Will paint for pottery!

I have been doing a lot of work on canvas lately. I painted this cat mat as an example for my floorcloth class, and my friend Gary liked it so much he made a trade with me for it! Gary has a cat named Spike, a very large cat, and he needs a bigger mat, so I am going to do another one (a bit bigger)- more pottery for me! I usually paint on 3-D objects, so it really is nice to work on a flat surface for a change.

class update!

It is amazing how much the artwork has changed from the first class we did! We are finishing up the painting part and next week some people will start with the poly finish- about 4 coats!
Half way through the class, and right where we should be. What excellent students I have!

Vegan dEGGorator kits!

Here they are- My creative answer to the "Pet Rock"! Now vegans can decorate easter eggs too! I started making these for last Easter, and believe it or not people have been asking me for them again! The kit contains one chalkboard wooden egg, six colored chalks, an eraser cloth, and a little festive nesting in a take-out container! I must admit, it is fun to color on the egg- for kids too. I sell these at Thou Art Gallery for $7.00.

Well, it is the start of another week, where did the weekend go? I have to get set up for my floorcloth class tonight, more playtime for grown-ups! I LOVE doing this class!

Kids workshops at Thou Art!

New Kid's workshops starting April 25!

Classes are Saturday's 10:00-12:00.

Please register early, class size is limited.

Workshop fee is $20.00 per class and includes all materials needed for a

finished piece, a snack, and lots of FUN!

Call 898-5706 or nance@thouart-gallery.com

Saturday April 25^th -Monet Watercolors- Learn about famous artist Claude Monet and his pond/garden paintings. Look at other impressionist artist and identify characteristics of their loose style. Create a beautiful 16” x 20” watercolor painting in the style and colors of Monet.

Saturday May 2^nd- Henri Matisse Cutouts- Learn about famous artist Henri Matisse and look at his later works. Through
cut and paste create your own 11” x 14” Matisse- Style Cutout while
learning about the interactions of shapes and colors.

Saturday May 9^th- Explore a variety of mono-print making techniques and create your very own set of 5” x 7” note cards or miniature masterpieces. Experiments will involve jello, potatoes, lettuce, found objects, yarn and more.

Saturday May 23^rd- Learn about Famous Artist Faith Ringgold and her imaginative story quilts. Turn your own illustration into an 11” x 14” quilted heirloom. Learn to control and use the sewing machine for simple appliqué technique. Learn other adhesive techniques for telling stories with cloth.

Children's Workshops are taught by Reagen Troutman. Reagen likes to think outside the box. She has an animated and motivating teaching style and loves working with all age groups. Reagen regularly instructs art classes at the Cortland YWCA. She also teaches Summer Art Workshops at the Homer Center for the Arts and teaches classes at the Thou Art Gallery in Groton and the Cortland Free Library. Reagen was the owner of Pinstriped Pokadots on Main St. in Cortland until a destructive fire destroyed the building in 2005. We are very lucky to have Reagen, she is a fabulous teacher.

---

Premonitions and lucky cats!

Last Saturday my son Wilson got out the chalk and wrote in front of my gallery door- "Moving the shop". When I saw what he wrote, I was a bit miffed. I explained to him that I was NOT moving and the shop would be staying where it is. 2 days later I find out that I AM MOVING!!!

I am a little superstitous, I feel anything lucky can only help. I found these "lucky cats" in Japan (at EPCOT in Disney World). The gold one is supposed to bring luck in finance and business, and the white one is general happiness and luck. I put them on my register area, and I sold a bunch of stuff!

Finally, Here is a photo of my new storefront. I will be doing some painting and plants in front to polish things up. But, I keep wondering how did I get so lucky??? This totally fell in my lap! Was it my cats? Was it the planets? Did my son see into the future? This is going to be a prime location soon, and my shop will be HERE!

Big news for my small business!

My Address as of May 1st will be 103 Main St. This little storefront just dropped in my lap yesterday! The Groton Hotel was just purchased by an innovative young guy from LA (he grew up in Groton)- and this shop is right next to the Hotel. It has a big front window and enough space for fabulous merch, my studio and a large storage room! I think it is perfect for the new location of Thou Art. I am downsizing, but I think I will be gaining some much needed exposure! I can start freshening up the place, and it needs it, with paint and a good cleaning starting in May. The antique shop that is there now will start moving mid April. I am SO EXCITED about my new digs!!!
I am also hoping some of my fabulous friends will be willing to maybe help me one day or so with the move???
What do you think? I'm about ready to jump out of my skin!!!
I want to add this, I LOVE the space I currently occupy, and I will truly miss the atmosphere and the beauty of the windows, but, atmosphere don't pay the bills! I feel Main St. will be a better location for me and the wonderful artisans I represent. I would also like to thank Janet, who is a great friend and "landlord" for giving me the opportunity and the support to start my business where I did. I can only grow from here.

Everyone is an artist!

The class went GREAT last night. Everyone had such a good time letting go and creating! People don't realize what a great stress reducer it is to pick up a paint brush, and "have at it"! I always find it so interesting the different results you get when you give someone a white canvas and paint! Great class guys, see ya next Monday!