Finished Mosaic

May 7th was our third anniversary. Before our Ann. I did some research to get ideas. I found a website that suggested traditionally for the third year leather and mirror were given as gifts.

I first purchased a leather messenger bag/briefcase. I didn't like it so I sent it back. I then contacted a local mirror store and they gave me their scrap glass for free. I then printed the design and transfered it to wood about 34" x 34". Then the slow process of cutting the mirror and gluing each piece in place. This process took over two months. I just grouted it on Monday. I am very pleased with the results.

Artscape 2009

Artscape is an extensive art festival that shut down the Northern streets in Downtown Baltimore. We went Friday night about an hour before closing time. We heard the last minutes of a concert by Dionne Warwick and saw her police escort and stretch limo leave the festival. It was very exciting... The police lights were flashing, the sirens blaring, and the crowd was cheering!

There were many booths of local and non-local artists displaying their handmade goods. I always enjoy seeing what other people are making.

We had our first sailing lesson on Saturday. We spent 8 hours on the water. We couldn't have asked for better weather. It was cool and the wind was active.

After our sailing lesson we scurried over to Artscape to catch the band Cake. It was so crowded! (see picture below) We couldn't get close enough to see the band but their first song was my favorite, Stick Shifts and Safety Belts. We stuck around for a couple more songs, being bumped and nudged by a flow of people trying to get closer but realizing they couldn't. We worked our way back to our car and headed home.

New York for the 4th

We drove up to NYC to visit Ken's aunt Beth for the Fourth of July weekend. We left Baltimore around 7 p.m. on Friday night and arrived in NYC at 11:30 p.m.. It's so close!

Saturday morning we took the train into downtown. Neither Ken nor I had been to NYC as adults. We were very excited! The city was quiet and interesting. We had authentic Italian coffee at Caffe & Gelateria Dante on 81 Macdougal Street. We went to a couple antique/flea markets. We walked around Central Park, Washington Square, and The Village. We met up with a few of Beth's friends and had a fantastic Thai dinner before we took the train back to Bronxville.

Grand Central Station

Beth recommended that we go to the Met. She didn't have to twist my arm... We started with the Francis Bacon exhibit. I enjoyed seeing how he used photography to inspire paintings. His paint-smeared photos were on display, they were my favorite.

We then wandered over to the Modern art area where we got up close to a Chuck Close. Chuck Close has two very unique styles. This was the first time I've seen one of his photorealistic paintings in person. WoW!!
Chuck Close detail- This is a painting... not a photograph...
We had a great time in New York. We look forward to our next visit!

A documentary

Tonight we went to see the documentary Handmade Nation in preparation for Artscape this weekend. A majority of the crafters interviewed were crafters we represented at the Creating Place in Juneau, AK.

If you are a crafter or creative person I think you will enjoy this film. It was inspirational for both of us. Check your local listing for showings in your area (it will be available on DVD in September from www.buyolympia.com).

There was a question and answer session with film maker Faythe Levine I enjoyed equally as much as the film itself. She mentioned she will be traveling to Alaska promoting Handmade Nation in the future.