Art Institute Chicago & Transformers 3

My first real site-seeing excursion here in Chicago was today. We immediately noticed that something was going on right outside our hotel. There were crowds of people and streets were blocked off. Then we heard a movie was being filmed (we found out later it was "Transformers 3").
I saw a car hanging off an open bridge and men with automatic weapons running up and down the stairs on the opposite side of the Chicago River, with lots of smoke and fire. Then I heard someone yell "30 seconds!" Thirty seconds to what!?

A helicopter hovered overhead, and men jumped out with parachutes...right over the river and between the skyscrapers. They landed on the sidewalk on the opposite side of the river. That had to take some skill! I have no idea if these were the "good guys" or the "bad guys."

I was able to take a photo from the hotel, of the city block that was barricaded. It's amazing how they made it look like a war zone, with rubble and burned out vehicles.

After all that excitement we made our way to the Art Institute, which was walking distance from our hotel. They currently have a really wonderful Impressionist exhibit. There was so much to see, and I know we missed some of it. Below is one of my favorites. 

ODACA Day Update & Chicago Deep Dish

Today was ODACA Day here in Chicago. It started with the ODACA Sales Room, featuring many of the ODACA Artist Members' works as well as the new Artists that were accepted into the organization. Sales were good, and it's really fun to get to talk to the patrons I've met over the years. The doll displays were fabulous, and I took lots of photos (I'll add some to this post when I get home).

The Sales Room was closed for a couple hours for the ODACA Luncheon. The Helper items (raffle dolls and other items) were wonderful. The food was very tasty, and the Presentation was delightful. ODACA Artist Sarah Russell gave a really great Power Point presentation and talk on dolls made by the various tribes of Native Americans of the US/Canada. I learned so much.

After the Luncheon, we returned to the Sales Room. I was able to bring about 10 dolls, and was thrilled to have sold all but one. Next year's Convention and ODACA Day will be in Anaheim. I don't know the exact dates, but it will probably be around the same time. I've got a year to make as many dolls as I can for the big sale, but it's amazing how fast a year can go by.

By evening, we were feeling mighty hungry. We were told that we had to try Giordano's for deep dish pizza. Boy, when they say deep dish, they really mean DEEP. It was really good. I also tried some of the local beer. Chicago's got nothing on the microbrews of the Pacific Northwest. I've found I've become quite the beer (and coffee) connoisseur.

Chicago!

Well, we finally made it. We're here in Chicago for the annual UFDC Convention and ODACA Day. My only real obligations are today (Board and Business Meetings for ODACA), and the ODACA Luncheon and sales day tomorrow. I've left the rest of they days open to explore the city.

I've never been to Chicago before, and am happy to finally be settled in the hotel WITH our luggage.  After the worst cab ride of my entire life on Friday, we had to wait 2 1/2  hours for the bell service to bring up our bags. I was sure they'd been lost. But to be fair, the hotel lobby was packed with people checking in - and this is a HUGE hotel. I guess there are two conventions being held here, and UFDC is a biggy.

I'll try to take photos, but will add them to posts when I get home. Since we've been here, I've received photos of two more Hoffman Challenge entries. Beautiful dolls, and I'll get the uploaded to my website when I get home.

Hoffman Challenge ~ Done!

I was up way too late last night. I'm headed for Chicago bright and early tomorrow morning, and had to get my Hoffman Challenge doll finished before leaving in order to meet the July 23rd deadline. Honestly, this is the first time I haven't had to send the doll Express Mail. I've been receiving photos of some of the other doll entries - HERE.

Her name is "Harmonie," and she's about 12 inches high (in a fixed, seated position). She's made of craft velour, and has a cloth-covered polymer clay face that's been stitched to her stuffed head. Her fingers are wired, and her head is jointed so it can turn side to side. Her hair is an elasticized trim with various fibers. Her clothing and sandals are not removable.

Now the tedious job of packing begins. I'll be attending the UFDC Convention and ODACA Day, so I'll be taking dolls as well - as many as will fit into my big suitcase. Maybe I'll see some of you there.

Happy Independence Day!

Wishing everyone a safe and sane 4th of July this year. I'll be headed to a barbeque with friends and coworkers this afternoon, and will be taking my sis with me. I'll be bringing my usual Greek pasta salad, which is one of my favorites. Yummy!

Hoffman, in progress

Now that I've finished my "Primitive Americana Patriotic Challenge" doll, I need to work on my Hoffman Challenge doll. The doll herself was started in 2008, a prototype for a doll that hasn't yet come to fruition. She's made of craft velour, and has a baked polymer clay head with a knit cloth-over, stitched to the head and painted.

I'm making up the costume as I go, and I'm not sure what sort of fiber I'll use for her hair. I'd planned to work on her all day, but FOOLISHLY volunteered to work evening shift today for the "big bucks." What an idiot.

Patriotic Challenge doll done (but no sneak peeks)

I'm happy to have completed my Primitive Americana Patriotic Challenge doll, and have sent my two photos to Sherrie Nordgren. The photo deadline has been postponed until July 20. This is a good thing for those who need a bit more time. The list of participants is lengthy, and I'm excited to see what everyone has created.

Once all the photos have been posted and voted upon, I'll be uploading photos of my entry. It was a fun challenge.

Bits & Pieces

It's been hard to find time for dolls, or just about anything else lately. Today I spent way too many hours drafting and sewing a shirt for my patriotic challenge doll - not that easy, as the doll's got no shoulders. I've been making up the costuming as I go, and had better get this doll done by the deadline. I thought I had tomorrow off, too, but my plans were dashed when I checked my schedule :-(   Challenge doll photos need to be submitted by July 1, so my evenings will be full, too.

Pattern for Sale ~ "Anne Marie" by Loretta Daum Byrne

Doncha just hate it when you forget you've already got a particular pattern, so buy it again? To be fair, I've had this particular pattern for quite awhile. When it come up on eBay I thought it looked familiar, but I've seen a lot of patterns in my day. The doll/pattern is by Loretta Daum Byrne, and has a copyright of 1983, and is out of print. The pattern pieces are uncut and still stapled to the center of the booklet. The cover shows some shelf wear.

The "Anne Marie" booklet has full-size pattern and instructions for a 17 inch soft sculpture doll with inserted eyes, and complete outfit (this includes her dress, pantaloons, slip, stockings, shoes and hat). The booklet is 13 pages of instruction, illustration and color photos.

SOLD

Two Cecelia Dolls

I've been working on these girls for awhile. Both are made from craft velour, and made from my "Cecelia" pattern. They have synthetic wigs sewn in place. Clothing is removable (including panties). I added collars to their dresses (something new since publishing the pattern). They wear little lycra panties, which are also removable.

Their flat faces are needle sculpted, which is why the velour is so nice to use. I don't think this would work with a woven. Features are colored with acrylic paint and colored pencils.

Their arms and jointed. Their heads are jointed, too, so their heads can turn left and right.