An Update on Classes and Shows

It's official! I love teaching classes in series.

I just finished up my four week class of intermediate alcohol ink classes. It was wonderful! To see people apply what they've learned into their own styles is terrific.We had a variety of paintings; dogs, owls landscape, abstract, then we started coping a favorite.

              At first the swirls of Starry Night were really difficult. We all felt maybe we had made a mistake trying this painting in alcohol inks. But then, we were mesmerized, we couldn't stop.

 Some of us went on to try other Masters.Some had projects they wanted to try.

                
                                                                                                                                                          
 

Things are getting busy as we approach the warmer weather. I'm working on a show at Sinisnawa Mounds - a Dominican retreat and conference center. The show will run April 5th through the end of May.

 The next 4 week series of Alcohol Inks on Canvas starts on Tuesday, April 18th. 1-4pm Info and registration here

Spring Art Scene is April 21 & 22nd. I will be showing with the Rockford Art Guild at the Trinity Lutheran Activity Center, 215 N 1st St. It  will be include my first Art Installation in the parking lot. I admit that it is my first one and I don't have a lot of time to pull this off. I know I'll learn a lot.






Then, the 14th annual Unforgettable Art, an Affair for Alzheimer's is April 29th. If you have any suggestions for my canvas please let me know. I plan on doing a vertical canvas this year. For more info and tickets go here

 Looking for a more adventurous painting experience?
Fascinated by the performance art that's becoming so popular?

Well, grab a friend (or not, we'll be your friends ) and come for a night of fun and exploration. Each person will start with their own 11" x 14" canvas. You'll choose your own acrylic color palette, up to 5 colors and be asked to fill out a simple questionnaire about what you like. We'll all start off on our own canvasses by painting the background and a few details.  We'll give you a few pointers along the way. You'll have to be quick because in 15 minutes the music will stop and you'll move on to another canvas. After reviewing that person's likes you will use their palette to continue painting on THEIR canvas! We're sure to come up with some very original pieces by the end of the night!

Tuesday, March 21st
6:00 to 8:30pm
New Dimensions Studio
Womaspace
3333 Maria Linden Drive
Rockford, Illinois 61114

$35/person
Everything you need will be supplied. Feel free to bring your own adult beverage if you'd like.

Register here

Last Show of the Season

The basement of the Starline is very interesting  and has a lot of character.

 
Last Friday was the 4th Friday at the Starline Gallery in Harvard. It was my last show of the season.

I've learned a lot from this season of shows. First, that not all shows are the same. Some shows are better - they just are. Some shows spend a lot more time advertising to insure that buyers will show up at their event. They go out of their way to make sure their artists are taken care of and any questions are answered. Some shows seem to be more concerned with collecting a booth fee from artists as a fund raiser and don't seem to do much more. It sounds a little harsh but that's how it appears to me.

I also learned, that just because a show charges a hefty booth fee doesn't make it a good show.

My favorite show was Greenwich Village, right in my own backyard.
The quality of the art was high, the show was well established and well attended by buyers. And those organizing the event genuinely cared about making the event a positive experience for both artists and attendees.

             Honestly, Sam and I always found something to like at each and every  show.

I also loved Glen Ellyn Festival of the Arts for their incredible hospitality.
They had tractors and people available for loading and unloading booths and supplies. Each morning the show opened with a bagpiper walking through the isles. This is where the Art Life Gallery found me and I am thrilled to have work with them.


Probably the best quality of artists were seen at Art Fair on the Square
in Lake Forest.

 Although that was a difficult show because set up was done on the same day as the opening so our day started at 3AM. Sitting out in 93degrees for two days was trying - although I was in the shade. Those who attended the event had a much harder time at it.

Pamela Parkinson

Art in the Making was probably the most Fun show. Art, friends, wine... need I say more?

Having said all that, what a great time Samantha and I had staying at the homes of family and friends for these events. Living at someone's home for two nights just allows more time to visit. What a blast, thanks to all.



But now it's time to settle down a bit and get back into my studio. 

I can't wait! My alcohol Ink classes have really done well and they're filling quickly. Wow! Who'd a guessed? I'm hoping to develop more classes with the inks and eventually make my way into watercolors and batiks. I also want to work on launching my first workshop in Northern Wisconsin next summer (by Eagle River) and I have a lot of planning to do for that. Paint by day, dine,wine and laugh by night!


