Happy New Year Abstract

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone! It was a heck of a year, see you in 2012. When all our dreams will come true. Here's a little painting to start things off abstractly.

Me at Monson Show

Here you can see the new quilted stretched canvas.

Craft Show Review

So the Baystate show was... interesting. Since it's so out of the way it mostly depended on Baystate employees to stop by on their lunch break. It was a very nice space with about 40 vendors. Met a vendor Zoe who makes neat found object jewelry. I sold some birch candle holders and one super awesome gold painted rhubarb leaf.
Then I took off for Boston where my mini masterpieces and a few leaves were in the Mass Art Holiday Sale. Sold one leaf and 10 minis. It is nice to have a show that someone sells your stuff for you. Not sure if the traveling to Boston to drop off and pick stuff up works out financially in the end, but it is a good excuse to get into the city and see my friends. The birch candle holders really sell themselves, sold a few more sets to friends in the city. Need to start a new batch. Please email me if you want some and I can ship it out- they make great Christmas presents.

Mass Art Holiday Show 2011

This past weekend I had a fabulous time in Boston catching up with old friends and dropping off artwork at the Mass Art Holiday Sale. The sale will run from December 5-10, 2011, in the lobby of the tower building at 621 Huntington Ave and has all sorts of goodies from students and alumni. It looked pretty packed to the gills with neat stuff this year, so if you stop by, think of it as a scavenger hunt and find mine. I put in 5 beautiful painted concrete leaves and 40 mini masterpieces.
Stopped by the Boston Bizarre Bazaar on Sunday and had a very inspiring walk around, so much felt, jewelry, silk screens and beautiful babbles! Makes me want to play with glitter and resin, dust of my oils and finish a quilt.

Rays of Hope 12/9/11

Hopefully participating in a Holiday show to benefit Rays of Hope, a program sponsored by Baystate walk for breast cancer. There will be 40 artisans displaying their wares, myself included. All booth fees are being donated to the cause.
I will have more of the birch candle holders, leaves and small artworks for sale. It will be located at the Holyoke Conference Center Upper floor ~361 Whitney Avenue ~ Holyoke, MA on Friday, December 9th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
See you there!
more info at: https://foundation.baystatehealth.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=289

Holiday Craft Show- Day Two

Come on down to Memorial Hall in Monson for the second and final day of the Monson Holiday Sale. Yesterday I sold out of birch tree candle holders, have 6 more sets for today and will be taking orders if they sell out again. Get your Christmas and Hanukkah shopping done early this year and support your favorite local artist!

Monson Holiday Craft Show 26, 27

I will be at the Monson Art Council's 33rd Annual Holiday Craft Fair which will open on Saturday, November 26th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and continue on Sunday, November 27th from 12 noon until 4:30 p.m.
Here are some pictures of current projects I have been working on that am excited to debut. Please stop by and get your holiday shopping out of the way! Shop local!

It's like a baby-quilt-wall-painting.

Working on a new project involving quilting, which I have been doing obsessively lately. Sometimes when sewing, a block looks to good on it's own I can't bear to jumble it up into a bigger quilt. So I thought, "Stretch it like a canvas and hang it on the wall!" I did four tonight, they look pretty alright. Photos to follow. Will have them at the Monson Holiday Sale the 26 & 27.

Craft Show Monson, Holiday Show Boston

I will be participating in the annual Monson Holiday Craft Fair, what used to be known as the Big Mac. This year I will have handsome birch tree votive candle holders, sections of quilts made into wall art pieces and the concrete leaves painted up all nice, greeting cards and maybe some other treats. The show runs November 26 & 27, 2011 from 9-4:30 Saturday and 12-4:30 Sunday.
At the Mass Art Holiday Sale I will have Mini Masterpieces and painted up leaves. The Mass Art show runs from December 5-10, 2011 10a.m. to 7p.m. daily.

A Giant Peach and New Minis

Hello! This weekend is your last chance to see James and the Giant Peach, Friday the 11th at 7:30 and Saturday at 3 and 7:30. It's a really fun show for kids and adults alike. I play the Spider and painted a bunch of the set, the peach itself is a feat of engineering.
Also I added some new Mini Masterpieces in the painting section. Check them out, they are not available to the public yet, so if there is a new one you must have shoot me an email and I will set it aside/mail it to you. Starting with "chicken and the eggplant." Cheers.

