In Beth’s words: Here is the amazing 6×6 encaustic piece I received as part of the Bee Team holiday exchange. “Sheep Patterns” was created by the amazingly talented Kari J. Young. I love the color and texture in her work but most of all I love the subject of this piece (you know how I feel about wool…). So a big warm thank you Kari, I love it!

In Judy’s words: Pam McDonnell, a native Georgian and self described country girl, sent me this little gem. Looking at it I can sense the rural environment of her childhood. It has a feeling of quiet and mystery.

In Kari’s words: Here is the painting I received… Thank you Tirzah, I love my new little painting. Its hanging on the wall in my hallway.

In Tirzah’s words: My name is Tirzah and I received a beautiful painting from Shannon. It is an image transfer that shows some highlights of the map of Pittsburgh. There are bold black lines that represent the bridges of the city and small streets that cover the international market district part of town. I was very happy to see such an artful representation of my new home… a special surprise because I used my temporary Nashville address for the mail exchange! It is proudly hanging in my Pittsburgh apartment – Thank you Shannon!

In Shannon’s words: I participated in the holiday exchange last year and absolutely loved it! So I was anxious to participate again this time around. To my surprise, a package came the week before Christmas and had several little goodies from Melissa Hronkin. Melissa is a beekeeper and harvests her own wax, so I was super delighted to find home-made lip gloss along with two paintings! It was such a fun package to open and kept giggling with excitement over my new artwork! The smaller one – a butterfly – is sitting at my desk, and helps me study and do my homework. The larger one is a fascinating diagram of a head. Thank you Melissa for all the goodies! And thanks Kathryn for making the exchange happen. Long live art swaps!

In Veronique’s words: I love my painting from Laura Van Horne (lvhdesigns). I’ve had my share of the winter blues (I really do not like the cold or snow!) and this painting is such a nice reminder of the warm days ahead. I love the idea of something being in bloom- whether literally in the spring time or as an artist- there are always something in bloom, in process in the studio. Thank you Laura! The painting is hanging up in my studio- a nice reminder of warmer days and endless artistic inspiration.

In Caterina’s words: Here I am with Cloud Study #3 by Beth Billups of Tangled Sky Studio in Mill Valley, Ca. She is a neighbor geographically, because I live in Santa Rosa about 48 miles north on 101. I was delighted to receive her encaustic as my secret bee exchange. My immediate thought was how different she works from me. I love this piece, its subtle earthy colors, opaque yet alluringly transparent, as well as the way the clouds are collaged text, with small scratched in dots defining them. They almost look like a face in a dreamy sky. I was delighted to receive a moo card with another one of her encaustic images on it in the package. It made me want to explore her website and blog and look at more of her work. I then went an ordered some moo cards of my own to send off with my art. I am always struck with how there are so many ways to communicate uniquely and expressively in encaustic. I continue to refall in love with this medium.

In Laura’s words: I love this beautiful piece painted by Kathryn Dart. It is done on glass and looks amazing sitting on the window sill. It glows when there is light behind it. I am excited to try this technique. This was a really fun experience and I am glad I took part in it.

In Melissa’s words: Greetings! I received this wonderful piece from Deanna Wood. Her work is inspired by recurring tornado dreams: power, excitement, raw energy! The house is layered on top of a topographical map and some text…red, green, and orange are the colors used. All of this is on a beautifully constructed cradled panel. Thanks so much for the art and for arranging the exchange. cheers!

In Linda’s words: Here is the beautiful painting that I got from my Secret Bee, Caterina Martinico. So glad that I am a part of the Bees Wax Team!

In Kathryn’s words: I was so happy to see my secret bee was Linda Cordner, as I love her work! It meant even more having seen her artwork in person and met her at the Encaustic Conference last June. I love the vibrant green color and the oh-so-appropriate buzzing bee. Thanks so much, Linda!

Thanks to everyone who participated in this fun event! Look forward to next year’s exchange.