First Thursday Seattle

first thurIf you’re planning to be in Seattle over New Year’s Eve, there are so many things to do. One that you might not have previously considered is the First Thursday Seattle Art Walk. You can catch it on January 2, 2014 and have an incredible time enjoying this long-standing event.

The Art Walk concept has popped up all over America, but First Thursday in Pioneer Square was actually the first of these Art Walks. In 1981, a group of art dealers in the area printed out maps, did a bit of promotion and painted footprints on the sidewalk outside their galleries. And First Thursday was born.

Today, it takes place every Thursday in Pioneer Square from noon to 8pm. The leading art galleries in the area open their doors and introduce new exhibitions and artists. As part of the event, be sure to check out the West Edge neighborhood where five of the Northwest’s longest running galleries operate.

Make sure to leave your car (or that rental car) alone and simply hope on the light rail. The third stop in the metro tunnel will get you to the West Edge, and this is exactly where you want to be. It’s certainly an event worth enjoying as the New Year approaches.

Harvard Square Holiday Craft Fair

KEM Designs

KEM Designs

If you live anywhere near Boston, the Harvard Square Holiday Craft Fair is not to be missed. They are celebrating their 28th season this year and will have loads of amazing crafts. The fair takes place in the basement and courtyard of the First Parish Church on the corner of Church Street and Massachusetts Avenue. It runs for about 12 days including December 6th-8th, 13th to 15th, and 18th to 23rd.

The fair is juried, which always makes for higher quality products. And the eclectic mix of craftspeople makes it a sight to behold and enjoy.

Craftspeople at the fair this year will include: Jennifer Abromatis with beaded jewelry, Jeremy Ogusky with stoneware pottery, Kem Designs with beach stone jewelry, Klear Designs with resin frames and vases and much, much more.

The Perfect Thanksgiving Get-Away

Collage by Jima Abbott

Collage by Jima Abbott

If you’re looking for the perfect getaway for Thanksgiving, this is definitely it. The Mendocino Art Center will soon have its 54th Annual Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts Fair. The fair will take place from November 29th through December 1. Mendocino is a beautiful location along the Northern coast of California. Its rustic beachfront community is the perfect place to enjoy a getaway.

And the crafts fair is the perfect thing to take in while you’re getting away. The fair showcases a wide range of unique, high quality artwork, gift items and other pieces. It includes jewelry, original paintings and photography, ceramics, fiber art and clothing, leather products, basket art and much more.  They always set up booths with seasonal foods as well.

The event will take place from 10-5 each day and is certainly a feast for the eyes and the mouth. Artists who plan to show their wares include, among others:

Jima Abbott, Jewelry
Ellen Athens, Jewelry
Lila Ayers, Jewelry
Frances Casey, Jewelry
Lynette Cederquist, Jewelry
Christopher Cisper, Ceramics
Rita Crane, Fine Arts
Jenn Douthit, Jewelry/Fiber Art
Carol Frechette, Fiber Arts
Knox Gillespie, Ceramics
Cliff Glover, Ceramics
Diego Harris, Jewelry/Fiber Arts
Jacquelyn Hewitt, Fine Art/Fiber Art
John Hewitt, Fine Arts
Julie Higgins, Fine Arts
Joanne Horn, Body Care
Karin Kamb, Fiber Arts
Crazy Klawsic, Jewelry/Fiber Arts
Mina Lev, Fiber Arts
Erwin Ludwig, Sculpture
Karen Mastrian, Jewelry
Mickie McCormic, Fiber Arts

Crafts Fair of the Southern Highlands

Craft Fair of the Southern HighlandIf you missed the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands this fall, you’ll have to watch for it in the summer. This fair takes place twice a year and is a feast for the eyes and for every artist’s creative juices. It took place here in Asheville from October 17-20 and will take place again next July. It takes place at the US Cellular Center and includes over 200 craftspeople on two levels at the center.

