To my fellow miniature artists, supporters and collectors...

 

Dreamer © Barbara A. Freeman

Graphite and Mixed Media on Film 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" 

 

To my fellow miniature artists, supporters and collectors,

It is with regret that I will no longer be entering my work in miniature art shows. Unfortunately, I am no longer able to produce the amount of miniature work that I was once able to, finding myself with more responsibilities and family commitments. I held on to the hope that I would be able to get back to a routine and work again. However, the reality is that grabbing a few minutes here and there do not make for a productive day in the studio.

There is still hope that in the future I will be able to create work to enter local shows. If any of those shows are miniature shows, I will follow the requirements for miniatures as stated in the MAA.  I have remained in touch on social media with the various groups of miniature artists and follow their shows.

I'm sure the past several years have brought changes to so many, I know am not alone. Between the way the world has changed, mourning lost loved ones, the COVID Pandemic, and just growing older, it's life entering another phase. Making art has always been a refuge and that won't change. It's just on the slow burner for now.  So don't give up on me entirely and thank you to all my supporters, collectors and family.   I will still be doing small works and showing in local venues when possible.  Until then...

Regards,

Barbara Freeman

Four Miniatures Juried into the 64 Annual Edmonds Arts Festival 2021

I'm so happy to have my four Fine Art Miniatures juried into the 64th Annual Edmonds Arts Festival! There are more than 400 artists in the indoor gallery room in the Frances Anderson Building and more than 160 in booths outside on the festival grounds.  Music and food will be offered so bring the whole family to enjoy a day in beautiful downtown Edmonds!  Of course, things have been scaled down due to Covid and masks will be required in all indoor venues.  Please don't let that stop you, there will be masks available if you've forgotten yours.

 

 Edmonds Arts Festival

August 27th - 29th 2021

 Frances Anderson Center
700 Main Street, Edmonds WA (map)
 

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday

 

The Conversation © Barbara A. Freeman

4" x 4" Graphite on Claybord  

 

The Conversation © Barbara A. Freeman

4" x 4" Graphite on Claybord - Framed 5 3/8" x 5 3/8"

 

The Mermaid © Barbara A. Freeman

4" x 4" Acrylic on Claybord - Miniature

 

The Mermaid © Barbara A. Freeman

4" x 4" Acrylic on Claybord - Framed 5 3/4" x 5 3/4"

 

You`re Welcome Here © Barbara A. Freeman

3 1/2" x 2 1/2" Ink on Scratchbord - Miniature

 

You`re Welcome Here © Barbara A. Freeman

3 1/2" x 2 1/2" Ink on Scratchbord - Framed 6 3/8" 5 3/8"

   

They Come at Night © Barbara A. Freeman

4" x 4" Ink on Scratchbord - Miniature

They Come at Night © Barbara A. Freeman

4" x 4" Ink on Scratchbord - Framed 5 1/4" x 5 1/4"

 

In addition to the daytime festivities, there is an event on Friday evening to enjoy! It's time to celebrate art and get back in the swing of things! Don't miss the art event of the season as we celebrate the return of the Edmonds Arts Festival! Join your friends and neighbors at this benefit party that supports the arts in our community. Proceeds go to scholarships for art education, grants for art programs, and public art.

 Celebrate Art Party

Friday, August 27, 6:30 - 10 p.m.

On the Plaza at the Frances Anderson Center

700 Main Street, Edmonds, WA

Mingle in the gallery and celebrate in the stunning outdoor setting overlooking Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains and dance to live music on the Plaza. Guests will be treated to cocktails, wine, beer, and desserts.

Parking is limited. Let us help you get there with Uber! With each ticket, you will receive $5.00 towards a ride to or from the Frances Anderson Center. (The discount code will be shared with ticket holders shortly before the event.)

Tickets cost $50 each and can be purchased with a credit card, PayPal, or check.

Put on your dancing shoes and come celebrate!  

Hope you get to enjoy something of this much loved arts festival.  Be sure to check out the show and don't miss the indoor gallery!  Check out my miniatures and all the wonderful work in the show, both indoor and outside!

