Next Up: Art In Speed Park!!!

Just spinning off the fast-paced wheels of a wonderful Woodland Park art fair, I've already packed my bags, my jewelry, and my portable store, and I'm headed to the sweet little town of Sellersburg, Indiana--located just 10 minutes north of Louisville. 

Art In Speed Park is a fair I look forward to all year--I see lots of my artist pals, listen to good music, eat good food and look at beautiful art works. And I enjoy the Saturday evening wind-down in the relaxing wine garden.  Kim Johnson, AISP Director, and her festival staff are among the warmest and most helpful I've encountered--so what's not to love?

And this year they've managed to schedule some delightful end-of-summer weather for the weekend...mid-80's and LOW HUMIDITY. Perfect. :)

I hope you'll be able to make it, but if not, here's my schedule for the rest of the year.  If I don't see you there, I look forward to seeing you somewhere! ♥

Art In Speed Park, Sellersburg, IN, Aug 27-28.
Art In The Vineyards, Cedar Creek Vineyards, Somerset, KY, Sep 10 
TACA Fall Craft Fair 2011 in Nashville’s Centennial Park Sept. 23, 24 & 25
KGAC Fall Fair, Indian Ft. Theater, Berea, KY Oct 8-9
Greater Cincinnati Winterfair, Northern KY Convention Center, Covington, KY, Nov 25, 26 & 27
Columbus Winterfair, Multipurpose Bldg, Ohio State Fairgrounds, Columbus, OH, Dec 2, 3 & 4 







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You Should Buy This CD. Really. :)

OK, so who is this good-lookin' guy, and why is he (and his new and awesome CD) appearing on my blog?  To answer my own question (and those of you who know me well know I like to jump right in there), the cute guy is Warren Byrom. And not only do I try to promote Kentucky's visual artists whenever I can, I also like to brag on all genres represented in the rich talent vein that runs through our art-abundant state.

I first met Warren in the 90's in Nikky Finney's creative writing class at the University of Kentucky.  It was Warren's first pass through UK and my second, or er...maybe third (yep--the eternal student).  Have you ever fallen head over heels in platonic love at first sight?  Warren's kindness, humor, talent and charm won me over right away, and I've followed his success over the years as co-front man for Lexington's popular band, The Swells, and as trumpet player in Big Maracas.

Little did I know that Warren's considerable writing gifts, so apparent in his fiction back there in Nikky's class, would translate so readily to musical form.  Warren is an incredible singer/songwriter in the genre I would probably best describe as "Americana," or "Roots." But I always resist labels and really, Warren's work does, too.  It's utterly original and compelling and the evidence is packed into CD form, awaiting your discovery.  But you don't have to take my word for it (though I know you do!); you can take a listen here:

http://warrenbyrom.bandcamp.com/album/the-fabled-canelands

and read Danny Mayer's review of Fabled Canelands in North of Center:

http://noclexington.com/?p=4286

The Fabled Canelands is available at CD Central, Morris Book Shop, Joseph-Beth Booksellers and from Warren Byrom on Facebook. To make your experience complete, you can see Warren in person at one of his upcoming Lexington gigs on August 13 at The Green Lantern and September 3 at Al's Bar (with opening act Altered Statesman from Nashville).  See you there! ♥

Now THAT was a good art show!

This past weekend we were privileged to participate in the Berea Craft Festival, right here in my own backyard.  This show draws festival goers from many states--I talked to folks from Wisconsin, Minneapolis, Oklahoma, West Virginia, Tennessee, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and probably many more places. The quality of the art represented was exceptional, as always, and it turned out to be our best show so far this year! We were also made happy and humbled by an Honorable Mention in the best of show/booth award.  And to top it off, I met this darling new customer, Alyeace, who, after touring the entire show, told her mum that she wanted an ear cuff as her one purchase.  I have never been so flattered. I'm always telling other artists that I have the most delightful and beautiful customers--now I don't think there can be any doubt about the veracity of that statement! Thanks Alyeace, for making my day a whole lot brighter. And thanks for buying something handmade from a Kentucky artisan. ♥

Up a Creek--With a Paddle

Calling all paddlers and white water river runners!-- Or just anyone who wants to affirm that they're prepared when life's currents threaten to take them under...I'm happy to present this three-panel bracelet, fabricated from copper and sterling silver. Wear it for its aesthetically pleasing form, or as a talisman to help keep you afloat. You can see this bracelet as well as lots of other new designs at the upcoming Talbot Street Art Fair, Talbot Street, Indianapolis, next weekend--June 11 & 12.  We'd love to see you there!

Moon Madness

Probably we all know the word "Lunacy" derives from "Luna," or the Moon. And though there have been a few male moon gods, most cultures have seen the moon as quintessentially feminine. From the Greek "Aega" to the Etruscan "Zirna," the moon goddess makes an appearance in nearly every mythological pantheon. 

