Ellijay, Georgia is famous for its many Apple Orchards owned by local families who have kept the business of apple growing going for generations. Two weekends in October each calendar year there are two Apple Festivals held here. Apple Arts is the one held in the downtown area of Ellijay, organized by the local Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce. The Gilmer Arts Gallery sponsors artists in the area by hosting a tent during the festival. This year I had the pleasure of representing the art center on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
It was an all-day affair, and we were successful. Although the day was exhausting because of fighting the temperamental breezes, those who attended seemed happy to be there. We met some very friendly folks and made some new customer connections. We heard some amazing comments and stories about my artwork and how it spoke to them. One person spoke about how nice it was to see REAL ART by REAL HUMANS versus the technology generated versions by AI.
Two of my largest pieces found new homes. They were from my Woodland Wild Series; SUN DRUNK–a young bear soaking up the sun in deep tree canopy and FAWN AT DAWN–a young deer drinks from the creek at the forest’s edge. The bear went home with a man who said it really spoke to him. After seeing how much it meant to him and hearing him describe how he felt when he looked at how the bear peered up looking for the sun shining through the thick canopy, he convinced me he needed it and his wife agreed. The fawn painting found a new home with a couple expecting their first baby; it was to decorate one of the walls in the new nursery which had a woodland theme. I smiled when I heard their conversation about why they wanted it.
One of my small floral paintings also found a new home–PINK BLISS, pink coneflowers on green field. It was in a bin with a few other small paintings close to the walkway where many people kept passing. The new owner walked past it several times and on her final pass by, she screamed: “Okay, okay! You wore me down! I must take you home!” I laughed and so did she, ever so willing to make the transaction happen. Floral paintings in that size, 6×12, are easy to place in the hands of new collectors. It’s a very affordable original art purchase which they can enjoy for years to come, and I’m happy to oblige!
Whoever came up with the idea for turning original works of art into printed greeting cards or art prints, you are BRILLIANT! The basket of cards and small 5×7 prints was busy all day with those browsing, enjoying and selecting for purchases. This avenue for marketing allows my art to get into the hands of those who may not be able to afford the original works. It makes my heart leap to see them enjoy my work even in this smallest form.
All of the pieces shown in the image at the top of this article are available for purchase. Be sure to reach out if you are interested in details: RShulerArt@gmail.com. Keep up with all the news in the studio and for art classes on the calendar by following the studio page: Facebook@ArtwBecca. Instagram is also an option for catching up: Instagram@RShulerart.com
The wind did cause damage to one piece, breaking the glass. The painting itself nor the frame suffered damage, so it will be an easy fix. Considering the blustery day, we were happy with the success of it all and look forward to the next festival opportunity.
Now comes the dirty work–the unpacking, organizing, cataloging the inventory and preparing for the next art delivery projects. This time of year, I participate in the Small Works Exhibit at the local gallery: Gilmer Arts in Ellijay, Georgia. It runs from the beginning of November to the beginning of January. It gives the locals and visitors an opportunity to shop for original artwork during the holiday season. I’m also in the middle of selecting a few pieces to take to the privately owned art gallery in Canton, Georgia called Menagerie on Main. They hold a nice holiday season show in conjunction with the Clay Council of Georgia, displaying original artworks in many categories during November-December each calendar year. It’s a perfect place to shop for original gifts this time of year. You will not be disappointed by the many unique options available for purchase, from jewelry, sculptures, lighting, textiles, 2-D paintings, and stained glass to mention a few.
Please check back soon for updates regarding my startup online venture on Shopify. It’s in process but hasn’t become active yet. It will be known as RShulerArt. A link will show up along with a GRAND OPENING ANNOUNCEMENT when it becomes active by mid-November.
