Birch Bark and Braden

We had a happy surprise this weekend while perusing the March 2010 issue of Computer Arts magazine. On page 17 there is an article on Minneapolis design studio, Imagehaus. The article talks about how each designer is given their own space with a inspiration board. Well, on page 17, at the bottom, is a photo of Braden Wise's inspiration board. And wouldn't you know that Braden has filled his inspiration board with Charley Harper pieces? Cheers, Braden! He has Jumbrella, Birch Bark and Birds, This Modern microscope Can Magnify 1000 Times, Bank Swallow, and the ever popular Mystery of the Missing Migrants!

Congratulations to Imagehaus for being Computer Arts' Studio of the Month!

Ohhh Technology, Are you A Blessing or a Curse?

It is the 21st century. Although Charley was against computers, the Charley Harper Art Studio does realize the value of them to help support and maintain business. This brave new medium is a tool, just like the french curve and protractor commonly used to create so many of the popular Harper designs.
Unfortunately, when it rains, it pours. And it poured technological mayhem on us this week. Its a good thing there are some really good people who care about our digital issues out there. We just want to send a big thank you to All About Computers Plus, at 907 West North Bend Rd, here in Finneytown, OH, for all their great work. We love how they always tell us the problem, the issues, and the fixes without trying to force us to buy or upgrade anything that doesn't need be. Rae always takes computer issues so emotionally and personally when dealing with us. We like that sort of honesty. Wouldn't the world be a happier place if there was a bit more of that out there? And Devin and Eric, the tech guys, are as good as it comes for working on PC's and not blowing smoke about why the computers may not be working. Another quality we appreciate about people.

Thanks All About Computers Plus!!!

ps. they do custom builds and mods, too.

Spring Has Sprung

The first crocuses of spring have bloomed in Edie's garden and the bees have already found them.

Late Breaking Gnus!!

This just in, Charley Harper Art Studio director, Rena, is stressed.


Gussy, the cat, on the other hand, says, "Life is good."

Athena International Foods

Can we tell you how much we like the Athena Foods, at 8548 Winton Road, in Cincinnati? It is truly a great little Greek deli. Delicious gyro, greek yogurt, homemade desserts, bulk dry goods, herbs and spices, Greek wine, olive oil, olives, good prices, tables to sit in and relax.... we could go on and on. As we sit here in the studio and bliss out after having a delicious lunch of olives, dolmas, and gyros, we wonder why there isn't hardly any web presence for them. Where's the webpage or blog with a list of wines, a menu, etc? And when will there be mousaka?! If you are a frequent City Beat reader, you may have seen pics and write-ups, though. We can't wait til they have an on-license so we can go sit there, listen to traditional Greek and Cretian music, have a glass of wine and gnosh on olives and end with a piece of baklava. Does it get much better?

If you're looking for it in Finneytown, its next door to Hong Kong Kim's Kwon Do studio,in the strip right next to the CVS on Winton across from the Applebees. Don't go to Applebee's. Go to Athena.

Spring Sneakers and Gnus

News, news and more gnus.

Snow is melting and green grass is showing. All the fat little gray squirrels are outside the studio door rooting around rather than trying to get into the birdfeeders. Brett just picked up another bag of seed and as he was preparing to put it away, some of our local avian neighbors figured out what it was and broke into it before he had a chance to even open it himself!

Also with the change of season comes Habit Footwear's new spring line. Check out page 24 of the spring catalog for the Charley Harper Artist Series! That's right, lo-cut and hi-top sneakers featuring Charley Harper's artwork. Both are part of a matching set of sneakers and skate decks. They're just out and already getting rave reviews for looks and comfort. Kudos to Habitat!

Ever read Atomic Ranch magazine? We do. For those that don't know, "Atomic Ranch celebrates midcentury houses—from 1940s ranch tracts to 1960s architect-designed modernist homes. With an emphasis on affordable solutions and homeowner renovations... quarterly magazine shows you how to make your house cool, both inside and out." As a matter of fact, the Charley Harper Art Studio is located in a midcentury custom built ranch home. The spring edition features Charley and the studio's work. Karen Bartos, of Farmington Hills, Michigan, provides a nice right up of how they decorated she and her husband's ranch home with Harper art. Then on pg. 38 the Charley Harper Art Studio is featured under "Cool Stuff"! Right next to the Star Trek fans and fly-away winged overhead lamps. Thanks for the love Atomic Ranch, and nice design layout!

We at the Harper studio, would like to take a minute to say thank you to Treglown Designs. When Edie passed, they sent us a box of sugar cookies made to look like Harper ladybugs and cardinals! We finally broke down today and broke into them. It must be the nice weather that inspired it. They were YUM!

Last week was Cincinnati's Modernism show, 20th Century Cincinnati. It was well attended and sales were good. Considering that, even though the economy has boosted some, we are still in a recession, people are beginning to go out and spend money again and exercise a sense of style. Here are some pics we took while there!