That's Show Biz!

It's full swing time for the art shows, and I'm dancing as fast as I can! This is a tough time of year to keep up with, well...everything. Orders, shows, pets, friends, household chores, trying out the new "happy apple" toenail polish...

Some things will just have to wait, because this time of year the shows come first. That means it's time to serve my retail customer. Because I added a new show at the last minute, I wanted to let everyone know that my jewelry won't be in it's customary home at The Promenade Gallery for a while. I'll be on the road (check out my art festival schedule!) until the end of September, when both I and my jewelry will return home to beautiful Berea.

On August 29 and 30 I'll be in Sellersburg, IN at a new show for me: Art In Speed Park. I'm told it's a fantastic show, and I'm happy to be an invited guest this year. So, come on out and see me and all the other creative folks there, offering their handmade wares.

Please remember that it's just as easy (and often as affordable) to buy a fantastic piece of handmade art by a regional artist as it is to make a run to the mall. Why not give something as a gift (to yourself, maybe?) that has a story, that is distinctive and special. And support your local economy at the same time.

To all those who DO come out to the shows and who are regular visitors to the art galleries--I thank you from the very center of my heart. And to those who aren't--what are you waiting for?

On Being the Resident Artist at The Promenade Gallery

A few years ago I found myself in a tough spot. My personal relationship and financial position had changed drastically. My roommate moved out, and so something new had to move in. Enter Kathy West and the terrific opportunity she offered me at The Promenade Gallery in Berea.

When I'm not hauling my jewelry around to shows, it resides at Promenade in a beautiful old oak and glass case. I pop in regularly, restock the inventory, talk to customers, and make a general nuisance of myself--all of which Kathy and her Creative Consultant, Donna Spangler, tolerate with great good humor.

Not only will you find my entire show inventory at Promenade--including lots of one-of-a-kind pieces--you'll also enjoy lots of wonderful art by many respected local and regional artists. In fact, the reason I am so happy to work with Kathy is because I believe her gallery represents the very best of what the arts & crafts world has to offer. From the folksy to the fine arts--you'll find it all at The Promenade Gallery. Stop in and say hello, where you'll be greeted with a friendly smile by Kathy, Donna, MeOwnSelf or Daisy, the gregarious gallery doggie. I promise you'll love it!

The Promenade Gallery is located at 204 Center Street in Berea, Ky and is open Mon-Sat, 10-6; Sun, 1-6.

Happy Birthday, Marc Chagall!

Like most artists, I like to experiment across various media. For today, that means I'm eyeing a block of porcelain and considering if I finally want to start on that tile top table. My creative meanderings have taken me down many paths--metal, ceramics, oils, enamels, pen and ink, colored pencils, in other words--I'll play with just about any materials placed in front of me. Occasionally I even strum the guitar (when I'm sure no one is around to torture except Maizie, whose howling accompaniment couldn't possibly be interfering with anything melodious).

I especially like to dabble in 2-D art as a diversion from the constant jewelry-making. This is a painting of me mum (hey, Mum looks good in green!) I worked on during my, um, Fauvist period. I've decided to finally leave it alone. I think it's finished...well, for now.

Back to the porcelain...time to get squishy!

Welcome! I'm just beginning this blog. Check back for pictures, show updates, new things I'm working on, and a dose of Southern sass!