How many of us have gone on a vacation and become so inspired by something we experienced that it changed the focus of our lives after we came home?  When you come to the 16th Annual Stuart Craft Juried Craft Fair, be sure to meet one of the artists, Michael O’Toole. Only recently, Michael undertook a full education to become a glass blower! The Rickie Report interviews Michael in this article and gives you an overview of this terrific Craft Fair.

 16^th Annual Downtown Stuart Craft Fair

April 27 – 28, Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Osceola Street in Downtown Stuart

Navigational Address: 26 SW Osceola Street, Stuart, FL 34994

To Support the Arts, the Local Community and the Stuart Main Street Programs

Free and open to the public

Historic Downtown Stuart welcomes the 16^th Annual Downtown Stuart Craft Fair on April 27^th and 28^th.  This festival has become a welcome tradition in Martin County and is popular for the wide variety of original handmade crafts as well as the affordable unique gift items on display and for sale. Osceola Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from St. Lucie to Haney Circle and down to Denver to provide festival-goers with the best possible experience and will feature the finest crafters in the country. Partial proceeds from the festival benefit the Stuart Main Street Program.  Admission is free and open to the public.

In order to ensure a first-rate event with superior affordable original crafts, all of the crafters have been hand-selected from hundreds of applicants by American Craft Endeavors, producers of the top outdoor craft festivals in the country.   It will showcase  original crafts handmade in America, unique and affordable gift items, 150 crafters from 30 different states, prices set to suit all budgets – ranging from as little as $3 to $3,000.

There will be a vast array of craft media including folk art, pottery, personalized gifts, handmade clothing, basket weaving, beaded utensils, candles, cork assemblage, fabric design, fiber quilts, fused wax & glass, hair accessories, handbags & accessories, handmade cards, leather, mosaic, wood, painted wood, plaster craft and stained glass.  There will also be a Green Market featuring exotic plants, gourmet dips and spices, and much more.  A portion of the proceeds benefits the Stuart Main Street Program.

Glass allows virtually an infinite variety in color, density, reflection, refraction, and transmission that is unique to this medium. Coupled with form, the possibilities for functional and beautiful art glass pieces are endless.  Michael O’Toole creates paperweights, vases, ornaments, bowls and pumpkins.

TRR: You are a retired semiconductor engineer. Can you tell us what you did in layman’s terms?

Michael:

My title was “Director of product and test engineering”.  I was responsible for characterizing new computer chip products (making sure they performed to specification) and developing all of the test programs and manufacturing collateral that allowed the products to be mass-produced in Far-East manufacturing facilities. 

TRR:  What were your hobbies and leisure interests?

Michael:

My hobbies were photography, woodworking, and travel

We were on the Celebrity Equinox, and I was fascinated by the creativity of the three artists from Corning Museum of Glass.  I could tell that the process was more difficult than they made it look, but really didn’t appreciate how much more difficult. It was clear how much they enjoyed what they were doing.

I enrolled at Jacksonville University.  Even though I was enrolled as a non-degree-seeking student, they wanted my undergraduate records.  I like to joke that it cost me a fortune to ship the “stone tablets” down from Michigan State to Jacksonville.

TRR: Had you ever considered opening this as a business?

 

Ornaments

Paperweight

TRR:  Your vases and bowls have such wonderful depth!  What made you decide to create pumpkins?

Michael:

They’re fun and relatively quick and easy to make.  My customers seem to like them.  I have to admit that even though they’re not an artistic challenge, it is gratifying to see people “ooh and aah” over them and want to take them home.

 

Pumpkins Cooling

About American Craft Endeavors:

American Craft Endeavors (ACE) produces some of the nation’s most exciting high-end juried craft shows in many of Florida’s vibrant downtown areas and popular tourist destinations including the Lauderdale by the Sea Craft Festival (Fort Lauderdale, FL), the Holiday Craft Festival on the Ocean (Jupiter/Juno Beach, FL), the Downtown Stuart Craft Fairs (Stuart, FL), the Siesta Fiesta Craft Festival (Sarasota, FL) and the Downtown Sarasota Craft Festivals (Sarasota, FL) among others. The group’s founders personally select unique, culture rich cities for their show locations providing a complete outdoor experience unmatched by other festivals.  All crafters are hand-selected from hundreds of applicants in order to ensure a superior event featuring diverse art media and the highest quality of original handmade crafts.

