Art Rent and Lease Fills Your Empty Walls

3-D Metal Wall Art Sculptures enhance this innovation center's stairwell wall and rent for less than $100 per month (yes, <$20 each) - a small investment that can help your facility really stand out!  For information give us a call at (888) 440-9260 or visit www.artrentandlease.com

Landscapes with a Fantastic Flair

This is not your typical landscape!  Portland artist Kelly Neidig's original paintings are amazing - she adds a fantastic boldness and style to a sometimes serene subject.  Sized from 18" x 18" and up, we have paintings that will bring the beauty of fine art into your space for sale, for rent or for lease.  Ask us about our free initial consultation....(888) 440-9260.

A Greenhouse Made of 100,000 Legos

 

A Greenhouse Made Of 100,000 Legos

To the list of amazing things Legos are capable of, add this: They can feed you.

London industrial designer Sebastian Bergne has built what’s being billed as the world’s first greenhouse made entirely out of Legos--an 11.5-foot-tall translucent shed that nourishes edible plants, like tomatoes, peppers, and sunflowers.

Set down in London’s famous Covent Garden, it’s got walls and a pitched roof constructed using 50,000 clear Legos, with another 50,000 brown Legos on the ground to mimic the look of soil. (Cute.) Bergne tells Co.Design that the Lego Greenhouse was thrown together in just one night, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. And while it’s a temporary structure--designed as part of the London Design Festival--it hints at the potential for Legos to be used as a construction material in the real world. Up next: a Lego computer?



For the complete article by Suzanne Labarre, a senior editor at Co.Design, please visit: http://www.fastcodesign.com/1665026/a-greenhouse-made-of-100000-legos

Experimental Glasses That Turn Wine Into Art

I love wine and art....this is the perfect combination!  Thanks FastCoDesign and Belinda Lanks for a great article that we've shared!

Wine glasses generally come in two varieties: red (with a big wide bowl to facilitate oxidation) and white (with a smaller mouth and tapered bowl). We’re far from sommeliers, but, to us, it seems a shame that, with so much energy devoted to developing wine, so little creativity goes into the glasses in which it’s served. Gumdesign, an Italian design collective, fixes that disparity with playful twists on traditional crystal stemware.

Most of them are subtle, clever interpretations of the usual form: One, for instance, comes with its own cork stopper; another has a dainty spout. We’re partial to the one whose tulip bowl sits slightly tilted on its stem; when paired, they can lean in or away from each other.
If you’re a wine snob who holds fast to the belief that a glass’s shape can impact bouquet, these designs may not be for you. For those who select wine by the look of the label, these glasses might have the power to make box wine palatable.

They’re made by ColleVilca, an Italian factory that makes crystal objects by hand. To order, send an email to: mirella@vilca.it.

For the complete story, please visit:  http://www.fastcodesign.com/1665037/experimental-glasses-that-turn-wine-into-art

Use Your Existing Company Art Resources

Assemble Your Resources

• Some wonderful "art" can be found in objects your company already owns. As you walk down the hallways of any big movie studio, you see movie posters and set photos, and sometimes even the founder's hat and eyeglasses, on display. An ad agency plasters the walls with memorable campaigns. A sports club presents photos from each year's team.
• Check your company for all visual products generated during design, sales and marketing. Assemble process art into one larger piece which dramatizes the creation of your product. Also check for photos, awards and trophies, maps, certificates, and any print products such as menus, brochures and news clips.
• The key is to combine your objects in a way that enhances their drama. Coordinating their framing with your space is key. You may wish to hire an  art consultant to help with your project.

Art Rent and Lease helps companies utilize their resources for image enhancement, branding, to fill empty walls, to change up the look and feel of their space.  Call for information: (888) 440-9260 or visit us at www.artrentandlease.com

Shown above is an installation of Meg Black's pieces at an architectural firm, featuring various company projects.

For the complete article, please visit:  http://www.ehow.com/way_5163511_corporate-art-planning.html

How to Copyright Art

With more content being made available on the Internet, including songs, poetry, movies and books, it has become easier to steal the intellectual properties of other artists. Copyright laws are becoming enforced more strictly to protect the rightful owners. There are a number of ways to copyright your art so you can benefit from these protections.

