Welcomes, Photos and Shameless Self Promotion!

Good Monday! I've got to admit that I have had more responses to the giveaway than I dreamed I would, which has delightfully brought me some new followers and to them I say WELCOME!!! I hope you are able to glean something good from this page and come back and comment.
Secondly, I have to point you to the Community Artists Co-Op page for a little self promotion. Okay, I'm really asking you to go check it out because my friend Val is working hard to make a nice looking blog for the group, and just because it happens to feature moi, well........just go look and leave a nice comment---okay? Val would appreciate it, I would appreciate it, you'd be doing something kind to start the week---that's all good, isn't it?
Now to my *work* yesterday. Studio-wise, there was little. I overslept, jumped out of bed at warp speed to get cleaned up for early service (which I did make with all body parts appropriately dressed) and then came home and crashed. the only thing I accomplished in-studio was what you see below; getting the marbled flowers with angelina in the centers sewn onto the background.

I had fused a sheet of different colors of the angelina first, but found it too much. It really fought with the other colors. So I tore off bits, rolled one end tight and inserted it where the flower stamen had been and then it worked. Hopefully the photos are clickable so you can see up close how nice this works.

These two show the variation in the colors of both the marbling and the angelina fiber. (it is messy stuff, you know......bits everywhere......)

And this is a great close up of the detail the silk flowers take from the marbling pan. I'm still pretty blown away by it; everything I ever tried to marble turned out looking like something that was regurgitated.......there is a fine art to the process. If you want some of the flowers, go talk with Linda at Marbled Musings and I am sure she can give you a proper deal. They're awfully fun....... ;-)

And to the rest of the day: mowing, scything the south edge of the field and taking the tiller apart and putting it back together. And it works!!!! WHOOOO--HOOOO!!!

Hope you have a productive week and not too much noncreative work to deal with.

Now go make art!

Pax.

A Lovely Evening.......

(All photos courtesy of Shane Mohler, copyright 2009, all rights reserved)

.....At Co-Op, even though it had gotten hot during the day and warmed the Cafe more than usual. We had a great turn out, new faces who all said they would come back (YAY!) and good art and good friends!

The late afternoon sun coming through the large windows always provides interesting shadows and highlights; Shane was kind enough to shoot pics for me and I loved these photos above he shot. (especially this with the chiaroscuro lighting!) Thanks a big BAZILLION Shane!

I did the presentation of the canvas to Rev. Steve Ailes (who had managed to escape from another meeting long enough to get to our meeting!) It was a touching moment for me, having to be semi-professional and explain all the details and remain emotionally neutral. The gift was happily accepted.

And I had to include this picture because we were laughing afterwards about me looking all proper and subservient........which, believe me, everone knows is not true!!!!! I do look like I am behaving though......and I did a pretty good job, until I turned the piece to the sides and said "How's your Latin?" (which of course, Steve could read...hmmmpht!)

Now today is off to PT, with a considerable amount of pain from being on my feet all day yesterday, so it ought to be interesting. I guess it will be payback for all the off-color humor AFTER the canvas was presented! LOL!!!!

I hope, during this process of posting from start to finish, some of the excitement of work and discovery was conveyed. Perhaps you have had a chance to get a new idea, to think about what you do in a new way, to be able to get a glance into the mind of another artist and discover your own inspiration. Or maybe you have just enjoyed the visual ride of process to product.

Whatever the journey has been, may it have been profitable, enjoyable and educational.

And may you always be able to share your art with those around you.

There is no greater gift and responsibility than being blessed with the talent of an artist, and no greater joy than passing the results of that along.

Make art! Do what you do well!

Deo gratias.

The Box Canvas---FINISHED!!!!!

Well folks, you've been quite patient, and today I have all the photos of the box canvas posted; you get to see the sum of all the little parts and tidbits you've been teased with! I have to admit I am more than happy with it---in fact, I really don't want to give it away but go it must.

