Maria Madonna Davidoff - Artist Blog

Madonna Davidoff Exhibits at the Yippie Museum NYC

2012-04-09T12:54:00.001-04:00

I was invited to participate in a group show in New York City
with other international artists from Mexico, Eritra, Korea and Puerto Rico
The title of the exhibit is "La Bracera: Women and Work"

Below is the Invitation to the exhibit and Opening:

According to Olivia Canlas, who curates the exhibit with Leilani Montes, “it is seldom that we ponder upon the pivotal role women play in keeping the most basic structures of our society operational. It is AF3IRM’s mission to keep a constant focus on the critical nature of women’s work and to advocate for comprehensive equality and justice for women.”

Exhibit hours at the Yippie Museum are from 7-10 pm, April 21-May 5, 2012. Please RSVP to nynj@af3irm.org or call 212-726-2254 for either the opening or closing events, media coverage or to purchase a piece.

I was featured for OSM Magazine written by Marivir Montebon

2012-04-08T07:27:00.000-04:00

MADONNA DAVIDOFF: Art is a Matter of Relevance

Posted by OSM ADMIN on March 29, 2012 in Main Feature

BY MARIVIR MONTEBON

Mention Madonna, and almost always the images of the lady Mary, mother of Jesus Christ, or the pop entertainer who is also referred to as the mother of reinvention (like a virgin, material girl, and all that stuff) strike the mind.

But comes now another Madonna, a Filipino, Swiss, and American rolled into one whose artistry have become pervasive in three continents with a stroke of a paint brush or a pencil.

“Art is a matter of relevance,” says Maria Madonna Angeles-Davidoff, the citizen of the world. She was born in the Philippines and has lived in Switzerland, Singapore, and New York City as a visual artist. For more than 30 years, Madonna has evolved into a sought-after illustrator, book cover designer, and graphic artist.

As she takes time to put down her paint brush, she performs her mother role to only daughter Bianca Marmy and wife to Bart Davidoff. Bianca just finished her International Studies at the Ecole Catholique in Paris and also at the The College in New Jersey. These days, the Davidoff home is in New Jersey. But Madonna takes special sanctuary in Bali, Indonesia for her artistic streaks.

In this time of global recession, the artist’s ability to survive is tested. “Life in the US has become more and more challenging. You just have to continue being relevant these days, while being yourself. Any artist would feel the pangs of economic times. I continue to get book projects, and I believe it is track record, and being lucky too,” she quips.

Madonna is up for three art exhibits this year in New York and a book project before the year closes. On April 21, she will hold an art exhibit at the Yippie Museum on Bleecker Street, Lower Manhattan.

Way back in the late 1980s, Madonna and her parents decided to live in the US. She designed her life to be the artist that is she, working as freelance that earned her own keep and enhanced her own artistic distinction. She shares a studio with other artists in Manhattan, where she works undisturbed.

The artistry of Madonna is distinctive in her colorful and comical rendering of nature, people, and still life. Almost always, this artist naturally reflects her happy soul and can be seen in the icon Marilyn, the young meditative girl at the Central Park, or Barack, the jubilant African boy.

“My motivation in creating works of art stems from my enjoyment in expressing myself and exposure to different cultures continues to inspire me in so many ways. I have acquired a more global perspective on the symbols and images in art,” Madonna writes in her portfolio.

The youngest in the brood of 4, she studied graphic arts at the University of the Philippines and batik painting in Bali.

Madonna regards herself as a multicultural artist and has expressed that in her art form. Her mix media “Scroll” series, for example is a reflection of her nomadic nature as an artist constantly on the move.

She says, “Having lived in three continents, I have this sense of displacement. I never really belong anywhere, and so I try to create my own cultural space wherever I find myself. It is a way for me as an artist to make sense of things around me. The scrolls make perfect sense since these banner-like images are “transportable” just like myself. The scrolls can easily be rolled up and carried around and like myself, could be reinvented, able to adapt and survive.”

She didn’t just survive, she shone in the three continents. Clients like Crane Publishing, Markus Wiener Publishers, Africa World Press, Alemars Publishing House, Bridge International Publishing, Van Nostrand, Republic National Bank, NYNEX, and Asia Lifestyle Magazine have applauded her works of art in book cover and illustrations and thus solidified her name as an artist.

