Happy June!  Well, here on the East Coast it seems more like July with temperatures and unseasonably low 90's and humidity but today brings us more in line with the wonderful weather that makes way for June brides and blooms!  Speaking of blooms, the writer of this blog has posted images of new work based on the theme of "The Secret Garden" with more to come.  And, speaking of blooms, an artform that I have been creating is kanzashi, the art of Japanese fabric folding for ornamental flowers.  This ancient form was begun by geishas as fabric folding into flowers for the use in their hair.  It came to designate the class and age of the geisha based on the type of flowers she wore.  It's lovely and follows traditional origami folds but in fabric.  This lost art has been revitalized in Japan with the older masters now taking on apprentices who will learn and continue this wonderful tradition.  There are many books about kanzashi and online directions from various websites...so, take a look and start folding those blooms!

Another great bloom which has been previously mentioned, is the Alexander McQueen exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  After getting there at 9:30 am. we whipped through this fabulous exhibit which is a sumptuos visual delight.  For anyone who loves fashion, video art, performance art, installation art and/or any other type of art, this is one of those must sees!  The genius of Alexander McQueen cannot be denied and his death is a great loss to the genius of fashion.  So, if you are in the big apple, put this on your itinerary. 

More to come later in June...that's all for now, folks!

Happy May!...the lusty month of May!...(from Camelot's "The Lusty Month of May)...May brings spring flowers and things in bloom...and, celebrating new things, here are some new exhibits opening in the big apple which will certainly inspire and help your creative spirit to bloom.  Now showing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art:  The drawings of Richard Serra, the sculpture of Anthony Caro up on the rooftop sculpture garden, and the great lusty and edgy fashions of Alexander McQueen at the Costume Institute.  Check them all out, particularly the Alexander McQueen exhibit which has welcomed 43,000 visitors in its first week alone!  For more info, visit www.metmuseum.org.

Also opening at the Morgan Library in New York are three exhibits: Fashion in the medieval ages as illustrated in the Book of Hours, medieval and Renaissance manuscripts with some recreated garments from these time periods, the drawings of Jim Dine, the Glypotek Drawings and some selections from their permanent collections.  For more info, go to www.themorgan.org.

Now showing nationally, is the "Artist's Books Cornucopia" exhibit at the Abecedarian Gallery in Denver, Co.  Alicia Bailey's annual presentation of artist's books always serves up a lusty selection of exquisitry culled from national and international book artists.  Be sure to check out the online photos at her website. 

Another great exhibit of artists' book is "The Illustrated Accordion" at the Kalamazoo Book Arts Center in Kalamazoo, MI.  The writer of this blog has one piece in this exhibit and the photos on their Flickr photostream are great!  Also, check out "The Accordion Book of Accordions" online!  Fun, fun, fun...what a perfect book to submit for this exhibit.

And, just one more great exhibit at the Susan Hensel Gallery in Minneapolis, MN..."Ars Domestica" where mending circles with tales and mending are combined to create a performance piece and exhibit.  Go to www.susanhenselgallery.com for more info!

So, that's it for now...enjoy and always remember, if you have a great exhibit or item, please email me or post on this blog!  Happy May!