Out of the Gate

 Star Ravenhurst: Art and storytelling

are the best bits of OpenSim. 

Currently under construction on Star Ravenhurst's grid 10thDimension is 'Raven Gate', an 8x8 Var where the landscape tells a story that you will be able to explore via the 'Quest' format, meeting brand new characters who will help you discover clues and thus unfold the narrative, ultimately discovering the key to the mystery. 

The current arrival point on Raven Gate

The project is out of the gate, but miles of road lie ahead before they reach the finish line, and open the quest to the public. There's still plenty to place, choose, refine. design, and animate, so some of the things you'll see in these photos will change radically, not only in their development but also the preferred Environment lighting. Also, if you're a builder or scripter and are looking to be part of a group project, this may be somewhere for you to shine, contact Star to learn more. 'Raven Gate' promises dark secrets, magic, tragedy... but in the end redemption and triumph. The idea for this project came to her last year in the fall, and it's a long term job. Why so?

Star Ravenhurst on the quest Var region Raven Gate, a work in progress

Star Ravenhurst: Because it’s complex, creative, and collaborative. I contacted people I believed would work well together—those with talent, knowledge, and the kind of imagination and enthusiasm needed to bring a new world to life. Just as important, they share a strong sense of commitment.

Dreams on the 10th Dimension

All is like a dream

Star Ravenhurst's new grid Tenth Dimension is home to her art gallery Le Beau Retrouvé, and there's a big new show scheduled for September 29. 

You're still just about in time to participate. If you make art this could be your chance to exhibit alongside the likes of Tina Bey, Xenon Darrow, Remmy Ravenhurst (no relation), Savannah Joy, Forest Azure, Arcfury and a huge multimedia install by Cherry Manga  and Nico Kailani. The deadline to submit art is September 23, although the sooner you do it, the better it is for Star's nerves! Organizing art shows can be onerous, so why does Star do it?

Star Ravenhurst: It can be difficult to get into a gallery in the real world and most artists never get that opportunity. In fact, they are lucky if anyone beyond their family, friends, or instructors ever sees their work. Having my own grid, I can now give them more opportunities to showcase their work in virtual.

If you're a regular dipper-in to this blog, you may remember reading about Le Beau Retrouvé here although bear in mind, the location of the gallery has changed since then (just part of the way opensim is always in flux and keeping it interesting), and perhaps you caught the episode of Inworld Review where Star spoke about the gallery, among her many other projects. 

Star Ravenhurst:  What does the gallery mean to me? I am an artist in RL and have formal education in Fine Arts, Graphic Arts, Art History, and Design. During college, I worked for an art gallery and learned a lot during my time with them and also took classes in Marketing and Professional Practices to help me learn the business side of art. I do not have the funds in RL to open my own gallery, but in virtual, everything is possible. I have seized the chance to create an art gallery that is welcoming and supportive of new artists as well as established artists.