Bookmarks...

Last few photos in my "how-to-make-a-bookmark"

Putting a label with my name and web URL...

Here I stamp a seal and sign each bookmark... then into the clear sleeves!

POSSCA Sumi-e donation

Cassie Welliver stopped by this afternoon to pick up my Sumi-e donation "Wafting to Lunch" for the POSSCA fundraiser this Saturday night.

POSSCA (Partners of South Sound Cultural Arts) Holiday Cocktail Party and Art Auction - December 5, 2009 6-10pm at the Lofts on Cherry (corner of Legion and Cherry in Downtown Olympia). An incredible collection of Northwest fine art and craft, photographyand experience packages up for auction at POSSCA’s annual holiday party.

Making Book Marks

Book mark materials: scrapbook paper, scissors, glue, paper punch, sumi-e paintings, and blank book mark kits [note bought these at Michael's] The book marks in the kit were so light weight that decided to add a backing of scrapbook paper. I used a paper cutter to get the scrapbook paper to the correct size and glued them together with Yes Paste...


Then I trimmed the very slight excess off and rounded the corners...

Then I used the paper punch to re-cut the hole for the tassel...

I had small Sumi-e paintings that didn't fit on the art-o-mat blocks and turn out to be perfect for the bookmarks. To cut the sumi painting to size, I brush water onto the sumi paper and gently pull the excess away.

Sumi-e before correcting the size and how the Sumi-e paintings look on the trimmed bookmarks.

Brush the back of the Sumi-e with Yes Paste - Hint - I water down my paste.

After placed the Sumi-e onto the bookmark, rub gently to smooth the wrinkles out. I then put a weight onto the bookmarks until they dry to prevent warping.

Finishing up, I stamped the opposite with a Kanji character rubber stamp; Signed the Sumi-e with my initials; stamped my seal; placed the tassel into the hole and affixed a small clear label with my name and website on the scrapbook paper side... Last but not least, the bookmarks are put into a protective sleeve!

Labor intensive, not much monetary return but another way to get my name out and about!

Enterprise for Equity Showcase

As a past graduate I will have a presence at the Dec 1st showcase... keeping it simple, I will just have my original Sumi-e art note cards for sale.

December 1, 2009 from 5-8PM in the Heritage Room at the Water Street Café. Celebrate with our 27 new entrepreneurs including 7 new small farm program graduates! Plus many past grads will be there with products and their biz info...
Enterprise for Equity
PO Box 1291, Olympia, WA 98507
(360) 704-3375
office@enterpriseforequity.org www.enterpriseforequity.org

Give the Gift of the Arts
this
Holiday Season

Nine Lives Studio [aka Ellen Miffitt] art classes for Winter 2010 make a great gift for creative family and friends . Contact information for the various venues I teach for is listed with the class schedule... Gift yourself as well!

My Bio:

I received a BS (Art/Art Education) from Southern Connecticut State College and a MS (Art/Art Education) from Central Connecticut State University. Experienced in preparation and presentation of age appropriate activities, my lessons are designed to promote growth, develop new skills and build positive reinforcement in a safe and supportive environment. Currently my art classes for children to adults are presented locally in the South Puget Sound area at Olympia Parks and Recreation, Centralia Community College Community Education, Auburn Parks & Recreation, Shelton Parks and Recreation, and other venues.

