Blue Heron Artisan Gallery - Port Washington, WI

Blue Heron Artisan Gallery

102 E Pier Street

Port Washington, WI

Above is a photo of the Blue Heron Artisan Gallery which recently opened in the charming city of Port Washington, WI.  The gallery is housed in the 1929 historical old fire engine house, which is on the National Register of historic places.

I was recently contacted by the owner/operator of the gallery, Bette Langford, to see if I was interested in putting my fiber fantasy art in the gallery.  I will now be offering my one-of-a-kind, original designed fiber fantasy figures and jewelry for sale at the gallery. This is a great alternative to doing art shows! Below are photos of my creations in the glass case where they will be on display for sale. What I have currently available at the gallery (as of 7/29/12) is what is pictured in each of these 4 photos.  I will be periodically changing the selections in the form of new fairies, mermaids, and fiber fantasy jewelry....fairy face pins, hand knit necklaces, butterfly pins, hand knit beaded earrings and more.  If you live in the area, be sure to stop by for a visit.  There is a lot of great art to look at and buy!

Any artists who are interested in having their work displayed in the gallery, should feel free to contact Betty Langford for further information. As of this past Sunday, July 29th, Bette said she has 3 glass cases still available such as the one pictured below, and approximately 30 walls spaces available. The rental fees are very reasonable.

Below are photos showing several of the artists already displaying their work in the gallery. Bette is also an artist and creates one-of-a-kind driftwood sculptures as shown in the photos below.

Artist, Bette Langford

Artist, Bette Langford

These wall quilts were gorgeous!

The Gallery also has "The Heron's Gift Shop" located in the office area on the main floor where you will find fine collectibles and jewelry.

I will be putting updated photos of the various artists out here, so do stop back for a visit.  Any artists interested in being in the gallery, be sure to contact Betty Langford.  You may contact Bette at the Gallery at: 262-268-0243 or visit blueheronport.com

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - PIGATOPIA

I'm very happy to have this wonderful artist out here on DZFANTASY. Shannon of PIGATOPIA on Etsy is not only a talented artist, but I love how she uses the proceeds from her artistic talent to help animals. I'm sure you will find her work delightful. Be sure to visit her Etsy and Artfire shops along with the other links listed below this interview.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

When I got my first pig, Vinny, I had no idea how hard it was to find a vet that would see and treat pigs. After calling around 30 vets, I was given a phone number for Noah's Ark Pot Bellied Pig Rescue. When I called, I talked to Lynne and I told her that my pig's hooves were over grown and his tusk was starting to touch his cheek. I was worried that the tusk was going to grow into his face. Lynne set up an appointment to come out to my house and trim the pig's hooves and tusk. When she got there, I was wondering how she was going to trim his feet and tusk, after all she was this skinny little thing. I soon found out. We had to catch Vinny and flip him over. Now this might sound easy but Vinny was over 350 lbs easy. It took 15 minutes or so, but we grabbed a hold of him and got his feet out from under him, flipping hinm over. Once we had him over he was not able to get away. Lynne's hubby, Ronnie, quickly trimmed his feet then his tusk. Once we had him flipped, it took 10 minutes to do everything. (this way is safe and painless). We flipped him over and he was on his way eating grass.

I found myself wanting to learn more about Lynne and Noah's Ark so I went to their sanctuary. I fell in love with Lynne's pigs and I soon learned how to take good care of my pig. When I got him off of dog food and put him on pig food, he lost at least 100 lbs. I became good friends with Lynne and donated money to help the pigs whenever I could, but found myself wanting to help her more so I started making art to sell at her annual animal benefits. I now make art to help aniamls across the world.

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?

That is a hard question. I love all mediums. I did not want to be limited in my abilites so I taught myself : oil paintings, watercolor, wood burned art, glass etching, and airbrushing

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?

I get to help animals in need. I feel better at night knowing I helped make a difference.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?

A watermelon, because pigs love watermelons. lol

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?

Watercolors..I am really good at watercolors, but that is because that is the medium I sell the most of.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

I want to bring awareness to animal organizations and help as many animals as I can.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Find your niche in life, do not try and copy what everyone else does. Findiing our own niche means repeat customers. Always try and make the customer happy.

Shannon, thanks so much for sharing your story, ideas and creativity with all of us. Keep up the good work!

PIGATOPIA ON ARTFIRE

PIGATOPIA BLOG

BYHAND.ME

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - NINA'S WINDOW

"GRAPES" by Nina

Let's welcome Nina, whose shop on Etsy is called Nina's Window. What a exquisite painting! I happened across Nina's work and was so entranced by the colors and designs, that I had to write her and ask her if she would be a "featured artist" on my blog. Happily, Nina agreed!

