Recently, I was offered the position of director at the Quaint Corner Children's Musuem and Discovery Center in Altoona. It
wasn't a difficult decsion as this is something I would love to do. Certainly, it's a lot of work, dust and aches (climbing 4
floors up and down is a good cardiovascular, I must say!), but it's also fun, challenging, uplifting and best of all unites
people in a common goal: To have a place for kids to express themselves through art and creativity. I like that there is an alternative
to having to go to a smoke filled bowling alley or mass commericialism (such as fast food places or "buy it now" type kid activities).
Quaint Corner has that slower pace of bygone days...focusing on the arts, allowed to sit down and draw, or read a book, play jacks or board games
and so on. I want to expand that feeling of sitting back and enjoying quiet time (or not so quiet!) with the family. All in all, a good feeling...
Directly related to my art, I've recently hung an exhibit at Procare Fitness in their Physical Therapy department. I'm very pleased
with the space and feel of it. I'm going to hang some more work as well and I want to create a 4 piece painting about 24 feet by 12 feet...This might take a little
longer to manage (transportation reasons...I'm not sure how I'm going to get it in my SUV...these are the times, I want to chuck the car and
just get an old Ford Truck or something like that). I like, actually, I love working on large scales. I know this sounds contradictory
with my ACEO's (size is 2.5 by 3.5 inches). But it actually makes sense when you think about how many ACEO's I make in a few days (if I have time): about 50 mini-paintings!
I also dropped off some work for the BCAF show "Oh, so Big" (which is really about works under the size of 16 by 20", I believe). It's my second
group show and I just feel so happy to do things like that. I know it sounds funny but I love being around fellow artists...just a
great feeling really.
I finished another interview of an artist in Altoona. You cna read it here:
The Art Cafe blog.
Also, am I listed some more work on Etsy..
Finishing the mural on the 3rd floor of the Quaint Corner Children's Musuem.Finishing up a commission and will be mailing
some Guinea pig sculptures to France! :)
Also, am participating with a local art group, Art in Common. We're exhibiting our work at the library for the month of March. The Blair Medical Center artwork I have on display will be there for 3 months.
I'm working on several ideas for the Art blog at the Altoona Mirror The Art Cafe blog.
Also, am starting to list more artworks on eBay as well as Etsy. Lots to do! :) And of course, working on personal projects.
Working on art mural for a local Children's Museum...nearly 100 feet of murals being done. Am working on commissions for a client as well as some personal projects. Going to be showing work at the library in May as well as a local medical center by the end of this month. The Blair Medical Center artwork will primarily be abstract and semi-realistic work. The Altoona Library art will be mostly for children or nature art.
In other art related news, did a blog proposal for local arts and it was accepted! Am working with the Altoona Mirror in showcasing various local artists and the arts on this blog. It's called "The Art Cafe" in memory of our friend, John Webb, who created an art group with the same name. It's also where my husband and I were introduced by John.
I also joined Art in Common, local art group, and am getting to know lots of artists. Am looking forward to sharing the unique art of Blair County at the Art Cafe.
Planning art classes for March and have started to advertise these at the Quaint Corner: Children's Museum. Will be having classes after school and during the evening. Lots of good things happening.
One of the on-line art groups I'm with, EHAG, is having an art challenge of "The Green Witch". It is a Witch doll/painting/form with the color green or something green-ish on it. We all agreed to have a "Green" Witch in the environmental sense or just for St. Patricks. Should be interesting to see what fellow artists will create! :) You can check out this group on eBay by searching for Ehag or Ehaag.
***LOCAL HAPPENINGS***
Had a successful art show and was very pleased with responses to my work! Plus, it does pay
to have a great atmosphere to sell from as well. Also, I got back my copy of
"Emily and Mr. Nelson"!
and it looks great!
I'd like to look into having a book signing soon...maybe at a local bookstore, library or even children's museum.
Next on the agenda, making small proto-types for some licensing work, starting the second book of Emily and Mr. Nelson and
seriously get my graphic novel finished. I'm feeling pretty good about these long term projects.