Coming Soon: James and the GIANT Peach

The show is coming up soon, so get your tickets now! We think it may sell out. If anyone is interested in placing an ad in the playbill, let me know. Show starts November 4th at 10:30 a.m. for a bunch of school groups, with a night show at 7:30.
Lately I have been helping paint the set, alot of fun to paint big spooky rocks, trees and houses. Especially since I usually paint lighter things. Here is a sneak peek at Jame's aunts- Spiker and Sponges' house. Also, my costume is hilariously sexy.

James and the Giant Peach

Lately I have been stretching my creative wings into the realm of theater. I will be taking on the role of Spider in the adaptation of Roald Dahls' James and The Giant Peach. Greene Room Productions will put on this show at the Academy of Music in Northampton, MA. Shows are November 4, 5, 6, 11 & 12 with matinee shows and evening shows. We have been practicing lots of crazy dances, the set and costumes are going to be amazing, and I can't wait to revisit the stage.
For ticket information visit http://www.academyofmusictheatre.com/event-calendar/events/?event_id=155

Artist John Jorgenson

Check out this great website of the very talented painter John Jorgenson. Not to be confused with the gypsy guitarist, oh no, this John serenades us with a brush on canvas to create insightful, clever and hilarious scenarios that just might make you want to live in a tree house. Enjoy.
http://www.johnjorgensonart.com/

New Pictures from Mattoon

Mattoon Street Report

Picture of me in my booth with a spread of concrete leaves, "Yellow Dress," and "Three Ladies in Pink and Blue."

The show couldn't have gone better- a sunny weekend and lots of great people came out to support local artists. It is always refreshing for me to do a show like this and get to talk to the public about my work. The responses to the concrete rhubarb leaves lets me know I'm on the right track with a special product. Before the fall hits I will make more since I received offers for upcoming festivals. I also worked on getting emails and addresses to send out updates. Please email me with your info if you would like to join my mailing list.

Mattoon Street

In The Paper

Getting ready for the Mattoon Street show, made a whole new batch of western mass t-shirts and making lots of leaves. Maybe even a couple concrete cameras. September 10 & 11 10am to 5pm in Springfield.

20x200 Art Prints

Wanted to share this really cool art print site where you can get affordable art from real live living artists. If you are looking for a specific image or only have $20 to spend this is the place to go. Lots of fun to look at different stuff too, click around and see where it takes you.
I just bought a piece from artist Christine Berrie, "28 Camera Drawings." I had never heard of her before but I love the look of vintage cameras, and this piece crams them all in there. It looks like a photograph but Christine drew them.
So go ahead! Splurge on a picture of something that grabs you by the throat and says, "Hey! Buy me! Chicks will think you are cultured and cool." Because I think that is what art would say.
Link -> http://www.20x200.com/art/2009/12/28-camera-drawings.html

Mattoon Street Festival 2011

Andrea Art will be back at the Mattoon Street festival this year, Saturday and Sunday the 10th and 11th. If you have not been before this is a quaint cobble stone street right smack dab in the middle of Springfield, MA. Lots of cool art, clay, crafts, photography and the perfume lady I am kind of obsessed with.
I plan on busting out a bunch of concrete leaves and have some paintings to keep things simple. It is from 10-5 each day and I will be at the Pearl Street end of the festival this year. Hope you can make it!

link: http://mattoonfestival.org/

Smashing Success

Thank you everyone who came out to the art opening at the Dirty Truth this past Tuesday. It was a festive bunch of Newlands and friends from far and wide. Surprise visits thanks to a far reaching face book invite. The work looks great on the big red walls, seems to be a recurring theme. It will all be up til August 31 so please check it out if you are in Northampton.

Art Reception at the Dirty Truth

"Lady Legs" paintings will be marching over to the Dirty Truth in Northampton, MA starting this Tuesday, August 2, 2011. A reception will be held from 6pm to 10pm. The art will be hanging until August 31. The Dirty Truth has delicious food and many awesome beers on tap. Hope to see you there.
Following my show in September will be Maggie Madole, the talented and amazing artist with a series of grackle drawings. View some of her work at www.ironbees.com.

August 2nd at the Dirty Truth

August 2, 2011 is the official start date for my show at the Dirty Truth in Northampton. Ekk! Just over a week.

New Hair Thingy

So I recently went to Missouri for a week. While there I found some great buttons in my Grandma's basement and made more circular hair clips. I give you - "The Grandma's House Collection." Or rather, one of them.

