Bad Dogs, Roosters and the Garden

Busy, busy week! I had such a good time making a pack of "Bad Dogs" for the Spenard Farmer's Market on Saturday that I was laughing as I was welding their psycho eyes on their frenzied faces! But the best part was the reaction from the employees at the hardware store when I bought 4 lengths of heavy duty chain. They wondered what exactly I was chaining up and I said just a pack of wild dogs... I also made a couple of Roosters that sold quickly Saturday. One went happily home with my sweet friend and potter Kris Bliss. Kris' work can be found at galleries across the state. The welder gets plugged in first thing Monday morning and on the production list are a couple of baby "Steel Wool" sheep, another Rooster and a fun piece I've been wanting to make for a few weeks now...

The Alaska Botanical Garden Outdoor Art Show and 14th Annual Garden Fair was this weekend. After six years as the volunteer Outdoor Art Show coordinator, I passed my magic garden wand to fellow metal artist, Marieke Heatwole this year! One of my favorite events and absolutely the BEST venue to highlight outdoor sculpture. A favorite submission this year was a pair of Tori Gates hand crafted in wood by artisan Paul Button. The Gala and Show was even more fun by being able to assist rather than completely coordinate this year, freeing me up to socialize and enjoy the beautiful food and Moose's Tooth IPA on tap. The Show kicked off with the sold-out Thursday night Gala. There was abundant food, music, BEVERAGES and ART all under sunny skies. There were a record number of works with many selling the night of the Gala -all to support the beautiful Alaska Botanical Garden.

Derek and Gus helped with the Outdoor Art Show set-up

Ryan Morman's large steel and concrete sculpture gets unloaded -which was voted "People's Choice" for 2011. Congratulations Ryan!

Marieke Heatwole's found object and welded steel sculpture "Vinca."

Isolde Gibson'e hand formed clay sculptures "Raven Buddies" sold quickly! They were cleverly mounted on black PVC.

Steel and fused glass birdbath collaborative piece “Vampyroteuthis Infernalis Bird Sanctuary” by Thaddeus De Bois and Laura Mendola

Watering the Soul

My favorite Garden event has come and gone. As the Volunteer Art Show Coordinator, I was pleased to see the last of the sculptures loaded out of the Alaska Botanical Garden Fair and Outdoor Art Show yesterday under wet, gray skies but the positive comments on the art kept my disposition sunny. There was even an opportunity for me to do some Plein Air work on Saturday while I was art sitting the Show. A bit out of practice but painting and drawing out in the fresh

garden air actually felt like I was replenishing my soul. I sold two of my three sculptures, “Crescent Moon” was delivered last night and I will deliver “Lambelia” to the Lowenfel’s house today. The event sold more works than last year and judging from the comments and voting for the People’s Choice Award, the show has evolved to feature more confident and professional works of art. Congratulations to Marieke’s “Karmic Instructions” win

ning the 2010 People’s Choice Award. Click here for a copy of the sculpture Artists brochure I put together for the Show and here for the painters/mixed media brochure. “Solstice Love” is still for sale but there were two customers who wanted to find just the right place it in their garden before committing to buying. The sculpture has a relative small footprint but needs a lot of space for good visual placement at 73” wide x 85” tall x 45” deep. This year the trend seemed to be more gardeners but gardens and landscaping being done in smaller spaces. Overall budgets were also a bit smaller than in

years past and much consideration and more thoughtful conversations were taking place before purchases. A big help this year (especially for Daddy-O who has been the Show's muscle every year!) was the youthful strength of the 9-Star volunteers helping customers and artists haul out the sculptures via 4 wheeler. No rest for me today though, I’ve got to replenish Katie’s Gallery with works as she has sold out(!) and the Spenard Farmers Market awaits us this Saturday… m-u-s-t g-o t-o t-h-e s-h-o-p and c-u-t the m-e-t-a-l then w-e-l-d the m-e-t-a-l…

Thought you'd like to see Gina Hollomon's large, pit fired "Berry Patch Bear" at the Alaska Botanical Garden Show.

For a contrast to the green, lush, warm Garden, Kristen sent us the latest pictures from the top of the world. Their captain gave everyone “Ice Liberty” in the Arctic! She said she and fellow grad students really enjoyed the experience. The man with the gun that Kristen is “strong arming” with is one of four official Polar Bear watchmen –fortunately, his “expertise” was not needed… Here is a great link showing more of NASA’s Arctic Ice 2010.

