DreamMosaics Studio Updates

Ok it's been a while!

2010-04-05T17:14:00.000-07:00

Boy I have neglected this blog. My goal is to write something once a week about mosaic art, dream art, Artists in Dreamland 2010, etc.

The call for entry for Artists in Dreamland has been published and you can find it at http://www.dreammosaics.com/Artists_in_Dreamland.htm.

I have started uploading pictures of my dream art today. I have @ new dream pieces, one is a tryptic and the other fused glass piece. I will upload the tryptic in the next few days. I have yet to take a picture of the fused glass piece.

Backsplash and picture frame updates

2009-07-29T13:11:00.000-07:00

This morning I started bright and early to install the latest panel of the backsplash. It went up with some difficulty - but it's up and looking good. My client is happy with it and excited to have it grouted tomorrow. I will get to my client's home tomorrow bright and early again - and get the three panels grouted. The fifth and last panel will get started in the next couple of weeks. I hope to get it mosaiced, installed and grouted by the end of August. I will post pictures of the backsplash when I get them.

The commissioned picture frame is mosaiced; I grouted it and painted the edges yesterday. I will repaint the edges later today and then get it to my client tomorrow or Friday. I will post a picture of it here sometime next week.

I had a vivid dream last night that I can't stop thinking about. I wrote it down, talked with my husband about it, and "worked" it a bit...came to some conclusions about what it's talking about. I have realized it's about the changes that are going on in our family (my daughter going to college in less than a month) and being
"called" to take on something that I keep on trying to "give away"...for me, it's about the "call" for me to do sculpture, which is something that I have done a little bit of, but I have avoided trying to create a piece of sculpture that I have been sketching and planning.

I will work this dream by writing about it, sketching it, painting it, and then sculpting it in some way. I'm not sure it'll be ceramic or cement with mosaic - or maybe both. Or maybe working this dream will propel me to finally create the antlered one extending a lotus flower to me. I hope it's that simple.

My website and dream art

2009-07-21T07:30:00.000-07:00

My www.DreamMosaics.com website has been converted to http://home.comcast.net/~dreammosaics just this weekend. I'm in the process of building it but one thing that will be different is the main focus will be on dream art - mosaic, fine silver, clay sculpture...and soon encaustic painting.

I do have my birdbath on the new website for anyone who would like to see it. The pictures aren't very clear and the color isn't very accurate, but you'll get the idea. I'm hoping to get a picture of it in its new yard soon.

I have recently been having dreams, seemingly ordinary and pretty boring. But then I remember that each dream we have is another look at something, maybe something that we are not aware of or we are denying its existence (which is an unconscious process). So these dreams come to inform or remind us that that this something is there and real, whether we like or not. If we accept that aspect of ourselves and recognize it as "me" then we become more whole, which has got to be more healthy.

So my dream this morning, as embarrassing as it is, came to remind me of my passivity, my choice to not speak up and speak my truth. That is a common motif in my dreams and in my waking life. Time to stop keeping my mouth shut and be silently frustrated. Say something! Just because I assert myself by speaking my truth, it doesn't mean that the people around me have to change - it's me who has to change and it'll feel better.

So in order to explore this dream in its language (rather than talking about it) I will create sculpt it out of clay. Michel Eyquem De Montaigne said "I believe it to be true that Dreams are the true Interpreters of our Inclinations; but there is Art required to sort and understand them" (Essays, Bk. III, Ch XIII). Couldn't have said it any better.

Birdbath...backsplash...photo frame...dream art

2009-07-13T13:44:00.000-07:00

The birdbath is in its new home in Charlotte NC...it was delivered at the end of May. The new owner is very happy with it, which is always nice. I will post a photo of it soon.

The backsplash is coming along - I'm finishing up and installing the 4th panel this week.

Last week I was hired to mosaic a photo frame using my client's grandmother's china as tesserae. I have sanded and sealed the frame and will start mosaicing it this week. Due date is August 10 so it'll be quick piece.

I have been creating clay sculpture to express dreams that I wake up with. I created a face that expresses a dream that I had forgotten something really important and then remember it in the beginning of the dream. I do see those kind of dreams as a gentle poke at me, to wake me up - there are things that I'm not keeping track of...falling asleep to. I hope the face will be a reminder to stay awake, conscious in my waking life. I have also sculpted an abstract piece to express a dream I woke up with this morning. I will post a photo of the piece along with the dream when it's fired and glazed.

Dream art, kitchen backsplash, and birdbath

2009-04-14T11:07:00.000-07:00

I began the "bones" of the dream totem pole - it's what I saw in a dream a few years ago. The pole should be a little over 6 feet tall. I have 4 faces formed that will be placed on the pole. I need more faces to create a mask on.

Yesterday I got a lot done on the kitchen backsplash - the rolling hills are full of greens and look great. I will finish this particular panel (with two hills) on Thursday of this week.

The birdbath is coming along - the base is done and I'm now working on the movement of water up with column - around the bubbles.

Today I will work on the piece of dream art that's supposed to be in the "Artists in Dreamland" exhibit this year.

Niki De Sainte Phalle listened to her dreams too

2009-03-31T11:48:00.000-07:00

I forgot to add that I was talking with a delightful artist on our way to Niki's Queen Califia's Magical Circle...she said that Niki told her that her dreams guide her. I have since read that she dreamt of a garden that she was inspired to create in waking life. I was so excited to learn of this - as my passion is dream art!

SAMA conference and First Friday

2009-03-31T11:25:00.000-07:00

The SAMA conference was wonderful - full of great presentations and mosaic artist who love the art of mosaic as much as I do. I bought four pounds of smalti and some milliefori - and a book by Sherri Warner Hunter. I could've bought more smalti but I was worried I didn't have any more room in my suitcase. I also took a tour of Nicki De Saine Phalle's Queen Califia's Magical Circle. It was amazing, wonderful, fabulous, inspiring, spiritual and moving. I don't think I can post any pictures I took of the maze or the totems because of copyright, but I will find the link to the Niki Foundation so you can see some images of the place. I can say that pictures don't do the space justice - go and see it, experience it yourself. Here's the URL - http://www.queencalifia.org. I just found another garden with her sculptures: http://nikidesaintphalle.org/press/20080107_missouri_botanical_garden. Her work is mythological, spiritual, and epic.

First Friday is coming up - I'll be demonstrating mosaicing again. I am not sure if I'll work on the birdbath or the dream piece that I need to get done for later in April.

