Walter Foster Art Instruction.

More than 80 years ago, Walter T. Foster—a well-known artist, instructor, and collector—began producing self-help art instruction books from his home in Laguna Beach, California. He originally wrote, illustrated, printed, bound, packaged, shipped, and distributed them himself. Although Walter passed away in 1981 at the age of 90, his legacy continues. We have 25 original Walter Foster books available in our Attic store!  We wanted to share a few. Aren't the covers great? They have a cool retro feel to them.

This one reminds me…The Desert Botanical Garden's Spring Butterfly Exhibit is going on until May 8th. If you haven't already experienced this event, it is so worth it! It's almost magical as you stroll among hundreds of fluttering butterflies.

It's the Final Four!

Submitted by Andrew Medway.

One of my favorite aspects of vintage collectibles is the aspect of getting to play amateur detective. I particularly love learning about the people who may not be household names but have lived interesting and productive lives. On the eve of the Final Four a basketball story seemed appropriate.

In the 1947 yearbook for Texas Wesleyan College (now Texas Wesleyan University) we found this entry for Clifton McNeely, basketball all-American and the nation's leading scorer that year. McNeely, born in 1919, was no youngster having already served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. After the 1947 season McNeely was drafted by the Pittsburgh Ironmen with the first overall selection of 1947 Basketball Association of America, the forerunner of the NBA. In a decision that if made today would shock the world, McNeely chose not to play professional basketball opting instead to stay in Texas and coach high school basketball. In thirteen years as the head coach at Pampa High School in Pampa, Texas, McNeely won four state championships. McNeely posted a 320-43 record, winning back-to-back titles in 1953-54 and 1958-59. From 1952-55, the Pampa High School Harvesters won an impressive 72 straight games. The gym at Pampa was named the McNeely Fieldhouse in his honor and he was later inducted into the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame, the Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame and the Texas Wesleyan University Hall of Fame. And what happened to his fiance Peg? They were married on June 14, 1947. They had three children and their son Phil went on to become a successful basketball coach in his own right, winning three Class 5A high school state championships at Duncanville.

In January 2011 McNeely (who passed away in 2003) was honored at a reunion of 20 of his former players at halftime of a Pampa High basketball game. "I think you have to talk about the man he was first of all," said Jim Bond, who played for McNeely's first two state championship teams. "In basketball as in life he was a great role model for all of us."

Here's to Clifton McNeely, athlete, educator and role model. Thanks for letting us have a peek at your inspiring life.

Citrus Crate Art. More Than Just a Pretty Picture!

This was cutting edge advertising in its time. The Los Angeles Times just recently ran a very interesting article about this testament to a bygone era.

Here are a few originals available for purchase from our very own collection of fruit crate labels.

Redlands Dahlia Sunkist | 1940's | re.collection art store

La Patera (The Pond) Lemons | 1930's | re.collection art store

Victoria Brand March Seedless Grapefruit | 1930's | re.collection art store

Check out our Etsy store, too!

Women, Wine & Art Walk.

We had a great time at the Women, Wine & Art Walk event on Thursday night in Scottsdale. Artist, Lori Landis was our host. She began the evening by sharing her story about her art and her creative process. She is a truly inspiring person. Her paintings are vibrant with color, texture and brushstrokes that draw you in. You can visit Lori at her working studio/gallery every Thursday "Art Walk Night".

Zen World VII | 39in x 39in | Acrylic on Unstretched Canvas

Within the Garden | 24in x 24in | Collage

Sacred Mandala | 24in x 30in | Acrylic

Ana Cordova, Lori Landis & Dina Petruzzi

In memory of Elizabeth Taylor…

©Don Macpherson 1986 | Leading Ladies

Original Hollywood Test Print | re.collection art archives

©Paramount Pictures 1953 | Elephant Walk | re.collection art store

Luck 'O the Irish to You!

© thecinemasource.com

On this St. Patrick's Day, the suave and debonair actor Pierce Brosnan is our honorary Irishman for the day. Remember the TV series from the 80's…Remington Steele? That pretty much launched his career in the United States. After that he was onto the big screen. He was the fifth actor to play the lead role in the James Bond film series. He starred in four of those movies and also has in so many others, including The Thomas Crown Affair. We have these original movie posters for sale in our "Attic". BTW, did you know that he holds both Irish and American citizenship? So, Mr. Brosnan, we tip our hat to you. Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!

The World is Not Enough | 1999

The Thomas Crown Affair | 1999

Laissez les bon temps rouler!Let the good times roll!

It's Mardi Gras! Also known as Fat Tuesday. Its name represents the last night of eating rich and fattening foods before fasting begins of the Lenten season.

Since New Orleans is the city most associated with this celebration, we thought we'd share one of our vintage artworks.

New Orleans Roof Tops

Our giclée print comes from an original vintage postcard circa 1930's.

We can't end today's post without sharing a few very festive pics!

Photos from the official Mardi Gras New Orleans website