It's Summertime, and the living is - Busy!

Lisa at Recycl'Art 2010 with "Entwined" wire sculpture

Summer, in an artistic life, is often one of the busier times of the year, with shows, exhibitions and other events to keep you hopping. And I've been hopping around a lot!

My Solo show at Espace Pierre-Debain in Aylmer

The first solo show I've had in my career was in the spring, not the summer, but I judge it to be worth a mention, as it was beautifully designed and lighted. Espace Pierre-Debain is a municipal gallery in the Aylmer sector of Gatineau specializing in artisan work. I strongly suggest preparing a proposal when a call goes out, as the remuneration package is excellent!

I exhibited stained glass, jewellery and sculpture. The admistration mentioned that my show was the best-selling show they have ever hosted in the space.

Lisa Brunetta - Solo show at Espace Pierre-Debain in Aylmer QC

The New Art Festival, Central Park, Ottawa

If you are an artist and are scoping out a good summer outdoor show in Ottawa, this one should be at the top of your list. A high-quality show in the heart of the Glebe. This year the show took place on June 5th and 6th.

The show is always well-attended - even this year, despite the rainy weekend. Many a customer braved the less-than ideal weather conditions to stroll the aisles, meeting the talented artists both from the local area and from farther afield.

I had a great good fortune to have wonderful neighbours, including David Taylor, who won the show's photography award for his amazing work, and Paul Sharp, a painter/collage artist who gave me wonderful marketing advice on my copper flocks.

Apartment613, a local art and culture blog, took some shots of the event, including my art, and combined them into a slideshow. You can view it at New Art Festival: Photos from Central Park

Dragons and other Flags at the Gatineau Dragon Boat Festival

The weekend of June 26 found me, my family and my Dragon sculpture volunteering at the Gatineau Dragon Boat festival, making flags from recycled materials with the children there. I came up with a fun Dragon design. The races raise funds for Centre C.A.R.M.E.N., a complimentary treatment centre offering free services to chronically ill patients and their families.

Dragon Flags made from recycled materials

Recycl'art Opening Day in Montpellier QC

The photo at the top of this post is my submission this year for Recycl'Art, one of the most interesting sculpture exhibitions I participate in. All sculptures must be made from at least 80% recycled materials to qualify for this juried show.

The show runs from July 10 to October 3, 2010. Take the drive to Montpellier - you won't regret it!

The artists from Recycl'Art 2010

An Artist's Residency in the Pontiac

From July 12 to 16 I participated in the Pontiac Artists Association's first ever Artist's Residency week. Artists from the region opened their homes and hosted artists like me for the week. Each day we visited tourist attractions in the Pontiac region, and then returned to the magnificent home base of Geraldine Classen (my gracious host!) to work together and share our expertise. It was an excellent experience, and one I hope the Association decides to continue.

Geraldine Classen's excellent barn studio

Kempenfest in Barrie, Ontario

This weekend I'm heading to Barrie, Ontario - my home town - to participate in my second year of the Huronia Festival of Arts and Crafts, part of the larger Kempenfest. Here's a little nugget of information to close out this giant post - I'm moving to Barrie for September of this year! Maybe I'll see you this weekend.