Getting Through the Holidays While Grieving

I wanted to take this time to wish you a Merry Christmas and open up about how I am really doing. This holiday season has been difficult for me as it is the first Christmas without my Grandmom. She was the only one I knew, as my father's mother passed away when I was very young. I had spent much of this year coming to terms with her passing. However, the last couple of weeks leading up to today has been very emotional. It has come upon me like waves. One day I tried to go Christmas shopping and found myself tearing up in Hobby Lobby over a nativity scene that reminded me of her. I walked out with nothing and went home. I just couldn't bring myself to shop for gifts when my heart ached so much.

I have tried to get into the spirit of the season by decorating my house and baking. But I've come to realize it is ok to feel this way. I am allowed to grieve this holiday season and miss my Grandmom. I know a lot of friends have lost loved ones this year and I just wanted to share that if you are feeling this way, allow yourself to experience it. Remember the beautiful memories that you shared and find a way to honor them.

One of the ways I did this was by making my family an ornament with my Grandmom's handwriting. I scanned her signature and touched it up in Photoshop. I had found a clover the week before she passed away and pressed it to save. I incorporated it into the design. I chose mauve as the background since it is her favorite color and printed the ornaments in my studio. I sent them to all of my cousins, uncles, and aunt around the country. It was very therapeutic making these ornaments for everyone and hope it will hang on their trees in the years to come and remind them of all the wonderful memories with share with her.

Shop Online

My Holiday Open House may be over but you can still purchase last minute gifts on my website! All of my paintings, archival prints, metal prints, greeting cards, magnets, tote bags, pillows, coaster sets, and more. Click here to shop.

Last Weekend to Shop the Tiny House Art Gallery

This weekend will be the last weekend the Tiny House Art Gallery will be open.  Be sure to stop by for original artwork and handmade items inspired by South Jersey's beautiful country side: 2019 Salem County Farmland Calendars, metal prints, ornaments, tote bags, magnets, and so much more. I look forward to seeing you!

Saturday, December 15 and Sunday, December 16 from 10 AM - 5PM

Click here for more information

Holiday Open House Review

Wow, what a weekend! Over 100 people came to shop and support not only myself but the local, artisan vendors who were participating in my Second Annual Holiday Open House. I cannot tell you how much it means to be supported by such loyal customers, friends, and family. This was the first time I was showing in my Tiny House Art Gallery and everyone seemed to really enjoy it! I am so grateful for everyone who took the time to come.  I truly appreciate every conversation, purchase, and order.

I’d also like to thank the artisan vendors who participated and offered such unique, beautifully handmade items. And most importantly, thank you to my husband and mom for being my biggest supporters. I couldn’t have done it without you!

Annette Devitt of Home Coming Art Studio was demonstrating weaving throughout the weekend. She completed 3 scarves while she was here and also sold her original watercolor painting, "Cowtown Horse". I am thrilled she had a productive and successful weekend. Below are pictures of her artwork and the setup of all the artisan vendors.

If you couldn’t make it this past weekend, no problem! I will have the Tiny House Art Gallery open on the following dates or email me to setup an appointment: kimberlydenglish@gmail.com

Saturday, December 8 • 10AM - 3PM

Sunday December 9 • 10AM - 3PM

Saturday, December 15 • 10AM - 5PM

Sunday, December 16 • 10AM - 5PM

Picture by my cousin, Lizzy

Annette Devitt's original watercolor, "Cowtown Horse" sold during the Second Annual Holiday Open House

Scarves completed during the Open House

Holiday Open House

This weekend, December 1 & 2 from 10AM - 5PM, come shop the Second Annual Holiday Open House of artisan handmade items hosted by Kimberly English Art. Below is a list of vendors who will be participating:

A Whole New Light: Hand poured candles since 1995. Products include soy candles, warming oils, sassy stitchery, and home decor.

Annette Devitt of Home Coming Art Studio: Hand woven scarves.

Happy Goats Soap Co.: Handmade soap made from south jersey goats milk, lips balms, shampoo bars, conditioning hair spray, natural deodorant, and more.

