Big Toys for Little Boys

Some us in the snowy north, need a reminder here and there that it is actually still fall. Technically, winter has not even started yet! Go figure. You would never be able to tell that from looking out MY window at the several inches of the white stuff on the ground right now! Not to mention the 20 degrees that blast me in the face each and every time I walk out the door! Being the glutton for punishment that I am though, I have to say I do love the beauty of it all.

So for the rest of you who are still enjoying the crisp fall air, here is an 11" X 14" pastel portrait of a little guy I finished last month taking time to enjoy an autumn ride on his favorite tractor! Ah...those little boys and their big toys!!!

You can see most of my art in MY GALLERIES at: http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_20424_profile_portfolio.htm or view my slide shows to the right. You can purchase my illustrated children's book (and the companion mouse puppet separately), prints and original art or request commissions and at the same time have 10% of your purchase donated to animal charities here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5663698

A little down in the dumps...

Reilly
Twister



Twister and I (Reilly) have been a little down in the dumps lately since the loss of our two brothers Buddy and Bunji. We loved them so much and miss them dearly.







Buddy ?-2008

Bunji 1993-2008

MIlford Times Arts and Greens

Authors and illustrators (from left) Michele Roger, Donna Pellegata, Diane Dunn and Dave Mann will be signing their books and CDs at the Arts and Greens Holiday Market this weekend at the Bogie Lake Greenhouse in White Lake. Not pictured is Heiner Hertling, who will be signing "A Pirate's Quest" by Laura and Robert Sams, which he illustrated. The group is posing in front of a sampling of Hertling's art at his workshop in Milford. (Photo by Hal Gould, Staff Photographer)

Sarah Losey (left) and Olivia Pas make gingerbread houses during last year's Holiday Arts and Greens

Market. The event offers a variety of activities and entertainment. (Photo by Gerry Pas)

HVCA Holiday Extravaganza Starts Tomorrow
By Aileen Wingblad • STAFF WRITER • November 20, 2008

Activities galore will usher in the holiday season this weekend at a three-day event in White Lake.

Beginning tomorrow and running through Sunday, the Huron Valley Council for the Arts and Bogie Lake Greenhouse, Inc. present the 2008 Arts and Greens Holiday Market at the greenhouses on Bogie Lake Road in White Lake.
The celebration includes live music, book signings, artists' booths offering unique gift-buying opportunities, craft-making, professional storytelling and more."Definitely, this is a wonderful place to start your holiday shopping," said Becca Arrington, an HVCA member and public relations specialist who is helping to publicize the event.

THE KICK OFF
The artists' booths open at 5 p.m. Friday, to kick off the festivities. Paintings, basketry, photography and tote bags from more than 20 local artists are some of the items available for purchase. Artists booths will be open throughout the weekend.
"Usually, they are priced quite reasonably, and it's all made in the Huron Valley region," Arrington said. "So you can 'buy Michigan' - which is a really big thing right now."
Friday also offers the opportunity to help support the Community Sharing outreach center while enjoying a tasty meal. From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. is the "Empty Bowls: Community Sharing" benefit. A $10 donation supplies a bowl of soup, bread and dessert. The food is being donated by Duke's of Highland, Milford House Bar and Grill, Gravity and Saint George's Cafe.
The bowls are hand-crafted by Huron Valley Schools students and are yours to keep. Additional bowls without soup are available for a $5 donation. All proceeds will be turned over to Community Sharing.
Story lovers will enjoy a performance by the North Oakland County Storytellers, "Tellebration! A Time for Stories," on Friday, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and will also cover admission to two other NOCS events on Saturday, elsewhere in the local area.
Musical entertainment on Friday will be provided by Doug Larsen. Artist Heiner Hertling will also be on hand to sign books and videos of "A Pirate's Quest" by Laura and Robert Sams, which he illustrated.

MORE IN STORE
The celebration continues on Saturday with art sales, book signing by artist Donna Pellegata, illustrator of the children's book, "Harp Mouse Chooses Her Home: The Adventure Begins," by Diane Dunn from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and book signing and readings by poet David Mann, author of "The Ties That Bind" from 1 to 3 p.m. Hertling returns from 3 to 5 p.m. for more signings, as well.
Winter Greens workshops are Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. presented by the professionals at Bogie Lake Greenhouses. Projects in the past have included topiaries, wreaths and centerpieces, Arrington said. For the younger set, there will be ongoing kid-friendly workshops Saturday and Sunday. For a $1 materials fee, kids can make and decorate a basket. They can also choose graham cracker house making for a $12.50 materials fee.

