2014 Santa Cruz Open Studios

This month of beautiful October weather, here on the Central Coast, was the 2014 Open Studios. This was my second year opening up my studio at the 17th Avenue Studios in Live Oak to the public to check out what I have been working on, inside and out.

This years Open Studio was an amazing experience. Being able to have deep conversation about community building, digging deep inside of ones self, and have some humor in this journey of life. The colors of this work are amplified. There is much more freedom and movement in the pieces as well. The combination of the Robots with the abstraction is a success. Editing down the work for the show was also a real important part. To let each piece, that made it into the 'best work' really sing. To allow people to interact with each piece and let them feel the power and energy that comes with each piece. The best part about being able to open up my studio to hundreds, dare I say thousands of people is the opportunity to talk and laugh with them. To bring a little piece of joy, love and happiness to everyone that walks into the door is really such a gift. So thank you if you were able to make the journey to the studio to see the new work and connect. I am here year round!

Santa Cruz Open Studios

August First Friday : Santa Cruz

This First Friday I went to Michael Angelo Gallery to check out the Fiber Art! Real impressive show, when you get a chance, go check out the work. Beth Mastrude invited me to come and take a look at the work, she also works out of the 17th Ave Studios in Live Oak. The space at the show was full of buzz and great conversation! It is hard, at times to find a show in Santa Cruz that is challenging and interesting, and this show packs a punch and keeps the viewer wanting more.

Above, the work of Beth Mastrude, with indigo dye and beautiful stitching work, which you have to go see for your self!

Onward to the Tannery for a quick loop around!

A great time indeed. Until next time! xo

Boys and Girls Club of Santa Cruz Mural

Some of you may know, but I am working this summer on an amazing mural project, with amazing kids, right here in Santa Cruz CA! I am working with the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Cruz to create their first outdoor garden mural! This project would not be possible without the grant we applied for and received from the Arts Council of Santa Cruz County! THANK YOU Arts Council! You are making a big difference in the lives of the kids!

The process of the mural was to first hold a few days of "Public Art" lessons in the art room. I talked with the kids about public art and asked them what it means to them. We had some brain storming days and we also played drawing games to get them to loosen up and just have fun!

One of the best parts thus far in painting with the kids is when one of the kids looked up to me and said, "Hey, this is teamwork!" I looked back at them with a big smile on my face and said with excitement,  "YES, IT IS!" It is great to be be able to have a real experience with the kids and let them discover these important interactions. To be able to give them a safe place to be creative and be themselves. Below are photographs of the process! Enjoy!

Summer Show 17th Ave Studios

Wow, I can not believe it has been since the Spring Show here since I last blogged. There really is so much going on in the land of studiomargo, which really is amazing, but so busy. Onward to the Summer Show, which we just wrapped up. It was indeed a good time had by all. The energy at the 17th is changing and moving forward and feeling so great! Really Check it out!
< http://17thavenuestudios.org/ >I did not have time to hop around to all the studios, here is a shot of studiomargo.

I placed up some encaustics work to see what the response would be. As always, everyone loves them. I am hoping to have more for Open Studios this October. Thank you All for who stopped by! Until next time!

Spring Show at the 17th Avenue

This past Mothers Day weekend was the 17th Ave Spring Show. It was indeed fun to hang out and show our work and sell some work! This year the 17th Ave had the amazing Zameen come to the event, which was sooo yummy! Enjoy the pictures and if we didn't see you this time, you can catch us by appointment or at our Summer show in July!