The generative concept for AcanthusArts.ORG dates back to 1996 when it was tentatively called the Independent Artist Registry or "I.A.R." At the time of conception, there was an abundance of intent, but like most start-up sites, that was the single asset actually supporting the cause. At one point, we got as far as recruiting the artists, scanning the first round of slides, and working out a build-out schedule for the website. Needless to say, the initial push did not pan out and transition from concept to reality eventually ground to a halt. Fortunately, after several years we were able to rekindle the stalled effort when sufficient funding became available from both private, and academic sources. Once progress resumed and every aspect of the project was underway again in some fashion, there was to be no turning back. The final stages of the web-design happened courtesy of Escapement.NET and we finally overcame the initial technical setbacks to revive the "I.A.R." as AcanthusArts.ORG in 2001.

Admittedly, the notion of an internet-based, artist-maintained, webspace isn't the revolutionary fodder it would have been back in the mid-1990s, but fostering a community where modern artists can post their work, develop, compete, and learn, has an immeasurable intrinsic value. Those who choose to support and participate within this forum will determine the impact, growth, and significance of AcanthusArts.org as it is their work that sustains the relevance of the site.

Ultimately, I think the intent of AcanthusArts.ORG is best understood when one asks, "How can the set of available cost-effective technologies help develop, refine, and assist the modern artist (no matter how reclusive or techno-phobic the artist may be)?" This website is the product of my attempt to do just that; to quote a past mentor, the motivation for our effort is distilled to this: "We make art, and we support the arts."

Richard H. Aeck
AcanthusArts.ORG