Upcoming Show and Book Signing

One Weekend, THREE Great Events

Visit our Blogspot for more event and artist information.

Arts & Greens Holiday Market

November 21-23

Stop by and see me here! I'd love to meet you if I haven't already! Diane E Dunn and I will be signing our new children's book! We'll be featured at the grandstand between 11am - 1 pm on Saturday November 22 and I'll be there all weekend. I'll have a booth full of great holiday art gifts and our fresh off the press illustrated children's book ready to sign for you!

Bogie Lake Greenhouses, Inc., (see map link below) collaborates with the Huron Valley Council for the Arts to host 2008's annual Arts & Greens Holiday Market. Friday 5-8pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, and Sunday 10am-5pm at 1525 Bogie Lake Road, White Lake, Michigan, 48383.Purchase unique fine art and craft gifts and meet the artists who make them. Enjoy local author/artist book signings, live music, and holiday ambiance surrounded by Bogie Lake Greenhouse's festive plants, flowers, and greens. Complimentary admission, ample parking at no charge.Weekend activities and additional ticketed events detailed below.

MEET MICHIGAN ARTISTS:
Mary Bajcz Diane Banister Pat Bombach Connie Elwood Natalie Helm Frances Johnson Lee Johnson Robyn Kane Beverly Larsen Carole Larsen Linda Locher Jaclyn McClure Richard McKee Lynne McLean Jessica Muraco Linda Onderko Donna Pellegata Dan Persinger Pam Proctor Jennifer Proescher Cindy Purola Ken Sigler Mary Stark Shelley Stevenson Barb Weisenburg Jim Williams Wendy Willihnganz, more! The Art Shop: Cathy Catallo, Jeanne DeHaan, Helen Fischer, Gail Hayton, Dorothy Kane, Susan Pugliese The Basket Sampler: Kathy McMinn, Rebecca Arrington, Nina Vickers

ONGOING EVENTS: Visual artists & booths on-site all weekend. Ongoing workshops include Kids Basket Making by The Basket Sampler ($1.00 materials fee) and Graham Cracker House Making ($12.50 for materials and instruction) with Questers.

Featured Artists and Activities:

Friday, Nov. 21 (5-8 PM) Earlybird Shopping

5-7:30pm. "Empty Bowls," Ticketed event. See accompanying article
Heiner Hertling - Book and video signing, Illustrator for "A Pirate's Quest", authors Laura & Robert Sams. Sculptor, painter, PBS film series "Your Brush with Nature" host.

6pm. Gala Opening:
Welcoming by HVCA Executive Director, Leah Ohmer
Comments by "Community Sharing", Mel Boomer
Live music with Doug Larsen
7pm. "Tellabration!" opens - Ticketed event. See accompanying article.

Saturday, Nov. 22 (9 AM-5 PM)

11am-1pm Donna Pellegata , Book signing, Illustrator for "The Harp Mouse Chooses Her Home: The Adventure Begins," author Diane Dunn

1-2pm Winter Greens Workshop sponsored by Bogie Lake Greenhouse

1-3pm David Mann, Poet. Book signing and "The Ties That Bind" poetry reading

3-5pm Heiner Hertling, (see Friday information)

Sunday, November 23 (10 AM - 5 PM)

11am-1pm Live music with Tim Twiss of Milford Music

1-2pm Winter Greens Workshop sponsored by Bogie Lake Greenhouse

1-3pm Ken Graning, Painter, demonstration and select merchandise

1-3pm Partly Brothers Acoustic folk musicians, performing music from their CD "From the Start."

3-5pm Michele Roger, book & CD signing by author & musician "Winter Solstice and the 1,000 Pancakes." Michele will also be showcasing her Harp students.