Midsummer Gala in the Garden

Encaustic & mixed media artist Sheary Clough Suiter, glass artist Laura Mendola and myself enjoy sunshine, friendship and art along with a nice chilled glass of wine at the 2010 ABG Outdoor Art Show and Gala

The Midsummer Gala in the Garden was a prelude to the 13^th Annual Alaska Botanical Garden Fair and Outdoor Art Show. All week cloudy, cool rainy skies kept the volunteer committees wondering if we would need more tents for our opening event and as if the garden spirits and wood sprites were looking out for us, the clouds parted and the

sun shone on a capacity crowd at the 2010 ABG Gala! As the volunteer Art Show Coordinator my job doesn’t end until the last piece of art is safely purchased, delivered or picked up on the last day of the Fair on Sunday but a large part of my job was completed last night and it was time for a little libation celebrating fresh air, great art and friends! As the music

played under the arbor, wine glasses clinked and patrons filled their plates with incredible food including smoked salmon fillets, shrimp on ice, Quinoa Tabbouleh, chocolate dipped strawberries, and then we SOLD SOME ART BABY! 50% of the sales on each piece of art benefits the Garden and we sold pieces in all price ranges from $300 to $4,200. The most satisfying was not only selling over half of the works submitted but seeing two new artists to the event selling all three

of their submitted sculptures! The People’s Choice voting is underway and Garden Fair goers will have a chance to see all of the work on display through Sunday and cast their vote –a huge basket of art supplies awaits the winning lucky artist! So far, I have some catching up to do with “Solstice Love” running in second to Marieke Heatwole’s “Karmic Instruction.” I shouldn't say which piece I voted for last night but it wasn't

mine there were more deserving works in the Show but I can share it was between Rick Potter’s “Trimorphic” and Marieke’s. I can also say that I think Daddy-O and I canceled each other out as he had cash in hand to purchase Rick’s piece but was beat to the punch by a longtime supporter of the Garden who arrived early to snatch up Rick’s wonderful sculpture. If you're in Anchorage and missed the Gala there’s still time to experience the work of a select group of Artist’s in one of Alaska’s most inspiring outdoor venues. The ABG Garden Fair is this weekend Saturday 11 -6 (early entry for members at 10am) and Sunday 11 -5. Come say hi, I'm the Art Show hostess through the weekend. THEN go say hi to Daddy-O and Gus at the Spenard Farmers Market Saturday, 10-3 Gus and Derek will be "manning" our booth!

Marieke Heatwole poses with her "Karmic Instruction" in which the center columns spin.

Rick Potter's "Trimorphic" sculpture of steel, aluminum, copper, brass, copper. 32" w x 84" tall

Isolde Gibson's "Lichen" hand built ceramic urn 18.5" x 13"

Where I'm At

My 30^th class reunion is coming up. How has it been 30 years? I promptly called my Mom and told her that her kid just sent in her RSVP to attend her 30-year class reunion! If anyone understands how time can fly so fast it’s my folks –they still inadvertently think my sister and I can be no more than 20 years old and how can they possibly have a daughter that is closer to 50 than 30?! Even Derek and I don’t keep track of our birthdays and anniversary very well –my Mom calls to remind us of our wedding anniversary. Maybe it’s just our way of living timelessly –or maybe we’re just in denial? –ha! 30 years? Skimming over the Dimond High School class reunion website I read who would be attending so far, who was missing and who had died. Not to get existential, but this darn class reunion thing has had me being all existential this week. I’m totally content with my love life, my husband, kids, family life, dog, garden and even my business life -but my

“artist being” is always up for scrutiny...

Being rejected from a prestigious juried museum show (I hate to admit it, but for ten years running now), denied a National call for entry and then to be turned down for an important grant that I applied for left me questioning my “artist being.” Selling my garden art at the Spenard Farmers Market, which has provided more than summer spending money, it has provided me a bit of positive affirmation for my “artist being.” Only, sometimes when I tell friends what I’m doing I feel like I almost have to apologize for selling my art at a “market.” That somehow selling at a market has made me less of a “real artist” doing the “art under a tent” set-up. The truth is I’m really having fun at the Market and I enjoy it. My whole family helps at the Market, including helping other vendors set-up and tear down, helping with the

garbage and recycle cans, picnic tables and information tents and we like all of it. I attend weekly vendor committee planning meetings and help with marketing and vendor support. Derek says it’s because of the organic-ness of it -no pun intended. We like what the Market does for our community. We like driving 3 blocks to set up and being out in the fresh air with a cool vibe flowing from 10-3. We enjoy the new friends we’ve made and we especially like the whole foods we buy each Saturday and eat all week long.

Another venue and event that has become important to my “artist being” is the Alaska Botanical Garden Fair and Outdoor Art Show. About 10 years ago, the ABG Garden Fair is where I got my start in selling my metal Garden Art and ever since has been close to my art making heart. For the last few years I have volunteered as the Art Show Coordinator and enjoy rounding up the artists to participate and I also like spending the Fair weekend in the garden surrounded by all of their art. This year I’ll have three pieces in the Show, “Lambelia,” “Crescent Moon” 76" tall x 57" wide x 34" deep, and “Solstice Love" 85" tall x 73" wide x 45" deep.

After making the topiary sheep, I wanted to make another topiary sculpture with some of the left over wire and sphagnum moss. I was thinking about the longest day of the year approaching and the shear happiness of the midnight sun when “Solstice Love” hit me. Hopefully, the plantings will have enough time to grow more in length before the opening of the Show at the ABG Gala on June 24 –hurry, there is still time to get your tickets! If you are in Anchorage and aren’t able to attend the evening Gala you still can attend the annual Garden Fair at the Garden on June 26 & 27 OR stop by the Spenard Farmers Market this Saturday –because happily, that’s where I’m at.

