So I’ve been quite busy in the studio, what with full-day Summer Camps & evenings in the studio! So I’m a bit behind on posting photos… especially of these water carafes for ART IN THE GARDEN. They’re coming along quite nicely… and even further along now… actually in the kiln… as these photos were from a week ago! … oops!!!

The ART IN THE GARDEN artists are all in the final stretch… getting ready for a fun art fair in Glenview next weekend. Here’s a quick “tour” of the artists that will be playing together and showing off their artistry & craftsmanship. Many of these artists are also working together on some very special one-of-a-kind collaborations just for this show! Be sure to stop by early to see all of the collaborations… before they’re gone!

Well, it’s official… we’re just one week away from ART IN THE GARDEN! Everyone is excited about our little grassroots art fair in Glenview, Illinois. Jewelry is being polished. Mosaics are being grouted. Paintings are being framed. Kilns are being fired. Wood is being carved. Glass being leaded. Beads being formed in the flame. Fabric is being tie-dyed & batiked. So much going on… not to mention all of the artist collaborations coming together too!!! We hope to see you next weekend.

Another beautiful flower from the rooftop of Lillstreet… and one last rooftop lunch with my Summer Campers! They’re in the final stretch of painting & finishing all of their chess pieces! Nearing the end of another wonderful summer of teaching & playing with the kids… making cool art projects along the way!

A cool & cloudy start along the lakefront this morning. Quiet & serene with a colorful sky show & beautiful reflections. A perfect way to wake up & prepare for my last day of Summer Camp!!! Kind of exciting, yet kinda sad at the same time.

I love Summer Camp!!!

Moving forward in CHESS CAMP… taking a break from making chess pieces to painting the boards for them to play on. First side of the checkerboards… getting started… and hoping to clean those lines up a bit with the second overlapping color!

Enjoying the flowers, the beautiful weather and one of the last afternoons sitting on the Lillstreet Rooftop having a fun lunch with my Summer Campers. We’re in the middle of CHESS CAMP… which is also my last camp of the summer. Checkmate!

Hard to believe that we’re already in the last week of Summer Camp… ending on a high note with my favorite CHESS CAMP!!! With each kid making their own thematic chess set out of terra cotta! Lots of parts… lots of pieces… and hopefully a LOT of “scoring & slipping”. If not, we’re going to be in a LOT of trouble as these pieces start to dry!

Starting out the morning with clean reclaim buckets… as Nate volunteered to press all of the dried reclaim terra cotta through the grate on top… as intended. I love when my Summer Campers just start volunteering to do projects around the studio making it a better place for everyone. As though they’re part of the community. Taking one for the team. Now if we could just get some more of the adult students to follow Nate’s lead… wouldn’t THAT be great?!

Now I’m a fan Fall as much as the next guy… what with its pumpkins, gourds & mums. But c’mon… I just stopped off at the grocery store on my way to Summer Camp and they have a full-on display already happening!!! It’s September 2nd!!! I’m still in Summer-mode!!!!