WATERCOLORS WITH A LOCAL FLAVOR

We are so excited to announce the addition of Karen Groeniger, of Powell, to our group of fantastic fine artists. Karen's work is internationally collected and encompasses a wide variety of styles and subjects, from abstracts to tradition, from local scenes to florals and beyond...

As pictures are always worth more than words, let me just share:

FIRST DAY OF SUMMER

In the Northern Hemisphere, summer solstice begins on Jun 21 2011 at 1:16 P.M. EDT. The longest day of the year, it's also considered the first day of summer!

All through time, humans have celebrated the beginning of summer in various ways:

Ancient Pagans celebrated Midsummer with bonfires, when couples would leap through the flames, believing their crops would grow as high as the couples were able to jump.

In Ancient Sweden, a Midsummer tree was set up and decorated in each town, and the villagers danced around it.

The Celts celebrated with bonfires that would add to the sun's energy, Christians celebrated the feast of St John the Baptist towards the end of June, and it is also the festival of Li, the Chinese Goddess of light.

At Stonehenge, revellers still gather to see the sun rise...

How will you celebrate the first day of summer? Why not welcome summer with new art and decor from Serendip?

LP Designs offers these delightful glass panes, fresh and pretty for your summer windows.

This French Pot from Rush Creek Mosaics is great indoors or out, filled with flowers or on its own to accent.

Carol Fiorella's most recent offering is this watercolor of a tulip in soft, airy colors to complement the fresh, open decor of summer.

Handpainted oilcloth tablerunners offered by LP Designs will bring the sheer fun of summer to every meal!

IN MEMORIUM

It is with great sadness that I report that one of Serendip's fine artists, Michael Brooks McMahon, passed away unexpectedly on June 2.

Michael's warmth, humor, and exceptionally beautiful wildlife art have been valued additions to the Serendip group. He also created popular clutch bags from woven recycled magazines.

Michael was committed to his children and family, his art, the Ohio Wildlife Center, and his dogs (in no order but mine).

I will accept donations in the shop for the Michael McMahon Trust, to help provide for his minor children. Michael's art will remain for sale at Serendip until further notice. Proceeds will go to the trust/family, of course.

My memory: Michael, as he was leaving the shop, quipped (with an ironic glint in in his eye), "Live creatively". I laughed at him then, but now I'm adding it to my personal philosophy.

Thank you, Michael. Rest in peace.