My short term projects will
be showing work at State college, making more ACEO's and ornaments and doing some commissions. All in all, doing good work and
doing what I love is very satisfying.
November 2007
Got ready for a local art venue and officially finished my 1st self published book.
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007 July 2007 Finished book! Working on mini-quilts, paintings and finding a
part-time job to aid my art obsessions! :) Working on book
Adjusted to new schedule with family. Lots of ACEO (Art Cards Editions and Originals).
Volunteering with Albert Michaels Gallery and Gifts (AM & G). Working on several new paintings.
Am tying up loose ends with my GN and am starting the illustrating phase. Worked out bugs with my children's book "Emily and Mr. Nelson" and this should be back on-line.
Continue to submit work out to various licensing companies and working with a few card companies.
Getting ready for a big October Fest at AM & G.
Plans to have a booth at the Founder's Crossing in Bedford may be under way as well.Updated: decided to wait till next year.
June 2007
May ~2007~
Working on several new collages & finishing up larger paintings. Nearly completed novel
and planning layout for visuals. Getting works together for showing at various local venues.
April ~2007~
Working on various projects. Volunteered with Albert Michaels Gallery and Gifts.
March ~2007~
Working on Graphic Novel. Experimenting with various collages and paintings. Decided not to
submit to the local juried show but will be ready for next year. Planning to show work at local
venues.
February ~2007~
Lots of projects started and near finished. I'm entering a few juried shows and applying to several
publications. Working on a Graphic Novel and have finished editing a joint book I've written
with my husband. Will be illustrating this shortly. Lots to do but it's coming along well.
Oh, and showing my work at a local shop, Stone Soup.
January ~2007~
Working on various projects. Finished another guinea pig quilt and have that up on my
eBay listing.
Going to submit some work to a few different galleries as well as card companies. Am working on my collage
pieces.
***Previous HAPPENINGS***
December ~2006~
Working on several projects and clearing out space to expand my studio. Still getting Christmas
gifts worked on. Planning on joining the local art group, "Art in Common" and hopefully do a few
group shows. Experimenting with my abstract work and will be sending out samples to a few local galleries and
companies. Started a new series of "Nursing Mothers". As well as, some free form sculptures.
November ~2006~
Creating lots of new paintings. Sending out work to various companies and venues. Getting ready for
Christmas and working with the local art gallery Albert Michaels. Experimenting with
resin in my abstract work.
October ~2006~
A few things going on...working on a commission or two. Have an illustration to do for on on-line mag,
Dragonfly Spirit. Working on various paintings and getting ready for the local gallery show.
Working on several rustic ideas for decorations, more later. And just prepping for holiday art for
selling via eBay and my sites.
September ~2006~
Art inspiration from nature...photographing various wildlife areas such as Mowry Marsh,
Canoe Creek and Shaver's Creek. Plein Air painting made at Mowry Marsh and will be doing
more on location paintings.
Other art venues: Showing around 30 new paintings at the local art gallery Albert Michael's and
my mom is showing her soft sculpture dolls as well. A Fall show is coming up October 21st and will have many
local artists displaying their wares.
Planning on bringing more work into the Stone Soup in State College as well as the
Tate Farm a few miles from there. Lots of exciting things happening.
September ~2006~
Back to school month! Phew! Still have the little ones with me for homeschooling preschool. We're
going to test out public school next year and see how that goes.
Art wise, doing lots of projects...mini-quilts galore, paintings, and stuffed animals. Hey,
Christmas is around the corner and that means lots of people can buy handmade things instead
of mass produced, over seas created by cheap labor items. Buy Handmade!
Other good news, am published again in
Dragonfly Spirit!
I illustrated two charming poems, Waffle Hoppers for Sale and the Toughest Teacher (which, I believe,
is from the perspective of a home schooled boy...very sweet).
On the big painting front, I've started several new abstracts using a painting method I started
in 1992. It involves putty and paint and I'm looking forward to the results...will be applying resin
to the surface, as well.
Otherwise, it's back to tutoring, creating and selling on eBay and sending out work to publishers
and licensing companies.
