-18T08:25:00.000-08:00

Well, it's that time of year again when art for Buddha Abides needs to be in the making. As I am attending a family reunion in Puerto Rico at the end of April, we've moved the submission date up this year. Receiving of entries will be on Saturday, March 29th. The Reception date is April 5th and the show will run through to April 30th. (You can download entry and application forms from this blog; filling them out ahead of time is helpful.)

As you may remember, last year was NUTS! What with the fire and and the wind and the different locations...Everyone took a hit...It wasn't pretty...but we have recovered, risen from the ashes, and this year is going to be fabulous!

The new Frameworks and Caruso/Woods art gallery is wonderfully spacious, in a great location on Anacapa Street, and opposite the main post office and down the block from Intermezzo.

Christi, her husband David, and Kim worked really hard to get it up and running. They've already had a couple of successful First Thursdays there, with music just outside the large front windows and people milling in and about.

So, open your hearts and minds, make some space and time, get out your paints and materials, get messy, and let the creativity begin!

Can't wait to see what emerges!

In rapt anticipation,

Lark

P.S. Christi and David's new baby, Francesca, by the way, is perfectly enlightened, calm and adorable! A living little buddha...

Buddha (still) Abides

2007-04-28T21:51:00.000-07:00

Well, as you can see from this happy photo of me, our featured artist, Kim Adelman, and Thomas, we had a lot of fun Saturday. Quite an unexpectedly large turn out of artists submitted work, in fact, more than usual and wondeful art to boot! We had no idea how it would go due to all the craziness that the fire created. But we put up as many NEW posters and flyers as possible (thank you Kim and Ted), blog, emails, word of mouth, phone calls, notes on The Frameworks window and so forth.

Patti Look Lewis graciously allowed us to use her beautiful, high-ceilinged space at 25 East De la Guerra. You'll have the opportunity to see her gorgeous pastels on the First Thursday, too.

Altogether 72 works of art were presented, including drawings, prints, photographs, jewelry, ceramics, sculpture and a fabulous work made of melted glass. Thomas, Christi and I choose over two thirds. The ones not accepted usually was to do with not fitting the theme in any way we could decifer other than, 'all beings are buddha', which is true, yet in this show we have to narrow it to something a little more precise otherwise everything everywhere would be in it and it wouldn't make any sense to most people...how Zen.

Anyway, a big THANK YOU goes out to all of you who participated, because it made a huge difference to us, especially Christi. In fact, she told me that the day after the fire, she broke down and just wanted to throw in the towel and close the doors forever. Then word got out and she began receiving HUNDREDS of emails and calls and offers of help. Because of that she forged ahead. AMAZING what a little community spirit can do to give you strength, courage and joy. In the end, it's all about relationships.

Speaking of help, I also want to mention Fatima at Haggle (just behind Starbucks). She has not only allowed us to store a lot of the artwork, but also is having a Silent Auction to benefit The Frameworks. It's a great little shop filled with original art and ethnic crafts which you can, yes that's right, 'haggle' for, to come up with an agreed upon price. Check it out.

And then there's Sullivan Goss, a wide open, spacious gallery at 7 E. Anapamu. For the month of May all the Buddha Abides artwork will be displayed there. Many of the usual suspects will be shown, including: Neal Crosby, Bonnie Rapkin, Marcelino Jimenez, Lila Trachtenberg, Anne Luther, Chris Messner, Kim Adelman, Susan Seabury, Judith Geiger, Beth Amine, and more.

So, yes, Buddha (still) Abides, and we are delighted. Actually, Pema Chodron, the American Tibetan nun says that enlightenment comes when the rug is pulled out from under you...

It's gotten really bright!

Lark

Fire in the Gallery!

2007-04-22T16:39:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday morning there was a terrible fire in the Frameworks Gallery. It started in the little printshop and proceeded into the other four businesses, and upstairs dwelling as well. Sadly, although no humans were harmed, our dear gallery cat, Danny De la Guerra, perished in the smoke. See: www.carusowoods.com/Fire.html

Christi Westerhouse (gallery owner) has received an enormous outpouring of support from the community. Meanwhile, many connected with the gallery are still in shock and grief and I am staying in touch with them and giving what solace I can.

It is really important to Christi to keep The Frameworks as an identifyable business going, so her husband David, Brian, Thomas and I are doing all we can to have the 7th Annual Buddha Abides take place in the same timeline, if in a different, but nearby location.

