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

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!

GIVING BACK : JoJo Goes Red

I believe a DASH of GLAMOR and

SPRINKLE of REALITY 

makes everything... SIMPLY... DIVINE.

But, Heart Disease isn't GLAMOROUS.

I should know.... I am a Heart Disease Survivor!

You can read a little bit about my Heart Story here.

I also paint to help fight heart disease.

Hence, this painting:

Acrylic on 36" x 36" Canvas | Rhythm of My Heart | Available at the Dallas Go Red Luncheon Silent Auction

"Rhythm of My Heart" will be available at the Dallas Go Red Luncheon on Friday, February 3rd.
All proceeds will benefit the American Heart Association.

Go HERE to purchase your ticket(s) for the luncheon!

Friday, February 3rd is also National Wear Red Day!

I will be wearing red to help support the fight against heart disease in women.

To find out more information on the Go Red for Women Movement and heart disease prevention go here to the American Heart Association website.

Heart disease is the #1 Killer of Women in America.

1 out of 3 women will die from heart disease.

It kills more women than all the cancers combined!

Will you join me in GOING RED?

Sip & Shop Shindig - Saturday 10/22

Featuring Artwork by JoJo at drastically reduced prices...

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

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

Some pieces available on Saturday will be my new series of framed smalls and minis entitled "Mall Flavor".

"Mall Flavor" is inspired by all those yummy flavors of ice cream I had on special occassions at the mall growing up.

Did you ever get to have a scoop full of goodienss?

What was your favorite flavor?

Mine was.... Mint Chocolate Chip!

Prices indicated below are REGULAR prices.

Come and visit to see the drastically REDUCED prices!

Framed 5" x 7" | Bubble Gum | $125 

Framed 4" x 6" | Berry Blast | $95 

Framed 5" x 7" | Butter Pecan | $125

Framed 5" x 7" | Mint Chocolate Chip | $125

Framed 5" x 7" | Pistachio | $125

Framed 2" x 3" | Strawberry Shortcake | $65 

I will also have several framed available pieces from my Pixel Heart Series.

Acrylic on 12" x 12" Canvas Boards framed | Pixel Heart Series | Original Price $165

Plus much MUCH more large abstract artwork old and new... like these:

Acrylic on 36" x 36" Canvas | I Want Candy | $895

Acrylic on 20" x 20" Canvas | Pretty in Pink | $475

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

HOPE TO SEE YA THERE!

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!

Artist In-Session | Edo Popken Dallas

I am SO thrilled to announce this event!

Come and see my new collection entitled "Dress You Up" inspired by Edo Popken's colorful designs and 80's Pop Fashion Icons. From Madonna to Prince.... I can't wait to "Dress You Up" in my love!

All large abstract artwork is framed and available for sale.

I'd love to see you Tuesday, June 23rd!

Shoot me an email to let me know your coming!
My work will be featured until August 1st at Edo Popken's Dragon Street Location.

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!

GIVING BACK: Dwell with Dignity's 2016 Thrift Studio

Today is the day for Dwell with Dignity's...

2016 THRIFT STUDIO PREVIEW PARTY

What is THRIFT STUDIO? 

Well, here is some information from the Thrift Studio website:

Thrift Studio is a not-like-any-other-thrift-store THRIFT STORE. Kicking off with a preview party on April 7, 2016, Thrift Studio is a 30 day pop-up shop created to provide financial viability and fundraising for Dwell with Dignity through selling donated furniture, housewares, accessories and high end designer finds to the public. All proceeds benefit the future work, growth, organization and structure of Dwell with Dignity.

Each Thrift Studio has a cast of fabulous designers who design and install vignettes using items from our warehouse as well as items they have donated from their own inventory or through their industry connections.  All items are for sale to allow Dwell with Dignity to help families escape poverty & homelessness.  For more information about Dwell with Dignity please visit dwellwithdignity.com.

Pop-Up Shop

Dates: April 8 – May 7, 2016

Location: Dallas Design District, 1444 Oaklawn Avenue, Suite 545, Dallas 75207

Hours: Tuesday – Saturday; 10AM to 5:30PM

To see some of the amazing designers who are lines up this year, go HERE.

