December 4th - Fairies & Mermaids at the Andrea Smith Gallery with Author/Illustrator Patricia Saxton

Perfect timing for the holidays! Please join us at the Andrea Smith Gallery on Friday, December 4th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., for a wonderful evening with Author/Illustrator Patricia Saxton, who will be exhibiting art from her books "The Book of Mermaids" and" A Book of Fairies" – the first two books in a trilogy of children’s books about mystical creatures. There will be live music and refreshments, and Patricia will also be signing books and sharing insights about her fantasy art and writing. Saxton, a New Jersey based designer, painter, author and illustrator, will also be available at the Andrea Smith Gallery on Saturday the 5th, from 12 noon to 4 p.m.

This will be the first time that Ms. Saxton will be coordinating an exhibition of her new pieces of art along with the signing of her best selling books. Each 14 x 14” giclée limited edition print will be numbered, and hand signed with a drawing next to signature. This will be a unique collectors event for children as well as adults.

The Book of Mermaids, an imaginative, delicious plunge into the cherished myth and magic of mermaids, has been called "The quintessential encyclopedia of Mermaidology… describing and depicting where they swim, how they play, what's hot and what's not in the magical, captivating world of mermaid culture." The McCafferty Library in Vienna, Austria says “For any girl who knows in her heart that mermaids simply and surely must exist, The Book of Mermaids is a must have…”

The Midwest Book Review calls her new release, A Book of Fairies, "...a fantastic children's picture book... sure to bring joy not only to young readers, but also to adults who still believe in fairies!". An illustrated handbook for finding, understanding and pleasing fairies, fairy followers young and old will cherish and delight in its Fairy Secrets. The Westfield Leader says “A Book of Fairies is so beautifully orchestrated that it is difficult to discern what is more captivating – the text or the illustrations.”

While the books appeal to adults as well as children, both books, published by Shenanigan Books, are geared towards the 6-11 year-old age group.

In addition to the art and books, Patricia has created a companion toy for The Book of Mermaids – the Magnetic Mermaid Dress-up game. A huge hit with younger kids, the game comes packaged in an attractive, high quality tin box – and parents love it because the magnetic pieces stay put, making for a no-muss, no-fuss playtime.

The Friday, December 4th opening reception and book signing from 5-8 pm hosted by the Andrea Smith Gallery, will include hors d'oeuvres, fairy and mermaid treats, and the musicianship of the artist’s brother, local acoustic guitarist David Saxton. And because fairies love chocolate, chocolate will be served during the artist/author’s visit on Saturday, December 5th between 12 and 4pm.

The Andrea Smith Gallery is at Tlaquepaque on 336 Highway 179, and is located under the Oak Creek Brewery in Sedona, AZ. For more information on the event, contact the gallery at 928 203 9002.