Romans 12: 7-9

As I'm trying to decide what to paint and donate to the First United Methodist Church fundraiser, I realize it's very hard to choose what subject to paint for such...the fundraiser auction is for the upcoming mission trip to Costa Rica and ends on April 11th.  Admittedly and not proud of, I am not one to quote bible verses,  however, I love searching for particular ones based off of subject matter.  When I came across Romans 12: 7-9, I knew it was perfect for the occasion.  Of course I had to make it somewhat abstract, as that is what I do!  I hope you like it!  Anyone can stop by the church during the week or on Sunday and see all of the fabulous items up for auction.  The youth would be greatly appreciative of your support.

It's Been Crazy...

...so the reason for not posting regularly here on my blog! Not only has the real estate business been busy in our market area, but myself and a friend of mine (and former co-worker at Holden & Company) Micah Holden have spent the last five weeks or so putting together a new business! It is an art cooperative located in downtown Searcy, Arkansas named Second Saturday Studio! The building we are located in is part of the Main Street Searcy program and we are tickled to have their help and support.

We are starting out only opening on the Second Saturday of each month, hence the name, and had our first one this past Saturday...we had about 300 come through the doors of our little 435 square foot space and we are so grateful...Searcy is not exactly known for it's culture I have to say, but we are trying! It is amazing how many fellow artists we have met starting this venture and we talk to more everyday. They are like we were...doing something they love without a place to show it off and sell it...we hope to change that, so while this blog is going to be a more personal one, I will still be sharing art pieces as completed, before they are taken down to be displayed in the studio...please join me in supporting the artists from in and around our community and pop on over to secondsaturdaystudio.blogspot.com to check it out...thanks so much!

A New Business Adventure...

...has kept me busy in the last week...my dear friend and former broker Stuart Dalrymple, are currently working on a new project for downtown Searcy. There is a story behind this...a couple of years ago, I sold the building that housed the Van-Atkin's Department store for decades to Stuart...it was owned by Rick, my husband and his family...they did not wish to keep it even though I adored the place and would loved to have worked and lived in it...with that being said, Stuart purchased it with the intention of keeping retail space on the lower floor and turning the upper area into lofts...

The ground floor consists of 10,000 square feet, 5,000 of which is shared by The Boutique and Tara Dalrymple's Dance Studio...that leaves us 5,000 square feet and an idea of what to do with it...

Stuart knew that I love art and was looking for a place to display and sell it, that I love the building in particular with it's history and beautiful old details that it presents, such as the ceiling tin shown here...(it was built in 1895 and is included in our Main Street Searcy District which we became a part of a couple of years ago)...so he called me in to see if I would like to help in making the place into a gallery type rental spaces for artists, crafters, gifts, decor, etc...we are currently looking for interested parties and are working out the details...if you have always wanted a small business but didn't want the big overhead, or if you are looking to show off your work and a place to sell it, contact me today with what you have in mind...we are very excited about bringing a great place to Searcy where you can find something for everyone or a great place just to come and browse and see what's happening...you can reach me anytime by email...kelly@cbcompleterealty.com!

A New Found Friend...

is Pamela Kelso Craig, artist and owner of Rivertown Gallery in Memphis, TN! Rivertown Gallery
is a small, independent, artist-run gallery located on Mid-America Mall (Main Street) directly across from a trolley stop and one block north of The Orpheum. I am currently working on a new business venture (I will fill you in on the next post!) and she has so graciously shared information and ideas with me after I sent her an email with questions regarding her wonderful place...

You know how it is...some people love to help others...others not so much...I don't know why that is, but I do know that Pam has continued to be in contact with me and I'm grateful...I feel like she is going to be a great friend, even though I have never met her in person...I so look forward to going and seeing her beautiful work in person, along with the other artists currently displaying their work...shown here is a sold piece from Pam entitled "Yellow Afternoon"...I thank my new found friend and if you're Memphis, stop in and see her...

Soaking Up Art in the Rock...

My hubby Rick and I started the day off last Saturday by going to the Arkansas Arts Museum in Little Rock to see the Andy Warhol, 15 Weeks of Fame exhibit...

