Street Labs: DRAW NYC

October 2021

Have you ever wanted to learn how to wheat paste? Do you have questions about collage, drawing, or watercolor techniques? Want to learn how to use your creative voice for positive social change? If so, please join artist Annika Connor in partnership with Street Lab on October 20th from 12-2pm in Hudson Square at DRAW NYC an open-air drawing studio. 

Annika will be on hand teaching art techniques she uses in her own studio practice and demonstrating different ways in which anyone can tap into their imagination to get their ideas on to the page. 

Designed for New Yorkers of all ages, free art supplies will be provided as well as staff on hand to help you get started. 

So come on over, sit down, pick up materials, and begin drawing. Annika Connor is fully vaccinated and will be at the outdoor DRAW Lab on King St between Greenwich St and Hudson St (Hudson Square) from 12-2pm. *Rain date of October 27th should the weather require it.

This event is FREE and open to the public. No tickets or RSVP is required. 

DRAW NYC is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. For more information about the Street Lab program please visit: https://www.streetlab.org/programming-nyc-public-space/draw/

Annika Connor is a Brooklyn based fine artist. She is the proud recipient of the City Artist Corps Grant sponsored by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA), the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME), the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA), and the Queens Theatre. For more information about her work and upcoming events please join her mailing list here: https://www.annikaconnor.com/contact

NY City Artist Corps

City

Artist Corps

Sponsored by the NY City Department of Cultural Affairs, the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media & Entertainment, the New York Foundation for the Arts, & the Queens Theatre.

July, 2021

I am delighted to announce that I am the proud recipient of the City Artist Corps Grant sponsored by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA), the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME), the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA), and the Queens Theatre.

I am so grateful to be selected to receive such an opportunity and I look forward to doing my part to help revitalize the New York Arts Community.

I have earmarked my award money for a Bootcamp for Artists and Activists alike who want to learn how to best use their Creative Voice and put their Imagination on a path to creating positive change. 

I will be launching this initiative in the Fall of 2021 to teach Creatives and Change Makers how to leverage their talents to create positive social development.

Those who know me well, you know that Art, Activism, and making good in the world are all missions close to my heart. Using my own Art to help amplify that intention is a big part of my Life’s purpose. 

This program is something I have dreamed of hosting for a long time and it will be designed to include both Kids and Adults.

Thanks to the generosity of the Artist Corps Grant, this event will be FREE to attend and live-streamed and recorded so that non-New Yorkers, or those who do not yet want to attend in person events, can watch it at their leisure.

Stay tuned for more details on this project.  

The City Artist Corps Grant is part of a $25 million dollar initiative designed to help support NYC based artists. I am one of the 500 artists who was selected in the first round cycle of the Grant. 

Sign up for my mailing list here to be there first to receive registration details. 

If you are a Creator who is reading this feel free to be in touch to find out how your skillsets may be of assistance. 

Creatives FOR Ossoff & Warnock

Please use the power of your vote for the great state of Georgia and elect Jon Ossoff and Reverend Warnock. Early voting has begun and the polls are open on January 5th, 2021 from 7 am to 7 pm. Find your polling location at electjon.com/vote.electjo…

Please use the power of your vote for the great state of Georgia and elect Jon Ossoff and Reverend Warnock. Early voting has begun and the polls are open on January 5th, 2021 from 7 am to 7 pm. Find your polling location at electjon.com/vote.

electjon.com warnockforgeorgia.com Art work ©Annika Connor

December 2020

As a Georgia native, I have teamed up with the campaigns to elect Jon Ossoff and Reverend Warnock and collaborated with Creatives FOR on a postcard election reminder that is being mailed out to voters across the state of GA.

These cards are featuring my art and the art of three other artists are being mailed out as we speak. Early voting has begun so if you can vote in GA please help to elect Jon Ossoff and Reverend Warnock!

As we step into the future America is facing many critical issues.

During the Presidential campaign, I teamed up with Creatives FOR Biden, an artists collective that created artworks to help highlight what our Democratic platform and candidates stand FOR.

Many of these same issues are at the heart of the important upcoming Georgia Senate election.

Democrats must gain control of the Senate so the Biden administration can help our Georgia families and the entire country.

Please use the power of your vote for the great state of Georgia and elect Jon Ossoff and Reverend Warnock. Early voting has begun and the polls are open on January 5th from 7 am to 7 pm. Find your polling location at electjon.com/vote.

electjon.com warnockforgeorgia.com

My painting Because of You is being used to illustrate how both candidates stand for Education Reform and will fight to prioritize the children and the rights to a good safe and equal education.

The back of the postcard

The back of the postcard

This painting is available for sale via The Untitled Space.