Winter 2010

Art for Adults Saturday Jan 9 thru Jan 30 for 4 weeks from 9 to noon
Intimidated by art classes? Feel convinced you have no talent, yet long to draw and paint? This class is for you. Rediscover your natural artistic instincts for color and design in a playful, non-judgmental atmosphere that combines the spontaneity of a kid's art class for grown-ups with seemingly sophisticated concepts and techniques. Activities include drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, and more! Great for beginners or seasoned artists seeking more spontaneity in their work.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Mimic the Masters [Children Grades 6 to 8]
Saturday Jan 9-30th from 12:30 to 3:00pm -
Different artist styles will be featured during each class. Students will use various media such as watercolor, pastel, or acrylic paint to mimic the artist’s style.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Zen Brush with Color Tuesday Jan 12, 19, 16, 26 & Feb 2 & 9 from 6 to 8 pm 6 weeks
First begin by practicing brush control and continue the basic stroke study by painting the “Four Gentlemen” and the “Four Seasons” in color (with a flower representing each season). Using the refined sumi-e style, students learn to paint flowers, insects, birds, and animals with simple strokes in color.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Handmade Artist's Journals Mondays, Jan 25-Feb 8 from 6 to 8 pm - Mixed Media, Watercolor - In this workshop, fabric, embroidery floss, paper, paint, gesso, inks, and crayons are many of the mediums you use to create unique handmade stitched books which can be a personal journals or a record of a particular event or holiday. Construct books from scratch with decorative and unique covers and learn how to make wonderfully rich, organic pages and decorate them with stitching, incorporate windows, flaps, found objects, material, threads, beads and embroidery to create a richly embellished book. If you have an idea for a book, bring items you may want to put in your book/journal to use as inspiration - photos, dried flowers, leaves, tickets, letters, post cards, interesting poetry or prose, or any other kind of printed memorabilia.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Valentine’s Cards - Children Ages 8-12 Saturday Feb 6 from 9 to noon
Make your own valentine cards [pop-ups, collage and some simple watercolor techniques]. Discover how simple folding, transfer, painting and collage techniques can lead to surprising and beautiful holiday greeting cards.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Candy Tin Assemblage Saturday March 13th from 9:30 to 3:30
Spend a Saturday creating tiny assemblages with metal candy tins. Learn how to create fascinating works of art using "everyday" objects and collage materials. The possibilities are infinite! Supply list available at registration.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Block Printing: Linoleum Cut Saturday Feb 27 from 9:30 to 3:30pm
material fee $15.00
Learn techniques for the relief printmaking process using the flexibility and ease of linoleum. A relief is achieved by carving into the surface using special tools to leave raised images. These images are then inked and printed without a press to create a dynamic and textured print that can have many layers and colors. Students have the option of creating a multi-block image or themed cards to exchange with students to complete an edition. Open to both teens and adults.
Centralia Community College, ) 7 600 Centralia College Blvd, Centralia WA 98531-4099

Exploring Creativity – Mondays Feb 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22 from 6 to 8pm - The Artist Way-: Creative projects inspired by The Artist's Way, a book by Julia Cameron, encourage students to tap in to their unique abilities, gain self-confidence in their skills and release unwanted blocks that are preventing them from becoming the best they can be! For artists and non-artists alike, this is an empowering and entertaining series of projects.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Handmade Paper Saturday March 6th from 9 am to 1 pm - material fee $5.00
Not only is making homemade paper a fun experience for you, but it's a good way to recycle waste into wonderful possibilities such as envelopes, greeting cards, artwork and more. Making paper is a fun way to express your creativity and homemade papers are the perfect additions to holiday greeting cards, gift tags, wrapping paper and more!" A supply list with directions for making a simple mold & deckle and press will be mailed with your registration confirmation. Centralia Community College, ) 7 600 Centralia College Blvd, Centralia WA 98531-4099

Painting with Water Soluble Colored Pencils
Tuesday March 2, 9, 16, to 23 from 6-8 pm
Want the look of watercolor and the control of colored pencil? Water-soluble colored pencils can match anything watercolor do, plus have the ability to create effects impossible with watercolor. Discover this medium's exciting versatility with techniques such as wet-on-dry, dry-on-wet, wet-on-wet, and much more! Learn about materials, tools, and techniques, and then apply this information to create a painting. Participants bring watercolor paper & watercolor pencils to class.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Ready! Set! Draw!: Drawing from the Right Side –
Thursday March 18 to April 15 from 6 to 8:30pm
Have you always wanted to draw - are looking for a way to express your creativity? This basic course in drawing will introduce the participant to a number different exercises that help you understand how an artist sees. These will include: upside down drawing; contour and gesture drawing; the value scale and blending techniques; and using a basic unit and sighting. Suggested reading The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards. Bring a soft pencil (4B is good), an eraser and a sketch pad no smaller than 8 x 11 to class.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Painting with Water Soluble Colored Pencils Tuesday March 20 from 9:30-3:30 pm
Want the look of watercolor and the control of colored pencil? Water-soluble colored pencils can match anything watercolor do, plus have the ability to create effects impossible with watercolor. Discover this medium's exciting versatility with techniques such as wet-on-dry, dry-on-wet, wet-on-wet, and much more! Learn about materials, tools, and techniques, and then apply this information to create a painting. Participants bring watercolor paper & watercolor pencils to class. Auburn Parks & Recreation 2840 Riverwalk Dr Se, Auburn, WA98002 (253) 931-3907 www.auburnwa.gov


