Boutique wrap-up

The first time I participated in the Women’s Art Festival was in 2011 when I met Juli Henricksen, who designs and produces artful, one-of-a-kind dyed, felted, stitched, embellished jackets and vests from wool, silk, and other fibers. I was mesmerized by the stunning creativity of her work and the dazzling range of her vision. In the course of visiting with Juli, she mentioned that her best show and sale was the holiday boutique at Christ Presbyterian Church (CPC) in Edina, MN.

In 2012, my friend, Terry, and I made a circuit of holiday shows and exhibits, starting with CPC. The vendors displayed creative work, and the church was swarming with women, many of whom were carrying shopping bags. Juli sold seven or eight of her marvelous garments that day.

This past weekend, I had a great location as a participating artist in the CPC boutique, which was well organized and well attended. However, Juli Jackets, whose garments sold well last year, sold only one jacket all day. My friends, Sandra & Kim, whom I invited to the boutique, were marooned in a desolate, dead-end room. Sales were disappointing for them, too. And I sold only $31.50 in note cards to guests other than friends. In fact, I sold more note cards in two hours on a Memorial Day Saturday at the Midtown Farmers Market (with the help of my friend, Lynn)—before a sudden thunderstorm roiled into the marketplace—than I did at this suburban church boutique.

Twenty people participated in my drawing to win one of my prints that was won by a friendly woman from Burnsville named Sandy.

The bright note of the day—besides talking a lot and meeting new people 8-)—was that my new Hanes support pantyhose (under $9/pair at amazon) did wonders for my gusto, although getting into those stockings is a bit like dealing with a heavy resist band attached to your front doorknob.

On Sunday, I felt as though I was recovering from the flu, or perhaps a colonoscopy, but perked up enough to conquer the laundry & make a reasonable supper later in the day.

I’m looking forward to participating in the always-inspiring Women’s Art Festival on Dec. 14 & hope to see you there! http://womensartfestival.com/

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Noticing the light

As I prepare to participate for the first time in the CPC Holiday Craft Boutique at Christ Presbyterian Church on 70th St. and highway 100 in Edina, MN, I’m reminded of the importance of light. The winter solstice—the darkest day of the year—occurs in a month, but right now, before turning on the double-fluorescent lights (one warm, one cool) in my basement workspace, the light from a nearby window is almost magical. Perhaps this special light will guide me as I finalize framing prints, and fold and package note cards, in anticipation of meeting you tomorrow, November 23, 2013, from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M.

This event is a fundraiser for the church. “All monies received from application fees go toward mission projects sponsored by The Christian Fine Arts Committee at CPC. All persons associated with running the show are unpaid volunteers.” (This quoted material was provided to all participating artists.)

My next creative adventure as an exhibiting artist will be at the uplifting, inspiring 21st-annual Women’s Art Festival, Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. at the Midtown YWCA in south Minneapolis. All day long the gym will be filled with the creative work of 125 women artists, music performed by women musicians, food created by women, and warm hospitality. I hope you’ll stop in. http://womensartfestival.com