Flood The Streets with Art and Scarf Drop

This weekend has been so busy, and I am so happy.

5 years ago Scott Wong brought to life his brain child - Flood the Streets with Art. Here is a little quip from Scott - "The goal is simple: On BLACK FRIDAY (Nov. 24th, 2017) I want every artist, human being, man, woman & child on our planet to drop one piece art they've created on the streets of their community for a random stranger to find, pick up, take home & love. Yes, for FREE. 

Allow me to explain...

Here in the United States of America, we will celebrate Thanksgiving Day this year on Thursday, Nov. 23rd, 2017. We will spend the day with family, friends & loved ones giving thanks for everything in our lives we have to be thankful for. It's really loving and special and meaningful. ♥

But then...

On the following day a.k.a. BLACK FRIDAY (the day after we've given thanks for everything we have in life), we rush out in an uncivilized manner trampling complete strangers to death while pushing, shoving & acting like a complete lunatic so we can buy a big screen TV for twenty bucks. I'm speaking tongue-in-cheek, of course, but truth be told, it's not that far removed from what actually happens. I wish I were joking. :( "

I have participated the last four years and it is my favorite time of year. Being able to share my gratitude in the form of art means so much to me, it is very fulfilling. 

I did a huge drop this year. Six paintings and jewelry. I heard back from one person who found my earrings!! That was so exciting, AND they are going to participate next year! It is spreading!!!

These are the pieces I dropped this year. All around Raleigh and Cary, NC. So much fun under the cover of darkness, dropping art for people to find. 

And then there is my true heart - dropping scarves and hats around downtown Raleigh. It is getting cold at night, and there are so many people who do not have enough, that I love leaving warm items around for them to find!!!

During the Thanksgiving season, I am truly grateful for what I have, and who I have in my life. I love giving back out of gratitude and love to my community. It is that small ripple that starts the waves of change. 

All of my jewelry creations are based on the metaphysical properties of the stones or the colors that are incorporated. Jewelry should be a window to our soul, a protector of our emotions and a companion to our spirit. All of my other creations come directly from my heart in hopes they touch yours as well. Celebrate yourself with healing jewelry, and other gift ideas made with love!

Can't Get Enough Tie Dye!

I can't get enough of tie dying! I have to dye everything. Doesn't matter what I look at, fabric wise - I wonder what it would look like if it was crinkled up or  rubber banded and loaded with color.

I recently went to visit my brother in Oklahoma City. What a blast! He is an artist, WONDERFUL artist, and shows his work at The Purple Loft Gallery.

Last year, I went out to The Paseo Art District and did a show of my jewelry, this year, I took tie dyed scarves.

I made scarves from cotton flannel, and cotton muslin for a lighter weight scarf. They were a hit!

 I love each design, and the way that I do it, I don't duplicate the design, staying true to my one of a kind philosophy.

I will be selling my scarves locally at The Green Monkey in downtown Raleigh, at Raleigh Brewing on 12/9/17, at Lasting Impressions Art Show in Fuquay-Varina over Thanksgiving, and will be at New E nuff in Bethany OK!! I am so excited at the doors this tie dye adventure has opened!

We all need more color!

All of my jewelry creations are based on the metaphysical properties of the stones or the colors that are incorporated. Jewelry should be a window to our soul, a protector of our emotions and a companion to our spirit. All of my other creations come directly from my heart in hopes they touch yours as well. Celebrate yourself with healing jewelry, and other gift ideas made with love!

Local Artist Spotlight - Meg Smither

This blog entry about local artist, Meg Smither. Local to Raleigh, and owner and inspiration behind 'Out There Studio.'

How Did Your Create Your Business Name?

 Well funny you would ask that first question:

1. Out There Studio came about - because when we were building our house 6 years ago and we were building my Studio in the back yard (pictured with Meg Smither above)
 I would always refer to it as "out there" and my friend said that I needed to call my Studio "OUT THERE STUDIO". So that is how that came about.

2. What do you create/make?
Wow that's an interesting question. Well I make a lot of scarves (Textiles) and I build the frames and then I just start thinking of different techniques of applying dyes and using resists and just different chemicals and I create the scarves. I read a lot to understand the different types of techniques as well. So I am always learning new and better ways to make the scarves more beautiful. Then on top of all of that I also do Batiks whether it be on Fabric or on Paper.

3. What is your favorite item you've created thus far?
Well I just created the above BATIK called "Harbor Trio"  and I love it.

As well as the next BATIK and it is call "Maid in the Shade"

4. Why is buying locally important to you?
 Because it keeps it in the "neighborhood" if you will. It's like buying local produce in your markets. It is
supporting our local artists and that is so important. Yea you can go to New York and other places and buy pieces (and don't get me wrong I'd love for my work to be in New York :0) - but it's just so important to keep it here at home and know that we have some amazing talent just right in our own backyard. Pardon the pun... didn't mean to... truly.

 

5. What are your business goals for 2014?
 ... are just to get more visibility so that folks know I'm here and are interested in what I'm doing.
It has been a long road to get to just this point --- but slowly it is happening and I couldn't be more thankful
and more blessed. It comes from above I know that for sure....

 You can visit Meg Smither's Studio Online at :website: www.megsmither.com
or her newest site:square market: https://squareup.com/market/meg-smither