Meditation on the First Day of Summer

I have big news that I am so excited to share with you.  For a long time, I have wanted to hear Clark Whittington, the visionary founder of Art-o-mat, talk more in depth about this incredible, contemporary art project.

This is Art-o-mat's 20th anniversary, and as you can guess, there are several events and celebrations surrounding this milestone.  You can also find a plethora of articles on Art-o-mat that provide a thumbnail sketch of the 300+ artist initiative.

Podcast Interview

But I wanted more than short articles and quick soundbytes.  So on Wednesday, June 7, my husband, Steve, sat down with Clark at Art-o-mat International Headquarters (also known as Clark's house).

There, Clark opened up on so many questions I have had about this cultural arts phenomenon.  Steve recorded the interview as a podcast so you can hear it, too.

"We want people to live with art." - Clark Whittington (43:58)

In this 50 minute interview, you will hear Clark discuss in depth:

• How he came up with the idea,
• What he wanted Art-o-mat to be and what it is now,
• Why the world needed such a project,
• How the project has grown to include over 300 artists and over 100 venues,
• What happens behind the scenes from initial host request to machine and art delivery,
• Why consumers are drawn to products dispensed from refurbished machines,
• and why the phenomenon continues to grow in popularity.

Swap Meet tomorrow

The fun starts tomorrow at 1 pm and lasts until 5 pm.  Winston-Salem has much to offer, so I hope you can spend some quality time in this great city this weekend.

The event is free and open to the public.  It's called a Swap Meet because Artists in Cellophane may swap some pieces with each other to build up our individual collections.

Artwork for SECCA

Here are some pieces that Clarice and I have worked on getting ready.

Clarice has made a bunch of BoogerBrain sculptures:




Alex calls these my "seaweed" paintings.  He is exactly right because Matisse created a lot of seaweed Cut Outs like "Algue Rouge sur Fond Bleu Ciel," right up to his death in 1954.

You can learn more about Matisse here with resource links for you on my blog.

Hope you enjoy the podcast and that you get to take in some great art this weekend!

When you make art and send it out into the world, it is real treat to find out where your creation ends up.  This week, I received the kindest email from Ann V.

Art-o-mat patron letter

On a recent trip to our nation's capital, Ann purchased an Endearing Young Charms keychain at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.  Here's a shot of the Luce Foundation Center machine where Ann bought her keychain.


Ann is a roller derby champion and outstanding art lover who took her keychain all the way from Washington, D.C., to Vancouver, Washington.  Here is her sweet note:

Art-o-mat Sales Update

New Sales Venues

It's always interesting to look up the new places where my art has sold.  You can easily say that my art lives a much more adventurous life than I do!

Wise Man Brewing

Wise Man Brewing in Winston-Salem, NC, is the location geographically closest to me.  Three friends began this craft brew project ten years ago and grew the dream into a thriving business.  Construction started in 2015 to refurbish the former Angelo Bros. wholesale supply warehouse in downtown Winston. Now a stunning taproom is open to the public every day, and you can purchase the Wise Man Brew beer here and in other locations around the Triad in North Carolina.

Puscifer (the Store)

I had never heard of Puscifer until I realized that this retail store hosted an Art-o-mat machine.  Now I realize that it's the name not only of the store/museum/art installation venue, but also the name of Maynard James Keenan's latest band.  The former Tool vocalist opened the Jerome, Arizona, store to showcase his line of clothing, band memorabilia, and limited edition collectibles.

Rye Arts Center

The community-based arts nonprofit Rye Center began in a Westchester County barn in 1960 with $400 and the vision of a few friends.  Today, the Rye Center operates multidisciplinary art programs through a $1.2 million budget.



I would love to drive up I-95 to this beautiful coastal city, the home and final resting place of first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Justice John Jay.  Here is his Greek Revival childhood home, Jay Estate, part of New York State's Path of History and open to the public for tours, performances, and special programs.



If you find yourself on the mainland across from Long Island, be sure to check out the Rye Arts Center and visit the Art-o-mat housed there.  John Jay would approve!

Kishwaukee College

My art also has sold in a northern Illinois community college, 60 miles from Chicago.  Over 10,000 students attend this rural school, surrounded on all sides by corn fields.

With all the hubbub of events surrounding Art-o-mat's 20th anniversary and other exciting art projects, I have neglected telling you about our candle making endeavors.

Spring 2017 Batch

Fall 2016 Batch

Making the candles

I'm honored to tell you that I am the guest blogger today for Craftic.com's Tutorial Tuesday.

What is Craftic?

Craftic is the online destination for craft projects and inspiration.  The brainchild of computer and tech genius Jen Refat, Craftic makes DIY projects very simple:  You start with the basics (your materials) and follow a recipe (a tutorial) to put together a successful project.

If you are like me, you have probably tons a whole lot of craft supplies in your closet, on your bedroom floor, piled in boxes your family complains about at the ready for projects that you have contemplated for some time.

Got buttons, yarn, fabric, sewing supplies, paint, paper, beads?  You can find an outstanding and straightforward project that will maximize your treasured craft material collections.

DIY turquoise feather on canvas handbag

A word about supplies

Let me know