Category Archives: Buy Personal

Buy Personal

December 15, 2014 by Chris | 0 Comments

As the countdown to Christmas officially begins, I have been thinking about what is important to Kyle and me and how we live that through this season. The holidays are the perfect time to celebrate what is the center of our life – to live creatively and to support others that do the same.

For the last couple of years, we have been able to successfully embody that in our gift giving by only giving things we or our friends have made. We try to take buying local one step further and “Buy Personal”. Continue reading »

Lucky, Lucky Me

December 11, 2014 by Chris | 0 Comments

Lucky, lucky, lucky me!

10702148_10152266725926230_2350670979481849685_nOne of the most amazing things about the life that Kyle and I have created is that we are constantly surrounded by such insanely talented people. Whether we are in Kansas City or out on the road with our intrepid traveling community, I am in awe of those around me. One of the perks of such a life is that we on occasion (ok, really, pretty often) we get to build our art collection by trading artwork with those that we admire so much. Continue reading »

Reasons to Give Art

December 5, 2014 by Chris | 0 Comments

Like many people we know, we have cut back on the number of presents under the tree. But by being mindful, and buying only things created by artists that we know – art objects, music, a night out at the theater, a meal at a friends restaurant – we are still giving plenty of gifts. Continue reading »

Experience Art for the Holidays

December 19, 2013 by Chris | 0 Comments

I know, I know, you don’t want to hear it, but Christmas is just around the corner. Time is running out to get something to go under the tree (and buying directly from an individual artist sometimes does take a little longer). But just because you may have waited doesn’t mean you can’t still give the gift of the arts for the holidays, and you can even skip the wrapping paper!

Continue reading »

Give More Art

December 12, 2013 by Chris | 0 Comments

Like many people we know, we have cut back on the number of presents under the tree. But by being mindful, and buying only things created by artists that we know – art objects, music, a night out at the theater, a meal at a friends restaurant – we are still giving plenty of gifts. Continue reading »

Make artists part of your holiday tradition!

December 5, 2013 by Chris | 1 Comment

Last year between Thanksgiving and Christmas I encouraged you to “Buy Personal” and embarked on introducing you to some of our friends. It was so much fun and a great way to spend some time thinking about and being thankful for all of the amazingly talented friends we have. This year I am no less thankful and it is no less important that you support independent artists of all varieties while making your holiday plans. But I’ve got to tell you, that was a herculean task to take on while still maintaining my studio practice. So this year I have chosen to spend more time working on my new series while reintroducing you to the fantastic artists you met last year. Continue reading »

Pachydermal Cobbler – Mark Winter

December 28, 2012 by Chris | Comments Off

Beth Bojarski & Mark Winter

Before the year is up I want to introduce you to just one more friend. I purposely didn’t do it before now because he was busy doing really important work and I was afraid you would bother him. Plus, I didn’t want to make you feel bad about what you weren’t doing with your holiday! Continue reading »

Merry Christmas

December 24, 2012 by Chris | 2 Comments

Merry Christmas from me and all of your new artist friends!

What a gift it has been to spend some time everyday during this holiday season thinking about all the wonderfully creative people in my life and their artistic contributions. In the midst of the commercialization, the short dark days, and the unthinkable tragedy of Sandy Hook, it has been a welcome respite reflecting on all of these amazing people using their talents to bring something beautiful into the world. Continue reading »

Giving to the Arts

December 22, 2012 by Chris | 0 Comments

Inspired by all of the creative people I have been introducing you to but haven’t done anything about it yet?  –  How about donating to an arts organization!

 

Paul Tyler - Grants Director ArtsKC

In Kansas City? I can’t recommend ArtsKC, The Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City highly enough. And that’s not because they are one of the partner organizations that make possible the Artist Inc program that I am so passionate about, or that Kyle and I have both been recipients of the Inspiration Grants they award. Continue reading »

Family Dinner

December 21, 2012 by Chris | 1 Comment

As I was at the first of many holiday family dinner tables last night, I found myself thinking about how nice it is to share a meal with loved ones. It truly is one of the highlights of the holiday season. I was reveling in the love reflected back across the table, and also the great love and care the food was made with. And I realized that this feeling can often be what is missing from restaurant meals, despite the company you are with. You can share the meal with people you love, but if the food isn’t prepared with love, an essential element is missing. That extra ingredient is what makes these three restaurants so special. Our friends have turned their passion and creative gifts into places where you can sit down and relax and have a meal served to you with as much love and care as those prepared at home. And when you leave you feel nourished. Continue reading »