 

As always, thank you for reading about my work and the shows I'm in.  Have a safe and enjoyable summer!  Remember to support your local artist! 

 

 

Harmony - Accepted in the 22nd Juried Art Show - Schack Art Center - Awarded Honorable Mention

I am so honored to have my work, Harmony, included in this years Schack Art Center's 22nd Biennial Juried Show and it won an Honorable Mention!  The show is a collection from 70 local artists featuring a well-rounded variety of mediums to produce an eclectic and visually stimulating exhibit.  You can view the work on the Schack website, just scroll down the page to view all the work and the artists participating.  The show runs June 17th to July 24th, at the Schack Art Center, conveniently located downtown Everett, at 2921 Hoyt Avenue.(map)  

 

Harmony  © Barbara A. Freeman

  Graphite and Mixed Media on Claybord  12" x 9" - Honorable Mention

 

The 22nd Biennial Juried Show is in the Main Gallery.  Also on display in the Mezzanine Gallery are works from the Summer Solstice Online Auction.  The Gallery Store featuring fabulous local art is also open, and you can view glassblowers at work through the viewing window located in the main gallery!

 

Opening Evening during the Everett Art Walk

Thursday, June 17th 5 - 8 pm

Free and open to the public

 

The Schack will be hosting a Closing Awards Ceremony during the Everett Art Walk on Thursday, July 15th, 5-8pm, with the Awards Ceremony at 6:30pm.

 

Awards Ceremony during the Everett Art Walk

July 15th 5 - 8 pm

 

Enjoy live music throughout.  Beer and wine will be available to purchase in the studios.  If you've never visited the Schack Art Center, this is the perfect time.  All the work in the exhibit is for sale.  It's going to be a great show!  Hope you can make it! 

 

The Schack Art Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and celebrating the arts for the enhancement of community life.  Inside the Schack Art Center, there are exhibit galleries with diverse artwork from locally and internationally known professional artists, as well as emerging young talents.  The main gallery also provides a first-class view into the world of glassblowing. Anytime they are open, you are welcome to watch this fascinating process while admiring the latest exhibit.

 

As always, thank you for taking the time to read about my work.  Remember to support your local artist. May your summer be a time of joy and renewal. 

Vision, Projects, and Thanks

 Well it's sure been a long time since I posted anything here on blogger.  Covid and the lock down delayed some life changes.  Like most, we were ordering food from the grocery stores using pick up and delivery services, seeing our medical people via zoom when needed and not going anywhere without a mask for short necessary trips.  My daughter was working from home and we were keeping Mom safe as well as ourselves.  When the vaccine was offered, we all got it.  Not a lot of new art making happened but I did show work in a few virtual shows.  Probably like a lot of folks, we were keeping a low profile. 

For quite some time,  even before Covid, I had some vision changes that made it difficult to do miniature work.  First my glasses broke, then the pandemic came along. I didn't want to get new glasses as I knew the cataract in my right eye was getting worse and I probably had one in my left as well.  So, to get through the time to when it was safe to go out again and I could afford the procedure, I dug out an older pair of glasses to get by.  They were not only an older prescription,  but were also a bad fit!  Needless to say, my sight for doing miniatures was a challenge, and working was very frustrating! 

 Under Scrutiny (Detail) © Barbara A. Freeman

6" x 6" Ink on Scratchbord - Small Works

 

Finally three days before my birthday in April, I made an appointment with my eye doctor.  He said yes, it was time.  Things proceeded rather quickly after that and the last week in May and first week in June it happened!  I have had the surgery to remove the cataracts in both eyes and now have intraocular lens implants! I love them!  I no longer have to wear glasses and can see so well, it's amazing!  I'm still going through the follow ups, but I am so happy with my vision!  I went to the same place Wayne had his eye surgery,  The Harman Eye Clinic and saw the same surgeon, Dr. Natalia Bajenova.  The staff was great to work with and I felt so pampered the days of my surgeries.  If you are local, I highly recommend Dr. Natalia Bajenova and the The Harman Eye Clinic in Arlington, WA.   They are worth the drive!