Here is the current plan:
Saturday, (as before) April 28th we will still have the intake of art. This will take place at the gallery of Patti Look Lewis ( located at 36 East De La Guerra Street)
We will then store the art at Sullivan Goss Gallery on Anapamu Street
On May 3rd, the first Thursday, (as before), we will have an 'open air' artists' reception in the Casa de La Guerra just opposite De La Guerra Plaza, just half a block East from State Street.
We are figuring out how to hang the art on the three covered walkway walls that contain the space, as well as asking artists to provide easels if they have them.

The fire's personal impact to me was of course MUCH less than to the gallery:
However, two dozen Buddha Abides T-shirts where destroyed in the fire, as well as the 2,500 postcards that we usually send out. Brian and I are going to see if we can re-do some of the postcards at a reduced rate. I will have some more T-shirts done and plan to give 10% of the sales from them to the Frameworks Gallery. (5% as well still goes to our charities.)

Please submit that wonderful art you've been working on, and/or come to the opening at Casa De la Guerra, from 5 to 8pm on Thursday, May 3rd and celebrate the 7th Annual Buddha Abides (becasue he still does) and the recreation of The Frameworks, Caruso/Woods Fine Art, up from the ashes.

As the Buddha Shakyamuni said and life continues to remind us time and again, 'change is constant' and 'everything is transitory'. With this in mind I would like to say how much I appreciate all those who have helped us during this challening time and remind you to kiss the ones you love, inhale the sweeping sky and cherish the delicate moments. There is nothing you can do to keep it from changing. You can only appreciate the beauty that is in front of you and say thank you right now.

Lark

Featured Artist: Kim Adelman

2007-04-18T10:45:00.000-07:00

For many years now Kim has shown her work in Buddha Abides to the enjoyment of many, many people. Several times, once her piece was sold, several other potential buyers were disappointed that they were too late! In fact one year, someone loved her work so much that they asked to see other works that weren't even in the show and bought one of those.

So, we are delighted to feature Kim, and her beautiful paintings, this year in the 7th Buddha Abides contemporary art exhibition.

Here is a personal profile, in her own words:

"I paint with acrylic on canvas. The subjects are familiar, particularly if you live in the Central Coast area of California. The often foggy and hazy light of the coastline and my near-sightedness influence my sense of vision, diluting forms in the atmosphere, creating new forms which are often more suggestive than precise. My intention is to create a reality which becomes a first step toward imagination, the outline of a dream, the conjunction of illusion and truth which is observed. My hope is to inspire in people a connection with nature and calmness.

I was born on October 26, 1954 in Riverside, California, where I also grew up. Between the years of 1972 and 1981 I traveled across the United States twice, Western Europe twice, and spent three months in Tehran, Iran. Through these explorations, my suspicion that people are all basically the same, and desire the same things, was confirmed.

I studied full time at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California for one year. I then transferred to the University of California in Riverside where I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Studio Art in 1992. I received the Chancellor's Award in 1991 for my paintings, and graduated with honors."

Exhibitions:
Riverside Museum of Art, Riverside, CA
Storyteller Gallery in Tucson, Arizona
Montecito Art and Frame Gallery, Montecito, CA
Faulkner Gallery, Santa Barbara, CA
Delphine Gallery, Santa Barbara, CA
Caruso/Woods Fine Art, Santa Barbara, CA

"When I am out enjoying Mother Nature,
There is an overwhelming sense of well-being that envelopes me.
I breath more deeply.
I feel greatly connected to the Earth.
I am truly present.
My mind quiets down and my senses just... enjoy.
It feels great to be alive.
This is the experience I wish to evoke through my work."

Kim Adelman

For the 7th Year the Buddha Abides

2007-03-13T08:18:00.000-07:00

It's that time again, early Spring, jonquils and crocuses, apricot blossoms and jasmine...birds madly chirping, the tangelos' bright orange orbs dangling just outside my kitchen window... Hmmmmm... Oh, and the Buddha Abides contemporary art exhibition is just around the corner!

It's been an unusally hectic time, but we've managed to get the latest version of our logo to the T-shirt guy. They should be ready by next week. We've chosen an image from last years show with which my in-house graphic designer supreme, husband Brian, has started to design the poster, postcard and advert. There have been a few rumblings from artists about works in progress...Ah, yes, we too are in the throws of creation!

It's always a thrill to see what Santa Barbara artists come up with to represent their Buddhist view, whether zen serenity, Tibetan bursting joy, or "If you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him"-style iconoclastic mind-benders. We embrace them all.

