The Long Awaited Houseboat Update

The Sweet SS Charisma. The First thing that we did, and I'll add, it was quite awhile ago... Was deal with the back wall. This is what it looked like.

And a view of the back deck before.

So my band of pirates ripped out the rotten back wall, the windows, and ripped off the top of the back deck. Here's what we ended up with.

We had to put planks on the bottom of the deck for now. But we got a cool cockpit out back now. Of course all this work opened up a few cans of worms. The next issue was the galley. Here's a picture of the nice little kitchen as it was...before.....sigh.......

The whole wall behind it was rotting so.....

And!....After......Much better, right?.... But it had to happen. We saved all the original fronts, and doors of the cabinets. We kept the stove, the sink, and the countertop, for now. . She needs some re-fiberglassing to stop leaks, and, well,....a lot of love and care.

Here's a final shot for those out there who doubt Charisma's float-ability. During the 2011 Hurricane, she floated at high tide!...

Art Update

Well, since we've been gone for so long, here's what we were busy doing in the gallery.

We invited our "old" college buddy, Jon Dunitz, down from Maine with his show "Forgotten Transport". We LOVE shows that center around cars. Who doesn't like a car?!?

We also opened up our "Backdoor" Gallery to one of our favorite sicko artists, David Graham. His "Celebrity Deathmask" collection really strikes our sicko funnybone!

Then we introduced everyone to Mark Bobley. His marker on paper drawings of weird dreamlike scenes, usually involving robots, pimps, monsters, and shamanistic symbolism are like a hallucination mapped out.

October was an interesting month with Joe Giaquinto's visit. He brought his collection of "Spirit" photographs, and his clair-audient abilities to the gallery. It was kind of creepy...

Our Annual Valentine's Day show was a hit once again. The room was packed and we had work from about 50 artists. It was great to meet some new people!

We finally got to meet ZIG. He was awesome! Love his smart, witty work, and a super fun dance party broke out!

STANKO returned for an April Fool's Day show. Super amazing show! And for his April Fool's present from the Ripe Girls, we had a bagpiper and drummer come and play some ear-drum splitting tunes for him!

Luke DeLalio graced our walls with a border-line insane show of paintings, drawings and photography. A lot of lines were crossed, buttons pushed, and thoughts were provoked.

And last but not least, we had a visit from Doris Rowe. The Grand Dame of the local art scene brought us a new collection of "Retablos". What a fun show! So, there you have it. A quick rundown of this past year's events.

And...We're back!

Well, well, well....It's been a while! Lots of things have been going on with the Rockstar Framer. Lots of work, lots of art and new artists, a new gallery wall color, some really fab parties, broken hearts and broken art sales records, and the usual mix of fun and insanity. We also kicked down with some cash to re-do our website. Thus, the inspiration to return to our rockstar blog.

Glitter makes everything better!

New shoes....unbelievable buy...equals= LOVE!
These shoes have been on display since they walked into my life Sunday morning...sigh!


That's right......I mean, isn't everything better in a glitter color?
These shoes are not made for walking, anywhere...but they are an amazing sight to behold.
Well, I guess I can walk in them for a short distance...

When a Plan comes together.

Meanwhile...back at The Shoeman's house....

Your favorite Rockstar "Paintergrrl" finally got to pimp out the Diningroom in this pad.

Here's what it looked like when we walked in.

Not good, right? The chandelier was verdigris green, and there was a dreadful wallpaper border (which should be illegal) around the room.

We decided that the room, right off the main foyer, needed some pattern to really rock.
A quick base coat of "Satchel", appropro for The Shoeman's crib.


Then your loyal Warrior Princess worked her magic. An all-over stencil pattern of "Iron Gate". Yes...it's true, that is all paint. (Even The Fabulous Wallpaper-Hanger was impressed...* More about him later...) Everyone was thrilled!

Wow! THat was FUN!!! Thanks to my little Paintergrrl who assisted...ayou know who you are! <3

The Houseboat Project.

Day One of Houseboat S.S. "Charisma"....nee. "Queen of Hearts" renovation.
This is the Houseboat bequeathed to me by The Pirate of Centerport. This fine vessel is hard aground...from the late 60's, and in dire need of a gentle, helpful Rockstar hand.
The Bridge, as it is today, May 1, 2011...

I quickly set up command central on the Fore Deck...handbag, Mother's old cushions, blackberry, and trusty iced tea.

I immediately made the Pirate move the creepy mannequin out of the head...



Then I attacked all the closetes and drawers, moved furniture, and tossed a lot of gross stuff...the view down into the livingroom...

Wondering about how this this 32' ship stays afloat? This is the "cradle of the sea" for my Miss Charisma....*jazzhands**

Wall colors have been chosen, windows have been measured...a meeting took place about how to proceed with certain repairs, and cleaning issues...Over all, a brilliant day!

Lillian Dodson...kind of a big deal around here.

Your Humble Rockstar Framer is truly honored that Lil would even consider showing in my little gallery...truly. But she didn't even have to consider when I got the courage to bring a show, here at Ripe, up to her. Lil is amazing...aka. Dame Billian. I won't disclose her true age here, but this sister is rockin' it! Lil is the real deal...she's a well-respected artist from right here in Huntington. Married to Stanley Twardowicz...collected by museums...faculty at Hofstra U...kind of a big deal!

This piece, "StickUp" is dated 1970. It looks amazing here...


And this piece, "January", is from 1/2011. Loose and free...very moody...feels like this January to me.


Lil's friends braved a rainy day to come hang out here at Ripe...chairs and all...
That's Mary the Painter,...very well known in this area...and Linda the Potter...from Huntington.


And here are Jeanne the Art League, (big deal...) and Norm the Jeweler, and his sweet Swedish wife. These people are all important in the art education scene here on LI.


So lucky to have a "Grande Dame" like Lil in my life, who brings amazing insight, humor, and understanding to this thing we can "The Art World".