The Fair first began in 1948 as a way to open a regional market for mountain craftspeople. They typically have 20,000 visitors who come through each year. While showcasing the beautiful work of many artists, the fair also hosts craft demonstrations. As they explain on the website for the fair,

“In addition to providing a retail market for juried members, the Guild also hosts craft demonstrations during the Fairs.  A strong part of the Guild’s mission is to educate the public about the history of crafts in this region, various craft techniques, and an appreciation for fine crafts.  Visitors have the opportunity to see artists using traditional methods of handmade craft like George McCollum weaving a white oak basket, beginning with splints he has harvested from the tree, or seeing Sam Johnson make bamboo fly rods, or Betsy Morrill’s innovative deconstructed screen-printing on fabric.”

Demonstrations at the fair in October included” Mike Lalone in pottery, George McCollum with white oak baskets, Betsy Morrill with screen-printing on fabric and Dede Styles with antural dyeing and spinning.

There is also great musical entertainment at the fair each season. During the October fair, musicians included: Sherri Lynn and Mountain Friends, Hot Duck Soup, Crane Creek Bluegrass Band, Southern Crescent Bluegrass, Split Rail, Moore Brothers Band and more.

6th Annual Harvest Art Market

Artist Jill Andrews makes unique dolls based on real people and celebrities.

Artist Jill Andrews makes unique dolls based on real people and celebrities.

If you find yourself in Michigan on October 12th, you simply must get to the 6th annual Harvest Art Market that will take place from 10-4 at the Silver Maples of Chelsea (100 Silver Maples Dr.). This lovely free event is open to the public and has grown into a scrumptious location to enjoy art of all types.

As Shawn Personke, the director of wellness and public relations for Silver Maples, said

“The Harvest Art Market has grown and evolved over the past six years. But we’ve stayed true to our original thought that we wanted the show to offer really interesting items, handmade, and fair prices.  So that’s the kind of artist we welcome and who finds the most success.”

The show this year will include six new artists. These include the zipper artists Zipper Lady, Heather Merritt, ironsmith Russ Shackson and ceramic artisan tile maker Julie Cohen and others.

As Personke said, “Each year we seek out a couple of new artists and this year we specifically wanted to add something different.  We’re really excited about these new artists.  Heather Merritt was named Best of Show at the 2011 Henry Ford Maker Fair.  We haven’t had a blacksmith or a tile maker before, and I think both Russ and Julie will be offering some beautiful work.”

The show will also have the Allegro Winds at 11 am and a jazz/folk guitarist named John Latini at 1 pm. The entire event is certainly worth enjoying.

Houston Fine Art Fair

houstonWhen you think of hot spots for art and entertainment, Houston, Texas may not pop into your head as being at the top of the list. But you might want to think again. Returning to the George R. Brown Convention Center, the third annual Houston Fine Art Fair will take place from September 19-22.

As they explain their purpose on their website, it’s a place where “art enthusiasts will encounter an international cross-section of works in all media-from past to present. The fair will feature modern and contemporary masters, mid-career and emerging artists from around the globe. HFAF also features memorable on-site installations and special projects, plus an invigorating three day program (September 20-22) of panel discussions designed for both novice and experienced collectors.”

They include 80 galleries that show their wares and they had over 12,000 attendees last year. Opening night will be Thursday, September 19th and will include the “Houston Is Inspired” sneak preview. The art fair is certainly worth seeing and Houston is a city worth exploring if you have the chance.

NY Art Book Fair Coming Soon

Whether you’re a book fiend or just enjoy browsing through large fairs, the NY Art Book Fair is not to be missed. Printed Matter, Inc. presents the fair for their 8th straight year at MoMA PS1. There will be a public opening on Thursday, September 19 and the fair will then run from the 20th to the 22nd.

This event is the world’s leading event for anyone who loves artists’ books, catalogs, periodicals, magazines and more. It includes over 280 booksellers, antiquarians, artists and independent publishers from more than 20 countries.

As part of the fair are a number of unique and exciting programs. These include:

The Classroom: This is a series that includes informal conversations, workshops, readings and other artist-led programs. Some of the participants will include: Trey Sager, Olof Olsson, Linda Simpson, Elisabeth Tonnard and Chris Burnett.

