In late March and early April, I've acquired two new retailers, Crossings at Carnegie in Zumbrota, Minnesota and woodbloom in Portland, Oregon. These two retailers are particularly exciting for me because up until now, most of my retailers have been located on the East Coast. With these new retailers located in the Midwest and West Coast, I have the opportunity to introduce my work in these areas. Much thanks to Marie Marvin of Crossings and Ken Kane of woodbloom for this opportunity!
I've also created a new line of jewelry and expanded the Ojos Series. The new line of jewelry, tentatively called the Beaded Chain Series is a line of bracelets, anklets, necklaces, and earrings of handmade beaded chain. Beads in the chains encompass a variety of materials, wood, Czech glass, Swarovski® crystal, and semi-precious stones. My most popular line in the Beaded Chain series is the Birthstone line which includes earrings, anklets, earrings, and necklaces made in gold, sterling silver and Swarovski® in each of the twelve birthstone colors. I also include custom mixing and matching of crystals to create personalized jewelry...a very popular gift item for Mother's Day. The bracelet shown below is the October Birthstone Bracelet in gold.
I've also expanded the Ojos Series to include rosaries and necklaces. The necklaces shown below are my first designs and are made of sterling silver.
The Ojos Rosaries are made of sterling silver and gold and beads made of a variety of materials including wood, crystal, and a a variety of uncommon materials. The rosary shown here is made of sterling silver and Buri Nut beads.
You can find my Ojos Necklaces at Vincent Hester Gallery in Portsmouth, Virginia and at any of my retail shows. My Beaded Chain Series and Ojos Rosaries are available only at shows.
And speaking of shows, the 2005 craft show schedule is now in full swing. My first show of the year was hosted by one of my favorite retailers, Elizabeth Sorrell of The Leaping Lizard. Dubbed the "Creating Woman Art Show", this 1st annual show is the brainchild of Cathy Smith and Elizabeth Sorrell. This show featured over 25 women artists in the local Hampton Roads area (including myself). Cathy is currently working on a book about women artists called "Creating Woman: Her Art and Spirit at Work in the World", and she and Elizabeth struck on the idea of having an art show at The Leaping Lizard that feature all women artists. Not only was I fortunate enough to receive an invitation from them to participate, but I was fortunate enough to meet a lot of talented female artists and to share exhibition space with them. Despite the threat of rain and thunderstorms, a perpetual hazard of outdoor show life, the day was a smashing success! The show even got a mention in The Beacon, the local newspaper for Virginia Beach. The show was such a success, we lady artists are lobbying for a 2nd Annual Creating Women Art Show. Not a bad way to start the 2005 show season!
You can take a look at the 2005 show schedule here. This list reflects all of the shows I'm currently confirmed for, but I will be adding to the list once I get more confirmations. You can return to the show schedule page to keep up to date, but an easier way is to sign up for my mailing list...then you'll get updates every time the schedule changes.
