DRUM CIRCLE

F.Y.I.
WE ARE LOOKING FOR FOLKS INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN A DRUM CIRCLE.
THIS IS COOL !!!
GET TOGETHER AND JAM WITH OTHER COOL FOLKS
WHO LIKE TO DRUM-
NO EXPERIENCE NECCESSARY
CALL FOR MORE INFO
862-8222

OMN 4

Open Mic Night 4 was another great success !
Although we missed a few of our regulars....
Bill, Steph, Jeremy, Mindy....where were you guys?...
our little one Savannah was at Grampa's house, so THAT'S Okay...
But we had some new friends join--great additions from Robin and Allyson-
SUPER talented ladies from the Pickerington area- brought some friends along
we were glad to have them here !
Joe "made some noise", Andrew jammed on the clarinet- he is AMAZING, Joey played electric guitar- great job Joey !,Matt read me a love poem-added a new verse---
I am a lucky woman....
we had cake to celebrate the 50th birthday of Dale and the 16th for Ian--
we're STILL eating cake...
lot's of fun-
hope to see you next time !
4th Saturday of November 7pm

Cub Scout Pack 187

Last night Cub Scout Pack 187 came to the studio to complete their requirements for their "art" belt loops. They are a really nice group of boys. I really enjoyed working with them.
We made a red,white & blue star mobile (for the "make a mobile" req.) and for the "art construction" req. we made a foam core prism sculpture that was created from equilateral triangles.
Lots of fun.
Lots of energy...
It was PERFECT.
Thank You Cub Scout Pack 187
for visiting The Artist Within.

IT'S HERE !!!!!!

Good News Art Fans !!!!
Gunnels quilts arrived yesterday from Sweden !!!
They are superb !!
Beautiful color-beautiful texture- beautiful composition !!!
You will be impressed.
She has sent us a wonderful array of wall quilts, as well as mixed media post-cards, and hand bags.
You won't want to miss this showing of outstanding craftsmanship.
She is a STAR !!!
We will display the pieces in the main Gallery through the Holiday season during regular hours.
Call for more information.

-----NEW CONTEST-----

read my blog---
post a comment OR visit the guestbook and post there-(mention the blog)
in two weeks i'll choose a new winner-random ofcourse....
this is an "in-shop" promotion-
but for locals who read-my prizes are ALWAYS good ones-
so post away!
k.-

HAPPY 50 th DALE !!!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU !
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU !
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR DALE......la lala la la la la....!!!!
HAPPY BIRTH--DAY----TO----YOU---!!!!!!!
Baby- You're the best!

love you, Dale.
Matt & Kathy.

Boo at the Zoo....

Yesterday my family and I visited the Columbus Zoo.
Happened to be -- "Boo at the Zoo" weekend - so LOTS of tots in costume-
VERY cute- my teenagers were thrilled.
The weather was perfect-the animals were scarce- the few that were visable were
asleep in the sun.
LOTS of walking-LOTS of people-
Not much else to say.
A little disappointing- our zoo is beautiful- lots of space- the animal habitats appear well planned- but where were the animals?????
Teenagers are great.
I really did like the flying fox exhibit- they were super cool- the wings were awesome. You can definately see the inspiration behind "Count Dracula's" cape and mannerisms when you watch how they use their wings to cover their face etc... it was really cool.
Did I mention that teenagers are great?
Matt and I had alot of fun.

Got ARt ?

WhAT aRE yOu WaiTing For ?
ArT MakeS Us FEeL GOod --
WHEtheR we Are CrEaTinG or OBseRviNg-
It iS A PleaSUreTo The SeNSes.
SO COmE On-- CrEAte SOmethIng TodAy
Get ARt !

Holiday events

Get ready Baltimore !
November 7th & 8th from 9am-5pm, area businesses are getting together to host a HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE !
Stop by area businesses for terrific ideas and a great start to holiday shopping
be sure to visit:
Hoffman's Greenehouse and Gifts
Apple of Your Eye
Rosewood Cafe
Willowtree Cottage
The Village Pharmacy
and of course....
THE ARTIST WITHIN

Support local business- You'll be glad you did !

