Dear Friends,

I’d like to share with you the latest exciting news about Makino Studios.

You’re Invited: Artist’s Reception During Arts Alive

The October 1 opening for my first solo exhibition was a wonderful event. Heartfelt thanks to the hundred-plus people who came and enjoyed my collections, “Haiku for Dog Lovers” and “Aha! Haiku Insights.” Here is a blog post with thoughts on the opening, and here are photos on the Makino Studios Facebook page.

Old Town Jewelers has invited me to hold over my show for another month, so I will be hosting an artist’s reception during Arts Alive in Eureka on Saturday, November 5, 6 to 9 p.m. Humboldt friends, if you missed my opening, here’s another chance to see the show. And for those who came last time, I am going to rotate in some new works, so come by again, check out the fresh paintings, and enjoy a chocolate truffle!

The show will be up through November at Old Town Jewelers, 311 F Street in Eureka, next door to Mazzotti’s. I’ll be offering my cards, prints, and handmade books during the reception only. I’d be delighted to see you there!

New Prints and Cards, Now in 12 Stores

In response to requests, I’ve had several new cards and prints made. The best place to see my complete collection is on the Makino Studios shop on Etsy, where you can order items online.

Northern California friends, now you can also buy selected cards designs at the following, with more stores being added weekly:

Arcata: All Under Heaven, Arcata Co-op, Northtown Books, Plaza Design

Eureka: Eureka Books, Plaza Design

McKinleyville: Plaza Design

Ferndale: The Gazebo

Fortuna: Kozy Korner Gift Shop

Mount Shasta: The Gallery at Mount Shasta

Yreka: Nature’s Kitchen

And during the holiday season, you can find me at the Ink People Holiday Fair (November 26 at the Eureka Muni), and at the Humboldt Artisan’s Fair (December 2-4 at Redwood Acres). As an experiment, I’m planning to offer a few “bright eyes, wagging tail” dog t-shirts and hoodies at the fairs; let me know if you want me to reserve one for you.

I also offer custom pieces. If you’re interested in having me write and paint a custom piece for a special holiday gift, let me know soon, as the holiday season will be busy!

Grace Notes

In addition to the warm response to my opening and the ease of finding my first retail outlets, the universe has been kind to me in other ways. In the past month I’ve gotten prominent articles in the local papers about my opening . . . experimented with my first small fair, and sold $300 worth of goods in six hours . . . filled my first overseas order . . . met three different people who had cut out my art from the newspaper and hung it up . . . gotten calls at home from strangers asking for my dog prints . . . and had two friends spontaneously offer to market my cards to stores in their areas. I was also just offered my next solo show, at my top choice of local venues and dates: it will be at Plaza Design in Arcata next May and June. Meanwhile, I am upgrading my website, to be unveiled in a couple of weeks.

Thanks so much for your support and encouragement on this adventure. You make it all worthwhile. I welcome your comments and suggestions.

warmly, Annette

Pictured above: Misha visits the “Haiku for Dog Lovers” collection he inspired.