Millford Memories This Weekend!

Please come join me this weekend for the

Milford Memories Summer Festival.

I am the featured artist for this year's event. This means not only will I have a booth available with my paintings, prints, cards, "qwerky" jewelry and illustrated books, but the authors of these books will also be there to sign them with me. Diane E Dunn, author of "The Harp Mouse Chooses Her Home: The Adventure Begins" and "Harp Mouse Adventures - Book II" will be there signing books on Saturday Aug 14th and Rachel Longhurst author of "The Enchanted Tree of Crooked Lake" and "Where My Story Begins" will be there Friday and Sunday, Aug 13th and 15th signing hers. There will be tons of art, jewelry and just about everything else by artisans all over the country. There will be Face Painting by the Village Fine Arts Association in front of (or close to) the Milford House Bar and Grill, where my friend Linda Onderko and others will be squeezing cheeks the entire weekend, painting the sweet faces of your adorable younguns, as lines are backed up around the block! There will be loads of events for children AND adults AND family fun! So take some time this weekend to come say hello to me... Donna Pellegata...I'll be in booth #89 in front of Main Street Art, an art lovers delight, a store full of art, art supplies and creators of some of the most beautiful work I've ever seen, framing your favorite art pieces! ...and Jeanne DeHaan 's art will be displayed in the window!

I look forward to seeing you there!!!

IF ~ Confined

Well, well, well...I've got a jump on IF today because I can't seem to get out from in front of the computer to do anything else. There's a big hunk of snow storm on the ground outside so I'm calling it my own personal "snow day."

Translation: CONFINED/Blogday/procrastinateday/doanythingtokeep fromworkingorworkingoutday.

Anyhoo...the illo above is from The Harp Mouse Chooses Her Home: The Adventure Begins, the book I illustrated and Diane E Dunn wrote. As you can see, the Harp Mouse is confined, but what you can't see is that she's confined for a very good reason. Guess you'll have to read the book for that! ...and I happen to know the very place you can get a copy of it (click on the book in the column on the right!)

Below is the cutest picture of Diane and her new adopted kitty Noodles. He's quite the handsome specimen, don't you agree? I have a thing for rescue animals.

Diane and Noodles

(how cute is that picture!)

Just Noodles

Diane and I had the best time collaborating on the Harp Mouse book. She is so fabulous to work with and we have become great friends. There are not enough nice words in the dictionary to describe her so I'll have to make some up. She's absolutely phenomenastically talentabulous. A diverstual multifaceticulated author, musician, publisher, consultant and more. You can see more about her and what she does here:

Heart&Harp

Diane and I at our latest book signing before Christmas.

I love working with her! If you can call it work, it's too much fun to be called working!

When you purchase an item from my store, 10% of your purchase price will be donated to my favorite animal charities; Last Chance Animal Rescue and Horses Haven, both in lower MI. Which charity the donation goes to, will depend on the item purchased and I will love you forever from the bottom of my little black heart. They deserve a chance too.

Grab a cup of coffee and take a long luxurious gander at my website...

ArtQwerks

Arts and Greens 2009

2009’s Arts & Greens Holiday Market
Brings The Ultimate Creative Arts Showcase

Award Winning Author Steven Hamilton, live music with Stray Dogs, 40 Artist Booths