Did I mention Batiks? Well, yes. I've been trying to do batiks for two years now. I just found out that you use bee's wax.... Oh. So I'll be getting out my rice paper and painting away.

I also want to work BIG! Big alcohol inks, 
Big abstracts just BIG, BIG, BIG! 

So I have a lot to do. My work hangs in Katie's Cup in January and I want all new pieces. The next 30 in 30 challenge is in January.(It's always good to have a bit of a head start for that one.)  February will bring the Nicholas Conservatory Show. I want pieces from their conservatory - I already have many but more is always better. And what is the status of the Drive By series? Better get to it.

The fun never ends!
 
 








How lucky am I, to do what I love everyday?

Cooper's Top Tem Reasons NOT to do an Art Show

This weekend is the Festival of Arts in Bartlett. 

I'm looking forward to it and am packing as we speak but about a half an hour ago I was 

approached by my studio manager, Cooper, with the top 10 reasons NOT to do art shows.

Cooper, my studio manager

Please understand that the opinions expressed by my studio manager are not necessarily

 shared by myself. I feel compelled to share his list as I promised I would 

so others may be aware of these dangers.

The Top10 Reasons NOT to do Art Shows:

according to Cooper

1. You never know who you might meet at these things. You may be exposed to new ideas and art. It may change your art and your thoughts forever.
2. No one really likes to meet the artist of the work they own. People prefer the mystery of not knowing anything about an artist.
3. It's too much work packing, traveling, setting up, sitting there talking to people and tearing down.
4. You should not show any of your artwork until it is absolutely perfect... and let's face it, you have not reached perfection yet.
5. It's too expensive; jury fees, booth fees, traveling expenses, meals, hotel fees. These monies could be used for more appropriate items such as doggie treats.
6. If you're not selling out at these shows, what's the point? You'll just have to pack it all up again and bring it home.
7. You may have to answer a lot of questions about your work. Why this subject, technique, etc.?
8.  You may hear some negative remarks about your work, "the prices are too high, they can do the same work themselves." You may hear some positive comments and then become too confident.
9. You will miss me too much. I will not be there to encourage you. You may get depressed.
10. There probably will be other dogs there. They may will try to persuade you to take them home. No siblings please!

Disclaimer: 

The opinions expressed are of that 

of my studio manager, Cooper.

 Jill Rae Finally Art does not necessarily

 agree with these opinions. 

Note to Cooper, 

Thank you Cooper for your concern. I will see you Sunday knowing that I am leaving you in loving hands of Mark and Matt. Samantha and I will try not to enjoy ourselves too much. And no matter how many pups I pet, I am well aware there is no one like you. You are the best.

Love, 

    Jill Rae

For more information about the Festival of Arts in Bartlett and 

other shows I am participating in see my events page here.

Riverside Arts Walk, a fun Weekend

Last weekend was the RAW show. The Riverside Arts Walk.

Rain threatened us most of the weekend but all in all the weather was pretty good. Not too hot, a good breeze and rain mostly at night.

It was fun to go back to the area I grew up in. My parent's lived in LaGrange for 50 years. Riverside is about 10 minutes away. The RAW show was very close to Brookfield Zoo where I spent a lot of my youth and much of my early motherhood days with my own children. In fact, my husband and I had our first apartment together close by in Berwyn.  While driving by  Loyola hospital I shouted, " That's were you and Beth were born."to my daughter. A lot of fond memories were made there.


As we were close to the old neighborhood, we were visited by Aunt Roz and her family, along with my best friend and her family, and my sister and brother-in-law. It always makes the show so much more special with the support and love of family.

Meredith Wenzel with her hand blown glass.

Being in a two day show is somewhat like going away to camp for the weekend. You meet a lot of really interesting people, not only those attending the show but the other art exhibitors as well.  This show wasn't a huge success financially but we certainly had a great time talking to those around us.

Sandra Ragan was game to trying alcohol inks.

 



 Sunday seemed to be a much better day and I have to attribute that to painting. People love to see others creating their artwork. It's something I have to remember to do more often. This time was a bit challenging without a table and the wind which blew away my photograph away several times and dropped little worms and other debris from the overhead tree. But we made do and it was great fun showing people what alcohol inks can do.


Probably the best part was sharing the time with my daughter, Samantha Rae, who was such an incredible help and stayed with me the entire weekend. Doing a show like this takes a huge amount of effort and I couldn't have done it without her help or that of my husband, Mark who sets up my heavy booth and takes it down with never a complaint.  Thanks guys, and Matt too, for all your support.