Leslie Walker: Handmade pocketbooks - large and small bucket bags and a cross body bags - using repurposed harness leather reins for straps and reclaimed designer fabrics, hand knitted hats, and fingerless gloves, as well as, handmade jewelry from vintage 1940 silverware.

Kimberly English Art: original acrylic paintings, photography, Christmas ornaments, archival prints, aluminum metal prints, greeting cards, tote bags, drinking coasters, pillows, necklaces, hand towels and much more!

Click here to stay updated on all of the details and announcements

Personalized Gift Orders

I've been asked by many customers to offer custom printing for Christmas gifts and I decided to offer this service for a limited time. Order custom made keepsakes using your own pictures. Below are just a few examples of products that have my artwork printed on them.

1. Download the order form below & browse through the available products. (You will be able to see and feel the products during my Open House)
2. Print, fill out, and bring the order form with you to my Holiday Open House to place your order. After ordering, please email your photographs to: kimberlydenglish@gmail.com. 
3. All of the keepsakes will be printed in my studio and will be completed before Christmas. I will contact you when your order is done.

Painting Workshop at Home Coming Art Studio

This Saturday from 1-4PM, I will be teaching an introduction to acrylic painting workshop at Home Coming Art Studio in Pennsville. Students will learn basic acrylic painting techniques as they create this seasonal painting with instruction. Learn how to mix colors, create gradations of color and texture. It is more than just following what the instructor tells you, understand why the techniques are being used. Workshop for adults and teens. The cost is $40.00 and all supplies included.

To register for the class, you can go directly to www.homecomingartstudio.com/classes and use the PayPal link to register or call the studio at 609-579-4412 or email the studio at homecomingartstudio@comcast.net.

Supporting Artist Friends

This past Friday night I had the opportunity to support some of my artist friends at their opening reception. Sandra Koberlein and Gail Scuderi were showing their artwork in their joint exhibition "Transformed by Heat" at Da Vinci Art Alliance in Philadelphia.

"In the exhibit, Sandra Koberlein and Gail Scuderi’s works will blend together, emphasizing the materials and processes of their creations. Both artists approach their process from similar perspectives, considering the environment, and incorporating earthen materials transformed by heat. The works created for this exhibit will explore ideas about Earth and its sustainability. The aromatic scent of honeyed beeswax, along with tactile, glistening surfaces, intricate markings and gleaming colors, will resonate the viewer’s senses with sensual materiality."

Congratulations to Gail and Sandra on a beautiful exhibition!

From left: Janice Chassier, Sandra Koberlein, Gail Scuderi, Diane Dressen, me, and Lisa Confora

Calendar Photo Explanation

If you would like to know the improvements made to the Salem County Farmlands Calendar and an explanation of each of the photographs, please watch the video below.

October Workshop Rescheduled

Join me Sunday, November 4th from 1-3 PM at A Whole New Light to learn how to paint this rustic, 12" x 12" pumpkin board sign. The rustic board has a galvanized metal border on two sides and a galvanized metal "Harvest" sign will be provided to each participant to attach to their finished sign. No experience is necessary and class size is small to ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience. $35 includes all supplies and refreshments.

Tiny House Mobile Art Gallery & Studio

This week, I am sharing the story of how I came to be the new owner of a tiny house mobile art gallery and studio. It's a dream that I’ve had for many years that all began when I started to regularly watch Tiny House Nation on the FYI channel. I was captivated by the innovation and craftsmanship that went into creating a functional house in such a small space. One episode featured a couple that wanted to use their tiny house as a place to live and as a mobile store for the items that they made. I immediately thought about how awesome it would be to have a trailer dedicated to being an art gallery and teaching studio.

I started to research other businesses that had created mobile showrooms for inspiration and I came across the world of mobile fashion boutiques: converted enclosed trailers, step vans, and tiny houses used as mobile sales floors. Along the journey, I also considered transforming an enclosed trailer. I inquired with multiple custom trailer builders for quotes. I had even found a trailer in Illinois that was used as a Lularoe mobile store. I almost purchased it while we were in West Virginia on vacation. However, something told me it just wasn’t right and I cancelled the transaction.

