I’ve had a super busy week at the Chalet – this year was much busier than usual… thanks to you, my wonderful customers coming out to visit me, and thanks to the unseasonably warm December weather! But now there’s finally just a bit of snow in the air, so it feels a lot more like Christmas, doesn’t it?

The last day for the Holiday Market is on Wednesday, December 23rd. I’ll be there every day except Sunday. Santa John and I will be there to greet you, and I’ll help you out with those last-minute gifts for the ones you love!

All the best to you – wishing you a magical and wondrous Christmas and a happy New Year!

Linda

Make sure you are the first to know about all of my news, appearances and any “special deals” I am offering to my subscribers, by taking the time to sign up for my weekly newsletters now. CLICK HERE to sign up. You will also receive a FREE slideshow showing the step-by-step development of my painting, “Celebrating Time and Tradition at Macy’s”.

Hi, it’s Linda… Writing to you today once again live from my Chalet downtown at the Holiday Market in Market Square.

I know I spend most of my time between Light-Up Night and Christmas down here, but I’m delighted to get a lot of visitors at my little Chalet, and I do get out and about a little bit!

For example, I’ve been seen around town lately with a major celebrity – Santa himself! The paparazzi are having a field day! Just yesterday, Laurie’s Hallmark invited the Jolly Old Elf and me to appear at their store at Fifth Avenue Place. As always, Santa was his usual charming self, Ho-Ho-Ho-ing it up with all the customers. He also graciously posed for free selfies and signed my giftware and prints with his special Santa signature! It was a fun time for everyone.

And because I’m his favorite artist, Santa stops by my Chalet every day to say hi before he magically appears in the Santa House in Market Square. Come down and have your picture taken with Santa and buy one of my prints. After all, if you have a picture of you sitting on his lap in the Santa House, and you have a painting of him on your wall, that’s scientific proof that he’s the REAL Santa… right?

Here are the times that Santa will be holding court in Market Square in the coming week:

Saturday, December 5 – 4 to 8 pm
Sunday, December 6 – 12 to 3 pm
Monday, December 7 – 4 to 7 pm
Tuesday, December 8 – 4 to 7 pm
Wednesday, December 9 – 12 to 3 pm
Thursday, December 10 – 4 to 7 pm

And I’ll be at my Chalet every day from 11 am to 8 pm on Mondays through Thursdays, from 11 am to 9:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 11 am to 6 pm on Sundays right up until December 23rd!

I would love to see you there… and you might even get to meet a celebrity!

Best to you and Happy Holidays,

P.S. – Don’t forget to order your “Shhhh!” Christmas Cards available in the Note Cards for Sale section of this site. The message inside reads “It is no secret you will have a Magical Christmas!” And there’s a sweet story on the back of every card! The cards are 7″ x 5,” packaged in boxes of eight for $24.00. Quantities are limited and they are selling fast so order yours today!

Make sure you are the first to know about all of my news, appearances and any “special deals” I am offering to my subscribers, by taking the time to sign up for my weekly newsletters now. CLICK HERE to sign up. You will also receive a FREE slideshow showing the step-by-step development of my painting, “Celebrating Time and Tradition at Macy’s”.

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. Every year, I take this time to reflect on how thankful I am for the blessings in my life.

It’s also my time to give back to you for being there for me. As a special thank-you to my loyal friends and fans, I’m offering a special gift – for this weekend only, Everything on my website is 10% off with FREE shipping on orders over $100.00 for art prints and giftware!

This is the perfect time to get started on your holiday shopping with a special gift that will remind your loved ones of happy memories and time spent together… a gift that will last a lifetime! Or why not treat yourself to a holiday-themed print or a beautiful ornament to brighten your home?

Gobble Sale Weekend starts now and lasts through Sunday, November 29, 2015 at midnight. That’s just 4 days to take advantage of this offer – 10% off and FREE shipping for orders over $100!

Don’t miss out on my biggest sale of the holiday season! Begin shopping on my website now! Your savings will automatically appear when you check out between now and Sunday, November 29, 2015 at midnight. No coupon codes to enter!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

P.S. – You can also print out this email and bring it to my Chalet at the Holiday Market in Market Square during this sale to receive 10% off your purchases there!

