"Paper Roses" by Millie Donovan

May your DREAMS be pleasant and your WISHES come true

on the Eve of 2011!

Happiest of New Years to all my loving friends.

Dear God...I can't stop, I am always dreaming.

But the dream turns into a nightmare,

Images of what can't be,

Images of what is just out of reach.

The dream is always beautiful,

Gilded, resplendent,

A hope that is hopeless,

A love—loveless,

Craving, yearning but never satiated.

Content but not complacent.

As I wander through the poppy fields,

My feet are sinking,

The earth is soft beneath the fragrant flowers.

I fall and am swallowed.

Dew drops fall on my face,

Sparkling like precious stones,

Cold, wet, smelling of tea and peppermint and sweat.

My life is not my own.

At the moment when I awaken,

The colors fade,

The night is dark and charcoal gray,

Only the embers fight against the cold,

Weakly glowing in the grate of the fireplace,

But I can still smell tea and peppermint,

I can still taste the want, I can still feel...

I shiver as cold hands run down my spine—A ghost's caress,

Haunted by the back of his head as he leaves me behind.

The dark holds me in place,

Without it my world would fall apart.

I fight against the drowsiness but eventually I sleep,

Once again only to dream of a life unclaimed,

A colorful world of black and white,

Where you and I fit together like pieces in a puzzle,

Pieces long lost that have found each other,

Making everything just right...

Just right until the dawn comes and life moves on.

We stumble through this earth

Barely feeling the ground beneath our feet,

Barely noticing the clouds around our ears,

Waiting in line like good citizens,

Paying tribute to the everyday.

We are blind to the flowers growing in our gardens,

We cannot feel the air rushing past,

We hurry to our next stop, our next appointment,

We dream of our next life.

Who will we BECOME?

Who will we LOVE?

Who will let us BE?

We climb endless stairs and as we walk in circles,

We hope that our paths will cross.

For just that moment, we can dream with our eyes open.

The world of flesh and bone welcomes us and we smile,

We smile at the little boy who hands his friend a paper rose.

My Favorite Things...2010

As the New Year approaches it is time to look back and take inventory of the moments that have shaped my current existence. So here is a list of 2010's favorite things:

Painting LARGE • Filling the Gallery • Birthday Parties • Pierced Ears • Spring Fling • New York Summers • Art in the Windows • HOLDING HANDS • a Worn Leather Journal • the Smell of wet PAINT • Caprice Salad • JUMPING into the Sea • Making Hearts in the Rocks • Italian Namaste • Braces and Missing Front Teeth • Good Tidings, Great Art • a New Furry Friend • the Sunlight on the River • Kisses & HUGS • Pablo Neruda • Painting on a Lovely October Evening • LAUGHTER & Wine • FRIENDS from All Over • Poetry Read Out LOUD • Hearing "I LOVE YOU" • FINDING A PLACE OF MY OWN—Love Life & HOLD ON tight because you never know what might be beyond the bend in the road.

Alone, Together in a Crowded Room...

This is one of my favorite poems. My words, like my paintings, come directly from little moments in my life. They are moments of self-reflection. Opportunities that present themselves when I need to learn something: how to love, how to let go, how to be a good friend. At times, it is easier to accept being alone because we have no one else to worry about. But I think that loneliness is just a symptom of wanting more...wanting to love more, wanting to be more, more than what we are, more than where we are. This momentum shapes us in so many ways and at the end of the journey this want for life is what we will most be proud of.

----

Alone, Together in a Crowded Room

I miss you.

I don't know why.

How can you possibly miss someone you see everyday?

How can you possibly miss someone that was never yours?

Shared dreams connect us,

to be someone,

to be with someone,

to belong to each other.

But we are all alone in a crowded room.

Strangers and friends,

lost in the hurt,

lost in the present,

lost in familiar surroundings.

I am the same.

We remain unchanged.

But we are always changing,

always looking to the horizon,

forever in motion,

looking and searching for each other,

but gazing at the moon.

If we look back and remember...

Remember the little moments...

The moments when the world was just right.

We just might turn into pillars of salt.

Salty tears wiped from my eyes,

staining your fingers as you touch my cheek.

Lips hot on my neck.

Did I forget to tell you that you are loved?