For additional information on the 16^th Annual Downtown Stuart Craft Fair and other Howard Alan Events art and craft shows across the country, visit   www.artfestival.com or call 561-746-6615.

For coverage of your events, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact The Rickie Report at:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

The Rickie Report

P.O.Box 33423

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420

Rickie@therickiereport.com

561-537-0291

City Place is abuzz but this time with original art!  Stop by the 3rd Annual City Place Art Fair and see some new exhibitors as well as some of your favorites.  This Howard Alan Event promises to be fun and affordable!  The Rickie Report notes that this is a family-friendly event, with no cover charge to attend!

For coverage of your events, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact The Rickie Report at:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

The Rickie Report

P.O.Box 33423

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420

Rickie@therickiereport.com

561-537-0291

 Look at the detail in the lace and notice the folds of the tablecloth.  And did you see how perfectly reflective the glass of wine is?  Move over to one of David Berger’s still life paintings and you feel like you’ve been transported back in time, gazing at an Old Master’s work.  Each one is worthy if being its own masterpiece in your home, office or yacht. The Rickie Report hope to see you at the 25th Anniversary of Art Fest by the Sea, another great show for Howard Alan Events March 9 & 10!

25th Annual Art Fest by the Sea

(Jupiter/Juno Beach, FL)

March 9 and 10, 2013

Saturday and Sunday  10 am – 5 pm

Still Life by David Berger

 

Speaking with David Berger

TRR understands that you started painting later in your life. When and why did you begin painting? 

DB: The first 31 years of my life was spent searching for who I actually was, this process was slowed greatly by living in Miami FL. as a child and gravitating toward the “wrong crowd” with alcohol and drugs at age 12.  I continued this for 20 years till I was 31 and wound up in a substance abuse treatment center where I sobered up and started life over again.

I found a set of water colors while in treatment and played with them for a year or so, then took an oil painting class and fell in love with it. My first oil painting was of the bell peppers which I later titled “Bad Fruit”. Not a great piece but my teacher insisted I come back the next week and try again, which I did, hesitantly.

 

 

 

TRR: Do you have a particular medium you prefer or does the image dictate the medium?

 

DB:  I paint in oil.

I paint utilizing old world glazing techniques, painting background to foreground, painstakingly allowing the paint to dry and glazing in the details.

 

 

TRR: The lace and details of the folds of your material in your still life images are exceptional.  (Personally that is what draws us into your booth and your images).  Can you tell us more about the techniques you use to master these so beautifully?

DB:  I paint on a heavily primed and sanded canvas to where it is almost smooth as board. I actually use soft rounded synthetic filberts, realizing that I can kill a $3 brush as quickly as a $50 brush.

 

Waterfall

TRR: What advice would you give to someone who has never thought of themselves as a painter but feels tempted to try it?

DB:   I believe that in life if you feel led to do something creative, just do it. Let go of the fear, perfectionism, what others might think of whatever you do, and most of all… if you enjoy doing it…do more of it. there are so many instances in life where we are judged by others as to what we do for a living, our political views, religion, how we raise our children, economics etc.,  I know that when I am sitting at the easel, engrossed in the work… I am at one with the universe.

Produced by Howard Alan Events and hosted by the Northern Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce, Art Fest by the Sea, ranked among the top 100 art fairs in the country by Sunshine Artist magazine, returns to celebrate 25 fabulous years on March 9 – 10, 2013.  The juried outdoor art show, popular among locals and tourists alike, features the work of 300 leading artists from around the country.

 

 

The wide array of fine art on display includes a variety of media with prices set to suit all budgets. The artists will line one mile of AIA starting at Marcinski Road in Jupiter Beach and continuing to Donald Ross Road in Juno Beach.  All artists will be present for the duration of the festival, available to discuss their art and inspiration. Complimentary shuttle buses will be running from the Florida, Power & Light building on Universe Blvd. and Ellison-Wilson Road to the festival site each day. Parking and admission are free.

 

Partial list of participating artists:  

Kelly Allen (Jewelry, Jupiter);

AJ Brockman ( Digital Art, Palm Beach Gardens);

Scott Buccina ( Stone Sculptures, Hobe Sound);

Walter Catts (Furniture, Palmetto);

Mark Pericot (Photography, Tampa);

Herbert Weintraub ( Acrylic, Boynton Beach);

Andrew Wender ( Raku, Englewood); Accessoreez (Jewelry, St. Pete.)

