The Map Factory

Ever wondered what my studio looks like? Here it is! Housed in my basement in Cold Spring, New York, the area is relatively tiny. But, since I work on only a few of the 8 by 10" panels at a time, it works. What you see in this picture is my work surface, my paint collection (to the right of the surface), a stack of collage material on the left, the stacks of current panels (behind and above the surface), and the master map tucked into the storage area below.

If you are in the area and want to visit just email me! I love to have visitors.

Or, if you have time to spare and want to help me in my project, let me know. I can't pay you, but I'll give you lunch!

The Gretzinger Map at the Farm

I recently got four more Map panels printed in the big 4' by 5' billboard format. Chris, our new Fake Rock Farm caretaker, helped me mount them on the East end of the barn the other night. So, if you are driving down Maple City Road, take a look!

ArtPrize 2010

I have finally figured out what I want to do for ArtPrize 2010: the entire Map! But there is a catch: I can only do it using the 2 by 2 1/2 inch Map "tiles". It will still cover a 14 by 14 foot wall. Now I just have to register and find a venue that will host me. Anyone want to volunteer to help me mount it? That will be a job; there are now over 2200 panels!

C'mon Down!

A big section of the Map is now mounted behind the bar at Right Brain! Come down this Saturday night and say hi. The artists' reception is from 6:30 to 8:30 at the brewery on Garland Street in Traverse City.

And, if you want to OWN a piece of Map real estate, the original panels are $240. Signed prints can be had for a mere $22 each. Just ask anyone behind the bar....

See you Saturday!

Another Opening; Another Show!

I have been invited to show the Map at the Right Brain Brewery/Gallery in Traverse City. I am thrilled about this because I love the place, and I love the beer they make there. The opening reception is tentatively set for April 17. I will keep you posted!

Why I Do It

A recent eBay customer complained about the quality of the Map "postcards" which he purchased and asked to return them. I will, of course, honor his request, but I feel compelled to explain a few things. These cards are not commercially printed glossy reproductions. They are color photocopies which I have hand mounted on recycled cardboard of varying thicknesses and quality. They have been hand-cut, dated, and signed by me. They are miniature works of art. I don't do this to make money or rip off the general public. As a matter of fact I lose money on every one I sell and ship. I do it because I want people to be able to own a little piece of this project without paying the $240 I get for every original 8 by 10-inch panel. Maybe I should explain more in my blog! I do it because the people who have them love them. They love them as simple little paintings. Or they love them because they imagine the stories behind them. Or they try to decipher the messages on the inscriptions, or like the colors....or...or.......

It's Happening!

People are beginning to collect the new Map "postcards"! So far six or eight people have bought cards through eBay, and a few others have been sent courtesy cards by me. If you want a free starter card send me a 44-cent stamp and your address, and I will mail you one as a postcard. See what you can build buy getting adjacent cards and putting them together.....a city....an island......a continent! Challenge your friends...get them started, too! Read the hidden messages in the Map inscriptions or make up your own story. Then let us know here at the blog how it goes......

About Those New "Postcards"......

Many of you have by now seen the new 4 by 5 inch Map "postcards". If you haven't, go to eBay and take a look. This format is very satisfying, especially for those of you who have been Map "tile" enthusiasts. It's the same mounting on recycled cardboard but at 1/4 scale (rather than 1/16) so that you can see all the detail- even read the inscriptions. And the eBay pricing (auctions starting at 99cents!) will permit all of you to start collecting right away! Have fun and good luck!

How Can I Start My Own Map Collection?

It's simple! Go to eBay.com and search "Gretzinger". There, in the store called sgattic, you will find dozens of Map prints offered at prices from $1.69 up. Find one you like and bid on it. Then watch for adjacent panels to become available. Buy those, too! (Every panel has co-ordinates to show where it is located.) Soon you will be able to cover a wall....or a ceiling. The panels printed on heavy paper are easily mounted on a smooth wall using 3-M or Magic Mount poster mounting squares. They can be found at Staples or Office Max. Have fun! Any questions? E-mail me; I'll be glad to help!