It's really happening...

Shopping 10-6 Kids Corner 10-2 Live Music 2-11

It's going to be a perfect day! Sunny, high of 85, and not a chance of rain!

See you there!

Funky Finds Blog

Funky Finds is a great blog based out of PA that promotes independent artists and crafters. Thanks Funky Finds for the shout out on your Tuesday post!

Free Stuff...

This little guy is made from recycled cotton and can tote a pretty sizable load...

100 Dustbowl early birds will be getting one of these along with some cool promotional items from our vendors and sponsors!

Don't fret vendors, we've got a special little something for you too...

Dewey and West

The super cool duo of Kate Warren & Michael Cromaz of OKC, Dewey & West are up next with an knack for design and a passion for sustainability.

Dustbowl: How did you get started? Dewey & West: We got started over endless amounts of coffee drinks, laughter, lively discussions and sometimes arguments. We work together at a local architecture firm, Michael as an Architect and Kate as an Interior Designer. What we do on a daily basis is very collaborative and it has grown naturally into a creative partnership. We love to talk about art and design and feel fortunate to be surrounded by it every day, at work and at recess.

DB: What do you make? DW: We make all kinds of things. Perhaps our tragic flaw is that we are interested in everything and hop from one thing to another pretty frequently. One day it might be photography, another it might be making useful objects out of recycled materials. But if you really want to know… mixed-media artwork, digital artwork, photography, screen printing (Gocco), greeting cards, coasters sets, vases, notebooks, and the kitchen sink!

Sustainability is pretty important to us – one of our best-sellers is a set of coasters created from re-purposed carpet tile samples. The concept of the handmade economy in itself is a sustainable idea in that it focuses on the production of high-quality products that can be cherished and passed on rather than used and discarded. It encourages a mutually beneficial relationship between the artist and the consumer, one in which an investment is made into the perpetuation of an art form.

DB: How long have you been creating original works/ crafting? DW: Kate began by coloring on paper plates at the kitchen table. Michael has an excellent imagination that he sadly attributes to playing Dungeons and Dragons in middle school. Yes, Dungeons and Dragons.

DB: What inspires you most? DW: Inspiration comes from everywhere. The approach of a thunderstorm, antique shops, the thrill of adventure, conversations that last hours, cupcakes, laughter and more laughter, how plants are so intricate it’s scary, dinner parties, a clean house, reading in bed on a rainy day, an argument over what’s better the sunrise or sunset, personality quirks, blue skies, blue eyes, well designed landscaping, coffee shops, listening to a song 100 times in a row, patterns of every kind, wandering in book stores and wearing socks that don’t match.

DB: What is your favorite thing to create? DW: The best is when you are doing something that you are not sure will work, either for aesthetic or conceptual reasons, and then for some cosmic reason, it does. Like Harry Potter came and waved his magic wand and voila, presto chango it works. Amazing.

DB: If you were a color, what color would you be? DW: Michael: Goldenrod & Kate: French Gray

DB: Why do you want to be a part of Dustbowl? DW: Coolness factor, duh. We love the idea of Dustbowl because we love to be around creative folks. We are continuously amazed by the talent in this state, and we are just happy to be a part of it.

We would like to give some serious props to the organizers of Dustbowl for organizing such a lovely event.
Thanks Kate and Michael for the props and for taking time to tell us a little bit about you and your work!

The Oklahoman

Dustbowl is now exactly 1 week away and we couldn't be more excited!

Take a look at the Dustbowl article that ran in today's My Norman section of the Oklahoman!

YAY!!!

The Gazette

Check out the article the Gazette ran this week on three of our talented vendors as well as Dustbowl!

3 Yellow Starfish

Margaret Weimer of Three Yellow Starfish is a talented seamstress from the Dallas area. She's part of the great handmade group, Etsy Dallas, loooooves Joaquin Phoenix, (pre "crazy" Joaquin) speaks 2 languages, and is going back to UNT to get a degree in fashion design. Whoa! We are delighted she's squeezing in Dustbowl!

Dustbowl: How did you get started?
Margaret Weimer: I really liked making little clothing for kids!! I like making kids look adorable. My original intention was to make nicer clothes for boys because I have a little boy (girls get all the cute stuff!) but I found myself drawn to bright colors and dresses and basically switched gears there.. but I still do reversible overalls, lounge pants, and hopefully clip on ties soon to accommodate both genders!
DB: What do you make?
MW: Childrens clothing. Including reversible pinafore dresses (aka cross back jumpers), reversible overalls, diaper covers/ bloomers (for both boys and girls), lounge pants, crochet hats and hopefully a bunch of new items soon!

DB: How long have you been crafting?
MW: For about 3 years now.

