New Softies

I haven't posted dolls in a while, so I felt it time to show some of my new plush babies - better known as the "Carney Creatures". These will be added to my new website that will launch in

mid-April.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

H A P P Y * BIRTHDAY * P A T R I C K

Happy birthday to my little, handsome, blue-eyed brother who was born on St. Paddy's Day so, so, so many years ago. (lol) Just kidding, bro. You have the biggest heart of anyone I know and I'm so sorry I was mean to you for many years when we were little. Happy birthday. I Love you.

The Affair Continues

My love affair with the medium of collage continues with these pieces. Above is titled "Original Detailed DressMaking". Below is "Chic Club". Both are 8"x10" and will be available on my new website which is now under construction. I anticipate a mid-April grand opening date. I'll keep you posted.

Happy Anniversary

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HAPPY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY TO MY LITTLE P. J.

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It just occurred to me that March is a very special month indeed. Not only is it my birthday month but it also marks the one year anniversary of this blog. I really can't believe it - one year - gone so fast. I must say that I'm a wee bit proud that I've stayed committed to the thing. So... happy one year anniversary little blog!

New Work - Collages

I've been attracted to collage for a little while but the painter in me just couldn't get comfortable with it. I've been really focused on it lately and working at it and working at it and I think it finally feels right. This mixed media collage is called "The Clearance Sale" and it was made utilizing recycled papers of many types.

All About Troy, New York - Part II

Ok...The beautiful colors and that incredible window to the right. Must I say more?

Once again, the colors.

This one totally reminds me of my days in France...love it!

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In the previous post, I mentioned how taken I was with the architecture in Troy and here are some photos I took of these yummy buildings. Oh, and I must give a shout out to the awesome folks at one very good Mexican restaurant located at 465 Madison Avenue in Albany called "El Loco Mexican Cafe". I was sooooooo ecstatic with my delicious meal. Then, I turned around and saw all the accolades they've received for their food. In a conversation I had with my friendly waitress (did I mention that people in this area are super friendly?), I was told they'd been there since the 80's! The 80's people! I guess that alone says how good the food is. By the way, it's 7pm and it has been snowing all day in my part of Massachusetts. Incredible... and beautiful!

All About Troy, New York - Part I

A few months ago, I read a posting on Craigslist advertising for W. Mass artists to come to Troy, NY to partake in their monthly art festivities called Troy Night Out. Since I'm always looking for somewhere cooler to live, I took a wee jaunt to Troy over the weekend to see what was up and this is what I found:

Firstly, friendly people. I know people who couldn't give a flip if people are friendly or not but this is number one on my list of things to look for when considering an environment in which to live. The folks of Troy didn't disappoint.

The architecture also had the wow factor for me. I'm talking old, brick brownstones (which I love, love, love) and these cool rowhouses (that's what I call them). I've seen the inside of some of these places on Craigslist and they were just incredible. High ceilings, tin ceilings, moldings, charming character beyond belief AND exposed brick... exposed brick! I'll be posting some pics I took of these beautiful buildings soon.

I also found this wicked cool, indie gallery called Kismet Art Gallery (www.kismetartgallery.com/) and the shop proprietors, Michael + Christina are super friendly and should be very proud to filling a need in the community for an indie gallery and shop. The space is huge and they've got a diverse, happening selection of handcrafted goods that range from art to plush dolls. The gallery space is large also. Thanks guys for the info on Troy and the stickers (seen above).

Troy also has a large farmer's market (www.troymarket.org) that doesn't close down for the winter. How awesome is that? It goes indoors for the cold months and returns outside in the spring. And the list of participating food, herb and artisans is truly impressive.

I'm told by all I've spoken to that Troy Night Out (www.troynightout.org) which is held the last Friday of every month is HUGE and this month's happenings on February 29th, will mark the one year anniversary of this great event, which will make it even more special. The last thing I'm going to say about my visit is that the art community seems to be rather supportive, which ain't easy to come by folks, so to all the artists and supporters of the arts, keep up the great work! :)