On Sunday I was lucky enough to go to Surtex, at the Jacob Javits Center in New York where they were also hosting the International Contemporary Furniture Fair as well as the National Stationery Show. Surtex is a trade show for surface designers to sell or license their work to manufacturers. I wasn’t able to take pictures at Surtex or the Stationery Show because of copyright issues, but I was able to at ICFF.

It was a really good show, with tons of great new design.

When I was supposed to be learning Dreamweaver in class the other night I found this gem of an illustrator on Behance. They’re watercolor and colored pencil on drawing pencil and I’m obsessed with them. The colors are so amazing and the textures that the small patterns bring are completely perfect. They’re really Lisa Frank-ish in such a good way.

http://asakurakouhei.com/

Enjoy!

I talked a little bit before about the AFTA convention being held in Pittsburgh on June 14th through the 16th this year. I’m so excited that it’s being held in Pittsburgh as I think it’ll be a great chance to show off the artistic community here as well as a wonderful way to showcase the Three Rivers Arts Festival, which will be happening at the same time.

If you or someone you know works at a non-profit arts organization, I think this would be ideal for them. I’m considering going to the Emerging Arts Leaders pre-conference, but I’m not sure yet.

They have scheduled discussions about creating successful cultural districts, helping artists succeed (everyone should definitely go to that one) and public art, among many others.

“As part of a minimalist style of living, the ability to sustain one’s self is essential, and can be healthy, empowering, and enlightening to the core of a human being.”

March 16-April 13, 2013

4102 Butler Street Pittsburg, PA 15201

Unfortunately, I missed the opening for this show because I was stunned when I walked in to gallery sit last Sunday and was greeted with these lovely pieces. They are so nice, I can’t recommend going to see them enough. I love the repurposed materials and the really simple, clean lines. If you go, I promise you’ll love it.

I just recently learned that I was chosen to be one of the Three Rivers Arts Festival Emerging Artists. The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has kindly sponsored me to have a booth at the festival, from June 7 through June 11th. I’m really looking forward to it.

One of my paintings was also chosen to be included in the juried art show, so that should be fun too. This year I’m especially excited to be involved because Pittsburgh has been chosen to host the AFTA (Americans for the Arts) convention the same week.

Yesterday I taught a Colors and Bottles class in the Strip District at the BeerHive. It was a great time. I always think it can be challenging to guide a class through an abstract painting, but it always ends up being a lot of fun.

I started out demonstrating how to do this painting and then let the students go off in their own directions. So many of the paintings were really outstanding. It’s so fun to get together in a group on a Sunday and paint. I think people need more time spent making things together (including myself).

If you want to learn more, or sign up for one that myself or another artist is teaching, you can do so here.