DON'T WORRY----BE HAPPY !!!! :))

Okay--So you can't stop thinking about all of this STUFF that's going on--
come on in to the studio and Take your mind off things and work on something CREATIVE
it's a great STRESS RELIEVER and alot of fun too.
Bring a friend-
hang out-
listen to good music-
make great gifts-
you'll be glad you did !

Is it really that bad ?.....

In the face of economic troubles and all of the worries of the world, it's easy to lose sight of all of the GOOD that surrounds us each and every day.
We are such a LUCKY nation --
we live in relative safety in our homes and communities-compared to much of the world. We have the comfort of electricity, potable water,healthcare, heat and housing.
Our children are afforded a wealth of educational opportunity and we have work available, if we are willing to take the jobs.
WE need to appreciate the Good that we have- the love of our family and friends.
We need to take back the responsibility of our own happiness- learn to appreciate
what is here and now.
Be grateful for good health, good jobs and good fortune.
And when things are not quite so easy---be ready to work a little harder for the good of ALL and for the sake of our children.
We are a very blessed nation- maybe it's time we EARNED it.

Message to a friend

god dag Artilleristan-
Gratulera med dagen Till Du !
Jag hoppa det sa pass du har en under bar dag !
JAG er glad sa pass vi har gjord vannerna.
din friend,
kathy.
Happy Birthday, Gunnel !

Building a new foundation

The building where we are located is an old Methodist church dating back to the early-mid 1800's.
So needless to say, it's OLD. Unfortunately-some of it's caretakers have not fulfilled their duty in terms of maintenance and have even caused considerable damage and harm to what was once a beautiful structure.
We have tried to "give back" some of what the building once had- although the original stained glass has all been stripped away, the bell is gone, the pews etc...
we're trying to put her back together again- not in the "historical" sense- but in a respectful and cared for way.
We have combined some of the old with some of the new to create a tasteful backdrop for the gallery- and I must say it's beautiful.
I think she likes it too.
The building is a "feel good place" to be.
Yesterday, we repaired the crumbling foundation-pouring new concrete walls and repaired the front entry stairs. One step at a time (literally...).
Thanks to Danny-our Hero-
for all of his efforts and help- we couldn't do it without you.

Glass Heaven

So yesterday I made a short trip to German Village and I think I stopped in heaven.
Oh how I love glass....
I don't know why.
I LOVE glass.
I love the colors. Even the clear glass is wonderful.
I love the way it feels.
I love it in sheet form.
I REALLY love HOT glass.
I want it all.
I love that place.
glass. glass. glass.
blue glass. DARK blue glass. COBALT.
RED glass. REALLY DARK RED glass. ooooohh.
amber glass.
hhhmmmmmmm.
I LOVE GLASS.
It was a great trip.
Be sure to visit Franklin Art Glass.
They sell glass.
LOTS of glass.

Old Friends.....

Remember Paula and Gary Lammert ? How could anyone in Baltimore forget ?
Gary worked for Nestle and coached little-people soccer for years, Paula- the BEST babysitter around, they lived on Basil-Western, have three boys- Forrest, Levi & Denver, big in 4-H.....our best friends....
well----BIG NEWS....
Paula and her mom-
both now living in Oregon- own a wonderful quilt shop there and are having a great time running it together---
are sending some of their beautiful quilt work back to Ohio to display at THE ARTIST WITHIN !!!
What a great thing !
So - first the art- then the artist....
I'm workin' on that....
maybe next year we'll have a visit....
keep your fingers crossed and be sure to stop in and see what Paula's been up to !

POLITICAL BUTTONS !!!