Publicity and finding time to create art

2009-03-25T09:36:00.000-07:00

This morning I got some publicity done for the "Artists in Dreamland" exhibit. The press releases will be in the Coloradoan, Scene Magazine, ReBeet e-newsletter, and the FCMOCA's e-newsletter. Postcards will be coming soon.

I finished the dream mask - I'll kiln it before I fly to San Diego on Friday .m. I think I'll carve the face a little more to accentuate the lines.

I had a dream with werewolves in the last couple of nights and I am inspired to create a fine silver piece to express the different characters in the dream. Dream theory tells us that every bit and part in the dream, including the characters, colors, floor, and sky, are symbolic parts of the dreams...so I have a "werewolves", men in black suits, and a man/woman parts of myself that I want to explore in this piece. Should be interesting.

Hopefully I will get some more of the birdbath done today too. I need to get some pictures posted here!

Entries to Artists in Dreamland juried and backsplash partially intalled

2009-03-18T12:56:00.000-07:00

We juried the entries to Artists in Dreamland on Friday last week. A list of accepted pieces can be found at http:www.Dreamartshow.com - click on the image of the card and it'll take you to the list.

Yesterday I installed my client's backsplash - it's where her sink and phone are. Today's inspection - looks good and she's happy.

I'm still working on the mosaic "Blobs chasing me" and waiting for more PMC to add to the mask. I had a really bizarre dream last night and if I have enough time I may try to create a piece to express that dream

DreamMosaics Studio updates

2009-03-12T18:06:00.000-07:00

I finished a panel of the kitchen backsplash today - and finished a mosaic mirror yesterday. I hope to complete some more pieces that have been "work in progress" for quite some time. I have one mosaic wall piece, a fine silver box, and some jewelry pieces to finish. I also have the fine silver mask and a mosaic wall piece to finish up for the dream art exhibit.

I received four more entries for Artists in Dreamland today. The jury meets tomorrow to review the artwork and the dreams that inspired the work. I'm not sure I've counted right, but I think we now have 38 entries to take a look at tomorrow. I will post the results on http://www.Dreamartshow.com and http://www.DreamMosaics.com on Friday night. Then I'll contact each artist with the results over the weekend.

Karen Endres, Dee Dee Hampton and Maya Dobroth have also accepted the invitation!

2009-03-10T08:09:00.000-07:00

This is a bit belated - but it's news! In addition to the open call for entry, I had invited Dee Dee Hampton, Karen Endres, Maya Dobroth, and Laura Atkinson to submit dream art for the upcoming Artists in Dreamland exhibit. I noticed that I posted that Laura had accepted the invite, but forgot to mention the other three artists - oops! The great news is that all the invited artists have responded and...

Dee Dee Hampton has accepted the invitation to submit dream art for Artists in Dreamland - she has sent in three entries.

Also Karen Endres has accepted the invitation to submit dream art - I think she'll be bringing in two pieces. I'll see them today at PRAC.

Maya Dobroth has accepted the invitation to submit - I'm not sure how many pieces she'll be submitting. She'll be bringing her pieces in on Friday the 13th.

Deadline for entries for "Artists in Dreamland" is today

2009-03-10T08:05:00.001-07:00

I'm about to head over to Poudre River Arts Center for most of the day, to receive dream art entries for "Artists in Dreamland". I'll be there from 11 to 4 p.m. except for a quick run over to FStop coffee shop for a cup of Americano. Today is a coffee day! The coffee shop is on the south side of the building so I won't be far.

Studios news

2009-03-08T16:59:00.000-07:00

I'm kilning my newest PMC pieces today - some will be tile for mosaics, some will be barrettes, some will be who-knows-what.

I have two mirrors started with fused glass pieces as focal points - now need to finish them.

I have the bubbles done for the birdbath pedestal. Tomorrow I will thinset them on and then start the movement of mosaic pieces up the pedestal.

The kitchen backsplash is coming along - need to install it and see where we are on the wall.

I'm stuck on the concrete dream-inspired sculpture - it's more about lack of time and energy to do it. So maybe it'll be ready for the dream art exhibit next year, as the altered book I started.

The deadline for entries for the Artists in Dreamland art show is Tuesday March 10th - I'll be at Poudre River Arts Center from 10 to 4 or so. If you need an extension, please let me know - the jury meets on Friday so we have a couple more days if you need it. I will post the accepted pieces on http://www.Dreamartshow.com and http://www.DreamMosaics.com - probably will email the artists too.

Artists in Dreamland entries are coming in

2009-03-04T06:13:00.000-08:00

I'm excited - so far we have 14 entries to the Artists in Dreamland show. This year we have entries from Boulder, Canon City, Loveland, Estes Park, and Rhode Island...oh and Fort Collins of course. It's so fun to read the artists' dreams that inspired the creation of their work and how dreams inform their artwork.

Maya Dobroth has kindly accepted to serve on the jury the work - we will jury the work on March 13th. Then I'll post the accepted art and artists' names here and http://www.Dreamartshow.com and probably http://www.DreamMosaics Studio (Dream art show page).

Studio update: working on the kitchen backsplash today (commission) and the commissioned birdbath is coming along. I will be working on it during the gallery walk (First Friday is March 6 this month). I hope to see you then!

Invited dream artists Laura Atkinson has accepted the invitation!

2009-02-10T08:45:00.000-08:00

Good news - dream artist Laura Atkinson has accepted my invitation to submit two pieces for the "Artists in Dreamland" exhibit!

I have received another submission for jury - so we're rocking along!

If you want to take a look at the prospectus and entry form, go to
http://www.Dreamartshow.com and click on the image of the card and it'll take you to them.

Artists in Dreamland

2009-02-10T07:49:00.000-08:00

The Second Annual Dream Art Exhibit
Poudre River Arts Center Main Gallery

April 29 – May 16, 2009

Exhibit theme: Dreams, rich in visual imagery and symbols, are a natural source of creative inspiration for artists. While some artists use a dream to express a powerful idea in their art, others use their art as a means to explore their dreams. The pieces selected for this exhibition will provide visitors with a unique opportunity to view dream art as well as the dreams of the art makers. It will be like looking into the dream diary of the artists.

Entry requirements: Open to residents of any U.S. State, territory, & District of Columbia. Work must showcase the theme subject as well as the dream narrative. Artwork that isn't clearly inspired by a particular dream will not be accepted.

