Exploring LEA

The Linden Endowment for the Arts Sims may be the most underrated sims, in my opinion.  Most of LEA sims are Linden Labs endowed sims residents create art builds and perform in.  Most are land granted for a period of time following an application and proposal process.  The majority of SL's most well known artists and performers have either created or performed in a LEA sim at some point.  The sims usually are super creative, very well done and always enjoyable. I especially enjoy the large immersive 6 month full sim AIR/artist in residence builds. Unfortunately, other than openings, closings, and special events, they are usually not very crowded. This may be an ok, thing as one can explore without lag and most the spaces are open long enough for everyone to visit and not miss out. As great as many of them are though I always expect them to be fuller.  Anyway.. I"m going to take one pic in a few and post them here with direct links. But first if you want info. about LEA in general or info. on how to apply for a land grant, check out these LEA links:
LEA official page: http://lea-sl.org/
Here is their official blog: http://lindenarts.blogspot.com/
They are also in Facebook, Flickr, and all over.

Visit LEA2 here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA2/128/128/18
The first LEA sim I visited tonight was LEA 2 Ethereal Shapes by Noke Yuitza. This sim opened August 5th and has a full line up of great events.  The sim itself, as shown in the image, is dark with a lot of glowey, sparkly, things made for dreamers.  The landing info. states: "ETHEREAL SHAPES (Art installations by Noke Yuitza) Within the forms of faces, animals, flowers… in groups of stars, ink, glitter… There are 4 scenes: Dreamer, Galaxy, Ballet, and Eyes. The concept that brings them together is the dreamer that looks at how stars dances in a galaxy ballet." This is a good immersive experience. Be sure to take the sim windlights and surreal music that match the sim experience.  Here is my one photo...


Visit LEA24 here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA24/128/128/23
The next LEA sim I visited tonight was LEA 24 Echoes,, Metaphysics of Frequencies by LIvio Korobase.  The sim info. here states: "Some "invisible" elements seem have a strong effect on matter. They are all the unseen, intangible, but we hear them, we feel them.. Every phenomenon is a material trace of the invisible forces that generated it, an indissoluble fusion of content and form".
I have to say I had a really hard time trying to take just one image in this sim, as there is so much to see and do with lots of photogenic spaces and objects, so I gave up and took more pics as I played, viewed, listened and enjoyed and posted the rest on my Flickr which you can see if you click one of my pics that will take you to Flickr. I left myself in pics of this sim for perspective as it has a huge feel to it, well things are larger than life.  I also used the sim windlight for the pics but other lighting is good too. Fun explore!

  Part of the landing note sums up the basis of the experience though and I quote in part here: "How much do the "invisible" sounds influence our perception of the so called "reality" -are real or virtual  the same?  So, i created some ambients where sounds drives my vision, each sound resonating within me, a sensation that i have tried to translate into a 3D visual representation.
It Is important during your visit to turn on your viewer's sounds and your volume up, and  use camera controls to change the "point of view" of each audio sequence.
Wear headphones, put your best possible graphic card setting and good exploration. Good luck with horses and asteroids."


Visit LEA 15 here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA15/128/128/24
This is another super cool sim.  The landing info. states: "Welcome to Zun Design LEA slim design. Winter crystal Elven magic is the theme. Please touch the crystal dragons to use teleports. You can also explore by foot." This sim looked amazing upon landing but then had so many hidden gems upon further explore. I decided to call this my last explore for the night so I could take my time and enjoy it all.  I'm leaving this one with two images and a message to say if you visit this sim be sure to actually explore it all vs just thinking you might have cammed most of it after a bit.   This one has a lot of relaxing beautiful hang out or pose spots. I'll get back to more of the LEA sims another time but going to call it a night after this one is explored out.

Faces at LEA 23 by

Visit Faces here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA23/128/128/22

Today I explored Faces, an LEA 23 sim by Ilyra Chardin.  This is a very cool sim to explore with great concept and design. The landing area has info. about the sim, concept stats,  and the associated photography contest.  The sim is a cool exploration of the SL resident population by type.