Make sure you are the first to know about all of my news, appearances and any “special deals” I am offering to my subscribers, by taking the time to sign up for my weekly newsletters now. CLICK HERE to sign up. You will also receive a FREE slideshow showing the step-by-step development of my painting, “Celebrating Time and Tradition at Macy’s”.

I’m taking a break to write to you now that I’ve just finished setting up my Holiday Market Chalet down in Market Square! Tom took this photo of me decking the walls earlier this week. Not only did we have to decorate, but we’ve also had to stock up on inventory for the coming 32 days!

If you’ve been to the Holiday Market in Market Square in Downtown, Pittsburgh in the past two years, you would have found me on the end near the walkway that goes to the PPG Plaza skating rink. This year, I’ll be one chalet over and a little bit closer to the stage area.

Keep your fingers crossed for nice weather for the Holiday Market this year! If you remember, a couple years ago we had an unseasonably cold late November/early December, and I thought we would freeze to death! Let’s hope the beautiful warm weather we’ve been having stays relatively good – at least not extra cold this time! It will make your Market experience a whole lot nicer, especially if you’re bringing your little ones.

Speaking of little ones, don’t forget to visit with our Santa (featured in my prints and ornaments) while you’re here! Because if you have a picture of your child or grandchild on his lap, and you have one of my prints of him hanging on your wall or one of my ornaments on your Christmas tree, doesn’t that by default make him the REAL Santa?

(Scroll down to the P.S. below for Santa’s scheduled Market Square visits through Thanksgiving Weekend.)

Because Friday kicks off Light-Up Night weekend, and it’s the first weekend of the show, I’m really in the holiday mood! I hope you will visit me this weekend and get a jump on your holiday shopping with art from Linda Barnicott Prints and Gifts!

Wishing you a festive Light-Up Night and a Happy Thanksgiving!

P.S. – Here is Santa’s Holiday Market schedule through Thanksgiving Weekend (when he’s not back at the North Pole supervising, of course!)…
Friday, Nov 20 – 5:30 to 9 pm (Light-Up Night)
Saturday, Nov 21 – 11 am to 4 pm
Sunday, Nov 22 – 12 noon to 6 pm
Monday, Nov 23 – 12 noon to 3 pm
Tuesday, Nov 24 – 12 noon to 3 pm
Wednesday, Nov 25 – 4 to 7 pm
Thursday, Nov 26 – Santa gets a day off – Thanksgiving Dinner at the North Pole with Mrs. Claus
Friday, Nov 27 – 12 noon to 3 pm, 4 to 7 pm
Saturday, Nov 28 – 4 to 8pm

P.S.S. – Don’t forget to order your “Shhhh!” Christmas Cards available in the Note Cards for Sale section of this site. The message inside reads “It is no secret you will have a Magical Christmas!” And there’s a sweet story on the back of every card! The cards are 7″ x 5,” packaged in boxes of eight for $24.00. Quantities are limited and they are selling fast so order yours today!

Make sure you are the first to know about all of my news, appearances and any “special deals” I am offering to my subscribers, by taking the time to sign up for my weekly newsletters now. CLICK HERE to sign up. You will also receive a FREE slideshow showing the step-by-step development of my painting, “Celebrating Time and Tradition at Macy’s”.

It may just be a week or two after Halloween, but Costco and Target aren’t the only ones who already have their holiday decorations up! Because of the way my business operates, I have to get a jump start on the holiday season in early November, or it doesn’t get done! Since I’ve been participating in the Holiday Market show in Market Square for the last several years, I don’t get a day off from mid-November until Christmas Eve… that’s 32 consecutive days without a break. If I don’t get my home decorated for the holiday season before then, it might not happen at all!

So for this particular artist, if I don’t stay far ahead of the holiday curve, I’m going to be left behind in a snowdrift. Until this year, I used to frantically try to catch up in the late evenings and early mornings… with disappointing results. My decorating suffers, and I’m too tired to enjoy the process.

This year, I’m trying something different. Though of course Thanksgiving is very meaningful and special to me, reminding me of all the blessings in my life, I jumped the gun and decked my halls a little early this year. I want to be able to enjoy that Christmas beauty that I love so much in my home and be reminded every day how special Christmas is to my family.

