Studio Tour, South Orange and Maplewood

Alas - a previous engagement with a nephew in need of a squashing prevents me from attending this year's Studio Tour. I am sorry I won't be able to check out my friend Sarah Petruziello's brand spanking new studio, or to catch up with Jennifer' Takahashi's new large paintings, smile at Florence Wint's fabulous new collages or enjoy Joy Yagid's latest photos

Maybe you can take my place this year

Sunday June 5 11-5pm www.studiotoursoma.org/ Advance Tickets/Maps are available now

But even though I will not be posing as an honorary Maplewoodian this year, I will have work at two of the venues in downtown South Orange, perhaps making me an Honorary Orange-i-tang?

I would like to thank Ben from the very popular Kitchen a la Mode for clearing some space to show my kitchen and foodie flavored still life drawings and paintings. And when you are done there, take a hop over the road for a slurp of fresh squeezed lemonade at Stony's and sample the landscapes of local artists Annette Kushen, Denise Hardie, Elaine Durbach and yours truly of course.

June 3- 6 Kitchen a la Mode 19 South Orange Avenue, South Orange, NJ 07079-1716 www.kitchenalamode.net/

Summer 2011 Stonys 10 Sloan St South Orange, NJ 07079 www.stonysburgers.com/

Last Chance to See...

Carbon Footprints is drawing to a close and I would like to thank everyone who braved the truly appalling winter weather to come and pick through my trash

If you haven't made it yet, you still have a week to stop by : wind, weather, ice and thunder snow permitting

Last Chance : February 10th SOLO SHOW : Carbon Footprints Gaelen Gallery West Rt 10 East (look for the Gold's Gym sign!) Whippany, NJ www.jccmetrowest.org

Making an Effort

Making and Effort : charcoal and pastel still life drawing

It seems it is time to reacquaint myself with my hairdresser to get the annual hairdo, for the artist's reception for "Carbon Footprints" is fast approaching

I hope you can suspend your New Year's resolution on Sunday 16th 11-1pm, to stop by and share in the celebratory pie, cookies and other naughty nibblies. (the celery, cottage cheese and cardboard diet will resume on Monday)

If distance and weather prevents you from enjoying a slice of frozen New Jersey, then kick back with a tub of ice cream and sample the show from your sofa at Carbon Footprints

Sweet and Sour : charcoal and pastel still life drawing

Artist Reception : January 16 11-1pm December 14 - February 10 2011 SOLO SHOW : Carbon Footprints Gaelen Gallery West Lautenberg Family JCC Rt 10 East Whippany, NJ www.jccmetrowest.org

Mini Florida Vacation ... I wish

Sun Kissed Palms : miniature color pencil landscape

Three of my mini landscape drawings are currently basking in the Florida sunshine. If only I was so easy to ship in a wee box, I would be there too, soaking in the balmy 73°

I may have dug out the shades to prevent snow-blindness, but the closest I'm coming to a tan is windburn

If you're in the area

1) Leave a comment bragging about how great you look in your shorts

2) catch some cool relief at the huge miniature show at Dunedin. Hundreds of tiny works of art, all especially suitcase sized

January 9 - 30 2011 MASF 2011 Annual International Miniature Art Show Dunedin Fine Arts Center 1143 Michigan Blvd Dundedin, FL www.dfac.org

Maplewoodstock - art extravaganza in the park

Delicious Respite : colored pencil landscape drawing

The last of my summer shows is fast approaching, (eek! this weekend) at New Jersey's Maplewoodstock festival in Memorial Park

I am setting up shop with my friend Joy Yagid, so drop by our tent for some delicious respite from the hurly-burly.

And if you come bearing snow cones or iced coffee, your welcome will be even warmer – and cooler!

July 10 & 11, 12 - 7pmMaplewoodstock Memorial Park Maplewood, NJ www.maplewoodstock.com

Map for Memorial Park

South Orange and Maplewood Studio Tour - June 6th

This year I am looking forward to being part of the South Orange and Maplewood Artists Studio Tour. Even though my actual studio is elsewhere, I have been made an honorary "Maplewoodian" for the day

I am borrowing the porch of a very kind friend to sit and color all day. So come by and feel free to ask any burning questions you may have involving pencil sharpeners and erasers.

No vacuuming, no emptying the trash, no squirrelling away all those things that really have no home BONUS!

A free shuttle bus leaves from South Orange or Maplewood Station at 11am and will make stops throughout the two villages. So Park and Ride, or just hop on the train from NYC Take a look at Nancy Tobin's review in the NY Times Local Edition to help plan your day

DATE : June 6th 11-5pm

PLACE : Maplewood and South Orange, NJ

TICKETS : $7 advance purchase, $10 day of the tour Buy Tickets and Map at :1978 Gallery and The Baird tickets also available on the shuttle bus see the website for full details of ticket locations

BLOG : Beware! Wet Paint