Empty Bowls: Community Sharing Benefit

Nov. 21, 2008 - 5:30-7:30 PM

"Empty Bowls" Fundraiser at the Arts & Greens Holiday Market at Bogie Lake Greenhouses. Join us for a Soup Supper and take home an original hand crafted bowl. $10 donation supplies your Empty Bowl, soup of choice, bread, and dessert. All proceeds support local Community Sharing Outreach Projects. Additional bowls without soup - $5.00, available all weekend during Arts & Greens at Bogie Lake Greenhouses and during Saturday evening's North Oakland County Storytellers Tellabration! performance, while supplies last. A special thank you to the Huron Valley Schools art teachers and students for creating the bowls:Denise Forrest - Country Oaks, Cecilia Gollan - Oak Valley Middle School, Tara Johnson - Muir Middle School, Judy Levitt - Brooks Elementary, and Abby Powers- Milford HS. Also participating will be Muir Middle School Leadership Class students.A grateful acknowledgment to the Restaurants Donating Soup:Duke's of Highland - Chicken noodle Milford House Bar & Grill - Minestrone Gravity - Wild mushroom St. Georges Café -French onion with croutons and support from: Main Street Art, Milford

Tellabration! A Time for Stories - Storytelling Festival
The North Oakland County Storytellers are united in the love of story and the belief in a story's power to connect us with one another. Come and join us as they tell their stories at the 4th Annual Tellabration! "A Time for Stories" Storytelling Festival, a ticketed event. Meet the artists and share the stories at this year's 1-ticket, 2-day, 3-location event.Tellebration! features member tellers of the North Oakland County Storytellers, including: Karen Czarnik, Pam Dawson,Carolyn Graves, Ron Hinman Lois Sprengnether Keel, Bob Reay, and Michael "Curley" Spaulding. Schedule: Opening night at Arts & Greens, Friday Nov. 21, 2008, 7:00-8:30 PM; continues Saturday morning 10 am at the Milford Library, and concludes at 7 pm in the Milford Presbyterian Church. Storytelling tickets include special options to win prizes from the Stop and Shop Raffle. By visiting local merchants between the Storytelling events, ticket holders will receive additional chances to win prizes from the Stop and Shop Raffle.
Tickets are $15. (Members/Seniors $12, children under 12 free.)
We'll see you there for a weekend of art, music, stories, soup, and community celebration!

Oakland Press Write-up:

http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2008/11/18/news/local_news/mj2402431.txt

Huron Valley Council for the ArtsHVCA

Map and address to Bogie Lake Greenhouse:

http://www.mapquest.com/maps?name=Bogie+Lake+Greenhouses+Inc&city=White+Lake&state=MI&address=1525+Bogie+Lake+Rd&zipcode=48383&country=US&latitude=42.627175&longitude=-83.518971&geocode=ADDRESS&id=6449407

EBSQ Juried Artists Announced

EBSQ is a creative space that provides art marketing tools and serves as a hub for the self rep and indie artist community. Join our artists, photographers, and crafters here at the place to see and be seen since 2000.

New EBSQ Juried Artists Announced
02Nov08
We just completed our fall jury session, and we’re happy to announce the following artists made it past our panel of 12 jurors with a 2/3 majority vote or better:
Eclectic Elements by sam
Melinda Dalke
Michele Lynch
Kerry Nelson
Rebecca Ronesi
Michelle Oravitz
Frankie Paquin
Joseph Callahan
Melissa Tobia
Karen Winters
J.Michael McCracken
Donna Pellegata
Pat Burns
Alma Lee
Peggy Hayes
Pam Tanzey

You can see most of my art in MY GALLERIES at: http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_20424_profile_portfolio.htm or view my slide shows to the right. You can purchase my illustrated children's book, prints and original art or request commissions and at the same time have 10% of your purchase donated to animal charities here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5663698

Mural Sucess!!!

Top row from left: Frances Johnson, Jay Key, Olivia Pas, Lori Pas, Gerry Pas, Dan Persinger Bottom Row from left: Ken Sigler, Donna Pellegata, Kathy Fish, Linda Onderko

Many more artists participated in the mural than shown here!

Volunteers create mural for cancer patients
By Aileen Wingblad • STAFF WRITER • October 2, 2008