WE HAVE POLITICAL BUTTONS FOR SALE !!!!
McCAIN/PALIN---OBAMA/BIDEN
$2.00 each
*** ***quantities are limited*** ****
STOP IN AND PICK YOURS UP TODAY !
show your party support !!

Fall- a perfect time for creativity....

Now is the time to get started on those one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts that you "plan" to make each year--and somehow never find the time to complete.
We can help with that !
Coming in the next two months we have a wide variety of craft-inspired classes that will fill those stockings and boxes under the tree with beautiful handmade gifts you will be proud to give.
A necklace of FUSED GLASS for Mom.
A FELTED WOOL SANTA for your favorite Aunt.
A beautiful keepsake MEMORY FRAME for DAD.

If MAKING the gifts isn't your "thing"--we have wonderful handmade gifts for sale in the gallery-
pieces you won't find anywhere else-
one-of-a-king jewelry,sterling silver,fused glass, flamework and more.
hand-made wood pcs. & kaliedascopes by Clif Wayland; stained glass art by Jeff Metzger; ethnic mixed media pieces by Tamarra Castillo-parker; mixed media by Carol Vasenko; textiles by Lesley Hill; photography by Sara Rose (God's Artistry)//Paul & Phil Molyneaux//& Tim Bohach; wire woven jewelry by Nathan Kimmel; leatherwork by Armando Xavier Designs (lynda & Mando); graphic novels from Oasis Studios/Eric Kayser; Mixed media & painting by Tim Bohach; Mixed media/assemblage/glassware-Kathy McIntire.
And More Arriving Daily !!
Stop in and Check us out-
We are really proud of what we are doing and would love to share this with you--
HOURS:
Tues-by appointment
Weds-1pm-7pm
Thurs-1pm-7pm
Fri-1pm-5pm
Sat-11-4pm
CLOSED Sun/Mon

AND THE WINNER IS..........

Well apparantly, people don't like to post comments on blogs....
why not ?
it let's everybody know what's going on .
I know that people are reading this because they stop into the shop and comment- in person.
but no comments....on the blog...? hmmm.
SO---the winner of my BLOG CONTEST is......
Bonnie !!!!!!!!!
I really appreciate that you take the time to post on the website and see whats happening- stop in and pick up your prize-
I promise you'll be glad that you did !
THEN- you can post and tell everyone what a great prize you won !!!

The Last Game....

Tonight was the last home football game of the season for Liberty Union High School.
This also means that it was the last Home Football game for my daughter Corinne to play in the marching band with her friends on their home field. Bittersweet. It has been so much fun watching her grow into such a wonderful young woman--but are we really ready to let go ?
As we lined up to escort our middle child across the field for her Senior Recognition- we made small talk with the other parents- all of us with the same look on our faces- could this really be ? Our babies, only yesterday-- now ready to leave for college in just a few short months....
but our meloncholy was broken by the laughter of the teenagers surrounding us- their joy apparant, as they too anticipated the months ahead and where that path may lead them.
How odd it all seemed...that we were all in that same moment and yet our experience could differ SO dramatically.
The announcer speaks "Corinne McIntire, escorted by her parents; 4 year band member, 2 year Leo club member, National Honor Society.........." ,
but all I heard was the laughter of a beautiful baby, her breath as she slept at night, tiny cries for comfort and then....
" I love you mom & dad--see ya later--Oh yea--can I have some money for food and by the way, there's a party after the game..."--
---Love you too, sweetie, love you too.

Beautiful Fall Morning....

