New Beginings

Dear Friends,

Artist from the Green Street Company and starting to collaborate again.  With lots of transitions behind us we are refocusing our work to reflect our contemporary side.  Please enjoy photos/tempate from our newest display!

Welcome Friends,

We just wanted to showcase some new pieces that are aviable on our main website at: http://www.greenstreetcompanyfolkart.com/. We hope you enjoy them. Coming soon is our 2012 series of handmade American folk art dolls!

Tis the Season to be jolly! Santa is signing while is collecting wood to warm his home during the winter months. This whimsical folk art piece, hand painted by Sheila Edwards, features an African American Santa Claus with a wood stack. Size: 12 in.

This decorative folk art plate was hand painted by folk artist Sheila Edwards. In the center is of the plate are two folk art girls dressed, in period clothing that is painted on a purple background. The painting is accented by gold scroll designs. The plate can either be displayed in a plate stand or it can hang on the wall (there are two punch holes located on the top of the painting. All of our decorative folk arts under-go a process of anti-rusting, antiquing, and glazing that helps to protect the integrity of the artwork. As a result, our decorative folk arts are not meant to be used as cooking, drinking, or eating utensils. Size: 12 ¼ x 12 ¼ in.

This original collage painting was created by contemporary folk artist Michelle Edwards. This beautiful hand-painted tray features a colorful colonial portrait collage that is made out of metal, paper, and painted with acrylic. The tray can either be displayed in a plate stand or it can hang on the wall (there are two punch holes located on the top of the painting. Size: 12 x 20 in.

The Green Street Company’s Americana folk art painting encompasses a wide range of artistic works, a mixture of naivety and sophistication, cultural tradition and individual innovation. Themes represented in this genre of painting mirrors the basic ideas and customs that regulate lifestyles, and may be based in patriotic affection for king and country, satisfaction with daily living, or appreciation for nature. This painting was created by Sheila Edwards. The painting is already framed and it is ready to be hung and displayed in one of your favorite places. Canvas: 20 x 16 in. Framed: 23 x 19 in.

Thanks for visiting our blog today!

Michelle Edwards

Green Street Company Blogger and Artist

Contemporary Folk Art Collages

Hello Friends,

I hope you are all enjoying the start of the 2011 holiday season.

Title: Going Shopping by Michelle Edwards
Mixed Media.

Before you go carried away shopping for the upcoming holidays season we'd like for you to remeber that this is a great time of the year to spend quality time with family and friends. It is also a great time to spend with your art! The Green Street Company's contempoary folk artist, Michelle Edwards, has just fell in love again with some of her previous work. Looking for some small projects to do around the house, Michelle has created a series of collage boxes (made out of old cigar boxes!) and plaques featuring some of her vibrant folk art designs. This is a great way to re-use old art designs and in a new way. Below are a few examples of her work.

I hope you have been inspired!

Best wishes,

Michelle L. Edwards
Green Street Company Artist/Blogger

Tis the Season - 2011

Dear Friends,


It is that time of the year again, for us all to celebrate the upcoming holiday season. The Green Street Company is of course gearing up for 2011. So we'd like to take the opportunity to share with you some of our inspiration for brought to you by Santa Claus. The following Americana folk art paintings that are featured below were created by Green Street Company folk artist Sheila Edwards. We hope that you enjoy them.

Rocking Santa

Painter's Santa

Patriotic Santa

Tree Topper Santa

I hope that you were inspired. These print will be available soon at http://www.greenstreetcompanyfolkart.com/ and on our website on etsy at http://www.greenstreetfolkart.etsy.com/

Sincerely,

Michelle L. Edwards
Green Street Company Artist & Blogger

Green Street Company - New Prints

Dear Friends, Spring is here. In honor of the changing seasons, the Green Street Company has been working on a series of Spring Time Prints. All prints are available on our company website: http://www.greenstreetcompanyfolkart.com/. Below are just a few of our new line of springtime prints.

