I Make Things Difficult

Yesterday, we went on a walk with a bunch of the Music From Angel Fire musicians and some local MFAF fans (along with our good friends, Mark & Susan Vaughan, past residents of Angel Fire and now of Taylor,TX). Additionally, we had a few dogs on the walk. The first image above is of Ida Kavafian, Artistic Director of MFAF and co-owner with her husband, Steve Tenenbom, of Opus One Vizslas. She's handing out treats to a few of our canine pals.

The second image is Yogi, Benny Kim's dog. Benny didn't accompany us on the walk so we let Yogi wallow in his mud bath. Maybe next year, Benny will hike with us!

On another note, today I had the pleasure of Bella Hristova coming over to look at and purchase some of my art. Instead, I kept pulling out boxes and she got ever more confused! Please note the refined way I display things in my studio! We've narrowed it down to 4 pieces and I'm sure she'll be able to decide. She'll be playing in the orchestra at tonight's concert in Taos! Looking forward to more good--slash that--great music!

MFAF Program

As promised, here is a quick snap of the Music From Angel Fire program, sitting on one of my bright pink chairs. Busy times here in Angel Fire. Today I attended my first Closer Encounters program of MFAF. Basically an open rehearsal with a lot of dialog between the musicians and between the musicians and the audience. I will never miss another one of these (providing I am in town.) It was really superb! Can't wait for the concert tonight--only one hour to go!

Dedication

Tonight's Music from Angel Fire Concert is dedicated to artist Jennifer Cavan! What an honor! I'm pretty excited about it! And promise to tell you all how the concert was. But it might be a day or two. We leave tomorrow for a very quick trip to Chicago to celebrate my parent's 50th wedding anniversary! Back Monday with some pics. Promise.

Music From Angel Fire Poster Artist

I think I may have mentioned back in February that I had been chosen to be the 2009 poster artist for Music From Angel Fire. This chamber music festival is one of the very best in the country. In the 26 years of the festival's existence, I am the first Angel Fire artist chosen. Really famous artists have graced the festival's posters and printed programs. Needless to say, I was very honored to be chosen.

The above image "Evening Colors" is the piece on the program and on the poster. It looks really cool with the design work done on the program--maybe when I get one I'll post it for you. It is one of my oil pastels done on the cradled panel 30 inches square on a 2 inch deep panel. I'm donating the original to the Music From Angel Fire art auction, which takes place on August 30th. It has a retail price of $2700. If anyone is truly interested in it, contact me and I'll see if I can arrange a surrogate bidder.

The Music From Angel Fire office is open now, so if you need a poster, give them a buzz 575-377-3233 or 888-377-3300 through September 5th. They are $30 unsigned and $40 signed, plus shipping. Remember I DON'T DO PRINTS of my work, so if you need something to cover a big piece of wall and can't afford the original, this is your chance.

Taos Solar Center

Happy weekend! It is my first one home in a month! And, to top it off, my friend--Dave Bos--has arrived for a short visit. Dave and I have known each other for way too many years. He claims his first memory of me is playing football in my front yard. Yep, we grew up 2 blocks apart and I guess I was occasionally tomboy-ish. I can't remember that. Anyway, Rees & I saw Dave when we were in Reston for the art show in May. Before that, it had been way too long. We had been, over the years, emailing music preferences and info on new bands we had found/liked.

So, as promised Dave arrived for his first visit to New Mexico. Last night we headed in to Taos to the KTAO Taos Solar Center to see Dave Alvin and the Guilty Women. I am a very big,big fan of Dave Alvin and I hadn't seen him with his new band. Dave Alvin sounded great and the band--all women of unbelievable talent--was superb! The only problem was because of early day rain, they had to hold the concert inside instead of out under the mountain. The pic of me & Dave was taken out where we should have been sitting. Next time.