Collage: Exploring the Written Word through Art
Monday March 29 to April 26from 6 to 8 pm [material fee - $5.00]
In this workshop, participants will create a series of five small collages, each with a Muse/Guide as the focal point. Creative people visually benefit from stretching their ‘writing legs.’ Likewise, for writers to confront visual material enhances their own process. After the completion of each collage, a short paragraph based on a writing prompt/exercise will be completed that ties into the particular piece of artwork like “Is this Muse/Guide trying to tell you something?”
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380


Block Printing: Linoleum Cut
Tuesday April 6 -27 from 6 to 8 pm material fee $15.00
Learn techniques for the relief printmaking process using the flexibility and ease of linoleum. A relief is achieved by carving into the surface using special tools to leave raised images. These images are then inked and printed without a press to create a dynamic and textured print that can have many layers and colors. Students have the option of creating a multi-block image or themed cards to exchange with students to complete an edition. Open to both teens and adults.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Profile Updates - Web Presence

Have recently updated:
www.myartspace.com
www.myartprofile.com
www.womenarts.org
www.myspace.com
www.gallerish.com

set up for class information only www.gigright.com and
http://sites.google.com.sites/ellenmiffittartist

and set up a separate facebook for quick studio updates...
www.facebook.com/pages/nine-lives-studio/174793132383

I finished seting up an Etsy account to sell older art online:
www.etsy.com/shop/NineLivesStudio

and am trying to set up a CafePress shop as well.
Cafe Press you upload your images and they handle
the printing of cards, t shirts, etc...
Wish I knew more about Corel software [similar to photoshop]
to adjust the images... alsways so much to learn
http://shop.cafepress.com/nine-lives-studio

Cafe Press online store for t shirts, etc...

I am also trying to set up my store on Cafe Press. I post selected images and they take care of the printing on t-shirts, cards, mugs, etc. My biggest problem is lack of photo editing skills - so much to learn and so little time!
http://www.cafepress.com/9LivesStudio

Nine Lives Studio on Etsy

Spent most of the day setting up an www.Etsy.com account. I battled [more like stumbled and bumbled] my way through making a banner with Corel Paint Shop Pro software. I also had to check other accounts to see what sort of verbage they use for "Shop Announcement", "Alchemy Account" and "Message to Buyer". I plan to post older pieces of sumi-e and collage... http://www.etsy.com/shop/NineLivesStudio

Reminder of up-coming POSSCA Holiday Party

Host:
POSSCA (Partners of South Sound Cultural Arts)
Type: Party - Benefit
Date: Saturday, December 5, 2009
Time: 6:00pm - 10:00pm
Location: The Lofts on Cherry
Street: 525 Cherry Street, SE
City/Town: Olympia, WA
An incredible collection of Northwest fine art and craft, photography and experience packages up for auction at POSSCA’s annual holiday party.There’s something terrific for every holiday shopping budget! With great hors d’oeuvres, drink and live music! Casual dress or dress up. Ticket price is $25 per person in advance or $50 at the door, and advance tickets can be purchased online at www.buyolympia.com, or in person at Rainy Day Records, Frida or the downtown branch of Olympia Federal Savings.Money raised will support student arts scholarships and CAPS (Cultural Assistance Program for Students) program which provides musical instruments to students in need who otherwise couldn’t participate in school music programs.The event will include art in a range of media by artists including Nikki McClure, Eric Flemming and Sarah Utter. Experience items – such as museum passes, theater tickets and dining – also will be up for bid.

ahBadaBing Restaurant in Shelton, WA

The old Big E's building in Shelton, WA is in the process of being remodeled into a new, all-age venue full of artwork, creativity, entertainment, and good pizza/food. They have an Art Call to involve the community as much as possible. They are currently painting and for a short time, have ceiling tiles (large) available for local artists to take home to paint/oil pastel, etc. almost anything you want and bring it back to the ahBADABING! restaurant.

I am letting ideas roll around in my head as I stare at the ceiling tiles ---

ahBadabing! restaurant Art Call:
Ceiling Tiles with the restaurant THEME: THE MAFIA!
Call Brian at (360) 584-6148 with any ideas or questions.

Chair Affair - MittZ claims the chair

MittZ washing paws et al on the chair picked out for Chair Affair fundraiser project.

Now settling down after her bath... looking sleepy!

