Summer Flowers

On Saturday & Sunday, October 10 & 11, 2026, I participated in the Artist Guild of the Cape Studio Tour. The annual event is organized by local artist Stan Sperlak, who runs a gallery and wonderful sculpture garden, and is designed to allow art fans to visit working studios and perhaps enjoy special pricing. This year there were 12 open studio locations, with 19 artists.

I was able to connect with Betty Fernandez, of Fernandez Fine Art, who brought and set up over 3 dozen framed paintings and baskets upon baskets of small unframed art in my home as my guest.

Summer Flowers, by Betty Fernandez of Fernandez Fine Art. We bartered with one another to mark the occasion of our weekend together.

We had plenty of visitors on Saturday, and both had strong sales. Then the weather changed. Hurricane Isaias had made landfall near Destin, Florida on October 9, and steadily crept north. By Sunday morning, Cape May and the surrounding area was experiencing periods of heavy downpours and significant winds.

White Peonies, by Audrey Beckert, sold during the studio tour.

Betty was worried about her home and her long drive back to Sewell, NJ. She decided to pack her paintings and head for home. It wasn't raining too hard when she left, but a half hour later the heavens opened. I was concerned about my new friend on the road, but kept a positive attitude and kept the show going. I'm so glad I did...soon after that, I had several visitors, and multiple sales.

New Day, by Audrey Beckert, was sold to a dear friend.

Squid, by Audrey Beckert, was sold to friend & artist Mary Lippincott.

The rain continued on and off, with rather heavy periods now and again for the remainder of the day. I confirmed with Betty that she had arrived home alright, and was snuggled with her dog on the sofa. I passed out both of our contact information for the rest of the day, and relayed information to her when an individual came for a special second visit to see her oil paintings.

I am grateful beyond measure to the Artist Guild of the Cape, to Betty for teaming up with me (we didn't even know each other until 2 days before the event!) and to the numerous friends and art fans who came to my home & studio over the weekend. Thanks to all of you, and I hope you love the art you took home with you!