Black Eyed Susan. Central Avenue Dock. OCAG at Christmas.

       Not only does Spring usher in Summer, but it also means the beginning of the busiest time of my year.  I am really a nice-weather photographer, notwithstanding my trip to Antarctica (it was Summer there when I was there), so as the weather gets nicer, my shutter finger gets itchier!

     Nicer weather also ushers in my appearance at more marketplaces, both out of doors and inside, offering the best of my work to all.  I have been busy during the winter refining and printing many new works, so I will have a varied collection of outstanding cards, and matted and framed works for your enjoyment and possible purchase.

        So, grab that pencil and mark the following dates on your calendar.

     "Artists and Azaleas" will occur on May 14th, between 10 am and 3 pm in Island Heights.  It is being sponsored by the Island Heights Cultural and Heritage Association, a preservation group based here in IH dedicated to preserving the Victorian heritage of this beautiful little town I call home.  It is being held as part of the organization's ever-popular annual garden tour, with the theme this year artists and their work.  Every house on the tour will have an artist in residence discussing and showing their work. There will be visual artists of all types from oil painters, to watercolorists, to photographers like me.  I am not certain of my location yet, but I will pass it along when I know.  It will be a beautiful way to spend an afternoon!

     Several weeks later, on June 5th, the Ocean County Artist Guild will be hosting its Annual "Artisans' River Market" at its headquarters on Ocean Avenue and Chestnut Street in Island Heights.  Artists working in many different types of media will be displaying their work and offering it for sale.  The event is being held the same day as the Annual Barnegat Bay Festival in Island Heights.  So if you come to town that day, there will be lots of interesting things for you and the family to do and see--from demonstrations discussing the flora and fauna of Barnegat Bay, to the finest art of people who live and work in the area.

     I hope to see you on May 14th and June 5th!