In the summer of 2010, among the pleasant surprises she got was being featured by the New York Times while she was painting at the Turtle Pond at Central Park. Titled Summer Rituals, Painting in the Park, it was in that instance the NY Times photographer and writer caught her artistry into their own.

The gleeful rendering of Madonna’s art expresses the diversity and universality of her themes. “I’ve also come to realize that symbols and icons all over the world speak of the universal themes of fear, joy, hope, pain, and celebration. I believe that we are one collective eye sharing a single planet.”

My Travelling Scroll (Mix Media) Paintings

2011-09-06T05:22:00.001-04:00

Maria Madonna Angeles-Davidoff

Being a multi cultural artist who has lived and traveled in 3 different continents in the world definitely affected my work. Thus, my paintings and prints are based on personal as well as universal icons. The word icon may mean an image, a representation, a simile or symbol. Icons are very much a part of our present world. It has been used since pre-historic time and we are still being influenced by it.

In my latest mix media “Scroll” series, I try to develop art that is both lyrical and portable, a reflection of the nomadic nature of one who is constantly on the move. Recognizing this sense of displacement, I never really belong anywhere, and so I try to create my own cultural space wherever I find myself. It is a way for me as an artist to make sense of things around me. Thus, creating the scrolls make perfect sense since these banner-like images are "transportable" just like myself. The scrolls can easily be rolled up and carried around and like myself, could be reinvented, able to adapt and survive.

My motivation in creating works of art stems from my enjoyment in expressing myself and exposure to different cultures continues to inspire me in so many ways, I have acquired a more global perspective on the symbols and images in art. I've also come to realize that symbols and icons all over the world speak of the universal themes of fear, joy, hope, pain, and celebration. I believe that we are one collective eye sharing a single planet.

Hurricane Irene

2011-08-28T12:55:00.000-04:00

A Rainy Day Illustration

by Madonna Davidoff

Childrens' Book Illustrators Group 2011 Promo postcard:

2011-08-11T08:49:00.000-04:00

Well , it's that time of the year again: I just finished designing the CBIG

Childrens Book Illustrators Group 2011 Promo postcard:

designed by: Maria Madonna Davidoff

As a member of CBIG and one of its officer, I am designing once again the official
CBIG ( Children's Book Illustrators Group) postcard 2011.

I used Indesign in creating the postcard ( front and back side)
It's in a big format of 8.5" x 5.5"

Formed since 1987, CBIG is a Children's Book Illustrator Group based in New York City.
More information on membership and meetings may be found here.

I'ts a great group to network and meet other children's book writers, illustrators and publishers.

Asia Trip 2011

2011-06-25T05:08:00.000-04:00

Well, I'm all packed up and ready to go.

Japan--Philippines--Singapore---Cambodia

Looking forward to be with my Papa again!

For Mothers Day

2011-05-18T03:04:00.001-04:00

An Illustration I made for Mothers Day:

included at the CBIG Blog

Childrens Book Illustrators Group ( CBIG) based in New York City.

Another Book I Illustrated

2011-05-15T08:27:00.001-04:00

This is the latest children's book I Illustrated:

Momsie's Book written by Bart Davidoff

Available here

It was a different world in the 1920’s. Deli’s with real pickle barrels and gas-lit candy stores.
This is the world , Muriel Shutan-Davidoff, grew up in and
this is her story about a book she wrote and illustrated in 1947.

My creative Process: Creating Valentine Card

2011-02-01T05:05:00.000-05:00

First, I try to get some inspirations from some of my vintage greeting card collection :

I just love the way these greeting cards look. I try to imagine the sender and the receiver of these cards, what their relationships were with each other, where do they live? What are their favorite food, what do they wear? What books do they like, etc. My imagination takes me far and different characters start to build up in my mind until finally, I start to draw them. And from there, other images appear until I choose one that I will finally work on.

For my Valentine Card, I chose this vintage card as my source of inspiration:

Step 1. Using the image of the tree I made a rough sketch :

Step 2. I finalize the sketch, ink it and scan it in Photoshop .

I also position the text. Here is the scanned image:

Step 3. I color the line art in photoshop

It's easier to change the color combination and

correct mistakes when you work digitally.

Step 4. I decided to create a collage of hand sewn skirt,

ribbons and laces for the girl's outfit. Here are the hand-sewn skirt

and ribbons I made which I then scanned in the card:

Step 5. Here's the final Version of my Valentine Card .