Did I remember to listen to you when you said it to me?

The sand hastens to collect.

Time slips away with every sunrise.

But today is a cloudy day and I can only hope

that the clouds hide the loneliness I feel,

how empty I am without you,

a vessel with nothing to hold

(to have and to hold).

I am searching for my purpose.

We are yearning to belong,

to be with someone,

to be someone.

Shared dreams connect us.

But we are alone in a crowded room.

Lights dim, the crowd thins, the night is over,

and all I have to look forward to

is the sunrise on the horizon

and you gazing at the moon.

-- Millie D.

Night Lights at La Feniche, M.Donovan

"Good Tidings, Great Art" hosted by Above Elite Studios

I truly believe that we are better people when we surround ourselves with those that inspire us. This is what "Good Tidings, Great Art" is all about. Above Elite Studios (181 Main Street, Westerly, RI) is hosting it's semi-annual 2-Day Open Studio Celebration on Dec. 10th from 5:30-9 and Dec. 11th from 10-4:00p.m. This is the second time that I am a part of this magical event and the FIRST as a resident studio artist! I am so excited to be a part of a celebration of friendship, art, creativity and community and feel so connected to everyone that participates. At Above Elite Studios we open our doors and invite guest artists working in a variety of media to showcase the work they have so lovingly prepared all year. Most of us have "day" jobs and all the artwork that we have an impulse to create is done in the wee hours of the morning or night, or when babies and/or spouses are asleep, when children are at karate or dance classes, in between laundry, work, school, and family obligations. We diligently chip away at the work that inspires us in hopes of making a connection to others through our work. We plan these open studios with our hearts on our sleeves and invite the very best people in our lives (YOU) to come and participate...to take a peek at our souls gently displayed on our walls and proudly showcased in a beautiful space decorated with twinkly lights and candles. We all listen to music and laugh and enjoy refreshments as we stroll through the old mill building, which I understand, used to be a dance hall for the American Legion at one point. So as we happily prepare for your visit, please be sure to save the dates because YOU are invited and YOU are the last ingredient in what is always an astonishing 2-day celebration. See you by the river and Above Elite!

Good Tidings, Great Art!

a 2-Day Open Studio Celebration

Friday, Dec. 10 5:30p.m.-9:00p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 11. 10:00a.m.-4:00p.m.

Above Elite Studios

(Over Elite Cleaners)

181 Main Street

Westerly, RI 02891

Resident Artists: Laura Gaffke, Millie Donovan & Charles Estabrooks

Guest Artists: Serena Bates, Julianne Eanniello, Kathy Johnson, Sarah Martin, Ian Newbury, Wendy Steele, Lisa Szaro, Susan W. Thomas & Carol Watson

Special Guests: Deans Mill Elementary School Student Artwork

& Lou Manzi and the Childbloom Guitar All-Stars performing on Saturday

Revelation...

‎"I think it is in collaboration that the nature of art is revealed." --Steve Lacy, jazz musician

Laura Gaffke and I recently completed our first collaborative painting. We happily applied the finishing touches during a beautiful autumn evening overlooking a gorgeous blushing sunset on the Mystic river. We were enthusiastic to be a part of the Mystic Art Center's "Art After Dark" event which is a monthly celebration of art, music and friendship. And happier yet that the painting went home with a very generous art enthusiast and friend. A portion of the proceeds go directly back to support the MAC's efforts to promote the arts in our area.

While in the middle of this project, I kept thinking about what inspires us...what inspires me and I remembered a journal entry that was prompted by a class at the MAC led by Laura just that week. Here is my entry:

" I feel most inspired when...

the day is done and I am alone listening to myself,

reliving and recounting the moments passed.

Little moments: a touch, a kiss, a hug.

Big moments: my daughter learning to ride a bike,

school picture day, reading poetry out loud.

Music written and sung by regular people,

people with jobs and kids and bills just trying to

get by, trying to see the world and hear its music.

When I watch an artist think and struggle and then

witness the moment that she realizes that what

she has accomplished is touching and beautiful

because it comes from her soul.

A passionate moment when the brush and canvas

meet like dancers. When the waning sunlight makes

the sky blush and the clouds light up in wonderment.

