tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32375808652624790472024-03-05T02:53:19.260-05:00Mouse House Inc.Mouse House, Inc. specializes decorative framed mirrors, and the fiber arts of Susan Lenz in Columbia, South Carolina, USA. This blog is being written and maintained by J. Steven Dingman, PhD...co-owner of Mouse House, Inc.Mouse Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249887976967279941noreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237580865262479047.post-46414923922431413012020-06-15T10:50:00.000-04:002020-06-15T10:50:09.859-04:00Open!<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfje5evfnFqDz0s9963qY3WFTM73t3LoX5vZJ4_JNsoNETe_28yMOfV_qhzunbMZJ0sE1y6YZ_RUBNk0-yKIM9j_qPUJWmvkWzfB6JQdJoR41Iq45tHX4X8VxWIHBiJy4Rw7WfwkliRwP/s1600/Laundry+Day+Series+in+Clear+Bags.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfje5evfnFqDz0s9963qY3WFTM73t3LoX5vZJ4_JNsoNETe_28yMOfV_qhzunbMZJ0sE1y6YZ_RUBNk0-yKIM9j_qPUJWmvkWzfB6JQdJoR41Iq45tHX4X8VxWIHBiJy4Rw7WfwkliRwP/s320/Laundry+Day+Series+in+Clear+Bags.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
(Above: Susan holding two pieces in one of her new series: <i><b> Laundry Day</b></i>.)<br />
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2020 started off really well. Susan was in Springfield, Illinois for a month enjoying an art residency with the <a href="http://enosparkresidency.org/index.html">Enos Park program</a>. While there, she started a new installation called <a href="http://artbysusanlenz.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-clothesline-part-one.html"><i><b>The Clothesline</b></i></a>. This work spun off in several directions, including a series of fifty works called Laundry Day. The works are matted and in clear plastic bags at just $65. Susan is still accepting donations of vintage household linens to continue growing the The Clothesline installation. She is also looking for wedding gowns for a 2021 installation marking Steve and her 40th anniversary!<br />
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(Above: New work! Several pieces in Susan's <i><b>Nike's Advice</b></i> series and <i><b>Tessera</b></i> series.)<br />
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Shortly after Susan returned from Illinois, COVID-19 shutdowns were put into place. Busy March and April plans were canceled of postponed. Later May and June's calendar pages were cleared. More importantly, Mouse House was deemed "non-essential" and forced to close for weeks on end. Susan's only solace was studio time. Lots and lots of new work resulted and is still in production ... including pieces in her <i><b>Nike's Advice</b></i> series and in a new series called <i><b>Tessera</b></i>. Prices for work depicted in the image above start at only $95.<br />
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(Above: <i><b>Capital on Blue</b></i> and <i><b>Capital on Gold</b></i> leaning against <i>The Wall of Keys</i>. 32" x 26". Paint on unprimed canvas with self-guided, free-motion stitching and UV epoxy. Each pieces is mounted to white-painted stretcher bars using galvanized roofing nails. $900 each.)<br />
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Well, Mouse House was finally allowed to re-open. We are practicing social distancing and regularly disinfecting the doorbell, doorknob, and other surfaces with which most people come into contact. Come on by for picture framing and/or to see Susan's artwork. Our hours are weekdays from 9:30 - 5:00 and most Saturdays from 10 - 2. If you need to reach us, our telephone number is 803-254-0842. We are looking forward to serving you!<br />
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<br />Mouse Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249887976967279941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237580865262479047.post-44102981472871931942019-04-05T08:51:00.000-04:002019-04-05T08:51:29.548-04:00Phone woes continue but wll be solvedThe Mouse House business phone went dead on Tuesday April 2 with a repair not guaranteed until Saturday the 6TH. On Wednesday it miraculously started working again and worked all day Thursday. The powers to be must have found out that I made the call to convert the number to a cell phone which will be active by next Monday. Yesterday the new phone arrived and can be used to call out but not to receive incoming calls. The Mouse House number will not be ported to the new phone until midnight the 8TH. Today is Friday and the land line has decided to go on strike for one last irritant to my psyche.<br />
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So...please call my cell number (803-360-3035) if you need anything from the Mouse House. Thank you for your patience. I will have normal business hours today and will be open from 10-2 on Saturday.Mouse Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249887976967279941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237580865262479047.post-69845606373710382982019-04-02T19:12:00.000-04:002019-04-02T19:12:51.696-04:00Business phone woes from The Mouse HouseI have not posted anything in the blog for over two years. I really need to do this more frequently. That being said, I must report that the Mouse House business line is down again for the final time. I have a landline that is linked to my ATT Uverse line but serviced by another company which will remain anonymous for now. Anytime the line has problems it takes days to fixed, and the technicians are subcontracted out to ATT! On this occasion they said that they could guarantee a service technician will visit Mouse House by 12:00 Saturday!<br />
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Since my Uverse and internet are working properly, they cannot come out and service my phone separately. I could have linked the phone number to my Uverse account, but I would have to convert that account into a business account and pay more money.<br />
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After today's failure of my business line, I have taken the long overdue solution of converting the business line to a wireless account with a new cellphone and same number. On Thursday the new phone arrives and hopefully my business line has been released from its former owner to Verizon. I have an additional 800 number to call to speed up the process.<br />
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So, if anyone needs to reach me, please call my cell phone at 803-360-3035<br />
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I am still open regular business hours while <a href="http://artbysusanlenz.blogspot.com/">Susan </a>is away at an artist residency in Missouri. I will be open this coming Saturday, April 6 during Open Studios. We could not officially participate because of Susan's absence.<br />
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<br />Mouse Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249887976967279941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237580865262479047.post-40860240106198951182017-03-12T17:04:00.000-04:002017-03-12T17:04:59.495-04:00SALE for Open Studios, April 1 - 2, 2017<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXa9FbOzSEZy8Oby-nOCieyhTjuUK0vA4Yx8_6kuIGp7cE4j1t0Ed6mJ5dCmNWgg2vg0a1X9JR-3r9oyb5Ttevf2ZjnhsFByNC6CzM6sNHFtsqCo27a3OWaUbDFeKrGHdYpvuk_tuWzBDA/s1600/Shrink+wrapped%252C+antiquarian+maps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXa9FbOzSEZy8Oby-nOCieyhTjuUK0vA4Yx8_6kuIGp7cE4j1t0Ed6mJ5dCmNWgg2vg0a1X9JR-3r9oyb5Ttevf2ZjnhsFByNC6CzM6sNHFtsqCo27a3OWaUbDFeKrGHdYpvuk_tuWzBDA/s320/Shrink+wrapped%252C+antiquarian+maps.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
