The Farmers Market & ARTISTS ALLEY

We read the article last Sunday in The Pantagraph about the Market. We were "distressed" to see no mention of the Artists Alley section of the market. This is an ongoing problem...every year no mention of the artists. It has been awhile since the decision was made to completely remove the artists booths from the farmers "area", and place them in a section of our own...which this year has become primarily Food Booths. So, little by little, we are dwindling. Wonder what next year will bring??

Regarding my last post, we did receive official notification and remuneration for the Best of Show award at the Celebration of Art Festival at Eastern IL University in April. But no ribbon, just the papers. However, it was greatly appreciated!

Yesterday we spent most of the day at Weldon Springs State Park, south of Clinton, IL. A beautiful day, finally, so I got my fishing poles out, got some worms at Walmart, and enjoyed the beauty of the day along the lake. 3 little sunfish were caught and released. But we also took some work along, and strung some gorgeous beads and bronze bracelets. Got some great photos for future reference for my paintings, especially the cute House Wren couple nesting in a hollow tree along the lake shore. Photos of our day are above......

I have been trying to decide between Etsy and Artfire, for an online store. If anyone reads this, is there any difference? I'm a bit late at doing this, and still not sure how it's done. I'll learn someday....

We were honored!

Last show, the Celebration of Art at Eastern IL University in Charleston, IL, we were honored with the Best of Show Award!!!

Still waiting, however, on anything to arrive to be able to prove it!! Strangely, there was nothing on hand to give out to the winners Saturday or Sunday. No ribbon and no check, as had been listed in the prospectus.

Just an announcement and the fact I had to provide my social security number is my proof of winning. I have contacted them, and they promise it is on the way, someday.

This weekend we'll be in Davenport, IA, in the Beaux Arts Spring Art Fair. This is held on the plaza of the Figge Art Museum and the downtown streets of Davenport. It's a long established show, and attended very well, at a perfect time...Mother's Day weekend.

http://beauxartsfair.com/

Next weekend starts the summer Farmers Market in downtown Bloomington. I'll be again situated at the corner of Jefferson and Center Streets. We're looking forward to a fun summer downtown, and hope to see many familiar faces!

Working Hard.........

Getting ready for a new season of art fairs is hard work. The first outdoor show is this weekend, in Charleston at Eastern IL University, Library Quad. Of course, it is going to be cold and rainy!

But, the show must go on...we have bills to pay!

Steve continues to have blurred vision in one eye, but he is enjoying creating new constructed 3-D jewelry pieces. I would never make this sort of work...but I love what he's doing. It takes some refining on his work, changes here and there in order to make it into a piece of jewelry to wear, not just a sculpture. They are attention getters, so that accomplishes bringing the buyers into the booth. The show at the Sale Barn last month was good, so we're hopeful that means a good rest of the year!!

A New Season

This Saturday we'll be taking part in the Spring Bloom Art Fair at the Bloomington Sale Barn in south Bloomington. My booth is #46, which is in the approximate center of the building. We have many new wonderful pieces of bronze, silver, and gorgeous new stones. Hopefully there will be something for everyone.

Our schedule isn't completed yet, but I'll be posting new shows as soon as we know more.

Of course, I'm still working at home, and can bring out our work for you at any time. Email: artjools@frontier.com to setup a time.

The One-Eyed Jeweler!

Last year I talked about Steve having surgery for a scarred retina. Unfortunately, it so far has not helped his totally blurred vision in the right eye. But, when one has been living "a life of art", not creating is terribly difficult. When we met, Steve was teaching Jr-High Art. His favorite art form was clay pottery. And now, after many, many years of no clay, he's now making his one-eyed bronze clay pieces.
He's having a ball, made all of the above.

Let us know how you like them, please.

I've sent in applications for the Spring Bloom Art Fair in March at the Sale Barn in Bloomington. Also, to art fairs in Barrington and Riverside, IL in May, and to fairs in Wheaton in June, and Batavia in August. Way too soon to hear if we'll be accepted at this point. Fingers are crossed. There will be more to come. The economy sounds promising, which would be good for us all.

Silver crosses

My friend Sue asked to see the fine silver crosses I had made for a customer. Garnet stones in each one. Not knowing exactly what she, the customer, was looking for, I made two with different textures, and sizes. She picked the larger one for her daughter.

So, Sue, there they are, let me know what you think!

New Work, New Show

We've had a busy fall this year, not just with art fairs, but husband Steve needed eye surgery, which hopefully will result in better vision in the future. But even with just one eye, he's been able to create some outstanding bronze pieces. Much of the new work I'll be posting soon is the result of his one-eyed vision of art jewelry.

This weekend we'll be taking part in the annual Holiday Thieves Market at the University of Iowa's Memorial Union in the Main Lounge. I'd love to be able to tell you our space, but we won't know it till we get there at 6am to set-up. It is a great show, with over 100 Fine Art and Fine Craft booths. This is our last scheduled show of the year. We still have work in the Holiday Treasures show at the MCAC and the Bead Parlor, both of which are in downtown Bloomington. If you find a need for a gift of handmade original jewelry for yourself or a loved one, please contact us.

We are looking forward to a trip in late January to the Gem and Jewelry Trade Show in Tucson, Arizona. Hoping to take a few classes, get some great beads, and hike the trails in southern AZ.

Happy Holidays.........!!!