I'd also like to add that the photos that are the lighter yellow reflect the real color of the piece. It was one of those shades that just went weird every time I would go for a close up and I am far to lazy to readjust color each time...... ;)

The cross was built up with layer after layer of rice paper and gel medium. This allowed a slow but manageable shaping of the piece. What surprised me when I painted it was the fact that it really looked like wood! A nice surprise!

This is, of course, a liberal interpretation of a Jerusalem Cross, which usually has four small crosses in the corners representing the four gospels. Well, why not put the evangelists there instead? So right to left, top then bottom; Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. They are secured in the bottle caps, as small gilded frames, with a bit of superfine glitter acting as halos around the edges.

This is a very BAD close up of poor Matthew.....he's really not that orange.....
Then on each side of the canvas, I picked an appropriate Latin verse.

On the left side: "Be mindful, O Lord, of Thy servants."

On the top: "By the words of the Gospel may our sins be blotted out."

On the right side: "May Almighty God bless you: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost."

And obviously, on the bottom, as all prayers are ended; "Amen"

The worst part of the text was going through font after font after font to find something that looked very much like the old fonts used in prayer books, and then remembering that the first initial of each phrase was a decorative cap, in *that* red, and the rest of the verse in a plain font. The text was probably the worst to put together in the sense of imitating an old missal.

But the back......ah......it was glorious to work on! Again, the first photo is the most accurate for color and I can't help the quality of the close up...it's better than it was when I first uploaded it.

I did a tremendous amount of searching for the right icon image to put in the cavity--most were far too stylized and stern for my liking. Then I came across this one, but only a tiny JPEG, so I kept looking and lucked out, finding a very large photo. It was printed, applied with gel, painted over with fluid acrylics, metallic gold paint and German glass glitter around the edge of the halo. I sealed the glitter with Triple Thick Glaze, because I was NOT sure it would stay in place due to the nature of a canvas to expand and contract with weather.

The skin tone on the piece is actually a very natural color, but again, I kept getting RED. So you have to use your generous imaginations on this one!

After taking the photos, I finished with different varnishes; matte, satin and gloss. The background is satin, the body of the paper, matte, and the face and halo, gloss. It is very effective. I intend to experiment more with the combination of finishes, as it allows things to be pushed forward or back, as desired. Tonight we have our Artists Co-Op meeting and I am taking this to show.

So thanks for sticking with me on this piece, and a very big WELCOME to a new follower! While I am glad this is done, it is with sadness, too, because it truly brings to reality the fact that our minister will be moving on. Steve is a great man, has put up with me like a saint (the patience of Job, we're talking...), endured my raucous and unfit jokes I have been compelled to e-mail him, and has been a pillar within our community.

Reverend Steve Ailes, you will be missed. Sorely. This is a very small gift to remind you of your community and home in Peru.

To the rest of you, take advantage of each day, try new things, cherish those about you.

And make ART!!!!!!

A fast peck at the keys

Today is hurry up and hit the road for a few meetings and I am hoping that by this afternoon I can get back to the box canvas. I have to admit....there were several steps I did that I did not photograph. I was too busy trying to get things done (all at once) such as change the oil in the John Deere, do laundry, clean the kitchen, mow the acre and head to town to paint on the Circus Banners. And that last one is making parts of the body recently operated on most unhappy. I just keep forgetting I am NOT Wonder Woman. I'm sure it's just because I can't squeeze into those satin tights anymore....... ;) .......probably all that yummy pizza and Abita beer! From New Orleans, you know!

At any rate, if you all will bear with me, I will get some sort of art posted this week. I have no idea what at this point! I am hoping for the box canvas to be DONE by Wednesday evening, to take to Co-Op and show----not that it has anything to do with the theme we picked, "Peacock". That's the Mr. Mel piece that will go to Jan that will be shown. But I absolutely MUST show the other one off a bit!

And when I do post it, finished no doubt, there will be a lot of pics so it will have been worth the wait. I promise! Or I'll eat dirt. And even with my more-than-healthy appetite, I don't want to eat that. Now, a nice pot of crawfish, ahhhhhh, different story!

