4th 12 x 12 Exhibition-Todd Art Gallery

"Measure What Remains" 8" x 10"

Exciting news from Middle Tennessee State University today.  "Measure What Remains" was chosen for the exhibition to be held at the Todd Art Gallery.  They received 450 images, narrowed the entries down to 181 and then chose 71 to be in the exhibition.  WAHOOT.  I am in with the 71.  The awards will be given at the opening reception on January 22, 2013.  This creation is a collage on an acrylic box frame.  I have been recycling  and trying out new base structures.  I was thinking about time and how quickly life passes.  This is my first out of state adventure... a new goal for the coming year to enter juried contests beyond Michigan.  Well, mission accomplished.  More to come on this art adventure.

"Mad Dreams" 16" x 20"

"Mad Dreams" 16" x 20"

Sometimes dreams are more realistic than real life.  I don't know where this quote came from, but it's true.  This collage is multi-media, stamping, stenciling, torn paper, magazine images, corrugated cardboard, vintage paper, stamping on tissue, created layer upon layer.  As with many dreams, interpret as you may.

"Waiting To Fly"

"Waiting To Fly" 16 x 24"  $325

One of my latest creations..."Waiting To Fly".  First, I have been recycling canvases I find at resale shops and covering them over with gesso.  This canvas started out with the beautiful red background, so I went with it.  I am trying out a new technique of using dots much like comic book/pop art style.  I really had fun with it.  The photo of my sister and myself is sewn to a black book cover. The large bird is an immature red -tailed hawk.  In the air is another red-tailed hawk.  When asked about the numbers...it indicates time.  This collage contains corrugated cardboard and rust.  It has stamped and stenciled dots. Enjoy! (A small hawk is sitting in the poplar tree just outside my window!  Amazing!) 

5 x 5 Pulse-Seth Apter

 I wanted to let everyone know that my artwork will be featured on the Altered Page, tomorrow - Sunday, December 2nd - as part of the 5x5 Pulse Project. This  series will continue on every Sunday in December.  My work was also featured this last Sunday, Dec. 9.  Thanks, Seth. 

I am honored to be part of this community.  My artwork was also featured last Sun., Nov.24.  Check it out.

Thanks, Seth.

"Sacred Crow" 12" x 12"

"Sacred Crow"  12" x 12"

"Sacred Crow" represents the power of prayer.  She embraces all people: red, yellow, black and white.  With her heart in a good place, she sends tobacco bundles and a lone feather with prayers to the Creator.  She is thankful for her many blessings; the sky above, and the earth below, those who have come before her, all creatures.  She humbly sends her messages to the all-knowing Creator. 

"Let It Snow" Entries

"Raven Blizzard" 12" x 12"

"Two Below Zero" 12" x 12"

Latest collage on canvas with a wintery theme:  Let It Snow.  Had a great time creating backgrounds with gesso and black paint.  Added corrugated cardboard, bird images, scrapbook paper., bingo chip, stenciling, white Japanese paper, and lots of bubble wrap printing with gesso and white paint.  As you can see, my idea of winter is not cutesy  These are my entries to the upcoming show in Charlevoix.  I'm pleased with the results, hope the juror is too.. 

Prayer Flag Swap

The final prayer flag arrived this afternoon.  I participated in a 3 for 3 swap through Lenna's Creative Swaps.  Such fun making the flags and then the anticipation of receiving them.  It was definitely worth the wait! And such a beautiful, breezy fall day to display them on my garden gate.  I took many pictures, because the wind was blowing and the chickadees were flying past wondering what I was doing.  I was hoping to have one perch on the top of the gate, but no luck.  I couldn't resist putting the flags against my pole barn.  I thought it made a great picture. 

Oh, such creative flags!  First, a soft, sweet flag made from an old quilt.  Lace, and tatting, buttons and embroidery with a sweet message to match..."Friendship Gardens Always Blooming.  Lovely pastel vintage colors..from my Mailart buddy, Jewels (we swapped flags this month instead of mail).  Many thanks.  

Next, a striking black flag, batik fabrics, hand-dyed thread and lace, beads, buttons, hand stitching and stamping.  This eye-catching flag is from Shirley with one of my favorite ideas ..."Random Acts of Kindness".  Shirley sent a story about just this very act that happened to her on the way to work one day.  Thank you Shirley, a good idea to practice everyday.  