This past Memorial Day, while I was searching hashtags for mobile businesses I somehow came across a sale post, for the trailer that I now own, on Instagram. I inquired about the trailer, that they had named "Tiny",  through private messaging. After a few messages, I found out the owners had changed their minds and decided not to sell their mobile store. At the time I was disappointed but also inspired! It was exactly what I had imagined having as my mobile art gallery and teaching studio. It fit the style of my artwork and the feel that I would want my customers to have when imagining my artwork in their own home.

While I was in Lancaster for the Art Biz Mastermind Workshop, we took time to plan out our goals for the next six months. Building or buying a tiny house trailer was on my list. At the time, I wasn't sure if it was obtainable. I spoke privately with Alyson Stanfield about my idea and she encouraged me to explore it more. At the same time, I used my Strategic Planning Guide from Creative Capital to write and think about making my goal a reality.

I began doing research on building my own tiny house art studio. I reached out to a trailer manufacturer that put me in touch with their regional builder, Tiny Foundations Northeast in Connecticut. Christopher was amazing to collaborate with and he even created a Sketch Up design of what I had in mind (If you're looking to build your own, I highly recommend Christopher). I decided before I ordered the trailer and shell that I needed to take more time to source the unique windows and doors that I wanted. I also had been thinking and designing for so long that I thought it would be best to take a break and set my idea aside for a while to really consider what I wanted.

As life often does, time marched on and I had put my idea on the back burner. One day, I decided that I was ready to think about a trailer again and all of the ways it could be utilized. That also happened to be the same day that the owners posted the tiny house trailer was back up for sale. I contacted Mandi on September 27th and on October 7th, they delivered her to NJ. I am still amazed at how it happened and we both believe it truly was meant to be.

Robert and Mandi custom built her all by hand, even the steel roof was hand bent from a local Ohio Amish business. They used locally harvested lumber, accents from their own barn, and the floors are beautiful, rough cut 1" thick walnut. They used the trailer to sell their handmade signs and home decor along with other unique items made by local artisans. They designed it to have plenty of wall space which is perfect for my use as a mobile art gallery. The trailer truly is one of a kind and I am so lucky to be her new owner! Be sure to come to my Holiday Open House on December 1 & 2 from 10AM - 5PM for the big reveal and experience her for yourself! Click here to get all of the details.

Me, Mandi, & Robert

I’d like to thank EVERYONE who has ever commissioned a painting, took a workshop or private art lesson, hosted a painting party, purchased a print, greeting card, or even a magnet. YOU made it possible for me to make this dream come true! And I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without the support of my amazing husband. He is always encouraging me to reach higher and dream bigger. It has taken me a lot hustling and saving to make this dream come to reality. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continued support!

If you are a business that would be interested in hosting me for future events, please email me kimberlydenglish@gmail.com

October Painting Workshop

***Update: The workshop will now take place on Sunday, November 4th, from 1-3PM***

Join me Thursday, October 18th from 6-8:30 PM at A Whole New Light to learn how to paint this rustic, 12" x 12" pumpkin board sign. The rustic board has a galvanized metal border on two sides and a galvanized metal "Harvest" sign will be provided to each participant to attach to their finished sign. No experience is necessary and class size is small to ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience. $35 includes all supplies and refreshments.

Click here to register

2019 Salem County Farmlands Calendar

The 2019 Salem County Farmlands Calendar is a collection of photographs by me, Kimberly English, featuring the farmers and farmland of Salem County. $5 of each calendar sold will be donated to the Salem Vo-Tech Future Farmers of America Program. A great holiday gift that gives back to our farming community!

Earlier this year I reached out to last year's calendar customers to ask for their feedback on the ordering process, quality, and content. I received wonderful ideas and I took them to heart when designing this year's calendar. Many people requested the preview of the previous and next month on the calendar grid and I have to agree that that is a hand feature so I incorporated that into this year's design. I continued to choose one photo per month as it was almost unanimous that was enjoyed by customers. I like that it gives the customer the opportunity to frame the photo(s) if they choose after the calendar has been used. A new feature this year: I added photos along the side the calendar grid. I really like this update and I hope that you do, too!

