Hi Y'all,

I was so touched to be named Best in Show  for the second year in a row at this year's festival for the Eno River. Just two days after receiving this enormous honor, my excitement was cut short when the Eno experienced record flooding.  In this newsletter, I'll let you know about a few organizations in our community that could use our help. 

I've also got a new print to share with you-- an Eastern Columbine mini-print that is part of my ongoing art nouveau wildflower series. See below for details on how to preorder. 

Finally, since we're all needing a little pick-me-up, I'll introduce you to a truly chonky snapping turtle that lives in my neighborhood, and get your help naming this gorgeous girl. 

Read on!

-Katie 

Above: This print, "Eastern Columbine" comes with an acid free matboard that will fit easily into a standard 8x10 inch frame. 

July 19th- Durham Craft Market, Durham, NC. 8-12. Click here for more information*

August 23rd-24th- Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival, Cary NC.  Click here for more information

September 20th-21st- Centerfest Arts Festival, Durham, NC. Click here for more information. 

*We may add more Durham Craft Market dates later this month. We're watching the weather to what makes the best sense. 

Look at this majestic girl. Look at the spikes on her tail! I am completely obsessed with her. 

If you've seen me at a show in the last few weeks, chances are I've shown you a picture of this snapping turtle. I saw her crossing the road in front of my house (don't worry, she made it safely across!) I'm assuming it's a "her" because a lot of turtles are nesting this time of year, but that's only a guess. She was truly enormous. Her shell was about the size of a metal trash can lid. I am fascinated by this animal. I'm curious how old she is, if she's really a "she," and how much a creature like that weighs. If any of y'all are herpetologists, and can give me more info, send me an email! For the rest of you, I need your help picking a name for this ABSOLUTE QUEEN. 

Here are my favorite potential names so far:

• Snappell Roan
• Reba McEnturtle
• Swimmy-Lou Harris

Click here to vote on your favorite name, or to write in a suggestion.

As many of you many know, I grew up in the NC mountains, and feel very invested in Helene recovery efforts. Ironically, my colleagues at the Durham Craft Market and I were supposed to have a "Market for the Mountains" on Saturday July 12th to raise funds for relief efforts in the western part of the state. 

Instead, last week found me cleaning flood waters out of my kids' elementary school, hearing from my colleagues whose studios were destroyed, and trying to process the grief so many of us are feeling from the flooding across multiple states. 

Above: The Orange County Arts Commission had created a beautiful arts space in a historic Mill along the Eno River. Many artists rented studio space here, which means many of my creative colleagues lost years of work in Chantal's floodwaters. In this video,  Director Katie Murray will take you on a walk through of the damage to the arts mill.You can support them financially here.  

Above: This is my kids' elementary school after the flood waters receded. They are located in the same Historic Mill as the Orange County Arts Commission. The photo above was taken from this article which gives a lot of details about what the school is now facing. 

What we're doing: 

• We are still planning to do a "Market for the Mountains" event, but it has been postponed to the Anniversary of Helene, Sept 27th. 
• New South Pattern House will make donations to both the Orange County Arts Commission and The Expedition School. 
• We're marking our calendars for the "Common Good Mutual Aid Auction" which opens on August 15th. This fundraiser will support Artists who live/work in Orange County and were impacted by the flood. Fellow artists-- there is still time to submit pieces for this fundraiser. (Deadline is July 20th.)  

I know there are many other businesses, homes, and families impacted by this flooding. It's amazing to see how everyone is coming together in the wake of these storms. Thanks to all of you for being part of my community, and supporting my fellow creatives during this time. 

I appreciate you!

-Katie