Books in Bloom

Tonight I was at the opening of "Books in Bloom" at the James Library in Norwell. I interpreted the book"Water for Elephants " by Sara Gruen. I made a diorama with fabric from the dump and cardboard. sand, collage and a flashlight. It fit right into the shelf.

The "buckets" are painted medicine cups left over from Nyquil - filled with tiny flowers -and inside there is a flashlight shining on a cutout of an elephant and the inside of the tent.

My sister Bryson helped me a lot on this-it was fun!

derby days

Each summer for the past 10 or so years I teach art at Summer Arts at Derby- a full arts day camp that takes place at Derby Academy in Hingham. It is truly a highlight of my year- I love it. There is the full gamut of things for kids to do- from theater and music to visual arts, cooking,dance, sports,writing, sewing, photography, animation, circus arts, chess-and always some new and fun offerings. I love the artists that teach there-as well as the kids! 

Every day after lunch the kids and staff perform for each other - its very exciting- the talent is unbelievable! My own kids grew up in the program and both became counselors

-it was one of the positive experiences that changed their lives.

The kids are so supportive of each other and everyone shines. 

There's still room to sign up- tell your friends who are looking for something for their kids to do this summer for the 5 weeks in July- this is a very special place for all kids who love art from age 7- 15.

This was Mystic Bowie performing for us- we had a blast that day!

design for magnetic bookmark

I decided yesterday to do another design for the Marshfield Hills General store- I've been talking with the owner of the store about it for a while but realized Memorial Day is a great day to aim for- It's so festive there with the North River Arts Festival and the Memorial Day parade...so I am creating this design for a magnetic bookmark. I am going to use the magic of photoshop to put all the elements of this design together- I will show you how it looks all together in a day or two!

Kalanchoe 9"x12" oil on canvas

This was a gift from my daughter  Maddie for Mothers day- I like the delicate pink flowers of this plant. Thank you Maddie- I love it!

"Kellie's Piano Recital'' pencil on paper

 My niece Kellie has been taking piano lessons at the James Library in Norwell with the fantastic Janna Bruene for years- Janna is a wonderful teacher. My kids also studied with her and will always love her and remember what she taught them. Music is a very important part of their lives and Janna has made it fun.

Every Mothers Day we get to sit in the lovely upper floor of the old library and listen to the pieces played by the young performers- its a highlight of the year. I am so grateful that my brother and his family live so close so I can be a part of their lives. Oh! There is a a flower here- hidden in the antique wallpapaer...somewhere...

Mothers Day Flower

Yesterday in Roche Brothers grocery store this young man was passing out flowers to all the women who walked through the door. Well, the ones who might be moms-how would he know? This woman seemed a little reluctant to take it-maybe she wasnt  a mom- I sure took mine! I spent a lot of time while I painted this thinking about mothers to be, mothers  who are caring for young children,  mothers of teenagers ( bless you) mothers who are facing empty nests (me),  mothers who are elderly, mothers who have lost their children, mothers and grandmothers who have passed, and women who have never had their own children, but are maternal in nature in giving and loving ways to the people in their lives. Here's to all the women out there, I am thankful for them all.

the second worlds End tee shirt design

I tried to incorporate some elements from the first design- what do you think?