If this is the first time you've ever encountered us, please come to our opening party on May 3rd. It's a Thursday, in fact the 1st Thursday of the month when many other galleries open their doors in celebration, too. We'll be having a grand time for a good cause, as all the art is for sale and 20% of our profits go to two charities: Santa Barbara Domestic Violence Solutions and Tibetan Children's Village in Dharamsala, India.

Bring a friend, your good will and your pocketbook.

Don't be square, be there!

Lark

The Opening

2006-05-21T13:13:00.000-07:00

On Saturday May 6th we had our grand opening of Buddha Abides. By 4:45pm there was a long line outside the gallery of people anxious to get in to see the art… or was it the food?

Thomas, Brian, Christi and I had been working all afternoon gathering food, supplies, displaying T-shirts, setting up the back patio with the big, red umbrella and twinkle lights, cleaning and fretting.

I’d asked Thomas to gather some bamboo to make a little forest for our Shakuhachi player, the talented Mr. Bob Sedivy. Thomas misunderstood my idea and brought a dozen or so, 3 to 5 inch wide, twelve-foot bamboo poles stripped of all the delicate leaves I’d envisioned. He called me and said he wasn’t sure if they looked good. I said, “Yah, you do.” He said, “Well, they look kind’ a cheesy…”

One of the happiness teachings in Buddhism is to lessen your preferences. So, I said, “OK. Where shall we put them?” With great effort, he and Brian laid them against the roof in the patio. They actually looked pretty impressive. Several of my more modernistic friends quite liked them. It was an enormous green fence behind the big red umbrella and set off the bar dramatically.

By six pm there was such a crowd in the gallery that you could barely move. Nevertheless, I continued to greet and schmooze and laugh with friends. I had to make sure that h’ors d’ouvres were available, too. So, with my ceramic aqua tray aloft I slipped into my old waitress identity and pronounced “Behind you! Above you! On your right!” trying to get to and from the table. Three times I refreshed and refilled that tray. Each time it landed on the table, Whoosh…all the food was gone within minutes. “The locusts, the locusts, the art opening locusts!”

The crowd thinned out later in the evening making it much easier to see the art. Many will probably return to have a better view without so many bodies to manuver around. So far we’ve sold seven pieces, thus bringing a little bit of change to help heal the abused women and men at Santa Barbara Domestic Violence Solutions and needy children at Tibetan Children’s Village.

An opening like this is really about being in a celebratory environment with like minded people, viewing work that can uplift and enliven, knowing that it is all for a good cause. It makes you… well, maybe not exactly enlightened to the point of complete trait restructuring, but for a brief moment, simply happy.

Come on by. Enjoy the view.
Lark

Genesis of Buddha Abides

2006-05-21T12:07:00.000-07:00

Seven or so years ago I was meditating at a Tibetan Buddhist Retreat. During that weekend I had three inspirations, first, to create a dance-theater production telling the life of Buddha up to his enlightenment. After a year of exploring, writing, creating and choreographing with seven performers, the show manifested in 1999 and 2000 as Shakyamuni: The Life of Buddha at Center Stage Theater in Santa Barbara, California.

The second idea was to create a Buddhism course for children. This has manifested in an unexpected way. For years now I have been presenting an Exploration of Japanese Tea Ceremony to children both at Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and at various public schools throughout the city. Originally developed by the 16th century Zen Buddhist monk, Sen Rikyu, the practice cultivates harmony and respect between people, purity of motivation, and tranquility of mind and heart.

The third impression was to produce an art show depicting Buddhist themes. It would be similar to Westmont College’s angel show, Un Ange Passe, which took place every Christmas for seven years. As at Westmont, all the art submitted would be by contemporary local artists. This show would be in the spring, as that is when Buddha’s birthday is celebrated. The name, Buddha Abides, came from playing off Westmont’s title and of course, Jeff Bridges, in the movie The Big Lebowski where he imperiously uttered that memorable phrase, “Hey man, the dude abides…”

My mother taught me the art of schmoozing. One night at a dinner party in the late nineties, I met Greg Fitch, owner of The Frameworks Gallery. Upon telling him my idea to do a Buddhist art show, he agreed to be the host.

On the day the show opened, Greg went into Hospice, as he was dying of AIDS. The day after the show closed, he died. I will always remember him as the one, who with generosity and delight agreed to open the way for Buddha Abides: A Contemporary Art Exhibition.