When the moon looks down and plays witness to the moments...

the little moments that make up the day: a touch, a kiss, a hug."

- Millie Donovan

Because of the Caterpillar...

I'm here because the caterpillar told me so. She showed me that I have spent too much time safe in my cocoon living someone else's dream, being someone else's life. When she emerged as a beautiful butterfly, I was envious so I followed her and found her on a cliff. I can hear the rushing water from the deep turquoise sea below but is it just my rushing thoughts? Why am I here if only to hear myself and nothing else? I can see the beauty carved into the scarred mountain, the ancient village still young and full of life. I can see the only reason she is beautiful is because life has marked her facade. She is not perfect. She is crooked but her imperfection is heaven. I will allow quiet times without the obligation of noise, of show, of pretense. I will allow flow. There is no judgement, there only is. There is life and rock and dirt and noise and stairs and friends and me.

(This is a journal entry made on the first day in Positano, Italy. Photograph and excerpt by Millie Donovan.)

Work-In-Progress

Dear Friends,

I am writing this "letter" to inform you that this is it! I am finally coming out...my name is Millie and I am an artist! Years ago a really close friend of mine told me that in order to live the creative life of an artist, I needed to say that I was. I needed to make a decision and declare it. I needed to introduce myself as an artist and use the word often.

My life is full! I have 2 beautiful children, a handsome and hardworking husband, supportive parents and parents in-law, a healthy relationship with my 2 brothers (both of which are creative/artists in their own way), a house, a dog and lots of lovely friends!!! So why come out now? Well, I have been working diligently for the past several years on surrounding myself with creative energies. In between PTO meetings and taking my children to dance, music and sports activities, I have been chipping away at this "artist thing" and it is finally sticking.

Now is the time to reach out to a tribe of people that are in search of a similar exchange. I hope to continue to ask questions, initiate conversations, learn and look at contemporary work, reflect on my personal inquiries and delve into this life with an open mind and heart.

In the past I have organized events for other creatives and have loved every minute of all of the openings hosted at The Riverside Artists Studio & Gallery. This group of 4 artists worked and invited friends and fellow artists to a beautiful space in the heart of downtown Westerly. We have since moved on from the space but continue to work and explore our chosen mediums. Now I am taking this opportunity to focus on my art and finesse the writing that I have recently found a fascination with. I hope that you participate in and enjoy my journey. I promise that there will be more good times to come!

Love,

Millie Donovan, artist and work-in-progress

Dreaming...

I had an opportunity to dream a little today. To explore what I considered unattainable, what I would accomplish if fear were not a factor. I saw the possibility of a growing body of work, of making inspiring connections, of having a sunlit studio and little collections of the things I love scattered among unfinished and finished canvases, open paint boxes, the smell of oil and spirits and a thin dusting of charcoal over a work table filled with projects in various stages of completion. I heard the chatter of friends, clinking wine glasses, saw dark purple grapes and an assortment of crackers artfully arranged on unique platters. People chatted about process and intention, about years and transitions, about work and passion...we talked about art.

Today I visited the studio of my dear friend Dennis Sirrine. Dennis just opened the doors to his fabulous studio in the Velvet Mill in Stonington, CT. He has a long Curriculum Vitae which details a career replete with honorable mentions, gallery exhibitions, directorship positions and memberships to premier artists groups. His formal education in the arts started in the late 60s but when asked how long he has been painting, he gestures with his hand at waist height and says "since I was this tall." When I first met Dennis, his work was on display at the Maritime Art Gallery in Mystic, CT where I worked in the printshop and later as a gallery assistant. I always admired his craft and meticulous brushwork, something that I found painstaking and elusive in my own work. But Dennis held my attention because his work was more than the sea or boat or landscape that he was portraying. I always felt that there was emotion or feeling or a little bit of soul behind his serene depictions of marshes and beaches. As I walked through his gallery, I was immediately drawn to a wall full of abstracts hanging in a corner of the studio. These transitional pieces were recently completed and are, in Dennis' own words, paintings that "were a release of emotions" from his recent transformation and move to the Velvet Mill. He has opened up his soul and has painted it for all to see.