Howard Alan Events, a Florida-based company, develops and presents art and craft shows throughout the country. For the past 25 years, Howard Alan Events has produced some of the nation’s finest juried art shows, including more than 40 venues each year such as the Downtown Aspen Art Festival (Aspen, CO), Beaver Creek Art Festival (Beaver Creek, CO), Chicago Tribune North Michigan Avenue Art Festival (Chicago, IL), and the Las Olas Art Fairs, (Fort Lauderdale, FL). Several shows are ranked in the top 100 art fairs in the country by Sunshine Artist magazine.  For additional information on the 25 Annual ArtFest by The Sea and other Howard Alan Events art and craft shows across the country, visit www.artfestival.com or call 561-746-6615. 

For coverage of your events, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact The Rickie Report at:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

The Rickie Report

P.O.Box 33423

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420

Rickie@therickiereport.com

561-537-0291

The Rickie Report has noticed that Accessoreez’ following is growing!  At the Hobe Sound Art Show, there were people lined up waiting to try the jewelry on.  Now, their van is packed and ready to bring you their latest jewelry creations. Leslie continues to form incredible hand blown glass elements for her necklaces and at the same time, is creating a whole new line of jewelry!  Be at the Juno Beach Show and get there early – most of these are one-of-a-kind pieces.

25th Annual Art Fest by the Sea

(Jupiter/Juno Beach, FL)

March 9 and 10, 2013

Saturday and Sunday

 10 am – 5 pm

Leslie Huston is the lead designer of accessoreez, a handcrafted line of contemporary art glass borosilicate jewelry. Her creative energies coalesce in the production of distinctive designs as elegant tropical hues synergistically merge with a high desert color palette of hot fired glass, fresh water pearls, turquoise, coral, hammered copper & silver, and other select materials.

Seahorse Necklace

Leslie’s art glass instruction included studies at the Rhode Island School of Design, Mills College in Oakland, Ca, and the University of San Diego.

Today she collaborates with her sister, Shelley Harper, a noted metal worker, on unique one-of-a-kind designs. Shelley’s studies include the University of Puget Sound & a BS from the University of Southern California.

New – Cuff Design!

Coming from two dramatically different regions, Leslie and her design studios are based on Florida’s Gulf Coast in St. Petersburg, Florida, while Shelley can be found at her studio in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Glass Tendril Necklace

The marketing side of accessoreez is in the able hands of John Huston, Leslie’s husband.  (We like the van design, John). For more information visit: http://www.accessoreez.com

For coverage of your events, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact The Rickie Report at:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

The Rickie Report

P.O.Box 33423

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420

Rickie@therickiereport.com

561-537-0291

Let’s celebrate a Silver Anniversary together on Las Olas Boulevard!   Howard Alan Events announces its 25th Annual Las Olas Fair Part II, taking place March 2 and 3rd!   This event is free and open to the public and promises a special free “giveaway” piece of sculpture by world renown artist Ancizar Marin!  The Rickie Report hopes you’re setting your GPS for Ft. Lauderdale to see this show!

25^th Annual Las Olas Art Fair Part II

March 2 & 3, 2013

Saturday and Sunday  10:00 am – 5:00 pm

                                           

Between SE 6^th Avenue and SE 11^th Avenue 

                                                                                                                                                           600 East Las Olas Boulevard, Ft. Lauderdale, Fl 33301

 

A portion of the proceeds to benefit the Las Olas Association

 

The Las Olas Art Fair returns for part two of this wildly popular award-winning show, March 2 – 3, 2013.  Festival-goers return each year and look forward to seeing longtime favorites as well as new and emerging talent.  This two-day event, produced by Howard Alan Events, brings together 300 of today’s top local, regional and national artists showcasing their finest work.

The new 25^th anniversary collectors edition poster inspired by Jim Holehouse’s original painting depicting Las Olas Boulevard will be on display and available for purchase at the festival along with t-shirts and previous editions of festival posters.  As always, the booth will be located across from the Cheesecake Factory.

 
The artists, who will be present for the entire show, will line Las Olas Boulevard with their professional display booths, transforming the area into a first-class outdoor art gallery.  The 25^th anniversary edition poster will be available for purchase during the fair.

 

“Stephanie on Las Olas” Free Giveaway by World Renown Sculptor Ancizar Marin

In addition, festival patrons can register to win a commemorative sculpture created by award-winning artist Ancizar Marin.  ”Stephanie on Las Olas” was created in honor  of the show’s silver anniversary and will be on display in booth #1 located at S.E. 6th Avenue and Las Olas Boulevard, near the Cheesecake Factory, where the registration tables will also be located. No purchase is required to enter the giveaway.   

