Hodgepodge Art Walk at Walton Mill

Spring is here...florals are in bloom! I have been working on floral paintings for a couple of months. My style has gotten more whimsical, and I love it! I have found a new venue for my paintings, Hodgepodge Art Walk in the town of Monroe, GA. Monroe has several cotton warehouses that have been remodeled. My friend, Deborah Boyd, has been developing the wonderful concept of Hodgepodge for several years. Her business is at Walton Mill. She has a blend of art, antiques and interiors from many vendors. Her vision has become a reality, and it is such an asset for Monroe.

If you are in the area, stop by at 600 South Broad, Building 3, and check out this wonderful warehouse full of treasures.  My art wall changes weekly so there will always be new paintings available. I have paintings in all sizes for gift items as well as large paintings for the home. I paint angels, florals, children's art and girlfriend art...sharing a glass of wine just to name a few... in all price ranges. 

Dotee Dolls...Friendship & Fun

 I love this whole concept! When I dropped off my painting at OCAF, the Oconee County Art Foundation, for the Members' Show in June, I found out about these wonderful dolls called Dotee Dolls. They were originally started by "Dot" Christian, an Australian crafter, for therapy, fun, or friendship. The Vivis, a group of women who are "friends of OCAF" who have their own show in the OCAF Holiday Market had made several of these for an OCAF fundraiser. I have bought several items from this group...usually one of a kind items...a red and black bird ornament with "Georgia" on top, an small owl ornament with lots of detail, a large angel tree topper...just to name a few. 

I bought these two funky women...my favorite being the one with black hair, embroidered lips, and a wild, beaded outfit...the other caught my attention because of her different color strands of hair. Believe me, it was a hard decision just to stop at two!

Anyway, you get two "unfinished" ones to "make" and share with friends! I can see teaching a class in my future! Kids of all ages would love this project and it would encourage friendship! 

If you read my book about the jewelry-making classes I taught at Cedar Shoals and Clarke Central in Athens, GA, you heard about the Traveling Mermaids. Their journey of friendship is documented in this blog...you will have to scroll back in the blog entries. 

Stop by OCAF and take a look. They are in the case right when you walk in the door. When the focus is put on helping others, all kinds of good things take place...including creative ideas!

The Charming Town of Madison, Georgia

Madison, Georgia is a picturesque small town a short distance from Atlanta. The streets are lined with beautiful, flowering trees...perfect in the spring season.  The town has many antebellum houses since it is the town Sherman did not burn. (There's a story there, but we will get to it in another post.) Madison is going through somewhat of a transition in the downtown area. The old buildings are getting a facelift...many are being turned into residential lofts as well as new retail stores. 

If you are looking for a day or week-end trip, you can spend the day biking, hiking, shopping or your own self-guided walking tour around the town.

My art studio is in one of the quaint cottages built in 1900. It is charming with a few quirks that I am willing to overlook because I love it! Most of my art is full of color and whimsical! I paint angels, florals, and girlfriend art. Here is my first painting in the Madison Collection...it is small town America with all its charm.

18 K Gold-Plated Earring Collection at MAGallery in Madison, Georgia

I am so excited about the new 18K gold-plated earrings that have just arrived at MAGallery in downtown Madison, GA for Mother's Day!  There are many new designs that are perfect for the discriminating buyer. This line has been popular since I began selling them at Athens Interiors Market in Athens, Georgia. Take a look at the video highlighting a few of the styles. To view all of them as well as the new art by Rita Knight, please stop by MAGallery this week. The gallery is open Tues.-Sat. from 11:00-5:00. All jewelry items...earrings, necklaces, and bracelets are boxed and ready for gift-giving. Remember those special moms!