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.

Spring News

Our new barn in need of a paint job.

Well, the new energy of spring has sprung, and despite the cold and rain, I'm diving into new projects in all directions. My partner and I just bought a home and will be moving his farm- Stone Soup Farm- and my studios to our new place over the coming months. Both the house and barn require much of our energy as we work on renovations, but by next summer we should be all settled with our freshly painted signs welcoming you to our art studio and farm in Hadley. Coming up in June, we'll be hosting a Beer Tasting Fundraiser event to help us get things going, and the first thing we need is COMPOST! Tons of it! I'll let you know the details shortly.


Get Up Get Down mural design

The second big project I'm working on is with my youth program, Get Up Get Down. A group of fabulous Amherst youth have designed a mural which has been approved to be installed on a wall in the center of town, at the Cinema parking lot for those of you who know Amherst. We've worked hard to create a mural design that incorporates lots of ideas from each of the youth that they'd like visible in their community. Now we are cutting panels, priming, designing metal elements, and looking forward to the unveiling on June 2nd at the Amherst Art Walk. This will be in conjunction with a Youth Action Coalition exhibit in the Burnett Gallery at the library across the street. We're planning an open community paint day for May 19th, so you can come talk to the youth and join in the fun!


Glass knobs on glassware cabinet

Finally, I've continued to make my usual creations, but I've also taken on some custom projects this winter. I recently finished making a set of glass knobs and blacksmithed drawer pulls for an entire kitchen, which was quite an undertaking. This project required 14 drawer pulls, individually formed of steel, and about 70 glass pieces that were each mounted to hardware. I also made a custom lamp shade frame, and a glass vase urn for someone's loved one. Keep me in mind if you are thinking about redoing a kitchen or bathroom, or have some other custom projects that I could help you realize. I also have a new website up and running at www.katierayart.com

By the next time I write, I'm sure the weather will be beautiful and you'll be excited to come out to the spring shows to stretch your legs :)

P.S. Remember Artisans of WMASS when you need a birthday present, mother's day gift, etc. Many of those things that you can buy from manufacturers all over the world are also hand made by your neighbors!

Sculpture at Amherst Chamber Thursday

I have a sculpture show at Amherst Chamber of Commerce for the month of March. Opens at Amherst Artwalk on Thursday, March 3, from 5-8pm. Galleries will be open across town. Take an artistic evening stroll... ?

Beadmaking Demo at ETTA Studio Thursday, and Valentine Shopping at Handmade with Love, February 12

I'll be doing a glass beadmaking demo at the ETTA Studio in Amherst tomorrow night (February 3) as part of a bigger event showcasing local Youth Art and ETTA's instructor work. There will be a live band and other festivities. I'll be lighting up the torch around 6pm to get folks excited to make some glass beads in my class which starts next week! Still accepting sign ups for this class- limit 5 people. Try something new, and warm, this winter!

*******************************************************************************************************************************

Thursday Feb. 3rd, ART WALK AMHERST 5pm-7pm.
*ETTA Art Gallery located at 534 Main Street in Amherst is proud to
Exhibit the work of our teachers and students.

Come and delight in the wonderful Art Works that will be on display made by children and teens of all ages. Paintings, mini-environments, collages, drawings, paper-mache and clay sculptures can be viewed during the month of February.

*A special DEMO during this month's Art Walk: GLASS BEAD-MAKING
by artist Katie Richardson
Thursday 5-7pm FEB.3rd during ART WALK
with Live Music with local Teen Band "Who'da Funk It".

******************************************************************************************************************************

Try Something New! Glass Beadmaking

Happy New Year!

Just letting you know that I have 3 upcoming glass beadmaking classes for those of you who have been wanting to give it a try.

Option 1: ETTA Art Studio
EMPOWERMENT THROUGH THE ARTS
534 Main street
Amherst, MA 01002
413-230-3272 or etta.arts@yahoo.com
Introduction to Glass Beadmaking

This fun class will introduce students to the art of flameworking by learning to melt glass over a small torch to make
stunning glass beads. Basic techniques such as using stringers, cane, dots, layering, and raking will be covered,
and students will leave with a variety of beautiful handmade beads.

4 Tuesday sessions, 6-8pm: 2/8, 2/15, 3/1, 3/8
Class cost-$140. $15 material fee per class
Instructor will bring materials and provide all tools and equipment.

1/2 price deposit to hold your spot. Limit 5 students.




Option 2:
Bisque Beads and Beyond
141 North Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201
(413) 442-9300


Glass Beadmaking Workshop, 2 sessions on January 22nd, 9am-noon, or 1-4pm

Come hang out for a morning or afternoon and see what its like to melt glass over a torch to make colorful beads. Basic techniques will be demonstrated and you'll leave having made a few of your own beads. Truly unlike anything else you've tried- this incredible craft is sure to have you mesmerized!

$75 for the workshop plus $10 materials fee


Option 3:
Bridgewater Art
232 Broad St
Bridgewater, MA 02324
(508) 279-0707

March 5th, 3 hour workshops, 9-noon or 1-4. More details to come.

Call Bridgewater Art or let me know if you're interested in this one and we'll be sure to get you all the info.