Getting silli all the time

Seems like we are dreaming of  101s and 110s ....... They're everywhere. They're everywhere!

From the shower first thing in the am.

to the breakfast table

in the car

to the office

in the garden

for dinner

buy the sink

having fun

what's this??

in our dreams.......

Berkshire Arts Festival in Great Barrington, MA

On the way to Great Barrington, MA:

The weather did not cooperate for this show. Still, we enjoyed seeing some wonderful work!

First up, fellow Saugertesians, Alex (and Barbara) Kveton:

 More of Alex's work can be viewed at www.alexkveton.com

 He's also on Facebook if you want to keep track of him.

On either side of us were jewelers:

Lisa's work can be seen on www.twosonjewelry.com and on FB as 'Two Son Jewelry'

You can see Merrie's work at www.merrilymade.com

                                                          

www.highbeams.com

 Inside the ski lodge were 'High beams' lamps made by Trenny Robb & Bob Michaud

on FB at High Beams Lighting

and these folks with their beautiful glass

Steve and I loved their newest designs which are like abstract paintings. Check out their work at www.galiglass.com





Finally.... Heartwood Schoolhouse of the Berkshires demonstrated their eco conscious training program.

Take a look:

More information can be gathered at their website www.heartwoodschool.com or you can call them at 413.623.6677

and that was the Berkshires until next year

Roycroft Summer Festival 2011

Held in the parking lot at the Parkdale Elementary School in East Aurora while the Power Plant is being restored on the Roycroft Campus, this show was well attended on Sunday. Saturday we had some rain that kept the crowds at bay; however, we had the loyalists to save the day. Thank you.
The quality of the Roycroft Artisans is awesome and they are generous enough to share the fun with some others as well.

First, two of my favorite Roycrofters:

Mary Mateljan Philpott makes beautiful, ethereal tiles and vases.
Her website is http://www.verdanttileco.com/

You can see her work on FB as Verdant Tile Co.

Then there is Laura Wilder is a painter and printmaker working very much 
in the Arts & Crafts Style.

Laura's website is www.laurawilder.com

Her FB page is Laura Wilder Artwork

Next to us at the show and always popular are Lynne & Richie Bittner with Wildflower Graphics. You can catch them at www.wildflowergraphics.com as well as FaceBook.

"Blessed is a man who has found his work." Ebert Hubbard

Now back in the studio, we are juggling working on the MET orders and getting ready for the art fairs we have scheduled.
Coming up fast is our journey to East Aurora, NY where the Roycroft Summer Festival is held annually the last weekend in June. This year that'll be 25th & 26th from 10am-5pm at the Parkdale School instead of on the Roycroft Campus because of reconstruction of the Power House.
If you are unfamiliar with the Arts & Crafts community of Roycroft, there's a lot to be said. I had best hand you over to the authorities here so you can explore the breadth of Roycroft. There are a couple of interesting websites starting with the official one http://www.roycroft.org/ which explains Ebert Hubbard's background, inspiration and the Roycroft tradition in furniture, copper and print. The Roycroft Campus itself which is an official National Historic Landmark has a good website at http://www.roycroftcampuscorporation.com/ . On that website, you'll find the Copper Shop Gallery which features current artisans working in the style of the Arts & Crafts Movement (like us!)
And finally the association of loyalists that today represent the movement is http://www.roycrofter.com/ which produces the show we will be participating in.
Then be sure to check out http://www.roycroftinn.com/ which is just terrific.

Where or When?

So where have they been?
Well, we went to Oregon in May for a wonderful trip. Flew to Portland, drove to the coast and ended up in Ashland to see my brother and sister in law.
Here are some inspirational highlights:
First, Portland, OR was breathtaking in its spring flowering glory. We stayed at a B & B in the Northeast section of the historical district named Irvington... all Arts & Crafts homes...unbelievable.

Portland also has a wonderful Classical Chinese Garden, Lan Su (Never the Same Twice), which features very cool tile garden floors and a wonderful Tea House.

 Of course, with the Hoyt Arboretum, the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, Skyline Drive with a view of the mountains, nearby Columbia River Gorge..... Portland has so much to offer.

Monkey Fir Tree at Hoyt Arboretum

 We then drove to the northwest coast and starting exploring some of the 51% of Oregon that is preserved. It was difficult to pick only two photos for the Oregon Coast but you get the idea from these:

Cape Falcon

Cape Lookout!

 (I'm biting my tongue not to show you the tide pools at Yachats and all the birds and seals.)

Before leaving, we dipped down into California for a look at the majestic Redwoods.
Next entry we'll be working again, I promise!!

The First of May

Many times galleries want their first order to be in the store for the Mother's day sales. Accordingly we try our best to complete and send them in time. Now that the holiday is over, there is a gap. We have just finished firing two kilns and are ready for a little break. After all, it is spring.

First let's see what we have:

We did receive a new smaller order for the Metropolitan Museum's Store. You can see the 101 Smalls coming out now.

Another view showing a Trillium and one of Steve's newer pieces

Second kiln which we unloaded today

These newer pieces of Steve were shown freshly made on the April 18th entry.