Thursday, July 1, 2010

Summer buzzing along

Summer seems to arrives so quickly & then it buzzes along @ lightspeed. So that's the excuse for the time beween blogs. But here are some observations about the past month or so.

Saco Community Garden has been put on the Saco Garden Club's garden tour this year. The founding members of SCG have been working to make community gardening a reality for over a year now, working closely with the Saco Park & Recreations Department. So being invited to participate in the garden tour is a considerable honor. Just google either organization to get the dates & times.

After a triumphant winter in the Mills, Biddeford Art Walk has moved outdoors & is still the final Friday of each month, still from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Still a great way to spend an evening locally & be inspired. Biddefords' own Tammy Ackerman is the contact for questions about the Art Walk.

The Saco Spirit & it's merchants have been working very hard all year to produce an enjoyable, organized Artfest. This 40th was the best yet. We saw new venders, like Portland's own Creative Trails bringing new artists to Saco. There were old stand-bys to revisit. There was a wonderful Silent Auction featuring many arts, crafts, free services coupons & lovely items to pamper the winning bidders. Sam's Place framer & artist Jim Cotsis won the Mixed Media ribbon, for the second year in a row! We will be featuring his winning work w/ the ribbon some time in the weeks' ahead, in our front store window - keep your eyes peeled.

If anyone is interested in a Art Club, contact Elizabeth Shore. Her Art Club meets the 2nd Thursday of every month @ Sam's Place, Main St.

So here's hoping you all get out & enjoy all the events this quick summer season!

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Spring Blog: Things that Rock

Saco Bay Trails is holding its annual meeting at the Dyer Library Meeting Room, this coming Saturday, May 15th at 9:30AM.

The trails committee recently installed a memorial bench to honor Horace Wood, in a mid-trail location that showcases much of the Rachel Carson Nation Wildlife Refuge. The bench will be dedicated at the Annual Meeting.

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The Master Gardeners of the Saco Community Garden will offer a gardening workshop Sunday, May 22nd at the Saco Museum to support SBGC's donations to libraries, gardening education programs and horticultural scholarships. Most plants sell for $4.00 and further information can be obtained at sacobaygardenclub.com or call Cathleen at 286-2711.

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The Saco Museum opens a new show, Making History: Art & Industry in the Saco River Valley, May 29th. Email museum@sacomuseum.org or call Jessica at 283-3861 for details


-Kathryn

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Intro to Drawing


The University of Maine System at Saco Island will be offering an Intro to Drawing (Art 115) through the University of Maine System. The class will meet Thursdays from 12 noon-5:00pm beginning May 20th through August 19th. Call 282-4111 or 1-800-696-3391 to sign up for this exciting course that satisfies 3 fine art credits toward most core curriculum requirements.

The talented Augusta faculty member Pat Chandler will instruct. Visit her website to enjoy the touching portraits, brilliant still life work and the accurate visual medium she has chosen to communicate through.

Registration is painless if you call the helpful counselors to walk you through the process. Call now, registration began April 12th.

Father and Daughter
Portrait by Pat Chandler


-Kath

Friday, April 9, 2010

The Arts Now

The talented Thornton Academy Players will perform "Into the Woods", this Friday and Saturday at 7pm and Sunday at 2pm. Tickets sell for $8. For more info email cathy.murray@thorntonacademy.org

If you just want to experience the history and humor of Red Soucy and Roland Bergeron at their farewell performance, Cornerstone United Methodist Church is the place to see them one last time. The performance is Saturday night at 7pm and tickets sell for $5. For more info call 207-282-2755

If Franco is your interest, the McArthur Library is featuring renown artist Lucie Therrien in concert Sunday at 3pm. For more info about ongoing programs and concerts call 207-284-4181 or visit www.mcarthurpublicelibrary.org

The OOB/Saco Adult Ed is offering a class called Tips for Decoration on a Budget next Tuesday, April 13th frp, 6-8:30p. Cost is $29. For more info call 934-7922 or visit their web site.

The Saco Spirit Merchants are planning the Annual Fashion Show for Thursday April 29th at the Ramada. The $35 tickets get attendees dinner, the runway show, celebrity waiters and gift bags. Go to Saco Spirit's website or buy tickets from participating merchants downtown.




