A Visit With Salley Mavor

Howdy Kids!

Last weekend my mom and I headed down to Fresno to meet one of my favorite fiber artists, Salley Mavor, who's traveling exhibit, Pocketful of Posies is currently on display at the library at Fresno State University, the exhibit opened Friday night, but we went down Saturday morning.

This photo is an image from Salley's book, Pocketful of Posies. It's also the  image she's currently using as her blog header, such amazing detail! Look at all that chain stitch!

 Salley was doing a book signing at a wonderful, local children's book store called Petunia's Place, so that's where we headed to first. Fresno is quite a drive from where I live in Lodi, about 150 miles, but the opportunity to meet Salley and see her work in person was well worth it. I've been a fan of her art, and her blog for some time.

Salley was so friendly and gracious! I enjoyed a little bit of time chatting with her about her work, and embroidery in general. I even got to see a something she's currently working on, a small patchwork quilt with lots of stitching, it's going to be amazing when it's done, an heirloom to be sure. I got to have her autograph my copy of Pocketful of Posies, look at how sweet the small illustration is that she drew!

Salley's work is incredibly intricate and creative, I absolutely love the detail that infuses every piece.

I think this is my favorite panel from Pocketful of Posies, A Treasury Of Nursery Rhymes, look at all the sweet little faces of her Wee Folk!

And of course, a tea shop! Isn't is terrific? Again, the extraordinary detail is just gorgeous.

This is another of my favorites, a wee fairy hiding from the rain under a delicately stitched mushroom.

This image is from Salley's book In The Heart, which is sadly out of print, but which I was fortunate to  purchase a copy of that day at Petunia's Place. I'm a lucky ducky!

I also picked up a copy of Hey Diddle, Diddle! 

I've now got myself a nice little collection of Salley's books, happy, happy!

After hanging around the book shop and chatting with Salley and her husband, who was kind enough to take our photo, as well as give me a few pointers with my camera (darn white balance!), mom and I took off to find some lunch. Then headed over to the University to see the exhibit... queue scary music!

Dun, dun dun!

NOOOOOOOOOOOO!

The library was CLOSED!

Boo! Hiss!

The exhibit had only opened the night before, this was opening weekend, how could this happen to meeeeeeeeeeee? I called the bookstore to verify if I was in the right location, and sadly, I was. They were shocked to discover the building closed too. I gave that closed sign a mighty scowl, let me tell you.

I don't think I'll have another chance to make it down to Fresno to see the exhibit before it moves on as it's so far away :( What a bummer... 

But hey, look who I met in the parking lot at FSU, this little chubster!

He was friendly, a little too friendly. He ran up on me so quick I thought he was going to jump in my pocket! I love squirrels, but that was a little too close. I squeaked and jumped in the car! He only loved me for my cookie crumbs anyway...

So even though I didn't get to see the exhibit, the day wasn't so bad. I got to spend quality time with mom, chatting about all manner of things on our long, long drive to & from. Meet one of my favorite artists, eat a killer lunch from Whole Foods (and can I just say, Whole Foods, if you're listening, please, please come to Lodi! I love your hippy foods and delectable deserts, I'm pretty sure I can single handedly keep you in business). And get an up close visit with Mr. Squirrel. Not too shabby!

This week has been a busy, exciting one! I can't believe it's already Easter weekend, and I can't wait to tell you guys my breaking news! You'll have to stay tuned for more, mwuahahaha!

oxo,

Lisa