Dear Max is quite concerned about this guest at our front door.
I am so pleased with the quality of my images, the binding and the cover!
Here is the Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson and Robin Maria Pedrero
book for sale in the Museum of Florida gift shop.
Celebrating Citrus
Friday night I went with Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson to her opening in Sarasota at the Katharine Butler Gallery. She never ceases to amaze me! You must see the skirt she made of her art, she's wearing it in this post on her blog. Now how incredible is that!! I so enjoy the artists and the staff at KBG. Ruth Hook Colby and I chatted about pastels and art business for a while! The art walk brings out the child in me as I weave in and out through the galleries seeing art friends like Jini Mount whose wonderful sculpture and spirit fill her Celery Barn Gallery, which is where I had once enjoyed a workshop weekend with Judith Carducci. Some new artists were in Towles Court but I was so glad to see Meg Pierce still has her studio. I find her collaged mandalas to be skillfully created and intriguing.
my artist's eye for pattern in The Market which was once a place where slaves were traded. Slaves may not openly be traded in America any longer yet this is still happening in our world today. I feel so strongly about making a difference that one of my charities is the International Justice Mission who fight against Human trafficking. BTW Have you seen the movie Taken?
caught my heart. She herself is delightful, I felt a bond with her and so of course I had to have a piece of her art. I bought this print which brings me joy! (the original was unavailable) 
I explored the Gibbes Museum of Art (use this link) I can't say enough about that fabulous museum! A wonderful mix of historical and contemporary art in a wide array of mediums which included woman artists! As a former board member for the National Women's Caucus for Art I uphold the goals for equality which have been fought for by our predecessors throughout history. I wish to recognize and thank the executive diredtor and chief curator Angela D. Mack and associate curator Sara C. Arnold on a masterpiece of a Museum! Works by artist Alice Ravenel Huger Smith repeatedly pulled me in for a close look.(and we thought our names were long huh Elizabeth?) I encourage you to explore their excellent site and invite you to dialogue.
See there's so much! Here are two of a number of college sailing teams going out to compete in a race we witnessed at the Yorktown at Patriots Point. We went to the beach, visited churches, cemeteries, historical sites, incredible architecure and the french quarter, gallery after gallery and here are two of my favorite restaurants. Tristan where I had the most phenomenal service of my entire life. If I could only replicate the divine food Chef Aaron prepared! On Valentine's Day we dined at Magnolia's which was out of this world! 
I received two awards this week from artists Elizabeth St. Hilaire-Nelson and Linda Mahoney. Thank you. Awards feel good to receive. I had been juggling too many things and had not responded to some recent blog awards or games. I apologize for not responding if I missed yours. Admittedly I can't keep up. I believe in supporting, encouraging, and recognizing others for their gifts, and accomplishments. Both are artists I admire greatly and if you are not following I suggest you hop on board the train for a creative ride!Linda asks to list what I love quickly here goes, when my dog is romping after a squirrel he looks like a rabbitt!(that just happened so I blurted it out) a clean house (ahhh), the wind, color, friends and family, being an artist and being with artists or art, and finally creation in the larger sense of life and that being the greatest gift that as an artist I too can create.I in turn award these artists who are asked to say what they love and then give art blog awards.
were "mobbed by girls" delaying them further so at 4 pm I began to wonder if the joke was on me. She apologizes profusely saying she has a surprise for me and asks if I like music and they just had to pick up a guitar. I googled Sean and found him easily and listened to several songs, instantly falling for "I Know". This is the myspace page where you can listen too. (Be aware this link goes to myspace where if you scroll down you will see pics from people commenting leaving not much to the imagination) We spent time in my studio and quickly began sharing from the heart. One characteristic I really like about Kim is her ability to target in and call it like it is. Even in observing things like my living room decor, where visions of two beach experiences came together she blurted out South Beach meets Cape Cod, which was exactly what we did! She is keen, sharp quite fashionable and beautiful inside and out. Sean brought his own kind of magic. His celebrity doesn't hinder his genuine character from shining through. I admire his courage and strength in recovering from disabling injuries from flying off a bridge in a car. He is a songwriter and musician whose personal experiences resonate with listeners universally. First he performed "I know" right in my very 
own living room on my little ol' Ikea red hassock! Incredible! We spoke in depth of looking at the big picture of life, of creation, how struggles impact our lives and supernatural living. Before leaving he performed another song which he allowed me to video. What a fabulous visit - no joke!
I am just so excited about this piece! Not even framed yet I brought it in to COMMA Gallery for a sneak peak to share with the curators. It is for the future Cattle exhibit. This is one of those pieces that received a positive response from even the toughest critics, my family.Google alerts are great! This one popped up for me today
The Winter Park/Maitland OBSERVER
Culture worthy of your calendar
Feb. 5, 2009By Josh Garrick
"Chrome and Leather VI — A Motorcycle as Art
exhibit
For those of us who want to mix a little "fun" with our culture
(admit it — we all do), there is a Fine Art Opening held each year at the Museum
of Florida Art in DeLand that has over the years also become a "legendary"
party. Up there in DeLand, where (motorcycle) life on the road is taken very
seriously, Bike Week 2009 will begin with an artistic roar with the 6th Annual
Art of Chrome & Leather exhibit, this year called "Art on the Road of Good
and Evil."
The Art of Chrome & Leather Bash, which opens this exhibit with a motorcycle theme, will be held Friday, Feb. 27, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the museum. The exhibit will run through March 22. This year is special because the exhibit will feature many Central Florida artists including Doug Rhodehamel, Donna Frank, Keith Theriot, Liz Kitchens, Dan Colonna, Andrew White, Brigan Gresh, Dawn Rosendahl, Cheryl Turner, Toni Taylor, and Robin Maria Pedrero among many others. There will also be a showcase of some of the country's top bikes as painted by Florida's airbrush genius Chris Cruz. The variety of artwork shown at the Museum truly represents our country's fascination with the "life on the road," and the exhibit is suitable for families.
Why you want to go: And then there's this party! Not
only does the party open the exhibit, but it serves as the one time when the
"art crowd" gets to break out their "creative leather and black tie" and mix it
up with the bikers who descend on Central Florida at this time each year. Not
only will attendees be the first to see the exhibit, but the "Bash" will feature
art by Perego, including an action mural painting and organic light show with
live models. The Bash features live music, biker fashion, food and drink, in
addition to a live auction. Everyone is encouraged to wear their best "biker
gear." Tickets are $35. The Museum of Florida Art is located at 600 N. Woodland
Blvd. in DeLand, Fla. Regular daily admission is $3. (Sundays are free).
MuseumofFloridaArt.com or 386-734-4371."
"Blue" 9" x 13" pastel by Robin Maria Pedrero
I just had to share this pic of Max of his first time at the beach when we went to Amelia Island!