DB: What inspires you most?
MW: Fabrics! I am a fabric fiend! I love all kinds..I even buy it when I don't need it, just to have it. It definitely inspires me to make new items.

DB: What is your favorite thing to create?
MW: I really like making these reversible pinafore dresses.
DB: Your favorite thing in the world?
MW: Spending time with my 3 year old son and husband! family days are the best.

DB: Your favorite place in the world?
MW: I really love Poland. It's where I am from/born originally. We're from the rural area. I love being away from the city and really just connect with nature and natural surroundings.

DB: Why do you want to be a part of Dustbowl?
MW: Because I would love to travel to OK! Although it is quite close, I've never been and I really love to be a part of awesome/unique handmade and local craft shows.

Check out her WEBSITE and her BLOG

Let's be sure to give miss Margaret a warm OKLAHOMA welcome!

As Seen at the Smithsonian!

Up next we have a super talented photographer by the name of Clinton Dean Bowman. He was recently selected to be part of an exhibit at the Smithsonian! We are thrilled to have him show at Dustbowl.
Dustbowl: How did you get started?
Clinton Bowman: I had been around photography since I was a small child, when my mother was taking classes at the local community college. Which prompted me to take pictures with my Ninja Turtles 35 mm camera. During high school, I forewent any other electives and simply stuck to photography classes. Then when in my sophomore year of college, I decided I wanted to pursue a B.F.A. in photography.

DB: What inspires you most?
CB: Honestly, I am not sure I could peg one thing. My experience has been such that if I keep my eyes open, then I will probably find something that inspires me.

DB: What is your favorite thing to create?
CB: I have been thinking about this for nearly five minutes, and I keep wanting to write sandwiches. I must be hungry, but I really love making sandwiches. There is such a hierarchy.

DB: If you were a color, what color would you be?
CB: I would hope that it would be turquoise.

DB: Your favorite thing in the world?
CB: A challenge.

DB: Your favorite place in the world?
CB: That I have been to, Ireland. That I want to go, Spain.

DB: Top three, living, people you would want to meet?
CB: Bill Murray, President Obama, John Baldessari.

DB: Why did you apply to be a part of Dustbowl? I am really excited to have more opportunities for talented Oklahoma artists, and to be a part of a new event lead by forward thinking "art-repentuers".

Please visit Clinton's site www.clintondean.net to check out his work and come see him in person on August 29th!

Feather by Feather

Julia, of Feather by Feather, is a creative whiz who's line of feather accessories are guaranteed to bring effortless glamour to any girls life.


Dustbowl: How did you get started?
Feather by Feather: I've always been a crafter of sorts, my whims taking me here and there quite often. My latest passion has been hair accessories that are vintage-inspired, but easily wearable.

DB: What do you make?
FBF: Feathered headbands and headpieces that are reminiscent of the 1920s "fascinators" without being so over-the-top that they are reserved for formal events only. I like to think that I have a headband for every occasion...even if it's just grocery shopping. As a busy mom, I try to find moments of glamour where I can, and as often as I can!

DB: What inspires you most?
FBF: My husband...I managed to find the one crazy man who actually encourages my flights of fancy! And loves me all the more for it.

DB: Your favorite thing to create?
FBF: Wispy and whimsy bridal feather pieces using vintage jewelry.

DB: If you were a color, what color would you be?
FBF: Brown...rich, comfortable, and familiar.

DB: Your favorite thing in the world?
FBF: iTunes. Seriously...I don't know how I'd create without my massive catalogue of music.

DB: Your favorite place in the world?
FBF: Stillwater, OK...where my husband and I fell in love.

DB: Your favorite meal?
FBF: Medium Rare Rib-eye from Texas Roadhouse. Yeah baby.

DB: Why do you want to be a part of Dustbowl?
FBF: I want to be a part of ANYTHING that fosters the creative spirit in Oklahoma! I'm constantly amazed by the incredible people I meet at these events.

Thanks for sharing with us Julia! Can't wait to purchase a feather band for the fall.

You can check out more of Julia's work here.

And Now a Word From One of Our Sponsors...

Cheyenne, Bishop Allen, Ryan Lindsey, Umbrellas and countless other awesome bands all made the same choice.... They decided to make their records with the help of the Norman recording experts at Blackwatch Studio.

The diverse community of artists behind the mixing boards at Blackwatch are our featured sponsor today.

Dustbowl: What is Blackwatch Studios all about?
Blackwatch Studio: Blackwatch Studio is a recording facility that houses a community of local talent working together to produce records for both local and national artists. We believe greatly in the talent of the local music scene and strive to act as an avenue for local artists to work together. In a sense... the studio has a bit of a "floating staff" in effort to include as much local talent in the recording process as possible.

