Best ARTTOUR yet!

Thank you to everyone who made this year’s Annual Open Studios ARTTOUR the best one yet! The weather cooperated immensely, it was sunny and bright, so much so that our morning glories were still in full glory. This is a first, we always have had to take down our beloved shade wall due to frost.

Morning Glory wall on November 5-6

Open doors looking out the front of Kathleen O’Brien Studio

Both days began slowly which gave guest Michelle Hayden, Greg and I the chance to have great conversation about music, visual arts, cooking, conversation, sewing, creating in all its expressions. Then visitors came in a steady flow, one family stayed until dark, walking the trails.

KO’B with guest artist Michelle Hayden, photo by Lauren Higdon

Below are some shots of some highlights. Here I want to say that Michelle has written a wonderful post, with the most amazing photographs of the day. Neither of us thought to take many of the event with the crowds of people! Enjoy this mini personal tour.

“In With the Tide”, encaustic sculpture by Michelle Hayden

Greg’s antique corner

Greg’s antique corner filled with folks

Front room of Kathleen O’Brien Studio

Cards and collages of Kathleen O’Brien Studio

Collage wall in the studio

Portfolios in the studio

And the winner of “Love Letter to Henry Miller 6” is….Kathy Piercefield. Her answer is very helpful to me. She says,

“Hi Kathleen, I met you some years ago in Lexington at a workshop sponsored by the KAC on the practical/business aspects of being an artist.  I’ve been a subscriber to your newsletter since then.

How do you serve me?  As a fellow artist, you give inspiration in a number of ways.  I’ve seen your work grow and change — and yet retain your inimitable style — over the years.  I’ve been able to observe some of the strategies you use to grow your audience and keep them interested.  And I guess what has made the biggest impression on me (other than your work itself, which I love!) is your consistency.  Your newsletter comes out with regularity, you hold open studio events and participate in shows and stay very active throughout the year — a model of engagement with career that I would like to emulate more.  My own schedule of shows and events seems to happen in a much more random fashion, and I’m still struggling with the concept of “branding” in the sense of putting out a consistent and recognizable body of work.  Maybe that’s not for me.  But when I look at your prolific output, and your successful business model, it really gives me a goal to aim for.

Thanks for being an inspiration for many years!”

“Love Letter to Henry Miller, 6″, watercolor, drawing, collage 8×8”, by Kathleen O’Brien