Fair Photo #15

Today marks the end of the Minnesota State Fair. Joel and I will make our final trip of the year (Trip #5). It's been a wonderful 12 days of the fair--I've been on vacation the whole time! Beautiful temps (highs in the upper 70s/lower 80s), sunny, no rain...we are sliding into beautiful autumn weather.

I can't believe that the summer is over...the season we long for throughout the long, cold winter is gone in a flash. But really, I love this time of year the most...the temperatures are much more tolerable, there's less humidity...time seems to slow down just a bit.

It is a time of transition...there is a sense that things are about to change. I feel that way too.  

We are feeling more settled in out studio--spent much of this weekend working on home projects (pics soon). I'm feeling good things are happening with my art. Friday night we attended the opening reception for the Savoring Summer show at the AZ gallery. My Ode to Izzy's painting is in the show. It may be hanging in a less than desirable spot, but hey, I entered the competition and was accepted...that alone was a victory to celebrate.

Last week I was also interviewed for an article in the MN Women's Press. I will be their featured cover artist in October. I am over the moon in excitement. This is a Minnesota newsmagazine, published monthly, with the tagline "changing the universe through women's stories".  I have read this publication for over 25 years and to have one of my paintings featured on their cover...BIG STUFF. I have been quiet about this, because I haven't wanted to jinx it...but now that the interview is done, I think I can let my excitement out a bit. Believe me, when I see the cover for the first time you will hear me squealing with excitement! And not only will it be available in print, you will all get to see it online!


It's all making me feel better about taking some risks...which makes me want to take more risks. Sometimes when we try something new, it doesn't work out...but we never know unless we try...and when it does work out, it feels so very sweet.


So, I'm hoping you are all enjoying your Labor Day Weekend. Savor this "last day" of summer. I know I am.

Savoring Summer

You know how when you're waiting for news, you keep checking your messages? Well, that was me today. In the back of my mind I was aware all day that the email should be sent out today about my submission into the AZ Gallery's exhibit titled "Savoring Summer".

It was a long day at work...and not because I was waiting for this email. I came home frustrated from work and feeling a bit discouraged. Then I logged on and there in my "inbox" was the email. I hesitated before opening it...I really dreaded getting any other bad news on an already dreary day. Instead...

I GOT IN!!!

My painting, Ode to Izzy's, was accepted into the show. AZ Gallery is located in the Northern Warehouse Building at 308 Prince Street in St. Paul between Black Dog Cafe and Tanpopo Noodle Shop--it's a small, intimate gallery located just a block from our place. They frequently feature works of member artists, but also produce exhibits with various themes. Since they are nearby, I've been checking out their exhibits as they change each month and keeping an eye out for an opportunity to submit. I was also working up the courage to do so.

When the call for submissions went out, I thought about it...but sort of put it on the back burner. I didn't have a piece ready that necessarily fit the theme. But frankly, I was getting a little tired of letting those opportunities sit on "the back burner" until the deadline had passed. I decided it was time to at least make a valient effort.

As you have read here, I went to work on a few new paintings with the deadline for submissions looming. I got this piece done with no time to spare, but was still not certain. And then I decided that it was better to try and not get in then to have never submitted and wonder "what if".

I'm awfully glad I tried.


The exhibit will open on Friday, September 4th with an opening reception from 6-9 p.m. A closing ceremony will be held on Friday, September 25th from 6-9 p.m. Normal gallery hours are Fridays 5-8 and Saturdays & Sundays from 10-2 p.m. (come and check out the Farmer's Market a block away). I hope you can come check it out sometime during the month of September!