Because of You

16” x 20”

Oil on Linen

©️Annika Connor

Here is a look at the postcards by the other four artists which are also being mailed out:

Postcard art by ©Keith Skeen

Postcard art by ©Keith Skeen

Art work by ©Ansen Seale

Art work by ©Ansen Seale

Postcard art work by © Melissa T. Hall

Postcard art work by © Melissa T. Hall

Art work by ©Ansen Seale

Art work by ©Ansen Seale

Back in 2017 I campaigned with my mother knocking on doors for Jon Ossoff.

While I was sad he did not win then, I am excited by the hope I have for his 2021 success!

My Mom and I in 2017 when we went door to door handing out signs for Ossoff’s campaign.

My Mom and I in 2017 when we went door to door handing out signs for Ossoff’s campaign.

Together we can make a difference! Use your talents and do what you can to get your friends and neighbors to vote. For information about early voting and to find your poll location click here.

Creatives FOR Biden

lawn sign

Creatives for BIDEN!

The Creative Class has a voice and Annika Connor is happy to have hers join forces with Creatives for Biden and use her art to fight for change while supporting Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.

Creatives for Biden is a community of creative people committed to using our talents and willing to take a stand to help get Biden and Harris elected.

We are optimistic by our very nature, and thus are hopeful about the future of our country; we want to provide the spark to elect a president that can create that better future. In the face of the overwhelming heartbreak and damage of the last four years, creative people around the country have been asking the question: what can we do to help? Creatives for Biden aims to help provide the answer: we will create.

Here’s what Annika has to say about it:

“I feel strongly connected to a variety of issues these days, but one of the issues I care the most about for the long term is the need for Education Reform.

The Arts & Culture sector is a cornerstone of the American economy. It adds $877 billion in value added to the economy annually, provides 4.5% of GDP, and employs 5.1 million Americans.

It’s high time for America to stop cutting education for the arts and start valuing the creative mind by funding teachers properly and enabling the next generation of artists by equipping them with supplies and creative classes to develop the imagination of the generations to come.

Creatives FOR Biden is using my painting Because of You to illustrate Joe Biden’s plans for Education Reform.

Read all about it here: https://creativesforbiden.org/artworks/education-reform/annika-connor/

This piece is about the love of reading and the celebration of instilling that joy of knowledge in children through library and literacy programs.

Biden believes Education Reform is essential as teachers should be supported with resources and they shouldn’t have to take on all of these responsibilities and costs on their own. Read more about Biden’s plan here: https://joebiden.com/education/

You can show your support for this issue too by getting an 18” x 24” FOR Education Reform weather-resistant lawn sign here.

To see the other causes I care about and the creative campaign’s that I have lent Creatives for Biden my artwork for scroll through this gallery and click the links to read about Biden’s thoughts on each issue.”

FOR Essential Workers:

https://creativesforbiden.org/artworks/essential-workers/annika-connor/

FOR Restoring American Leadership:

https://creativesforbiden.org/artworks/restoring-american-leadership/annika-connor/

FOR Unions:

https://creativesforbiden.org/artworks/unions/annika-connor/

FOR Women’s Rights:

https://creativesforbiden.org/artworks/womens-rights/annika-connor/

FOR Environmental Justice:

https://creativesforbiden.org/artworks/environmental-justice/annika-connor/

FOR Crisis Leadership:

https://creativesforbiden.org/artworks/crisis-leadership/annika-connor/

Over the coming months, Creatives FOR Biden will provide outlets, projects, and initiatives for creatives to contribute their talent.

Details to come.

Sign up online for the Creatives for Biden mailing list on their website or PM me your email address to annikasartshop@gmail.com if you want to be added my list.


Point Suite Contemporary Art Book

The Point Suite Contemporary Art Book is a unique endeavor created and produced by artists Annika Connor and Nicholas Papadakis to document and share the artworks of their extended community. Featuring a wide
array of local and international painters, sculptors, print makers, and photographers The Point Suite Contemporary Art Book presents the art of the next generation of up and coming artists.

Capturing an idea, a conversation, a moment in time, is something all artists seek to do. Toni Morrison says, “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” The Point Suite Fine Art Book is Active Ideas Productions answer to that challenge. AIP hopes that the artists in this collection will inspire, that the images will entice, and that this book will highlight for you some of the fresh new art that is currently being created. 

The Point Suite Contemporary Art Book is for sale on Amazon for $35 here.

 

Art Scarves: Annika Connor by ShawLux 

The NY based luxury scarf brand, ShawLux, has teamed up with artist Annika Connor to create a special line of scarves and pocket squares highlighting the original artwork of painter, Annika Connor.

The Annika Connor by ShawLux collection blends the uniqueness of an original painting with the wearability of a functional and chic accessory. 

Combining ShawLux’s expertise of printing on high quality fabrics with Connor’s vibrant and beautiful art, this new line of stunning scarves fuses fine art with fashion. The resulting collection, Annika Connor by ShawLux, is a vibrant and unique line of functional beauty.  

