IF ~ Prepare

Nothing could prepare these two for what was about to happen...

for this week's Illustration Friday

This is one of my illustrations from the NEW book How Haitians Play Basketball, written by Travis Mushet , published by TorchRunner Press for Blaze Sports.

How Haitians PlayBasketball introduces us to Milekson, a boy with a different walk and a love for basketball. When an earthquake strikes Milekson's home on the island country of Haiti, his life and the lives of his friends and family are changed in big ways. This book, the second in the BlazeSports Children's Series from TorchRunner Press, is a great way to tactfully teach your child about the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, the abilities of people with disabilities, and the triumph of the human spirit. How Haitians Play Basketball makes a perfect addition to your school or public library, and a great gift for children both with and without disabilities.

Get your copy HERE

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. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, you can go to their site and make a donation! They deserve a chance too!
Have a seat by the fire with a cocktail and your ipad and browse through the pages of my website ArtQwerks

Illustration Friday ~ Stripes

...for this week's Illustration Friday

This is one of my illustrations from the NEW book How Haitians Play Basketball, written by Travis Mushet , published by TorchRunner Press for Blaze Sports.

How Haitians PlayBasketball introduces us to Milekson, a boy with a different walk and a love for basketball. When an earthquake strikes Milekson's home on the island country of Haiti, his life and the lives of his friends and family are changed in big ways. This book, the second in the BlazeSports Children's Series from TorchRunner Press, is a great way to tactfully teach your child about the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, the abilities of people with disabilities, and the triumph of the human spirit. How Haitians Play Basketball makes a perfect addition to your school or public library, and a great gift for children both with and without disabilities.

Get your copy HERE

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. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, you can go to their site and make a donation! They deserve a chance too!

Have a seat by the fire with a cocktail and your ipad and browse through the pages of my website ArtQwerks

Arts and Greens 2011

Please find me at Arts and Greens 2011, in booth D41, November 18th - 20th!

This is one of my favorite shows...loads of fun and holiday cheer. I'll be signing my illustrated Harp Mouse books with the author Diane Dunn on Saturday 10am - noon, so stop by and see us for some laughter and great gifts for the kiddies!

I'll also have my newest illustrated book How Haitians Play Basketball written by Travis Mushett for Blaze Sports, available for purchase in my booth. There's a limited supply so stop in early to get your copy!

Schedule of the weekend's events:

Friday 5pm-8pm: Preview and Opening Reception Night

• Artist market opens with items from glass, fibers, woodcarving, photography, pottery, handmade dolls, paintings, and much more. All created by Michigan artists. Kick off the holiday season and purchase one of a kind gifts.
• Empty Bowls fundraiser for Community Sharing: for a $10 donation, you can enjoy a light soup and bread supper, and get a handmade bowl
• Luminaries will lightup the evening
• Live performances by area musicians
• Author Wayne Billhart will be signing copies of his book for all ages: The Mystery at the Birdfeeder

Saturday 9am-5pm

• The artist market opens early for all to enjoy
• Enjoy live performances by area musicians throughout the day
• Visit with Michigan author's on hand for book signings
• The Sweet Life Cafe of Milford will be on hand with delectable goodies for sale!
• Enjoy holiday greens building workshops taught Patty owner of the Bogie Lake Greenhouses
• Enjoy children's basket making workshops and hands on felting demonstrations for all ages.

Sunday 10am-5pm

• Last day of the market!
• Enjoy live performances by area musicians throughout the day
• Visit with Michigan author's on hand for book signings
• The Sweet Life Cafe of Milford will be on hand with delectable goodies for sale!
• Enjoy holiday greens building workshops taught Patty owner of the Bogie Lake Greenhouses
• Enjoy children's basket making workshops and hands on felting demonstrations for all ages.

List of Artists Participating HERE

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. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, you can go to their site and make a donation! They deserve a chance too!

Have a seat by the fire with a cocktail and your ipad and browse through the pages of my website ArtQwerks

IF ~ Scattered

Scattered

...for Illustration Friday

This is an illustration I created for

Harp Mouse Adventures - Book II

written by Diane Dunn.

This book can be purchased here

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. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, you can go to their site and make a donation! They deserve a chance too!

Have a seat by the fire with a cocktail and your ipad and browse through the pages of my website ArtQwerks

Our Town Art Show and Sale

I have two pieces juried in to this show...

