Upcoming shows

I've had my nose to the grindstone preparing for two fast approaching holiday craft shows.

First up is Craft + Design in downtown Richmond Nov. 16-19. This museum quality fine craft show is sponsored by the Visual Arts Center of Richmond and takes place on the second floor of the newly refurbished train station. There are demonstrations throughout the three day event and delicious food and drinks on site. You'll find me in booth #305. Tickets are now on sale.

Next up is Holiday Heap on December 15 in the city of my birth, Charm City a.k.a. Baltimore, MD. This is a bustling show in another great setting -  St. John's church on St. Paul Street.  With 51 vendors, light refreshments inside and food trucks outside this is a fun place to Christmas shop.

For those of you not in the Mid-Atlantic area, my online shops will stay open throughout the holidays.

The cat

So thankful that this little lady recently came into our lives.

She showed up, terribly under weight, covered in fleas and with tapeworms at my daughter and son-in-law's backdoor a little over a month ago. She was begging for attention as much as food. They cared for her and had her to the vet and a week later brought her here for a "test drive" because...allergies.

We've followed a non-allergen protocol (brushing, cleaning, grain free diet) and - surprise - one month later and no one is reacting. Millie is here to stay!

Spindleworks

I was so thrilled to visit Spindleworks Studio for a second time while we were in Brunswick, Maine in July - it was the first visit for my husband.

Spindleworks shop

If you're not familiar, Spindleworks is a progressive arts studio, that is, a "fine art studio environment where adults with developmental disabilities can pursue and maintain lives/careers as artists" according to the website Disparate Minds.

Weaving and fiber arts room

We got there early enough in the day to get an artist guided, very thorough, tour and a chance to visit the ceramic studio which is only open during the warmer months. I even got to meet Caroline who's work I collect.
                                                 

A few days later we headed inland to Gardiner, ME to stop in at Spindlework's sibling studio, Spin Off. This studio space is smaller and not as well supplied yet but its a beginning and the artist working there were prolific and confident in their work which was wonderful to see.

Stacks of artist trading cards.

If progressive art interests you please be sure to check out the website Disparate Minds. In addition to topic related articles and gallery opening announcements they have a listing of progressive studios organized by state so maybe you can find a studio near you to visit. If you do, please be sure to let me know - I'd love to hear about it!