 The sim info. reads: "What lies behind the FACES that we see?  Have you ever wondered about the person behind the avatar?  Wondered why they seemed so happy or perhaps why they seemed so bitter or angry?  This is their story. "

The landing area showcases large picture doorways into individual landscaped areas to explore.  The large pictures  or archetypes show various "types" of SL residents such as entertainer, fashion, business, role player and various types within these too. The landing area also provides some stats on the population of SL residents in general broken down by age, gender, income, education, etc etc. which I found interesting. I've often said and even discussed again today with a friend how there is such a variety of things to see and do in SL and how many people seem to find their niche that they like and don't venture out much and miss so much in SL.   That's fine if people are happy, however I do enjoy the variety of people, things, places, and stuff to do in SL and learning about it all.  This sim showcases some of that.  I only wish the doorway environments would have matched the type of venue or environment the presented avatar type portrayed, but they are great to wander into and enjoy nonetheless.  This sim is fun to explore SL possibilities or expand one's understanding of what may be available in SL, great for photography if your computer graphics aren't starting to fail like mine, and to learn a little more about your fellow residents.  Enjoy.

Star Wars, The Untold Story LEA17

Visit here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA17/128/128/22

"Take a ride among the stars in a galaxy far, far away and witness the struggles between dark and light, good and evil in this series of dance performances inspired by the Star Wars universe.

Friday, August 19th, 9pm slt
& Saturday, August 20th, 3 pm slt"


This LEA AIR (Linden Endowment for the Arts, artist in residence) sim that will run through the end of the year is by Diiar Vader Shippe with assistance from  Darth Revan (royal.shippe):and the Monarchs. I ran into Darth Revan who told me "There are 4 choreographers on this one but each of us have two sets and 1 has one", ...choreographers as in builders and designers for the sets that include special effects, particles and everything. I caught a pic of Diiar and Darth Revan.  I tred to hold my exploration back for the shows though so just took a few quick pics for the blog.  There should be at least 3 show with the first two listed above. This is a cool full sim and I look forward to exploring more and enjoying the special shows.

And here is the LEA sim info. for this and the other LEA sims: http://lindenarts.blogspot.com/

Last Chance Today to Visit LEA14 Wish You Were Here/Next Round Winners Announced

Visit here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA14/209/78/28

 Last chance to visit LEA14 Wish You Were Here. The sim is coming down Thursday evening June 30.  If you visit be sure to go into the airport welcome center and use the many teleport doors to various areas as it beats walking /flying around and takes you to the main specific locations.  Inside the big airplanes is RL photography by SL residents from around the world, some from persons I'm sure you will recognize. The fantasy skybox has two levels the lower level being a fun soundgarden. Lots to see and play on throughout the sim. It's based on making RL/SL connections with people from around the world and learning from each other more about both worlds we live in.  Thanks for everyone whose visited, blogged, took pics, came to events, contributed pictures, and hung out playing games and having fun. It's been fun. HUGE thanks to LEA for this opportunity. I'm looking forward to the next round of builds. (see below)



Visit the LEA site for more info. or to apply for free endowed land for artistic creativity here:
 http://lea-sl.org/ and http://lindenarts.blogspot.com/2016/06/lea-round-11-air-land-grant-artists.html

The next round of full sim LEA winners are: Lemonodo Oh Krystali Rabeni Subversive Vavoom Tahiti Rae Storm Septimus Giovanna Cerise Marcus Parrott Lorin Tone Art Blue Mac Kanashimi Ceakay Ballyhoo Aquaglo Dame Roxan Levi Ewing Diiar Resident Mahnong Guardian Michael Wexhome Bufera Resident Fennet Medora Chevalier.  Congrats!

Now I just need to clear my land.  ; )  Thanks everyone, it's been a fun run.

LEA14 WishYou Were Here Opening Party Tomorrow Feb. 28th 1-3pm SLT

Visit here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA14/171/67/22



http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA14/171/67/22


Starting a Flickr group for pics too:  https://www.flickr.com/groups/2947149@N21/

Open tomorrow Sunday 2-28-16 from 1-3pm SLT .. live music with Josie Anderton and AMForte Clarity.  Dress casual or airline, travel, or world ethnic costume suggested.