Enjoy a beautiful fall drive to Birmingham this weekend to see all of the fabulous work for sale!

You'll find paintings, sculpture and jewelry too!

26th Annual

OUR TOWN

Art Show and Sale

October 13-15
10:00 a.m. - 6 p.m.

The list of fine artists accepted into the show can be found here

The juried, all media art show provides a forum for Michigan artists to show, demonstrate and sell their work. The art ranges from traditional to contemporary. This year’s show and sale will showcase over 300 pieces of artwork from over 200 artists. Admission to OUR TOWN is free. Jane Dini is the 2011 juror.

~

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. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, you can go to their site and make a donation! They deserve a chance too!

Have a seat by the fire with a cocktail and your ipad and browse through the pages of my website ArtQwerks

IF ~ Ferocious

ferocious?  ....nahhhhh

...this for Illustration Friday

 

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. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, you can go to their site and make a donation! They deserve a chance too!

Have a seat in the sun with a sippy and browse through the pages of my website ArtQwerks

IF ~ Boundaries

LifeDream

...for this week's Illustration Friday

 

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. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, you can go to their site and make a donation! They deserve a chance too!

Have a seat in the sun with a sippy and browse through the pages of my website ArtQwerks

IF ~ Mysterious

This for Illustration Friday...Mysterious

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. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, you can go to their site and make a donation! They deserve a chance too!

Have a seat in the sun with a sippy and browse through the pages of my website ArtQwerks

How Haitians Play Basketball

(click book to enlarge)

It's been awhile since I've updated the blog here... I've been so busy cranking out illustrations that I've lost track of all time. My newest illustrated venture is How Haitians Play Basketball (TorchRunner Press) written by Travis Mushett, illustrated by me. This book was published for BlazeSports whose mission is to improve the lives of children and adults with physical disabilities worldwide through sport, healthy lifestyles, the prevention of chronic illness, sport diplomacy, and human rights. I worked with a fabulous team on this book and I'm very proud of it. I can't wait to to share this story with you! The release date is scheduled for mid-September, so stay tuned for more updates on this project. I'll be able to tell you when and where to get your copy! It's a wonderful story and your money will go to a most deserving cause. 

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. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, you can go to their site and make a donation! They deserve a chance too!

Have a seat in the sun with a sippy and browse through the pages of my website ArtQwerks

Diane Dunn's New Video!!!

New video of author Diane E Dunn disussing her Harp Mouse books including illustrations by Donna Pellegata...that would be me ;) ...Beautiful job Diane!  

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. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, you can go to their site and make a donation! They deserve a chance too!

Have a seat in the sun with a sippy and browse through the pages of my website ArtQwerks

Milford Memories 2011 Brochure

Milford Memories Summer Festival 20th Anniversary!!!

A portion of the Milford Memories 20th Anniversary Brochure (inside and out) is shown here. The brochure was created by Jim Hamilton of  Hamilton Arts Design and Photography. I created the fArCiCaL fOlK aRt for this year's festival, included in this years brochure above. LOVE IT!!! My art will also be featured on postcards, t-shirts, etc. What an honor to be featured artist, two years in a row and especially this year, for the Milford Memories Summer Festival 20th Anniversary!!! I'm looking so forward to seeing this year's goodies as they are released! 

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. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, you can go to their site and make a donation! They deserve a chance too!

Have a seat in the sun with a sippy and browse through the pages of my website ArtQwerks

IF ~ Launch

...he launched himself into the water to retrieve the stick

This for Illustration Friday

this illustration is from a previously published children's book in which all of the original illustrations submitted to the author were created by me. The final illustrations included in the book were altered and look quite different from the originals

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. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, you can go to their site and make a donation! They deserve a chance too!

Have a seat in the sun with a sippy and browse through the pages of my website ArtQwerks

IF ~ Swept

...and they came in and swept it all away

This for Illustration Friday

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. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, you can go to their site and make a donation! They deserve a chance too!

Have a seat in the sun with a sippy and browse through the pages of my website ArtQwerks

Milford Memories / ArtQwerks 2011 Booth Share competition WINNERS!!!

Thank you for all that entered the Milford Memories / ArtQwerks 2011 Booth Share competition. I am so excited that the Chamber gave me the opportunity to donate my booth to fellow VFAA and HVCA members I care so much about. I received the decision from the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce and they have chosen the following artists from the entries that were submitted.