In Vino Veritas*

2010 Mill-ennial Memories

Last night marked the gala opening of the long awaited Mill-ennial Show. There was a great turn-out (I stopped counting at 150). From the wine table it was a wonderful sight. Passing red or white, I got to see all the artists whose work hung inside. There were so many talented people representing so many different media. The things they all had in common were a connection to the area and a love of their craft. Respected evergreen artisans rubbed elbows with a younger blooming set. It was like a garden of the mature experiences and new hybrids talking and sharing knowledge.

Newer artists like Assemblage Robin Puleio and Photographer Nick Anagnostis, a Thornton Academy Alumni, showed with well-known Fiber Artist Kathy Angel Lee. Lee's work "Saco Mills" was chosen for the Mill-ennial publicity.

George Hughes' Intelligent Design

This show had it all: witty art from Peter Bennett and George Hughes to social commentary from Omer Gagnon. Well received Encaustic Artists Laura Dunn and Diane Bowie Zaitlin both proved again that their medium continues to engage in fresh surprisingly new ways.



Anastasia Weigle's Zoological Curiosities

The galleries diversified by presenting works in the Mill and in the Museum. Large works world-class sculptor Celeste Roberge, whose current works are a sentimental favorite and small scale works by Assemblage Artist Anastasia Weigle broaden the scope of work. The former's works, dedicated to her cherished parents, tugged at the heart in a big way while the latter's miniatures stirred up a collective cultural memory in an enclosed intimate setting. This is just another example of the Museum's attention to detail - how they showcase a narrative versus simply collecting.


Donna Caron's Upright Figures III

Once relieved from wine pouring, I wandered the gallery and enjoyed the work in both locations. Sculptor Donna Caron's Upright Figures III referenced the past and the organic and still elicited a brave stance towards an uncertain future. It was astonishing to see Painter Tammy Charles' acrylic Crows full scale after admiring it so long as a thumbnail sized work on her website. With the size of the work, the painting appeared to glow.


Tammy Charles' Crows in the Cornfield

Once one saw the scale and diversity of the works, it made perfect sense to use two sights for the show. The experience had the feel of a scavenger hunt once the Stone Soup Artisans Spring Fling was thrown in for good measure.

The show runs until June 13th. Even better, the Museum intends to present a Mill-ennial every two years. Raise a glass, because we can expect to see this event grow in richness and complexity, in much the same way the artists grow and change. We can hardly wait!

*With wine comes truth. Cheers!

-Kathryn

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

7 Questions with Artist Chris Reed


Encaustic by Chris Reed

1. What do you do when you're not feeling creative? How do you get back in your groove?

I rarely am in a deficit for creative energy. When I'm looking for that extra boost, meditation provides the stillness and concentration to be more engaged in the present moment.

2. Do you think creativity is innate or learned or both?

I believe creativity is innate in all of us, yet can be greatly augmented through our connection to the environment and one another, which is the best education.

3. What has been your biggest influence or inspiration in the past? Currently?

In addition to other artists, the natural environment has always been inspiring to my painting. More recently, architectural decay, including the effects of oxidation have complemented my process as well.


Encaustic by Chris Reed

4. How do you feel living in Maine affects your work?

The natural beauty of Maine and slow pace of life is very nurturing for being an artist that I appreciate more all the time.

5. Who is/who are your favorite artist/artists? What do you love about them or their art?

Jasper Johns, Anselm Kiefer, and Gerhard Richter are at the forefront of my artistic influences. I am most intrigued by their tactile and applicatory use of the painting medium.

6. If you could take a vacation anywhere, where would go and what would you do?

I would embark on a trip to either the Greek Islands or the Tuscany region of Italy to capture the stunning light.

7. What's your best advice to beginning artists?

My best advice to beginning artists: Always be mindful of the beauty that awaits.

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Chris Reed graduated from Bowdoin with a degree in Visual Arts. Chris has exhibited in Portland Galleries and taught at The New School in Kennebunk and Saco/OOB Adult Ed.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Biddeford Art Walk

The Biddeford Art Walk is almost upon us. That's why we have had a flurry of artists (like a flock of birds or a gaggle of geese) in Sam's Place. (editors note: we do not intentionally allow birds or geese in the shop) We have supplied artists with hanging wire, "s" hooks and various small brads for their frames. Someone's been in for core board, another for tape. All these excited preparations remind one of the hours before a much anticipated wedding.

