Thought-Full Art Studio

A conversation...

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Slowly Getting Ready for Fall Shows

With it much too hot to be outside other than a few minutes morning and evening to water some of the surviving plants, I should be getting ready for my Fall shows.

But instead, I’ve taken a little “break” and have been spending time reading. Had a minor medical “thing” that went great but had to “take it easy” for a bit – and that’s my excuse and I am sticking to it. But, hey, everyone needs a little down time to enjoy and appreciate other aspects of life. I hope that you have found some time this summer to “actively rest and recharge”.

I have two shows coming up in the fall – Cottonwood Arts Festival in Richardson and the Edom Arts Festival in Edom (both Texas shows). Both are in October and hopefully we will have less brutal weather by then. If you have not been to Edom, Texas for that show, I heartily encourage you to make the journey. Nestled in piney woods, this little town is an artisan haven that has several wonderful venues offering fine art, crafts, and creative opportunities.

The Edom Arts Festival itself is really lovely, with great music and a slow pace that is just perfect for fall. In addition to the many art/craft venues, this tiny little town also has some really nice dining establishments! My favorite is the Edom Log Cabin. Right across the street is my friend Zeke’s jewelry gallery. At one time my wife and I pondered trying to relocate to Edom. That never worked out, but we try to make regular forays to enjoy the friendship and food!

Well – back to reading and watering! Remember that my little online shop has a lot of available prints and I do hope that you will take a moment to check it out. If you have any questions about any of the offerings, don’t hesitate to reach out! Stay hydrated and see you in the Fall!

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The Heat!!

Good grief! Hope everyone is staying safe, cool, and hydrated. I have been watching my garden dry up from the back door. It is too hot to be outside for more than a few minutes.

Speaking of cooler weather (nice segue, right?). My fall shows have been lined out and I’m excited to be at Cottonwood Arts Festival in Richardson and the Edom Arts Festival in Edom (both Texas shows). Both are in October and hopefully we will have less brutal weather by then.

Those are my only remaining shows for 2023. More information will follow but check out the links for more information about each show. They are both stellar and lots of fun for visitors and the artists! Always lots of wonderful art, great music, and fun food!

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Cottonwood Arts Festival

Cottonwood Art Festival is coming THIS WEEKEND (May 6th and 7th). I have the same booth area as last year. I am in booth 17 (as you walk into the show grounds off Belt Line, take a right down the “O’Keefe” Aisle. My booth is easy to see! Here is a link to the show map and information: Festival Map | Cottonwood Art Festival

I had a terrific show last week at Oklahoma City – albeit the weather was horrible for most of the show. People turned out as soon as the skies cleared, though, and I’m so grateful for the sales and many kind comments.

I still have some of my vintage tees available – perfect for wearing out to the Cottonwood festival! Check them out in the Shop! I do not sell these at shows. Have a great day and I hope to see you Saturday or Sunday!

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Festival of the Arts – OKC

I have my booth assignment. Same as last year – 24-B. Here is a link to the show information: Festival of the Arts – Arts Council Oklahoma City (artscouncilokc.com)

I’ve got several new works that I think people are going to find interesting. I certainly enjoyed creating them! This is a long show and I am hoping for light spring breezes and no rain. Be sure to put the dates on your calendar!

I still have some of my vintage tees available – perfect for wearing out to the festival! Check them out in the Shop!

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Draw, Garden, Repeat

Spring is here!? Question mark because it still feels like we might get an “unseasonable” freeze! Nonetheless, I am harvesting lettuce, planting a lot of fun “vintage” seeds, and drawing, drawing, drawing. I have a number of new pieces that I’m looking forward to showing first at the Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts. See my show schedule here.

I’ll be putting up some additional items in my online shop in the next few weeks. Given all the news lately, I’m reminding folks that there are a small number of cards relating to trumped up behavior in the shop (wink, wink).

If you are in the Edom, Texas area, be sure to stop by the Zeke & Marty Studio to check out Zeke’s amazing work and a few things of mine he has so generously allowed me to keep in the shop. I cannot adquately express how very much I appreciate the support and kindness of those who have supported my work over the past many years. It is humbling and and a source of deep gratitude.

If you are interested in being reminded about upcoming shows, please fill out the subscribe form below. I won’t spam you. I don’t post all that often so you won’t get tons of messages from me!

On that note, I’ve got a drawing calling out to me so closing here and hoping that your spring is one of peace and joy.

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Spring Shows Begin

Finally 2022 is well underway, COVID cases are low (albeit rising – stay alert, my friends!), and spring shows are blooming! I’m getting ready for my first 2022 show – the Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts.

I’ve participated in this show pretty much each year for over 45 years. It is always a delight and a wonderful show – both from the standpoint of the artists and the visitors! I was fortunate to be able to show last June when they had to delay the spring show due to a COVID uptick. April is SO much better – nicer weather and hopefully fewer people will be out of town on vacation!

I am in booth 24-B. Drop by, say hi, and buy some art! 🙂

God bless!

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Edom Art Festival – 10/9-10/10

I’m looking forward to participating in the Edom Art Festival in October. This will be my only show this Fall. Hoping that people will get vaccinated and wear masks until we get Covid under control and that next Spring will be a better show season for all artists. I am not sure if the festival world will survive if we cannot get this under control by the end of this year. It is extremely tough to put on festivals – requiring a LOT of paid and volunteer work. Many festivals and artists took a hard financial hit when Covid started because spring show costs had already been paid out. Since that time, it has been hard to catch up. If you can safely do so, please vaccinate, wear a mask, and show up for artists. Consider purchasing online from their various outlets. I have a shop on this site and also have some items available on Society6.

My son is a talented artist and he also has items available on Society6 and through other venues. Young artists, in particular, have been hit by the lack of viable venues. While selling virtually is great – selling directly to people standing right in front of you is so important to artists. Getting feedback and encouragement from customers is one of the most valuable and treasured opportunities of art festivals.

Be safe out there! Hope to see you soon in person!

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Cottonwood Art Festival

The Cottonwood Art Festival begins tomorrow! The hours are Saturday, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm, and Sunday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. I am in a new location this year. As you come into the park gates off Belt Line, I am in the area on your right – 2nd row back. This is a nice shady area so I’m looking forward to people feeling more comfortable and spend longer looking at my work.

I have a number of originals that have not been shown previously at Cottonwood and am excited to see how folks respond.

This is a terrific event with a huge number of excellent artists and artisan crafters. I hope you will be able to make it out. I would enjoy hearing from you on my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ThoughtFullArt/ While there, a “Like” would be greatly appreciated! Catch you this weekend!

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The Madness Begins!

The Spring Show season is about to begin! This year I am honored to be back in Main Street Ft. Worth. All the shows I enter are very competitive and this is one of the tougher ones to get into consistently. I’m very excited to be back in this spring. Visit my Shows page to see the list.

My first show will be the Bayou City Art Festival in Memorial Park. This show is held in a great outdoor setting. Hoping the spring weather will be helpful and give us plenty of sunshine. If you are in the Houston area March 29-31, 2019, put this event on your “must do” list. Always a very positive event.

I’ve got several new prints and originals and I’m very excited to roll these out to the public. These new prints are available in my online store now.
I hope to see you on the road!