Any artwork is eligible: paintings, ceramics, fibers, digital, photography, drawings, sculpture, mosaic, and other media. Maximum dimension of any one side of a 2-D work (including frame) must be less than 36 inches.

Commission: There will be a 25% commission on all sales.

Entries: All Artwork will be judged from digital submissions or photographs of the work. No slides. Send copies not originals.

Submission Guidelines: Mark each entry with your name and phone number. Number entries to correspond to the entry form. A narrative must be included, to illustrate how the dream inspired the creation of your art.

Digital: JPEG, PDF, CD-Rom, DVD.

Three dimensional entries: Three views of the entry are required and will be considered as one entry.

Send your entries to: Kat Peters-Midland, DreamMosaics Studio 406 North College Avenue Fort Collins Colorado 80526. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of submission of entry, if you want it returned. The deadline for entries is March 10, 2009.

Form: Complete the form found at http://www.Dreamartshow.com. Use additional copy or sheet if more than four entries are submitted. The dream that inspired each piece must be included.

Fee: The entry fee is $10 per artwork. Enclose your entry form and a check or money order for the total entry fee payable to Kat Peters-Midland.

Accepted work: Notification of acceptance will be posted on www.dreamartshow.com by March 14, 2009. Two dimensional work must be framed and wired for hanging. Delivery and return from DreamMosaics Studio is the artists' responsibility. Detailed shipping instruction is provided with acceptance notification.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-07T14:22:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I love the new year - I think about and plan what do I want to do and learn this year - new art media to try. I feel more energy and to expand and learn I think.

I'm scheduled for a couple of art classes - one is next Tuesday and one is scheduled for that weekend, the 17th and 18th. The first is a Klimt-style painting class, which I'm really excited about. The second class is the Level I PMC Certification class. The talented Peggy Houchin will be teaching the class. Her website is: http://www.bellabeadsandwax.com

FYI mosaic enthusiasts - my mosaic office coasters, magnets, crosses and inspiration cubes will be at the Bellevue Store this weekend, starting Friday night. Bev always puts on a nice art opening party on Friday night complete with wine, cheese, and other goodies - I hope you can make it!

Dream art lovers - the Dream Art Exhibit will be April 19 to May 16 2009 at the Poudre River Arts Center in Fort Collins again! This year the dream narrative will accompany the piece of art in the exhibit. This will give our visitors a unique opportunity to experience the dream as well as the art piece that was created as a result.

I have invited a number of artists who create dream art to participate in the exhibit. So far Dee Dee Hampton and Karen Endres have agreed to have some of their pieces in the exhibit, which is exciting.

I am still looking for more artists who interpret their dreams through the creation of art. All media! Email me at dreammosaics@comcast.net if you are interested in having your dream art portfolio reviewed.

Mosaic on!
Kat

DreamMosaics studio news

2008-12-16T11:28:00.000-08:00

I'm done with my holiday craft and art fairs for the year. So this is the time of year that I do a lot of exploring and experimenting with other art mediums and other ways to improve my mosaic art. I've been creating some fine silver pieces to add to my mosaic art - and in January I will take my first Level One class to become certified. I will chronicle what I learn and figure out about PMC (precious metal clay). I'm also experimenting with soldering some pieces that will have some of my favorite quotes and images. The next media I'm going to play with is enameling and fusing glass and metals. Who knows what will be next?

I have also decided to create and carry an earth friendly line, something that will help use up my many beer bottle caps. I haven't been able to throw them away and now I have figured out what to do with them - make magnets with them! I can make them really affordable and they're fun to make.

I also have decided to take the plunge to start selling on the internet on two different sites. One is on www.Artellaland.com and the other is www.artfire.com. My earth friendly magnets will be there. So will some of my mosaic crosses. I think I will sell some fine silver pieces on the sites as well. The universe of my art is constantly expanding so who knows what else will come from this time of year!

I recently made arrangements with the Route 66 Gallery in New Mexico to carry some of my mosaic crosses. I will be sending them to the gallery in the next couple of weeks.

I am late again this year, in getting my MOCA mask done for the FCMOCA fundraiser that will be next spring. I got my mask late - that's my only excuse. I asked for a dream to inspire the creation of the mask and got an answer and the design is set - now I need to get it done. Unfortunately my mask won't make it into the brochure unless I get it done in the next couple of days.

opening reception a huge success - and changes coming!

2008-10-07T08:37:00.001-07:00

The Mystery art show opening reception was a huge success - we have a diverse collection of art dealing with whatever we see as Halloween, Mystery - and as I see it, Shadow (Carl Jung's Shadow is the unseen, disowned self which is translated into our fears etc). My shrine to the Shadow was completed for the opening - with the two quotes from Carl Jung and Edgar Allen Poe. I'm pretty pleased with it.

I took down David Richman's mosaic exhibit yesterday, leaving space for my next endeavor at my studio. In talking to an art coach recently, I have come up with a new set of goals that I want to pursue with my mosaic art. I want to start focusing on dream art exclusively (other than holiday gifts of course). My goal is to devote 24 hours a week to finishing "hypnogogia" and creating some other dream art pieces. Some will be wall pieces, some will be sculpture. The pieces will incorporate my fused glass pieces, reclamed glass, and of course some of my favorite glass tile SICIS. The other part of my plan is to start chronicling the creation of the dream art here in my blog. I will be posting pictures of the creation process. Once my shrine (Ode to Shadow) is taken down I will post pictures of it here.

my submission for the Halloween themed art show at Poudre River Arts Center

2008-10-01T07:34:00.000-07:00

My submission is almost done - I have mosaiced a cube with a river running along the outside and mirrored glass on the inside. The inner part is what I'm still working on. So far it looks like it'll be a mosaic of soldered pieces with these quotes, maybe more, dealing with our fear of the Shadow, the unknown of the inner and outer world...

Deep into that darkness peering,
long I stood there, wondering,
fearing, doubting, dreaming dreams
no mortal ever dared to dream before.
~Edgar Allan Poe

At first we cannot see beyond the
path that leads downward to dark
and hateful things - but no light or
beauty will ever come from the man
who cannot bear this sight. Light
is always born of darkness, and the
sun never yet stood still in heaven
to satisfy man’s longing or to still
his fears.
~C.G. Jung

Now to get a picture of it up here!!

David Richman's World of Mosaics exhibit extended for one more week!

