Art Stroll 2011

My peeps and I had a great time exhibiting at the Sidewalk Art Stroll last Thursday evening. The weather was still a little warmer than I would have liked, but a nice breeze was blowing and the rain held off. Lots of people came by to see our work and made nice comments. The Stroll brings in a variety of artists.  The Huntsville area has a lot of great talent! Competition? No, we are all related in the 'hood of art, and what a great family!

My first exhibit!

Bells and Whistles

I learned this week that my train pastel painting, Bells and Whistles, was accepted into the Huntsville Art League's Unique Views juried show. Tuesday evening, August 16, is the opening reception in the downtown Huntsville HAL gallery. Check out the HAL web site  for more info. The free exhibit is up until Aug 28, from 11 to 6 daily. Thursday night, August 18, the downtown Huntsville Sidewalk Art Stroll will be a great night to visit the exhibit and also check out the lovely things my art group is selling. We will be located near the HAL gallery on the NW corner of the square.

I painted Bells and Whistles when I was working on the set for the Huntsville Community Chorus melodrama Belles and Whistles. During dress rehearsal, I realized that the production really needed a train picture somewhere on the set. The play is set in a depot and has a great sound effect of a train pulling into the station, then leaving. The next day, I found several black and white pictures of 1930ish trains, and created the painting from them. I think it's one of my best works. My 7-year-old grandson likes it, too. One day he asked me, "NayNay, when you die, can I have the train picture?" LOL! I told him that he didn't have to wait for me to die, he could hang it in his room. So guess where it will be exhibited next?!?!? ;-)

My other creative outlet

I'm really busy right now! The art group is gearing up for the Art Stroll again on August 18, 2011, and I'm working props for the Theatre Huntsville production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof opening on September 9. My husband is playing Big Daddy and my grandson is one of the kids. I hope you'll come see me at the Art Stroll, and get your tickets soon for Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (http://yourseatiswaiting.org/).

One of my favorite things to do is volunteer with local theater groups as a 'techie.' I paint and dress sets as well as collect and create props. My husband has been an actor in local theater since 1999, but I didn't get involved until he pulled me kicking and screaming into the fray in 2008. My first gig was the Fantasy Children's Theater and Academy production of Gingerbread House in the Forest. I was immediately bitten by the theater bug! Since then, I've worked on seven other productions for Fantasy, Theatre Huntsville, and Huntsville Community Chorus.

Until I began volunteering, I never realized how much work goes into putting on a production, especially with volunteer organizations. It's amazing that SO MANY people put in countless hours without pay, all for the enjoyment of the audience. It's addicting, and if you've ever worked in theater, I'm sure you know what I mean!

Recent Events

My art group and I have hit the art show trail with a vengeance! Not only did we exhibit at the Madison, AL Street Fair on Oct 2, but we also participated in the Downtown Family Fest around the Huntsville, AL square. The weather was absolutely perfect for both events. It was great getting out and seeing people, children, and lots of dogs the two weekends. I really like meeting people and hearing the positive comments about our work. It's very inspirational and makes me want to do more! I'm on the trail of more events coming up soon. Yes, the bug has bitten and I'm smitten!

Something new that I'm exhibiting is a set of photographs that I took at the Chattanooga Aquarium. To get enough light, I had to slow the speed way down. A lot of the photos were still solid black until I lightened them in the free photo editing software Picasa. It was like going on a treasure hunt to see what would emerge. Check 'em out. If you see one you like, I'm selling them in 8x10 for $10. Just drop me an email.

Madison Street Festival October 2, 2010

The next art adventure for me and my two wonderful artist friends is the Madison Street Festival on October 2, 2010. Here's a link to the details: http://www.madisonstreetfestival.org/. I hope to have a couple of new things, but I'm working overtime right now which makes it difficult to be creative. DISLIKE

My birthday!

Today was my birthday and I was overwhelmed by all the sweet well-wishes I received, better than 'stuff' any day! I'm still floating from the excitement of last week. I never knew how energizing it could be to put myself 'out there.' My art group met last night and the buzz was all about what's next for us. We are working toward the Madison Street Fair mid-Sept. Oh my, that is just around the corner! We better get crackin'.Thank you isn't strong enough for the gratitude I feel to everyone who encourages and supports me. Blessings to all! Namaste. Peace.

We did it!

What a wonderful evening we had participating in the Huntsville Art Stroll last night! The other two ladies in my art group and I all sold some pieces and many people were complimentary of our work. In spite of the 80% prediction for rain, it was gorgeous! The sun was hot when we were setting up, but we were ecstatic that it didn't rain. The smell of food, music, and the sounds of people chatting and laughing created a cheery carnival atmosphere.The turnout was great! Lots of people that I knew came by, and many didn't even realize that I paint. They called me an artist, wow!  My favorite part was seeing people smile when they looked at the pictures. That's what it's all about!