Lark Batteau Bailey
Curator
May 21, 2006

Buddha of Infinite Light

2006-04-27T20:32:00.000-07:00

For the first time in our art exhibition we have a featured artist, Ms. Tamarind Rossetti. Her painting is of Amitabha, the Buddha of Infinite Light (detail shown). It is a very large painting, eight feet high by five foot three inches wide. There is a luminous blue sky and a vermillion Buddha sitting serenely and powerfully in the middle of it. Wisps of clouds flutter all around His body, intricate gold designs decorate His robes.

Rossetti was born in Ojai, California where she spent her childhood exploring the world of art and theater. After graduating from high school she was accepted at University of California, Berkeley. There she completed two degrees, one in English Literature the other in the Practice of Art and graduated with highest honors.

After college she traveled. “I wanted to see how the people of the world live and interact. I felt that through their dance and art I could understand them more deeply.” For five years she kept up her exploration, working in the US and then returning to her travels. She went to Europe, Brazil, the Caribbean, and Mexico.

In Mexico she worked on an art project about communication. It included dance, photography, video and music. “ The topic was addressed through literal dance and the planetary dance of our solar system, as well as natural and man-made satellites. Everywhere I went there were satellite dishes on top of people’s homes. Even in the small town of Mitla, in the state of Oaxaca. Every town had these dishes so they could watch TV and use cell phones. There is this enormous dance going on between people vast distances apart; many via NASA’s satellites.”

In 1999 she was in Nepal. “I got a job photographing women braking into the all male Sherpa tradition. I worked with an interpreter and traveled all around Katmandu, and to many small villages in the Himalayas. I was exposed to Nepalese, Indian and Tibetan art and culture.”

“I was mesmerized by the paintings of Buddha’s eyes on Stupas. Everyday I would encounter some form of Buddhist devotion through sculptures and paintings of his feet, hands, head, and eyes. The colors were vibrant. They were so simple. They made me feel calm and connected.”

“I saw thankas being sold and also inside temples, but wasn’t seeking them out, just noticing them because I am an artist. I had no idea I would one day be drawn to paint them. Then, just a year ago, my friend who worked at the Tibetan retreat center, Ratna-Ling, in Northern California, called me. They needed an artist who could paint a ‘protection mandala’ in the building that would house a printing press that would be printing sacred texts.”

“I really wanted to paint it. It was going to be huge: 8’ x 12’, ten feet off the ground. I had done works of this size and scope before, but in the Italian Style. It was not surprising that I thoroughly enjoyed the process. I felt calm and invigorated.”

Last year the Osel Nyingpo Buddhist sangha was going to have an ‘Empowerment’ in Ojai. They had a small painting of Amitabha they wanted enlarged. “They asked me if I new a good way to do this. I said we could do a photographic reproduction or a large painting. I ended up painting this Amitabha based on the small thanka. I wanted to learn from Him. This is how I learn.”

She used a Tibetan book on how to paint thankas to guide her. It explained all the traditional ratios, geometry and symbols. “Because I can’t read Tibetan, I learned by looking at the diagrams.”

So, Rossetti has made an exquisite painting of Amitabha.

Please come to our gallery opening on Saturday, May 13th from 5 to 8pm. It will be in the place of honor, in the front window.

My wish is that the Buddha of Infinite Light, gaze out through those painted eyes, calling forth the true nature of all who pass, providing inspiration and determination so that we may fulfill the simple Buddhist affirmation:

For as long as space endures
And for as long as living beings remain,
Until then may I, too, abide
To dispel the misery of the world.

Lark Batteau Bailey
Curator

Buddha Abides' Past Lives

2006-03-12T16:49:00.000-08:00

Reviews

“…Wandering through this pleasant artistic garden, the viewer might well reflect on the interactive nature of the art and the religious ideology at which the art takes aim.

Whereas other religions, by their nature, could be more concerned about art which sometimes takes a light, loose view of its sacred traditions, Buddhism emphasizes acceptance and tolerance.

In part, that very aspect of the ideology account for the number of artists who have embraced this spiritual tradition – and also why Frameworks [Gallery] never has a lack of entries for the show, well on its way to becoming a local institution.”