This beautiful print is from an original acrylic painting by American folk artist Sheila Edwards. The print features the artist's signature folk art girl dressed in black and white polka dot dress. She is patiently awaiting the return of her father with her loyal dog. Size: 8 x 10 in.

This print pays homage to African American folk artist Sheila Edwards' love of literature. The print is taken from original acrylic painting, entitled Gulliver's Travel. Gulliver's Travels is a classic tale written by Jonathan Swift. This image depicts Gulliver's voyage to Lilliput. Size: 8 x 10 in.

African American folk artist Sheila Edwards is known for her whimsical and charming folk art country scene. This print is from an original acrylic painting, entitled Lunch with Friends. This lovely print will make an excellent addition to any folk art room. Size 8 x 10 in.

I hope you enjoy what we've been working on thus far!

Sincerely,

Michelle L. Edwards

Green Street Company Blogger/Artist

Green Street Company 2011 American Folk Art Doll Inspirations

Dear Friends,

As promised I wanted to give everyone a sneak peak of The Green Street Company's 2011 folk art doll collection. These year some of our doll designs have been inspired by themes or ideas such as patriotism, children's poems, our love of cats, or traditional country folk art designs. For example, the doll below (Tammy) was inspired by a poem by Garth Lancaster. “If I were a mouse...And could run around the house…There are plenty of things I'd like to do…Like run under chairs…And try to climb the stairs…And scare my mum a little too.”

Tammy and her two friends are up to nothing but mischief. This charming soft-sculptured doll is hand-painted by folk artist Michelle Edwards. Her hair is made out of real wool and is accented with a satin green ribbon. She is dressed in green and red dress and a matching wool jacket.Height: 18 in.

This whimsical folk art doll is wearing a bright yellow cotton dress with white boomers. Ronnie, created by folk artist Sheila Edwards, is accented with a cat pendant and orange heart. She is hand painted even her hair is made out of hand painted yearn giving her hair a fly-away appearance. The doll can either be displayed sitting our hanging (as shown in the picture).Height: 26 ½ in.

Gertrude is a beautiful hand-painted doll designed by folk artist Sheila Edwards. Her hair is made out of yarn the back is braided and hand sewn. Gertrude is wearing a blue and cream colored dress and bloomers. She is sporting high black boots that are laced up in the front. Height: 18 in.

Best,

Michelle L. Edwards
Green Street Company Artist/Blogger

Dear Friends,

We like to wish everyone a Happy New Year. Currently are working on our 2011 line of African american folk art dolls. As soon as they are ready I will post picture of them on our blog. In addition, some will be for sale on our main website at http://www.greenstreetcompanyfolkart.com/ or at http://www.greenstreetfolkart.etsy.com/.

As always you can catch up with us at our folk art shows along theUS East Coast. In the meantime, I thought it would be nice to post some of our favorite art work from seasons past, which were inspired by artists, events and people, or literary works. As 2011 approaches we should all think about what inspires us as a means to create!

Grant Wood's American Gothic painting is probably one of the best known Americana paintings. The Green Street Company offers our own unique interpretation of this famous painting.

This charming folk art print pays homage to children’s Appolinia’s Valentine, written in 1954 by Katherine Milhous. The original story tells of Appolonia and Dan who went to a one-room school in Pennsylvania. It is the story of the children who went to the school and had fun there. This beautiful print will make an excellent addition to a children’s room. It also makes a great gift for lovers of children’s books and American folk art collectors.

This mixed media painting, entitled Buffalo Soldiers, is an original contemporary folk art piece by Michelle L. Edwards. It pays tribute to the Buffalo Soldiers. Buffalo Soldier originally were members of the U.S. 10th Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army, formed on September 21, 1866 at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas

Thanks again for visiting our blog.

