Well, I'm back from the most *magical* weekend of the year, the annual
Ghoultide Gathering! Have been back for several days in fact, but am just now beginning to float back down to earth, hehe...
John stayed home with the furkids, as dear friend Jennifer and I set out in the Kingofmicemobile - whose packing process was something like playing a game of tetrus, lol. Every inch of space was utilized.
It was a one day show this year, so after Friday's set-up, the artists were able to gather for a little pizza/wine/soda reception, and wander the building gazing at all the incredible Halloween creations befroe the doors opened the next morning. Here's just a sampling of what my uber-talented fellow artists conjured up (Do click for enlarged photos!)...
Scott Smith (who along with his partner Bill, produces the show), created this pumpkin man in a coffin, delicately withered under the glass...
And I just love this one, "Drucilla Fusspot", walking the remains of her beloved pet crow...
Allen Cunningham created this "Midnight Mercantile" - each tiny piece inside sculpted and painted in fine detail...
Sheila Bentley's bewitching work....
One of
Nicol Sayre's beautiful, vintage dolls...
And another
Nicole (Johnson), of Mealy Monster Land. Love the combination of creepy and whimsical...
Lucky Stradley's pottery - so cool!
Laurie Hardin's work never ceases to make me smile, and one day I hope to own a piece. Aren't they fun?
Joyce Stahl's *Little Enchanted Ones" are always a hit. She says "they put a smile on your face, just before they bite!" Teehee...
These beloved bunny pieces by
LoriAnn Corelis, of The Spotted Hare are so bittersweet to me. Her work is always the perfect combination of whimsical and touching...
Katherine Webber's amazing, vintage style work (Nosferatu scared me, lol)...
Jennie Hepler, of The Prim Pumpkin, always achieves the perfect balance between sweet and vintage Halloween with her lovely, sculpted pumpkin dolls...
Pam Gracia, of Soft in the Head, created this amazing steampunk raven, riding a tricycle. So fun!
Paul Gordon's work always astounds, and this Owl and Pussycat piece is no exception...
And what can I say about
Sue Bartolucci's pun-inspired folk art, except "wow!" - would that I were buying instead of selling, *sigh*...
Arbutus Hunter had the most adorable spun cotton ornaments. Check out this darling bat...
There were several new artists too, and it was so much fun to meet them, and experience the energy and talent they brought to the show. Doll artist
Kevin Buntin created these fabulous gourd guys - I just love the vibrant color and expressive faces...
And
Rhode Montijo brought some of his "Halloween Kid" books along with his original creations - the story is currently being animated for a fall special!
Doll artist
Dustin Poche was our neighbor, and he completely blew us away with his talent. Someday I know we'll all say we "knew him when"...(and he's a super nice guy too!) These were two of my favorites...
And I'm in love with
Melissa Belanger's paintings. A goal for next year is to own a small original...
And finally, my own humble offerings. The first is a pic of the entire display, courtesy of dear friend and photographer,
Jennifer MacNeill Traylor, and the second is a detail she shot...
I know I've missed quite a few of the other artists, but didn't catch them at their tables to get permission for blog photography (if any of you are reading, and would like to email me a photo, I'd love to include you here!)...I also didn't get a chance to capture the crowds, as by then we were so busy we could hardly think, hehe!
But I hope this gives a little glimpse of the magic. No pics of me either, I'm afraid (major camera phobia), but Jen did take this one of my amazing bat necklace I wore to the show, a gift from a very dear collector friend...
As I type this, there are a just a few pieces left, some of which I've already listed in
the Etsy shop, and a few more, which will list tomorrow. This wicked, whimsical,
wonky clock is a personal favorite, hehe...
If you'd like to experience the magic yourself, the date is already set for next year's
Ghoultide Gathering - October 4th (and believe it or not, the hotel is already taking reservations from people planning to attend - eeeeek - better get mine in, lol!) It's sooooooo much fun, and from a purely selfish standpoint, my favorite part of the show is meeting collectors in person, so I do hope some of you can make it!
And now, it's on to a few Yuletide pieces for Paul Gordon's "Friends in Christmas" show (at Paul's studio in Martinsburg, WV, on November 23rd)...
Back very soon with a glimpse at some holiday goodies, and in the meantime, thanks in advance to all those giving the last of the Ghoultide goodies a good home for Halloween!
♥ Carolee