He has only occupied his space since March but is well situated. The studio is warm and inviting. He has a pleasant view of a small pond and bubbling fountain. The windows are open and allow in the salty smell of the ocean which is nearby. He welcomes people with open arms and says his goodbyes with hugs and a warm smile. His space is just perfect and is worth a look if you are interested in seeing a working space transformed by the spirit of creation and the passion of the artist. Congrats Dennis and may there be many more glimpses into that colorful soul of yours!

You can visit the Velvet Mill Studios and Dennis' space on July 9th during their Summer Open Studio Event.

Velvet Mill Studios / Dennis Sirrine

22 Bayview Avenue, Studio E

Stonington, CT 06378

Making Money...The business of art

I just read an article in the business section of the June 11th edition of The WEEK in which it briefly states that "Art is on the Upswing." According to the write up "the market for fine art dropped off a cliff last year...but in 2010...auction sales for old masters and contemporary art have bounced back (from the 35% fall in the first quarter of 2009." This is according to report in the MEI Moses All Art index which analyzes art sales and auctions. Bottom line is that this new influx of sales indicates that there "could be more upside later this year." The article goes on to suggest that although sales are up, investing in fine art is still a tricky thing. Apparently (and this is something that I did not know). "Besides being subject to violent price swings, art is highly illiquid and expensive to transport, store and insure. Art purchasers must pay sales tax, while sellers incur a 28% capital-gains tax--nearly twice the current long-term rate for traditional investments."

So what do I conclude...what does this mean to me as an artist trying to make a living from her work? Well, first of all, as an emerging artist I am not in the category of the old masters or for that matter in the premier list of contemporary artists (that is on my goal sheet). But what this does to my business is that, like real estate, buying and selling art fluctuates with the market (we all have an inkling of how this works). If investors have no money then investments decline. But art is not a house that you can live in, you are not purchasing a stake in a company that borrows your money and then compensates you for your investment. The value of the work that I do is determined by what people are willing to pay for it not necessarily for services rendered. We all say how art is an investment, how it has value and how that value will only increase with time but in reality the value that I want to give to someone is the emotion of owning something that speaks to their soul, that brightens their walls, that sparks imagination. Can you really put a 28% capital gains tax on something which should place its value on the amount of JOY it brings to owner and seller? Wow, that is a steep price to pay for a little piece of heaven! Why don't we do that same for Jimmy Choos or for that Dooney & Burke bag that cost more than some of the pieces on my gallery walls? Do they not bring JOY to the wearer? And why can't we base the value of our work on amount of hours and materials used? Isn't there a way to determine value without the "violent price swings"?

The sad part about all of this is that the artist (while still alive and working) never seems to achieve the financial compensation that he/she deserves. Part of the mystique of being an artist is that the labor is truly one of love or obsession. Think about Van Gogh whose portrait of Dr. Gachet sold in 1990 by Christies for $139M. Considered one of the most famous Dutch artist (after Rembrandt), he had very little success throughout his career and only achieved recognition 11 years after his death following a show of 71 of his 1001 paintings in March of 1901 in Paris. What does this say about our chosen work? If the work is valued by someone, shouldn't success be appreciated during our careers, why must the artist be punished and labeled as starving? Our work is just as important as anyone providing goods and services, the only difference is that our work attempts to feed the spirit.

This is a difficult debate and could go on forever. I am not well versed in all matters having to do with markets and finances. What I do believe is that my work and the work of the artists that I know IS valuable but not for the reasons the market leads us to think. The value is soulful and indicative of an appreciation for a craft that is well done. My question is...how do we market and place a value on a job well done when we are competing with stocks, bonds and real estate?

I (Heart) Downtown Participants! Thank you!

list.cwk (WP)

Here is a complete listing to date of all participating artists and venues. Please be sure to stop by and take a peek in the windows, chat with the store owners, inquire about our little towns. We are excited to see you. And don't forget to visit me and fellow artist/friend Will Houlihan at booth #49 at the fabulous Virtu Art Festival in Wilcox Park. We will be doing a live collaborative painting!