Fast alseep - zzzzzzzzzz

White Dove Gallery, Lakewood, WA

Switched out my art at the White Dove Gallery today... brought the mini collages back to the studio to switch out the old and put in current minis.
Left three watercolor pencil pieces grouped below...

Great Blue Heron Shore Bird

Heron Meditation

Also left these three Sumi-e shown below...

Consequential Swipe

Stuck in the Middle Leap Toad

White Dove Gallery, 5934 88th Street SW, Lakewood, WA 98499-2905

Phone: 253-582-7859 http://www.whitedovegallery.com/

Shop the Frontier 3rd Annual Open House

Sample of a Sumi-e oringinal art note card.

As part of Enterprise for Equity program/graduate, I am able to show my work on the Shop the Frontier website and store in Republic, WA. I just sent a new batch of my Sumi-e note cards to the shop...

Shop the Frontier is a non-profit rural marketplace offering original works of art, homemade gifts, jewelry, furniture, clothes and more.

This website, http://www.shopthefrontier.org/ , created by Stone Soup nonprofit, is our collective display window for you to explore-to kick back and shop our nonprofit rural marketplace!
All of our profit supports business training and micro-lending programs for women and small business and, as we grow, we'll fund local youth technology and area business start-ups. In these ways, we serve rural women and their communities by being a catalyst for entrepreneurial success.

You Are Invited to Shop the Frontier's 3rd Annual Holiday Open House and Holiday Fest Saturday, November 21

Join us for our annual Holiday Open House at Shop the Frontier!

We're serving tasty refreshments throughout the day, with a special holiday celebration from 6 pm- 8 pm.

RSVP for the evening please, by calling 775-3217!! It's a wonderful time to meet fellow artists and supporters.

Open House: 10 am-6 pm

Holiday Fest: 6 pm-8 pm Please

RSVP to attend the evening Holiday Fest Shop the Frontier, 509- 775-3217

Visit our Republic, Washington Gift Shop:
Shop the Frontier, 600 S Clark Ave #3, PO Box 1019, Republic, WA 99166

phone: (877) 807-7278 or (509) 775-3217 for local calls

email: info@shopthefrontier.com

Chair Affair chair selection

Went in the crazy torrential downpour this noon to select a free chair at the
NW Furniture Bank: 2650 E. Bay Street, Tacoma, WA 98421 for the Chair Affair fundraiser... 2010 Chair Affair: Furnishing Hope will be held at the Tacoma Art Museum on the evening of March 4th, 2010. This is a fundraiser where artists use a chair/other piece of furniture as a canvass to be displayed in the silent and/or live auction.

So many to choose from! I like the one on the far left and right as I was thinking Sumi-e.

I picked out this one - think black with gold accents, red seat cushion and somehow incorporating some Sumi-e cats...

Here is my selection, resting comfortably for the ride home in my trusty Subaru Outback...

If you have any questions regarding the Artist Guidelines, please call Dion Rurik at 253-229-0269 or e-mail: drurik@gmail.com

We are so excited about our inaugural Chair Affair auction! This unique event will feature artistic chairs and other pieces of furniture created by you to be auctioned off to raise money for the NW Furniture Bank. We are thrilled that you are considering our invitation to create an incredible piece of "furniture art" for this year's Affair!

Directions to the NW Furniture Bank: 2650 E. Bay Street, Tacoma, WA 98421. Take I-5 north and exit at Portland Ave. (exit 134). Turn left at the first light (Portland Ave.)Turn right on E. 26th Street, Follow road around to the right - the bank is the warehouse on the other side of the soccer arena. For a map and other info go to the bank's website: www.nwfurniturebank.org

Tahoma Center Gallery - Catholic Community Services

This is a huge space to hang in...

My exhibit is scheduled for March/April 2010

I'm glad I stopped in to see the exhibit and the space.

I photographed the Tahoma Center Gallery at Catholic Community Services today so I'd know how much art I will need for my March/April 2010 exhibit. As you can see it's a very big space... a chance to create some new and bigger pieces.

Address: 1323 S. Yakima Ave., Tacoma, WA 98405-4457
Building Hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8am-5:30pm. Tuesday and Thursday hours are until 8pm.

About Submitting: We welcome artists to submit samples of their work. If interested, please send us your resume, artist’s statement and CD (or photocopies) of your artwork for our committee’s review. Please call 253-502-2617 for more information.