On another note, Dave Bos, is an avid mountain biker. Somehow, he managed to get both me and Rees out for a starter ride this morning. See I haven't ridden a bike in 20 years! (We sadly purchased quasi decent bikes 10 years ago and then I got scared of gravel and breaking my arm and never rode them.) Anyway, I was a bit apprehensive. But, I must admit, I actually had fun. (And think I'll probably try it some more!) Maybe next time Bos gets here, I'll be able to actually ride with him! (Carey, are you reading this?)

Sun Valley Surprises

Off we went last week for the Sun Valley Center for the Arts show, in beautiful Sun Valley, Idaho. I've done the show many times--7, I think, and have always had a wonderful time. It is one of the very most pleasant shows to do--great volunteer organization, great staff and director, a beautiful venue, great art, and usually great weather. Nope--not this time--my fight with weather continues.

6 times the weather was perfect--blue skies, 70s, all three days and set up. I think maybe one time we had a tiny bit of wind for about 20 minutes and 27 sprinkles. This time, we got cold and we got rain. For the most part not a down pour but ugly and cold nevertheless--for the first entire two days. 50 degrees and cold and damp are just not the thing for good art sales. But I met some nice artists, reconnected with some I rarely see--our travel circles only overlap occasionally, and saw and caught up with some old customers.

All in all, I think this is the highest quality show I do. Only about 120 artist but a great selection of 2D, fiber, glass, ceramics, and sculpture. Although, this time, someone doing kids teepees managed to score a booth that someone had cancelled on at the last minute and it seriously downgraded the look of the show. Would have been way better to just have an empty booth. I'm sure it was mentioned to the show director--probably many times.

Anyway, I haven't given up on Sun Valley. Such a great place and such a beautiful, if not long, drive.

More about Crested Butte

Okay, still no pics. Lazy today. (Well, not really-- I did get a couple of long skinny pieces painted, my Sun Valley Barn sprayed and ready for its varnish layer, 100 Music From Angel Fire posters signed, suitcase unpacked, van dropped off for an oil change, a quick stop at Charlie's for something to eat for the 48 hours we are home, a dog walk and a soak in the hot tub.)

We really enjoyed our time in Crested Butte. It is such a great town and the people are really nice. To say nothing at all of the vast beauty all around.

The show started slowly and I was a bit worried but by Sunday thing shad worked out well and I was a happy camper. Didn't sell much small stuff but I sold a big piece to a local couple who I know will really enjoy the piece. Plus, I enjoyed chatting with them while we were there. Thanks, Jeff & Tiff! Other sales as well so all in all it turned out fine. I really liked my artists neighbors--Teri Pelio across from me was my neighbor last year in Sun Valley--she was across from me, and Barry had some great sculptures right next to me, plus they had their 7 month dog with them who was a dear--made me miss Bug but he sure was nice to pet!
And, I got a blast from the past. My friend, Dave Bos, has a good friend from law school, Marcus, who was vacationing with his family in CB. He stopped by several times and I got to meet his wife, Paula, and his 3 boys--Jackson, Henry & Charlie! Marcus and I had met and had beers together with Dave back in the late 80s, early nineties, in Chicago (and we think listened to some live music although neither of us are for certain about that)--but time flies and really, even though so many years (you can say decades, but I'd prefer years--just lots of them--) have passed we're not all that much different than we were. I hope Dave & Marcus will plan one of their biking outings down here. Rees & I can do our thing during the day, they can bike and then we can have a beer or two and dinner.

As for the Nordic Inn, while it was a slightly older facility, it was actually really nice, as were the owners who were there for breakfast (a great one, by the way) and then actually came out to the show!!
Thanks to them as well!

Off early Wednesday morning for Sun Valley. I'll post more about that soon. Such a great place!

Crested Butte

We arrived safe and sound in Crested Butte and got all set up. I took some cool pictures of the landscape we drove through. But, I forgot the cable to the camera so I'll have to wait until we get home to upload. Weather forecast good for today! Yeah!