I’m super excited that three of my pieces are in upcoming shows in the Austin area.

“Aquatic Pirouette” (above) will be in the Round Rock Arts “ReImagine” show at the Texas State University, Round Rock Campus. The show runs Feb 28-April 4, 2020. This is especially dear to my heart since I got my BFA in Commercial Art from Texas State (then Southwest Texas State) in San Marcos.

And two of my works — “Change of Seasons” and “Stairway to the Unexplored” will be in the Art of Celebration show at Art for the People Gallery, a wonderful gallery in South Austin. The show runs through April 25, 2020.

“Change of Seasons” by Helen Mary V. Marek (2019)
Four 6×6” Panels (Acrylic and Misc. Items on Canvas Board) Mounted on Stained Basswood and Branches. 35 x 13 x 2” (plus branches)
I prefer this vertically, but it can either direction (shown horizontal).
$450.00 (available from AftP)
Meaning/Inspiration: Each 6×6” panel represents a season – the icy blue of Winter, the blossoming green of Spring, the cool colors of the beach in Summer, and the russet change of colors and twirling winds of Autumn – all mounted on wood and branches representing the tree of life.

“Stairway to the Unexplored” by Helen Mary V. Marek (2019)
Digital collage. Printed on Metal. Beaded detail on frame. 9.5 x 13.5
$75.00 (available from AftP)
Meaning/Inspiration: A mystical stairway leads up into an unknown space created by swirling colors. Where do the stairs lead? What adventures lie ahead? What mysteries await?

Aquatic Pirouette by Helen Mary V. Marek (2019)
Acrylic on Canvas board with beads and string 2019 12 x 16”
$275.00 SOLD
Inspiration: The swirling ocean and twirling ocean life between the fertile land, the breaking waves, the majestic sky, and the twirling swirling life that inhabits them all.

As many of you know, in addition to my acrylic abstracts, jewelry, photos, etc., I’m a graphic designer. I’ve worked for Technology Futures, Inc., an Austin-based research and consulting company, for many years.

Each year we at TFI create our own holiday cards around a current event or trend. My father, John Vanston, writes the verse, and I design the card around the chosen theme. This year we chose Artificial Intelligence, which is especially fitting since — in addition to his work in communications forecasting and valuation — my brother, TFI’s President Lawrence Vanston, has an interest in AI. Earlier this year, his article “Forecasting the Impact of Artificial Intelligence: Another Voice” was published in the Foresight journal and he spoke on the topic at the recent Foresight Practitioner Conference. My sister, Carrie Vanston, The Alligator Wrangler, also helps with advice on the theme and wording. It is definitely a family effort!

I hope you enjoy the AI greeting! I genuinely wish you Happy Holidays and a Prosperous New Year!

I’m hosting a Holiday Open House & Art Sale this Saturday from noon – 5pm in Pflugerville TX. Artists Rhea Pettit, Harrison Marek, and Kari Darr are joining me. We’ll have a selection of original paintings, digital designs, prints, ceramics, jewelry, ornaments, and misc gifts. Stop by and see us!!

I have a selection of necklaces made with natural stones and beads. Some of the beads are repurposed from old jewelry. Adjustable lengths. Rock necklaces $40 each.

Contact me about availability. Custom designed jewelry using rocks or beads — including using personal sentimental pieces — is also available.
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I’m honored and excited to be invited to be the featured artist for November at the cool local Pflugerville wine bar, the Three Legged Goat. The opening on Friday, Nov 8, 6:30-8:30. Stop by the 3LG when you can for a great glass of wine or beer. They have live music on the weekends, and a warm welcome spirit all the time.

The featured piece “Grove of Grandeur” is made of painted acrylic tubes with accents of beads and tiny lights.

I’m excited to be part of Art 84 during the EAST Austin Studio Tour, Nov 16-17 & 23-24, 2019 and looking forward to another great year of Music + Art + Dance.

Stop by and see me and the other artists in November!
• 500 Art 84 | Dance + Music + Art
• 501 Melanie Hickerson
• 502 Helen Mary Vanston Marek
• 503 Harrison Marek
• 504 Luna Davis
• 505 Kim Eitze
• 506 Justin C. Gordon
• 507 Eve Larson
• 508 Yoyo Pong
• 509 Randall Soileau
• 510 Digital Den
• 511 Art From The Streets

I’m soooo honored and excited to be invited to be the featured artist at the Three Legged Goat (3LG) for the month of November!!
How cool is that!!!! 🙂
There will be an opening reception sometime in early November — more on that later.
The TLG is a really cool little local Texas Wine Bar in Downtown Pflugerville. They have a nice little patio area outside with live music almost every weekend.
It’s wonderful to see a local establishment supporting local artists! Ricardo Martinez is the Sept artist and Kimberly Morgan is their Oct. artist. Check out their FB page for list of musicians.

(Photo – Henry, Buck, and I at the 3LG.) https://www.facebook.com/threeleggedgoattx/

I created this digital collage while playing around with one of my paintings and a flower photo. The original painting is a little 6×6” (x 4) called “Maura’s Garden” in memory of the daughter of a close business friend. I thought the gerber daisy complemented the image nicely.

Maura’s Voice strives to learn as much as possible about violent acts and how to prevent them. Hate is a serious threat to public safety. They are a positive force for cultural change.

$50. 1/2 of proceeds of sales of “Maura’s Daisy” go to Maura’s Voice.
Digital collage, Image: 8×8″ Matted: 12×12″