365/2013 - Day 299

one show comes down, new art comes in

Today was Day One of taking down "Under the (Inspired) Influence" at the Northville Art House.  It was also Day One of art intake for "[small] Works Exhibit".

Two of the "Influence" artists couldn't be there today or tomorrow so I am packing up their art and bringing it to my house (because we are also friends in real life).  The flat work is easily wrapped up, but the 3D work is what has me worried.  I am taking my time wrapping and packing it and I know it will be fine...it's just that "please-don't-let-anything-happen-to-this-awesome-artwork" thing...you know?

I was incredibly fortunate to be able to purchase two of Anita Andersons' pieces from the show.  A collage, and a heartbreakingly adorable 3D assemblage named "Binky".  I suppose in wrapping Binky up today I was practicing for tomorrow when I bite the bullet and finish wrapping up the other two assemblages.  They seem even more delicate...but I am sure they will be fine.

My wrapping station...before people started arriving.

The gallery is starting to look so empty...

...but there is a lot of artwork coming in for the next show.

And my friend Peggy was able to come by after her run to Detroit and help me out at the last minute for the last part of today's art intake -- THANKS, Peggy -- I enjoyed the company and conversation! 

I had a couple of errands of my own to do on the way home...boy, I am bushed...but not too bushed to unwrap Binky!

The wad of bubble wrap containing Binky by Anita Andersons.

He's in there somewhere...

ta-daaaaaaaaaaa!

I can't even describe how sweet and adorable Binky is.  There is just something about him -- he is so innocent and small and young and I just want to cuddle him and take care of him -- he just really speaks to something deep inside of me.

I am not positive where Binky will reside just yet -- but for now he can sit near my other guy.

Oh -- and I started working on this Tooklet last night before I went to bed (and after I had already blogged).   I think I will probably start on one or two more Tooklets tonight while watching tv, but I wanted to be sure I got this posted (just in case I nod off later on).

365/2013 - Day 273

sneaky peeks

Tonight was the second night of art drop off for the show I am curating at the Northville Art House.

Oh. Man.

Five artists brought their work in tonight -- I am speechless.

Here are some snapshots from tonight...what a good time!  (And plenty of wacky photo bombing.)

Diane Hawkey was first to arrive, photo bombed by husband Doug Spalding and daughter Maura.

Doug watches Anita Andersons unpack her pieces...with Maura cracking me up.

This is blurry because of the fast and furious picking up of Diane's fabulous beads...with Juana Moore and Patti Witte.

Hi, Doug!

You-know-who with Anita and Renee Dooley (who was arriving).

Renee and Anita

Renee with one of her Vulture Women.

Two of Renee's pieces.

Anita and Juana inspect one of Juana's incredible pieces, a tribute to Henry Darger.

Mike Sivak photo bombs Juana.

Mike assembling his amazing "Parcae" game.

Even if I do say so myself...this is going to be magical!

365/2013 - Day 272

art drop off x2 

I was on both sides of art drop offs today.  And there was a marathon of errands with Sue in between.

First, this morning, I dropped off my collage "Couldn't Catch It" at the Village Theater at Cherry Hill for the "21st Annual Canton Fine Art Exhibition".  I love this show.  This year the juror is Gilda Snowden.  I ran into DeEtta (who I have only known on Facebook) and I got a sneak peek at Kate's magnificent painting.  I cannot wait for the opening on Thursday!  More about that in Thursday's blog.

Putting the ID label on the back of my collage and wrapping it up for travel to the venue.

The front approach to the Village Theater at Cherry Hill.

Check in

We put my collage up against the wall for now...I can't wait for the opening reception on Thursday night!

Then I rushed home and Sue met me at my house and we ran a gazillion errands.  I managed to pull a muscle in my back and really wrenched it getting in and out of the car so much.  I didn't get to ice it until later.  I had just enough time to wrap up two of my Kate Paul pieces from my collection and deliver them to the NAH in time for the first night of art drop offs for "Under the (Inspired) Influence".  Patti was there already.  Patti handled the gallery inventory/store inventory sheets for me.  She was also kind enough to haul my paintings in from my car.  They weren't too heavy, I just couldn't carry them in front of me and up the stairs to the gallery.  I set up a table and some chairs and addressed a postcard to my anonymous sponsor for the opening reception.

Then Kate arrived with her two other pieces for the show.  She sat and chatted a bit while she filled out her paperwork.  What a lovely, lovely person she is.  Lots of exciting things happening with her.

The amazing Kate Paul and her four pieces for "my" show.

Then Leann arrived with her pieces.  Oh man -- I love them all!  Leann is also going to have a few items for sale in the NAH Store during the run of the show.  This is going to be great!  Leann will be back on Thursday morning to help with hanging the show.

Leann filling out her inventory sheet(s).

I was very grateful that Leann and Kate came in fairly close to the start time for tonight's drop off.  Patti and I were able to leave shortly after Leann took off.  We said hello to Julie as she was coming in to set up for a class she teaches.  Then it was straight home for meds/cold pack/elevation.  My back feels a bit better already, I am sure it will be fine by morning.  My left knee and foot feel very mangled.  I am going to go to bed early tonight I think/hope.

Everything is really going smoothly so far for "Influence" and the Call for Entries for Nov/Dec.  I have so much support from so many caring and helpful people.  Everyone who has pledged help along the way is coming through...this is such a wonderful environment...I love it here so much!