August came and went! ~2006~
July ~2006~
Working on various art projects such as showing work in several locations in State College and
Altoona, PA. Home improvements, slowly but surely. Working on several commissions and personal art
projects. Trying to find balance in this world through meditation and yoga-like exercises. All in all
a calm summer. A painting entered in Bedford County fair and plans for next years competitions for some
juried shows sound enticing. Also want to join the People's Choice art festival near State College
and hopefully will join a local art group as well.
June ~2006~
Ah, June is in full bloom, as the saying goes. Making art for eBay and shops. Working on a book,
was thinking of art classes for June but haven't put out serious advertising, yet. Decided to join
finish what you have from
Turkeyfeathers
and see what I can finish for that (let's just say,
there is a lot...not that I'm scatter brained, I just do A LOT of things. Sometimes I
surprise I
even surprise myself!), working on My Mama
Sews and my collages/watercolor paintings. In
addition, the usual child rearing, house cleaning, pet maintenance, battle of the wills, etc. : )
Oh, and I nearly forgot I'm thinking of entering two juried shows and definitely the Bedford county
show.
May *2006*
Well, last month went by in a blur! I entered the local art show and had four pieces selected for
the juried exhibit. I am happy to announce that I also received an honorary mention for one of
my sculptures, Frozen Motion 2! I viewed the pieces today and they look great at the exhibit.
Other news, have some work showing at the Stone Soup in State College. Some of my realistic pieces
of animals and a fun bubble girl piece. I'm making more of the bubble people as they are fun and
I like them.
Working on collages, watercolors, ACEO's, soft sculptures and various fabric works. In addition,
I'm in collaboration with my mom on our mutual shop, My Mama Sews
...this is where we put all the cute stuff! ;)
For June, I'd like to start some "grown-up" art classes for Chinese/Sumi ink. I'm still debating...don't want
to spread my self too thin. : )
Otherwise, am enjoying summer but as with all Easterners am prepping up the house for Winter.
A continuous project...
Published at
Dragonfly Spirit (children's magazine)! As well as for a sweet poem about
Giggles.
ATC's. Feeling better after nasal surgery and up on my feet again.
Portals and a few other places. And am looking into
getting a web designer to do my website...
Eric Carle.
Emily's Cafepress Store! with a new look
and lots of new items!
Printed in Art magazine "IMG Magazine"! Illustration Friday prompts,
finishing up some commissioned art, and I have finished my recycled monster(s) for
Month of Softies. Planning on entering the Bedford County
Fair with some of my animal portraits. Also, I got my postcards from Cafe Press and am going to send out promo postcards
to some magazines.
Wee Ones My Illustration
gallery E.D.G.E. Crochet This: Comic by Emily
Saplings Magazine
I made the cover for November 2004! Sapling Cover 2004
Artist of the Month!
April *2006*
A blur...
March *2006*
Well, this is a late update for March! Things I've done...exhibited my art kids work at the Loretto Museum
Student Art show as well as fellow Homeschoolers. Everything looked really great!! And what a turn out!
For myself, continued work with eBay and building up a rather large portfolio. Designed a flyer for a
local Stitch and Bitch: Knitting for Needs group and was published in Dragonfly Spirit on-line children's
magazine.
Jump starting the puppet show and plan on an April 28th show. Was a bit delayed but back on track. Doing a trade with
Plan on submitting some work to
A little Pre-April glimpse: Also, am entering a local art exhibit with Blair County Arts Foundation. I hope I get at least one piece
selected; I'm entering six pieces. I plan on entering the Bedford County Fair, again. I'm aiming for best
in show. Should be fun. Lots to do...
A new web store by my mom and I called
February *2006*
Happy February! Doing lots of stuff this month. Got my kids/homeschoolers art into the Loretto Museum gallery
and am excited to see all the work displayed. Am working on two assignments for an on-line children's magazine.
Plan on doing a local puppet show...working on the stage and getting ideas for the lighting, etc. Should be
interesting. Personal projects, I still need to get that web site up and running for my abstracts and am working on
my book. I've been working steadily on my ACEO's and selling them steadily on eBay. Thinking about putting together a
little booklet with my images in it. Just for fun.