At least it appears we will have a sunny day here today for all my running and then home and try and think what I want for dinner. (something I don't have to cook---that's what!) I could have put a lovely outdoor picture up today, but you know me and monkeys....this is much more *me* except his desk is less cluttered!

So for everyone else, have a good day, have some creative time and enjoy yourselves! Don't let this be a typical Monday.......

Make ART!!!!!

Make creativity happen!

Have FUN!!!!!

It's Friday....RIGHT???

Because that means the only thing I have to do today is go to the Honeywell Center to meet the gallery director for lunch, and to pick up some work from a show that ended a while back. The picture above is part of the gallery, which circles a theater. It is large--very large--as I found when our three person fiber exhibit hung. That was a beautiful show, even if I do say so myself. It was an interesting blend of fiber work; three distinct styles and we mixed them all together through the gallery which at first I had great hesitation about. But it was beautiful and kept the eye from stopping at the end of one persons work. There was flow.

Last evening I went to the Maconaquah Elementary School Art Night, with some of the Co-Op people. I held a chair down---simply could not lug art. Next year, I shall lug again!!! It is a fun thing to go to; there are 700 pieces of art made by every school attendee hung all through the halls, then the professional artists are set up in the gym, where the kids and parents can walk through, ask questions or just look.

And yes, I should have stayed home because I was tired and sore but oh well. I was bad. (sorry Tristan......I really tried to listen to you!)

I did manage some time in the studio before I took off. Was all gussied up to go, and working with metal leaf. It ended up everywhere! On the work table, on ME, and some on the piece of art where it was intended. That probably was NOT the time to be doing that. This afternoon I am heading back down, and hopefully can grab an HOUR to really do a bit of work. I tend to grab minutes, and am learning to be content with those.

So enjoy your Friday; last I heard it is finally supposed to be good weather here and maybe I can open the sunroof on my car! And not freeze......

Thank God it's Friday!!! Go have fun!!!

The Art of DECAY: or Why Co-Op Theme Night Is Fun and Introducing Kathy Lauman's Work!

(Image copyright Kathy Lauman, 2009, all rights reserved)

I wish I could take credit for this piece. It is from our art group that meets monthly, and we pull a one word theme as subject matter for every alternating month. As luck (or lack there of) would have it, the month *my* word---DECAY---was to be shown, I was here at home, newly released from the Horse-Pistol and really pouting.

This was done by a very talented lady, Kathy Lauman, who has a way with both words and collage. She is a natural for altered art and has a tremendous sense of humor with her work. You must click on the photo to read the text---you MUST!

I remember the first meeting Kathy came to, quiet, reserved, shy. I think we asked if she would return and she said yes. One of the first pieces we saw was of the building the Cafe is housed in, and it was hinged to stand, with tiny details in the windows and Kathy talked about what inspired her, and about why she had people, etc. in the work.....should have had an inkling at that time that there was more to come! Then we had Bernadette's mixed media class, Kathy signed up and suddenly we were absolutely blown away at this treasure of art hidden inside her! It was one of the most rewarding experiences I have had; watching her make an absolutely incredible piece and being able to have a storyline to go with it! I mean, it flows. It doesn't seem like work--she takes diverse bits and supplies and there is always something going on with the characters and when it's done, you're whisked right along with the whole drama happening in the work! It's like being Alice and you've fallen down the rabbit hole and emerged in a different world--FUN!

So, since I felt there was probably a little bit of *Anne* in one of those characters depicted---probably Dee, just probably---I had to buy this and bring it home to hang in my studio, right above my worktable.

Now every time I am at a standstill, not able to decide what to do next or just burned out on decisions, I have something wonderful and light hearted to take me away for a short while and make me laugh.

And try and figure out if I am Dee or if I am Kay.......

I'm pretty sure I know the answer to this one, and those of you who know me well do too! ;)

Please leave comments for Kathy here; I know she will be checking the blog and will be anxious to see what everyone has to say!!!

And I demand that you do that! NOW!!!! (whip cracking) LOL!!!!

Things I teach.....occasionally!

