Laurie Mendenhall Art: August 2026 Newsletter


Welcome to the August Newsletter!

Did July fly by or was that just me? All of the sudden it's time to get ready to go back to school, the mornings seem oddly cooler, and it's August! I'm not ready for summer to be over!!

July was full of more coastal art, jewelry making, plenty of family time, and also a full blown re-brand! Just as the last hours of July were upon us, the last edits were being made to the website and branding kit. It may seem counter-intuitive, but moving away from a colorful brand kit to a beautiful gray is just what I needed. After years of green, I am finding my work pops more on a neutral palette. Be sure to check out the site today and see what stands out to you. I'd love to know!

I'm not just creating art, but showing up for other classes, too. While family obligations kept me from some of the classes I really wanted to take, July brought time for at least one class at Cohab. This time, jewelry making with the amazing Amanda Hufford. We made hammered brass charms, rings, bangles, and necklaces.

I created a skull and crossbones pendant for fall football and Halloween, a brass shark's tooth, and a brass band-aid ring. It was so much fun, but boy were my fingers sore after class!

Studio 136 hosted a Spindle and Spine Bookshop pop-up on the same day. I was able to catch up with my old buddy, John Railey, and snag his latest book!

What's happening in August

Monday Night's at Connie's

Join me (and some other fun people) Monday nights in Greensboro in Connie Logan's Studio learning and practicing our skills oil painting! Connie is an amazing Monet-influenced oil painter and you can find her large works at several galleries, but locally at the Grandover gallery (or by appointment). She's been helping me hone my skills and find my style in Oils. And while I still have a love for architecture, I also love painting the coast in an impressionist style full of sun rise and sunset yellows, blues, greens and oranges. My latest piece, Whats Up, brought my nephew to life as he takes to the ocean to catch his first wave!

Events

August is always a busy month. Our college senior is headed back to school this week for RA training. I can't believe he's a senior, but we at least know he's going to spend another year at graduate school. For me, I've got another art installation at the High Point Public Library as the Artist of the Month.

Beginning Tuesday, August 4th, stop by the High Point Public Library and see my latest Oil Paintings, as well as some of my favorite watercolors and acrylic pieces. Some of those pieces are available for sale, too!

Where to find my art and upcoming shows:

  • August 2026 - I'll be the Featured Artist at the Library!
    • High Point Public Library featured Artist of the Month. Art will be installed on August 3rd and ready for viewing on August 4th
    • Meet the Artist at the High Point Public Library, Saturday, August 29th, 9:30 am - 11 am in the lobby. Come by and say Hello!!
    • Be sure to check out the 100th birthday gallery wall(s), too. I've got a cute Dr Suess piece.
  • August 2027 - Next Summer!!
    • Nomad Wine Works Solo Show
    • Theme to be determined, but I'm hoping to go big (or go home) for at least some of the pieces.

ACEOs - Art for Everyone!

ACEO stands for Art Cards, Editions, and Originals. These are highly collectible, pocket-sized pieces of art that must measure exactly 2.5 by 3.5 inches (64 by 89 mm)—the exact size of a standard trading or baseball card. My jerseys were a huge hit, I'm working on a few new designs I will have on hand for sale ($5 each) at the Library Meet and Greet on August 29th.

The final Sweet 16 of the World Cup original is available (though not a great photo here) and will be available as a Print in September.

Hot Pocket Print Club

If you're one of my print collectors, you're going to want to know about this! I am working on the fall 2026 launch date for the Hot Pocket Snail Mail Print Club. The first edition of print club will be focused on nostalgia of all things GenX. Founding members will be able to join (once everything is set up and ready to go) for a discounted price for the first year.

