The Art of Kathleen Chaney Fritz

New online store & site update!

John Fritz — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:32:00 GMT

We recently completed a major update on our site which includes our online store located at: <store.chaneyfritz.com>

Our site <www.chaneyfritz.com> is now a gateway to the store but will also include our original paintings, installations, and other info at a later date.

Ordering from the online store is now easier than ever! You are now able to see all the sizes a print comes in rather than searching for the size in the "portfolios" of our old site. You can create a user account to store your own image collections and shipping address or you can order without setting up an account. The transactions are secure and run through PayPal where we accept all major credit cards. You don't have to have a PayPal account to order. We're now offering free freight on all orders now through the end of the year!

Check it out!

Charlevoix Waterfront Art Fair 2009

John Fritz — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:21:00 GMT

Kathleen Chaney Fritz will be exhibiting new work at the Charlevoix Waterfront Art Fair, Charlevoix, MI booths 8 & 9. The show is one day only on Saturday, August 8, in downtown Charlevoix.

See you there!

Michigan Reflections...

John Fritz — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 19:53:00 GMT

As I sit here waiting for a new snowstorm to come our way while listening to Kathy's sewing machine chug out Christmas presents, I can't help but reflect on my feelings of our business for the past 30 years.

Kathy and I are the consummate do-it-yourselfers. We've approached everything in our lives that way and it's the way we've approached our business. You can be assured that everything that comes from our studio has been touched by one of us at some point. Whether it's creating an original painting, tweaking the XML code on our website, building a display for a dealer, designing packaging for a print, or building a frame for a painting. There's something very gratifying about doing it all yourself. We are so blessed and thankful to be able to do what we do and take great pride in our creations because we love what we do.

In our travels we've flirted with the idea of setting up shop in another part of the country. But quite simply Michigan is home. We are so inspired by the great beauty that surrounds us, and if you see our Great Lakes you'll know why. We started our business creating paintings of places we spent time at with family and friends. Over the years collectors have shared their stories of memories inspired by one of Kathy's paintings. Nothing could be more gratifying. As we close out 2008, I want to thank all our collectors who have been touched by what we do. Cherishing those fond memories of family and friends can bring us peace and happiness when times get stressful.

Kathy and I wish all of you and your loved ones a peaceful Christmas and a happy and healthy new year!

John Fritz

Showtime 2009!

John Fritz — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:10:00 GMT

Kathy will be taking part in two shows the first half of 2009. She has been invited again to participate in Gallery One's, Masterworks in Miniature show March 6 -21. Gallery One, located in Mentor, Ohio, is America's largest art gallery and features the work of well known artists Dean Morrissey and Steve Hanks along with many others. Call Gallery One at 800-621-1141 for more info.

Saper Galleries in East Lansing, MI, named top gallery in 2007 by Decor Magazine, will be hosting a one person show for Kathy starting May 3, through June. The show will feature new original paintings along with her best selling giclée reproductions. You can contact Saper Galleries toll free at 877-537-5251 or vist them at www.sapergalleries.com.

Charlevoix Art Fair

John Fritz — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:01:00 GMT

Kathy will be displaying her art at the 50th Charlevoix Waterfront Art Fair in Charlevoix, MI, Saturday, August 9. The show starts at 9am and goes until 6pm. This is one of the finest art shows in the country and will take place in the newly renovated park downtown. Kathy will be releasing a new Charlevoix painting along with giclée prints to commemorate the 50th anniversary. See you there!

Winter News 2008

John Fritz — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 23:05:00 GMT

• Kathy is busy working on 3 commissions at this time and after completion will begin work on new projects for the spring/summer season. Stay tuned for new release dates!

• If you own an Apple iPhone™ or iPod® touch check out our site www.chaneyfritz.com Our web host FolioLink was the first service to develop technology that specifically addresses this new medium allowing us to showcase our work in these portable devices. Our site capitalizes on the innovative navigation techniques known to iPhone™ and iPod® touch fans allowing them to tap, drag and pinch images for a closer look. You can access our website with one of these devices to view our images online wherever you are. Pocket our website today!

• Décor Magazine, a national trade publication serving the art and framing industry, named Saper Galleries and Custom Framing, East Lansing, Michigan the top art gallery in 2007 based on the Picasso exhibition which it created and displayed in 2006.

Saper Galleries was selected for the number one award over galleries from Europe, Asia, New York and elsewhere for the category of exhibitions and events. Gallery owner Roy Saper acquired and researched 77 original Picasso graphics and ceramics that Saper Galleries exhibited in 2006, attracting an international following for his scholarship, depth and quality of exhibition.

We are very proud to be represented by such a fine gallery here in Michigan!

Fall 2007 Appearances

John Fritz — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 12:49:00 GMT

Kathy will be making two appearances this fall in Michigan.

• Saturday, November 10, 2007 from 1pm to 4pm at Wheatons Art Gallery & Frame located in Mason, MI. She will be on hand to discuss her work and sign autographs, and help celebrate the opening of their beautiful newly remodeled gallery. Call Bernie Camp at 517-676-5199 for more info.

• Saturday, November 17, 2007 from 6pm to 9pm at Moynihans Gallery located in downtown Holland, MI. She will there as part of the Luminary (candles light the sidewalks) Downtown-Holland Open House. For more information about the event contact Larry Weller(616) 394-0093.

See you there!!!

Kathleen Chaney Fritz new work additions!

John Fritz — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 14:42:00 GMT

New original oil paintings have been added to our site www.chaneyfritz.com along with our new limited edition signed and numbered giclée release titled "Grand Haven" which is available on fine art canvas and cotton rag paper.

