Love and Joy Come to YOU!

Here we come a-wassailing
Among the leaves so green,
Here we come a-wand'ring
So fair to be seen.
Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail, too,
And God bless you, and send you
A Happy New Year,
And God send you a Happy New Year.

I just learned that the term "wassailing" is an old english toast that means "good health" and that the wassail refers to a glass full of spiced cider or ale. We hear and sing these words so much during the holiday season and never once have I looked up their meaning. Had I known better, I would've made sure that I wassailed frequently and indiscriminately.

This season is such a special one for me. It is a time when I seem to wake from the slumber of everyday obligations and try to focus on bringing a little magic to the season. We all do this by decorating our homes with light and color. Our tables are filled with special dishes and our glasses brim with good cheer. Things are wrapped in fancy foils and papers and ribbons cinch up our prettily wrapped gifts with neat little bows. 

Most of all, the magic that I look forward to is usually in the form of a hug and seasonal greetings from friends and family. Sometimes a friend will just show up at the studio and sit while I fuss with some last minute paintings. Other times the merriment is amplified by holiday gatherings and open studios. So I am going to add a few opportunities to raise your glass and go a-wassailing! 

Happy Holidays! I hope you can join my friends and I at Above Elite Studios for 2 nights of good cheer. We are hosting our annual "Good Tidings, GREAT Art" open studio event Dec. 7th from 5:30-9pm and Dec. 8th from 3-7pm.

8 artists, twinkling lights, a variety of beautifully crafted art gifts all bundled together with some refreshments and holiday music! What a way to start your Holiday gift giving. 

The festivities continue with 2 other special shows where you can see some of my work. "Home Made for the Holidays" at The Gallery at The Light House is a first for me. I am humbled to be included in this colorful and eclectic display of local talent. The show runs from Nov. 26th thru Dec. 21st at 744 Long Hill Road, Groton. The gallery is open M-F from 12-5 and Saturdays by appointment. Pop in and be sure to say hi to director, Chris Rose. 

Be sure to greet gallery director, Chris Rose, and enjoy this collection of artful offerings. 744 Long Hill Road, Groton.

You'll also find some of my work at the Hygienic Art Gallery (79 Bank St., New London) where the collection for the season is all priced to go home! ART = GIFTS is a show that boasts works from regional and local artists all affordable marked at $20-$200. I love the way this event makes art affordable and gifting so easy. The show is open until 5pm on Dec. 23rd. You will find my "Paper Dreams" collage series on display. 

The show is open until Dec. 23rd at 5pm. 79 Bank Street, New London 

If that isn't enough cheer I was recently given the honor of creating a small series of spanish language holiday cards by i5 Teaching Network president, Marge Anderson. The cards will be printed on 100% Recyclable Card Stock and packaged for sale at the i5 Gallery in Gales Ferry. I'm so anxious to see them! Be sure to give a shout out to Marge Anderson and see if you can order your handful of cards. You can also see the orginal 5"x7" paintings at my studio during "Good Tidings, GREAT Art" along with a handful of postcard reproductions. 

Inspired by Three Kings Day. This card is one of 3 offered by i5 Teaching Network.  ©Millie Donovan