Lasting Impressions opens this Friday

image on postcard: 3x4 foot woodcut on mullberry paper mounted in a plexiglass window to hang by Judith Heller Cassell

yes you are invited!


some of the pedestals and wall works...

looking into one of the windows in the front
We are thrilled this morning to welcome a new show -(as well as a new era for America!) - entitled Lasting Impressions. The show features three local, yes, I mean Rochester, NH artists: Rose Theriault, Grace Youngren and Judith Heller Cassell, and introducing porcelain work by Kristen Swanson.
You have seen a few sneak peeks of the works which were making their way to our walls and now we invite you to join us at the opening party this Friday night from 5-7 p.m.
We are so pleased to offer this exhibition of printmaking - from intaglio to woodcut processes and everything inbetween as well as a few of the actual plates which have been made into the most beautiful artworks as well. If this were not enough, Kristen's porcelain with the intricate scrafitto work is gracing the pedestals throughout the main gallery.
And for those of you who missed the last exhibition? We moved the beautiful pieces which are left to the Equinox gallery section. Hope to see you all on Friday night. Most of the work will be online at the shop too!

Vote!

change, originally uploaded by artstreamstudios.

Just do it! See you tomorrow on the other side....

Interview with:: Leigh from YES Gallery

click photo to enlarge

the lovely Leigh of YES gallery, Warren Rhode Island

It's been awhile since our last interview and this is a first with another gallery owner - so sit back, get a nice cuppa and enjoy meeting the fabulous Leigh from YES Gallery, down in Warren, RI. Oh yes, and do note that she is having a wonderful exhibition called Itty/Bitty as shown below in the photo of the postcard. I have some work included in the exhibition along with some amazing artists, for the months of November and December.

susan: Tell us a little bit about your background:
leigh: I graduated from (University of Hartford's) Hartford Art School in 1994 with a BFA, majoring in Experimental Studio (which focused on non-traditional use of media and concept-oriented art.) From there I moved to Boston and worked as a VISTA volunteer for two years, during which time I volunteered for the Revolving Museum, an amazing public arts organization (now in Lowell, MA.) I worked for them for a year or so after my VISTA stint ended, then took off on a 3 month cross country trip. Thereafter I hunkered down on Block Island (off the coast of Rhode Island) and started a job as the right hand woman to a new gallery owner (Eisenhauer Gallery.) I worked for her for seven years, the last two as Director of the gallery when the owner moved to Martha's Vineyard and opened a second location. Since college I've been an exhibiting regional artist, repped for several years by the (now defunct Mixed Media Gallery on Block Island.)

susan: What is your vision for the gallery?
leigh: My vision for the gallery is to create a vibrant, welcoming space showing visual art that can be appreciated by seasoned collectors and the average art lovers. The work is on the contemporary side, heavy on the mixed media, but not so far out there that it's inaccessible. There are both emerging and established artists involved, some never having been exhibited in galleries before, others with work hanging in museums. Being in a tax-free arts district (no sales tax on the art) is part of the overall vision to create a situation where people of all income levels can afford something. We have original work as low as $60 and as high as $4000. On top of that, 5% of our proceeds go to non-profit organization, which aligns with my belief in giving back to the community.

susan: What type of art is your favorite?
leigh: Ooooh, tough question! Let's see. I'll use an example of an artist I found recently whose work blew me away, Trey Speegle (incidentally one of our Itty/Bitty artists this month, thanks, in part, to a dorky fan letter from me!) He uses vintage paint-by-numbers paintings which he alters with text. The phrases or words he chooses can be interpreted in a literal way, or more philosophically. Either way, they have humor. And a lot of color. I'm a big fan of color. I guess the bottom line is, I like work that can make me think, laugh, and please my eyes all at the same time.

susan:What does a normal day look like around YES gallery?
leigh: A normal day at YES includes a balance of chatting with/educating the customers, working on a variety of administrative things, and planning for the upcoming events. (With every exhibit we have an opening reception and then another event which could be live music or something like a painting demo. Next month with have a "Blessing of the Artists.")

susan: What are a few of your favorite blogs?
leigh: Favorite blogs. Hmm. I'm not a huge blog reader, but I do keep up with blogs that my artists write and I look at a handful of the design blogs regularly.

susan: If you were on a desert island and could only bring one media, what you would take with you?
leigh: Good question. I'd have to bring paint. I could graffiti the palm trees and rocks, write inspirational messages to myself so I don't get bummed about being stranded.

susan: Favorite dessert?
leigh: Anything with sugar usually works, but it's a toss up between Key Lime Pie and some kind of Ben & Jerry's ice cream.