OK friends I was awarded a Linden Endowment for the Arts Artist in Residence Land Grant through June.  If you know me well, you know I am neither an artist or a builder so this was a stretch for me but I am grateful to LEA for affording me this opportunity to expand on a concept I've had in mind since last summer with this land award.  Actually with the help of friends I think I have this place ready for visitors!  I hope you all can come visit and hang out and have some fun.  Thanks to LEA and the following contributors:
Building and Gallery assist: Greg Parker and Ryde Thor
Soundgarden modules: Sonicity Fitzroy
First LIfe pictures by invitation: Josie Anderton, Igor Ballyhoo, JayT Foxtrot, Dido Haas, Mimi Juneau, Alles Klaar, Collin Martin, Avi Meridoc, Agatha Nowles, Frenchy25 Resident, Johannes1997 Resident, Sonrisa Seminario, Cinn Sommers, Gabrielle Swindelhurst, Toysoldier Thor, Kara Trapdoor, and Valiant Westland.

Wish you were here…… at the grand opening of Linden Endowment for the Arts LEA14 Artist In Residence sim.
You are cordially invited!  
What:  “Wish You Were Here” is a collaborative exhibit celebrating connections made in SL and learning more about first and Second Life locations and friends from around the world.
When: Sunday February 28th 1-3pm SLT
         1pm SLT Josie Anderton
         2pm SLT AMForte Clarity 
          and Monday the 29th at 8pm SLT Collin Martin
Where: Linden Endowment for the Arts LEA14 sim
􀀀     http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA14/208/82/28
Why: Official sim opening party with live music
How: Come dressed casually or in airline, travel, or ethnic costumes from around the world
Who: Everyone is invited by Kara Trapdoor & LEA

Welcome to LEA14 “Wish You Were Here”
"Wish You Were Here" is an airport setting with large airplane galleries that have first life picture postcards inside from around the world by SL residents and smaller Second Life picture postcards from around the grid that give landmarks when touched.  The sim is surrounded by vignettes representing various worldwide landscape types for visiting and for photography and machinima that can be shared on the Flickr group if desired. The idea is about learning more about both worlds  we enjoy and meeting new friends from around the world.   The sim story line follows Mitch and Krystal who meet in an airport, exchange information, then send each other educational postcards about their travels as they venture on their separate journeys.  They continue to learn about each other and the world and eventually meet up again in Second Life where they explore SL sims that are similar to RL and also find extra things SL has to offer such as the  “not possible in real life” sims to explore together.  Perhaps you will see pictures from some of your SL friends in the exhibit or even of your own SL sim.  Some other funs things to see and do in LEA14 include: contribute your own RL pictures if desired, kayak, hot air balloon, several games, zip line, fly up to the not possible in real life two level fantasy area for exploring, dancing, and enjoying the lower level sound garden, join the mile high club, parachute, dance in the airport party room and around the sim, and much more.  Thanks for visiting and I hope you enjoy your stay,   Kara Trapdoor

Snowflake Serenade by The Night Theater at LEA2

The press released states:
" Its that time of year again when the world freezes over and there is just a little bit more love in the world. To celebrate, The Night Theater has prepared our 3rd Christmas show: Snowflake Serenade.
The show Premier on December 13th at noon and you can also catch it on the following dates:
19th of December @ 1pm
20th of December @ noon
Please come at least 30 min before the show starts so your computer will have enough time to load everything for smoothest show-experience possible and try to reduce lagg as much as you can by keeping your scripts low and lights off:) But most of all, let us wish you a Very Merry Christmas!"
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA2/65/198/57
https://thenighttheater.wordpress.com/2015/12/13/premiere-of-snowflake-serenade-today/

The Night Theater group always has a great show, so I'm looking forward to this. Check it out if you can over at LEA2.

Dreamers by Cica Ghost in LEA24

Visit here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA24/128/128/0
Cica Ghost has done it again. She continues to impress me with her creations and the latest is  Dreamers at LEA24.  I took a bunch of pics.  When you visit be sure to click on the heads in the garden as many of them will teleport you to various other dream areas which are also immersive and you can click around in them too for animations and pose spots.  It's great for exploring and photography.  Everyone else is blogging it too so I'll just post some pics.