(Above: Original copper-plate engravings by Nicholas Tindal Rapin's <i>History of England,</i> 1745. Previously, $100 each. During <a href="https://www.columbiaopenstudios.org/">Open Studios</a>, 50% off ... just $50 each for mid-18th century engravings.)<br />
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Mouse House, Inc. has never gone in much for sales. We hate coupons. Our philosophy has always been "charge a fair price every day". That's worked well for thirty years, but we've also accumulated more than we could possibly ever sell. So ... why not a sale ... a really, really GOOD SALE ... prices below market value, below cost, and for the sole reason that some of these wonderful works simply need a good home! <a href="https://www.columbiaopenstudios.org/">OPEN STUDIOS</a> is on Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2. For those two days EVERYTHING that is shrink wrapped at Mouse House will be on sale for 50% off. This post features a few of the antiquarian prints and Susan's older artwork that are part of the sale. (Pardon the glare from the shrink wrapping!) <br />
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(Above on the left: One of Susan's <i>Elements of Architecture</i> Series. Free-motion machine embroidery over dense hand stitching. Was $225. Now just $112.50. There are at least one dozen of these original fiber artworks. Above on the right: One of Susan's<i> Life Everlasting Series</i>. Image transfer on book page with decorate paper and hand beading. Was $75. Now just $37.50. There are at least a dozen of these too.)<br />
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(Above: Two chromolithographs from <i>Examples of Ornament Art in Glass & Enamel</i> by J. B. Waring, London, 1858.) These nicely matted antiquarian prints are priced at $30 but will be just $15 each during Open Studios. Mouse House has a nice selection of engravings, woodblock prints, chromolithography, etchings, and other antiquarian prints ranging in price from $10. They will all by 50% off.)<br />
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(Above: <i><b>Happy</b></i> from Susan's <i>African Series</i>. Image transfers on paper mounted to fabric and embellished with stitch, paint, chiffon, and snippets from the studio. Once upon a time ... aka 2006 ... there were twenty-six of these pieces. They were all framed and enjoyed a solo show at the Etherredge Center on the grounds of the University of South Carolina-Aiken. Some received awards in juried shows. Eventually, they were removed from their frames. There are at least eleven of them. Formerly $300 unframed. For Open Studios ... just $150 each.)<br />
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(Above: Two antiquarian prints. <i>The Birth of a Nereid</i> is marked at $15 but will cost just $7.50 during Open Studios. There are too many of these engravings at Mouse House to count. The hand-colored botanical in the fancy mat with an interior fillet is priced at $50 but will be just $25 when on sale.)<br />
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(Above on the left: One of Susan's <i>Black God Series</i>. Images of original West African masks and artifact on book pages with decorative paper and hand beading. Priced at $75 each but will sell for $37.50 during Open Studios. There are dozens of them ... each different. Above on the right: One of Susan's Muses Series. Watercolor on original pages from <i>Tableavx dv Temple des Mvses </i>by Favereau, 1655. All include a free-motion stitched outline of Susan's hand. Some include collage elements, beads, and hand embroidery. With embroidery, the price is $150 ... on sale for $75. Without the additional elements ... just the hand outline ... $100 ... on sale for $50 each. There are a couple dozen of each at least.)<br />
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(Above: Susan's original <i>American Craftsman Meets Recycled Bride</i>. Collage of antique lace, US American Craftsman postage stamps, and decorative papers with free-motion embroidery and beading. Mounted on dupioni silk. Priced at $195 ... on sale for $97.50.)<br />
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(Above on left: Antique map of Venice. $30 ... except during Open Studios! Then, just $15. There are also dozens of state maps dating to 1902 for $6 each. That's just $3 on sale! Above on right: Another chromolithograph from <i>Examples of Ornament Art in Glass & Enamel</i> by J. B. Waring, London, 1858 that will be on sale for just $15.)<br />
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(Above: One of Susan's <i>Angels in Mourning Series</i>. Most of these are still in frames. In fact, most of them are currently on view at Ponder Gallery on Benedict College's campus. A few, however, have been removed from their frames because we needed the moulding. These are priced at $325 but will be on sale from just $162.50. By the weekend of Open Studios, all the <i>Angels in Mourning Series</i> will be back at Mouse House. Any can be shrink wrapped for the sale price, and we'd make a deal on those still in frames.)<br />
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(Above on left: Susan's original Dolls photographs. Each one is $125 but will be just $62.50 each during Open Studios. Above on the right: Late 19th century Racinet Chromolithograph in fancy double mat with fillet. $30 but just $15 on sale.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNroAJOemYSXCb4fFdG_-w08GdQYZC4Vf8p7V_pNRKAeOGc1YgS0xaib621VyCTHU8eSmLVHFEBHPW6cAiag_55dupan8_jO-WxIdgf5jbz_TQaEBOG7qzKK4XwdS1rLQUreTKtNG0VOQ8/s1600/Shrink+wrapped%252C+bins+of+antiquarian+prints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNroAJOemYSXCb4fFdG_-w08GdQYZC4Vf8p7V_pNRKAeOGc1YgS0xaib621VyCTHU8eSmLVHFEBHPW6cAiag_55dupan8_jO-WxIdgf5jbz_TQaEBOG7qzKK4XwdS1rLQUreTKtNG0VOQ8/s320/Shrink+wrapped%252C+bins+of+antiquarian+prints.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
(Above: Crates of antiquarian chromolithography ... including many from Owen Jones, Racinet, and other popular late 19th century sources. The Racinet chromo shown in the image above this one came from one of these crates. Mouse House has dozens and dozens of great, antique prints that are shrink wrapped without a matted presentation. They will all be on sale at 50% off.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9a_Fhv1E9qcjhNAFfpw90rl-VjVVth3_XBbgnsSzB4d8rBCDjX5u4QrMMOMXEoqjmgB9sZpuguGn-uWW7yen0MpgSn1omW6tI4ByKTTPudLEkMI2loqhWo3lQOEz_ASh_8MqLdjZNWtba/s1600/Shrink+wrapped%252C+Elements+in+Blue+and+Muses+Series.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9a_Fhv1E9qcjhNAFfpw90rl-VjVVth3_XBbgnsSzB4d8rBCDjX5u4QrMMOMXEoqjmgB9sZpuguGn-uWW7yen0MpgSn1omW6tI4ByKTTPudLEkMI2loqhWo3lQOEz_ASh_8MqLdjZNWtba/s320/Shrink+wrapped%252C+Elements+in+Blue+and+Muses+Series.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
(Above on the left: One of Susan's original fiber artworks from Elements in Blue Series. There are about ten to twelve from this series that accompanied Susan's Blues Chapel installation. Priced at $225, they will be just $112.50 during Open Studios. Each features free-motion machine embroidery over dense hand stitching. Above on the right: One of Susan's Muses Series. Watercolor on original pages from <i>Tableavx dv Temple des Mvses </i>by Favereau, 1655.