I am so grateful for all of the help that I have gotten specifically from all of my friends and colleagues at Above Elite Studios: Laura Gaffke for her never ending optimism and the ability to say just the right things, Joy Neerkaje for her laughter and truisms that make me smile, Charles Estabrooks for digging out all of his display equipment and supplying me with an artist tent when the one that I had died on me and Susan Stone for driving all the way from Florida to participate, have a drink and encourage me with her savvy advice and career anecdotes! Not to mention the Artists at The Riverside (Ian Newbury, Fran Knapp & Marie Laudini for letting me take over the entire studio) and all of the Riverside Merchants for their willingness to put up with me and to just let me dive right in! Thanks TLC Boutique and The Bean Counter!!!

Last but not least I have been continually surprised by the reception of the business owners in Westerly. They have been persistent despite miscommunication, snafus, and the general chaos that comes with putting together a new event. I hope that all that we have learned this year will make the event even better in future years.

Special things happen because of the special people that are involved...

I live and work in a little area nestled between two states which straddle a meandering river emptying out into Long Island Sound. The little beach towns of Pawcatuck, CT and Westerly, RI are forever united like conjoined twins sharing a heart. At the heart of these towns are its people and their willingness to embrace the life offered and keep their town(s) alive. Both towns boast active businesses, cafes, restaurants, retail stores, and lots and lots of artists studios!!! How exciting it is to have such a strong community of creative people in one little area. Even better is the willingness of the downtown businesses and building owners to support the artist community by participating in monthly art strolls (every 1st Wednesdays of the Month) and hosting events like the Virtu Art Festival every Memorial Day weekend.

Well, you are now officially invited to participate in or witness what I believe to be a truly special event. The "I (Heart) Downtown" Art Exhibition will transform the storefronts of downtown Westerly and Pawcatuck into a gallery showcasing a collection of local artwork from May 27th-May 31st! How thrilling it has been to hear a resounding YES when I approached both the artists and the business owners with this idea. There was hardly ever a no said and instead my questions were followed by enthusiastic offers. Thanks to all of those who have said YES to this unique opportunity. Here is a list of all of the participating artists and businesses to date. I will post a complete listing after we hang the show on May 27th. So be sure to come into town on Memorial Day weekend and grab a coffee or tea or even ice cream and take a stroll down Railroad Avenue, Canal Street, High Street, Broad Street and into Pawcatuck. Look in the windows, walk in the stores and see for yourself all that we have to offer!!!

When: May 27th, registration & hanging

displaying through May 31st

Where: Downtown Westerly, RI & Pawcatuck, CT

Artists: Will Houlihan, Millie Donovan, Ian Newbury, Fran Knapp, Marie Laudini, Jen Pescatella, The Red Couch Studio, Jackie O'Dea, Julianne Eanniello, Carey Williams, Laurie MacKenzie & her students, Laura Gaffke, Joyita Neerkaje, Lisa Szaro, Susan Stone, Dennis Sirrine, Denny Rivera, Heather Caulkins, Judy Silver, John Malenda, Diana Sartor, Dave Madden, Doraine Van Lew, Sandi Gold, Kathy Johnson, Cathy Johansen, Sherrie Parenteau, Kathy Johnson, Lacy Martin...

Businesses: Perks & Corks, Eagle's Nest Gallery, Nature's Wisdom, Carrie's Shoes, L'Interieur, Town & Shore Realty, Van Ghent, Classic Framers, TLC Boutique, The Riverside Artists Studio & Gallery, The Bean Counter, Candy Galore, Nigrelli Jewelry, Bea Smiths, Seaport Downtown, Herbwise, Laurie's Art Center, The Westerly Land Trust, Expertise Styling Salon, Beauty Hut, Melissa Ashley Brides, The Children's Market, Bella Vita Salon, Get Fired Up, Artists' Coop Gallery of Westerly, Better Body Works...

Special Thanks to: The Westerly/Pawcatuck Downtown Business Association and its members, WBLQ 1230 A.M., The New London Day and The Westerly Sun news publications for throwing their hat in and helping the DBA promote this effort!!!!

Be sure to come visit me in the park where I will be participating with fellow artist and friend, Will Houlihan, in the Virtu Art Festival, booth #36 (on the right side of the Library across from the town hall). Will and I have something special planned.

Here is a brief video promo/invitation. Be sure to share this with your friends and give props to Sconvideo Steve for his brilliant work!

