Park Ave Fest Update {repost}

Yes, I am still alive, and, well...yes, I have just been wrapped up with things other then renovating the house.  But, in case you were checking in, I am re-posting an update that I just put up on my art blog.  Until the end of the summer and art festival season, we will be focusing all of our efforts on paintings, frames and all things related to festivals.  Thanks for checking up on us  :)

Well, it is safe to say that we have now tested our tent against severe storms.  They rolled through mid afternoon on Sunday of the Park Ave Fest.  Although the weather caused the show to end a little early, it was a welcome break in the heat for a bit. 

The festival was pretty cool.  It had a very eclectic mix of artists, crafters, and food vendors.  There were also a lot of very nice vendors willing to share tips with us on setting up and displaying our paintings.  We spent some time building pvc and dropcloth display panels to house the artwork.  They did the trick at the festival, but Eric and I both agreed that it is time to upgrade to a more professional looking set up. 

You can see the panels that we built out of PVC pipe, green plastic fencing and canvas drop clothes.  This was taken on the morning of day 2.  The painting on the right is my demo piece.  The view is from the top of the old Stutson St. Bridge looking down into the marina on the Genessee River and Lake Ontario.

demo painting in progress - still un-named, 36x36, oil on canvas

I am happy to report that we won Best in Show for the Painting category.  The rain forced us to pack it up a little early, but that was ok since we were headed back home that night.   In case you are interested, the demo painting is still available.  Send me a message for more info

***Update - the demo has SOLD
.

Manayunk Art Festival Recap

[repost from www.teresahaag.blogspot.com]

At the last minute, I was offered a table in the Emerging Artist Tent at the Manayunk Arts Festival.  I had never done a festival before...so I got some prints made and put together some plain black float frames for my originals.  We scrambled with some display ideas and packed up the car to see how things would go. 

This is the first year that they had an Emerging Artist Tent.  It was such a great idea.  My tent mates were so great and came from all different backgrounds - painters, digital artists, jewelry makers, pastel artists, and print makers.  Some had just graduated, and some had grand kids. 

I snuck out of the tent before the festival was even open
 and snapped this street shot...the streets were already packed.





Emerging Artist Tent

Table Setup

I did a live demo painting during my two days at the festival.  It was pretty busy so I was in and out of working on it.  It's of the Manayunk Bridge.  A local couple has called dibs on it.  I should be finished up this week. 

Some of my tent mates.

The festival organizers stopped by the booth at the end of the first day with a ribbon for me.
 I won the Best Emerging Artist award. 

The festival was an amazing experience.  People were streaming through all day stopping by to talk about my art and tell stories about places that my art reminded them of.  I met a woman who is also from upstate NY, and although I didn't have any work that depicted that region, she purchased a one of my 8x10 original paintings of Paris. 

I sold 7 originals, including my Shoreline Motel.  I am slightly sad to see the Shorline go, but I know that it is going to a good home.  I also sold some art prints.  Based on the crowds feedback, next year, I'll have more original paintings of local artwork available. 

Up next...I was accepted into the Corn Hill Art Festival in Rochester, NY July 7-8.  So, I've got to get back to work!

Gallery Update

Last month was the Phoenix Village Art Center's members show.  There were about 40 artists who submitted work.  It was a great show. 

I submitted 2 paintings...

It was a juried show and the awards night was this week.  I am so excited to share that "Powell Street" won Best In Show!

Here is the really amazing part...the winner of Best in Show gets a solo exhibition in 2013.  I am still in shock as I didn't even consider this a possibility.  So...lots of work to do to get ready.  40 pieces is the goal. 

Displaying Kids Art

Our poor fridge is running out of space.  I have been stock piling Owen's little creations for some time now and have been trying to come up with some creative ways to display/save his hard work.  I had some extra Ikea Ribba frames lying around and picked out a few random finger paintings and sticker pictures that were hanging on (for dear life) to the refrigerator

above - finger painting by Owen
left - a card made by cousin Sydney
right - sticker picture made by Owen and his babysitter Faith

here you can see it with and without the pictures -
the color really makes a big difference

So, this idea is nothing earth shattering - but I have to say that it really brightens up that little nook in the kitchen.  We have a small wall in the bathroom that is crying for some attention - I think I'll put a couple of these up there as well. 

Below are some additional ideas that I've stumbled acrossed and will definitly be incorporating at some point in our little home. 

1.  Scan in the artwork and crop it down into squares.  Print.  Tada!  http://jengrantmorris.blogspot.ca/2008/08/artwork-in-boys-room.html
2.  Trim on the wall with clips screwed on make for an easy change up in the display.   http://www.marthastewart.com/275481/decorating-kids-spaces#/224231
3.  Graham and Brown Wall Paper -  ooooooohhhhh so many possibilities!
http://www.grahambrown.com/us/product/52050/Frames+%3A+Black+%26+White+Wallpaper
4.  This takes my little project and blows it out of the water!
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/a-go-big-grid-of-kid-wall-art-155823
5.  I actually have this wire hanging system from Ikea already.  It's what I originally tried to use in my bay window to hang curtains.  I recently installed the wire in my studio to hang current artwork. 
http://pinterest.com/pin/223280093995205267/

The Boys

I caught Owen by surprise while he was snuggling with his little bears.

I just had to share this moment.  After his nap yesterday, Owen came downstairs and cuddled up on the couch with his little stuffed bears that he calls "the boys" - which I think he picked up from me since that is how I often refer to him and Ryan.  These are the moments that I feel especially blessed to be at home with them.

Kitchen Island Painted

Before



During Install



For three months now, our island has sat in the kitchen primed and patiently awaiting a coat of paint.  I was so stumped on what color I wanted to go with.  The kitchen is quite neutral - slate, tan, white and black.  There was no color inspiration to find in the current color pallette.  I recently did a kitchen update for my mother in law - we painted a nook in the kitchen a bold red (Morocco Red - Behr). 

trying out different shades of red in the kitchen nook at my mother in law's house

we went with Moroccan Red - Behr

Another view

I kinda fell in love with this red and was really really  hoping to find a place to put it in our home.   Red scares me, so the thought of doing an entire room was a bit overwhelming.  I picked up a quart of the paint on a trip to Home Depot and set it aside until I found the perfect surface to paint it on.   On a whim, I decided to try it out on the cabinet in the peninsula and realized it was perfect.  It totally transformed the feel of the kitchen from a bit chilly to warm and full of personality. 

This was definitly a bold choice - but I think it really fits perfectly.  The only thing we have left is to get the seating figured out.  I am thinking I want 2 saddle seat stools, 1 high back stool for Owen, and a hook on high chair for Ryan for now.   



More Groutable Vinyl Tile

I got a message from a friend of the blog last night.  He saw our previous post - Groutable Vinyl Tile and recently installed some in his kitchen. 

Here is the in progress pic...

Groutable Vinyl Tile being laid over old vinyl flooring.

And here is the pre grout after pic...

pre grout - groutable vinyl tile
Trafficmaster/Allure style is called "New Concrete"
12x24

This is the same brand that I used for our kitchen...just a different style. Nice work friend :)  I would love to see it after the grout.  

As for our kitchen...I finally painted the penninsula cabinet!  So excited to show you some pics.  I'll give you a clue - it's not white.  Guesses???