Spring News!

Happy Spring!

I haven't been using this format much lately, partly because I have taken up Instagram and started sending out a newsletter, and those are a bit easier to manage. It's so hard to keep up with the marketing that keeps me connected with the world!

The last real post I wrote was about the Chiaroscuro exhibition back in December 2017. A group of NW mosaic artists has formed a collective, and we held our first group show in Lincoln City, OR. The show was a huge success, and we have since hung a new version of the exhibit at Wallow Gallery in Carlton, OR. One member of the group (Jo Braun) has moved away and we have added a new member, Todd Campbell. The artists live throughout Oregon and Washington and the variety of materials, style and technique in this show is stunning.

Throughout 2017, I worked steadily on a big project for the City of Bellingham. It is now in the final stages and will be installed in late spring in the Birchwood neighborhood. I'll post pictures when it is completed.

Another project I've been coordinating all year is the Diversity Mural for Choice High School in Shelton, WA. I work with at-risk teens at the school on Fridays, and we have been making hearts for a mural in class and with local community (Shelton, Olympia and Tacoma.) Through social media, word spread, and at least half of the hearts we have collected are from around the country, plus Canada, Scotland and Australia! This mural is nearly ready to install, now that the weather is warmer and dryer.

Very recently, I teamed up with mosaic artist Cherie Bosela, owner of Luna Mosaic Arts in Orlando, FL. We have launched a second version of the mural, to be installed in Orlando in memory of Pulse Nightclub. Hearts have been arriving at Luna Mosaic Arts, and we are working to secure a wall. We have a fundraiser in progress to pay for installation costs at: https://www.GoFundMe.com/DiversityMural.  Please help us to make this mural a reality!

Another piece of news is that I've been included in a new book about contemporary mosaic called "Creations" curated by Jacqueline Iskander. It is available on Amazon, but it can also be purchased directly from Jacqueline's website: https://www.j-mosaic.com/books/creations

There are upcoming project installations that I'll post about closer to completion. One date is set: April 28th noon to 2pm, people will gather to walk around downtown Olympia to see the new mosaic sidewalk inlays for Music Out Loud. I believe mine will be last on the tour in front of the Washington Center for the Performing Arts. Consider joining us!

(I'll also have work on display at Hot Toddy during Arts Walk. And my MOM will be there, so please show up and make me look like a grand success!)

Now, go outside!