(Photo by Anne M Huskey-Lockard, copyright 2009, all rights reserved)

Last Summer, in the midst of the usual Summer mayhem we all live with, I did a demo for our Community Artists Co-Op on making Collage Papers from left overs, odd papers, scraps of artist papers, etc. From the demo, came a class, which turned out to be a pretty good time and some fun work done. Above are samples made for the class, and of course I had to go into excruciating detail on the instructions (probably would be an adequate cure for insomnia....) which made it read a lot harder than it was. Truly, they are easy to do. If you don't collage, they can be used for a card front or just frame one and enjoy.
I found these fun to do because of all the paper I could recycle into them. Foil candy wrappers, safety envelopes tinted with fluid acrylics, cheap coarse glitter from the dollar stores---regular stamping and embossing supplies. I did use some Golden Mediums, my splurge, but they go a long way. Really, the only thing that might have been hard to find was the Demco Gesso, which is a must. If you've never tried it, go to a Hobby Lobby store, get a small jar of the ARTISTS GRADE----do not buy the STUDENT GRADE. No. NO. A thousand times NO!!!!!
The quality is fantastic and it can be used as a base coat or as an in-between, tone down coat or as a texturing coat before applying color.
Now, if the gods of Blogger are with me today, the above photo is *clickable* so you can see the detail, of which there is plenty. Peek around, see what you can discover, and don't hesitate to ask questions.
I might just be able to remember how I made them! ;)
Seriously, it is a good way to use scraps and be involved in a creative activity on a basically non-creative day (which we all get now and then....).
That's it! Go have fun!
Or go look at yesterday's monkey picture.......

Another PT day....a little Art

"Turks Cap Lily"

....So you get a pretty photo from garden, from last year I believe, and I get to get worked out.

Hmmmmmmm..........somehow I think you are getting the better end of the deal!

I always shoot a lot of photos in my flowerbeds as the different flowers come into bloom. In the winter they are wonderful inspiration and frequently they get made into something. If I am not mistaken, this particular photo was used in a piece of fiber art that was part of one of the Co-Op theme challenges. I know I have the pic of the piece---I'll root about here and see if I can find it.

"Fire-Tiger"

Ah, I'm in luck. It was right where it was supposed to be! This was a fun piece to make as it is dimensional and the actual lily photo was printed out on watercolor paper, which sucked up ink at an unbelievable rate. The leaves were sandwiched with the featured fabric, then felt on both sides. I did the stitching for veins, then hit the felt with a heat gun. Most of the felt melted, leaving an interesting texture and pattern. The paper lily was set up from the background by stacking scraps of felt until it was the proper height to look like it was hanging from the stem. I am hoping the photo is clickable (just discovered it is NOT)......things have been peculiar on here of late.

Anyway, I'm off to prepare for my workout and you should be off to make something!

Have a creative blissful day!

Valerie May: Artist, Friend

"Art feeds my spirit, nourishes my soul."

Valerie May

All photos in this post were provided by and are the exclusive

property and copyright of Valerie May, 2009.

"Falcons Facing West"

"Oriental Yin-Yang Collage"

"Light One Inverted"

"Greek Collage"

I thought I would simply start today's post with an artist's quote and ART. Pure, beautiful, unadulterated ART. The type that makes you stop in your tracks to look, pulls at your heart (and checkbook!), things you want to either make or make your own.

That is the type of work Valerie produces. After a long drought of not dealing with art she joined the Community Artists Co-Op--in fact, she was at our very first meeting--and has not looked back or stopped since. (please click on all the photos to view in a larger format--there is so much detail to enjoy that can't be seen in the smaller size pics.)

Val has an art degree but has a very Zen approach to what she does. While she can produce *exact copies* (extremely realistic paintings) her view is , "Been there, done that, why go back?" One of her favorite quotes is from Picasso:

"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life."

And indeed it does as is evidenced by what she consistently produces.

I envy her ability to work with abstract in an apparently easy, nonplussed manner. She says she can teach me. I am thinking that she might have met her match on that one...."Little Miss Anal-About-Details" doing an abstract??? Oh, but I want to!