A touch of the outdoors has been brought inside DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital.
What was once a stark, drab 30-foot walkway to radiation therapy at Huron Valley-Sinai's Charach Cancer Treatment Center is now a bright and colorful four-season mural of the orchard that surrounds the hospital.
A group of local artists recently put the finishing touches on the mural, which depicts a display of apple trees - along with a few cheerful critters - in scenes of fall, winter, spring and summer.
"We were talking to some of the nurses there who said they really wanted a mural," said Leslie Watson, owner of Main Street Art in downtown Milford, who was instrumental in getting the project going. "I told them I'd get them their mural - and then I had to figure out a way to do it."
Yet it didn't take long for Watson to make it happen. She contacted artist Donna Pellegata of the Huron Valley Council for the Arts, who Watson said "jumped right on board" and in turn made arrangements for friend and fellow artist Linda Onderko to get the volunteer project underway - with the help of eight other local artists.
Onderko and artist Dan Persinger sketched out the scenes, and then were joined by the other artists who spent the last two months painting the mural.
So how did so many artists - each with their own creative ideas - manage to work together on one project?
Onderko admits it was tough, at first, for her to share control of the project. "It took awhile, because I am used to working solo," she grinned. "But then I just let people do what they wanted.
"And I like it," Onderko said. "It does reflect a lot of different artists' styles."
Robin Witte, public relations and marketing representative at DMC Huron Valley-Sinai, said the mural makes the hallway seem "like you are walking into a different world." Patients, as well as the hospital staff, agree the artwork is a welcome addition, she said."(The hallway) used to look boring, kind of scary, sterile. Now, this brightens it up," she said. "And we all really enjoyed watching the mural grow. It was fun - and some of the staff used to come in and play their own version of 'Where's Waldo,' which was more like 'What's new?' They'd try to figure out what was different or added since the last time they looked at the mural."
Cathy Grant, administrative director of cancer services at DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital, is pleased with the mural, as well.
"This project was born out of suggestions from our staff and patients. Watching the mural grow and develop over the past few months has truly been an enjoyable experience," Grant said. "It has brought a smile to everyone who has seen it and been involved with it. And most importantly, our patients love it."
Persinger said working on the project "was a riot."
"It was a lot of fun," he said. "I never did a mural before - I'm a landscape painter - and I have learned a lot from Linda. She's a master."
Onderko said she's been asked to consider painting a faux window in the cancer center's infusion area. She hopes to get started on that soon. "It will give patients something interesting to gaze at during treatment," she said.
Watson added that she's glad she played a role in the project, and said the mural is evidence of the caring nature and creativity that runs throughout the Huron Valley.
"I think it's a testament to the artists and the people in this community who donated their time and talents for what so many people can enjoy," Watson said. "I planted the seed - and trees grew all around it."
awingblad@gannett.com (248) 685-1507 ext. 261

Note from Donna: A HUGE Thanks to Linda Onderko, she was truly the driving force behind this mural!!!!! If it wasn't for her it would not been finished! This project is credited to the artists and members of the Village Fine Arts Association in Milford MI. The article ran in the Milford Times.

You can see most of my art in MY GALLERIES at: http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_20424_profile_portfolio.htm or view my slide shows to the right. You can purchase my prints and original art or request commissions and at the same time have 10% of your purchase donated to animal charities here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5663698

Goodbye Summer...

Moving right into cooler weather, this little caramel apple can't decide whether it's time to keep her sunglasses at the ready for the bright sun of summer or don her favorite pair of overalls for walking through the corn mazes of fall. Maybe she'll just venture out on a warm afternoon with mom and dad, to the nearest Cider Mill and enjoy the best of both worlds. As a matter if fact...what are WE waiting for...I think we should do the same! Just goes to show you, EVERY season has something great to offer. Happy Falling!!!

http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_20424_profile_portfolio.htm or view my slide shows to the right. You can purchase my prints and original art or request commissions and at the same time have 10% of your purchase donated to animal charities here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5663698

How it's hanging HERE...

ok...I'm a little late with this but for those of you that haven't seen it, here it is...

<---My best friend's boyfriend!

Gannett grant pays for new art hanging system at Highland gallery
By Aileen Wingblad • STAFF WRITER • September 4, 2008

How's it hanging?

Just great, according to members of the Huron Valley Council for the Arts.
Thanks to the Gannett Foundation, the HVCA recently received a $2,120 grant for a system to hang paintings in the gallery. The system incorporates tracking and steel cables to secure paintings on the walls without damaging the plaster. The tracks are hidden by molding.
Protecting the plaster walls of the gallery was especially important since the HVCA gallery is in a historic building, explained Sybil Phelps, HVCA member.
"While we are honored to have this beautiful building, it poses some unique challenges. It has plaster walls, so we can't use screws or nails. We needed a system that is acceptable to artists as well as the historical society," she said. "This system provides us with a modern and efficient method to exhibit artwork while maintaining the historical integrity of our shared gallery space."
The system also has a safety feature that locks the paintings on to the cables, preventing theft. Phelps said that there were no concerns about people taking paintings in the past, but it's nice to now have the security option.
"We weren't worried about 'snatch and grab,' but we just wanted to be careful," she said.
HVCA member Dan Persinger installed the system last week.
The old system was difficult and time-consuming to work with, Phelps added. "We were fortunate no paintings ever fell down," she said.
Wendy Willihnganz, HVCA executive director, said the new system is "one that's going to hold up. And it's something that will really show off the pictures," she said. "We are so grateful to Gannett."
HVCA members Andrea Armstrong and Julie Millies applied for the Gannett Corporation Grant.
The Gannett Foundation is sponsored by the Gannett Company, Inc., which gives grants to organizations in communities where Gannett owns a newspaper or TV station.
Locally, Gannett owns the Milford Times.
Contact Aileen Wingblad at (248) 685-1507 ext. 261 or at awingblad@gannett.com.

