Newark Open Doors '08

It is so important to network with other artists and arts organizations; you never know what may come up. I've developed and maintained a relationship with Peters Valley since my residency in January through both the store / gallery and the director. About a month ago, Jimmy Clark invited me to exhibit artwork with Peters Valley's display in Newark's Open Doors going on this weekend.

At the time he asked me I couldn't quite commit as I had a lot of artwork in flux and was preparing for a show. Though, after a recent exhibit I had two large paintings that couldn't be incorporated in my current gallery setup and I realized the Newark Show would be the perfect venue, as well as a great opportunity.

Here's the info if you're going to be in and around Newark this weekend:

Newark Open Doors '08 October 24th - 26th

Peters Valley will be at 482 Washington St. (during DD)
Friday: 5pm–10pm, Saturday: 4pm–6pm
Sunday: 12 noon–6pm

You can spend the entire weekend touring galleries and temporary exhibition spaces in Newark. The Newark Arts Council has put together a phenomenal site dedicated to the event. For detailed information about Open Doors '08 visit the Newark Arts Council web site.

Win a 2009 TraillWorks Calendar

As the media counts down the days to the upcoming presidential election, I am counting something more personal: the birth of my first child. I'm due on Thursday, November 6th, two days after our next president is elected. Like the uncertainty of the winner, we are uncertain of the sex of our baby.

Here's your opportunity to vote. Guess the sex and weight of baby Goldberg (my married name) and the respondent closest will win a free 2009 TraillWorks Calendar.

Cast your vote today; baby Goldberg could arrive any day now.

Email calendar@traillworks.com to cast your vote.

TraillWorks is Celebrating Sweetest Day

Digital Scan courtesy of The Cleveland Public Library.

Started back in 1921 by a Cleveland citizen named Herbert Birch Kingston who worked at a local candy company, Sweetest Day was a holiday meant to honor people who's lives are often forgotten. Today it has become a celebration of both strangers and friends and family that have been sweet to you during the year. This is thought to be a Hallmark holiday, but it really stems from genuinely good intents to recognize others.

The scan above is from a 1922 editorial in the Cleveland Plain Dealer proclaiming Sweetest Day and why you should observe it. Here's an excerpt from the paper " . . . On this day, next Saturday, steal enough time from the turmoil of routine affairs, to bring a bit of good cheer to those you love. A present, perhaps, and more than that add a loving word--a smile--a kiss. . . ."

Give someone you love the sweetest memory from your special day - a Wedding Cake Portrait. TraillWorks is offering 20% off all Wedding Cake Portraits
commissioned NOW through October 21st.

Sweetest Day Festival - Saturday, October 18, 2008

In honor of the Greater Newton Chamber of Commerce's observance of Sweetest Day through its 1st Annual Sweetest Day Festival

Visit Spring Street between 12 - 4pm to celebrate all things sweet:

• baking contests & sales
• sidewalk sales
• Sweet Harvet Collection - food donations for local pantries / shelters

2nd Saturday Recap

Featured Artist, Joanna West, in front of Firefly

Jennie chatting with a client

Visitors to the Autumn Open House and Meet the Artist reception at TraillWorks

Interior Wall of TraillWorks

Spring Street during the Old Mine Road Folklife Festival

Interior Walls of TraillWorks

Last Saturday's 2nd Saturday proved to be another success. The day was full of events on Spring Street. During the day, people came out to take part in the Old Mine Road Folklife Festival. Later in the evening, the Spring Street merchants held an Autumn Open House with scarecrow and pumpkin decorating contests, a gift basket raffle, food, live band, and more. During the evening I held a meet the artist reception for my featured artist, Joanna West. Her illuminated sculptures just dazzle in the gallery. Her work will be up through October 31st if you haven't had a chance to see it.

Photos from Kitchen Kitsch

Photos courtesy Tony Lordi

Last month I exhibited the work of Tony Lordi, friend and mentor to me. His work was so well-received and probably the first-ever installation displayed on Spring Street in Newton. His piece, Steam Heat, attracted to much attention, from art lovers and antique lovers alike. Many people came in because of the gleaming chrome, interested in buying the individual irons in the installation. Of course, they were for sale only as a finished artwork, not as antique irons.

Take a look at his work. I had so much fun showing it and talking about it. Plus it complemented my work quite well.

Steam Heat, © Tony Lordi

Chrome Baby, © Tony Lordi

Interior Shot of the Vintage Chrome Series at TraillWorks

Another 2nd Saturday

Firefly, 18" x 18" x 9", Found Objects, photo courtesy Joanna West

I know it's been a long time since I've written, but between teaching twelve hours a week, finishing commissions, following up with customers, daily operations, and being pregnant I just haven't gotten to blog. I haven't forgotten about you.

This coming Saturday, October 11th, is historic Newton's 4th Second Saturday event. A full day is planned including the first annual Old Mine Road Folklife Festival starting at 10am and Spring Street's Autumn Open House running from 5 - 8pm. Main Street Newton will transform into a pedestrian marketplace with live music, vendors and a farmers market, as well as Spring Street business participation and local artists work on display.

As part of the day, TraillWorks will host the work of another local artist, Joanna West. Joanna's interest in antiques have brought her to rebirth old objects or junk in new and delightful ways. Illuminations will feature four of Joanna's assembled found object lamps, interspersed around my artwork.

Meet the artist: Joanna West
Where: TraillWorks
When: October 11th
Time: 5 - 8pm