Road Trip

Hey,

We were on the road last week June 18th & 19th at the State of Illinois Thompson Center in downtown Chicago, IL. The Illinois Artisan Program have what the call sprees and this was a 1st for us and we will do it again if we can. I met some wonderful artisans and saw some old friends and co-workers (below in the red tee-shirts), they along with others were protesting the budget cuts that the state is making with all of the social services that are needed. In the mist of all of the protesting came a young lady with a beautiful Peony that I just had to take a picture of.

I met an artist named Johanna Patricia Vargas and do go to her web site and check out her work. We have formed a mutual admiration society.

I love the design of the Thompson Center (below) and even when it rain and the rain comes into the building. There are small birds that have made their homes in the atrium and fly around at will. There is also tons of public art in this building so if you come to town and can please go a visit.

I love jewelry and these two were so very gracious and their jewelry was just so fabulous. La Vonne Nye (below) creates fine silver, gold, and bronze and uses vintage beads.

Lillian Cartwright was just a fabulous as her creations. She share so much of her knowledge about the sprees and her creations. Click on their cards or name to visit their websites or the artisan gift shop if you are in town. Some of the other artist that were involved with this event were John Ferguson, Colleen Feratier, Scott Fincher, Mike Nichols, Jewell Pates, and Karen Snow. Jewell is a member of Artisans 21 Gallery and this is one of the oldest cooperative art galleries owned and operated by 20 artists and artisans in the country. So if you are in town do stop by and be enchanted.

Darling Divas/Friends Road-trip

Greetings All,

The Darling Divas/Friends have been kind of quite lately, but yesterday they went out to lunch with the LINKS. The Links, Incorporated founded in 1946, is one of the oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of women who are committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African Ancestry. The luncheon was held by the South Suburban Chicago Chapter at the Olympia Fields Country Club in Olympia Fields, IL. This was their "Hats On" luncheon, Art exhibit and scholarship celebration and the hats were on in full force. I truly enjoyed watching all the wonderful colors, styles and shapes of hats. I took so many pictures and I hope that you enjoy looking at all the beautiful birds on parade.

Greetings All

Greetings,

Sorry I've been on the quite side of posting. I've been busy with my art quilts and not my Divas. But I did get an inquiry from a local doll maker Diane Paige and wanted to share her doll with you. If you are in the Chicago area and want to meet a wonderful group of doll makers come out on the 1st Saturday morning from 10 am until Noon and share with "Dolls Just Wanna Have Fun" doll club at Hancock Fabrics in Lombard, IL at 441 Roosevelt Road, 60148

Darling Divas/Friends 2nd Road Trip of the year

Greetings All,

Well for the last two days the "Darling Divas/Friends" (above) have been on a journey. They had their 2nd Road Trip of the year at the "Cultural Connections" 11th annual extravaganza. This has been my 10th year in participating is this wonderful event. The Divas/Friends were on display and only "Maize"(below) found a new home and is on her way to Washington D.C. Everyone was on their best behavior and well received.

I love art/artist and I love the fact that they love what I do also. I increased by "Jazzabon Creations" collection below. I got a new cookie jar, tea pot and some gifts for family/friends. I also got a arty "Obama" mouse pad that I'm not sure if I'm going to frame or use and another ceramic wall tile.

Joyce Lomax of "Jazzabon Creations" got "Zenobia" (right) to add to her mother's collection and I grateful that Joyce and her mother love my "Darling Divas/Friends and thanks again Joyce. It was a good trade.

Greetings and Happy Holiday.

Greetings All,

I went yesterday the the Bridges Gallery in St. Charles, IL to collect my divas/friends. Cree (left) and Jade (center) found new homes and Peaches (right) is on stand-by. I am glad that I had the opportunity to have them to be on exhibit and. This weekend I will have my first open-house of the season and those that are still available will join their family in hopes of finding new homes. I hope/pray that you all have a great, safe, and wonderful holiday.

Road Trip

Wednesday I took my first on the road trip. I did a trunk show/lecture at the Northshore Quilters Guild in Milwaukee, WI. They were so very kind and had great questions about my work. I had them laughing and crying. I'm looking forward to my next engagement. I took several of my "Darling Divas/Friends" (below) with me and they were also well received so much so that I was asked if I would be willing to come back and do a workshop and I am in awe.

Greetings All,

Greetings All,

For the last 4 days I've been at "The African Festival of the Arts". It's on of Chicago's largest events. The weather was great. The music was awesome and the art fabulous. This event for me has been like a family reunion. I see some people only once a year at this time and then there is always the possibility of making new acquaintance or re-establishing old ones. I learned a great deal during these times and will celebrate them for the rest of my life. Several of my "Darling Divas" found new home. Meron (above left)my first pregnant doll now resides in St. Louis, Missouri and Adiva (below right)is gone to Georgia.