Artsy Shark Interview - Welcome, New Readers!

Go There Got Here, ink and colored pencil on Stonehenge paper, 6.5 x 6.5 inches, 2012 by Sarah Atlee

I am thrilled to be featured on Carolyn Edlund's Artsy Shark blog. Click here to read the interview and learn more about my process and techniques.

Did you arrive here from Artsy Shark?

Welcome! I'm so happy you're visiting my website. I recommend you browse the Images section.

I bet you'll find something you like here on the blog, too. How about a few tags to get you started: language, creativity, tools, sketchbook.

My most-read post explains how to make an acrylic gel transfer.

Last but not least, I would be honored to have you as a subscriber to my quarterly newsletter. I'll keep you up-to-date on exhibitions, news, and new website content. The signup form is just to the right.

Thanks for visiting!

The Jennifer Rooms is on the Web

Kristy's Great Idea, acrylic on canvas, 10 x 10 inches, 2014 by Sarah Atlee

My latest series of abstract paintings, The Jennifer Rooms, is now virtually open for your virtual viewing pleasure. Please thank Jason Ormand for helping to display them so nicely.

Jennifer: the most popular girl’s name in the United States between the years of 1970-1984.

Room: the amount of space required; the people who are present; a distinct interior; opportunity; scope; forum; dwelling space.

And yes, Kristy's Great Idea is the title of the inaugural volume in The Babysitters Club series by Ann M. Martin.

Last Chance to See The Jennifer Rooms

My latest solo exhibition, The Jennifer Rooms, is on the walls at aka gallery through April 26th. Catch it while you can! Contact the gallery at (405) 606-2522 for hours and other logistics.

Maraca Fists, acrylic on canvas, 10 x 10 inches, 2014 by Sarah Atlee Photo by Charlotte Bell Photography

The Jennifer Rooms opened just in time for First Friday on the Paseo. Oh, what a time it was.

Just a few of the mini-cupcakes from Sara Sara Bakery.

My lovely assistant helping set up romy owens' final photobooth.

Photobooth accessories - we were such pretty princesses.

Bracelets for your besties!

If you're not in the OKC area, The Jennifer Rooms series will soon be up on this website.

Women's Works 2014

That's When I Knew, acrylic on unstretched canvas, 2013 by Sarah Atlee. Some rights reserved.

I'm very pleased to announce that my painting That's When I Knew will be on display as part of the 27th annual Women's Works show at the Old Court House Arts Center in Woodstock, Illinois.

This juried exhibition, showcasing work by female artists, is mounted every year by the Northwest Area Arts Council of McHenry County, Illinois. Visitors to the show can also see Little Women's Works, a show by artists aged 6-17.

There will be an opening reception Saturday, 22 March 2014, from 7-9 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

The show runs from 13 March to 27 April 2014. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday 11:00-5:00, Sunday 1:00-5:00. For more information, contact the Old Court House Arts Center at (815) 338-4525.

My thanks to the exhibition's jurors for their consideration and all the people who work hard to make Women's Works happen.

Milagros for Boston

Chicago community artist Guillermo Delgado is collaborating with second-graders on a spontaneous project they're calling Milagros for Boston. Photo by Guillermo Delgado. Used with permission.

From the artist:

"Milagros for Boston is a tribute by 2nd graders to all the people affected by the Boston Marathon bombings on April 15, 2013. Students will create an art installation made of tin milagros (running shoes, hands, and legs) and display it in the storefront window of a local running shop."

Photo by Guillermo Delgado. Used with permission.

If you're not familiar, a milagro  is a small charm, usually made of metal, used as part of a prayerful offering. From Wikipedia:

"[Milagros] are used to assist in focusing attention towards a specific ailment, based on the type of charm used. Milagro symbolism is not universal; a milagro of a body part, such as a leg, might be used as part of a prayer or vow for the improvement of a leg; or it might refer to a concept such as travel. Similarly, a heart might represent ideas as diverse as a heart condition, a romance, or any number of other interpretations. Milagros are also carried for protection and good luck."

Photo by Guillermo Delgado. Used with permission.

The artist commented on his Facebook page that "I was inspired by the conversations that I had with my own children yesterday. It's difficult to have these kinds of conversations, but I think we need to. And I couldn't start this morning's class with 2nd graders and teachers without addressing it. Fortunately, they embraced it! The project developed like lightning: ideas, emails, and phone calls. It's a true community collaboration!"

Photo by Guillermo Delgado. Used with permission.

In an email, Delgado told me that "In my twenty years of teaching: this was one of the most powerful and meaningful experiences I have had in the classroom and with children. The teachers agreed too; we were all super into it! It was an amazing experience for all of us."

You can read more about Guillermo Delgado on his website, and keep up with the Milagros for Boston project on Flickr.

Photo by Guillermo Delgado. Used with permission.