Michelle L. Edwards

Green Street Company Folk Artist/Blogger

Green Street Company - Artist Display

Dear Friends,

Many of you are familiar with our online store at http://www.greenstreetcompanyfolkart.com/. But, in addition to selling our products on-line, we also participate in a number of arts and crafts shows and Black memorabilia shows throughout the year. Most of our folk art shows are located in the Northeastern and Southeastern United States. I bring this point up to illustrate the point that many up and coming artists hear a lot about the benefits of selling their art work online. In addition crafts and/or art shows are the best way to get your artwork noticed. In fact, nothing beats direct sales. In fact, people that view your art work in person are more likely to buy your products on the internet. So don't be afraid to apply to art shows to test the market and your ideas. For example, The Sunshine Artist magazine s a great resource to indentify art shows and markets that will best stuit your business.

When applying for shows be sure to pay careful attention to the applicant direction. For example, many art shows require artists to not only submit photos of their artwork; they also request photos of the arits displays. Below is a display of the Green Street Company's contemporary folk art display.

As always I encourage all to explore your inner artist.

Best,





Michelle L. Edwards

Green Street Company Artist/Blogger

Dear Friends,

The Green Street Company would like to wish everyone a great holiday season. This year we’ve reached some exciting milestones. We’ve participated and have been successful in a number of new art and crafts show this year. Our website business at (http:www.greenstreetcompanyfolkart.com and http://www.greenstreetfolkart.etsy.com) continues to be a success.

In addition, we’ve successfully completed our second (2010) line of Green Street season’s greeting cards and have issued our second line of American folk art T-shirt that features 5 new original designs. In the future we would like to expand our designs to be included on a series of cups, calendars, and bags. Again, thank you all for your support throughout the years and this holiday season.
Season’s Greetings,


Michelle L. Edwards
Green Street Company Artist and Blogger

Metro/Urban Chic Designs for Summer

Dear Friends,

Thanks for stopping by and checking up on the Green Street Company Folk Art Talk happenings. We are looking forward to the upcoming summer months. Drawing inspiration from the bright color pallet which define summer, our line of contemporary art work is infusing this fresh and exciting warm color pallet in our metro/urban chic designs. Below are a few examples of the work that you will see from contemporary folk artist Michelle Edwards.

Enjoy,

Green Street Company Blogger

Artist: Michelle L. Edwards. Mixed Media

NEW...Wearable Artwork by Michelle Edwards

Dear Friends,

We just wanted to announce a new line of wearable art by Green Street Company Folk Artist, Michelle Edwards!

These uniquely designed contemporary art necklaces/chokers were designed by African American folk artist Michelle L. Edwards. Michelle’s contemporary folk art incorporates images associated with both country lifestyles and contemporary subject matters. She loves and embraces eccentricity and quirks in objects, people, and occurrences in our daily lives. Integrating a brighter color pallet and incorporating whimsical design elements, her contemporary folk art pays homage to city life, humorous situations, and favorite pastimes.

Michelle’s new line of contemporary fashion accessories, including beaded necklaces, chokers, and bracelets. As you can see, these wearable art pieces were created on a number of different materials, including various metals, beads, wood, and paper Mache. Each of the domino pendants includes artwork from the Green Street Company’s original Americana and contemporary folk art designs. For example, the print featured on the Inspire pendant is from an original acrylic Americana folk art painting, entitled The First Day of School, created by Michelle’s mother Sheila Edwards.

The two Diva pendants contain miniature examples of Michelle’s vibrant contemporary folk art prints. Michelle’s domino pendants and African beaded jewelry makes the perfect beaded accessory ideal for beaded curios, artifacts or gifts. The based of each necklace/choker is sterling silver plated. If you are looking to stand out in the crowd...you definitely want to own one of these original designs!

Thanks Again for reading our blog,

Michelle L. Edwards

Green Street Company Artist/Blogger

Hello Friends,

I hope everyone is starting the New Year with a great beginning. Now that the holiday season is officially over we would like to introduce you all to our 2010 collection of one-of-a-kind handmade dolls.

