Kondor’s Art Café

 

By Netera Landar

Hermes Kondor arrived early to greet guests before the art café opened.

A Facebook invitation announced the grand opening of a new space for Kondor’s Art Cafe on Sunday, Jan. 11. Hermes Kondor’s artwork was featured in the Dickens Project Art Show last month, and I learned that he has an art center. Arriving early to the event would allow me to take pictures of Hermes’ collection without disrupting the event. To my surprise, Hermes was at the center. 

Hermes explained that the art café is a transformation of an old concept called “The Terrace,” which had functioned more like a club. His notecard explained the concept and intention of the art café.  It would serve a small but meaningful purpose as a Sunday cultural and elegant salon. The terrace would motivate people to meet in an art and cultural environment, to socialize, listen to good music, and to dance. Thursdays would feature exhibitions, and Sundays would focus on connection and atmosphere. 

As Hermes started greeting other early guests, I clicked on the sim’s music stream and began walking through the realistic art center. Sydney Couerblanc was greeted by Hermes. She explained that she couldn’t attend the 1 p.m. opening but was interested in seeing his new materials. She told him she liked the tight color palette and the highlights and shadows in one of the photographs, then continued her self-guided tour.

From the stairway, interior view.

My own tour was one of observation, appreciation, and a desire to speak with each photographer and artist about their composition. What were they trying to capture and express? Art is like poetry; you can try to interpret it, but it’s more than a personal point of view. The poet feels compelled to select the right words, while the photographer waits for the perfect angle and lighting to capture the image he/she desires. 

Before I knew it, artists, photographers, and art supporters began arriving. Thirty-three at my last count. They gathered on the terrace and listened to DJ Pris and then DJ Medea. The majority were dressed casually. All commented positively on the collection and said they couldn’t wait to see future exhibits.

Artists represented in the art center/museum.

Here are a few pieces from the collection.

 

“Waves Roll in My Thoughts” by Paola Mills.

 

“Fighting the Dark” by Duraya.

“Tangled” by ilyra Chardin

“Shoot Speed Kill Light” by Traci.

“Distortion 24” by Angelika Corral 2023

“Failure” by Margherita Hax.

“WOS Away” by eta Mae

 

“Relativeco” by Selen Love.

Slurl: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Royal%20Tea/159/82/30

Netera Landar
 

The Dickens Project Art Show

 

By Netera Landar

Where the Dickens Project 2025 Open Art Show is being held.

Always eager to explore the photography and paintings of the SL community, I stepped back in time to enjoy a true winter holiday tradition. Talia Sunsong informed me about the Dickens Project 2025 Open Art Show. The show opened at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20, with DJ Nicholas entertaining the crowd. It ends when The Dickens Project closes on Jan. 5, 2026.

Stevie Morane Basevi spoke to me about the contributors' artwork.

I was greeted by the art show’s coordinator, Stevie Morane Basevi, as I entered the building's foyer. She wore a stunning burgundy Victorian gown, and we talked in one of the two rooms displaying the contributors’ artwork.

“Have a wander around. This work was done by some of the best and most talented artists in SL," Stevie said. “I love the Dickens Project very much. I talked to some of the wonderful artists. Several are returning for the second or third time.”

Left, Winter Moon at Calas by Carelyna, and right, Dickens 00001 by Hermes Kondor.

As we moved through the foyer, she told me who the artists were and said their bio statements were in the clickable panels under the art. Stevie was responsible for arranging the artwork and decorating some of the buildings on the theme-related sims. With a smile, she says, “It was a labor of love.”

View from Harbour Lighthouse - Dickens 2020 by Caledonia Skytower and Christmas Present - Dickens 2020 also by Caledonia Skytower.

Artists featured in the art show are: Carelyna Resident, Stevie Morane Basevi, Hermes Kondor, Caledonia Skytower, HoneyHeart Resident, Dante Helios, Pagan Lane, Raven Arcana, LadyDragon Kazan, Gillian Gustafson, TaliaSunsong, Prins Evergarden, Rosvald, Yanashvaniva Resident, Aquarius27Denimore, and Elvira Mistwood.

Sleighing with Merrylegs in the Snow by HoneyHeart and Winter Scene by Dante Helios.