Art shows and weddings are both days of commitment, fear and celebration. Expectations scatter in the brain like confetti. The public will love it. The public will hate it. Does this gown make me look like the back end of a milk truck?

There's the inevitable moment of panic before the ceremony. Does he have the ring? Is the paint dry? I should have gone into short stories.

Finally, there is the eventual pride and peace when it all comes together like a well-catered affair. So too, the art show arrives and artists' work is waiting for you to fall in love enough to carry them off and hang them in your home (another editor's note: think I'll stick with art shows and avoid the whole wedding thing).

Following the commitment there is the reception and here is where the wedding and the art show usually diverge. Receptions can be fraught with corny DJs and rambling drunken toasts delivered by your emotional college buddy. Art shows as lively as the Mill installations provide the opportunities for live music, dancing dogs, yummy foods for purchase and the fabulous company of like-minded art-makers and art-lovers; feels like a party!


Saturday, March 13, 2010

What's Going On?

Events

March 13th & 14th

The Portland Museum of Art's Movies @ the Museum will show "North Face", the story of the challenge to scale the Murder Wall of the Alps in 1936. The film is subtitled and runs 2:06 minutes. Shows start at 2pm both days.

March 20th

Bread and Bones will perform at the Saco Coffeehouse at the Unitarian Universalist Church at 60 School Street in Saco, show starts at 7pm with an open mic and Bread and Bones at 8pm. Bread and Bones is an acoustic trio performing original and traditional songs from America and the British Isles.


Bread and Bones, Photo from their website

Classes

Professional Artist Judith Kinsman will teach Watercolors for Beginners and Beyond and an additional class, Watercolor Florals. Both will be offered Wednesdays. There is always a lot of positive feedback about Judith's classes. Sign up through Old Orchard Beach/Saco Adult Education.

Russ Whitten will be teaching Inspirations in Drawing on Mondays from 6-8p beginning May 3rd. His focus will be perception and composition in nature.

Elizabeth Shore will be teaching traditional oil, water-mixed oil and acrylic at Sam's Place, Wednesdays April 7, 14, 21 and 28th from 12:30-2:30pm. Repeat enrollments are common because students often want to hone their paint skills.



Saco Center's Senior College
Bob Dunn will teach Museum Masterpieces. It is a class that teaches appreciation for the Impressionistic movement that took the art world by storm. Classes will be held at the Dyer Library.


Saturday, February 27, 2010

Saco Community Garden


So the SCG (Saco Community Garden) held an interesting meeting recently. They are the nonprofit that displayed a small garden next to the Saco Museum/Library. The success of that small demonstration has led them on to the Community Garden that will start this Spring. Saco residents get first dibs on a 10x10 plot.

The really interesting part was to hear how it is all coming together. They have mapped out the garden, contracted out the building of the tool shed to a local high-school class and are deciding on fencing materials. Their laughter and know-how are powerful draws. Most of the committee members are master gardeners through extension courses so there will be lots of talented people who have the answers for us first-time gardeners.

After an evening with these excited volunteers, I am ready to grow monster crops. You can too if you rent a plot soon!

-Kathryn

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Biddeford's 1st Art Walk of 2010

Congratulations to the organizers of the Biddeford Art Walk. Their idea of having all the artists under one roof (The Mill) during the frigid months was inspired. The crowd parked once and enjoyed the evening over and over again as they moved through the comfortable hallways and busy studios.

Old VW Bus by Diane Noble

Happily they hung the artworks of some of my favorite artists. James Cotsis' dramatic mixed media abstracts, Walter Buczacz's quirky still lifes and black and white photography and Diane Noble's cheery acrylic waterscapes were all well represented.

BryceSunrise2  by Walter's Gallery
Walter Buczacz

There was new artwork too to share. Photographer Chelsea Einsidler-Moore presented images in color that informed organization, style and what belongs by capturing individual's constructed spaces. One photo of uniform cases practiced duality- it would promise the traveler a quick exotic getaway, while conversely the tidy stack could also promise pristine order. Chelsea sold several pieces Friday evening.

