Dec 10 Service Club Of St. Clair County Holly Day Party

"Abstract art requires something of the viewer. It demands contemplation. Study. Flights of fancy. Feeling."
-- Svante Rydberg

Here's some of my art patrons showing off works they purchased at this year's Christmas Holly Day Event at the Millennium Hotel in downtown St. Louis.

Cherie Pellock of Ba Lu Coyote on Main Street, Edwardsville, IL, purchased a painting for herself and one for her daughter to give to her father.

They chose "In The Forest" (on left) and "Glorious."

I am always excited to see a patron get excited about my work and want to display my work in their home or office.















Below my enthusiastic patron Jennifer Rashet, U. City, Mo, purchased two paintings after being high bidder last year on two of my donated paintings. Wondering if she was high bidder on this year's donated painting. Thanks, Jennifer! Enjoy "Bursting With Color" and "Fresh Air of Winter."

Dec 6 GEAG Xmas Party w/Friends

"When I find myself fading,
I close my eyes and realize
my friends are my energy."
-- Anonymous

Our table was the most popular place to laugh at this year's GEAG Christmas party. We missed friend Barb Hasselhorst and pretended she was there by saving her a place setting and name tag...however, we ate her lil candy basket. There was a drawing for all 15 centerpieces and our tablemate, Paul Greiman, won ours.

Here's Helen Fritz and Paul chatting....



.....and if you noticed the video screen in the background - well, that bright idea of some GEAG member showcased the year's contest winners. It was a nice touch.

La Donna Sanson and Jane Reed (our art Q&A contest writer EXTRAORDINAIRE) posed for me. Steve Koritta is in the background. This guy plays great guitar and sings 60's like he was born back then. V-P of GEAG, Amy Pawlitschek, is turned to Steve, whom she suggested be our background entertainment. Steve's music made for a great evening. He even had a Christmas repertoire. Thanks, Steve! (I know Steve from working at the Allegra Printing, where I have my postcards printed - I was happy to recently introduce him to Libby Reuter, director of the Schmidt Art Center. Libby can use Steve's talents at the many Schmidt receptions. Good luck, Steve. Hope you get a gig at the next reception! Here's a photo of Steve playing his guitar, belting out "Like A Bridge Over Troubled Water"....you're a pro, Steve!



Betty Powers, my favorite 85-year-old artist and all-around fun person with a zest for life, smiled for the camera. Betty has agreed to do some sittings for me in 2007. I adore this woman. What spunk!



Then there's THIS crazy lady - she reallllly did get a WHITE ELEPHANT as her white elephant gift! Can you believe this woman is a nurse? Still, she's the happiest person I've ever known. Her face glows with happiness. She should bottle that look! We shall paint the town red in 2007! (and blue and green and orange and purple and yellow or whatever strikes our fancy!)



Last, but not least.....Michael Anderson posed for me at the next table - proudly displaying his "white elephant" surprise. Cute, Mike! Michael will have his opening reception as permanent member of the Gateway Gallery in Clayton, Mo. in February. Check out Michael's website at www.michaelandersonstudio.com