Before my eyes were corrected and during the pandemic lock down in 2020, I did a few creative projects just to keep sane.  I made a painted rock miniature to go in a tiny, weathered, child's wagon I turned into a planter with succulents for my Mom.  I was really pleased with the Dwarf and had so much fun painting him! 

Painted Dwarf © Barbara A. Freeman

Acrylic on Found Rock 

 

Succulents Wagon with Painted Dwarf and Twig Tower with Ladder

  © Barbara A. Freeman 

 

Mom with her wagon full of succulents.  I think she likes it! 

I also painted a crow miniature as a gift for my daughter, Gina.  She uses these beautiful bits called Millefiori when she does mosaic.  She had created a cute frame using millefiori in it with a 2"x 2" opening.  I did the crow with this frame in mind.  However, when the painting was finished, I tried it with one of the frames I had and it really went well with the piece.  Turns out, the frame she had would have been too deep, casting too much shadow over it.  She agreed she liked it in this frame better and I think she's happy with it.  We are both fans of crows!

Crow With Millefiori © Barbara A. Freeman  

Acrylic on Illustration Board  2" x 2"

Below is another miniature I made for a friend, who had given me several of these cute ornamental frames.  I've had them for a long time and found them when I was looking for something else! I painted this for her.  It made me happy to do it and helped keep me sane.  Thinking of hope for the future, I titled it "A New Day"! 

A New Day © Barbara A. Freeman

  Acrylic on Claybord  2 1/2" 

Thank you for reading about my work and some personal things in my life.  I feel so fortunate to have had my family near throughout the pandemic.  I give thanks to my husband for driving me to and from my eye surgery, among many other things.  We just celebrated 38 years since we first met in June!  It's been an adventure!  Thankful that my daughter is nearby working safely from home keeping us laughing with her dry wit and sense of humor.  Thankful to have my Mom close by, happy and fun to be around at 90!  Also to my friend who keeps me inspired and stays in touch!  To all my facebook friends for just being there!  Much love to all and here's to A New Day!

2020 Winter Show of Small Works and Miniatures - Parklane Gallery Kirkland WA - I have 5 Pieced of Art accepted!

Five of my pieces, four Miniatures and one Small Work are in this year's 2020 Winter Show of Small Works and Miniatures at Parklane Gallery in Kirkland WA (map). This year their Annual Winter Show will be a 2-month event, November and December. The show will combine the Small Works show and the Miniature show, which is usually held in the spring but had been cancelled due to COVID 19.  Accepted artwork will be shown online and in the gallery in two collections: Miniatures, which meet international miniature standards, and Small Works.  You can read more about international standards at the Miniature Artist of America, AMA site.  This special exhibit of 250 small works and miniatures were selected from over 600 artworks entered from artists across the country!  All accepted works can be viewed online and the Gallery will have a limited number of the work on the gallery walls.  As space becomes available, more work will be hung.  If you see what you like online, give them a call at 425.827.1462.  All work will be for sale and these little treasures make the perfect holiday gift or stocking stuffer!

The Conversation © Barbara A. Freeman

 4" x 4" Graphite on Claybord - Miniature

 

The Conversation © Barbara A. Freeman

4" x 4" Graphite on Claybord - Framed 5 3/8" x 5 3/8"

 

The Mermaid © Barbara A. Freeman

4" x 4" Acrylic on Claybord - Miniature

 

The Mermaid © Barbara A. Freeman

4" x 4" Acrylic on Claybord - Framed 5 3/4" x 5 3/4"

 

You`re Welcome Here © Barbara A. Freeman

3 1/2" x 2 1/2" Ink on Scratchbord - Miniature

 

You`re Welcome Here © Barbara A. Freeman

3 1/2" x 2 1/2" Ink on Scratchbord - Framed 6 3/8" 5 3/8"

 

The show will feature a wide variety of small and miniature artwork sure to please anyone on your Holiday gift list.  Parklane Gallery will be observing WA state's current safety requirements.  Parklane Gallery is located in the heart of beautiful downtown Kirkland at 130 Park Lane, Kirkland WA. 425.827.1462.  Free parking is located below the Kirkland Public Library.  You can view the artwork on the Parklane Gallery 2020 Winter Show website and from there by clicking on Miniatures, Small Works, or by Artists to search or browse.  You'll want them all!