Thanks so much Leigh for being part of art esprit's artist interviews! I look forward to the show next month and getting down to Warren RI soon! Here are the particulars on the gallery:

YES Gallery + Studio
146 Water Street
Warren, RI 02885
(401) 245-7174
Open Weds & Thurs 11-5:30,
Fri & Sat 11-8:00, Sun 11-4

... thin ice ...

... thin ice ..., originally uploaded by artstreamstudios.

A peek at something rather "VACANT" still. A work in progress even. This is the first collage painting which I have almost finished for a collaborative project to be revealed early next year. I hope you have had a lovely weekend!

Friday musings

Whacked out busy week here with lots of goodies coming into the gallery along with a lot of packages of goodies going to new homes! It always feels SO good to send an original artwork out to it's new owners wall! Lots of people are taking advantage of our sale on Hadley Hutton's work and getting their hands on some of the most beautiful Affirmations pieces. Lots to tell about the upcoming show(s) but for now will just give you a little peek of things to come for November. First up is Kristen Swanson and her amazing porcelain work with scrafitto technique in our next show "Lasting Impressions".
Enjoy the weekend and happy halloween to those who love all things spooky!

Joe Jackson

photo from press kit of Joe Jackson.com
Lists, life lists - do you have one? I am a list maker, sometimes only in the back of my head, othertimes on small scraps of paper, cards, or in my pocket folder if I think it's of upmost importance. My life list is one of those in my head. On this list are many things musical. One of those things was fulfilled last night - finally!
Last night my friend Ed and I went out to a concert at the Music Hall in Portsmouth to see Joe Jackson and hear some of his new music from the most fabulous recording called Rain. I have followed his music since college days, while working at the radio station and opening the package which held "Look Sharp!" inside. It was such a turning point in my musical enjoyment that I just can't tell you how exciting it was to finally see Joe Jackson live. I have just missed him over the past twenty years in London, Chicago, San Francisco, and in NYC. Imagine my surprise when I found out he was playing right here in New Hampshire. It was great to see him at the Music Hall as it was more intimate of a venue than the other locations. If you haven't heard his new album "Rain" you are just missing out. It shines like his diverse musical talent does with beautiful lyrics and fabulous riffs ranging from new wave to jazz and everything in between.

Amy Rice in the press

Saw this over at Amy's flickr today - a wonderful interview with Minnesota Monthly. Click though here to read the lovely stories about the one and only very original Amy Rice. We still have some of Amy's work in the Affirmations exhibition too - very affordable originals!

Affirmations :: part four

flossy-p

sian keegan

penelope dullaghan

amy rice
Just some afternoon eye candy from the lovely ladies exhibiting at artstream right now. All the work is available at the shop online, or drop by for a live visit if you are in the neighborhood!

Megan Bogonovich sneak peek

megan bogonovich sneak peek, originally uploaded by artstreamstudios.
A little jump ahead to what will be coming in December/January for artstream. Megan popped over with beau Chuckie and we did a little photo shoot of her newest sculpture. This photo I took just for myself... All we can reveal right now is there are six to eight new sculptures being unveiled in Dec. in our To Rome, to roam show. Let me tell ya .... wow!
Stay tuned!

Flossy-P :: Affirmations

flossy p front window, originally uploaded by artstreamstudios. click through to enlarge
and to view the entire set!

More beauty on display at the gallery and online here at the shop. You just have to go
peek at these if you haven't seen them already. Much more to see by Flossy-P, Penelope Dullaghan, and Amy Rice. All so uplifting and giftable - for yourself or someone special... affordable ORIGINALS!
Happy weekend everyone!

Hadley Hutton:: Sale ... 50 percent off...

Hadley Hutton's beautiful encaustic artwork ORIGINALS are on sale right now at our shop. We are making way for her new work coming in so now is the time to buy! Click through here to view the ones available. Such beauty at amazing prices. Own an original!

