Throwin' Down

I had the great honor of photographing the process of making bowls, this past Saturday at Murray Hill Pottery Works, for the  Milwaukee Empty Bowls event held on October 9th, 2016.
I love LOVED love watching these talented artists throw clay on wheels and ta- da a bowl appeared before my eyes! A total of 840 were made in one day! It's a combination of professional and amateur potters donating their time and talent to make this happen. Plus, all the other volunteers prepping the clay, and moving it outside to dry.
Small world-ness- my middle school art teacher, Mrs. Porter was there throwin down. What a hoot!
No matter what art form, I always find how open artists are in talking about the process and inspiration. I left thinking that one day I will try my hand at that medium for fun.

Murray Hill Pottery Works they have what they call a One Night Stand. And of course offer classes.
http://www.murrayhillpottery.com/

Need to know more about MEB? http://www.milwaukeeemptybowls.org/

And all the health benefits of pottery http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-benefits-pottery/

I've volunteered at this great event a number of times. This year I will photograph the process in stages plus the event. Hope to see you there!

Fun facts: Empty Bowls started in Michigan with high school students wanting to give back to the community. It grew in the states and is now world wide! Also, all the bowls, time, talent, soup and bread at the event is donated. The money raised goes to these recipients for 2016. http://www.milwaukeeemptybowls.org/recipients/

“Volunteering is at the very core of being a human. No one has made it through life without someone else’s help.”

—Heather French Henry (born 1974)
Former Miss America, Fashion Designer

Bees, Owls, Piggies, Sheep, and Robots OH MY!

                Diggity the Robot is shown as the design only

This is Daniel 26 toes sporting the Diggity Onesie 9 month. All the cool cats are wearing them.


I started linocuts back in 2014 for the fun of it. They are all my own designs starting taking pencil to paper, then transferring them onto linoleum and carving my heart out.

 These make for great gifts that come in 6 & 9 month onesies, toddler 2/3 size, and kitchen towels. I also print onto adult sized tees. This is a sampling of what I have. I'm more then happy to print on any t- shirt you own (cotton is best).

Onesies- $18
Toddler - $18
Kitchen towels $10
Print fee only $10

Interested in buying one or more? heybartzie88@gmail.com
 414 640 7976

FYI- my designs also look fun on cats & dogs!

Also, I made this sweet list of local goodies- just in time to celebrate your mom!
http://onmilwaukee.com/market/articles/100milwaukeegifts.html

Mama Bear & Her Cupcake-Making Cubs

Julie, mama bear, and I thought it would be fun to photograph her kiddos in the kitchen with her while they made tasty cupcakes. I can honestly say, it was a real treat (ha) to photograph these cutie pies. Both Anna and Claire liked playing photographer and brought out their "cameras" during the shoot. So cute. After I left, I was told they also played with their "photo umbrellas." They even asked when I'd be back to play. I take that as a huge compliment. I'm be back Julie, you've been warned! ;)

It just so happens that Julie knows a thing or two about sweet. She created the business Indulgence Chocolatiers.
No mass production, no artificial preservatives, high quality ingredients handcrafted into artisan confections in both classic and unique combinations.

A personal favorite of mine (hint hint- my birthday is coming up!) can be found at their shops in Wauwatosa, Shorewood, and/or Walker's Point. The Tosa shop has Purple Door Ice cream (scream- another fav!) Walker's Point has a chocolate pairings - wine or beer. Hungry yet?

Where to find these tasty treats? Locally here and there.
http://www.indulgencechocolatiers.com/findus.php

http://www.indulgencechocolatiers.com/

Pottery by Jessie

                     All images shot by Stephanie Bartz Photography

I think Jessie's pottery truly speaks for itself. That said, in person you can see the richness of the colors, and the unique designs that fit well in your hand and on your table.

It was a fun work day arranging these beautiful pieces with Jessie in her gorgeous home. We laughed a lot while we worked. And snacked. The joys of working with other creatives, I'm fortunate that way.

Whenever I buy art, whether it's  wearable, usable, and/or art for display, I like knowing a bit about the artist, what drives them, their personality, since it will be with me for a long time.

In Jessie's words:

"I'm a potter who truly has a passion for what I do. I create decorative and functional handmade ceramics from high fire white stoneware that is meant to be used for entertaining and daily use. I hand-built and wheel thrown my pieces for a unique movement and design to my pieces. I fire in an electric kiln to cone 6, and use both hand-brushed and spray glaze applications.

I love knowing that I am creating and selling things to people that make them happy....that make their meals and entertaining something special...it allows me to do something that fulfills me and provides for my family.

Every day I strap on my big work boots and whether I'm creating dishes for a restaurant or canisters for a home...It's always something amazing that I am blessed to be doing."

Buy her pottery on Etsy and around town.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/PotterybyJessie

http://www.handmade-dinnerware.com/

https://www.facebook.com/potterybyjessie/?fref=ts

Happy at Home Veterinary Care

Meet Rebecca Feiring. She's a sweetheart who's ready to care for your beloved dog or cat with in home care.  I'm thrilled for Rebecca, who's following her dreams and has opened her own business, Happy at Home Veterinary Care.

She provides low- stress, in home care in the greater Milwaukee area.
Her focus is providing high-quality, individualized care in a comfortable and relaxed setting. She specializes in shy and anxious pets that be maybe stressed in a conventional clinical setting, and provides extended appointment times to ensure a personalized visit tailored to meet the needs of yourself and your pet.

Examinations, vaccinations and titers,basic diagnostics, behavioral consults, and palliative medicine are offered as part of her comprehensive service.

Models: Sheba - sweet Sheba, rest in peace.
and Zorro- the kitty that made the shoot fun/funny. Those cats sure are the boss of the shoot! ha

More about Rebecca, her services, and background.
http://www.happyathomevet.com/

Play Bee Good

                                     
                                          Mary Beth's

                                           Rox's

                                              Laura's

                           
                                         Stef's

Another fun & productive Art Day happened last Saturday. Play is an important part of our art making day. Plus, good eats, laughs, and convos.


Dad's ideas for my Bee series. Wonder where I get the creative/silly gene?