Art for Art's Sake

Today was hot as anything. It was supposed to rain yesterday, then last nite and now I am told we will get severe thunderstorms this evening. Its now 5:30 and all we have received is some sprinkles and a bit of wind. It has cooled off some which is good. In between doing stuff around the house, I visited Bogarts and had a yummy iced coffee which really cooled me off. The person working there put up the photo's of Don's art class from 2008. I also put some up at the Levoy construction site. It was 2 years ago that Don passed and I wanted to keep his memory As it says " Art is what you can get away with." This video was shot around 3:30
A day after it was approved, New York City closed down an art exhibit in Staten Island citing a obscure law that states the gallery had to have 4 fire marshals there all day while open. Speculation is rife that a connected developer wants the property. This is not good! I was informed by Liz. Hope they find out who ordered it closed!!
Update at 9:14pm...The rain came and left. It did cool things off. Flyers are LOSING 3-0 after the first period.

Remembering Big Don.

I have attached 2 wonderful photos of Don Cossaboon-DeGregorio who passed 2 years ago June 18th. These photos are from the 2008 yearbook from the Home School Academy in Millville. Carolyne found them while teaching there this year. These photos show the spirit of Big Don. He is missed by all who knew him.

3rd Friday at Fithian House Gallery

We had a nice gathering and Tim Shannon treated us to his yummy shrimp! Love that shrimp! Folks enjoyed the backyard and the art. Below is an article in the AC Press in the Sat june 20 editon

Millville celebrates its beloved pirate
Third Friday memorializes noted local artistPrint this Article
By EDWARD VAN EMBDEN, Staff Writer, 856-
MILLVILLE - On the porch, beneath a black flag with skull and crossbones, a pirate pulled on his groaning accordion and sang a sea chantey about a treasure lost.
A crowd gathered - many dressed in their fine pirate wear, some in bandanas, and others wearing bemused looks - and enjoyed tales about the high seas and good times at this Third Friday celebration.
A year ago, Millville's own pirate, the Pioneer Artist affectionately known as Don the Pirate, died. Referred to as "the conscience of the Arts District," Donald Cossaboon-DeGregorio was memorialized Friday with a night dedicated to the most seaworthy.
Mayor Tim Shannon and his wife, Leslie, came dressed in their own pirate clothing for the affair. Shannon, wearing a pin that read "What would Don do?" remembered the man who once brought a sledgehammer to city hall and asked the commission to tear down a blighted apartment complex.
"You think about a wild spirit, someone that really cared more about the city than anyone, that was Don," Shannon said. "I'm sure he's looking down, wearing his pirate garb, probably with a bottle of rum by his side."
Cossaboon-DeGregorio was an outspoken leader for the downtown's revitalization. Millville's last Pioneer Artist, number 13, Cossaboon-DeGregorio died at the age of 28.
A metalsmith by trade, Cossaboon-DeGregorio owned a shop downtown and was known for making both fine and pirate jewelry. The idea of honoring his life on Third Friday started soon after his death.
Third Friday is a monthly event that showcases the artists and merchants of Millville's Glasstown Arts District. The event always features live entertainment with musicians on nearly every block of High Street in the center of the city's downtown and typically hosts thousands of people.
At the Fithian House Gallery, members of Cossaboon-DeGregorio's pirate crew talked about their good friend. Captain Joe Pantilione of Vineland said Cossaboon-DeGregoiro's personality and friendship will be missed most.
"He's left a big hole in our crew," he said. "There was always something interesting going on whenever he was around."

7-7

Yesterday after work I went to Center City to get some items and found a Jolly Roger cap. It was overpriced but it is very unique. I plan to wear it on 3rd Friday this month. SummerFest is this weekend and I am looking forward to it. I hope they can keep the Holly City Family Center open. A well-placed source gave me the run down on what has been happening

"For your information the city committed $70K for 5 years and the BOE committed $50K for 3 years. The city actually paid the $70K fee for 7 years. Last year Commissioner Shannon put together a report that demonstrated that the services that the city and it residents received did not justify the $70K. It is also a ½ cent on the tax rate. The center has lost over $200K last year and is projected to lose approximately $225K this year. There were some very smart and talented people around the table yesterday lets hope they can put something together to keep the center open. "

We will see...
I then met up with Dana, Maryann and some friends of Don. We got to catch up on recent events and the like. After that I went on Dottie's walk. I do see improvements on 401 Vine St. There were NO kids hanging around and that is great! Lets us keep this up.
Well, back to work now...

Viewing and Service for Big Don the Pirate

Here are some photos and a video of our celebration of Don's Life held at the American Legion to celebrate the man who put the “Arrrr” into the Arts District! Here is Sitar Bob.
Rita Lyman


Others spoke as well.

Dennis Tawes, Tim Shannon, and Carl Johnson shared good memories of our good friend Don.