Cat in a basket

This is my first cat (we have 4 cats and a dog)- we got her from the SPCA 10 years ago. She has never been a "normal" feline. Petunia lives in a picnic basket. The only animal she has anything to do with is Salvador the dog- she likes it when he licks her ears, and then when he stops she gives him a little swipe to say "give me some more". She is so weird, she comes out of her basket only to eat, go to the litter box and get ear licks. She will also pop up for the occasional "human" contact. She is a basket case of a cat- but she seems happy.

Floor Cloth Class Notice:

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creating a masterpiece of functional art!

I LOVE this rug! My floor cloth is really coming out great- I think! I am heading into the "home stretch" with this one, and I have started another. I still have another coat of dark green around the border, and then it is on to the sealer, wax and non skid backing!

Warhol's cats

The Glamorous Life of an Artist...

This morning I got up, poured myself a yummy cup of coffee, and cooked a couple of switch plates. Then I mixed up a batch of gingersnaps for the gallery. As I was trudging my way through the living room I was startled by something on the floor- YIKES a hair ball! While cleaning this up I thought to myself, Andy Warhol had over 50 cats (all named Sam), he must have cleaned up a few hairballs in his day! I'm living the life of a "glamorous artist"!

I'm on the ART TRAIL!

I am on the Art Trail! I really hope this brings some people to my little gallery and studio. Advertising in the Shopper hasn't really done it for getting the word out! I'm looking forward to putting out my lawn sign!

flower pot and candle votive

I pulled two new pieces out of the oven this morning! Sometimes I hate my work while I'm doing it, but I always LOVE it when it's done! Here are my latest pieces of FUNction ART.
The candle votive is a pretty big seller for me, I do a lot of these in various shapes. I guess it is a good gift for just about anyone, and it sells for $15.00. My little flower pot is popular around Mothers' Day. It comes with a saucer- I'm still working on that and it sells for $45.00.
Time to get working on some switch plates, I have a stack just waiting for paint!

Class is coming together!

This is a new floor cloth that I started last week. I am only working on it when I am at the gallery, so this is about 6 hours into it. It is changing every time I start painting again. I am doing this one without any plan in mind- I like to let it develop as I go. If you are familiar with my work, you know I love color and pattern to almost "force" the eye to move around the piece.
More to come on this one- I really like it!

My classes on floor cloths will be starting Monday evenings March 9th, 16, 23, and 30, from 6:00-8:00. This is a 4 part class, and will include all materials. Cost for the class is $100.00, and you will take home a finished, functional piece. You don't have to be an artist. I will be teaching the tricks I have learned by doing over the years. Class size is limited to six people, so sign up early. I will be scheduling another one of these classes later in the spring if you can't make this one.

The Wheels are turning!

this one is done by ME!

I am really excited about a new 4- part workshop I will be conducting in April. I will be teaching a floor cloth class! I think this is a great idea, because anyone can do it, and you end up with something really cool for your home! The fee will be $100.00, I know it sounds expensive, but if you were going to buy the materials for this project, it would probably cost around $60.00! Plus you get to spend 4 evenings with me, and my expertise!!! All materials are included in the cost and you will finish the class with a 2'x3' fabulous floor cloth for your home!
If anyone is interested in this workshop, you can email (through my website) me or give me a call- 607-898-5706 (gallery) for more info.
Here are a few simple floorcloths done by other artists:

some more new work...

These pieces are fresh out of the oven! The two little "salsa for one" bowls are really cute they sell for $15.00 each and are 3'' in diameter and 1 1/2 '' tall. The pale green piece is a regular Salsa Bowl it is 5 1/2 '' in diameter and 3 '' tall and it sells for $55.00.
All my ceramic bowls are food safe and dishwasher safe (top rack).

Back to the Gallery!

Wilson and I will be working at the gallery today. I made a beautiful batch of chocolate chip cookies- they have received the high rating from my official taste tester of "NUMM-YUMMY!"
I have also gotten my application in for the Ithaca Art Trail. My Husband will be delivering it today, I am hoping I haven't forgotten anything. Here are some more shots of my work from FUNction ART studio!

Canvas floor cloth


Switch plates


Soap pump

I have been painting like crazy- good for me! I have a number of pieces in various stages of completion. It's about time I get some new work on the shelves!

Deadlines- and Wilson...

My week will be an interesting one. Wilson is on "winter break" all week, so I need to get a bunch of stuff done while keeping my guy entertained! This is what I will be looking at all week:

I have also decided to apply for the Ithaca Art Trail. So I need to get everything together for that- applications are due in TWO days! Nothing like working under pressure! I spent yesterday taking photos of me and my work. I took about 1,000 photos of myself posing with my work- and I'm still not super happy with what I got, however I think it will do, and the artist photos are really small- so, I'll live with it!
I am hoping that being a member of the Art Trail will be GREAT advertising for me and the gallery- the fee is expensive- pretty much my entire ad budget for the year, or two! However, if it brings people in it will be worth it!