Women and Water Rights Postcard Art Call 2010

I'll be submitting this mini collage to this exhibit... the climate is changing, forests denuded, industrial waste, pollution. What are we leaving our children's children for seven generations?

Elemental Water Series: Sky Blue #7

DEADLINE: Postmark by January 15, 2010

A worldwide call for entries to a mail art exhibit addressing the issues of Women and Water Rights. An inclusive global mail art exhibit open to women, women/men collaborations, and students. This is an opportunity for all to express their personal views and concerns about the relations between women and water rights. All work will initially go to a website blog. Selected work will be mounted as part of the exhibit. A slide show of all the mail art may be available during the exhibit. The formal exhibit venue is at the Katherine E. Nash Gallery. [address below]

Exhibit Dates:

02.23.10 First day of exhibition

02.26.10 Opening Reception

03.25.10 Closing Reception

Guidelines for the Postcard Submissions
Submit a 4” x 6” (10.2 x 15.2 cm) or Size 6 postcard that reflects the issues of Women and Water Rights. Recycled materials are encouraged.On the back of the postcard please provide your name, address, age if you are a student, and the materials used to make the card.

Mail to:

Women & Water Rights

Department of Art,

Regis Center for Art

University of Minnesota

405 21st Avenue South

Minneapolis, MN 55455
There is no entry fee to participate.

NOTE: Your postcards will not be returned at the close of the exhibition.

Going Postal - 2009 Postcard Show

Submitted these pieces to "Going Postal"... Shipping early to avoid delay due to swelling holiday mail/shipping.
1. Cosmic Dual Forces
2. Imperturbable
3. Lapis Lazuli

1. 2.

3.

Going Postal - 2009 Postcard Show - Dates: Dec 3-6, 2009

A three day exhibit however the work will remain in the Target Gallery until January 3, 2010 -- This exhibit features 4X6" two dimensional works on paper.

Location: Target Gallery, Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N Union Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

www.torpedofactory.org Daily 10-6 pm, Thursdays 'til 9 pm

The Annual Small Works Invitational Exhibition

Shell Reiteration Seeking Respite


Infusion Earth Magic

Convergence

Shipping my five pieces tomorrow for The Annual Small Works Invitational Exhibition. They don't have to be framed and best of all no submission fee!

Venue: Arts West Gallery, Elon University, Elon, NC, 27244

December 8th: Opening Reception- Noon-1: 30 Arts West Gallery.

This exhibition runs from December 8, 2009 through February 4th, 2010.

The Annual Small Works Invitational is an open exhibition that celebrates small works of art from across the country. size must not exceed 100 square inches.

E4E Micro-Business Showcase

E4E [Enterprize for Equity] Micro-Business Showcase

December 1, 2009 from 5-8PM
in the Heritage Room at the Water Street Café.

Celebrate with our 27 new entrepreneurs including
7 new small farm program graduates!

Plus many past grads will be there with products and their biz info...
I completed the program over 6 years ago. Great way to set goals,
learn solid base for your business, and write that business plan.

Enterprise for EquityPO Box 1291, Olympia, WA 98507(360) 704-3375 office@enterpriseforequity.org www.enterpriseforequity.org

Artists in Cellophane

Artist in Cellophane - Art-o-Mat Blocks... Just finished preparing my blocks - will ship them tomorrow. http://artomat.org/


My art-o-mat block, wrapper and mini Sumi-e painting...


"Copy" wrapped onto block, drying time and then adhere the original mini Sumi-e to the top....



Stamping a seal in red and signing the Sumi-e



Wrapping the completed block in "cellophane" and taping it shut.



Finished blocks ready to ship!

What is an Art-o-mat? Art-o-mat machines are retired cigarette vending machines that have been converted to vend art. There are 82 active machines in various locations throughout the country.
What do you get from an Art-o-mat? The experience of pulling the knob alone is quite a thrill, but you also walk away with an original work of art. What an easy way to become an art collector.

