I didn't know I had a rating...

Hey - No bad words! I have been hanging around elementary kids too long! I used to be able to swear like a trucker! S*&#!!!!

I can't believe Gary is PG!

Step one in wall plates

This is the first step in doing my switch plates. These are a special order for Joe and Joanne's kitchen re-do. They gave me paint sticks with their colors on them so I can mix and match. I spray the plates first with an airbrush to give them a sort of tie-dye look. Then they are cooked and after that I give them a kicky design with more color, and they are cooked again. I sprayed 14 plates this morning in two different color schemes- it can get confusing. The main problem I can have is: I have 4 cats and a dog- I HATE HAIR IN WET PAINT! This morning things look pretty good- hair free.

Todays Special is:

Peanut Butter, Oatmeal, Chip Cookies
These cookies are one of my favorites! They are a perfect mix of flavors all in one! YUMMMMM, with a cup of coffee - in a Gary Rith mug, of course!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup butter flavored shortening
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1 1/4 cup chocolate chips
  

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together shortening, brown sugar, white sugar, and peanut butter until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time until well blended. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; stir into the creamed mixture. Mix in the oats until just combined and add chocolate chips. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto parchment lined cookie sheets.
3. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until just light brown. Don't over-bake. Cool and store in an airtight container.

Bowl in progress...

Lately my big sellers are switch plates, but I usually like to have a bunch of different pieces going at once. Here is one of my favorite pieces to paint- smaller bowls I refer to as "salsa bowls". I should have this one finished by this evening.

I'm back to the Gallery today, getting ready for the new show hanging next week. There is always a bunch of moving things around before a show. I still have some aftermath of the kid's summer program to deal with too. I am happy to have the Artists market behind me, at least I don't have to worry about that anymore.

Great Day at the Market

The Farmers' Market was BUSY yesterday. There is always a lot of traffic for the Artist's Market, a special once-a-year event. Half of the entire market is reserved for the Tompkins County Community Arts Partnership. The other half are the regular market members, most of which have to share booths. Sales were good, and the art work was FAB! So Much talent under one pavilion, it was a good day.
I went off with my car packed early yesterday morning. I always bring my large coffee pot full of yummy Finger Lakes Roasters coffee. If you know me, you know I love GOOD coffee. I get to the market and realize I forgot my cup. I thought about pumping directly into mouth, but the coffee was too hot, so I decided to buy myself a little gift. I walked down to Frog Hill Pottery. Scott creates the most beautiful pottery, and he does it without electricity. He throws on a foot wheel, uses clay based glazes (dug from his own land), and fires in a huge wood fire kiln he built himself. If you are in the area a visit to Frog Hill Pottery is a great thing to do!

Getting ready/ new show coming...

Altered States
Photographs by
Amy S. Hnatko
August 7-September 10, 2008
This show is based on the “What if . . .” principal.

This collection of Giclee prints is the result of
pushing the boundaries of “looking beyond
the immediate scene,” with a heightened sense
of the possibilities- and a touch of humor.

The flower photographs are more traditional,
but many are the result of photographing
the “subjects” in a portrait studio as if they were
human.

This is a whimsical world created by combining
photographs into unexpected perceptions.

Reception with refreshments and local wine Thursday August 7, 6:30-9:00 at:

Thou Art Gallery
111 Church St. Groton, NY
for info call 607-898-5706.

A quiet day...

After a week of young kids singing, dancing, and doing various art projects, the gallery will be very quiet today. The summer camp at Thou Art is over! Last night Paul Helou gave a concert at Turtle Dreams B&B, and all the kids (and me) roasted marshmallows and had s-mores. It was definitely a family fun evening.
I will miss the activity, but it will be nice to get back to my usual routine.

The Scramble for Sunday!

I do this every year before the Artist's Market, I scramble and drive myself NUTS trying to get more done! Why do I drive myself crazy- I have a really nice display, but I fret over getting 3 more necklaces, a couple more switch plates, another oil bottle... I never seem to feel good about what I have- I always want MORE!

More photos from my "camera happy" boy!

Paul Helou, children's performer

Orbs that appear sometimes in photos-
some people think these are spirits in the church.

Windows in Thou Art Gallery

Fran, co-owner of Turtle Dreams B&B

Wilson and his new camera

Wilson, my six year old son has loved taking photographs since he was about three years old!
Last night I finally gave him my old digital camera. He has been going to town taking pictures!
I see a one "man" show in his future!

Fresh out of the oven!

More goodies fresh from the oven. Today I am featuring banana muffins with chocolate chips and walnuts- YUMM! Last night I "baked off" a little artwork too. I'm getting ready for the Artist's Market on Sunday, so much to paint, so little time!

Plates going home...

My Customer, Kendra ordered these various switch plates for her kitchen. This is a custom order with the color inspiration shown. These have gone home, I bet they look FAB in her kitchen. 3 more plates and 8 knobs still to go!

Little Ones at The Gallery

The Summer week long program has started at Thou Art. This is such a unique opportunity for the children participating. Here they are doing improvisational music and movement with Paul Helou who has come from New York City to do the class for the week. We are very Lucky to have this Parent Choice award winner here in Groton. The kids are having a great time too!

All the Pretty Piggies!

