Family night at the Grill Deli and Mardi Gras masks....

I realize I should slow down just a bit but every table in the central gallery was filled with families enjoying good foods and good company for a couple of hours in the middle of the week. Thank you Pat Brown and your wonderful staff for creating such a family friendly event that is safe and affordable for all here in Newark. Pat created a fresh rice and garlic/butter shrimp meal for $5.95 and the children's menu has to be seen to be believed. Danielle made Mardi Gras masks with finger paints, paper plates, clothes pins and a special addition of feathers and pink glitter!!! I had a great time with my girls Maya Rosa, Sabrina Leigh and Hannah Marie and their mother Tina Marie had an evening where she could relax and sit back and catch up a little energy. I am exhausted but filled with JOY!

I had several new visitors come in Maggie and Tom stopped by to check in on what I was doing in this studio...they were delightful and Happy Birthday Maggie...she is a St. Patty's Day birthday. I invited them to come back and attend Kathy and Tony's opening on Friday and introduced them to Michelle and her wonderful works with a simple tool...a number 2 pencil. Later I had some wonderful hard core cardboard donated from Bob Coyne to be used with my students...it is fantastic strength cardboard and who knows what we will explore with this design element. Wib Mok sent over two wonderful gentlemen who work with the arts in the natural woods. Tom and Walt were looking for a place to display their works and I sent them over to the LCA and shared the 50 year story of this community art organization. These two guys were characters and may show up on Friday to meet Tony and Kathy at their opening...I think Tony will will enjoy these boys. I did some straightening and made a few adjustments on my work table but only I will recognize the reorganization ... who knew I could be organized?

I am heading upstairs now for bedtime...I am really tired and the day of gray skies and rain has worn me down so my quilt is calling to me. Kay and Chuck Denhardt stopped by...they are true heroes in my life and heart. Add them to your prayer circle if you believe ....the power of prayer is powerful! Imagine and Live in Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

100 years...International Women's day...Tea for everyone

As the many cultures of women around the world are fighting for the rights equal to men... free of harassment, torture and rape; I am sending out an affirmation for Peace. And while we are at it why not add Good health care, proper nutrition, clean water, a clean environment and safe housing to protect us all from the elements. Three generations of women can change the world... Pearls of Wisdom.... is a work I am creating and collecting mother of pearl buttons for right now. Change is coming.

I had a busy day in the studio with several visitors and my young student Kylie continuing her exploration into the fun of glitter and her princesses. Chris Lang came in and met with Pat Warthen for a very special event in her and David's life ...this summer. Kathy Anderson and Tony Reynolds came in with their first installment of their works for the opening on Friday at 6 pm in the Art Works Gallery along with visiting glass artist Sarah Vaughn. i am so excited for these young artist...their energy and passion for their Arts. It should be a wonderful evening celebrating the works of our artists and the art community here in Newark. Come on down for a family friendly opening and wonderful pieces to delight your senses.

I have been getting a lot of questions about the new Urban Art Gallery on the corner opposite the mayor's office managed by Dalale Hall...the location of the previous John Edwards Flowers shop. Dalale is venturing into a new territory or style of the arts in our community...Urban Arts will host new artists and their events and have classes but you will have to call her on the cell phone for future information. I do not know her hours or schedule so give her a call and be sure to check her out.

I have been selecting my newest beads for the third Australian quilt in my series and need to continue on but today I found some golden pearl beads images and shapes to create the texture I am working for. Hopefully you all had a wonderful tea for Tuesdays... we had sunshine and a breath of warmer air... tonight the rains are due to move back in the area and tomorrow will be different for all of us. Imagine and Live in peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

"Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby." Langston Hughes 1902 - 1967


p.s. Happy Birthday Pat! You are the Best!!!

Every Inchie Monday....Dance....

I finished up my small work or should I say play piece? My Inchie is "dance" this week and I have already begun to work on my piece for next Monday. I had a wonderful surprise this morning when Me Dan DeLawder stopped by and delivered my newspaper article matted and framed for my studio. I held the tears back but my heart was pounding with gratitude...he is a very important man who works at Park National Bank but has continued to give back to our community over and over...and he has had the kindness of heart to keep me encouraged as I work daily in my studio to hopefully give back to my community. I made several small cards and had wonderful visitors all afternoon until I looked up and realized it was almost 5:30 and time to hit the road for home. Luckily I had my delicious chicken soup to warm up my body and replenish my energies. Ken completed his work from school and we can both settle in for the night. The sunshine today was blissful and even though the temperature was still very cold I know Spring is nearly here ...my brave, courageous Daffodils continue to reach for the sky.

I was upstairs ironing a couple of shirts for the week...don't ask me why because one of them has hand prints from a painting child on my back...I never realized how many times I receive touch from my tiny artists. Kylie is coming tomorrow and I am working on her art apron.... I am also working on a rose hair ribbon to wear in her beautiful hair. I hope to be able to add another layer on my large work...sometimes I lose my rhythm when the power outage...burn out ... on Saturday interrupts the process. Well back to the mysterious ironing episode I was mesmerized by the small herd of deer outside my studio window. It is hard to believe after 25 years of living on this hillside I am still in awe of the other inhabitants of the acreage. The deer were peacefully eating right out the back door...morsels of sweet green bits and pieces...soon the hills will be alive and they will leave my pacasandra (spelling) and ivy to grow back freely. Have a great evening and Imagine and Live in Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

Sunday is my day of rest...and reflection...

I have been doing a lot of running lately and needed a pajama day to catch up on favorite blogs and the laundry and finish my big pot of chicken noodle soup. As I tour the Internet I realize how difficult this time of year is on so many artists...the cold, damp and the ongoing winter trials has worn many spirits down. In reflection I know the world is so chaotic at this moment but please remember this is when artists can document and visualize the needed place for creation and peace for us all. Eat nourishing foods, surround yourself with loving souls, give back to someone who might need a smile on this winter day. I am grateful for my time here and the work I can now do full time...I can not change the world but I am working to become a change in my life and the lives around me. I want to live in a state of Grace ....and give Grace when it is least expected to those struggling to see the possibilities. There is no perfection but we can strive to grow to be the best and give our best to others. Embrace the moment and know the subtle changes are becoming visible...wrap yourself in warmth and secure a restful moment... realize the positive changes becoming visible and know you have love. Create with your mind, heart and body...share the wealth. Imagine and Live in peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

"The Beauty you craved in things was always seen through a veil. Turn around...see now where Beauty comes from." Rumi

Beautiful memories ...Paris...compassion...my Love....creation