Our first stop Friday on the St. Croix Pottery Tour found us having a nice chat with sgraffito master Matt Metz. And then this beauty decided it “had to” come home with me to join my ever-growing Matt Metz Collection. First souvenir of the St. Croix Pottery Tour!

We had practically perfect weather this past weekend as we enjoyed
the St. Croix River Valley Pottery Tour. So many pots. SO MUCH FUN!!!

After yesterday’s bike ride, I made it to the “One Of A Kind Show” at the Merchandise Mart to play with My Talented Friend Sarah Chapman. Always fun playing with her, “critiquing” artwork, and “solving all of the problems of the world.”

She makes these amazing jewelry pieces, mostly oxidized sterling silver with an industrial-organic vibe! AMAZING!!!… too bad I can’t say the same for her impromptu flower pot???

Oh, and the snacks weren’t bad either… good thing I had just ridden my butt off all morning! Chocolate-covered Twinkies, chocolate-covered marshmallows and a spicy Chocolate Jalapeno Fudge. Yum, yum and more YUM!!!

I spy with my little eye… BLUE SKIES finally!!!
And a beautiful mural in the Lakeview neighborhood by Anthony Lewellen.
Getting a “view” of the Lake in Lakeview!

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It was so much fun to see one of my current pottery students showing off a bit! Tonight was the Opening Reception at iD Chicago in Bucktown for new ceramic pieces by Shannon Steele-Knuckles. It was great to see the pieces she’s been working on – all thrown on the wheel and then altered, glazed and altered again. Using layers of glazes, underglazes & some sandblasting to get her beautiful finishes. She was so passionate & inspiring when she talked about her work it was contagious. Beautifully done Shannon!

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If you’re anywhere near the Bucktown neighborhood tonight, be sure to swing by iD Chicago on Damen for tonight’s Opening Reception. It’s a ceramics show for one of my current pottery students – Shannon Steele! She’s been making these amazing forms by altering her wheelthrown vessels. Great shapes & amazing glazed surfaces.

And if that weren’t enough… the shop owners are my former pottery students as well.
Be sure to say HELLO to Stephen & Tony when you’re there!!!

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An early kick-off to my art fair season!!!
Join me this weekend in Naperville for the Prairie View Arts Invitational. A very select group of artists joining together for a very special show. More personal so there’s lots of time to chat with the artists, look at their artwork, and decide what you “need” to take home with you! And don’t forget the champagne & tacos Friday night… and the homemade soup & baked goods on Saturday!

Click here for more information about the Prairie View Arts Invitational.

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Swung by my friend Pam’s metalsmithing studio this afternoon.
She’s working on a bunch of pieces… but I’m not quite sure where?!
Quite a different set-up from a potter’s studio.
The one thing in common?… lots & lots of tools!!!

So what does YOUR studio look like?

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Last night I went to the Opening Reception for PRISMATICA… the latest art installation at Navy Pier. Large colorful prisms that illuminate and make tinkling sounds as they rotate. The dichroic finish creates ever-changing colors that splash across the park. A bright spot on a long & dreary Winters day.

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While wandering through the City, I stopped in to shops at the W Hotel to see some handmade hats & millinery pieces made by Britt Von Decker. She’s been helping me with some holiday magic this season. So cool to see her millinery work on display in a chi-chi New York boutique!

To see more about Britt and her amazing millinery hats & more… click here.

Loved the neon “centerpiece” light fixture hanging in the center of the shop.
Wish it worked so you could “grab up” some of Britt’s collection!

And some really cool cut-out metal tubes being used as a wall divider in the hotel lobby!!!

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