Sketchbook blog

In fall 2019, I created a series of wooden egg people called Wee Forest Folk . These little gnomes are based on people I actually know in real life or names my family has made up around the house.  We all have special names for each other, with a Dickensian twist. All of these natural, sustainable, & non-toxic toys have sold at the Owl & Rabbit Gallery in Burlington, NC. Elmer Oakenhurst has my Dad's handlebar mustache.  I hand-painted little gems from the forest floor on his body. Niven Evensong was named for a man who worked for my Dad when I was just a child.  In real life, Niven gave me a Western Barbie when I was just 3 years old.  This Wee Forest Folk Niven is in charge of constellations and the magic of the outdoors during the night. Lovey McDuffins is a name that we call my youngest child, Nate, our baby who is just 2 years old.  Just like Nate, Lovey spreads love and cheer to all who know him.  He name is al...

Plentiful, talented NC artists Sometimes I cannot believe the quantity and caliber of talented artists residing in my "neck of the woods."  People the world over know North Carolina for her writers (Thomas Wolfe, Jerry Bledsoe, Robert Morgan, Maya Angelou), her potters and her rich Appalachian folk arts heritage . If you are unfamiliar with native artisans of North Carolina, treat yourself just one example of a master blacksmith in this "Raw Craft" episode featuring Elizabeth Brim of Penland School of Crafts in the Blue Ridge mountains. Winston-Salem, NC I feel especially fortunate to live near the "City of Arts and Innovation," Winston-Salem, a center for creative talent.  Winston is home to the  Old Salem Historic District , the oldest Arts Council in the United States, and to Art-o-mat founder, Clark Whittington. Here is a map of the Twin Cities as detailed in 1891.  Click on the image to enlarge.  Zoom in to see each individual ...

Art-o-mat turns 20 this year! On Thursday, April 20, from 6 to 8 pm, the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (SECCA) in Winston-Salem, NC, will host an opening reception for " 20 Years of Art-o-mat ." The exhibit celebrates the brainchild of artist Clark Whittington, who since 1997 has repurposed cigarette machines to dispense affordable art for the masses.  The exhibit lasts through August 27 and will feature machines and art from the Art-o-mat permanent collection. If you think this event sounds good, then you can see more details here . Photo courtesy of SECCA.  Click above to learn more about the exhibit. What exactly is Art-o-mat? Art-o-mat is an art project and movement with the mission of bringing affordable, accessible art to folks where they are. Think: $5 art in your favorite coffee shop. Do not think:  Stuffy art gallery with crazy high prices. In addition to providing an outstanding variety of artistic selections (jewelry, fine art, ...