Lovely Notecards from Barbara Eberhard

I've told my daughter that when I retire, I want to be like Lockport artist Barbara Eberhard.

Not only is Barbara a very talented photographer, artist, and storyteller in her own right, she supports just about every art-related event in the Will County area and beyond. Some day, I hope to immerse myself in local art events the way she does.

Barbara attends (and often brings a few friends) to WriteOn Joliet's annual anthology release party, a good many of WriteOn Joliet's mic nights, and nearly every book signing I myself have held.

Last year, Barbara even saw WriteOn Joliet's radio play TWICE. 

Twice, Barbara has invited me to tell a story at her monthly storytelling event at Nik & Ivy's in Lockport. (and I had to take the day off work to make sure I'd get there on time!)

On Saturday, Barbara came out to the Joliet Public Library's Local Author Fair, bought three Bertrand the Mouse books for a gift and then gifted me with a lovely set of her original notecards.

Maybe you could like some of your own. Her email is on the bookmark in the photo.

For more information about Barbara Eberhard. visit barbaraeberhard.com and storiesrus.fun.

Artists: It's Normal Not to Sell A Lot (and a plug for a great cafe)

I found this gem of a post a few weeks ago. I'm including the link so you can read it for yourself.

Despite the flood of posts online about people who used this or that method and made millions, the truth is that most people don't, which is why people flock to them. If it was commonplace to make millions (or any other amount of money that is significant), the topic would be commonplace and no one would care.

OK. So we know that.

Yet what was lovely about this post, for me, was its comparison to an indie coffee shop. And that's why I reserved this post. I waited until the Book and Bean Cafe inside the Joliet Public Library reopened - which it did yesterday.

Because that cafe instantly came to mind when I read the post.

A few key points for you to consider today, whether you are a seller or a consumer.

1) Selling a lot of anything doesn't equal customer satisfaction.

2) Some people will be super stoked to take your artwork or book home with them. 

3) The Book and Bean Cafe serves up friendly community spirit as it tenaciously survives during these tough times and showcases local art. The photo below is from 2018, when four of my BryonySeries artists set up for a two-month long exhibit in that cafe. That is connection is exactly the cafe's owner strives to create in her space.

Obviously some of you reading this today don't live in Joliet.

But most of you will know a place like the cafe.

And you will understand.

Here's the post: Read the first two blocks.

Be encouraged. Be supportive.

https://www.kboards.com/threads/its-normal-not-to-sell-a-lot.177159/

Photo by Timothy Baran

Community News: Oct. 27, 2017

Check out upcoming general events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.


Local arts and entertainment: Oct. 27 through Nov. 3

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/10/22/local-arts-and-entertainment-oct-27-through-nov-3/adoctst/


Marching band to be in Rose Bowl parade

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/10/26/marching-band-to-be-in-rose-bowl-parade/abmnofb/


Oaxacan artist visits Lockport to share hand-carved figurine styles from Mexico

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/10/26/1923ef2660cd484896f999cc482f0e7a/index.xml


Illinois resolution designated October ‘Zombie Preparedness Month’ 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/10/27/illinois-resolution-designated-october-zombie-preparedness-month/a91fvj6/


Edward Foundation commits $2 million for Structural Heart Center 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/09/03/edward-foundation-commits-2-million-for-structural-heart-center/a662ud2/


Lockport school creates butterfly garden

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/10/09/lockport-school-creates-butterfly-garden/aa12buh/