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!

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!