Lynne Sward's Make & Take Collage workshop is beginning! I'll check back in after the "show"!

Friday Morning Drawing group at 24th Street in Virginia Beach. 

New Jersey Visitors

Mary Moore and her husband Harry stopped by Studio 116 today. This delightful couple, originally from NJ, then KS, and now NJ again, shared their stories about their family involvement during Prohibition when the dairy farm was not as prolific as Grandpa's still! Thanking us for sharing a "little slice of Southern hospitality", we also thank the Moores for the wonderful fellowship they brought to our day!

It's National Poetry Month! Come write your own on the Selden Arcade's board. (note: the lines pictured aren't mine!)

" 'ello, I wish to register a complaint."

Today is International Monty Python Day. Since I just installed my mobile blogger I will officially test it in honor of this highly creative group who has shared their demented humour to the delight of so many.
"Sorry, we're closing for lunch."

Melbourne - Our Home on the Bay: Australian Impressionists

My cousin Leon recently wrote that he wanted to introduce me to some Australian artists. I was thrilled at the vision of having a true Australian picnic with Thai takeaway, some lively conversation, and lots of red Aussie wine. However, the introductions were to include Impressionists from the late 19th century, who incredibly painted on the beach next to another cousin's home in Mentone.

So while dreams of sharing a few gallery exhibitions with family friends fade, I was very pleased to expand my knowledge of the arts from Down Under. Leon, I am still very interested to any introductions that include "live" artists from Melbs, Oz, or Paris!

Melbourne - Our Home on the Bay: Australian Impressionists

Picasso Roadtrip

Friday Morning was my day to set the model for our drawing group. Instead, I "set" the group in my Expedition and we had a great roadtrip to Richmond to see the Picasso Exhibition. Our model Beeb Stiles and artist Jeane Kight showed up early at my house so I could make a quick run to Panera for a carbohydrate packed breakfast of delicious bagels. Hot coffee in hand, we drove to Wards Corner in Norfolk to collect the remaining three artists, Ray Hershberger, Angie Coleman, and Betsy Kennedy.
Luck was with us all day: we walked in at the perfect time to get in the next 30 minute group; headsets were available, and after a leisurely stroll through the exhibition, we made a quick return together to comment on some works and motifs that, well, just needed commenting on!
With a nice recommendation from the museum staff, we took advantage of the beautiful day and walked down to Cary Street for a lunch at Secco Wine Bar. However, we did not end up at Secco Wine Bar because, realizing we had a man with us we quickly realized that the lovely prixe fix lunch of tender baby greens, or portabella mushroom plate might not be sufficient, we all headed back to Double Ts to- and I quote- pig out. While ordering, we discovered Governor McDonnell had proclaimed this an all-Virginia establishment. Then owner, Double T, moseyed over, pulled up a chair and explained the virtues of his establishment made St Louis cut ribs, pulled pork barbecue, roasted sweet corn pudding, collards, onion rings, Brunswick stew, and fresh brewed sweet tea or homemade lemonade (the lemonade being the only thing we did not get!)
Ted Truman, also known as Double T, filled our table with tales of his home in Missouri, including the fact that Harry S Truman was a cousin, taught us the virtues of St. Louis cut ribs, vinegarless barbecue sauce, the beauty of buying all produce from local growers and meats from local farms, and openly flirted with our model, offering half of his bread pudding...which she delightfully accepted. Full of delicious food and delightful conversation, we all ordered cobblers and brownies topped with Double T's homemade ice cream to share.
The drive home was electric with dozens of conversations that erupted non-stop all the way home as we relived the events of this wonderful day of art and friendships.