City Inside Out by Haveit Neox Opens Today

Visit here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA20/128/128/22




"Walking into any interior reveals only exteriors. The sense of personal space is absent. How is a city experienced when there are no comforts for the soul, no home?"


This LEA20 full sim exhibit opens today at 1pm SLT and runs through June 30, 2015.  This multi-level, City Inside Out, showcases the artists vision about struggles of the homeless.







(free gift-very cool "moving" banners)

LEA6 "Speculum' by Giovanna Cerise Opening today 2-18-15 at 1pm SLT

Visit here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA6/128/128/15


The new LEA6 art installation "Speculum" by Giovanna Cerise is opening today Wednesday, February 18 th, 2015 01:00 pm SL .





The press release states:


"For  LEA FULL SIM ART Series.
Giovanna Cerise present “ Speculum”
The mirror, as multiplicity and continuous playback.
The mirror, where the invisible overlaps the original and the hidden appears suddenly.
The mirror, as an illusion of which you can not do without.
The mirror as a projection in an unreal dimension.
The mirror that opens the door to ....
The visitor can interact with the environment simply going through it, resulting in different visual impressions.
The recommended setting is Sunset or Verdigris, to appreciate the nuances of the installation.
Opening  Wednesday, February 18 th, 2015 01:00 pm SL TIME"




I'm home from work today with a sore throat and fever, so I snuck in early for a few pics for this blog and went with a friend.  At the landing you sit on the coglike mirror to tp into the tunnel.  My friend was saying the changes in the tunnel were a little disorienting to her. You travel through a sort of greyish tunnel nestled in what seems almost like the base of a old wood ship or maybe a nest of wooden planks.  The atmosphere sort of moves and flickers as you travel though the tunnel going from what is reality to a sort of silhouette in grey. On the exterior are similar wooden structures.  It felt a tad steampunky especially if using the Verdigris windlight suggested and with some coglike structures.  I'm not an artist, so not sure I fully grasped the meaning of it all but I could certainly appreciate the uniqueness of the build and liked the way the atmosphere in the "tunnel" was sort of shaded out and with the discs that also gave alternating visual effects.   I have to say I guess I preferred the recommended sunset windlight with it. Check it out some time.
 

LEA 25, 6 and 10: Some Exciting Exhibits Now Open-LEA 25 Opens Today with Events

LEA25 Maya Paris' "Sauce"    Visit here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA25/128/128/20
This is #1 on the SL Destination Guide right now and understandably so.  It will take quite some time to explore every nook and cranny of this crazy, totally immersive, gift giving, couples loving, brilliantly colored and scripted, whimsical exhibit that must have taken a great deal of time to think up and construct.  Be sure to click everything.   "Interactive art - Test your Sauce Factor, try your luck at the Modern Love Bureau, get sparky in the Saucy Science lab and take a headlong dive into a sea of plenty more fish&chips." Be sure to pick up tons of freebies along the way, find hidden or "harder to find" places and it might be fun to take a friend as this one is a lot about "couples".
__ _______________________________________________________________________________
LEA10 Taciturnly by Selavy Oh
Visit here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA10/128/128/21
I'd read Honour McMillan's blog post about it before going, and no point in me repeating....check it out here:http://honourmcmillan.wordpress.com/2014/04/08/art-a-trigger-warning-in-second-life/
I think the direct SLURL lands you right in the middle and it's a bit difficult to find anything but the falling white and slightly translucent bubbles, but I worked my way to a edge then following around the exterior... I'd suggest visitors try this.  "Main artist: Selavy Oh
The moaning and groaning,      
The sighing and sobbing,
Are quieted now,     
With that horrible throbbing
At heart:
—ah, that horrible,
      Horrible throbbing!
(For Annie BY EDGAR ALLAN POE)"