Getting Ready for Art Shows - A Check Off List

The shows have been applied to and have accepted you ... 
now what?

 

Here is a checklist/timeline for getting ready for shows:

When you find out: Paste show to events page on your web page. Add to all calendars. Pay
                                                any booth fees.
Three Months before the show:Go through inventory - order scans of new
                                                  work, prints and cards etc.
The Month Before: Start advertising show on Facebook, Twitter and other social media.
                                                You can start just talking about painting pictures for it and getting ready.

                Process printing orders, bag, tag and add certificates to all prints, box and price all card sets.
                
                Go through current original works  Frame, wire, tag and add certificates to all originals,
                                                        bag, tag and add certificates to all originals not being framed.

                 Read through the show notes and web page to make sure you have show specifics and
                                                       understand all rues and expectations. 
The Week Before: Go through current inventory; pack framed works, bagged works- original
                               and prints - and all other  merchandise cards, calendars etc.

                Start Packing the list below.

                Go to bank and get cash and change.

                Read through the show notes and web page to make sure you have show specifics and
                               understand all rues and expectations. AGAIN. You don't want any surprises.

The Night Before: Review packing list and do any last minute tasks.

                 Charge cell phone, I Pad, etc .


Pack for the show:
Booth
Tent
Weights
Level and hooks 
Artist Sign or Banner
Print holders
Wire holders for prints, signage and cards
Chair or two
Tarps for securring at night
Poncho and unbrella
Glass cleaner and paper towels
Extra labels and Blank labels
Art Materials for Demo
Tool Box: Scissors, Hammer, Screw driver, pliers,
Table and Table Cloth
Tapes; painters, mailing and scotch
Square for credit and cash PHONE fully charged with extra batteries
Receipts, calculator and pens
Promotional Items; business cards, postcards, hand outs,
                               sign up for mailing list, artist statement and bio, card holders
Plastic Bags for sales and wrapping supplies - bubble wrap, saran wrap
Framed works, bagged works, cards and other merchandise
Parking Permits or other materials sent to you by the show.
Water, food, cooler
Camera
Book to read

Have a Happy Art Fair!

Did I miss anything? Please leave a comment.

Art Scene is More About Community and Arts For Everyone Than Anything Else

There's a lot more to art shows than just the sales.

Yesterday was the first day of Art Scene. It's a lot of work getting your pieces together, framed ,bagged tagged etc. Then there is the setting up of the space and overseeing others who are in the show. By the time the show does start there is a lot of excitement in the air. You wonder if maybe that right person may walk in and love your painting enough to buy it.

But selling art work is really just a small piece of the event - even though everyone does hope to support their efforts with a monetary show of appreciation. 

Community shows like Art Scene are much more than sales. They're about the community coming together to see art in 39 locations throughout the city. A community of artists, art enthusiasts who converge to network and appreciate all that is creative. For me last night was very successful for this reason alone. Just getting the opportunity to get to know my fellow guild members better is a wonderful thing to me.

I always meet artists who are passing through the venues introducing themselves and showing interest in various works. Last night seemed to be the night of graphic designers; I think I met four or more. Maybe it was because my daughter, the graphic designer, was with me and the universe was just doing it's crazy " you get what you need" thing.

I love meeting the new artists who are so receptive to a little encouragement and shop talk. But it's more than artists. It's the travelers who see your Venice painting that want to talk about Italy or the gardeners who talk about their favorite flowers. All these people converge on your little area and all you have to do is to be open to them.

My friend, Sandy of Sandy's Sweet Treats dropped off 6 dozen mini cupcakes for me to hand out to those who visited my table. I loved doing that because, not only was it a great draw to get people to my table and market a little for her, but it's an in to every kid there. You know those kids walking with mom and dad are dying for the chocolate cupcake with the sprinkles on top.

Stepping outside to cool down a bit, I couldn't believe the energy on the State Street. There were so many people walking with their families and friends. Every parking spot seemed taken and the traffic was steady. There was such a sense of excitement in this party atmosphere.

I must share and the unusual thing that happened last night. I was talking to a woman about my Margo's Poppy print promotion, telling her the poppies were from La Grange. She directed me to her friend whom she believed also grew up in La Grange. Can you believe it was a childhood friend of mine whom I had not seen in 41 years! Sue lived two houses away on the next street. It was wonderful to catch up with her as I learned we went to the same college and were living in dorms that were across the street from each other. We had many similarities such as both moving into the Rockford area and having three children. We even live in the same style house. (Okay, I admit that I took her address off of her check and looked it up on map quest. Oh come on - you'd do the same.) Anyway it was such a thrill and certainly one that I never expected.