 

November 5th to January 2nd, 2021

Open:  Thursday 1 to 5 

Friday and Saturday 10 to 6

Sunday 1 - 5

  

They Come at Night © Barbara A. Freeman

4" x 4" Ink on Scratchbord - Miniature

They Come at Night © Barbara A. Freeman

4" x 4" Ink on Scratchbord - Framed 5 1/4" x 5 1/4"

 

Under Scrutiny © Barbara A. Freeman

6" x 6" Ink on Scratchbord - Small Works

Under Scrutiny © Barbara A. Freeman

6" x 6" Ink on Scratchbord - Framed 9 1/8"x 9 1/8"

 

 Thank you for taking the time to read about my work.  These times are very stressful and art may be the best gift to give yourself.  Keep joy in your life and love in your heart with art, music, and your loved ones, both human and animal.  Stay safe and be well.     

ICON 2020 "Harmony" and "Under Scrutiny" selected for show

Harmony and Under Scrutiny have been selected to be in this year's 7th Annual Juried ICON Show!  This year the show will be both a physical show as well as a virtual show on the Lynn Hanson Gallery Website.   It's a really exciting show this year and I am honored to have my two works included.  The show runs from September 3 through September 26, 2020, in the gallery and online.  

Harmony  © Barbara A. Freeman

  Graphite and Mixed Media on Claybord  12" x 9" 

 

Under Scrutiny  © Barbara A. Freeman

6" x 6" Small Work  Ink on Scratchbord 

Virtual Art Walk, Thursday September 3, 5:30 *video on website

Virtual Artist Reception Saturday September 12, 2:00 - details coming

Artist Reception and Awards:

Strong Voice in Art

Innovative Use of Materials

and People's Choice Award *

*given to the artist who receives the most votes for their piece.

 

Please vote in person at the gallery or by email at: rrrragggg@yahoo.com. Use the subject line to put the artist name and the name of the piece that you are voting for, nothing else is needed. The votes will be added up and the award will be given Saturday September 12. Voting ends at midnight Friday, September 11.

You are welcome to visit the Lynn Hanson Gallery in person during regular gallery hours of Friday and Saturday, noon until 5 pm. Please call first, (206) 960-2118, to confirm. If you are interested in purchasing a piece, you can make an appointment to see the piece in the gallery, or arrange to have the piece brought to your home or place of business for viewing. To set up an appointment call Lynn at 206-960-2118 or email at lynnhansongallery@gmail.com.

I am very pleased to be a part of this show, there are always interesting interpretations of ICON.  Lynn asked that we each send a statement why our work "says ICON" for us. Here's what I answered for my two works.  Harmony depicts the female spirit that dwells in the forest and sustains all that inhabits it. The feminine spirit is an ICON. Under Scrutiny is the feminine watching over the forest which is her domain. The forest as feminine is an ICON.  Please consider voting for my work for the people's Choice Award! 

 

As always, thank you for taking the time to read about my work.   Art can keep your spirits up and put a smile on your face.  Stay well and support your local artist! 

"Harmony" Juried and Awarded in Shoreline Virtual Juried Art Show 2020

It's always nice to get an email like this, "Congratulations! Your artwork has been selected to be in the 2020 Shoreline Arts Festival Virtual Juried Art Show"!   Even better when the next email is this, "Congratulations! You have won an award (3rd Place!) in the 2020 Shoreline Virtual Juried Art Show"!  This wonderful annual arts festival is usually held at the Shoreline Community College.  This year due to COVID-19, that was not possible.  However, they are pleased to be able to present 261 pieces of 2D and 3D Art and Photography in a Virtual Show online, rather than cancel it all together!  I am honored to have my work, Harmony,  juried into this show!   Here is the link for the show: Shoreline Art Show Link

  Harmony© Barbara A. Freeman

  Graphite and Mixed Media on Claybord  12" x 9"

Harmony© Barbara A. Freeman
  Graphite and Mixed Media on Claybord  12" x 9"  Framed

