Miami Basel 2009 - the Aftermath

armiami_torresllorca
Originally uploaded by Sara Everett

If I had to pick just one image to summarize what Miami Basel is all about, then this mixed media piece by Torres Llorca is it. LOVED this piece and so many more. I helped out with my gallery at Aqua Art and also toured several other fairs including the Fountain, Wynnwood Murals, Pulse, Art Miami, NADA and Art Basel itself.

I am so GLAD I went. It was beyond worth it. I already plan to return next year.

To summarize:

• - The “art world” isn’t as scary as I thought.
  
  
• - I didn’t see anything at all that resembled my work – totally encouraging that my work & my voice is unique and relevant.
  
  
• - I know exactly what my show will be in May now and I have a LOT (A LOT!) of work I want to do for it.
  
  
• - I am going to go part time from my day job starting next week. I will be taking Friday’s off to have a full uninterrupted art day every week dedicated to painting. AND I've started the transition to try to relocate back to Olympia.

My oh my – amazing what a little clarity can do in your life. Can make you say “this is it – I know exactly what I’m going to do”

What a whirlwind indeed. I saw a Warhol show. I saw a Basquiat show. I saw works that made me shout out loud. I networked with curators & collectors. I’m doing this for real now. This is the big league.

Visit my Flickr page to check out some of my favorite images from the weekend. I wrote little stories and comments for each one. Enjoy!

Triage of Shows

Introducing my brand new series of paintings! These lovely little Betta fish will be taking part in the December group show of 5 x 5's at La Familia Gallery. The show opens next week for First Thursday where you can take first pick of all the luscious jewels of art. Sadly, I will not be able to attend because I will be art-ing it up at Art Basel Miami.

I will however be attending the 2nd event for this show on December 17th. If you purchase work you can take it with you that very night. Just in time for holiday giftings!!

If I were you, I'd be at this show. Really.

La Familia Gallery is turning mini! The entire Gallery will feature a group show with over 275 pieces all sized to be exactly 5" x 5". If you missed Art Walk two weeks prior to this opening please join us for an evening of fun, miniatures, and a bit of Holiday spirit. The Second Opening you will be able to take the art home with you that evening! All those that purchased art during Art Walk come back for this special event and pick-up your purchased art.

We look forward to seeing you there!
Time: December 17, 2009 from 6pm to 9pm
La Familia Gallery
117 Prefontaine Pl S, Seattle WA

Playing Catch UP

You may or may not have noticed (since it is summertime after all), but I've taken a wee bit of a break this past month. Here's the highlights of what I've been up to:

• I traveled to my favorite little spot of the Oregon coast to spend a week reading books, exploring tide pools, painting tide pools, taking naps, taking long walks & eating seafood.
  
  
• I saw the delightful movie UP in 3D
  
  
• I attended a huge family gathering in Yakima Valley to celebrate the 88th birthday of my dear ol' Grandma.
  
  
• Returning from the Valley with a large abundance of peaches I then spent multiple days experiencing "peach facials" with my friend Kirsten while jamming & canning. Can you say mmmm ginger peach marmalade??
  
  
• I began the hunt of seeking out more studio space by touring various houses, co-ops and lofts only to find myself unable to decide between a bigger home space or a separate studio space. The solution may be in the works... more to be divulged soon... mwah ha ha
  
  
• I worked my butt off for my day job. Somehow folks have decided to start buying condos again which has kept me busy busy.
  
  
• I had the pleasure of attending the open house of the new Seattle City Hostel here in Belltown. Each room was painted by local artists some of which were from my gallery. It was a crazy rad evening of local emerging artists. Lanae shot this amazing video of the evening:
  

  City Hostel Opening August 09, Seattle from Scene In Seattle on Vimeo.

  
  
  
• I attended and fell in love with Kate Protage's "XS" show. Returning a week later determined to buy this piece I learned a valuable lesson in art purchasing:
  
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  If you love it, buy it before someone else does.
  
  
  
• I attended the Union Celebration of two friends of Andy's which included a bbq, a bonfire, jello shots and the first camping we've done in far too long. Pure summer fun!
  
  
• I started work on a new series for the upcoming 5x5 show in December.
  
  Whew! What a month! Gotta love that sweet sweet summertime.
  

Threads, a Yearning Success

Hooray! My solo show at La Familia Gallery was a grand success! Special thanks to everyone who came out on Thursday. You all made the night extra wonderful.

The window painting went incredibly smoothly thanks to my painter helper friend Amber who also managed to snap some pictures of the process:

Also huge thanks to my friend Larry who helped me hang the show.

This is one happy artist =)

Already off on my next adventure - I leave for the Artist Trust EDGE program this morning.
Hope you all have a fabulous week!