Farmington Valley Arts Center, Avon CT Features "Connections" Art Show And "Sketch Book Project": Opening Friday, June 28, 2013, 5:00-8:00pm

"Connections" Art Show Opens Tonight At Farmington Valley Arts Center, Avon, CT

Tonight is the opening of two delightful shows at The Farmington Valley Arts Center, Avon, CT.  In the main Fisher Gallery, the professisonal artists who maintain studios at FVAC will be exhibiting selected pieces of art from their collections in a show called "Connections".  Tonights opening is from 5:00-8:00 pm and includes refreshments and live music.

Sketch Book Project

In the smaller Esther Drezner Gallery, a smaller  show called  the Sketch Book Project featuring artist sketch books submitted from young, teen and adult local and national artists.  You will also see some of  the completed artwork that was inspired by their sketches and swatches. The Esther Drezner Gallery is also a beautiful artisan gift shop selling handmade jewelry, textiles, glassware, pottery, artwork, gifts and more.

Arts Market In The Classroom

Be sure to also visit the Arts Market set up in the classroom which will offer jewelry, artwork, paintings, sculpture  and more and serioulsy discounted prices.

For more information visit: http://www.artsfvac.org/category/events/

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Wetting Colored Tissue Papers In Mixed Media Art

Mixed Media Art With "Bleeding" Wet Tissue Papers

Mixed Media artists who like to come up with new ideas for  making papers to use in collages will like this idea. Colored tissue paper is cut into strips and layered and then spritzed with a water bottle. You guessed it, the papers bleed and the random color saturation makes for great papers.

This idea was demonstrated by my friend Lynn Gall who conducted a Mixed Media Boot Camp recently at The Farmington Valley Arts Center.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Colorful 1950s Plastic Flower Pots At Kitsch n Stuff Antiques And Collectibles

Adorable Kitschy Plastic 1950s Flower Pots

I just added the cutest 1950's plastic flower pots to my collection at Kitsch n Stuff. I bought an entire set of these wonderful vintage retro planters. They come in all the popular  50's colors, chartreuse, sunflower yellow, coral, royal blue, red, green etc. Truthfully, I would like to hold onto to them. But at the moment, they are on display at my shop which is in The Colllinsville Sntiques Companhy of New Hartford, CT.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Are You Shopping For A Vintage Pink Straw, Rhinestone Studded Hat?

In The Pink With This Hat Which Will Add Some Height To Your Appearance

There are vintage hats and then there is vintage hats!
This  pink beauty is more like a tower than a hat. My oh my,  I can see how the designer of this hat channeled wedding cakes when designing this pink straw rhinestone studded, bow adorned fashion statment. I spotted this gem at The Burlington Inn Antiques  in Burlington, CT. Hurray up and grab this hat before some hipster wheres this to a summer party.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Way Off The Beaten Path Looking For Antiques And Collectibles

Getting Lost When Out Antiquing

When you are out antiquing, one small move out of the ordinary and you could find yourself on a country road in new territory. Some people frown because they are not where they are supposed to be. For me, it is as blessing in disguise. I love getting lost while out antiquing and discovering the smaller shops that just may not be on "the antique maps" that so many owners get together and print.

Following The Antique Trail To A Point

Don't get me wrong, local antique maps are great for following the trail of antique stores located in a particular geographic area. But often, the maps do not tell the whole story. Shops come and go and often the descriptions on these printed pamphlets can be deceiving.

Good Junk Or A Dump

Over the years, how many of us have been burnt, holdng one of these antique maps in our hands, and showing up in person to a store which sounded good on paper but is a miserable DUMP.  We eagerly thought we would be walking into a treasure trove when in reality we walk into the equivalent of
poop palace.

Good Junk Is Appetizing

Now let's be clear...there is JUNK which is fun JUNK.  But there is also JUNK that belongs in the trash.

Here is what I call junk that belongs in the trash .... lots of wet, smelly, moldy

boxes and bins filled with dusty, rusty,  broken garbage. There is very little in the way of collectibles, vintage or desirable anything.

Orderly Junk In An Organized Shop A-1 RATING 

On the other hand, a great junk store  (or collectibles shop) has a mixture of everything and is relatively a neat and somewhat organized place that is kept up. You enjoy poking through piles, boxes and front porches.
In a great store, you are not terrfied that something "live" will jump out at you. Photos  shown are from The Junk Shop Of Canton , CT  a  shop with an A-1 JUNK RATING.