Now I am ready to have it printed.

I use a professional printer for this

and send them off to various publishers

as a promo piece.

Goodbye 2010, Hello 2011!!

2010-12-31T07:38:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year to Everyone!

A Few highlights of the year 2010 for me:

1.A children's book which I've illustrated, entitled Barack, the Anointed written by Sam Chekwas,

was published by Seaburn Publishing

2. I participated at the following art exhibits in NYC:

a) May 23, 2010 - "One of Us" Illustrators exhibit At the Book Culture,
sponsored by Tilbury House, Publishers.

b) May 21, 2010 - " Art Eon Art Festival" at LaMama Galleria

c) July 3, 2010 - "The Pearl Project" at The Theatre Row Lounge Gallery

d) Aug. 24, 2010 - " CBIG Magic & Dragons " at The Jefferson Market Library

3.I was included in a featured article in the New York Times, June 2010.

4.I illustrated TCNJ's Center for Academic Success college academic planner and booklets.

5. Illustrated a website banner for " Milk & Coffee" about travel and cooking

6.I Designed the 2010 annual CBIG (Childrens Book Illustrators Group) postcard

7. My 2010 artist promotional postcard was out.

8.I sold three original paintings to European collectors from France and The UK.

9.Traveled to London and Paris where I visited my daughter who was studying at the University there.

10. Started my " Little Boracay Beach kid Series" for a Beach resort in the Philippines.

11. Worked on a children's book on Yoga which will be published in 2011.

Barack the Anointed One: Children's Book I Illustrated

2010-12-22T11:02:00.000-05:00

Just in time for Kwanza, Christmas and the Holiday Season,

the childrens book I illustrated is finally published and available at the Publishers site.

It will also be available at Amazons soon and I will post it here in my blog as
well at My Facebook Artist page.

The book, entitled Barack the Anointed One is about the birth of an African boy that will change history.

I illustrated and also designed the book cover below:

CBIG(Childrens Book Illstrators Group) Postcard I designed

2010-12-15T12:47:00.002-05:00

Here is the CBIG(Childrens Book Illstrators Group) Postcard I designed this year:

I just signed up again this year as an officer of the

Childrens Book Illustartors Group ( CBIG) based in New York City.

This is our official CBIG 2010 Promo postcard sent to several publishing houses this year.

Here is my Illustration Portfolio at the CBIG website

Madonna Davidoff Exhibits with CBIG in New York City

2010-08-24T17:52:00.000-04:00

You are all Invited to:

How I created the Book Cover Illustration of The Reluctant Dragon:

Step 1: I made some rough sketches of the Dragon and the boy:

Sketch #1 Sketch #2

Step 2: I chose Sketch # 2 with the image of the boy standing up.
then, I made a digital color study of it:

Step3: I transfered the image to a watercolor paper and painted it in gouache:

Step 4: I finally designed the book cover digitally, using Photoshop:

Remembering Bali

2010-08-13T04:48:00.005-04:00

With the opening of the film Eat, Pray, Love ( starring Julia Roberts) today, I couldn't help but think about how Bali, an Island in Indonesia , and where I was just a year ago, will be portrayed by Hollywood.
Even before the book, Eat, Pray, Love became a bestseller, I already was traveling to Bali several times and even stayed there to learn batik painting and also attended the Ubud Writers Festival. I actually blogged about it last year and so I am going to repost it again here.

So here goes.... My Bali trip 2009:

I am staying again at Ubud Inn (where the author Elizabeth Gilbert of the book "Eat Pray Love" mentioned meeting one of the Staff of Ubud Inn named Mario or I Nengah Urip -his Balinese name) at Monkey Forest Road, in Ubud Bali.

Reconnecting with Friends in Bali:

One of the things I like about traveling are meeting people and making friends from different parts of the world. On one of my trip to Bali two years ago, I met Chantal from Belgium who is now living in Ubud.

Below, Chantal (to the right) and I having lunch at Lotus Pond,
a beautiful restraurant in Ubud overlooking a Balinese Temple:

We are having Reistafel for lunch: Bon Appetit!

Chantal worked for a book company in Belgium until deciding to give t all up and move to Bali. She is an astrologer and also designs some handicrafts. She just moved into a very cute balinese house with her dog and cat.

