A very Merry Christmas!

Wishing you all a Joyous and Merry Christmas Season!

"Hues of The Hudson" - A Documentary about Hudson River Artists

Painting by Frederic Edwin Church (1826 – 1900) an Artist of the Hudson River School

The Hudson River Valley is a place of beautiful seasonal contrasts. There are gorgeous views of the Catskill and Adirondack mountains as well as the tremendous expanse of the ever flowing Hudson River. This was the place where many early 19th century American artists gravitated to paint landscapes. So many shared this common aesthetic vision that they became known as the Hudson River School .

My son John is a senior at Marist College in Poughkeepsie which is in the Hudson River Valley of New York State. He is a communications major with a specialization in Radio, TV and Film. He aspires to work in the Film industry upon graduation in the Spring of 2009. He is also a talented writer. John has just finished a documentary on the present Hudson Valley Art Community, "Hues of the Hudson" which explores the reasons artists live in the area, what characteristics the community has and what problems it faces as it continues on into the future. I invite you to check it out and feel free to leave comments for him!

This link takes you to his Youtube page
http://www.youtube.com/user/InternalIcarus

This link goes directly to his documentary, "Hues of the Hudson" he posted on youtube is here in two parts:
part 1:

part 2:

I also invite you to Support the Arts of the Hudson River Valley:

Hudson Valley Art Galleries:
http://www.vanbruntgallery.com/home.html
http://www.galleryandstudio.org/
http://www.barrettartcenter.org/about.html
http://www.cunneen-hackett.org/
http://bearsystems.com/gallery/gallery.html
http://www.ulstertourism.info/todo/galleries.html

Further information on "The Hudson River School"
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/ihas/icon/hudson.html
http://www.newingtoncropsey.com/hudson.htm
http://www.artlex.com/ArtLex/h/hudsonriverschool.html
http://www.artchive.com/artchive/hudsonriver.html

Magical Christmas Wonderland In My Hometown

Christmas Prelude in the Seacoast area of Kennebunk/Kennebunkport began in 1982 as an idea for creating a sense of community spirit and promoting local businesses. However, the creation of the magical atmosphere of Prelude goes far beyond the Business Association and would not exist without the help of the whole community. Year after year, now celebrating it's 26th year, virtually every aspect of our community gets involved. Participating in Prelude activities are area churches, schools, and community groups, many of which make Prelude the highpoint of their annual fund-raising activities. The numerous Prelude Craft Fairs offer the opportunity to purchase locally from the many Artists and Craftsman that inhabit these communities.

While in High School, both of my sons had the opportunity to sing during these annual festivities. As members of the Chamber Choir, they would perform at the opening ceremony which, each year, features a giant Christmas Tree lighting in Dock Square. They would then continue to participate throughout the two Prelude Weekends by singing in concerts and joining in "Candlelight Caroling" which leads the community and visitors on a traditional stroll to the Franciscan Monastery, where cider and chestnuts roasting on an open fire await you.

I invite you to visit our pretty little Seacoast town and enjoy the festivities that abound for the first two weekends in December. For a schedule of this years events and more information of our community activities I invite you to visit the Prelude 2008 website: http://www.christmasprelude.com/

photo: Robert Dennis & C.A. Smith Photography

Cyber Monday Sale

Cyber Monday is the Monday following Black Friday and is the official kick off to the online holiday shopping season in the United States between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Black Friday is associated with traditional Brick and Mortar shops whereas Cyber Monday is mainly a busy day for online retailers. Hopeful that whatever people could not find in the stores last Friday can be found online today.

I am offering a few Cyber Monday specials in my Etsy shops.

The Artists Closet is offering
★:*¨¨*:☆ DECEMBER SPECIAL ★:*¨¨*:☆
Mention my blog and I will include a free gift of 7Gypsies Walnut Ink Crystals with your purchase.

The Seasonal Cottage is offering
★:*¨¨*:☆ DECEMBER SPECIAL ★:*¨¨*:☆
FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $25.00

Simply French Designs is offering
★:*¨¨*:☆ DECEMBER SPECIAL ★:*¨¨*:☆
ALL SIMPLY FRENCH JEWELRY HAS FREE SHIPPING!

Dion Design is offering
★:*¨¨*:☆ DECEMBER SPECIAL ★:*¨¨*:☆
ALL JEWELRY AND KEYCHAINS HAVE FREE SHIPPING! SHIPPING WILL BE REFUNDED TO PAYPAL ACCOUNT.