Summer in the Northland

Visiting Bearizona with Simon and Rachel.

Oh my goodness! I can't believe that once again,  I haven't "blogged" in such a long time! It has been a busy summer indeed with teaching classes in Flagstaff at the Z House Gallery, guest speaker (and painter) at the Red Rock Lavender Farm in Concho, and wonderful family visits with the kids and grandkids.

Making chocolate truffles with Alex and AJ - delicious!

Red Rock Lavender - some personal time after my demo.

Oh yes, and I now have a beautiful poster, with a detail of the Flagstaff train station from one of my paintings, available in Flagstaff at the Visitor Center, the Artists' Coalition Gallery on E. Aspen and the Z House Gallery on Route 66. www.ZHouseGallery.com

Brandy's 20th Anniversary Celebration was so much fun! I was thrilled to be included in a 2 month group show with 7 other artists who  have shown their work at Brandy's Restaurant Gallery, in Flagstaff, over the years. That event culminated in a Big Outdoor Bash on July 27th with so many family events in the parking lot. I was part of the Artists Outdoor Market selling my "wares" at the back of my Honda!

That brings me to August, as I paint and prepare for Flagstaff Open Studios on August 24th and 25th, 10 am to 5 pm at my home studio. There are 65 artists participating this year at 35 different studios. You can download your map and brochure at 

www.flagstaff-arts.org. I am Studio #20 on the map. This year my sister, Janis, will be here, all the way from Toronto, Canada, to help us out with the event! My husband, John, will be hanging the paintings, putting out the signs and balloons,  and fixing the tasty treats in the kitchen. Yes, we'll have the recipes again for you this year!

I'll sign off now, so I can get back to my brushes; but promise to add a note soon about my solo show at Brandy's Restaurant www.BrandysRestaurant.com coming up on September 4th!

ps: If you are a new follower and would like to receive my newsletter with advance notice of shows and venues, send your email contact to me at Catherine@CatherineSickafoose.com. Thank you for your support and inspiration!

Update on Flagstaff Open Studios 2011

Here's a little peek at part of my studio set up - guess we were just getting ready to hang some of my award ribbons when John took this shot. It was a terrific weekend with lots of guests stopping by (familiar faces as well as new friends). Everyone loved the variety of art items available; it's always fun to watch folks find the perfect treasure to take home. (And to see their faces when they step in the door to our wall to wall display of watercolors!) Samples of Marie's PB&C Oat Bars were a big hit as well as the free recipe on her special notecard, A Geranium for Marie. Jenny F. from Tucson was one of the winners for the guest sign-in drawing and her little giclée of Daffodils in Crystal is being mailed off to her. (Still waiting to hear back from our second winner.) I'm just about rested up and have decided to keep my studio set up for this weekend in case you missed out and would like to stop by. Just give me a call!

Watercolor images on tiles!

Last minute preparations are underway for Open Studios in Flagstaff next weekend, August 27th and 28th, 10 am to 5 pm. My studio is #27 this year on the map which you can download at www.flagstaff-arts.org or pick up a brochure, available throughout Flagstaff. I will be introducing a brand new product - tiles with several different images. Here are just 2 of several available. They are bright and shiny, very eye catching and perfect for displaying on a shelf or desk. Come and see what I have and give me suggestions for other images that you might like for gifting to someone special or maybe keep for yourself!

Preludes to Flagstaff Open Studios

"Twilight at McMillan Mesa" (image 20x26)

Prelude for Open Studios, the reception this Saturday, 6-9 pm at the Coconino Center for the Arts in Flagstaff is being hung this week. We did take in on Monday and there is a wonderful variety of art being exhibited - one piece from each artist participating in the open studio weekend. The exhibit will continue to be open, Tuesdays - Saturdays, through September 1oth. This will give you an opportunity to see the various artists' work and to plan your route for the big weekend! Of course, #27 (my studio) should be your first stop!

"Twilight at McMillan Mesa" is the watercolor that I am showing at Preludes. I just completed it this last week after several evening walks on the mesa. The sunsets over the Peaks are breathtaking, especially now that our monsoon season is here.

Holiday Ideas at Open Studio #37

This is a tiny little easel with an original watercolor - perfect for that special someone - maybe you? Sunflowers are for all seasons, but there are also other images to choose from. And I still have some of the little boxes with original art for your shelf, desk or table top.
Here is a sampling of my new Holiday Decorations - all original watercolors on a tiny canvas ready to hang on your tree or from a special hanger of your choosing! Yes, they are finished with a glossy varnish to reflect the sparkle of your lights and protect them from moisture -maybe snowflakes?

Flagstaff Open Studios - August 28-29!

You are invited to Flagstaff Open Studios on August 28 and 29, 10 am t0 5 pm! My studio is #37 in the brochure and located at 1401 N. 4th St. #202 - follow the signs and yellow balloons. I will have brochures and maps to all the studios participating. It's a free event and lots of fun - a chance to see us in our studios and learn about lots of different art forms. No, my arm is not still in a sling - that was last year! I have had a chance to catch up on my painting and have new paintings and prints and some very unique little watercolor ornaments - perfect for your holiday decorations! I wish I had a whole basket full, but I'm painting more as I post this note. Come early and you will have several to choose from! As always, there will be a drawing each day from my "guest sign in" for a little print of your choice! See you then!
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