2010 Blog Update!

After five years, I thought it was time to give our little Arts & Crafts Market blog a new, more modern look. What do you guys think? I hope you guys like it.

Winter Wonderland

Yep. It's a winter wonderland out there, with more snow coming. 10 to 12 inches more. So, I'm thinking most of the District will have off for the next couple of days. I say, let's use this free time to let our creative juices flow and craft, craft, craft! I made three piggy banks so far today.

And why not use this time to get your 2010 Ballston Arts & Crafts Market submission form all filled out and emailed to me? Just send 'em my way: Jessica@iloveballston.com.

And if you need an application, go online or just holla. I'm right here. At home. Stuck inside. Not going anywhere. But it's nice and warm.

Grumpy Haters!

This is awesome. The applications keep rolling in! (If you haven't sent yours in, now's the time!)

I just received an app from a Ballston A&C Market newbie--Grumpy Haters! Her plusies are hysterical! You have to check them out. But what I what found the most fun was her sense of humor. If you need any inspiration for a artist statement (or life in general), just see below.

"Grumpy Haters came into being thanks to a few years of selling on Etsy. Anyone who does knows it can be a somewhat, well, there are days where chewing glass might be a more productive and pleasant experience. But we stay. Muddle on.

Life as a dewy eyed seller is short. One day you are Twittering like a slap happy ding dong and the next thing you know, your cheery little wrapper is crumpled and your sweet, sweet icing lies on the floor like so much Dexter splatter.

Grumpy Haters both bemoans and celebrates a sellers fate with everything we make. It's a difficult transition, let Grumpy Haters help you through this most difficult time. Allow us to provide you with companions who understand what you are going through and who don't mind when you hurl them across the room in frustration or despair.

Grumpy Haters is really for anyone who can see the humor in continuing to do anything occasionally akin to poking yourself with a stick because somehow, you still have hope. Plus, you like to make stuff. And the money is no slap in the face either, is it? Grumpy Haters promises to never, ever tell you to 'Keep Calm and Carry On' but rather embraces the occasional and well deserved seller freak out.

Grumpy Haters understands. "

Well said, Grumpy Haters. Well said indeed.

Musicians Wanted!

Hey everyone!

The Ballston Partnership's Arts & Crafts Market is looking for musicians. Do you know anyone who would want to jam with us? This is a non-paying gig, but what we can offer your musically inclined friends is a well-trafficked area to play their music (right across from the Ballston Metro!), the opportunity to sell their CDs and a place to have an open tip case.

Please tell them to contact me (Jessica!) at Jessica@iloveballston.com for more info.

Valentine’s Day Tea Party!

You're invited to a Valentine's Day Tea Party hosted by Ballston A&C Market's very own Jules' Jules and husband, Bryan with BKJ Designs.
Stock up on your V-Day gifts and enjoy hand-crafted jewelry, abstract art, paintings, collage, and great conversation. Not to mention yummy snacks and tea--my favorite!

Where: 932 Patrick Henry Drive / Arlington

When: Saturday, February 6
1 pm - 4 pm

RSVP to 703.533-0957 or jules@julesjewelsjewelry.com

Sounds like a great way to spend a day.

What a Great Artist Statement

Ya know, artist statements can be tough. But, I find it's best to keep them short, sweet and from the heart. I received one today from an talented artist that I would like to share with you. I hope it inspires the writer inside.

"I am originally from Jackson, Mississippi, where I studied fine art at Mississippi College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science -Art Education in 2004. I have painted and vended my works in Jackson Square, New Orleans and I still feel the influences of street jazz pulsating through my veins. In Mississippi, I was a vendor for the Jackson Farmers Market for 5 years and I taught art at Clinton High School for 3 years from 2005-2008. I am by no means formal. Color music, and spontaneous cathartic releases are my inspirations. I enjoy modern, contemporary, bold styles. Everything has personality to me. I can watch trees dance, leaves skip, and shadows creep. They all tell us something. Sometimes I’m lucky enough to capture what they say in a quick gesturing painting. That is when the artist inside of me smiles."

Nice work, Tuesday Tauchen!

Check Out The Soundry!

Our friends at The Soundry are holding a cool live, public/peer juried show, otherwise known as F*CK THE MACHINE. Wanna be a part of it?
Here's the deal: Each artist brings just ONE piece to be presented in-person to the jury. The jury panel consists of ONLY the artists who are submitting the this show. The jury panel will ask questions, comment & debate before voting. The artist in front of the panel may answer, defend or refuse further comment beyond introducing their work.

This sounds awesome!

Show opens Saturday, May 1st at 8:00pm and runs through June 5, 2010 at The Soundry.

Check out http://www.soundry.net/2010/01/call-for-entries/ for more info!