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Endless Summer Sale
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Lots and Lots of News!!!
Oops!!! First of all, I apologize for the very strange mailing you received last week which said, “Anything goes today”! It was intended to be a test for two but it went to many! Ugh! Several of you have responded so at least we got your attention.
It’s been way too long since I posted a blog! So much has transpired over the past few months it’s hard not to write too much and bore you to tears. Please forgive me if I do!
Our first post-isolation public endeavor was the April La Encantada Fine Art Festival! The weather was perfect, the attendance was great and sales exceptional!
As we moved on after being vaccinated we were able to travel and explore the USA! We spent a week in Yosemite National Park in April with good friends. What an amazing place! The crowds were small and the waterfalls were at their peak. What a majestic place! It couldn’t have been better to be outside in God’s beautiful country!
In early May I ventured out for the first time since covid on an airplane to Brooklyn, NY to see Jackson and help Jake and Elif prepare to move back to the West coast! Yay! What a great experience having my 3 ½-year-old grandson, Jackson, direct me to the local Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. The two of us walked daily through the streets of Brooklyn and he never got us lost. By the third day he told me: “GiaMia turn off your GPS, we don’t need it! It was a much-needed reconnection after 18 mos of video conversations. I am so thankful!
As the West coast family was relocating to Santa Monica we all shared time here in the desert. Of course it happened to be the hottest week of our summer! A few swim days and early outdoor adventures were in order. Being together made up for any 100+ degree days! Aaron and Kiori were missed because of their far away residence in Abu Dhabi but our every two-week zoom sessions really help to keep us all connected!
Then I was off for a long weekend visit to Denver to help celebrate my sister, Patti’s birthday. So nice to be together after several years. Hikes, shopping, food, and Contra dancing all made for a fun weekend!
Next up was our cross-country road trip in July to reconnect with family and friends! As you may recall back in 1974 this is how we spent our honeymoon, on the road from coast to coast. (Honeymoon Cross Country Highlights ). This was certainly an abbreviated version of that trip but it felt wonderful to be back out there seeing the country. The “Corn Belt ” of the Midwest, which went on forever, created its own beauty. It made me realize how important this part of the country is to the agricultural strength of our nation. A big “thank you” goes out to all the hardworking farmers that make this happen! We traveled in our much-loved 2007 Honda minivan with way over 230,000 miles. After almost 5000 travel miles and fabulous reconnecting with friends, the van purred along and got us home safely. Here is one of many of our favorite stops.
Before you just delete all this verbiage, take a look at many new things on our horizon.
Look in your inbox for your early bird online shopping opportunity to participate in the “Endless Summer Tent Sale”. Great savings up to 50% off!
Big news! We have been invited to show our art glass at a very popular, upscale Tucson art gallery beginning in mid-Sept. More info to come.
Our major Fall show is the La Encantada Fine Arts Festival on November 20 & 21. The weather in this pleasant outdoor setting should be the best. I will be focusing on several new outdoor sculptures.
As I close I have to say please be vaccinated so we can conquer this beast among us. Please wear a mask in indoor spaces! Be safe and remain healthy until we meet again!
Thanks for following our blog and being a very important part of our lives!
Love to all!
Mary and Paul, my BBF and chief schleper.
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Art Glass
The Storm Before the Calm of Showtime
Tomorrow is the day…SHOWTIME! What a whirlwind but we are prepared! In pre-covid times most art festivals were scheduled months in advance giving artists time to prepare and produce new work. With our ever-changing environment many shows are confirmed only months ahead. This being the case we had approximately thirty days to make this happen. It’s like watching a big hurricane brew in the Atlantic and trying to be ready! Trust me, Paul can testify to the glass hurricane arising in our studio.
Here is a quick glimpse of the development of just one piece – the Blue Sky Sunflower:
Planning and selecting the colors and pattern. 
Making vitrigraph stringers for embellishments 
Putting the pieces together 
In the kiln to be heated to 1450 degrees. The total firing time including cooldown is approx. 20 hrs. 
Finished with custom stand. 
Mock-up of show display!
Multiply this process for 30-40 pieces with additional firings needed for slumping and draping. I think you can see why the kilns were running almost non-stop the last 30 days!
But the storm has passed!!! Even though shows are demanding the thrill of seeing smiling faces as they view the art glass is enough to get us through the storm and into a calmer space.
We can’t wait to see you at the La Encantada Fine Art Festival, Saturday and Sunday, April 10-11! Our space is #24 in the main courtyard adjacent to the Apple Store.
If you can’t be there check out Mary Sherwood Art Glass as we add the new additions in the next few days!
Thanks for your continued support! Bring on those smiles ???!
Mary
Any questions or custom inquires are always welcome.
Let’s chat, 252-308-2694
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My Heart is Grateful!
My whole perspective through this last year is finding the little things that keep me going. First and foremost is my wonderful husband, Paul. I could not imagine coping so well without him. For that I am grateful!
After that, there are so many other people and experiences that keep me going. I will only mention a few so as not to bore you too much. :).
Almost every morning I walk in this beautiful area of the Southwest. I never really thought I could acclimate to being away from water but I see a different beauty here. Here is a beautiful early morning sky right out my front door!
My friends are another very important element. Although socializing has diminished, during my outdoor walks, I am blessed with great conversation with a walking buddy or early morning chats with my fabulous East coast friends. ❤️
Next up, in my heart-filled place, are my customers and friends I have developed during this art glass endeavor. I have the best supporters ever! Here is a commissioned project for two large art glass panels to be inserted in a client’s library. It was certainly a challenge but such an exciting endeavor! Making my client almost squeal with joy during the installation makes it all worth it! ❤️
Mary Sherwood Art Glass has just joined Chris Bubany and Friends Art Gallery. I am so thankful for the opportunity. Thanks to my metal artist friend, Hector, the display is a real show stopper! ❤️ Stop by for a visit!
Many “virtual” hugs and kisses being sent your way!
Mary