by Percy Cat | Feb 28, 2010 | art business, Art Licensing, Art Marketing Salon, Books, Coconut Grove, Miami Art Marketing Salon, nature's energy, Planet Waves Astrological Insights

A Kreative Blogger award has recently been passed to me by fellow Miami artist, Rosie Brown and I’m honored that she chose me to receive it. I’m also delighted that it was presented to Rosie by Monique Lassooij. Both artists were participants in an 8 week long Art Marketing Salon* that I facilitated at the Windisch-Hunt Gallery in Coconut Grove, FL in 2009, and, in passing along this award, they are affirming the value of social media marketing as one of the most effective marketing tools around today: blogging!
Since I’ve become a bit of an information addict, I couldn’t do this without a little background research. I quickly found reference to the original ‘Kreativ Blogger’ post and requirements for nominated Kreativ Bloggers. I believe they have been edited and abbreviated over time and cyberspace.
Kreativ Blogger originated in May 2008 in a post by Huldas Verden as noted by Clay Garden author in this April 2009 post:
“Finally I found that it was started in Norway by a blogger named Huldas Verden.”
When the Clay Garden post was written in April 2009, the author’s Google search came up with 712 entries for Kreativ Blogger.
When I searched today, Feb 28, 2010 for ‘Kreative Blogger’ awards, Google comes up with 23,200,000 entries! Hence, the power of blogging!
Here are the requirements that I found, and am passing on to 7 fellow Kreativ Bloggers (names and links to blogs at the end of this post):
The Kreativ Blogger award comes with the following requirements:
1. You must thank the person who has given you the award.
2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
3. Link the person who has nominated you for the award.
4. Name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting.
5. Nominate 7 other Kreativ Bloggers.
6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.
7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs to let them know they have been nominated.
Seven things about me that may be of interest:
1. I’ve always loved nature and art and just knew this was my path in life.
2. I did, and still question, my choice of life experiences and have finally come to terms with accepting that whatever happens, as long as I pay attention and learn something, I can move forward.
3. I’ve been married 3 times – divorced twice and widowed. I have two amazing daughters that I’m very proud of. My third husband died when my youngest daughter was 4. I’ve been a single mom for the last 14 years and must say, I really don’t enjoy being the responsible adult all of the time.
4. Self sufficiency is admirable and it gets the job done, but the ability to ask for help and help others empowers everyone.
5. Travel is now high on my to do list. My youngest daughter will graduate high school this year and she has plans for college so the timing is right for me to go on my walk-about. Thus far, I’ve only been out of the USA to Canada. Mountains, lakes, rivers, oceans, deserts and cities all around the planet are out there, full of fabulous nature creations that I’ve yet to see and can’t wait to photograph!
6. You really do teach best that which you need to learn, and actions do speak louder than words.
7. I truly believe there is magic (healing, restorative power) in the energy of nature and that is what I hope to share with my art.
Sample of my nature’s energy photo-digital art: “South Beached Man-O-War Reflection”

MY KREATIV BLOGGER NOMINATIONS ARE:
Alyson B. Stanfield http://www.artbizblog.com/
Tara Reed http://artlicensingblog.com/
Eric Francis http://www.planetwaves.net
James Echols http://www.soulofmiami.org/
Tom Falco http://coconutgrovegrapevine.blogspot.com/
Heather Allard http://www.themogulmom.com/
Catrien Ross http://www.energydoorways.com/category/blog/
* Art Marketing Salon is a group or community, guided, do-it-yourself workshop with all materials provided by Alyson B. Stanfield, Art Biz Coach. I highly recommend Alyson’s book, “I’d Rather Be In the Studio” and signing up for her newsletters which are full of valuable marketing information for artists and business people alike.
NOTE: I only recommend products or services that I have experience with, believe in and support. When you click on a link in this blog and make a purchase, I will receive a referral commission. This is one of the ways an artist can earn a little extra income and support her family!
by Percy Cat | Nov 30, 2009 | Art Basel Miami, art business, Art events, Bag of the Week SALE, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, GIFTS, Greeting Cards, Miami, Miami Beach, paintings