The Rickie Report spoke with artist, Ancizar Marin about his work.  ”I was born in Colombia, South America and as a teenager I was not  the best student…I  had to do things my way and only my way, however when I was introduced into art by one of my uncles who is a painter things started to change. I was  caught by the passion of art and started studying at the Bellas Artes Institute of Art in Manizales, Colombia, in 1982. Suddenly my father started getting compliments for my good behavior and achievements!”

Ancizar Marin at his Booth

 

Ancizar went on to specialize in sculpting at the Luccio Petraglia School of Art in Bogota , Colombia in 1985 where well known artists like Liliany and Fernando Botero once attended classes. He studied sculpture in bronze and steel, working with other artists making pieces for the European market to keep the school running which at that time was having financial problems.

 

It was at the Petraglia school of art where the great idea of joining forces with the already famous Liliany started and they opened up a foundry in Bogota. Ancizar sees still see himself as a student, as he continues to study in Spain, Italy, Venezuela and the United States.  He says, “This mixture of cultures has helped me realize that there are multiple tastes when it comes to shapes and colors in art. That is why I need to improvise and work at the creation and development of different styles, designs and techniques such as Bronze and Chrome, Bronze and Glass plus my latest technique of Bronze and Resin. I will continue to experiment with multiple textures and techniques for as long as I can live”.

 

This multi-talented artist divides his time between Florida, he shares, ” where I inspire my self and I create the models in clay, New Jersey where I have a foundry and where all the dirty work is done and Colombia, South America where I’m still doing some private commissions and where most of my family reside.  As you see I cannot attend all the art shows I want.  My goal is to do about ten art shows a year”.

Humbly, he says, “I am open to all comments and suggestions I hope I can meet you in person in a future show or exhibition, thank you for your time and patronage.  Most of my sculptures are inspired by the fascinating world of cirque du soleil.   I love their expressions, their movement and the positive energy I feel when I’m around them.”

Ancizar explains the rigorous steps it takes to create his art. “I begin my sculptures by making a model in clay, after that a mold is made, then the figure is poured in either bronze or fiberglass. After this comes the angle grinding, the chasing, the sanding and the finishes such as chrome plate, patinas and car paints”.

What has drawn him to this medium of artistic expression?  He  states, “Since my junior high school years sculptures have held an obsessive fascination for me, their diverse form, volume, contour and detail,  provide a rich and inexhaustible depth of subject. I have been privileged to work with master of art Fernando Botero and Liliany who I call the ‘godmother of my long and troubled career’, being an sculptor is not easy but in my opinion no other career will give me the joy, happines and peace I feel when Im sculpting or working on a model.”

The Rickie Report asked how he chose bronze as his most popular medium.  ” I have an affinity to bronze as a medium, it allows me to express my ideas, my feelings, my desires, my thoughts and the challenge of being different.  I love to try new techniques and finishes such as the chrome plate on bronze which has helped me win multiple awards and has set me apart from other sculptors. My intention is to capture the human eye, and start a dialogue of love and feeling for art. My dreams are clear, I love to see my sculptures bring the same joy and happines they bring me to many homes and places of work where people will enjoy them and love them as much as I love them.”

What advice would he give to a new sculptor starting his or her career?  ”Go with your instinct, enjoy it, have fun, love it, treat sculpting as a sport, in my case there is no soccer, no football, no basketball. Years will go by and you will notice the fun never ends”.  The Rickie Report hopes you will slow down and visit Ancizar Marin’s booth at this Las Olas show.  Not only will you meet an inspiring artist, but you can take home a little piece of his heaven and make it yours.  For more information about Ancizar Marin:  954 628 2827  or  artsandbronze@yahoo.com

For coverage of your events, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact The Rickie Report at:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

The Rickie Report

P.O.Box 33423

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420

Rickie@therickiereport.com

561-537-0291

The Stuart Fine Art Festival promises fine art and The Rickie Report cannot wait to tell you about an artist team who will be there.  Rommel  and Courtney Ricuarte use hot flames and metal to create their art work and it pops!  Don’t miss the 23rd Annual Downtown Stuart Art Festival! Read this article for more details.

