One-of-a-Kind Paper Bowls

Before I begin a new collage, I will often paint papers in bright colorful patterns, so that I can tear them up into pieces to use in the collage. I also hoard collect other interesting papers: old maps, books, handmade papers, and the like.

These papers are really fascinating! Sometimes I am hesitant to cover them up inside a large artwork because they are so interesting. Plus, they seem to multiply: no matter how much I use, my paper stash never seems to diminish.

Recently, I got to thinking about how I could use the papers in a way that would still keep them visible so they could be enjoyed. That led to experimenting with making paper mache bowls from them. Wouldn’t you know – they are so cool!

The bowls have decorative papers inside and out. Some are 12 inches across, while others are 2-3 inches. Some are rustic looking while others are more polished.

Holden Arboretum is offering them in  their Gifts from the Heart of Nature shop. Plenty more are in my studio.

The bowls are lovely decorative accessories and are good for holding jewelry, trinkets, ornaments, candy, and such.

Stop on out and take a look!

Holiday Hours

During December, we’ll keep the studio open for a few extra days and hours. Here’s our schedule for the month:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 10am – 5pm
Thursday, Friday: 10am – 7pm
Saturday: 10am – 6pm
Sunday, Dec. 20th: noon – 5pm

CLOSED: Christmas Day, New Years Eve, and New Years Day.

In January, we’ll return to our usual hours of Tuesday-Saturday, 11am – 5pm.

Please come see us for all your gift-giving needs! We carry chain maille jewelry, handpainted silk scarves, original paintings and mixed media art, Hudson gifts, decorative bowls, and greeting cards. Plus, we do BYOB painting parties! They are super fun and can be given as gifts.

220 N. Main Street, Hudson, OH 44236

Hope you enjoy the holidays with your family!

Artists Cafe, Cuyahoga Valley Art Center

Now through mid-December, a collection of my collage work is on display in the Artists Cafe at Cuyahoga Valley Art Center. I have chosen 17 collages, large and small, of a mix of landscape and abstract themes.

The art center is open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. You are also welcome to join me for a meet-the-artist reception on Saturday, December 5th, from 5-7pm.

Cuyahoga Valley Art Center
2131 Front Street
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221
330-928-8092
http://www.cvartcenter.org

Gifts from the Heart of Nature, Holden Arboretum

If you’re looking for a truly unique gift-giving experience, take a drive out to The Holden Arboretum in Kirtland. Their 36th annual Gifts from the Heart of Nature begins on Friday, November 13th.

The juried holiday show and sale offers carefully selected and unique handcrafted items made from natural materials or with nature themes.

I will have hand-painted scarves and handcrafted paper bowls made from recycled paper and natural materials.

This year’s Gifts from the Heart of Nature will be open Friday, November 13, 2015 – Sunday, January 3, 2016.

Hours: 9am-5pm most days, until 8pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays

Opening night on November 13th will be a member preview party featuring live music, refreshments and free gift wrapping.

Christkindl Markt, November 13-15

I’m pleased to be showing this year at Christkindl Markt, a holiday-inspired fine arts and crafts show and Canton tradition.

Christkindl Markt features artisans from across the United States, showing glass, painting, ceramics, photography, jewelry, textiles, floral arrangements, woodworks, holiday items and more.

Look for a used book sale, a shopping spree raffle and silent auction as well.

Proceeds from Christkindl Markt benefit exhibition and education programming of the Canton Museum of Art.

Christkindl Markt is held:

November 13: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
November 14: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
November 15: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Cultural Center for the Arts / Canton Museum of Art
1001 Market Avenue North
Canton, Ohio, 44702

Hudson Art Hop on September 11

September 11th is last monthly Art Hop this year. I can hardly believe it! This year has flown by…just flown!

To end the season, the focus this month will be on art education and learning something new. I will be offering materials to make your own postcard-sized collages. If you haven’t done much collage, then this is a quick and fun way to try it out.

Other locations will have projects to make, demos to watch, or artists to learn from. As always, it will be a fun time.

Download the Art Hop flyer to plan your visit.  Hope you can stop by on September 11th, 5-8pm.

p.s. The Holiday Hop will be Saturday, November 28, from noon – 6pm.