Glass Salsa Bowl


Large Ceramic Vase


Beach Glass Jewelry


Stupid POSED photo of ME!

Spotlight on cool stuff!

Gary Rith Potter is on SALE!!!! It is all 50% off! You cannot go wrong with these fun and function pieces of hand thrown, dishwasher safe pottery! Gary is from Etna, NY.

Ocarina- a little whistle flute that is pretty easy to play. It also double as a interesting piece of jewelry! The book teaches how to play familiar songs- with a little practice. Made by Leo Brisette of Ithaca.

This is a Miss Kitty catnip toy. Hand crocheted and my cats love it! They can really go to town on this one! Made by Pam Miller of Groton.

These are fun little gifts for your Valentine- two legged or four legged!

Back on my feet!

I woke up after a Great night sleep and I am ready to go again! I am feeling good!
I whipped up these fabulous heart sugar cookies for the treat of the day at the gallery.
I have even been able to finish some knobs. I have a customer coming in today to pick out a few.

I am back and ready to face the world!

Under the weather!

This week has been one to forget! I have been wicked sick since Sunday with the worse case of the stomach bug I have ever had in my life! The good news is I am down about 5 pounds, the bad news is I have had to close the gallery for a couple of days. Thou Art gallery is a "one woman operation" as far as the general work force of the place goes, and I don't like to close the doors, but this week I had no choice. With the help from meds, I feel like I am on the upswing, and I am hoping I will be back to work tomorrow.

FRESH MERCH- and a little infomercial...

Brian Scott from Forest Art in Groton, NY turned this fab pen! It is actually an old corn cobb he found in his neighbors yard! The color and texture is much better in person! It is so cool- I love this piece. The "corny pen" retails for $25.00 and is refillable.

Here is the the best wallet- I have been using one of these for a year now! You can put your check book, cash, cards, and there is even a zippered pocket for change. Great patterns and colors. These are made by Joanne Cooper from Dryden and they retail for $22.00!

I finished something!

I just finished these beauties! I just have to cook them and then some lucky person can buy them and own a beautiful piece of FUNction ART! I do enjoy my own work!

Things I need to do...

I need to get my brushes moving- more switch plates- a big seller for me, and also I really need to get some creamer and sugar sets done. I give people my business card, and they ask, "Where are these?" I have one set started, but now it is time to get to get it finished. Before I know it the market will be starting again, and I like to start the season with a good supply of work!
I have been moving everything around in the gallery- I like to "freshen" the displays, it also gives me a chance to clean a bit. I have had a couple of my artists bring in new merch. too. Brian from Forest Art brought some really cool new turned wood pens- they are beautiful! Also Joanne Cooper brought in 2 wall quilts and some more of her fabulous wallets- I have been out of wallets for a while.
We have brownies and yummy coffee- stop in if your in the area!

Cold!!!!!

I am supposed to get out and walk this morning with my friend Athena, but it is 1 degree out! I'm not sure if we are still on for that. I'm thinking maybe we can walk down to the diner and have a chat there!
The gallery is starting to come around again- although, I am looking for artists!!!! Anyone local that is interested please let me know! I need to fill the place with fabulous art- I need jewelry,
cards, paintings, you name it! After a pretty slow holiday season, I want to get things stocked and ready for spring! YES, I SAID SPRING- it will be here before you know it!
It is 1 degree, and I'm thinking SPRING.


Speaking of "ART": these are Lego sculptures that I found in Downtown Disney- they were amazing!

Back to work!

Back to the gallery for me today! I have tons to do, the place is a MESS! Many artists have taken things out and all the Christmas items need to be packed up, so all the displays need to be rearranged. Plus I need to get new artwork up on the walls and valentine gifts and cards out. WOW- I guess I won't be painting today! My vacation was fabulous, but now the work load has piled up big time. I better get going...

Hello Again!

I am home again! We just got back from our Fabulous vacation to Walt Disney World! Donald, Wils and I had 8 super days in Florida with Mickey, and all the other characters, along with tons of tourists from Brazil and Japan! I have not had a "real" vacation since my honeymoon- 15 years ago. My Husband surprised me and our son Wilson with this trip for Christmas.

I went to Disney World with my parents in 1974- it opened in 1971, so things were a bit different this time. We spent 8 days racing from one park to another trying to get it all in before we turned into a pumpkin!