Historic Downtown Stuart

Welcomes Back

SIGNATURE ART FESTIVAL

FEBRUARY 23 & 24, 2013 

 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

 Martin County’s Premier Juried Art Fair

Featuring 250 National & Local Artists

Eclectic Mix of Original Art

Unique Handcrafted Gift Items

 23^rd Annual Downtown Stuart Art Festival

  Osceola Street in Downtown Stuart - Navigational Address: 26 SW Osceola Street, Stuart, FL 34994

 To Support the Arts, the Local Community and the Stuart Main Street Programs

Free and open to the public

Rommel Sculpture

February 23 – 24, 2013 marks the 23^rd Annual Downtown Stuart Art Festival!  Over  250 artists from the U.S. will transform Osceola Street in Historic Downtown Stuart into an outdoor art gallery with original fine artwork. 26 SW Osceola Street, Stuart, FL 34994 - Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  It is free to attend.

Martin County’s premier art festival returns with a myriad of original and eclectic works of art by leading artists from around the country.  The bold and vibrant colors, the thoughtful and whimsical artwork, the vast array of media and an abundance of talent define this juried art show destined to transform Osceola Street into a world-class outdoor art gallery appealing to a variety of tastes and budgets. The festival will go through downtown Stuart starting at Osceola and St. Lucie, down to Haney Circle and continues on Osceola to Denver Street and down to Detroit Street.  All of the artists will be on-site for the duration of the show available to discuss their art, techniques and inspiration.  A portion of the proceeds from the art festival benefits the Stuart Main Street programs.

Festival At-A-Glance:

• Free Admission
• Juried gallery style outdoor art showcase
• The festival will take place in downtown Stuart starting at Osceola and St. Lucie, down to Haney Circle and continues on Osceola to Denver Street and down to Detroit Street.
• Original Art – Handmade in America
• 250 artists from 30 different states
• Prices set to suit all budgets – ranging from as little as $25 to $30,000
• Artists hand-selected by independent panel of expert judges from hundreds of applicants
• All artists on site for duration of festival
• Vast array of artistic media: Paintings, Life Size Sculptures, Photography, Ceramics, Glass,    Wood, Handmade jewelry, Collage, Mixed Media

• A portion of the proceeds from the art festival benefits the Stuart Main Street programs.

Rommel working on Sculpture

Rommel, “Poppy”

Rommel, the designer is from a beautiful region of Ecuador and Courtney, his wife, is a native Floridian. Their joint creativity, imagination and talent has evolved into these unique, innovative pieces of art.

Ricaurte Working

They tell us, “All of the bronze shades are brought out naturally and any other color has been added by the use of paint. Steel-Alive creations are a part of private collections as well as numerous public organizations in the United States. We have been honored to make creations for The City of Deltona, Charlee School of Miami, Victory School of Miami, Melting Pot Resataurant, Shelter of Abused Women in Venice and Universal Shortcase Shorts Film Festival in Orlando.”

Rommel, “Sylvan”

These sculptures have been carefully crafted and can be displayed indoors or outdoors.  For more information please visit: http://www.steel-alive.com/us.html

Hibiscus

Partial List of Participating Local Artists:David Berger – Oil Paintings; Julie Berger – Jewelry; Scott Buccina – Stone Sculptures; Sue Dayton – Paintings; Lori Drucker – Photography; Kevin Hutchinson – Paintings; Anthony Joneck – Jewelry; Jim Matheson – Gyotaku; Mimi McCallum – Oil Paintings.

Howard Alan Events, a Florida-based company, develops and presents art and craft shows throughout the country. For the past 25 years, Howard Alan Events has produced some of the nation’s finest juried art shows, including more than 40 venues each year such as the Downtown Aspen Art Festival (Aspen, CO), Beaver Creek Art Festival (Beaver Creek, CO), Chicago Tribune North Michigan Avenue Art Festival (Chicago, IL), and the Las Olas Art Fairs, (Fort Lauderdale, FL). Several shows are ranked in the top 100 art fairs in the country by Sunshine Artist magazine.  For additional information on the 23^rd Annual Downtown Stuart Art Festival and other Howard Alan Events art and craft shows across the country, visit www.artfestival.com or call 561-746-6615.

For coverage of your events, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact The Rickie Report at:

When you attend the Delray Beach 16th Annual Craft Festival you will certainly see a diversity of styles, not only within the wall art and wearable art, but jewelry as well.  The Rickie Report hopes you will look for Jan Esposito’s booth and try on her simple yet elegant jewelry.  We’re certain you will not leave disappointed!

