California Wildfires...Emergency Relief for Artists

I received this email from CERF this weekend. If you know any artists or craftspeople effected by the wildfires in California, please pass this along to them.

The Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) is taking action to respond to the community of craft artists affected by the Southern California Wildfires. We are reaching out to artists, arts organizations, galleries, businesses and others in the affected areas to offer assistance and to locate information about the arts community. While it is still too early to know the extent of damage, we do know that the situation is severe as news reports indicate. We also know that this area of California has a significant population of craft artists. We have already heard from a jeweler who lost both her home and studio and CERF Trustee and clay artist, Lana Wilson, had to be evacuated from her Del Mar home.

Please help us spread the word that CERF is available to offer assistance to craft artists in Southern California by forwarding this e-mail to your contacts or by sending your contact information of craft artists in this region to CERF. Please also be aware that your support of our work during these times is essential so that we can deliver aid quickly and effectively.

Art Show at the Red Door

Stop by this Friday from 7-10 at the Red Door in Grandview. 1736 W Fifth Ave.

I will be there selling my jewelry along with three other artists.

a new kitty!!!

Look at this kitten! In less than a week, we will be welcoming him to our home! Tristan and I went to meet him today, and he is the sweetest ball of fluff! He is about 9 weeks old. We can't wait! Edit.... very disappointedly, Mr.Blondie, the kitten came to our house and had to be returned to Sarah and Tony. Turns out Tristan had pretty strong allergic reaction to the kitty, which was confirmed by an allergy test this week... cats and dogs both showed indication of allergy, along with a major allergy to dust and trees...just like his mama!

Aside from our disappointment, Blondie has been reunited with his brother Blackie, where they continue their shenanigans and taunting of Charlie, the older alpha cat. Not only this, but they will become the two new kittens of Tony's parents who lost their cats in a devastating house fire this past year. Their home is being rebuilt this spring, so the new kitties will be a warm addition! Here is a photo of the brief time we had with the sweetest cat ever....

Buy Handmade...

Did you know that buying handmade is better for people, better for the environment, and better for giving truly special and well-crafted gifts?

The ascendancy of chain store culture and global manufacturing has left us all dressing, furnishing, and decorating alike. The connection between producer and consumer has been lost. Buying handmade helps them reconnect.

As a consumer, you have the power to vote with your dollars. Be aware of the social and environmental implications of your purchases.

I just signed the 'buy handmade' pledge... to buy handmade this holiday season and encourage others to do the same for me!

Coming Soon...AGORA

It's that time of the year again, it's almost time for AGORA! Mark your calendar if you are in the vicinity of Columbus Ohio. This is really something you must experience first hand. This event has really mushroomed over the past year, and we anticipate it will be huge this time around. It has been a whirlwind the past couple weeks making preparations for the event after 6 months of planning. Just to mention a few highlights of what one might expect to see and hear... 250 artists, 50 artists' open working studios, 20+ performances from dj's, up and coming bands, dance troupes to circus performers... videos, pumpkin carving, art cars, silent auction.... and a lot more!

For more info check out the website www.agoracolumbus.com