Akron Art Prize 2015

The Akron Art Prize is a competition for area artists. More than 200 of us will have artwork on display at locations in Akron during the month of September. Visitors are encouraged to check out the art then vote for their favorites. The winner takes home a $5000 prize!

My newest collage, “Roots and Roads #1”, is my entry. It is on display at Palladian Palette, 106 N. Main St., 2nd fl., upstairs from Akron Glass Works.

Venues are open for viewing each Thursday-Saturday from 12-9 p.m.

The contest run September 5th through the grand finale on October 3rd. If you have the chance, I’d encourage you to visit – and vote.

Get details about the Akron Art Prize here: http://www.akronartprize.org

Roots and Roads #1, a collage

“Roots and Roads #1” is the first in a new series of artwork that explores roots (where do we come from) and roads (where are we going).

2015 has been a year full of – let’s put it mildly – change. I’m in a bit of a lull (thank goodness) and now that I can take a moment to breathe, I am feeling the need to reflect, to look back and look forward. Trying to make sense of the pieces.

That introspection carries into my artwork, of course. I like to work in series, and have been mulling over several possible themes. One idea took cues from last year’s Portals series, which explored portals as transitions, both tangible (windows, gateways, arches) as well as intangible (memories as portals to the past).

Transitions. Yes. This is definitely a time of transition. I’m in a place of going from here to there, but with a strong need for roots, of a starting point, of grounding.

“Roots and Roads #1” is the first piece in this new series. How exactly this series will work out and what other pieces might look like, I can’t say yet.

To see how this collage evolved, visit http://www.lifeneedsart.com/gallery/roots-and-roads-1-a-collage/

A Common Thread, Collages, Numbers 1-8

As I worked on the All Buttoned Up series, I got to thinking about thread. The thread in that series had to be hidden, so I wanted to do a series that focused on thread.

As with that series, these are small postcard sized collages. Behind each collage is a piece of a wallpaper that has a great woven texture.

I love using thread in my artwork to add texture and detail. In some collages, the thread is literally “thread” – quilting thread or sewing thread. In others, it is more subtle: another thing that has a thready appearance.

If you are interested, they are available in my Etsy shop:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/lifeneedsart?section_id=14552472

Art Break Day 2015

Friday, September 4th is Art Break Day, a day when everyone is encouraged to sit down for a few minutes and make art.

Yes, everyone! You will be pleasantly surprised at how good you feel after only a few minutes of drawing or painting.

Stop by my studio that day: I’ll have lots of art supplies to use and some projects to give you inspiration.

If you can’t make it to Hudson that day, do something artsy for 5 minutes. Keep it simple – grab a couple of markers and doodle, or dig out that old set of watercolors and splash some paint around.

This year, I am fortunate enough to be able to give away “Art In Your Pocket” boxes, a pocket-sized assortment of art supplies. All you have to do is stop by and pick one up.

For more info, visit http://www.lifeneedsart.com/events/art-break-day-2015/

Art On The Green 2015, Hudson, Ohio

Art On The Green, my favorite show of the summer, is coming up soon!

Show dates and times are:

Saturday, August 29: 10am – 5pm
Sunday, August 30: 11am – 5pm

Held on the South Green in Hudson, Ohio, it has 150 artists from around the region. I will be in Booth #92, near the food court. Hope you can stop by and say hi!

Download the show map: http://ojs.biz/files/events/46/Map_2015.pdf

http://www.lifeneedsart.com/events/art-on-the-green-2015/

Market Day, a collage

Each summer, I look forward to the local farmer’s market: fresh produce, connecting with the people who grow it, and trying something new. It’s such a treat, both the products that are available and the experience of mindfully making selections.

One Saturday morning, I took my sketchbook and wandered the market, making sketches as I went. A woman walked by with a bright green bag slung over her shoulder. Farmers stood in the shade of their tents, ready to help the next customer. A riot of sunflowers in a patch of sun, and plenty of trees to keep everyone cool. And the clocktower at the far end of the green. It is Hudson, after all.

http://www.lifeneedsart.com/gallery/market-day-a-collage/

All Buttoned Up, Collages, Numbers 1-9

All Buttoned Up is a series of small abstract collages that include altered magazine pages, buttons, and thread.

Some remind me of desert landscapes, others make me think of weathered walls and windows.

Somehow #9 ended up completely different!

