Happy New Year!

Thank you all so much for helping to make 2011 such a great year for Lucy's and its artists!

Wishing you all the best in 2012.

Holiday Hours:
Saturday December 31st 10 am to 3 pm

Closed Sunday and Monday Jan 1/2

Holiday Small Works Show

Gretchen Hatfield: "Kingfisher", painting on birchbark framed to 4" x 6", $18

art=gift
over 100 pieces of art
all under 12" x 12" and priced below $100 (some WAY below!)

Lucy's Art Emporium will host its second annual Holiday Small Works Show. Ten artists will show small, affordable artwork in a variety of media.

Each of the 100-plus pieces in the show will measure under 12” x 12”. Artists have created works from traditional materials like watercolor and acrylic as well as found objects, driftwood, seashells and birchbark.

The show will run from December 1st through December 31st with an opening reception on Thursday December 1st from 5-7 PM. All are welcome to attend this free event, enjoy light refreshments and meet the artists!

Thanksgiving Week Hours

Happy Thanksgiving!

Weds/Thurs Closed
Friday 12 to 7
Saturday 9:30 to 5:30

Feathers & Fur

Taylor Rose: Great Grey Owl

Three Dover artists will share their creations at Lucy's Art Emporium this November. The Feathers & Fur show is an artistic homage to the birds and animals that capture our collective imagination. Caryn Lynn Duncan, Taylor Rose and Daisy Adams will bring their subjects to life in various media.

Local artist and teacher Caryn Lynn Duncan (owner of Creative Spirit Art Studio) has created masterful mixed media pieces in her signature vibrant colors. Caryn's birds are a perennial favorite.

Taylor Rose is making her first appearance at Lucy's with an amazing series of owl paintings. Taylor's attention to detail and delicate color draw the viewer into a world of clever owls perched against starry skies. Taylor will also show a companion series of handpainted bird houses inspired by each owl painting.

Daisy Adams takes a departure from her usual Roadside scenes to create whimsical wall art and hanging banners from felt. Inspired by her talented grandmother, Adams has always been a seamstress and takes this opportunity to blend her loves of art and sewing. Her pieces have a slightly retro feel with quirky animals in over-the-top colors.

The show will run from November 1st through the 30th with an opening reception on Thursday November 3rd from 5-7 PM. All are welcome to attend this free event, enjoy light refreshments and meet the artists!

RSVP here: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=178329212252176

(not mandatory but it helps us know how much cheese to buy!)

Holiday Weekend

Lucy's will be closed this Sunday and Monday.

Back on Tuesday at 11!

Daisy Adams

Squirrel and Owl, Acrylic on Paper, $25 each

~The Harvest~

Stacey Durand: Acorn, Relief Print unframed $10, framed $20

Acorns, fall leaves and fantastical pumpkin creatures! Lucy's Art Emporium will host an exhibit of artwork inspired by Autumn. The Harvest features work by local artists Stacey Durand, Nick Ellard, Deloris White, Roseann Meserve and Amie James.

Each artist captures the season in a unique way. Durand has created a special series of acorn monotypes for the show. Tiny acorns on cream colored paper capture the season's simple beauty.

Amie James has created soft sculptures and art dolls from wool harvested locally in Epping. Amie's work ranges from adorable Mouse Houses where tiny mice reside in pumpkins to quirky Halloween art dolls with a decidedly Tim Burton feel.

Nick Ellard brings fall color into his popular landscapes of the Maine and New Hampshire roadside.

The show will run from October 1st through October 30th with an opening reception on Thursday October 6th from 5-7 PM. The reception is free and open to the public who are invited to meet the artists and enjoy light refreshments.

Amie James: Chuck, Felted Art Doll $38

Autumn Preview!

Hand Printed Thankful Boxes by Laura Utley

Start a Thanksgiving tradition... at dinner, family and friends share what they

are thankful for with this artful activity. $12.99

Felted Mouse House by Amie James $24

A new collection of Baby Sweaters by May Landry
$42 each, hat and mitten sets also available

MB by Brigid Fall Accessories

Earwarmers $16

Neck warmers $26

Flower Pins $7 and $9

Lucy's artists have been hard at work on their fall creations...

new items are arriving all the time!

Rainy Day Treats!

Okay, so the weather is a little bit miserable. A little bribery might lure you downtown, right? Choose either of these coupons to use today and tomorrow (either print one out or show it on your smartphone). Take that, rain!

Vacation Time....

The shop will be on vacation
August 14th
through August 21st.

