First off, I’d like to wish a happy, safe, healthy, and prosperous New Year to each and every one of you, my faithful readers! Your support has meant so much to me and has helped me keep going through these last two crazy years. So, speaking of crazy… Since I last wrote to you, I closed down the chalet in Market Square with a lot of help from Tom, Britt, and Breann. Somehow we dismantled all our displays, packed it all up, and loaded everything in the van last Thursday night without any issues. Then on Friday, Santa came to…

I’ve been wondering all year how the 2021 holiday season might play out. Given that pandemic issues are still with us, I was afraid the holidays this year might again be less than merry for me. Fortunately, it seems that my fears were groundless! I’ve been immersed in the bustle of the holidays, feeling the festivity and laughter of folks enjoying themselves as they explore the Holiday Market. I even sang along with the beautiful Christmas music being played on the Market Square stage. Tom and I also found a new SXM radio station of holiday music from days of…

Ho-Ho-Ho!  I feel as if I’ve been playing the part of Santa’s helper at the Holiday Market today as I help folks pick out that perfect gift. But lately there’s been a lot of mystery about this Linda Barnicott person and who she really is. I may even be getting a bit confused myself. Which Linda Barnicott is the REAL one? Just since the start of the Holiday Market on November 19th, there has been quite a bit of confusion about who I am.  Someone thought I was Tom’s mother (Tom thought it was hilarious to call me Mom all…

Can you believe it’s already December? As I write this, I’m sitting in my Market Square Chalet in downtown Pittsburgh, surrounded by the beautiful sights and sweet sounds of the holidays. The show is really extraordinary this year. The Square is filled with local folks and their families as well as people visiting from around the country – and even from around the world.  In fact, I met a nice young lady from Russia who is attending college at Indiana University. She asked if I had postcards, and I cheerfully replied, “Why, yes, I do have postcards!” (I couldn’t wait to say…

This week I exceeded Andy Warhol’s predictions – I had a full 30 seconds of fame on KDKA’s “Pittsburgh Today Live” with Michelyn Hood!  This is the second year in a row that she’s stopped by my booth to see what’s new. Mikey loved all the great gift-giving ideas she found in my Chalet. She was especially enthusiastic about my new puzzles and commented on how much fun they would be to put together! We’re off to a fantastic start at the Holiday Market this season. Since the show began last weekend, things have really been hopping!  I think folks are…

 “It’s that time of year when the world falls in love/ Every song you sing seems to say, ‘Merry Christmas, may your New Years’ dreams come true!’” “The Christmas Waltz” – Frank Sinatra Don’t you just love holiday music?  That song honestly describes just how I feel right now. I think I’m truly at my happiest this time of year – as we say in my family, “all the way down to my heart.” So after weeks of planning, stocking up, and setting up, I think I’m finally ready for this year’s Holiday Market.  The Holiday Market has definitely become…

It’s been quite an exciting week here at the Barnicott Gallery/Studio/Art Warehouse! First, the much-anticipated art puzzles I was telling you about have arrived – just in time for my show at Bethel Presbyterian Church this Saturday in Bethel Park… not to mention the opening of the Holiday Market in Market Square in Downtown Pittsburgh on Friday, November 19th! Four different paintings are available in puzzle form – “Santa’s Woodland Christmas,” “All Aboard with Santa,” “Holiday Memories Under Kaufmann’s Clock,” and everyone’s favorite, “My Hometown.” Each puzzle is 1000 pieces and measures 20” x 28.” They will make perfect gifts for the holidays! For those of you who are already on the…

There’s a special November tradition in the Barnicott family… and if you listen ever so closely come the First of November, you may hear the sounds of Christmas floating through the air. Since Tom was just a lad, November 1st was their “official” first day to start listening to beautiful holiday music. When we started a family of our own, we kept that festive tradition of reflection and anticipation. It’s also around November 1st (with the holidays right around the corner) that Santa shares his calendar with me every year so that I can share it with all of you.…

I had an absolutely wonderful time last weekend exhibiting at Fort Ligonier Days! Earlier in the week, we were concerned about rainy weather, but except for a few sprinkles on Saturday, it ended up being pretty spectacular. I loved seeing many old friends there, and I even was able to meet some of the re-enactors from the fort.  Miss Alex and Mr. Constantine stopped by and told a hilarious story of how he had to catch a runaway chicken. Very believable, right down to his grass stains on his cloak! In case you missed it, I’ve made it a lot easier…

Oh my goodness, what a week this has been! On Sunday I finished up a spectacular show at the Mt Lebanon Artists’ Market, and it couldn’t have been better! I am absolutely loving the shows this year. Everyone is so happy and very pleasant to talk to as they browse the artists’ booths. It’s always a pleasure to provide customers with something special for their loved ones (and just as often for themselves!). For all of you who weren’t able to make the show, here’s the announcement for my cool new art collectible I unveiled there: I had been thinking about how…