PHOTOS OF SHOW:
http://www.civilianbasics.com/outofhand2.html
We had a great party and a great turnout. I would really like to thank everyone who made this night a great success. Here are some more photos of the show.. all of the artists work is here until December 19th!
The artists… sans Barry… he was downstairs.
Add comment December 9th, 2009
First I want to thank the folks that were there, the people who got the real feeling of the event, and those who contributed, and those who contribute in the future, if it goes further. It was warm, and real, and wonderful.
As the old saying goes.. “No Good Deed goes Unpunished”, and boy, do I feel all beat up. After repeated bouts with attempting to figure out what happened yesterday surrounding the “Glam Jane Sham PAIN..” fundraiser, I have come down to a few things.
1. I have no idea why we are in this world, except to procreate and make more confused people.
2. Creating a life that resonates with meaning, is only meaningful to the life that is creating the meaning.
3. I am an artist, not a buddhist. I am ego driven. It is what makes life interesting and vital. And those who say their intentions are totally pure, are liars.
4. “You can’t please everyyone, so ya, gotta please yourself”…
5. I still believe wholeheartedly in the power of art and music to make this whole confusing mess called “LIFE” make some sort of sense and create some place to heal and grow.
5. I really wish that Nancy Roselli did not think that I am arrogant.
6. Good art, creates STRONG reactions - pro and con. Last night, the good kissers playing elsewhere, on the night we had this fundraiser for a potential memorial foundation - in direct opposition to our event… How sweet that was.. NOT!!
7. “No Good Deed Goes Unpunished”
1 comment June 15th, 2008
Because submissions have been scant for this project, been reevaluating it and am coming at it from a different angle.
“A publication seeking to explore, expose and share the creative subtext that provides vital fuel and inspiration for our professions, our community and our spirit.”
I am adjusting my original seriously overcontrolled format.
JUST SENT ME SOME WRITTEN SHIT, GUYS.. so this can begin.
And I will happily lay it out and publish it on paper and online at no cost to you.
You can paste it into an e-mail, and attach a jpg… Then I will happily format it.
OR
You can send a .pdf or .jpg with text info and pictures and I will grab it and place it.
(remember that it is best if the resolution is nice and high 220 to 300 dpi if you want it to publish on paper without pixelating)
OR
scan or photograph something handwritten and I will publish it as is - it will be a welcome visual for the techno - weary….
OR
Bring in the thing (the words and/or the imagery to Civilian and I will scan it right then.
Right now I only have 2 items to publish. I need content.. GIVE ME CONTENT……..
1 comment March 19th, 2008
For the history … scroll down 
1 comment January 28th, 2008
“A publication seeking to explore and expose the creative subtext that provides vital fuel, (inspiration) for our professions and community.”
I would like to start a publication for the community in and around Frenchtown. Our population has many incredibly talented people. Many of these people make a living with their talent. Many more of us have professions or businesses that have the SUBTEXT of that talent/skill/passion fueling the way our money is made or the way we would rather make our living. We are artists & activitists, musicians & actors, farmers & lawyers, writers & designers, engineers & architects, gardeners & doctors & teachers & homeopaths, carpenters & politicians, and on & on….This publication would be a compilation of articles and images written and created by the professionals who want to write/photograph/advertise their event/business/talent or just employ the muse. There are a bunch of blogs and websites for our community, yet nothing to really hold in one’s hand, and have coffee with, or take back home. To actually FEEL our home. I think this publication can serve to ground us - bring us together. Also create a voice for visitors to get to know us easier.I just don’t think the DelVal News has the capacity to represent the diversity of this community, nor the desire to impliment change as far as living locally - buying locally - growing locally - eating locally - supporting each other and knowing how to do that. I think this could make all of the difference in the ever-present struggle to maintain a sense of community and defining our presence within this world.So, really, I am just “musing” a little myself, here. So that I can begin to make this project become alive. If you have any ideas of desire to help me begin, let’s start talking!!