In the middle is a bright flag from Tina.  Batik fabric, cone flower photo, with the message "believe".  Tucked inside is a little blue heart and the word "love".  She also stamped "We all have our own kind of dream".  All wonderful prayers to send to the universe.  Thank you so much, Tina.  

Next, from Leslie, my Mailart bud in California, is a serene flag.  Dyed linen and lace.  Old lace, beaded, stamped and hand-stitched.  Love the muted colors.  Beautiful!  Message: "confidence".  WOW,  thank you L.  The photo doesn't do it justice.  

Finally, a cool flag from Gretchen.  "Take Time".  Nicely stitched,  colorful, and whimsical.  I love the little pink birds at the top with a little bling.  Fitting message, thank you Gretchen.  


With that final message, thank you all.  And, thank you Lenna for organizing this swap. You have connected me to Leslie and Jewels and now Shirley, Tina, and Gretchen.  I am blessed.
Hugs.

Graffiti: "Read My Lips"

"Best of Show Award" Thank you!

"Read My Lips" 18" x18" Collage on canvas

My entry for Graffiti: Art Crimes & Deviant Scribbles.  Stenciled my letters and added layers of stamping, paper letters and magazine images.  Had great fun with dress maker pattern pieces...again.  All this on a yellow brick paper wall.  An interesting art form.  Luckily, I didn't have to climb a building in the middle of the night. 

AAWA Show in Ann Arbor

"Spirit Crow"  12" x 14"
" Used as publicity at Ann Arbor District Library's website for 2012 AAWA Exhibition"

"Kin" 12" x 12"
Honorable Mention AAWA
Sold- Thank you! 

Entries for the upcoming Ann Arbor Women Artists show.  Having great fun using dress maker patterns.  Both pieces are on canvas.  Always something new to learn in the collage world.  Enjoy!

Prayer Flag Swap-Lenna's Creative Swaps

I joined Lenna's Prayer Flag Swap.  My three flags are ready to be sent.  Here is what I did.

First, the prayer flags didn't need to be a religious statement, but they needed a word of encouragement or thought.  The first thing that came to my mind was Sadako of  A Thousand Paper Cranes.  We read this book each year in my 5th grade reading class.  Sadako is dying from radiation poisoning from the bombs dropped on Hiroshima.  One year we made paper cranes and sent 1,000 to the Sadako shrine in Japan.  Read more about it here:  http://www.fantasticjapan.com/sadako-sasaki.html   I knew this saying from Sadako was perfect for my flags.

 Cut up a white linen napkin, taped to regular white computer paper and ran it though my printer.  This was new for me, so I was happy to learn the process.

 Red  (a power color) cotton fabric cut slightly bigger than necessary.  Had fun making swirls and stars using Lumiere paints by Jacquard.

Stamped with StazOn.  Stamped on red cloth and the white napkin.  Used separate letters to stamp PEACE and FLY.  Positioned white table napkin and turned over flap.  Used blue ribbon and sewed across the top.  Added torn pieces from side pieces I had to cut off because the back piece was too big ( suppose to be 5" x 8"). I wanted it to catch the wind.   Added pony beads, shell, and feathers.

Each one is a little bit different.

 One more for Lenna with a little guardian angel pin that belonged to my mother and a feather some bird gifted me today..  Had to pass them on.  Now I have to finish my two flags that go to my MailArt buds, Leslie and Jewels.  Great swap!  Can't wait to see what flags I get in return.  To see the beautiful flags go to:

http://creativeswaps.blogspot.com/  Enjoy!

"Layers of Imagination" @ the Library

                                                                      
Sunday, September 9, 2012 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
The Traverse Area District Library is pleased to display the artwork of collage and mixed media artists Beth Bynum and Kristy A. Avery during the month of September at the Main Branch in the McGuire Community Room. Please join us for an artist opening reception on Sunday, September 9 from 1 - 3 p.m. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.
                                       

Fish Stories and Michigan Waterscapes

"Something Fishy" 12 x 12

"Fishcake" 12 x 12

"Brownbridge 1957" 12 x 12

Three entries for the upcoming Fish Stories and Michigan Waterscapes  sponsored by Gallery Fifty in the Grand Traverse Commons in the Mercato.  Reception and Awards: Saturday, September 8 from 6-8 pm.  Show Dates: September 8- October 31. 