The beauty of Elsita

Inner Thread photo by Elsita
Found through Whip up checked out her etsy shop and fell in love INSTANTLY! Visit her new blog to find out more about the art of paper cutting. Her new blog "all about Paper cutting" is a wonderful resource for everything paper and papercutting. The piece Inner Thread is completely and utterly beautiful - and personal. I am so thrilled to have found her. Go visit!
See her amazing paper sculptures here.

detail of Inner Thread by Elsita

Three at the sea

Three at the sea, originally uploaded by artstreamstudios.

Just a little post on some newly available work of mine over at my etsy shop and at artstreamstudios shop. A few more of my things are still up at the ETA 4 too. I have been pulling a few prints and cleaning out a few drawers of illustrations. Cleaning and organizing is the key words for this past weekend... how was yours?

In the Kitchen with .... me!

Such a thrill today to be part of Grace at design*sponge's series written by Kristina Gill of Three Layer Cake - In the Kitchen with!
It is a favorite recipe of mine, which is an easy to make, knock it off in no time, Apple Cheese and Onion Tart. Not for the waist line watchers, but calories be damned. It's a wonderful autumn recipe. Thank you Kristina and Grace for including me!
Have a wonderful weekend everyone - and bake something YUMMY!

Gelatin monoprints

tiff gelatin monoprint with india ink by susan schwake
Here is one of my gelatin monoprints which is part of a larger series of ink on ink. Freehand ink drawing onto backgrounds of lush layers of printmaking ink floated on slabs of gelatin. I did a little tutorial on this here and am getting ready to set some dates for some weekend workshops in the studio here.
Today is a rainy-get-things-done-inside day so it's perfect for wrapping up some pieces which are going to a show down in Rhode Island pretty soon.... but more on that later!

Abby Glassenberg :: new birds!

owl by Abby Glassenberg

rooster by Abby Glassenberg
Abby Glassenberg just sent us three new birds for our flock here at artstream. Included in this round are a wise old owl, a carmel bird who is sweeter than sweet, and one proud rooster! They are now on the shop and ready to fly away to your homes... or perhaps as a beautiful autumn gift for someone?

carmel bird by Abby Glassenberg

Autumn

Just a little shot of autumn from our view. Still renovating the kitchen -- all the way to changing windows and sanding ceilings. Soon though soon! I can't wait to unveil it here. Until then, just a leaf and a window... and a link to some gorgeous artwork by Curtis Cutshaw.

Kalevala :: tonight at artstream

Almost forgot to mention that we have an exciting - exotic - evening planned here tonight

The Poetry Society of NH celebrates the
Kalevala
The Finnish National epic
with poetry, music, Runeberg's tarts and other finnish pastries!
(some vodka and tea too!)
Begins at 6 p.m. right here at
artstream
56 North Main Street
Rochester, NH
Music by the Maine Kanteles playing Finnish Lapharps
(the national musical instrument of Finland)
The event is free and open to the public
Hope to see you here!

Persimmon Gold - Judith Heller Cassell

three plate woodcut - 4 feet by 3 feet on Japanese paper mounted in plexiglass
This piece tells all! It's a tribute to what is outside our doors here at artstream. Wishing you all a lovely long luxurious holiday weekend. More on Judith's work next week. Enjoy the beauty around you!

Thursday art class

illustration thursday, originally uploaded by artstreamstudios.
So much joy in this class, i just had to share. they illustrated a passage from the "bfg" from roald dahl. what fun! happy thursday all!

Nanda Handcrafted :: cozy beauty

Aggettivo - Cowl/Capelet photo: Nanda Handcrafted

I was so pleased to join the New Hampshire Etsy Street Team because I was able to meet even more talented local artists and artisans - but somehow I missed Nanda Handcrafted - that is until today. Just look at these yummy warm lovelies created in the most sumptuous colors and textures. Yes folks, it's getting mighty cool in the evenings around here (tonight 38F and dropping) so it's only a matter of time for these pieces to become vital wearables in these parts!
The Aggettivo Capelet is my favorite! Stop by her shop and tell her we sent you. So much pretty to choose from - like this Sugar on Snow neckwarmer below...

photo: Nanda Handcrafted

So much talent, right here in our little state! Oh, and while you are getting cozy by the fire, dreaming of hot mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, take a little trip over to Salon and get fired up about the latest greatest national disaster, told by Garrison Keillor - straight up and without any sugar coating.

Penelope Dullaghan :: Affirmations

Fish and Fowl has to be one of my all time favorite works of art that Penelope Dullaghan has made. I love everything about this painting. See more of her work in our current show: Affirmations - all available at the shop!

