Mudd Lake Farm

Well, the "Ken's Big Barn Adventure" art sale is behind me by a day. It surprises me how much energy it takes to get ready. I usually let everything else slide so today, after this post, my task is cleaning house and putting things away in my studio. I don't like doing it but I like the results afterwards!

It was a fun weekend on a hobby farm in Watertown, west of Lake Minnetonka. It was fun to hang out with friends and fellow artists. Mudd Lake Furniture is a treasure trove of old and new furniture, unique accessories and this weekend, ART! The owner, Bob Kratsch is a former NFL linebacker with a passion for furniture and beautiful things. I was amazed at all the wonderful pieces. After numerous trips around the place I was still discovering things I hadn't seen before. I especially liked the screen house at the back of the property and immediately asked Mark if he thought he might be able to build one in our back yard. (Those of you who know Mark already know his answer or more importantly the look on his face after me asking him!) The farm was complete with a burro, sheep, goat, pig and a gorgeous peacock. (Wow are they noisy birds!) He (or she) even obliged us with strutting about with full-out feathers. It really is incredible how big those birds are and so marvelously beautiful!

Special thanks to those who ventured out the to farm, My Mark, Donna and John, Beth and Jon, Glenn and Paula, Mark, my sister-in-law and loyal fan, Pam and my Mom and my sister, who drove down from Silver Bay yesterday just to support me for a couple hours! How cool is that!?! I was happy to be able to hang out with my buddy, Sue Seeger who was in the show as well and had the cool metal art at the entrance to the barn. Thanks to Ken O'Brien for organizing the event and including me in his "adventure". I look forward to many more. I am grateful for all your encouragement and support.

Next show is a one evening affair at Stonecrop on Thursday June 18 from 5 - 8 pm. I love this shop. After being a customer for many years I now work there part time and am pleased to be one of their artists. Kathy carries my tiles which are licensed to Studio Vertu, selling them individually in small easels they make a great gift; inspiring and encouraging.

Enjoy the photos from this weekends show and have a great day!

Save the Date!

I am happy to be in the presence of some awesome artists in a show coming up on May 30 and 31, 9 - 5 each day. It is the first venture for my friend, Ken O'Brien Ken O'Brien. He is hosting an art experience at Mudd Lake Furniture. I have always wanted to get out to Mudd Lake after hearing about them years ago. Finally, I'll be able to check it out! I think the event will be fun, pairing 10 great artists in a unique setting. It's out in Watertown (just 15 minutes west of Excelsior, people, so don't let distance keep you from attending...or the fact that you've never heard of or been to Watertown) Should be a fun time! Hope you can make it.

Here's a run down of the artists:
Sue Christiansen and her amazing pottery, Westy Copland's awesome prints and originals, Todd Waters, Kathryn Capone Chermak, Tanya Garvis, Susan Piazza, Doug Talalla, Sue Seeger and me!

Ken's Big Barn Adventure
Saturday and Sunday, May 30 and 31 9 - 5
Give me a call if you have questions...get a car pool together and drive out!

The Beckoning Sketchbook

I do this to myself all the time. It seems like I have some time to welcome a "commercial" art project and then get commitments for my own art. Then I procrastinate on the "job", filling my time with laundry, all kinds of tasks that keep me from just getting the "job" done. (Yup, and here I am posting on my blog. Sighs deeply) I am super excited to get my work done and am giving myself two hours after this post to finish it up and send it off to the client. THEN the fun begins. I am in two upcoming shows. Anne Davidson, of the former Good Life, has invited me to be one of the artists showing our work in a shop on Lake Street in downtown Wayzata during the Art Experience, May 16 and 17. The other is an unusual and fun show. Ken O-Brien, a friend and extraordinary fellow I met through the Good Life, has invited me to participate in a show at Mudd Lake Furniture in Watertown. Add May 30 and 31 to your calendar! (Really, it is NOT very far from here...so don't let THAT be your excuse!) The event will feature a variety of artists' work alongside the furniture. (More details and links will come as I have them) It gives me a chance to do something that's been in my sketchbook for sometime...there it is...calling me! OK...gotta sign off now and get my "job" done, so I can get on to the fun stuff. Remember to check back for more details of upcoming shows! Have a creative day! Peace.