I could rave extensively about what I find appealing in each piece but I'm not going to. I want you, my gentle readers, to look deep into them and see what speaks to YOU. And please leave posts here directly to Val, because she does not have a blog yet, and she will be able to read and answer any questions you may have.

And now one more little tidbit I have to admit that I had been keeping secret.

At our LAA Show, Val sold a painting called "Quilt In Oil". The buyer chose to remain anonymous. Well, Kiddo, it is hanging in my kitchen. I had looked and looked at the piece loving it more each time I saw it and knew, at the right time, it would come home with me.

So I proudly own an original, and couldn't be happier!

I hope you all enjoy this small sampling of Val's talent and her delightful use of color and composition. She is truly one of a kind!

Now go do something creative and use your day well!!! OR ELSE!!! ;)

(I'll chase you with my cane....HA!!! Okay, you can get off the floor and quit laughing now.....)

Just a quick note

After a generous amount of blackened chicken, red beans and rice, greens, Abita beer and king cake, I was too lazy and useless to photograph the box canvas, which is DONE! YAY!!! It looks really good, and either later today or tomorrow, I absolutely promise to post the photos. I had a wonderful Mardi Gras and hope all you all did too!
Today I am having lunch with one of the outreach reps from the Fort Wayne Museum of Art (click text or on the side bar logo to see their site), then we're heading to the Co-Op show for a last look.
In the afternoon I will be attending a Buddhist ceremony with some friends for a burning of intention cards. I am to bring cedar and juniper, and I tied the bundle with antique red silk salvaged from a vintage kimono. I look forward to this and hope the smoke will carry the desires and prayers out into the universe and there will be benefit for all.
So bear with me; it's not a traditional Ash Wednesday for me but one I look forward to. And if there is a traditional service at my church for distribution of ashes, I will be there this evening.
I wish you all peace in the beginning of this season of introspection.

P.S. I think the posting comments issues are resolved....for the next five minutes at least!

More Folly......

....from the reception. Let me correct that---this was before the reception, when we all were laughing and being absolutely asinine. In other words, enjoying ourselves!

And there is always *one* in the bunch who cannot behave....you know, the sassy, brassy, way-no-sense person who has to, ummmmmmm, show off. For the sake of those photographed with me, I have cropped the image harshly, doing my best to preserve their dignity. I'm pretty sure I don't have any left..... ;)
I would like to think we were just blowing off pre-show jitters. Yeah. That sounds good!
So now you've seen my more mischievous side, or lower quadrant as the case may be, although I am sure you had figured that one out before.
I have never grown up.
I doubt that will happen.
Living life and laughing is too much fun!!!!
I do have a few more *real* photos I may post, but as you can see, my choices are made not by sense but nonsense!
Made ya laugh, didn't I????

A Few Photos From The Reception

Last night went great! We had a good crowd of our own people and a very good turn out from the Logansport people, so I am both happy and dead tired today.

I spent some time cropping a few pics to post and then tinkering with the exposure. Hopefully they will be good enough to show what went on.

All I can say is when you have a gallery that size filled with people,everything is GOOD! You may not get photos of the art, but, oh well. I can go over before we break down and do that.

Tonight I head to Wabash to Honeywell for the Fort Wayne Museum of Art's "Art and Espresso" program on Andy Warhol. Then I am *artted-out* for the week! I need to rest, schedule a board meeting, try and get a few other things lined up for Co-Op, yadda yadda.

And yeah, in between all that, if there is time, make some art.

Well, such is my life!!!

I would insert titles under the photos but I am not Blogger-tech-savvy enough to do that......... the photo of the young man is Shane Mohler who does the Artists In Peru blog.

And by the way, we had a LOT of delicious goodies....I think I gained a few pounds and brought home leftovers too.

Have to go crash now---or work. And it's probably going to be the second one!

Ta-Ta!

Well Kiddies, today is THE DAY

A quick post before all the last minute prep for the reception this evening. Yes, I made the pecan tartlets. Yes, I stayed out of them. Yes, I know what I am wearing. Yes, I will be in high heels so I can complain ad infinitum, ad nauseaum. ;)

Actually, we got a little press on the show in yesterday's Peru Tribune so things are going great! I will attempt to remember to take the camera tonight and get pix of us all with our work, or schmoozing at the least.

