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Archive for March, 2006

Artists Affected by Hurricane Katrina Still Need Help

Wednesday, March 29th, 2006

“Tear Drop,” Mark Rosenbaum

Last week’s headline in the New York Times (“Evacuees’ Lives Still Upended Seven Months After Hurricane”) reminds me, once again, of the ongoing tragedies in New Orleans and Mississippi. I want to close my eyes and make it go away, but for so many, many people, this is just not an option.

Countless artists are among the thousands of people whose lives are in limbo; they have lost their homes, their studios, their tools and equipment. A number of Guild artists were affected, including Mark Rosenbaum whose “Tear Drop Vase” is shown here.

In January, The Guild contributed $10,000 to the Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF). This wonderful organization provides assistance to artists in times of natural disasters, studio fires, and health crises. CERF has launched a major drive to provide loans, grants, and other assistance to artists affected by last year’s hurricanes. This commitment, at a time of so much need, is truly helping artists rebuild their careers.

This newspaper article reminds me of how much still needs to be done. So…I’m going to get out my checkbook and send CERF another check. I entreat you to do the same. (www.craftemergency.org)

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Moving Art in New Directions

Monday, March 27th, 2006

Last month, a group of Guild staffers spent several days at the American Craft Council Craft Fair in Baltimore. This is the largest (825 artists) and most prestigious show run by the Craft Council, and it is one of the premiere places we look to find exciting talent for The Guild.

Artists work for months to develop new products to introduce at this important show. I’m always amazed to see the paths these creative minds take; our artists are always pushing the envelope and moving their art forms in new directions!

A good example is Mary Lynn O’Shea, who has had an illustrious career in textiles, producing beautiful handwoven clothing that is highly sought after by collectors. In Baltimore, Mary Lynn was featuring a new collection of upholstery fabric, which she is using on chairs and benches. The common thread (pardon the pun) is her exquisite sense of color and design, now put to use in something you can curl up in!

“Molly Rose Chair–Forest,”
Mary Lynn O’Shea

Posted in Studio Furniture | 1 Comment »

New Offerings from Cynthia Bringle

Friday, March 24th, 2006

“Red Pots,” Cynthia Bringle

You know, these artists, they keep growing and changing; it’s an inspiration to us all. (Don’t you truly believe that growth and change is what keeps you young at heart and mind?)

Cynthia Bringle is a dear friend whom I’ve known for many years. She is a talented potter who has devoted her life to teaching at the internationally known Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina. I, and many others, love her functional ceramic pots, which are sold as soon as she pulls them out of the kiln.

These days, Cynthia has turned her attention back to painting and printmaking, which is how she started her career. The Guild is oh so proud to be able to present two of her vitreograph prints, which she produces at Littleton Studios (where Dale Chihuly and other well-known artists make their prints). Check out these new offerings, especially the one called “Red Pots.”

Posted in Prints | 4 Comments »

The Artful Life

Friday, March 17th, 2006

My home is the center of my universe, with the pull of gravity that gets stronger with each passing year. It is there that I shed my conservative business suit, and release the artist hidden inside. In this small piece of real estate, I get into the artful mindset, letting color, form, and texture guide my decorating adventures.

I like to think of the homemaking process as a journey, one without beginning or end, limited only by my time and imagination. And I’m presumptuous enough to believe that there are many other people on a similar journey to create a home environment that reflects a personal sense of style and soothes the soul.

It is out of this presumption that The Artful Life blog is born. I hope these words will serve as a helpful guide to getting into a creative state of mind, with tips on finding, selecting, and living with the work of talented artists. And I fervently hope that you’ll join in the conversation, sharing your own secrets as we explore the intriguing world of artful possibilities.

Posted in General | 3 Comments »