Alley Art Studio: The Beginning

My art trajectory actually began with a single bowling pin. I was taking a 12-week Artist's Way Creative Cluster with Gretchin Lair through Scarlet Star Studios in 2005 (It's where I got my start in offering my own version of Artist's Way Creative Clusters). Gretchin had all of us do a final art project, our Omega Project, and I chose to collage on a bowling pin; I honestly don't know where I got that particular random idea. I had gone to New York during the 12-week session, so I tore up my subway map as the base, then added an iconic yellow cab. That simple project got my mind spinning (well, so did the 12 weeks of studying the Artist's Way under Gretchin's brilliant tutelage) and I decided I would make bowling pins to sell. My husband was bowling at the time and I asked him to get me some pins. He brought home about 20 boxes of ten pins per box. That's a lot of pins!I started creating bowling pin art -- every subject matter I could think of - gardening, poker, diva, well, you get the idea because the possibilities are endless. I did commissioned work where I created pins based on people's hobbies and interests. I sold them at the Salem Saturday Market, got juried into the Silverton Fine Arts Festival, and did a couple of holiday shows. We were living on an alley at the time I started my business, Alley Art Studio, then eventually I got my own little studio, which also happens to be on an alley. My art evolved and I moved away from creating bowling pin art. Over the last few years I've sold some from my inventory and given some away, ending up with a few remaining boxes. With the Visual Artist Studio Tour this weekend (I'm on the tour), I thought it was time to dig out the pins and sell them - cheap. These are some of the embellished pins I have left; I also have several that have handmade paper on them, but no embellishments - waiting for YOU to add your personal touch).

I've kept just two pins. The New York one above and one other than still makes me smile: Chi Chi.

My husband has also kept one that is in his office.

Gallery Sitting 101

I experienced my first day of gallery sitting on Monday at Lunaria Gallery, the artist cooperative that I am now a full-fledged member of. The day begins with a glamorous bit of housekeeping.

And choosing music for the day.

Excited about my space.

I sold a big piece of art in the first week, so I needed to replace the empty area with a new piece.

In between customers I photographed the gallery.

It is such a lovely gallery. If you've never been in before, I hope you'll stop in for a visit.

New Space at Lunaria Gallery . . . and New Show

MY OWN SPACE IN THE GALLERY

I became a full-fledged member of Lunaria Gallery this month after being a guest artist in August. Once my show came down from the special exhibit area upstairs, I was given my own space on the main floor. It was pretty exciting to walk into Lunaria on Friday night and see my space for the first time.

GROUP SHOW: LAY OF THE LAND

In addition to having my own permanent space on the first floor (well, always a space, but the Hanging Committee is constantly moving the artist's spaces around to keep it interesting), I have the opportunity to participate in group shows. For September, there is a group landscape show, Lay of the Land. I love landscapes, albeit abstract landscapes. I submitted five pieces and all five were used! A big, a medium, and three littles.

Studio Tour and Sale

 

I'm once again on the Artists in Action Visual Artists Studio Tour (VAST). I participated last year, and you can take a look by clicking here. It was so much fun and I met so many great people that I decided to do it again this year. Of course, my studio has continued to evolve and change since last year. For instance, I've added a lovely red chair and it will be available for a sit.

A few more jars of junk.

Maybe even a new vintage paint tin or two.

I'll have a whole new batch of Fearless Faces cards for sale (and dozens that I have marked down to one and two bucks each - but not these guys, they're the newest or the favorites)..

The VAST event spans two weekends. Saturday and Sunday, September 15-16 it is in Salem and includes 14 artists and one gallery. On September 22-23, the event moves to Silverton where you can see 11 artist studios and one gallery (Lunaria is the gallery, the gallery where I am now a member/owner!). This means you have the opportunity to visit the studios of 25 artists and two galleries for only $10. Yes, all those studios over two weekends for only $10. You can purchase your entry bracelet in advance at The Art Department (in Salem), Red Raven Gallery (in Salem), Creekside Grill and Lunaria Gallery (both in Silverton). You can also purchase your bracelet on the day of the tour from each artist at their studio.

Did I mention that my art will be for sale at my studio? Recent works and Curious Elements will be available as well as a SALE on my older pieces. Did I mention that the SALE pieces will be half price? Silly me. I hope you'll stop by for a visit.

A Smathering of Friends

I've had heavy boots lately so today was a welcome bright spot in my life. I had four friends to the studio just to play. Sam, Keeley, and Susan all brought projects to work on while I did a demo on plaster painting with Bobbie. Bobbie created three finished pieces of art by the end of the day and I was able to prepare a whole stack of backgrounds for a new batch of Curious Elements. We started out in the backyard of the studio, but as soon as the sun was blazing down on us, we moved our operations inside.