All include a free-motion stitched outline of Susan's hand. Some
include collage elements, beads, and hand embroidery. With embroidery,
the price is $150 ... on sale for $75. Without the additional elements
... just the hand outline ... $100 ... on sale for $50 each. There are a
couple dozen of each at least.)<br />
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(Above: Matted pieces from Susan's <i>Feather Series</i>. Priced at just $25 ... but only $12.50 during Open Studios. Feathers mounted on watercolors.)</div>
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(Above: Pieces from Susan's original installation <i><b>The Archeology Project</b></i>. Unique, individual pieces range from $20 - $50 and will be half off.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwq62BoI0G9lO7n2lS2fK7V_ZWdZi5X8HtW034kN9dDV6kiZL-8GV9BE4gCLla4KgidHwJiw4HDC8_hXpaBv165Kpz1URAWfufycQ3uS9gdELCVYH__NOr3kB2dDQvvgR4BhNQnjoFqV-X/s1600/Shrink+wrapped%252C+antiquarian+prints%252C+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwq62BoI0G9lO7n2lS2fK7V_ZWdZi5X8HtW034kN9dDV6kiZL-8GV9BE4gCLla4KgidHwJiw4HDC8_hXpaBv165Kpz1URAWfufycQ3uS9gdELCVYH__NOr3kB2dDQvvgR4BhNQnjoFqV-X/s320/Shrink+wrapped%252C+antiquarian+prints%252C+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
(Above: More matted antiquarian prints. Mouse House carries some exotic images ... from camels to sea shells. Come for OPEN STUDIOS and provide a home for 50% off.Mouse Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249887976967279941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237580865262479047.post-57748415970792852692015-10-28T10:44:00.000-04:002015-10-28T10:44:22.379-04:00November at the Mouse HouseSusan returns from paradise, aka, her artist residency in Oregon at <a href="http://www.playasummerlake.org/">Playa</a>, on the red-eye this Friday night. She arrives at 6:10 AM on Saturday in Charlotte. I have decided to stay overnight in Charlotte on Friday instead of leaving at 4:30 AM Saturday. She can take the shuttle to the hotel when she arrives (ha ha). When Susan left for Oregon in early October, we drove to Charlotte at 5:30 AM on October 4 during the biblical flood event of Columbia. We were very fortunate to make it safe and sound, and I was equally fortunate to make it back to Columbia later that day. I was quite happy Susan was in Eastern Oregon, an area with spotty cellphone service and limited internet. She did not have to read about all the horrors of the flood and its aftermath. So it is back to normal at the Mouse House beginning on Halloween. We will be open Saturday afternoon and Susan will be here all day. Next Wednesday, November 3, she delivers twenty pieces from her Stained Glass and InBox series to the <a href="http://www.artsdouglas.org/">Cultural Arts Council of Douglasville, GA</a> for a show. The artist reception is Sunday, November 8 from 2-4 PM. I expect Susan to be at Mouse House most of next week, except Wednesday so please come and visit.Mouse Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249887976967279941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237580865262479047.post-37974602269302840452015-05-20T17:04:00.002-04:002015-05-20T17:05:26.316-04:00My pet weeds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Susan is now in Wisconsin to the Wormfarm Institute for the next three weeks. She is sleeping in the barn where the temperature was 37 degrees yesterday. Today she is gardening. Hopefully it is a little bit warmer today. In honor of her planting skills I am going to show her how my pet weeds are growing. It has been a joke for years that I allow some strange exotic plant/weed to grow under my protection. I am particularly fond of this plant that until recently I had no clue to its identification. Our friend Bert Easter told me it was a pokeweed, and it is edible. I am sure all baby boomers remember the song <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polk_Salad_Annie">"Poke Salad Annie"</a> by Tony Joe White. As a teenager I had no idea that this plant was...I just liked the song. Well there are a slew of recipes on the internet that use this plant, but I am not going to try any. Here are some pictures of two different pokeweeds.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFJQ-VEcz6gykD5rrtFjrznlLpZ_0aDO_WgXt3OfRbxTnvmU0RZmTPXEQO-lRv-Fg68vPDD8pcwtAkCtcnzMkfm6r3UOgDfkYLgpTSSHB5FAeI-Nw-VPshNNoV95M0wH21U1ToLTbeU00/s1600/pet+weed+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFJQ-VEcz6gykD5rrtFjrznlLpZ_0aDO_WgXt3OfRbxTnvmU0RZmTPXEQO-lRv-Fg68vPDD8pcwtAkCtcnzMkfm6r3UOgDfkYLgpTSSHB5FAeI-Nw-VPshNNoV95M0wH21U1ToLTbeU00/s320/pet+weed+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pokeweed near the brick wall in the back of Mouse House. Several weeks ago I cut this weed with my lawn mower but it grew back with vengeance. I am going to allow it to stay a while.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7IhB71pNx1Os6Vx3tUAVWCSNPpPs6idoaXITn3XP0JvUSx4Brs3h5kk4uzNkMiuLzTVlMQ_jjwahgASpvOXaM3vXYGx8-XG6mv00wNh0hapzxm2Sf5T3l4NQMccPt0vQWOofitznuxXi/s1600/pet+weed+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7IhB71pNx1Os6Vx3tUAVWCSNPpPs6idoaXITn3XP0JvUSx4Brs3h5kk4uzNkMiuLzTVlMQ_jjwahgASpvOXaM3vXYGx8-XG6mv00wNh0hapzxm2Sf5T3l4NQMccPt0vQWOofitznuxXi/s320/pet+weed+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my pet pokeweeds. It is growing next to the stump of our deceased
pecan tree which was struck by lighting in June, 2004, the firebolt
jumped to our roof and nearly burned our house down. It lived until the
autumn of 2013. On top of the stump is a sculpture made of pecan chops
by Stephen Chesley<br />
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<br />Mouse Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249887976967279941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237580865262479047.post-91550033991175324602015-05-11T14:41:00.000-04:002015-05-11T14:53:58.926-04:00News from the Mouse HouseSusan begins the second week of her art residency at the <a href="http://www.andersoncenter.org/">Anderson Center</a> in Red Wing, MN. Her creative juices are flowing, and I encourage everyone to visit her blog to see her new creations. As for yours truly, my back seems to be getting better. Hopefully I will be able to continue my "spring cleaning" of the workshop and dreaded back room<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojdlzZ1FPkh-2uaduZtTF17EpqMFXT3tOa6d04T_HwabptflvU7vnK5q0bS0LMtIG00WuvsQd0LKUYGTUH6j_1GgYRv-7uKUtHOVrtdWAeB3U6bJ7mvRnxlv5heN4Kx1R0JZrFNtiTjRg/s1600/bottlecap+photoframe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojdlzZ1FPkh-2uaduZtTF17EpqMFXT3tOa6d04T_HwabptflvU7vnK5q0bS0LMtIG00WuvsQd0LKUYGTUH6j_1GgYRv-7uKUtHOVrtdWAeB3U6bJ7mvRnxlv5heN4Kx1R0JZrFNtiTjRg/s320/bottlecap+photoframe.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottle cap photo-frame (click on image to enlarge)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Susan created some bottle cap photo-frames recently. They are designed for a 5 by 7 image with UV glass, a black-core mat and flex points for easy installation of your own personal photo. I have both horizontal and vertical orientations, and they sell for $49.00 plus sales tax. They make wonderful gifts.<br />
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We also created a number of bottle cap mirrors in various sizes and price ranges ($66 - $165). During her absence they are 25 % off the original price <b>if you mention this blog post</b> to me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfuZ8LocgHyvxb9fo52_sHruAILdqNocLzc4EezLPBs19tl9-I0Op1abUVMwivphe3-BeEmZE7hZh3ksECe17CWbhnHKJWYEgqfjG8BcP3ZvjH68RDhdNnrEBK-OhStyei8rvTP4F7_DZ/s1600/Hampton+Court.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfuZ8LocgHyvxb9fo52_sHruAILdqNocLzc4EezLPBs19tl9-I0Op1abUVMwivphe3-BeEmZE7hZh3ksECe17CWbhnHKJWYEgqfjG8BcP3ZvjH68RDhdNnrEBK-OhStyei8rvTP4F7_DZ/s320/Hampton+Court.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hampton Court and Palace</td></tr>
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During my March visit to London (on a 40000 mile frequent flyer flight!) to visit Mathias and see him dance one of the principal roles in <a href="http://www.brb.org.uk/">Carmina Burana,</a> I visited Hampton Court Palace. Great place, incredible gardens and its own <a href="http://www.hrp.org.uk/NewsAndMedia/hcpresources/CumberlandArtGallerytoopenatHamptonCourtPalace">famous art gallery</a>. Needed a lot more time for a proper visit and I will return at a later date. To save some money I stayed in East London at the Barking Travelodge. Excellent inexpensive hotel with new beds and surprisingly large rooms. Hotel is a 5 minute walk from the Barking Train and Tube station and 45 minutes to Charring Cross/ Trafalgar Square.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barking Abbey Ruins (click to enlarge)</td></tr>
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A little gem in Barking, a one minute walk from the Travelodge, is the Barking Abbey Ruins and St. Margaret Church and Cemetery. The Abbey dates back to AD 666 and was surrendered to the Crown in 1539 and demolished. Good stone and lead were used at the king's manor house in Dartfort and at Greenwich Palace. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Margaret's Church and Tower, London Barking</td></tr>
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The church is quite active but closed when I visited. The cemetery is well maintained and contained some really cool tombstones that would make some great rubbings.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of several tombstones with classic 17th century skull and crossbones embellishments (click to enlarge)</td></tr>
