'Tis the Season

"So much to do, so little time." seems to be a common theme for me this year. Last Saturday, I participated in The Holly Arts Festival in Pinehurst. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

The weeks leading up to Holly Arts were filled with creative chaos as I worked to accumulate my inventory for the show. I was pleased with the results, and I learned a lot from the entire experience.

Now, I'm faced with preparations for next week's First Friday Event, next Saturday's opening for Thomas Butler, (A fabulous artist who I'll write about next week.), changing our displays here at Artist Alley, building inventory for my next show on November 9th and 10th, and so on...and so on...and so on!!!

I'm not complaining, just explaining. I love every minute of my crazy chaotic creative existence, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Now, if I could just find the time to blog!

It's a Blue Dog Day!

It's a Blue Dog Day! (I don't know why; but just reading that makes me hum a little song that the Brady Bunch used to sing. Do you remember it too?!?!)

Actually, it's a Blue Dog Day because I just received a new shipment from Rachelle Currie. Rachelle lives in the mountains of North Carolina, and she's become widely known for her series of "Blue Dog" prints. These pieces are so whimsical, and in each she manages to capture the personality of many dogs, regardless of their breed. (Coco's laying by my feet right now, and she totally agrees.) Rachelle also does a beautiful job of framing these pieces in a distressed barnwood, and they show incredibly well as a collection.

I hope that you enjoy this peak at Rachelle's work. If your in the area, please visit Artist Alley to enjoy the full collection. If not, a selection of her work is also available for your viewing pleasure in our online store .

Where does the time go?!?!?

It's hard to believe that it's been a week since I last wrote. Where does the time go?!?!

We have lots happening here at Artist Alley now. There are new artists; new art; and several sales this month. I'll try to bring you up to speed on the specifics of these exciting developments over the next few weeks.

It's a beautiful day here today. The temperature in Southern Pines has dropped at least ten degrees. The sun is shining. There's a gentle breeze blowing. And you can finally feel a touch of fall in the air.

Today our grasshopper friend paid yet another visit. Each time he does, we wonder if it will be his last. Fall, and the seasons in general, provide me with a reminder of how quickly time passes.

On that note, it's time for me to go home and appreciate every minute of an evening with my family. I hope that you'll enjoy yours tonight too.

Kathleen Miller: Opening for October's Featured Artist

Kathleen Miller will be our featured artist for the month of October here at Artist Alley. We'll be holding a First Friday Opening for her on Friday, October 5th from 5:00 - 9:00. If you find yourself in the area, please join us!

With over 28 years of painting experience, Kathleen creates decorative artwork on furniture, and accessories for home décor, in Traditional, Country, and Folk Art styles. When asked what inspires her, she replies, “I have so much inspiration that I can hardly catch my breath! I love to recreate images of the past - the primitive styles, the charm of country living. This season I feel inspired by autumn, with its glorious rusts, oranges, and golds. The holidays inspire me; my collectors inspire me; my students inspire me. I’m never at a loss for inspiration.”

As these photos show, Kathleen's work is an inspiration to us too!