Not only am I already in the Christmas spirit in my home, but I’ve also planned an exciting new look this year for my Chalet downtown at the Holiday Market. I’m collecting new and different little items to sell alongside my paintings, and I hope you’ll be excited, too! There will even be exclusive specials that will be offered only to my loyal subscribers during this Holiday season.

Though the opening of the Market Square Chalets is still about a week away, there is a ton of preparation that must get done before the 20th. And I still have other shows in the meantime…

~ I’m appearing on Saturday, November 14th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bethel Presbyterian Church in Bethel Park to help celebrate their 42nd annual Holiday-A-Fair. (I thought it would be fun – and make life a little easier for me! – to stay close to home for a change!).

~ Can’t get to the South Hills? How about Sewickley? My daughter Brittany will be representing me at the Unique Boutique on Saturday, November 14th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., located at the Edgeworth Club at 511 East Drive, Sewickley. Proceeds benefit the Heritage Valley Sewickley Hospital. (If you buy any art there that you would like to have me sign, you can bring it to my Chalet in Market Square anytime between November 20th and December 23rd.)

In this upcoming holiday season, I’m looking forward to sharing my art with you and the people who are special to you. Check out my “Calendar of Events” to find out more details about where I will be this busy holiday season.

I’ll have some of my new catalogs at each show. Come say hello and pick one up! (I’ll have a limited number with me, so catalogs will be given on a first-come, first-served basis.)

P.S. – Don’t forget to order your “Shhhh!” Christmas Cards available in the Note Cards for Sale section of this site. The message inside reads “It is no secret you will have a Magical Christmas!” And there’s a sweet story on the back of every card! The cards are 7″ x 5,” packaged in boxes of eight for $24.00. Quantities are limited and they are selling fast so order yours today!

Make sure you are the first to know about all of my news, appearances and any “special deals” I am offering to my subscribers, by taking the time to sign up for my weekly newsletters now. CLICK HERE to sign up. You will also receive a FREE slideshow showing the step-by-step development of my painting, “Celebrating Time and Tradition at Macy’s”.

Last Thursday night, I had the honor of attending the Oakland Catholic High School Gala at the Westin Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh.

If you remember, in the spring of this year, I was approached by their board to create a painting that would honor each of the schools that joined together to become Oakland Catholic – Our Lady of Mercy Academy, Sacred Heart High School, and St. Paul Cathedral High School, with Oakland Catholic itself as the foundation.

Back when the dogwoods bloomed, I visited each of the former schools to take supporting reference photos. Love and pride was evident in the voices of the people I spoke with there as they told me each school’s story. It was my task to bring their vision to life in the painting, honoring these schools and celebrating their legacy as they move into the future as Oakland Catholic. Their last words before I left that day were “We’re counting on you!” (No pressure!)

Finally, after months of going over each and every detail and making sure everything was exactly right, I was humbled to experience the joy the painting brought to all the gala attendees. As Tom and I entered the foyer, filled with people and bustling with activity, the ladies who worked alongside me on the project welcomed us and showed us where the original was making its public debut.

The school was selling note cards and matted prints of the painting all night. I told them I had brought my pen in case anyone would like to have their purchase personalized, and I could be found at Table #20. I have to tell you, it was the best feeling in the world when folks approached my table to have their newly purchased art signed, timidly apologizing for interrupting my dinner! Tom (as usual) was his charming self, but in the end, we felt like we received far more than we gave.

Once again, this has been another week full of activity as I’ve been preparing for three public appearances on the weekend:

~ You’ll find me at the “All That Glitters” Tinsel Time Charity Luncheon at the Hilton Garden Inn at Southpointe (Canonsburg) from 9:30 to 3pm on Friday, November 6th.

~ Immediately after that, I’ll leave there and set up for the next day, Saturday, November 7th, at “A Christmas Affair” at John McMillan Presbyterian Church, 875 Clifton Rd. (in my backyard now!) Bethel Park from 9 to 3pm. You can find me in Room 9-11.

~ Then on Sunday, November 8th, I’ll return to the Old Allegheny Shoppe’s Christmas Holiday Show (their 40th year!) to sign my work from 12 noon to 4 pm. I spent all day yesterday setting up for their very busy weekend. I’ve actually lost track of how many years I’ve been participating in this show!