For the initial release of this line, Connor has chosen 9 paintings to be digitally printed on ladies’ cashmere/silk scarves and men’s silk pocket squares.  By removing the art from the gallery walls and placing it on the body, Annika Connor by ShawLux introduces the imaginative into the everyday; allowing the wearer to add a splash of color to any look. 

Wallpaper & Textile Design for Cavern Home 

Wallpaper & Textile Design for Cavern Home 

Pulling imagery directly from Connor's paintings, the Annika Connor for Cavern Home collection celebrates her recurring motifs of chandeliers and flowers. 

Using the paintings as inspiration, Cavern and Connor have created ornate and lovely patterns which are all hand silk screened on wallpaper or linen.

Chandelier 2

This exciting new collaboration has been designed exclusively for Cavern and is available for sale now here.

Birthday Card for Trader Joes

IMG_0924.JPG

Birthday Card for Trader Joes

Annika Connor had the opportunity to produce and design a birthday card for Trader Joes. Connor used her painting Peacock Portrait as inspiration for her final design. 

If you are interested in purchasing a card, you can find the nearest Trader Joe's location here.

Peacock Portrait

 As well, if you would like to collaborate with Annika on designing a greeting card with another one of her paintings, you can can contact her here. 

Album Cover for Paul Michiels

Annika Connor’s painting  Avec le Coeu used as the album cover for musician Paul Michiels.

Annika's paintings are often inspired and moved by music, thus she was thrilled to work with Michiels, and have her painting as the album cover, Let's You & Me.

Avec le Coeur

You Can find Michiel's music on itunesor if you would like a hard copy of his album, you can visit your nearest HMV, or any other music album store. 

Little Paper Planes - Prints

For those individuals who prefer prints over original paintings, Annika Connor collaborated with Little Paper Planes to make it readily available to purchase a selection of prints from her interior painting series. 

All the original works were made with watercolors.  These prints were 8.5 x 11"  and were offered individually. They were printed with Epson Ultra Chrome archival inks on Hahnemuhle German etching paper. The sizes reflect actual paper size, not image size. 

Each print was hand numbered, in an edition of 50, along with Connor's signature printed in the border. Each print also comes with a Certificate of Authenticity printed on the back. 

 

Paperback by Annika Connor - From Here Until Tomorrow

Conjuring extraordinary scenes of visual decadence, Annika Connor's paintings reflect her continued fascination with moments of extreme beauty in our contemporary world. In shimmering, radiant jewel-tones, her watercolors invite the viewer into everyday but exceptional encounters - through sun-dappled forests, past daffodil-strewn fields, across a neighbour's deserted yard and into a maze of rococo interiors.

Her compositions present the complex dichotomy of the nature morte or vanitas: reinforcing the transience of beauty and life, and simultaneously, promising to capture it for the viewer forever. 

To purchase a copy of Annika Connor's paperback book, you can visit her shop, as well as her amazon page. 

 

 

 

Watercolor Lesson's with Session's College

Throughout this intensive three-lesson course, you'll try out traditional techniques including various washes, glazes, scumbles, resists, and more, and learn how to make the techniques part of your personal painting style. The course begins with a look at the materials and how to make the most of them, and you'll explore watercolor's unique properties by creating a color grid. Your lessons wrap up with a look at prominent watercolor artists, how to shape your style and choose intriguing subjects, and how to articulate your ideas into individual paintings and painting series.

Each lesson introduces theory and techniques hands-on, which you'll further apply in several complete paintings. Accomplished watercolor artist Annika Connor guides you and provides professional critique to help develop your work.

 
 

Obama Campaign Ad for MoveOn.org

In 2012 I acted in two Obama Election campaign ads. I was a part of an all-female cast in the War on Women Ad that was made by MoveOn.org.

In the ad, the female cast members read selected statements from Republicans, including recent remarks from the then-presidential candidate Rick Santorum opposing abortion in rape cases and Rush Limbaugh's criticisms of the administration's contraception mandate. To see the ads click here.

Active Ideas Productions is an innovative organization committed to the education, distribution, and development of emerging artists and the art community. 

AI Productions explores the intersection of art as a business and discovers innovative ways in which artists can collaborate to manufacture their creative endeavors while giving them a unique platform for artistic excellence. 

Formed by artist Annika Connor as a means to produce ideas she wanted to actualize outside of the studio, Active Ideas Productions is a unique artist lead endeavor that keeps the concerns and interests of the contemporary art scene in the forefront of all it creates.

The driving force behind the collaborative AIP projects is Connor’s commitment to arts education, philanthropy, and her belief that artists have an obligation to support the art they admire. 

AI Productions, Inc. is primarily funded by Connor’s own painting sales and is an artist run organization for artists about art.