Recently the Future of Life Institute sent out a letter signed by more than 1000 technology leaders including Elon Musk. The group called for a pause in the development of artificial intelligence (AI tools) that present "profound risks to society and humanity." "Shared safety protocols are needed before unleashing."

If only there had been a pause in the development of plastics. Could better guidelines have been put in place before single use plastics swirled in the gyres of the oceans? Could microplastics have been kept out of products before they ended up in our bodies?  Plastics are a forever material made without concern for the seventh generation. I look at my grandchildren and wonder how much plastic their bodies are already carrying.  As I move through the world I try to minimize my single plastic use. To avoid it takes planning and preparation but I vow, as one person, to do what I can.

After collecting hundreds of toy guns, we had to break them down into pieces that could transform into some sort of community artwork. Over the course of several months, we have attacked them with saws, hammers, pliers, heat guns and a steamroller. Once the toy gun parts were small enough, each piece had to be drilled with holes to allow them to be attached to a Latch Hook Canvas background.

In the course of this long process, I have had to handle more plastic and learn more about it than I ever wanted to. The majority of plastic toys are made from polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinycloride, polystyrene, polycarbonate and polyester. All of these "polys" are useful, versatile and attractive for toys because plastic is almost INDESTRUCTIBLE!  But the wonderful benefits of plastics are also its dark side. Every piece in this little video is material that came out of an oil well and is now out in the world forever.

My TOYOLOGY exhibit opened last night at Daemen University.  I was honored to see so many 
unexpected Facebook friends coming in to check out the show.

A big thanks to Meri Stiles, Curator and Associate Professor of Social Work for giving me this opportunity. 

The exhibit is in Curtis Hall, West Wing and runs until May 2, 2023.  #daemenuniversity  #toyology

I'm working on 5"x5" paintings for the LIVE ON FIVE event at the Buffalo Arts Studio on March 11th. Since I also have my 'TOYOLOGY' show in March, I am in the frame of mind to paint some of the 'lost toys' I have found and saved. You can log on to BuffaloArtsStudio.org to see more about the event and get tickets. The team at BAS are working hard to create a wonderful party.

#toyology @DaemenUniversity #liveonfive2023 @buffaloartsstudio #acrylicpainting #losttoys

As the new year begins, I am getting ready for a solo exhibit at Daemen University in Amherst. "Toyology" combines previous work with new pieces and I am excited to see it all together in this unique space.

Although it does not open until March, there are many details to arrange. Here is the invitation postcard which goes to the printer this week.

Everyone is invited!

Click to view event flier PDF here.

This past summer, we held a "steamroller event" in the TriMain parking lot.  Lenny Lane, of the F.A.T.H.E.R.S. organization, rolled over and crushed several hundred toy guns. Since that time we have sorted and organized the pieces, breaking them down by color and size. Shirley Verrico and I held a brainstorming session at Buffalo Arts Studio with artists who work with unique materials.

Kathy Sherin, Ani Hoover, Bill Koch, Rebecca Schwarzberg and others have all added their expertise. These toys are difficult to work with, hard to break down or melt and are filled with wire springs. So far we have presented four possibilities to Lenny's group and we will wait to see what the community prefers. See the attached PDF and contact me if you have questions or ideas to add to the mix.

November 20, 2022 was the date for the historic Lake Effect storm that slammed Western New York. Over 80 inches fell in the southtowns with just a foot up in the city of Buffalo. The event made national news and showed off the well organized teams who plowed out and got everything running smoothly again.  Then the weather changed and now there is no evidence of what we all went through.  What else will nature bring us this season?  Here is my 'Buffalo Snow Girl', acrylic on canvas. She loves snow!

The Buffalo Arts Studio Show and Sale opens on Saturday, November 19th with a reception from 5:00 - 9:00 pm. After the opening, the exhibit will continue until December 22, 2022.

I am presenting mixed media paintings centered on fire, a subject both fascinating and challenging to me. Here is: 'Fire Juggler', mixed media on Fabriano paper.

November 19 - December 22, 2022.

The Opening Reception is Saturday, November 19th from 5:00 - 9:00 pm. It is a very festive night with 30 open studios, refreshments and a donation-based bar.

To get in the spirit, I have completely torn apart my studio. I think I will hang a retrospect of work previous to 2022 and price everything at a deep discount.

Come check it out!