So when I first published a picture of our "Phases of the Moon" bracelet on the Twelfth House Facebook page, I shouldn't have been surprised at the reaction from our female fans.  I wouldn't say they went crazy over it, but it did net a strong response. : )  This piece (pictured) was created for a good friend and customer who saw the bracelet and commissioned a necklace. With great patience she waited (I guess you could say through many moons--teehee) until we could finish it for her.  And so here it is.  By the way, as of today the moon is at 48%. For all you moon lovers or just the merely curious, a moon phase calculator is available at http://www.calculatorcat.com/moon_phases/phasenow.php. ♥

Art in the Arbor -- Time to Shine!

 Birds are singing, flowers are blooming, mosquitoes are biting! (Ow!) What does all that mean? It's springtime here in the Kentucky woods, and that translates to kickoff to SHOWTIME! Though we do the winter KCMP Market earlier in the year, I don't think of the "show season" as officially starting until the first show of the spring.  This coming weekend we're happy to begin the art year at Art in the Arbor on the grounds of the Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church in Louisville. This will be our first time at this long-running and popular show, and we're eager to meet some new folks as well as visit with our terrific regular customers in the Louisville area. We're also excited to be previewing a lot of new mixed metal designs, like these "shine" earrings.  I have always enjoyed drawing and since I discovered metal etching, have been focused on transferring my original illustrations into metal form. If you're looking for some weekend fun, stop by and see us!  Here's the link for the show: http://tjuc.org/artinthearbor/  We hope we see you there! ♥

"Shine" copper and sterling earrings



The Eyes Have It! (Or, Did You Know...?)

Art goggles - front view

Art goggles - side view (the skull is NOT real!)



Art goggles - detail





  Robbie Hacker--employee and master fabricator at Twelfth House Designs--has a rather unusual hobby.  As if he didn't spend enough hours making stuff, when his day at the jewelry bench is done...he turns his tools to making artwear for the eyes!

  Did you know...that the first eyewear manufactured in the U.S.A. was made by jewelers?  Before the early part of the nineteenth century, most optical frames were cheaply made and imported from Europe. But when private customers began asking for something better, they turned to their local jewelers to fabricate sturdier and more asethetically pleasing frames.

  So, while what we're looking at here may be unique, the concept isn't new.  There is a small group of artists out there creating eye wear pieces where form competes compellingly with function for first place. (OK, so what if I love alliteration?) : )

  This particular pair of optic artwear is fabricated from re purposed copper, brass, and a couple of pairs of old magnifiers and didinium glasses.  While they're cool to look at, they're equally fun to actually use--to make jewelry, of course!

  At the risk of wearing you out (I'm known for my seemingly endless supply of little known and unwanted facts) and in case you didn't know, "the eyes have it" is actually co-opted from "the ayes have it"--a phrase used in The House of Commons to vote for approval in matters of debate.   And in the matter of this uber awesome artwear for the eyes, I'd definitely say the Ayes Have It.  (Sorry.) : )

Home Sweet Home

There's just nothing like sleeping in your own bed.  Which is pretty much what I've been doing since returning from the 2011 KY Crafted: The Market, held for FOUR days at the Louisville Expo Center.  It was a good show, and if you came out, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  It's an event that the artists look forward to, because we have a chance to visit with each other during the relatively slow-paced trade days of the show, before it opens to the public on Saturday. My dear friend and fellow artist, Robbie Moriarty, took these shots of me and Robbie Hacker--Twelfth House Designs' jewelry maker extraordinnaire--and a shot of the jewelry she bought from us.  RoMo (as we now refer to Ms. Moriarty, to avoid confusion amongst Robbie's!) is a fantastic jewelry artist in her own right--and what a Dear to buy from us.  But I must admit that as a redhead, she looks great in copper. : )

Since returning home, I've been enjoying the emerging Kentucky spring--the frogs are peeping here in the hollow, birds are singing, blooms are busting up through the ground and bugs of every model are making their way back into my daily life. The air is soft, warm and sweet, and I'm going out there right now to enjoy it while we still can.  It's a typical Kentucky spring--I hear a cold front is hiding just behind this delightful day. ♥

Kentucky's Largest Indoor Art Fair...

...is about to happen!  Come join us, along with hundreds of other wonderful Kentucky artists at Kentucky Crafted: The Market!  March 17 & 18 are trade days, and the show opens to the public Saturday and Sunday, March 19 & 20.  We have worked steadily this winter, and have lots of new designs! 

We are starting to incorporate more and more copper and white brass into our work.  The price of silver has more than doubled in the last seven months, so we're exploring options to keep our jewelry affordable for our wonderful customers.  This led to experimenting with mixed metals with what we think are terrific results!  And thus far our customers who have seen the new work agree!

The Market takes place at the Louisville Expo Center.  For more information, go to http://www.kycraft.org/.

Hope to see you there!

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.

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.