Preorder your calendar today! Orders will be taken until November 20th. Calendars will be available for free local pick up at my Holiday Open House December 1-2, 2018. For non-local customers, please choose your shipping option at checkout. Click here to order.

Featuring: Featuring: After Six Farms, Alexis & Laura Coleman, A. Williams Farms, Coleman Brothers Farms, Coleman Feed, Coombs Sod Farm, Cowtown Farmers Market, Dusty Lane Farms, Emel Farms, English Farms, Frog Ocean Honey, It'll Do Acres, Jimmy Coleman, Kurt Sickler, Myers Farms, Schaeffer Ag Services, Scheese Farms, R.M. Sicker Farm, Robinson Farms, Sickler Farm, Tice Farms, Wilson Brothers Farms.

If you are a Salem County farmer that would like to have their operations and/or land photographed to be included in next year's calendar, please sign up by clicking here.

Creative Capital Program Wrap Up

It's hard to believe, but the Creative Capital Professional Development Program has officially come to an end. This past Saturday, the wrap up session took place at Artworks: Trenton's Visual Art Center and I wanted to share that experience with you.

I rode up to Trenton with my good friend and fellow Creative Capital Program recipient, Annette Devitt. I was so glad to have the time to catch up with her on the drive up about her new studio, Home Coming Art Studio, things we are currently working on, and some behind the scenes of next year's Arts in Bloom Studio Tour. We arrived a little early and grabbed some of the catered lunch before the day began.

The entire group of New Jersey artists were greeted by our workshop leaders, Matthew Deleget, Sue Johnson, and Ela Troyano, as well as Creative Capital's Krista Fabian DeCastro and Isaac Pool. Each program participant had the opportunity to introduce themselves with their name, artistic practice, and location. It was amazing to be in room with so many diverse creative people!

The day started with all of the artists being divided into 3 groups and participating in 30 minute breakout group discussions. Each group was assigned to a room and the presenters rotated between them. The topics were: Institutions & Pricing, Fundraising & Revenue, and Advocacy & Mentorship. Each presenter tailored the discussions to our group specifically and we had time to share personal experiences or questions. Our group was completely made up of visual artists. I found Matthew Deleget's discussion about galleries, web presence, and making yourself accessible very valuable. As a gallery owner, he provided great insight into how they operate and services they provide.

A quick break was provided after the break out groups and we then moved onto the next exercise: Group Problem Solving Activity. We were given a worksheet to fill out to help us identify a challenge or obstacle, a brief background and context about it, as well as our desired outcome that could be presented to the group for feedback or help.  We were then divided into groups of nine. Each group had a time keeper and moderator to keep the group on track. Two minutes was given for the presenter of the problem to explain the situation to the group and four minutes was allotted for the group to respond and provide feedback.

This activity was very similar to two that I had experienced at the Art Biz Mastermind Workshop in Lancaster, PA. I found it helpful back in June and had reached out to Alyson for permission to use the technique with my Creative Capital Support Group (We had a meeting each month via phone or video web chat). I led our August call to complete the exercise and everyone really enjoyed it and felt like it was helpful. A couple of my Support Group Members were in Saturday's Group Problem Solving Activity and commented how similar it was to what we did previously.

Even though the activity was similar, it was very beneficial to do it again because we had new people participating who had wonderful ideas. I had presented my desire to find new opportunities in northern New Jersey to display and sell my artwork. Since we were in Trenton, I received a lot of great feedback and ideas from artists who lived near by about opportunities that would fit my niche art market.

The smaller groups reconvened and were joined with the 2016 and 2017 program alumni. We were encouraged to utilize our elevator speech to network. It was a great way to end the day and I was able to meet people I hadn't had the chance to talk with throughout the day.  This opportunity was made possible by the South Jersey Cultural Alliance, Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and Creative Capital.

