Laura Gaffke, "Friendship is..." mixed media on wood, 12" x 12"

There is so much goodness going on for me lately I have to pinch myself to believe it is all true! First off I got a call this week from the lovely Dora Szekely with a wonderful opportunity to show my work along with several other artists in a bright, airy storefront in downtown Mystic for the month of August (possibly longer). The shop is located at 3 Pearl Street and is directly across from Harp and Hound, a favorite local Irish Pub. It will be open for the Mystic Arts Festival THIS WEEKEND, making that the icing on the cake! The Mystic Arts Festival is a magical event which features the work of over 250 fine artists and over 60 craftsmen. I plan to get a little Christmas shopping done at the show as it is my wish to buy most things handmade this year.

As if this opportunity wasn’t amazing enough, I have been busy getting my work ready for TWO upcoming shows. One is at ACGOW where my work will be featured with the fabulous Steve Tukla, a woodworker I have a special affinity for as we were both juried into the Cooperative Gallery at the same time. The show opens September 1st from 5-8pm and runs for the month. I am sad to say I won’t be able to attend the opening as I will be in ITALY!!! I am however working on something special for those of you who go to the opening, so stay tuned as I see if I can pull it off… The other show is with the Stonington Printmaker’s Society and will be held at the LaGrua Center. You won’t want to miss the preview party Septemeber 17th from 5-7. I would LOVE to share my Italian adventures with you then! Cheery smiles your way…xoLaura