You can see most of my art in MY GALLERIES at: http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_20424_profile_portfolio.htm or view my slide shows to the right. You can purchase my prints and original art or request commissions and at the same time have 10% of your purchase donated to animal charities here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5663698

The Harp Mouse Arriveth!!!!!

THE COVER ~ It's been a whole month and we've all been so patient, but rest assured please, I have not been complacent. I've kept busy with showings, and portraits and paintings...and listing on eBay and Etsy for ratings. The book is here now, so let's get excited...you can buy one from me...I'll be happy to sign it. Take a look at below to see a few pages, just a tiny run through, to show you some stages...

Page 3 ~ The colors you'll see on these pages are brilliant.

Page 7 ~ the story will peak your child's curiosity and yours too!

Page 11 ~ a wonderful way to learn about the harp and the adventures of this sweet little mouse!

Contact me to order at smelykat4@aol.com or you can visit my etsy store at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5663698 and make your purchase there.

You can see most of my art in MY GALLERIES at: http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_20424_profile_portfolio.htm or view my slide shows to the right. You can purchase my prints and original art or request commissions and at the same time have 10% of your purchase donated to animal charities here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5663698

While we're waiting...Boo Boo Magoo

So I just saw the final, FINAL proofs for the new book and they are spectacular! Possibly another week and a half and I'll have real finger prints all over it. I won't say another word about it until then (yeah right), in the mean time take a peek at the newest portrait commission I've been working on. I love his adorable little kissy face! Boo Boo Magoo is not his real name of course, that is kept private to protect his innocence. Next finished project will be whatever hits the finish line first...next portrait...Harp Mouse Book http://www.heartandharp.net/book.html ...I just know your waiting with baited breath. What IS baited breath anyway?

You can see most of my art in MY GALLERIES at: http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_20424_profile_portfolio.htm or view my slide shows to the right. You can purchase my prints and original art or request commissions and at the same time have 10% of your purchase donated to animal charities here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5663698

Publishing Pitfall Postpones Printing

OK...there's been a little hold up on the book http://www.heartandharp.net/book.html. It looks like I won't have it in time for Milford Memories after all, due to a small printing malfunction... poop...but that's ok 'cause I'll have it very soon and most definitely in time for the Christmas season! I'll at least have portrait commissions and prints available for purchase inside the booth! And there will still be plenty of fun to be had at Milford Memories, http://www.milfordmemories.com/1/mm/index.asp , by you just showing up! So drop by...say hello on August 8th, 9th or 10th, and let's have us some summertime fun! I'll be in booth 106/107, The Village Fine Arts Association booth, with about a dozen or so other fellow artist/friends/members. So the shopping will be phenomenal, lots of goodies to choose from under one clever canopy! Bring the kiddies and for a small donation, get their little faces painted by our flock of facial feature festooners. Those lines are usually wrapped around the block! A very popular activity indeed!

You can see most of my art in MY GALLERIES at: http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_20424_profile_portfolio.htm or view my slide shows to the right. You can purchase my prints and original art or request commissions and at the same time have 10% of your purchase donated to animal charities here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5663698

New Book News In Time For Milford Memories!!

Get ready for a little summer fun coming up in the next couple of weeks. Milford Memories Summer Festival will be held in Milford MI again this year (as it is EVERY year), the 8th, 9th and 10th of August. There will be amazing art, special events, tons of kids activities (face painting at our booth), great food, and entertainment galore in one of the the best communities in the state of Michigan! See more about this fun filled art fair weekend here... http://www.milfordmemories.com/1/mm/index.asp

I'll be in booth 106/107, The Village Fine Arts Association booth, with about a dozen other fellow artist/friends and members. The new book I've just illustrated for author Diane E. Dunn will be there too (see photo for cover), on Saturday the 9th and Sunday the 10th, as it will be delivered from the printer the 8th. See more on my new book project and a few sample pages here:

http://www.heartandharp.net/book.html

I'll have more goodies to browse through and portrait commission bookings available too, so come on out and enjoy the day! You'll be glad you did!