The new painting additions can be found under the menu PORTFOLIOS >Original Paintings.
They are:
• Grand Haven
• Days End
• #3 at Bay Harbor
• Poppy Field
• Heading to a Good Catch

You can also call 800-347-9531 for more info.

Charlevoix Waterfront Art Fair Booth Assignment

John Fritz — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:31:00 GMT

We just received notification of our booth assignment for the Charlevoix Waterfront Art Fair, Saturday, August 11, 2007 in Charlevoix, MI. We will be in booths #124 & 125 located at the northeast entrance. This year Kathy will be featuring several new oil paintings of the Charlevoix area. The show runs from 9am - 6pm and we're usually there around 7am.

If you have any questions, please call us at 800-347-9531. See you there!!!

Charlevoix Waterfront Art Fair

John Fritz — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 17:58:00 GMT

Kathleen Chaney Fritz will be displaying new original paintings along with her fine art prints, and books, at the 49th annual Charlevoix Waterfront Art Fair. located in downtown Charlevoix, MI. The show starts at 10am and runs until 6pm on Saturday, August, 11 2007. Anyone interested in purchasing an original painting should arrive early for a good selection.

The juried Charlevoix Waterfront Art Fair is one of the oldest and most prestigious art fairs in the country and draws hi quality artisans from across the nation. The one day show goes on rain or shine.

Kathy's booth assignment will be posted on this blog as soon as we find out.

For more info visit: Charlevoix Waterfront Art Fair

Kathleen Chaney Fritz July 4th Appearance

John Fritz — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 03:45:00 GMT

Kathleen Chaney Fritz will be making an appearance at Gaslight Gallery in Petoskey, Michigan, July 4, 2007
2-4pm. She will have original paintings for sale along with her limited edition giclée prints and books.

Impressions of Sleeping Bear SOLD 4/21/07

John Fritz — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 20:20:00 GMT

The original oil painting by Kathleen Chaney Fritz titled Impressions of Sleeping Bear has sold. The image is avialable in a full size limited edition canvas giclée. See our web site for details. www.chaneyfritz.com

Gitchi Gumee Book Awards/Reviews

John Fritz — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 12:16:00 GMT

2007 Ben Franklin Award Finalist

Reviewed by Connie Anderson

Gitchi Gumee means "big water," and those of us who border on Lake
Superior--one of the five Great Lakes--we know the name is perfect.

Ann Margaret Lewis tells in short verses ideal for children her story of the
big waters and a little boy's curiosity about sailing it.

Kathleen Chaney Fritz's illustrations of the "human face" of the lake are
wonderful. You can feel the lake's movement and season changes. Some of the
pictures are so beautiful you could frame them.

"I puff out my cheeks and blow my wind," Lewis writes to show how Lake
Superior can--and does change so quickly.

This story tells that the lake is home to families playing on the shore,
people boating and fishing, and huge ocean freighters carrying products
around the world. Many shipwrecks lie beneath the lake's waters.

Armchair Interviews says: If your child likes adventure told with great
illustrations, this book is a keeper.

2006 Midwest Booksellers Association Children's Book of the Year honorable mention.

Midwest Booksellers Association Favorite.

8 weeks on Heartland Booksellers Bestseller List

#1 Northern Michigan Bestseller List

#1 Bookcase of Wayzata Bestseller List

***** 5 star review
"Gitchi Gumee is an original picturebook story enhanced with museum quality paintings. The result is a beautifully presented tale of a young man's remarkable journey through the deepest, greatest bodies of water in a small sail boat. Inspired by the Native American tales of the 'big water' and as exemplified in the famous 'Hiawatha' saga poem of Longfellow, Gitchi Gumee showcases the adventurous young man's nautically sally into the all-knowing majesty of the open sea. Perfect for both school and community library picturebook collections, Lewis and Fritz's Gitchi Gumee is enthusiastically recommended for young readers and their parents for its superb illustrations and service to a truly inspirational and entertaining story."
      Midwest Book Review

"Gorgeous paintings by Kathleen Chaney Fritz. This is truly a book for anyone who loves the water."
      Detroit Free Press

"The sea becomes a yong man's mentor in this beautifully rendered read. Purposeful poetry and incredible illustrations."
      Milwaukee Parent Magazine

"(Gitchi Gumee) is both whimsical and awesome...both the author and illustrator have impressive resumes in terms of creating works for children."
      Lake Superior Magazine

Web site update 4/16/07

John Fritz — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 03:11:00 GMT

Tears of Mother Bear mini prints added to Chaney Fritz site: PORTFOLIOS >> Children's Books & Prints

Morning Whisper Sold 4/16/07

John Fritz — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 13:40:00 GMT

Morning Whisper original painting is now SOLD. A full size 50" x 30" limited edition canvas giclée can be purchased by calling our toll free number at 800-347-9531. It's also available on our site www.chaney-fritz.com by going to >>PORTFOLIOS>>Limited Edition Giclée Canvas.

Gitchi Gumee Finalist 4/15/07

John Fritz — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 02:12:00 GMT

Gitchi Gumee, the beautifully illustrated book by Kathleen Chaney Fritz, which she and her husband John designed, is one of three finalists up for the coveted 2007 Benjamin Franklin award. The winner will be announced at the Publishers Marketing Association gala ceremony in New York City, on May 31, 2007. Gitchi Gumee was selected from thousands of entries across the nation and is published by Mackinac Island Press in Traverse City, MI.

Our New Site • 4/15/07

John Fritz — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 20:08:00 GMT

Greetings and welcome to our new site! www.chaneyfritz.com I'm glad I finally got the hard part out of the way (the design.) I'm now able to update this site instantly so I will keep you posted on new paintings and prints we're working on. Kathy and I look forward to your comments, so stay tuned and thanks for stopping by!