If you’re out and about this weekend, I’d love for you to stop by and say hello! And if you need something for your home or a gift of art for the upcoming holiday season, I will be happy to personalize it.

I’ll have some of my new catalogs at each show. Come say hello and pick one up! (I’ll have a limited number with me, so catalogs will be given on a first-come, first-served basis.)

P.S. – Don’t forget to order your “Shhhh!” Christmas Cards available in the Note Cards for Sale section of this site. The message inside reads “It is no secret you will have a Magical Christmas!” And there’s a sweet story on the back of every card! The cards are 7″ x 5,” packaged in boxes of eight for $24.00. Quantities are limited and they are selling fast so order yours today!

Make sure you are the first to know about all of my news, appearances and any “special deals” I am offering to my subscribers, by taking the time to sign up for my weekly newsletters now. CLICK HERE to sign up. You will also receive a FREE slideshow showing the step-by-step development of my painting, “Celebrating Time and Tradition at Macy’s”.

I’ve had a whirlwind week getting ready for the big day!

Our church will be doing a “Reverse Trick or Treat” this weekend. Basically, we older folks will go from door to door, but instead of receiving a treat, we’ll actually GIVE one, courtesy of our friends at First Bethel UMC. The treats will include candy (of course), a note, and one of my notecards, personally signed by me. It’s a fun way to let our neighbors know we care.

The notecard that will be included in the treat bags features my painting, “Celebrating Kennywood’s Fall Fantasy.” So today, when I started thinking about a fall memory to tell you about, I remembered the story behind that painting.

Like my family and many others, you may have discovered that the porch around the cafeteria is one of the best vantage points where you can watch the Fall Fantasy Parade go by. Many of the people depicted in that painting are actual employees who were on and around the porch. In fact, I also painted my daughter, my sister, and my Dad looking out at the parade, and if you look closely, you will see Tom and my younger daughter Alyssa getting a drink from the mushroom water fountain.

I also made it a point to include the Wishing Well in this painting because I made a wish by throwing a shiny quarter into the well on my first Pittsburgh date with Tom. My wish was that he would propose to me! And the rest is history…

I placed the historic Pagoda and the old games arcade in the background because they’re symbols of Kennywood, and I knew they would make a good backdrop. To avoid controversy, I chose to paint the Kennywood Band for the marching band in my painting. I knew I couldn’t choose a particular school band to paint because I would have been in hot water with all the other schools! So it was my safest bet.

I hope I’ve helped you remember Fall Fantasy memories of your own through my painting. CLICK HERE to learn more about the painting.

However, this week, I wasn’t just celebrating Halloween – if you’re a regular reader, you may have noticed that I’m already working on Christmas!

In fact, Santa and I made another appearance together last weekend, this time at the Arte of Framing with Debbie Assad. She is a great person and a great framer, and we had quite a busy, exciting time there on Saturday. Santa was, as always, his Jolly Old Self… posing with clients, singing to children, and even signing a few pieces. Debbie has more of my work available for sale, so if you’re in the Monessen area, please stop by!

P.S. – Don’t forget to order your “Shhhh!” Christmas Cards available in the Note Cards for Sale section of this site. The message inside reads “It is no secret you will have a Magical Christmas!” And there’s a sweet story on the back of every card! The cards are 7″ x 5,” packaged in boxes of eight for $24.00. Quantities are limited and they are selling fast so order yours today!

Make sure you are the first to know about all of my news, appearances and any “special deals” I am offering to my subscribers, by taking the time to sign up for my weekly newsletters now. CLICK HERE to sign up. You will also receive a FREE slideshow showing the step-by-step development of my painting, “Celebrating Time and Tradition at Macy’s”.

As I get ready for another fast-paced, show-filled Holiday season, I’m planning out the details of my jam-packed November/December schedule. It seems like just yesterday I was finishing up at the Market Square Chalets, and here I am stocking my shelves, ordering more packaging, and organizing my calendar for the 2015 holidays. Somehow the season is already upon us! Check out my “Calendar of Events” to find out more about my busy holiday schedule.

