Fall Update

Greetings from Cannery Works - it's Fall, 2007, and many people have requested a personal blog, separate from official news (currently entitled "Dispatch" - an old word worth reviving). The idea is to share some insights and stories regarding the creative process of artists developing their projects with Cannery Works.

With that in mind, let the blogging commence.

Timothy Briner's BOONVILLE USA:
Timothy Briner's photographic journey through small town America - "BOONVILLE USA" - has been in the works for years, a germ of an idea in Tim's imagination. He walked into the Cannery Works office in early 2006 and shared what he had: the beginning of a vision, a lot of demonstrated talent, and a passionate desire to commit to the work necessary to making the project happen. 15 months later, BOONVILLE USA is now a reality - in progress.

The taking of photos began this August, when Tim arrived in Boonville, Missouri. Boonville Economic Development Director Sarah Gallagher introduced Tim around, helped get him situated, and Tim started meeting people left and right, making connections and learning the local history, all while gaining insight into the psyche of small town America. I visited Tim about 2/3 of the way through the Missouri leg and saw firsthand the impact the town and project are having on him, and the impact he and the project are having on the town. Tim's desire to create a serious, well-researched and visceral examination of six different Boonvilles across America through original black and white photography, compiled as a limited edition monograph, is a major step for his career.

Come October, Tim will be proceeding to his third town, Boonville, New York and I encourage everyone to read more about Tim's journey by visiting http://www.boonvilleusa.com/. You can also join the support team helping Boonville USA succeed by donating - $100.00 pays for three days on the road and is a real tonic to everyone's spirit!

Cannery Works Theater Lives On:
Mel & El: This Show Rhymes - originally developed and presented by Cannery Works as our featured theater project for 2007 - continues with a one-night-only engagement at Ars Nova as part of the New York Musical Theatre Festival on September 28th at 8 PM (click here to buy tickets for this performance). Also, for your theater-going enjoyment, there are six shows conveniently spaced throughout October, November and December at The Duplex. Tickets can be purchased through the Duplex website and are $15.00 plus a two drink minimum. Seats for Mel & El have a tendency to go fast, so here's your chance to book in advance. I am extremely proud to have had Cannery Works work with Mel & El and their many talented collaborators who have brought so much energy to the emergence - and continuation - of this great new show.

FILM FEST UPDATE:
The premiere of the Cannery Works Festival of Emerging Filmmakers - featuring seven top short films from college filmmakers from all across New York State - is coming down the pike. We'll have a dispatch on the time and location of the festival's premiere for you as soon as everything is confirmed. Many special thanks to OHIO EDIT for supporting the final editing of the festival into a complete DVD.

With best wishes for peace and good art - and thanks for reading,

Spencer Chandler
Artistic Director and Founder
Cannery Works
New York, NY

Cannery Works donates $1.00 - which buys five meals - to The Food Bank For New York City - with every donation of $100.00. Please consider a tax-deductible contribution to Cannery Works before the year ends! You'll be helping independent artists transform new ideas into reality, while making a real contribution to the community. Thanks always for your support.