Valentine’s a poppin’

I’m tickled to be part of the Illustration MECA Valentine Pop Up shop at Maine College of Art’s Artist @ Work! Being a total fiend for paper, greetings, red/pink, and LOVE, I was ready with my house of cards.

It opened this past First Friday on a bitter cold night. Yet Portland’s still HOT.

Senior illustration major Elinor Cania, effervescent as ever, greeted valentine shoppers with hearts galore.

I drew her last year when she modeled jewelry in the MECA Fashion Show.

Eli specializes in spectacular hand-lettering, with a dash of wit. Here’s one of her cards:

The shop’s got eye candy all over. Illustration students, alums, and faculty have contributed, so check it OUT.

It’s open Monday through Friday, 12 – 6 PM, and Saturdays, 12 – 5 PM. You won’t find these items anywhere else. Shop local!

Cards, buttons, felted hearts. Block prints, digital prints. Even Pussy Pins by Program Chair Mary Anne Lloyd! C’mon, what are you waiting for?

Plus these sweet shop managers!

I drew senior illustration major, Rowan Elliot, on the right above, after the IL MECA field trip to the Pace House last fall.

Here’s one of their cards. Nothing cuter than a pile of pink wild things!

I talked with senior illustration major, Sam Myrdek. Trying to keep with the Class of 2019, they busy.

Sam is creating cards for her thesis, here’s a yummy one.

I ventured over to the ICA Gallery to see the current exhibit, Drawing Now. This piece is a favorite, by Marion Piper.

And I loved these circles of color sections also by Danielle Lescot, “Mires Series.”

I ran into senior illustration major, Sarah Sawtelle, who works in the ICA. Always thoughtful, yet with a silly sense of humor, Sarah is exploring an exhibit design for kids that should keep her busy this semester.

Here’s my Be Hearty, for everyone with love on the brain.

I take valentines seriously! All you need is love, right? I’m mailing out batches to deserving hearts near and far.

Meanwhile, Happy Year of the Pig! I repurposed this little fellow from last year’s valentine for today’s greeting.

Head on over to the Valentine Pop Up at 522 Congress Street in Portland, Maine while supplies last! It’s always good to let the peeps in your life know you love them.