Organizing Your Art Studio Brushes And Tools With Vintage Pressed Glass Vases

Storing Paint Brushes And Tools In Vintage Glass  Vases

Artists by nature are resourceful people. Anita Gangi Balkun, a studio artist at the Farmington Valley Arts Center in Avon, CT who lives in the world of installation art  uses old pressed glass flower vases to store her paint brushes and tools. The collection looks quite nice sitting on her window sill of her  art studio.

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

How To Tie And Wear A Hand Painted Silk Scarf: Demonstration By Textile Designer, Rosalia "Lia" Lee At The Farmington Valley Arts Center

Rosalie "Lia" Lee Shows FVAC Holiday Visitor Three Different Ways To Wear Silk Hand Painted Scarves 

  Sheri is modeling a hand painted silk scarf made by textile designer and artist Rosalie "Lia" Lee   The scarf is tied in the back.

Textile designer and artist Rosalia "Lia" Lee visited my studio (9B) on Saturday during Open Studios and demonstrated  the many ways you could tie wear one of her hand painted silk scarves. The model is my friend Sheri who is a big supporter of FVAC events. She and her husband visited Lia's special holiday studio show  which is  now on display on the first level of The Farmington Valley Arts Center in The Esther Drezner Gallery.  When you visit The Esther Drezner Gallery you will see all of Lia's gorgeous colorful  scarves, paintings, handmade cards, textiles and photographs.

 

 In this version of wearing the silk scarf, the scarf is twisted and the tie is on the shoulder.

 And if you forget the other two ways to wear a scarf, just drape the scarf over you  neck and you will still look great.

Oh if my friend Sheri knew I was doing a post on "How To Wear A Silk Scarf" and that she was the model, she might ask for a modeling fee.  But Sheri and Larry visit  The Farmington Valley Arts Center often and are big supporters of The Candleight Season Open Studio events. 

Sher..... forgive me I am not a professional photographer...hope you can live with the uneven lighting.... you look m a r v e l o u s! 

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

Hand Felted Wool Ornaments: Holiday Workshop Series At The Farmington Valley Arts Center

Artful Giving Holiday Workshops At The Farmington Valley Arts Center

It was so exciting  this past Saturday (November 17th)  to see classroom 3a  at The Farmington Valley Arts Center  (FVAC) well attended with participants learning how to make felted wool holiday ornaments. Part of the FVAC  focus on Artful Giving, the felt workshop conducted by fiber artist Elena Gibson was packed with busy learners who seemed to be enjoying this colorful and  spirited holiday workshop.

For information on upcoming holiday workshops at The Farmington Valley Arts Center click on this link:http://www.artsfvac.org/category/classes/

 

The technique of transforming wool roving into felt and than creating wearable art or decor such as ornaments is very easy to learn.

Read more about Art in Felt 

http://www.feltingsupply.com/store/ecom-prodshow/6000_BOOKS_MACKAY_ARTINFELTANDSTITCH.html

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

Danielle Langford's Bronze Figurative Sculptures On Display During Candlelight Season 2012: Opening, Friday, November 16th, 2012

Visiting The Studio Of Danielle Langford, Farmington Valley Arts Center 

Sometimes the shades are down in the studio windows of  Farmington Valley Arts Center sculptor  Danielle Langford.  That is the signal to others, that Danielle is in the middle of a class and a live model is posing for the sculptors who are busy at work modeling the clay into figurative forms which will eventually come alive in new form.

Bronze Sculpting Is An Arduous Process

The process of making bronze figurative sculptures is an arduous task with many steps along the way to create a life like  sculpture which conveys emotion,  subtle movement , expression and anatomic realism.  The sculptor needs to select the right clay, one that will allow the artist to work and re-work the clay.

Building A Skeletal Armature

Next, the clay is formed, often with the help of armatures such as wire or pipes or other materials which provide a skeleton for the figure to help support the weight of the clay.

Capturing Emotion And Expression In Clay


The clay is formed around the armature and the artistic process begins, capturing the pose and expression desired. Next a latex mold of the original clay sculpture is made, a wax replica is poured  followed by casting in bronze.

Hours and hours go into the craft of sculpting bronze figures. Danielle Langford has mastered this art of bronze sculpting and has exhibited her work nationally as well as in Ireland.

