With my Forbes Hospital mural now in the hands of the printers and the originals at the framer, I’m finally free to turn my attention to new summer projects. And just in time, a new opportunity has come along! I have been asked to consider painting a piece for Pittsburgh’s annual Picklesburgh festival! Picklesburgh has been named America’s #1 Specialty Food Festival. In fact, Picklesburgh 2019 will be double the size of last year’s event to accommodate the huge crowds. Picklesburgh will take place on July 26-28 on the Roberto Clemente Bridge and extending to the riverside lanes of Ft. Duquesne Blvd. I’m not sure exactly…

Last weekend, Tom and I went on a road trip to somewhere we’ve never been before – Asheville, North Carolina, a small city nestled in the palm of the Blue Ridge Mountains. My #1 impression of Asheville is that it’s a city that loves art and honors its resident artists. There is beauty everywhere you look… it seems as if there are galleries and artists on every street! And while the beauty created by the gifted artists of Asheville is amazing, the majestic gifts of nature surrounding the city and its incredible mountain setting are even more inspiring. If you ever…

Remember that big painting project I’ve been working on for the past couple years but haven’t been able to tell you about? (Hint: It’s the Forbes Hospital History Wall.) Well, late last week, around midnight, I put the finishing touches on the very last section of the last panel. Then while everyone else in the house slept, I did the Happy Dance! I can’t actually share the completed paintings with you yet, as I’m not sure how the hospital wants to present them. But I don’t think they would mind if I shared one small piece of it – one of over a…

Back when I was painting my Kennywood series, I would often see my friend Jim when I passed through the Group Sales office. For two years, every time I walked in, he never failed to look up from his desk and tell me the same thing every single time… that there was a Pittsburgh landmark that I had so far neglected to paint. He was referring to Gus and YiaYia’s ice-ball and treats cart in West Park, a beloved North Side institution that has been delighting people for decades. And every time, I would say, “I will… someday.” I suppose…

From the time I was just a new arrival in Pittsburgh as a young bride and now as a grandmother, one of my favorite places to visit around Easter and Mother’s Day has always been Phipps Conservatory. Tom and I had many romantic dates there, and sometimes we would go with friends. Then later when our children came along we would bring them, too, and introduce them to the beauty of the flowers. There’s just something about flowers that makes your heart sing no matter what your age. Many years ago, long before the remodel of the entrance, I used to dream of…

Mother’s Day is just around the corner. I’m glad that once a year we set aside a day to celebrate women who care for others… a special day when we remind them how much they’re loved and appreciated. As a grandmother, I have another generation of little girls to cherish, and the love that flows between them and my daughter makes my heart smile. There’s nothing that makes me happier than seeing my little granddaughter Aria give her mom hugs and kisses – without even being asked! Just this week, I spent some time at my daughter’s home, helping her with…

This week was Opening Day for the Pittsburgh Pirates as well as the start of a new chapter for our little family. Tom put on his uniform for the first time on Monday and reported for his new job at PNC Park. His retirement didn’t last long! Though the opener didn’t end the way we would have liked, Tom was in his glory! Of course, on his first day on the job, the game went into extra innings, so it was a very long day at PNC Park. But Tom didn’t mind one bit! Thinking about him up in the Suite section talking…

As many of you know, moving into our new home has been quite a long and complicated project. Finally all the furniture and clothing and pots and pans are in the new space. But as an artist, a house doesn’t really feel like home to me as long as there are empty walls, and my pictures are sitting stacked up in a corner, hiding their inner beauty. The thought of hanging all those paintings is very daunting – much more so than when we moved into any of our previous homes. That’s because Tom and I have always lived in…

Time really does fly when you’re having fun, and it’s hard to believe that we’ve come to the end of another year at the Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show. We have a tradition where every year after the last piece of art goes into the truck, we take an annual photo. The smiles on our faces reflect a job well done, another year’s show successfully put to bed… not to mention how exhausted we all are after loading up my entire booth into that truck! It also makes me smile when I think about how lucky I am to have…