Cedarburg Strawberry Festival

So this weekend is the Cedarburg Strawberry Festival! We're pretty excited/nervous since it's the largest art fair we've ever been a part of. They have over 100,000 visitors....yikes! I'm working on some last minute details today and tomorrow, those of you who know me, know that I am a procrastinor! During the festival (Sat + Sun) I will deactivate my specialty items, such as jewelry, canvases, framed pieces. Meaning, if they sell at the show, they will not be back on Etsy. I also have many other framed pieces...some vintage frames, some new...that will be at the festival. And wonderful sets of postcards. Many of the items aren't yet available in my Etsy shop. If you're in the Milwaukee area, and are looking for something fun and artsy to do, this would be a great stop for you. Directions can be found here. I will be near the Rivoli Theater on the west side of Washington Ave. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

Cicada in Vintage Clock

Gangly Photo Locket

Vintage Fan Canvas Wrap

Pink Walking Stick in Vintage Oval Convex-Glass Frame

Gallery Night in Milwaukee

So Gallery Night on October 16th was so much fun! Again, I'm so honored that the The Home Market featured my work! They are an amazing store and did an inspiring job of arranging my work and complimenting it with some of there items. I sold 5 pieces from my new insect series. These are a preview of what will be available in our shop when we re-open in about a week. Miss you all, and look forward to being back after our move!! Emi :)

Do people buy art books?

So I thought it would be a neat idea to compile some of my favorite images from my shop into a book.  I printed the book through Blurb, and got my first copy.  I like it, but am not sure if it can sell for enough for me to make a profit?  Just wondering if you guys think this is a smart investment or not?  I can by more and sell them through Etsy for less than my retail cost on Blurb.  Any opinions?  You can preview the first several pages on Blurb here.

Cover

Intro

Back of Book

Small previews of images which are in the book

We'll miss you, Bucky.

This past weekend, Buck Franzen, my father-in-law passed away.  Bucky was a lively spirit and kind heart.  He will be missed tremendously.  What I will remember most about Bucky is his zest for life, and ability to make people smile....well except for Slick the cat, but that's another story.  We will miss you always, Bucky.

Bucky and Marcella

A few of my favorite Bird inspired art pieces dedicated to the memory of Bucky.

White Bird Landing by Barbara Carter

Tufted Titmouse by Robert Socha

Coal Print by Amber Alexander

Bird 01 by Rachel Robertson

Door County Trip

Mark and I recently went to Door County for our 5th year anniversary.  It was so relaxing, but too short of a visit.  Stayed at a lovely inn called Lodgings at Pioneer Lane, would definitely go back.  I so enjoy the quiet time we can spend together.  These are a few pictures from our trip.

Arwork on display at Brewed...

We couldn't be more excited!  Our photography is on display at Brewed coffee.  For fellow Milwaukeeans, Brewed is on the east side at 1208 E. Brady St.  Sheila, the owner, has worked very hard since buying Brewed to keep a fresh flow of artwork in the cafe.  We are honored and thankful to be included.  This is the first time our artwork has been displayed publicly.  It seems like there are a lot of opportunities in Milwaukee, it's just a matter of pounding the pavement.  Hopefully there will be more to come!

Staying inspired

I think sometimes it's challenging to stay inspired.  What inspires you?  We can glean inspiration from everything around us.   If you are an artist, does your work inspire others?  Is it engaging your audience in someway, challenging the way they perceive everyday things?