Sparkle in a shitstorm

Things have been bad. So so bad that I stopped even writing about all the bad things because I didn't want to be a drag. "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothin' at all." as Thumper would say.

I'm back because I've found something to celebrate. A little sparkle in the shitstorm if you will.

I found a really good job! Meaningful, local, artistic, reliable employment! Last week was my first and it was just as good as I hoped it would be. I'm working in Peabody, MA at the new ArcWorks Community Art Center as manager of the gallery shop and occasional workshop instructor. ArcWorks CAC is a part of the Northeast Arc which provides lifelong support to individuals with disabilities and their families and the Art Center is it's newest offshoot that aims to bring the whole community together through art and craft. As you can expect, I'm ALL ABOUT THAT!

I'll be showing more of what I'm doing soon but this is just an enthusiastic introduction. The photos above are from a workshop I led last week on image weaving. I was so pleased with the way the art turned out and all the individuals who participated LOVED what they made and traded with the other participants. I'll post a tutorial soon if you want to give it a try.

ALL THE THINGS

Things are heating up at AWHQ (Argyle Whale headquarters... I can't pretend to be cool enough to acronym myself like everyone will know what I'm talking about).

I recently noticed that aside from going to craft fairs, I don't have much of a local presence for my art. That is just dumb. I should be neighborly and participate in the scene of my surrounding area instead of solely selling and sharing online.

The situation is being remedied. Argyle Whale IRL (that means in real life... people know that one right?) is coming to a gallery or shop near you if you are near me.

Galleries:

Washington Street Art Center- Somerville, MA (ok, this one is over because I had this post in draft mode too long)

Gallery Della Piana- Hamilton Wenham, MA for the animal themed show called The Beauty of the Beast

The Gallery at Porter Mill- Beverly, MA (This one is a pending maybe because it is up to the juror if I get in the show)

Pop up shops:

Concord Handmade- Concord, NH

GOLDMINE- Northampton, MA

Regular shops:

Magpie- Somerville, MA

ARCworks- Peabody, MA

Of course I'm doing a few craft fairs too. I kept the list a little slim because it is my first year as a Bazaar Bizarre organizer and I didn't want to have too many commitments.

Montserrat College of Art Holiday Sale- Beverly, MA on December 2nd

Bazaar Bizarre- Boston, MA on December 4th

Mass Market- Boston, MA on December 11th

I'm also running a handful of workshops at the ARCworks in Peabody!

The photo above is some sketching I'm doing for a secret project with Meagan.

This seems like a lot going on but next year I hope to be doing twice as much. Maybe three times as much. Must hustle.