Happy Dancing in NJ!

"The Muse" 16.5" x 42.5" (c)2006 Pat Dolan

I'm delighted to share my happy news: the piece above has been selected to be included in "Expressions: The Art Quilt" sponsored by Ricky Tims Art Quilt Studio and Gallery. It is one of 63 quilts chosen from 230 entered. The exhibit will begin at the Tims studio in September, and then travel through August of 2008 to places like Museum of the American Quilter's Society; Paducah, KY Mid-April - Mid-June, 2007; the Machine Quilters Exposition; Manchester NH - April 11-14,2007; and the AQS 2007 Quilt Exposition; Gaylord Opryland Resort/Convention Center; Paducah, KY Aug. 22-25, 2007.

It is interesting how my work is now being accepted in the art/quilt world. I have specifically spent the past year working to develop my style; my techniques; my resume; and the business end of things. And it seems as though this concentrated effort is now becoming fruitful. When I sent off the entry for The Expressions show, I did not really expect to have anything accepted. But it certainly can't get accepted anywhere if I don't enter it in any competitions! So I filled out the form and made the CD with jpeg images - at the last minute, of course! And today I can share that I'm still somewhat stunned to have my quilt part of this prestigious exhibit...

Happy Dancing in NJ

Happy Dancing news. Both "Organic Beauty" and "Lava Flow" have been accepted into the 2006 National Small Art Quilt Works exhibition at the Main Street Gallery in Groton, NY from July 28-Sept. 3.

Above: Detail - "Organic Beauty" (c)2005 Pat Dolan
Below: Detail - "Lava Flow" (c)2006 Pat Dolan

Also, much to my surprise, a detail shot of "Gifts From the Sea," which is part of the "Small Wonders VIII, is in the IQF Class Catalog.
Detail: "Gifts From the Sea" as seen in IQF 2006 Class Catalog
What a week!

July in Central Pennsylvania

This is the view of the Nittnany Mountain chain behind our daughter and son-in-laws home. It was hazy, hot and humid - much as I remember our 16 summers in northeastern PA along the Susquehanna River.

I took this photo standing in the dining room of our daughter's home. The birdbath was about 12' from the house and I managed to capture this male Bluebird in several photos. This one is my favorite.

The composite above was created by combining several photos taken at a local nursery where the plants were 50% off. I didn't need any plants but I sure had fun taking pictures. The shot below is of one of the hanging baskets that were overhead.

What Historical Figure Are You?

You are Amelia Earhart Adventurous and boundary breaking. You believe that you can do anything, and do not hesitate to take risks to achieve a big goal. You like to problem solve, when a problem comes up. Take this quiz at QuizGalaxy.com

Well, that's certainly interesting... I'd like to think I was like Amelia Earhart, but most of my choices seem much more dreary than that. Boring, in fact. But there are days when I have that adventurous spirit and I take off with the wind in my face and live life to the fullest. I should do that more often...

That photo of Amelia actually reminds me of one I have of my mother in her riding outfit. Mom was quite the sportswoman in the 1920's and 30's. She hunted, fished, rode, played "kitten ball" which I suspect is what we consider softball, bowled, golfed, and more. She even won medals for her marksmanship with the rifle. Alas, none of her three daughters took after her with regard to sports, although her grandkids have. But all three of us did inherit her artistic abilities, for which we are most grateful!

As you can see, Mom was a beauty, all 4'10" of her. Those riding boots were size 4!

Here's one of Dad back in the 1930's.
They died just over 21 years ago. Guess I'm reminiscing a bit.