Books to Be Red and 100 Pots

On a whim last year, I decided to make a series of pottery dishes. I knew what I wanted in my head, and I called on my artist-friend Olivia to help me to execute the idea. I debuted the results at The Ocrafolk Festival on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina

Ocracoke happens to be one of my favorite places, and it also happens to be home to my favorite bookstore in the world, Books to be Red. Whether your searching for a lighthearted beach read, the perfect journal, gifts for the kids, or original art...there's something for everyone at Books to be Red. If you visit soon...and I'll be jealous if you do... you'll also find a selection of my jewelry, my "Ode to Ocracoke" cards and prints, and 100 of these freshly made delicious little dishes. (They're shown above as they're midway through the creative process, and I promise that they're even better in person!)

In My Corner of the World

In my corner of the world, I've been blissfully busy, and this blog has been woefully neglected as a result.

There'll be no long post for me today. Instead, I'll share an image of my latest creation. It features one of my all-time Swedish Proverbs.

Business Breakfast on June 6th

One of my favorite groups in the world, The Carolina Mixed Media Art Guild will be hosting an Indie Business Breakfast in Raleigh on Saturday June 6, 2009 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. at John P. "Top" Green Neighborhood Center, 401 Martin Luther King Blvd, Raleigh, NC, 27601.

They're promising "Breakfast & Brilliance" as they welcome Donna Maria Coles Johnson of the Indie Business Network(http://www.IndieBusinessBlog.com) and Lisa Stewart of EC Stewart Designs (http://www.ecstewart.com). The topic of their discussion will be "Using Social Media to Leverage Your Business and Attract More Paying Customers to Your Business". After their discussion, there'll be time for open networking with these creative geniuses.

This event promises a wealth of information for folks in all stages of developing their businesses. For additional information and registration information, please visit: http://indiebusinessbreakfastraleigh.eventbrite.com/.

On a final note, for the art lovers among us, Lisa Stewart is the creative force behind "Calligraphy Pets" and other work that you may have seen at Artist Alley. Her work, and the work of other artists from the Carolina Mixed Media Art Guild will also be featured at the meeting, and you'll have an opportunity to "Meet the Artists". (You KNOW how we love that at Artist Alley!)

New Arrivals...

Created right here in North Carolina, I'm pleased to introducing our latest arrivals! Won't you provide a good home to one or more of these precious babies? They'll be ready for delivery in 8 - 12 weeks, and I'll even throw in some food and other trinkets too. More photos to follow.

Pretty please?!?!?!

Springfest 2009

Hope you can join us!

Please click on the picture below for a larger view of our flyer.)

Jim Goodwin's Ships Have Landed at Artist Alley

It is said that a face can launch a thousand ships, and that a picture is worth a thousand words; so I'll let these beauties by Jim Goodwin speak for themselves.

If you'd like to see them in person, and they really are much better that way, please visit Artist Alley. Also remember to watch for them in DreamWorks Studios film, The Lovely Bones, due in theaters on December 11th.

FINALLY...The Work of Hank Allred

FINALLY...as promised in my entry of February 26th...I've managed to take a few photos of Hank Allred's newest creations! (Please see that entry for a few additional photos and details about this amazing handbuilt pottery.)

No matter how wonderful these pieces and their textural details, may seem here on the blog, they are so much better in person!

If you have an opportunity, please visit us at Artist Alley to experience them for yourself.

Mixed Media Weekdend Update

What do you get when you combine 100 Mini Resistors, 23 Pieces of Paper 24 Wooden Components, 22 Talented Artists, Numerous Other Treasures, and an Unlimited Amount of Creativity?

The M4 Challenge, of course! It's Tuesday, and I'm finally beginning to fully recover from our March Mixed Media Madness weekend at Artist Alley!

The fun began two months ago when participating members of the Carolina Mixed Media Art Guild (CMMAG) each received an kit containing a set of identical items. (The kit contents are shown in the photo to the left.) Each participant was charged with using the kit contents to create a one-of-a-kind work of art.

Early last week, entries for The Carolina Mixed Media Art Guild's M4 Opening began to arrive at Artist Alley....then our First Friday Opening celebrated the mixed media artists of Artist Alley. (The evening also provided attendees with the opportunity for a sneak peak at The M4 Challenge Entries.)...and finally, there was the official M4 Opening on Saturday.

Throughout the weekend, The Alley was buzzing with activity as guests and artists alike marveled at the creativity of this diverse and talented group of artists. The photos here don't begin to do it justice!

The M4 Challenge Creations will be on exhibit at Artist Alley through Friday, March 27th. Please visit soon, and prepare to be amazed!

March Mixed Media Madness at Artist Alley

As you probably know, I'm truly passionate about The Artists of Artist Alley and the work that they create. (The assemblage above, "Check Mate" was created by Raleigh Artist, Jeanne Rhea.) If it's possible, I'm even more excited than usual to share the news of this weekend's openings with you today.

We'll be celebrating First Friday on March 6th from 5:00 - 9:00 PM. This month's theme with be March Mixed Media Madness, and the work of The Alley's Mixed Media Artists will be featured. Many of these artists will be joining the festivities; conversation will sparkle; tasty treats will be served; and a casual good time will be had by all! (You'll also have the opportunity for a sneak-preview of some of the Carolina Mixed Media Art Guild's M4 creations too. More on that in the next paragraph...)

THEN...on Saturday March 7th from 2:00 - 4:00, Artist Alley will be hosting an opening for The Carolina Mixed Media Art Guild. Twenty-two talented artists from The Carolina Mixed Media Art Guild will unveil the results of M4: The Mixed Media Madness Mission. In January each of these artists received an identical kit of random objects. Their mission was to create an original work of art using every bit of it; and the results are truly amazing!

This event promises to be unlike any opening you've ever attended! If you've heard the term "Mixed Media", and you've been mixed-up as to what the fuss is all about, this weekend will provide you with the perfect opportunity to experience it for yourself. (If you aren't able to join us on Saturday, this limited-run-show will be on display at The Alley through Friday, March 27th.)

More Hank to Follow Soon...

I know. I know. I promised more photos of Hank's work, and I will update you again with them at the beginning of the week. Trust me, it will be worth the wait!

If you have time to visit in person, please join us for this weekends' March Mixed Media Madness festivities at Artist Alley.

More details to follow later this morning...