What's New in This Neck of the Woods (A Year in Review)

    A couple of years ago when Cat and I decided to pre-tire from our jobs and take up this incredible journey, we only had an inkling as to how we would go forward with this dream.  We had short falls and stumblings... but we also had fortuitous moments of success! We've cemented our mandate to this...To provide and grow local art and artisans. Without trying to sound like an Ontario's west-coast tourism advertisement, we are proud to call Huron our home and want to showcase all that it and its people have to offer.

Huron County Winner!!!!

    I thought I'd provide you a run-down of what's been going on around here. We haven't been idle this winter... in fact, things at times were down right heck-tick! 
    Firstly... and I'm sure that I've probably mentioned this already; I'm excited to announce that in late October, I was the winner of the Huron County Art Show! The work these artists bring to these shows is fantastic! I was in great company... very much humbled by the experience.

    Here's what else we Wonky Frogs have been up to!

October/ November 2015

We were invited to attend the Blyth Theatre's annual Gala-ween charity event and had so much fun hobnobbing with other local theatre supporters. We even dressed for the occasion with Cat was dressed as "Death on vacation" (see pic) and I taking a more minimal approach (see pic)... was awarded an honourable mention.

creepy! See how scared I am!

Cat's jack? Jack's cat?

the stick-man cometh!

Randy's pumpkin

Randy, Cat, and Susanne

We donated one of my prints for the silent auction and Cat was to be one of the local "celebrity" pumpkin carvers. Guests were encouraged to bid on the Jack o' lanterns with the hope of winning a hidden $1000 prize. Cat's "Jack" was auctioned off for a resounding $500 and, wouldn't you know it, had the secret "big-bucks" cheque in it! Of note-worthy interest...one of the other carvers was none other than our good friend and illustrator, Randy Jones! 
    It was a wonderful time had by all and we even walked away with a few collectibles ourselves! The gala was also the scene for the unveiling of the new season's artwork....done by none other that our friend and colleague Greg Sherwood.  Monies raised went to the theatre and we were proud to support such a worthwhile cause!

Country living seating

Yes, the ladybug is painted on!

    The gala also  provided me the chance to get involved, artistically speaking, in a local charity to raise funds for the arts in schools. My neighbour Linda gave me an old wooden chair and asked me to put my own spin on it. The chair would later be auctioned off. It was a fun project and I was able to complete it in record time!

December 2015

Me... trying hard to look professional

Symphony in Red Minor 16 x 20

Betty Blue 16 x 20

December started full of potential and, for me, a wee bit of panic! Though I was thoroughly excited about my upcoming show, I was a tad bit apprehensive as to whether or not I would have enough works to fill the allotted 25 foot wall space! I only had 10 pieces which I thought was pretty good for a self-professed "slow-poke" painter but I wasn't sure if there would be enough coverage. It seems I worried for nothing as there was a wonderful turn-out and I managed to fill out the space pretty well. I even managed to sell three of them and they've moved into private collections! Cat was particularly sad about the loss of "Betty Blue!" Personally, I'm grateful for the sales but was sad to see them go. I feel, I'd left a little piece of myself in each one. I was also awarded a commission from a client...my 1st milk-can!

Mellow yellow #1 10 x 12

Delhome Farms Milk-can

    About 3 weeks before Christmas, brought a lot of people out of hibernation. Workshops were booked and people were just starting to realize that shopping locally was better than shopping Walmart! Money was coming in and Cat had a steady stream of workshop items to fire and complete. Then........disaster struck! Not one...but both of our kilns decided to call it quits. After sobbing for about 10 minutes...we calmed down and I got on the phone with a technician and we both came to the same conclusion; It was the relays. I ordered up a set, received them in couple of days, then changed them out. Kiln #1 was up and that was enough the help Cat get her orders out in a timely manner. Crisis averted!!
  

January 2016

    January brought some bitter winter and, sadly, some bitter reality. Winter usually brings the the crowds of workshop hordes....we count on it. This year, however although we put funding into advertising, the figures didn't catch up to what we had projected based on last years numbers. 3-2-1 PANIC!! 
    All was not lost, though.

February 2016
 

The group of Eight (Ate...yummy)

    Les, at the Queen's Bakery, and I had been in talks for awhile about putting up some of my paintings in his coffee shop. I thought it'd be a good idea to showcase some of my work at another local establishment as our shop doesn't really have enough wall space to exhibit my larger paintings! 
    It turns out, a group of local artists were going to have a group show at Queens. They saw the paintings that I had on display and invited me to take part. How exciting!! We then became "Phinias Fishburger and the Flaming Thunder Twonks!"
Just kidding....we became "The Group of Eight!" I believe Les said that "The Group of Seven" was already taken.

Checking out the competition

    It was a fabulous time and, as usual, Anne and Les were the perfect hosts! I was even interviewed by a local paper called....wait for it...."The Paper!" I haven't read it yet, but I'm hoping that it'll be a great review!
    As February started winding down, Cat and I started the ball rolling on our new logo. Cat will be finalizing the typesetting and I'll be fleshing-out our mascot...the lemur leaf frog. We also thought it'd be a great idea to advertise some kind of contest to help celebrate this. And before you ask no...I will not be saying anything else about it because... I'm sketchy on the details at best.  You'll just have to stay tuned to find out more!

March 2016

Ortona 16 x 20

We're entering into March with a lot hope for spring coming sooner than later. Cat's looking forward to making more pottery and jewelry to place in other retailers. They've been asking, ever since we moved in! Myself, I'm looking forward to more exhibitions and the chance to get out with my camera and take some more photos.

Morning Glory 10 x 12

Here's a selection of some more of the paintings I finished this winter.

Awaiting Spring 8 x 16

Keep an eye out on our Facebook page for any newer completed pieces or works in progress. We're constantly updating to keep our viewers happy! If you have any comment, let's hear it! We love to hear from you!