Nov. 11, 2009 – Huron Valley Council for the Arts (HVCA) and Bogie Lake Greenhouses, Inc. present Arts and Greens Holiday Market, Friday, Nov 20-Sunday, Nov 22, 1525 Bogie Lake Road, White Lake, MI. Discover the magic in giving original art this holiday season. Free admission and parking. Handicap accessible, family event. Fri. 5pm-8pm, Sat. 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-5pm. Information at 248-889-8660.
In its fourth year, Arts and Greens takes position as the preeminent Lakes Area holiday shopping experience for buyers seeking exquisite one-of-a-kind art treasures. Jury approval ensures quality, originality, and functionality, making this show a stand-out. Arts and Greens artists, musicians, and authors come from across Michigan and Ohio. Producing work from childrens’ books to historical novels and wearable art to wall art, these top talents represent the region in must-see fashion. Juried artists offer their talents in photography, painting, fine jewelry, handbags, glasswork, accessories, basketry, music, writing, and much more.
HVCA and Bogie Lake Greenhouses offer regional partnering like no other. The festive greenhouse environment highlights our holiday season’s arrival. Who can resist hot mulled cider, live music, wreaths, roping, artistic topiaries, plants, and fabulous art all in one place? Arts and Greens Holiday Market is the premier annual shopping event of Western Oakland County.
Local band “Stray Dogs” accompanies Friday evening’s Early Bird shopping. Detroit’s award winning author of the Alex McKnight mystery series, Steve Hamilton, joins us from his New York home. Mr. Hamilton is the first of several authors to meet during Arts and Greens book signings.
Nick Palise of “Sovereign Blues” and “Dr. Pocket” conducts Saturday’s TUBACHRISTMAS holiday tuba concert and guest sing-along. Doug and Beverly Larson share alternative folk Christmas music. Guitarists Gary Weisenburg and Mary Ann Murphy perform while authors Mike Willihnganz, “Sand Wedge: A Family History of China”, and Glen Ruggles, “Elk Rapids, the First One Hundred Years,” greet and sign. Illustrator Donna Pellegata signs “The Harp Mouse Chooses Her Home.” The book’s author,Diane E Dunn signs Sunday. Holiday greens and craft workshops are lead by Bogie Lake Greenhouse personnel and participating artists.
Spring Mills Elementary students provide Sunday’s Empty Bowls pottery. For a donation, enjoy a light lunch and take home the bowl you choose. Empty Bowls proceeds support Highland based Community Sharing Outreach Center. The afternoon features Spring Mills’ choir MORE prior to Susanne Vergeldt’s live fiddle tunes. Signing authors are Linda Robinson, “Chantepleure” and Diane Dunn, “The Harp Mouse Finds Her Home.” Craft workshops are available.
Your Arts and Greens purchases support our region’s economy while making you the star of your own show. No one will bring what you bring. An event for the entire family, Arts and Greens Holiday Market has something for everyone to admire and desire. Let regional style inspire your holiday gifting. We’ll keep the cider hot and see you Nov. 20-22.

Event Schedule
Friday 5pm-8pm: Opening Reception, Early Bird Shopping, Stray Dogs.
5pm-7pm, Author Steve Hamilton

Sat 9am-5pm: Shopping
9am-11am Doug and Beverly Larson
11am- Noon Gary Weisenburg
1pm- Mary Ann Murphy
1pm and 3pm- Holiday greens and crafting workshops
3pm- TUBACHRISTMAS
Authors and Illustrator book signing: 9am Mike Willihnganz,

Noon Glen Ruggles, 2pm DonnaPellegata

Sun 10am-5pm: Shopping
11am- Michele Rogers
11:30am-Empty Bowls fund raiser lunch
1pm- Spring Mills Elementary Choir
1pm and 3pm- Holiday greens and crafting workshops
3pm- Susanne Vergeldt
Author book signing: 11am Linda Robinson, 1pm Diane Dunn

Huron Valley Council for the Arts (HVCA), 205 W. Livingston Road, Highland, MI 48357

CONTACT: Leah Ohmer, Executive Director, 248-889-8660, hvca@comcast.net .

PR Contact: Rebecca Arrington, Side Porch Ind., LLC, 248-756-5589

IF~Fast

...that he is. 'nuf said.

except this: above is an illustration from the book "The Harp Mouse Chooses Her Home, The Adventure Begins" by Diane E Dunn, illustrated by Donna Pellegata.

To purchase book with mouse finger puppet click HERE

without mouse finger puppet click HERE

Illustration Friday is a weekly illustration challenge. A topic is posted every Friday and then participants have all week to come up with their own interpretation.

When you purchase an item from ArtQwerks, 10% of your purchase price will be donated to my favorite animal charities; Last Chance Animal Rescue and Horses Haven, both in lower MI. Which charity will depend on the item purchased and I will most certainly appreciate it.

See my store and galleries to the right--->

IF ~ Unfold

The story was about to unfold before his very eyes!

Illustration Friday is a weekly illustration challenge. A topic is posted every Friday and then participants have all week to come up with their own interpretation. Read more about it here: http://www.illustrationfriday.com/about_p.php

When you purchase an item from ArtQwerks, 10% of your purchase price will be donated to my favorite animal charities; Second Chance Animal Rescue and Horses Haven, both in lower MI. Which charity will depend on the item purchased and I will greatly appreciate it.

See my store and galleries to the right.

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

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

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.