  16^th Annual Downtown Delray Beach Craft Festival

Saturday February 2 and Sunday February  3  

10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Intersection of 4th Avenue and Atlantic Avenue in Downtown Delray Beach    

Free Admission                                                                                                                

Support the Arts, the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority and the Local Economy!

The Downtown Delray Beach Craft Festival returns February 2 – 3, 2013 with 100 of the finest crafters transforming 4^th Avenue, North and South of Atlantic Avenue, into an outdoor gallery with affordable original crafts.  The timing is perfect for those looking for unique gift items for Valentine’s Day gifts. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority.  Admission is free and open to the public.

This annual tradition, produced by American Craft Endeavors, Florida’s largest producer of first class craft fairs, features an eclectic mix of the nation’s most talented crafters including leading local and regional talent. In order to ensure a superior event with a wide array of quality affordable original crafts, all of the crafters have been hand-selected from hundreds of applicants.

One of the artists who will be showing her handmade jewelry is Jan Esposito, from Deerfield Beach, FL.   The Rickie Report asked Jan how she started.  ”My mother used to say I was born loving jewelry.  I have always been crafty. When I became allergic to metal I found I could only wear sterling silver and gold.  I love color, and the unusual, so I started making what I wanted to wear”, she says.

Jan uses many natural stones as well as crystals.  She orders most of my silver and crystals on line but for stones she goes to the local bead shows and picks them out individually. We asked how she develops her designs and Jan shares, “I usually have an idea of what I’m designing when I sit down but it is subject to change as I get started.  I only design what I like and would wear.  I don’t like jewelry to take over an outfit but to compliment it.  I have a love for color and the unusual, natural stones excite me.”

 The Delray Crafts Festival appeals to people of all ages including families, shoppers looking for unique and affordable gifts, as well as craft enthusiasts. A full spectrum of craft art media will be on display and for sale including folk art, pottery, handmade jewelry, paintings, personalized gifts, handmade clothing, scented soaps and body products, with prices ranging from as little as $3 to $3,000.

All of the crafters will be on site for the duration of the festival available to discuss their art, techniques and inspiration. This Craft showcase offers a vast array  of mediums, including:  Folk art,  Pottery,  Handmade jewelry, Paintings, Personalized gifts,    Handmade clothing,  Scented soaps, Body products and much more.

American Craft Endeavors (ACE) produces some of the nation’s most exciting high-end juried craft shows in many of Florida’s vibrant downtown areas and popular tourist destinations including the Lauderdale by the Sea Craft Festival (Fort Lauderdale, FL), the Holiday Craft Festival on the Ocean (Jupiter/Juno Beach, FL), the Downtown Stuart Craft Fairs (Stuart, FL), the Siesta Fiesta Craft Festival (Sarasota, FL) and the Downtown Sarasota Craft Festivals (Sarasota, FL) among others. The group’s founders personally select unique, culture rich cities for their show locations providing a complete outdoor experience unmatched by other festivals.  

For additional information on the 16th Annual Downtown Delray Beach Craft Festival and other American Craft Endeavors craft shows across the country, visit www.artfestival.com or call 561-746-6615.

For coverage of your events, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact The Rickie Report at:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

The Rickie Report

P.O.Box 33423

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420

Rickie@therickiereport.com

561-537-0291

Poster art is alive and doing well!  In fact, Klaus Schuler, an artist who resides locally, has recently had a piece of his artwork chosen for the upcoming Howard Alan Show in Hobe Sound.  The Rickie Report delves into how artwork is picked for posters, how they are produced and an in-depth look at Klaus’ artistry.

12th Annual

Hobe Sound Festival of the Arts

Saturday February 2 – Sunday February 3

10:00 am – 5:00 pm

The festival starts at Bridge Road & alternate AIA, continuing South on AIA.   ADMISSION & PARKING:  Free and open to the public. Free shuttle service will be provided.

Hobe Sound’s signature art festival, a celebration of the arts, is produced by Howard Alan Events and hosted by the Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce, to Support the Arts, Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce & Local Economy. 

The artists are juried by an independent panel of expert judges and hand-selected from hundreds of applicants based on quality and diversity in order to ensure a wide array of quality artwork representing a variety of artistic media.  The artists will be present for the duration of the show and welcome the opportunity to meet art enthusiasts and discuss the work, techniques and inspiration. 