__ _ _______________________________________________________________________________
LEA6 Heartseed The Wild Side by Jedda Zenovka
Visit here:http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA6/128/128/23
I set my light to default and took the arial pics, nice lights, sounds, movement, and colors upon landing.  The last part of Jedda's note sums this up nicely, "While our minds and imagination evolves into the digital domain, our hands and naked feet remember the earth and other elements from which we are made. Dreamtime in this sense is the crossing over of two worlds; vision becomes solid and solid becomes visionary. It is instinct and the heart which guide us into and through this journey. The freshness of water, the spirit of a particular plant or mineral, is crafted into new form; the artist becomes the living conduit through which such essences express themselves.
Reach for the stars . .. Put your hands in  Earth!
 This is not  virtual  reality... This is Our world  ! jedda zenovka"

Giant Redwoods of LEA6

Visit here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA6/128/128/25

(Promo pic above: I didn't take this one)

(E providing some entertainment for me in the middle of the forest-quite the entertainer)
If you like forests hurry on over to this exhibit before Friday when this exhibit closes.  Some of the
LEA art comes and goes pretty fast and that's the case of the Giant Readwood forest at LEA6.  The February LEA Full sim monthly art series, presented Artful Nature and Sea Mizin's Redwood Forest.  This exhibit opened February 16th with live music and performances on the small stage in the middle of the forest.  Anyone can still go get on the stage and insert their own stream.  I visited with Enigmatic and he jumped up on stage and entered his stream for a short set or at least long enough for me to take his picture. 


The sim has a little educational factor too as the info. note states in part: "Walk among the California Redwoods. They live and grow to a mystifying age ranging on the upside of 2000 – 3500 years. Respectively known as Coastal Redwoods and Giant Redwoods. Researchers studying these forests remind us how little we know. Such as how many hundreds of years it takes for a mature forest to provide bedding for their sprouts and seedlings. Canopy science reveals an affinity to unexpected creatures.  Be sure to visit, relax and enjoy the sights, especially our visiting critters; and, of course, don't forget...watch our very own baby redwood grow to full height!" 


Sim Credits: ________________________________________________________
Vicki Firecaster,    Watch her magical scripting grow a Redwood Tree
Nintin,    Critter creator and scriptor of salamanders and banana slugs
Arrehn Oberlander,    Dance Machine, and his latest, The SelfServing Stage
rockmccool,   Critter scriptor 
Harter Fall,    Misty clouds
Derek Sienkiewicz,    Music, DJ, and for space to work, a whole year...Bravo Derek!
Kay Garaguru,    Hours of lessons in patience and sample builds
Johnas Merlin,    Awesome help on build approaches
Kurk Mumfuzz,    Many many reference photos of Muir Woods, 2013
Mel,    Extra photos of Henry Cowell Redwood Park and a place to sleep, 2012/13
Carlos & Lauren,     All their photos of Mariposa Grove, Yosemite 2013
Motoko Oanomochi,    Redwood Tree entrance at LEA5 using 3D&Dreams

35 Elephants at LEA4 for a Limited Time

Visit here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA4/128/128/21

Eliza is on a role and has sent her first check for the elephants!  Great job Eliza and SL residents!

LEA4 now hosts "35 Elephants" scheduled to open this Saturday with live music and events.  This is a temporary build by Eliza Wierwight over at LEA in conjunction with her recent efforts to raise the funds to save 35 Asian elephants that have been abused into labor.  I previously blogged about her goals and she is all over Facebook and SL closing in on her goals, but there is still quite a ways to go to sponsor all 35 elephants she has taken on, and needs the help of SL residents. Go visit the cool exhibit, as Eliza is a great artist in her own right, and then hop on over to Patron where you can donate or purchase one (or more) of her cute topiary elephants with 100% of the proceeds to go toward this goal.  Her products are a delight and this particular one is for a good cause.

LEAmazing

I know I keep talking about LEA (Linden Endowment for the Arts) but it's so much fun all in close proximity and it just keeps me entertained. 

I visited LEA29 Limina..... 'have to wear their hud and when you do.. MAGIC!
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA29/128/128/17




Next stop LEA26 Danse Macabre http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA26/128/128/22
Maybe not the best spot for me to visit so close to Valentines day, but hehe fun fun.