 Sculpture That Is Honest And Evocative

Daniele  speaks about her work: "I begin modeling clay with a pose or image in mind. Then I have models to help be perfect realism and add their live input to the process which"  results in a collaborative final product that is honest and evocative".

You can visit Danielle Langford in her studio during the opening  of The Candlelight Season, November 16th, 2012 from 6:00- 9:00 p.m. and  Saturday, November 17th, 2012 during the day . See poster below for schedules and events during the holiday season.

Visit http://www.artistsfvac.org/danielle-langford

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

Handmade Whimsical Felted Robot And Horse Dolls On Display At The Farmington Valley Arts Center, Fisher Gallery During Candlelight Opening, November 16th, 2012 Through The Holiday Season

Handcrafted Felt Dolls Showcased At Farmington Valley Arts Center 

Who wouldn't want to snuggle up with these handmade felt dolls now on display at The Fisher Gallery, Farmington Valley Arts Center, Avon, CT

Opening Of Candlelight season starts tonight, Friday November 16th, 2012 from 6:00-9:00 p.m.Visit twenty plus studios and meet artists, photographers, weavers, sculptors, designers in their  artspace. Also visit two galleries and shop in two galleries for the holidays.

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

The Pottery Spectrum Studio Celebrates Twenty Years At The Farmington Valley Arts Center: Come Visit During Candlelight Opening, November 16th, 2012, 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Ginny August And Betsy Gardiner Celebrate Twenty Years At Farmington Valley Arts Center

 Betsey Gardiner

This Friday evening, November 16th, 2012, The Pottery Spectrum will be open to the public during the annual kick off of Candlelight Season  at The Farmington Valley Arts Center is Avon, CT  Ginny August and Betsy Gardiner are celebrating their 20th year at The Farmington Valley Center and are getting ready to observe this special milestone with a studio packed with stunning ceramics, functional pottery, decorative  arts,  holiday and nature inspired  pottery and more.

Pottery Inspired By Nature 

 Betsy Gardiner

I took a tour of the studio yesterday and fell in love with so many pieces. Betsy likes to work close to nature and has many delightful dishes, vessels, cups, serving pieces with leaf motifs and other earthy influences.

New Ceramic Series With Stamped Designs

 Ginny August

Ginny has just completed an exquisite white and patterned pottery series which involves the techniques of stamping designs onto your work.

 Betsy Gardiner

What Is The Difference Between Pottery And Ceramics?

 Betsy Gardiner

These gals have been at their craft for a long time, so I asked Betsy and Ginny... what is the difference between the terms "pottery" and "ceramics" ? After  our brief chat,  I was so fascinated about the topic that I did some more homework. Here is what I learned.  Pottery generally refers to containers or vessels made from clay. Potters can "throw" clay on a wheel or build pots by hand. Commercial pottery is mass produced in factories. Studio pottery is crafted by artisans who have mastered their own individual style.

 Ginny August

What Are Ceramics?

Ceramics is an umbrella term referring to materials which are completely changed by heat. Earthenware, Stoneware, Porcelain, Bone china are examples of whiteware ceramics.

Ceramics are used both in industry as well as for the home. For example, pipes and roof tiles can be ceramic, but so can tableware and cookware. Clay is not the only material used in making ceramics. Industrial ceramics might include such materials as silica carbide and zirconium oxide.

Functional Pottery At The Pottery Spectrum 

 Ginny August

At the Pottery Spectrum you will find tableware, cookware, tiles, figurative sculptures such as angels, masks etc. made from clay. Ginny and Betsy are often seen at the wheel with their denim pottery aprons busy  at work. The process of preparing the clay, forming the object, decorating or stamping the piece, glazing and firing is a long journey. As you will see in these photos, Ginny and Betsy are quite accomplished at their craft.

Artful Giving: HowAbout Pottery For The Holidays

As I was photographing these beautiful works of art, I really appreciated just how lovely the holidays would be with a table set with handmade bowls, platters, serving  dishes. There are many color palettes and styles to choose from.

 Ginny August

This year at The Farmington Valley  Arts Center the theme is Artful Giving.  For sure, the ceramics and pottery at The Pottery Spectrum are special gifts for  the holidays ....a studio not to miss.   Candlelight event starts Friday evening, November 16th and  continues the following day with Saturday daytime hours. See poster below for schedule and 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

Seeing Abstract Art In The Spirit Of The Season

Studio 9B Farmington Valley Arts Center Welcomes Visitors November 16th, 2012 For Candlelight Season Opening 6:00-9:00 p.m.   

