By Marcia L. Hochstetter

 This is another recent fabric piece. I incorporated machine and hand sewing along with some beadwork. I've always enjoyed sewing and these new pieces I've done have been a lot of fun.

Tiger Blooms by Patti Belbin

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I've been doing a lot of experimentation in the last 18 months. Mixing and layering mediums, creating ephemera by transforming miscellaneous wires and washers and metal sheeting, using molds to turn paint into something that doesn't seem like paint, Dropping and throwing various types of paint and ink in to see what happens. Decorating and using various colors of tissue paper as backgrounds, taking advantage of the transparency of it. And it's been a blast. 

I never thought I'd be a collage artist. Couldn't even imagine it. But, as everyone knows, when you hang out with highly creative artists and absorb their bravery and why not attitude, it's a no brainer. How could I not be a collage artist. One of the greatest things about being part of a group is how you adopt some of everyone's vibe and it informs your practice. Each one of us Martini Girls does collage, but in our way, interpreting the materials completely different than the other three. 

If you are practicing art alone, keep doing that. And just think about being part of a group, creating separately together. 

Sunday, at the beach, on the still hot sand, late afternoon. Debbie Callahan, artist

 

A Bright little painting by Marcia Hero

This little 8x8" abstract gem was inspired by curves and angles, just to see how they could relate to each other. In the drabness of winter here in Wisconsin, painting bright colors and adding fun shapes and lines makes the days lighter, more pleasant, and lifts the spirit.  Currently on view at the Wauwatosa Public Library until April 30th, 2024
 "Pinky Swear"; Acrylic and Collage; 8x8; (c)Marcia Hero 

Art Openings and Lots of Fun Stuff

 This is a new fabric art piece that you can see at the Wauwatosa Library where The Martini Girls 4 has a show, named "Bits and Pieces", until the end of April. 

What a busy weekend. Friday night we went to the opening of "Womens Work" at the 2622 Art Gallery in Wauwatosa. What a great show. Saturday, after the MG4 opening at the Tosa Library we attended the opening for Sue Berce at Inspirations Studio. 

What a wonderful weekend with lots of fantastic art.

 The Martini Girls Press Release for “Bits and Pieces” at the Wauwatosa Library, April 2024

 

The award winning and dynamic group of artists, Martini Girls4, Marcia Hochstetter, Debbie Callahan, Marcia Hero and Patti Belbin, are enthusiastically announcing their upcoming art exhibition titled “Bits and Pieces”. This compelling show will be on display at Wauwatosa Public Library, located at 7635 West North Ave., Wauwatosa, WI, from April 1, to April 30, 2024 and will feature engaging paintings composed of multiple mediums, including Collage, Oil and Cold Wax, and Gold leaf, to name a few. Please join us for hors d’oeuvres, a glass of wine, and stimulating conversation at the Opening Reception on Saturday, April 6, from 2 to 4:30pm.

Images for the Wauwatosa Library Exhibit, reception: April 6th, 2:00-4:00