How can we not be happy on a day as beautiful as today ?
The air is crisp, the sky-clear, the sun is shining (in Ohio), and the leaves have started their annual change from green to the most magnificant array of colors that you will ever find.
I have had worries over the last week regarding the well-being of my grandmother-my best friend. She is soon to be 92 years old. Still lives alone about a mile down the road. She lives in a retirement apartment that is nice and safe- perfect for an independant grandma like mine. We talk on the phone, I visit the apartment- so do my children, I buy her groceries and take care of her bills, Drs. and medications. But when I saw her yesterday (we spend Mondays together- usually looking at mail order catalogues), it seemed like I wasn't doing enough. Somehow I should be doing more- but I'm not sure what that would be.
We've thought about moving her into our home- but even visits on weekends here are too much after a couple of hours- we have a VERY active household-(parrotts,dogs,cats & kids). This isn't the answer.
I enjoy our time together- but she never wants me to leave- she still remembers me as the young Kate- no husband, no children, no responsibilities.
As I prepared to leave grandmas house I felt sad that my best friend is growing older and nearing the twilight hours of life- I will miss her so much, I want to spend all of the time that I can with her and yet my other obligations are so many. We walked down the hall to the front entrance and stood and looked out at the beatiful fall evening- the sky, the trees- I told her I loved her and said goodbye.

RENN FEST 2008

WE LOVE RENNASIANCE FESTIVAL !
A FAVORITE FAMILY PASTTIME FOR MANY YEARS RUNNING.
This year we were pleasantly surprised- we went on Sunday-the weekend of Scottish/Irish Celebration- LOVE THAT !
The weather was perfect- and (unlike Backwoods this year)- NEW artists-
NEW ideas- Not everything was a repeat. Sure-alot was the same-to be sure, but it was nice to see that they are still evolving and bringing in new and fresh things for those of us who attend year after year.
The shows were fun-the kids love 'em, the food- gotta have a turkey leg, and the festival enviroment- where DO these folks get thier energy ?!?!
All in all- a very nice day-
glad to have been a part of
RENN FEST 2008.
p.s. still 2 weekends left if you wanna go--- say "hi" to Ron & Tina in the "Treehouse"-WONDERFUL ARTISTS-Good people--DON'T MISS THEM !
Check out "Uncommon Adornements"-my favorite jewelry stop.
FAV NEW ARTIST-Nigel Sade-WOW!--Check him out--WOW !!!!

Jane & Jean

A big congratulations to Jane and Jean on the wonderful article in the local paper on their artwork currently being displayed at the public library.
Jane Droll-is a talented quilt artist who I have known for several years and have seen her work grow into what she is creating today.
Jean Farmer-also very talented-mixed media artist, working in metal and textiles, with a beautiful display of her work as well. Also a friend.

Why can't I get local newspaper coverage I ask ?
I have sent in press releases to the paper- seems we lack local news....
I have been interviewed twice. Nothing.
I think that our story is NEWS WORTHY - new business in a town full of empty business fronts.
Restoration of an 1800's church- revitalization as opposed to demolition-good idea.
Baltimore trying to attract new businesses and ideas to the community....
Just some ideas - might make a good news story---

By the way---Jane---Jean----F.Y.I.
If you're reading this.....I hear there's a great place in Baltimore-
it's an ART GALLERY--
who would have LOVED to have been a part of your show...
Have I been SNUBBED ?
no hard feelings.
nice show.

always having fun....

So why is it that as we age, we adopt the belief that "fun" should be left behind in our youth ? I mean the kind of silly fun that you have when youre a kid. Bubbles. Coloring books. Playing with Play-dough. Slumber parties. eat dry cereal out of the box. Laying in the grass looking at the stars. Playing in the rain. Eating with your fingers and licking off the gooey stuff....thats fun... people with little kids allow themselves to have this kind of fun- but only for a little while- because all too soon, it's time to "set a good example" and teach them the rules of "how to behave". ofcourse, it is important that we KNOW how to behave. But do we have to do it ALL of the time ? Can't we ALLOW OURSELVES those little moments to just have some fun...play a little...find that little kid inside....
I'll tell you a secret...I do it everyday. I PLAY ALL DAY. It makes my husband so proud. My kids think that I've lost my mind. (I love that by the way- they're teenagers- they SO deserve it...).
With the stress and pressure in our everyday lives this is what we need to-
NO-
must give back to ourselves- the ability to PLAY- have FUN.
You'll be glad you did.