The days leading up to the Candlelight Opening (November 16th, 2012 6:00-9:00 p.m. ) at the Farmington Valley Arts Center (FVAC) are very exciting.  Artists are coming and going all day long and even throughout the evenings getting ready for the big event which draws crowds of visitors to  FVAC.

I can attest to  just how busy FVAC gets on Candlelight Night because my studio was packed with guests last year for this festive event.   I am one of the newer artists at FVAC and I really had a great time listening to people comment on my work and realizing that taste and meaning  in art is a very personal  experience.

Interpreting Abstract Art Is Contextual

One of my pieces had always reminded me of a faucet dripping water. It was really an abstract done in pastel and paint. It really didn't look like a faucet, but in my head I called it my faucet painting. Then (last year) a "jolly" group of folks stepped into my studio after sampling the wine and cheese and other sweets and goodies offered in the open studios and declared that Santa Claus was making an appearance in my painting. And that my "faucet" was a young boy sitting on a chair wearing boots. 

Santa still appears in the painting and so does the boy. It's amazing what people will see in the  "spirit" of the season.

What do you see when you look ast this artwork?  


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

Avis Turner: Illustrator, Mixed Media Painter, Sculptor Of Butterflies, Nature, Spiritual Figures: Studio 5B Farmington Valley Arts Center Candlelight Opening, November 16th, 2012

Butterflies In Mixed Media Art  

Artist Avis Turner Farmington Valley Arts Center

Prelude 

When one of my adored art friends and mentors left the area to spend time abroad, she gifted me a beautiful collage of a butterfly. This piece had  more meaning to me than she probably had intended. I looked at it as a torch that she was passing on to me.  As if she was saying, " here, I am leaving but you can now soar to new heights on your own".


Butterflies And Metamorphosis

The mixed media collage sat in my closet for awhile, awaiting the time when I would frame up a few pieces of artwork ready for hanging. That special day arrived, when the butterfly collage was released from  the dark closet and it was matted and framed . It's new home is in my living room in a spot that I can look at easily each evening. The artwork reminds me of transition and change.

The Meaning Of Butterflies 

Artist Avis Turner Farmington Valley Arts Center

Butterfies are not only special to me, they are special to others as well.  A close friend talks to the butterflies that surround her patio deck. To her they represent her mom who left this earth a few years ago. But my friend  looks to the butterflies that linger on her deck's plants as a sign that mom is nearby and watching over her.

Catching Butterflies As Children

As children, many of us remember owning butterfly nets.  We playfully pranced around our yards trying to catch these colorful insects  so that we could pop them into an old peanut butter jar with a punched hole lid and blades of grass for nourishment.  For many of us it was our first  experience with nature and bringing the natural beauty into our homes.

Butterflies Represent Solace, Wonderment, Hope, Spirituality, Freedom, Rebirth, Energy

The butterfly has represented  solace, wonderment, hope and change to people for generations  all over the globe. Each culture has understood the butterfly in special ways from a symbol of the soul to the secret wish of our inner spirit waiting to be released.

Avis Turner: An Artist Who Draws And Paints Butterflies

 Artist Avis Turner Farmington Valley Arts Center

One artist who is most associated with drawings and mixed media paintings of butterflies and other winged beings and Nike figures is Avis Turner, a Farmington Valley, CT artist and educator. Avis maintains an art studio at The Farmington Valley Arts Center (FVAC) in Avon, CT, a perfect place for an artist who studies and paints "botanical hybrids" , seed pods and moth orchids.

Farmington Valley Arts Center: Natural Campus For  
Artists, Painters, Sculptors 

Nestled in the woods in a lovely country setting, The Farmington Valley Arts Center is a special campus where artists like Avis Turner can let loose in their artwork and get lost in "translucent layers of science, mystical geometry and doses of quantum physics". Avis is also known for her bronze figurative creations which can be viewed as angels or "materializations of natural spirits"

 Sculptor-Artis Avis Turner

Avis Brings Energy To FVAC  

Avis is herself a high spirited, enthusiastic, exciting artist  with a effervescent personality who has been making art and sharing her talents with students for three decades. She has a strong influence on the other artists at the FVAC and has been able to bring a great deal of energy to FVAC.