Annette and I

Reconvening after group sessions

Creative Capital Support Group

From left: Lori Johansson, me, Gail Scuderi, Annette Devitt, G. Matthew Dixon, and Denise McCormack

Hens and Honey Fall Extravaganza

On Saturday, September 29th from 9AM - 4PM, I will be a vendor at the 2nd Annual Hen's and Honey Shoppe Fall Extravaganza event.  I will be set up with my paintings, photography prints, greeting cards, pillows, necklaces, coasters, and magnets, all featuring my artwork. I will be debuting a new product for this event that I will be announcing later this week on my social media pages. Stay tuned for that update! Below is a list of the vendors that will be participating in the event. I hope to see you!

• Java Dog Coffee & Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, desserts. 
• Lapps, Lunch.
• April Ortiz, LuLaRoe Clothing
• Kimberly English, artist. 
• The Weathered Plank, wood signs. 
• Sam Rudd, Studio BR, Dance & Zumba Studio. 
• ACE Enterprises, computers.
• Tara's Creations, custom clothing. 
• Frank's Daughters Crafts from Frank's Produce, Ornamental Corn, Pumpkin & Snowman Baskets. 
• A Glass Act, Glass Jewelry. 
• Aunt Janie's Jelly, handmade wine & beer, jellies and jams. 
• Rag and Bone Farm, One of a kind vintage pieces. 
• Patricia Dolbow, handmade unique items. 
• The Woodsy Witch, Tiffany Hoffman, Unique Dreamcatchers. 
• Color Street, Jessica Eckert. 
• Pink Zebra, Jen Seay. Smell goods for your home. 
• Paparazzi Jewlery, Mel Lawlor.
• Thirtyone, Kathy Werkheiser
• Amy’s Attic, Vintage, Mexican & Native American Jewelry. Norwex, Lisa Starr Powers, cleaning.
• Parker Jewelers. 
• Circles for the Seasons by Jessica Hall. Wreaths. 
• The Artisan Marshmallow Co. Handmade. 
• Harmony Fields Fresh Cut Flowers. 
• Fresh Dirt Photography, Tabitha Hill. Taking pictures. 
• Thing-a-Mabobs, Local handmade treasures. 
• Joyce’s Fairy Gardens & Shadow Boxes. 
• C&J Tree Services. 
• South Jersey Jumpers. Bounce House for kids. 
• Next Generation Tack Solutions, Pam Brown. Local Handmade Equine Woodwork. 
• Lime Life, Penny Paulding. Professional makeup & skincare. 
• John/Rachelle Barber & Salon 
• Matilda Jane Clothing. Betsy McCafferty. 
• Hens & Honey Shoppe, handmade bath products.

Click here to visit the Facebook event page

Apple Pallet Painting Workshop

Join me Sunday, September 23rd from 1-4PM at A Whole New Light to learn how to paint this rustic, 12" x 16" apple pallet sign. No experience is necessary and class size is small to ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience. $40 includes all supplies, homemade apple pie, and refreshments.

Click here to register

Artwork to be Displayed at Farm Aid Festival

It's amazing how opportunities present themselves. It seems like when you least expect it, things fall into place.  Thyra Moore, an artist I met during the Art Biz Success Lancaster Mastermind Workshop, sent me a Facebook message about a call for art that she thought was "right up my alley".

Artwork was being sought to bring attention to the dairy farm crisis currently happening throughout the country. "The US has lost over half its dairy farmers in the past sixteen years while prices for dairy farmers have crashed below 1970 prices. Dairy farmers are in crisis, largely due to the broken pricing system and rampant corruption in the dairy industry" according to National Family Farm Coalition. The organizers of the call for art, Anna Hankins and Katie Blanchard, are curating an art show to be displayed at this year's Farm Aid Festival and concert in Hartford, CT on September 22. They also hope to tour the artwork at the winter farming conferences in key dairy regions - the Northeast, central Midwest, and Central Valley of CA.

After reading the call, I was very excited to submit work for such an important cause. One of the main goals for my art is to serve as a platform to create connections between the larger, non-farming population and the people that choose to dedicate their life to agriculture. I decided to send framed archival prints of "The Neighbors" and "Curious #601" for the multiple stop tour. These paintings depict cows that were once apart of the southern New Jersey dairy industry. Local farms with generations of family in the milk industry have had to make difficult decisions in response to the dairy crisis. Unfortunately, the farmers have since sold the cows and stopped producing milk.

