• A recent article in Eco-Artwear Notes featuring our recycled pieces  reminded me that I need to start making mailboxes again.  

With the advent of  email and texting in addition to postal rate hikes and less "snail mail", I was questioning if we even need mailboxes anymore. 

But after some thought on the matter, I realize we do.  Ever since I was a kid the sound of the postman coming up to the door meant the possibility of something just "for me".

As a resident of a neighborhood with older homes, we have the luxury of a mailbox mounted on our porch.  I know the sound of the lid being closed, signaling that the postman "cometh" and among the (albeit fewer) pieces of junk mail, bills and pizza coupons there may be some correspondence of the old fashioned personal kind.  

So, I am going to re-visit my stash of "orphan mailboxes" I have acquired over the years and start tiling!  Maybe the "build it, they will come" idea will work.  A beautiful mosaic mailbox with a real handwritten letter tucked inside waiting for the recipient.  Nothing better! 

Swimming Up Stream

Here it is 4 days before the Krasl Art Fair. The studio looks like a disaster zone,  partially finished pieces cover the work tables, the floor is crunchy with glass and packing material sits in "stand by" mode.  What happened to June?  Why will I never be ready for the next show?
We always look forward to Krasl.  A beautiful show in Saint Joseph, MI, on the bluff overlooking Lake Michigan.  This year they celebrate their 50th anniversary.  What once started as a "clothesline" art fair in 1962 has now turned into one of the nicest, juried art fairs in the midwest.  I'm always excited when I get my "acceptance", but never seem to have enough time to finish all the work I want to share with the patrons.  Although, Bud (packer-boy) will disagree with me when it comes time to load all the new work in the van!

So, back to the studio to put the finishing touches on the new pieces.  'Hope you will stop by this weekend, July 9 10 a.m to 6 p.m. and July 10 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  We'll be in booth #181, just in front of the gardens across from the art center.

If I Only Had A Crystal Ball....

Well, it's not crystal, but our new gazing ball stand with cool blue tempered glass ball is finished and will debut at the Talbot Street Art Fair this weekend, June 11-12.  
Gazing globes as we all know look fabulous in the garden.  They also come with a rather fabulous legend.
A globe was said to bring happiness, good luck and prosperity to those who owned it. The globe was known to ward off evil spirits, misfortune, illness and, of all things, witches!  Some say the ball should be placed near the entrance to the house so that if a witch came to your house she would not be able to get past her reflection as she cannot tear herself away from her own image. There are other accounts that say a witch cannot bear to see her own reflection so she will not come near a "witch’s ball"
A more practical use for these beauties originated in the south.  Placed strategically by the path from the front gate, one could see from the veranda who was calling before the caller could see them, allowing plenty of time to prepare refreshments for their guest or to hide — whichever was fitting.
Whether you love the legend, or just the beauty of a unique piece of art in the garden, gazing balls are predictably cool! 

Thank You Talbot Street Fans!

Thank you to all the fans who braved the elements and supported the show this weekend!

Now it's back to the studio to work on requests and new pieces.

"He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist." - St. Francis of Assisi

I'm hoping to get busy using all three!

It's Talbot Street Time!

I almost hate to admit this, but I think I did my first Talbot Street show 30 years ago!!! Back in the 80's we would pack up a load of "Harries" (the whimsical clay creatures that started this whole career) in my Toyota Landcruiser and head to Indianapolis for an often rainy, but always worth-it weekend.

Eleven years ago we fired the last kiln, put away the clay and transformed the workspace into a glass/mosaic studio. While our work has changed, our love of Talbot Street still remains.

We've met thousands of loyal patrons and artists, and always look forward to reconnecting with them at the show. We hope to see you this weekend in Indianapolis at the 55th Annual Talbot Street Art Fair . Look for us in booth #248 (across from the former Heron School). As usual, we have unusual, wild and wacky work!

'Fishing you a great weekend!

The Mirror Kats are in their new home!

After months of work, the Mirror Kats are out of the studio and happily greeting patients at the dental office where they now reside. For the full story of the creation, progress and installation check out the video and photos at: Mirror Kats Story.

Now it's time to finish the final pieces for Cincinnati SummerFair next weekend. Join us in the "purple parkway", booth 5U, June 4-6th.

