ArtScape is here! Right now!

We are all set up and finally relaxing after a fury of making. Come down and see us, get a jumpstart on the weekend.

Today’s question of the day:
Artscape is known for being the hottest weekend in July, any tricks for
staying cool?


Yummy & Company (new item:feathers on chevrons in my newest color-plum!)
I freeze a bunch of water bottles before I leave in the morning and drink them all day long!


Greenstar Studio (new felt plush)
Fans. Lots of fans. I've worked out a pretty good "cross breeze" system over the past 6 years. Also, Ice. Lots and lots of ice.


Jersey Girl Design (Sparkly ring in brown)
I've got my little misting fan...and am hoping the rumors of a kiddie pool are true :)


Design by Night (Peacock facinator)
Design by Night's big "tool" purchase this year was a whoop daddy top of the line Coleman cooler on wheels with a retractable handle. I plan on loading that bad boy up with all sorts of chilled beverages (maybe some rum punch) and a few freezer packs that I can strategically place to cool my butt off!

Two days to Artscape!

Two days to Artscape! Time to finish up what’s on the table and take a deep breath.

Today’s question of the day:
Will you be exhibiting anything new that we should be looking for (and snatching up before they are gone?)


VW Studios (glass potatoes and porcelain pillow)
Oh yes... All new! And very different. Concurrent to the ceramic work I usually bring to art fairs, I have been working on blown glass sculptural forms for the last three years. This Artscape I am bringing a bushel of glass potatoes and some other lusciously colored glass vegetables. The only ceramics you will see are the porcelain pillows designed to display the produce.


Lanabella (new Mojito lip balm)
I have a new lip balm Miami Mojito as an homage to our new locale and some Natty Boh Beer soap!


Fuzzy Mug (new tank tops)
I have some new, really soft, organic cotton tank tops with rabbits, cats and roosters. I'll also have a few new tote bags and journal designs. I am always my most creative right before a big event, so I am sure I will come up with a few more things this week, too.

Countdown to Artscape!

Artscape is just days away and with so many BEST members participating this year (some new to Artscape, some are old vets) we thought it would be fun to get their take on things through a series of questions .

Today’s question of the day:
What most excites (or terrifies) you about being a vendor at Artscape?


Open Eyes Press (new smaller size screen prints)
I am mostly excited about being able to meet lots of people. The only thing I'm really terrified about is the anticipated heatwave!


Namoo (new baby ball mobile)
I have been a big fan of ArtScape since I moved to Maryland about 6 years ago and keep such fond memories of the event. This is my first time being a vendor at ArtScape. Being a part of a show that I had always enjoyed excites me the most but also terrifies me for the same reason.


Whoop (fabric and bead necklace)
I'm most excited about meeting other people who love handmade goods.


Tigerlilly Shop (Kimono Button Ring)
The sheer hours of the show are both exhilarating and exhausting.

Summer Fun Lakefront in Columbia!

Looking for some fun in the sun this weekend?

Come on out to the Lakefront in Columbia for ArtPark.

ArtPark is a juried, invitational art show that showcases more than 65 artisans displaying and selling their one-of-a-kind artwork. With a variety of media including functional and wearable art at a wide range of prices, you are to find something you love!

Enjoy the arts and crafts, and be sure to experience some of Maryland's own fine wines from Berrywine Plantations, Boordy Vineyards, Cygnus Wine Cellars, and Linganore Winecellars.

There is also great food - and admission is FREE!

Not only that, but several of our BEST members will be there: Doxallo Designs,
greenstarstudio & Tarabu... Come on out and say hello!

It's the one show you won't want to miss this summer.

Located along LakeFest grounds
Friday, June 10: 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 11: Noon – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 12: Noon – 7:00 p.m.

More information may be found at the ArtPark website

Gunpowder River Artfest!

Great art, food, wine and music!
Gunpowder River Artfest is being held this year at Boordy Vineyard in Hydes, MD. The artfest is sponsored by the Northern Baltimore County Art Foundation. The event features juried artists from around the area, live music, food and great wine.

Join BEST's Sugar Paperie and check out her handmade cards, Doxallo Designs fine jewelry, and studioG 's fused glass items and hand turned pens.

Date: June 4th, 2011
Time 11:00 am- 8:00 pm
Admission: $12 adults, $10 teens (13-20) Kids FREE

Admission includes wine tasting for those 21 and up, parking, live music and children's activities.

For more information visit the NBCAF website at http://www.nbcaf.com/

Written by Stacey Phinney of studioG

Station North Art Festival, Baltimore with Babes

The other day, our wonderful school art teacher Ms. Laura Embereson, pulled me aside in the hall to tell me my daughter will have work on display at this event, and that there will be awards given out like a real art show! I had never heard of the event before, but it sounded intriguing, especially since our daughter's self portrait will be on display. The exhibit is called Aimed for Purpose, very appropriate for a student show.

Thinking back to my own childhood, this event sounds like similar exhibits I showed at. I am artist, who was once a child who enjoyed making art. I remember when my parents encouraged me and my talent, exposing me to events and exhibits like this. A child feels a great sense on accomplishment and pride when they see a piece of their own artwork in an exhibit, out there in the world. I can't wait to share this day with her!


Location : Across from Station North Thrift Store, 1400 Greenmount Ave.
Time: Saturday May 14th, 12-4pm
Free!

For more info: Adopt a Block Inc.

Station North Art Festival (SNAF) is a program that is run through Adopt-A-Block, Inc. that involves East Baltimore schools and school-aged children who submit artwork based on a pre-determined theme that is always positive and community based. We collect the artwork from individuals and teachers, it is judged by professional artists, and the top 3 students and top school are awarded several prizes.

Fine Handworks Festival!

