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!