Lake Meadows Art Fair-2009

I had a great time at the 5th Annual Lake Meadows Art Fair. I shared a booth with Gwen McGee-Boyd of the "Sew What Art Quilters". There was great music, food, and friends. It was a two day event and I forgot how my body needs more time to rebound and it took me two weeks to recover and now I'm back. Gwen and I are getting ready now for the "24th Annual Evanston Ethnic Arts Festival" July 18th & 19th, 2009 in Evanston, IL we will be in booth 41 & 42 so if you are on town come by and say hello.

Several of my pieces found new homes and for that I am truly grateful. Than allows me room to make more and I know that those pieces will be enjoyed. (Kinda Blue-coat-left, Advancing Through Adversity-wall hanging, Ebony/Ivory/Scarlett-jacket, and Maple Leaf Rag-coat at the bottom of this page).

Below are some images of art work created by Britni Robinson and Jordan Walker (below center). These were two of the youngest artists at the festival and I love their work, their spirit, and how grateful they were for me to stop by to talk with them and to take their pictures for my blog. They were just charming.

The Scentuary is a delightful fragrance bar that has all types of body lotions, washes, salt scrubs, etc. Robin (left) stopped by our booth to chat and share what was going on at Scentuary. Check the website for more information.

Meet Cheryl M. Toles (right). Cheryl had batiks, paintings and other types of mix-media art in her booth that I found just fascinating. She was just so very kind when I asked her if I could take her picture for my blog. Visit her at Tolesart.com. Thank you Cheryl for sharing your work with us.

Ron Pruitt (left) is an artist that works in fused glass, both functional and wearable and this was my first time meeting him and I was drawn to his booth by the colors.

Terry Boykin (above) medium is digital art I was drawn to his color and personality. Terry is also a member of Artisans 21 Gallery here in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood. You can see more of what Terry graphic design, photo design, photo restoration, and more at TB Graphi X.

Reta Crawford (right) jewelry were just as grand as she is and it was a pleasure to have a booth next to hers and to watch how well she was received. This was her first time at Lake Meadows.

Jimi King 's (below) designs are colorful, and totally Jimi. I have watch women go into a frieze at this booth. They just amaze me at how much they want to be seen in one of his garments. I don't understand it, but I am still amazed.

Below is Marvin Sin, Akousa, and Damali and when ever I see these artisans I am overjoyed by there talent, color and since of style. Marvin creation are all in leather that has been had carved and painted. Akousa dose body bangle, earring, pins, and other fabulous jewelry. Damali garments are know around the world. They are created of the fines of fabrics, linen, silk, cottons that are construed as only she dose. Go to their websites for more eye candy and info.

These are some of my favorite peoples. Some have supported me and encourage along life way and I shall always be grateful. Some are old clients that I have created custom garments for, taught quilting and some I just met this weekend and just like their spirit. One young lady the last time I saw her she was about 6 or 7 years old and now she's 21 and I was most impressed to see and she and her mother remember me after all these years.

Donna and Ted Feaster (left) are long time friends and collectors of my work and I own several pieces of Ted's stain-glass and I am honored to view them each and every day in my home.
Their daughters are hanging out with my "Darling Divas/Friends" telling mom which new ones they want to add to their collection.

Babatunde (left) and Nii-Oti (right) are master craftsmen (below) at what they both do and have been doing of years (jewelry, painting, carving and collecting art affects) and I do own several pieces of their work and love wearing them with pride. I have some pieces created by Nii-Oti that I bought back in the 70's that I still wear that even surprised him.

Floretta King and Jean Woodruff have some wonderful, color, and varied accessories and I have known them for years and love their work ethic in their senior year they are sill going strong and that encourages me.

I also got a shot of my "Maple Leaf Rag" (above) on an admirer, she was all smiles. Unfortunately she didn't take it home with her, but it did go home with another admire and was truly glad. I thank you are for sharing your life/time with me.

Darting Needles and P.I.E.C.E.S.

Greetings All,
Last night I did my trunk-show/lecture P.I.E.C.E.S at the Darting Needles Quilters Guild (above) in Appleton Wisconsin. They were so gracious. They had great questions and wonderful comments. I am truly honored at how well received I was. Thank you Pat Bishop (below making the introduction) for reaching out to me and thanks too my friend Judy Coates-Perez for the referral.

As a result of this engagement I met Jeanne Pfister (below right) who was nice enough to give me a piece of her hand painted fabric and this has already got the creative juices flowing toward a new piece.

The last part of my trip to Wisconsin was that I got the opportunity to spend time with the fabulous Sonji Hunt again (above). I am a big fan of Sonji and to have her assisted me at the trunk show and allowed me to stay in her home was just the icing on the cake. The company and the art was just awe inspiring and the knowledge that she shared with me can't be measured. I am so very grateful to all the wonderful women that supported me during this venture. Again I'd like to thank Judy, Pat, Sonji, Darting Needles Guild and my new found friend Jeanne . By the way P.I.E.C.E.S. stands for Precepts Inspired by Episodes of Creative Expressions of Self.

Metallic-V - The Piece of the Week/Month

Greetings All,

Here are some detail images of the piece that I've been working on called "Metallic-V". This is a whole cloth painted mix-media that includes hand painted telephone book pages, hand painted Sonji Hunt fabric and hand dyed fabrics by Frieda Anderson. This piece was started last month and I'm not quite finish so that's why I'm not posting a full view yet. I was challenges to create a larger version of a small work and in doing this I am encourage create more of these soft-sculpted pieces. This piece measures 37 by 49 inches.

I will be in Appleton, WI on June 15, 2009 at the Darting Needles Quilt Guild, Inc. presenting P.I.E.C.E.S. my lecture/trunk show at the First United Methodist of Appleton - 325 E. Franklin, St. starting at 7 pm and if you are in the area do come by and say hello if you can.