"Art in the Gardens" , June 5-6, 2010

Morgan Creek Art Fest, Harpersville, Alabama

I think that I need to invest in a laptop (APPLE, of course).
From the time I leave my 9 to 5 day job on Fridays, I'm engaged in my artwork in some form or fashion, until I return to the job on Monday mornings. My weekends always fly by (what is that saying about time passing quickly when you're having fun??) and I'm constantly jotting down tidbits of information, in real time, to use as points of reference when I find a moment to blog. Of course, I always misplace my notes and I mumble and grumble to myself when I finally settle in front of my home computer and realize that I have to rely on my memory (which ain't that great) to write. I truly believe that it'll all come back to me, if I stare at the monitor long enough. What a waste. But! If I have a laptop I'll be inspired to blog as my adventures unfold and I could even upload the pictures within a matter of minutes, right? (Pausing to laugh out loud.)

I exhibited my artwork at Morgan Creek Winery in Harpersville, AL yesterday. The weather was perfect, the grounds were impeccably landscaped and the setting was absolutely beautiful. Setup was between 8:30a and 10:30a. The event opened at 11a and closed at 6pm with a jazz concert following at 6:30pm. Sales were slow but I was okay with that. Sometimes, it's not always about sales. It's about meeting and greeting or explaining your art process to someone who is interested enough to inquire; taking short breaks to introduce yourself to new artists and sharing stories and laughs with artists and craftsmen who are no longer strangers but friends on the circuit. I met Jean and Jack Lincoln, jewelry designers, from Pell City. They're great friends of Penny Arnold, glass artist, who is a new acquaintance of mine. Last year, I blogged about taking a class with Penny at the Birmingham Museum of Art and she and I have developed a friendship since that time. Jack sits on the board of the St. Clair Council of the Arts and Penny is the newly elected President of the organization. I, also, met Jennifer from McCalla, AL who owns Tiny Hineys. Love, love, love her baby boutique clothes line! Bill Palmer furniture designer stopped by; a new face, new name. Fellow artists Becky Bolton Crisswell & Troy Crisswell, Art Bacon, Lonnie "The Sand Man" Holley, Donna Branch and others were in attendance. Artist John Sims & his lovely bride joined the crowd early afternoon. They strolled the vineyards, viewed the art then disappeared into the wine tasting hut. Laurel Mills, the coordinator of the art event, allowed each artist to select a bottle of wine to take home. A lovely gesture at the end of a long day. I selected Morgan Creek's Sweet Peach table wine.

R.I.P. "Bob" Hamberg

Robert M. Hamberg died last month.
He was a family friend and the godfather of my son, Jason.
I'd known Bob 40 plus years. He knew who I was and where I came from. He knew family and history and watched me grow from a teenager to college grad to wife and mother. Although he had siblings and many relatives, my daughter was the first infant who he held to feed. Forty years had passed and we could still smile about that one shared moment.

He held Jason, in 1985, when he was baptized and held him again, in 2007, when Jason graduated from Morehouse. Family and history.

Bob retired from the U.S. Air Force.
He wasn't a doctor or a lawyer. He wasn't an engineer. He never attended college. He never sailed the Riviera or vacationed in Martinique. He was simply a man of integrity and warmth who laughed out loud and loved life and family and history.

Robert M. Hamberg. I will miss him.

"Art in the Vineyards" Morgan Creek Vineyards

My next festival venue takes place on Saturday, May 15th in Harpersville, AL. It's the inaugural art festival for Morgan Creek Vineyards. I'm debating as to whether or not I should take my full portfolio of work or just smaller pieces. It's a one day show. Booth hours are from 11a - 6pm. I've created several small pieces that have a food theme. My favorite one is titled "Alabama Red Okra." Stop by my booth if you make it to Harpersville. Bring your friends and plenty of sunshine! I'm looking forward to a perfect day.

On another note, I've just received notice that my application was accepted for the 2010 Atlanta Arts Festival. The festival will be held in Piedmont Park, Atlanta , Georgia on Saturday, September 18th and Sunday, September 19th. Check the website for updates.

Art Auction at Mason Murer Fine Art

Last month, one of my block prints was selected for the Hammonds House 9th Annual Art Auction which took place, in Atlanta, at Mason Murer Fine Art. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend. As of today's date, I still don't know the status of my entry. I'll keep you posted.

The block print which was selected was one of the images from my narrative: "Walk in the Direction You' Goin' in." Framing by Tom Little.

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