The Knitting group is going strong and I've been crocheting a hat. Going to take a few weeks off with
minor endoscope surgery.
January *2006*
Hello, and Happy New Year! Art is in full swing at the EDGE Gallery with many projects unfolding
and new ideas being created all around me. I've made many a mini-quilt, developed a soft art kitty
which will be available in February and am working continuously on my book(s) and collage art. I feel
inspired and excited by this upcoming year. I know it will be great. I'm working with my art students
and preparing for a local art show at the Loretto Museum. Should be very exciting. In addition, we're going
to continue the Stitch and Bitch movement in Altoona and keep on knitting/crocheting for Fall 2006. We've
had a great turnout so far, and have more and more projects getting finished. Our goodies are destined for
Family Services of Blair County.
And though it's about time to put away some of the Christmas ornaments and such, Valentines day is just over the
horizon; Which brings thoughts of what I want to do in the way of cards for my cafepress shop...
In other news, I'm working on a local project...putting on puppet show(s). We shall see what happens (though, I think it's going
to be good).
Personal Goal this month: Make a quick website with JUST my abstracts on it. Shouldn't take more than an hour...hardest part: photographs.
December 2005
Ah, it is Winter...well, Winter solstice isn't until the 21st of December but we are having lots of snow
and lots of indoor time. Projects I'm working on, making mini-quilts, knitting with a local group of knitters,
art classes for the young, sending out letters of inquiry to various art agents, sending out work samples
to galleries and companies, working on several commissions, and doing some personal work (such as my
book). I'm thinking of just doing things my self. In other words, not going to agents but doing what I want
to do.
And of course, getting the house decked for Christmas which is an art form in itself. To combat all the white
and cold of snow, we need warm colors inside and lots of red. Oh, and I'm going to redo some of my webpage and add a new
section of collage art I've been experimenting in the vein of
November2005
Submitted my Press Release to the Altoona Mirror about my Cafepress store and the new section I have
up. This includes "Horses of Dusk" tee-shirts, cards and Pretty Kitty designs on lots of goodies.
Just got through teaching a Toddler Art session. Great fun! We did three projects and the kids seemed
to have lots of fun! Working on several commissions, updated my cafepress store
Starting a knitting group in the area, called Knitting for Needs. Planning on starting adult
art lessons in January with Chinese ink and watercolors. Considering entering an art contest for SCBWI.
Also, working with my art students and getting ready for the Holidays. Phew!
October 2005
Okay! It's nearly time for Halloween!!! I don't know what I'm going to be yet but I've
been working on costumes for the girls. They are going to be dinosaurs but they look
like dragons...oh, well! Such is the surprise of making a costume with no patterns! Ha!
The only draw back is my youngest doesn't want to wear it. Of course.
In other art related news, I'm working diligently with my art classes. The kids love it
and I'm expanding to adult classes this month. Come January, I'm going to start an adult group
class. I plan on starting a knitting group that would be knitting for charities in the area.
Working on several abstract paintings, story board for a children's book, magazine work and
creating new works especially for my cafepress store. http://www.cafepress.com/emilyinkstone
Also, if you like my work, you can sign up for my newsletter and get updates note cards, posters,
calendars with my work on it! : )
September 2005
Donated two quilts to etsy.com for the hurricane relief. Started several art classes
for kids. Made 5 aprons for the kids and a floral art bag for me! Working on several ACEO'S
and ATC. Lots of fun and good work. Plan on doing bigger animal paintings and am working
on my book. Lots of things to do and feel confident about it. Submitting work to various
publishers and companies.
Working on a website for my kids art class and planning on showing their work at the local library.
Also, I want to get my self, back into the local art group and start showing with other artists.
Phew, lots of stuff! But it's very good stuff. : )
August 2005
Well, I had a really busy July! In fact, so busy it's August! I entered
the Bedford County fair Art show and I won 1st place!!! Yes, I have my first blue ribbon! And I
also got a 3rd place ribbon for another watercolor. So, this was exciting and
loads of fun. Other art related news, I've been working steadily selling paintings on eBay and
getting some commissions. Now that things are calming down, I'm focusing on my book and Graphic Novel
again. I can actually see the pictures in my mind...this is a good and important aspect of book writing. When
you can actually see what it is you want to convey on paper, you know you have that edge. It's like
a "if you build it, they will come" feeling.