We're not offering legal advise - this is a great article from eHow.com that we wanted to share:

1.  Ensure that the art that you want to copyright is truly your own creation. If anyone else was involved in the creation, she must be included in the registration process of that art

2. Read the useful literature that the US Copyright Office puts out on copyrights (see Resources below). This will help you understand your rights and legal requirements.

3. Pre-register your art with the US Copyright Office. While there is no law that requires you to apply for a copyright, it is a good idea to register your art with this office so that any legal enforcement can be obtained in the future if necessary.

4. Fill out an application to register your copyright with the government through the US Copyright Office. There are different forms for literary works, performing arts, sound recordings and visual arts.

5. Submit your art copyright application to the US Copyright Office. Do not forget to include a copy of the art that you would like to register.

6. Expect to receive a certificate of registration for your art copyright in about 6 to 8 months. It takes time, but it is well worth it. The copyright will last as long as the lifetime of the certificate holder, plus 70 years.

Read more: How to Copyright Art | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2153636_copyright-art.html#ixzz1RX7FmX7X

For information on art rental, art leasing or purchasing artwork please call Art Rent and Lease - we work with clients throughout the US and provide original artwork starting at just $25 per month.  An example is a 24" x 24" original piece by artist Shawn McNulty shown above, renting for $60 per month.  Visit our website:  www.artrentandlease.com

The Art of Hanging Art #1

Courtesy of Nielsen Bainbridge via: http://michaels.com/The-Art-Of-Hanging-Art/as0108,default,pg.html?sms_ss=twitter&at_xt=4dbd6f5a13e06ecb,0

Hanging art is easier than you think. All it takes is a little creativity and planning. Below are helpful hints and creative ways to make your walls say everything you want them to.

Plan your layout:

	It's important to achieve the right balance between your wall space and the frames you want to display. Larger frames can stand alone, but smaller frames should be grouped together for impact. Clustering several works together will enrich any space. Choose the pieces you want to use. For visual interest, use frames of varying shapes and sizes and hang frames both vertically and horizontally. Lay it out on the floor first. The simplest way to create a grouping is on the floor. This gives you the chance to arrange and re-arrange without making holes in your walls. Think of the arrangement as one large picture. The most effective groupings are large oblong shapes. Arrange the pieces from the border of the shape to equal the space you have measured off. Play with the interior space. Change the pieces around. Check the balance. Step back and look at the arrangement. Make sure you balanced the heavier and lighter pieces, as well as spread color throughout the grouping. How do the frames look next to each other? Re-arrange until you feel the group is visually balanced. Measure the distance between the pieces on all sides. The grouping should be centered in the space (equally distant from the ceiling and the anchoring piece of furniture). Measure the distances between the pieces carefully and write them down. Stay tuned for The Art of Hanging Art #2 & #3!  If you need help with art for your space, call us at (888) 440-9250 - we have art for rent, we lease art and we sell art throughout the US.

Art Rentals for Movie Sets & Photo Shoots

From New York to New Orleans, more and more creative directors are opting for rented art for their movie sets and photo shoots.  Why?  Variety, cost savings, exclusivity and best of all - fantastic original artwork that really "makes" the scene perfect!

We've supplied art for movies including "Remember Me" starring Robert Pattison, several HBO movies and series', furniture, clothing and housewares catalog photo shoots, typically with just a day or two notice.  Our artists sign a release, we send an invoice and verify insurance and voila....done!

Shown above is Gregory Coates "How do you like me now" - an amazing work or recycled rubber that can be configured to any set size at very reasonable pricing.  For more information, call Lisa at Art Rent and Lease (888) 440-9260.

The Art of Fabulous Rugs....and, Art

The rug can make the room, so can the art.

Is your lobby exciting and inviting?  Does it inspire your visitors?  If not, let us help.  We have thousands of original paintings, sculpture and glass works as well as a variety of rugs available, al for sale, rent or lease.  No excuses....fill those empty spaces and revitalize your space for Spring!

For a free initial consultation, call us at (888) 440-9260 - we have offices and consultants throughout the US who will meet with you, view the space, take photos and measurements and make recommendations based on your budget and time frame.  Simple steps to energize your space!

For the HGTV story on 6 stylish carpets and area rugs, please visit: http://www.hgtv.com/decorating-basics/be-inspired-6-stylish-carpets-and-area-rugs/pictures/index.html

Art Online and Beyond

From TechNewsWorld, by Vivian Wagner

A few years ago, several Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) employees got together and asked a fateful question: What if they extended Google's technologies of gathering and archiving information into the world of visual art?