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<br />Mouse Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249887976967279941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237580865262479047.post-1363960425966451332015-05-06T15:49:00.000-04:002015-05-06T15:49:39.702-04:00May at the Mouse HouseGreetings. Susan, the head mouse, is out of the office until mid-July! Why? She is attending three artist residencies in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Pickens, SC with a two-day teaching workshop in St. Louis sandwiched in-between. We leave for Scotland on July 3 for Mathias and LJ's wedding and returning to Columbia on July 15. I have been meaning to blog while she is away, but unfortunately on yesterday I tweaked my back stretching (to ease my back issues...go figure), and I was not up to writing. I have since discovered that my upright position for typing actually feels ok. This morning my back was stiff, and I felt like I could not even get out of bed. Once up and with my back iced down for twenty minutes on and twenty minutes off, I can move around with with tolerable discomfort. It has been a while since my back has acted up, and of course it happens when no one can take care of me, and I must keep the shop open.<br />
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The back flair-up is still another reminder that I must exercise these muscles every day... I have to admit that I had been a little lazy recently, but to twist my back touching my toes is a little much! Time to drop a little weight off my belly, but I must get my back pain controlled. Since we are a one car family, my only mode of transportation is the moped, and it sucks to ride a moped with a sore back! Ibuprofen and ice will be my medicine for a while.<br />
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This weekend I will have a rental car in order to pick up her work at <a href="http://northcharlestonartsfest.com/sc-palmetto-hands-fine-craft-competition-exhibition/">Palmetto Hands</a> in Charleston (she won an outstanding merit award) on Saturday, and on Sunday I will drive more of work up to Asheville to the <a href="http://www.grovewood.com/">Grovewood Gallery</a>. I'm looking forward to the drive as long as my back behaves. I will continue to post the happening at Mouse House during Susan's absence.<br />
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<br />Mouse Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249887976967279941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237580865262479047.post-67438880032855473592014-11-25T13:38:00.000-05:002014-11-25T13:38:57.260-05:00Open for Black Friday and Small Business SaturdayTwenty years ago during the Thanksgiving weekend of 1994, we moved our business from Confederate Avenue to our present location. We were open for business without a hitch (except for phone issues) on the following Monday. A month later we moved our personal belongings upstairs and sold our house. In honor of 20 years in business at our Park Street business and residence, we will be open on Friday November 28 (9:30AM to 5PM) and Small Business Saturday, November 29 from 10AM to 2PM. Susan will be here on Friday and probably Saturday with demonstrations of her fiber art techniques. All visitors during these two days will receive a free gift. Please come by and shop for one of Susan's unique art pieces, our framed mirrors or other framed images. <br />
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Custom framing orders can be dropped off for Christmas, but they must be here by the end of December 11 to be guaranteed for Christmas pickups. We will be closed from December 17 through December 24 but will be open on December 26 through December 30 at our normal business hours. Please come by and celebrate with us.Mouse Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249887976967279941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237580865262479047.post-18688832343081205832014-09-02T15:51:00.001-04:002014-09-02T15:51:26.510-04:0020 Years AgoSeptember 2, 1994. 3 1/2 months after the City of Columbia Zoning Commission told us we had to move or close. Here are a few of the many highlights of our lives and circumstances during this period:<br />
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The Mouse House was finishing the final negotiations to buy/finance our present Park Street home and business. Assuming a favorable rezoning ruling, this would allow us to legally live and work in the same building (which occurred in November, 1994!). Running and managing an ever growing framing business with employees in our illegal Confederate Avenue location needed to come to an end. We were already selling framed antiquarian prints and offering limited custom framing at Terrace Oaks Antique Mall in Charleston; framing for most of the Charleston King Street antique dealers; working for our best corporate/personal client, Leonard Long as well as Kiawah Development Partners; attempting to raise our two little boys and exposed them to the arts; making numerous out of town trips in search of antiquarian prints to resale, etc. I was one year past any chance that I would ever return to the scientific and academic world that I knew during my 13 years of college and three years of professional work. Whew and Wow!<br />
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September 2, 2014. Terrace Oaks is a nice and distant memory (by choice). Nearly all of the King Street antique dealers have died or retired (we miss SOME of them). KDP was sold and we choice not to continue our relationship with the new corporation. Leonard has retired and enjoying life. (We hear from him occasionally.) There are no employees or children (at least one kid likes us!). We have a small but loyal custom framing clientele. Best of all, Susan's art is making amazing strides and accomplishments.<br />
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We are coming up to our twentieth anniversary of Mouse House at Park Street. We will be celebrating this milestone in some soon to be named exciting way. We are also going to use the untapped social media market to brand and advertise the New Mouse House and all we have to offer in the coming months. Stay tuned.<br />
<br />Mouse Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249887976967279941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237580865262479047.post-25547785382864838082014-06-10T11:18:00.000-04:002014-06-10T11:23:43.015-04:00Summer at The Mouse House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of Susan's stain-glass fiber pieces. More images can be found on her <a href="http://www.susanlenz.com/">website</a>.<br />
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The summer season has arrived at The Mouse House. Historically this tends to be a slower time for custom framing and walk-in business. <a href="http://www.susanlenz.com/">Susan</a> has been taking advantage of this slow period by creating more of her stain-glass fiber work which is locally available here at The Mouse House and <a href="http://www.ellentaylorinteriors.com/">Ellen Taylor Interiors</a>. She is also teaching this and next week in Goose Creek, SC for the gifted and talented high school art students in Berkeley County. She is making the long commute up and down I-26 Monday through Thursday and will be at The Mouse House on Friday. I am also able to attempt the impossible task of cleaning the downstairs gallery.<br />
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We are continuing the transformation of Mouse House into a gallery showcasing Susan's artwork, a nice selection of beveled mirrors and a few original oil paintings by <a href="http://www.vistastudios80808.com/Stephen_Chesley.htm">Stephen Chesley</a>. New storage space created when I downsized the antique print collection now shows Susan amazing art quilts and other original work.<br />
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A sample of Susan's art quilts </div>
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We still have a large selection of 19TH century antiquarian decorative art engravings by Owen Jones, Racinet, and others, as well as a few really nice larger antique botanicals and other antique prints. Contemporary prints include larger Audubon birds and other miscellaneous prints. All of these can be customed framed if you allow Susan to do her thing with the matting and frame selection. Come in and visit.<br />
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Some of Susan's unique fiber vessels.<br />
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Mouse Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249887976967279941noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237580865262479047.post-20157776128205118742014-02-12T13:26:00.000-05:002014-02-12T13:26:44.748-05:00The Ice Storm Cometh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Elmwood Avenue looking toward Interstate 126 at 8:45 AM</div>
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Way back in February, 1988 (our second year living in Columbia, SC), we had a sleet storm. We had 4 inches of sleet which shut down the city for days. I had never experienced such a prolonged period of sleet in my sheltered winter life. My Ohio blood had not thinned so I immediately went driving after work (I did walk the one mile to my office...in my past life I was a coastal engineer and meteorologist and worked for Coastal Science and Engineering until 1990).<br />
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View of the Columbia Greenway looking toward Finley Park at 9AM. The walkway was open!</div>
