Tent Disaster Averted

I was getting ready for an art fair, so I figured I would set up the tent just to be sure everything was a-ok.  And it is a good thing I did because I discovered a broken truss! 

I called the tent company immediately to order a replacement 
but that part was on back order for 3 weeks! 

 That wasn't going to do -- I was going to use it in less than 2 weeks.  

I considered the universal fix-all, duct tape, but that didn't seem like it would really work.

My handy assistant (aka husband) came to my rescue!

He comes up with the idea for an insert as a solution. 

That might work!

He starts to work taking apart a joint. 

He puts the insert in and tightens it down.

A close up of the insert.

 Then he puts a screw under it so it can't slide away. 

 He has lots of tools.  He's my hero!

And it works!  It is all together and ready to go!

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Getting' Ready for the Art Fair!

What is getting ready for an art fair like? Here are scenes from my studio -- stacks and stacks of art works!  I have tubs full of framed works, baskets filled with works on paper, a "flip" bin with figurative work, cardboard boxes with larger paintings and the portable "office" is ready to go.  I run around for days wrapping and sorting and planning and packing. And I haven't even started getting my tent equipment together.  I am get excited as the dates for the art fair close in!  And, a little nervous.  I hope all goes well.  And that I see some friends.

 I bring a flip bin with colorful life drawings, sketches, studies and finished works. 

 This basket has framed and unframed works of paintings of cakes, pies and other good things.

 Monotypes and studies are in this basket.  

 This basket has mostly painted sketches and studies. The tub underneath holds framed work. The tub keeps everything dry in case of rain.

 Larger paintings go into cardboard boxes for protection.

Here is my portable "office." It has everything you might have on your desk!

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Some fun works!

Here are some fun works!

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In this show!

I have a new piece that will surprise you!  I included a pic here.

Nuthouse House Plaque

It is inspired by our "nut house," where we do goofy stuff with license plates (him) and artwork (me). There are oak leaves in the piece also since we are showered with acorns in the fall. Another reason for the name. And, of course, I think we are both a little nuts. The title is NutHouse House Plaque. It usually hangs near the entryway.

To see more like this, go here.

Riverside Arts Center Presents…

Paintings by Barbara Sistak Baur

At Riverside Township Hall

27 Riverside Rd., Riverside, IL

May 1, 2013 through July 28, 2013

During regular open hours

Generally, M-F 9am-5pm

Also Open during The Riverside Arts Weekend, Sat-Sun, May 18-19 -- Come see!

This exhibition includes textural works on canvas and works on paper where the re-occurring theme is cupcakes and other pastry items found in a bakery. It is part of my ongoing investigation of textures and surfaces. Experimentation with multi-dimensional techniques has resulted in paintings of cupcakes that seem to undulate in rows, ignore the edge the canvas or raise above the surface of the painting. Some paintings are a combination of many canvases pulled together for one painting. Others represent experimentation with images on the softer paper surface with more fluidness.

There are three different phases of paintings presented, each with its own goal. In one set of paintings, the goal was to focus on the lushness of the topic. I used 3-dimensional techniques with rich and glossy acrylic media to bring out and match the textures and feelings of items being portrayed. Examples are Grand Fruit Tart and Cupcakes on a Checkered Cloth (shown here).

Another set of paintings become more imaginative and intuitive. Dreaming of Pie has slices of strawberry cream pie on plates that seem to travel through space. The works on paper, such as "Bliss,” (shown here)  allow for a softer, more fluid point of view which is surprising, light and refreshing.

The third set are the “arrays”, which further the investigation into both the surface and intuition. The red (shown here)  and yellow paintings build their surfaces using multiple canvases of the varying depths. They cast their own shadows. A green array reflects the isolation and contemplation of a single cupcake with just shadows of others appearing here and there. It is quiet, introspective. In contrast, an orange array is bold and daring, with its background not staying the background at all but crashing through the cakes toward us, the viewers. 

Overall, this exhibition opens a window on my journey of investigating textures and surfaces while furthering my exploration of expression and intuition. 

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Exhibition Extended!

Directions:

If you are coming in from the suburbs by train and like to walk:

Leave the train station as usual and walk east 2 blocks to Franklin

Turn left (north) and walk 4-6 blocks to the Chicago River

Cross the river and you are on N. Orleans St

Continue for 3 1/2  blocks to 509 North

Sugar Bliss Cake Boutique in on the east side of the street

(you also catch bus number 11 on Franklin)

If you are already in the River North gallery district:

Go to the intersection of Orleans and Huron,

Walk south 5/12 blocks to Sugar Bliss

Sales:

All artwork in this exhibition is for sale. You may select any piece and take it to the cashier.  She will be happy to process your purchase.