I wanted to post a photo of some of the works I have on display, but the only thing I have is the B&W mixed media Frida, so that's it. You're stuck with monotone. The other pieces all have bright red backgrounds and are rotten to photograph. I use a high gloss finish on parts of the work, and it won't let the camera focus, whine, whine........

Anyway, this piece is 12" x 12" and on a deep gallery wrap canvas. There is much texture in the background and all of Frida is fabric, then mounted on felt that was hit with the embossing gun to turn it lacy. I also threw some of the small glass craft beads into the gel medium on the b.g. of this, so when the light is just right it looks like it glows from within.

Wish me luck....that I don't dump punch on myself, or someone else, that it goes well, that I don't fall out of my heels or have my girdle explode!!! (that could prove newsworthy.....yes???)

Creative Every Day

As usual, I am doing this backwards. I am linking to this site (sidebar) and need to go officially join. It is a great challenge because it is not a hard nosed, in your face type thing. The expression of creativity is broad, as it is in real life.
I think most of the folks that follow this blog qualify for being creative every day. In fact, it may be something I promote to Co-Op; to see how we create---what we do, what we consider creative and what we don't. I think a lot goes unrecognized and it is not always art that is creative.
The older I get, the more I would like to say I lead a creative life. That broadens the term even more, but at present, besides my own projects, my creativity is in establishing it in others. To inspire, to teach, to help, to listen. It is looking at being creative and doing so with depth.
I am not a challenge person where every day you have to make a *something* and post it. While this might promote good work habits in some, in me it usually means I produce junk that goes into the *circular file*. I want substance.
So now I will pop over to the CED site and get the blog signed up, and see if indeed I am Creative Every Day!
(moving the desk doesn't count...I know....dang.......)

So excited....

....for a number of reasons!
First, a new follower---welcome! That makes my little heart happy!
Second, got the e-mail invites that went out to everyone for our Co-Op show in Logansport and they looked stellar. Also found out there had been a fair amount of walk through traffic this past week, and for our local area (small, economically depressed), that is excellent. Especially considering the weather, which I choose to ignore....
Third, the last banner is so close to being finished I would do a Pirate Jig, but I am far too stoved up for that. So maybe just waddle around the studio yelling WHOOO--HOOOOO and swinging my apron! (yes, I still wear THOSE.....always.....cannot cook without one)
Fourth, when the storm-from-hell hit Wednesday night, as far as I know, we are still in one piece even if it did blow water through the door casings and get the carpet wet. So what. However, the power outage when I was soaking in the tub was NOT FUN. Naked, wet, trying to find candles, trying to see the phone book to call REMC to report it.....discovering the battery on the back up sump pump was not functioning......you do not know what dark is unless you live in the country and the power goes. To quote Spinal Tap, "Yeah, but it's the blackest black!" Indeed. Thankfully I did not burn the house down with candles and old oil lamps.
Fifth, I'm such a *man*........I repaired the battery on the back-up sump pump all by myself and now don't have to go battery shopping. ;)
Sixth, a large roll top desk we were trying to give away has found a new home. It came from one of the old primary schools in Cass County that was closed when consolidation took place and was a Principals desk. It is going to a home where there is a math teacher and an adjunct professor. It will be loved.
Seventh, I'm thankful for this blog and the people who stop by to read the drivel. And I do, truly, promise new pics, but probably Monday. I am hoping to deliver the almost-done banners this weekend.

All y'all ROCK!!!!!
Until later, I bid you adieu.......

Picture of yesterday's show hanging

I'm glad this is not a deep thought post because I realize this morning I am NOT as young as I used to be, and hanging a show, especially when you are up and down the ladder numerous times, is hard work. We started with the packing at around 9:30, and by 11:00 we were at the Logansport Art Association ready to unload and figure out where everything was going. Including myself, we had a crew of six to unpack, sort, clean, reattach eye screws or hangers that just sort of weren't strong enough and then the fun began.......
First off, we have the great meeting of the minds ; Val, Susan, Caroll and Alisha. Naturally, my mind is safely behind the camera!
Alisha starts with tags and sorting of cleaning materials.....

