Welcome to my blog and thanks for reading. I post as often as I can listing upcoming events, interesting projects I am working on and some tips or two on using my favourite material - clay! If there is something you would like me to blog about, please send me a note. Please visit my website for more images of my work and an updated listing of events and happenings - http://www.taralynnefranco.com/


Tuesday, February 16, 2010

McMaster Celebration of Research Excellence


Last Tuesday I was a guest at a special dinner at the new McMaster Innovation Park celebrating research excellence by McMaster University Researcher. This event was hosted by Mac President and Vice Chancellor Peter George and Mo Elbestawi, Vice President of Research and International Affairs. I was asked by the organizers to design and produce a special goblet for Peter George and wine cups for each of the researchers who were honoured that evening. It was a short deadline (less than 2 weeks) but I did it. I made 4 goblets (just in case) and over 70 wine cups. Each had an impression of a leaf symbolizing the renewal of the MIP site that I custom designed as well as an impression of a second leaf, the pattern of this one, taken from some wire mesh I obtained from the site during the demolition of the older factory buildings from the site. Each cup was made in white porcelain and had a coloured interior. This tied in to the theme of "from black and white to living colour". It was a fantastic and challenging project to take on.

An Exciting New Project


I am pleased to be part of an exciting new artist cooperative in Hamilton - AllSorts Gallery. This gallery will soon be opening in the Ottawa Street BIA at 244 Ottawa Street North in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Once known as the textile district, this area of the community is gaining a reputation as an art, retail and design destination for Hamilton and Toronto. We are currently looking for artists in all media who are interested in becoming members of this exciting new gallery and accessing a year-round retail sales outlet for their work. A public information session will be held on February 27th from 10am to 2pm at the Ottawa Street BIA - 204 Ottawa Street North. For more information or for an application please contact me at tara@allsortsgallery.com. Please also visit our website for more information - www.allsortsgallery.com. This website is new and will continue to be updated as time goes on.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Red Hot and Handmade for Your Loved One


I had fun making these special cappuccino cups that would be a great gift for Valentine's Day. They are white porcelain on the outide and a brilliant red on the inside. I also have one with a purple interior. They are available at Textures on Locke Street in Hamilton or directly from me.