Missing Painting...

The painting (above) called “Footsteps” was a piece I completed earlier this year as part of an invitational group exhibit in Jamaica Plain's UForge Gallery called Defined By Light.  Over the weekend, I went to pick up the paintings from the mother/daughter show on display at the Hanover library only to discover that this piece was missing.  Apparently stolen... FROM A LIBRARY. (?????) Frankly, I’m not sure what else to say about this.  Sigh...

Rekindle the Light Within

I had an amazing summer of discovery and was fortunate to visit many spots I’d never been to before including Watch Hill, RI and Mystic, CT.   And before summer slipped away, I took inspiration from those trips to create a new earring design, something that reflects the awakening of spirit, and the joy of movement, harmony and sound... and this is the story behind Love Loops, the newest item to join my jewelry collection. 

Shifting topics slightly, I spent this past weekend in Wellfleet, MA surrounded by many familiar faces including Twigs + Heather, Heart at Work, Len Shartle, Kimberley Deane Jewelry, Look at Me Designs, Bill Chisolm, Bumble Belly Designs, and Two Son Jewelry. I felt right at home at this incredible festival… and being by the ocean, well that didn’t hurt either.  Plus my new EZUP tent managed to stay intact and in place even with the overnight rain and heavy winds.  And I think my last minute decision to pick up an extra 80lbs (in the form of four 20 lbs containers of cat litter) to hold that tent in place certainly did the trick... 

After setting up the tent in the rain and encroaching darkness on Friday night, I found a warm and inviting spot at Mac's Shack on Commercial Street to sip wine, regroup and try some tempura fried pickles with Ponzu dipping sauce.  Oh yeah... highly recommend...   

October delivers goodness

Letting go to start again has been my mantra this last week. And sometimes you just have to take a deep breath and let it go. Right? So here’s to starting off this new season with some apples and honey, some sweetness and hope, and some gratitude and thanks… oh, and if you’re looking for a movie to add to your viewing list, might I suggest HappyTHANKyouMorePLEASE.

I'll start with a huge thank you to South Shore Living Magazine for spotlighting me and my jewelry in October’s Living Arts Section.

Also, thank you to the John Curtis Free Library in Hanover, MA for providing the Abelson gals with a colorful space to exhibit our mother/daughter show.

Please feel free to attend the opening reception on October 5th from 6-8pm. Or check out the paintings during normal library hours through the end of the month.

Thank you to the Marshfield Chamber of Commerce for putting on a fun Octoberfest.  And thank you to papa for coming to keep me company, bring me wine and snap this photo.

It's great running into friends from the old hood and, of course, it's bound to happen when exhibiting somewhere on the south shore... so what a fun surprise to find Andy and SpitDUDES with their locally inspired t-shirts and beach accessories at the show. Grab your outerwear with local flair...

Thank you to my sweet neighbors from Emmett's Edibles who add a little spice to every dog's life with their organic, gourmet treats.

Next stop... and final outdoor show of the season... October 15 + 16 at the WELLFLEET OYSTERFEST!  Happy... Thank you... More PLEASE!

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.