Hermitage Arts Festival 2019

    I spent all last weekend at one of my most favorite festivals, the Hermitage Arts Festival.  Held in Rodney White Park, this year's festival featured about 45 vendors as well as a 5K race, live music, fireworks, a dog costume contest, and kids crafts.  As usual, it was a wonderful atmosphere and the staff and volunteers did an awesome job! 

I have some of my bird wall ornaments back for the summer!

Saturday night features a fireworks display in the field by Hickory High School.

My teal bunny is a big hit with the crowd!

One of the great things about a two day festival is the the opportunity to try a couple different display arrangements!

Another view of my "gallery."

Here's a shot of me and my booth taken by some fellow guild members in the booth next door.

I spent part of Sunday working on some new butterfly ornaments.

This year, I was on the side of the park closer to the stage so I could hear the music a lot better which was nice!  This is a shot of the local community band.  

Here's a view of the entrance from the food court area.

Finally, here's where kids can come and paint and participate in some art activities.

Well, there could be some changes coming.  Word is the location may be changed to Buhl Park.  I don't know if that is good or bad, but I'm still excited for next year.  You can find me next at Waterfire in Sharon on July 27!

Locally Inspired: Corry Artists' Guild's Annual Art Show

    Mother's Day weekend, the Corry Artists' Guild held its annual art show at the Corry Hi-Ed building in Corry, PA.  The theme was "Locally Inspired" and featured artwork inspired by local landmarks, history, and culture.  Unlike past years, this exhibition was opened to non-members and students from a few local high schools.  On Friday night, we held our opening reception complete with refreshments and live music.  On Mother's Day Sunday, carnations were given out to all the mothers who stopped by.  As usual, it was a wonderful little show and I feel blessed to belong to this talented group!

For my "Locally Inspired" piece, I entered my photo, "Union City Veteran's Memorial."  It was a double exposure of a local war monument in town and a nearby flag.  

Some of the flower photos I took on my mission trip to Guatemala last November made their debut at the show.

I also showed two of my portrait paintings "Tiger 5" and "So Much More" along with a small mixed media project called "Painter's Prayer" which is a cross made from retired paint brushes painted with acrylic.

    You can see more photos from the show on the Corry Artists' Guild Facebook page!

MASH Spring into Mother's Day Craft Show

     On Saturday April 6, I spent the day at Meadville Middle School for the Spring into Mother's Day Craft Show which was a fundraiser for the Meadville Marching Band.  At least eighty vendors packed the gym and band members and family were on hand to help us load and unload which is always a big help.  I met some wonderful new people and got to hang out, make jewelry, and get some sandwiches from one of my new favorite BBQ restaurants in town so not a bad way to spend a Saturday.  Speaking of Saturdays, I can't wait for July and September when I'll be setting up shop for not one, but two Waterfire events in Sharon this year.  Usually there are three events: one in July, one in August, and one in September, but they've decided to only do July and September.  I hope to see you there!

Jay and Mona Kang Art Show

     Once again, I entered some artwork in the Jay and Mona Kang Art Show "Celebrating the Possibilities" at the Barber National Institute.  This is always a well put-together and well-attended show.  It's a wonderful mix of artists from all walks of life and abilities.  I stopped by after work one day for the wine and cheese reception and to check out all the amazing artwork.  

This year, I entered "Hamish (Squirrel of Good Fortune."  After "Murtagh" was so well received, I just had to enter this little guy as well.

I also entered my newest portrait painting "Tiger 5."  You can't tell from the photo, but it's actually situated below a painting of a lion that was the work of a fellow Corry Artists' Guild member.

     Speaking of the Guild, our annual show will be held Mother's Day weekend this year at the Corry Hi-Ed's Bracken Room.  Unlike past years, this year, we will be accepting entries from non-guild members and local high school students.  People's Choice awards will be given for each division.  Friday night will have live music and refreshments and at least the first 50 mothers will receive a flower so don't miss it!

For the Love of Art

     For the past week or so, I had a couple pieces at the "For the Love of Art' show in Edinboro, PA.  The wonderful ladies of Gallery 104 put on this cool little art show tucked inside Lakeside Commons.  There was also a pop up market where attendees could purchase some lower priced artwork.  I wasn't able to make it to the reception, but I heard it was pretty awesome and very well attended by over 300 people!  I also heard there are more shows to come so I better get busy!

Badger Fine and Performing Arts Spring Craft Show

     On March 9, I did my first ever craft show in Ohio!  It was at Badger High School in Kinsman, Ohio.  It was a well put together show and the organizers did an amazing job.  As a vendor, I always love to see the hosts doing everything they can to help us be successful.  In fact, I had barely gotten out of my car and someone was striding across the parking lot to come and help me unload.  Once inside, there was a packet including a receipt, a name badge, etc. waiting for me.  They also had coffee and donuts waiting for us.  I can't say I was as well prepared for a spring show as I could have been, but I got some new ideas to try and am looking forward to my favorite summer festivals and perhaps some new adventures!

Moleskine Sketches

     Sometimes, when I have a little time on my hands, I pull out my trusty Moleskine sketchbook and do a little drawing.  Lately, I've had some two hour delays at work and some down time at home when I've done some sketches and here are a few examples.  It was good to get back to drawing.  I need to do a lot more and get back in the habit so, hopefully, this is a good start.