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I assumed something would be open, like a bowling alley...they never closed down in Columbus during snowstorms.. but I was wrong. Nothing was open...no one was driving... I remember doing controlled spins on I 126 because NO ONE was on the road. It was so much Fun. Twenty-six years later (oh God have we lived here that long!) we are having a similar ice event. This morning Susan and I walked to her studio on Lady Street and guess what? Starbucks was closed! Everything was closed in the Vista. Luckily the Kangeroo Express Gas station by our house was open and I got my morning newspaper (although I could have stolen all the State and NY Times and Wall Street Journals that were delivered to the closed Starbucks...those wimps).<br />
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Later today this mess is supposed to change to freezing rain and ice accumulations of 1/2 to 1 inch may occur. This will definitely cripple the city...sleet only freezes on the road but not on the trees and power lines. Power failures are expected. By the way, our cat, Max, "King of Park Street" hates this weather but nature called and he is outside for a little while. If only Shadow was here...I could take her outside and torture her.<br />
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I hope we do not have this type of weather next week as we will be selling Susan's fiber art at the <a href="http://craftcouncil.org/shows/2014">Baltimore ACC Craft Show</a> (Feb.21-23) and Philadelphia for the<a href="http://www.germantownfriends.org/parents/parents-association/craft-show/index.aspx"> Germantown School Craft Show</a> (Feb. 28-March 2). It should be quite an experience.<br />
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Taylor Street looking east at 9:15 AM</div>
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Mouse Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249887976967279941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237580865262479047.post-88001525504698411182013-08-16T15:37:00.000-04:002013-08-16T15:46:23.248-04:00Biking in DCThe summer monsoon has returned to Columbia. At least it is cool today. It is mid-August and we still have not had a temperature of 100 this summer. We have had more rain this summer than I can remember, and everything is green. I wish we could send some of it out west! Last Thursday I left for Washington, DC for two days while Susan was in the UK. I filled the car with antiquarian prints for the auction house in Falls Church, packed my bike on the back of the car, and left.<br />
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The car loaded with antiquarian prints heading to the auction house</div>
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I was hoping for a Thursday afternoon bike ride, but a heavy thunderstorm ruined this plan and forced me to go to Tyson's Corner Mall instead. I stayed at the Tyson's Corner Marriott which has and is undergoing a major renovation since my last visit. The hotel lobby has completely changed (for the better) with a open restaurant/bar that is quite inviting for a hotel. Because I am "special" (i.e., a Gold Marriott Rewards member), I was upgraded to an executive King room with access to the Concierge Lounge.<br />
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After dropping off the prints I opted to go into DC and save my bike trip for Saturday morning (a smart move as they had one of their hottest days that Friday) before I returned to Columbia. I spent most of the day at the National Gallery of Art which has a fantastic exhibit on <a href="http://www.nga.gov/content/ngaweb/exhibitions/2013/diaghilev.html">Diaghilev and the Ballet Russes</a>, complete with costumes, videos, photos, etc. I later went to the Hirshhorn Museum to see the <a href="http://www.hirshhorn.si.edu/collection/home/#collection=over-under-next">found object art exhibit</a>. It was equally fantastic. Before returning to Vienna and the hotel I went to the Kennedy Center to see what was playing at the <a href="http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/millennium/schedule.html#16082013">Millennium Stage</a>. To anyone unfamiliar to the Kennedy Center, they always have free concerts/performances 365 days a year (including Christmas!) at 6PM sharp. Susan and I try to see as many performances as possible since they are free. Back in June 2008 I happened to be in DC for the <a href="http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/festivals/07-08/acappella/events_free.cfm">11TH Anniversary of the Millennium Stage</a> and watched The Manhattan Transfer, along with a few thousand other people for FREE. On this visit I had the pleasure to watch the <a href="http://www.kennedy-center.org/explorer/artists/?entity_id=96500&source_type=B">Shanghai Students Folk Music Troupe</a>, composed of 40 middle and high school students performing Chinese folk music with traditional musical instruments. It was a great show.<br />
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On Saturday morning I drove to the Dunn Lorning bike stop, parked my car and rode for 20 miles (in 1:45). I rode to Herndon and back, and now I have been on all of the Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) trail.<br />
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A view of the W&OD bike trail from the Vienna Station (click to enlarge)</div>
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My self-portrait at the Vienna Station (click to enlarge, if you dare!)<br />
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There are so many ways to enjoy and ride the various bike trails in VA/DC. You can ride to Mount Vernon (done that), ride to Georgetown and up to Bethesda, MD (done that), ride Rock Creek Parkway to the Kennedy Center (done that), and ride the <a href="http://www.bikewashington.org/canal/">Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail</a> to Cumberland MD and parts west (I have not done that!), to name a few trips. Wanda, we need to do some of these bike rides before we get too old...I can't get Susan to do them!...her last bike trip was all over Martha's Vinyard back in 2004 when Mathias was dancing in the inaugural Stiefel and Stars summer program. She complained of a sore butt the whole day!<br />
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On the way home I stopped at <a href="http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/9209">Foamhenge</a>, in Natural Bridge, VA. off US 11 and less than one mile from <a href="http://www.naturalbridgeva.com/">Natural Bridge</a>. For anyone who drives up I-81 in Virginia, please stop and visit this place. It is a hoot and Susan and I have had the pleasure of meeting its creator, Mark Cline back on Halloween night (quite fitting), 2008.<br />
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My self-portrail at Foamhenge, Natural Bridge, VA.</div>
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Mouse Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249887976967279941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237580865262479047.post-80278275009667888262013-08-05T11:21:00.000-04:002013-08-05T11:21:09.917-04:00Off to DC and BicyclingMy plans are now confirmed and I will be driving to Washington, DC on Thursday. I will be bringing another car load of antiquarian prints to the local auction gallery in Falls Church for consignment, and then I will make another biking adventure on the Washington & Old Dominion Trail. For anyone interested in the print lots that will be leaving Thursday, please come by Monday-Wednesday during my normal business hours. All prints will be 1/2 off original prices! This includes all matted botanicals, maps, the large Shakespeare engravings, the architectural engravings, etc. <br />
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Susan leaves for England on Tuesday and will return the following Wednesday. Normal business hours will be conducted during her absence (except for Thursday-Saturday of this week). I will hope to take some pictures and ride the only section of the bike trail that I have never been on. I hope it doesn't rain too much.Mouse Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249887976967279941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237580865262479047.post-66395471490697010972013-07-31T17:40:00.000-04:002013-07-31T17:40:13.177-04:00Alive and wellThe end of July was to bring some interesting changes at Mouse House. They have been temporarily postponed by the Head Mouse because of her recent purchase (Thank you Henry and Linda!).<br />
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Susan's new Tiara</div>
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We are still operating as usual but in the next few weeks a scale back in custom framing will ultimately occur. Why? Susan was accepted into both The Washington Craft Show (November 1-3) and the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show (November 6-10). We will be selling her fabulous <a href="http://artbysusanlenz.blogspot.com/">Stain-glass and InBox</a> fiber pieces at two of the most prestigious fine craft shows in the US. She has been busy creating work for the shows, but because of good gallery sales, many of her pieces have been promised out. She will need more time to create work as we must take two full booths of artwork to the shows. We are very excited and scared about these shows, as they are strictly retail and if we don't sell we don't eat!<br />
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Our first craft show in February, The Buyers Market of American Craft in Philadelphia was wholesale and although it was more successful that we expected, we both agreed that wholesale only was not for us. She applied for the above shows in April. She expected to be rejected by one or both venues, but to our surprise she was accepted into both of them. This speaks wonders for Susan's amazing artistic talents.<br />