The recently launched Google Art Project is the answer to that question, taking one of the broadest steps yet in bringing the bricks-and-mortar-and-paint world of art museums to easily accessible virtual spaces.

For the complete story, please visit:  http://www.technewsworld.com/story/Art-Online-and-Beyond-72040.html?wlc=1300732373

For information on art for rent, leasing art or art for your office or lobby (like "Ballet" by James Travers, shown above, client installation in Charlotte), call us at (888) 440-9260.

Typographic Map of the World

From Fastcodesign.com by Chicago designer nancy McCabe, who creates gorgeous maps of the world using (almost) nothing but words:


For the complete article, please visit: http://www.fastcodesign.com/1663407/wanted-a-typographic-map-of-the-world?partner=co_newsletter

If your business or practice is interested in maps for your lobby, offices or conference/patient rooms, we can help!  We can sell, rent art or lease art to you....just give us a call for a complimentary visit at (888) 440-9260.

Art So Good You Could Eat It!

From Fastcodesign.com

Here's a brilliant way to get kids excited about art museums: Turn all the boring stuff -- the exhibit catalogs and the signage and the like -- into 55 pounds of mouth-watering, teeth-rotting, brain-addling candy.

Apparently, it works for adults, too, because Andreas Pohancenik's graphics for the exhibition Design Criminals -- made entirely, fantastically out sugar pastillage -- were a smash, earning the UK-based Austrian designer a nomination for the prestigious Brit Insurance Design Awards recently.

For the complete story, visit:  http://www.fastcodesign.com/1663326/an-edible-art-book-made-from-sugar-paste?partner=co_newsletter

Give Your Office a Makeover

Framed Limited Edition Photographs in a client's Conference Room

$95 per month, tax-deductible rental

You don't need to spend a fortune investing in expensive artwork, a little will go a long way!  For as little as $25 to $100 per month you can lease or rent artwork for your lobby, entry, hallways or conference room.  Ask about our free initial consultation and call us for more information: 888-440-9260.

Sustainability and the Extreme Measures to Get There

Most projects now demand (or at least request) some level of sustainable design thanks to the owner, financier, or design team. Despite the economy, the value of green construction starts showed a 50 percent increase in 2010 compared to 2008. And data is beginning to prove the benefits of sustainable building: higher rents, more productive workers, happier occupants.

Clients will continue to expand their desire for sustainability in projects as more bottom-line benefits come to the fore. Expect the essential characteristics of sustainable design to continue being defined as well as a convergence of what are now considered sustainable and socially responsible design and development.

Art Rent and Lease provides original sustainable art (paintings and sculpture) for buildings and facilities in the US.  For more information, call us at (888) 440-9260 or visit our website: artrentandlease.com - we have consultants in Minneapolis, New York, Chicago, Dallas, San Diego, Portland, Charlotte and Miami.

From ASID eye on design, for the complete article visit: http://www.di.net/articles/archive/new_opportunities_but_little_recovery/

First Impressions Count - Consider an Art Rental or Art Lease

Your company still needs to have art on the walls! Bare walls don't enhance your image and they most certainly don't improve employee morale. Additionally, bare walls don't elicit confidence or encourage creativity - they do just the opposite.

What do your customer's think and feel about you when they walk into your office and see nothing that projects your objectives, strength, stability and style?

Believe it: first impressions really do count!

In these tough economic times, everyone is actively looking for ways to maximize their limited budgets when they need art for their lobby, conference room, offices and hallways. Fine art rentals and leasing can help you meet those needs within a tight budget. Art rentals or leasing requires a low up-front capital expenditure and features art for rent starting at just $20 per month!

www.artrentandlease.com has over 3,200 works of art from over 100 emerging and established artists in virtually every medium. Clients can rotate between different works of art, always providing a fresh new look to their office space.  For a free consultation call us at (888) 440-9260.

Can Art Join the "Green" Movement?

Many artists utilize recycled and re-used materials in their work. Take a look at Joan Roberts-Garcia's piece "Leaves #1" a Mixed Media piece measuring 87" x 58", an assemblage of photographs, plywood, wire mesh, and various other fibrous materials. This piece rents to business and professional clients for $245 per month!


