Open Studio Thanksgiving Weekend

Artists Susan Ketcham and Donna McCafferty
Thanksgiving Weekend,
Friday and Saturday, November 25th & 26th, 10am-5pm.

Donna McCafferty’s Koi Studio
6461 Blueberry Lane, Pipersville, PA
215-766-2746 • DonnaMcCafferty.com

The S. Ketcham Studio Gallery, Amity Pond Farm
6616 Blueberry Lane, Pipersville, PA
215-766-0731 • SusanKetcham.com

OPEN STUDIO & ART SALE

Join Us In the Holiday Spirit! Three Artists & Three Open Studios all within Three minutes from one each other!

The public is cordially invited to a Holiday Open Studio and Sale event by award-winning artists Susan Ketcham, Reny Willoughby, and Donna McCafferty at their private studios on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 4 and 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Susan Ketcham, who is a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America, is primarily a still life artist whose work exemplifies dramatic values, rich, saturated color, and the art of the “lost edge.” Her work has been published in Rockport Publishers “Best of Pastel,” a compilation of works by artists from all over the world who are masters in the medium of pastel.

Reny Willoughby has a B.A. in fine arts from Roanoke College and apprenticed with Toshiko Takaezu, an internationally-known ceramic sculptor. Reny continues her series of Raku vessels exploring the idea of ancient artifacts recently rediscovered. Aspects of old and new are reflected in the organic nature of the work.

Donna McCafferty is a fine artist, teacher and freelance graphic designer whose works include the figure, landscapes, and botanical close-ups. She has a classical, serene style, often with a graphic or illustrative twist. Donna has a BFA in fine arts from Kutztown University and will be offering original work and Giclee prints.

Ketcham’s studio, Amity Pond Farm, 6616 Blueberry Lane, 215-766-0731, McCafferty’s Koi Studio, 6461 Blueberry Lane, 215-766-2746, and Willoughby’s studio, 6250 Covered Bridge Road, 215-766-8896 are minutes apart in the countryside of Pipersville, Pa.

Why Koi?

Since I relocated to Bucks County and renamed my company Donna McCafferty & Co. at Koi Studio, I am often asked “Why Koi”?  Well…there was actually a whole lot more than always loving the peace and tranquility of a Koi pond with those beautiful  lilly pads. I once had a dream as a child and till this day it is the most outstanding dream I have ever had. (Can’t tell you as I am commemorating it in a children’s book, so you will find out soon enough). To say the least I always loved Koi.

One day I looked up the symbolism of the Koi and was hooked! It stood for all that I believe in and even more. I then knew the name of my studio, my logo and a definite reason to persue the book!

Koi Definition: According to Japanese legend, if a Koi succeeded in climbing the waterfalls, it would be transformed into a dragon. Based on that legend, it became a symbol of worldly aspiration and advancement.

The Japanese associate koi fish with perseverance in adversity and strength of purpose. Because of its strength and determination to overcome obstacles, it stands for courage and the ability to attain high goals.

• It means good fortune.
• Symbolic to represent courage. Humans “swim” through the “ocean of suffering” without fear, just like a fish swims through water.
• The Koi is symbolic with Family.
• There is another word to describe “Love” which is “Koi”.
• Koi can be described as “romantic love” or “passionate“.
• A Koi is supposed to represent different things depending on the color and the amount of them and the direction they are swimming in the stream. 5 golden Koi represents eternal wealth and well being.
• A Koi means Harmony with you and your surroundings.

So there you have it. Why Koi?  Why Not! The Koi represents a symbol for many things. For any of you who really know me, you have to agree, I am a Koi and proud of it!

Tinicum Arts Festival

Come visit and see my oils paintings  in the annual Tinicum Arts Festival. This year I entered one of my latest works titled:  Koi – “Fire and Water”

Awards include Best of Show and first through third place ribbons in seven categories (oils, watercolors, pastels, acrylics, photography, sculpture and other media.)

Wish me and a few of my students good luck!

Heirloom Gallery

On Monday I teach in Chester County in a small studio we have recently rented. It is a small group of stores next to the Historic Coventry Tea Room. There are a few little shops including an Art Gallery owned by Cynthia Oswald a wonderful freelance/fine artist whom I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with for years. We decided to join forces and use my studio as an extension of her Gallery. Join us on May 22 for the open house/grand opening. I am showing 10 of my pieces along with a few other artist local to Chester County including- Cynthia Oswald’s watercolors, Becky Tholan’s fine art/photography, woodworking, jewelry pottery and more. Please stop by and enjoy the event!

Bucks County Art: In Living Color

Two of my paintings have been chosen by jury to show at Bucks Fever 2010 – A Celebration of The Arts! The showing, which will be at Kennen Mercedes of Doylestown, opens on April 15 and closes on April 28. You can find out more information about Bucks Fever here. Don’t miss it!

Carversville Art Show In April

Explore the Fine Art of Donna McCafferty, local artist and teacher. Her recent paintings and drawings, titled “New Beginnings in Bucks County,” will be on display for the entire month of April. Originals and prints will be for sale.

Come celebrate with an opening night reception on April 2 from 7-9 p.m.

Date:
Opening Reception: Friday, April 2, 2010
Show runs throughout the month of April

Place:
Carversville General Store
6205 Fleecydale Rd
Carversville, PA 18913
Contact Donna at 484-369-1032 or Carversville store at (215) 297-0900

Art Students At Koi Studio

We just published some photos of a few of our art students on our Flickr Page. Check them out!

You can take art lessons at beautiful Koi Studios, too. Find out more information at our Art Education Page.

Phillyburbs Covers Project Freedom

Phillyburbs and the Bucks County Courier Times published a piece last month on Project Freedom. The article said, “the talented art students of Donna McCafferty & Co. at Koi Art Studio are making a huge difference in the lives of U.S. servicemen and servicewomen.”

If you missed the recent exhibit for the project, you can view some of the images here. Stay tuned for more Project Freedom events.

Donna McCafferty & Co. in Dtown Magazine

We were recently featured in an article for Dtown Magazine. From the article:

“And as easily as she discerns a client’s needs in her graphic design business, McCafferty is equally adept at focusing and nurturing her students’ strengths. Teenage students often leave her tight-knit classes with a bulging fine art portfolio for college reviews. Others follow in McCafferty’s footsteps and pursue graphic design. Most of them – especially those who discover their artistic proclivities later in life – continue taking classes for years.”

We are big fans of Dtown Magazine. Make sure you pick it up!