Hard River to Row

It's been another strange week of mixed emotions, but once again, putting my thoughts down on paper has proven to be a helpful practice. So the writing continues and when I stumble onto good things like new artists and places to visit, then documenting these discoveries and sharing them is hopefully worthwhile. Especially since this past week, I made some great new discoveries.

Going to the Red Sox game with Louisa is fun even when they lose and we're surrounded by joyless, rowdy drunks.

Looking up from bumper to bumper traffic to see this scene is, well, peaceful and inspiring... so ya, put a bird on it.

I like Newport, RI.  I like the sound of the cars rumbling by on the cobblestone streets.  I like walking around and visiting the shops and galleries.  I like being by the water.  I'm glad I came back solo though it was bittersweet.  And I will return again.  

Taking a moment to chat with the girls and enjoy the peaceful view before the start of the Newport Arts Festival.

Bonding with my neighbors in Jessica Pisano's (right) fine art booth with her nature inspired paintings. Oh, and not surprisingly, she received the "Best in Show" award. 

NatanyaElka's eco-friendly, one of a kind enamel jewelry...

And Nautical Boards handcrafted locally in Pembroke, MA.

And being captivated by the bluesy, soulful, funk/rock sounds of the Delta Generators.  I can't wait to hear more of Craig Rawding's rich, velvety voice.

And hello... beautiful sunset.

And twinkling, ambient atmosphere at Diegos. 

And my good fortune to wake up to this Pisano painting with its gold glimmering in the sunlight.

Fall is upon us...

Nothing like a weekend filled with good weather, wonderful crafty friends, supportive art enthusiasts and a brand new EZ UP tent to make your spirit soar. I spent a beautiful Saturday in Hopkinton at the Polyarts Festival with some familiar faces including My Urban Kitchen, iDazz, Little Man and Lucky Bird Studio.. and some new friends including Tiffany and Melanie from Look at Me Designs. They have a fabulous collection of clothing and accessories that make a statement and are truly unique.  And as an added bonus, all pieces are made with recycled felted wool sweaters. You can find them at the SoWa Open Market or the upcoming Wellfleet Oysterfest (I'll be there too!) on October 15 + 16:

After a long day, it was nice to stumble into the cozy Zio’s Bistro in Hopkinton Center for a quick bite and glass of wine before heading home.  And then before I knew it, I was up bright and early on Sunday morning to meet Heather and Kerry from Twigs & Heather to get ready for Worcester’s StART on the Street.

It was a great event with several hundred exhibitors and I always love being part of such a festive day. I ran into some fellow crafters including Red Staggerwing Designs, Ansel Blue Design and Guilday Glass... and I’d like to thank the gentleman who stopped by my booth near the end of the day to let me know that the sign hanging on my tablecloth was backwards, yet again, (oops).  And most importantly, to all the wonderful customers who expressed interest in my work and made purchases, thank you, thank you, thank you.

Up next, I'm returning to Newport, RI (September 24 + 25) for the rescheduled dates of the Newport Art Festival.   I'll be in section 10, booth C - it's the second tent on the pier.  Wish me luck... it shall be an adventure.

Mid-September already!!

So I promised myself I would keep up this blog, even if I encounter some bumps in the road. And needless to say, this particular week has been very bumpy. So I’m trying to stay focused and positive and continue my creative routine and ritual of documenting what’s gone on. So here goes:

My booth partially set up in Cotuit, MA on Aug. 20

The Newport Arts Festival was postponed due to Hurricane Irene. 

As a treat, I decided to go anyway and spend the day in Newport… and it was a great day.

Nothing beats a $5 martini.  Or good company.

Or a beautiful sunset when you need it.

Or a crafty friend smiling at you - thanks Heather (Codman Estate Show in Lincoln, MA).

I'm looking forward to a busy fall season starting with shows in Hopkinton, Worcester and Newport. Click here for the show schedule.  Also, Save the Date: Wednesday, October 5th from 6-8pm in Hanover, MA. My mom and I will have paintings on display at the John Curtis Free Library for the month of October.

August 2011

It’s been far too long since my last post and so much has happened since early June. Lots of excitement and adventure... so here are a few photos from shows or places I’ve visited over the past 2 months before another minute goes by and I forget what’s happened..