2008-09-29T09:24:00.000-07:00

David and I have decided to extend his mosaic art exhibit for one more week. The exhibit wall is full of David's rich and wonderful wall mosaics. There is a country church, which has been a favorite of many. Actually I'm surprised that it hasn't sold yet. There is "Bird of Paradise", another favorite of our visitors.

This exhibit runs concurrently with the "MIDNIGHT – THE ART OF MYSTERY, MAGIC AND MAYHEM” exhibit in the main gallery. It is also Poudre River Arts Center's second anniversary event - so we'll have live music and refreshments - and I think even costumes! While you are looking at the exhibit in the main gallery, be sure to check out all of the artist studios upstairs. Watch them as they work, askthem questions, and experience the art process in their habitat.

Poudre River Arts Center is a bit challenging to find - but worth the effort to find it. It's on the corner of Willow and College Avenue. The old Taco John's building is kitty-corner from our building. The address is 406 North College Avenue. DreamMosaics Studio is adjacent to the main gallery - so it's easy to find when you enter. Hope to see you there!

Opening reception for horse art show and David Richman's World of Mosaics exhibits

2008-09-16T08:37:00.000-07:00

There will be an opening reception for an open house for the horse art shows in the main gallery at Poudre River Arts Center and the Center for Fine Art Photography. I will also have an open house at DreamMosaics Studio that same night, featuring David Richman's World of Mosaics exhibit. The open house is this Thursday night, September 18th from 6 to 9 p.m. We will have refreshments - and it's free and open to the public. Hope to see you there!

Art show 08

2008-09-14T08:25:00.000-07:00

This is the last day of the Art show 08 at the First Baptist Church in Fort Collins. We had a wonderful opening on Friday night, which coincided with the open house at the church. The event was visually stunning, full of beautiful music, and teeming with people. We have jewelry, original paintings (oil, acrylic, watercolor), pottery, mosaic, and so much more. I guess we have over 40 artists at the show. I am selling my small offering of mosaic crosses, bonestatic leash hangers, magnets, and one of my newest mosaics: Inspiration cubes. The crosses and magnets are a hit, as usual.

I hope you can make it today - the open house is from 10 to 12 noon today. I know the window of time is pretty small - but it's worth it. If you can't make it today, come to my studio at Poudre River Arts Center - my crosses will be displayed there. I think my exhibit wall in October will have of my mosaic and fused glass crosses. I had scheduled myself to be the exhibitor - so I guess this will be it.

DreamMosaics Studio is the premier studio in the Poudre River Arts Center, on the main floor, just before the steps. I hope you can drop in - have a cup of coffee, talk about art, and enjoy!

David Richman's World of Mosaics

2008-09-14T08:19:00.001-07:00

David Richman is a very talented veteran mosaicist - he has been mosaicing since the 1950's and has had some breaks from creating mosaics from time to time in his life. He has 9 pieces of mosaic wall art in an exhibit in my studio and they are phenomenal - and they are all new except for one, which is his first.

I think my favorite is "Bird of Paradise". At least today - other days another mosaic speaks to me. I think many people agree with me - the Bird of Paradise got lots of attention and oohs and ahs during the opening reception. The opening reception was on the first Friday of the month - our gallery walk. We had a great turn-out that night.

The exhibit will be up all month of September. I hope you can come and see it - it's worth your time and effort to find the sometimes-hard-to-find Poudre River Arts Center. The address is 406 North College Avenue - it's on the corner of Willow and College. The corner has the Taco John's building and a gas station as well.

The gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 10 to 5 p.m. Of course you can call me to see the exhibit by appointment. I already have a group coming on a Monday at 2 p.m.

Rocky Mountain Association of Mosaic Artists "Reflections" Exhibit opens on Friday

2008-07-30T07:31:00.000-07:00

Rocky Mountain Association of Mosaic Artists "Reflections" mirror exhibit opens on Friday August 1st, which is during the gallery walk in Fort Collins. The exhibit runs through the month of August and will be featured in the DreamMosaics Studio at Poudre River Arts Center. This event is free and open to the public.

There are over 20 mirrors in the exhibit, created by local artists, ranging in style and color. No two mirrors are the same. The artists whose work are in the show are: Carrie Murphy, Kathy Thaden, Linda Shields, Judy Conroy, Wendy Dumas, Judy Nixon Kent, Rita Schelin, Wendy Wadge, and Kat Peters-Midland.

The exhibit runs concurrent with Suzanne Johnston's new exhibit in the main gallery at Poudre River Arts Center and The Center for Fine Art Photography's "The artful nude" exhibit.

The opening reception for this exhibit is Friday night, August 1st from 6 to 9 p.m., which is during gallery walk. Refreshments will be served. If you can't make it to the opening reception, the studio will also be open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 to 5 p.m.

DreamMosaics Studio
at Poudre River Arts Center
406 North College Avenue
(on the corner of College Avenue and Willow)
Fort Collins, CO.

For directions to find Poudre River Arts Center go to http://www.PoudreRiverArtsCenter.com.

DreamMosaics Studio is moving!

2008-06-05T06:53:00.000-07:00

Well, just downstairs to the main floor of Poudre River Arts Center. It is Studio 105the premiere studio on the main floor, where Barbara Moore, Jan Allen and Bob Matthews exhibited their work for the last two years. This studio will allow a lot more exposure to the public and it's more than double the studio space I have right now and I'm really excited to take on this new venture. July will be the month of preparing for this new venture - first, I will paint the studio a neutral color, probably gray, hopefully to lighten up the space as well as make it fitting for exhibiting all forms of art.

My plan for this new studio is to make it a working studio (where I create and sell mosaic, fused glass items, batik, and other art) plus have more art shows, classes, and art demonstrations in that space. I will start offering a Guest artist program in August, to help emerging artists with getting their work out in the public. They will exhibit and sell their work at my studio for 1-3 months. How long the exhibit is depends on what the artist wants. The east wall will be where we'll exhibit the work. The first day of the exhibit will be the first Friday of each month, when we have the gallery walk and the most exposure.

I want to also feature art demos during the gallery walk. Sharon Stuart will be demonstrating Ikebana in August or September. It should be a hit! I also hope to have an artist demonstrate bead-making and cutting smalti with a hammer and a hardie. I'm open to other ideas - so let me know what other art demos you'd like to see.

I'm still developing my plans, so I'm sure there'll be more.

More to come!

