The Thursday Journal, #6, "Merry Christmas!"

Wishing all our artists, customers, friends and families a Very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!! Hope to see you at our next opening, Saturday, January 8, 2011....Kelly, Micah and Pat

The Thursday Journal, #5

As some of you know, we have taken a second space in our building to use as a 'working studio' for our artists. So far, we have four artists who have rented spaces and are in the process of setting up their 'home away from home' studios. We also have a large space where we can work on group projects such as "Craft Night Out." During the coming New Year, we hope to be all moved in and anxious to create some art in every spare minute we can. So, I thought for this journal entry, I would show you some of what has taken place.

In the first photo, you can see Cheri at work in her 'home away from home' studio. She and I laugh about moving all our favorite junk upstairs. It's quite a job to carry this stuff upstairs, but we are determined to have some fun with our collections as well as make a great space to work. At this time of the year, we aren't really concerned with getting any work done there....just enjoying each other and seeing what we will 'drag up there next.' As two 'flea-market-find lovers' bringing stuff to decorate our spaces is just a given (and a huge amount of FUN!). Cheri has an eleven year old son, so she plans on working in the mornings after he goes to school.

Micah's studio is next.....she's just DEAR, and while her extra time is more limited than ours, she is gradually getting her space equipped to handle her somewhat sporadic studio time. We just love her whimsical artwork and can't wait to see what all comes out of this workspace! I know she will work there in little spurts of time here and there.

Kelly's is next. She has very limited studio time also, and as you can tell, she is a minimalist when it comes to what she needs in her space. She has two pieces up now, trying to meet a deadline. (This photo was taken before she started them.) She has plans of scheduling regular work time in the studio, but, like Micah, will have to 'find' the time. And, I hope she does, as in addition to having a place to work, these spaces are going to be helpful in providing each of us with much needed 'therapy'....something we all believe we receive while creating our art.

Then, there is my studio space. I'll always be the one with the most junk as I DO love my flea market finds, odd pieces of fabric, lace, buttons, paper and whatever else I can get my hands on to 'work with.' (I've just taken my old wooden ironing board up there and am 'glorifying' it with paper napkins...well, you'd have to see them after they've been applied with gel medium. Crazy? Yes, but, it's not hurting anything and if it amuses someone, well, that's okay too. I'm having fun with it.) I plan on working in my little space at odd times...after all, I do have that 'old retired navy man' to spend time with at home.

In the last photo, you will see Kelly with her first sewing project....a cute Christmas tree she made at the last "Craft Night Out" upstairs......which was a week ago tomorrow. Isn't the tree cute? Well, not to mention my cute daughter....we've always loved her funny personality!!!

Did any of this interest you? Why don't you come see for yourself...we will be OPEN this Saturday, 12-18-10, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00. Some of us will be down in the gallery and some will be working upstairs...it would be a perfect time to come see what it's all about. We'd love to see you.

This will be the last Saturday we will be open until Saturday, January 8, 2011, so we'd all like to wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year......stay safe, warm and happy and we will look forward to bringing you some great art in the coming year!!! take care, pat

Welcome Jessica Kaplan to SSS!

I have loved art for as long as I can remember. It has always been a part of who I am and how I have been identified. Growing up I was always know as the artistic one.  I am currently a graduate student at Harding University getting my Masters in Art Education. I cannot wait to start my teaching career and pass on what I have learned to my future students. I have also been married to an artist for close to six years, and we have two beautiful children who not only love to create their own artwork but are developing a deep appreciation for the arts as well. I hope to share my work with others and let them into my visual perspective of the world around me. Nature has always been a huge inspiration to me, and is often the primary focus of my work.

Please join us this Saturday at the studio and see Jessica's work.  We have original art from over 23 local artists, perfect for gift giving!  Open 10-2!

Just In...

Pins, Angels, Heart Homes and Ornaments from Beth Macre!

Now Available at the Studio...

"Blue Miami" by Gina Kraft

"Headed Home" by Sandra Kraft

"Merry Christmas Hog Ornament" by Sandra Kraft

And back after several art shows...

Beth Macre's Adorable "Heart Homes!"

Come down and see us at the studio today!!!  Open from 10-2...we have an awesome selection of wonderful and original gift ideas!  Thank you for your support!

The Thursday Journal, #4

Today I went down to the Studio for two reasons.....#1, to do a couple of things in my little Upstairs Studio in the loft at Second Saturday Studio, and #2, to take some photos of new pieces to show you. Now, my photos aren't nearly as good as Kelly's....but they will give you an idea of what is currently available.

The first photo is of Betsy's Santa. About 4 ft. x 4 ft. Yesterday, as Micah and I worked upstairs, we had a shopper who purchased this beautifully painted jolly old guy. So, he's gone to spend many holidays in a new home.

Then, there is Sandy's Santa. He's 12" x 12" and she would just love to personalize his 'shopping list' with the names of your family members! There is also a close-up of this Santa. Such a happy, hardworking guy!

Micah has painted two pieces for the season....an angel "Good News, Great Joy" and the "Mother and Child". Everything Micah does is so sweet and fresh.

We will be open again on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Come by and see what's happening at the Studio!!! And, have a Happy Thanksgiving!! pat

Say Hello to Misty Osborne!

Misty Osborne lives in Searcy, AR with her husband and daughter.  “As far back as I can remember I’ve always been drawn to arts and crafts.  My earliest memory includes spending hours with my Spirograph, making all those cool designs and colors.  I have a vivid memory of begging my mom for new markers when I was about 5.  When she said, “No”, I took matters into my hands, literally, and committed my one and only shoplifting crime.   I was caught (by my mom) within hours and forced to return them to the store and apologize to the store owner.  Fortunately, I have a full time job now and can afford to purchase my supplies!   My interests are broad and simple.  I like painting, crafting, felting, and when I see cute things on blogs, I love to try and create them.”   

Come down this Saturday and help us welcome Misty to the studio!  We have some wonderful original, handmade gifts and art for Christmas giving!  We appreciate all the support you have given our local artists!  

"Craving" Themed Projects On Sale Today...

By Mary Ann King

By Micah Holden

By Kelly VanHook

By Patricia Eaton

By Sandra Kraft

By Patrick Reilly

By Cheri Peden

Come on down to the studio today and see these great projects!  They are available for sale, as well as other work, perfect for Christmas gifts!  10% of all sales today go to the Sunshine School!  Open 10-2!

Audra's Newest Additions...Available Now at SSS!

Come down and see Audra's work, as well as the other talented artists at Second Saturday Studio!  Open 10-2 tomorrow, with 10% of sales proceeds going to the Sunshine School in Searcy!