THE inspiration…
When Barry & I went across country last Spring, we stopped in a town in Colorado. It was in a valley - was probably a miner’s town - and had a river or two that crisscrossed throughout and around. It was relatively vital, had a lot of interesting stores, and seemed to have a lot of history and community. I knew this because I picked up a little publication that was very modest, very homemade, in the luncheonette where we ate breakfast. It was put together by the cook/owner. It was filled with local stories, some ideas, a little bit of art/music/community and business all rolled up together. It was named after the luncheonette. (Wish I can remember the name the of the town & restaurant, but we drove through so many places, it has become a blur.) But the impact remained. I was intrigued with the place, becoming envious of the community and how connected they all seemed. We stayed longer than we planned and really did not want to leave. Without that publication I would have had no inside info into the spirit of the town.Because I was coming back home to open “CIVILIAN”, it became one of the memorable “good & fun business” ideas that followed me back home. I wanted to put together a little publication that mimicked the one in Colorado, combined with the memory of “CREO” - do any of you remember the little publication of about 6 issues, that Jane Nash, Chuck Yax and I put together? - and call it the “Frenchtown Civilian”So, with the reality that good energy, creativity, intelligence and activism can change the world - change OUR world, help me begin. My thought is that it can be funded by the people who publish in it. We can easily print it up to 11×17 - newsprint - BW. I have only the thought created thus far… so any ideas are really so, so welcome.val
6 comments December 8th, 2007
Please join us!
Sunday of Columbus Day weekend, October 7, 2007, is the final painting day for completion of the Tree of Life mural. Donors, pay a visit to choose where your name will appear in the mural and see the young mural artists at work.
The fund drive is still in progress. Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated. And, it’s not too late to have your name added! Donations of $200 will get your name integrated into the graphic on the wall in 2″ letters.
Some of you may have noticed the group of teenagers at work on the mural on the north side of 108 Harrison Street in Frenchtown. Who said ‘yes’ to this project? Well, River Union Stage said, “Yes, we would love to have this project be included in the RUS Outreach Program to help fuel the endless flow of imagination!” And about 15 area teens said “Yes, we would love to paint this mural,” and Michael Padovan, the building’s owner, said “Yes, a great project!” And Frenchtown’s Planning Board said, “Yes!” And Val Sivilli of Civilian Basics said “Yes, let’s go for it!”
Val adds, “So, now it’s your turn to say ‘yes’ to such a lovely fundraiser for our local theater group, who have brought Shakespeare, Puppet Theater, Film Festivals, plays and New Works Readings to our town - with a great commitment to the arts. I’m proud to be guiding this process and making the arts a physical presence in Frenchtown.”
Many thanks to donors Civilian Basics, The Frenchtown Pharmacy, Two Buttons, the Petivan-St. Onge family, local residents Catherine Lent and Pat Griffith, as well as all who have been adding to area collection jars.
Tax deductable donations can be made at Civilian Basics, by mailing your check to River Union Stage, PO Box 333, Frenchtown, NJ, 08825, or by American Express, Visa or MasterCard by calling RUS at 908-996-3685.
for more information, visit Civilian Basics blog
http://www.riverunionstage.org/
Add comment September 19th, 2007
As of today, Frenchtown Pharmacy and Two Buttons have contributed $200.00 each to have their names incorporated onto the mural. Of course, the mural is not completed as yet. Kids are starting sports at Del Val, and get really tired because it’s been hot, and they are a bit out of shape. We figure we have until October to finish painting, and as parts of the mural become complete, we will begin to incorporate our donors names into the graphic. Caligraphy by Catherine has also donated, as well as Pat Griffith. It’s NEVER too late!!!!
Nice photos, although, I am not REALLY a MISTER, and Ripley is not REALLY my son…. She is my daughter.
Add comment August 27th, 2007
We are starting to paint again Thursday 8-22, Friday 8-23 & Saturday 8-24. Come on down!
Add comment August 21st, 2007
If you haven’t noticed, the mural has started! We began early Saturday morning, and we are painting today, too. Come on down!
Add comment August 13th, 2007
ON THIS WALL… at 108 Harrison St.a mural is planned as a fundraiser for River Union Stages’ Community Outreach Program.You can donate any amount from $10 $ up. But, if you Donate over $200.00, your name will be integrated into the donor list painted directly into the graphic on the wall. If you would like to donate, please send your check or money order made out to River Union Stage. No donation is too small - or, of course, too big.River Union StagePO Box 333Frenchtown, NJ 08825Collection Jars will be placed around town for smaller donations.
Add comment August 9th, 2007