Mimi Kirchner's #50 doll

After seeing Mimi this weekend, it reminded me that she has a quest going on over at her beautiful blog "Doll". She has hit her personal mark of making 50 handmade dolls this year (and still going strong)...#50 is a beautiful lady - don't you think? I am partial to the tattoo men, her babies and some of her other work, but this flower lady is so beautiful I had to share with you.
Go see more beauty at Mimi's etsy shop as well.

Golly Bard :: at Etsy

Found a cute little shop at Etsy with a perfect little image of what speaks to me in autumn. Available here at GollyBard's Etsy shop.

Concord Arts Market :: Weekend Fun

megan bogonovich's table, originally uploaded by artstreamstudios.

Saturday brought the Concord Arts Market - conceived and pushed forward by the one and only Katy Brown. She is incredible!
Daughter Chloe made a lot of her jewelry and was juried into the fair. I took her over and Megan, Boyan and a sundry of other lovely vendors enjoyed a brisk October day with plenty of live music and fun as well as good traffic to the fair.
I don't do fairs anymore, but broke the rules twice this fall - once at Squam (of course!) and once now for Chloe. All in all a great day. Big bonus - I met the huge talent - Mimi Kirchner as she also came out for the event. Click here to see a much better photo than what I came up with for the posed shot of the two of us - mimi and me. My flickr has a few more from the event as well. Check it out in the spring of 09. More fun to come.

first sign

first sign, originally uploaded by artstreamstudios.
autumn is here, with loads of changes. short post today as we are cocooning with our kitchen renovations (getting closer!) loads of new work in the gallery - stay tuned to the shop. ... more goodies in soon!

happy weekend all!

Lauren Haupt - Local Library

photography by Lauren Haupt from Local Library
Lauren Haupt stopped by here with a sweet comment yesterday and as usual I went a peeking at her blog which to my delight was not only witty but had a sidebar etsy display. As you most likely know about me dear readers I don't post much about jewelry, but I have to say Lauren's little shop - Local Library really caught my eye. I love these two pieces for their unique one of a kind look. Check out her blog too. It's bananahead pancakes. Just the name alone...

Pinecones and running feet

pinecones and running feet, originally uploaded by artstreamstudios.

Just a little fall inspiration from here in New England. Yesterday's cross country meet with daughter Chloe brought me to this unexplainable pile of pine cones. Was it a busy squirrel or child who made this Andy Goldsworthy - esq eco-art piece? Either way, it was a lovely afternoon in the woods. What signs of the season changing are in your neck of the woods?

I love Plum - Etsy shop

One of my student's mother has opened up an etsy shop with some of the cutest clothes for the little ones. Yes, two posts in four days about kids clothes ... once a children's clothing junkie, always a children's clothing junkie! Even though I don't miss designing children's clothing - I still love finding unique pieces to give friends as gifts.
The I Love Plum shop has this dragon appliqué which I just love! Her workmanship is wonderful and this little dragon would be so spiffy on a little boy or girl. So perfect, Pam - great work!

Faith Ringgold Exhibition

Faith Ringgold dolls, originally uploaded by artstreamstudios.

This past weekend we visited daughter Grace at Keene State. Much to my delight we found that the Thorne-Sagendorf Gallery at the college had a double billing - Faith Ringgold and contemporary Maori and Aboriginal artwork.
I flipped. I have missed at least three times, the chance to see some of her work and Saturday not only did we see her quilts, her masks but also the entire artwork and words to Tar Beach as well as these amazing art dolls. Click through the photo to see some more of her work there.

BKids opens a shop!

photo by Irene Hoofs - Bloesem
So many of my friends are having babies right now it seems, so I was really excited to see the lovely Irene from Bloesem had opened a shop! Her own handiwork is included in the shop with sweet little booties and hats. The clincher for me is the packaging. She has little silk bags made with fabric designed by Malayasian artist Peter Hoe to hold the booties and beanies. Too cute for words and no need for extra wrapping. So beautiful Irene!

Nahcotta ETA 4

The Secret Life of Fruit:: the royal family by Susan Schwake
There is still time to scoop up some lovely tiny art over at Nahcotta's ETA 4. I have a few pieces left right here. Check it out! Deb and Abbie have made a lovely site with the help of the wonderful Christine from Darling Design for their Enormous Tiny Art shows. I am so pleased to be part of Nahcotta's shows.