2013 SAQA Benefit Auction

Tradition Squared

This is a 12" x 12" piece that I created from the edges of another piece.  The original was not balanced and I just could not figure out how to make it right.  On day as I was agonizing over it, the rotary cutter appeared in my hand, and then it was just right.  That piece went on to be accepted into the Houston Quilt Festival.  But what to do with the lovely edges?  Having learned from a good friend, never to throw anything away, the edges moved from place to place in my stash.  Last year Artful Women decided to do 12" squares and above is the result.  You can hang it on any side.  This week it will be sent off to SAQA for their on-line auction.  
Go to SAQA.com to find the Benefit Auction starting in June.  A few will also be shown at the 2013 Houston Quilt Festival.  This is a wonderful way to get top name work for a fantastic price.  It also helps further the goals of SAQA - Studio Art Quilt Association.

The Weaverville Show

Here are some pictures provided by the Main Street Gallery in Weaverville CA.  Evelyn was nice enough to send pictures since the weather turned bad and we couldn't get to the artist reception. 

The tree you will recognize as "Johnny Appleseed".  The second piece is special to me since it represents when I first "crossed over" to Art Quilting and eventually to Fiber Art.  I spent many hours trying to get the flying geese and triangles to move across the quilt.  It is densely quilted with many different motifs because I had just received my new sewing machine.
The show will last through Jan and it looks like the weather will be nicer in the next weeks.

A Successful Show

Yesterday, the Artful Women took down the Grass Valley Show.  We had so much fun on so many levels.  First, we enjoyed organizing the show, making cards, and designing the show.  Next, we had the best Artist Reception with loads of food, music, and friends that visited.  Here, I have to say a Big Thank You for my friends that drove so far just to see the show.  It make for an extra special night.  I know my Mom and Dad would have been besides themselves with pride.  (You never get over trying to please the parents!)  
I was recently asked if the event was successful.  The fact is that two pieces of art were sold, two of my small 12 x 12s were sold and we sold 14 packs of note cards.  I might sounds small, but it was one of the more successful art shows that the Center for the Arts has hosted.  We are more than grateful for the beautiful facility, the perfect lighting, and the helpful volunteers.  But beyond the $$ we all have learned so much about creating an exhibit and had so much fun doing it, that I can truthfully say...                   YES it was successful!

Artful Women Grass Valley Exhibit

Artful Women Exhibit - Nov 13 to Dec 8

Artist Reception Nov 18, 2 - 4 p.m.

This is The Artful Women's first exhibit and we are so excited to be in such a wonderful show space.  The Center for the Arts in Grass Valley - 314 W. Main St is also close to all the activities that the town has for their Cornish Christmas celebration.  

The Reception will be on the Sunday before Thanksgiving - 
Nov 18 - between 2 - 4 p.m.  We will have live music and munchies.
  
The other artists do beautiful and unique work so there will be a variety of pieces for you to enjoy.  Also, we have made note cards of our work for sale.  Two different sets with work from each artist for $20.

For more information --   thecenterforthearts.org 
and artful-women.blogspot.com
I hope you can visit sometime during the show.

(P.S. Don't you think our poster is kool!)

Sometimes I wish time could stand still, but it always seems to go faster and faster!  It has been a great summer full of travel, family visits, visits with friends, and spotty sewing!

These first pictures are from a scrap yard!  The SAQA group in Oregon has a challenge of taking pictures of a scrap yard for inspiration.  At first, I could not imagine what we would find.  One of the members had already taken 150 pictures.... so when my friend and I (plus hubbys) took off, we both thought we might get a few pictures.  Well, we took 140 between us but look what we found.  I highly recommend this activity because there were wonderful shapes, colors, and the light and dark of shadows.

The whole trip to Oregon was a feast for my eyes...... also for my tummy but that is another story.

Here are just two of the many interesting views.  One of our hotels was painted in an Art Deco theme.  All around the room were borders.  Since it was very old, and the piping showed, they had painted the pipe joints with faces.  The old bridge by Gold Beach provided striking shapes.

So I hope your summer was fun and provided many inspiring sights.

Sacramento Fine Arts Center

Swirls & Curls 

I am having so much fun entering work in the local art shows.  Just being accepted into a Gallery is great.  My piece Swirls & Curls is a lively and colorful piece.  I thought about adding more beading etc, but then decided the impact of color and lines was what the art was about.  What do you think?  Please add a comment below or send email.


Information on the show:
 Magnum Opus XXIII 2012 Show of the Sacramento Fine Arts Center.  
Juror was Helen Plenert (hplenert.com).   
5330-B Gibbons Drive, Carmichael.  
Dates for show are Aug 7 - Sept 1, 2012.  Hours Tue - Sat, 11 - 3PM.  
The artist reception is on Aug 11 starting at 5:30 - 8:30.

Honorable Mention for Pam

Silly grin with HM Ribbon

How great is this... I was awarded Honorable Mention for Mixed Media/Fiber Art at the Placer Art League (PAL) show (details below) and you should have seen the first, second, and third.  The first won Best of Show and the other entries were really top notch.  Show ends tomorrow July 6 just in case you haven't gone.  The PAL organizers did a really professional job with the show.  The award/artist reception was under a huge oak tree and included snacks and drinks.  I enjoyed visiting with friends Ron and Elly and other friends for the afternoon.  Just a great day which included a celebration dinner with my hubby.

Soon I will be telling you about the Blue Line Membership Show.  Look for more info and my usual emails.

Swirls & Curls