I am proud that the paintings were chosen to be apart of this mission. I hope the paintings I created can shine some light on how the dairy crisis has forever changed the lives of local farmers and the community landscape here in southern New Jersey. I'll be sure to share updates of the specifics of the farm conference tour when I receive updates from Anna and Katie. Stay tuned!

"The Neighbors" - 10" x 8" - Acrylics on Gessobord by Kimberly English © 2015

Original painting available for purchase.

"Curious #601" - Acrylics on Canvas - 8" x 6" by Kimberly English © 2015

Original painting sold

You can read more about the Dairy Family Farm Crisis by clicking here

Rollin Rods Car Show

I will be an exhibiting vendor this Sunday from 10AM-5PM at the Rollin Rods Car Show at Bellview Winery. I will have my paintings, photography, greeting cards, pillows, coasters, and magnets, all featuring my artwork.

Below is a sneak peek at some new products I will have in stock.  I look forward to seeing you!

Bellview Winery

150 Atlantic Street

Landisville, NJ 08326

How To Host a Painting Party with Me

Need something fun to do with family and friends? Why not try a painting party?! In a two-three hour class at your home (or my studio), you will create a work of art on canvas with your closest friends with help from me, Kimberly English.

• Adult: $30 per guest / Children's Parties: $20 per young artist
• ALL art supplies are included!
• Minimum of 10 guests (including the hostess)

How It Works

Before your painting party

• Register online and pick a theme for your painting (I can create a custom work of art for your party!)
• Invite your friends
• Give final artist count to the instructor
• The day/night of your painting party
• Have an area in your home available for painting
• Follow step by step instructions from the instructor
• Enjoy your work of art and friends!

I will bring everything needed to paint:

• Table Covers
• Canvases
• Brushes
• Easels
• Water containers 
• Paper towels

Painting Party Policies

• The host(ess) is required to provide tables and chairs
• A minimum of 10 guests (including the hostess) is required to host a painting party at your home.
• The maximum amount at home parties is 25 guests.
• If you have less than 10 guests, painting parties will be held at my studio in Elmer. Minimum is 5 guests/ Max is 10
• Painting parties start at their scheduled time. Please plan to have your guests arrive at least 10 minutes early.
• The final artist count is due one week prior to the party date. Extra guests must be reported ASAP to ensure adequate supplies are available.
• The host(ess) is responsible for collecting all payments prior to the painting party to reduce "no shows"
• Total payment is due upon my arrival
• A $30 non-refundable deposit is required to book a date. This amount will go towards your party total.
• Due to my allergies, I will not be able to conduct a painting party at smoking residencies.​

To host your own paint party, please email me at: kimberlydenglish@gmail.com

2018 Pitman Art Stroll

"The Nameless" will be on display during Pitman's 3rd Annual Pitman Art Stroll. Look for the banner along the Broadway and see the original in the Pitman Gallery & Art Center from September 1-30. The opening reception is September 1st from 6-8PM. I am so grateful and excited for this opportunity to show my work in the town of Pitman!

Pitman Gallery & Art Center 

59 S. Broadway

Pitman, New Jersey 08071

Salem County Fair Results

My 2 current and 1 former private art lesson students all won Best of Show with their entires at the Salem County Fair! Nothing brings me more happiness and pride than the success of my students! I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to teach these amazing young ladies in their artistic journey.

First Picture: Acrylic painting of her chickens by my 12 year old student

Second Picture: Colored pencil drawing of an Iris by my 14 year old student

Third Picture: Graphite and colored pencil drawing of Philadelphia Flyers Shayne Gostisbehere by my former 19 year old student.

August Painting Workshop

Join me Saturday, August 18th from 12-4PM at A Whole New Light to learn how to paint this 12" x 16" rustic peach pallet sign. No experience is necessary and the class size is small to ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience. $40 includes all supplies, light lunch, and refreshments. Click here to register