one down, one more to go

The UUCB Holiday Art Fair was this past Saturday, and just like last year, I had a great time! The weather was gorgeous, the traffic was brisk, people were friendly, and sales were good. Plus, the hours for the show were 9am-2pm, so by the time everything was over and my car was all packed up, I still had the rest of the day to enjoy myself and relax a little bit. Perfect!

my display!

So...I have some more updates to report regarding my "Paint-a-Thon"! Are you ready?

1. I set up a Facebook event page! It's a public page/event, so if you'd like to share it, please do...here it is: Paint-a-Thon/Paint4TheCure! 

2. The link to buy raffle tickets is up! Click here!  Once you register, you will see a purple "donate" button on the right-hand side; click there to buy your tickets.

3. I will have live music from Kathleen McGee from 1pm-3pm on Saturday, December 12th! I think this will be a perfect time slot, since I will be starting at 10am and going until 6pm or so. You may have heard Kathleen perform at an art walk or at the Five Rivers Art Festival and Sale...if so, you already know how good she is; if not, stop by to hear for yourself!

the Carii page! 

release me

Okay...after weeks of teasing, I'm finally ready for "the big reveal". I even wrote a press release. Fancy, huh?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Local artist launches Paint 4 The Cure to benefit cancer research

 

Brunswick artist Maria Castellano-Usery has come up with a way to have fun, create art, and give back. On Saturday, December 12^th, instead of having a “standard” opening reception to celebrate her month-long art show at The Mix (53 Maine Street, Brunswick), Maria will be having a “Paint-a-Thon”, complete with a raffle featuring the finished painting as the prize.

 

Maria will set up her easel in the front window of The Mix and have a day-long “Paint-a-Thon” during business hours (10am to 6pm, roughly). Raffle tickets for the completed 8” x 8” acrylic painting will be sold both in person and online ($5 each, 3 for $10) with the winning ticket being drawn at the close of business on Saturday, December 12th.  Maria will be donating 50% of the proceeds from ticket sales to the National Foundation for Cancer Research's Play4theCure.  Additionally, 10% of all Maria’s art sales from her December show at The Mix (excluding magnets) will be donated to the NFCR Play4TheCure program.

 

This idea came about when Maria asked, "If athletes can ‘Play4theCure,’ then why couldn't artists ‘Paint4theCure’? Why couldn’t musicians ‘Play4theCure’?”  Food, refreshments, and live music will add to Saturday’s festivities.  If you are a musician and would like to play one or more short sets during the event, please contact Maria directly before December 5^th.

 

This is the first of a series of “Paint-a-Thon” events where Maria will be working with other local businesses and various charities that are meaningful to her.  If you are interested in creating a future collaboration, please email maria@brushstrokesbymaria.com

 

For more information about this event on Saturday, December 12th, please go to www.brushstrokesbymaria.com (click on “current shows” and follow the links).

I'm so excited about this! Information about buying raffle tickets online will be coming soon, so stay tuned. Speaking of staying tuned, I'll be interviewed on WCME in Brunswick on Friday, December 11th at 8:30 am to promote my "Paint-a-Thon"! Here's the link in case you want to listen: www.radio9wcme.com. For now, here's a sneak preview of what my show at The Mix looks like! Thank you, Jill Jacobs, for opening your space to me; thank you, Louanne Schoninger, for suggesting this venue; and thank you, Keith Spiro, for being such an awesome co-conspirator! 

Welcome to the Mix! 

recapping and looking forward

Well, the Five Rivers Arts Alliance Art Festival & Sale has come and gone! I had a lovely time, and I'd like to say "thank you" to everyone who came out to support local artists! Special thanks to Catherine Worthington, Polly Smith and Donna Jason for all of their efforts, as well as to the musicians, the clean-up volunteers, and everyone who helped to make this show happen. In case you didn't hear me interviewed on WCME that morning to promote the show, I can assure you that DJ Jim Bleikamp was a kind and welcoming host. He put me at ease and the interview flew by rather quickly. What a relief! 

My display!

I'm happy to say I sold quite a few magnets to new and repeat customers, and I had some really meaningful interactions with show-goers as well. I'm grateful for you all! 

Familiar, friendly faces adding to their collections! 

The next event on deck is the UU Church of Brunswick Holiday Fair! I did this show last year, and I'm looking forward to participating once again. Mark your calendars: Saturday, December 5th, 9am-2pm; 1 Middle Street, Brunswick, ME. This is a friendly little fair with a nice assortment of local artists and craftspeople...and the food is yummy, too! There is lots of on-street parking available, and the municipal lot behind Curtis Memorial Library is just a stone's throw away. Hope to see you there! 

...and yes, I do have one more art event up my sleeve for the month of December, but I'm going to save that for a later post. Details are still being worked out, but I can assure you, exciting things are happening! 

the question

"What do you want?"

The question was asked as I bit into my sandwich. I stiffened. I chewed awkwardly, reaching for my napkin, knowing I was getting mayo all over the corners of my mouth.

"What do you want?" He looked at me.

Why was I nervous all of a sudden? He was calm. I wasn't. Why? I knew the answer...but no one had ever asked me the question before. Who was this guy, really? A businessman? A consultant? A genie? A friend? What came out of my mouth surprised me: the answer, wrapped in excuses, doubts, "realistic" alternatives. Like Ralphie in "A Christmas Story" when the department store Santa posed his question, I was blowing it, blowing it. I stammered. Why was it so hard for me to verbalize? I was so used to years of being dismissed, of being told "yeah, but," or "it just doesn't work that way," or "too bad it's not practical." I found myself bracing for that familiar figurative slap. I looked at him. He waited. Something in his eyes told me that slap wouldn't be making an appearance. I took a deep breath. The real answer came out...and then, we were off and running.