Juliet Rose Studio

I visited the Juliet Rose Studio and Gallery today in Monson. It is a beautiful spot, farm and gardens decorated with fantastical ceramic creations. Crazy teapots, vases, and functional pottery at affordable prices. Today is their open house where you can wander the gardens and studio. I like their concept of garden art that goes beyond pink flamingos. Please check out their website for info on upcoming shows, view some of their artwork and a schedule of classes if you would like to hop on a wheel and throw some clay! Shop local! Support the arts!
http://www.julietrosegallery.net/

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th everyone! What a great holiday of independence. Although America has her issues, we still have the freedom to eat burgers and hot dogs, drink copious amounts of beer, light off illegal fireworks and have this Monday off to hang with our families. At least that's what I'm doing. Hope you are too.

Skarmy vs. Tornado

The return to Monson has been a sweet one. Fresh green trees, flowers scenting the breeze, birds and peepers singing. Bittersweet when catching the view of a damaged downtown. We never knew quite how much the trees were a part of Monson til they were uprooted by the tornado on June 1, 2011. Home owners and volunteers work daily with chainsaws cutting up downed trees. Roofers staple down new shingles in the 90 degree heat. People deliver meals and water to workers organized from the First Church. Others gather belongings tossed into the woods, and make plans with contractors to rebuild their homes. My first day back I went down to the First Church and volunteered to haul brush out of someone's yard. By the end of the day about 15 people were there, working together.
The sense of home town pride is overwhelming. Benefit shows and fundraisers abound. Last night was a special gathering of 95 people at the Diamond Junction Bowling Alley on Main Street in Palmer, MA, raising money for tornado victims. Bands included The Wild from Atlanta on tour, The Moskal Band from Palmer, and Skarmy of Darkness reunited to represent Monson. It was a reunion of so many people from the days of High School punk shows at The Old Store and The Shed. A few kids and tattoos later, everyone looked the same. We sang and danced and screamed the same as we did when we were 17. I am proud to know so many talented individuals. When we are knocked down by Mother Nature, it is good to know there are good people to help us back up.
Great show everyone.

Moving to the Country

Hey folks! Thought I should update that I am moving to Monson, MA. I have had a great time in Somerville meeting people, making art and generally running around town.
I feel this is a great opportunity for me to paint, spend time with my family, and help out my neighbors in Monson, which got smashed by a tornado on June 1st.

If anyone wants to donate money send checks made out to Monson Tornado Relief Fund to Monson Savings Bank at 146 Main Street Monson, MA 01057 and just write Attn: Monson Tornado Relief Fund on the envelope. All money raised will stay in Monson.

Sewing Little Blobs

I've been on a tiny sewing spree making little round pillows. I find them cute, adorable, ridiculously funny and completely useless. So I put two on earrings. They look like this.

I also have been making hair clips by layering circles of fabric and finishing them off with a button. Like the thing in my hair.

A Circus You Can Bring Your Mom To

I recently took my mom to see the Cirque Eloize show at the Wang Theater. It was a beautiful show without words or animals. It was amazing to see what the human body can do. There were acrobatics, bike stunts, human size hula hoops, contortionist, balancing on 15 stacked chairs and trampolines. The most shocking feats were when cast members flipped through the air and stopped inches from the floor, with no mats or nets. It is awe inspiring in the way that it reminds you you have a body, that wants to move and dance and be physical. So go! Play!
http://www.cirque-eloize.com/en/home

New Website

Big thanks to Nick Palm for revamping the website. Excited to be sharing new work. Decided to review inspirational things in this blog format. Such as...

The Brimfield Flea Market. Had a fantastic two days in this massive stretch of all things antique, vintage and ancient. I got a giant Chinese basket, a black sand hour glass and some beautiful lapis jewelery. The show was from May 10-15, but don't fret. They are coming back July 12-17 and Sept. 6-11.
http://www.brimfieldshow.com/

Mass Art Spring Sale

The Mass Art Spring Sale is this week, May 2-7. Please stop by Tower Lobby and browse all the wonderful art by students and alumni. Part of the proceeds goes towards scholarships. Keep and eye out for my leaves, Mini Masterpieces and all new splatter paintings.

