"Serendipity" Reception: Wonderful Day

Party getting started.

Despite being pretty numbingly tired, a smile still sits on my face. This afternoon was the reception for my "Serendipity" exhibit of 26 original oil paintings hanging at the Great Falls Library (9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA).

With art openings/happenings, you never know what's going to transpire. Have one mid-July, when half the population might be hanging out and the beach -- and heck, it could have just been my Mom, Dad, Randy and me twiddling our thumbs amid some really great snacks for three hours.

Birthday girl Sue Bennett buying my book

We weren't alone.  As the clock was striking one, studiomate Bobbie Beasley was heading our way with at least a friend or two. They were followed by many, many more -- and for the next three hours, we weren't watching the sidewalk -- but instead were enjoying the company of folks who were really enjoying the art, the food, the day.

Two paintings were claimed by new owners -- "Ballerinas II" and "Notre Dame." (Six out of the 26 have been purchased.) Visitors were setting up chairs or sitting down where they could view their favorite paintings, at length -- and enjoying having it in front of them. Seriously. They told me so.


Refreshments were great. Perfect, maybe. My French macarons were a hit -- like another adventure among those hanging on the wall. That was a good thing -- as husband Randy has been --

"Ballerinas II" chosen today, oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

now proven erroneously accusing me of poor prioritizing with my three to three-and-a-half day mission of creating these confections.  I have obsessional tendencies. Sometimes called a one-track mind. There were four flavors -- chocolate orange, wine jam & buttercream, lime, and salted caramel. Randy was "pushing" taste testings ... as in "you have to try them all." Mom made cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches and pimento cheese sandwiches made with the recipe I oohed and aahed over at Merridee's in Franklin, TN.


Thank you so much for those who attended. I have some new cherished memories. Conversations to rewind and replay.

"Notre Dame" purchased today.

The exhibit continues through August 31. I'll be doing a painting demonstration on Saturday, August 10, 1-4pm at the same spot. Please RSVP to that event via my web site, email ... however you want. Fewer refreshments (someone asked what I'd be serving there) -- but a really great event ahead. Not to be missed.

You can see most of the show online on my web site: www.jillbanks.com. Go to Works and my "Serendipity" collection for an almost real-time view of what's available.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events
Serendipity
Solo show at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. July 1 through August 31. Over 20 original oils. Reception: Saturday, July 20, 1-4pm. Painting Demonstration (Painting ballerinas!!!): Saturday, August 10, 1-4pm. RSVP -- yeses only -- to the painting demonstration through my web site.
 

Solo Show at Greenberry's Coffee & Tea

6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA 22101
(703) 821-9501
Exhibit of six paintings including "Two Kittens," "Traffic Patterns," "Primary Colors," "Spanish Steps," "Second & Pine Streets," and "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange." Through June 30.

All-Media Membership Exhibit
The Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. "Artemis" won an Honorable Mention from juror Jerry Coulter. Also on view is "Peony and Rose" through August 5.