Mission Accomplished

Last night I lost my art show virginity - a group show no less. Before all the lechers start salivating, I'll clarify that I'm speaking about showing my paintings - landscapes - composed outside. Artistic nudity only. No flesh, flabby or otherwise, was exposed in the presenting of my work. Ok, I think I'm just digging myself deeper here.

I give major credit to the members of the PAPC-SW, headed by Dr. Rita Rogan, for a wonderful gallery event. It was lovely. Everyone was friendly, chatty and the refreshments were nice. The gallery itself just glowed. The paintings were well displayed and enjoyed by all. There were incredible paintings. I encourage everyone to visit the gallery. The exhibit goes through the end of the month. I also have to add that the location in downtown Joliet is extremely charming. It has a very smooth, comfortable and artsy pulse. I had no idea that existed in Joliet. The city is serious about revitalizing their arts scene. This was a great start.

On the lighter side, I was running late for this event. As a result, my two awesome, vivacious and raucous daughters joined me at the exhibit- waaaay past their bedtime. Those stinkers slept on the drive out and were awake the entire ride home! Fortunately, Rob attended as well and did a great job wrangling the stallions with help from a few friends. The PAPC-SW gallery's formal name is "Indigo Gallery". Well, so is my firstborn. Indigo was saying she was at "her gallery". It was so cute. She is beginning to read and recognized the spelling of her name on the leaflet. BTW, Indi is also wearing a dress that I designed and made for her! She chose to wear it in support of my big night. What an awesome kid! Just when I think she is just all demands and tantrums, she pulls an ace out her sleeve.

I had a lot of support that evening, to my great surprise (no offense anyone, but Joliet is "out there"). My mom, sister Abbey and nephew came by. My sweet friends, Rox and Laura S came together. And my in-laws showed up too. I think that's a spectacular turn-out considering they all drove from the city, or close to it.

I have no idea if any sales were made that evening, but there were definitely many worthy works of art worth plunking down your hard-earned cash.

On the personal side I'd like to add that my stud-painter friend Sergio Rocha was right. I should be showing my stuff. Skill and experience aside. Any painting, drawing or garment (I have a background in fashion design) should be shown to the public with pride. It's a humbling experience to do so but the returns are great. Toss that into Lola's lemon bag!

When I got home, I found that Indigo had baked a celebratory cake (she'd be a cupcake if she had the magical powers to do so). The inscription on the cake read "Mom Gallery". Aww, how sweet. I had cake for breakfast - and so did Indigo (Hmm, she's getting quite clever).

I'm giong to be in an art show!

Above photo of me taken by Indigo

Dec. 8 - Wicker Park - Milwaukee Ave

Sept. 22 - Riverside, IL

Well, it's official. I'm a participant in the 3rd Annual Plein Air Painters of Chicago -Southwest - Show! They paint with the PAPC every other Saturday. I'm not formally a part of their group so it is extremely generous for them to allow me to participate in this show. I was very nervous about entering my stuff. It's important for an artist to show their work, regardless of skill, experience or confidence. This is one of those moments my friend, Laura McGowen, would keep in Lola's lemon bag. She says a person should do something that scares them - everyday. I agree and when I met her I was instantly attracted to her based on that statement alone (it sounds like I want to date her, I know - sorry Lola!). We all blunder forward.

How about a trip down memory lane? Above you will see my most recently completed painting. It's across from the John Fluevog (kick butt shoes) store on Milwaukee Avenue in Wicker Park. It was extremely cold that morning. My hands and feet were freezing despite feeling that I "bundled up". I finished the Spex (eyeglasses) building and the back ground stuff in the studio. But the overall composition, Fluevog bldg, the streetscape were all done en plein air (Freezing!). I wish I had a cool story -- like it was so cold my watercolor paints froze! But that didn't happen. The paints did just fine (I used hot water).

The other painting is my very first painting EVER - done in Riverside, IL on Sept. 22 (or thereabouts). It was a warm Indian Summer day. I had some friends visit me while painting and was a chatty little butterfly. I was grateful for company because I was very nervous. The PAPC painters were extremely inviting and friendly. I had a fun time on both accounts and feel very privileged to be a part of this group.

PAPC - SW show is Jan. 4 through Jan. 31. Opening night and reception is Saturday, January 5th from 6-8pm. They have their very own Gallery.

Many excellent artists are represented at the show. You are all welcome! I'd love to see you there.

Sat., Jan. 5th @ Indigo at the Rialto - 100 N. Chicago Street, Joliet, IL.
6-8pm

Above is my friend, Tracie's house. Some of you may remember her from the Amazing Mama Race. The front windows are off (arrgghh! I asked if she'd return it so I could fix it). I cranked it out as a party gift for her. Regardless, it's such a charming house! A mere 1/2 block from mine.