Early American Life Magazine Directory

I got the letter I was hoping I would receive. It was from Early American Life Magazine. It said that my art was chosen to be included in their 2010 Holiday Directory, a directory that honors artists's work for the skill and historical accuracy it embodies. Anybody would be honored to be inculded in this list but I was beyond honored and here is why:

My mother has subscribed to Early American Life Magazine for over 20 years. She is a lover of primitive antiques. Every year we go through the Holiday Directory and see what wonderful work their chosen artists created. My mom has ordered from that list over the years many times and she has never been let down. Their jurors (people outside the magazine) are tops and we always knew that we would enjoy their selections.

When I started making paper mache pulltoys and dolls, I would dream of one day being on that list. When I applied this year, I was pretty certain that I wouldn't make such an elite list. The people on the list are usually people who have been doing this for years and years. I knew that my pieces were historically accurate but I wasn't convinced that they would make it because they aren't so easily categorized or so obviously "holiday" pieces. So, as you might imagine, I was ecstatic when they honored me by adding me to their directory. I am so glad I applied and I am blown over that I am now listed in a directory that I look to as the list of all lists when it comes to finding quality primitive art.

To the jurors and to those at Early American Life Magazine that made this honor possible, please know that I am so appreciative of the recognition you have given my dolls and my toys. It means the world to me. I can't wait to open up my next issue and see my name amongst the other artists that have devoted themselves to evoking bygone days with their art. EAL: Here is to another twenty years of reading your magazine. And Mom: Here is to the yelp of excitement that came through the phone when I called and told you that I made it into the directory that you and I have used as our holiday purchasing guide for years and years. Cheers!