Winter News

Wow I can't believe it's February already! January just passed me by. Probably because it was so busy. Here's what I've been working on...



First thing is that I've been working hard to organize and promote Spark! Art Share. It is coming together wonderfully. We have 15 great artists to provide the contents of the share, options for pick-up or delivery, and just a great model to collect high quality handmades and support a talented group of artists. It works like a farmshare, you pay for the year and get art every month throughout the year. Now is the time to consider if this could work for you. Shares will start in March. I think it'd be a cool, and very unique, Valentine's present for yourself or someone else:) Check out the website to see all the different participating artists or to sign uo.





Secondly, my friend Heather Berlin and I have been doing a collaboration a day, as part of the Fun-A-Day Northampton project, which encouraged local artists to try to work on a project every day in January. We made collages, poetry, claymation, drawings, cookies. We had a lot of fun. The show will be TONIGHT only! Friday the 10th, in the Dynamite Space in Northampton.


Last, but by no means least, tonight is the opening of the Youth Action Coalition show 'Who are "We the People"?', at the Northampton Center for the Arts. My group, Get Up Get Down, worked really hard to make some awesome metal work and installation. We're showing in the East Gallery with Video Vanguards, and all the fabulous photo work is in the West gallery. The show will be up through February, so check it out if you are in town. Though tonight is the time because it will all be happening at once. There is even a public show of ice sculptures tonight! How cool is that!

And if all that hasn't been keeping me busy enough, I've done some really special custom glasswork, I built a wood rack for our house (which is every calling for more projects), I've consigned with 3 more galleries- Frogtowne in Pottstown, PA, Happy Valley Gifts in Northampton, MA, and Sarida in Roslindale, MA- and I'm preparing for a sculpture show at the Burnett Gallery in April. Life is good... but I'm so looking forward to my week off hiking in California!

Spark! Art Share and other December news

So the holidays are creeping up on us and I've got some fun news for you...


First, and most exciting, is the introduction of Spark! Art Share. Spark! is a unique and special gift for the holidays, as it gives someone art for the whole year rather than an individual item. Spark! works like a farmshare; you pay up front for the year and get art and handmade items from different artists once a month. The shares have just become available, but are limited, so check out the website today! I'm so excited to be presenting such a great array of work made by local artists, and offering a new, innovative way for art enthusiasts to connect with and support artists and the creative economy.

Next in line is the Artisans of WMASS Holiday Promotion. For 2 more days you can get 15% off from participating artists, and next weeks' promotion is free shipping. Check out the Artisans of WMASS website for a full listing.

Tomorrow, Saturday December 3, you can find me at the Northampton Senior Center from 9-2 for their Annual Holiday Crafts Festival.

And on December 11, I'll be at Craftopia in Pawtucket (near Providence, RI).

Another great place to find my work and lots of others, is the Brookline Craft Center where they are hosting an Artist Marketplace December 8-11.



Happy shopping and Happy Holidays!

November Events and News

Whew! We made it through what my friend coined the "snowpocalypse". I just got my power back after 5 days and I hope you did too! Here's what's going on with Katie Ray Arts in November.

NEWS
I'm excited to say I just finished setting up my glass shop in the new barn. It has great electricity, is insulated for the winter, walls are covered and painted, and glass torch is ready to go. The heated and dry space means that I can teach out of my studio all winter long, so if you've been thinking about coming over to melt some glass with me, now is the time.

Second exciting piece of news to share is that I'm working an ART SHARE for all you art enthusiasts! This will be a CSA type product where you pay for a year and get lots of handmade goodies by local artists throughout the year. This model is great for artists, as it is for farmers, because we make things knowing that they are already paid for, rather than hoping they might sell. As an art share member, you get the excitement of a new piece of great art, fine craft, or functional object once a month throughout the year. You get to support local artists and the creative economy. And this share will make a sweeeet gift for the holidays. I'll let you know when all the details are ironed out but keep it in mind.



EVENTS
Tomorrow, check out the Handmade with Love Craft and Gift Market in the Eastworks building in Easthampton. Put on by Aviva Seiber of Seiber Designs and Karen Shaw Suriner of Stargazer Studios this sweet and cozy event will run from 10-5pm. Look for lots of great items by Artisans of WMASS members. Speaking of Artisans of WMASS, we have a great online sale coming up. Starting November 20, there will be 3 weeks with a different promotion each week- free gift with purchase, 15% off purchase and free shipping, depending on which week you remember to check us out.



And finally, TWIST is the following weekend, November 11/12, at the Northampton Center for the Arts. Friday night from 4-9 and Saturday from 10-6. I'll be hanging out with my buddy Ben of BMW Ironworks in the side room, so make sure to come find us. This is one of the hippest crafty events around, and its always a fun time. On Friday there'll be drinks and a DJ, and if you feel like paying to come to the VIP party from 4-6, you get a swag bag, food and drinks. Definitely worth checking out whenever you can make it.

That's all for now. Happy November!

All that comes with fall...

