Art Camp, More Like Fun Camp

Art camp in Monson was such a blast to teach. This week I taught on Thursday and Friday, always a rush at the end to finish up projects at the end before parents arrive. Was determined to teach book binding. Kids are capable of a lot. Especially when you have some assistance on hand. We did cool marbled paper with a shaving cream and tempera paint technique for the covers, and used mat board, needles and embroidery floss to make a finished bound book. I love when students can walk away with a handsome finished product to write, draw or journal in later. Also it's fulfilling to see a project through and not just scrap it because it might seem difficult. Thomas Edison once said, "If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves." Photos to follow.

Turning Art Video on CNN

A really nice video is up on money.cnn.com. It's like netflix but with art. I have some paintings on there, you should get a subscription and rent my paintings! Prints are also for sale through them. An Adam O'Day painting hangs in the background of the office scene, talented Boston based artist. check out the link here: http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2012/06/22/t-ts-turning-art.cnnmoney/ also visit turning art here: http://www.turningart.com/

The Gatehouse: Smash Hit

The show up in New Hampshire was wonderful! Malynda and Brian did a great job of hanging everything. It was a beautiful night to sit out on the steps with a glass of wine and welcome people in to have a look. We also had a little impromptu photo shoot. The work is still on display til the end of July.

Painted Shoes and Altered Books for Kids

I am having a great time teaching at summer art camp for the Monson Arts Council. With 2nd through 7th graders we made altered books using up gobs of glue, paint and paper. The kids really embraced the project and made it their own. I'm so proud of them! On the last day of class last Friday I made a speech that they are all such creative, cooperative students. And even if you don't think of yourself as an artist you can always keep being creative; painting, drawing or playing music! It is important to challenge the young people in our lives to explore their imaginations and to commend them for it. All it takes is for an adult they look up to to tell them they are talented, because too often a harsh comment shuts the creative place in the brain down. Also, check out these shoes I painted! My cousin Erica saw something like it in Vogue, and commissioned me to paint a pair for her friends' birthday. They are acrylic on silk heels, Starry Night inspired. A few other images can be found in "Mixed Goods."

Tamsworth Art Council Mention

The show is fast approaching and I wanted to share this bit posted by the Tamsworth, NH Arts Council. http://artstamworth.org/category/upcoming-events/

Gatehouse Show Pictures, 2012

The Gatehouse Gallery Show is this Friday! Here are some pictures of what the space looks like. Malynda did an BRILLIANT job of hanging, and picking up art, and promoting! Come on up if you are looking for an adventure on Friday. Reception from 6-8 and I believe there are hotels in the area if you want to make a long weekend of it.

For more information and directions visit: www.GatehouseGallery.com "A tiny space full of Art, Design & Creative Energy" 214 Page Hill Rd. PO BOX 292 Tamworth, NH 03886 603-725-4377

Everybody Loves A Parade

Greene Room Productions was in the Summerfest Fourth of July parade in Monson, MA, with a giant peach, bugs, a lion and body painted men on stilts. We won favorite float! Little kids and older folks all waved and smiled. It felt like at the end of James and the Giant Peach when the peach lands in NY, and everyone comes out to cheer them as heroes. I dressed up as Spider, shaking a funny furry spider butt all the way down Main Street. We then had face painting and fortune telling downtown at Summerfest. It was wonderful to be a part of it, especially since last year it didn't happen due to the tornado. Monson is Strong!!!

Whoa, I'm in a Documentary

Tara Neves is creating a documentary about artists from all disciplines to find out more about the creative experience. Here is the first clip of my interview.

Marathon Monday Quilt

Check it out! Pieced together this quilt for Cara and Don. Don's father passed away but in his full life he ran in many, many marathons. They cut out all the t-shirt logos and gave them to me to construct a quilt... Of epic proportions. It is double sided made from mostly all t-shirts and a bit of other quilted materials, including some of their own clothes. It is heavy and will be very warm come winter.