Contemporary Artists’ Books Conference: This will include two days of discussion and debate within the art-book culture.

The conference will include keynote addresses from Clive Phillpot and Warren Lehrer. In addition, as explained at e-flux.com, “Clive Phillpot, a noted critic and preeminent figure in the field of artists’ books, will give a rare New York appearance on the occasion of his long-awaited Booktrek: Selected Essays on Artist’s Books Since 1972. Writer and book artist Warren Lehrer will discuss his classic book works and present a multimedia performance of his latest work.”

River Arts District Event

Certainly, it’s great fun to travel to exciting places and learn about artists around the world. At times, however, it’s also nice to stay close to home and to enjoy local talent. Each month the River Arts District Artists in Asheville invite the public to take “A Closer Look” at their art work and their studios. During August, they will be focusing on painting and drawing and other 2D mediums like illustration, printmaking and 2D mixed media.

Here, I’m going to focus on just three of the many artists who will be offering seminars as part of the program. William Henry Price will present on August 10th at the River Arts District in Asheville from 10-6. He will actually set up and complete a still life painting during that time.

Apples And Bean Pot2-600px

Richard Christian Nelson will be there as well. As he explains, “Recently I have begun experimenting with fusing Western watercolor techniques with the age-old Asian traditions, with some very interesting results. I enjoy explaining the materials and traditions of Asian painting and calligraphy, and visitors to my studio will see demonstrations of traditional techniques and be able to touch and hold the paper, carved seals and brushes. They will be invited to try ink painting for themselves with a hands-on mini-lesson, either scheduled or spontaneous.”

Finally, artist Lynn Stanley of Silverpoem Studio will have an ink and watercolor on rice paper demo and hands-on activities.

It should be an amazing day and an enriching one for anyone who loves painting and artistic expression.

Geneva Arts Fair Coming to Illinois

Geneva Art FairI’m not lucky enough to be spending time in Geneva this summer. But I will be in Geneva, Illinois for their amazing summer arts fair. You’ll but sure to find me at the Geneva Arts Fair on July 27 and 28 for their twelfth year showcasing works of over 155 fine artists. The show is juried and will offer visitors a chance to look at works in many mediums and to talk directly with the artists. The show will take place on Third Street in Geneva.

While enjoying the beautiful art, kids can make t-shirts as wearable art, merchants and restaurants will be offering guests sales on food and wine and more. The fair has been voted the “Best Craft or Art Show” by West Suburban Living magazine and arts at the fair will include photography, pottery, fiber, glass, mixed media and much more.

For more information, go to www.genevachamber.com or call (630) 232-6060.

The Crozet Arts Festival Fun

crozetIn a few days, we’ll be enjoying our yearly trip to Claudius Crozet Park in Virginia for the Crozet Arts Festival. The view in the park, first of all, is breathtaking, with views of the Blue Ridge Mountain, a one acre lake, picnic areas, trails and more.

On May 11 and 12 they’ll be hosting the yearly art show with 101 juried artists. The artists coming this year include: Spirit Tree Art, Inc. Jewelry, Allison K Studio Mixed Media, Sandra Baquero Collection, The Barn Swallow Ceramics, No-Yoke Art, Ennis Mountain Woods, Bill and Sue Baldwin Leather, Weaving Arts Studio/Jesamie Handwovens, Raymond Bell Gallery and Garden Photography, art2die4 Photography, Tracy Booth Paintings, Dick Brown Graphics Photography and many others.

They also have musical entertainment coming which will include Skyline Cloggers, The Design, The Virginia Gentlemen, Terra Voce, The Judy Chops, Beleza and others. They plan to have additional family activities this year including Kim and Jimbo- Interactive Musical Entertainment, Mr. Freckles Balloon Twisting and Magic Acts, Crozet Arts Children’s Group production of Public Art, Crozet Arts Creative Movement, Mystery Music, guided painting and more.

It’s definitely worth a look if you live in the area or are an arts fanatical like I am!

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