So I'm looking forward to another round tonight. And yes, I'd like to go home with a few less paintings than I started but I know now that whatever happens, I'm ahead already just by showing up.

Nicholas Consevatory Show

I had a lot of fun hanging work for the Nicholas Conservatory Show yesterday along with my fellow guild members.

Here is Mosaic, a Rockford Art Guild collaboration.

 In honor of 60 years of art.

Mosaic

8 x 8 Panels

$25 each 

Show will be on exhibit at Nicholas Conservatory Show and Spring Art Scene 

Panels will be distributed after Art Scene

A few more pictures from the show...

 

Mosaic

My painting, Diane's Irises by Paula Marsh's beautiful piece.

Just in time for Spring, my painting, 

 Beth's Tulips is located by the beautiful iron door.

Come and join us Saturday for the opening reception 

10AM to 3PM.

 

A Week in the Life....

I'm having a whirlwind week. I'm not sure where it went but I know I worked pretty hard and I enjoyed myself while I did it. It's hard working at home and keeping on track although I have to admit, I did a lot of that in my previous job of 16 years so I'm ahead of the game a bit.

 So what did I actually do this week?
I blogged twice and kept up with my social media. I have great forms to plan out my blog and keep tract of social media but I don't seem to find the time to do it. But I have to admit that I did make some plans for this post.... Art Business. See it there?








I got ready for two shows. Diane's Irises are framed and ready for the Nicholas show on February 20th.  Today my last two panels will be delivered to Cristie for the Mosaic Traveling show- premiering at the Nicholas Conservatory Show.         

     I finally got all caught up with my Quick Books Program. Book keeping doesn't come easy for me. And be honest what kind of system is it that putting money somewhere is a debit and taking it is a credit? Who came up with that? Thanks Don.

  Rockford Art Guild  has a new webmaster - or "Web Goddess" as I like to call it. Scarey thought... I've been working on a few up-dates. Lord help us all! Thanks James of Meow productions for holding my hand. Check it out at RockfordArtGuild.com .  Keep in mind it's not done yet.     

After running around Rockford and taking all those shots from a sometimes moving car, I had to down load them and several other pictures from my sister's Italian vacation (Some nice paintings in the making) to the Walgreen's site. I only bring this up because it took one and a half hours to down load and choose everything. What's the savings in that? Really one and a half hours of my life?

Earlier in the week I drew out the large Katie's Cup painting, it's 20" x 16" (I think). It will be the largest Alcohol Ink so far. I now have 23" x 35" paper and am just trying to work my way up to it. I masked out the Greenwood Chapel painting and started on it. It's the first in my "Drive By" series. I also am trying to learn to make videos so I did some time lapsed pictures. Interesting... not done yet but I am hoping I have a natural talent for editing when I get to that point. Trust me, I'm going to need editing talent. It's a start.

 

It's also time to sign up for art shows. After investigating the possibilities I map it out on a calendar. Don't want to miss our nephew Ben's wedding in September - or Matt's graduation party in June. I'm kinda running late on this. The St. Charles show is already past it's deadline... sorry Lauri. Most of the shows have a deadline of March 1st which means I'd better hurry up. Did you notice the price tag on this little endeavor? $2500 Yikes! Had a meeting with my roadie/partner - Mark and made the final decisions.

Here I am trying to be organized but let's be honest - it's hard for a creative so most of the time my desk looks like this......
My organizational tools are making my office a mess! (That, and the tubs of paintings and prints waiting to be adopted by a good person.) Well that's my week. I wouldn't change a thing! Okay, yes I would, the book keeping... I have my husband's business to start this afternoon. Change the Bookkeeping! Please.

A Tip For Art Show Displays

Add Dimension to you Art Show Panels While Displaying More Product...


I love collecting various metal racks. Their original purpose is for holding plates, kitchen utensils, photos and such. But I found that they are great for holding prints and other art materials.    
                                          

                                                                                Even more exciting is that due to their straight backs they are easy to hang in booths and on art boards. This gives the display more dimension making it more interesting. All of these racks were under $11. The silver one is from IKEA and costs about $4. It's perfect for card displays or promotional material. 

                                                            You can add more prints, cards or promotional fliers to your walls without them appearing overwhelming.