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.