Looks like Robin Kittleson is still working on her fused glass pieces for “4×4 : FOUR MAKERS.” I know it’s part of the collaboration project we’re all working on… but I’m not quite sure what’s going on here?… looks like sugar cubes to me?!

In case I haven’t mentioned it lately… ha!… this coming weekend is our “4×4 : FOUR MAKERS” gallery pop-up exhibition & sale in Evanston! I will be hanging around with three of My Talented Friends… metalsmith Sarah Chapman, metal sculptor Darlys Ewoldt & glass artist Robin Kittleson. We’ve all been working on some new work for this show… including a special collaborative piece that should be something to see when it all comes together!

4×4 : FOUR MAKERS
Space 900 Gallery – 816 Dempster Street, Evanston, IL 60202

Friday, March 3rd – 2:00pm-8:00pm
Saturday, March 4th – 10:00am-8:30pm
Sunday, March 5th – 12:00pm-4:00pm

Okay, so Darlys is apparently the over-achiever of the group… and is already showing-off her pieces for “4×4 : FOUR MAKERS”... while the other three of us are still scrambling to get our pieces pulled together!!! Stop by “4×4” next weekend in Evanston to see how they all come together! Now back to work…

So I’m not 100% sure of what’s going on here… but I’m definitely intrigued! Looks like glass artist Robin Kittleson is getting ready for our “4×4 : Four Makers” show… just two weekends away! We’re all working on a large group “collaboration” project… and I think we’re all racing the deadline just a bit?! I can’t wait to see what these polka dots turn out to be.

We hope you can join us!
Here’s a bit more information for you…

With “4×4 : Four Makers” just a couple weeks away, it good to see some sneak peeks of what Sarah & Darlys are working on in their studios! I can’t wait to see their masterpieces in person at Space 900 in Evanston!

So last night I was part of a great ZOOM call… FOUR MAKERS making plans for a fun “sculpture show” coming up next Spring in Evanston, Illinois. I will be joining three of “My Talented Friends” for a show on March 3rd, 4th & 5th, 2023. We’re planning a great show with artwork & collaborations by metalsmith Sarah Chapman, metal sculptor Darlys Ewoldt & glass fuser Robin Kittleson. Not quite sure yet what I’ll be making for a “sculpture” show… but you know how I LOVE a good challenge! Mark your calendars now!

So I had a little “summer camp” situation in my studio over the summer. My friend Kristen asked if her kids could stop by for a little “private” summer camp experience in my studio. I’ve known the kids forever… so of course I said yes. Although I haven’t really done much with them since they took my Lillstreet Chess Camp a couple years back.

We started with some wheelthrowing lessons, and then they each gave it a try. AJ went first, followed by Lizzy. I think they were both a little surprised that it wasn’t quite as easy as it looks!

But then I also “flipped the script” a bit on them… and told them they would have a handbuilding project as well. They thought they would be able to make whatever they wanted…. but, oh no, that’s not how I play!

I think they had all kinda forgotten about a little drawing that AJ had done back when he was in second grade. He was trying to raise money to buy himself a new set of LEGO’s… and his mom Kristen set-up a little gallery show for him to show-off his artwork. I purchased this drawing at that gallery show… and have had it in my studio ever since.

So I pulled it out… and challenged them each to make a handbuilt “cup” that was “inspired” by AJ’s monster drawing from so many years ago.

On their next visit, they trimmed their wheelthrown pieces, and finished working on their handbuilt monster cups. The final touches were put on with some colored underglazes. Once they dry, I will bisque fire the monster cups and glazed them with a clear glaze. Their wheelthrown pots will be glazed as well… to match their color choices of course!

As you can see, Lizzy went for a more literal approach in building her cup. I especially liked her use of textures to mimic the patterns in the drawing. While AJ went a little off on his own “version” of the monster… with a great triple-eye & vertical mouth situation!

So much fun playing with these kids… they were so much fun. Glad we could work out this Mini Summer Camp this summer… two days of clay fun in my studio with AJ & Lizzy!

So funny… who’da thunk that my little “morning sunrise addiction” would become an inspiration to someone else! Recently the Glenview Art League hosted a show for its members… encouraging them to do a painting on a 6″x 6″ canvas. Painter Sandy Sheagren used one of my sunrise photos as the visual reference for her entry in the show… so glad I could help Sandy! It looks beautiful!

Looks like Cory McCrory is in the final stretches with our collaboration project. Just putting some finishing touches, staining, sealing & assembling all of the parts & pieces… before se starts choosing the “perfect” trio of flowers for each of the wall vases that I made. Another wonderful collaboration project with Cory coming together in the nick of time for ART IN THE GARDEN this weekend!

The clock is ticking… and adhesives have got to dry… so I better get these collaborations going quickly!!! I made the colorful ceramic frames & Mary Foster made some amazing mini-paintings to go in them! I just need to pair them up so that they’re all ready for ART IN THE GARDEN this weekend!!!

For more info… www.grassrootsartfair.com