Blooming Dragon Is Closed

On June 30th, the doors of Blooming Dragon were closed, but Miranda and Marti continue on.

Marti is now at Studio 204 in the Murphy Art Center located at 1043 Virginia Avenue in Fountain Square on Indy's south side. Studio 204 will be open every First Friday and you can follow Marti's other activities and check on what classes she is offering by visiting her website at www.magickaldragondesigns.com.

Miranda will open Bloomz by Miranda at 130 S. Audubon Rd. in Irvington on Indy's eastside on July 6th. To check out Miranda's schedule of events and learn about the Iris Tea Room, visit her blog at www.bloomzbymiranda.blogspot.com.

Blooming Dragon Is Closing

We wanted to give you an update on what is happening at Blooming Dragon Emporium. We have been fortunate to have had great support from our customers, clients, and artists, but due to these difficult economic times we are unable to sustain our current business model. We will be closing Blooming Dragon Emporium at the end of June. We will be open for the Art Walk on June 5th and hopefully we will have a lot of sales for all of our artists.

So, what are we going to do?

Marti is moving her Magickal Dragon Designs studio to the Murphy Art Center in Fountain Square at 1043 Virginia Avenue, Suite 204A. Her phone number will remain the same: 402-4999. This move will allow her to focus on her art and expand her offering of jewelry making classes. And, although Marti is moving her studio out of Irvington, she will continue as a Board member of the Irvington Guild of Artists and in this role will continue to actively support the arts in Irvington.

Miranda is focusing all her energies on expanding Bloomz by Miranda, her fresh flower business, to include garden and house plants, garden art, bird houses, chimes, feeders, bird baths, gazing balls and stepping stones. Her specialty will remain events and weddings but with a new focus on green and recycled items including plantable greeting cards, wedding and event invitations and favors. As part of this change in focus, Miranda will be relocating to 130 S. Audubon (1 block south of the library). The phone number will remain the same – 356-4400, with cell phone 509-9038.

So, what else do we have to say? THANK YOU for all your support over the last 1 ½ years. We appreciate each and every one of you and look forward to serving you in the future.

Marti and Miranda

A Special Bouquet for a Special Someone

Mother's Day is Sunday May 9. Looking for a unique way to let the special women in your life know how much you care? Let Miranda design a tussie-mussie, or word poesy, for you personalizing it with your sentiments. Flower symbolism became immensely popular during the Victorian era and nosegays were given as gifts by friends, children and lovers. Each flower in the nosegay had a particular meaning and by looking up the flower in one of the many floral dictionaries that flooded the market during that time, the message became clear. Each nosegay will include a charming card listing each flower and its corresponding meaning. $25 for the nosegay. Call 317-356-4400 to place your order today. (Orders for nosegays must be received by May 3rd.)

Irvington First Friday: Images of Spring

Friday, April 2, 5:00 – 8:00 pm

Spring is coming to Irvington. So, for this First Friday event we are showcasing the floral artistry of several of the Blooming Dragon Emporium artists. This includes the work of photographer Miranda Marsico, painter Steven Keller, photographer Quay Kester, painter Kathy Thompson, anime artist Kris May, stained glass artist Sue Hardcastle, photographer Todd George, and lampwork jewelry artist Moon Stump of Mixed Media Jewelry. For more information about this event contact the gallery at (317) 356-4400, or via e-mail at bloomingdragonemporium@gmail.com.

Special Prom and Wedding Offer

Spring is just around the corner...

AND so are PROMS, and WEDDINGS!

Bloomz by Miranda creates unique and personalized corsages, boutonnieres, and flowers for your entire event. Future brides - call 356-4400 to schedule your complimentary consultation.

Ladies - compliment your dresses and gowns with beautiful, hand-knotted pearl chokers and necklaces - a Magical Dragon Designs specialty. Many colors and types of pearls available by special order.

Spring offer: 10% off your prom order. Offer expires May 31, 2010.

Valentine's Day Is Almost Here

It's not too late to find the perfect Valentine gift. Blooming Dragon still has an excellent selection of unique gifts and floral arrangements that will delight your special someone. And to make it easy for you to shop, Blooming Dragon is going to be open extra hours for your shopping convenience. We will be open Friday (Feb 12) from noon till 8 pm, Saturday (Feb 13) from noon to 6 pm, and Sunday (Feb 14) from noon to 5 pm. So, stop in and find that very special Valentine for your very special someone.

Miranda Marsico: For the Love of Flowers

Friday, February 5, 5 -8 pm
Saturday, February 6, noon - 6 pm

Miranda Marsico is the featured artist at Blooming Dragon Emporium on First Friday, February 5, 5 - 8 pm and Saturday, February 6, noon - 6 pm. Miranda's love of flowers is shown in both her beautiful floral arrangements and her close up floral photography. Miranda's creative floral displays are frequently seen in and around Irvington at businesses and at special events and weddings. And, when you stop in to visit with Miranda, this would also be a wonderful time to place your order for one of her unique floral creations for your very special Valentine. For further information about this exhibition or other events at Blooming Dragon Emporium, please contact the gallery at (317) 356-4400, or via e-mail at bloomingdragonemporium@gmail.com

Valentine's Day Specials

Order today and receive 10% off your purchase of $50 or more - AND, free delivery in Irvington with $50 or more purchase. This offer expires 2/10/2010, so if you are busy or just don't want to brave the cold, then just call 356-4400 to place your order.