There is a new moon today. They say that the new moon is a good time for putting your intentions out into the world. They also say that the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Allow me to squeak for a moment. If you've been reading my blog, you already know that I am an artist; you also know that I've been inspired by my recent surprise trip to San Francisco and the beautiful public art all around that magical city. You might even recall that people have said my artwork makes them smile- it makes them happy, it makes them feel good, it gives their spirits a lift. How do I combine all of these elements and *gasp!* manage to make a living doing it? How do I sell my work without selling my soul? How do I make a positive impact in my community and get paid at the same time? I suppose the first step is asking the question...so, I'm asking. Where is the need? What are the possibilities? Here's a thought: I had a show at the Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing in Lewiston a few years ago, and it was incredibly gratifying...are there any hospitals/clinics/hospice houses/etc. out there who might be interested in purchasing uplifting artwork for their waiting rooms/lobbies/consultation rooms? Brainstorming can be very powerful. Anyone out there have a constructive suggestion they'd like to share with me? I would love to hear what you have to say!

'tis the season...

It's November already! It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is almost here...and you know what that means: holiday shows are right around the corner! Let the promotion begin. 

The Five Rivers Arts Alliance Art Festival & Sale (formerly ADAA) is THIS WEEKEND! I will be at the group show at Coleman Burke Gallery inside Fort Andross, right next to Frontier. There will be food (including a cash bar courtesy of Frontier on Friday night), music, and over twenty artists participating. I will have paintings, mixed media/collage, prints, magnets, and holiday cards! Get your shopping done early and support local artists at the same time! Here's the info:

Five Rivers Arts Alliance Art Festival & Sale

*Friday, November 13th, 5pm-8pm

*Saturday, November 14th, 9am-4pm

*Sunday, November 15th, 1pm-4pm

Coleman Burke Gallery (next to Frontier)

Fort Andross, 14 Maine St., Brunswick, ME 

www.facebook.com/events/872213262886132/

The poster, featuring artwork by Polly Smith! 

 PLUS: Tune in to WCME on Friday, November 13th at 8:30am to hear me interviewed (along with Jane Knox, another Five Rivers artist participating in the show)! If you don't live in Brunswick, don't fret: you can listen online! Here's the link: www.radio9wcme.com. It's funny: when I first heard that Five Rivers was looking for participating artists to speak on the radio, it was the night before Terry and I went to San Francisco. I was feeling so excited, I didn't think twice about volunteering...and now I'm getting a bit nervous! I guess that's a good thing, right? Wish me luck!

My solo show at The Gorham Grind will be up for just a little while longer (Saturday, November 14th), so if you haven't gotten there yet, you still have a chance! This awesome little coffee shop in the heart of downtown Gorham is worth visiting. You MUST try the Rocket Fuel! 

The Gorham Grind

118 South Street, Gorham 

207-839-3003

www.gorhamgrind.com

Fueling up with Rocket Fuel! 

December is shaping up to be a busy month as well, including shows and surprises! Stay tuned for details! 

california dreamin'

YIKES! October is almost over, and I haven't blogged since the beginning of September! I will attempt to sum up the last several weeks in a concise manner. This is not going to be easy!

So, what's been happening? Well, the 10x10 Brunswick has come and gone, along with the seasonal art walks (Brunswick and Lewiston/Auburn) and the Yarmouth Art Festival. My show at Isabella's Cafe and Bakery in Freeport had a long and lovely run: it went up in early July and came down on Thursday, October 15th. Even though my paintings and prints are no longer hanging at Isabella's, my magnet display is still there, and will be at least through Christmastime! Thank you, Caite!

Is it too early to use the phrase "stocking stuffers"?

I currently have three paintings in a "Day Of The Dead" themed group show at She Doesn't Like Guthries in Lewiston (the closing reception for that one is coming right up: Monday, November 2nd), and I hung a solo show of paintings and prints at the Gorham Grind on October 4th (this show runs through the middle of November). I'm particularly excited about my Gorham Grind show for several different reasons: one, it's a fantastic little coffee shop, with a super-friendly staff, excellent food, and wonderful drinks; two, it's my first time showing my work there; and three, how often do I get to Gorham?

Enjoy some color with your coffee!

Oh, I almost forgot: at the end of September, I sold this year's birthday painting, "The Four-Three", to my friend and collector, Keith Spiro! Besides being a cool guy, Keith is a wonderful person to talk with, and I came away from our afternoon together with some good ideas...none of which I am currently going to spill. How's that for a tease? 

The best birthday offense is a good birthday defense...or something like that. 

So far, it has been an autumn to remember. Lots of wonderful and creative things have been happening, but for me, the most exciting event of the last several weeks is head and shoulders above the rest: my husband, Terry, surprised me with a trip to San Francisco as a celebration of our 15th wedding anniversary! Can you believe it? What a loving thing to do, and what a magical time we had! I've come back to Maine brimming with inspiration! We stayed in Haight Ashbury on a street filled with brightly-painted Victorians. The architecture in San Francisco is gorgeous, and there is art EVERYWHERE in that city: on the sidewalks, on walls of buildings, inside and outside of businesses, inside and outside of people's homes. It's such a special and beautiful thing, and it's like a shot in the arm of positive energy for an artist such as myself. I couldn't stop taking pictures! Here are a few of them:

Pretty cool, right? I couldn't resist getting in on the action. On our final morning there, I grabbed a piece of chalk and quickly did a little something as we waited for a table at a great little breakfast joint, The Pork Store Cafe: 

I left my art in San Francisco! 

I'd never been to California before, but San Francisco is somewhere I had always wanted to visit...and now, I'm already looking forward to going back! So, I ask you, dear reader: what are the places that you find inspiring? I would love to hear your thoughts! 

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?