Monday, September 7, 2015

summertime summary

It's Labor Day already?! I don't know about you, but I'm refusing to let go of summer. We still technically have some time with this wonderful season: according to Google, this year's Autumnal Equinox falls on Wednesday, September 23rd, so let's make the most of it! Don't get me wrong: I do love autumn...it's just that this summer has been really awesome: lots of art shows, gorgeous weather, fun times with family and friends. Who knows, perhaps autumn will be just as awesome! Anything's possible, right?

Let's see, where did I last leave off? Oh, yes: the end of August! Well, I had two paintings in a fundraiser on August 22nd: The Taste Of Tidewater 10x10 was a benefit for the University of Maine Gardens at Tidewater Farm in Falmouth. Much like the 10x10 Brunswick, all of the art on display measured 10 inches by 10 inches, and all work was priced at $200; if sold, $100 went to the Gardens at Tidewater Farm, and $100 went to the artist. I wasn't able to attend the event, but my "Asparagus" painting sold that night! I'm glad I was able to support a worthwhile cause and participate in a brand-new show at the same time. Would you like an "Asparagus" magnet? Check out my Etsy shop!

The August installation of Art Walk Lewiston/Auburn might have been the busiest one of the season! This time, I was at the former Lamey Wellehan space at 110 Lisbon Street. I was initially supposed to be at the L/A Arts office at 221 Lisbon Street, but things got switched up at the last minute, which was fine with me. The night started out a little slow, but then things picked up and it stayed busy all night long! Once again, the weather was perfect, and people of all ages and backgrounds were out and about. I met a bunch of new people, and I saw several familiar faces as well, some of whom are amassing quite the collection of my work: one woman told me that her goal is to fill one side of her refrigerator with my magnets! This friendly couple decided to buy an "Imagine Memorial, NYC" print as a birthday present for a special family member...what a nice way for that person to begin a new year, don't you think?

Art makes a wonderful gift! 

At the end of my most recent blog post, I mentioned that I had just gotten word that my new-and-improved website (www.brushstrokesbymaria.com) had just gone live! I'm so excited to have a clean, easy-to-use site that looks good on a phone, and I have Michael Gorzka to thank for it! As well as being a collector of my work, Mike is the Digital Services Librarian at Curtis Memorial Library, and the person behind Curtis Creative Spaces, the library's online gallery. When I mentioned that my website was in need of some serious help, Mike offered his assistance in exchange for a painting he had been eyeing on for a long time: "This Is The Year"! I agreed, and the painting went on hold...until the day after my new website went live, and then it was time to say "so long". It's okay: not only did "This Is The Year" go to a good home, but there are several of my paintings there to keep it company! 

Say hi to everyone for me!

Have you been to Isabella's Cafe and Bakery in Freeport yet? If not, you should stop by! My show there has been extended into September, and I am thrilled! Just like these last few days of summer, you should catch it while you can! 

Tasty treats of all kinds await you at Isabella's! 

Speaking of things you should catch while you still can, the final Brunswick Second Friday Art Walk of the season is this week: Friday, September 11th, 5pm-8pm! The "pop-up" group show will be back at St. Paul's (27 Pleasant St., Brunswick) to close things out. Won't you join us? Check out this cool montage created by Celina Del Castillo


Who doesn't love a good montage?