Connections Meeting - so early and really dark

Two views of my Sumi-e art display this morning at Connections - women's meeting at the Olympia, WA Elks Lodge... Good chance to share and literally make connections with other women in business. On display: original Sumi-e in mats or without, original Sumi-e blank note cards, Sumi prints and Winter 2010 Class Schedule. Meeting Location: Elks Lodge 1818 4th Avenue E, Olympia, WA 98501

Connections for Women Chocolate shop Schmooze
Wednesday, November 17, 2010, 7:00 am
Connections for Women is an inclusive, informal group of active, involved women from all areas of the South Sound. The monthly networking breakfast provides an invaluable monthly resource for business and professional support, networking opportunities, and friendship. It is a place to connect, to grow together, explore timely and relevant issues, and share ideas to help women achieve their personal and professional goals.
Including a chocolate fountain, hot chocolate drinks, chocolate goodies
50+ fabulous women milling around talking, laughing, connecting, enjoying.
Artists
Connie Robinson - jewelry; Darlene Sprick - jewelry; mini gift care kits Debi Bodett • calendars Ellen Miffit - sumi-e; precious metal clay jewelry; Joanne Lee - Healing Poetry Card Decks; portable altars Karen Lohmann - cards; Medicine of Place books / card decks Kim Murillo - fresh juice (maybe) or hats & legwarmers Merja Kehl - knitted items Robin Lee - ceramics shadow boxes; t-shirts; art & chocolate gift sets Teresa Marie Art & Design - greeting cards; art prints; leather crafts

Shoreline Exhibit - First of the new year

Received notification a few minutes ago that I have been accepted for an exhibit sponsored by the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council. I submitted quite a while ago [end of 2008] and apparently they moved from the gallery from the Shoreline Center to the Lake Forest Park Towne Centre.

We are very interested in showing your collage work in our Gallery.
Our three person shows are scheduled in six week intervals with the first show opening in January 2010. We are hoping you might be available to show 10-12 collages in this first show. The work will need to be delivered the first week of January with an opening reception on a Thursday in mid January. The 10-12 pieces do need to be framed, wired and ready to hang, but you may also show and sell matted, unframed work or cards during the show. The Gallery takes a 40% commission on all sales.
Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council
http://www.shorelinearts.net/
gallery@shorelinearts.net 206-417-4645

Fun Art Call found on Craigslist

This sounds like fun - painting a ceiling tile for this new restaurant in Shelton, WA... Here is the actual art call:

We are in the process of remodeling the old Big E's building into a new, all-age venue full of artwork, creativity, entertainment, and good pizza/food. We would like to involve the community as much as possible, and are currently painting and for a short time, we will have ceiling tiles (large) available for local ARTISTS to PICK UP and take home to paint/oil pastel, etc. almost anything you want and bring it back to the restaurant to be IMMORTALIZED 4EVER for the life of the new ahBADABING! restaurant. PLUS: the THEME is THE MAFIA! This is your chance to get CRAZY CREATIVE and paint whatever you want. You could also have a chance at putting your artwork up on the walls, etc. of the restaurant, murals, whatever. We would like the community to help and create this into a cool place that they want to hang out in ( as opposed to just another BAR in Shelton. this is all age now!) and prove that Shelton can have a cool entertainment venue besides another bar! Call Brian at (360) 584-6148 with any ideas or questions. COME GET UR TILE BEFORE THEY ARE GONE!

So I contacted them and their response follows- will try to get down there ASAP and get a tile to paint!

Hello from ahBADABING!
I have read over your craigslist "artist" reply email and have looked at your artist link. Your stuff is absolutely amazing and we would love to have you paint something for us. The ceiling tiles are standard size, pretty large. There are also smaller ones though.
The only real regulations we have is that anything mafia-themed goes. Pretty much anything you want to paint (or with other mediums). Right now in our process of remodeling, would be a good time to stop by and grab that tile. We are there every single day, and yes, will be there Sunday as well as Thursday. I would encourage you to call our boss, Brian Dmilo at (360) 584-6148 as soon as possible to schedule a time to stop by (we are there mornings and evenings). He can also answer any questions for you.
Oh, and our main colors are green, white, and red, like the Italian flag--as well as black. You aren't restricted to use these colors, they're just recommended, and you don't have to use ALL of them in one painting either.
Thank you for your interest and we hope to be able to display your art up and get you some exposure.
Sincerely, Angelina M. ( American Property Solutions, LLC & ahBADABING!)

Banned Book Project - The Chocolate War

Just a few more finishing touches for my banned book project for the Kirkland Library.

I brushed over the brown acrylic paint with a gloss gel to make it shinny.

Also attached a knob to the lid [upside down plastic fruit bowl]; added a rim of "chocolate inside the rim as it has cracked, and to cover up said cracks [artists have to think on their feet - correct accidents] I attached a few crumpled gold candy wrappers...

