If you click on this little thing, it will get large. Very large indeed. I’m sorry that I don’t know how to make it a normal size for you.
Christmas at the Gallery
This is a fun annual event at the Courthouse Gallery in Exeter with a “live art auction, catered hors d’oeuvres and fine wines”! It will be Saturday, December 12 from 5-9 p.m. and the entry is a $30 donation. It can be dressy or not – the last time we went, my husband wore his good Wranglers and wasn’t the only one who interpreted “dressy” in that manner. The Courthouse Gallery is 125 S. B Street, and I’m guessing there will be tickets at the door. Fund-raising functions aren’t in the habit of turning people away, so no need to be a “party crasher”! The live auction has small pieces of art created by the artists who have shown at the gallery through the 10 years it has been open. Here is my piece:
It isn’t as big as the one done for the White House because they neglected to send me a blank this year . . . those guys! 😎
First Saturday, December
The Featured Artist this month at The Art Co-op is George Smith. He is a very accomplished potter, always producing both functional and beautiful pieces. Back in 1987, I participated in my very first Redbud Festival in Three Rivers. George had the neighboring booth, and was so kind and encouraging to me. I was as green as grass, and he actually traded me a lamp for a drawing. Since that time, I have almost shamelessly begged him for the drawing back so I can redraw it for him. He hasn’t agreed to let me shred the first drawing, so we have no deal. (The lamp is still in use, along with its matching companion lamp, and he hasn’t asked to smash it in return for a new one!)
Random Wednesday
1. Oranges sell, therefore I paint lots of oranges. Besides, I like them! This probably needs one more session on the easel.
2. Remember this? This is another layer on the background. Much detail remains to be done in the background; it is more important to have this done very very carefully than it is to have it done soon!
3. The annual Christmas Open House in Exeter is Thursday, December 4. All (most?) of the businesses will be open late, serving treats and full of good cheer. The time might be from 5-8, or perhaps earlier- later. (thanks – that was informative!) This year I will be with Cousin Sally at Exeter Flower Company. You may remember that last year I was with Cousin Chris at The Downtown Gallery. Maybe I will float between the two, depending on who has the best treats! Sally has many orange paintings for sale, along with an avocado, a persimmon, a pomegranate, a lemon, and something else that I have forgotten. There are other paintings too, but this is all I can think of right now.
The Perfect Gift Boutique
the Perfect Gift Boutique teaser #3
How many of you are out of wall space? There are several solutions. One is rotating your artwork. Here is another: display paintings on easels! These are some miniature paintings that will be selling at The Perfect Gift Boutique, Friday and Saturday following Thanksgiving at the Three Rivers Arts Center from 10-4. This charming building is across the North Fork Bridge and across the river from The Art Co-op. (If you get confused, someone at either place can help you get cleared up!) These original oil paintings are 3×5″ and sell for $40 each (wooden easel included)
the Perfect Gift Boutique teaser #2
How’s this for a unique Christmas decoration? An original oil painting of a poinsettia on its own wooden easel! You can find this at The Perfect Gift Boutique, the Friday and Saturday following Thanksgiving at the Three Rivers Arts Center from 10-4. There’s only one – hope you get there first! 
The Perfect Gift Boutique teaser #1
Ornaments available!
These are highly individualized oil paintings on 2″ wooden discs. Each one is distinctly different, and says “Sequoia National Park”. I’ve signed the back, and each one is $12.95. You can find these (the ones that haven’t already sold!) at The Perfect Gift Boutique, Friday and Saturday following Thanksgiving, from 10-4 at the Three Rivers Arts Center (across the North Fork Bridge and across the river from The Art Co-op – a body could get confused!)
Senior League Bazaar
This is an annual craft and art sale at the Three Rivers Memorial Building, happening tomorrow, Saturday, November 21, 2009 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free admission. Exhibitors will be both inside and outside. The Chinese Pistache trees have nice color at the Memorial Building this time of year – come and see! These leaf paintings are of a ginko, black oak, and persimmon, just to get you in the mood.
Judge not?
I was asked to judge an art show at an elementary school. There was a rubric (Hey Richard, I can use this word you taught me!) to follow, but it was HARD. Objectivity is impossible, simply impossible. We are all made up of different opinions, tastes, and experiences. De gustibus non est disputandum – my Very Wise Dad used to love to say this. It means “there’s no accounting for taste” or “it is useless to argue over matters of taste”. I have been on the receiving end of these judged shows, and don’t usually fare too well, so it was weird to be the judge for a change. The best part was being in the area of the county where I grew up ; such a very clear day.
Castle Rocks are very clearly delineated in this view – on the right side.
So weird to see Alta Peak down here – same mt. I see at home!
