GIVING BACK: JOJO Goes Red

This piece will be available at the Dallas Go Red Luncheon on February 22nd!

Rising Up to the Challenge of Our Rival

An original abstract acrylic painting

18” x 24” canvas and framed

      

We can despair that rose bushes have thorns, 


or rejoice that thorn bushes have roses. 


-Abraham Lincoln 



  

I am a Heart Disease Survivor. On December 4, 2009, at 34 years old, I was admitted into the hospital for my 2nd heart surgery. It was quite an ordeal... 



But, because of ongoing cardiac medical research, I was able to have the opportunity to play with my little boy again without fear of passing out from an abnormally fast heart rate or fear of going into cardiac arrest. 



The procedure and recovery were tough. I was in the ICU for several days. I had a tube sticking out of my chest to help drain the fluid that was collecting around my heart. I was in extreme pain. The surgery was considered successful, but my heart still has issues and requires frequent monitoring. 



My fight is not over. Although I have endured many cuts and scrapes from sharp “thorns,” I choose to rejoice because of the roses among the thorns. 



Family and friends are my roses. I also have loved ones who suffer with or have died due to heart disease. I have sincere respect for others facing their own thorns. Heart disease may be a silent killer, but its effects are not silent. Many of you may have a loved one with heart disease, have lost a loved one from heart disease, or has a friend who is a heart disease survivor, or... you may be a survivor yourself. 



I painted “Rising Up to the Challenge of Our Rival” as a tribute to my father, Carmelino, who is also a heart disease survivor. He has had heart failure for almost 10 years. During that time, he has overcome open heart surgery to replace his aortic valve plus many other procedures to aide in sustaining his life. I painted this piece in honor of him and to all those affected with and by heart disease. Thank you for your support in helping to raise funds for lifesaving heart research. It means A LOT!

With a Grateful Heart,

Joanne “JoJo” Herda

GIVING BACK: House of DIFFA

Thrilled to have handed this piece over to DIFFA/Dallas for the House of DIFFA Alter Ego Silent Auction to be held on May, 12th, 2018!

I am honored to serve as a 2018 Style Council Ambassador for DIFFA/Dallas.

Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA/Dallas) raises funds for organizations that aid in the fight against HIV/AIDS by providing preventative education programs, treatment and direct care services for people living with/impacted by HIV/AIDS.

Acrylic on 36" x 48" Canvas in Silver Leaf Floater Frame | The Edge of Heaven
Available at House of DIFFA Silent Auction on May 12th

There is still time to purchase your House of DIFFA tickets!
Individual tickets are on sale NOW!

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

ARTWORK by JoJo | What's New

What's new with you?

There's been a lot going on here and I realized I haven't shared some of my new works in quite a bit.

So, here ya go!

Acrylic on 5" x 5" Canvas Framed in Mirrored Frame | Let My Love Open the Door Collection | Available

Acrylic on 36" x 36" Canvas | Round and Round | SOLD

Acrylic on 12" x 12" Canvas Board Framed | Let My Love Open the Door Collection | Available

Acrylic on 36" x 36" Canvas Framed in Gold Leaf Floater | Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now | Donated to Holy Trinity Catholic School's 2018 Gala

Diptych on 24" x 60" Canvas Panels | Upside Down You Turn Me | Available at Lost Again

Acrylic on 36" x 36" Canvas  | Available

To keep current on my fun and creative life, follow me on Instagram!

#JoJoHerda
#artworkbyJoJo

Until next time, friends!

SAVE THE DATE | Sip and Shop

There is a party going on and Y'ALL are invited!

Save the date for a Sip and Shop featuring Artwork by JoJo!

Saturday, October 22nd from 10am - 4pm at Lost Again in the Dallas Design District!

I'll be there with LOTS of artwork, bubbly, and chocolate!!!

HOPE TO SEE YA THERE!

GIVING BACK and DALLAS FUN

I love a good time.... and I love a good cause!

Come join me tonight (6/16) while I party with my Victory Park neighbors and friends at their 

Eats, Beats, and Treats Event from 6 - 9pm!

And to top it all off, one of my pieces will be raffled off at Simply Elegant Dallas. 

$5 per ticket/chance for an original piece of artwork valued at $895!

ALL proceeds of the raffle will go to benefit Genesis Women's Shelter 

and the North Texas Food Bank!

Acrylic on 36" x 36" Canvas | Into the Groove

HOPE TO SEE Y'ALL THERE!