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We will be on the road for the first two weeks in November and during the next months she will be crazy busy creating art and myself (as her new artist assistant and lab rat) will be at her beckon call. She promised me a few days off in October to visit Mathias in the UK if he dances the "Prince" in The Sleeping Beauty. Susan leaves for the UK next Tuesday for The Festival of Quilts in Birmingham, where she has a quilt in a <a href="http://www.saqa.com/calendar-detail.php?ID=3773">SAQA</a> show and will actually have some real mother-son time (they are not performing until late September). She is also working on a solo show in November with completely different work. So... we are going to be very busy and a framing sabbatical may occur. We will keep you posted (at least she will in her blogs).<br />
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By Friday I'll know if I am going to consign more prints to Quinn's Auction next week when Susan is in the UK. If I go I plan on bringing my bike for more riding on the bike trails in Va/DC. I rode from Purcellville to Herndon (27 miles) on the <a href="http://bikewashington.org/trails/wad/wad.htm">Washington & Old Dominion</a> bike trail two weeks ago when we were at the <a href="http://www.sacredthreadsquilts.com/">Sacred Threads</a> quilt show , and I hope to ride into DC from a local VA hotel on this trip. Sorry Wanda but unfortunately I did not take any pictures. This time I will.<br />
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Self-portrait at Kew Gardens, London, UK in March, 2013</div>
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Mouse Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249887976967279941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237580865262479047.post-5905815674152555802013-02-23T14:23:00.002-05:002013-02-23T16:43:03.754-05:00The Fate of Antiquarian Prints<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our English antique butterfly cabinet that doubles as an antiquarian print drawer (click to enlarge)</div>
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Yesterday I spent about an hour looking at the hundreds of 19TH century engravings that are contained in out antique butterfly storage cabinet we bought at Terrace Oaks Antique Mall nearly 20 years ago. The owner of Terrace Oaks at the time, Jo Ann Parker (of the Parker pen
dynasty) insisted on us buying this piece of furniture as a storage unit
for our antique prints. When we originally bought this piece, the top of the drawers contained old wavy glass with a cheesecloth-like fabric on some of the panes for drying of the specimens. There were small pieces of butterfly wings in some of the drawers. We removed the glass from the tops of the drawers and actually used a lot of it when we framed antique images. Until about a year ago, all of the drawers were filled with hand-colored botanicals, bird prints, architectural and natural history engravings, Harper's Weekly woodblock prints and many other wonderful engravings. Within the last year we have reduced our print inventory and are planning to consign more in the near future.<br />
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Miscellaneous natural history engravings in drawer no. 19 (click to enlarge)</div>
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Miscellaneous black and white engravings in drawer no. 20</div>
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I still like perusing through our engravings, but at the same time its a little sad. Most younger people do not decorate with antique engravings like in previous years. Many of these prints have not seen the light of day in years. This goes for the buckets of botanical and bird prints that we have in our gallery. With our energies now turning to the creation and marketing of Susan's art (Philadelphia was better than expected), it is time for someone else to distribute and sell these engravings. Our next trip to DC will include a stop at Quinn's Auction where a vast majority of our stock will be consigned. The butterfly cabinet will be converted to a new home for Susan's art, as well as a choice select group of antique engravings. I will never completely rid myself of antiquarian prints, but I'll be more selective with what I will sell (can't give up a good excuse for a business trip to a print auction).<br />
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Bins of 19TH cent. botanicals underneath the table in the Mouse House gallery<br />
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Various matted and shrink-wrapped prints on shelves beneath the Gallery table<br />
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The gallery will be weened of excess prints in order to make room for Susan's art quilts and mixed-media pieces. We may also have a clearance sale in April during the Elmwood Park Tour of Homes of our remaining stock, although Susan frowns at the mention of a sale. I will entertain any offers from anyone wanting to buy my engravings in bulk. Please come by and see what I have.<br />
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As a side note, I just had two browsers (probably mother and daughter) looking at some of my black and white prints. They were the third group of people that have come to MH to look at prints this year! They were sent by a decorator that we WILL NOT work with. They were here for 55 minutes for some images for a small powder room!! They took 6 images home on approval! I wonder if the "decorator who will not be named" will come over and discuss framing options with Susan! I bet the images taken out will not be anything like what she envisions; at least she was smart enough to send her clients over. They could have bought one of the framed Piranesi engravings and be done with their search, but that would have been too easy! I was polite, and they had no idea that the decorator is not allowed in the house without payment in full before any work is started. This only confirms one of the reasons why I am going to liquidate my collection!Mouse Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249887976967279941noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237580865262479047.post-66022537536102653272013-02-16T15:52:00.000-05:002013-02-16T15:52:45.287-05:00Observations from PhiladelphiaToday is the opening day of the <a href="http://americanmadeshow.com/">Buyers Market of American Craft </a>in Philadelphia. Susan is one of hundreds of exhibitors at this three-day event. She has already posted about this on her blog. My job consists of being a very overdressed delivery boy and sometimes security guard. I play the role well. I am not really needed since Susan can easily sell herself without me hanging around. The show is an amazing learning curve for us. We probably do not belong in a wholesale market, and we probably will not take any orders for her work. HOWEVER, there has already been some interest from several galleries about representation and other high-end venues to sell. This is the most important part of our journey to craft shows.<br />
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I dismissed myself from Susan and took the train back to the hotel so I could make this short post. The mass transit system in Philly is excellent! The downtown area is wonderful and architecturally stunning. The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pennsylvania_Convention_Center">grand hall</a> of the Reading Terminal took my breathe away. The <a href="http://www.visitphilly.com/restaurants-dining/philadelphia/reading-terminal-market/?gclid=CMDSlbzYu7UCFY07OgodVAIALQ">Reading Market</a> is eye candy to your stomach. Tonight is the Niche Awards ceremony at the Convention. Susan is a finalist in the Decorative Fibers category (she won this award in 2011). I'll journey back to meet her at 6PM. Tomorrow I hope to visit the city more since I do not have to hold her hand while she self-promotes herself. I will hopefully borrow her camera and take pictures. We will back up after 4PM on Monday, stay overnight and make the long 600+ mile drive to Columbia on Tuesday.Mouse Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249887976967279941noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237580865262479047.post-54356379624726767262013-02-03T16:22:00.000-05:002013-02-03T16:33:44.335-05:00Accident Parasites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Self-portrait of me at Stonehenge, UK, late June, 2012</div>
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No, the above picture has nothing to do with parasites! I just like to take self-portraits of myself when I travel. The incident with parasites occurred this week. I am still recovering from my moped accident from 12 days ago. As Susan told me the night of the accident, it looks like I'll get nothing from the lady that hit me unless I sue. Her contact number only allows outgoing calls, and her driver's license lists an old address where I'm quite sure no forwarding address was given to the Post Office. I know with a little effort, me or my lawyer (for a fee) could track her down and serve her papers for the damaged moped. I wonder what the "blue book" value of a 4 year old moped that cost $1800 is? I also know that if you sue someone with nothing, you get nothing in return, i.e., "you can't get blood from a turnip".<br />
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Now for the parasite angle of this post. Last Wednesday I got a call from out of the blue asking me if I was still healing from my accident and whether I still needed to see a doctor. The caller asked if I was dizzy, if my back hurt, etc., etc. They were willing to make an appointment at their
clinic, take x-rays, etc. and send the bill to the person that hit me.