But that’s ok.

See them here: http://www.lifeneedsart.com/gallery/all-buttoned-up-collages-numbers-1-9/

Or here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/lifeneedsart?section_id=14552472

Not The Button Generation

This post is an observation – not directly art related – but indulge me if you will.

This year has given me plenty of opportunities to sit in hospital rooms, keeping company of those who are in need of medical care.

Two thoughts:

1. Hospitals are awful places. Even the best hospitals are loud, noisy, impersonal, uncomfortable. They can be nightmarish for people who are confused. I can’t imagine how anyone rests or recovers in those places.

2. Patients, especially older ones, don’t understand the call button.

Get the rest of the story: http://www.lifeneedsart.com/blog/not-the-button-generation/

Blue Moon, a collage

In honor of the recent blue moon, here is my version! I began with an idea based it on a tiny painting (ACEO sized) that I did many, many years ago. The ACEO was an acrylic painting; this recent version is a collage. The original is pictured below; the larger version is to the right.

I began by covering the canvas with old encyclopedia pages, then tinted the whole thing blue. You’ll see several images from the encyclopedia pages – faces, fish, diagrams – peeking through. I love that.

The moon shapes were then defined by gluing pieces of magazine images, painted papers, and tissue around where I wanted the crescents.

http://www.lifeneedsart.com/gallery/blue-moon-a-collage/

Sketching Group on Friday Mornings

I love looking at sketchbooks that some artists do. The ones with the ink drawings and bright splashes of watercolor. Usually, they’re scenes of exotic markets full of color, or dramatic cliffs along a coastline. Every time I see one of them, I think:

“I need to draw more.”

I would like to find some other folks to draw with, for fun and for accountability. If you have wanted to draw more, or like the idea of keeping sketches to remember a time or place, you are welcome to join me.

Friday mornings, 9:30AM
Open Door Coffee Company in Hudson

Everyone is welcome. Bring a sketchbook and pencil or pen. Simple supplies are best.

There’s no fee, other than your coffee. If the weather is nice, we go outside to sketch.

And keep an eye on my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/lifeneedsart). I’ll post schedule or locations changes there.

Hope to see you on a Friday morning!

http://www.lifeneedsart.com/events/sketching-group-on-friday-mornings/

Art Fair Aftermath

Ah, art fairs! Aren’t they fun? Wandering among the booths, browsing wares from familiar artists and new makers, picking up something cool for yourself or a gift.

Yes, and from my perspective as an exhibitor, they are fun to do. I love talking to people about my work, hearing what they enjoy, seeing what they’ve purchased, and watching them get jazzed about art in general. Plus, the artists at these shows are the nicest people around. I’ve made some great friends with folks in neighboring booths.

And, to be honest. I like setting up my booth and seeing my work all displayed in the bright white tent. It looks cool.

But the flip side is... http://www.lifeneedsart.com/blog/art-fair-aftermath/

Art Classes for June and July

Ready to exercise your creativity this summer? Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, you’re sure to have fun and learn something.

My classes are “drop-ins”, meaning you can one time or every week. It’s up to you! We’ll do something different every time.

For more details, visit http://www.lifeneedsart.com/events/art-classes-in-june-and-july/

Mixed Media Exploration
Thursdays, 10-12:30
$35 per week

Art Journaling Group
Thursdays, 1:30-3:30pm
$10 per week

Sketching Group
Fridays, 9-10:30 am.
Meet at Open Door Coffee Company

Summer Art Sampler
Saturdays, noon-2pm
$25 per week

BYOB Painting Party!
Wednesdays, 7-9pm
$33 per person

Shaker Heights Arts & Music Festival 2015

Join me at the Shaker Heights Arts & Music Festival on Saturday and Sunday, June 27-28th! It’s on the grounds of the Shaker Hts Middle School this year with parking right on the school grounds. Art, music, food, family activities - should be a lot of fun.

I will be in booth 111 and Dana will be in booth 110. Hope you can stop out and see us.

Artists of Rubber City Annual Juried Show

The 25th Annual Juried Show hosted by the Artists of Rubber City opens Friday, May 15 with a reception and awards presentation from 5 pm – 8 pm. The show continues through June 28.

My collage, “Time to Think”, is included in this show.