GIVING BACK: Summer Colors

I am excited to be "giving back" to a new organization this year:

Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in their 

"Summer Colors" Art Auction.

Mark your calendars... Thursday, July 21st!

I'll be there with many more FABULOUS artists.

I am donating the piece below for auction. 

I entitled it "The Miracle of Living". 

I was inspired by the brave and couragous children facing unbelieveable battles and for those who lift them up, care for them, encourage them, and show them HOPE and LOVE.

Acrylic on 24" x 24" Canvas | The Miracle of Living

Hope to see you there!

A Lil' Glam Christmas Decor

It's Christmas time...

I LOVE it!

It's Christmas time...

SO FESTIVE!

It's Christmas time...

so, here are a few shots of what our living space looks like this year for Christmas.
Our very own, Glam Winter Wonderland.

A new tree has made a home in our living area this year. It's still a white pencil tree, but we went for a taller version and moved it to a new location in our space. It fills the area in so nicely and really becomes a focal point of the space instead of being shoved in a corner.

Larger ornaments have also been added to the collection this year. I love how all the glitz and glam just radiates when the lights are on. The tree just glows, so lovely.

No lights are on for these photos, because I just can't seem to capture the beauty of it on my camera, but imagine a nice warm glow while still being able to see the details of the ornaments.

We also have some new pieces in our home since I've last posted photos.

I AM IN LOVE... with EVERY. SINGLE. PIECE!

The dining table is from ZGallerie and I paired it with these gorgeous vintage lucite and fabric chairs on casters from Scout Design Studio. They were sourced, reupholstered, and casters replaced at that FAB studio. I love them! The Scout Pack helped make my design a reality in the white lacquered credenza also seen in the photo! Didn't it turn out GORGEOUSLY?! The lionhead pulls were sourced from East Texas. What you don't see are the stunning lucite legs at the bottom of the piece. It ties the whole space together!

There are also 2 other pieces that Scout Design Studio is pulling together for me: a credenza for our master bedroom and a desk chair for my office. I can't wait to share those with you.... they will be STUNNING!

The artwork above the credenza is a JoJo [that's me] original. We really enjoy soothing neutral color palettes.

To add some special shiny bling to the space, I hang wreaths on the mirrors. 

Another JoJo original is hanging in the foyer. It's a large 48" x 60" piece entitled "Maverick". I enjoy mixing metals, vintage/antiques, modern, natural wood, and glam. You can really see that played out in our foyer. The large antique mirror traveled from Round Top, Texas to Dallas by some kind soul who donated it to Dwell with Dignity for one of their Thrift Studio Pop-up Shops. I was the lucky person to see it immediately and bring it to our home to enjoy. And.... the money spent went to a great cause. What a win-win!

There's a tour of our living space, all decked out for a GLAM WINTER WONDERLAND CHRISTMAS!

Hope y'all have a FABULOUS holiday season!

A VERY Special Commission and Some Summer Vacay Shots

We are working on slightly upgrading/maturing my kiddo's room with a few minor changes/additions. 

One-of-which included my kiddo pleading with me for a specific commissioned piece of art.

"Come on, MOM... YOU CAN DO IT!"

With his sincere persistence and confidence, I proceeded to.... "try".

It might have worked out quite well. You can be the judge.

Kiddo has already provided me with his input.

None-the-less, it did make me realize that I have literally thousands of shots from our London trip this summer to still edit.... Ugggghhhh!!!!

At the very least.... here are a few inspiration photos!

The Royal Seal of England

The Royal Gates

Hyde Park

Hyde Park

The Tower Bridge

The Tower Bridge

Our Swan Friend at Hyde Park

Hyde Park

The Elizabeth Tower.... or commonly referred to as Big Ben

And here is the commissioned piece of artwork:

Acrylic on 36" x 60" Canvas | Kiddo Goes to London

And I will....

Be posting more photos from our holiday abroad.

And.... final pics of kiddo's updated room.

What do you think.

Did I.... DO IT?!?!

RECIPE: Watermelon Salad

Just in time for that summer picnic.... summer dessert.... or  a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g summer!

I LOVE watermelon, especially, during the summertime.

I always recall sweet memories of sticky fingers and a messy face.

Now as an adult.... the very elegant lady that I am {ahem}...

I don't really go for the sticky fingers and messy face anymore.

So, here is a more elegant, but yet refreshing way to enjoy this favorite summertime treat!

