An Attitude of Gratitude

Wow!  What a weekend at Indian Fort Theater in Berea!  OK, it was a great show as far as sales go.  That always helps--A LOT.  But more than that, this festival showcases the strictly juried members of the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen--operated soley by artist membership, and the oldest continuing art group in the state of Kentucky. 

Next year the KY Guild celebrates its 50th anniversary. I'll try to keep you "posted" about it throughout the year as events are scheduled and planning progresses. It promises to be a big event, and I hope you can make it to help us celebrate!

Meanwhile, it's time to make more jewelry and plan for the next art show.  I hope to see you in Somerset at the Sheltowee Artisans annual holiday fair--the second weekend of November.  Until then, many, many thanks to all the fine folks who showed up in Berea to support us this past weekend.  Without you, we could not do what we do.  When you purchase even a small piece, you have more impact than you can ever imagine.

Happy Fall--finally, the leaves in beautiful Berea are turning to red and orange and gold!  Don't you just love that? ♥ 

Art In The Highlands!

Just in it's second year, Art in The Highlands is growing quickly! It is the show I chose to replace the Ursuline Campus Art Fair on my exhibition roster.  Ursuline closed its "doors" on the art fair biz two years ago, and more than one show stepped in to try to fill the gap.  Art in the Highlands is the one I chose to revisit this year as an exhibiting artist. If you come, you will find many of the former Ursuline artists there, too.

I met so many nice folks at this fair last year.  Wonderful customers, and a dedicated team of folks at the Collegiate School, including students, who helped us unload, set up, and dolly out (during a thunderstorm!).  That level of participation by the hosting venue always inspires my loyalty.  I am delighted and proud to be a part of this show again this year!

The show takes place at Louisville Collegiate School on Glemary Avenue in the charming Highlands area of Louisville on September 18 & 19, 10-5 each day.  I hope I see you there!

Art In Speed Park!

I can't believe the Earth has spun fully on its axis and landed me right back here, one year later, writing again about Art In Speed Park in Sellersburg, Indiana.  But this show is worth an entry on my blog at least once a year!  I think it is the perfect size in the perfect-sized venue--just right for a leisurely stroll enjoying some of the best art presented in the Louisville area.

And this year is definitely special, seeing as how it's the 20-year anniversary of the show.  Lots of events are planned--to find out more take a look at  http://www.artinspeedpark.com/.

Or read all about it in this article by Dale Moss in the Louisville Courier-Journal.  It even includes a shout-out to You-Know-Who!

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20100818/COLUMNISTS06/308180055/Dale-Moss-Art-in-Speed-Park-wasn-t-afraid-to-set-the-bar-high

Show hours are 10-5 on both Saturday and Sunday, August 28 & 29.  I hope I see you there!

Pleasant Hill Craft Fair!

It has sure been a hot summer and hardly conducive to outdoor fun. But this coming weekend boasts a cool down, sunny, dry days and an art show that's completely in the shade! So, if you're looking for something a bit different, The Pleasant Hill Craft Fair at Shaker Village promises something for everyone. It's a great place for family fun, a great place to bring out-of-state guests, and a once-a-year opportunity to stroll down a tree-lined lane to view some outstanding craft art in historic Shaker Village!

A reduced Village entry fee of $10 will get you the tour AND the art show! Dates and times are Saturday, August 7, 9:30-5; Sunday, August 8, 9:30-4:30. If you come, please stop by, meet my new jewelry apprentice, Robbie Hacker, and check out our new and ever-evolving designs. And if you mention this blog, you'll get a 10% discount in my booth! Shaker your art show! : )

http://www.shakervillage.org

Francisco's Farm Art Festival!

The temperatures may be hot, but the art at Francisco's Farm Art Festival this weekend will be ultra cool! (Sorry...I just can't help myself sometimes.) Seriously though, Folks--American Style Magazine has named this show as one of the Top Ten Art Festivals in the country for three years in a row, as voted by the PUBLIC. No other show in the state can claim that accolade, and there's a good reason for it. You won't be disappointed at the quality of the art represented there. In fact, my personal art collection has swelled with new delights since I began participating in this show.

The festival takes place on the beautiful grounds of the Midway College Campus. There is a small fee for parking, but admission is free. And if you come on Saturday, you park free on Sunday! The dates and times are Saturday, June 26 from 10-6, Sunday, June 27 from 10-5. I'm in booth no. 138, with a new jewelry apprentice, Robbie Hacker, and lots of new designs.

I hope you'll come on out, eat some great fair food, listen to the stellar musical lineup, have a terrific time, and support the arts in Kentucky. We wouldn't be here without you!

For more information:

http://www.franciscosfarm.org/

More on the Beautiful (and Talented!) People

This beautiful woman is Liz Martin. Notice that Liz is wearing a Twelfth House Designs pendant (which she makes look very good!). Liz was kind enough to send me this picture of her lovely self, which not only helps substantiate my claim that I have the most beautiful customers, but I am especially flattered at her patronage because Liz is herself an artist.

As an artist, there's something about another creative person buying your work that is especially gratifying. Maybe it's because you know they're keenly aware of the time and effort that was involved in creating the piece they select.

Liz makes beautiful glass beads. Check out her work at http://www.mostlydetails.etsy.com/. While you're there, why not buy a few of her gorgeous glass beads and make something beautiful for yourself?

Thanks, Liz, and thanks to ALL my beautiful customers. I wouldn't be here without you. ♥

Kentucky Crafted:The Market, March 6 & 7

It's almost impossible to believe that it's almost time for, as we artists call it, "The Market." Or sometimes just "Market." If you're not familiar with this event, it takes place this year on the first weekend in March at the Louisville Expo Center, and hosts Kentucky's finest, professional artists.

We prepare all winter for this event. In addition to seeing our retail customers on the weekend, we spend Thursday and Friday talking to gallery owners and wholesaling our work to them. So, if you come, you'll be among the first to see the artists' new designs (and grab some for yourself!). You can also experience some of Kentucky's finest musical artists, graze the Kentucky Proud aisle for the best food made in Kentucky, and meet a select group of fine juried artists from out of state.

If you're an art lover, and you believe in "Buy Local," this is the show you don't want to miss!

For more information about "The Market" go to http://www.kycraft.org/.

See you there!

Treats for the Sweet!

It's February (already!) and thus time to choose something special for that special person--a.k.a. Your Valentine--in your life! Yesterday I dropped by The Promenade Gallery to take in some jewelry specially made for the sweethearts' holiday, and I was very excited to see the display that Donna Spangler (pictured) had created for me in the old oak case that houses my jewelry.

If you click on the picture of the case, you can see the jewelry up close. Better yet, stop by the gallery and give it a personal look-see. I'm sure you'll find something perfect for your very own sweet art tart!

XOXOXO.....

All the Beautiful People

It's hard for me to believe that the first month of the New Year is almost gone! I've been remiss in my blogging; forgive me. The work keeps me busy, and now I'm preparing for the upcoming KY Crafted: The Market, to be held in Louisville at the Expo Center, March 6 & 7. I hope you'll come and support Kentucky's finest artists, if not with a purchase, then with an encouraging word for the work we do. We appreciate any and all forms of enthusiasm for the arts!

With that sentiment in mind, I just want to take a moment to thank all my wonderful customers for their unflagging support during the past year. Despite the lousy economy, I made it through, and I owe it all to my wonderful and beautiful patrons. I tell everyone I have the best looking customers! Don't believe me?--take a look.