Richard gets started hanging his pieces, which were large enough to fill one end wall and provide visual punch when the viewer comes in.

Group scrutiny as we check to make sure spacing is proper, things look good next to each other, etc. (and yes, I was working too--the photos came from ladder breaks!)

And finally a couple of shots of the finished product; this is just a portion. There was a lot of art and some of my end-of-day photography was less than perfect! Okay, a lot of it was. No excuses---I was in a hurry and wanted to be done and on the road.

We were all exhausted, mostly from the worry of dropping someone else's piece of artwork and then having a breakdown! But all in all, everything went smoothly, we only had one wall we had to really scoot things on to get it spaced properly and at the end, there were lots of high fives to go around.

And I don't want to do it again tomorrow. No, I think I need a few good soaks in the tub for the knees and hips and then, yes, I would do it again!

There is nothing more rewarding than taking a diverse group of art and making it into one cohesive unit, with a specific visual flow both through color and the gentle undulation of the eye going up and down as opposed to the straight hanging that is frequently thought of when the word "gallery" is mentioned. This requires the viewer to look, and look again, and then come back and find another treasure they may have missed.

I love it! Thanks all for a fun day!

Off to hang the Co-Op Art Show!

UPDATE: It's hung, it's done, and you have to wait till tomorrow for the pictures because I am dead on my feet! Don't let anyone kid you---it is hard work hanging a show, and a very diverse show is harder, because you have to figure who works best next to whom.
So tomorrow, pict-o-rama!
Or at least a few....... ;)

Early day today; getting things ready to help hang the show in the neighboring city of Logansport, at the Logansport Art Association. Our group is the February show and our members really pulled through with a lot of work. (which means a lot to transport SAFELY and sort and hang......but that's GOOD!!!!) We have several people volunteering to go and do work, so it should make it easier.
I will take some photos, if I don't forget the camera, and share them here later.
This is the first gallery showing of the group since it's inception. In March we will start our third year, and frankly, I can't believe all we have accomplished/been involved in. I did not realize it until I put an informational sheet together for distribution at the show. Here is the text:

The Community Artists Co-Op was formed by four Miami County artists out of a desire for a supportive work community for local artists of all medias and abilities and those who appreciate the arts to be able to meet, share expertise in art-specific areas, network with each other on art related matters and to further the education of all artists in the group. Within the group are both amateur and professional artists and the member demographic is from high school age to retirement. We draw not only from Peru but the surrounding areas of Miami County, as well as Cass County. Meetings are held monthly January through November at Café Du Cirque, 65 N. Miami, Peru, on the third Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. The Café also generously provides gallery space.
The group has a strong commitment to involvement in our community, as it is our belief that the quality of life is improved through art. Being close to our third year in existence, we have participated in two Fallfests, the MCAC art show in conjunction with the Cole Porter Festival, the Miami County Historical Society’s Heritage Days art show, have hosted the Fort Wayne Museum of Art for their outreach program “Art and Espresso”, contributed art for the Circus Hall of Fame Gala fundraiser for two years (monies raised from Co-Op contributions approximately $3000), developed “You Got Art”, an original program which put small original pieces of art into the hands of the local community, produced a Storm Water coloring book in association with Peru Utilities to be distributed throughout the local elementary schools for use in their Science classes, and most recently, provided over 100 4”x4” original art pieces for a local nursing home to remember the elderly at the holiday season and we still have continued to encourage our artists to produce their own art—which they do, prolifically!
Further, we have a commitment to education, as shown through bringing in a working artist from the Indianapolis area for a successful mixed media class this past fall. Our members also occasionally provide classes to Co-Op members and non-members, and will work one-on-one with others when asked.
As stated in the first advertising fliers we produced:
COME JOIN US!!!!

WHEW!

More later when I get back, hopefully with good pics and some funny stories! Other than me sliding on the slush and snow and rearranging my back.......