Thanks so much for
all of your support!

Meet Lucy's Artists: Caryn Lynn Duncan

Caryn Lynn Duncan has graced Lucy's with her artwork since opening day and is a favorite among customers. As well as being a talented mixed media artist, Caryn is the owner of Creative Spirit Art Studio, a wonderful place for children and adults to find their creative inspiration through classes, day camps and workshops.

Grow, 12" x 12", Mixed media on Canvas, $75

When did you first realize that you were an artist?

One of the biggest ah-ha moments for me with art was when I was in college. After coasting through freshman year sampling classes that I was hoping would help me decide a major, I decided that I needed to take an art class to indulge my creativity. I signed up for a drawing class. It was during that semester that I decided to apply for the art program and got accepted.

Throughout the years following college, I created art part time for myself and friends, and participated in a few small art shows. I had a variety of full time jobs that had nothing to do with art. I went back to school to get a Master’s degree in art education. It was when I took a leap of faith and opened Creative Spirit Art in 2007, giving art my full attention, and really embracing my own style that then did I feel comfortable telling people that I am an artist.

Quote Pockets, sweet little handmade pockets containing inspirational quotes, $5

Where do you find inspiration?

Looking for inspiration is a huge part of my creative process. When I create my art I have no idea what the finished piece may look like, but I do set an intention to create a specific message and try to bring the positive side of life to every piece I create. There are times that I need to go out into nature and walk, taking in the natural beauty and collecting materials along my way. Other times I will go into Portsmouth, indulge myself with a cup a coffee as I people watch or read a book, and then off to a gallery or shop.

I like the Portsmouth fabric store to get ideas for patterns and colors schemes. The aisles of fabrics are pure eye candy for me, I will sometimes buy bits of fabric, but just to bring back to the studio as my sewing skills are pretty limited. When in bloom, the Strawberry Bank flowerbeds are a favorite of mine.

Peep, Mixed Media on Canvas

The customers at Lucy's love the cheerful colors and inspirational messages in your artwork. They're always saying that your work simply makes them happy. Whose artwork (books, blogs, etc) makes you happy?

I love hearing that my artwork is bringing joy and happiness to people. I feel really blessed with my life, but I do have struggles as well. I am constantly working on keeping a positive focus; right now I am reading the book Infinite Possibilities: The Art of Living Your Dreams by Mike Dooley. It is providing me with so many tidbits of insight.

On my blog (http://www.carynlynnduncan.blogspot.com/) I follow a number of other artist and their websites are available on my profile page. My top three right now are Alisa Burke (http://www.alisaburke.blogspot.com/) , Roots of She (http://www.rootsofshe.com/) , and Kelly Rae (http://www.kellyraeroberts.blogspot.com/).

Wish Books, tiny reproductions of Caryn's mixed media books, complete with a candle for making a wish, $5

What message do you like to give to your students?

I believe that everyone has creative potential. My motto is “choose to be creative.” I teach my students that their art is about choices that reflect who they are. The most important thing that I help them learn is how to develop their ideas, choose their subject material that they then work into finished pieces that reflects individuality. I am there to help refine their drawing skills and introduce new techniques too, and those skills develop with time and practice.

What are two of your favorite spots in Dover?

I have been living in Dover for just about eight years now. I love that we have a vibrant downtown with shops that support local artists, that there are a number of restaurants that will cater to my vegetarian diet, and that its location gives easy access to the seacoast or the mountains. My number one favorite spot in Dover is my art studio, when I go there it lifts my spirits and I feel absolutely connected to my creativity. My second favorite place is the Silver Moon Creperie, the crepes are the best and the atmosphere is cozy and friendly.

Caryn in her studio.

Thanks, Caryn!

Follow Caryn's blog at http://www.carynlynnduncan.blogspot.com/. Learn more about Caryn's classes at http://www.carynduncan.com/.

Megan Miller: Colorful Visions

Local artist Megan Miller will share her colorful artwork with visitors to Lucy's Art Emporium. Megan will exhibit original artwork as well as prints.

Megan has an affinity for the sea and its creatures real and imagined, cityscapes and the Far East. She captures all of these in vibrant colors and dynamic textures.

In addition to her love of art, Megan is passionate about educating people about Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism with which she has been diagnosed. You can learn more about Megan and her artwork at www.megansvisionart.com.

The show will run from May 10th through June 5th with a reception on Friday May 13th from 5-7 PM. The event is free and open to the public, light refreshments will be served. Lucy's Art Emporium is located at 303 Central Ave in Dover and online at www.LucysArtEmporium.com.

