Holy Camoly...

It's hard to believe that summer AND Thanksgiving are both over. I blinked and summer blew by so fast. It was completely consumed by art related events and I think it's been a successful year - at least as far as exposure goes. I'm really enjoying the experience and hope to continue through this winter which is usually my least creative time. (Encouragement welcome from all!) I think it's also time to plan my big opening night next October. I'm open to any and all creative ideas, including smart shopping ideas for fabric, candles and lights. I'd like this to be the most amazingly creative and sexy art show ever!

Congratulations to Troy for landing a fairly regular gig in our old stomping grounds. I've thoroughly enjoyed watching and hearing the band play and I'm soooo proud.
Also to be congratulated, Erin begins working for AIReS on Monday - It's been a long and patient road for her and she deserves this job.
Kara is coming around and seems to be enjoying her work with Eleven and I truly hope this trend continues. I can't wait to check the place out!

In other news, my brother in law, Mike has purchased a house with his New Zealand honey, Jessie, in Philadelphia and Charles and Davene plan to marry in Charleston in April.

AH - Recently, the siblings and I finally had the pleasure of meeting Mark's better half, Christina. I feel very priviledged to know her and have had a ton of fun out on the town with one of my favorite couples.

That's it for now. I'm sure I won't post again until after Christmas but ya'll know where to find me. Love to all of you!

I wanted to elaborate on the events that occurred during my three days in the arts festival. Beside the incredible amount of support from my family, friends and especially my siblings, I experienced an overwhelming amount of positive feedback from the general public. (I think I must have talked for three days straight, as I still don't have much of a voice.) So, here is the list:

- sold 4 originals and 7 prints

- I've been invited to participate in two different festivals later this summer. One in Shadyside and the other in Indiana, PA

- I was asked to participate in working on a mural in the city

- I was approached by an investor who wants to make an appointment in two weeks when he visits Pgh again from Connecticut. I'm not exactly sure what that means or what this will entail but I've been advised to speak with a lawyer prior to the meeting.

- I've been offered a position as an Artistic Consultant / Event Coordinator to develop the 12th annual Art, Music and Festival of Praise which is a collaborative effort between the Alliquippa Alliance for Unity and Development and various churches, community groups and businesses.

- A woman who lives near Cranberry has asked me to teach an art class for her young children

- I'm planning to do another one or two night multidiscipliary event at the Merrick Free Art Gallery in New Brighton. It's a great location and would give young artists a venue to exhibit their work.

- All of the booths were judged and though I didn't win one of five awards, I learned from one of the jurors that I was in 6th place.

- A new friend (Drew),one of the representatives from Duquesne Light's booth purchased one of my 10 x 10 prints and plans to show it to a local director named Jim Shoberg. Drew thinks that Jim will want me to help design sets for his dark plays.

A very special and sincere thank you to my sisters and husband. I could not have done any of this without you, nor would I want to. Much love to you all!

Oh, yeah! Forgot to mention that my website went live last Thursday.
http://www.organicgraphite.com