Big Art-Time Tricksters

Time Tricksters 36" x 24"

Blame it on the crows...they are the time tricksters.  Second piece completed for the BigArt show.  It is filled with vintage papers, corrugated cardboard, stamping, book covers and pieces, stenciling, rust, and dressmaker's  tissue. and the left over piece of folding measuring tape.  Even a few bingo chips.  The photo shows more pink than really exists.  I'm happy with it, now I'm hoping it will be accepted by the juror. 

Biggest Yet- 32 Seconds to Be

"32 Seconds to Be"

I am getting ready for a juried show that requires artwork to be 36" on at least one side.  This is pushing me, since I have never done artwork this big, 24" x 36".  True to my usual behavior, what started out as one idea ended up totally different.  My found objects played a big part in how "it just happened".  This collage/mixed-media includes torn paper, corrugated cardboard, tissue paper, vintage paper, stamping, stenciling, painting, book parts, even a fortune, washi tape, and my favorite, a folding carpenter's ruler.  I have been thinking about time, how time passes so quickly, measuring  a moment, and that's what this is all about.  What is your interpretation?  I'd be interested in your reaction.  Please comment, I'm open to any feedback.  Enjoy!

Artwork accepted at King Gallery

Postcard from Eogra
"Third Place Award"

Seek

"Postcard from Eogra" and "Seek" have been accepted in the LowellArts! Collage, Assemblage and Construction Exhibition on display at the King Gallery in Lowell, September 11- October 19.  I am very excited about this show since it is the first I have entered just calling for these mixed- media types.  Can't wait to see what others are doing.  WAHOOT!  Reception and award presentation is October 21 from 2-4.
Join me.

Paris Trip 2013

International Postcard Swap

OK, my friends, I need your help.  I am planning a trip to Paris in the spring of 2013 and I need your advice.  Please recommend places Mr. B and I should stay, where we should eat, and what we should see other that the 10 most likely places a tourist would visit.  I really want to go to the city to soak up the atmosphere.  I intend to spend my time in the city and will be walking a lot.  I want to eat, drink, and people watch.  Probably will be there for 5-7 days.  So, you're the experts.  Let me know the best or the over-rated.  I've been reading Frommer's.
Share your travel tips, and Thank you.

Measure What Remains

"Measure What Remains" 

This piece is a mixed media collage on a plexiglass picture frame.  8 1/2" x 11"  I plan to enter this in the Small Works show in Ypsilanti coming up in a few months.  All of the art work must be 12" or smaller.  This was really fun since I have been wanting to use an old measuring tape that I found at a yard sale.  I had broken it just to see what would happen.  Perfect for this creation and broken in just the right place, although I didn't know it at the time.  Sometimes I don't have to do anything except keep my brain from over thinking.  Anyone else have this sort of problem?

Sketchbook Project: Limited 2013 Digitalized

Another thrill...my sketchbook, Here There, and Inbetween, has been digitalized for all the world to see.  If you are in Brooklyn NY,go to the Brooklyn Art Library and look at the original.  If not, check it out here:

http://www.arthousecoop.com/library/10223

Seth Apter Treasure Hunt-I'm IN

Seth Apter over at The Altered Page, has called for artists to be part of a treasure hunt to uncover artists and their work and continue the quest for community.   So, I have joined the treasure hunt.  Thanks, Seth.  Please take a peek at my work.  I am always happy to share.  Check out the other fabulous participants.

http://thealteredpage.blogspot.com/2012/06/treasure-hunt.html 

Here's one of my more recent creations:

"Kin" Assemblage

"Kin" Assemblage
This assemblage on canvas, 12" x12"x 1 1/2" is my latest in a series of word  inspired collage.  I used a tintype of my great-great grandfather, Samuel Bancroft on top of a McGuffy book cover used by many of my aunts in the one room school house just down the road.  The problem was that I didn't have the letter"K", but that was solved in the night when I recalled that I had some children's alphabet magnets. ..two choices, green or yellow.  When scrounging for some rusted washers in my husband's shop, he came across a native bone button.  That was the needed inspiration, "Kin" , all my relations.  Red, black, yellow, white.  and so it evolved.  It just happened.  Game pieces, feather embellishment.  Honoring the sky above and the earth below.  Rust from my dad's junk pile.  I love the way it came together.  That's the thrill of creating!  Enjoy!