When I told them I was sore but OK, he politely said goodbye. One minute later his supervisor called back and offered the same thing over again. When I declined, he said that "he was going to take me off their list". I thought "what list"? When I told Susan about the phone call she laughed and said, "your accident is public record. They probably pay people to monitor all traffic accidents to see if they can make a quick buck". This was confirmed by <a href="http://www.thefinneylawfirm.com/">Jerry</a> next door who told me lawyers do the same thing (not him, he said!). He called them "parasites". I asked him if I would have accepted their offer and received medical treatment, could they come after me to pay the bills if she couldn't pay? Absolutely!! What a scam!! It is no wonder why our medical insurance is so high in this country. Too many people want something for nothing! I am very thankful I survived with only a few bruises.<br />
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Susan drove the new licensed and insured moped today and did not like how slow it is in comparison to the old one. It's fast enough for me. One more week until Philadelphia!<br />
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Royal Albert Hall from Hyde Park in London, UK, late June, 2012.<br />
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<br />Mouse Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249887976967279941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237580865262479047.post-88824063357585310142013-01-27T15:21:00.000-05:002013-01-27T15:21:26.272-05:00A week in review at The Mouse HouseLast night (Saturday, January 26), I attended the annual Columbia Classical Ballet's Lifechance Gala at the Koger Center with Dolly Patton, her daughter Sims and her friend. They were all "dressed to the nines". Susan was not in attendance as she was returning from a workshop in Cary, NC. It was nice to see Brooklyn Mack dance again. I haven't seen him dance in two years and his stage presence is as wonderful as ever. I am not going to critique the performance; I know better! It is unfortunate that so few people in Columbia will ever witness Mathias' ballet skills and the superiority of Birmingham Royal Ballet. For instance last night Mathias and Principal Dancer Nao Sakuma closed the annual <a href="http://www.brb.org.uk/masque/index.htm?act=WhatsOn&urn=25685&tsk=show">Birmingham Royal Ballet's</a> "Evening of Music and Dance" Gala with the Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux. For a link to their performance, click <a href="http://susanlenzfamily.blogspot.com/">here</a>.<br />
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Our new Motofino 50 cc moped. Click on image to enlarge.<br />
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Susan and I now own a new moped. Last Tuesday I had a rude encounter with a car that pulled out of a parking lot in front of me. The front of the moped disintegrated into many pieces and required a tow truck to take the rest to car and moped heaven! I was fortunate enough to be only bruised a little bit; I was wearing a helmet. It could have been a lot worse. It only took the Columbia Police 1 hour and 15 minutes and two 911 calls to respond! I guess that since I was not dead, they did not feel that this incident was important.<br />
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Hopefully the poor lady that hit me will help with the purchase; she was driving without insurance (she thought the car was insured... long story), was given a $450 ticket, her car was impounded and her driver's license was suspended. She was very lucky not to be taken to jail; she was resigned to this fate. I have spoken to Jerry next door just to be safe. Hopefully I won't have to go the legal route for compensation. She has bigger problems than me. She called the next day to see how I was feeling.<br />
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We are three weeks away from our great adventure in Philadelphia. As a reminder we will be closed from February 13-19 for the trade show.<br />
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Two early 19th century botanicals available at The Mouse House (click to enlarge).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT16mJurJF4bkmG9N_Dcc2MkIDMHJqaY1rHVxSHgARWNCabEjkZUn_4_ueRj_QnnC5yruNgHFFEiN7XXPy1OTAzSmm9HZvJxz3nl5tgTXzvjsfr5cfsPfSzEqxv2xbA9IYgtFdihysjNHv/s1600/MH+botanicals+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT16mJurJF4bkmG9N_Dcc2MkIDMHJqaY1rHVxSHgARWNCabEjkZUn_4_ueRj_QnnC5yruNgHFFEiN7XXPy1OTAzSmm9HZvJxz3nl5tgTXzvjsfr5cfsPfSzEqxv2xbA9IYgtFdihysjNHv/s320/MH+botanicals+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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More framed botanicals. We also have several nice sets of framed Ca., 1860 birds from <i>Morris's Birds of Europe</i> available.<br />
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Mouse Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249887976967279941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237580865262479047.post-71052444341293831592013-01-14T15:56:00.001-05:002013-01-14T16:06:39.977-05:00More Mouse House PicturesOne of the other things on my 2013 agenda is to publish more pictures at The Mouse House and from my travel adventures.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3EeVwiiKdy0mpu7ih2yIQ7xPSMShoxbP8nduwhrucBMndO79bRq2ry6M7NK1Xx7UzM0aK6tCUWBc-avx7Q90MScADAGM4q3_PjYzrhaS37JTGu0GAjtJumKIuQ93-xbGXilEf-qvvSB4/s1600/MH+gallery+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3EeVwiiKdy0mpu7ih2yIQ7xPSMShoxbP8nduwhrucBMndO79bRq2ry6M7NK1Xx7UzM0aK6tCUWBc-avx7Q90MScADAGM4q3_PjYzrhaS37JTGu0GAjtJumKIuQ93-xbGXilEf-qvvSB4/s320/MH+gallery+photo.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here is a photo of our front gallery filled with Susan's artwork and hundreds of antiquarian prints. Click on any image to enlarge.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnyDoMISpz_oJqtPhDXN1K6NbSaegLKxg7ttJu4HR2hOUF2vN8WshhsDN1SswgiSi999JbAtzju9Mn5Yak5YbQmVwDnUwxcXFfjj82OYTcdGl7XnaOBAFx9uVT4u4pxB1CM7Id2prcYgw/s1600/Some+MH+mirrors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnyDoMISpz_oJqtPhDXN1K6NbSaegLKxg7ttJu4HR2hOUF2vN8WshhsDN1SswgiSi999JbAtzju9Mn5Yak5YbQmVwDnUwxcXFfjj82OYTcdGl7XnaOBAFx9uVT4u4pxB1CM7Id2prcYgw/s320/Some+MH+mirrors.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here is a photo of our front foyer where you can see many framed mirrors. In fact the walls throughout Mouse House are filled with mirrors.<br />
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Here is a photo of the Brighton Wheel taken from the famous Victorian Pier in Brighton, UK. I visited on December 6, 2012 when I went to see my elder son, <a href="http://www.brb.org.uk/masque/index.htm?act=Person&urn=25187">Mathias</a>, as the Prince in Birmingham Royal Ballet's production of <i>Cinderella</i>. It never rains when I go to England!<br />
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More pictures will be published soon.Mouse Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249887976967279941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237580865262479047.post-66859113606517377062013-01-13T18:23:00.000-05:002013-01-14T10:17:39.405-05:00A new year2013 will bring on some interesting changes at The Mouse House. I will have consistent Saturday hours (10AM-2PM) whenever I am in town. There will be more of Susan's artwork on display and (of course) for sale. She has recently finished many framed key pieces (please click <a href="http://artbysusanlenz.blogspot.com/">here</a> and scroll down to her January 10 post to view this unique artwork in detail). These make wonderful and affordable gifts ($50-$130) and are all unique Susan creations.<br />
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We are busy preparing for our first wholesale fine art craft show on February 16-18 at the <a href="http://americanmadeshow.com/">Buyers Market of American Craft </a>in Philadelphia. Susan is hoping for more national exposure and gallery representation, as well as many orders for her stain-glass fiber pieces. This is an exciting, scary, and potentially life-changing venture!<br />
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The Mouse House will have an open house during the <a href="http://www.historicelmwoodpark.org/index.shtml">Historic Elmwood Park</a> home tour on April 13. Susan will be present and demonstrating her artistic talents, unless she is fortunate enough to be awarded an artist residency during this time. We will NOT be participating in Columbia's Open Studios in March as I will be in the UK hopefully watching Mathias fly on the magic carpet or conjuring up some magic as the "blue body paint" Genie in <a href="http://www.brb.org.uk/homepage.html">Birmingham Royal Ballet's</a> London performances of Aladdin.<br />