Artist: Sheila Edwards

We sure enjoyed creating these beautiful dolls. Soon we will be updating our main website where a few of these dolls will be available online for purchase.

In other news...despite the fact that we are in the middle of winter, we at the Green Street Company are trying to keep the cold winter weather behind us. In preperation for the upcoming spring we've been busy designing new and vibrant decorative arts for the spring. A few of these pieces already featured on our main website (http://www.greenstreetcompanyfolkart.com/) and in our etsy shop (http://www.greenstreetfolkart.etsy.com/nstreetfolkart.etsy.com/)

Artist: Sheila Edwards

Artist: Michael Edwards

Artist: Sheila Edwards

We are also have plans to create new line of 2010 folk art prints and we hope to introduce a new lines of items, which include mugs, t-shirts, calenders, and magnets/

Artist: Michelle Edwards

Thanks for keeping up with our blog.

Sincerely,

Michelle Edwards
Artist/Green Street Company Blogger

Holiday Updates

Dear Friends,

I hope you are all enjoying the holiday season. We just finished our southeastern tour of winter shows last week. Over the next couple of months we will be busy preparing for our spring shows.

Santa Claus and Country Folk Art Kids
Medium: Acrylic. Artist: Sheila Edwards (c) 2009

In the meantime, Michelle's work will be displayed at the Small Treasures Holiday Show from November 8 - December 20 at the Highfield Hall Clark Gallery, located in Falthmouth, MA. Other participating artists include Ken Carson, Jane Lincoln, Christie Velesig, Rosalie Nadeau, Mary Alice Eizenberg, Lorrain Trenholme, San Lyman, Candice Ronesi, Robert Manz, Marisa Repeta, and Timothy Struna. The show showcases prints, photographs, oil paintings, folk art, and more from area artisans. If you are in the area be sure to check it out.

The Color of Winter
Mixed Media
Artist: Michelle L. Edwards (c) 2009

Thank you,

Michelle L. Edwards

Green Street Company Blogger

Happy Holiday Cards - New Items

Dear Friends,


Keep in touch with friends and family by sending them one of our beautiful cards or wonderful folk art gifts this holiday season! Our new selection of folk art themed cards and gifts features our traditional and contemporary designs at an affordable price.

The Green Street Company’s signature line of greeting cards feature examples of our original Americana and contemporary folk art paintings.These unique cards are sold in a set of 10, which includes five Americana folk art cards and five contemporary folk art cards. The cards measures 7 x 5 in. and comes complete with white envelopes. The greeting cards are blank inside.If you are looking for an extra special card to send to friends and family during the holiday seasons, then you do not want to pass on the opportunity of owning a set of these distinctive cards today!

These cards also make a perfect gift for American folk art and black folk art collectors. They are available at http://www.greenstreetcompanyfolkart.com/folk-art-cards-and-gifts.html.

Best,

Michelle Edwards
Green Street Company Artist/Blogger

Annoucements: Green Street Company Handmade Cards

Artist: Sheila Edwards, The First Day of School

Dear Friends,

We've been busy introducing new products to our customers at our folk art shows. Our newest product consists of a collection of hand-made cards. Our unique cards are created by the artist and features designs from the Green Street Company’s original acrylic paintings.

The cards are made with a combination of acid free card stock and acid free and lignin-free paper. They are blank on the inside and come complete with matching envelopes. Here are a few examples below:

Currently, these hand-made cards can be purchased directly from us at our art and crafts shows. We hope to have a line of seaonal cards and gifts avaiable for purchase on our main website. If you you haven't visted our on-line gallery yet, be sure to check our new line of affordable prints, one-of-a-kind paintings, and decorative arts at: http://www.greenstreetcompanyfolkart.com/

Thank you,



Michelle Edwards
Green Street Company Artists/Blogger