The Ornament of a Home...

Frank Lloyd Wright once said something to the effect of the true ornament of a home being the friends who visit it.  Not only have my friends visited, but some have contributed their art.  From my young art students, who keep my white box gallery (that's the refrigerator, in case you don't speak American Parent) updated, to my ever expanding circle of professional artist friends who kindly gift me their works, my home is ornamented with sparks of other souls. 

Ann Viveros had a meet the artist event at One Yoga, in Uptown Minneapolis on Saturday.  As it's a yoga studio, requiring shoes off at the door, Ann promised a prize for the best socks.  These were the winners:

So, who spends Saturday afternoon painting their socks, instead of installing their powder room toilet?  Hmmm? :)))  See Ann's beautiful painted mandala artwork at web.me.com/annviveros.  The prize for the socks was the painting The "I" in Meditation.  As they say, "Must enter to win!"...nice motto for life.

Cindy Faus Heimerl has gotten a fair bit of press on here, lately, and as promised, here are a few shots of her work currently on display at Mystic Journey, in downtown Belle Plaine: 

If you like these, stop in and meet her this Friday evening, when Mystic Journey hosts their first "Meet the Artist" event.  Directions:  yourmysticjourney.com You can't buy anything this precious at TJ Maxx, and you can't experience anything this authentic sitting on the sofa with your remote. 

There is so much happening out there that isn't advertised on TV, and life is so much richer when you make the time to seek out the truly unique, but artists and small businesses are struggling to compete with Netflix and the mega-malls for your time and attention, and of course your dollars.  If you think the idea of America being one big homogenized strip mall of chain stores selling cheap imported "art" is a bit creepy, then please quit buying crap made by child labor in third-world countries, and support your local artists.  Even if you aren't in the buying category, show up and say "hi".  Your interest and energy are valuable to the artist, too, and you never know who else will be there... Get off of facebook for a few hours, and go make some real contact! 

There are links to more artists on my website theartofthehome.com/links-to-other-artists.html.  I'll be adding to this, so check back once in awhile.  Remember, too, to make some art yourself.  Doesn't have to be "Art-with-a-capital-A".  Steal your kid's crayons, if you don't have supplies of your own.  The joy of life is truly in the making of it.  Make art, make artist-friends, make your home a soulful place, ornamented by the finest of art and friends.