You can see most of my art in MY GALLERIES at: http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_20424_profile_portfolio.htm or view my slide shows to the right. You can purchase my prints and original art or request commissions and at the same time have 10% of your purchase donated to animal charities here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5663698

Wishful Thinking

Do you ever feel like your creative life and your business life are just not in sync? Do you feel as though keeping up with the business side of creating gets in the way of just...CREATING! If this is the case for you, as it certainly is for me, try reading the following 32 page download. You'll be happy you did:

Click on link below for a free Time Management for Creative People download by Mark McGuinness: http://www.wishfulthinking.co.uk/blog/2007/12/03/time-management-for-creative-people-free-e-book/ sent to me by my ever thoughtful friend and AMAZING fiber artist Mary Bajcz at SCRAP HAPPY Art and Bed Quilts, Jackets, Handbags and Totes, check out her website here: http://scrap-happy.biz/default.aspx )

THANK YOU MARY!!! ...oh did I need this, because let's face it...sometimes things get really chaotic around here.

The above art is titled "Chaotic World," a pen and digital ink illustration from my fArCiCaL fOlK aRt SISTER series

...oh yeah...please don't' forget to check out the charity auctions in my previous posts!!!!

You can see most of my art in MY GALLERIES at: http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_20424_profile_portfolio.htm or view my slide shows to the right. You can purchase my prints and original art or request commissions and at the same time have 10% of your purchase donated to animal charities here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5663698

Iowa Relief Auction for Evacuated Animals

So you've seen this little guy before but now he's out and about trying to make a difference for the animals that were left homeless by the Iowa floods. Damage flood estimates as of June 16th have now reached ONE BILLION ($1,000,000,000) dollars. In a town of only 120,000 people, this is beyond catastrophic. There are several hundred dogs, even more cats, and other companion animals being housed in temporary evacuation shelters in Cedar Rapids. Many, many more animals are still stranded in the tens of thousands of abandoned homes. On top of everything, the Cedar Rapids Animal Shelter has been completely destroyed.

This print, titled "A Groovy Kind of Love" is now up for auction to benefit the Cedar Rapids Animal Shelter, where they are putting on this phenomenal auction, to be held June 25-July 2, with tons of items that you might find interesting and feel compelled to purchase. 100% of all sales will go to the Kirkwood Foundation's Friends of the Animal Shelter Fund. You can read all about "Groovy's" auction effort, stories from the floods, the benefits your help will provide and check out the auction catalog here:
http://www.iowafloodreliefauction.com/donna-pellegata.html

Even if you don't see anything that sparks your interest to purchase (I doubt that will happen, I've seen the catalog), you can still help by donating to this cause. Do yourself this little favor and even better... do it for the animals. Look into Groovy's eyes...he's begging for your help...

You can see most of my art in MY GALLERIES at: http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_20424_profile_portfolio.htm or view my slide shows to the right. You can purchase my prints and original art or request commissions and at the same time have 10% of your purchase donated to other animal charities here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5663698

Etsy for Animals June Challenge

Once a month "Etsy for Animals" (Artists Helping Animals) at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5241805 has a challenge for it's members to help raise money for charities helping unfortunate animals. This month's challenge is entitled "JUNE BUG" and was suggested by EFA leader mvegan5 (click on her name to see her shop!) who spends many hours of her day recruiting and working hard for the benefit of these charities and the animals they represent. So on behalf of her efforts, the effort of Etsy for Animals and to help these creatures I adore so much, here's my entry for the June challenge. I thank them for the opportunity to help.