Josef Woodard. June 2005

“This third annual Buddha Abides show, Santa Barbara’s most enduring contributory show, in which some of the city’s more well-known artists capture the spirit of Buddha in historical, spiritual, ironic, and comic interpretations…”

Josef Woodard. March 2003

“…Christi Westerhouse knew that she was inheriting a respected tradition in the Santa Barbara art scene when she took over the well-known frame shop/gallery…establishing both a continuity of commercial identity and a kind of tracery back through its history…a lingering tradition in this space is the group exhibition known as “Buddha Abides”, a rallying point for artists riffing off the general theme of Buddhism and its deities…”

Josef Woodard. May 2003

“Religious art is based on meditation of emblems and icons of devotion. Art about religious art goes one loop further, confusing the line between contemplation, irony, and reportage. Thus, thoughts become muddled – most delightfully so – in the second annual Buddha Abides exhibition at Caruso/Woods [Fine Art]…”

Josef Woodard. May 2002

“…Rubbing tummies aside, the Buddha Abides show over at Frameworks gallery, featuring 26 or so artists, is a mixture of Eastern aesthetics and calculated creativity, with a shot of nirvana (aspired to) and a twist of Western irony…”

Duncan Wright. May 1999

Buddha Abides T-shirts for Sale

2006-03-06T20:36:00.000-08:00

We have designed some beautiful T-shirts for the 2006 show. (Click on image to view detail of logo.) 10% of our profits are donated to Santa Barbara Domestic Violence Solutions and Tibetan Children's Village. So you can feel good about wearing one for many reasons: giving to charity, promoting this uplifting art event, and reminding yourself and others that, indeed, Buddha abides.

For women we have two T's for sale in a very soft cotton. One has three-quarter sleeves and a V-neck in aqua. The other is short sleeved, with a open, round neck in chestnut brown. Both have a rhinestone in the center of the lotus.
Size: S, M, L, XL
Price: $25 (includes tax), plus $6 shipping (USA)

For men we have a classic T in chestnut brown.
Size: S, M, L, XL
$23 (includes tax), plus $6 shipping (USA)

Click here to order a T-shirt. Women's T-shirts run small. In your order, be sure to include size, color and men or women's, as well as your mailing address. Make your check out to Lark Batteau Bailey and send it to:

Caruso/Woods Fine Art
Attn: Buddha Abides
131 E. De La Guerra Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

This year's T-shirts are selling fast, and are only available until the end of May. So contact us right away!

Inspriational Art

2006-03-05T11:38:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Brian and I drove to Los Angeles to visit with our friend George and go see the Ashes and Snow art instalation at the Santa Monica Pier. (For $15 tickets call: 1-866-468-7619)

Wow! Over 100 large-scale, sepia-toned photographic artworks and three 35mm films by artist Gregory Colbert are exhibited in a 56,000 square foot temporary structure constructed largely of recyclable and reusable materials.

It was like entering a huge temple in which subtle music played while we wandered down wooden thourough-fares, dark-grey pebbles creating a field beneath the 5' by 8' photographs on textured fabric, hanging in mid-air.

The photographs represent breathtakingly-peaceful relationships between humans and beasts: elephants, whales, falcons, cheetahs...

I was transported to a dreamlike place where all my hoped-for desires of a planet filled with beauty were revealed.

When you go, and know that you must, be prepared to sit for long periods of time, while the films intoxicate you. Very meditative...in absolute contrast to American TV.

While the Buddha Abides art show doesn't have the space for enormous installations, I do hope that artists are inspired by Ashes and Snow to expand their creative processes to include small installations this year. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

A la prochaine fois, ('til next time)
Lark

2006 Contemporary Art Exhibition

2006-01-22T14:25:00.000-08:00

The Sixth Annual "Buddha Abides" Contemporary Art Exhibition is immanent!

In the past five years we've had the opportunity and honor to represent hundreds of inspired local artists. We've been surprised, entertained and moved by their work. This year we sincerely hope that you will take the opportunity to attend and have a similar experience.

This 2006 exhibition will again be hosted by the gracious Christie Westerhouse at her Caruso/Woods Gallery on De la Vina Street in Santa Barbara, California. We always have an opening party, with delicious refreshments and live music.

If you are an artist, we look forward to seeing what wonderful work you submit, with the full understanding that your creation could open hearts and minds, and the sale of which will support those in need.

If you are an art aficionado, make sure to pay us a visit and know that a full 20% of whatever you purchase goes to support the education of a Tibetan child in Dharamsala, India as well as a local woman and child, who have escaped violence and wish to start a new life with the help of Santa Barbara Domestic Violence Solutions.

If you, "don't know art, but know what you like"...come discover and broaden your tastes.

The show runs from May 9th to June 17th.

The Opening Party will be Saturday, May 13th.

The time between now and then will fly by, so put it on your calendar today.

It's going to be a fantastic exhibition!

Yours,

Lark Batteau Bailey
Curator