Dream art show and more

2008-06-05T06:46:00.000-07:00

The dream art show went well - we had 97 people come in expressedly to see the show, not counting our First Friday (gallery walk) crowd. The show was multi-media (which was my intention) - we had paintings, mixed media, mosaic, sculpture, and film.

We had a "people's choice" vote for our audience to vote for their favorite pieces.
The people's choice awards went to:
1st place: Nanci McCutcheon's "Wisdom of the Earth"
2nd place: Magic of the Crystal Tree
3rd place: Kirsten Truman's "Detachment"

My camera is missing so I didn't take pictures of the show, but we videoed it. The video will be posted on Utube and MySpace and hopefully on the new www.dreamartshow.com website. I'm still in the process of writing the text for the website. Stay tuned - more to come!

Dream art show update

2008-04-16T10:07:00.000-07:00

Well, we heard from over 20 artists who submitted their art for the juried dream art show! I have emailed and called all of the artists and made arrangements for them to drop off or send their accepted art.

Boxes are arriving daily! I already have 6 dream pieces locked in my studio, waiting for hanging and exhibition. Yesterday Barry O'Riley from Laramie Wyoming, dropped off his 4 dream paintings. Tomorrow I meet with Irene Mok, for her to drop off her work. This weekend more artists will be dropping off their work.

The show opens on Wednesday April 30th and it runs until the 14th of May. The opening reception is Friday May 2nd from 6 to 9 p.m., when we have refreshments and live music. Celtic harpist Dave Tharp will be playing that night, which will set a nice soothing tone to the show.

I will post pictures here soon.

MOCA mask show

2008-03-30T22:02:00.001-07:00

I forgot to mention this in my last blog - my mask will be in the FCMOCA mask exhibition. The show opens on Friday April 4th from 6 to 9 p.m. Be sure to stop by and check out the show - it looks like it's going to be a great one!

Dream art show and sale in Fort Collins Colorado

2008-03-30T21:55:00.000-07:00

I have put out a call for entries for the first annual Dream art show and sale that will be exhibited at Poudre River Arts Center. The deadline for submissions for consideration is this Saturday April 5th. I have given a couple of artists an extension, which is available to anyone who needs it. The extension is April 10th since the jury meets on April 12th.

I'm hoping for all kinds of media for this show. So far I have received submissions of paintings, art quilt, sculpture, photography and mosaic art. If we can figure a projector, we will also have a dream inspired film, which would be exciting.

The show opens on April 29th and runs through May 14th. The opening reception is Friday May 2nd from 6 to 9 p.m. We'll have music and food - and great art to enjoy.

Stay tuned for more news about the show!

Mosaics for "Mosaic of the Arts"

2008-01-23T04:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I finished my commissioned project of 120 mosaic magnets for the Fort Collins Arts Alive. Their "Mosaic of the arts" fundraiser is this weekend and the magnets are a little party favor/thank you for their supporters. I will be donating a functional mosaic vase for their auction as well. I took pictures of some of the magnets and will post them here soon.

The other project I'm finally finishing is my MOCA mask. It's about 2 months late. I need to do some more detail work on it and then find suitable way to hang it (cuz it's pretty heavy) - then I'll turn it in next week. The opening reception of the Masks at MOCA is on April's First Friday Gallery walk.

Now I will be focusing most of my energy and time on the Dream art show that will be in May. I have put out the call for entries in the Healing Path and Dream Network magazines. Their new issues will be out sometime in March I think. I have sent out the call to my email list, and to Loveland Art Academy and Jerrry's Artarama. The call will be sent out to MOCA and Arts Alive next week. The call for entries and entry form can be found at http://www.dreammosaics.com/Dream_Art_Show.htm.

December happenings

2007-12-05T05:50:00.000-08:00

This weekend is the Fine and Funky art boutique at the Opera Galleria in Fort Collins - Friday night from 5 to 9 with carolers coming in and singing. That's my favorite part. Then we're open from 10 to 5 on Saturday the 8th. I have been mosaicing like a mad woman and have 76 mosaic magnets ready. I should have a Christmas themed trivet and a new cross debuing too.

Sunday is the craft fair at Fossil Creek Ranch - we're open from 12 to 5 that day. Artists: Jody Deschenes/j.j.d.esigns/original handmade jewelry, Angie Levasseur/arbonne, Lisa Wilson/novello image photography, Mona Thornton/plum nuts/original handmade scarves, hats, pins; Barbara moore/painter (watercolor - known for her local scenery), Kat Peters-Midland/mosaics - original handmade mirrors, crosses, magnets, etc; Laurie Warren/mariposa designs/fused glass - original handmade serveware, pendants, earrings, cardholders; Amelia Caruso/prints & note cards...that's who will be there!!

I'm almost done with the MOCA mask - I'm very very late in submitting it to MOCA for taking pictures of it for the brochure. I will be grouting it on Monday and then turning it in on Tuesday. I"ll be sure to post a picture of it here - I think it turned out pretty well - it's based on a dream that someone shared quite awhile ago. The dream really spoke to me and I was compelled to work the dream through the mosaicing process. I found that this process of working the dream and mosaicing, I did some personal healing work.

Catching up again

2007-09-05T18:01:00.000-07:00

I have been working at my studio at Poudre River Arts Center 5 days a week so I don't get to the computer like I would like.

I have been working on Transition a little bit each day, except for today. The back of the face is completely mosaiced and the front is about 1/3 done. I need to finish two of the sides as well. I finished a mirror called "Matrix" and have started another one to play with color - purple, red, and turquoise. I also have gotten some magnets and wall-minis done to add to what I sell at The Artist Nook.

This Friday is First Friday Gallery walk in Fort Collins. The artists will be demonstrating their work. Also MOCA has the opening reception for the Studio Tour - I think it's from 6 to 9 p.m. Then the Studio Tour is on Saturday and Sunday the 15th and 16th. Katherine Skaggs' studio is on the tour - come by and be sure to say hi!

Also there is a "Fine Art and Antique show" at The Bellvue Store on Sept 7th 5:00 to 8:00pm and Sept 8th and 9th 10:00 am to 5:00pm. They are also open for the MOCA Studio Tour weekend Sept 15th and 16th from 10:00am to 5:00pm.