The Mill has the feeling of a festival because there were so many kinds of art, food and general goodwill exhibited. Nibbling on Maine Buck Nuts, I learned all about the Community Bicycle Center from some wonderful children participating in the club. They showed photographs of intergenerational teams building bikes together, charity cycling events, mentoring, outreach transportation projects, recycling parts of wonderful art created from bike parts too far gone to use in rebuilt bikes. These kids were proud of the CBC and confidently shared their wide knowledge and demonstrated the skills they have gained alongside the bikes they have rebuilt.

One of the most interesting shops did not have any art at all. Well, it did, just not your traditional brush and canvas variety. Wandering into Warren Ellison's shop was very exciting because the art was stringed instruments. While laid out in pieces on a velvet drop-cloth, the instruments looked very much like found art. The shapes and finishes were lovely. The folks there was friendly and ready to answer any questions. Before I wandered out again I picked up a business card: Warren Ellison, Violin Maker...but could have said Violin Master.

Warren


Ceramic artist Meryl Ruth proved her point by creating some of the most whimsical tea pots ever seen. They are collectible and guaranteed to make you smile before the water is hot. Artist Shay K. Ayres of Eye Sun Holistic Massage chooses to use the tea bags to festoon her assemblage art. The Sweet Specialist offers a classic boxed combo called Tea Time that has three varieties of cookie with tea leaves. She has many other delights you should check out too.

Tea Time Cookie Box
Tea Time from The Sweet Specialist


Can't wait for Friday, February 26th, the next Art Walk at the North Dam Mill. See you there!

Friday, February 12, 2010

Monday, Monday

This is my third and final Monday night of OOB/Saco Adult Education Encaustic Painting tonight. The teacher, Chris Reed, graduated from Bowdoin with a degree in Visual Arts. Chris has exhibited in Portland Galleries and taught at The New School in Kennebunk.

If I thought that encaustics were anything like Batik (yeah, we did that in the 70's), I was wrong. But encaustics has been good, worth bundling up for on winter evenings for sure.

So what makes a Monday night worth going out for? Chris has a pleasant, relaxed teaching style and encourages a playful curiosity in his students. The tuition covers the use of encaustics, resin, pigment and chip brushes. Initially, Chris was going to have the students use fiber board but eventually decided on birch board.

Chris arrives early to set up the electric grills, heat gun and to make sure the wax is melted before students arrive. The class is small so the students can share what works (or doesn't) with each other as they test their new skills and enjoy the camaraderie. Someone realized in the course of this class that it is not a craft. Encaustics is an art.

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Saco River Yoga in Pepperell Square announced Beginner Yoga Classes: six classes for $60. Drop round and hear about the various styles of Yoga offered, the free drum circle evenings and the very qualified teachers. You will be happy you did.

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Busy artist Diane Bowie Zaitlin is exhibiting at the Toby Rosenberg Pottery Show "Some Like It Hot" now through February 28th at 293 Reed Street, Portland, Sunday-Thursday 10am-6pm, Friday 10am-5pm, and Saturday by appointment or chance. 878-4590

Diane is also exhibiting in a mixed media exhibition February 1-March 12th at 25 Exchange Street in Lynn, MA in the Lynn Arts Center.

If that wasn't enough, Diane is offering her Encaustic Workshops in her Saco Studio. The dates are March 27th and 28th, April 17th and 18th and May 15th and 16th. Call 282-7240 or email for details on how you can learn from one of Saco's finest artists.


Monday, February 8, 2010

Cool Things


Wandering through the shop with my dust-cloth in hand, this cool book jumped into my hand: "Rite-in-the-Rain Birder's Journal". The American company that manufactures it has the following slogan: "Outdoor writing products for outdoor writing people."

Field researchers call it a Birder's Journal as the paper is made so you can write or sketch on the pages in inclement weather. As it is a nearly indestructible little notebook, it would be excellent for any journaling outdoors. Apparently this company has been making these adorable recycled notebooks for recording field data worldwide for ages but the "Rite-in-the-Rain" all-weather writing paper is still new to me.

