I received a very exciting e-mail this morning!  I have been juried into the International Guild of Realism (IGOR).  IGOR is an organization focused on promoting high quality realism art in a very professional manner.  Their shows are held in venues across the United States that include galleries and museums.  In my notification e-mail they stated that the jury committee most enjoyed my pieces "Limes", "Apple Slice" (shown above), and "Market Colors".  Please visit their website for more information on IGOR at www.realismguild.com.  In the very near future my name and information will be included in the list of artists!  Today is most definitely an exciting day!

This weekend I am participating in my first Thunderbird Artists art festival.  They are high quality fine art festivals, but this is the first one that has worked into my schedule.  The event is located along the Avenue of the Fountains in Fountain Hills, AZ.  Fountain Hills is famous for being in the world's records books for having the tallest fountain in the world.  It is located in a small lake at the foot of this street and goes off for 15 minutes every hour on the hour.  The picture above shows the fountain at full height from just outside my tent.  The weather so far has been gorgeous....and I am hoping Mother Nature cooperates one more day.  The crowds have been good and it has been great fun talking to people about my art.  Nothing better than an art festival in a beautiful location on a beautiful weekend!

I was very excited to get into the Scottsdale Arts Festival this year (the first year I entered) as it is considered one of the top art festivals in the United States and very difficult to be juried into as an artist due to the competition.  I must say that the festival lived up to and exceeded my high expectations!  The art was of a very high quality....at least what I got to see as the crowds kept me tied to my booth happily talking about my art!  The booth space was wonderful with my booth facing north and providing shade all day.  Mother nature came out in her best finery with wonderful sunshine and temps in the high 80s.  The show team was wonderful to work with checking to make sure we did not need anything at least a couple of times a day.  And.....people were buying!   My piece, "Limes" (18" x 24") is one of the pieces that will be going to a new home.   Definitely will be applying to this show again next year!  Thanks to all of you who came out to see my newest work and visit!  Next weekend is the Thunderbird Artists Fine Art and Wine Affaire in Fountain Hills Friday through Sunday.  The weather forecast is looking good.  I can only hope my experience will be as great!!  Hope to see you there!