• Roses, daisies, lilies, tulips and more, wrapped or vased
• Gift certificates
• Gift baskets
• Gift packages to enjoy flowers year-round
• Local art and hand-crafted gifts to compliment your flower gift

Remember, when you Buy Local , you are supporting the independant merchants in your neighborhood and your community!

BLOOMZ BY MIRANDA VALENTINE'S SPECIAL

Let Bloomz by Miranda play cupid and design the perfect, personalized floral arrangement for your special someone. Flowers speak a very beautiful language of their own. Miranda will design your bouquet with your unique message in mind and include a card explaining the meaning of each flower.

Many flowers and gifts to choose from that say "I love you!"

• Language of Love bouquets and arrangements
• Year-round gift package delivered on a regular basis to the "one"
• Gift certificates
• Gift baskets
• Artisan created unique gift items to compliment your floral choices

Buy local and help support small independent businesses

Place your order by February 10th and enjoy a 10% discount on all floral purchases.

Delivery available and free for Irvington deliveries with a purchase of $50 or more.

NEW DRAWING CLASS

Karrie Maxwell is our new drawing instructor. Karrie recently graduated from Indiana University with a Masters in Fine Art in painting. While working on her degree she taught beginning drawing classes at IU. She has a wealth of experience in teaching children and adults, from college to community classes in figure drawing, mixed media, and painting. Most importantly, Karrie really believes that every person can draw and that drawing can be fun!

Drawing: Portrait Study
Tuesdays, January 19 and January 26. 6:00 – 9:00 pm

Are you curious about how to draw portraits? Do you already draw/paint portraits and are feeling frustrated with your work? This is a 2 week tutorial about portrait drawing. In this class you will review examples of portraiture from the past and learn about the structure of the head and face from the point of view of the artist. Then you will work with pencil and charcoal to begin creating your own portraits. Beginner and advanced students are welcome!

All you need is a pencil, charcoal, and some paper. Cost: $40.00. Supply list provided when you register.

NEW WIRE WORK CLASSES

Lori Smith is a lampwork bead artist using both soft glass and boro and a wire-worker who incorporates her own beads into her wire work necklaces, bracelets and pins. Now Lori is teaching some wire work classes here at the Blooming Dragon.

Twist and Coil Wire Workshop
Saturday, January 16, 1:00 – 3:00 pm

In this beginning wire workshop you will learn the basics of wire working and finish by incorporating beads into a beautiful twisted and coiled copper wire bangle. Lori will cover MANY important tools and supplies involved with wire work and work through the following procedures (to name a few):

• Twisting wire with a power drill
• Coiling wire by hand and with a power drill
• Making wire beads
• Making jump rings
• Making a swan clasp
• Selecting good beads for wire jewelry
• Reaming bead holes

The class will end with you constructing your own copper bangle to wear home. You will also take home a substantial and detailed workbook chock full of steps, tips, design ideas, and resources. Cost: $40.00 (includes all class materials).

Floral Fibula Pin
Saturday, January 16, 3:00 – 5:00 pm.

In this workshop you will learn how to put those long tube beads (or any other beads) to good use by incorporating them into the stem of a lovely pin with a coiled wire rosette to wear home.Printed instructions will be provided so that you can focus on the work at hand. All materials are included in the price of the class; however, feel free to bring your own beads with at least 2mm holes. Cost: $25.00 (includes all class materials).

Pre-registration is required for all classes.

Begin Your Magical Holiday Season at Blooming Dragon Emporium

Friday, December 4, 5:00 - 9:00 pm and
Saturday, December 5, Noon - 8:00 pm

The very artistic elves at the Blooming Dragon have been busy creating new art and gifts just for the holidays. The first showing of these new creations by the various Blooming Dragon artists will be during the Irvington Celebrate Christmas Open House on Friday, December 4. So, in between visiting Santa and taking a carriage ride, stop by the Dragon and see these latest creations. But, if you can’t make the Open House, you can come by on Saturday, December 5, from noon to 8 pm to see this special holiday show.

FLORAL DESIGN WORKSHOP

Watch for more information about Bloomz by Miranda's upcoming floral design workshop series starting in January.

Learn the basics of floral design, as well as techniques for wedding work. This will be a series of sessions. More to come...

Thanksgiving Centerpieces by Bloomz

Yes, Thanksgiving is just a week and a half away! Order your fresh fall centerpieces today...

