New Artist at the Artful Gift Shop!

Hi, just wanted to let you know that there is a new artist at the Artful Gift Shop!  I am happy to announce that my meeting yesterday with owner Peggy James went very well and I am now an Artful Gift Shop Artist!  I have several pieces for sale in the shop ranging in size from 4"x4" to
12" x12."  If you are in Vienna, VA please stop by!  The shop is located on Church Street and carries all kinds of unique gifts from local artists--cards, jewelry, soaps, artwork, and more!

The Artful Gift Shop

Summer Full of Artful Inspirations!

I can't believe summer is almost over!  Where did the time go?  Although I didn't create much art this summer (only 5 new pieces), I did spend a lot of time taking in the natural beauty of my surroundings, enjoying adventures with my family, trying new things and exploring new places.  I spent the summer wandering with an open heart and artful eye--gathering inspiration for future projects along the way!  Hope you enjoy my meanderings and that you also had a summer full of artful inspirations!  Looking forward to putting my ideas to canvas!

Summer started with "letting go" and the combination of "thrill and fear" rising to the challenges of Ziplining and Rollercoaster Riding!

Next stop, the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  The beach always makes me feel better.  I love the ever-changing sea and sky…the vast openness and the great energy of the ocean!

Sunsets and Moonrises became nightly rituals with vibrant colors and magical glows.

One of our summer traditions is a fun family photo shoot at this gorgeous sunflower garden...sunflower sisters!

Our New England Road Trip  provided lots of inspiring views from rocky coasts and beautiful beaches to lighthouses, whales, sailboats, harbors and more.

Sweet Success!

The "Sweet 'n Salty" Show Opening on Friday was a huge success with over 150 visitors!

We spent a fun evening at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery greeting guests, admiring art, and chatting with fellow DRA members!  Lots of positive feedback and comments on the two pieces I have in the show "Celebrate" and "Take a BITE out of LIFE!" Here I am with friend, co-worker, curator, and fellow artist Amanda Wright.  Don't forget to stop by the show...it runs through October 28th.

Sweet 'n Salty: New Art--New Show!

"It Runs in the Family" show just ended.  Thank you Michelle for the awesome placement of the Tury Family Portrait (front and center as you enter the gallery) and the wonderful compliment (I love your piece and wanted to showcase it--it's the signature piece of the show). 

 The next show at the Del Ray Artisan Gallery is "Sweet 'n Salty" and runs from October 5-28.  Join me at the opening reception this Friday, October 5th from 7-10 p.m.  The sweet 'n salty theme inspired two new mixed media pieces that I created for this show. "Take a BITE of LIFE" has a carnival theme and features a juicy apple as the main subject.  "Celebrate"is one of my 3-d cakes complete with real candle.  This month I will be celebrating the 6th year in my creative journey.  It was almost 6 years ago that I signed up for my first painting class as an adult.  A birthday gift to myself with the encouragement of my husband Paul.  The first painting I did was of a slice of birthday cake, complete with 3-d frosting.  I have been happily painting ever since!  Thanks Paul!  Time to Celebrate!

We ART Family--Art Open House!!!

We recently hosted our first ever Art Open House! It was a lot of fun and a huge success! Our entire house was converted into a gallery. Each room had walls covered with original artwork (over 100 pieces) and filled with friends (over 50 guests)! I was able to showcase my "Cake Collection," "Colorful Creation" series, abstract landscapes, beeswax collage, prints, and notecards. My husband displayed his "Skateboard Series", "Jazz and Blues" cardboard series, "Salvation of Music" boxes, handmade paper sculptures, and silkscreen prints. My daughters had their recycled record bowls and jewelry, sea glass pendants, handmade paper flowers, clay pots, mini-canvas paintings and collage art for show and sale. What a fun, artful way to spend the day! Thanks everyone!

Artful Adventure!

Our family had an Awesome Artful Adventure last Saturday thanks to professional artist and author Sandra Magsamen! We traveled two hours to her event just outside of Baltimore, MD and it was well worth the trip! Sandra was fun, generous, gracious, and oh so Artful! Our whole family had such a wonderful time visiting with Sandra and her family! Check out Sandra's book "Living Artfully" and her website www.sandramagsamen.com. Her inspirational work can be found everywhere from Hallmark to Walmart. Thanks again Sandra!