Readers feel free to  share your thoughts. Also tell us about your A-1 Junk haunts.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Visiting The Art Studio Of Suzy Logue, Decorative Furniture Painter At The Farmington Valley Arts Center

Paint Obsession, Re-Imagining Old Furniture Into Stylish One Of A Kind Works Of Useable Art  

Suzy Collins Logue is a decorative painter obsessed with changing the look of vintage and antique furniture. From the wee hours of the morning until the sun goes down, you will find Suzy hard at work in her Farmington Valley Arts Center studio in Avon, CT. Suzy's business name "Paint Obsession" reflects her preoccupation with re-imagining old furniture into stylish, colorful, elegant one of a kind works of art which falls under the category of useable or functional art.

Hunting For Furniture To Makeover

Like other artists who up-cyle vintage finds, Suzy must balance her time between hunting for objects (furniture) to use in her work, while at the same time nurturing these finds into creative new interpretations of the original piece. For example, Suzy recently found a very handsome Tiger oak Empire sideboard or buffet which was popular during the Victorian era and sought after for many generations by buyers who like antique furniture.

Updated Versions Of The Old Look 

Today however, younger couples and shoppers are after updated versions of the old look. Suzy has successfully found a niche for buyers who like the quality and styles of vintage furnishings but want a fresher more colorful and contemporary adaption of chairs, table, cabinets etc.

Farmington Valley Arts Center Attracts Visitors Looking For Unique Works Of Art

Suzy located her "Paint Obsession" painted furniture business to The Farmington Valley Arts Center in late Spring to be surrounded by fine artists and artisans who attract visitors to the Center who are looking for unique and creative works of art.

Suzy's Furniture Is Her Blank Canvas 

For Suzy, her painted furniture is like a blank canvas which she approaches passionately with a both a sense of wonderment and novelty. Like someone working on a painting, Suzy must look at each piece of furniture as a challenge, creating something special that brings to life her vision and style.

Suzy Logue's art studio "Paint Obsession" is on the first floor of  The Farmington Valley Arts Center, Studio 10 A.  You can reach Suzy at 860-977-3545
       
 To learn more about The Farmington Valley Arts Center visit
 http://www.artsfvac.org/

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Displaying Vintage Earrings On An Antique Tennis Racket

Vintage Jewelry Looks Great Displayed On The Strings Of An Old Wooden Tennis Racket

Vintage jewelry is not the easiest item to sell in an Antique booth when you have lots of other collectibles, textiles and antiques competing for attention. The small little things such  as costume jewelry generally get lost in the avalanche of STUFF. But one clever dealer I met at the Harwinton Antiques Weekend in Harwinton , CT resolved the jewelry issue by displaying her vintage earrings on   the strings of an
old tennis racket.

What I like about this idea is how terific the aged wooden frame looks as a display prop. The display is eye catching and
invites interest.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Mixus Celebrates 10th Anniversary At TheatreWorks With A Special Mixed Media Show, May 31- July 19, 2013

MIXUS Mixed Media Show Opening Reception: June 13th, 2013, 5:30-7:00pm. 

This is a very interesting post for me. Ten years ago I helped form a group of Mixed Media artists who named themselves "Mixus". Now to be correct Mixus was really mixus ( the first letter "m" was intended to be lower case).  But mixus is always promoted as Mixus, no matter how hard the group tries to be true to their original identity.

Mixed Media Art Show Runs Through July, 19th, 2013 At TheatreWorks 

Whether mixus is spelled with a capitol "M" or not, mixus will be celebrating their 10th anniversary in Connecticut's capital city, Hartford with a special show at Theatreworks from May 31- July 19, 2013. The public is invited to an opening reception Thursday June 13th, 2013, 5:30-7:00 pm.

Ten members of mixus will be presenting their Mixed Media artwork including Judy Cantwell, Elaine Edelberg, Joy Floyd, Betty Friedman, Vi Joshua, Hannah Libman, Jill Henderson Pasanen, Caroln Q Tertes and Gretchen Wohlgemuth.

The mixus show coincides with the current Theatreworks performance "Becoming Dr Ruth" .
  
Everyone knows Dr. Ruth from her career as a pioneering radio and television sex therapist. Few, however, know the incredible journey that preceded it. From fleeing the Nazis in the Kindertransport and joining the Haganah in Jerusalem as a scout and sniper, to her struggles to succeed as a single mother coming to America, Becoming Dr. Ruth is filled with the humor, honesty and life-affirming spirit of Karola Ruth Siegel, the girl who became America's most famous sex therapist
   
For more information about Mixus or the current production visit www.theaterworkshartford.org

Photo credits:

Top image: Mixus artist Carolyn Q Tertes
Middle image: Mixus artist Jill Henderson Pasanen
Bottom image: Mixus artist Gretchen Wohlgemuth

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists