A Perfect Summer Day of Art — and Heart

Summer is here, and with my kids out of school and in-and-out of camp, I’ve decided – okay, accepted – that there won’t be much, if any, studio time in my near future. I’m mostly at peace with that, and instead I’m hoping to channel some creative energies into this here blog.

Somehow that seems more manageable: I can sit on my bed in my pjs and pound away on the keys for 20 minutes while my boys run in and out of the room, rather than delve into the messy painting-clothes-required world of wet-paint-that-must-be-used-before-it-dries and please-don’t-interrupt-me-I’m-in-the-middle-of-something!

That being said, July 21^st was a long, hot day for CheekyKiwi Creations. With almost nothing on the books all summer (Marin County Fair and a show at Café Arrividerci in San Rafael notwithstanding), I found myself in back-to-back art shows on one of the steamiest days of the summer. First up: An Art Fair to celebrate Whole Foods’ 20^th anniversary in Mill Valley. Our sales were slow (if only we artists had been able to set up next to that free ice cream booth!) but conversations between a painter, a print maker, a ceramicist, and a sculptor flowed: What was the difference between art and craft? When did you become an artist? How do you market your work? And aren’t we lucky to be sitting in the shade?

From Mill Valley, it was straight to San Anselmo for the first annual Art On the Lawn party at FaireCool Studios. Dear friend, beautiful painter, and community-builder extraordinaire, Elizabeth, conceived of, organized, and created a magical night in the front yard, with ten artists, two musicians, and loads of supporters enjoying the warmth of the evening and a remarkable collection of paintings, textiles, sculpture, cards, and gifts. Participating in AOTL was like being invited to a fantastic outdoor cocktail party with Real! Live! Art in attendance. FairieCool Studios is already planning for next year’s event, which promises to (somehow) be even bigger and better!

All in all, it was a great day of seeing friends, old and new; connecting and make connections; and enjoying plenty of food and food for thought. I can’t think of a better way to spend hot summer day in beautiful Marin.