Paula as done an excellent job displaying my paintings and tiles. Thank you Paula. Take a look for yourself and say hello while you’re at it. I will be at the Artisan’s Circle from 9 to 6 today. I’d love to see ya.The Artisan’s Circle - 1236-B Turner Street, Lansing, MI 48906

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The Artisan’s Circle I am pleased to announce my partnership with THE ARTISAN’S CIRCLE in Old Town Lansing, Michigan. whoohoo!!!

My paintings will be available for viewing and purchasing Tuesday through Sunday.

I am pleased to announce my partnership with THE ARTISAN’S CIRCLE in Old Town Lansing, Michigan.

I met with Deirdre Hunt and Paula Gibson this mornings at 9am. “Oh, you came early!” Deirdre said with that accent I could listen to all day long. She immediately called another owner from home for the jury process. Three owners of the co-op must approve the work of a new artist before they are allowed to join. Both Deirdre and Paula were eager to see my paintings. They’d been looking for another wall artist. I went to my Bravada, freshly polished yesterday for good luck, and grabbed my smallest bin of paintings holding many 8×10 seascapes. “Good. A variety of sizes.” She said enthusiastically as I walked in the door. “I’m off to a good start” I thought. They led me toward the back of the Gallery where I proceeded to lay out some of my paintings. Deirdre loved my wavy frame and how the fish swam right out of the picture onto it. She picked it up to take a closer look. Paula remarked on how nicely the backs were finished, “It makes a difference,” She said.

Things just kept getting better as I showed them my work. I was energized by their excitement. I took 6×6 Dreamy Window Ceramic Tile out of the bubble wrap and set it on my table top easel. “Do you have the originals for these?” Deirdre asked. I felt she was asking because she was in question if I was the creator. She was, and rightfully so. Everything in the THE ARTISAN’S CIRCLE must be a creation of the artist. When I explained the process and showed her the original she was satisfied. “It looks just like Yorkshire” she exclaimed.

Paula had a great idea to display the tiles alongside the originals. When she held them together in the air to demonstrate her vision I whole-heartedly agreed. It was perfect! Paula arranges items and displays in the Gallery daily to create energy and a continual new look and feel especially for the repeat customers. I agreed with the ideas and practices this veteran artist had to offer for my own work specifically as well as thoughts about the business end of art. She is very passionate about what happens to not only the gallery but with the artists and customers as well. I felt both ladies were genuine and knowledgeable which was an essential component for me to join their circle.

Many wonderful exchanges were made and I did decide to join. I am excited and a bit nervous with the unknown. It’s quite an investment of money, time, emotion and energy. I do love what I know of Old Town with it’s First Sunday of the Month Gallery Walks and all the festivals through the warmer months. I’m excited to be a part of such a talented group and look forward to getting to know them. Please visit . I’ll be working 24 hours a month in the Gallery. I’d love to see some familiar faces when I’m there. Our hours are:

Taste & Tour of Old Town - Sunday, April 6

Sample the food of Old Town as well as get a glimpse of some of the newly renovated lofts in the area, noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 6.

Formerly Old Town on Ice, the Taste & Tour of Old Town gives visitors a chance to taste specialties from Rendezvous on the Grand, Vernadine’s Soul Food, Grand Cafe Sir Pizza, Pablo’s Panaderia, Mama Bear’s Cafe, Poppa Leo’s Pizza, Golden Harvest, Olympic Broil and October Moon.

New this year are loft tours, which give Old Town residents a chance to show off their living space. Visit the Old Town Commercial Association office, 1232 Turner St., for a map of the tour the day of the event.

Tickets are $13 in advance, $15 the day of or $5 for just the tour portion.

For more info, visit www.iloveoldtown.org or call 485-4283.  - Emily Smith