The Central PA Festival of the Arts at Penn State

Spent a fantastic day at Penn State, my alma mater, in State College, PA!

We enjoyed every minute browsing the tents of handcrafted wares at

the annual Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts -

affectionately known as Artsfest.

My photo above, taken of a T-shirt bearing an image of the official Festival Poster.

Each year it's designed by Visual Arts Professor Emeritus Lanny Somese.

Read more about the posters here.

I pulled together my photos of my Artsfest favorites, 

along with links, when available.

A quote by Émile Zola is fitting here:

"If you ask me what I came to do in this world,

I, an artist, will answer you:

I am here to live out loud."

Enjoy the work of these talented artists 

who truly are living out loud!

Hibbs Art Glass

Mary Hamilton Linocuts

Friendswood Brooms

Delish Glass

Penn State's Steidle Building

Larry Smith Impressionist Paintings

Here's Larry in action.

Dave's Woodcraft

Accessories by The Passage

Each year a banner competition is held.

Current and past banners are displayed in overhead zigzags,

adding a colorful, festive flair to the event.

More info on the banners here.

Bashar & Roula Jarjour

Batik by Amit

Penn State's geologic obelisk consists of samples of Pennsylvania

building stone from throughout the state. It was constructed in 1896.

 

Old Town Wind Bells

Richard Bond, Glass Artist

Quilts by Lorac Designs

Clifford Nevin Scherenschnitte

Roger Mathews

Baxterbots

Everyday Bow Ties
Geraldo De-Souza was winner of the Booth of Distinction Award!

Strouse Woodworking

Tom Homann Pottery

Maryann Schmidt

Peppermill Studios

Here's where you can find out all about the

Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts!

Nittany Lion photo op:

Lee, Lu, Julie, Mare

So enjoyed spending time with them,

along with Colleen, Anita & Bruce,

plus Pat & Tom with thanks for their tip-top hospitality!

The Art of Cactus Club

My passion for all things cactus continues.

When I spotted Cactus Club, I had to investigate.

There were terrific illustrations featuring cacti & succulents...

...as well as other fun, colorful patterns like these!

Catching up with Cactus Club:

Website

Etsy

Facebook

Twitter

Images used with direct permission from Melinda Boyce.

Crochet Goodness at Wood Wool Stool

Using reclaimed wood, Ingrid Jansen designed a stool and added a hand-crocheted topper.

Soon thereafter, folks became interested and put in their requests.

Her business, Wood Wool Stool, was born.

Next came blankets, covered hangers, pillows, clothing, garlands, wood signs, 

and oh, those adorable baby sweaters!

Everything handmade by Ingrid.

Such quality. Such color. Such craftsmanship.

For those of you who DIY, she also sells many of her patterns.

Learning to crochet is on my personal bucket list.

This certainly inspires me, how about you?

I say, "Long live the granny square!"

Check out Wood & Wool Stool here:
Website
Etsy
Instagram

Images used with direct permission from Ingrid Jansen.

Satchel & Sage - Typography and Illustration

Morgana & Gerren Lamson bring creativity to their marriage

with terrific typography and illustration.

Based in Austin, Texas, they formed Satchel & Sage

to sell prints, stationery, textiles and wood art.

I especially love this one! It features an illustration of Fallingwater 

and a quote by its famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright.

Woodland Creatures.

Prickly Pear collage...

...with a close-up to catch the details.

A feathery pillow - inside and out.

Wood art.

Find Satchel & Sage here:

Website

Etsy

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Images used with direct permission from Morgana & Gerren Lamson.

Celebrating a "Yankee Doodle Dandy" 4th of July!

google

On this 4th of July, I'm recognizing Independence Day

by highlighting the patriotic movie, Yankee Doodle Dandy.

Loosely based on the life of entertainer & composer George M. Cohan, 

it starred James Cagney in the leading role, for which he won an Academy Award.

It was released on Memorial Day,1942, 6 months after 

the bombing of Pearl Harbor, when the US entered World War II.

Instead of selling tickets to the Broadway opener,

they sold War Bonds, raising 5 million dollars.

James Cagney's sister Jeanne played Cohan's sister Josie.

This was the first movie in which a living US President (FDR) was portrayed.

George M. Cohan died of cancer the year the film was released, November 1942.

In 1985, this movie was one of the first to be colorized.

wikipedia

Among the Cohan songs in the musical score are Harrigan, You're a Grand Old Flag, 

Over There, Give My Regards to Broadway, and of course, Yankee Doodle Boy.

Here's the video of Jimmy Cagney, as George M. Cohan, performing

Yankee Doodle Boy. You'll see Mickey Rooney & Judy Garland as well. 

Sweet Cotton Candy Flowers!

themissinglokness

Taking cotton candy to a whole new level!

These folks know how to turn a carnival treat into a work of art.

Enjoy the video to see how it's done!

YouTube