Spring Flowers

I now have two window displays up for spring, one in Chapel Hill, NC for the Downtown Windows of Chapel Hill project, and one at Nüvonivo children's boutique in Raleigh, NC. 

For the Windows of Chapel Hill "Flower Box" installation, I used flatter flowers of paper and fabric that were machine sewn and layered with foamcore for depth. I made all of the flowers and leaves before installation day and then on site cut the blue backdrop paper and trellis sticks to size. Installing a window with wind gusts, the weather chill, and all kinds of people walking by was a new experience. The parking meter was going and I had to cut, pin, glue and get it up there quick.

Sewn flowers

Laying out the window

All done!

For the Nüvonivo spring window, the Maloufs wanted to reuse their "snow globe" window decal, so I imagined a terrarium with tall paper grass and big paper flower vines growing up the back walls. I made these flowers more three-dimensional, out of layers of paper and foamcore. The monarch butterflies are made of yellow cardstock, hand-drawn black ink lines, polka-dot fabric, and black pipe cleaners.

Spring Window Installation

My proposal was accepted for Windows on Chapel Hill, a pop-up art installation in empty storefronts of downtown Chapel Hill, NC. This is a spring window, so I will be using bright and colorful paper and fabric to create a variety of flowers growing on wood trellis structures, titled "Flower Box." My window will be in the Walgreen's display window at 108 E. Franklin St from February 25 - May 30.

Coming Attractions

Summer is here and just a few more months are left to prepare for my show at Artspace. I have the giant roller coaster complete as well as a few more rides. Here's a sneak peak of the construction. The big show is:

Thought Maps & Ladders

Ray Duffey and Becky Joye

Artspace Gallery 1

September 14 - November 9, 2013

The Magic Place

I am designing an amusement park which will open in the fall of 2013 at Artspace. Within the park a group of islands called The Magic Place is under construction. At Designbox on March 1, I will have the islands open for a special viewing.

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Venture to The Magic Place to find a group of islands with a kaleidoscopic playscape of twists and turns. Climb in to The Lookout for a secret view of the main land. Ascend The Tree Houses for a ride down the giant swirly slide. Sneak to another island through wandering chutes and underground tunnels. At The Magic Place, magic is waiting for you at every corner!
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The Magic Place
Designbox
Raleigh, NC
Opening Friday, March 1, 6-10 pm
Continues through March 29

Artspace Regional Emerging Artist-in-Residence

I am delighted to be selected as a Regional Emerging Artist-in-Residence at Artspace in downtown Raleigh from January - July 2013. I will move into my new studio space (215A) on Tuesday, January 8. During the residency, I will continue to work on my Amusement theme, with a goal of creating my own amusement park for a show in Artspace Gallery 1 in the fall. Prepare to be amused!

Artspace is located at 201 E. Davie Street in downtown Raleigh. The galleries and artist studios are open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am - 6 pm. Throughout my six-month residency, come by for First Fridays or schedule a visit to see my amusement park under construction!

Cooke St. Carnival

I  just finished my art board for Cooke St. Carnival (whew, at the last minute). It was fun and challenging to make a 4'x6' painting in 3 days. For the board, I was inspired by the iconic Parachute Jump ride at Coney Island. Unfortunately, the ride last operated in 1964, but the structure still stands as a historic landmark at Coney Island. But now you can simulate the ride at Cooke St. Carnival!

Cooke St. Carnival is an annual grassroots neighborhood carnival located in the Idlewild neighborhood of Raleigh. It happens this Saturday, October 13, 1-6 pm. There are art vendors, food trucks, bands, a slow bike race, and a peep flamingo eating contest! I'm looking forward to attending for my first year here in Raleigh. Check out their website for more details: www.cookestreetcarnival.com.

A New Studio

On July 18, I moved into my first solo studio space at 311 W. Martin St. Galleries & Studios in downtown Raleigh, after working several isolated years at home. I am hoping to meet some new artists and have visitors come by and see my work.

The 311 studio hours:

Open Wed - Sat 11-6pm or by appointment

Open First Fridays of the month until 9pm

grayDUCK opening: Symptoms of Structure

I headed back to Austin for the June 15 opening of Symptoms of Structure, showing 9 new works from my new series, Amusement, alongside works by Rebecca Rothfus and Jason Webb. It was a beautiful show opening and a happy reunion with my friends there. 

See work from the show online at www.grayduckgallery.com or in person until July 15.

Artsplosure 2012

With the big move to Raleigh, I wanted to make an appearance on the Raleigh art scene with a BANG, so I applied and was accepted to the downtown Raleigh Artsplosure art festival. I found out that setting up for art festivals is not for sissies, and was lucky to have my husband Craig and our friend Robby to set-up and take-down the booth. Craig built the booth walls where we were staying in Asheville, while I packaged prints. All of the artwork was framed in Austin, driven across the country, and stored in our storage space. The day before the festival, Craig and I made my 8 foot sign in Robby's backyard. In the end, the booth did come together beautifully under sunny skies. As a nice surprise to end the day on Saturday, I received a merit award from the Artsplosure judges panel!