Though the pumpkins are still being carved and the candy is still uneaten, those of us whose businesses are busiest in the holiday season are already hard at work. The fall shows have begun, and I’m getting excited! It seems like every day there are decisions to be made, inventory to stock up on, orders to be filled, and generally preparing for the next two frantic months. For people like me in the art and gifts business, as far as we’re concerned, the holidays are already here! As I have been planning ahead for the upcoming rush on giftware items…

What beautiful weather we’re having! It’s been more like summer for the last week, though it’s now turning a little more brisk and Fall-like. But I really don’t need to follow the weather forecast…  my schedule of shows tells me the holidays are at hand! The show at Fort Ligonier Days was even better than I had hoped. So many folks came out to enjoy the festival and picked up a few pieces of art for loved ones or as treats for themselves. I greatly appreciate all of you – thank you for supporting your friendly neighborhood artist! If you’re…

Have you ever been to Fort Ligonier Days? It’s all-day fantastic experience with great food and music, historical re-enactments, and of course the finest art and gifts! It looks like Friday and Saturday will be perfect days to come out to the country (and don’t let a little rain scare you away on Sunday!). Ligonier Days is one of my very favorite shows of the year, especially with the beauty of fall and the wonderful people who always come to this event. I will be in booths #16-17 in the Loyalhanna Lot located off South Market Street behind the fort. The…

This week has been a time of intense creativity for me. We had the pleasure of hosting a nationally known artist here in Pittsburgh, and I was privileged to attend her workshop. Of course, being “Pittsburgh Proud,” we had to show her all the sights. She was suitably impressed and told us “You have a beautiful city!” My head and my heart responded together – “Yes, yes we do! And we are so lucky to live here.” You can google Christine Ivers and check out her work… both are pretty spectacular! So what did we do with Christine, and what…