...and Milford Memories / ArtQwerks Booth winners (and a little sampling of their art) are :

April Schwaegerle / Jewelry

Mary Bajcz / Fiber Arts

Janice Dumas / Watercolors

Their booth, filled with all sorts of gorgeous goodies by all three artists, will be set up in front of Main Street Art (see Janice's Painting above) for the fun filled weekend of Milford Memories Summer Festivals 20th Anniversary 2011 celebration, August 12th, 13th and 14th!

Three very well deserved winners! Congratulations to them all!

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. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, you can go to their site and make a donation! They deserve a chance too!

Have a seat in the sun with a sippy and browse through the pages of my website ArtQwerks

IF ~ Soaked

IF ~ Soaked

Finally! A blog entry...

I have been (and still am) working very hard on the illustrations for a children's book with the wonderful people at BlazeSports of Atlanta GA. Keeping a balance of work, exhibiting and making time to enjoy the pleasures of warm weather has been exciting and I've loved every minute of it, but as I begin another entry for Illustration Friday here, I realize it's been a MONTH since I've made any sort of entry at all...That's a first...I'm a big talker Betty Crocker...I blame spring.

It's so much easier during the winter months to hibernate, work, work, work and look at the beauty of the snowy landscape from the windows of my studio. It's a challenge in the spring however, to stick to my well planned schedule when sensory overload is so prevalent. The smell of fresh cut grass, the sound of pond waterfalls, my sweet horses nickering, the call of the sandhill cranes and hypnosis of the swimming pool sparkle on a sunshiney day, fill my imagination with all that lies ahead through the glorious summer months. These are the breathtaking touches of spring and summer that make time so enjoyable to spend in the outdoor warmth and gorgeousness with friends and family. I plan to soak it all in and enjoy it one moment at a time...

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. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, you can go to their site and make a donation! They deserve a chance too!

Have a seat in the sun with a sippy and browse through the pages of my website ArtQwerks

Bucket Full of Perch

Bucket Full of Perch ~ pastel

The artwork above won a VFAA Honorable Mention Award

This pastel painting was recently accepted into the Poetry Art Night (PAN) 2011 competition in Milford Michigan. The purpose of PAN is to show the union between the written word and the visual world. In this exhibition it is important that the artwork be inspired by or dedicated to the poem that accompanies it. The artist can choose to have someone write a poem for them, choose a previously published poem or it can be written by the artist. Only original poems are able to receive awards. The poem below was written by me to accompany the artwork I've created above.

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. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, you can go to their site and make a donation! They deserve a chance too!

Have a seat in the sun with a sippy and browse through the pages of my website ArtQwerks

Fish On...

Fish On...~pastel

This pastel painting was recently accepted into the Poetry Art Night (PAN) 2011 competition in Milford Michigan. The purpose of PAN is to show the union between the written word and the visual world. In this exhibition it is important that the artwork be inspired by or dedicated to the poem that accompanies it. The artist can choose to have someone write a poem for them, choose a previously published poem or it can be written by the artist. Only original poems are able to receive awards.

The poem below was written by me to accompany the artwork I've created above. The poem below won the Joy Humanist Poetry Award.

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. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, you can go to their site and make a donation! They deserve a chance too!Have a seat in the sun with a sippy and browse through the pages of my website
ArtQwerks

Teen Angst

Teen Angst ~ pastel

This pastel painting was recently accepted into the Poetry Art Night (PAN) 2011 competition in Milford Michigan. The purpose of PAN is to show the union between the written word and the visual world. In this exhibition it is important that the artwork be inspired by or dedicated to the poem that accompanies it. The artist can choose to have someone write a poem for them, choose a previously published poem or it can be written by the artist. Only original poems are able to receive awards. The poem below was written by me to accompany the artwork I've created above.

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. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, you can go to their site and make a donation! They deserve a chance too!Have a seat in the sun with a sippy and browse through the pages of my website

ArtQwerks

IF ~ Duet

Duet...for Illustration Friday

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. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, you can go to their site and make a donation! They deserve a chance too!

Have a seat in the sun with a sippy and browse through the pages of my website

ArtQwerks

IF ~ Toy

...girl with toy puppy

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. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, you can go to their site and make a donation! They deserve a chance too! Have a seat in the sun with a sippy and browse through the pages of my website ArtQwerks