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.

Latest Work

This kiln had a lot of Prairie pieces mixed in with more of the usual work.

Small with the Dark Green glaze usually reserved for Petals

Group of small Prairie in our Teco Green Glaze

Smaller group in our Yellow Glaze

closeup of a new shape

another new shape

The single shots are of larger pieces. I'm thinking of adding a linked page connected to our website's Prairie page with these photos, sizes and prices. The idea would be to post "in stock" pieces and remove them when they sell. It could be a way to enhance the website a bit and make the time frame more convenient. People wanting a quick gift then wouldn't be put off by our making pots to order. Any feedback on this?

Steve's new work

 A few surprises from Steve:

The Willow on the left is Cherie's.

Cutting away and indentations

An Early Spring Inspirational Walk

Steve & I abandoned our studio this morning and took a walk in the woods.  It rained over an inch the day before yesterday and the wildflowers are coming up all over.

one inch of rain in the mountains means a lot!

Trout lily

Dutchman's Breeches

Wake Robin Trillium