Chantal’s cute home in Bali:

I am relaxing at Chantals front garden:

Jasmine from South Africa:

I made a new friend in Bali. Her name is Jasmine and we met in the plane from my flight from Singapore to Bali. We were seatmates and found out that we were staying near each other in Ubud. It is Jasmine's first trip to Bali and she is here to participate in a Yoga retreat.

Here we are( Jasmine and Madonna) in this fantastic restaurant in Ubud called Bebek Bengil where they serve a delicious meal of Crispy Duck, a Balinese delicacy.

More of Madonna and Jasmine in Ubud, Bali:

Our Dessert:Sinfull Balinese chocolate cake and Balinese Rose wine:

Maritel , a childhood friend from Australia:

I am happy to see my friend Maritel again. Maritel and I went to the same private all-girls school in Manila called Maryknoll College. She came to Bali for a couple of days to hang out with me. Yours truly with Maritel overlooking one of the Rice Terraces :

More of Madonna & Maritel by the rice terraces:

Madonna & Maritel With a Balinese Farmer:

Maritel and Madonna at the Ubud open market where you can buy lots of Balinese handicrafts, paintings, batiks , cermamics, etc.

Below, with a Balinese lady vendor wearing her traditional Balinese costume called Kebaya:

Madonna and Maritel Having a meal in a restaurant by the Rice terraces:

Hanging out in cafes and restaurants in Ubud, Bali, both located in Monkey Forest Road :

Below is Mario ( my Balinese Guide) and I in front of the water pond Garden in Ubud Inn: Mario Speaks several languages and I was able to converse with him in English and French since I also speak French , so I was very much impressed with him. He also speaks a little bit of German, having studied it in school here in Bali. He plans to take me to the famous healer/palm reader named Ketut Liyer ( also mentioned in Gilbert's book) in Ubud. I am looking forward to have my palm read. I recommend Mario as a guide/driver to anyone coming to Ubud. His email is mariourip@yahoo.com.

This is my second time here in Ubud Inn and myseventh time in Bali. Yes, I love the island so much i keep coming back. Below is my little "Bungalow with my own walkway leading to the front porch.

I enjoy staying at this place , the staff is very nice:

and it has a beautiful garden landscape with salt water pool.

It also has wireless connection from the front restaurant where I am blogging this.
My front door, beautiful Balinese architectural design :

My simple Balinese bed : In some of the other places that I had stayed, in Bali ,
the furnishings are more intricate then the one I have below, but this bed is one of the most comfortable I've ever slept in--like a baby. I like firm matresses it's better for the back.

This is where I eat my breakfast: Normally I order typical balinese Banana pancake topped with coconut and a bowl of tropical fruits such as papaya, pineappla and banana. I also enjoy a cup of rich Balinese coffee which is a lot stronger than American coffee.

Madonna Davidoff and Palm Reader in Bali:

As I have planned, I went to visit Ketut Liyer the Palm Reader of Ubud, Bali.

I am glad that I went to his home early since I was the second person there and more people were coming from all over the world:

Ketut Liyer's home and gallery with some of his mystical paintings:

Ketut Liyer reading my palm: He says I will live to be 103 years old and that I will have good Karma when I get reborn and that I should persue a carreer in publishing ( I'm already an illustrator) I wonder if he says this to everybody...

Anyway, wether I believe his predictions or not--at least it was fun to see him.
He is now 90 years old.

Below, Liyer reading my Palm:

Liyers hand and mine:

I sketched him while reading other people's palm and I let him sign my skctch:

In exchange, at the end of our palm reading session, Liyer ask me to sign his guestbook:

After my visit to Liyer, Yvonne from Holland whom I met at the reading, decided to eat lunch together at a Warung ,a local balinese foodstand:

A typical Warung Balinses Food: Nasi Campur:

After lunch, I took a walk to Monkey Forest:

More street scenes of Ubud:

When I reached Ubud Inn, I tried playing with the ANGKLUNG or balinese xylophone:

In the evening, I met up with my good friend Maritel foran aperitif at Cafe Wayan:

Good chilled Mojitos:

Then for dinner at another restaurant:

Reconnecting with Friends in Bali:

April 20, 2009
Before leaving Bali for Hanoi, Vietnam I made sure I went to some spas in Bali.
All tanned from swimming, I am realxing after a massage at one of my favorite Spas in UBud: The Sangrila Spa and Verona Spa:

Maritel and I after our full body massage and Lulur Balinese scrub finished off with a soak in petal flower bath at the Verona Spa in Mokey Forest Road, Ubud. Bali:

The facility at Verona SPA:

An Invitation:

2010-07-06T16:25:00.000-04:00

My Painting Exhibited at Theatre Row, New York City

2010-07-03T04:44:00.001-04:00

As part of the Pearl Project (First Filipino American Theater Festival), I was invited to exhibit my painting at the Theatre Row Lounge Gallery on 42nd St.in New York City. This exhibit is curated by Obie award winner, Ching Valdes-Aran. Opening will be on July 2 and the show will run until July 25.

My Postcard Design for CBIG

2010-06-24T05:16:00.001-04:00

As a member of CBIG and one of its officer, I am designing once again the official

CBIG ( Children's Book Illustrators Group) postcard 2010.

The deadline for submissions of artwork was June 20 so I am busy working at it right now.

I used Indesign in creating the postcard ( front and back side)

This time, it will be in a bigger format of 8.5" x 5.5"

Formed since 1987, CBIG is a Children's Book Illustrator Group based in New York City.

Maria Madonna Davidoff in the New York Times

2010-06-20T16:25:00.002-04:00

I was one of the artists featured today in the New York Times (Metropolitan Section) The article is entitled Summer Rituals, Painting in the Park

In the article, I was mentioned as a freelance childrens book illustrator who does plein-air painting in Central Park. In this online version, a photo of my artwork is not shown but is shown in the printed version of the New York Times, June 20, 2010. To read about me, scroll down the link to about the middle of the article.

This is a painting (watercolor and ink rendering) I did today in Central Park.

Once again, I've included a Little Girl character by the Turtle Pond.

I used Central Park as a backdrop for a story that seems to be evolving visually in my head .

A little girl character keeps on appearing in my Central Park painting series.

Her name is Marilyn.

Below, just resting after a few hours of painting:

Painting in Central Park, NYC

2010-06-03T18:14:00.007-04:00

Here I am, sketching in the Turtle Pond, Central Park NYC

I've always enjoyed painting outdoors especially during my travels and
I actually have a portable studio which I can easily carry with me wherever I go.
I found this artist traveling bag which holds a lot of things

like brushes, watercolor pencils, mini sketch pad, etc:

Below is the artist travel pouch which I can tie around my waist and

inside this artist travel pouch are some tools and materials below:

Another view of the my artist travel pouch with some mini-sketch pad and watercolor papers:

Here is my favorite tool: a brush that you can put water inside
( no need to dip in water anymore)
I found this brush while traveling to Tokyo, Japan, but
some art stores now in th US carries them.

Here is a really small and cute but handy material I have, the size of a business card:
A mini colored pencil case with its own miniature sharpener:

At the Turtle Pond, Central Park NYC

Madonna Davidoff with their paintings

created in Turtle Pond, Central Park NYC

and below is my painting entitled" Little Girl in Central Park"

I used watercolor pencils and colored pencils to create this:

Illustrators Exhibit at Book Culture and Book Launching, NYC

2010-05-25T19:39:00.003-04:00

I participated in the "One of Us" Illustrators exhibit at Book Culture,

at 536 West 112th Street, NYC on May 24 - 28, 2010.

The show consisted of original post card sized art, 6 x 4" done by proffesional and published illustrators. The exhibit was sponsored by Tilbury House, Publishers and a dinner reception was followed at Community Food restaurant. All illustrations are for sale to benefit Powered by Girl.