So yes, Art can join the "Green" movement of sustainable products.  For more information on renting or leasing green paintings or sculpture please call us at (888) 440-9260; we offer a free initial consultation on placing artwork in your space!

Amazing Sculpture from all Recycled Materials

Artist Barry Ferich creates amazing sculpture of recycled and reclaimed materials.  The Art Rental, Leasing and Sales Gallery is promoting his work to art collectors, art consultants, corporate, healthcare and hospitality clients for rent or sale, with prices starting at just $40 per month!

Ferich's work is truly stunning, all made from reclaimed, rescued or recycled objects including aluminum and high voltage wires. Pieces are available as shown (up to 6') as well as commissionable in other sizes and finishes as needed.

The Art Consulting, Rental, Sales and Leasing Gallery works with emerging and established artists in the US, promoting sustainable products and processes. Visit us: http://www.artrentandlease.com  for more information on art rentals, art leasing and direct sales, or call us at (888) 440-9260 and ask about a free art consultation at your office, building or facility.

Members of IFMA and BOMA - helping building and facility managers with sustainable artwork for their space.

Top 10 Green Roofs Across the Globe - Amazing!

Source: Inhabitat

School of Art, Media & Design, Singapore 

Eva Maddox, Design Principal, Perkins and Will

Sustainability is no longer just a trend, a buzz word or even a preference, when it comes to architecture and design. It's the standard. It's vital. And this "greening" of cities continues to take new, exciting forms, as well as adopt old ones.
 
For the complete article please visit: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eva-maddox/top-10-green-roofs_b_787715.html#s190394


For information on sustainable and "green" artwork, visit us at www.artrentandlease.com

Interior Design Trends: Brown and Green

Blue Sky Evergreens by Bonfils

An excerpt from COLOURlovers.com

Green and brown work well in studies, these are the two colors that I automatically think of when a 'study' is mentioned. Of course, they are not limited to only the study. The darker and heavier shades seem to have a traditional feel to me, though I know that is not always the case. There are so many pieces, in so many styles of design, which is absolutely wonderful. So, what do you think about green and brown?

We have a variety of paintings and sculpture in colors of nature, green and brown.  For more information, visit our website at:  http://www.artrentandlease.com/ - we rent art, lease art and sell art!  With over 3,500 original paintings and sculpture, we have just the right piece for your space.

CFO Guide to Art Rentals and Art Leases

You need artwork for your lobby, building, or conference room, but don't have thousands of dollars to spend.  What's your option?  To lease or rent.

The factors to consider:
Rental vs. Lease, short term vs. long term, use vs. ownership.  All good questions when considering whether to rent or lease artwork...with one exception:  Tax Deductibility.

Artwork is NOT considered a depreciable asset by the IRS, so a company that purchases artwork or leases with a purchase option CANNOT expense or depreciate the art.  See The CPA Journal on Federal Taxation for Revenue Ruling 68-232:  "a valuable and treasured art piece does not have a determinable useful life. The ruling also distinguishes between the condition of the artwork and its life. While the actual physical condition of the artwork may influence the market value placed on it, its condition will not ordinarily limit or determine the artifact's useful life. Accordingly, works of art may not be depreciated."

The solution:
An art rental CAN be expensed if structured properly.  Renting art solves two problems:  one, you need artwork and two, you have limited capital.

Why rent from Art Rent and Lease?
1. Art you rent is tax-deductible as a business expense;
2. Low up-front costs: typically just the first and last rental payment in advance plus any installation or design costs;
3. No one will know it's rented but you and your accountant;
4. Rentals allow you to rotate your artwork every so often if desired;
5. Simple rental agreement with terms from 1 week to 24 months or more;
6. No fixed purchase requirement at the end of the rental.  Your options are to continue renting on a month-to-month basis, return the artwork, or negotiate a separate purchase;
7.We make it easy by providing solutions that include help with budgeting, artwork selection, framing, installation and collection management;
8. If you need it fast, we can deliver and install anywhere in the US within days (photo shoots, movie sets, special events);
9. We're a woman-owned business established in December 2000 and have placed artwork across the US to virtually every type of industry;
10. We have thousands of original paintings and sculpture to choose from, much is eco-friendly and sustainable;

For more information on a True Art Rental, call Lisa Powell at (888) 440-9260 x710 or visit our website: http://www.artrentandlease.com/