Check out Art-tiques!

A new showroom for art, gifts and antiques is now open in Marietta! The owners of Art-tiques are focusing on carrying work by local artists, so there's an interesting mix of fine art, jewelry, gift items, home decor, and other items in this spacious, gallery-like venue.

Art-tiques is easily accessible, located a block or so west of Interstate 75 at the intersection of the South Loop and Wylie Road. The entrance is on the side of the building facing the South Loop, with plenty of free parking.

Several artist friends of mine have work for sale at Art-tiques. They include beautiful abstract paintings by my longtime friend and painting buddy Kathy Woodworth; jewel-tone wraps, shrugs and fashion accessories

by fiber artist and former studio mate Dinah Rose; and scenes of everyday life and wildlife portraits painted by fellow art group member Karen Snider. I've featured some of their works below. You'll see many more, and have a grand time browsing, if you stop by Art-tiques!

"Family"        ©2014 Karen Snider

"Keta and the Orchid"      ©2014 Karen Snider

"Fun in the Sun"   ©2014 Kathy Woodworth

"The Keyhole"   ©2014 Kathy Woodworth

Bracelets by Dinah Rose   ©2014 Dinah Rose

Text ©2014 Lynn Edwards

Nov. 3 is the 2nd Annual Holiday Studio Tour and Benefit Sale

Save the date and come visit the studio on Saturday, Nov. 3! That's the date for the Artists of Northwest Atlanta's 2nd Annual Holiday Studio Tour and Benefit Sale! Dinah and I will be hosting three guest artists: Kathy Woodworth, Karen Snider and Betty McGlamery. We're five of 25 artists participating this year at 13 different locations in Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, Woodstock and Roswell. This is more than twice as many as were in the first Tour in 2011. Hours this year are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

All participants in the 2012 event are donating a percentage of all sales made this day to local animal shelters and rescue groups. Dinah, Kathy, Betty, Karen and I are pledging our donation to the Cobb County Humane Society. Now more than ever they need funds to care for and find homes for countless dogs, cats, puppies and kittens.

We're planning a fun, Open House atmosphere where guests can get a peek at a working studio environment and check out works in progress. Browse a great selection of artwork, jewelry, handwoven fashions and accessories, and artsy gifts. Sip hot apple cider and get some holiday shopping done in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. There will be lots of treasures at all price points to select from.

My new line of Original Art Pendants will be part of the offerings I'll have available.  These are miniature original works captured under glass and suspended on an adjustable 18" cord necklace. I hand paint each and every one, and you will not see a design duplicated, ever. Each pendant is a true, one of a kind original, not a reproduction. They're the perfect gift for that friend or relative who already "has everything" and is impossible to buy for. Or a fellow art lover you'd like to please.

The studio is located at 2931 Lewis St. where Lewis meets Main St. in downtown Kennesaw, a couple of blocks north of the Southern Museum. It's in the Lewis Street Commons Building, directly across from the big First Baptist Church. Look for bright yellow signs and balloons marking the Commons' entrance and exit. There's plenty of parking all around the building. Visit as few or as many participating studios as you'd like; the tour is entirely self-guided and it's FREE. For a downloadable map with addresses of all studios and list of artists, visit http://artiststudiotournorthwestatlanta.blogspot.com.