This month's featured artists will be- Venita Hawkins-Bird, Amanda Marie, Lynn Schwebach, Laurie Warren, Cindy Caruso-Hatman, Amelia Caruso, Kathy Hartmeister, Leonard Pettus, Rochelle Sage, Pam Furumo, Leslie Smith, Lynn Fecteau, Bev Perina, Tarra Parr, Whitney Clifton, Keri Dotson, Kelly Jones, Diane Finley, Monica Riffe and Sarah Fishburn. They have LOTS of new antiques and books - I have to see what new treasures they have!

Catching up again

2007-07-31T15:45:00.000-07:00

I've been working a lot at my studio at Poudre River Arts Center. Lots of great ideas are being tossed around PRAC, ideas for art shows and invitationals. I really want to curate a dream-inspired art show - I'm thinking in May of 2008. Another artist and I are talking about curating another art show. Stay tuned for more information, when the ideas start hatching and developing (or is it developing and hatching?).

It's been a good couple of months - I've gotten a lot done on "Transition" sculpture (slowed down by deeply cutting my index finger instead of the glass) AND I sold 2 mirrors: "Mirror, Mirror on the wall" and "Blackbird". I also sold a cross and Peace vase at the Art show at Whole Foods art show last month. I'm scrambling to finish some mirrors so my walls won't look so bare.

I just delivered a torso sculpture called "Emergence" to Artist Nook today. The opening reception is Friday from 6 to 8:30 p.m., on the First Friday Gallery Walk. I am also getting ready for "Dog Days of Summer" craft fair on August 18th - it's in Lyons and it's only 9 to 12. I'll bring my mosaiced leash hooks and dog bowl. I have sworn off craft fairs but I couldn't resist this one. I also will be doing a craft fair booth with my friend Cherrie - she'll have her cards and framed art and I will have...not sure yet. Probably some crosses, a mirror or two...I'm hoping some garden art. We'll see.

catching up

2007-06-20T07:32:00.001-07:00

I've been busy mosaicing and teaching beginning mosaics. My mosaic classes have ended and two more ladies have signed up for my next beginning mosaics class. I need to take some time to organize the next class. It's been so fun sharing in the creation of mosaics!

I have been invited to participate in a garden art show at the Whole Foods Market on July 13th, 2007. I'll include more information about the art show when I have it. I've been playing around with new ideas for garden art. I'll mosaic some pots of course, but I also think it would be fun mosaic a garden pole, with a funky monkey on top. A pole like no other, that's for sure. I have poured a female figure to mosaic, a Garden Goddess. I think I'll finish a birdbath and have it ready for the show. The colors are of the ocean - it's beautiful so far.

I have been continuing to work on the Transition sculpture - her face needs to be finished and then I can start building the base. I hope to have the sculpture and base done by the end of July. It's been so slow going because of what creating the sculpture has symbolized for me over the months. I have been slowly creating change in my life as I create the Transition sculpture. I'm not sure what created what - the creation of the sculpture pushing me to make change or me making changes in my life pushing the creation of the sculpture. I guess it really doesn't matter, but both are intertwined. As I write this, I realize that the last step in creating this sculpture is mosaicing the face. As I mosaic the sculpture's Face, I reveal my Face - that is the last step in making a transition, isn't it? I have created faces so many times, most are hidden in some way. One of my first faces had at least half of it concealed by leather.

I do get frustrated with how slow I've been in getting the sculpture done. But I also know that transition into the "New" isn't a quick process - it takes time and it does seem slow, perhaps too slow. But maybe slow change is the healthiest change there is - kinda like losing weight - if you lose weight too fast, it's easier to gain it back. And I do not want to go backward - I like the change I've created so far!

New projects that I've been working on: I have begun painting again. The piece I jsut finished today combines texture, color, and glass (of all things). For me, that's breaking the "rules" of painting - I suppose that's a part of my transition as well. I also have been working on a prayer pole and painting with oil paints for the first time. After the pole is painted in purples, turquoise, orange and deep red, I will attach a string that will hold my prayer flags and perhaps even a feather. The pole is for creating prayer/intention and manifest what I want in my life. It'll join my other prayer pole in my backyard garden. That pole has held strong in all seasons, lovingly reminding me of my prayers and connection with the heavens and earth, for a number of years. I guess it really is time to think about new intentions, to think of what I want next in my transition.

catching up

2007-06-20T07:11:00.000-07:00

I have been invited to participate in a garden art show July 13th at the Whole Foods store on College Avenue, so I've been playing around with new ideas and mosaics. So far, I have decided to mosaic a few pots, a garden ball, and a garden pole (for the lack of a better word). For marketing purposes, obviously I will need to come up with a better name for the pole! I have been working on the Transition sculpture, which is getting pretty close to being done. I have the face to finish (the front and back of it). Then I will be building the base of it soon

I have also started up painting again - it's been a long time since I painted. Another new project is creating prayer poles. I primed, and painted the top part of the pole and next Monday I will paint the rest of the pole, then join them (when dry). Then I'll attach some string on the top and add prayer flags and perhaps a feather at the end.

My mosaic class ended a few weeks ago. A couple of other ladies signed up to do another beginning mosaic class, which will be fun.

My first First Friday

2007-05-01T07:14:00.000-07:00

I moved in my studio gallery at Poudre River Arts Center last week. One of my favorite mirrors sold the day I moved it to the gallery to exhibit. Since then, I have been working hard to have some more mirrors ready for "First Friday" gallery walk, which is May 4th. I'd hate to have too empty space!

I found a great quote:

"An artist is a creature driven by demons. He doesn't know why they choose him and he's usually too busy to wonder why" - William Faulkner

Poudre River Arts Center and dream-inspired sculpture

2007-04-19T08:19:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I move into my new studio and gallery at Poudre River Arts Center. I am so excited! It is a beautiful space with so much potential. The Center has been in operation for nearly a year and has hosted a number of art shows, auctions, fundraisers, and art classes. I'm betting there is so much more that can be done and what can be offered.

I have signed up for the events committe, which (as I understand it) will be responsible for making arrangements and taking care of details for events that the Poudre River Art Association votes to do. Soon we will have our first anniversary party/art show.

I taught the second class of mosaics a couple of days ago, which was really fun. We finished design and will start adhering tesserae (glass) to the substrate (picture frame)next class. I love to spend time with and share ideas with fellow creatives.

Today I'll be working on the dream sculpture. This weekend I'll take a new picture and then post it here, before I move it to my studio/gallery at PRAC. It'll be a work in progree there. I'd like to be mostly done with it by the First Friday in May.

