May- June

Time does FLY, I swear. I just saw the calendar flip again. As far as the Art world goes: My friend Melanie Brotz started a community outdoor art gallery years ago and I have contributed a few pieces. The way it goes is if you find something you like, you can take it home for free! All the art hung here is donated by area artists. Here is a picture of my friend at the outdoor gallery of wayward art:

Gallery of Wayward Art at the corner of Howard and St.Paul and S. Winooski Ave in Burlington, Vermont

I sometimes like to do environmental art! Lake Champlain makes it an inspiring place to work.

I finished another commissioned painting, delivered and paid…Love it ! I also found my molds I made form my time in the Caribbean and I have started making the ornaments again. The Island is very crowded this year. I had 10 stores selling my art at one time on St.John and St.Thomas, everything changes, just wait a bit.

Gretchen’s Commission Paintings: Vermont Rocks series.

Ornament I made out of clay, My hand made stamps and ocean life.

My art student is doing wonders with his hippopotamus, I have to show it off. I will never stop working with kids. Know anyone that wants private lessons?

Working with clay and learning about mixing paints.

I continue to make my clay meditation figures and sawdust fire them in my backyard. Here is a assortment of the latest batch with some interesting markings. It’s always a surprise what comes form the fire.

small meditation figures fired in a metal trashcan with combustable materials.

When I am not doing some art form or another,or working at my other jobs, I take off in my Kayak somewhere to explore nature. So many beautiful places in Vermont to discover. If you want to learn more about where I go, or maybe want to join me,text me.

Shelburne,VT

Sorry, This is a secret - sacred spot.

Chris and Kara, great paddling friends! Mccrae Rd, Colchester: Winooski River

Seymour River, tributary of the Lamoille in Cambridge. Didn’t paddle it, just loved the snow covered mountain and the contours,farms and early spring: May 1st

The path less traveled is the one I like to take. This is smack in the middle of S.Burlington!

Exploring in the Islands one day, came across this. Vermont is so beautiful.

My Utility Box that I am working on. WORK IN PROGRESS It is on the corner of Community Drive and Kimball ave in South Burlington,VT

Photobombing in Koh Chang,Thailand, Painting I did from a photograph.

My tiny community garden that I pack so much in.

Sweet spot boating with friends, the water numbed your feet in a matter of 15 seconds….Not swimming this day.

Burton State Park, Finally a hammock ,a cocktail, my book and a view.. This is quality time spent.

Visiting relative grave plot for Fathers Day

Thank you for reading, or just looking at the pictures. Life is full of surprises and I am grateful each day to find something to smile about and appreciate. Remember kindness goes a long way. I appreciate the people in my life that have continued to check in, and share themselves with me on this amazing, sometimes quirky and difficult journey. Enjoy!

March -April

Procrastination, everyone knows it, I believe. Well, who wants to see snow pictures in late May? Remember that day when it was 48' and then 93' (jumping to the future, May 20th!) Back in March, Covid still plastered on the news, but that didn't deter my wild friends Dave and Diana, who designed a Covid Wall in their living and dining room so they could entertain.

Sewing Lessons continue once a week. A sweet young woman from Kenya brings her colorful fabrics over to turn into lounge dresses and masks; we make a pin cushion and a few scrunchies.

The Howard Arts Collective Zoom meetings connect me with creative people, and inspiration grows. Currently, there is a show at the UMALL in the window from our collective. I have two pieces in the show.

I went for a polar plunge, not my first, not my last. Besides the fact that you can't feel your body, once you get out of the water, the sensation is youthful, tight, and healthy.

I am still working on a few rock paintings for a commission. I learned that the rocks are Iberville shale here in Vermont. You may know the beautiful grey-black rocks with white lines running through them. Individually unique like fingerprints.

I created another treasure hunt for my friend's birthday. I took all the things she loves and tried to inspire gorilla art, singing, eating delicious sweets, sharing stories, dancing, and being in nature with clues and activities.

I got my Covid test early, as I am a caregiver to a few people. It was emotionally charged; as many of you know, I dislike pharmaceuticals and have taken the herbal path most of my life. I was sick, but briefly. All I can say is damned if you do, damned if you don't. I will stop there, as many people judge others, and I hope that we can all get along.