Gary will be dropping off the piggies this morning! I know we are all excited to see our creations.
You can pick them up at Thou Art after 11:00.
I would also like to thank all who participated for a great class! Grown-ups need "playtime" too!

A Week of Art and Music

Kid's class starts Monday, we still have a couple of openings, if anyone out there is interested!
Here is the info:
Your young child will
have fun as they explore different art mediums. They will have
the chance to use their imagination, as they learn about the arts. Create original songs and music
with award winning song writer Paul Helou. Winner of a Parent’s choice award in 2007 for his
album “Bears, Bees and Butterflys”! There will be a time for music and movement everyday. A great opportunity for your child to explore the
arts and develop some social skills too. Parents welcome to stay.
Location: Thou Art Gallery at 111 Church St.
Dates: July 21 – July 25th
Time: 9:00am-NOON Ages: 4-7, Instructor: Mary Faith Miller. To register call Nance at 607-898-5706.
Fee: $55 / $62 non-residents

Treat of the day...

Every morning I bake a treat for anyone that might come into the gallery. I also have complimentary coffee and tea. I tried a new cookie today- peanut butter oatmeal with white chocolate chips. These are really sweet and melt-in-your-mouth good. Doesn't this make you want to come into Thou Art Gallery??? I guess you could make them yourself.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup butter flavored Crisco
  
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
  
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together Crisco, brown sugar, white sugar, and peanut butter until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time until well blended and add vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; stir into the creamed mixture. Mix in the oats until just combined. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto parchment lined or non-greased cookie sheets.
3. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until just light brown. Don't over-bake. Cool and store in an airtight container.

No Dairy Gary!
YUMMM!

Weird Weather...

We are having the weirdest summer storm! Thunder, heavy rain, and now hail is bouncing off my windows and onto my front porch. I don't think I have ever seen hail this large. Some is probably 3/4 " in diameter! You always hear about "golf ball" size hail, but I have never seen it. That must be REALLY noisy! I do like this photo though.

The First Fish!

Grandpa bought Wilson his first fishing pole a couple of days ago. Yesterday he caught his first fish! A little perch. Wils was very excited about his "big" catch, and he was happy to throw it back after this photo was taken. Jed and Emerson caught about twenty little perch and rock bass they really went through the worms!

Fresh Baked

All of my work is baked in a regular household oven. I just pulled these items out: special order switch plates, heart magnets and a single salsa bowl. I need to get a lot more work done in the next 2 weeks for the Ithaca Artist's Market on the 27th of July.

This is Summer

This is what Summer is all about in my family! These are the cousins- Jed, Emerson, and Wilson. My brother lives in California, so these guys see each other once a year. They really look forward to the time they have together. Eating cake on the hammock- this is Summer!

Busy day at the Gallery

The Ithaca Doll show is over, the walls are bare and the pedestals are empty. I need to move a lot of merchandise around, to fill in the blanks!
The next show is photography by Amy Hnatko of Cortlandville. Amy is known for her images of local scenery. Beautiful work. Amy's Opening Reception will be Thursday August 7th 6:30-9:00.

Some favorite things at Thou Art Gallery

*Great gift baskets full of fabulous Finger Lakes products.
*Turned woodwork by Robert Silberman of Ithaca.
Below:
*Face bowls by Ithaca Potter Bill Davis.
*Bunny mugs by Gary Rith of Etna.
Thou Art Gallery

More FUNction ART...

More examples of my artwork. All pieces are FUNctional, top rack - dishwasher safe. Drawer pulls are one of my best sellers, I actually have customers I refer to as "Knob Groupies".

Piggy Class at Thou Art!

The piggy bank class last night was SO MUCH FUN! Gary did a great job teaching us all how to make our own one of a kind piece. We will be doing more classes like this one. Check out Gary's blog.

Long day at the Market!

This is my 5th year doing the Ithaca Farmers' Market. It is one of my favorite places to sell and shop! It always amazes me how long fresh picked locally grown veggies last, as compared to grocery store bought produce. It really tastes better too! The Market is also a fabulous place to hear music, take a boat ride, eat great ethnic and vegetarian food and buy artwork from the artists themselves. Not to mention it is always a good place for people watching.

A Beautiful Day At Shale Point!

What a beautiful 4th of July! It was so nice to just hang out and enjoy the lake. Wilson was in the water most of the day. The beach fire wasn't as big as we usually do, but it was nice. We don't have to have "the biggest fire on the lake" to have a good time. Plus you don't have to wait as long to get to the some-mores!

Back to the Gallery today. I will also be at the Ithaca Farmers' Market tomorrow, time to get back to work mode again!

Happy 4th of July!

This photo is called Shale Point Picnic. It was taken in 1939. At this time the property was owned by Fred Allen of Auburn.
My Grandfather bought Shale Point from Mr. Allen in the early 60's. This is where I will be spending my 4th of July. This point looks exactly the same and it is truly one of the most wonderful places on Owasco Lake!

Piggy class is full!

Gary's piggy bank class is full! See you for class on Tuesday Gary!

FUNction ART studio

I have said I am a working artist. This is what I do. My business goes by the the name FUNction ART studio. Just thought I would show some of what keeps me busy. Everything I do is hand painted- no stencils, just a very small brush and a steady hand.