State Fair of Texas/Seven sales in seven days

Seven sales in seven days!!!!!!!!! In the Friends of Lottie show: Betsy Doan and Katrina Doran. Butterfly House: Sandy Mackenzie, Tanya Lauderdale, Kate Schatz, Cynthia Daniel and Dan Dudley. I have some pictures. I don't know which of Katrina's flowers sold and I don't know which of Dan's pieces is Flower Lady - but ALL SOLD!
Here's the coolest part. Someone wanted to buy Tanya's piece. Said they'd come back with the money. Deadline passed and another visitor snapped it up with CASH! Is that story too cool for school? Tanya's on a roll and one of the most delightful people in the world. You go girl!
Don't miss Katrina on Good Morning Texas tomorrow.
And remember I have an album of all the sculptures ( I most sincerely hope) on the second page of my website: www.lottieminick.com
Please post State Fair sculpture pieces on the Friends of Lottie Sculpture Garden fan page.
And don't forget many of these wonderful artists are opening their studios for the White Rock Lake Artists' Studio Tour, Oct 16 and 15 (sat and sun) 10:00 to 6:00.

White Rock Lake Artists Studio Tour

This morning I went to Virgina's Pegasius Art studio for more glass. I know it's now more than an addiction. Who's there buying but Sylvia Thornton. She's not a glass fuser, but she's such a great artist she incorporates all kinds of different mediums in her art.
I usually run into Sylvia at art receptions and parties dressed to the nines and looking fabulous. She's really pretty. Today with the morning sun making everything way too bright, I looked at Sylvia after our hug with no makeup, casual clothes, hair swept up with a barrette and she looked fabulous. You can't even get annoyed with her about that because she's so nice. Trust me, I tried. You can see beautiful Sylvia and the incredible piece Sylvia will be making with the glass she bought today during the White Rock Lake Artists' Studio Tour; Saturday and Sunday, October 16 and 17 from 10:00 to 6:00 pm.
Speaking of fabulous artists, here's Virginia's piece at the State Fair of Texas Friends of Lottie Sculpture Garden. I welded this weird grubby little table for her and she took it and turned it into a showpiece. Virginia is a master artist and very pretty, too. You really should go to the Fair and see her table in person. Might want to take it home with you.
Virginia's of course on the tour, a founding member. She's on my street. I know her studio will be crowded - throw me a bone and come on down the street to my studio after. I'll have drinks "soft" to lure you in.
Here's Virginia's wonderful table.

State Fair of Texas

Andie, Cynthia and I went to the Fair today to finish putting out the artists' signs. Couldn't get ahold of Rebecca till we were about to leave. Hopefully she will get them out or we can get back out there. We had a big time taking pictures of all the sculptures in the Friends of Lottie show and the Butterfly House show.
If we had a contest for most photographed piece, give it up already, Staci's glasses win by a mile. Everyone was looking inside the lens and taking a picture of themselves. So much fun to watch Fairgoers and Staci's fabulous piece! Get out there and check out all the wonderful pieces.
I'll have all the pictures on my website soon.

JEDC/Leon County Art Trail

Terry Jones installed my Tic Tac Heart today in Jewitt. Saturday Delbert and Wilma came over after picking up sculptures at the Gaylord (where Delbert sold 3 pieces). They brought back Virginia's and my piece from the show Delbert put on and took my Tic Tac Heart along with his piece to go in the JEDC/Leon County Art Trail Sculpture Show.
During Delbert's State Fair of Texas Friends of Lottie Sculpture Garden installation Wilma and I were visiting and Delbert hollers at me, "Lottie, focus!" Huh? Oh, he wanted me to decide where his pieces were going - that's why we were there. Well, I focused and Delbert got them installed in great places.
When Wilma and Delbert came over Saturday did Delbert holler "Lottie, focus!" at any time? No! So we loaded my Tic Tac Hearts in his truck and they drove off. Terry calls me the next day and says, "Where's the base for you sculpture?" OOOOOOOOOOOOOPS! I needed to blow 4 holes in the base so Terry could bolt them to the cement pads he poured for all the sculptures to be installed. I looked over and there sat the base, next to my tanks.
Today I drove the base down to Jewett and met Terry and his wife Carla. What a great place they have on the main street. Worth going to Jewett to see that many of Terry's pieces in one place. I asked Carla if any other women were juried in and she said, "No, you're it." WOW I feel like I'm really with the big boys now.
Terry installed my piece in a nano second. Then Carla and Terry took me on a tour of all the sculptures. Did I think to take pictures of these impressive pieces? No. I'll ask Carla where to find pictures of all and post the link in a day or two.
Terry and Carla have done an incredible job putting this show together and now everyone wants in including the more businesses. Speaking as someone who's put on a few art shows, you can see all their hard work in the end result. And check out the brass plaque Terry installs next on the pad with your sculpture with all your information. Are we talking classy or what?