SHORELINE VIRTUAL JURIED ART SHOW

June 8th - July 31st
  Virtual Gallery Link

People's Choice Award Voting
June 27th starting 10AM to Sunday June 28th ending 4PM

Awards Ceremony Live Streamed
via Facebook Link:  Sunday June 28th 6PM

Explore the virtual gallery of works by local artists. The artwork will be featured online June 8th - July 31st, 2020. People's Choice Award voting will take place on the planned festival weekend of Saturday, June 27th starting at 10am and Sunday, June 28th ending at 4pm. There will be a live stream broadcast of the Awards Ceremony on the  Shoreline Arts Council's Facebook Page page at 6pm on Sunday June 28, 2020.  Please share the above webpage and help us get the word out about the show and voting. The link for People's Choice Award voting will be up on the main Juried Art webpage starting on Saturday, June 27th at 10am.  Check it out and please vote for my work Harmony! Thank you!

All artwork online will be for sale.  Interested buyers can contact Lisa Palmatier, Gallery Director at gallery@shorelinearts.net to purchase the work.

As always, thank you for taking the time to read about my work.  Stay safe and enjoy the summer of change!

Two New Works Accepted in Gallery North Small Works Show 2020! Edmonds WA

Two new works that I submitted to this year's Gallery North - Small Works Show 2020, have been accepted!  They Come at Night is a Fine Art Miniature and Under Scrutiny is a Small Work.  I'm honored to be in the show!

They Come at Night  © Barbara A. Freeman

4" x 4" Fine Art Miniature  Ink on Scratchbord 

Under Scrutiny  © Barbara A. Freeman

6" x 6" Small Work  Ink on Scratchbord

Sixty-nine accomplished and emerging artists from across the US have submitted nearly three hundred original works of art in a variety of media and technique to be juried for this show. Of these, one hundred and sixty-two pieces, the best of the best, will adorn the walls of Gallery North for the entire month of March.  Oils, watercolors, acrylics, ink, block prints, and mixed media pieces, all  curated to complement each other, were juried by award winning artist and author Sue Coccia.  

I'll be attending the reception on Saturday, March 7th, so stop by, say hello and check out the show!

Gallery North Small Works 2020

401 Main Street, Edmonds, WA 98020  (map)

March 1st - March 30th

Artists Reception and Awards Ceremony

 Saturday March 7th, 1- 4pm.

Edmonds monthly Art Walk

Thursday, March 19th,  5 – 8 pm

Hours of operation

Sunday – Friday 11am – 5pm

Saturday 10am - 6pm

 For further information please call us at (425) 774-0946

Scratchbord is a new way of working for me and I'm still not sure what I think about it!  I really love the detail and the fine lines I can get using a sharp point scratching away the ink.  It works in reverse so instead of adding dark like you would with graphite, you create light by stippling or scratching away the ink.  It's done on panels, I usually work on the claybord or scratchbord from Ampersand.  I used ink for color and scratch that to create subtle shades and shapes.  So working back and forth by adding and removing color and line, I get to where I want with the image.  You can find many way of working in this medium by googling scratchboard or on the Ampersand Art Supplies website where you can find their Scratchbords.

Under Scrutiny  © Barbara A. Freeman

6" x 6" Small Work  Ink on Scratchbord  Framed

They Come at Night  © Barbara A. Freeman

4" x 4" Fine Art Miniature  Ink on Scratchbord  Framed

As always, thank you for taking time to read about my work.  Spring is starting to show herself, so hope you can get out to enjoy the beauty of our great outdoors!  Remember to support your local artists!

New Work, Please Remove Shoes Before Entering at Ghost Gallery's 13th Annual Holiday Mini Art Show!

One of my latest fine art miniatures,  Please Remove Shoes Before Entering, will be available at this year's 13th Annual Holiday Mini Art Exhibit! at Ghost Gallery in Seattle!  This is my first year showing at this venue.  It's such a fun and interesting place located in Capitol Hill.  The show opens December 12th during the Capitol Hill Art Walk.  I hope to see you there!

Please Remove Shoes Before Entering  © Barbara A. Freeman

4" x 4" Fine Art Miniature  Acrylic on Claybord

13th Annual Holiday Mini Art Exhibit
Online pre-sale will launch on December 5th at 12pm PST!
Stay posted for the website password & for more sneak peeks!

