J & P General in Savannah

I'm super excited to be a part of the launch festivities for J&P General's new web site that kicks off tomorrow, February 28. J&P is based in Savannah, Georgia and run by Katie Culler who is working to provide an outlet for emerging artists and crafters to showcase their work and find an audience. To celebrate the launch of the new site, Katie has organized a gathering of work that will be on view through the weekend.

Platypusfile

Claw & Bone Artworks

Christi Reiterman

Judging from the previews on the J&P General Facebook page, the offerings are going to be amazing. I've sent along some goodies and there is original work from Janae Easton of Platypusfile, screenprinted pillows from Kelley Hagemes of Claw & Bone Artworks, jewelry from Christi Reiterman, terrariums from Greenworks and much more. If you're in the area—or know someone who is—be sure to check out this unique and limited collection.

Shop local: The Artisan's Bench

Whew! It's Friday afternoon and what a week. It started with a project I've been itching to tell you about and now finally can. The installation is complete of a large display of my work at my favorite hometown store: The Artisan's Bench in Brighton. 

Owner Colin Miller took over the space from his parents a couple of years ago and has been slowly transforming it from a rug gallery to a gallery focusing on Michigan-made art, objects and more. (All while continuing to stock an amazing selection of gorgeous rugs.)

Colin had this wood and metal display custom built for the shop. Though I caught quite a bit of glare in this photo, it gives you a good sense of the impact of the piece when you walk in the door—not to mention a good sense of Colin's aesthetic sensibilities. Amazing! 

Katie, a recent graduate from CCS who works with Colin, has a wonderful eye and tackled the installation once I delivered all the pieces. I could not be happier to be in such capable hands.

If you're in the area, stop in and have a look around. I have a hard time not walking out with something new every time I visit, but it's so nice to have a local spot where I can go to support other local artists. Thanks so much to Colin and Katie for including my work in the mix and doing such a phenomenal job on the display. 

Eight Emperors

Before we bought our house, the boy and I lived in a borderline seedy apartment complex in Ann Arbor. What it lacked in physical charm, however, it made up for in neighbors. We jokingly referred to it as Melrose Place. Very jokingly. Two of the most creative of our neighbors—Thea Augustina Eck and Matthew Shlian—recently launched Eight Emperors, a new art and design collection featuring small objects of paper and wood.

"Objects that instill a sense of wonder." Yes, indeed. Everything about this endeavor speaks to clean, simple elegance. From the sleek, sphoisticated black-and-white logo and web design to the thoughtful, handmade beautifully-crafted objects they make and sell, Matthew and Thea got it right.

Eight Emperors just announced the launch of their affordable art subscriptions series. For just $200 plus shipping, you receive a new art and design object quarterly delivered right to your door. The series will include objects in paper, wood, ceramic and a collaboration piece combining paper and wood.

I'm especially drawn to the wood objects referencing water: sails, whales, anchors. Mmmm. These are objects you want to pick up, hold, feel the weight of in your hand. I'm so excited for these local artists and can't wait to see their collection grow and evolve.

DIY Street Fair

It's that time again! One of my favorite shows of the year starts tomorrow: DIY Street Fair in Ferndale. There are tons of artists and crafters, beer, food, local music … good times all around. I'll be in booth #25 right down the aisle from the Detroit Manufacturing Beer Tent and the McClure's Pickles stage. Click on the map before for a better look at the lay of the land, then come on down and join in the fun!  We'll be there Friday from 6 to 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.