I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of my faithful readers and to introduce a new sponsor, Signature Canvas. I have an informative interview with Alicia Botyrius from Signature Canvas below and this is one of my works of art created on their canvas. Eddie Ross was so good to mention my site on his blog this week. I attended a fabulous, fun workshop with him and Jaithan at Creative Candles here in Kansas City, where we used wonderful materials to make very handsome etched, initialed hurricanes.On April 15th Amanda Burdge, Interior Designer of AB Home Interiors profiled a segment called An Appreciation for Art and included one of my works of art. Thank you so much Amanda. Do go and look at this article, it is wonderful, all architects and interior designers should read it.The blog world is famous for offering wonderful Giveaways and I have won two recently! Joni Webb of Cote de Texas honored me with a beautiful Zebra print linen press which I use as a portfolio for my paper art. It was provided by Queen Annes Place
Blair from Wild and Precious offered a vintage ring by Courtney of Grae Dawn I am so excited to receive this.Laura Casey won my work of art giveaway. I adore her site Laura Casey Interiors. She has just attended a symposium in Charlotte at the Mint Museum to hear Bunny Williams speak. I really wish I could have been there! Bunny's image on the front of her book A Point of View is one of my favorite all time rooms.
Interview with Alicia of Signature Canvas
KA: Alicia tell me some of the history behind the company.
AB: We have been in business 12 yrs. We started importing and distributing canvases to art stores and artists. Feedback we were hearing from artists was that they could not find quality materials. Our owners are two visionary businessmen who wanted to support Made in America products and American workers.
KA: What transpired?
AB: We had a goal to make the best cotton canvas in the world. It is manufactured & woven right here in Kansas City. We use environmentally friendly Gesso and wood from the Northeast for the stretcher bars. They are entirely in the USA.
KA: You also have carry Linen Canvases.
AB: Yes, Claessens has over a century of draftsmanship behind its name and is considered a leader in its field. The production of a Claessens linen canvas is still inspired today by the proven techniques and methods of the the great Flemish and Dutch Masters. Craftsmanship and attention to detail are key elements. They are made exclusively from natural materials.
KA: Alicia, what size ranges do you make?
AB: We have stretched canvases from 6 x 6 inches to 72 x 144. There are 50 standard sizes, however we also do custom and commissioned sizes. Also there is no minimum order. We take orders from 1 to 50 canvases.
KA: What advice do you have for artists who use painting as a medium?
AB: If you want to be seen as a serious professional artist, invest in the best materials. It all comes back to your name and reputation.
Museums and Curators look at the quality. Conservators have said it is more difficult to do restoration on a newer work of art made with inferior material than on 200 year old works by masters who used the best materials.
KA: Thank you so much Alicia. You can reach her at 1 800 420-3434.
KA: PS Click on any links above or in the sidebar to go to the sites.
Dressed for an evening come what may, definitely an explosion of art! 
A Bacardi Cosmopolitan is the cocktail of the night !
Dreaming of the beaches in Greece and here we are!
Grandeur