The artwork focused on winter landscapes, settings inspired by Charles Dickens’ novella “A Christmas Carol,” scenes from the play, carriage rides in the snow, and even a photo of a sculpture.

Ghost of Christmas Past by Pagan Lane.

According to Caledonia Skytower, the Seanchai Library has presented Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” since the library's inception in 2008. In 2012, it began its evolution to the fully immersive, region-scaped environment it is today.

Left, "Coming Home for Christmas" by Raven Arcana, center, photograph by Hermes Kondor, right, The Wealthy, Spoiled Princess by LadyDragon Kazan.

“The Dickens Project is a Second Life winter holiday tradition that invites guests to walk in the steps of Ebenezer Scrooge in an environment inspired by Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella “A Christmas Carol.” The project brings together different SL communities, and celebrates the work of Dickens and his seminal Christmas story through music, story, and a wide variety of events,” said Caledonia.

Marley’s Ghost Photomontage by Gillian Gustafson and Covered Bridge In Snow by Talia Sunsong

“Our goal is to create as many entry points for exploration, discovery, and entertainment as possible,” Caledonia added. “So, whether you like dance club events, literature, curated educational content, or just exploring with your friends, you may well find something to engage you at The Dickens Project. We thought it would be a great opportunity to encourage that community and further encourage SL image creation by holding an art show. We decided early on not to limit it to images created at The Dickens Project, but to keep the requirements ‘Dickens adjacent.’ ”

Left, Winter Love Valley by Carelyna, center, photo by Prins Evergarden, and right, Dicken’s Project by Rosvald.

The environment lets you experience that specific time period. Create new SL holiday memories by wearing Victorian attire and taking pictures for your greeting cards.

Left, Feziwig's Christmas Party by Aquarius Denimore, and next to it, Dickens Project - Allaway by Yanashvaniva.

SL residents are encouraged to create and submit artwork for consideration in next year’s show.

Painting, Time Travelers, by Elvira Mistwood.

To head straight to the art exhibition, go to http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Dickens%20Project/46/181/24  

 

Seanchai Library, which means “Storyteller” in Irish Gaelic, promotes the power of stories to transform and inspire through live voice presentations. 

 

For more information, visit http://irelandslstory.blogspot.com/ or join the group.

 

The main entrance to the Dickens Project is at The Dickens Project (129/128/1401).

Netera Landar
 

The Lost Gallery

 

 By Netera Landar

 

At the entrance, there was a candy booth, a grand piano inside a Christmas gazebo, and a walk-through Christmas tree. Strands of twinkling lights wrapped around light poles, tying the scenery together. 

The Lost Gallery is hosting its 3^rd Annual Holiday Exhibit, featuring over 20 artists in a whimsical landscape. The opening weekend celebration was on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 6 p.m. with entertainment by DJ Sam. On Sunday, Dec. 14, at 1 p.m., Sax Player Steve Who performed. The event runs through Saturday, Jan. 3.

An art exhibit and entertainment. That’s a perfect combination when hosting an event.  

The exhibit’s setting was beautiful and realistic. Photographs and paintings were showcased on easels along a long, snow-covered pathway. The work was easy to find and well organized. Each artist contributed three pieces for the exhibit. 

I teleported there early Saturday night before the contributors, organizers, and Lost Gallery’s supporters arrived. Harlo Jamison was already on the frozen pond dance floor, ready to greet people as they carefully stepped upon the ice. Harlo and Maggie Magenta are the event’s organizers. 

The exhibit’s setting was beautiful and realistic. Photographs and paintings were showcased on easels along a long, snow-covered pathway. The work was easy to find and well organized. Each artist contributed three pieces for the exhibit. Some provided bio statements, and a few offered gifts for the art patrons to take home. At the entrance, there was a candy booth, a grand piano inside a Christmas gazebo, and a walk-through Christmas tree. Strands of twinkling lights wrapped around light poles, tying the scene together. There’s even a Santa in a hot-air balloon.

Eager to know more about the gallery, I asked Harlo if Lost Gallery had a building for exhibits.

