Friday, July 25, 2008

Heapin' Herbivores!

I want to live in the Empire of Bizarro because:
I am a vegan.
I love blueberry pie.
Wandering eyeballs make me laugh.
Dan Piraro is a genius artist-comedian-musician-philosopher guy with screamingly brilliant talent. He campaigns tirelessly, alongside the equally genius Ashley Lou Smith, aka CHNW (Crazy Half-Nekked Wife), for the freedom and happiness of captive creatures everywhere. His pies, pirates and peaceful beasts will tickle your funny bone, your brain bone and your conscience bone all at once. Find him here and here and here...and even here.
Live. Laugh. Love. Eat Pie.

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Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Whimsically Wandering Mr. Mustard & Doris Dog

Sam Toft
Brighton, UK

Irresistible limited editions, cherishable originals and a gaggle of goodies from the sweetly talented Sam Toft! Sam's Brown Dog Studio is tucked into the lovely and lively Brighton Hove area on the south coast of England. Twice a year she holds an Open Studio where you can see firsthand her delightful mixed media work. Using oil pastels, colored inks, sgraffito and her own "innovative fingers-and-thumbs" technique she brings to life the pleasant meanderings of Mr. Mustard, Doris the Dog, Rover Fish, Audrey the Sheep and the World Famous Stanley Philpot just to name a few. If you can't make it to the English seaside, visit Sam's beautiful and inspiring website to see the full range of her artwork, studio videos, endearing ecards and much more!
"I am lucky that the accident of my birth left me at the edge of things - ever watchful, observant and compelled to link scenes and memories into some kind of narrative. Stripes, textures, delicious whiffs, children's rhymes, eccentric characters, lovely hats, nostalgic tunes and beautiful dogs are all things that catch my attention and fuel my imagination. I am grateful to these favourite things that make my creativity possible, along with my eyes, my hands and especially my mum." >>continue>>

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Peaceable Tees

Northern Sun
Minneapolis, MN

T-shirts, Stickers, Stationery, Posters and more bearing the best in social, political, spiritual and humorous designs.

Featuring artists such as George Beyer, Sandra Griffin, Shepard Fairey, Dr. Lucia Capacchione and Jen Delyth!

Northern Sun got its start back in 1979, right before radiation started leaking from the Three Mile Island nuclear plant in Harrisburg, PA (March 28, 1979). Riding a bicycle and carrying a backpack full of tshirts, etc., Scott (the owner) began selling message-oriented items at anti-nuke events. >>continue>>

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Sunday, July 20, 2008

Craft For A Cure

American Craft Exposition
Henry Crown Sports Pavilion, Northwestern University--Evanston, IL
August 21, 2008 Benefit Preview Party
August 22-24, 2008 Open to the Public

A much-anticipated annual art event, the American Craft Exposition brings together the very best designers in fine craft to benefit cancer research. Meet highly regarded artists such as jeweler Jonathan Lee Rutledge, ceramicist Natalie Blake, fiber artist Renee Harris and woodturner Galen Carpenter all in one place. This indulgent treat is definitely worth a visit, and proceeds benefit breast and ovarian cancer research at Evanston Northwestern Healthcare. Do a good deed and add to your craft collection at the same time! >>continue>>

Images:
Jonathan Lee Rutledge
Earrings ~ 22K Gold, Diamonds, Cultured Pearls
Natalie Blake
Porcelain Vessel ~ hand-thrown, sgraffito-carved with hand-thrown/built Porcelain lid
Renee Harris
"Taking the Flyingfish Taxi Home" Wall Piece ~ hand-felted Wool, embroidery
Galen Carpenter
Woodturned Vessel ~ Royal Palm, Antler

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The Heart of the Metal

Pamela Argentieri
Cleveland Heights, OH

Lattice-like forms, frosty textures and silky colors are the playthings of jewelry designer Pamela Argentieri. Highly regarded for her one-of-a-kind sculptures and functional pieces whispering of Scottish Arts & Crafts style, Pamela's jewelry is just as stunning, thoughtful and accessible. Her pieces are part of the Smithsonian's prestigious Renwick Gallery collection, and can also be found in galleries such as Taboo and at Argentieri Design. Her colorful nature-inspired jewelry is whimsical and fun to wear and will always be a favorite! >>continue>>

