Some Like It Hot!

Not only is that the title to a new piece, it's my mantra right now. I want spring! What is up with this cold, dreary weather? I'm trying to stay optimistic and make a few fun pieces, but the view from the studio window is a little depressing. There is nothing better than spring in Bloomington and I am anxious for this year's to arrive. Now that I've finished a pair of super-sunblocking glasses, entitled "Some Like It Hot", I want an opportunity to wear them! Bring on the warm sunny days!

Tropical Paradise Show Is A Go!

It's been a wild month preparing for the Queeney Park Art Fair this weekend in Saint Louis, as well as finishing and delivering work to the Orchard Gallery in Fort Wayne for the "Tropical Paradise" show opening today. My friend, talented fiber artist, and coconspirator, Martina had this say about the show:

Bloomington artists Cappi Phillips and Martina Celerin have collaborated to create a vibrant art exhibit, “Tropical Paradise.”
The collection of works is on display at The Orchard Gallery, 6312 Covington Road, Ft. Wayne, Indiana.
The Galley is open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m Monday through Saturday with extended hours to 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday.
The show will be up from April 2 to 30, 2009.

“Even though our media are completely opposite, I work with hard objects, glass, stone, metal, plastics, and Martina works with soft materials, yarns, wool, cotton, fleece, we both share a whimsical side and create pieces that encourage smiles as well as tactile responses. Patrons discover the unexpected when viewing (or touching!) our work,” said Phillips, of Moe's Ache's studio. “When the gallery invited us to participate, it was the cold dreary days of December. The thought of starting on pieces for a ‘Tropical Paradise’ show seemed like such a warm, happy way to be working!” recalls Phillips.

“Cappi and I both use reclaimed and recycled materials to create our art. We’re always on a treasure hunt. As I was making the piece ‘Sangria!’ I realized that I needed plastic ice cubes to complement (and contrast with) the needle felted fruit. Of course the first and only person that I had to called was Cappi!” recalls Celerin.

The artists encourage people who can’t attend the show to visit their web sites to get a little sparkle in their smile (www.MartinaCelerin.com and www.moesache.blogspot.com)

Chicks with Dicks Window Is Up!

We just finished installing the window for the Bloomington Playwrights Project (BPP) upcoming production of "Chicks With Dicks II
Battle With Cannibal Sluts in Outer Space!".

“Chicks II has a much bigger cast and is literally and figuratively, ‘further out there’ than the original,” explains Richard Perez, director. “Where the original was confined to small town America, Chicks II has now broadened the gang's exploits out into outer space. I think audiences will have a blast meeting the new crew of foreign bodies found on Planet 19 in the X Solar System.”

“The instinct was to do a sequel that riffed further and farther on pulp-pop culture,” explains Trista Baldwin, playwright. “As you might guess from the title, I take on the other classic pulp genres, sci fi and horror.

In keeping with Trista's themes, I created spacy-looking chickens clad in aluminum, and horrifying hair rollers. If you get a chance, check out the window and the production this month at the BPP 107 West 9th, Bloomington, Indiana. Show times and ticket info below.

http://www.newplays.org/content/NewsRelease.aspx?nid=188