“The Lost Gallery is more of a concept than an actual building. Though we sometimes do use a building. We tend to move around the grid, sometimes doing art walks for other sims. Maggie and I both have our own small galleries, so Lost Gallery is a partnership more than anything else. The only thing permanent about Lost Gallery is that we always do a holiday exhibit!” said Harlo.

Asked who was involved in building the setting, Harlo replied, “I do the building…Maggie is our people person. I’m a slow builder…it took about 3 weeks for this one.”

Participating artists include:

Mikal Angello, DragonAngelvs, Michiel Bechir, Zia Brenner, Duraya, Prins Evergarden, Dante Helios, Johannes Huntsman, Georgie Iceghost, Harlo Jamison, Sparkly Mc Baubles, Maggie Magenta, Serena Marabana, Vixen Reigndeer, Alex Riverstone, Rosie Riverstone, Reign Rolfs, Doc Romano, Jamee Sandalwood, Giselle Seeker, Gayle Sweetwater, Kika Yongho, and Mary Zimmer.

 

DJ Sam and Aya Intikhab dancing together.

During the first entertainment session, DJ Sam played holiday music, and Aya was the hostess, while everyone skated or danced. Loved the sparkling lights beneath the ice and the giant snow globe. A few songs Sam played were, “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow” by Harry Connick, Jr.; “Almost Christmas” by Chris Isaak; “Christmas Lights” from Coldplay; “Come On Home for Christmas” by George Ezra; “Baby It’s Cold Outside” by Dean Martin; “Mistletoe and Holly” by Frank Sinatra; and “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” by Small Town Titans.

Everyone enjoyed dancing to the holiday music.

I asked two of the contributors about their work while they were dancing. I hated bothering them when they were having fun.

 

“I did a holiday photo and set it for just 10L, mostly as a gift,” said Vixen Reigndeer. “The other two are winter scenery and a hot chocolate stand…it’s all about the feeling the holidays bring.”

Mary Zimmer describing her work to GMetal Svartur. Left to right: Winter Refuge, Winter Sunset, Snowing While the Sun Shines. 

Mary Zimmer said her three photos are of Winter landscapes. “Winter Sunset is one of my most popular photos. They were taken a while ago, so the sims may not still be there. Snowing While the Sun Shines was taken at Blue Finch. Winter Sunset was taken at Echo Ridge.”

Serena Marabana’s Echoes of Snow, Snowdrops, where winter comes to rest. Pictured are a gazebo, a frozen pond, and a lighthouse.

Make sure you check out the exhibit before Jan. 3. Help support the contributors by purchasing their work.

Johannes Huntsman, Winterscapes 25, in blue tones, gives you the winter vibe. Johannes is the creator and owner of Kultivate Magazine and galleries.

Vixen Reigndeer's photography. I see adorable snowmen on the side of the road, frozen branches endangering a tree, and warming up with a cup of coffee.

Zia Branner’s Zale, Liberosis, and Cascade.

Gayle Sweetwater’s Winter’s Spring, Wandering Snowman, and Winter’s Winter watercolor paintings.

Giselle Seeker’s Through the Trees, Holiday cheer, and Arctic Sun. 

Holiday Candy booth and grand piano in a Christmas gazebo

Kika Yongho, Think, Early Bird, and Travel in Time.

Slurl: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Moran/78/193/53

Netera Landar 

 

Burnal Equinox

 

 By Gemma Cleanslate

 

 

Burn2’s Burnal Equinox opens this Friday at 5:00 pm slt. This annual spring event is so interesting this year since it mixes two seemingly opposing themes into one as you can see in the Poster above. Creators have done a wonderful job of mixing. The whole weekend gives you a chance to experience these builds as well as the parties taking place daily leading up to the 12:00 burning of the effigy on Sunday. Don’t miss it! Fortunately this weekend is also the European change of time and we will all be back together.

In the town of Gerlach, at the edge of the Playa, all is in place. Information about the Principles of Burning Man of which Burn2 is a regional. They are in many languages. There is clothing and help for new residents of SL available there too. Many donated gifts of all sorts are ready for all the visitors so be sure to stop and pick them up. Lots of fire attachments are in some of the boxes. I love the Walk with me Hud so friends can walk together through the streets and roads of the event.