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Upcoming Exhibtion

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Paintings in Geneva Shop

Paintings by Barbara Sistak Baur in the Shoppes at 123, Inc. (formerly the Persimmon Tree,) 123 S. Third St., Geneva, IL

I am pleased to announced that my paintings are now available at The Shoppes at 123, Inc. (formerly the Persimmon Tree), 123 S. Third St., Geneva, IL. As shown is the photo, several of my smaller and mini paintings fit in nicely.  This is an adorable little shop that you can easily wander in for hours!  There is all manner of household items to be viewed, many created by local artisans.

The Shoppes at 123, Inc. (formerly the Persimmon Tree,) 123 S. Third St., Geneva, IL

New at this is shop is the name and concept. Instead of purchasing ready-made merchandise, as they have for years and years, the shopkeepers are now inviting artists to display works of art oriented for the home -- some whimsical, some more serious. Geneva is a great little town to shop in -- many, many shops line the historical downtown. You could easily spend a day.  Hey, now that the holidays are on they way, why not consider a trip to Geneva!

Paintings by Barbara Sistak Baur in the Shoppes at 123, Inc.  © B Sistak Baur

Paintings by Barbara Sistak Baur in the Shoppes at 123, Inc. © B Sistak Baur

My paintings are no longer at this shop.

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Chicago Art Open Showcases Diverse Works (Mine, included)

The 12th Annual Chicago Art Open, presented by the Chicago Artists' Coalition, will be on display from April 20-May 7 at the River East Art Center, 435 E. Illinois Street, Chicago.  There are more than 350 works of art on display, all from members of the Chicago Artists' Coalition.  The Chicago Art Open is an unique opportunity to appreciate the diverse talent of the city's visual artists.  The Opening Reception is April 24, (a Saturday), from 12-4 pm..  Yes, I am displaying my "Loaves" in this exhibition and will be at the opening reception (which is free for everyone). I hope to see you there.

Two more great events are happening at the Open.  One is the Benefit Preview Party, April 20, from 6-9 p.m.  Advance tickets are $50.  The other event is the free event,  "How to Collect" panel discussion that takes place May 2, from 12-3 p.m. (If you can't make this but are interested, I am going to attend and post the information here on my blog.)

 

Loaves, showing at the Chicago Art Open, 16"x30", stained canvas adhered to board, © B. Sistak Baur, $975

--Barb
www.SistakBaur.com

Arts Showcase – Barrington (IL) - 11/7-11/8

I am joining the Barrington Park District for its 8th Annual Showcase of Arts and Crafts this Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 7 and 8. The hours are 11am to 5pm on Sat. and 10am-4pm, Sun. It takes place at Landendorf Park, 235 Lions Dr. I looked at the list of exhibitors scheduled for this event and noted that they are quality artisans. For more info call, 847-381-0687. Here is the poster about the event. Double click it to enlarge.
--Barb
www.sistakbaur.com

Autumn Showcase – Crystal Lake (IL) - 11/5-11/29

Autumn Showcase – Crystal Lake
The artists of the Northwest Area Arts Council have joined together for a group exhibition from Nov. 5-29, at the Brink Street Market, downtown Crystal Lake, IL. More than 40 members are showing works in oil, watercolor, pastel, acrylic, photography, jewelry, fiber, pottery and sculpture. 20% of all sales is donated to the Northern Illinois Food Bank. There will be an artists’ reception, Sat., Nov 7, 7-9 pm. I hope to see you there. Otherwise, the show is open Wednesdays-Sundays, 10am to 4pm.

I am showing my "Chocolate Cake" at this exhibition.

Chocolate Cake, 9"x12", acrylic, framed. $360. © B. Sistak Baur

--Barb
www.SistakBaur.com

Algonquin Public Art Display Acceptance

I am very pleased that the Village of Algonquin has accepted two works of mine for inclusion in the 2009-2010 year-long display. The Village of Algonquin started this program in 2005-2006 in the belief that art in the village enhances the quality of life for residents and business. It solicits applications from artists to apply for the program. Accepted works are loaned to the village for one year. They are displayed throughout the village. I have participated in the program several times and am pleased to have been invited to participate for this season. The two works accepted are Grand Bakery and Three Cakes. I will post a notice when I know the where these pieces are displayed. By the way, there is an Open House at the Village offices this Thursday evening, October 15, 6-8 pm, 2200 Harnish Dr., Algonquin.
-- Barb
www.SistakBaur.com

Grand Bakery and Three Cakes, acrylic paintings, © B. Sistak Baur. All Rights Reserved.