Have you heard of MC7C Promotions? ArtInspired? If you have then you are involved in the evolving artist scene in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. The non-profit organization, MC7C, was created in the summer of 2006 by Gabriel Perry and Kat Marsh to act as a bridge for communication connecting artists, musicians and the community. They are involved in reviewing, interviewing, promoting artists and events in the area and supporting charitable causes like EDMARC and the Tidewater Artist Outreach. ArtInspired is a new emerging site that networks the professional endevours of its interconnected artist community and encapsulates individuals and companies with marketable articles, products, and consultation services as a for-profit entity to enable artists to generate income to support their passions. MC7C and ArtInspired have joined forces to entend the opportunity for artists to survive and thrive using their gifts and talents that will resonate positively in the local community.

Art is a necessary part of our everyday lives. It feeds the imagination of the young, promotes healthy outlets for emotion and energy, preserves our cultural heritage and identity, defines our time and circumstances, gathers individuals to come together on a stimulating platform of discussion, explores our inner psyche, and speaks to the promise of a better future by expressing the dreams we have for our society. Imagine your life without music, without light, without inspiration… what will your brain function be without stimulation to fire new neurons? Life is grander with art and existance can be as simple as the experience we let ourselves feel. In a practical sense, art gives you tools to determine your own humanity. You are either turned on or turned off. It is your free will.

If you are an artist and have work to show, don’t make excuses for why you are not promoting yourself. There are many hints and tips for self-promotion that you can get from ArtInspired and MC7C. Most of the process is just the willingness to organize yourself to meet the deadline of submitting for shows, creating work for contests, asking venues to display your work, scheduling a showcase for your friends and family, and finding opportunities to speak about your vision.

If you are a supporter, then encourage the artists by attending shows, donating time to promote your favorite work, making contributions by purchasing art to display and music to vibe to, and inviting others to participate. There are many opportunities in the works and 2009 seems to be a mark in the growth of the artist motivation movement happening in Hampton Roads. See you at the next show!

For calendars and event information visit http://www.myspace.com/monochromatic7cities and http://www.ARTINSPIRED.com … Most events are free and open to the public.