This year’s official festival poster will feature the work of local watercolor artist Klaus Schuler, a Signature member of the Southern Watercolor Society, The Florida Watercolor Society and the Palm Beach Watercolor Society.  

Klaus worked for many years at the Boeing Company at Kennedy Space Center where he illustrated many projects for the Space Program until 1993 when he began to paint full-time inspired by the coastal beauty right in his backyard.  He enjoys exhibiting his work at fine art festivals throughout the country like the Hobe Sound Festival of the Arts, which allow him the opportunity to meet art enthusiasts and collectors investing in his work.

A dentist in North Palm Beach who decorated his whole office with Klaus’ paintings claims that they have a calming effect on patients. Klaus tells The Rickie Report, ” If you’ve been in the setting of one of my paintings, it will rekindle memories for you.  If you fish the flats, you will feel the experience, the painting will remind you of your time on the waters edge.”

Klaus spent many hours in his youth kayaking, boating and fishing in the Guntersville, Alabama area where his family owned a house on Whitaker Lake. This early union with lakes, rivers and fishing were to become the cornerstones of his art.  After receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art and Graphic Design from the University of Alabama, (Roll Tide), Klaus joined the Boeing Company at Kennedy Space Center in Florida where he illustrated many projects for the Space Program.

There, he discovered great fishing and painting subjects on the Banana River and Mosquito Lagoon. A move to Stuart, Florida opened up a new world of coastal beauty. The Indian River, Intercostals Waterway and the St. Lucie Inlet provided ideal subjects for his art inspired by the paintings of N.C. Wyeth, Winslow Homer and C.E. Monroe.  In 1993, Klaus left the industry to become a full-time fine artist, which makes the rest of us grateful! It wasn’t long before his subjects included scenes from the Bahamas and the Florida Keys.

Klaus says, “I like exhibiting my work at outdoor shows. Not only do you get about 30,000 people walking by your work, but you also get to meet the people buying your work and hear some of the stories they tell about their experiences at the places I’ve painted….I could write a book.” www.klausschuler.com

The Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a children’s area with interactive art and craft activities as well as games that will engage the youngest of festival-goers. Nightingale Private Care returns as presenting sponsor of the festival.

Reef Club

The Rickie Report made inquiries regarding the Hobe Sound Festival of Arts poster and is pleased to share what we found:

                        Each year the Hobe Sound Chamber organizes a Festival of the Arts committee consisting of Chamber Business Members to help plan the event. The Co-Chairs of the committee and the Executive Director walk the show each year, viewing the work of each artist. They choose their favorite artist of that year who represents the local area and ask them to submit images for the following year. The co-chairs, executive director of the chamber along with Howard Alan choose the final image.  Hobe Sound is an unincorporated village located in Martin County.  

                     An official told us, “After  the image is chosen, with Howard’s help, we print it locally and sell at our Merchandise Tent as a fundraiser for the chamber.  Proceeds from the sales go back to the Chamber’s Operating Budget to help fund community programs such as beach and road clean ups, our annual Christmas Parade and newcomer tours of Hobe Sound call ‘Inside Hobe Sound.’ Also proceeds go to scholarships for Martin County High School Students. Students apply for the scholarships via their school guidance office.”

Loose Beer

Hobe Sound Festival of the Arts At-A-Glance:

·          Juried outdoor art showcase

·          Original Art – Handmade in America

·          150 artists from 30 different states

·          Prices set to suit all budgets – ranging from as little as $25 to $30,000

·          Artists hand-selected by independent panel of expert judges from hundreds of applicants

·          All artists on site for duration of festival

·          Vast array of artistic media:  Paintings,  Life Size Sculptures,  Photography,  Ceramics,  Glass,  Wood,  Handmade  Jewelry,  Collage,  Mixed Media

·          Green Market featuring locally grown produce, exotic plants and orchids, honey, spreads, jams and oils.

·          Kids Zone offering interactive art and craft activities as well as games for children.

·          Official Festival Poster featuring painting by local artist Klaus Schuler.

About Howard Alan Events, Ltd.:

Howard Alan Events, a Florida-based company, develops and presents art and craft shows throughout the country. For the past 25 years, Howard Alan Events has produced some of the nation’s finest juried art shows, including more than 40 venues each year such as the Downtown Aspen Art Festival (Aspen, CO), Beaver Creek Art Festival (Beaver Creek, CO), Chicago Tribune North Michigan Avenue Art Festival (Chicago, IL), and the Las Olas Art Fairs, (Fort Lauderdale, FL). Several shows are ranked in the top 100 art fairs in the country by Sunshine Artist magazine.  For additional information on the 12th Annual Hobe Sound Festival of the Arts and other Howard Alan Events art and craft shows across the country, visit www.artfestival.com or call 561-746-6615.