If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed with so many events this week, but still want to get out, see fabulous art and maybe even do a little holiday shopping…you will definitely want to visit our One-Night-Only, Holiday Art Bazaar on Sat, Dec. 5th at the Mutiny Hotel in Coconut Grove, Florida.
The Bazaar starts at 6 and runs until 9 pm. Arrive early, enjoy complimentary champagne and chocolates, meet the artists, see original paintings and prints, sculpture, designer handbags, custom made jewelry, reiki demonstrations, and much more…all created by the following local and international artists:
Shari Beffingham, Leo Casino, Debra Cortese, Laura Cerwinske, Karen Deilke, Pauline Goldsmith, Carol Haggiag, Atena Komar, Monique Lassooij, Maria Napoles, Irina Patterson, Valentina Ramos, Maui Reple, Fevi Reyes, Eileen Seitz, Harry van Gestel.
The Mutiny Hotel is presenting this event as part of their Pure Imagination program in conjunction with the monthly Coconut Grove Art Stroll. You can also enjoy poolside cocktails and even stay for dinner at Atchana’s East/West Kitchen, located right on the premises and just a few steps from the Holiday Art Bazaar!
To see samples from all of the artists visit this blog post and our Holiday Art Bazaar event page on Facebook.
Where else can you enjoy complimentary champagne and chocolates, hear great live jazz, wrap up your holiday shopping with delightfully unique art gifts and not have to pay an admission charge?
Mark you calendar right now for Saturday night, December 5th and join us at The Mutiny Hotel, 2951 S.Bayshore Dr, Coconut Grove, FL 33133.
Many of the artists will have special offers available only during this event!
For example: I’ll be showing my line of handbags and, for this event only, when you BUY ONE bag at the regular price of $130. you can get a 2nd bag at 50% off! Click here to preview Cortese Design Bags.
Holiday Art Bazaar: FREE Admission. Valet parking ($8.00 – a bargain most anywhere in Miami!)
Just posted Pauline’s Painting News in the comments below. Here’s an image from one of the cards Pauline will have at the show. Package of 4 amazing botanical images @10. Great Stocking Stuffers!

Tropical Botanic Art Greeting Cards - Goldsmith Galleries
by Percy Cat | Nov 18, 2009 | Art Basel Miami, art business, cortese design handbags, Cortese Designs Bag of the Month, GIFTS, Greeting Cards, nature's energy, paintings, Press Release

Today I’m confirming the artists (names and images further down in this post) who will be part of our Holiday ‘Art’ Bazaar at The Mutiny Hotel on December 5th in Coconut Grove, Florida.
For one-night-only, you can shop, enjoy complimentary champagne and chocolates, listen to live jazz by Leo Casino, and purchase unique, original art, jewelry, sculpture, fine art prints, cards, handbags, and more ‘art’ gifts created by professional artists, designers, and craftspeople of South Florida, Latin America, and the Netherlands – all in one place!

Leo Casino
A LITTLE BACKGROUND ART INFO:
On the first Saturday of every month, Coconut Grove hosts an ever-changing, stimulating, and more often than not, surprising (I always love when the people of Hare Krishna parade through the galleries and share their joyful music and energy!) Art Stroll.
December promises to be one of the best ever because, after all, Art Basel Miami is in town and… ART IS EVERYWHERE!!! So much that it’s almost a bit overwhelming, especially if you try to see it all and attend every event.
This year, you’ll have the option of taking a leisurely Art Break. Join us at the Holiday Art Bazaar, sip complimentary champagne, enjoy luscious chocolates and get some (or all) of your holiday shopping done at the same time, in the same place!
THE MUTINY HOTEL PRESENTS – PURE IMAGINATION – HOLIDAY ART BAZAAR
The Arts continue to thrive in historic Coconut Grove, and the once-infamous (I’ve heard many eyebrow-raising stories!) Mutiny Hotel now draws a new kind of attention to itself, every first Saturday from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The bright swatch of coral that is The Mutiny Hotel and the intensely blue South Florida sky offer the perfect backdrop for the colorful and thought-provoking works of South Florida’s artists.
Join us on Dec. 5th, 2009 for an exclusive,
ONE-NIGHT-ONLY, Holiday Art Bazaar!
This is your chance to see some of the most creative works of this select group of artists in a casual setting, with complimentary hors d’oeuvres, wine pours, champagne and chocolates. Jazz musician, Leo Casino will be entertaining us in his impressive and incomparable style.
Enjoy Poolside Cocktails and Dinner… before or after Art!
Atchana’s East/West Kitchen is a sophisticated hideaway located on the ground level of The Mutiny Hotel. Open to the public and hotel guests, this unique dining establishment serves a sumptuous array of fresh, authentic Asian dishes, along with American Classics such as New York Strip Steak and Snapper Filets.
Enjoy dinner and/or cocktails in the intimate wood-paneled 45-seat indoor dining room, or outdoors, next to the poolside waterfall.