Of course, the season has an early start for me because I have to prepare for shows, build up my inventory, and set up artist meet-and-greets to promote my work… not to mention actually getting some painting done! But this year, even Santa is off to an early start as he’s been taking a break from his own busy pre-holiday schedule to appear with me around town.

I have been very blessed to have had Santa as my artist’s model! It was such a pleasure to paint him. He’s very nice in person, especially for such a big celebrity. In fact, if I had a naughty and nice list myself (and I’m not saying I don’t…), Santa would definitely be at the top of the nice list.

Because Santa is such an all-around good guy, he left Mrs. Claus in charge and took time out from his workshop duties to help me out on a recent Saturday afternoon. He joined us at the Courtney-Laughlin Gallery in Beaver, jump-starting the holiday spirit, greeting guests, and even putting his own signature on the prints that customers purchased that day. He was his Jolly Old Elf-Self – in fact, at one point he even stopped traffic to allow a child to cross the street!

And since he had such a fun time with me, Kathy and Jamie, and our guests at the Courtney-Laughlin Gallery, he decided to take a little more time away from toymaking for another special appearance! Santa also payed a visit to The Arte of Framing in Monessen this past Saturday. He got busy right away, sharing holiday cheer and giving out signatures to his many fans.

P.S. – Don’t forget to order your “Shhhh!” Christmas Cards available in the Note Cards for Sale section of this site. The message inside reads “It is no secret you will have a Magical Christmas!” And there’s a sweet story on the back of every card! The cards are 7″ x 5,” packaged in boxes of eight for $24.00. Quantities are limited and they are selling fast so order yours today!

Make sure you are the first to know about all of my news, appearances and any “special deals” I am offering to my subscribers, by taking the time to sign up for my weekly newsletters now. CLICK HERE to sign up. You will also receive a FREE slideshow showing the step-by-step development of my painting, “Celebrating Time and Tradition at Macy’s”.

That’s right! The Jolly Old Elf – Santa Himself – will be joining me from noon till 3 PM on Saturday, October 17th at the Courtney-Laughlin Frame Studio and Gallery at 531 Third Street in Beaver.

This is a very special event… after all, it’s difficult to for Santa to get away from his duties at the North Pole this time of year! Jamie and Kathy have created a Christmas wonderland at the gallery with special holiday perks to welcome Santa and our guests, including live music and refreshments. Click Here to find out more about this event.

There’s even a special offer for our guests: If you purchase a print during Santa’s visit between noon and 3 PM Saturday (or between now and then), you will receive your very own “Shhhh!” Ornament at no extra cost, signed by Santa himself! (Oh yes, and by me too!) This is a gallery only sale – reserve your print and ornament by calling the gallery at (724) 773-0306. I’ll also have other giftware and prints available on Saturday, and even a few originals will be on hand. Kathy and Jamie at the gallery do a beautiful job of framing my paintings.

Meanwhile, my latest holiday-themed painting for Breathe Pennsylvania, “Silent Night in Ligonier” is off to a fantastic start. It’s getting a ton of attention on Facebook, recording 3500 views and 31 shares in just a short time.

Can I ask you for a small favor? Would you mind visiting my Facebook Business Page to “LIKE” my page and to view, share and like this painting? I’m very proud of it, and I’d like to see how far we can spread the word. I’ve been thrilled with how much attention it’s already received. If you’ve already visited and clicked, I’m very grateful.

I’m also working on the companion ornament for “Silent Night in Ligonier,” which will be available soon. Why not purchase the print and ornament set this year? You’ll be supporting a great charity while enhancing your home with a precious memory of the Ligonier Gazebo.

In closing, this morning I heard someone say “Art reaches into the soul and fills a place other gifts cannot. It is emotional and has depth.” I hope that my work brings you that kind of joy.

P.S. – Order your “Shhhh!” Christmas Cards today! Quantities are limited.

PPS – Don’t forget to visit and “LIKE” by my Facebook Business Page.

Make sure you are the first to know about all of my news, appearances and any “special deals” I am offering to my subscribers, by taking the time to sign up for my weekly newsletters now. CLICK HERE to sign up. You will also receive a FREE slideshow showing the step-by-step development of my painting, “Celebrating Time and Tradition at Macy’s”.