Read below to hear what Nina has to say about herself and her artwork. I think you will find it truly inspiring and wonderful! Be sure visit NINA'S WINDOW and her other links to see and learn more about this talented artist.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I discovered my artistic ability after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis about 9 years ago. To say that my life would change drastically would be an understatement. Before my diagnosis, I was an extremely active person. I played organized softball, rode mountain bikes, went camping, enjoyed hiking, water skiing, and snow skiing. My husband and I did a lot of this together along with our three children.

One day out on a walk with the family, I began to stumble and I could not figure out why. We sat for a while and after resting I felt fine again. As time went by, I began to have more and more of these weird feelings in my left foot, numb feelings on my ribcage, blurred vision and feeling completely exhausted. It was a frustrating road to diagnosis because the doctors were unable to pin point the cause. It was not until five years later and several MRI’s that I was diagnosis with MS. I was told there is no cure. Doctor’s do not know how, or why, some people get it. Some doctors believe it is caused by genetics, cold weather, and certain vaccines. It is a progressive decease.

“Progressive” was the operative word for me. I am a realist. I had a pretty good idea of what my future was going to look like as far as my physical activity level and mobility was concerned.

I understood it was not a pretty picture. But it is what it is; I needed to put into perspective what I planned to do with what I had. I’m not only a realist, I am also a fighter. I began to pray diligently. I asked God to give me a new passion and purpose in life. I knew that God had not given me, an outgoing and spirited personality to end up in a wheelchair just looking out a window. I knew he had a purpose and a plan. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Dwelling on that, I kept praying.

A very good friend and neighbor gave me some paints and a canvas for a Christmas gift. She said “I know you would be good at painting. You are so creative and outgoing!” I responded, “Thank you”. When she left, I put it all in the closet, "out of sight, out of mind". I had never painted a thing in my life. Truth be told, I had no desire to. Going to art shows or museums was boring in comparison to my previously active lifestyle. So, I kept praying and telling God that I needed Him to give me a new passion…by the way painting was not what I had in mind.

Meanwhile my disease was progressing. I was experiencing less and less mobility. Throughout this entire process, Mondays were coffee days in my neighborhood. This particular Monday I woke up with a different feeling in my heart. As we were all sitting around talking and laughing I announced that I was going home and I was going to paint. I remember going to the closet, pulling the paints and canvas out and wondering how on earth I was going to make something look like anything on this white canvas square staring at me. I was scared. This was not my thing… or so I thought. But I felt that God put this desire in my heart for some reason. I do believe that when God closes a door He opens a window. The door has closed for me physically but He has opened a beautiful window for me with my art. That is why I call my artistic ability “Nina’s Window”. I give God all the glory and the credit. He has been so faithful to me. I love painting. It is so inspiring and it has given me such a venue to express myself.

I love seeing the joy on my friend’s and family’s faces when they see my art. Watercolor is my favorite painting medium. I like the unpredictable qualities it has. Through art, I have met wonderful people and I have learned a lot about myself as an artist and as a person.

Is living with MS difficult? Yes. Do I have difficult days? Sometimes. Am I angry? Absolutely not. My husband and I have three children. Our daughter Erika is 24, married and has a baby boy. Our sons are Ryan, 21, and Jeremy, 19. I have to be honest and say that I don’t know what the future holds for them. Difficult times and challenges come to all of us. I want them to see how full life can be in spite of very difficult challenges. I want them to persevere, be tenacious and to be fighters. I want to inspire in them the belief that God is faithful and that He will never leave us or forsake us.

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?

I started with oils (which is what my friend gave me), but it took too long to dry. I switched to acrylics and really liked it. However, once I tried watercolor I was sold. I love how it can be so unpredictable. It is by far my favorite.

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?

I love that there are no rules. I paint what I want, when I want and if someone likes it? Well that much better. Getting lost in color and creating is the best part.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?

I would choose a red chili pepper. I love the color red. I think of my work as very colorful, passionate and spicy. Making a statement.

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?

I would say "music". Specifically, the trumpet. I am a real tomboy. Piano, violin, flute, etc. they just weren't me. I love the sound of a trumpet.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

Fun! How color lifts your spirit!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Paint, paint and paint. Don’t give up. The more you paint the better you get. Don’t let anyone discourage you. There is no such thing as a mistake. You learn something every time you paint. How can that be a mistake?

Nina, I can't tell you what a pleasure and honor it has been to have you out here on my DZFANTASY blog as a featured artist. I'm sure your story will inspire others. What a great spirit and gift you have! Be sure to visit Nina's links to find out more about her and her wonderful work.

A CHERISHED MEMORY (Nina's other Etsy shop)

BARGAIN BELLES