Mother's Day at Lucy's

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 8th and Lucy's has hundreds of gifts for that special Mom in your life. Choose from amazing jewelry, local artwork, artisan soaps and so much more.

To make it even easier, Lucy's is offering a coupon for 15% off any one item. Please print the coupon below and bring it into the shop to get a great deal on something wonderful!

clockwise fr0m left: Handmade Cards $3.50, 8" x 10" Prints by caryn Duncan $15, Belts by jug Hill Design $20, Pearl Bracelets by Jill D'Angelo $26, "Mom" Sash $12

Meet Lucy's Artists: Stacey Durand

Stacey Durand is known for her fantastic mixed media paintings of reconstructed New England towns but she is also an amazing crafter.

Stacey's popular crocheted "Duranimals" are a favorite among Lucy's customers and her recycled postage magnets and magazine bead necklaces always get rave reviews. We asked the Newmarket artist a few questions about her crafty ways.

Crocheted Chicks $12

Many people know you for your wonderful mixed media paintings. Is there any cross-over between your paintings and your crafts?

A large part of my painting process involves collecting – mostly the collection of images and collage materials. This collecting has crossed over into my crafting as many of the items that I collect, like used postage stamps, I then use to create new objects.

Recycled Postage Stamp Magnets $8 & $10

Do you find crafting to be relaxing?

Yes, I do find it relaxing. When I work on a painting I enjoy it, however it is “work” and there is usually a sense of urgency or a deadline looming when I am painting. But when I am crafting I do not usually feel this way. I usually spend each evening crocheting or knitting while watching silly TV shows. Besides, the quirky little animals that I crochet usually just make me smile or laugh once I finish them.

Crocheted Lemur $18

Is your family crafty?

My family is very crafty and creative. Both of my parents actually have items that they sell at Lucy’s. My dad (Ron Durand) is a welder by trade and is a very accomplished carpenter as well. His grilled cheese presses are a family favorite. My mom (Denise Durand) is a crocheting queen! She creates baby blankets at incredible speed. I also have an aunt who does quilting and my grandmother used to knit and made slippers and afghans for everyone in the family.

Sock Animals $7-$14

What are you working on right now?

I am knitting a hat, I’m about half-way done crocheting an afghan, I have a few crocheted bunnies to put together, I have started some post cards made from canceled postage stamps, and I’m sure there are more things I have started…

What book, magazine or website would you recommend to the handmade fan?

The magazine Ready Made is really great for ideas of things you can make with items you most likely already have. I also like www.Knitty.com for their knitted patterns. They have a nice archive of patterns on their site too and every pattern includes a difficulty rating which is very helpful.

What's your favorite local snack?

Hmmmm…. I have a few. I am very fond of the portabello mushroom burritos at Dos Amigos Burritos which is very conveniently located across the street from Lucy’s. I work in Exeter, so my local favorite there is the carrot cake at Blue Moon Evolution… and just about any soup that they make there as well!

Thanks, Stacey!

Follow Stacey's Blog at www.staceylynndurand.blogspot.com

New Artwork Welcomes Spring!

March welcomes Spring a bit early with new paintings by Caryn Lynn Duncan. Fresh, bright colors give these pieces warmth. Favorite subjects like birds, trees and flowers will be on display from March 6th through April 2nd.

Peep, Mixed Media, 20" x 16"

Believe, Mixed Media, 10" x 10"

Love is in the Air

Lucy's wishes you a happy handmade Valentine's Day!

We've got you covered whether you're looking for a gift for a

friend, true love, Grandma or a special niece.

Stop in and peruse our collection of cards and gifts.

Typewriter Rings by Monica Foley $12.95

Chubbikins by Erin A. Ellis

available in a variety of animals $16 and $20

*image courtesy of the artist

Valentines by Sarah Leone $3.50

Limited Hours this Weekend

This Weekend:

Friday: Closed

Saturday: 11-5 (Nick will be here to greet you!)

Sunday/Monday: Closed

You all don't mind if I go visit my Grandfather, do you?

...he still looks the same, I look a bit older.

Flora & Fauna

Cure the Winter Blues with our new show...

birds, trees, flowers, green leaves!

Featuring paintings and mixed media artwork

by Jemia Moser, Amanda Cooke,

Joanne Mascioli and Carol Walker-Morin.

Join us Thursday January 13th from

5-7 for light refreshments.