We are at the end of another year and, topped off like a cherry sundae, with an old favorite show – Winterfair – is almost upon us. Sponsored by Ohio Designer Craftsman, this last-of-the-season show is happening December 2 – 4 at Ohio Expo Center on the State Fairgrounds.

Hours are Fri. & Sat. 10 am – 8 pm and Sun. 12 – 5 pm. Over 400  artists presenting their finest wares and yours truly showing both new and  old favorites!

My booth number is 1030, near the center aisle and the west door and we hope you can make it.

In the studio I have been busy; two of the new paintings are presented here.
	“Street Musician” is the latest in a short line of four Armadillos. A humble character strumming his lute/guitar, attended by his favorite audience in a favorite village.

“Dawn” pictures a shrine to the Virgin of Guadalupe attached to a simple wooden fence, all illuminated by a rising sun – a quiet image somewhere in the southwest. (As you  may know, the SW is a favorite theme here.)

It is almost time for the Vierows’ studio switch. For much of the year my husband’s studio is on the third floor, but come this time of year he is forced to retreat to the next level down. At this point, I surrender my space to him and move my studio into what is usually my morning exercise room. (I do Chi Gong warmups and Alexander back exercises every morning.) Though a trifle crowded, I can manage just fine and the gas bill remains at something almost payable during the winter months. Molly, our White Cat usually makes this room hers; I can’t decide whether she is happy or sad to see my drawing table, chair and assorted paints and brushes moving into her space again.

It is time of moving – from one time set to another (we gain an hour tonight), from one studio space to another, from Thanksgiving to Christmas. So  let me wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and and even Happier Christmas ahead.  You are among my favorite friends and readers and I hope we can cap off the season with a friendly hug at Winterfair. Booth 1030! See you there!

Yours, Judy

Time marches on folks…Here we are, having weathered the dreaded attack from the HOT HOT weather. Akron was 95 degrees and felt like 105, but with the help of a devoted staff at Hardesty Park, numerous bottles of frozen water (not for long) and ten minutes in the back of a police cruiser with the AC, I made it through. Does global warming mean the end of summer outdoor shows? Well, not this year anyway.

Our next outing is the 45th Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival in Upper Arlington, conjoined to Columbus for those from out of town. This festival has a long and distinguished reputation and is held on the open field/park next to the library, which usually holds a yearly book sale during the festivities. There will be music, a stage, an art tent for kids, fair food (try lemonade, large), and an organic welter of over 200 artists tents. I haven’t heard my booth number yet, but will post it when I know.

The 45th Annual Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival
Columbus, Ohio
Monday, September 5 – 10:00am – 5:00pm

This is immediately followed by the wonderful!!! Black Swamp Art & Music Festival for two days, Sat. and Sun., Sept. 10 & 11. We love this show! A small town atmosphere on the downtown main street, it extends for three blocks, and attracts both music festival goers (from another venue), returning BG grads, and many festival goers who can bike or even walk directly to the festivities. Small music groups perform during the art show; there is a children’s art tent, and, best of all, we get to meet old friends and patrons who greet me like I was family! I love it. There is plenty of parking behind businesses and even the businesses get in the act, with small sale tables on the sidewalks (never a hindrance, however.) There is a well-stocked artist recupe center for weary, hot artists, but I am usually too busy to spend much time there.

Black Swamp art & Music Festival
Bowling Green, Ohio
Saturday, September 10 – 10:00am – 7:00 pm
Sunday, September 11 – 11am – 5:00 pm

As though we still had an ounce of energy, we have a date with our third festival in a row in September – The 13th Annual Tremont Park Arts and Cultural Festival, Sat. and Sun. Sept. 17 & 18. Tremont Park is located in Cleveland and is a small,  well directed arts and community festival. We did this fair a few years ago and neglected to put it on the schedule again through no fault of its own. So this year we are rediscovering this amazing little show and hope you will join us for our last Cleveland venue for the year.

13th Annual Tremont Arts & Cultural Festival
Tremont Park,Cleveland, Ohio
Saturday, September 17 – 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday, September 18 – 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

So goes out summertime schedule. Perhaps by September the weather will be more accommodating…We can at least, hope. And we hope you will join us for one or more of these merry venues! This is Judy, laughing in the air conditioning – over and out.