Candlelight Opening Event

 Avis even found butterfly wine.

This weekend and for many coming weeks  during the holiday season  Avis and 20 plus other artists at the Farmington Valley Arts Center will open their studios to the public .This Friday night, November 16th, 2012, you can visit Avis in her studio 5B for the opening of the Candlelight Season Event 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.


There is a real festival atmosphere during Candlelight Opening as complimentary refreshments are served in all studios and the two galleries are open with holiday gifts  and artwork from local and regional artists.

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

Collecting Vintage Coloring Books

Collectible 1940s -1950s Coloring Books 

I adore Vintage coloring books. There is something about spotting coloring books with  primary colors of the1940s and 1950s that gives me a areal good feeling. Perhaps it is because I spent many hours stretched  out on the living room floor with my box of Crayola crayons and my latest coloring book.


McLoughlin Brothers  Produced First Coloring Book

Coloring books date back to the 1880s and were first produced by the McLoughlin Brothers. Their first coloring book was designed in association with Kate Greenaway, an English children's book illustrator. The earliest color book McLoughlin produced was the "Little Folks" series.  In the 1920s, McLoughlin Brothers became part of Milton Bradley Company.


Crayola Launched 64 Box Crayons In 1958

Coloring really became a favorite activity when Crayola launched their famous 64 box with a built in sharpener in 1958. Baby boomers remember being taught to "color in the lines" as educators pushed strict rules about how to  color the right way. Outlines of common objects and familiar scenes dominated coloring book themes.

Coloring Outside The Lines

Later generations encouraged children to express themselves with less boundaries and rules and  the open ended "coloring book" became popular. In this version of coloring, the child was encouraged to make up their own picture with suggested story ideas.Susan Striker created a series of Anti-Coloring books in the 1970s.

Common Vintage Coloring Book Themes 

Most of the coloring books that you will find in Antique stores or markets are from the 1940s, 1950s and beyond. While you might find earlier coloring books at antique paper shows,  I 'm happy to find more common  Post war coloring books with charming images of children, farm animals, circus themes,  alphabets, nursery rhymes etc. As a child however,  I do however remember being very interested in coloring books about Christmas, brides and fairy princesses.

T.V. Show Coloring Books

Coloring books covered both recreational and educational topics. As television shows dominated American homes in the 1950s, many coloring books were produced in conjunction with popular characters, movies, T.V. shows   such as Disney, Roy Rogers, Captain Kangaroo, Casper and later The Brady Bunch etc. Historical and political topics are also subjects of coloring books.


How Much Do Old Coloring Books Sell For ? 


Coloring books that have not been colored in are of course hard to find and when you do find them they are valued higher than ones with filled in pages. Be sure to evaluate the book for missing pages, tears, and soiling.


While some coloring books fetch bigger prices because of special themes, personalities, world events or illustrators, common playtime coloring books (1940s-1950s) in very good condition generally sell for $12.00-28.00.

Many collectors also will buy books that have colored in pages if the covers are special and in good condition. These coloring books are usually priced a little bit lower than the unused ones.


Read More:

Collectible Coloring Books

Images courtesy of:
Antiques On The Farmington, Collinsville CT

 http://drawingin.blogspot.com/2009/05/bridal-coloring-books.html

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

Using Decorative Fruit Plates On Your Thanksgiving Holiday Table

Time To Use Your Pretty Fruit And Floral Plates For Thanksgiving

This is the time of the year when antique stores are busy as the holiday season is upon us and shoppers are looking for dishes, glassware, textiles, tablecloths for the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

Vintage Decorative Fruit Plates

While it is fun to add some more vintage decorative pieces to your home, you can also consider looking in your own cupbords to find plates, platters and entertaining accessories that you may already have acquired and have forgotten about.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/89463484/vintage-decorative-plate-fruit-with

What's In Your China Closet For Thanksgiving?

Decorative Plates With Fruit Themes For Thanksgiving 

Many of us have plates with fruits and harvest scenes handed down form grandparents and family members. Fruit and floral patterns, popular during the 1950s make great additions to the Thanksgiving table. While you might want to use a heavy charger or platter for your Turkey, you can use smaller and lighter decorative plates for condiments, side dishes, breads, fruit, desserts. 