Meet the "Lambelia" Family

With the help from Daddy-O my Sheep Topiaries have been built,

wrapped, planted, watered and now are being babysat in a cool area of our backyard. The extra set of hands was much needed not only to help hold the sphagnum (I think this is kind of a gross word) moss as it was wrapped with floral wire around the sheep forms, but to swat all the HUGE mosquito’s that were swarming us! I have about two weeks of growing time before the Alaska Botanical Garden’s Gala, Art Show and Garden Fair! The “Lambelia” family will be one of my entries. The form I used was the same one I used to create the "Steel Wool" garden

sculpture sheep. For the topiaries, I welded more 1/8” round stock to the body as “ribs” and added and wrapped poultry wire for the form to better hold the sphagnum moss. The big tip came from Patty at Sutton’s greenhouse and that was to wrap my

poultry wire in plastic wrap! She told me her son came up with this idea as a better way to hold in the moisture of the plants and moss-

what a great idea! Thank goodness I’m holding in some moisture –I couldn’t imagine how dry these topiaries would be without the plastic helping hold some of the moisture. As it is, I’m misting and watering at least 3 times a day. For the plantings, I’m using my favorite Regatta Sapphire Lobelia and Bambini Mix, Splendid Blue & Yellow, Sorbet Lavender Ice Violas. So far none of the plants have shown any shock but Derek and I laughed while having our coffee because yesterday morning there was a clump of potting soil on the ground right behind the Mama Sheep that looked like she left us a little “present” overnight!

Speaking of needing an extra set of gloved hands, this morning Daddy-O helped me make three trips to Alaska Metal Recycling. After a few months and the side yard starts to look a little hill-billy, I can usually have about 2,000 pounds of scrap metal that are cuts left over from plasma cutting and welding –today there was a lot of the galvi duct work that I had up-cycled for the “Steel Wool” sheep sculptures. For you local artists, Alaska Metal Recycling is also where I purchase all my copper wire by the pound and copper pipe I use for the garden chimes –they are located off King Street here in Anchorage.

Summer Daze

It’s official. As I flip the calendar from May to June our summer begins. Alaskans tend to pack a year’s worth of gardening, barbequing, fishing and general warm, outdoor activities into the next 90 days –yes, June, July and August is about all we have for summer living! I’m dancing to a whole new schedule this summer with our commitment to selling Fresh Art at the Spenard Farmers Market. I feel consistency is key to sales and keeping my customers happy which hopefully will keep me in fresh metal. June also kicks off more intense volunteer duties as the Alaska Botanical Garden Art Show Coordinator, one of my FAVORITE events. I’m rounding up the artists, encouraging our participating new artists, sending out e-mails and following up with communications to layout and design the artists brochure and signage. The fundraising Gala is June 24 and the Garden Fair is June 26 & 27 this year –they usually sell out but there’s still time to get your tickets to the outdoor Gala!

One of the pieces I’m working on for the ABG Outdoor Art Show is taking the forms I welded “Steel Wool” from and making topiary sheep.

The wonderful folks at Sutton’s Brown Thumb Greenhouse sold me 3 bags of (Gold!) Spaghnum Moss to fill out the bodies of the adult sheep and two baby sheep. What a great greenhouse and Patty was so helpful showing me their examples of topiaries in progress. The large photo at the top of the post is a shot of their topiary work area. Here is a link on how to make living walls and another resource for making topiary's (thank you for the lead Julianne!)

I also picked up a few new hanging baskets to embellish my welded plant stands that we sell.

This weekend is the Festival of Flowers and Anchorage is a HUGE city of flowers…I think it’s due to our long, dark winters that make us all go a little crazy for all things colorful and LIVING! For FRESH ART this weekend, Daddy-O will be manning our booth at the Speanrd Farmers Market and I will be at our booth downtown at the Town Square from 12– 6pm on Saturday. My own garden still needs some attention

and the veggie beds need to get put in but holding customer’s purchased pieces has filled it up so it doesn’t look lonely at all! Customers have bought plant stands and sculptures for surprise birthday, wedding and Father’s Day gifts and asked if we could hold the artwork for them until their special day. The photo at the bottom shows the crowed front garden –plus a STACK of upcycled duct work that I cut the “Steel Wool” curls out of that now needs to go to the metal recyclers -it's on my "to-do later" list! I’m more concerned about caring for the hanging baskets that were sold with the plant stands –I don’t want them to wilt with the sunny weather we’ve been having so I’ve hung them on

the cool, back doorstep. Not a problem babysitting though, I love having all the hanging baskets and (SOLD!) happy art waiting for their new homes.

End of the month also meant I got to take a road trip up to Half Moon Creek Gallery to do the month end inventory. Sales were fantastic and Chris, Christian, Sarah and Abigail (pictured) have the Gallery looking beautiful as usual. Check out their web site or FB link for summer glass torchwork, mosaic and fusing classes & workshops.