SITE NEWS ARCHIVE (2009)
Head to ArtByMPM.com for the latest news!

December 5, 2009 - I'm having an ART show in the Nashville area. Please bring friends, invite friends, and join me at Richard Trest's restaurant Ri'chard's Cafe' in White's Creek, TN on Dec 12. Please come by, say hi, and Eat, Drink, and see some ART.

November 30, 2009 - WMCTV Report on Mike -- Click play below, story is after a short advertisement.

November 29, 2009 - Mike wins an award from the Blues Foundation!

Each year, The Blues Foundation recognizes excellence in Blues Music by 
non-performers by presenting the Keeping the Blues Alive Awards.

Art and Photography
Michael Maness, Memphis, TN

Michael Maness colors his world in blues. His vibrant impressions of Arthur Williams and Luther Allison provided the basis for the 2006 and 2007 Blues Music Award posters, but his gallery of blues performers and musicians is a bold collection of everyone from B.B. King and Buddy Guy to Elvis and Brother Ray. His love of Memphis and its music is evident in the painting and posters that feature Sun Studios, the Peabody, Issac Hayes, Stax, Al Green and Willie Mitchell. From the age of eight, Michael has been drawing or writing something for somebody. “I try to pick a story to paint rather than a moment passing through time. I hope that as a person views my work they feel a story, one that has a beginning, character development, a problem to solve, and a happy ending.” With his dynamic kaleidoscope of colors, Michael lets his paintings tell Pulitzer Prize stories.

The 2009 Keeping the Blues Alive recipients are:

• Art and Photography: Michael Maness, Memphis, TN

• Blues Club: Bradfordville Blues Club, Tallahassee, FL

• Blues Organization: Connecticut Blues Society

• Education: Spencer Bohren, New Orleans, LA

• Festival: Heritage Music Blues Festival, Wheeling, WV

• Festival International: Piazza Blues, Bellinzona, Switzerland

• Historical Preservation: Eric Leblanc, British Columbia, Canada

• International: Finnish Blues Association, Helsinki, Finland

• Journalism: David Fricke, Rolling Stone, New York, NY

• Literature: Crossroads, The Life and Afterlife of Blues Legend Robert Johnson Tom Graves, Memphis, TN

• Manager/Agent: Pat Morgan, Kailua-Kona, HI

• Print Media: Block, Almelo, Netherlands

• Producer: Andy McKaie, Universal Music Enterprises, Santa Monica, CA

• Promoter: Pozitif Productions, Istanbul, Turkey

• Publicist: Richard Flohil, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

• Radio Commercial: Charles Evers, Jackson, MS

• Radio Public: Rick Galusha, Omaha, NE

• Record Label: Crosscut Records, Bremen, Germany

• Visual Broadcast: Film, Television and Video: Pocket Full of Soul,  Houston, TX

Additional coverage of Mike's achievement is covered on the Desoto Times Tribune's website ... Read More Here

November 29, 2009 - 10 New Paintings added recently

Snow Deer
Shadows and Trees
Tree for Hope

Shimmering Footsteps
One Down ... Next!
Heat
Survivor: The Pink Ribbon

Martinis (5 Canvases)
Madison and Main
Caribbean Rising Heart

November 22, 2009 - Update -- Just left the Cancer Doc, yes my cancer is still there, but he had a plan, A GOOD plan, a GREAT plan. 

As many of ya'll know, I have been having a chemo-band-aid every 6 months for the last 4 years ... this time the cancer returned during the chemo in July. My Doc, Dr. Yunus, has decided to do NOTHING till February. Then I'll have another PET Scan. Depending on the out-come, I will either see a surgeon for a biopsy and a 4-5 day hospital visit, or begin a new Chemo-band-aid immediately. The Chemotherapy will be the same juice I've had for the last 4 years, only stronger, and more quantity. Instead of once per week, it could end up being 2-3 times per week. THIS is GREAT NEWS. I'm a Happy camper. 

November 20, 2009 - 

Two of the Midsouth's most talented and well-known artists will be showing their most recent work at our home this Saturday, November 21 from 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM.

Lisa Allen creates beautiful stunning glass art and glass jewelry, and Mike Maness paints a vibrant array of subjects! Both artists will be displaying new pieces for the first time at this show, too!

November 3, 2009 - NEWS OF THE EXPECTED

My CANCER is back. They FOUND it on the latest PET and CAT scans. In 2 places, the chest and the groin. the 2 places lit up on the scans. NOT big Blips, just enough to show some concern. The Doc said he wasn't surprised; he has been expecting a relapse of my cancer for some time now. Simply put the Cancer Doc thinks my cancer has developed an immunity to the annual Chemo Band-aid Rituxan, that I have every 6 months.

The plan is this;

The Doc will see a couple of other Doc's to decide what should be the path, and in 3 weeks I'll see him again and they will see what, if anything the cancer done. Then I will see a surgeon, who will do a biopsy. That will decide the course of action. BUT, NOTHING will begin, NO treatment, till January.

