On Friday, Mark and I drove inland to Gainesville, Florida, home of the University of Florida and of Paddiwhack Gallery, a unique treasure trove of art, furniture and accessories for the home as well as jewelry, wearable fabric art, and so much more. Our primary reason for the drive was to visit Linda Blondheim, my dear friend and painting teacher and mentor, in her new loft overlooking this large gallery/shop. Linda greets clients and friends there four afternoons a week in a warm, homey space full of her gorgeous central north Florida landscape paintings. Linda brewed us excellent coffee, offered us comfy chairs, and we enjoyed a long chat about a variety of topics. After awhile, Mark brought up our cooler with a nice bottle of Chardonnay. He had also found rolls from an excellent bakery in the same shopping area and mixed nuts from the Fresh Market next door to Paddiwhack.What a lovely afternoon! If you are ever near Gainesville, don't miss the experience of spending time with Linda, who manages to combine the best of southern hospitality and a welcoming down-to-earth warmth with a lively mind and a sincere interest in her visitors. Two of the photos show Linda's loft (one with the artist herself seated at a table); the third photo is a small glimpse of Paddiwhack Gallery showing a nook in the front of this large, goodie-packed shop.
Come May and June, I will be the featured artist with paintings in this nook, which is just to the right of the front door as people enter. Of course, I am excited and honored to have this opportunity. Since I had not seen the shop before, you can imagine my delight in getting a look at the space where my work will hang and an opportunity to meet the owner and his knowledgeable staff. They answered my questions and offered advice that will help me prepare my exhibit.
Question of the day: What would make a perfect day's outing for you?
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Antique stores and art galleries would make a perfect day for me, Mary. I love that type of thing. To cap it off with a lovely glass of wine would be awesome. Good luck with your new venue and how wonderful to have Linda within driving distance.
ReplyDeleteI know you would love this shop, Sherry--wish we could meet there and share poking around in the shop, a lovely glass of wine, and a chat with Linda. Blogging friendships have two sides (in my view). While it is super to be able to connect meaningfully with people all over the world, it is also frustrating to be so spread out and not able to see each other in person.
ReplyDeleteMary, how wonderful hear from you and have this peek into Linda's loft space. Looks great. Thanks for sharing and congratulations on your show there. Hope it has spectacular results.
ReplyDeleteHey, Jo, thanks for stopping in and for commenting! I'm glad you enjoy seeing Linda's loft. I very much appreciate your good wishes.
ReplyDeleteI have loved Linda's work for a really long time. How lucky you are to be able to see so many examples in person!!
ReplyDeleteOne day maybe I'll be able to do that also.
I love Linda's work. Gallery hopping and visiting a favorite artist. How much better can it get?
ReplyDeleteHi Marian; it's great to hear from you! Do I recall that knowing of Linda and her work was what originally brought us together? Or was it something else? It is fascinating how connections spread online and that knowing one interesting, creative person leads to many others in the blogging world.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for stopping by and for your comment, Mary. I completely agree with you!