The busy time for crafters is beginning! This weekend in Springfield is one of my favorite shows from last year, Mattoon Street Arts Festival. This show has been going on for a long time and has a great reputation. The website touts that "The Mattoon Street Arts Festival features 90+ exhibitors, food vendors, and strolling musicians. This is the longest running arts and crafts fair in Western Massachusetts, and one of the best in New England.Parking and admission are free. We are only three blocks from I-91. Come join us at this family-friendly event. Great for holiday shopping, seeing new craft ideas, or just walking on a beautiful Victorian street."



As you start to have thoughts about holiday shopping, remember to not only visit handmade shows, but also support those businesses who carry local artists' work. You can find my work in a variety of places throughout the area- Northampton Beadery, Red Lion Inn, North Adams Artist Co-op Gallery, Petersham Craft Center, Bridgewater Art and the Wandering Peacock. Coming soon you will also be able to find my work at Salmon Falls Gallery in Shelburne Falls and Happy Valley Gifts in Northampton. If you do go shopping at one of these galleries, thank them for supporting their local makers and let them know that you care.

Artisans of WMASS is excited to announce that we are now officially a non-profit, and we have a beautiful new website, thanks to Vicki of Weyakin Designs. AWM is always a great source to find local handmade goods, and now you can search by types of products, or by artist. You can also find out where which shows we'll be at by looking at the shows and events page.

And finally, if you are still dying to take a beadmaking class, I have one coming up in Northampton on October 22. Contact Northampton Beadery to sign up. Limit 5 students so call quickly if you are interested. My new studio in Hadley will be up and running by the winter, so if that date doesn't work for you, you can also contact me to make other arrangements.

Enjoy the beautiful New England Fall!

Florence Friday Festival

This afternoon you can find me at the Florence Friday Festival. Great band, awesome food, kid activities, friends & colleagues & neighbors. Handmade treatsies. What better way to enjoy a Friday afternoon in the summer? Come join us from 3-7 at the Cutlery Building in Florence.



I'm about to be off on some adventures for a few weeks, but when I come back it will already be time for the 4th Annual Chilifest at Stone Soup Farm! Save the date- Saturday, August 20, 12-5. Farm festival featuring a chili cook-off, live music, salsa tasting, farm tours, artisans and more.



Finally, for anyone looking for a beadmaking class in the Northampton area, I'll be teaching a 4 hour introductory workshop on October 22 at Northampton Beadery. Contact them to sign up. http://www.northamptonbeadery.com/

Mural Unveiled and Homebrew Hoedown

Well, the youth of Get Up Get Down pulled it off again. They worked hard to finish a stunning and thoughtful mural which has been installed and unveiled on the wall near the Amherst Cinema Building. Go take a look when you get a chance. Also, check out this blog article from one of our sponsoring businesses, left-click, to hear about the exhibit and unveiling event.

On Saturday, June 18th, from 4-8pm, we are hosting the Homebrew Hoedown, a fundraiser to help us get our new place up and running and a celebration of the same! For your donation of $15-25, you get to come join the festivities, and try a bunch of tasty beers that were donated by friendly homebrewers. The location of the party, Rocky Hill Rd in Hadley, will be the new home of Katie Ray Arts, and Stone Soup Farm. We hope you can join us.



My next big show is the Green River Fest on July 16 and 17, and I'll remind you about it as we get closer, but it should be rockin' good time, so you might want to buy tickets ahead of time.

Twist, Beadmaking Workshop, Community Paint Day

Twist is this weekend! Yet another round of fun and inspiring DIY crafters presenting you with their goodies. Now in it's 6th round, the event is held at the Northampton Center for the Arts and features all kinds of unique, handmade things. Definitely worth a visit! Added bonus, you can surely find that last minute mother's day present you need while having a great time.

Check out this article written by Sarah Platanitis of Ansel Blue, a fellow vendor and long time Twister. Find Twist on facebook, and check out the website for all the details.



Spring Beadmaking Workshop! Come try something new and have a great time doing it! Learn about flameworking and make your own beads at ETTA Art Studio in Amherst on Saturday, May 14th, from 1-5pm.



Here's the official blurb:
Introduction to Glass Beadmaking

This fun workshop will introduce students to the art of
flameworking by learning to melt glass over a small torch to make
beautiful glass beads. The four hour workshop will allow students
to have a great time trying something new. Basic bead formation and
decorative techniques will be demonstrated, and students
will be given time to play and practice.

$60 plus $15 material fee Instructor will bring materials
and provide all tools and equipment.
1/2 price deposit to hold your spot. Limit 5 students.
contact 413-230-3272 or etta.arts@yahoo.com to sign up


Community Paint Day

Last, but certainly not least.... Get Up Get Down will be having an open community paint day on May 19th from 3-6pm at Kendrick Park in Amherst. Come paint with us, preview the new youth mural that will be going up in town, and dialogue with the youth about their visions of our community and the future.

P.S. Save the Date! June 18th, Beer Tasting Fundraising event at the new site of Stone Soup Farm.