UP NORTH

After 10+ years of living in Wisconsin I have learned no summer is complete without a trip "up north." Depending on family traditions this can mean a number of different places, for us it's Door County. A surprising amount of my friends here in Milwaukee have what they refer to as "the family cottage." Usually they are split like a time share with extended relatives. Since growing up in Seattle not nearly as many of our friends had family spots like this. I'm going to guess it's partially linked to the affordability of regional real estate since I don't hang out with super rich people here as opposed to my really poor Seattle friends- that's supposed to be funny. Also on the west coast we would of called them cabins, not cottages. I've been repeatedly corrected. 

Aaron's family's cottage was built over twenty years ago by his grandfather and dad. Aside from the addition of indoor pluming (the outhouse is still out back) I've been told not much has changed. This cozy 1970's dream is nestled between Sister Bay and Ellison Bay a quick and scenic 3 hour drive from home. 




Screen door patch sewn by Aaron over 15 years ago

We had the best swim with not a soul around in Lake Michigan after a quick bike ride to Porcupine Bay. 


You can't spend the night in Door County without going to the Skyway Drive-In. Other spots on my "don't miss list" includes picking up smoked fish at Charlie's Smokehouse. Drinks at the Bayside Tavern. Fancy dinner #1 at the Whistling Swan & fancy dinner #2 at the newly opened Wickman House (our friends from NY run this beautiful place + they serve until 12pm!). Good coffee can be found at Leroy's in Ephraim conveniently located in the same nook as Czarnuska Soup Bar (where the rhythm chicken is the proprietor).

Summer I welcome you.

Art vs. Craft at the Harley-Davidson Museum

In 2003 I was a vendor at the first Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago working under the name Flying Fish Design. It was a powerful experience selling my work and meeting people from all over the country. I wanted to recreate that vibe at home in Milwaukee and thus Art vs. Craft was born the next year. Since 2004 we have drawn over 13,000 people through the doors of the events. It's pretty radical on many levels how the show has been supported by both makers and shoppers.

This year I'm very excited to announce today our big move. The next event in November 2012 will be held at the Harley-Davidson Museum. I think this is going to be the best show yet. If you are interested in vending now is the time. Applications are live on the site through July 20th. 

While you here check out this quick video our friend photographer Karl Reeves put together with footage he shot from Saturday's block party at Sky High. I love my neighborhood & summer is starting off the best way possible this year....

Anonymous Choir

Once and awhile I make a really good decision. Heading to an early outside show to see Anonymous Choir from Minneapolis play on a Monday night was one of them. 

The story of this show involves my big world is continually growing smaller. There are many crossovers with women in this group from different parts of my life. The important part is that they  had a lovely bright summer evening to perform in a friends yard, a potluck filled with amazing food and an audience of over 50 people attentively listening to their tranquil and mesmerizing performance.

I was super happy I captured (rare for me) video of their beautiful cover of the ultimate Kate Bush song, Running Up That Hill. Thank you so very much ladies for sharing your voices & all you do.

Related links: Dark Dark Dark + Ship & Shape

Spirit Universe

"The Talking Board is a sign that can say anything. It can cast any type of spell." -Ira Coyne

If you were in Portland, OR last month I hope you were lucky enough to catch this exhibit at Land Gallery, Spirit Universe: Talking Boards by Ira Coyne. Ira is a multi-talented artist, sign painter and very dear old friend of mine. After over ten years of friendship it never ceases to amaze me when I see the things he creates. After I saw these images he emailed last night I couldn't wait to post them.

"I advocate validity for the talking board. The power of communication is undeniable. However, my advice is this: Forget what you know about it. Forget what i said about it. Approach it with an open mind and heart. Surround yourself with love. HAVE FUN. Notice the subtle magic of them as they speak. Treat them with care and respect. The only danger here is fear and fear is something that can only exist within us, not within the board. Remember that words are magic and that you are also magic, and so is everything you touch." -Ira Coyne, from buyolympia.com

If interested in reading more about Ira, the spirit boards or purchasing a CROW "print" (below) visit buyolympia.com. The originals pictured above you can purchase direct through Ira.

Please Note: All spirit board images courtesy of Ira Coyne. Font on the CROW spirit board (above) is based off the work of Alfredo Genovese of Buenos Aires.