Cedarburg Strawberry Fest

OK
I've done this show before, but not for a long time.
The first day was good. The second day was much worse. I wasn't the only vendor who felt that way. I spoke to a ceramics vendor on Washington Ave. He said his 2nd day was terrible and someone stole one of his mugs the day before.

The artists around me also were having a much slower day on Sunday.

I also had several customers tell me that they didn't know there was an art show. Here's an opportunity for the Cedarburg Cultural Center and Ozaukee County Art Center to spend money on promoting those artists who pay such high fees for poor returns.

And I would agree with my customers assessments. I looked in newspapers, brochures, etc. The art part is downplayed by festival organizers. Also the Plein Air artists receive awards for their work, why not the other artists too?

Would I go back to this show or recommend it? No

First art show of the year - Strawberry Fest Cedarburg, WI

I'm excited! I've got a lot of new digital images that I'm going to exhibit at my first art show of the year. I can hardly wait for it to arrive. With the encouragement of my mentor, I've gone back to digital collages. One of my first collages was Water Lilies, from a photo I took in 2005 in Cedarburg when I was there for Strawberry Festival.

Many tell me that this doesn't look like a photo. It looks like a watercolor painting. I've been encouraged by other artists and customers by the response to another digital image, Forest. They like the bright colors and the whimsy of the piece. And in response, I've been working diligently with my computer and camera to create images that are at the same level as this very popular photo collage. I've gone through a lot of ideas, photos and finally have come up with a series of images that go with Forest and Water Lilies. I have two collections: flowers and abstracts.

So I've gone full circle. Back in Cedarburg, now as an exhibitor in 2009, to show my new collages. Here is an example of one of the collages from the flower collection.


Stop in and say hi and see the rest of my digital collages. It's always better in person and not all of it is on my Web site. That's just a teaser. You will find me behind the Cedarburg Cultural Center in the parking lot. Hope to see you!

Lakefront Festival of the Arts Starts Friday

This is an exciting time of year for Milwaukee artists. The Lakefront Festival of the Arts this weekend attracts top artists from all over the U.S. The 47-year-old festival is ranked as one of the top art shows in the country. It's extremely difficult to be juried into this show and expensive for artists to do. The booth fee is $500, and just for the privilege of having them look at your slides, you pay $35. So not every artist can afford to do this show.

It is also Father's Day weekend. If Dad is an art lover, buy him a ticket and take him to the festival. You can buy tickets at the gate, or purchase them at stores in Milwaukee. Go to their Web site for details. Maybe I'll see you there.

Villa Terrace Free to the Public Yesterday

I'm attracted to old architecture, and Milwaukee has a lot of it. So when Villa Terrace, on the bluff above the lake, was open to the public for free, I grabbed my camera and went. There was a lot of traffic, as everyone loves to save money and this is a beautiful building and grounds. But I was able to grab a few shots without people in them.

This Italian Renaissance-style villa is now a museum and home to many examples of the wrought iron work of Cyril Colnic. I especially liked the doll exhibit, but didn't take any photos of it. Beautiful delicate beading and painting on the faces of the creative dolls. The exhibit closed yesterday.

Here are photos of the entryway, front garden and the back garden, which was mostly green, few flowers, but it was good for exercise up and down the stairs.

If you look closely, especially around the statuary, you will see that this museum is starting to look like a Milwaukee street, in need of maintenance.

Tradewind Products

With the economic downturn, a Milwaukee artist institution may have to cut hours to survive.
Tradewind Products, where I purchase frames, mats, painting and art supplies, is located at 2020 S Kinnickinnic Milwaukee. Many of their usual customers haven't been in this year, said Mike, who has worked at the little hole-in-the-wall store for years. He's never seen it so bad.

If you need art supplies, call 414 482 2992 or stop in; hours are M-F 10-4; Sat. 9-noon. They might dump Saturday hrs. so call ahead. They have Nielsen metal frames, good quality, and other more ornate frames in back. I get glass there too. It's mostly a wholesale store so if you are in doubt, call them first. They will also cut mats and assemble your art for you.

They don't have a Web site or take e-mail orders. Checks and cash only, no credit cards. Yes, I suppose they could update that part of things to compete, but that's the way it is. Mike and John are nice guys, and work to keep their customers coming back.

Additions to Web site

Hey, you might have noticed that my banner has changed. So has my direction, again.
I'm evolving and growing. I've changed the banner to reflect my new and old images; I've added them to the new section and expanded the digital section to include some of the new photo collages.

I sit for hours sometimes and work on my images. When I'm not at the computer, I'm thinking about what I want to do. I take three or more photos and put them together to create new images. The computer is a tool to help me achieve my vision.

I print all of these images myself on an Epson printer using Ultrachrome inks and Epson papers. They will last a long time, longer than a regular C print. These photo collages are available now in 8x10, 11x14, 16x20 mat sizes. I plan to go to canvas with many of them. When you see my booth at a show, it will be filled with color.

I recently met with someone who has been a regular award-winning photographer at top shows such as the Lakefront Festival of the Arts. She graciously offered her time and expertise to review my slides and help me develop a focus. Her words of wisdom and encouragement were what I needed. Thank you again!