Some photos from the event:
all photo credit: Leo Armamento

Madonna Davidoff in front of Book Culture, NYC

Madonna and Penny Weber signing a book she illustrated entitle " One of Us"

The book launching of "One of us" authored
by Peggy Moss and illustrated by Penny Weber

The Illustrators exhibit

Madonna Davidoff and her postcard size illustration

Madonna Davidoff illustration above

CBIG( Childrens Book Illustrators Group) members:

Madonna Davidoff, Patricia Keeler and Marilyn Pappas

Sara McGinnis from Tilbury House Publishers and
a musician who entertained during the event

Madonna Davidoff and her Artist Bio and artworks in the Art Book

Madonna Davidoff and Sarah McGinnis

Carol, Mitchel,Madonna and Mariln at the reception in Community Food Restaurant

Reception above

At the ARTEON Opening Reception : La Mama Galeria NYC

2010-05-23T15:14:00.005-04:00

I exhibited one of my " Traveling Scroll Series" entitled: From Manila to New York.

at the ArtEon Art Festival ,a ten-day exhibit from May 20- 30,2010 at the La MaMa La Galleria on 6 East 1st St. New York City. This event promoted a spirit of collaboration that brought together established and emerging talents from different parts of the world. ARTEON members from Manila, Athens, Berlin, Japan and many others were represented.

Below are some pictures from the Art Opening reception last Friday:

Madonna Davidoff with scroll painting

My mix-media scroll paintings were inspired by the different countries I have lived in and visited. These scrolls are a combination of digital, linocut printing and traditional painting methods. My works combine mythological symbols and urban icons in a playful fusion of modern Western and Eastern motifs, such as skyscrapers, zeppelins as well as snakes and volcanoes. Arranged in thematic series, my works include paintings, watercolors and prints that offer rich tableaux of both primitive and modern forms.
In these scrolls, I draw upon numerous motifs, which are native to the Philippines and other Asian-Pacific cultures. Some of these works include autobiographical exploration of the subconscious through dream images and fantasy with playful juxtapositions of Eastern and Western motifs.
My work was included in a Symposium on The History of Philippine-American Art and the Swiss Artist Events from the Swiss Consulate Cultural Section in New York City and has been reviewed by a Washington Post art critic who wrote, ”Of the thirty three works on view at the Foundry Gallery, I liked Maria Madonna Davidoff’s mix-media scrolls..."

Madonna Davidoff and guests at the opening:

( photo credit above Edwin Datoc)

Madonna Davidoff with more guests below:

Other artists'works at the exhibit

Madonna Davidoff with Rowena & Marietta

John , Bart, Madonna and Rosangela

ARTEON ART FESTIVALis presented by La MaMa e.t.c.: a project of ARTEON New York Art Foundation Inc. and ArtExite.

Another Invitation to All: Madonna Davidoff Illustration Exhibit

2010-05-23T12:23:00.001-04:00

A Reminder for May 24, 2010 (Monday) Illustrators Exhibit and Dinner Reception:

On May 24,2010 ( Monday) - One of my illustrations will be exhibited during the book launching of a children's Book called" One of Us" sponsored by Tilbury House, Publishers.
The launching will be at The Book Culture (536 West 112th Street, NYC) at 6 pm and the the exhibit will remain up at Book Culture through the end of the week.

The dinner reception will be in a different place---at the Community Food, 2893 Broadway ( bet. 112th & 113th Street) from 8:30-10pm. Tickets for the dinner receptiion may be purchased here: http://oneofus.eventbrite.com

Here is my Illustration exhibited at Book Culture:

You are all Invited to my Art Opening Tonight!

2010-05-21T09:30:00.000-04:00

photo credits: Leo Armamento

ARTEON ART FESTIVAL at LaMama La Galleria

Artists' reception on May 21, (Friday) from 6-9 P.M.

6 East 1st Street (between 2nd Avenue and Bowery)

Gallery phone: (212) 505-2476

ARTEON ART FESTIVALis presented by La MaMa e.t.c.: a project of ARTEON New York Art Foundation Inc. and ArtExite.

I will be exhibiting one of my " Traveling Scroll Series" entitled: From Manila to New York.

Illustration Friday Theme: "Equipment" ( No need for fancy "equipment" )

2010-05-18T06:55:00.001-04:00

An illustration I created for a book entitled "Ranji the Baker"

Also my entry for Illustration Friday's theme "EQUIPMENT"

Illustration Friday is a weekly illustration challenge.

A topic is posted every Friday and then participants

have all week to come up with their own interpretation.

Hmmn...Just a few of my digital Illustrations:

2010-05-11T06:22:00.000-04:00

Woke up early today and did this in Photoshop--

I'm starting a new series of digital works for my licensing portfolio.

This weekend is the Surtex show in New York City and I will be attending.

You can find all the latest trend on artwork, licensors and designers all over the world in this show and its a great place for finding business and networking opportunities in the art and design world.