The Art Dept

With our grand opening in the rear view mirror,  we are now focusing on exciting upcoming events.                    Up next, Holiday Art Day! Join us for a day of festive holiday art-making! Saturday, Nov 15th 10AM - 3PM We will have fun making the following: Block-printed holiday gift wrap or gift bag Bodacious holiday earrings An original artfully made holiday ornament and more! Holiday snacks and drinks will be available. All materials are provided.   Want to register? Go here  Holiday Art Day will take place at the Art Dept,  114 E Church St, Alexandria IN  Hope to see you there!

      For awhile now I have been thinking about sustainability with my work.  As in, how long can I honestly sustain this pace of doing art shows all over the midwest? Which I love, mind you, BUT. You may not know this but I'm not getting any younger! The gamble with shows is that, even with the best preparations, it may not be worth all the trouble. It could be a great show, with sales non-stop, or the opposite, with barely enough to cover expenses. And whether great, good or bad, it still requires the same immense energy. Not to mention gas, lodging and food. I am not complaining; I've had a pretty good show season. That being said, I have been thinking alot about sustainability.        I'm also thinking ahead about the daily routine of going out to the studio (which I love) and starting the  fire in the woodstove  (also love) and then waiting the hours it takes to get it warm enough to work.  Add to that how the groundhogs have m...

       First up is Art in the Village in Franklin Michigan, on Monday, September 1st. I will be making my fourth appearance at this gem of a show. Props to the director of the show, Jane Polan. She has the heart and soul that it takes to put on a great show. In her communications to the artists, she always states that she is delighted to showcase our talents. And I believe she really means it! She consistently manages to provide a great space for us, feed us, and, most importantly, get the art-loving buyers to us. So, even though it's one day only, and it's a long drive and a night in a hotel, it is worth it for me.        Franklin is just north of Detroit. It is a beautiful community and I always enjoy staying there. The event is in conjunction with a Labor Day Celebration, which includes a parade with a marching band, food trucks and fun activities for families. The art show is on the grounds of the local library, which hosts a popular book sale...

   I have e xciting news! I’m thrilled to be showcasing my work at the  Crosby Festival of the Arts, presented by @toledogrows on Saturday, June 28 th and Sunday, June 29 th !   Come see me at the Crosby Festival of the Arts!         Use my code     sw2025cfa   to get $2 off your admission.  Experience an unforgettable weekend filled with fine art, live music, and incredible food at the beautiful Toledo Botanical Garden. Stop by my booth to explore my latest pieces!  You'll find me where I was last year, in Booth 98. Here's a preview of what I'll have at the show:                                           As always, if you would like to add to your collection, you will receive 20% off your purchase. 

         After literally being in the woods in my studio all winter,  I'm now ready to take it on the road with my mixed media collage pieces, aptly entitled "Of the Woods".       This weekend, to kick off the show season, is one of my favorite shows. It is the Broad Ripple Art Fair, at the Indianapolis Art Center. I will be in booth #53 in the field, unless some last-minute begging on my part results in getting the shady spot next to the Art Center, where I was last year. My booth has evolved over the years, but is still sage green with flowy curtains and dappled light.       This year has been one of great learning and experimentation with new techniques and materials. Light through leaves remains a strong theme of my work. I continue to seek that place of solace in the woods. My palette is still muted and earthy, but with vibrant pops of color. I am a lover of coneflowers, ferns, and all the rich textures and layers of flor...

    It's March, and that means one thing: TIME TO PREPARE FOR SHOW SEASON!    That's right, it's about to get crazy around here. And I mean that in a good way. I've been waiting for show season to start ever since it ended back in November. Even with all the work, all the energy, all the artistic endeavors, all the money and time invested, and all the headaches that come along with it, I am nonetheless excited and ready. So call me crazy, I can take it. And please come see me and hopefully add to your collection of my work.  Here's my booth in the process of getting set up in my yard.            I know it's only March 13th, and my first show isn't for two months. But here's the deal. Right now it's a gorgeous sunny and 70 degrees here in Indiana, so I absolutely HAVE TO be outside. It's been a long winter, and even though this is only "fake spring," I'll take it. Also, I have intended to give my booth an update and take care of...

     I mean, I could get out if I had to. It's not like we're stuck in the frozen tundra with no other options. Been there, done that, and this is not that. That being said, I am absolutely fine with being snowed in with paint, coffee and an easel. It's what winter work is all about. Even without snow I would be in the studio painting with the fire burning right next to me. The snow right outside the window just helps the vibe.    This is a page from my illustrated art journal. If you're a reader of my blog you know that my journal is the place where I play. Play with color, patterns, textures, and just let my imagination go.       And this is where it went! I used this image for our holiday cards, because it was pleasing how wintery and festive it turned out. Once I got the prints back, it led to me thinking of ways to print other pages of the journal.  Mind you, the pages of the journal are not for sale, nor are they intended to be dis...