The inside front cover presents two distinct bird diagrams along with body parts and feathers carefully labeled. It is exciting to know the lesser coverts from the median or the greater coverts! Inside there is plenty of room for sketches, photos and notes (weather, location and time slots too). The back cover has a cheat sheet for the American Birding Association's Principles of Birding Ethics (think Geneva Convention with feathers). It is even covered in a cheery yellow so it's easy to find in the tall grass! Now that is wicked cool.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Restocking Sample Jars


We have restocked our California Paint Fres~Coat Eggshell Acrylic Sample Jars

These 4 oz beauties can cover an accent wall space of 4x4. They are great for doll houses, canvas work, birdhouses, etc

Our framer, Jim, says they are perfect acrylics for artists working in smaller mediums

Some colors to stock up on: Andover Cream (a creamy light yellow, so soothing on dark days), Pale Organza, Lady Banksia, Jonquil, Knightly Straw, Mountain Laurel, Whispering Willow (soft green), Yarmouth Oyster (calls up pilgrim thoughts) and Rain Barrel (the lightest of barks).



Monday, January 25, 2010

7 Questions with Artist Russel Whitten


Large Abstract #2, Russel Whitten

1. What do you do when you're not feeling creative? How do you get back in your groove?

Inspiration is everywhere, so this rarely happens to me. When it does happen, looking at other artists work will often trigger an emotion, or give me an idea I can jump off from to use in my own painting.

2. Do you think creativity is innate or learned or both?

There is no question that some people are born with a creative intuition. I don't think creativity is something one can learn, but rather the furthering of education will add to their creative spirit. The only other trick to being creative is the following through with the ideas and prevent from standing in your own way.

Self Portrait, Russel Whitten

3. What has been your biggest influence or inspiration in the past? Currently?

Other Artists and minds that think outside the box.

4. How do you feel living in Maine affects your work?

This is an interesting question, for it's something I never considered. I graduated from Old Orchard Beach and at that time I knew I was going to be an artistic painter. I always found myself looking elsewhere for something to paint. (New York, Italy, London...) I honestly had little appreciation for Maine until I returned from New York after a year studying at The Art Students League. I feel like I had a new perspective, and still do to some degree, on everyday life around me. As a result I am finding interest in painting subjects I never would had considered otherwise.


Drawing Class, Russel Whitten


5. Who is/who are your favorite artist/artists? What do you love about them or their art?

To me, the thing that makes a good artist is they inspire you to take up that craft and try it yourself. I think when we hear music that moves us, we want to sing or play along. When I see a Degas, I want to work in Pastel. When I see a Rembrandt or an Anders Zorn, I want to etch in copper. Artists that inspire me are Lucian Freud, Andrew Wyeth and William de Kooning.

Now as of this week, I have a new favorite artist and it's my 2 year old daughter Adora. For a number of months she has been playing with watercolor media and enjoying the mix of colors and water on all shapes and sizes of paper I have provided her with. Seeing that she has the honesty and pleasure that can be found in all good art making makes her by far my most inspirational source.

6. If you could take a vacation anywhere, where would go and what would you do?

Florence or Giza. I would spend time in Museums and temples if I could, and start each day with a painting.

See full size image See full size image

7. What's your best advice to beginning artists?

To be an artist is to be inspired. I find it important to take time for it everyday. I tell my students that taking 5 minutes a day to sketch out an idea is better then a 3 hour class once a week. Follow it through, for once you have it, it will never let you down.


The Crash, Russel Whitten


Thanks for playing Russ! We hope to continue with Artist interviews so check back!

Russ teaches adult education classes and has a drawing class starting in February. Contact Saco/OOB Adult Ed or check out our past blog for more information.

-Jenna

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

What's Going On?

The Southern Maine Potter's Guild is having a show, dates to be determined. They are going to participate in the Empty Bowls event in February or March, at the York Art Association. More details to follow.

Thursday, January 28th, the Second Congregational Church will host the Biddeford Adult Poetry Project featuring biker poet K. Peddlar Bridge's "Ever Changing Line" lecture. All are encouraged to bring their own work for peer review, followed by a performance. All are welcome and the fun begins at 3:45pm.