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Thursday, July 10, 2008

The Coolest of Kohler

Midsummer Festival of the Arts
John Michael Kohler Arts Center--Sheboygan, WI
July 19-20, 2008

The fabulous John Michael Kohler Arts Center hosts the 38th annual Midsummer Festival of the Arts, bringing together over 100 of the country's most talented artists and craftspeople in over a dozen media: Ceramics, Digital, Drawing, Fiber & Leather, Glass, Jewelry, Metal, Mixed-Media 2D and 3D, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture and Wood. In addition to this feast for the eyes, you can listen to the live music of award-winning musicians, enjoy samples from exceptional chefs, taste wine and beer created by area brewers and vintners, and create your own masterpieces in artist-led workshops. Indulge your artistic side and celebrate summer at JMKAC!
On the Program...

Midsummer Festival of the Arts: Workshops
• Clay Play
Roll up your sleeves and play with clay! Try wheel throwing and hand building techniques with guidance from Arts/Industry artists, Arts Center interns, and area art teachers.
• Driftwood Discoveries
Create three-dimensional found object sculptures referencing the environment builders seen in the American Masterpieces exhibition
with assorted driftwood pieces, found metal, copper wire, rattan, and more.
• Bird Bungalows
Design a one-of-a-kind bird bungalow for your fine-feathered friends. Using colored tubes, mesh, wood, cones, paint, and a variety of other materials, create a unique whimsical bird dwelling.
• Face Painting
Have your face painted and transform yourself into a new you!
• DIY Series: Stupid Creatures
Artist and author of Stupid Sock Creatures, John Charles Murphy brings his quirky sense of humor and lovable aesthetics to the Arts Center during the Midsummer Festival of the Arts weekend for drop-in workshops where you can make your very own monster. Sewing machines, notions, buttons, odds and ends, and, of course, socks, will be on hand. The artist and collaborators will be there to help inspire your creation.

Midsummer Festival of the Arts: Music
Saturday, July 19
• 10:00-11:00am ~ Sequoia (Blues)
This ingenue is a flaxen-haired, 16-year-old schoolgirl who plays and sings the blues, from Sheboygan.
• 12:00-2:00pm ~ Yid Vicious (Klezmer)
Specializing in Klezmer, a joyful Yiddish folk music, music for dancing and celebrating, from Madison.
• 3:00-5:00pm ~ Spanglish (Latin music)
Performing both American and Latino music, featuring an energetic mix of genres and styles sung in both English and Spanish, from Milwaukee.
Sunday, July 20
• 10:00-10:45am ~ Icarus Drifting (Rock)
Grounded in lyrics and melody, laced with the delicacy of strings, and propelled by the driving rhythms of guitar, bass, and drums, from Sheboygan.
• 11:30-1:30pm ~ The Randal Harrison Trio (Jazz)
Original compositions, violin/percussion/bass, regularly performing at the Sharon Lynn Wilson Center, from Madison.
• 2:30-4:30pm ~ Peter Mulvey (Folk/Rock)
Acclaimed singer/songwriter with an intense percussive guitar style, 2008 WAMI winner, from Milwaukee.
About the John Michael Kohler Arts Center: A nationally acclaimed visual and performing arts complex in downtown Sheboygan, the Arts Center is devoted to innovative explorations in contemporary American art. Its exhibitions focus on a wide range of art forms, with particular emphasis on sculpture, photography, crafts, new genres, installation art, ongoing folk traditions, and the work of self-taught artists. The performing arts emphasize dance, music, and theatre performances from around the world. Programming also includes a renowned Arts/Industry residency program, classes, and special events. With the completion of its expansion, the new 100,000-square-foot Arts Center comprises ten galleries, an intimate theatre, a flexible interdisciplinary performance space, studio-classrooms, meeting spaces, the ARTspace shop, and the ARTcafe. The Arts Center also has an adjunct site: ARTspace, an exhibition space and shop in the Shops at Woodlake in Kohler Village. >>continue>>

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