FLOWER KITTEN...and you thought this little sweety was looking at you? Nope...She's in a field of daisies having a "spring moment"... watching the clouds, the JUNE BUGS and catching a warm sunny breeze with not a care in the world. Lucky her! ALL animals should be this lucky. With your help though, they can be a step closer...all you have to to do is purchase this print "Flower Kitten" which can be found here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10405627 )...or another you prefer, from MY ETSY SHOP "Children's Book Illustrator, fArCiCaL fOLk aRt Creator, People and Pet Portrait Maker" at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5663698 and I will donate 10% of the sale price to the animal shelter mentioned in my listings. This particular schmoopie's donation will go to the "Last Chance Animal Rescue" located near my studio. You can visit their shelter's website by clicking on the link here: http://www.lastchancerescue.org/ but if you prefer a different print then you can click on any of my other listings offered and the charity your 10% will be donated to, will be in that listing. All of the items in my shop are created by me and are either pastels, mixed media or some form of creative expression (how vague is that) and each and every one purchased will result in a donation to either "Last Chance Animal Rescue" OR "Horses Haven" in Howell MI. Visit Horses Haven link here : http://www.horseshaven.org/index.htm So see? You too can help in the quest to make a better life for a deserving animal that never caused any harm to anyone and would just love the chance to watch the clouds and the JUNE BUGS while catching a warm sunny breeze on a spring day. Just like we humans get the chance to do...every now and then.

It's out of my hands!!!

The illustrations have now left my hands, to be printed and bound and dispersed through the land! As soon as I get my twisted little fingers on it I will show it to you here. Just the cover mind you, you'll have to actually buy it and read it yourself (or to your children or pets) to see the final creation in full. But until the mean time you can read up on it here http://www.heartandharp.net/book.html. She will be announcing it before I do, since of course she wrote it! You will be able to purchase the book by clicking on Diane E. Dunn's website at that same address. I can't wait to see the finished product myself! Keep watching!!!

I've already started on my next book project, more on that as we move along!

You can see most of my art in MY GALLERIES at: http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_20424_profile_portfolio.htm or view my slide shows to the right.

Sneak peek at the Squeak

FINALLY! The last tweak of the squeak will be finished this week and head off to the press, so here's just a peek. I can't wait to get my hands on it and sniff it's freshly printed pages. As soon as it's completed you'll be the first to know (after Diane Dunn, the author http://www.heartandharp.net/book.html and myself of course.) Then it's off to promote it and start illustrations on the NEXT children's books...more on those as I get started.

You can see most of my art in MY GALLERIES at: http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_20424_profile_portfolio.htm or view my slide shows to the right.

Fluttering Flirt

my 2008 PAN art entry of my daughter Leah...

Cocktail Coquette
Poetry by Lori Pas:
Red-feathered fluttering flirt
Waving her bellini-martini
Stirring for attention: libation's libertine!
Raising toasts to Bacchus/Dionysus
Singing dithyrambs in honor of her god
Possessed and ecstatic
Here: another frenzied Maenad
under orgiastic spell
Entranced
And totally enchanting
Notice her wand
And don't dare look into her eye!

Something nice for spring...

...so this little guy comes to my front door the other day. He wasn't even trying to SELL anything! All he wanted to do was take a peek inside, maybe make a friend or two. The dogs got wind of him and there was no rest for the weary after that! Total chaos! Reilly after the turtle...Bunji after Reilly...Reilly bites my heiny...I thought Reilly would have a canary! I knew if I didn't take him to the water where he could make a mad dash for cover, he would never come out of his shell once the dogs got out. Poor turtle. He'll never come back to the door again. Poor, SMART turtle...

You can see most of my art in MY GALLERIES at: http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_20424_profile_portfolio.htm or view my slide shows to the right.

Karacteristics of a Koi Konversation Original fArCiCaL fOLk aRt

This is another altered original of mine. The original, original began it's life as a work for a floor cloth and has developed over time. It was then made into a print, then cut, altered, painted, collaged, textured, pen and inked and added to my fArCiCaL fOLk aRt series. It's about 10" X 10" and created on an MDF board base. Since I spend so much time on book illustrations and commissions, it's far and few between that I can spit these out, but I'm working on divvying up my time. I'm just thrilled to be working at what I love...

You can see most of my portraits and other art in MY GALLERIES at: http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_20424_profile_portfolio.htm or view my slide shows to the right.

More Sister Love

This one of many new additions to my "fArCiCaL fOLk aRt" sister series inspired by my sister Patricia, she was my mother, father, sister, brother, everyone. She's sitting at my shoulder now... a part of this venture together, having passed away in 2005 after a very long, very hard battle with breast cancer. Below is a tribute to the many faces of Patti, before and after the wigs of chemo...
























































You can see most of my portraits and other art in MY GALLERIES at: http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_20424_profile_portfolio.htm or view my slide shows to the right.