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How do you promote an art show? 10 stupidly awesome Facebook posts.

Well, I wish I could say that I thought of it first, but I can't. It was Kerry Smith (Artist, Illustrator and Amazing Designer/Owner of Blackdog Creative), who started this impromptu promotional campaign for our upcoming exhibit, Artigras with Amanda Thoron, Ron Laney, Sophie Lara Walton and Kerry and me. But, what fun to see what popped up the next day. 

Below is the collection of doctored images shared on Facebook to garner attention from our friends. To woo them with our nonsense. To impress them with our Photoshop skills. To let them  know, in no certain terms, we don't care what you think, we are having an art show. Come or don't come, we're going to have some fun.

Check them out:

This was the first. Kerry created this one out of the blue, with now warning. I just laughed and shook my head.

This was the first. Kerry created this one out of the blue, with now warning. I just laughed and shook my head.

Boom! This one turned some heads. I think a few ladies downloaded this as their screen-saver.

Boom! This one turned some heads. I think a few ladies downloaded this as their screen-saver.

Nice little follow-up to the last one. The photoshop technics are just sublime in these. Aren't they?

Nice little follow-up to the last one. The photoshop technics are just sublime in these. Aren't they?

This is just so dumb its funny. 

This is just so dumb its funny. 

Introducing Amanda with a cameo appearance with the dynamic duo.

Introducing Amanda with a cameo appearance with the dynamic duo.

This might be the most believable one Kerry made, if you are aware of our more ruggedly softer side.

This might be the most believable one Kerry made, if you are aware of our more ruggedly softer side.

Nice rifle, Kerry. 

Nice rifle, Kerry. 

This is just too good, funny. I actually have this hat! How did Kerry know?

This is just too good, funny. I actually have this hat! How did Kerry know?

Now we are getting topical, with the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. It seems we are inseparable..

Now we are getting topical, with the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. It seems we are inseparable..

Yes. I played the walrus.

Yes. I played the walrus.

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Eaker's Barber Shop - An Edwardsville Legacy

It may be the lack of hair on my head that caused me to compensate by creating a painting of Eaker's Family Barbershop, but the draw to this small town family barbershop proves otherwise.

Eaker's Barbershop, oil on canvas, 30 x 30 inches

Eaker's Barbershop, oil on canvas, 30 x 30 inches

Eaker's has a long history in Edwardsville. Many of my friends, their parents and my friend's children all still come here. 227 North Main Street is still a first-come-first-serve traditional family barbershop. You can buy a soda, a candy bar, read a magazine play with toys (kids can, too). What I like best is that we can chit chat with our neighbors, and sometimes even hear a little town gossip. My boys like the four pieces of candy they get. Enough to wake me up at 6:00 am to be assured we are first in line.

I bring my three boys here, and have for years. Kari's been able to watch them grow, and consult with me, "I don't think we should cut their curls, just yet, I don't think Shawna would be happy when you got home." She may have even saved my marriage with advice like that. 

This slice of small town life is the reason I chose it as subject matter. And why I chose my painting of Eaker's Barbershop as the hero image for my upcoming show two doors down on the Gogh-Getter's Gallery inside Sacred Grounds Cafe and Coffeeshop. I think the image resonates with people who have experienced Eaker's first hand.  

And, if you have any need for a local, small-town, family friendly barbershop. Don't miss the chance to meet Kari. You'll experience why I immortalized the barbershop in oils. 

Eaker's Barbershop Giclée Print
from $18.75

You are purchasing a signed Giclée print of the painting Eaker's Barbershop by Steve Hartman. The original painting is no longer for sale, this is the only availability to purchase this image.

It is printed on high quality, museum-grade, archival paper with archival inks that will last 200 years.

This unframed print is offered in two options:

13 x 13 inches with image size of 11 x 11 inches with 1 inch border. Signed and numbered in a limited edition of 100

6 x 6 inches with image size of 4 x 4 inches with 1 inch border. Signed by the artist, not a limited edition print.

Each print is personally signed and carefully shipped to you in a protective clear sleeve and sturdy mailer.

Orders will print and ship in the order they are received. Expect delivery within 2-3 weeks of online purchase.