Banyan Bikers

Klaus looks forward to meeting show-goers! For more information  http://www.klausschuler.com/ (772) 283-5684  cell:  772-263-1145  or email: ksartist@gate.net

For coverage of your events, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact The Rickie Report at:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

The Rickie Report

P.O.Box 33423

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420

Rickie@therickiereport.com

561-537-0291

Taking your time is a common theme when making New Year’s resolutions.  Annmarie Siegel, a jewelry artist who will be showing her work at the Delray Beach Festival of the Arts this weekend, has a lot to share.  The Rickie Report is filled with awe as we look at her jewelry and sculptures. Stop by because her work is worth your time!

24th Annual Downtown Delray Beach Festival of the Arts 

January 19th & 20th, 2013

Saturday & Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Free Admission

Atlantic Avenue in Downtown Delray Beach

Come explore the crystal clear Atlantic Ocean or visit the unique galleries and boutiques. This area of Delray Beach features exciting public artwork and working artists throughout the district, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere that makes downtown Delray Beach such a joy to visit.

 

 The Downtown Delray Beach Festival of the Arts, consistently ranked as one of the best art affairs in the U.S. by Sunshine Artist Magazine, blends long-time favorites with the most buzz-worthy names on the contemporary arts scene. This annual juried art festival of hand-crafted artwork including glass, photography, painting, mixed media, fiber, jewelry and much more, hosts hundreds of artists exhibiting and selling their work in an outdoor gallery. This much anticipated community art festival spans one mile of Atlantic Avenue in Downtown Delray Beach, and continues all the way to A1A.

Owl

The Rickie Report saw Annmarie Siegel’s amazing jewelry and wearable art which she makes from watch parts. Siegel is inspired by the shapes of these intricate pieces and recycles the parts successfully creating recognizable objects such as fish, owls, and birds.

Originally from New Jersey and living most of her life in Florida, Annmarie Siegel gets her inspiration by stopping time on the beaches near her Florida home. Her mantra is, ”Living in the moment and not by your wristwatch”.  She expresses this way of life daily, and passes it on to all those she meets. 

 

Elgin Classic Earrings

An extremely inquisitive child, Annmarie would take apart just about everything she could get her hands on – old tape recorders, appliances and cameras! However, her mother’s old jewelry was her passion. She would disassemble her mother’s brooches, pins and earrings to make up new designs. “I thought mine looked better”, she would tell the adults. 

Silver Ruby Cufflinks

 

After taking apart one of her father’s favorite pocket watches, Annmarie found that there were many more treasured pieces inside that she could use to create with, she was then inspired by the shapes and saw that they were much more than just watch parts. She began to create recognizable things such as fish, owls and birds with the pieces.

 

Lady of Hearts Pendant

Since then, her obsession with constantly making new designs has become her livelihood. Loving what she does, Annmarie finds it a challenge to find old pieces. “Our society is becoming such a digital society” she says. Annmarie chooses to”Live in the Moment”, with TIME on her side!  For more information go to: www.watchpartjewelry.com

Multi-Color Belt

Directions to the Show:  Take I-95 to Atlantic Ave. in Delray. Go East on Atlantic Ave. and follow signs to show site along street.  

About Howard Alan Events, Ltd.:  Howard Alan Events, a Florida-based company, develops and presents art and craft shows throughout the country. For the past 25 years, Howard Alan Events has produced some of the nation’s finest juried art shows, including more than 40 venues each year such as the Downtown Aspen Art Festival (Aspen, CO), Beaver Creek Art Festival (Beaver Creek, CO), Chicago Tribune North Michigan Avenue Art Festival (Chicago, IL), and the Las Olas Art Fairs, (Fort Lauderdale, FL). Several shows are ranked in the top 100 art fairs in the country by Sunshine Artist magazine.   For additional information on Boca Fest and other Howard Alan Events art and craft shows across the country: www.artfestival.com  or call 561-746-6615.

For coverage of your events, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact The Rickie Report at:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

The Rickie Report

P.O.Box 33423

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420

Rickie@therickiereport.com

561-537-0291