I'll end this with one of my favorite quotes:

Art attracts us only
by what it reveals of
our most secret self.
~Jean Lue Godard~

Dreamgroup

2007-04-15T08:17:00.000-07:00

Today I facilitate my monthly dream group with 4 talented dreamers. It's a nice intimate group, a perfect size, at least in my opinion. It's amazing what depth and "ahas" we get to in 2 short hours.

I found a quote about art that also fits the kind of dream work that I do. As we sit in circle, and listen to someone sharing their dream, we use our empathy, creativity and imagination when we "take on" the dream as our own. Dreams speak in soul language which makes dreams universal. My approach to dreamwork is that the dreams shared in circle is exactly the dreams that we all need to hear, talk about, learn and grow from, as individuals and as a group.

Imagination is the eye of the soul.
~Joubert~

Art quote

2007-04-13T09:42:00.000-07:00

Today I'll be taking some "wall minis" to the Artist Nook to sell - two with hearts, one with inspire, and one with create on it. They're 3 inches by 3 inches - something that you can put on your wall to remind of to be more loving, to create, to live an inspired life...whatever your intention is. I have mosaiced an even smaller "wall mini" with believe on it - it's my favorite.

Here's a quote I love - I love Abraham Maslow. He talked a lot about self actualization, which is a part of the "gold" that we search for, something that Carl Jung also talked about...

A musician must make music,
an artist must paint,
a poet must write,
if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself.
What one can be, one must be.
~Abraham Maslow~

Have a great day!!

An art quote

2007-04-12T07:42:00.000-07:00

Today I teach a Beginning Mosaics class. It's my first class and I'm really excited. We'll start out by sealing the substrate (it's a picture frame today) and then working on the design of the mosaic. I doubt I'll have any time to work on the dream sculpture or Epiphany pot since I have dream group today too.

I love Rumi - and this quote is one of my favorites. Art mirrors the artist, the people who view it and the world...

Body of earth,
Don’t talk of earth.
Tell the story of pure mirrors.
The Creator has given you this splendor.
Why talk of anything else?
~Rumi~

Quote of the day

2007-04-11T10:03:00.000-07:00

Someone sent me this quote today, which reflects the essence of Law of Attraction, that everything begins with a thought. Some people get into that magical thinking, that all they have to do is want and ask for what they want and it'll show up in their lives. This quote reflects all that changes with a thought, that it is a process, and it all begins with us.

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.
~ Frank Outlaw

Dream sculpture: Transition

2007-04-10T10:34:00.000-07:00

The Transition dream sculpture is coming along - I mosaiced about 1/4 of the water late last night. This morning, it looks pretty good. Sometimes I'm not sure how something looks until I've had some distance and time away. Sleep is an amazing way to get perspective.

As I look back, I see that the process of creating the sculpture has been paralleling my process of transition from psychotherapist to professional artist and dreamworker. For months, I was stuck on the sculpture because I was stuck in my life. I have seemed to tread water ever since I left the mental health center almost 3 years ago. I have mosaiced all kinds of items, like furniture, flower pots, mirrors, crosses; and I have sold many pieces. The sculpture just sat there, haunting and naked.

In the last couple of months, I decided to start selling all of my professional books (that I used to have in my therapy office), as well as books that I won't read or need again. As I packed each book, I silently thanked and blessed the person for buying the book as well as releasing my intention that I had at the time that I bought the book. It was time to move on and selling the books felt really good. I was finally making steps to do that.

A part of the Law of Attraction is that you state what you want, "put it out there", listen and heed inspired thoughts and ideas, and you find yourself where you want to be. Most of my therapy books are released and in hands who need them. I have the books that I still want and love. I am creating the life that I love, including mosaicing the Transition dream sculpture. It'll be done by First Friday in May, to symbolize transition is finished - at least this step of transition!

Transition continues to make its transition

2007-04-09T15:24:00.000-07:00

I continue to work on Transition...as I transition into the newest phase of my life.

Epiphany pot, Dream sculpture, and Poudre River Arts Center

2007-04-09T15:19:00.000-07:00

It's spring - happy spring! Between the snowy, cold days and warmer spring days, I have completed part of the face on the Epiphany pot. I now need to mosaic the lips in bright red, which will be fun. So far the consensus is that it's funky and pretty cool (testimonial by some 14 year old boys anyway!). I will have my computer guru help me post a picture of the Epiphany pot soon - I've given up on being able to figure it out by myself.

The dream sculpture, called Transition, is coming along - the tesserae is all nipped and shaped, and some are even adhered to the base. It's looking pretty good and soon it'll have a home. Pictures coming soon.

I have taken the plunge - I have decided to have a studio/gallery at the Poudre River Arts Center in Fort Collins. I move in on April 20th. I'm very excited to join in the artist community of the Center. My studio will feature my dream sculpture and dream pole in process, as well as other dream art. I will also have some of my mirrors and crosses too...and who knows what else.

Epiphany pot

2007-04-03T08:41:00.000-07:00

I've been working on my dream inspired sculpture, very slowly anyway. Today I will sand it so I can work on the face/death mask. I think the colors of the water will be blacks, grays, blues, and perhaps some purple - not sure about the purple.

I have also started another project. I freecycle and I look for different items to transform into a piece of art. Recently I received a large toilet from a fellow freecycler, which was to be transformed into an "Epiphany pot", inspired by something that I saw in one of my favorite tv shows, Scrubs. My epiphany pot will have a face and other features on the toilet, along with with plants growing in its tank, symbolizing the epiphany. I don't think it'll be anything anyone will want to sit on though. I have taken a picture of the toilet with one eye and some of the eyebrow and nose done already. I think it would be really fun to share the process of the transformation of the toilet into a piece of art. But you know, epiphanies are a part of transformation - how appropriate!!

Bellevue store antique and art show and sale was successful!

2007-03-13T15:14:00.000-07:00

The antique and art show and sale went really well this weekend. We had warm, beautiful weather and many lookers and buyers. Some drove up to find the sale and some stopped in as they drove through. Two of my crosses and a flower pot sold, at least by the time I left on Sunday at 1 p.m. It was fun meeting artists from the area and seeing their art too. I also bought one of Leslie Smith's necklaces and Kelley Jones's characters.

Now I need to focus on mosaicing a new mirror for an artist's studio and working on the dream-inspired sculpture. I'll be taking new items to the Artist Nook sometime this week. I'm pretty excited about them - and I'll have a picture or two of them posted here...