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We still have a great selection of mirrors and some really fine antiquarian prints (framed and unframed). Please come by and shop.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUw9bkZQ9VwdiFrr9c-6g5ZMsn7zE3GYeo87whTmyQV5jTcjThBdCxdo0MfdgWe6Rk_CSD-GR8bGeAKst2XUKxMWBooTWyM150XmcWkZcCyHv6wxqL1EaPSBiCeLtkS8CEqJgl7y6QPxI/s1600/Piranesi+Engravings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUw9bkZQ9VwdiFrr9c-6g5ZMsn7zE3GYeo87whTmyQV5jTcjThBdCxdo0MfdgWe6Rk_CSD-GR8bGeAKst2XUKxMWBooTWyM150XmcWkZcCyHv6wxqL1EaPSBiCeLtkS8CEqJgl7y6QPxI/s320/Piranesi+Engravings.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piranesi Engravings, Ca 1800, $250.00 each </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top">3 are available</td><td valign="top"><br /></td><td valign="top"><br /></td><td valign="top"><br /></td></tr>
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Mouse Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249887976967279941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237580865262479047.post-82722708373843107172012-11-19T16:27:00.002-05:002012-11-19T16:27:42.216-05:00Open Thanksgiving WeekendWe have no travel plans for the Thanksgiving weekend. Therefore, I decided to be open on "Black Friday", November 23, from 9:30-5PM and Saturday, November 24 from 10AM-4PM. All framed mirrors will be at least 10% off with significant discounts on selected mirrors and framed art. Please come by, shop, and visit.Mouse Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249887976967279941noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237580865262479047.post-46264339982103224092012-10-31T14:14:00.000-04:002012-10-31T14:14:33.906-04:00New Hours and New DirectionsToday is Halloween Day and the head mouse is off to Houston, Texas for the <a href="http://www.quilts.com/home/shows/viewer.php?page=FallFestival">International Quilt Show</a> at the George M. Brown Convention Center from October 31-November 4. She is proud to have a solo show, sponsored by <a href="http://www.quilts.com/home/index.php">Quilts Incorporated</a>, of 40 of the 107 <a href="http://decisionportraits.blogspot.com/">Decision Portraits</a> from her series. The complete Decision Portrait series will be on display as a solo show sponsored by Vision Gallery in Chandler, Arizona from January 10-March, 2013.<br />
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During the months of November and December, I plan on extending my Saturday hours from 10AM-4PM. We will be closed the weekend of November 15-16 but will be open Thanksgiving weekend (November 23-24) with Friday hours from 9:30AM-5PM and 10AM-4PM on Saturday. There will be specials on framed mirrors and prints and other surprises. Custom framing orders are gladly accepted as long as you let Susan make all the framing decisions (what we have been doing for the last 10 years). Christmas deadlines will not be a problem.<br />
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Several weeks ago, Susan was juried into and given a merit award for the <a href="http://americanmadeshow.com/">Philadelphia Fine Craft Buyers Market</a>, February 15-18, 2013. This is a wholesale-only show for gallery owners and commercial art craft buyers and designers from all over the United Stated and a wonderful exposure opportunity for her fiber art pieces. She is already busy at creating new work for this show in February. This is a new, expensive, and scary venture for us, but necessary for Susan to continue her growth and exposure as a national fiber artist. We have always wanted to sell at fine craft art shows throughout the United States as her considerable talents are too-often ignored and overlooked in Columbia and in South Carolina. This will be a great opportunity to see if we really like the idea of shows. Please wish us luck!<br />
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<br />Mouse Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249887976967279941noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237580865262479047.post-8325635863863777052012-08-10T11:00:00.001-04:002012-08-10T11:00:54.352-04:00A nice bike rideSusan has been away on an artist residency in Illinois this month, and Mathias returned to SC for a visit. He is safely back in the UK and he returns to work on the 13TH. He actually drove Susan to IL and then flew from Peoria to Pittsburgh to visit his grandparents and other Slippery Rock family members. He spent four days in Slippery Rock and then returned to Charlotte where I picked him up in a rental car (actually a Chevy Transverse which was like driving a bus!). He spent his last few days in SC painting part of the house, took ballet classes and worked out in a local gym. He also had dinner with Alex and his girlfriend Erica at their small apartment, and I was actually invited to come up. This was a nice gesture on his part, but I did not join them. He needs to make the same offer to Susan first and make an effort to right past wrongs; then maybe we will be back on the road to having him rejoin the family. I drove him back to Charlotte on Wednesday morning where he flew to NYC, spent the day in the city, and then returned to LJ in Scotland. <br />
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I needed to return the rental car to Enterprise at Columbia Airport by Thursday AM. I knew I could get a ride back home from our good friends Dolly or Stephen, but I decided to pack my bike in the Traverse (could have easily packed 3 bikes in this behemoth of a car) and ride home from the airport Wednesday around 6PM. I scouted the best way home on Google Maps (about 8.5 miles with Platt Springs Road being the main drag), drove to the airport, locked my bike, got some strange stares from people and employees, and returned the car. I then road home.<br />
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I have never been so pleasantly surprised on a bike ride than this day. There is a wide and safe bike lane from Lexington Ave. (at the airport) which continued all the way down Platt Springs Road to Cayce where I cut down on D Street to 9TH Street and down Center Street to the Congaree River. There was virtually no car traffic, and because I was generally going downhill to the river, the ride was pretty easy (although it was 90 degrees outside). I reached Vista Studios in 35 minutes (which included a detour because I initially went on the wrong street), visited with Chesley for a few minutes, and then rode home (about 1 mile). When I drove into my driveway, my front tire went completely flat! Lucky me.<br />
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I hope the moped remains operational until Susan returns with the car later this month. Of course, I will be flying to Peoria on a one-way flight on August 23 (40 miles from Galesburg) and then drive her back to SC so she can stitch all the way home. By the way, my flight to IL is quite special; I fly Delta from Columbia to Atlanta to Dallas to Minneapolis to Peoria!! This should be interesting! I collect lots of frequent flyer miles on this flight.Mouse Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249887976967279941noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237580865262479047.post-58916659956066137232012-03-22T11:30:00.003-04:002012-03-22T12:44:32.911-04:00Open Studios and Elmwood Park Tour of HomesMouse House, Inc. will have its doors open for two artistic events during the months of April. <a href="http://artbysusanlenz.blogspot.com/">Susan</a> has recently transformed one of the downstairs back rooms into her new home studio. She has been creating 3-D mixed-media pieces which will be shown during the <a href="http://www.701cca.org/programs-and-events-2/columbia_open_studios/">Columbia Open Studios</a> event on April 21 and 22. Susan was honored to have her piece, "Time", featured on the cover of the March and April 2012 issue of <a href="http://jaspercolumbia.net/">Jasper Magazine</a>. She will be here on Saturday April 21 from 10AM to 4PM and all day (12PM-6PM) on Sunday. More information about this event will be posted later. <br /><br />April 21 also corresponds to the annual Elmwood Park Tour of Homes. Since we were already participating in the Open Studios event, we offered our house as an additional venue that people could tour during their event. It is a win-win situation for Susan and The Mouse House because of the additional traffic generated by the Home Tour. We will also encourage anyone specifically coming to see Susan and The Mouse House to visit the other historic homes that will be open to the public during the tour. Additional information will also be posted later.Mouse Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15249887976967279941noreply@blogger.com1