Warhol was and still is, a pop art artist, international celebrity and cultural icon. Warhol changed the art world's definition of what art truly is. The exhibit features Warhol's paintings, drawings, celebrity silkscreen prints, three-dimensional objects, famous screen tests and his Silver Clouds installation, which we both really loved. This show is the first of its kind in Arkansas and we are lucky to have gotten to see it! The exhibit runs through February 1st, so be sure to go and check it out...

Our next pitstop was to the Cox Museum, simply because it's located in the library parking lot where we usually end up! I love the Cox Museum building and would live in it if I could! Kathy Bay is one of my favorite artists that you will find there...

Next it was on to my favorite gallery, the River Market ArtSpace...I wish I lived closer so I could go in more often! Megan Chapman's current work is available there, so I wanted to see it in person...I've enjoyed her blog and she is also fellow Etsy seller artmaven, so I had to support her in some way! Three of her paintings are shown here and she has a new body of work entitled "Fire and Noise", that will be on display starting February 13th! She is a beautifully talented artist and is very inspiring to me...Debra Wood, the owner of the ArtSpace, has done a fantastic job of bringing the world of art to Little Rock and I appreciate all of her efforts...go by and see her when you are in town and soak up some wonderful art yourself...you will be so glad you did...

Artwork by Megan Chapman

First Thursday Art Day...

...with my mother, Pat Eaton of birdnestontheground and some of her friends...they have a regular KNOT meeting every month where they discuss what they are working on, etc...but decided they would love to get together on a different day, strictly for the purpose of trying new art and craft projects! They all specialize in different areas of art, but like me, want to broaden their horizons!

It was such a fantastic idea...mom decided on an abstract art project, as some of the group had never painted OR did more fine art pieces instead of the freedom that comes from painting abstracts...with that being said, since that's what I enjoy doing, she wanted to have it at my house! I was tickled to be a part of their day... they are extremely inspiring and motivational, funny and like me, love trying new things...it was quite fun and I look forward to hopefully getting to attend more of their First Art Thursdays!

Etsy Gift Giving Guides...Just For Him!

yes...Etsy has gifts for men! Thousands of them...fun, funky, cool and handmade - a great combination! You won't have any trouble finding something for that man in your life that is unique and one that he'll love...

If you have a guitar playing guy, this custom silver guitar pick (he's 6 weeks behind on custom work, but you can grab a gift certificate!) from silversparrowdesigns will be a hit! They also have some on hand that you may find perfect!

Indivisual features this indie collective FRAGILE tee...too cute and a great adjective for alot of the fellows in our lives!

One of the neatest designs in jewelry for men comes from ashhilton - I love his hand carved power pole ring in sterling silver...really imaginative...

If you insist on continuing a tie giving tradition to someone, please look at toybreakers designs...they are definitely not your ordinary tie! I've added the Victorian Gears design here so you can see what I mean. Gorgeous!

Beer lovers will enjoy the 8x8 print of beer bottles and printed on metallic paper from f2images...they also have other photographic prints you will really enjoy looking through...

For those of us looking for a cool, green gift to give, this 100% organic bicycle tee from vital should do the trick...it's available in other colors as well!

And last but not least, 8milecreekdesigns has the neatest vintage hubcap clocks, great for the gameroom or bar! Check out the Etsy gift guide for men or browse through the category page for your perfect gift...

Etsy Gift Giving Guides...Stocking Stuffers!

Here are a few of my favorites... gemmafactrix is a beautiful artisan, creating jewelry that everyone would love including this set of 5 hammered coal rings...

One of my favorite etsy artists is raedunn...she makes the most simple, modern ceramic housewares and has a wonderful variety. The napkin rings shown here can be customized for gifts and you can get really creative with ideas...act fast though if you want them in time for Christmas!

Jenniferaboston offers great mini note cards including fun holiday themed ones, great for dressing up your presents!

Nickileigh has some scrumptious lip balm that anyone would love and is a bargain at 3 for $8.50!

and there is olive - a modern, organic designer with pillows and other handmade items for the home...the votive shown has already sold, but there are other products available, so check her out...there are thousands of other great gift ideas so try handmade today if you haven't already...