Merry Christmas

"I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes.

Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing your world. You're doing things you've never done before, and more importantly, you're Doing Something.

So that's my wish for you, and all of us, and my wish for myself. Make New Mistakes. Make mistakes nobody's ever made before. Don't freeze, don't stop, don't worry that it isn't good enough, or it isn't perfect, whatever it is: art, or love, or work or family life.

Whatever is is you're scared of doing, Do it.

Make your mistakes, next year and forever." - Neil Gaimen

Hanging Art at Orange Glory Cafe

 Thank goodness for my husband Chris. He's the guy that knows how to measure the walls, find the studs behind the paneling, and adjust the wire on a painting so they all hang level.

 Figuring out how to hang that very heavy painting behind him. You can't use just one nail for that.

 Measuring an marking the wall with blue tape.

 The first nail goes in the wood paneling.

 Gathering the hardware.

 Looking good.

 This is a lot of work! I'm getting tired just watching him.

It took Chris four hours to hang the art work.

 A sneak peak of part of the show.

 The frame is straight, it's my crazy painting that's crooked.That explains a lot doesn't it.

The opening is this Wednesday, December 19th in The Times Square building from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.

Join us if your in Rochester.

New Landscape Paintings for Group Art Show

" Louse Town"

Virginia City, Nevada

Oil Pastel

33X45"

 "Enjoying the View"

Virginia City, Nevada

Oil Pastel

24x18"

 "Bright Orange Globes"

Oil Pastel

24x18"

A month ago I was asked to create several abstract landscape paintings for “Scapes Unlimited.” These paintings, while not really abstract, were inspired from photographs taken during a trip to Virginia City, Nevada. While in Nevada, I had the opportunity to study under Plein-Air artist, Jean LeGassick.

From this trip, I choose three of my favorite photographs. Two of the photographs were taken at “Louse Town” just outside of Virginia City. It was named by miners after Chinese immigrants settled in the area during the Gold Rush. The only inhabitants of this beautiful desert now are wild stallions, and yes we actually saw them that day.

The third photograph, “Bright Orange Globes”, was taken in the mountains between Reno and Virginia City. The landscape was amazing! The colors were breathtaking; varying from lush creams, to shades of orange, green, and lavender. The clear blue skies went on forever.

Working from those three photographs brought back such wonderful memories. I hope you enjoy the paintings as much as I had creating them.

All Finished "Taking Off"

Stages of a New Painting

 Oil pastel on brown paper. I'm almost done and thought I would share with my blogger friends.

This was the first stage. Having so much fun creating these crazy drawings. I feel like a kid again.

Great Things Are Happening!

http://her.democratandchronicle.com/article/20120809/WOMEN_TO_WATCH01/120808015/-1/women_to_watch

Opening Reception

Artist Statement, Artist and it's time to open the doors;))

 The stars of the show... Karen Maggio and Nancy Diliberto

 Do you think Nancy is a little excited?

 My son, Luciano and best friend, Skye

Good friend and fabulous artist, Kurt Pfeiffer.

 Everyone looks happy

 and some even got Crazy !

 My son, Luciano made the flower arrangement for the show. :))

The Maggio's



A Sample From my Art Show

 Two Faces from a Marriage.

Best Freinds

Spent four hours this morning hanging my new Art Show. A big thanks to my husband Chris!!



Pop-UP Summer Art Show

If your in the area please stop by for our opening reception.

Karen

Final Day with Students at Camp Seneca

 Glass Artist, Nancy Gong and I spent several days with 30 campers creating glass Mezuzahs or would you say Hiddur Mitzvah. The coming together of family & friends to create a religious object of beauty.

 Student work from yesterday. Today they would be etching, sanding, cleaning and attaching their glass pieces to the metal backing. Unfortunately the metal tubes to hold the sacred scrolls had not arrived in time. Nancy will be attaching them for students at her studio in Rochester.

 The Craft Shack

 Just loved their welcoming mascot. :))

 Nancy gives students the agenda for the day. Then we were off and running to finish everything up.

 We had all thirty students at one time but everything ran smoothly.

 Joy, explained the importance of the religious scroll that would be attached to the Mezuzahs.

 Final group photo.

 Did I mention enough what a great time I had and what a joy it was to work with all the counselors and campers at Camp Seneca / JCC.

 Nancy demoed how to sand blast which etched the glass.

 Here is what it looks like right after. Of course you removed the paper and clean the piece.

 Jessie etched the Jewish star on her mezuzah.

Jessie's final piece on the left.

Day 3 Camp Seneca Lake

 The Craft Shack, at Camp Seneca Lake. It was our home for 2 days. What a fun place to create.

 Tables all set ready for the students.

 The glass was ready. What eye candy!

Glass Artist, Nancy Gong greeting students and just about to start her demo.

 Yours truly... teaching design and the importance of sketching out your design first.

 Was it advice?, Asking for help? Teamwork? Or the cute girl seating next to them;))

 Students were very engaged. They kept us hopping. :)

 Hey look, he was listening to me and was sketching his design. Yeah!!! Love when that happens.

 Working hard.

This is the girls from our 2nd group of students that day. Good thing there are no teacher unions for summer camp. I put in a 17 hour day. But I truly enjoyed every minute. Such great kids.