"The Grand and The Turtle" wins prize

 Third Place Award

"The Grand and The Turtle" received the 3rd place prize on Wed., June 27 at the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum on Mackinac Island.  This mixed-media collage pays homage to the Grand Hotel and the Island.  Native legend says that a magic song awakened the big turtle called Mishini-Makinak to rise from the watery depths to create the island known today as Mackinac.  That same mysterious, magical song is embedded in the Grand Hotel and draws visitors from all point of the compass to its spacious front porch, signature geraniums, and unique Victorian decor.  My artwork honors the history and magic of this unique place.

This exhibit will be on display to the public from May 11 to closing on October 7.  From Oct. 8- October 31 it will be open to tour groups during various dates.  The Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum is house at the Indian Dormitory.

Mackinac Island  is a fabulous vacation destination, so is the Grand Hotel.  Check it out!

Pick a Bouquet

"Pick a Bouquet"

"Pick a Bouquet" received an Honorable Mention at the Art and the Garden Exhibit sponsored by Artcenter Traverse City.  It is in great company.  I'm thrilled.  The show runs from June 8 - July 6 at 630 Mercato in Building 50, Grand Traverse Commons.  Check it out!

International Mixed Media Postcard Swap Verson 2.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am participating in the International Mixed Media Postcard Swap Version 2.0  hosted by Shannon Granshorn at www.musingsonrealities.blogspot.com My postcards are based on a Paris theme.  I've enjoyed exchanging postcards and I am excited to have received a name from Iceland.

Art and the Garden Exhibit

"Flowers Sing in the Garden"

"Pick a Bouquet"
Honorable Mention

"Flowers Sing in the Garden" and "Pick a Bouquet" were accepted in the all-media juried show, Art and the Garden,  sponsored by Artcenter Traverse City.  Join me for the reception Fri., June 8 from 6 - 8:30pm with awards presented at 7.  The show runs from June 8 to July 6 at 630 Mercato, Building 50 in the Grand Traverse Common.  Save your calories because the menu is wine and sweets.  Save your money to buy some fabulous area art.  Save the date...I'll be there.

"Kin" Assemblage

"Kin" Assemblage
This assemblage on canvas, 12" x12"x 1 1/2" is my latest in a series of word  inspired collage.  I used a tintype of my great-great grandfather, Samuel Bancroft on top of a McGuffy book cover used by many of my aunts in the one room school house just down the road.  The problem was that I didn't have the letter"K", but that was solved in the night when I recalled that I had some children's alphabet magnets. ..two choices, green or yellow.  When scrounging for some rusted washers in my husband's shop, he came across a native bone button.  That was the needed inspiration, "Kin" , all my relations.  Red, black, yellow, white.  and so it evolved.  It just happened.  Game pieces, feather emblellishment.  Honoring the sky above and the earth below.  Rust from my dad's junk pile.  I love the way it came together.  That's the thrill of creating!  Enjoy!

Seek Assemblage

SEEK Assemblage

 

 

 

 

 My latest creation is an assemblage 16"x 20". collage on canvas.  I layered paper, stamping, acrylic paints and dressmaker's pattern pieces to build up the background.  I collaged an antique map, book cover, antique photo matte, an an old photo of a car, and an overlay.  I added found rust, nails, barbed wire, and bingo chips.  The lettering is an assortment of game pieces.  I used my new washi tape too.  This is a new direction for me.  Enjoy! 

In Blooming Color~Charlevoix Circle of Arts

Pansies, Squares, and Papillion

Tulipa Mania
Merit Award at Manistee Art Institute Show

In Blooming Color! a juried all media exhibit, will open on Saturday May 19, 2012 and run through June 20, 2012.  Join me for this exhibit in beautiful Charlevoix, MI,  which is noted for its miles of petunia lined streets, its beautiful parks and exquisite public and private gardens.  Here are my accepted entries. 

"The Grand and the Turtle"

"The Grand and The Turtle"
After a bumpy ride on the ferry from Mackinaw City to the island, "The Grand and The Turtle" was taken to the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum of the Indian Dormitory.   This piece is one of 15 that will be on display from May 11-October 7.  From October 8- October 31, the exhibition will be open to tour groups during various dates.

