When: August 6
What: With his bold use of color and iconic interpretation of both famous and everyday images, Andy Warhol is one of the most famous artists of the 20th century. Recognize Warhol’s contributions to art and culture by celebrating his birthday on August 6.
Background: Born Andrew Warhola in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania’s Oakland neighborhood, Andy Warhol later changed his name and moved to New York in 1949 to become a commercial artist, working for clients such as Glamour magazine, NBC and Vogue. In the 1950s, he turned to drawing and painting, and he also began experimenting with silk screen printing. In the ‘60s, Warhol became more involved with pop art, painting mass-produced objects as well as creating prints of photographs, most notably of Marilyn Monroe. Warhol also experimented with avant-garde film techniques, and he was well known for his (pre-digital) social networking. Today, his paintings are among the most expensive ever sold.
Story Pitch: Artists and designers of all kinds can take advantage of this event. Freelance artists and designers, art galleries, and corporate firms specializing in design services can all promote their work by highlighting samples that share similar formal and thematic elements with Warhol’s (bold colors, engagement with pop culture or mass-produced objects). Clothing and fashion companies can also showcase items that either directly feature famous Warhol images or that have been inspired by Warhol’s style and persona. In addition, because Warhol’s artwork centered so heavily around consumer objects, retailers carrying items found in Warhol’s art (Campbell’s Soup, Brillo pads, Coca-Cola) can also pitch around this day, especially if it aligns with ongoing sales of the aforementioned items.
Story Hook: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the manufacturing industry employs more graphic designers than any other industry, although roughly 24 percent of graphic designers are self-employed. How can artists and designers elevate a brand from a simple image to a culturally recognizable icon? Keep the following in mind when making your pitch:
- How can organizations connect with artists and designers to create new content?
- What are the best opportunities for graphic artists or designers to promote their work?
- What images have gone viral in the past couple of years? What do these images have in common?
- How can organizations incorporate newer artistic media, such as GIFs and Vines, into their creative content?
Tips: An art professor or historian, or a museum curator, can provide insight into Warhol’s work as well as its impact on art and culture. A contemporary artist or designer whose work has been inspired by Warhol’s can bring in personal elements and describe what makes Warhol a creative icon.
Resources:
National Endowment for the Arts
(202) 682-5400
http://arts.gov
The Andy Warhol Foundation
(212) 387-7555
info(at)warholfoundation.org
www.warholfoundation.org
The Andy Warhol Museum
(412) 237-8300
information(at)warhol.org
www.warhol.org
United States Artists
(312) 470-6325
www.unitedstatesartists.org
Event Dates from CHASE’S Calendar of Events