The Brainy & Bubbly Kathleen Neal– Altered Book Artist and a Hell of a Girl

Creating art has always been a necessity and not a luxury for me. I have always needed to set aside time to write, draw, paint, collage…time to take what I observe and experience and feel, and make manifest a finished product. Delving into the world of the altered book (with the wonderful and unflagging guidance and encouragement of Laura!) has allowed me to combine so many techniques into one object. I once heard that artwork is never finished but abandoned. I find that so true with the altered book…there is always another layer to add, another technique to try. This particular book, still in progress, has specifically helped me to develop personal definitions of colors and particular images...can you decipher what they are?

–Kathleen Neal

(You'll have to stop by and see Kathleen's book for yourself during the Opening Reception this Friday, May 21st starting at 5:00 to decipher the images she has been inspired by.)

The Divine D'Arcy Hollis–Altered Book Artist & One Cool Lady!

My Name is D'Arcy Hollis. I grew up surrounded by art in it's many forms. My Great Aunt was an artist in the Toronto area, and won numerous Canadian awards, my mother and father are both quite talented, though they never had the time to pursue their passions. Although I always had an urge to try my hand at painting, I never did....I was afraid of failing, being compared to others in the family, and well...showing how little talent I actually possess.

Times change. Over the past few years a number of life-changing events have pushed my little boat onto a different course. One of the things I've realized is that life IS really too short...and if not now....WHEN? SO, I've taken the leap and am free falling into the world of art. I've decided I really don't care what others think of my work. It truly makes me happy (and even laugh right out loud at times), and that is all that matters. I did not realize before that most artists are not BORN with a super natural talent! Most have talent, but they need to learn techniques, and practice, practice, practice - as well as be willing to simply try!

This is my first book, and it has opened up a whole world to me! I will never look at anything the same way again!! I am constantly examining everything to see if it could have a use in "my book". Trash goes through the third degree before being put in the bin, magazines are scrutinized and torn apart, 5 min. walks now take 25! I "see" so much more. Patterns, textures, colors jump out at me from seemingly the most mundane objects.

I love nature and animals. The beauty, simplicity and non-judgement fills my heart with love. Watching my puppy roll around on her back on the front lawn, legs in the air, wiggling and growling, and yes....smiling, is probably one of the most cathartic experiences in my life. No pretense, just pure bliss. This is what this book has brought to me. I lose the judgement and just experience the silliness!

I hope you enjoy my book as much as I've enjoyed creating it.


D'Arcy

The Precocious Kathy Johnson– Altered Book Artist with a Surprising Kick

So one of my favorite people (actually they are all my favs) is Kathy Johnson. Kathy is a statuesque woman who stands tall and graceful. Her demeanor is quiet and she usually sits back and observes. I like to think that she is enjoying the show and letting inspiration come to her. Her voice screams when she presents her work. She is a collage artist with the amazing ability of using threads, fabric, handmade paper, natural elements, touches of sparkle and even zippers in her tiny canvas. I was immediately drawn to her pieces and indulged in one called "Spring" which now graces my workspace at home. It was enough for me to hear her through her work and now I have the privilege of having her as a friend and fellow artist. Here are a few, concise words from our Kathy. We are grateful to have her among us during the upcoming exhibition of "Altered Books" opening at The Riverside (8-12 Broad Street, Westerly) this Friday, May 21st from 5-8 p.m.

I am inspired by nature and enthusiastic, passionate people.

This book has helped me to think about creating in different ways with new techniques and materials. It was fun to experiment with no commitment - you just rip the page out if you don't like it. The photo transfer technique inspired me to create several new collage pieces using my own photos.

– Kathy Johnson

Introducing The Lovely Linda Comstock– Altered Book Artist and Fab Friend

My name is Linda Comstock. I really started to unleash my creative side when I was only 13 years old by making quilts in my little bedroom on my Mom’s old sewing machine. Quilting has always been my first love but I am also an avid needlepointer, crocheter and cross-stitcher. I also have worked with braiding and hooking wool rugs. Recently, there has been a real calling for me to try my hand at painting. Growing up and living in New England I have been blessed with being exposed to many wonderful artists who have completely inspired me not only in my fabric and wool creations but also now with my painting adventures. Altered books, for me, are a really comfortable place to start experimenting with paints and other mediums. It truly brings out the playful, free child in me that I think we all seem to lose touch with as we grow up. In a world that seems to have so many restrictions – it is totally freeing to know that there are no rules when you are being truly creative. It makes my spirit SOAR!