That is all I know,

Mike

October 19, 2009 - I'm going to be at SEE THE DIFFERENCE INTERIORS for 2 weeks:

First: The River ARTs Festival Saturday, October 24-Sunday 25
Second: The Trolley Tour Friday October 30

============
RIVER ARTS FESTIVAL
An Event, a Party,and some ART by Michael P. Maness

Type: Music/Arts - Exhibit
Start Time: Saturday, October 24, 2009 at 10:00am
End Time: Sunday, October 25, 2009 at 6:00pm
Location: 431 South Main Street #101, Memphis, TN 38103

MICHAEL P. MANESS on SOUTH MAIN

The RIVER ARTS FESTIVAL
An Event, a Party, FREE WINE and BEER, and some ART by Mike Maness

Diane Gordon and See the Difference Interiors
Present Michael P. Maness

Mike will be showing and selling his Original ART, some signed and embellished Giclees, as well as signed and embellished Lithographs

October 18, 2009 - Four new additions. Also, I've been invited to display and sell ART at the next Trolley Tour in Memphis on 
South Main, at See the Difference Interiors. Come by, purchase something, and have a drink.

SNOW PRINCESS -- A beautiful spinning ballerina bathed in the light of the stage.
WHITE MARTINI -- A simple idea, a strong drink, and 2 intoxicated stuffed olives.
ELVIS 68 SPECIAL -- Elvis, finding himself at his 68 Comeback Special.
LES PAUL -- The Innovator, the inventor, the musician, the Man.

Snow Princess (12"x24"), White Martini (12"x24"),
Elvis 68 Special (22"x28"), Les Paul (18"x24")

October 16, 2009 - Behold, TIME. All 3 for Sale, enjoy.

Island Time (20"x32"), Midnight Martini (24"x36")
Time to Smell the Wild Flowers (20"x24")

and just because ... 

Autumn Memphis
24"x30"

October 1, 2009 - A sneak peek at the creative process! A flash animation below depicts the creative process that each painting of Mike's goes through.

September 27, 2009 - 

The Guitar: "In the Midnight Hour" another cool-aboration betwixt me and Steve Cropper Painted for the Blues Ball Gibson Guitar Auction. It will have the lyrics of "In the Midnight Hour" penned by Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Steve Cropper.

The Chair: "Dock of the Bay" a cool-aboration betwixt me and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Steve Cropper. Painted for the Orpheum Auction

September 26, 2009 - Another eight works on display to enjoy (and as always, buy!).

"Moon Vices"

MJ's "Out of this World"
"Sunset on the Mississippi"
"Shimmering Dock"
Painted for a Charity for Mr. Cropper ... he will add the lyrics to his and Otis Otis Redding Hit "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay."

"Delta Storm"
An extreme view of Clouds. Their Shape, Style, Colors, Personality, and Energy. Throw in a lightening strike, a sunset along the river, and you have the Shocking Moment of a "DELTA STORM." 
"Free Bird"
A RED abstract Finch leaving the confines of the Earth, circling the Moon, and headed out to Galaxy's as yet unknown, thus being the ultimate "FREE BIRD."

August 2, 2009 - Eight new paintings to enjoy (and buy!) GICLEES are never more than an e-mail and UPS delivery away.  Please contact me today on Facebook or via e-mail.

July 2, 2009 - MOM UPDATE - Strength is coming back, spunky and stubborn as usual. She has now had a week of out-patient rehab, and it wears her out. But she does bounce back, A DAY LATER. :-) Her memory is slowly turning back on, and she is smiling, and happy, all the time. 

My family is all pitching in, yard work, and home cooked meals. Thank ya'll for your help.

June 28, 2009 - Sorry about the delay in my ART productivity in the last 50 days, it has been a very trying 50 month and half. News on my MOM's progress will be sent out next week after my sister and I have a conference with her medical staff and are informed of her evaluation and their future suggestion. Till then sit back, put your feet up and take a gander at my latest ART, all of them are FOR SALE.

M Bridge to Music 36"x48" Gallery Wrapped
My friend and photographer Ken Walker took the photo that I based this painting on. He was in a helicopter and it was a perfect day in the Blues City. Look closely, or squint, and you will see a new ICON for Memphis being a Music City.

November on the Mississippi 20"x24" Gallery Wrapped
A sunset view of the M Bridge in Memphis, Tennessee from Mud Island during the chilly, yet undecided month of November. This canvas brings to the viewer the cold, crisp, and stillness of the month

Sunset Stroll in Mississippi 20"x24" Gallery Wrapped
A sunset road to anywhere, anything, and the greatest possibilities you can imagine. 

The Fingers of God 18"x24" Gallery Wrapped
A scene of the magnificence of the power of Light and Shadow in the mystery of Nature.

Glorious Morning 20"x24

Morning Prayer 20"x24"

Peeking Through Natures Blanket 18"x24"

May 12, 2009 - MOM progress report. It appears a small part of MOM's aortic valve broke off and caused the stroke. Since she is getting stronger, she will be moved for 2-3-4 weeks to rehab, for speech therapy, occupational, and physical therapy, then open heart surgery to replace the valve. It is going to be "Long Hot Summer." :-)

May 10, 2009 - MOM had a BAD Stroke on Friday. It appears her Coraded artery is 60 % blocked, and the stroke hit her speech / memory areas in her brain. I have the pleasure of the night shift with my MOM. Last night, thanks to NetFlix we watched classic comedy movies. She laughed.