White Rock East Garden & Artisans' Tour

Your hardworking WRLAST artists were busy busy at Artistic Gatherings this afternoon addressing the studio tour brochures, licking stamps and sending to your mailbox. Never the diligent one, I went for a moment to pick up brochures and take pictures of the hard workers. Cynthia called to say she'd pick me up, but wasn't going to clean up so she could go back home and to work. Perfect. Well, Cynthia's idea of not cleaned up and mine are two different things. I'm sure all those people were embarrassed to see me in my overalls with slag all over me. Also surprised Cynthia let me in her car. Well, not like they don't know me.
What a beautiful day to be outside welding today. And the BlackJack walk tonight was delightful. I've lived in Texas too long, I know we could still have a few 100 degree days. I'll just be enjoying days like today when they're here.
Once again, White Rock Lake Studio Artists' Tour, Saturday and Sunday, October 16 and 17 from 10:00 to 5:00 - FREE - don't miss it!
And of course there's that incredible sculpture show going on now at the State Fair of Texas. I'll have a photo album of all the pieces on my website in a few days. You can enjoy installation albums of the Friends of Lottie show and the Butterfly House installation on the website now.

White Rock Lake Studio Artists' Tour

Terra cotta cut into shapes with a tile saw turn into mud which eventually turns me into mud. I wore my clear face mask and wrapped myself in a big garbage bag and still I turned the color of red mud. Forgot to put anything on my head. OOOOOPS I washed my hair, but I still feel shards and won't even try to run a comb thru my hair. Did have a thought that terra cotta dust could be a root touch up.
The pots I'm cutting up are from fused glass class at CAC. Becky taught us how to drip glass in a kiln through clay pots. The pots retain some of the glass in great patterns. She was throwing the pots away. I asked if I could have some and the plan was to mosaic this heart I made years ago with this cool stuff. Well I glued about 6 pot bottoms to the heart and put that aside for a few months that turned into a year. Decided to finish it for the White Rock Lake Artists Studio Tour coming up Saturday and Sunday, October 16 and 17. The tour is worth me turning into mud. Should be out there right now working on it, but hooray it's raining.
I cleaned up my Tic Tac Hearts for Delbert to pick up today and take to Jewett, Texas so Terry Stone can install for the Jewett sculpture show. Now there's a big bare spot in the front yard and this heart will fill the spot nicely.
I used liquid nails to glue on the terra cotta pieces to the heart. Spent about an hour after my shower trying to get the glue off my hands so I could meet Debbie's Angels at Lee Harvey's to toast our Debbie. I used liquid nails because I bought a bucket full of tubes at one of Lynn's estate sales. Gloves? you ask. Please, that would be the smart thing to do, I'm not into that.
It sprinkled rain at Lee Harveys. We knew it was Debbie saying she was with us. Lovely evening, we all agreed we'll return often.
Meet Debbie's Angels Saturday afternoon October 16. They will be in my back yard wearing their halos, showing Ms. Stearns heart and visiting with tour goers. How often do you get to meet real live angels??????? Hearts seem to be the theme at my studio this year.

Jewett EDC outdoor sculpture show

Really exciting new. Terry Jones' Jewett EDC outdoor sculpture show in Jewett, Texas is juried and about to be installed. Terry invited me to enter and with all that's going on I wouldn't have except he has been so faithful bringing incredible pieces to my Friends of Lottie Sculpture Show at the State Fair. So because of Terry I entered. They juried 12 pieces in and I was accepted. Jetett EDC awarded $500 to each accepted, plus a complimentary one night stay at the Executive Inn & Suites on Main Street. Now that's the way to put on an art show. Delbert Beckman (also one of my faithful State Fair artists) was accepted and graciously offered to take my piece when he goes to install. More graciousness, Terry is going to install the piece on the 4 foot slab he probably built. I blew out some holes in the base today for his bolts. How about Delbert and Terry taking care of me? Seriously good people. I appreciate them.
More information as the show unfolds.