This weekend you can find more than just great books at the Book Festival!
Just a hop, skip & a jump from the main festival area, is a brand new Arts Festival.
The first annual Fine Handworks festival welcomes you to check out some of the coolest artists & crafters in Charm City, including BEST Members: greenstarstudio, JerseyGirlDesigns, Fuzzy Mug & The Littlest Bean.





We hope to see you there!

Fine Handworks Festival
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Noon until 5:00 pm
Enoch Pratt Parish Hall, First Unitarian Church of Baltimore
On N. Charles Street, between W. Franklin and W. Hamilton Streets
Mt. Vernon neighborhood in downtown Baltimore

New Freedom Fest!

Grab the kids and pets (there's a pet parade at 2 PM!) and head north this Saturday for some early fall fun! This quaint festival includes music, arts and crafts, animals, food, games, dunking booths, a pie eating contest and much, much more - all centered around the beautiful and historic town of New Freedom, Pennsylvania.

BEST’s own FuzzyMug will be there along with local jewelers, potters, photographers, weavers and sculptors who will be selling their work and putting on demonstrations from 10am to 4pm. There will be kid's games ($6 lets you play all day), the pet parade, great food from local restaurants and world-class live entertainment at the Freedom Green. Local non-profit organizations and businesses provide information and offer fun insight into small town life. Free parking and free admission make this a day fit for any budget.

NEW FREEDOM FESTIVAL

Saturday, September 18, 2010

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Free Admission!

Click here for more information.

Written by Brooke of FuzzyMug

Hampdenfest 2010!

The forecast for Saturday, September 11 is supposed to be a beautiful 82° so get outside and enjoy Hampdenfest 2010.

Saturday, September 11, 2010
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
On the Avenue, 36 St. between Falls and Chestnut

HampdenFest is a neighborhood arts festival that draws visitors, as well as local residents, to enjoy the community of merchants on and around West 36th Street. Sponsored by the Hampden Village Merchants Association, in partnership with The Hampden Family Center, HampdenFest features 3 stages of music and art performances, an activity area for the kids, an emerging artists exhibit and a film festival, as well as four blocks of arts and crafts vendors, antiques, and other wares from a wide range of merchants and artists.

Pile of Craft! Today!

Looking for a great way to spend the day AND a chance to catch a bunch of BEST member's in one place? Today's the day---
head on over to 2640 St Paul Street, Baltimore MD 21218, inside St John's Church, for the Charm City Craft Mafia's Pile of Craft.

This year's fair will have over 40 of the best local and national crafters, as well as craft and printmaking demonstrations and a raffle to win a huge basket full of goodies by supporting The Village Learning Place!! Check out our vendors beforehand by clicking on their name below.

Gunpowder River Artfest: June 12, 2010

Gunpowder River Artfest is sponsored by the Northern Baltimore County Art Foundation, a not-for profit organization dedicated to promoting art in Baltimore County.

This is a juried fine art and American crafts fair which will be held on the banks of the Gunpowder River just steps from the Torrey C. Brown hike and bike trail in historic Monkton, Maryland: 1901 Monkton Road, Monkton, MD

I understand there will be music, food, a variety of arts and crafts, and even demonstrations from some of the artists! There is also a painting workshop available - information to sign up here.

Sounds like a great day for the whole family!

Please come out to see me ~ I'd love to meet you! (Booth #6)

Janice of Doxallo Designs

Art in the Park: June 5, 2010

Join BEST’s own Erica of CEK Custom Designs at the annual Art in the Park festival in historic downtown Westminster!

The Carroll County Arts Council has partnered with the City of Westminster for three decades to present this annual outdoor cultural festival that is held the first Saturday in June on the beautiful grounds of Westminster City Hall. The juried event features fine art and craft displays by accomplished artists from throughout the region. It attracts a loyal and large audience of arts enthusiasts. The event also includes art demonstrations, family activities, strolling musicians, food, and entertainment throughout the day.

Art in the Park
Saturday, June 5, 2010
10 am – 4 pm
Rain or Shine

Harford Day School: Festival of the Arts

The 8th Annual Arts Festival, a juried exhibit and sale, will be held November 6 and 7, 2009 on the campus of Harford Day School. More than sixty artists (including BEST's own greenstarstudio, Shelly Daly, and Tigerillyshop!) will be at the show to present original, handcrafted work in a variety of media.

The festivities will begin with a Preview Party for adults on Friday, November 6. Guests that attend the Preview Party will be the first to preview and purchase artwork while enjoying the food from many of our best local restaurants. Some of the participating restaurants last year were: DuClaw Brewing Co., Bonefish Grill, Manor Tavern, Bill Bateman's Raw Bar and Grill, Damon's Grill, Scotto's, Sizzling Bombay, and Josef's. Consistent with this year's Caribbean theme, Lenny Rogers from Trinidad will entertain the party-goers on the steel drum. Maui Wowi will serve island drinks from a Tiki Bar, and a lucky raffle winner will go home with a Caribbean vacation. Preview Party tickets are $65 each. If you would like to receive an invitation to this exciting event or would like information on sponsorship opportunities, please visit the website.

Crofton Town Club Craft Fair

The Crofton Town Club twice-annual Craft Fair is coming around again!

Take a quick dip out to the burbs to see Sugar Paperie, tarabu, and more! Only a few miles south of Baltimore (what a great excuse to head to Annapolis for a late lunch!) the Crofton Town Club, is conveniently located on Crofton Parkway (I-97, to MD-3, to there!)
Whether you need to stock up on Holiday Cards - it's getting to be that time already, or pick up a quilt for the new baby in your life, the BEST suburban voyagers have you covered.

September 26, Saturday, 10am - 4pm
Address is 1691 Crofton Parkway, Crofton, MD 21114