To see some amazing photo's from past Thrift Studios, go HERE.

To get some amazing tickets for the Thrift Studio Preview Party, go HERE.

To see the amazing piece of art I donated.... take a look below!

Acrylic on 36" x 36" Canvas | It's Hip to be Square | Available at Dwell with Dignity's 2016 Thrift Studio

It's available TONIGHT.

Hope to see you there!

New FaceBook Page

Hello, friends!

If you've noticed a little change... it's because I am in the Spring Cleaning type of mood.
And seeing how I have been focusing this year more on my artwork, I thought I would mirror that thought process into my blog! I hope you don't mind.

And wait... THERE IS MORE! 
I have also created a new FaceBook page:

FaceBook Link Provided in Image

Don't be shy!

Go and check it out..... and "like" it while your at it.
Thanks SO much for all your support.

Have a WONDERFUL day!

Artwork by JoJo Now at SIMPLY ELEGANT DALLAS

I have a VERY SPECIAL announcement for y'all!

Acrylic on 36" x 48" with Silver Leaf | I Wanna Dance with Somebody | Available at Simply Elegant Dallas

Artwork by JoJo is now available at Simply Elegant Dallas in Victory Park!

Acrylic on 36" x 36" Canvas | I Want Candy | Available at Simply Elegant Dallas

I am thrilled and honored to have my pieces hanging in Heather's [Simply Elegant Dallas Owner] Victory Park location! Her floral creations and glamorous decor items and specialty gifts are not only simply elegant.... but, PHENOMENAL! 

This is just SO fantastic! Not only can you get my artwork in her shop.... but, she can work together any stunning arrangement you may need. Check out what she has done for us, personally:

See what I'm talking about?!?!?!

Checkout more of her work and follow her on INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, and Simply Elegant's WEBSITE.

Hope to see ya in the neighborhood!

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?!?!

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?

HOME TOUR: A 2014 Glam Christmas

As I mentioned in this post... we have changed up the Christmas decor in our home this year.

Actually eliminating the red. It's now more of a Winter Wonderland feel with warm shades of white, silver, and gold. Quite a different look than last year's decor found here.

There's quite a bit of glam and sparkle.... and I am LOVIN' it!

And believe it or not, so are my boys. They like how the home seems to flow and be more peaceful.

So, here is what I did.

I focused on three items of interest to be used throughout the home: trees, fur, and ornaments.
Plus glam and glitz where needed!

I utilized the reflection from our mirror-wall to add life to the silver ornament wreaths.
I love how they shimmer and shine.

I am also a HUGE fan of symmetry and balance.
So, I love to repeat a look I have created throughout the home.

It flows from our living space right into our bedroom.

We don't have an official Christmas location for the stockings, but I have always liked placing them on our buffet in the living area. Especially this year after giving a makeover to the buffet with white gloss paint. I really like the contrasting feel of the color combination of white/ivory and texture of gloss/fur.

Go HERE to see more details of our new white Christmas tree.

The rabbit fur pelts were new additions. I think the fur helps add to the warm and cozy feel. They were left over from our Wedding Vow Renewal Celebration and I am glad I now have another use for them!

I changed out some of our pillows and replaced them with silvery glam pillows.

The wreaths allow for a smooth transition into the bedroom [which you can see from the main living area since we keep our 2 pocket doors open during the day]. I added some bling to the bed with these snowflake pillows and some cozy warmth to our chair with a fuzzy throw. My tree collection also continues into the space with clear glass trees on the vintage chinoiserie dresser.

Just a little pop of Christmas cheer in my office with another one of my clear glass Christmas Tree pieces. 

Goes well with my clear glass paperweight collection... do you see a trend here? Ha!

I've recently added a new piece of art to my foyer.... and it seems to fit perfectly in the Christmas decor. 

That gold and white large abstract piece seems just right for our foyer!

Well, that's our little Christmas Home Tour for 2014.

You can go here to see my kiddo's room from this year.

It's wonderful to feel like I have finally reached the proper balance and style for our home. I want it to be warm, inviting, and peaceful.... and I think that even during Christmas it feels serene.

Thank you for visiting our little Winter Wonderland on Floor 24!

Linked up at Thrifty Decor Chick.