My blog in memory of my friend...first published August 1, 2006

2007-03-09T10:37:00.000-08:00

One of my friends died last weekend of cancer. She was a part of our dreamgroup, sitting in circle, sharing and commenting on our dreams. We have been doing this for almost 4 years. I have found that sharing dreams creates an intimacy that nothing else does. When we share dreams, we share our deepest selves, our struggles, questions, fears, triumphs, and our transformations etc. Our dream group shared all of these and more.

My friend got her cancer diagnosis not long after our dreamgroup started. It was a threshold that we all consciously and lovingly walked through, in order to support her in her journey. We talked about so many things, like spirituality, meaning, priorities, family, and of course her fighting the cancer. She was very supportive of my process of expressing my creativity and putting myself “out there.” I’ll be eternally grateful for her unwavering love and support, no matter how ambivalent and skiddish I was in the process.

About a month ago, my friend was hospitalized for medical complications of her chemo treatment. The night before I was to visit her in the hospital, I had a dream that scared me awake. The dream was a bunch of people and I are in a river, the water is probably up to our chests. We all let go of this body (face down in water) and watch it float down the river. I get very anxious and I know I have dreamed this before. I wake myself up. Hours later, I visit my friend in the hospital and there is something that she says that brings the dream memory back. I realize that my dream was preparing me for her next step in her journey - her death. We talked about death, where we go after we die, what happens to our soul, family, and her preparing her friends for her death. She seemed at peace with her death - she even said so. After our talk, I went to my car and cried. Then as I drove home, an image of a piece of art symbolizing death and our conversation flashed - something that I felt drawn to create.

Short of a month, my friend died with her family near. That morning I woke up wide awake and “knew” that I needed to stay awake, to stay present, and "help" her die. I lit a candle I made for her and her cousin, and sprinkled cinnamon around the candle, with the intention of her letting go. A butterfly or moth flitted at the screen and I talked to it, thus beginning my goodbyes. I told my friend “We love you, you fought the good fight, you have done what you can, and it’s time to let go”. I thanked her for all that she gave, who she is and what she has taught us. The butterfly or moth flew away and I felt this relief or lightening of energy -it’s really hard to explain. I later got the call from another friend, that my friend had died that morning. Believe what you will, but it did feel like I helped to hold sacred space for her in her death.

It’s just been a few days since my friend died, but I have been going through “now what?” in my life. I have been really clear about my role in helping her in any way she wanted from me for almost 4 years. Since her death, I have been looking for something to give me direction, something that I know what I’m supposed to do next. There is a reason why I say this, and I think that story is for another time.
But one thing that I will say is that creating art is something that I can not NOT do. I will create that image that I “saw” when I was driving home from the hospital. I will create more dream art too. I certainly will be creating a mosaic memorial for my friend - something to commemorate her life, what she means to me, and what she has taught me.

Working on the dream-inspired sculpture and Bellevue Store antique and art show tonight!!

2007-03-09T10:30:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was finishing up a mirror and in that process, I discovered some glass that I had forgotten that I had. It's brownish-gray and iridescent p and it's beautiful. As I was mosaicing the mirror, I realized that the color was perfect for the dream sculpture, expressing the muddy water in the river. Today I ordered more of the glass and I'll be ready to start mosaicing the sculpture next week.

Tonight is the opening of the antique and art show and sale at the Bellevue Store, in Bellevue Colorado. The hours are 5-8 p.m. tonight, and 10 to 4 on Saturday and Sunday. I will dropping off some more mosaic art - two more crosses, another box, more bone shaped leash hooks, and a picture frame with one of my favorite quotes inserted: "As we grow old...the beauty steals inward". I already have one of my treasure boxes (#2 of 5 series), a flower pot, many crosses, dog bone shaped leash hanger, a couple of mirrors...at least that's what I can think of.

Dream-inspired sculpture

2007-03-06T09:47:00.000-08:00

About a year ago, I wrote about my friend being ill with cancer and finally her death. I can't find the blog anymore so I have decided to blog here.

The night before I visited her in the hospital, I had a dream of a bunch of people and I were standing in a river; the water was about chest-high. We were holding a body that face-down and then we let it go. I watched the body float down the river, and then around the bend. I knew that I had a dream like this one before and didn't want to continue it and pulled myself out of the dream. I was stumped about the meaning of the dream, yet it would reveal itself later.

Later that day, I went to visit my friend and we talked about death, where we go when we died, family, love, etc. She felt the responsibility to prepare her friends for her death, which I was priviledged to be a part of. As we talked, the memory of the dream flashed and I realized that the dream was a preparation for my visit and our talk, and ultimately, her death. As I drove home, I "saw" a completed mosaic sculpture, which I knew was an expression of that dream and my friend's death.

I have been very slowly working on this sculpture over the last 8 months. I have the base poured and the basic structure sculpted; now it's time to start mosaicing it. I have finally decided that the colors will be a combination of many shades of blues, blacks, purples, with some turquoise (to suggest reflection of light), to express the feeling in the dream as well as the imagery.

I hope to figure out how to post a picture of the structure here, and share the process of creating the mosaic. I will also post other pictures of mosaic art and other forms of art that I experiment with here.

About Kat

2006-03-24T11:27:00.000-08:00

Name: Kat Peters-Midland
Location:Colorado

As a mosaic artist, I am inspired by nature, dreams, textiles, and my love of gardening. For me, the ancient art of mosaic is about interpreting fragmented images of an experience, to make a new whole and give it tactile form. As a painter creates an image with one brushstroke at a time, I “paint” in glass, stone, metal, china, shells, and any other material that lends itself to the piece. Each piece is individually prepared and some include pieces of handcrafted fine silver (.99 silver) fused glass pieces, and embossed metal. I use color, texture, contrast, light and reflection in many pieces to create a particular mood, as well as flow and movement.

Much of my work is on recycled items. I enjoy transforming ordinary and old, discarded objects into works of meaning and beauty. I currently do commission work to facilitate my customers’ expression of their unique personality and style in their home, office and garden. I have many pieces in private collections.

Bio:
I was born in Des Moines, Iowa and moved around for most of my life. I have fond memories of going to art galleries and garage sales, looking for art and art supplies with my grandmother, who was a painter and jeweler. I also traveled to visit grottos with my friends and family as much as I could. I took many art classes throughout my life and I experimented with clay, photography, jewelry, sculpture, watercolor and acrylic paint. I discovered mosaic art about 5 years ago and have been mosaicing about anything.