Online preview on Ghost Gallery's Website

PASSWORD will be "tinygems" (all lowercase)
*Please note, this password will activate at 12PM PST on
Thur, Dec. 5th. It will not work before that time*

The show runs from December 12th thru February 9th 2020

Ghost Gallery  1111 E. Pike Street  Seattle WA  (map)

*Enter on E. Pike through the shared entrance
 with Cupcake Royale (ADA accessible),
or up the stairs via Chophouse Row courtyard.

Please Remove Shoes Before Entering  © Barbara A. Freeman

4" x 4" Fine Art Miniature  Acrylic on Claybord  Framed

The13th Annual Holiday Mini Art Exhibit opens on Thursday, Dec. 12th 5-9pm during the Capitol Hill Art Walk. The Exhibit will remain on view through Sunday, Feb. 10th, 2020. There will be 100's of small works from local & global artists and designers, 95 in total, from Seattle & beyond (including Italy, Berlin and Ukraine)! A list of the artists can be found here.  All work is 10" x 10" and smaller including framing, affordably priced for gifting, collecting and coveting.  The best part is buyers will be able to take home their purchases right away starting Friday, Dec. 13th.  This is the perfect time to buy that special art loving someone an original work that is affordable and fits in even the smallest spaces.

A great place to find something for those difficult to gift folks in your life and you can support the arts and artists! The show extends into February, so hope you get to see this exciting show!

As always, thank you for taking the time to read about my work.  Remember to support your local artists!

"Harmony" Juried in the 41st Annual Arts of the Terrace Juried Art Show and was Awarded Second Place!

I can smell the rain! Autumn is almost here and it's time for the 41st Annual Arts of the Terrace Juried Art Show at the Mountlake Terrace Library Complex! This year my new graphite drawing, Harmony, was selected in the Drawing, Painting and Prints category!  Also excited to learn that Harmony was awarded Second Place! 

Harmony© Barbara A. Freeman
  Graphite and Mixed Media on Claybord  12" x 9"

The show runs from September 21st through October 5th, at the Mountlake Terrace Library Complex, 23300 58th Avenue West in Mountlake Terrace. (map)  The show will be open to the public starting September 21st through October 5th, 2019.  The show will be up for two weeks, hope you get a chance to see it.  I'll be at the show on Sunday, September 22 from 3 to 5 so stop in and say Hi!  I'd love to meet you!  Otherwise, you can catch the show during library hours...

Mountlake Terrace Library Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Friday - Saturday: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sunday: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Arts of the Terrace is one of the major juried art shows held in the Pacific Northwest and attracts top artists from throughout the region.  Always a great show!

Harmony© Barbara A. Freeman

  Graphite and Mixed Media on Claybord  12" x 9" - Framed

Harmony has been slow in coming together.  I've had this image in my head for quite sometime as one in a new series.  My first attempt went really well until I was ready to spray varnish on it.  I really hate that part as I  am not the best at spraying anything!  I don't know if it was too humid or the varnish was old, or what?  Somehow I managed to spray it unevenly and a large area too heavily which ran.  After much screaming (to myself), I waited a few days to be sure it couldn't be saved. It couldn't!  So, I decided to start it over and just enjoy the process.  I ended up expanding the trees and adding darker values which I think made it stronger than the first go round.  However, I was a wreck when it was finished and time to seal it.  This time I used the gloss varnish even though I prefer the satin finish and after a few coats, it proved acceptable!  Relief!

As always, thank you for reading about my new work and I hope you like Harmony as much as I enjoyed creating it! 

29th Annual Shoreline Arts Festival - "The Exchange" Juried in the Show!

Today is the opening of the 29th Annual Shoreline Arts Festival!  This year the festival will be in a new location at Shoreline Community College.  I'm happy that my work, The Exchange has been accepted in their Jurried Show!

