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.

April News...

It's been a busy month gearing up for the craft show season, filling store orders and trying to squeeze in some time to paint.  The juggling act continues not so flawlessly but it helps to know that there are exciting things on the horizon.  First, a recap of the weekend:

UFORGE Gallery on Centre Street in Jamaica Plan.  The opening reception was so packed, there was a line to get in. Good times.

(that's my "Mermaid Girl" painting above, part of the Art Deco exhibit)

CRAFTOPIA: Another great show at the Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket, RI.   The turnout was fantastic and while I was surrounded by many talented artists and designers, here are just a few I haven’t mentioned before/recently (for the full list of talent, click here):

Hockman Photography

Bumble Belly Designs

Amy Casher Jewelry

Bill Chisolm Fine Art

Some Exciting News.  For those who can’t make it to a show or aren’t close to one of the shops carrying my work,  I’ve added an online shop to my website that features a small selection of items including seasonal, one of a kind goods and the stuff I make all year round.   And it’ll be a whole lot easier to do and create all of this... IN MY NEW STUDIO! 

I’m so freaking excited (!!!!!)…  details to come but here’s a small taste.

UForge Gallery + CRAFTOPIA

After a long break from painting, I’ve been working, more like struggling, on 2 paintings for an April exhibit at UForge Gallery in Jamaica Plain (767 Centre Street).  It’s a new gallery with an admirable mission to foster creativity and art accessibility to both artists and the community in general.  The opening reception is on Saturday, April 9^th from 6-8pm and I’m looking forward to seeing what Rob Festa, photographer and UForge’s co-owner has done with the space.  While you're there, be sure to stop by Salmagundi, a most fabulous hat and accessories boutique right next door. 

Also mark your calendars for the CRAFTOPIA in Pawtucket, Rhode Island on Sunday, April 10^th from 10am to 4pm.  There’s a fantastic lineup of 75 local designers and artists along with delish food and offerings from yummy area restaurants.  Definitely a worthwhile trip to find something handmade and unique for yourself or  a loved one!

Lastly, I leave you with some evidence from today's walk along Commonwealth Avenue that SPRING is officially upon us. yay.

Spring Cleaning

There's nothing like working in a well-organized, neat space and this weekend was the perfect opportunity to squeeze in some much needed cleaning.  But I also made sure to get out of the studio and take a quick walk for some fresh air and gorgeous ocean views.  I'm so lucky to have this as my late afternoon reward after a long weekend in the studio.

Plymouth in March

Mark you calendar:  Thursday, March 31^st from 6 to 9pm (an evening event) at The Neighborhood Club in Quincy, 27 Glendale Road.  Spring Fling Shopping Event with over 30 vendors.  Admission is $5- and proceeds benefit the enrichment fund for children in foster care.  

ARTWORKS PURCHASE (or scam)

Since I receive "art scam" emails pretty frequently and I heard a while back about an artist in Maine getting her bank account cleaned out, I thought I'd share the most recent scam email from my inbox.  You know, just in case a similar message finds its way to yours and you're wondering, "what's this?". They typically follow a pattern of ridiculous, open-ended inquiry, questions and proposals.  And then if you reply, they want to send you a check for WAY over the amount of the price of your artwork.  I'm not 100% sure what they do, but their mission is to get your moolah.  So while we know your art is awesome, they're not interested in it.  So my best advice: DELETE the email.  

Good day to you.

I am so excited that I came across of your work on internet search, I am interested in purchasing these creative artworks from you.

Paintings

Let me know their various prices. and how much discounts are you going to give? I will be happy to have these selected artworks hung in our new home in South Africa. As well, I want you to take out the shipping cost. I have been in touch with a shipping firm that will be shipping other house decoratives.

We are traveling from our Seattle home to our new apartment as soon as possible. On Paying for the artworks, I will be glad to pay you with a Money Order or Cashier`s check in US funds that can be easily cashed at your local bank, please let me know on how to proceed for the payment of the creative artworks.

I will await your advise on how to proceed. Have a wonderful day.

Take care,

Fish for the Arts

I was recently invited to participate in an event called Fish for the Arts sponsored by the Cultural Center of Cape Cod.  If you're familiar with the outdoor exhibit from a few years back involving Cows that were painted/decorated by various artists and then auctioned off for charity, this is a similar concept.  With Fish For the Arts, my challenge is to take a 3 foot fish and transform it using the medium of my choice.  

After weeks of tripping over the enormous box containing the fish, I finally broke down and opened it.  It was shocking to discover that inside the box was, in fact, not just a wooden cutout of a fish but a highly detailed, 3-D, painted replica, glass eye included, of a fish (forgive me for not knowing the exact kind).  So I rested fishie on the countertop and let him reside there for a few days while I tried to figure out what the hell to do with him.  The possibilities being endless (and overwhelming) coupled with my need to do something other than cut glass and solder, my brain was in overdrive and totally inspired. It was the perfect time to take on the "fish" challenge and since he's not officially due until June, for once, I'm not procrastinating.  

My goal: To do something different and transformational but also connected to my style and work as a painter and stained glass artist.  I'm not exactly sure when the idea hit me, but I decided to take inspiration from my stained glass projects and go from there.  So without over thinking things, I chose a simple palette of blue and green (and copper for the fins).. and I just attacked that fish!  As a finishing touch, I replaced the awful glass eye with one of my aqua pendants.  Et voila! Here is the new Fishie ready for Fish For the Arts!

(click on image to see larger view)

The FISH will be on display at various locations throughout the Cape.. details to follow.