The BOX gallery
3rd floor of Summit Artspace
140 E. Market Street
Akron, OH

http://www.lifeneedsart.com/events/artists-of-rubber-city-annual-juried-show/

Cuyahoga Valley Art Center Regional Show

The Cuyahoga Valley Art Center is hosting its 31st annual Regional Art Show, opening Saturday, May 9 and continuing through June 2.
It’s a large and varied show, with representational and abstract art by artists from all around the area.

Patrick Melnick, Director of Art Studies at Virginia Marti College of Art an Design, kindly served as juror for the show.

Two of my collages, “Geraniums” (pictured here) and “Serenity” are included in the show.

Cuyahoga Valley Art Center
2131 Front Street
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221
330-928-8092
http://www.cvartcenter.org

http://www.lifeneedsart.com/events/cuyahoga-valley-art-center-regional-show/

In The Garden

In The Garden is a combination of painting and collage. Sunny and warm, I made it during the summer of 2014 when gardens were awash with flowers of all colors.

As with so many of my artworks, this one started one way, then took a left turn in the middle. It began as an abstract landscape. You can still see the orange sky and horizon line in the background. The painting got to a point where it didn’t want to be an abstract anymore. It called for something identifiable, such as...

http://www.lifeneedsart.com/gallery/in-the-garden-a-collage/

52 Weeks, 52 Works Calendar for 2015

I’m very pleased that my collage, “In The Garden“, has been published in this year’s calendar called “52 Weeks, 52 Works”!

The full-color desk calendar is published by Academy Graphic Communication and features artwork by Northeast Ohio artists. Each week has an artwork on one page then the days of the week on the opposite page with plenty of room to write. The artwork choices range from traditional paintings to abstract works to sculpture to jewelry. It’s really lovely!

This year, my piece is posted in Week 16: April 12-18.

http://www.lifeneedsart.com/blog/52-weeks-52-works-calendar-for-2015/

2nd Friday Art Hops Continue in 2015

Our first hop of 2015 is April 10 from 5-8pm at locations all around Hudson.

Join us for “Art For A Cause”, when our visitors will be able to create small suncatcher-type pieces that will be assembled into a larger sculpture and put on display in the window of Hudson Fine Art & Framing the next day. It’s all part of a benefit for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Get a map and details at http://www.hudsonarthop.com/

Art Classes for April-May, 2015

Spring is here and it’s time for color! What better way to add color to your life than by trying an art class?

Most of the classes are drop-in sessions – come once or come each week – it’s up to you. The first week will be an introduction, so come to that one if you can. But don’t hesitate to join in whenever it fits your schedule and we’ll get you caught up.

Fees listed are for each week. Please call ahead for each class to reserve your spot and get the supply list.

Please note that “Collage and Acrylic Techniques”, held at Cuyahoga Valley Art Center, is a 6-week course beginning April 7. The other classes are held at my studio in Hudson.

See the list of available classes (PDF)

It’s Secondary, Exhibit at Valley Art Center

I was pleased to hear that my collage, “Love’s Locked But Not Lost (Zurich)”, has been accepted into an exhibit at Valley Art Center.

Opening Reception: Friday, January 16th, 2015, 6 – 8 pm

The exhibit will be on display through March 4th, 2015.

Valley Art Center
155 Bell Street
Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
(440) 247 – 7507
www.ValleyArtCenter.org

For more information, visit:
http://www.lifeneedsart.com/events/its-secondary-exhibit-at-valley-art-center/

Art Classes for January-February 2015

The New Year makes a perfect time to try something new, so let me encourage you to pick up a paintbrush – your inner artist will thank you! Exercising your creativity can help reduce stress, brighten up the winter doldrums, and – oh – make you happy.

Classes begin January 17, and most run 6 weeks. The Acrylic/Mixed Media class runs 8 weeks, and the monoprinting and BYOB Painting Parties are one session only.

Classes are listed below, and in this PDF file:
http://www.lifeneedsart.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/2015-Jan-Feb-Classes.pdf

Registration

Bear with me, but I’m trying an online registration process. If you’d like to give it a try with me, follow the link and add the class you’d like to your basket:
https://squareup.com/market/life-needs-art

If the online registration doesn’t work for you, just give me a call or email to register directly (216-789-2751 or karen@lifeneedsart.com).


Order Online