Somerville Open Studios April 30, May 1

Open Studios is fast approaching. Alex, my studio mate and I built a little wall to hang work and have been painting and cleaning and getting ready to show off all our new work. We are pretty proud of the wall. It's worth checking out.
Our location is 145 Cedar St, spot #42 in the artist map booklet. You can grab a book where you see signs around town with a big green hand on it. Oh, and look for orange balloons. That means it's an artist spot and walk right in. There is also a free trolley service to cart you around, and probably lots of free wine.
Nick Palm, my new web designer, has been working diligently on a new site. It looks great, keep posted for the new look.

http://www.somervilleopenstudios.org/

CVS Window

"Pink Pumps" Lady Legs is chilling in the CVS window in Davis Square. So go get an ice cream cone and stand by it telling passersby, "Hey, I know that person."
Artist Reception
Friday, April 22, 6 - 8pm
Outside on sidewalk (weather permitting)
Be there or be Davis Squared.

Somerville Open Studios Museum Show

Artist's Choice Exhibit Opening Reception!
Join us for the opening of the Artist's Choice Exhibit this Friday evening from 6-9pm. This is a fantastic way to meet fellow artists and get a peek at some of their work while enjoying some tasty food and wine!


The Somerville Museum, 1 Westwood Road
Friday, April 15, 6-9pm

I probably won't be there, but my piece will speak for itself. Put in "Dem Dames," crazy legs.

Got into the Mass Art Spring Sale! Going to bust out some new minis, paint a couple of leaves and have a brand NEW product, simple matted splatter paint pieces, some with funny sayings on them. They have a very simple glass frame, great present.

Altered Book Excerpts

Art and Leisure
Working on building a new website, so stay tuned for lots of new current work.

"Pink Pumps" Lady Legs is sitting pretty in the Davis Square CVS window display for the month of April.
In the meantime, here are some pages from an altered book I'm working on. I found a book, "Killing Time: Leisure and Culture in Southwest Pennsylvania 1800-1850." It seems when people had leisure time back then, they would get drunk and party.

More Things

Participating in "Ladyfest Easthampton," a three day music and arts festival celebrating Ladies. I submitted my painting "At the Pond," since it is a portrait of my cousin who just moved to the Easthampton area from Texas.
More info at http://ladyfesteasthampton.com/

Also donated a small lady leg painting in a terrific gold frame for a coworkers art auction to benefit families in need of housing. The event will include raffle prizes, silent art auction, Celtics Tickets and a big bag of booze with records playing in the background. It will be held at Toad, 1912 Mass. Ave, right next to Christopher's. Saturday April 9, 2-5.
More info on helping families in need at http://www.housingfamilies.org/

With Spring Comes New Meaning

Hello all, upcoming events on the roster.
I will be participating in Somerville Open Studios this year which is April 30th and May 1st. It will be at my studio this time. This is when you get to wander through Somerville finding new artists to inspire you.

A lady legs (image further down this page) will be on display in the CVS windows in Davis Square starting April 2 in celebration of Open Studios.

The last opening went splendidly and I sold a piece to a lovely french couple. Goes to show the french understand sexy, sexy ladies.
There are several other shows I plan on applying to, but will wait to post them til I'm accepted. The Mass Art Spring Sale is one of them, which I have consistently shown in the past couple years with leaves and minis, but I want to mix it up this year with some new work.

Successful Opening

Thank you to everyone who made it out to the Cambridge Common Opening. It was awesome to see old friends meet new ones, eat cupcakes, and everyone loved the new pieces. Which means I'm only getting better! Fuel for the fire of creativity and productivity. The show will be up til March 2, 2011.

Sent in my sketchbook for the Brooklyn Art Library project. I scanned all the pages so hopefully I can get them up on here soon. If the tour is hitting a city near you, please check it out. I think 22,000 artists participated.

Happy New Year

Please join me at an art reception from 9:30 to 12pm on Wednesday, January the 19th. Cambridge Common Bar and Restaurant at 1667 Massachusetts Avenue will be hosting my paintings for 6 weeks. It will be a revisit of "Lady Legs" with a few new pieces. The Christopher's show was a huge success with 3 pieces sold.
I would love to see everyone who can make it. If not, feel free to visit the restaurant for dinner or drinks before March 2.

I am also participating in this cool show called The Sketchbook Project through the Brooklyn Art Library. Artists sign up, they send you a sketchbook, you fill it up and send it back and it goes on tour from Brooklyn, to Austin, to San Francisco and more. Visit this site to learn more.
http://www.arthousecoop.com/projects/sketchbookproject