Crit Clusters are Side Street Projects’ new professional practices program for visual artists in LA County. Crit Clusters are mobile, moderated critique groups that combine studio visit and business skill seminar. Clusters launch mid-March, 2010. Tuition is $180 for 8 weeks and includes the textbook plus a one year artist membership to Side Street Projects. Sign up on-line below, or call (626) 798-7774.

- EAST SIDE CLUSTER - 8 Weeknights, 7pm-10pm (Starts mid-March, Dates TBD) - WEST SIDE CLUSTER - 8 Weeknights, 7pm-10pm (Starts mid-March, Dates TBD) - VALLEY CLUSTER - 8 Saturdays, 10am-1pm March 20 - May 8th

These are solar-powered contraptions designed and built by 3rd grade students in Los Angeles aboard Side Street Projects’ Woodworking Bus. Students were shown examples of historical & contemporary kinetic/contraption art, including Jean Tinguley, Alexander Calder, Tim Hawkinson, and Martin Kersels. The following footage is from the “group show” the students put on for their families and classmates.

The following are examples of student-designed projects built aboard Side Street Project’s Woodworking Buses — mobile wood shops aboard renovated transit buses where kids age 5-11 learn about art & design using only hand tools, raw materials, and their imagination. These are not “woodworking kits” mind you, these are unique designs that kids envisioned and fabricated by themselves from raw pine stock.

What a fantastic evening! Good food, good drink, good friends, and a great cause. Bookmeat was a success on many levels. We’re so grateful for everyone that came out and showed their love for Side Street. For those who were “there in spirit,” here’s a little 2 minute video of what went down @ Bookmeat. Enjoy.

Martin Kersels gave us his 1996 McMaster-Carr catalog! Oh my god, I’m literally trembling. This is a piece of art history, folks. This is THE catalog Martin used & consulted whilst constructing most of his early contraptions, sculptures, and installations. It also includes a (partial) list of the things he’s ordered from this catalog… many of which are immediately identifiable to fans of Martin’s work. Thanks Martin, this is amazing!

Michael Dee contributed a copy of “Fortunate Son,” the unauthorized and unflattering bio of George W. Bush (remember him?). Tucked inside is a beautiful pencil drawing by Michael of a supersonic F-102 Delta Dagger Interceptor — George’s training aircraft from his Air National Guard days.

Artist Jean Lowe contributed a copy of “Diet for a Small Planet,” a book that she read as a child which had a huge influence on her art career. But wait! When we say “copy” of the book, It’s not the kind of “copy” you’re thinking about… it’s a papier-mache copy of the book!

Did you know that Mark has the most beautiful handwriting we’ve ever seen? You’ve got to see it to believe it… it’s like 18th century penmanship. Crazy. Mark contributed a copy of “Black Like You,” a history of blackface & whiteface in American history. Included is a hand-written note by Mark with beautiful doodle drawings in the margins. We love you, Mark… thanks!

Andrea Bowers donated an enhanced version of the “Earth First Direct Action Manual.” Andrea’s work for the past 5 years of so has investigated the strategic use of both violence & non-violence in civil disobedience. This could be yours if you come to Bookmeat.

We’re blown away by Carmen’s amazing & hand-made book: full of portraits she did of characters whilst watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy! Holy fan art, Batman! Life and art intertwined — a day of watching movies beautifully recorded by Carmen for Bookmeat. This could be yours… if you come to Bookmeat!