FAQ's:

  • What's a Print Club? It's a monthly mailing of a 4 x 6 print or postcard, and may include other fun things like stickers, and bookmarks, magnets, mini-coloring page, and a monthly note from me all about the month's theme.
  • Do I have to join monthly or can I order the print club of the month? Well, for now, you've got to join. You can cancel at any time but print club merch is non-refundable. Month-to-month will be a set price and you'll be charged the same day each month.
  • How can I get a discount? Founding Members will receive a discount for joining for the year. In essence, you'll be my test case people. I may ask you for honest feedback about the service, what you might like to see in the future mailings, and in general if it's a fun collection. Note, you'll pay in full for the year when you sign up.
  • How much? Most print clubs cost $10 - $20 a month, depending on what's being offered and whether it can be mailed as snail mail or shipped in a box.
  • Does the price include shipping? Yes. Most Snail Mail clubs ship with stamps and it arrives as a regular piece of mail. It should be cost effective for everyone.

Etsy Print Sale

I'm making room for new prints this fall, so I'm clearing out some of my best sellers. This is the last chance for these prints. They will be retired once they are gone. Starting Saturday, August 1, ALL PRINTS in my Etsy shop will be half off for the month of August. Use code SUMMERHEAT https://lauriemendenhallart.etsy.com

Publish Your Coloring Book

Have you ever thought about creating your own coloring book? It's easier than you think. While I haven't been able to set a date yet, I'm tossing around the idea of teaching a class on how to create, layout, and publish your own coloring book. I am working on my next one about my hometown of High Point and hope to have that available in September/October. Sign up here if you're interested in learning more about the class (when I have more to share): SIGN UP.

You can also purchase my Coastal Carolina Coloring books with a set of Crayola's at Studio136 Gallery. Stop by and grab yours! Out of town? Find me on Amazon and you'll find my coloring books and journals.

Commissions

Commissions are OPEN! It's the perfect time to start planning for the holidays! Home, Pet, and University watercolors may be purchased on my Etsy site HERE.

Home and Pet Portraits as well as University Illustration commissions are open now. I'm also taking other commission requests in watercolor, acrylic, and oil. Reach out to discuss sizes and pricing.

If you saw something you liked at my show, but someone else purchased it? Commission a personalized version just for you.

I'm also taking Holiday Card Commissions. Be bold and stand out this year with a one of kind card designed and printed just for you.

Did you know I also do commissions for invitations? From the artwork to the card design. Currently working on a cute invitation for a rehearsal dinner. Can't wait to see how it all comes together.

Speak Your Truth Podcast

I'm always nervous when I think about relaunching this (AGAIN) because life seems to keep getting in the way. BUT, I'm always willing to try. I already have a list of artists on deck to talk to, so I'll be reaching out to get them on the podcast to talk about their work soon. In the meantime, check out the podcast and note that it went from me, to my friends, to my artist friends all speaking their own truth. And it will inspire you!

Apple

Spotify

YouTube

A Gentle Reminder

August is that tender in‑between month — not quite summer, not yet fall — a place where colors soften, days stretch, and creativity moves in a more fluid, unhurried way. This month, give yourself permission to blur the edges of your work. Let your brush wander. Let your materials surprise you. Let your art be a place where you don’t have to choose a direction yet.

There’s beauty in the pause, in the almost‑there, in the quiet ripening of ideas. Trust what’s forming beneath the surface.

Don't forget to share this newsletter with your friends!

Share this newsletter with your art loving friends! You’ll be able to stay up to date on what’s happening in my studio, get to know me on a more personal level, and learn about my creative process and what inspires my work. This will be a once-a-month newsletter, and it’s also where you’ll find special offers, promotions, and exclusive deals just for subscribers.

3891 Eagleston Ct, High Point, NC 27265-7928
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Hi! I'm Laurie

Laurie Mendenhall is a mixed-media artist and illustrator, as well as a Reiki Master, RYT-200, and Certified Life Coach. Her work lives at the intersection of creativity and energy—exploring intuition, inspiration, and what it means to create a life that feels aligned. Through her newsletter, Laurie shares new artwork, behind-the-scenes studio moments, energy insights, and invitations to connect more deeply with creativity and self-expression. Sign up and join the fun at www.lauriemendenhallart.com

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