The show takes place all weekend with lots of fun filled things to do and see.  Check out their website to read about the schedules for all the many events they have!   The new location is at Shoreline Community College, which has plentiful parking. Check out their map and schedule to help plan out your day. http://www.shorelineartsfestival.org/map/ 

The Exchange © Barbara A. Freeman

 Graphite and Mixed Media on Claybord  9" x 12"

The Exchange  © Barbara A. Freeman

Graphite and Mixed Media on Claybord  9" x 12" - Framed

Sorry this blog is so short and late being posted. I ended up going to the walk-in clinic on Friday to get treatment and chest x-ray for what turned out to be acute bronchitis.  Not sure of the cause since I didn't have a cold or flu but could be allergies?  Anyway,  the good news is I didn't have pneumonia!  Feeling better now except for the cough and being very tired.  Thankfully, I'm on the mend and hope to be showing some new work soon!

As always, thank you for taking the time to read about my work.  Enjoy your summer!

Edmonds Arts Festival 2019 - The Exchange Juried in Edmonds Show

Coming up this weekend is the Edmonds Arts Festival 2019, in beautiful downtown Edmonds WA.  I'm excited that my work, The Exchange was juried in this year's show!  If you would like to see this work as it was created, click on the link to read the blog post for The Exchange, Work in Progress.

The Exchange © Barbara A. Freeman

9" x 12" Graphite and Mixed Media on Claybord

The Exchange  © Barbara A. Freeman

9" x 12" Graphite and Mixed Media on Claybord - Framed

The Edmonds Arts Festival 2019 is a fun filled event held every year over Father's Day Weekend.  The annual benefit that supports the arts in the Edmonds community starts on Wednesday, June 12, 6 pm.  This is a a kick off Art + Cocktails Benefit Party where you can be among the first to view and purchase jury-selected and award-winning art!  Proceeds go to scholarships for art education, and grants for art programs and public art.

This is such a fun festival with artists' booths outside, and three juried galleries inside.  There is food, music, dance and activities for the kids!  In the galleries inside the Frances Anderson Center you'll find paintings, drawings and miniature art, photography, computer art and three dimensional work. This year the work is mixed together in all three of the rooms, so don't miss the work located in the two rooms a few steps up.  Also, you can find the excellent student art show downstairs.

The Edmonds Arts Festival is one of the longest running in the Northwest, attracting artists from across the nation. Profits from the Edmonds Arts Festival are returned to the community through the Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation.

If you get a chance to go, don't forget to visit the inside galleries.  Check out my work, The Exchange in the upstairs gallery!  All artwork is for sale.  Remember, art makes a fine Fathers' Day Gift!  Happy Fathers' Day to all you Fathers out there! As always, thank you for taking the time to read about my work.  Enjoy your summer!

Pets on Parade - Schack Art Center

Two of my miniature paintings will be in the Pets on Parade show at the Schack Art Center in downtown Everett!  This is the first time I've participated in the Pets on Parade Show and from what I've heard it's always a fun time, with well behaved pets attending!  Also during the exhibit, food and pet accessories will be collected to benefit N.O.A.H and the Everett Animal Shelter.  How cool is that!

My two pet works are Afghan Kitty and Gaze into My Eyes, both Fine Art Miniatures.  I also have other animal work in the show, several more miniatures and a small work, so many other animals are represented that are not pets.  There are over forty artists included in this mixed media show! It will be a real treat!

Pets on Parade - Main Gallery

March 7th to April 13th

Opening reception: March 7, 5 - 8pm

The Schack Art Center

2921 Hoyt Ave., Everett, WA(map)

Afghan Kitty © Barbara A. Freeman M.A.A.

Acrylic on Illustration Board 2" x 2 "

Gaze Into My Eyes  © Barbara A. Freeman, M.A.A.

Acrylic on Illustration Board 2" x 2 "

These two brothers are my Mom's cats, Sid (top) and Sam (bottom).  My Mom and Dad lived in Florida and have had them since they were small kittens.  A year after my Dad passed, my Mom agreed to come out to Washington to live, but needed to bring her boys along.  Wayne and I discussed the hows and what it might mean to travel with two senior house cats and my Mom across country.  After discussing several ideas, we ended up buying a Ford Flex which seemed the roomiest to fit all five of us with all our stuff.  We only had time for a few practice runs with the boys to get them used to the idea of a car ride in a cage that didn't end up at the vet!  In the end, though, the trip turned out to be an adventure full of surprises for all of us.  From putting them in a large cage carrier that we had to carry into our hotel room every night, them wearing a harness for the first time and strange new rooms to explore, they actually were good traveling companions!  We were all surprised!  They are now living in their new home here in Everett and seem to enjoy watching the birds out the window and seeing snow for the first time!  Now that they are closer, perhaps I'll have to get them to pose for more paintings!