DB: How did Blackwatch get its start?
BW: The studio was initially a writing and rehearsal space for a small group of friends and bands. As time progressed... the number of records that were being made annually increased, and with that came an increased amount of investment that slowly transformed the studio into a commercial space.

DB: What type of artists does the studio attract?
BW: Blackwatch is intent on accommodating a comfortable work space and inspiring atmosphere. The studio has a great blend of vintage, modern, analog, and digital equipment which helps cater to numerous genres of music. Within the past year, the studio has put out rock, indie rock, pop, jazz, experimental, worship, and folk records.

DB: What is your biggest motivator?
BW: We love music and love making new art. Every record is a new opportunity to put out something exciting and fresh that no one has heard before. Each record we do is going to be heard by a new and different demographic. We're essentially creating our own resume everyday, so we want the records we put out to sound good just as much as the artists do.

DB: Why did you decide to support Dustbowl?

BW: We've wanted to be more involved the community than we have in the past. Supporting an arts festival seemed like a great way to start.

A big "THANK YOU" to Blackwatch Studios for their sponsorship! We can't wait to hear some of their bands Dustbowl.

Dustbowl Helpful Info...

Hi Dustbowl Vendors!

We are so excited to have you.

We have heard from quite a few folks that our emails have been going into their spam boxes. If your name is on the vendor list and you didn't receive an email from us, please check your spam mail and uncheck us as spam. Thanks!

We are so glad to have you as part of Dustbowl. We are counting the days to August 29th. Since it is right around the corner we thought we would send you some helpful information that you might want leading up to the event as well as what to expect the day of.

* You have a great opportunity to promote yourself to 100 lucky Dustbowl patrons. We will be handing out 100 promo bags. The deadline to have any promotional items to be included in the bags is Monday, August 24th. Items must be mailed to or dropped off at The Wild Hare, formerly known as Alouette the Beadery, 319 White St, Norman, OK 73069.
* Sales Tax: Norman tax rate is 8.25%. Some people like to factor tax into their prices. This cuts down on having to deal with lots of change, we highly recommend it. Please keep track of all your sales. At the end of the day, you will be required to fill out a tax form and write a check to the OK Tax Commission concerning your sales for the day. Be sure to bring your check book.
* Oklahoma weather is unpredictable and August can get pretty warm. You will probably want to bring the following: Sunscreen, shade structure, hat, spray bottle, water, (Canopies can be NO LARGER than 10'x10'. ***We need to know 1 week in advance if you plan on bringing a tent for placement purposes.***)
* A courtesy area will be located on or near Buchanan Street. Water and snacks will be available throughout the day. The Wild Hare, (formerly Alouette the Beadery) will be available should you need a bathroom. Meals will not be provided.
* In an effort to encourage future generations of artists and creative people, we will be donating $5.00 for each participating vendor to The Firehouse Art Center. For more information about Firehouse you can visit: http://www.normanfirehouse.com/
* If you would like to promote yourself and Dustbowl, postcards will be available for pickup at The Wild Hare at 319 White Street in Norman and Collected Thread at 1705A NW 16th Street. If you would like to pickup postcards, let us know how many you would like and at which location you are picking up.


Day of Dustbowl Vendors

Check In Begins at 8:00 or 8:30. The check in tables will be located at

* Unloading - We will have more information concerning unloading and set-up closer to the event.
* Parking - The Presbyterian Church parking lot across from the church at 555 South University is our designated parking lot. Campus Corner parking is LIMITED. In order for Dustbowl to be a success, we need to make sure our patrons can park and come shop. After you unload, please park in the parking lot specified. Campus Corner parking lots are monitored and keep track of the length of time you are parked, resulting in tickets and towing. Make sure to park in the Presbyterian lot.
* Check in location - There will be a table set up across from Hideaway, directly in front of Tulips (centrally located on Buchanan). Please check-in no later than 9:30am to receive your booth location.
* You will be provided with a 6 foot table and 2 folding chairs. If your visual setup does not require a table, please let us know. All other merchandising materials are the responsibility of the participant.


* You will receive a packet at the time of check-in which will include the following items:
o Sale Tax Form
o Map - set up, courtesy area, bathrooms, Dustbowl founders booths, (where you can find us, emergency supplies,etc.),
o Name tags
o Info page
o Survey


If you have any questions, chances are others have them to. Please email them to us at dustbowlartsmarket@gmail.com so we can address them here on our blog.

* Things we need your feedback on:

- Do you need a table?
- Do you want postcards? If so, how many? What location will you be picking them up from?
- Are you using a tent/canopy? If so, is it a traditional 10x10 metal folding frame?

Thanks!
Dana, Reese and Katie