Other art news, I'm working on quilts, crafts, and building my portfolio with lots of strong work. I'm
feeling pretty good.
Previous Happenings
June 2005
Preparing for the Bedford County Fair 2005. Planning on entering up to 25 paintings (hopefully). Working on various illustrations
for personal use and portfolio. I want to submit to some more magazine and book publishers: aiming for 2 this month. Working on some new mini-quilts
that I plan on putting up on my web site and possibly selling on eBay. Also, doing my weekly Illustration Friday submission and monthly Loobylu.
Long term, I'm working on several dolls and want to have those done in 3-4 months. Also, storyboarding my Graphic Novel (hope it's done in a month!). Lots of
stuff but it's slowly coming together.
My books are on the side right now. I'm working on them and trying to get the books polished up.
MAY 2005
Working steadily on books two and three.Projects I have finished knitted scarf for winter, various
April 2005
Happy April 1st! Things that are happening art-wise, I have two illustrations due for Wee Ones, I plan
on submitting to more Children's Magazines and publishers, working on my web page (doing this all by my
self), while I'm also working on getting my book published, and working on a second book. My goal for this
month is to send out several query letters and 1 dummy (copy of my CB) to a publisher. Wish me luck!
Plan on doing more eBay work, as I love doing this just need to find the time.
Skills I've learned recently are (besides various computer programs such as dreamweaver)knitting! I actually
mastered the concept and have begun the tedious but rewarding aspect of creating a scarf.
Well, gotta go and get busy. Happy April Everyone! Spring is here!!!
March 2005
This month went by really fast! So far, I've made a doll for Month of Softies, done several Illustration Fridays,
putting together research for my book/publishing and dealing with massive house changes (new roof,etc). Phew!
And working on my blog of course!
February 2005
Happy Groundhogs Day
Right now, I'm working steadily on my first book! I'm actually trying to enter a
contest. This is great motivation to get that book out and illustrated! I have
wanted to do this for a good while, so I'm happy I'm nearly halfway through! I'm also selling
some work on EBay and have done another illustration for
I will be putting most of my work on my web site as I'm making some changes in the near future.
Exciting stuff!
January 2005
If you have not done so, please donate for the people who were hurt by the tsunami.
There are many organizations you can donate to. Here are a few:
Habitat for Humanity
Art news: Was published in
January/February 2005
on-line mag. Great children's publication. And am I'm currently working on a
illustration for "Disaster relief".
MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!
Please remember our troops and donate to:
Currently, I'm doing commissions and working on my children's book. Have questions about my book? You can contact me
at jon@gottshall.com I want to aim for a publication in 2/2005. I'm also trying out publishing companies...wish me luck! And of course, Christmas presents.
Just finished a name banner for my nephew that is made
from felt and is quilted together. Looks really good!
Also, I'm substituting! Hopefully, I'll get a long term assignment. But if I don't, that's okay as long as I get called out a couple of
times a week.
I'm working on an assignment for Wee Ones Children's magazine (due the 20th of Decemeber) and will be out in the February mag. I'm also doing several commissions.
MY biggest side project is my recent adventures at blogging.
new side art, is my cartoon strip which I will try to do at least a couple of times a month. Hopefully, I'll be able to keep this up
and make a mini-zine on it. We shall see. :-)
November 2004
I have been published in a children's magazine called
I'm also planning on doing more artwork with children and animal themes.
Currently, I am doing a mother/child theme paintings in honor of Women, Mothers and children.
October 2004
I've been working with the local art groups in the area and especially with the local library
My work is being displayed there for the month of October(!) and I was recently published in the Altoona
Mirror as artist of the month with Andrew Moore!
I'm also joining a local art group in Blair County called Art in Common. I went to their show at SAMA (Southern
Alleghenies
Museum of
Art)
last week and met a lovely group of people and saw some interesting artwork.