Check it out....

.....one day only.....in the Peru Tribune. (just click--and it will probably only be there today) The picture of me with that dang-blasted dog collage I had on the blog earlier. It's like of all the things I could have had with me that evening, not my really GOOD art, that ends up out in public........ But, it was on the front page and press is press.....right?
RIGHT? :)
Oh boy.
Off to work---just providing you humor for the day, or as the blog title says, this proves your blog is better than anything else out there.
Really.

Cafe Du Cirque; Our Co-Op Home

I am on a short schedule this morning and of course this is the day I wanted to introduce where our art group meets and has work hung. It is a warm and wonderful place called Cafe Du Cirque. The owners, Chris and Bonnie Arrick, have supported us from the very inception of the group. Our first meeting was held in their previous location; a small, rather dark area inside another large old building. We have always been welcomed by them. They stay late to keep the business open so we can meet, they allow our art to hang---without their support, the Community Artists Co-Op would not exist, at least as we know it. And they support local art. We fill the walls; it is all from Miami County artists. Others have tried getting on the bandwagon with this, but the Cafe is still the central hub for real art support.

And now to the really good part---the coffee and food. Yes, in a small town overrun by fast food and mediocrity, this is a welcome reprieve both in quality and atmosphere. The inside of the building is an inviting sunshine yellow, so no matter how grey the day is, you can have your spirits lifted just entering. Chris makes the very best Lattes I've ever had, and I have had a lot. When I am out on the road and end up at one of the "Big Guys" who serve coffee, I always get a latte, expecting that delicious brew from the Cafe. Nope....not even close. His choice of beans is what makes it sooooo good. True, I love my coffee. And I love GOOD coffee. So he has me there. I am spoiled.

Their menus are varied and delicious, mostly a lighter fare; they do quiche well (a specialty) though I am NOT an egg person! That is made fresh daily and the contents vary depending on the availability of seasonal items. Warm soups in the winter, cool, refreshing salads in the summer, an array of original sandwiches and a courtyard where you can dine if you prefer to enjoy the outdoors.

The building's owner and restorer, Linda Bowman, has created a sanctuary for both the cafe and artists. She took a building in desperate condition and made a glowing, thriving community. Studio space is carved out of any amount of building area at affordable prices. She also shares in our success--by risking her hard earned money to make 65 N. Miami a desirable location.

To all parties mentioned here, I say "Thanks!" From all of us---as Co-Op members, as patrons, and as friends.

Every small act has an immediate effect, the ripple theory. Their acts of faith have far spreading ripples.

So for any of you reading this elsewhere, if you should happen to find yourself in or close to Peru, please come visit this marvelous gem in our city. You will, no doubt, put it on your list of places to which you will return !

We are truly lucky to consider them as our friends!

Too much to do......

(boring post alert!!!!!)

....And too little time today, so this is short. We have the meeting of our art group tonight, the Community Artists Co-Op (scroll to the bottom of the page and you can see us *in the flesh*). We are not a traditional artists co-op; we don't own/rent a building for gallery space or pay monthly dues or schedule time sitting a gallery. We chose the name due to our rural location and the use of the word "Co-Op" among the farmers. One person helping another. One person sharing what they have with another member. Networking, building a group of people who can rely on each other and have a good time together, and learn to produce art--or hone skills they already had. It has been successful as this March we will be starting our third year.
So today I am doing the agenda addition about their first showing in a gallery. This is the group I spent most my holiday getting a nonprofit status in place for. We do a lot of charitable work for the community, sufficient that we can fit comfortably into the non-prof slot and be able to have some of the benefits. I'm pretty excited about the rest of the year, once we get the show out of the way!
But for today, it's peck, peck, peck here and then try and squeeze in banner work.
I need a double of myself----one to sew while I type. Surely that option is available........ya think???
Or I will be learning to schedule time better, and sleeping in is NOT going to be part of that routine!
If anyone would like to apply for a slavery job in my studio, please do so! The pay is nonexistent but the birds are entertaining!!! (not so much the owner of said studio....)