The weekend’s art activites exceeded my expectations in many ways.
Friday was a total bust - I came home from work so worn out, I feel asleep 7pm.
Brandon and I were up bright and early on Saturday morning, on our way to the Toad Hollow Art Show with his parents. The show was quaint, more like an intimate artist’s village, with artwork of all varieties. Pottery, fiber arts, photography, drawing, metalwork, jewelry - only 13 artists, but rich with diversity.
Brandon and I walked away as the proud owners of “Evening Silence”, an original watercolor by Terry Maxwell. We’ve been talking about buying one of Terry’s peices for at least the last 4 years. Brandon’s parents have a couple of Terry’s paintings, and we’ve always been huge fans. We will be taking the piece to J & Co. Frameshop to have UV-protective glass installed to help retain the brilliant colors of the landscape. I’ll take a photo while the glass is off (to prevent glare) and post it on here soon.
I also heard great things about the Mulvane Mountain/Plains Art Fair at Washburn University. Linda Park, a co-worker of mine, was showing Jewerly and Mobiles with her friend Debbie McRae, and she said that the crowd was constant and the sales were good. I was planning to go - but considering my purchase on Saturday, I really couldn’t afford it.

There is a wide variety of art events going on in the area this weekend. Everything kicks off with First Friday here in Topeka on Friday night - I am particularly interested in checking out Topeka’s newest gallery, Westboro Fine Art, owned by Rod Seel.

Brandon and I will spend Saturday in Emporia checking out all of the artwork on display at Toad Hallow. It’s is smaller art fair, but I hear the intimate garden setting really sets the mood. I am hoping to purchase a Terry Maxwell piece!

On Sunday, I plan on visiting the Mulvane Mountain/Plains Art Fair at Washburn’s campus.

My opening reception for “Thoughts, Dreams and Pretty Things” at Creative Art Photography & Gallery was a success! The First Friday following was strong; we had a steady crowd from 5:45 to 8:30. I was fortunate enough to meet many of the communities’ art advocates, and discuss Topeka’s renewed enthusiam for the arts.

Visit the Thoughts, Dreams & Pretty Things Gallery to see photos from the opening.

I also sold my Yarn Bin Series and Cinco de Mayo. It was great to see so many people that were already familiar with my work and that had been following my art career. It was the first time I realized that I have several people that are starting to collect my work.

Thanks to everyone that attended my opening! Especially Bonnie & Bob Green, who traveled all the way from Kansas City to see my artwork!