State Fair of Texas

We're installed!!!!! I haven't counted how many pieces or artists. Next post. The fun flew during installation, my favorite day of the year. I love these wonderful friends/artists who show up to for me along with the new artists. Go to my website www.lottieminick.com for installation pictures. My phone rang constantly and I was a little busy so taking pictures wasn't my priority, but I got a few cute ones. Had a panic attack when I lost my water bottle. Darling Staci to the rescue for Lottie DAAAAAAAA with a cooler of water and Little Debbie Snack Cakes. I ate 5 red velvet mini cakes. Simply delicious. Then after calming down, I found the water bottle in the pocket of my overalls. Shame on me for worrying, I was surrounded by people who take the most excellent care of me, allowing me to put on the best and biggest show in Texas. They are the best.
Come out to the State Fair of Texas, get a map from the information booth, ask the people in the booth to show where Sculptors' Way is located on the map. Then have them point. Follow their point and go see the FABULOUS sculptures by my most FABULOUS artists during the State Fair of Texas.
And maybe even take out your checkbook and buy one of the most incredible pieces. I promise, on my Friends of Lottie Sculpture Show curator oath, the sculpture you buy will bring you good luck, good friends and good thoughts about you. Where else can you get all that from one purchase???????

State Fair of Texas sculpture install

Today is install day for the State Fair of Texas Friends of Lottie Sculpture Show. I'm going out this morning to install my pieces and go back at 5:00 until dark for the artists while they install. Love installation day. Not crazy about all the walking I'll be doing. I was worn out from the butterfly house installation and that's in a confined area, not to mention mosquitoes will be vicious tonight and you know how they treat me like like their favorite buffet.
Usually the night before installation Lynn and Sissy call me and ask if I need help grouting. I say, "No, I'm OK." Of course I'm not and they know that, so they trot on over. I told them a few weeks ago my mosaic football was finished and I would not need them.
Last night I called Lynn around midnight and told her I'm astonished she didn't call to check on me. She said I assured her I was OK weeks ago. I've assured them before and not been OK. Actually, I am OK, but while polishing the football I found two teeny tiny spots I missed grouting. I'm out of black grout so asked Lynn to put two teaspoons on her porch for me for this morning. I'm on my way to get it right now. Thanks Sisters in Art.
Here's a few more pictures of really pretty artists with their great pieces during install at the Butterfly House Sunday. More pictures on www.lottieminick.com

Texas Discovery Gardens

Yesterday, we installed sculptures in the Butterfly House in the Discovery Gardens at the State Fair. Pictures of install day are on: www.lottieminick.com Great pieces, wonderful artists. Sarah, our Butterfly House liaison, so professional with her clipboard checking in the artists and making sure she has all their information.

As you can imagine, it's a bit humid inside the with the butterflies. I felt like someone took all the juice out of me after being there from 1:00 to 5:00. But the show looks great and my artists/friends outdid themselves. We all enjoyed the butterflies hovering around giving their own advice as to placement of the pieces - so opinionated to be so small.

White Rock Lake Garden & Artisans Tour - Hearts afire

Hearts will be growing all around my studio during the White Rock Lake Artists' Studio Tour. I'm in a heart mood. I'm bending thin rods and casting colored glass inside. Not just red but lots of colors. For sale during the tour.

Bob had a great idea. Make some more metal hearts, cast them and weld them to a rod. Call them "Lottie Pops". Pretty cool, huh? My Mom always said, "Lottie Kate, if you can't be smart, marry smart." Well, I was smart enough to do that. I'll post pictures of Lottie Pops as soon as I make them. Hope they look good enough to eat.

Don't miss the White Rock Lake Artists' Studio Tour, Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18.

Field trip

Juli called around 11:30 today when The Young and The Restless was on and I was on hold with yet another social security person for Mom. The recording told me I had a 24 minute wait, so I hung up when I saw it was Juli. She said, "Field Trip". I said, "I have color on my roots, give me 15 minutes." She and Barbara showed up in 14 minutes to critique the color. They approved maroon. Missed the end of The Young and The Restless.

