Art Alliance of Monmouth County Sept Gallery opening 2012

I am so happy my friend Michelle told me about the Art Alliance in Red Bank NJ.  She has been a member for a few years and invited John and I to a show last year.  I was interested and thought "I would love to give this a try...."  Michelle called me this week and told me to get down there, sign up to be a member and bring 3 pieces of your art...so that is what I did.....  This months theme is "What's New" so I took 3 of my pieces and signed up. Tonight was the opening.  I was a little nervous and not sure what to expect..... I must say I am so Happy I became a member, the gallery looked amazing filled with  so many interesting pieces of art, from mixed media, photography, sculpture, paintings, and drawings.  I met so many nice people.

it was fun getting to know new people and people that love art just like myself.  It was funny when we walked into the gallery and saw my piece hanging with my friends Michelle's piece.  They didn't know we were friends and there are pieces were.  Mine is the top picture.

it was nice to see my work hanging in a gallery.....

I made cupcakes for the opening and Michelle grabbed one to eat...and it looked just like the one she had tattooed on her arm.........

love this one of Michelle's..

So Happy Michelle introduced me to the Art Alliance.....

can't wait for the next months challenge......

Ocean Grove Flea Market Sept 2012......

 Had an interesting day with my hubby John.  We ventured out to the Ocean Grove Flea Market early this morning, it is something we do twice a year and always seem to enjoy searching for that special little something that you really don't need but can't live with out......

love this booth filled with the most amazing colorful vases...........

they have every color and the prices can't be beat..... We were happy to run into some of our good friends who out enjoying the flea....

I have never been a doll collector but I am starting to love these little miniatures, so charming and colorful.....

I spotted these cute little vintage bunnies and  had to get a shot of them, just so cute.....

this was the biggest Rolodex I have ever seen filled with vintage business cards and numbers.....

there wasn't as many people at the flea as usual maybe because the weather was very quickly changing.....we dodged in and out of tents and under umbrellas most of the day.  Feel sorry for all the vendors that have to get there so early to set up and prepare, then to have several rain storms... it can really dampen the day....

the ocean is steps away from the flea market and we had to get a glimpse of the sea.....even on a stormy day the beach is so relaxing and so beautiful..............

Ocean Grove is the picture perfect town......there is always a picture waiting to be taken.....weather was getting kind of bad so we headed back to the car and took a drive to find some place nice to have lunch.....

We ended up at  Klein's in Belmar...we were lucky the sun had just started to come out so we could enjoy lunch by the water.... we are trying to enjoy each and every day before the weather gets cooler.

some of the vintage fabrics, and trims that I found today....can't wait to get busy creating something special.  What did you find at the flea market today???

 

Ocean Grove Craft Show 2012

Well it was quite a busy summer for me...but I am not complaining......I was busy doing all the things I love.........teaching art in the garden in Ocean Grove, and getting  ready for 2 big Art events ...The Ocean Grove Art Show and the Ocean Grove Craft Show...I thought I would give the show circuit a try......However I didn't think I had enough items for 2 big shows so off to work I went......(well really I was home working!)

So soon as school was over I got down to painting....I had my friend and companion Shelby watching over me every chance she could....

what a face.....just love her...........loved that I could paint outside and enjoy the day while getting some  work done....

morning of the Craft show and we are on the road at 5:50 am......not a car on the road....except for us....

got to the great lawn and found people even earlier then us.....setting up.

was a great morning, the weather was nice....it was quiet and peaceful.....

people don't realize all the work that goes into  being in a show.....up early, packing the car, then unloading the car, then setting up...hoping that you didn't forget anything.....

then what a GREAT! feeling when you have everything just right......

my first  sale was a mixed media piece of art..... and I love when your customers are excited and happy to buy one of your pieces....this woman said this was the perfect picture for her friend who had just lost her  Mom......She said that her friend's Mom always said "DREAM BIG" and that she couldn't wait to frame this and give it to her.  I love to hear stories from people when they love something that you have created and that piece of art touches them in some way.......

                                                                                   

the first piece of jewelry I sold was to this woman who loved this piece...she said she collect jewelry and had to have it.  I wasn't sure if I should even bring this piece because this was one of the pieces that I entered into the contest at Cloth Paper Scissors and helped me win Mixed Media  Jewelry Artist of 2012....... The woman came into my booth with her Hubby she went right to that piece tried it on and fell in LOVE...so happy she was happy, kind of sad to see it go but happy going to a good home.....

my rescued mannequin that I got in Ocean Grove years ago is the perfect display piece...I found her laying in the street by the curb of a house having a garage sale...I went up to the door and asked if she was for sale and the woman said $5.00....I jumped at the chance but I think she was really put to the curb for garbage collection....I am so happy I found her and love her to death......she makes all my pieces look so nice resting upon her.... 

 
wall of art arrange by John........

I could have never have done any of these shows without him...He is such a BIG HELP!!! never complains and always encourages me................just LOVE him.....

another mannequin display

 items for 50% off always draws a lot of attention and buyers.....

one of my beautiful former art students Jen.....she is gorgeous, sweet, kind, and so talented.....and that choker looks so pretty on her...so happy she got it.....love when your pieces go to good homes.....

I spotted this lovely woman at the show...she came in my booth for a little bit and I was so busy that I  didn't get to speak with her..... so happy she came back later at the end of the day, she had  purchased a piece of art elsewhere and wanted to get something of mine to go along with her piece.....She spotted this piece of mine and said she had to have it...she is a professor in NYC and was redoing her office...loved her energy and style and loved that she was  thrilled with her purchase.....

well I think I am addicted like my friend warned be of........she said "Laura once you have your first show you will love it, and have fun meeting so many interesting people that you will be addicted"...well Laurie you were right.....Looking forward to my next show...........also in Ocean Grove the  Fall Harvest Festival on Saturday October 6th....I better get busy!

oh one more thing!!!!thanks to all my family and friends who came out to support John and I.....  we really appreciate and LOVE you!