WATERMELON SALAD

INGREDIENTS:
3-4 cups seeded and cubed watermelon
1 cup cherry tomatoes sliced in half
4 Tablespoons chopped mint
1 tsp cracked black pepper
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 Tablespoon white balsamic vinegar {regular balsamic vinegar may be used}

* Sea Salt as desired for topping
* Feta Cheese for garnish {I did not have any on hand}

1. Prepare watermelon, cherry tomatoes and mint as directed.

2. Mix olive oil, white balsamic vinegar and cracked pepper in a small bowl.

3. Toss together all ingredients in large bowl.

4. Top with Sea Salt and Feta Cheese as desired and enjoy!

EASY-PEASY and....

R-E-F-R-E-S-H-I-N-G!

Perfect for a summertime snack, as a side salad or as an elegant dish that won't get your fingers sticky and your face messy!

PERFECTION!

Cinco de Mayo

Means.... Margaritas!

I'm hoping that my plan for a little family party tonight will work out.

Al Pastor Tacos, frijoles, cilantro rice, salsa, guacamole, and my famous
Margarita Cupcakes and
Watermelon Margaritas.

Check out the fiesta I threw my hubby HERE for a little more inspiration.

How ever you do up today... or any day... have a MARVELOUS time doing it!

HAPPY CINCO de MAYO, friends!

UPDATED: Home Tour

Hello, friends!

It's been awhile, but I wanted to let you know that I am still here... ha!
Busy... busy... busy. Just like you... I'm sure.

I wanted to share some photos from our updated HOME SWEET HOME house tour.
I am constantly changing things around.... a perpetual "work in progress". But, with each and every change, it feels more and more right.

If you would like to see the rest of the tour, hop on over to the page HERE.

If you are interested in seeing kiddo's room, you can HERE.

Have a FANTASTIC day!

A STORY : Art With a Special Meaning

I am not a good story teller.

I am not a good writer.

I can calculate differential equations in my sleep and paint a large canvas, but I have never ever been good at putting words on paper.... or really in type.

So please excuse my inability to truly convey what this story means to me. But, I hope it is something. Here it goes.

I haven't shared a recap of the FABULOUS IBB Loves Local Event from last week at IBB Design Fine Furnishings... but, in one word ---- A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

I met so many wonderful people and vendors... including purchasing a few new items:
A Beautiful Heart Necklace from Couture Rocks
A Custom Gold Foil Print from My Blue Avenue
Cookies and Cakeballs from KimCake4U

But, most importantly..... I was able to share my passion for art with many people throughout an ENTIRE day! Plus give back to a fabulous organization which I love to support: Dwell with Dignity!

WHAT A JOY!

But, one thing that really touched me.
One thing that led me to tears.
One thing that was definitely "meant to take place"...

included a small painting...

And a woman named Gamze.

Last Thursday was her birthday but, she wasn't really feeling up for celebrating. However, she took her little 9 month old daughter to the IBB Loves Local Event.

Gamze with her 9 month old daughter.

Gamze saw the before mentioned painting and she was drawn to it. She said that it reminded her of something very special. A little time went by with conversation and googling over her sweet daughter when the most special thing happened. She shared with me the reason that painting touched her.... resonated with her... the very special reason/person behind that memory.

Gamze is an Interior Decorator. She has 3 children: a 5 year old son, a 9 month old daughter [pictured here], and a daughter who would have been a little over 2 - Alexis Harlow. It is Gamze's story to tell. One she shares for her daughter and others who fight and/or have lost the battle that Alexis lost when she was 81 days old [Trisomy 13]. 

Gamze mentioned that whenever their family sees a pink, red, and orange sky, they are reminded of Alexis. A radiant beautiful sky.... memories of her beautiful daughter. That is what the painting reminded her of... and then, she turned the piece over and read the title: "Valentine Sky". 

Acrylic on 10" x 10" Canvas Board Framed in White Wood | Valentine Sky

Events are fun...

Events are great places to meet new people...

But, when I hear why my artwork touches someone..... and they are willling to share that story with me.... 

THIS IS WHAT IS SO MEANINGFUL to my soul.

To find out more about their story, visit Gamze's website: Alexis Harlow Interiors.

LIFE: Comfy and Cozy

One of my favorite places in our home is our bedroom...

cuddled up in bed...

looking at this view.

Such a soothing and calming place.

Do you have a favorite view in your home?