• Cornucopia with fresh flowers $45
• Round Candle Arrangement - set low with one candle $35
• Oblong Candle Arrangement - set low and long with two candles $40

CALL 317-356-4400

Pick up by 5:00 on Wednesday, 11/25 or specify delivery - $10 extra

Irvington Halloween Festival - Saturday, October 31st

This is the 63rd annual Halloween Festival in Irvington. So, you can see that we really take Halloween very seriously here in Irvington. There are a variety of Halloween events happening in Irvington and culminating with the street festival which is Saturday, October 31st this year. The street festival, which will take place on E. Washington Street, runs from 9 am to 5 pm and will include a costume parade, live entertainment, food, arts & crafts, and other activities for all ages.For a complete schedule of events visit the official Irvington Halloween Festival website.

Here at Blooming Dragon, we are busy this week getting ready for the Halloween Festival. We will be open from 9 am to 5 pm on Saturday So, stop by our street booth and also come into our shop to see the Halloween art we are showcasing.

Happy Halloween!!!

Marti Icenogle: It’s Clay – It’s Silver – It’s Magic!

First Friday in Irvington Event
Friday, November 6 at 6:30 and 7:30 pm

Marti Icenogle, one of the owners of Blooming Dragon, will be doing metal clay demos in her artist studio. Marti is a metal clay artist, a Senior Instructor for Art Clay World, and an authorized distributor of Art Clay. So, stop by Blooming Dragon Friday evening at 6:30 or 7:30 pm and watch a magical demonstration as Marti turns small lumps of clay into fine silver jewelry that is 99.9% pure silver.

Steven Keller: Serious Art with a Sense of Humor

Two-Day Show at Blooming Dragon Emporium
Friday, October 2, 5 – 8 pm and Saturday, October 2, noon to 5 pm

Steven Keller’s fine art work is featured in a two-day show at Blooming Dragon on Friday, October 2, 5 – 8 pm, and Saturday, October 3, noon to 5 pm. Steven is an accomplished artist painting subjects ranging from photo realistic renditions to geometric abstraction to the frivolous and even cartoonish.

Steven has exhibited his work at many of the art fairs in central Indiana, including Broad Ripple Art Fair and Penrod Art Fair. And, Steven’s work is in the collections of many Indianapolis art collectors.

Saturday, September 12--Gene Stratton Porter Festival

This Saturday (September 12th) in Irvington will be all about naturalist and writer Gene Stratton Porter. Many of our businesses and organizations are joining with the Indiana Historical Society to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of her classic novel, The Girl of the Limberlost. There will be films, readings, presentations and special menu offerings.

And, here at the Blooming Dragon, we have our very own art exhibit, the Wild Side of Irvington open from noon to 6 pm. This nature-themed exhibition brings together a diverse range of work featuring 5 artists—Cynthia Blasingham, painter and printmaker; Marti Icenogle, printmaker; Miranda Marsico, photographer; Kris May, anime artist and Kathy Thompson, painter. Just as Hoosier writer and naturalist Gene Stratton-Porter trudged through the Limberlost Swamp, these local artists have trekked through the parks, gardens and yards of Irvington in search of inspiration for their artistic creations. Please stop by to see the art and talk to the artists about their creations.

Artist of the Month - Kris May

Says Kris May: I live in Irvington with two excitable kids, one needy cat, and a friendly roommate. I currently work at the Garfield Park Arts Center as an Arts Specialist and resident muralist. I also work at my house crafting fun little characters I have fondly named Catberries, painting with oils and acrylics and working in graphic design. In the past I have proudly owned and operated Gnosis, an urban art gallery and vinyl collector’s toy shop, as well as donated much of my time to The Studio School & Gallery—both for teaching art classes and putting on gallery shows. I have illustrated a children’s book, P.L.A.Y. in Bounds: A Guide to Indiana Law for Youth, and am working on another, The Adventures of Sleepy and Hollow. I have also created multiple murals, including the mural on the loading dock wall at Snips in Irvington.

In short, I enjoy art in it’s many forms and strongly believe that it can solve the world’s problems…well, at least it’s a good start!

SEPTEMBER HAPPENINGS

Are you ready for some fall crisp cool weather, swirling leaves, red skies...
AND, very special events at our very own Dragon? Come join us to help celebrate -

Friday, September 4, 5:00 – 8:00 pm
The Wild Side of Irvington

Join us for Irvington's First Friday event. This exhibition brings together a diverse range of work featuring 5 artists who explore the natural side of Irvington—Cynthia Blasingham, painter and printmaker; Marti Icenogle, printmaker; Miranda Marsico, photographer; Kris May, anime artist and Kathy Thompson, painter. Just as Hoosier writer and naturalist Gene Stratton-Porter trudged through the Limberlost Swamp, these local artists have trekked through the parks, gardens and yards of Irvington in search of inspiration for their artistic creations to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of Stratton-Porter’s classic novel The Girl of the Limberlost.

Saturday, September 12, Noon – 6 pm
Blooming Dragon Emporium is Participating in the Gene Stratton Porter Festival
Historic Irvington in Indianapolis hosts the Gene Stratton Porter Festival with many of Irvington’s businesses and organizations joining in the celebration with art, films, readings, crafts, presentations and special food offerings. At Blooming Dragon Emporium, the artists of the Wild Side of Irvington exhibition (listed above) will be on hand to discuss their art and inspirations.

The Wild Side of Irvington show closes at 6 pm on September 12.