I visited my brother in Marblehead. There is something special about smelling the ocean, a kind of home for me. We walked along the beach bundled in layers to keep out the bitter winds. Henry (the family dog) acted like a puppy even though he is something like 13. My brother has been big support all my life, taking and picking me up from airports as I traveled here and there. He once again put me on a plane to go to Saint John. VI. My first time away since Covid felt odd yet freeing to see the world from above again.

The warm turquoise water cleansed away the "Covid times" for a moment. Underwater with the turtles and fish, I was transported to another world. I was floating effortlessly away from the tourists on the beach. My purpose was relaxation mixed with a bit of work. My community of friends left on the Island was there as if I never left. Real friendships have no time frame.

Back in Vermont, I found another young art student to mentor. He is already a master of miniature sculpture, and I'm inspired to work with him. I am sure he can teach me as I teach him.

As far as my art world goes, I will be painting an electrical box at Kimball Ave, and where Community Drive meets Gregory Drive. You may see me there painting when we have a clear weather window. I am also gearing up for two more shows: Penny Cluse: TBD and Chandler Dry Goods Store on 230 College Street and opening on June 18th from 5-7 pm. I am also preparing for the Champlain Islands Farmer's Market, where 2x a month, I will be selling my art. My first market will be on June 12th and 26th, July 10th, 24th, August 7th, and Sept.18th. I hope to see you at any one of these events!

Thank you for reading my blog. I hope it inspires you to create joy in your life in these trying times, to love and cherish life in the ups and downs, and to recognize the beauty of Mother Earth.

Annie

Thanks to “Reef to Peak” for the Kayak, a beautiful way to spend the days.

Dinner during Covid

Spice Rack image for Electrical Box (Soon Come)

Mumbo in STJ

I just LOVE all donkeys, but especially the wild ones on STJ.!

Domino’s with friends

Masks

Painkiller at Folly View ( The Villa I now manage on STJ. on VRBO) Thank you Mike!

“Relax” Coral Sculpture I made one day at Drunk Bay STJ

January- February

I figured if I write for 2 months , I may be able to keep up with the Blog. Time Flies seriously fast these days and it has been a year since my last blog. WHAT?!! Since Covid started in March last year I have made over 500 masks, moved into an apartment, had two jobs come and go (Covid related), gained the covid pounds and made some positive changes in my life, and of course continued to create art.

On the ART front, I started sculpting my meditation figures again that I started in the 90’s after Muddy Toes Terrariums contacted me to buy some. I am also making turtles and hope to sell them on her site as well as mine. I built a pit fire kiln in my backyard, as the clay studios are closed. I love sculpting and haven’t done it since Thailand.

Bringing back the meditations figures of the 90’s

I had a one on one with a bestselling author, to discuss my long dreamed of Donkey series childrens’ book. Inspiration is flowing and soon I will be working on realizing this book. Check out www.Airbnbvirtualexperiences.com

I continue to zoom with my ARTRISEVT group and started attending the Howard Center Arts Collective zoom as well. Connecting to creative people on zoom is better than nothing in these odd times.

I took part in a winter snow sculpting competition in Winooski. 12 hours of outdoor time spent on a “Bernie with Mittens” Sculpture. One dream is to work together with the professionals on a large sculpture, I am learning about snow still and the whole process. https://www.wcax.com/2021/02/08/local-artists-sculpt-sen-bernie-sanders-snowman-in-winooski/

Bernie with Mittens snow sculpture,Winooski Rotary Park, Feb.5th 2021

Etsy has been suggested over and over to me. I joined when it first appeared and thought now, with its 10,000+ artists, why bother? Well, maybe I’ll bother at some point, but need a little help getting inspired to do the work. I took a workshop on how to sell more, I’m not convinced yet. Anyone need a project?

Sculpting practice at home

Sculpting at night with a headlamp, such perfect snow conditions!

I have been hiking everyday, and started my meditation practice again. Here I am at the Stowe Pinnacle, first mountain in 8 years . I will beat that damn Fibromyalsia!

I made it without dying!

Well an new President a new found Hope for America and the rest of the planet. Here is a sweet rock I found on a hike at Red Rocks. Thanks for reading and your support!