Art in my summer travels

theartfultraveler — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 19:53:19 +0000

Hello Again. This summer I’ve been to several arts-related travel destinations.

I attended the 5th Open Studio Tour of the Wayne County Arts Alliance (my third time), and saw some exceptional work. It occurs in late July, in the northern Poconos of PA (the arts Alliance is in the town of Honesdale just north of Lake Wallenpaupack). Some of the craftsmen’s studios are open either by appointment or year round. check out the link. This region of the Poconos will be beautiful come fall, so consider making a visit. I particularly like teh work of Dique Stone. Dickie, the artist, heads out to various quarries and selects just the right stones for each of his vases, tables, lamps, menorahs and more. His slate topped tables have legs made from branches, and the ones with birch-tree legs look like they are going to get up and walk away!

While staying with friends in Bethany Beach Delaware, we visited another artist’s studio whose work blew me away. 2nd Time Designs is a husband and wife team who are truck drivers by trade, and artists in their hearts and whenever they are not on the road. Judy and Lou Hagen create unique welded and painted sculptures from used metal parts – old tractor, truck and car parts, old tools and more. The items are reborn into 2 1/2 foot dragon flies; 3 feet high flowers, with spinning petals and even a 15′ or so blue dragon out front. They are just outside of the small town of Millsboro Delaware, and well worth the side trip from the beaches.

Next weekend, September 15 & 16, we are hoping to head to the Peter’s Valley Crafts Fair. It is run by and supports Peter’s Valley Craft Center, one of the places that my mom and I have taken week-long workshops.

Let me know about the interesting artists whose work you saw this summer, or Artful places you’ve visited, or if there is something art-related that you want more info on – I’ll see what I can do to find out for you.

Catherine G. Larkin – The Artful Traveler

Let’s Get Creative close to home or wherever you roam

theartfultraveler — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 19:36:08 +0000

Welcome. I’m Catherine G. Larkin (Cathy), The Artful Traveler, and I’ll be providing info on arts-related travel, especially hands-on opportunities (workshops and classes, museums and more). If you’d like to make your own fireplace tools, learn to blow glass, or get your hands into some clay, then this blog is for you. I’ll also be mentioning unique artists whose work I see in my travels, upcoming art and museum exhibitions, along with travel tips from my years working for aregional visitors bureau. I’ll also give ideas for moving your creativity forward (mine too); I’ve been a weekend art instructor for the past 15 years at a local arts center.

See my blog roll for resources – (for example www.shawguides.com has links to 1,000s of learning vacations); local arts centers in your area; art/fine craft shows; books on creativity, art and inspiration; and links to useful travel sites. More to come.

“Let’s Get Creative – close to home or wherever you roam!”

Cathy Larkin The Artful Traveler

PS Thanks to all the folks at Blog Philadelphia, the unconference, July 2007 who got me jazzed up on blogging and social networking. I finally got this blog I’ve been thinking about off the ground and running.

A special thanks to Joe who nudged me to get off my duff and write my first post. He called to say that he was planning to mention my blog in his blog tomorrow…but he needed to know what mine was called….so I had to get out here and create it. He gave me some good suggestions. Thanks Joe for helping me beat into submission the case of procrastination I was nursing! (Joe’s blog: workingathomeinternet.com/WP/