In my tent with Stefanie of KINDSPIN DESIGNS at Celebrate! West Hartford on June 11 + 12

My adorable, helpful assistants at the South Shore Art Festival on June 19-21

Behind the scenes at ARTBEAT on July 16th with my gal pals Heather and Kerry from Twigs + Heather. Unfortunately, I don't have any photos from my weekend in Old Saybrook, CT on July 23 + 24 because I was too busy trying not to pass out from the heat.  Good thing I was able to recuperate and regain my strength by sipping cocktails and dining at Livs's Oyster Bar, Penny Lane Pub and Aspen.

This is what happens to tents without weights..

My booth at the Society of Cape Cod Craftsmen show on August 9-11. A terrific show!

**In other news, there are some new shops that now carry my art glass goods including Sueb.do in New Seabury, Mermaids on Main in Chatham, and HomeGrown Arts and Crafts in Duxbury, MA.  Please stop by and let them know I sent you.

It was a little sad parting ways with the “fish” (above) auctioned off at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod on August 14^th, but I’m happy to hear it’s headed to a lovely home in Long Island, NY.  ok, that's all for now. Back to the studio... see ya.

Sorry I’ve been out of touch.  I’ve missed you too.  So here are the highlights of recent happenings.  I'll start with this photo of a shopper checking out my booth at the Providence Art Festival on June 4^th.  Hey, even big eyed creatures need some art glass. Right?

Exhibitors from the North River Arts Festival on May 28 + 29:

Sisteria Designs - colorful pendants created from repurposed materials.

Len Shartle and his beautiful, earthy sculptures

Ron Wilson Photography - if you're in Plymouth Center, be sure to check out the Wilson & Heywood Gallery at 17 Main Street.

Brooke Stanton’s hand dyed scarf collection.  Check out at all that color and her long locks!

Hard to believe that just a week earlier, Twigs & Heather and I were huddled together  wearing gloves, hats and winter gear in Worcester at Start on the Street.

Several friends have art exhibits this month in Boston and I was fortunate to attend the openings.  May 27: Lot F Gallery featuring paintings by Percy Fortini-Wright and...

and Jamie O’Neill.

May 12: South End Realty Group – Solo Show for Sean Flood

My next stop is Connecticut for Celebrate! West Hartford on June 11 & 12.  Can’t wait!

  

Studio Move Update

So far this month I moved to my new studio in Abington, MA, shipped an order to a store in North Carolina, painted the walls of the new space (see pic below), and exhibited at the first outdoor show of the season.  I’m a little banged up from all the activity and lifting but everything's gone smoothly and I’m settling into the new place and work routine.

This studio is a dream come true and I'll post more photos of the space as it comes together. 

My set up in Andover at Crafts in the Park.  We were so fortunate that the rain held off all day.  Thank you to all who came out in support of this great event.

My wonderful neighbors and friends, Twigs & Heather, and their beautiful sterling silver creations.

In case you've never seen this, here’s what happens to tents that are not properly secured.   Those folks are so lucky that no one was hurt and that the huge tree behind them stopped the tent in its tracks. 

Next stop is StART on the Street in Worcester, MA on Sunday, May 22.   There are 140 plus exhibitors at this street fair which takes place on North Main Street, between Belmont Street and MLK Boulevard.  Hope to see you there!  

April Update

I’m getting ready to move my studio but before I forget, here’s a recap of recent events:

Stopped by my friend Catalina Viejo Lopez de Roda’s opening reception at Lord Hobo, 92 Hampshire Street, Cambridge, MA.  Her painting "Three Sisters" (below) is amazing so pop in for a bite, a drink and lots of beautiful art.

Opening reception at North River Art Society’s juried Focus on Figures Show. 

My painting “Ruth and Eva” that received honorable mention. 

Sipping vino and talking art with one of my fav ladies, Ros Farbush.  Her work will be on display at Art on the Avenue Gallery in Hull, MA all summer long so stop in and say hello to owners Lenore and Bill.  And for you painters out there, the gallery is a great spot to do some of your own plein air painting.

Officially became a juried member of the Society of Cape Cod Craftsmen.   The 59th annual show is on August 9-11 at Drummer Boy Park in Brewster, MA and I'm honored to be included.

Oh, and I mentioned the moving thing, right? So much fun to pack up an entire studio. 

Buca, super kitty to the rescue, surveying the obscene amount of stuff and being helpful as usual, shedding, chewing, barfing and don't forget sleeping, all while keeping good company.  He's the best.