You can see many of the artists and their work here and,
on our HOLIDAY ART BAZAAR facebook event page at:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/event.php?eid=201017990189&ref=ts

Monique Lassooij http://monique-lassooij.blogspot.com
Monique will be donating a percentage of her sales to Pelican Harbor Seabird Station

Laura Cerwinske
http://www.lauracerwinske.com

Eileen Seitz
http://www.eileenseitz.com

Karen Deilke
http://karendeilke.com/KAREN_DEILKE:__HOME.html

Maui Reple
GAIA gallery of art – Amsterdam, Foundation Mercurius communication through Art
www.gaiagallery.nl
www.gaiagallery.wordpress.com

Pauline Goldsmith – Botanical Watercolor Paintings, Prints, Cards
http://www.goldsmithgalleries.com

Valentina Ramos
http://www.valentinadesign.com

Shari Bellingham
Artisan Jewelry handcrafted with glass lampwork, pearls, sterling and semi-precious stones

Fevi Reyes- Jewelry
http://www.fevireyes.com

Debra Cortese – Cortese Design Bags
https://www.debracortese.com
SPECIAL GUESTS
Paniram Wellness Institute Reiki Master, Maria Napoles

Check back here soon to see more of the art and artists that are participating in this exclusive, ONE NIGHT ONLY event and be sure to mark Saturday, December 5th on your calendar right now! The Mutiny Hotel has valet parking at a very reasonable $8, and we’ll have more than a few surprises for ‘Holiday Art Bazaar’ guests! Admission is FREE!
Contact me at: debra@debracortese if you have any questions about Holiday Art Bazaar.
by Percy Cat | Jun 7, 2009 | nature's energy
The pictures say it all! Read more on
Fashion show (and the Krishnas) took over the gallery on Coconut Grove Grapevine
Fabulous to see all of these photos first thing this am… slept in today after all the excitement of this Summer Salon event. Want to Thank EVERYONE that helped make this such an exciting and successful evening: Annamaria and Fred Hunt of Windisch-Hunt Fine Arts, Neat Stuff Helps Kids, all of the artists and friends who worked behind the scenes sending invitations and blogging, and cleaning, tagging, contributing in so many ways; Deb Starbuck for preparing refreshments, serving wine, and food with Jenna, Paula and others; and most of all moral support throughout.
Kudos to MODE lifestyle magazine president, Alexander Michaels, the models, hair and makeup artists, stylists (Kathleen and Heather), designers: Nathaniel Grant, Miriam Carnase-Olivia Lucas line, Deborah Majen Designs, Jennifer Trujillo, Sandy Edie and MODE vp, Frank Capella; the photographers, videographer, Nick (Friend of MODE) for petal sweeping ;-), James Heredia, freelance photographer (and ipod music for fashion show), Jenna Samuel, Valentina Ramos, Pauline Goldsmith, Lynda Wellens, Elizabet Chacon, Rosie Brown, Deborah Weed, Adriana Dominguez-Tio, Paula Lancaster, Nedra Goldhoff, Deborah Starbuck, Lynda LaRocca, Sandy Edie, Jonathan Rose, Donald Calhoun, Celia Reigle, Angelika Rothkegel, Jennifer Trujillo, Cucui Beguiristain, MANO, Trina Collins, Roberta Rand, Gerard F. Wade, Irina Patterson, Monique Lassooij…and very special thanks to Zip Robertson for his delightful music, easy-going cooperation and flexibility, as well as Rob Moore and Juan for adding to the music mix; and of course, Hare Krishna for their unique musical contribution and showing up at exactly the right time to make our event so Grove-y!
I’m sure there are many others whose names I have not included, but thank you all, and ‘Grape’ as well for your excellent coverage of Summer Salon and all things Coconut Grove.
SEE PHOTOS ONLINE AT COCONUT GROVE GRAPEVINE
by Percy Cat | May 11, 2009 | ART, art business, Art Marketing Salon, cortese design handbags, Miami Art Marketing Salon, Press Release

‘Summer Salon’ Opening Reception, June 6th, 7-10 pm at Windisch-Hunt Fine Arts, Coconut Grove, FL
Join the Miami Art Marketing Salon artists for an opening reception that features a collective
exhibition of over 24 artists on Saturday, June 6th from 7 to 10 pm at the
Windisch-Hunt Fine Art Gallery, 2911 Grand Avenue in Coconut Grove, FL.Â
Live music, performance art (poetry, designer balloonist, fashion show), a feast of visual art and a few fabulous surprises!Â
Read more about the Miami Art Marketing Salon (based on ArtBiz Coach, Alyson Stanfield’s free online course) and the participating artists at:Â https://debracortese.com/?p=568
The SUMMER SALON art exhibition runs throughout the month of June.
“I’d Rather Be In The Studioâ€
Marketing & Business for ARTISTS by Alyson Stanfield