I have picked out a few examples of plates that would look lovely on your Thanksgiving table. Now see what you can find in your own closets and China cabinets.

  

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vntge-White-MILK-GLASS-1950s-LACE-EDGE-Hand-Painted-DECORATIVE-PLATE-Fruit-8-25-/261118566534?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3ccbe12086&ssPageName=RSS:B:SHOP:US:101

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

Jim Brunelle And Mike Dennan Feature Functional And Wearable Art At Farmington Valley Arts Center Candlelight Event, Friday November, 16th, 2012

Jim Brunelle And Mike Dennan Open Studio 11 A For The Holidays At The Farmington Valley Arts Center

I'm jealous of the creative types who invite you into their art studio and you immediately feel a sense of calm and peace. Whatever may be going on around them, they somehow have been able to create a Zen like atmosphere  in their precious  artspace. Jim Brunelle is an artist at The Farmington Valley Arts Center who radiates both energy and inner calm.

 Pottery Art Created By Jim Brunelle

Jim Brunelle who you will see buzzing around The Farmington Valley Arts Center in Avon, CT is the  tall slender soft spoken presence at the Center responsible for exhibits, classes, events and more.

Although at times Jim  appears to be consumed with the frenetic activity of a busy and exciting art center and school, when you enter Jim's studio (11A) you immediately feel a sense of quiet and appreciation for clay art made from the earth.

Meet Jim Brunelle And Mike Dennan

Sharing his studio with his partner Mike Dennan who concentrates on wearable art and textiles, Jim and Mike are very gracious hosts. During open studios, it is common to find Jim serving hot tea to guests in handmade ceramic vessels  that Jim has made. When you try on one of Mike's Faux-a scarves made from re-cycled silk or other re-purposed fabrics, you can look at yourself in many of the unique and exquisite ceramic framed mirrors that Jim has created.

Decorate Your Home For The Holidays With Handmade Pottery, Mirrors, Ceramic Dishes

As I write about Jim's mirrors and re-read my words, I  realize  I am understating just how unique and beautiful these fragmented ceramic and stone mirrors are. Jim Brunelle's work is varied.  While Jim is primarily a potter, sculptor and ceramic artist producing a variety of handcrafted useable and wearable art  (gorgeous clay and stone jewelry), Jim also is a printmaker and painter who likes to capture the quirky side of cats and dogs.

Farmington Valley Arts Center  Studio Artists Open For The Holidays: Starts November 16th, 2012

With the holiday season approaching, there is plenty of opportunity to visit Jim Brunelle and Mike Dennan in  studio  11 A on the first floor fo the Farmington Valley Arts Center.

This Friday night, November 16th, 21012 is the kick off of  the Candlelight season event when all of the artist studios are open to the public from 6:00-9 p.m. There is a real festival atmosphere as complimentary refreshments are served in all studios and the two galleries are open with holiday gifts  and artwork from local and regional artists.

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

Holiday Home Decor At Farmington Valley Arts Center, Fisher Gallery, Avon, CT: Custom Designed Needlepoint Pillows

Handmade Needlepoint Pillows At The Fisher Gallery, Farmington Valley Arts Center

Candlelight Holiday Shopping Begins November 16th, 2012 

I strolled into the Fisher Gallery at The Farmington Valley Arts Center, Avon, CT  and staff and volunteers were unpacking and displaying all the new holiday artisan gifts which will be featured at the opening of Candlelight Season which begins next Friday night, November 16th, 2012  6-9 pm.

Artful Giving For The Home During The Holidays

While there is so much to tell you, I wanted to share these  gorgeous custom designed needlepoint pillows which you will find in the gallery along with many other textiles, usable and wearable art, jewelry, handmade toys, pottery and so much more. 

Farmington Valley Arts Center Studio Artists

When visiting the Farmington Valley Arts Center during the holiday season be sure to visit all the open artist studios on both levels of this interesting arts campus. There are over 20 artists who  paintings, sculpture, jewelry, textiles, wood crafts, pottery, clothing, prints and more.

The Candlelight Season is when FVAC is open to the public with special events, workshops and featured artists and artisans in two galleries. See dates and times in inserted card shown on left.



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