May 9, 2009 - A Caribbean flavored guitar stool auctioned on May 5, 2009 at the Blues Ball Spring Party.

(click pictures for larger view)

May 8, 2009 - Three new paintings added as well as new pictures from the 2009 Blues Music Awards.

April 27, 2009 - Some recent works added to the site today ...

April 25, 2009 - New celebs added including two of this year's American Idol finalists!

March 17, 2009 -

PUPPI'S are in the planning stage for the NEXT Caribbean Adventure.  Departing March 28 from Fort Lauderdale

AT SEA
San Juan
St. Thomas
Tortola
Antigua
At Sea
Nassau
Fort Lauderdale

PUPPI Items for Sale.  Friends, Laddies, Lassies, and PUPPI's all, I'm taking orders for the newest PUPPI shirts.

100 % Cotton white button up Camp Shirts
$20-$40 depending on size

100 % cotton White T-Shirts
$15-$20 depending on size

Giclee $50 signed and remarked.

March 13, 2009 - Two additional Cigar-based works added

SLOW BURN
CEO STYLE

March 9, 2009 - Some photo's from the Dominican.

Me and a few Models attending the Pro Cigar function in the Dominican Republic where Mike Donated 3 paintings to raise money for the ICHF.

Mike having fun with Michele, the Marketing Director of Pro Cigar, and Catherine, the Pro Cigar Director, during the White Party at the base of the Freedom Monument.

Mike with famous movie Star bad-guy Juan Fernandez

Mike with Hendrick the Chairman of the Board of Pro Cigar

The Internation Children's Heart Foundation gave Mike the ability to be a witness of an open heart surgery in the Dominican Republic. Mike was in AWE. "Doctor Mike"

The Operation
The Chest Opening
The Beating Heart

ICU

Two days and ready to go home The Happy Mother, the Surviving Boy, and Bret, the President of the ICHF

March 8, 2009 - Ten new works for you to enjoy (and buy!)

THANK GOD FOR KIDS
SUCCESS
RED CROSS ROSE
A Red Rose was auctioned during a live auction on Valentines Day, February 14, 2009 at the Red Cross's Red Tie Gala, held at Harrah's Casino, in Tunica, MS

SUNSET TREE
I painted this one as a replacement for the painting I had displayed at Renesant Bank in Southaven. I took almost every painting I had around the Mid-South, including my Mom's painting from the Dining Room to display at my January 9 - February 21 show.
SUNSET BAY
My favorite scene when I'm in the Caribbean. In just days (March 28 - April 5) the PUPPI's and I will be sitting on a beach, watching the sunset, drinking Bacardi Rums, feeling the warm breeze, while resting in a hammock beneath swaying Palm Trees.
'YES WE DID' YES WE WILL
Painted for the Washington DC Based Friends Fighting Cancer

BRING THE LIGHT
LEARN TO FLY
CIGAR #1
Three of Mike's cigar paintings were auctioned during a live auction at Pro Cigar in the Dominican Republic (February 18-21). The $40,000 that was raised during the night benefited the International Children's Heart Foundation, as well as aided Dr. Ramirez in the construction of a Children's Heart Surgery Hospital in the Dominican Republic.

CHECKERD FLAG
Someone noticed a awhile back that I never painted a Nascar canvas,...now I have

January 4, 2009 - Art show preview!

Good for the Heart original acrylic 12"x36"
Self Motivation original acrylic 24"x30" Gallery Wrapped
Metamorphosis original acrylic 18"x18"
River Front Loop 24"x30" Original Acrylic Gallery Wrapped

Three Horses and a Cowboy 12"x36" Original Acrylic
Mississippi Sunset 12"x36" Original Acrylic

The Tide 20"x20" Original Acrylic Gallery Wrapped
The Butterfly 20"x20" Original Acrylic Gallery Wrapped

January 3, 2009 -

ART SHOW BENEFITING THE WINGS FOUNDATION

The next Michael P. Maness ART show will be to help raise money for the Wings Cancer Foundation in Memphis, TN on Friday January 9, 2009, and will be beginning around 6 PM.

Location will be at the West Clinic at 100 N. Humphrey's Blvd, in East Memphis, right off Walnut grove.

These will be paintings that signify the symptoms and side-effects of Cancer. Not the physical torture and pain, but the mental side-effects of the success of being a survivor. Paintings will represent the Peace / Hope / Solitude / Metamorphosis / and the YES I Can feeling of beating the beast.

The party, will be from 6-9 PM, with an Open Bar provided by the Bacardi Family Foundation, Music by Memphis’s own Lannie McMillan, Food and around 25-30 pieces of ART by Michael P. Maness.

Mike Maness will be in Chemo so He will not participate in the Booze, and he'll be sitting down a lot.

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