Broad Ripple Art Fair This Weekend!

The rare Woop Woop Lizard can be spotted in our booth (#99) this weekend along with more of Moe's wacky menagerie. Join us at the Broad Ripple Art Fair, Indianapolis Art Center for a great weekend! Broad Ripple Art Fair

Cherokee Triangle Park Art Fair April 24-25

Join us this weekend for the Cherokee Triangle Art Fair in Louisville, Ky. This show is located in one of Louisville's nicest neighborhoods. Gardens and yards are exceptionally beautiful this time of year and the artists showcase their latest works. Southern hospitality, live entertainment, enthusiastic patrons and great arts and crafts make for a great weekend. 'Worth the trip!

See our new work for the home and garden in booth #707 (across from the dining tent). No Rain! No Rain!! No Rain!!!

http://www.cherokeetriangle.org/fair2010.htm

Our latest "Six Seasons" wall piece will be in Louisville. 'Hope to see you there!

Spring in Bloomington

A picture's worth a thousand words, or blossoms in this case.

They call it Bloomington for a reason......

Indiana Art Fair February 20-21

Looking for ways to find color during the blah winter months? Let the seventh annual Indiana Art Fair add some flavor to your season. The event features some of the best artists Indiana has to offer and this year, there will be even more to see. As in years past, guests are able to enjoy the museum while browsing the work of more than 93 artists representing 30 Indiana counties. Preview this year's event by checking out the list of artists on the museum website. This year's show promises to more than lighten your mood, but also heighten your senses! And don't miss a chance to check out the museum's Abraham Lincoln exhibitions. Visit the museum's website for more information.

January is a l-o-n-g month

It's almost over! What a cold, long month it's been. I've spent more time in the kitchen than in the studio. A very rare occurrence in this household, but it's been a time for making chicken soup, meatloaves, hot mochas and other comfort foods.

I know February will fly by. Coming up way too soon: Indiana State Museum Art Fair http://www.indianamuseum.org/visit/events/eventview.asp?eventid=207

and the Garage Sale Art Fair in Kalamazoo: http://www.garagesaleartfair.com/

Have you seen these Missing Mosaic Panels?

On Wednesday, December 9th (a cold, windy, snowy night) someone took two mosaic panels from our yard and porch.

The Garbage' Mural (approx. 4.5' tall x 3' wide), my first attempt at an outdoor piece, had successfully hidden our garbage cans from view for almost 11 years. I guess I should be flattered that someone wanted it enough to steal it, but it is a treasured "friend" that will be missed by our family, visitors and neighbors.

The hanging piece (above) was done by an elderly man I met during a downtown Chicago art fair when I was first starting out in mosaics. Seymour Adelman approached my booth, shared a small tattered picture of his recent mosaic installation, (Dr. Martin Luther King in King Community Center), welcomed me to his studio and gave me encouragement. Years later, I purchased his "mirrored bird" piece at an auction. Shortly thereafter he passed away. It has great meaning for me, and it is a piece I would be grateful to see again. It is mainly done in mirror on plexi glass with a dark grey wooden frame. It measures approx. 36"x20".

We made a police report, and the officer encouraged us to notify other artists and friends. I sent an email to friends and posted pictures on Face Book. The response from the community has been unbelievable. I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to respond and forward this information along.

While it's a long shot.....I still feel that someone may see these someday, and if so, please contact me or the Bloomington Police at (812)339-4477.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season. May you, your family, friends (and artworks!) be safe and secure this new year!

Holiday Happenings

My favorite bizarre bazaar is coming up this Friday and Saturday, December 4th & 5th.

Join Moe's Ache Studio at the 51st Unitarian Universalist Church Art Fair and Bazaar this Friday

from 10-7 and Saturday from 9-4. Located at Fee Lane and the Bypass, Bloomington, IN.

Featuring over 50 great artists and craftsmen, this is more than an art fair. UU always has a fab white elephant sale (where I often find the weirdest "stuff" that inspires new pieces), as well as a great selection of books, and often plants for sale.

We'll be there with new mosaics like the "Giant Java" coffee cup. If you need holiday gifts, we'll

have a nice selection of one of a kind mosaic and "upcycled" gifts under $30!

