Opening and Benefit a HUGE Success!

From left, Brenda Decker (featured artist), Jane MacNeil (Turn the Towns Teal, Inc.), Jennie Traill Schaeffer (me), Martha Traill Schaeffer (jewelry artist and mom)

I'm still on cloud nine after this Saturday's opening for Brenda Decker and benefit for Ovarian Cancer Awareness! TraillWorks saw a fantastic turnout with Jane MacNeil, president of Turn the Towns Teal, Inc. on hand to greet visitors and share information about ovarian cancer. Featured artist, Brenda Decker was on hand, as well as an appearance by jewelry artist, Martha Traill Schaeffer. I'm pleased to announce that though donations and sales during the day, TraillWorks will be donating about $279 to Turn the Towns Teal, Inc. to help in their awareness campaign across the country. 

Brenda Decker and Jennie Traill Schaeffer

Special thank yous go out to Krave Cafe and Caterers for their tasty and elegant spread, as well as to Frederick Wildman and Sons, Ltd. for the delicious Folonari and Trapiche wines. Both donated their respective offerings for the evening. 

Red Line, Acrylic on Panel, 24" x 36", ©2010 Brenda Decker, SOLD

And, congratulations on the success of Brenda Decker's artwork. Thus far we've had one sale, and though it was my favorite piece of the show, there are many other sublime pieces available through September 25th. Brenda was also an award-winner at the Sussex County Arts & Heritage Council's Skylands Juried Show. She's worked hard to achieve the recognition; it's well-deserved. 

Circle of Hope Pendant, $95, ©2010 Martha Traill Schaeffer

Martha Traill Schaeffer and TraillWorks will continue to donate 10% of the retail price of any of her jewelry purchased during the rest of the month to Turn the Towns Teal, Inc. Her set, Circles of Hope, is still available, though congratulations is in order on her sale of a Circle of Hope pendant on Saturday.  

Homage to Julia, Oil and Collage on Panel, 24" x 24", ©2010 Jennie Traill Schaeffer, SOLD

And, to toot my own horn, because, as my associate Corrie says, my work should come first, I finally sold a painting via ArtQuiver on Saturday to a longtime student. Homage to Julia will be my first official ArtQuiver sale and helped me to donate money to Turn the Towns Teal, Inc. I'll be posting a blog soon about my upcoming commissions and their progress, so keep an eye out for that! 

Thank you again to Jane MacNeil of Turn the Towns Teal, Inc., Kate and Rich Hashway of Krave Cafe and Caterers, Frederick Wildman & Sons, Ltd., Martha Traill Schaeffer/Mom, Brenda Decker, and all of the friends, family and visitors who joined us and donated on Saturday to help save women's lives. 

Circles of Hope by Martha Schaeffer

Circle of Hope Pendant, $95, ©2010 Martha Traill Schaeffer

My mom drove out to Newton on Saturday with a bag in hand, jewelry inside of course. It was a drop-off of new jewelry, as well as an excuse to see her grandson. Either way, it was a great evening . . . with dinner at our favorite local Italian Restaurant. She brought quite a few new pieces to display for this Saturday's Ovarian Cancer benefit; what stood out among the copper bracelets and silver pendants was a set she designed for ovarian cancer awareness.

Not one to name her work, these she felt needed the title of "Circle of Hope". She told me she came up with this idea awhile back and finally got to making it. I can't imagine how difficult and emotional this may have been to make since she lost her best friend to ovarian cancer. Barbara would have been tremendously touched by mom mom's design, and her cause.

Circle of Hope Earrings, $60, ©2010 Martha Traill Schaeffer

Sold as a set for $150 or individually, the pieces are all hand-made from .999 fine silver. The rings are hand twisted and fused. The indicolite-colored crystals are hung on hand-wrapped silver. Even the ear-wires are hand-formed. 

Persian Chain Maille Bracelet, $125, by Martha Traill Schaeffer

Mom also brought me a new handwoven, Persian Chain Maille bracelet, accented with an aquamarine stone box clasp. These have been very popular, so far selling out of each one she's made for TraillWorks. I've heard from owners of the bracelets how light-weight and comfortable they are to wear; great for everyday or a night out. Each of these links are hand-closed, sterling silver chain.

10% of the sale of Martha's jewelry featuring the color teal will benefit Turn the Towns Teal, Inc. if purchased during the month of September. Reserve your's now before Saturday's event.