The Tucson Open Studio Tour was a resounding success! The weather was cool to warm--flawless really. In so many ways, on so many levels, this event added good mortar to the bricks already lain, building this art sanctuary. It has solidified my commitment to the process.
Many thanks to everyone who visited! I'm remembering you today: The nice couple who bought the first painting. The artists who are on the path back to art making--seeing that they can start again. The woman dynamo and her thoughtful husband, who offered good advice about art marketing and who bought the largest painting. The kind strangers who came here after seeing my work in the 801 Gallery and the TPAC calendar and, finally, the ONLY art supply store in town (!), and one of the sponsors of the event, Sarnoff Art Supplies.
Then there are those art patrons who have stood by me, never wavering in their straight-forward, level headed support. Kirk--who can draw and paint circles around me. Linda--who is currently working on her second masterpiece as she raises another brilliant and good hearted boy. Nathanael--who is art walking, with quiet confidence and a gentle heart. Didn't we have fun?!!
A special thanks to you, my fellow art bloggers, whose presence I felt all weekend: Kathryn (whose Caran D'Ache made an appearance to inspire yet another artist), Barbara Muir (whose friendship and presentation advice have been priceless), Karen (whose discipline, encouragement and work keep me grounded), Silvina (whose wit and wisdom are
matchless) and Linny D. Vine(whose work and kindness inspire me to dream).And, well, that Mr. Artyfice out-did himself--My fellow artist and companion who kindly called me "Melindiva," and who raced around making sure I had cards, postcards, signs, food...and, on...and on...and--while I shouted "Brush!" All this he did with two broken fingers on the mend and very little sleep.
Now for a little chat with that falcon...
19 comments:
Wow! How incredibly exciting, and what a pretty picture of you. I thought of you all weekend, and wished you every kind of joy in the event. And because it was you, and because your art is fantastic beyond measure ...it was. Hurray. I'm so happy I might go down and break into that champagne I've been meaning to drink for a few days.
Hurray for you, and mad props to Edgar for his tireless and loving support of our sister in art. Wow.
Wow! Wow!
You are superb.
xoxoxoxoxoxBarbara
I felt your good thoughts, Barbara! It was incredible--both days. Wonderful people (smart, funny, thoughtful), and gentle artists visited at regular intervals.
Please! Have a sip of champagne for me. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
You're work and your life continue to inspire me.
Virtual hugs...
Sorry, typo in my reply...so tired. Meant to write 'your work', not "you're work." You are not work. You are a delight!
Congratulations on your success!
You are hugely creative. Something all us artists want to be, but somehow fall short.
Deb
What a treat to hear from you, Deb! Your words are so kind.
I hope that you know that you have NOT fallen short in any way.
I've so admired your work and have lurked a bit at your blog in the last month, but will have to check out what you're up to.
Thank you again for your generous comment.
Blur of weekend, elation, satisfied feeling. Good people, good art, good conversations.
And you keep going and doing and responding always with interest and generosity and high regard.
You are a wonder, a force of nature. It's an honor to be of service.
(Smiling here)Thanks, Edgar.
"Melindiva", what a great sense of humor your studio assistant has.
Your studio is beautiful! I love the smooth peachy walls and the light in there.
I just got an idea from you for my next open studio; bales of hay for folks to sit on. They're just $5 each here.
I'm honored that you mentioned me, Melinda. Know that I greatly appreciate your wisdom and generosity. Now... are you planning to paint that magnificent falcon?
Heartfelt congratulations to someone who so richly deserves any and all successes! I really love what you said about adding mortar to the bricks, solidifying your commitment. That's the best reason of all to do this, it's an art-affirming and life-affirming event. Food for the artist's soul. I'm so very happy for you (and Edgar!), and truly ecstatic that that box of Caran d'Ache Neocolors resulted in a friendship that I treasure (and which feeds my art-soul) so much. <3.
Congratulations on your success on so many levels! Your studio looks so beautiful!
Melinda, what a wonderful event! Great photos, thanks for posting so many, what an awesome space! Congratulations, you are so talented and deserve great things!
Joan
Hi Silvina!
I love my new name...Melindiva. Hope I'm not too difficult, though.
Thank you for your kind words (more smiling here). You've got me thinking about that falcon. I'll see what I can do.
Yes, do give that a try with the bales. They are about $5 here as well.
Hi Kathryn,
I'm so glad that you understand how much your encouragement means to me. You're a fantastic artist and it is an honor to be a fellow artist with you.
That Edgar had a blast over the weekend. A week later and we're still recovering!
Thank you, Jana!! I really appreciate your visit and comment.
Your work and thoughtfulness is a treasure to me.
Joan! You're so kind! I'm glad you enjoyed the photos. It was hard to take photos and keep up with all the activity.
SO good to read of the success! I too had you mind. Congrats! You must have been wiped out, but in a good way, after that. You are lucky to have a Mr. Artyfice like that too. :)
I hope your talks with the falcon are progressing well...
Wiped out is the word. My ability to form sentences also lags behind this week.
Oh, yes, the falcon speaketh. Thank you so much!
Melinda, I'm so happy to read your superb news! You are definitely on a roll, dear woman!!! (Thank-you for your kind mention, too!)
Hi Linny!
Oh, yes, you are an inspiration. Thank you for stopping by.
Best wishes always!
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