The Dyer Library is pleased to announce award winning artist Timothy Parks will be teaching Pastels and Drawing, in the Deering Room of the Dyer Library on Tuesdays from 1-4pm. Classes begin February 2nd. Cost is $40 for the four-week session.


by Timothy Parks

The Biddeford Art Walk will be housed at the North Dam Mill during the months of January, February, March and April to avoid dancing with Old Man Winter. There will be food vendors, artisans and other interesting things happening. Would-be participants are encouraged to contact info@biddefordartwalk.com or call 229-3560 to get involved. The deadline is January 24th and it's free. This month's art walk is Friday, January 29th from 5-8pm.

Check out lovinganvil and Hog Farm Studio for other fun things to do like the Lovefest 2010 on February 13th. There will be champaign and treats at lovinganvil at 5pm followed by a parade over to hog farm studio down the street for some music by The David Wax Museum and Friends at 6pm. Sounds like a lot of Saint Valentines Day fun!

-Kathryn

From the Saco Community Garden to Manatees

The human mind is an interesting thing. You can start out thinking about the Saco Community Garden, which can lead you to thoughts of how lovely and lively the color green looks, in the dead of snowy winter, which can bring up general musings on the color green. From there it's a simple jump to California Paint's Colors of America. As your eyes wander over the historical green shades, your hand chooses coral springs. Before you know it, you are remembering the name of a place in Florida the Weather Channel mentioned: Homasassa Springs, where manatees graze on soft green river grass. Now this grass image leads you to think of green lovely things in general, that you can grow this Spring in the Saco Community Garden!

The mind is an interesting thing!



Editor's note: Trivia ---> Kathryn's favorite animal is the manatee!

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Practice What We Preach

Red Barn - Gilsland by Diane Noble

The Saco Museum will present "Practice What We Preach: Work by Maine Art Teachers" January 16th-March 19th. There will be an opening reception Saturday, January 23 from 1-3pm.

More than 45 teacher-artists will show their work including Deb DiGregoria of CK Burns, Diane Noble of Young & Fairfield, Jodi Thomas of Thornton Academy, Judy Pulia of Saco Middle School and Piper Bolduc of Loranger, Old Orchard Beach. This exhibition will celebrate drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry and fiber arts. It is part of a bigger program of school tours, art-making workshops and artist talks.

Ninety-nine Bottles of Beer on the Wall by Piper Bolduc

Having been fortunate enough to see many of the works of these talented artists at other shows, it will be a delight to revisit them and see new works too! The Saco Museum just gets better and better.

Contact Camille Smalley, education and program manager, at 283-3861 x 115 if you have any questions.

-Kathryn

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Artists' Survey


We mailed 15 surveys to the art group Uncommon Threads & want to share with you responses from the 4 returned to us. We could wait for the others, but Artists are busy people and we cannot wait. Here is what we have learned about the creative process from these Artists, so far.

The first questions asked were, “Where did you study, or are you self-taught? How has that informed your art?” Each answer was as unique as the Artists answering the questions.

One Artist took life drawing sessions, attended Leighton Studio in San Francisco and credited self-study for a number of years with art being a big part of life, always. This Artist finds that good art is heartfelt and inspires emotion in the viewer. New Artists should enjoy the process because art is about self expression, beauty and sharing.

Another Artist attended the University of Southern Maine to learn self-expression, to create things that have never existed before and in response to a life threatening disease, creates every day. Art saved a life. This Artist finds good art in the strong, uninhibited natural art of children and advises new Artists to “just do it” and watch the magic begin.

The third Artist developed an expansive vision through studying at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque and the University of Southern Maine. This Artist expressed art was always part of life and good art challenges norms, pushing the limits of work to express passion. New Artists should know there is a world to explore, always there for everyone to discover!

The final Artist was informed by her mother’s style and earned an Art History Degree in Maryland. While striving to become an Art Educator at Hirshhorn Museum, this Artist continued to evolve artistically. Good art is a sense of wonder: color, a balance of shapes, and the essence of design without becoming faddish and with the intent to keep on learning. New Artists should keep looking and inquire without judgment.


-Kathryn