Barbara drove, Juli navigated. I sat in the back and tried to hang on, not easy even with my seat belt clicked. We got lost, but thank goodness did not end up in Oklahoma like last field trip. We were lost somewhere in Oak Cliff. Finally found the place amid many phone calls, 3 conversations going on at once and me falling out of my seat, again with seat belt clicked.

We went to this place that makes styrofoam, cuts them into beautiful shapes and then coats it with something so hard you can mosaic on it. We were like kids in a candy store. Barbara and I were rolling in it. So much fun I forgot to take pictures. Here's three pieces they gave me. They gave me more, but Barbara wouldn't let the rest out of her car when we got to my house. We had so many big pieces, I was wedged in my car seat on the way home and didn't fall out even when Barbara ran over a curb, twice. There's always an upside to a story.

We will be carving and playing with these pieces and then back to where ever this place is, whatever the name is and have them coated. Seriously cool. They are going back Friday and I'll get them to take pictures. I can't go, my bum still hurts from when I fell off my car seat.

White Rock Lake Artists' Studio Tour

Saturday and Sunday, October 16 and 17, don't miss this great tour. I'd love to show how I weld my hearts and stars during the tour, but I'd put someone's eyes out. I'm going to have some hearts and stars ready go in the kiln to show how I cast the glass. Virginia is selling me glass from her new venture www.PegaisusArt.com and I can run over and get glass (and lots of advice from a pro). I'm inspired this year. Don't miss this wonderful FREE tour with 44 artists showing their studios and how they make their art.

PS. Ran to get my camera today, but I was too late. A tiny little toad came to visit while I was cutting glass. I love these guys. (do worry I'll step on one, would never get over that "squish")

Toad rustling

In August 2000 we inherited Bob's aunt and uncle's blue Australian Shepard. His name was Blue, of course, and he was the best. We walked him every night at 10:00 and more often than not there would be a toad in the road. For a while I picked them up and put them in the grass. Then I started carrying them home. They always peed in my hand. Never got a wart, thank goodness. I still bring them home and put them in the back yard. One would think I'd never have another mosquito. Think again.

I've been welding stars. Before I grind them clean I quench them in this quenching tub. Wasn't looking when I put a star in today and there was this little toad swimming in my tub. I don't know who was more afraid when the star touched the water and sizzled. We both jumped.

To apologize, I grabbed the toad and put him on this water bucket. He stayed there so long, must have been traumatized. When I took his picture he decided this was the last indignity and jumped away, hopefully to have a nice meal of mosquitoes.

I've continued the tradition with the BlackJack walks. The skin on my left hand (the toad carrying hand) is yellowish compared to the right. But the toads that use to be in the road are safe in my back yard.

Cast Glass

Chapters in Welding

Cast glass is the theme for me this year at the Friends of Lottie Sculpture Garden during the State Fair of Texas and the White Rock Lake Artist Studio Tour. The 4 stars shown are attached to a big star to be installed in the museum fountain across from the Old Mill Restaurant. I'll also have a cast glass star mobile Delbert made the base for.

Virginia and Peggy have opened Pegasius Art a wonderful place to buy fused glass and she's here in East Dallas. The beauty being able to buy from Virginia and Peggy is you can buy what you need at the time.

Can't do anything outside today with this wonderful rain, but tomorrow I'll have pictures of hearts I've been making for the White Rock Lake Artists' Studio Tour along with some other fun things.

The White Rock Lake Artists' Studio Tour is Saturday and Sunday, October 16 and 17.

Goodbye Ms. Stearns

Today at noon we attend Ms. Stearns memorial service. She lost her fight to cancer early Monday morning. Along with Debbie's Angel Army (girlfriends who were there for her) I will miss her terribly. While helping her these last few weeks I was working on this heart. I kept thinking how Debbie was twisting and fragmenting away from us. The heart seems to turn sideways with the metal and fragment down with the glass. Delbert gave me the most wonderful base. Working on the heart helped me work through my sorrow.

Now her heart is restored. God speed Dear Debra, and wings of angels take thee to thy rest. Love always, Lottie