As you walk through the Horseshoe gate a small into a small western town you have the opportunity to rezz a horse to ride through the entire playa or you will also find a variety of art cars designed for the event. They are lots of fun and are created by members of the Burn2 group. Clockwork is evident in the buildings and in the sky. I even found Mesas never seem before on the Playa.

I climbed up onto the Mesa and found SHINY (Shiny Starchild) putting finishing touches on his installation of a steampunk western distillery waiting for customers. Get up there to see it and the others nearby. As I was leaving I found Little Suzi (LittleSuzi98 in her Saloon. She was also getting the drinks and games and stage ready for Friday. Stop by when you come in through the gate.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Burning%20Man-%20Deep%20Hole/147/29/24

Gemma Cleanslate

 

Scenes From Burn 2

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

Burn2 is well under way. Twelve regions to explore and they are all full of marvelous builds and activities going on at various camp sites… some randomly so it is a good idea to be in the Burn2 group so you can get notices.

            
My recommendation for exploration is to stop first at the gate to check out all the gifts from past years and this year on the tables there. If the greeter is off duty look for the brown backpack to the right of the gate and grab all the fun gifts inside, fire, lamps, goggles and so much more to use on the playa and at home and parties.

To get a wonderful overview of all take the balloon ride set up by Bar Tenk right inside the gate. You can hop off anytime but it is the best way to see what there it to visit when you walk . You can see the stage locations and the Center camp where you can hang out. Art car drives around the playa are great fun as are horse rides. There is a horse rezzer in Deep Hole if you want to do that.

The Temple this year is colorful and beautiful.

“TourBalloon whispers: Here in front we have the Temple. The reading of messages and the following burn of the Temple marks the end of this years Burn2 experience. You can go and submit your own messages. Be it a wish, a greeting, poem, memory, sentiment, love-letter, expressing sorrow..... All is welcome.” The censer in the middle of the temple accepts notes, just follow the directions.Check the Who What Where https://www.burn2.org/curiouser/whowhatwhere/ to see what is taking place and the time. Don’t miss it . 

 

You have lots of time to visit. It does not end until October 27 but the regions will remain for a few days after that to give time to get to see it all. The Man will burn Saturday at 12:00 noon and 6:00 pm SLT. The Temple will burn Sunday at the same times. Both will be spectacular.

The gate is at http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Burning%20Man-%20Deep%20Hole/145/32/24

Here are some photos of some of the installations I found fun.

Lots of fun art cars to choose for riding on the playa. Look for rezzers and choose your favorite.

Moya , the famous French artist has one of his Moya specials that is fun to visit.

Organica always has a magnificent build and parties!

Gemma Cleanslate
 

 

 

Design

Burn2 Is Coming

 

 By Gemma Cleanslate

Burn2 , the Burning Man in second life is opening soon as you saw in the press release. https://slnewser.blogspot.com/2023/09/press-release-burn2-animalia.html

Meetings are going on planning activities for the week and detailing projects to be completed and ready for the opening October 6. I checked in to see if the town of Gerlach was ready for us all. The office , the Saloon, the workshop are all there . For newbies there is a help area to get them ready for second life movements and clothing for them is available.

Iskye Silverweb reminds all that “As is our tradition, our event’s theme is the same as Burning Man’s, which is ANIMALIA, an exploration of the animal worlds both real and imagined, and humanity’s place in it. Every year, artists and creatives are invited to get their plots to create homes and art installations in our virtual temporary city. For 2023, we have a total of 12 regions of virtual playa - plenty of space for seasoned and new Burners to build their art, theme camps, and even camp villages. Read about it here: https://www.burn2.org/animalia/ “

The gift area grows every year as artists add their gifts to the piles. There is a dumpster also and for the first time in a long time I did a dumpster dive to see what was in there.. some nice prizes.. don’t pass it by without stopping! The event is getting closer and closer every day. Get ready to travel all the 12 regions and visit all the stages. The Fashionistas will present their take on clothing to wear and there will be live performances and so much fun. I have set up my Ranger Plot out on Silverfox with a resting place if you want to stop by and take a rest on my bear rug and get information from the books on the table. See you on the playa and Welcome Home!

Gemma Cleanslate