A+ Report Card in Arkansas

Joe and I are in Hot Springs this weekend, checking in on my parents. We are happy to report that Bob's progress is excellent. Here he is with his favorite physical therapy nurse. Mom is smiling in the background.

Prepping for a Band Tour

Daniel Mayo, advanced screenprinting class member, prints CD covers for his band, Drums and Color. He is printing four at a time, a good thing since he's planning to print a total of 200 to take along when the band goes on tour soon.

Matt, sound manager for the band, and Noel, band member, stopped into class to help Daniel with production. Daniel says they'll sell the CDs for $5 each. What a great deal for a CD of great music wrapped in an original work of art!

Before Dan leaves, he'll print some posters and t-shirts with the tour schedule. They'll visit six states.
Have a great time, Drums and Color!

I Spoke Too Soon.

(Photograph thanks to Kevin Fleming.)

I thought those furry little creatures had said goodbye a few days ago but we were awakened again last night by crunching noises coming from Sophie's food dish. And, again, Sophie was snoozing happily beside me.

Yet another young possum!

My Hansel and Gretel trail didn't fool this baby, so I'll try tastier treats tonight. Meanwhile, maybe I'd better pull the guest book out, turned to a fresh page. I'm told possum siblings can come in packs of thirteen!

A Portfolio Exchange

The Intaglio Class is doing a portfolio exchange this semester. This means that all of us involved will create an edition of prints large enough to give one print to each other participant. So, with fourteen participants, each artist will end up with a portfolio of 14 different prints. Katharine Gross is the first to finish her edition of prints. Isn't it spectacular?!

The Insatiable Beast

Katharine Gross

intaglio, 2010

"Louise Bourgeois: The Fabric Works"

A wonderful show of rarely shown fabric works by Louise Bourgeois is now on view in London at Hauser & Wirth. Here are some examples:

This Morning's Beautiful Sunrise Over Long Beach

 These pictures were taken at the same time, from east to west.

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Possum Update: Success! No more possums inside, thanks to Hansel and Gretel.

Uninvited Guests

So, last night, noises awakened me from a sound sleep. They were emanating from under the bed. At first, I thought the cat was scurrying around until I realized that Sophie was snoring at my side.

I raced out of the room seeking safety, of course. (I'm not brave.) But Joe got the flashlight. Soon, he yelled, "It's a baby possum!" Who knows how it got there. (Or, maybe Sophie knows.)

Joe said, "In the morning, we'll call in an expert." But, another idea came to mind: I set a trail of Sophie's dry food from the bed to the back door and left the door open. Soon, the little creature ate his way outside and I shut the door!

But, back in bed and almost morning, there were more noises. Sheesh! ANOTHER possum! Did Joe start a branch of the Humane Society while I was away?

The "Hansel and Gretel" technique didn't work this time, perhaps because of the dawn light. Possums are nocturnal and our second little friend might have settled in for the day. But, he's going to be especially hungry tonight and I'm going to be ready...

I'm Back!

I'm home again and happy to report that my Mother feels better and is back to her vibrant self. While Bob's recuperation will take a number of weeks, he is improving daily, working hard at therapy (or should I say therapy is working him hard) and has good spirits.

Spending time with them these last two weeks meant a lot to me. And, a bonus, I got to see and enjoy some of their wonderful friends: Mary Ella Clark, Mary Jo Mann and Ken Gilliam, Tim Kauffman, Luke Kauffman, Win and Bill Bowman.

My brother, Walter Stromquist, is there now for a few days and we had fun during our overlapping time. Walt is a gourmet when it comes to scrambled eggs and he can program a cell phone with his eyes closed!

Extended Stay

I'll be back home and on line this weekend; I decided to stay in Arkansas a little longer. My Mother and Bob are doing well, given everything they are going through.

A Short Hiatus

I'll be posting again this weekend after returning from Arkansas where I am now, visiting my Mom and stepfather while he is recuperating from a serious fall....

Eat Drink Art Design

Wouldn't a salad taste all the better if it were tossed with these utensils! Made in 1992 by Robert Farrell and titled,"Toss IX," these beauties are made of copper, brass, 14K gold, and sterling silver. They are on view in the exhibit Eat Drink Art Design at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York. The show includes artist made dishes of all sorts and from many eras.

Creative Hands

Class seemed especially energetic and productive tonight. Here are some views of the action:

A Fine Morning for Outdoor Dining

Joe and I arrived early for brunch with dear friends at the Long Beach Museum of Art, situated on a cliff overlooking the ocean. After all the heat, humidity and quirky lightning this week, we weren't sure what to expect today, but both the weather and the view were superb.

Taken when all had arrived: Brig Knaur, Joe Kump, Kris Morris, Roger O'Leary-Archer, Lynn O'Leary-Archer. This get together was a special treat because Brig and Kris, from Port Townsend, WA, were in town only briefly.

Website Updated with Newest Work

Six by Six: Meditations (1), 2010

collage, screenprint, graphite, 6" x 6"

Six by Six: Meditations (2), 2010

collage, ink, watercolor, pastel, 6" x 6"

Six by Six: Meditations (12), 2010

screenprint, 6" x 6"

My excellent webmaster, Karyn L. Carpenter, has uploaded images of art I've completed in the last two years - 40 works, including 32 collages, 8 mixed media works on paper, and one screenprint. I hope you'll check it out, by clicking here!