If I'm not in my booth, I will probably be in the one across the aisle, doing my own holiday shopping, socializing and noshing on the delicious homemade soups and cookies.

Like I said, it's more than an art fair. The best way to shop for the holidays! Join us!

Deja Vu One More Time

The Deja Vu Show featuring artists who creatively reuse and recycle materials is this Saturday, November 7 at the YES Cinema, downtown Columbus, Indiana.

Our studio is filled with "works in progress" that hopefully will be progressing rapidly in the next two days, in time for the show.

Wonder Woman ornaments, made from vintage aluminum drink coasters, along with recycled wreathes and "upcycled" clocks enrobed with thrift store treasures and vintage jewelry are just a few of the pieces that will be in the booth on Saturday.

'Just finished: "Yoga Frog". Set on a "mat" of recycled glass, this whimsical frog in monkey pose is a reminder of my own neglected practice. 'Back to the mat tomorrow morning!

Ringo Flamingo

9/09/09 is here!  The re-mastered version of the Beatles catalogue is released, and Ringo Flamingo is loaded in the van for a debut at the Penrod Art Fair this weekend in Indianapolis.  Strictly a coincidence, or cosmic convergence?

Check out Ringo and all the other fab mosaics at Moe's Ache Studio's booth (Green 86) at The Penrod Art Fair this Saturday, September 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  www.penrod.org/artsfair.html

July is going too fast!

We just returned from Krasl Art Fair in St. Joe, Michigan.   With perfect weather, great crowds and a double booth to show off all the pieces we've been working on, it was a good show.

Now it's back to the studio to get ready for two of our favorite shows.

The Fourth Street Festival of the Arts and Crafts, Labor Day weekend, and Penrod the following weekend.  It sounds like a long way off, but the way July has slipped by, they both will be here before I'm ready.

I'm in the process of cleaning out the studio for the first annual "Artists' Yard Sale" to take place August 21-22.  I know this will be a great sale, because artists always have the best "stuff".  More info to come, but be prepared for a great yard sale!

More "Fowl" Art

A soggy Fourth is behind us, and we're looking forward to a great weekend in Saint Joe, Michigan for the Krasl Art Fair.  Set on a bluff, overlooking Lake Michigan, it's a perfect setting for an art show.  Great work, cool breezes and hopefully, cooperative weather both days.  

Even though we've been concentrating on making garden pieces for this show, I couldn't resist finishing up "Wired Rooster".  He's actually an indoor piece.  A mosaic, beaded rooster set in a chicken wire frame....more "Fowl Art". 

What A Crock!

This Croc A Dial was made for our dear friend and Moe's Ache fan, Martha. We think it is a perfect fit for her collection of wacky art. Once, a wire armature, it now is covered with plaster, concrete, glass, crockery and dials from old appliances. It now resides near the White River in Indianapolis.

Indiana Art Fair February 21-22

The time has almost arrived. The Indiana Art Fair is right round the corner! And with that, the Signature Artist piece has been revealed and will be on display in the Indianapolis museum’s Frank O’Bannon Great Hall leading up to the event. Though plans for the event are pretty much finalized there is one last point of business – there is not title for the Signature Artist piece!
Here is your chance to get involved with a real piece of art. We are looking for a title for this year’s 2009 Indiana Art Fair Signature Piece by Bloomington, Indiana artist Cappi Phillips. To contribute, visit the Indiana Art Fair on Feb. 21 or 22 and visit Cappi’s booth (#1) to get an up close view of the piece and leave your title suggestions. The chosen title will be shared via the museum’s website by the end February. For more information about the Art Fair visit: http://www.in.gov/ism/PublicPrograms/SpecialEvents/inartfair.aspx

Moe's Ache Studio is honored to be able to create this year's signature piece for the Indiana Art Fair. Why a television you may ask? As a resident of Bloomington, Indiana which was once home to RCA whose televisions are featured in the museum’s collection the idea of a mosaic tv seemed like a perfect fit. We created glass tiles depicting iconic television programming. These tiles were incorporated with cut glass mosaic pieces and applied to a vintage television set that at one time was in the museum collection. Although the television is no longer receiving a signal, we hope it's still capable of transmitting signals and memories you'll find entertaining.

The television can be viewed at the Indiana State Museum's Indiana Art Fair February 21-22, 2009