Links

Everyone’s getting into the fiber arts! My adoptive brother in Mexico, Emilio Bledl, made this gatito (above) after his mentor and seamstress extraordinaire, Sra. Hortensia (below), taught him the craft. She is gone now but will not soon be forgotten.

Links

One of the great advantages of the artist life is getting to know a community of other artists. I’ve met a host of extraordinary people in a short time. Many have websites. Have a look and steady yourself for the tidalwave of creativity that will flow your way.

Individual Artists

· Dawn Anderson makes amazing patterns for hats and clothing that bridge modern and the “period” styles.

· Jessica Lovelace paints pet portraits, murals, and more in Arlington, Virginia.

· Lesley Riley is the memory quilt guru and accomplished author. See her artist blog and her website.

· Chris Vincent is the best amateur photographer I’ve ever met. He does it for the love of the art, not for sale.

· Dan Murano is a wonderful professional photographer who also takes pictures for the Washington Post.

· Karen McCray makes delightful drawings that find themselves on T-shirts and paper, among other things.

· Hope Wallace lets all sorts of creativity spill out through her design company, Paper Relics.

· Lisa Schumaier of Keen Things makes charming sculptures with a fabulous sense of humor in Alexandria, Virginia.

· Caitlin Phillips makes amazing purses out of hardback book covers. I drool.

· Moira McCauley creates the coolest handmade books at Bookish Lady. I drool some more.

· Deborah Conn’s watercolors of flowers and still lives are to die for.

Wedding Vendors

· Hitched is a classy bridal boutique in Georgetown, D.C. owned by Julia Lichtman, my law school classmate.

· Shay Jones owns a great party rental company in Austin, Texas called Musical Chairs.

· Barbara Hill of Bridal Artistry in Fairfax, Virginia brings inner beauty to the surface with make-up services and wardrobe and image consulting.

· Washington Executive Photographic Services is run by the talented Max Krupka, an artist and a gentleman.

· Kate Triano is a very talented photographer with a great website and blog.

· Wedding Coordinator Laura from Soiree Special Events is a master with details.

Worthy Organizations

· The Torpedo Factory is a local arts incubator that nurtures tons of amazing artists.

· The Girls Gotta Run Foundation uses art sales to support girls’ education in Ethiopia.

· Stacy Donovan has founded Main Streets U.S.A.P.A. (Unabashed Spirit of American Performing Artists), an organization to support performing artists all around the U.S., not just in urban centers.