Last thing I want to do is add words - why it was banned - to the cover around the base...

Here is my artist statement about the challenged book The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier:

My project for Kirkland Library’s Banned Book is Robert Cormier’s The Chocolate War. This is a definitive coming of age book with a location set at a Catholic all boys’ high school. Coming to gripes with maturation, the power struggle between seniors and lowly freshmen, students between teachers, and even teachers between teachers creates an undertone that is absorbing and frightening at the same time. Could these situations actually exist? How would you deal with them?

The typical reasons for banning this book are: offensive/foul language; sexual situations/obscene references; portrayal of violence; blatantly graphic descriptions; degrading treatment of women; gangs/peer pressure; and fostering disrespect in the classroom/negative impressions of authority, school systems, and of religious schools.

In reading The Chocolate War, you are drawn to the main character, Jerry; empathizing with the recent death of his mother; being uprooted from familiar surroundings; the struggle of his father to just get through every day while closing down emotionally to his son; and the uneasiness and challenges of being a freshman at a new school with no support system of friends/family.

My concern is that parents have forgotten what its like to young, hormonal and facing the mountains that later, in retrospect, are mere mole hills. Parents may also be in denial that their children: are exposed to or use offensive language; are physically maturing and may be sexually active; still see many images of women as objects in our society; succumb to peer pressure [a powerful motivator] at this point in their development; are starting to break away from family control, question values and need to experience life their own way by taking risks…

Rather than challenge and ban - this story can bring up a strong dialogue about these issues and how to deal with life’s inconsistencies. Everything is not always wonderful or situations end up as we envision them. Life is short; changes in family, friends, school, jobs, etc., are swift and often painful; and unfortunately there are mean spirited or violent people in the world.

Sumi-e blank note cards and retail venues

Today I'm finishing up my blank note cards. I use demo original Sumi-e that I don't plane to mount and frame. Since these are orignal a person could frame them - note card size is generally 5"X7". I purchase the better quality pre-cut card stock with envelopes at Michaels or Paper Zone in Tacoma. Hint: never go into Michaels with out a coupon. Sign up online for their email sales notices and they come with coupons.

Here is my process:
1. I cut them to fit the note card by using a wet brush. Mark out size with a pencil... Since Sumi paper is so soft that just using a brush line of water and then gently pulling causes the paper to tear with a beautiful soft edge.






Gently tear/pull along water mark on paper.












Final adjustment to fit the Sumi-e painting to the blank card face



2. I adhere the Sumi-e to the face of the blank note card. Brushing water downed Yes Paste onto the face, I carefully place the image onto the surface trying to avoid wrinkles..






Rub or pat gently from the center of image to the edges with a clean paper towel to push out any air bubble and smooth wrinkles.









Store the cards flat and let them dry overnight

3. I add a touch of color if the original piece was black and white - I've found that color images sell a little better than the subtle black and white.

4. I place the clear plastic label with contact and info onto the back remembering to place it horizontally or vertically depending on the image. Yes - I have goofed when distracted! My printer is fussy and I don't try to run the blank cards through it prior to adhereing the Sumi-e onto the face. Plus I don't want the card put through the roller...



5. Stamp with my soapstone seal and sign with archival permanent ink pen. Seal ink has to dry...







7. Fold the note card using a bone tool that book makers use to get precise folds.








8. Match the note card with an envelop and slid into plastic sleeve, seal... TaDa!

My note cards can be purchased at the following retail venues:
Hansen's Georgetown Florist - 5963 4th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108
Hansen's Fremont Florist [4252 Fremont Ave N, Seattle WA, 98103

Rhapsody in Bloom Florist & Cafe Latte [Sumi-e, mini collages & note cards]
3709 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98406 (253) 761-7673
www.rhapsodyinbloomflorist.com

Shop the Frontier - A non-profit rural marketplace [online store - art]
www.shopthefrontier.com

The Gallery – Bainbridge Arts & Crafts [Sumi-e note cards, mini collages]
151 Winslow Way East, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 Phone: 206-842-3132
www.bainbridgeartsandcrafts.org

Traditions Café and World Folk Art 300 5th Avenue SW, Olympia, WA 9850 Phone: 360-705-2819
www.traditionsfairtrade.com

White Dove Gallery
5934 88th Street SW, Lakewood, WA 98499-2905 Phone: 253-582-7859
www.whitedovegallery.com