October Open Studio: Thank you, everyone!

pics, top to bottom:
1.The Studio: The Arabian Mare and Baroque back lit by the autumn sun...
2. The Studio: Legend II, Infatuation (first time displayed!), and Mr. Big Stuff.
3. The Studio: new works on display for the first time: Legend III: The Godolphin Arabian, Collected and Belgians in Harness.
4. studio guests Meredith and Rebecca stop by to enjoy the art (and have some cookies!)

Yesterday was a BEAUTIFUL Connecticut autumn day. Perfect for a post card! Leaf peepers were out and about sporting their cameras, and a few stopped by Sound the Bugle Studio to visit the Open Studio.

It was so good to see the "regulars" and meet some new studio friends, too. A great, great day. Thank you to everyone who visited to look at some of my new works.

I tried to give Sound the Bugle Studio a rustic, horsebarn-like atmosphere with hay bales and my personal collection of antique bridles, halters, bits and sleigh bells adorning the space right alongside the art. I always encourage studio guests to jingle the antique sleigh bells--there is no other sound like it. So rich, so melodic; it will transport you right into a Currier and Ives scene...

I love old, historic barns and I tried to recreate that feeling in my public gallery space. My studio is right off of my house; an 1835 schoolhouse, "The Bell School." I wanted Sound the Bugle Studio to be true to the history of my house and to Hampton itself. Hampton, Connecticut is a wonderful town rich in history and it possesses that unmistakable classic New England beauty, warmth and charm. Hampton has gorgeous antique homes, rolling hills, acres and acres of state forest---and lots of horses! It offers prime leaf peeping in autumn and Main Street Hampton is a sight to behold during the Holiday season. My husband and I moved to Hampton almost seven years ago, and I absolutely love it here. It truly is my home.

Go here to learn more about my town: http://www.hamptonct.org/

If you missed the October Open Studio, my artwork will be displayed for all of November and two weeks in December at the Willimantic Food Co-op Art Gallery, 91 Valley St., Willimantic, CT. All work displayed will be for sale.

Enjoy the art in their gallery space and stock up on your Holiday supplies: the Willimantic Food Co-op is open to the public (you don't need to be a member to shop there--all are welcome!) and offers a wide array of organic, all-natural and gourmet foods. They also offer soaps, shampoos, incense, clothing, candles, essential oils and books-- and their impressive spice section has to be seen to be believed. The Willimantic Food Co-op is one of the largest food co-ops in the US. The store is spacious, sunny and friendly---and it smells wonderful...mmmm... spices, incense and fresh-baked bread...

more info here: http://www.willimanticfood.coop/

THEN--don't miss the December Open Studio on Dec. 13 and 14. The studio gets adorned with lights, holly and evergreen and will be sure to get you in the Holiday spirit.

...And feel free to jingle the sleigh bells, I highly recommend it!

see you soon,

Helen