THIS SATURDAY 10 - 3!

3rd Annual Art and Garden Tour

I am thrilled to welcome art and garden lovers to my home studio and gardens this Saturday from 10 -3. Rain date is Sunday. All are welcome and it's totally free.

Pictured here is an excerpt from a new painting only seen by a select few throughout my process. Burt's Barbershop has been in the making for the better part of this year. The owner of the barbershop, Burt, is in the business of getting male birds spruced up for the mating season. There is a cast of characters, more birds than I've ever put into one painting, and a narrative left to the viewer's imagination. Visitors to the Art & Garden Tour will learn about my process; from conception to putting on finishing touches on the final product. My goal with this large painting (measuring 15 x 20) is to turn it into a jigsaw puzzle. Prints and cards will be available this Saturday!

I will be raffling off an original painting and a framed photo by fellow member of Sawmill River Arts Gallery, Roy Mansur. The money will be donated directly to J & J Farm on Meadow Street in Amherst. It is one of my favorite family farms (5 generations) and they suffered a tragic fire this summer ignited by a bolt of lightning. I frequented their farm when I lived in Amherst and Hadley and was always delighted by how they cared for their dairy cows. Always out in the pasture, free to be the social animals they are, they survived the fire because they weren't in the barn. Fellow farmers like Mapleline, rose to the occasion and have sheltered the herd since the accident. It symbolizes one of the things I love most about living here the in the Pioneer Valley, the spirit and heart of community. Join forces this Saturday and let's raise more money for this family and their farm.

In garden news, I have been deepening my passion for planting and nurturing pollinator gardens. Thanks to the Franklin Conservation District Association, I have attended two workshops on growing native plants and minimizing lawns. We have begun working our land in this manner and are grateful to have the acreage we can dedicate to saving the pollinators our lives depend upon.

I have chosen this weekend intentionally as it is "Tax Free". Come and shop from a local artist, make new friends, learn more about pollinator gardens, participate in the annual treasure hunt, and enjoy the refreshments. Hope to see you there! ~Tracy