 Sid (right) first time with a harness and leash.  Stretch break in Richmond Hill, GA

 Sam thinking about a nap and Sid in back wondering if we are there yet!  The large sized cage had a second perch, blue pillow.  They sometimes went up to the second level, but mostly they stayed close to each other.  We carried this cage with the cats inside down hallways and even up a few stairs each morning and evening to and from our hotel rooms.  We had disposable litter boxes and water and food bowls handy and of course treats.  We were there to serve!

 Sam (left) first time in a harness and leash.  Boys are doing great!

I'm really looking forward to seeing the Pets on Parade show with all the wonderful work from over forty artists exhibiting photography, oils, acrylics, ceramics, prints, recycled sculpture, and much more in celebration of the pets they love!

In addition, upstairs in the Mezzanine Gallery will be the Celebration of my friend, Janie Olsen,  2019 Artists of the Year with her show, Animal Kingdom! It will be fantastic to see all of Janie's magical animals in their enchanting environments! If you love animals, this is a MUST SEE SHOW! Upstairs and down, don't miss it!

Thank you for taking the time to read about my work.  Remember to support your local artist!

Serving Masterpieces: Art at The Sisters Restaurant - Autumn 2018

Lyussy Hyder has done it again!  Lyussy Hyder, curator for The Sisters Restaurant has put together a new group exhibit for Fall.  The show, Fantastic! features works of the imagination, including less traditional art, in a variety of media.   The show is now open at The Sisters Restaurant,  2804 Grand Ave in Everett, WA, and runs from September 8th to November 3rd 2018.  Thank you, Lyussy Hyder for including my work in this Fantastic!show!

My three works in the show are, The Exchange, Time Passages, and Outside In.  I think these three works are perfect for a show with a title of Fantastic! and works of the imagination. 

The Exchange  © Barbara A. Freeman

Graphite and Mixed Media on Claybord 9" x 12"

Time Passages © Barbara A. Freeman

Graphite and Mixed Media   10" x 8"

Outside In © Barbara A. Freeman

Graphite and Metal Leaf on Claybord 10" x 8"

The bad news is that this is the last show that Lyussy Hyder is curating at The Sisters Restaurant.  The good news, she is retiring from curating but will be in her studio painting as well as sharing her talents at Schack Art Center teaching!  More good news, Nikki Gardner will be taking over the curator's job at The Sisters starting in 2019.  Looking forward to seeing the shows Nikki Gardner, who is also a wonderful painter,  puts together! 

 Group Show - Fantastic!  

Serving Masterpieces : Art at The Sisters Restaurant 

2804 Grand Ave in Everett, WA (map)
9/8/18 to 11/3/18

On a personal note... I know it's been a very long time since I have been in any shows or blogged about them.  Last year, after losing my Dad and then a few months later, my Mother-law, our lives changed in many ways.  I was so happy when my Mom agreed to move out here! Wayne and I went to Florida to sell her home and prepare for the long move to Washington.  I started the process of selling her home before we even left Washington! With the assistance of our daughter, we bought a home here for her and Gina to share.  Much of that was conducted remotely from Florida!  Then we packed and shipped all she was taking from Florida, giving away or selling the rest.  Wayne drove the three of us, including Mom's two senior cats across country from Central Florida to Everett WA, including a side trip to Pennsylvania to visit family!  We arrived in Florida on April 18th and back home in Everett on June 21st!  I'm still not sure if we've recovered yet!  But I am so happy to have my Mom near!  Slowly, I will be getting caught up and working in my studio again. Wish me luck!  Until then, thank you for taking the time to read about my work.  Remember to support your local artist!