What Is an Altered Book?

That is the question that I asked myself when the Lovely Laura Gaffke of Above Elite Studios reached into her bag of tricks and presented me with the most exquisitely crafted page turner I have ever seen. The book she showed me was a book that she had been working on with her friend and colleague, Tina Hirsig (LauratwoTina).

Laura and Tina met while completing their M.F.A.

at Goddard College in New Hampshire. As part of their thesis work, Laura and Tina explored teaching, learning and co-authorship through drawing exchanges, collaborative book making and mixed media artwork sent through the mail. They continue to work together and have an on-going blog that personifies their creative efforts.

Laura recently opened her studio and heart to 6 artists who were interested in the Altered Book. For me it was an opportunity to experiment and push myself into thinking beyond the four sides of a canvas. As a graphic designer and lover of typography and the printed word, it was initially difficult to undertake the task of "defacing" a printed piece...someone else's work. But the process became cathartic for me. I was not defacing anything, instead I was giving it a new life. At times I would find myself reading pages of the books that I altered and finding little phrases and treasured words which I would use to jump start the paintings that I was creating. The process became a conversation with myself, an exploration of possibilities not only technical experimentation with mixed media but ideas and forced interpretations.

The book I created as a result of Laura's Altered Book Class became a journal of colors, poetry, and emotions all laid out within the pages of this little square book and ready for someone to handle, read, touch and understand.

To celebrate these newly found creative friendships and to open up the conversation regarding the Altered Book and creative experimentation The Riverside Artists Studio & Gallery welcomes Laura and her students for an exhibit of work created during and as a result of taking Laura's class. You will be treated to a collection of altered books as well as works inspired by the books and techniques learned through the process. It will be a celebration of muses!!! Food, Fun and Friendship are promised.

Artists Featured include: Linda Comstock, Millie Donovan (of The Riverside), D'Arcy Hollis, Kathleen Neal, Joyita Neerkaje (of Above Elite Studios), Kathy Johnson and Laura Gaffke (of Above Elite Studios).

When: May 21st - June 18th

Where: The Riverside Artists Studio & Gallery

8-12 Broad Street

Westerly, Rhode Island

Opening Reception: May, 21st from 5-8 p.m.

Spring Fling at Above Elite Studios!!!

Sharing is what drives me as an artist. To be able to create something and then invite people to view, comment, judge, love, hate, critique, understand, reject, accept and take home what I have decided to put on canvas. It is a very nerve wracking process. Opening yourself up to criticism and allowing people into your inner circle. It's equivalent to asking your husband if you look good in the new jeans you bought wanting to hear the truth but knowing that the truth might not be exactly what you had hoped for. The truth is...THOSE JEANS LOOK DAMN GOOD!!! With that said, you have no choice but to come and see the fabulous work created and collected for your viewing and purchasing pleasure at the upcoming "Spring Fling" hosted by the very talented artists of Above Elite Studios in Westerly, Rhode Island! This delightful 2-day Open Studio Celebration will feature work by Charles Estabrooks, Laura Gaffke, Joyita Neerkaje, Susan Stone, and Lisa Szaro of Above Elite with guest artists Millie Donovan (ME), Julianne Eanniello, Kathy Johnson, Kathleen Neal, Jaclyn Murphy and Susan W. Thomas. You will enjoy a collection of watercolors, oils, acrylic and collage paintings as well as photography and jewelry. There will also be a Reiki practioner on-site to adjust your energy! Be sure to make it a point to include this one-of-a-kind event in your spring calendar. On Friday night visitors can enjoy a posh reception with cheese and wine and on Saturday families are invited to look through the collections and indulge in a lighter fare. And don't forget that Mother's Day is just around the corner (May 9th)! I am looking forward to seeing everyone there.

Spring Fling

A Delightful 2-day

Open Studio Celebration

Friday, April 30th, 5:30 to 9:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 1st, 10:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Above Elite Studios

181 Main Street

Westerly, RI 02891

(Over the Elite Dry Cleaners)

For more about Above Elite Studios visit

www.lauragaffke.com or www.joyitaneerkaje.com