The above is a picture of my Dana doll painting that was up in the Pinkard Gallery during Artscape. It has a little bit of a glare on it.

It was based on a doll I own called, Dana. The doll was part of the Kenner, Darci World of Fashion, line of the early 80’s. Yes, I’ve owned the doll for that long. I even still have some Fisher Price toys I used to play with as a preschooler. Anyway, the doll is pictured above.

Today, I had to pick up my work from the Pinkard Gallery in the Bunting Center of Maryland Institute College of Art. The above is a picture of the Bunting Center taken on the actual day I first dropped off my work.

To pick up my work I had to be there anywhere from 10:00am to 4:00pm. I wanted to get there early because I had a coupon from the Plaza art store that I wanted to use. It’s a coupon where you get 30% off of purchases. The coupon expires on August 9th. So, today was a perfect day to take advantage of it.

It was cloudy outside when I left out. By the time I got to the light rail station it was raining cats and dogs. When I got to the Bunting Center there was already a girl inside who I assume had picked up her work. She was talking to the guy inside. I believe it was the guy who was there when I originally dropped off my work. He was a standard issue generic art guy. You know dressed in black from head to toe with dark rimmed glasses.

I walked up to him not quiet sure what the procedure would be. All the paintings were still on the wall. I wasn’t sure if I should just take my painting down and leave or if he had to check something off first before I could take it. He told me I could just take my painting down. So I went over to my painting and took it down. A thought occured to me. I could have taken someone else’s painting instead of my own. It wasn’t like he was actually checking who I was. He never asked my name or anything.

I could have had a Barbara Treasure watercolour!! I really like the colour scheme she had going in her painting. Then again my tastes tend to go in the direction of blues and purples.

However, I don’t think I could have gotten away with the Stephen Parlato. He did this massive kick ass collage of Jesus that consisted of guns. I don't think he would of believed that I was Stephen Parlato. Then again he wasn't actually checking names.....

In the end I took my own painting. Damn, why do I have to be so honest. I could have had a Barbara Treasure or that kick ass Stephen Parlato collage.

When I got over to Plaza Arts it was around 11:15 and still raining outside but not as hard as it was earlier. I wasn’t quiet sure if the store was closed because the store looked dark from the outside. As I approached it I noticed a sign on the door that said it would be open at 11:00 on Sunday. I also noticed a sign on the door that said to check all bags at the door. I had my painting in a big yellow plastic bag. I went to check it at the counter. The woman at the counter looked bewildered. Then I told her that I was checking it at the door because of the sign I read on the door.

I then explored the art store. I wanted to stock up on paint. I rarely ever go to the art store when I’m out of paint. I rarely have to because I’m always stocking up. I buy paint about two to three times a year. I always buy around Christmas time. Usually from a catalog. I also get a lot of gift certificates from Plaza arts around Christmas time. This helps out a lot in replenishing my art supply.

When I was ready to buy my paint I noticed that despite wearing the generic art uniform of black the woman at the counter was anything but generic. She actually beamed when I handed her my Plaza arts coupon. Usually, there kind of expressionless and surly looking. She had short curly red hair and wore a black Plaza Arts shirts. I was so shocked by her friendliness that I forgot to pick up my bag that had my painting it. So after leaving the store I had to rush back in and get my painting.

When I finally got out of the store it wasn’t raining anymore. However, the bus was crowded. When I got down to Fayette Street there was still a lot of people from Otakon milling around with suitcases and things they bought. Maybe, next year I’ll actually make an effort to go. Then again maybe not......