A panel of jurors will select a single Best of Show, second and third place, and three honorable mention awardees from the pieces displayed in the exhibition.  Winners will be announced a the June 27, awards ceremony on Mackinac Island. 

If you happen to be visiting Mackinac Island, please take a look at this exhibit.  And, if you would like to join me on June 27, 5-8pm, for the opening reception, PLEASE COME!
I'm thrilled to be part of this show.

Green paper challenge/April

Missed the deadline for the Green Paper Challenge, but here is a little ATC pop-up using the challenge elements.  Check out the other cool work at:
http://greenpaper.typepad.com/green/2012/04/april-collage-challenge.html 
Next time!

AAWA Juried Show~Northville

"Postcard from Eogra"



 I'm thrilled to be a part of the Northville Art House Exhibit.  Come and join me at the opening on April 6 from 6-9.  Check out the fabulous artwork.

Ann Arbor Women Artists: Juried All-Media Exhibit
April 6 – 21, 2012
Northville Art House, 215 W. Cady Street

Be a pART of it! The Northville Art House is excited to present an all-media juried show from the artists of Ann Arbor Women Artists (and a Few Good Men). AAWA is a non-profit organization that consists of approximately 330+ women and men with connections to Ann Arbor, Michigan. AAWA stimulates creative expression among its members through juried and non-juried shows, workshops, artist presentations, plein air and life drawing studio sessions, holiday art & craft shows and many social events. This striking show, juried by Art House Exhibit Committee members, is professional in quality and exceptional in originality.

Exhibiting artists: Carolyn Reed Barritt, Judith Bemis, Rose Bradley, Yuling Chuang Bruya, Beth Bynum, Kay Cassill, Natasha Del Cid, Susan Clinthorne, Xander M. Clinthorne, Missy Cowan, Pamela M. Day, Sandra Difazio, Kathryn M. Duncan, Judy Enright, Dennis Gordon, Sophie Grillet, Katie Halton, Maria Huntley, Molly Ann Indura, Joseph Gerard Kemeny, Janet Kohler, Bill Knudstrup, Judith Mason-Macomber, Sandi Miller, Brooke Monette, Joanne Porter, Gayle S. Sanchirico, Dawn Sgriccia, Matruka Sherman, Sandy Steed, Jill Stefani Wagner, Marty Walker, Leona Webb, Bob Wesley, Bonnie Wylo

The show will open in our Upper Gallery with an artist reception Friday, April 6, from 6-9 p.m. There will be an Award Presentation beginning at 6:30 p.m. The show will continue through April 21 during the Art House gallery hours (Wednesdays-Saturdays, 1-5 p.m.). For additional information, call 248-344-0497 or visit www.northvillearts.org. The Art House is located at 215 W. Cady Street and is a facility of the Northville Arts Commission. Admission to Art House shows is always free and open to the public.

Grand Hotel art entry

"The Grand and The Turtle"

Here is my entry for the famous Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.  This contest is sponsored by the Historic Parks of Michigan.  The Grand, with the world's longest porch, sits on the Great Turtle.  The name Mackinac derives from the Indian name for the Painted Turtle.  Mackinac Island...such an interesting place.  No cars allowed.  Usually one store and one bar opened during the winter.  In the summer a bustling bike riding, carriage riding, tourist adventure.  Lots of fudge shops and tourists affectionately called "Fudgies".  I am familiar with this mystical place since FB worked on the Grand Hotel one winter during a major remodeling project.  We lived on Main Street above the bank.  Definitely an unusual place.  And yes, I lived in the Grand and ate from the gourmet kitchen.  I once skied across the ice from St. Ignace to the Island...7 miles. For a person who doesn't like water, I can't believe I lived on an island.  Hope my entry is accepted.

2,000 Hits Giveaway

Wow! 2,000 hits.  Time for a giveaway.  Thank you to everyone for viewing my blog and leaving lovely comments.  It is very encouraging to know that peps are interested in my art and my adventure.  Again, A BIG THANK YOU!!!  Here's where it started: "Balancing Act".  The first collage that I sold.

So, leave me comments until April 30.  (I extented the time since everyone is so busy)  Tell all your blog buddies.  I will give away 5 items.  More details to come.  bb