"The chief source of art is man's pleasure in his daily work, which expresses itself and is embodied in that art itself."
William Morris (1834-1896)

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Saugerties Farmer's Market

 As members of the Saugerties Artists Tour, we volunteered to man a booth at the Saugerties Farmers' Market today from 10 am-2 pm. It turned out that it was Children's Day at the market featuring special entertainment for kids during the unbelievably hot weather.
She is a one woman puppet show..very clever!!
Cajun music on a day like they have in SW Louisiana!
Tapping to the music!


Did you know? Hoola Hoops are back in style!

Monday, July 18, 2011

It's Still the Same Old Story

 Continuing on our order from the Metropolitan Museum of Art......





Let it be said though that we are grateful for this opportunity to continue....

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.......

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

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

Monday, June 27, 2011

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.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

"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!!