Here we are in August already!! How did that happen?

My late mother use to exclaim frequently, “the older you get, the faster time flies.” As her son, I hate to admit she was right . . . but what can you do? It’s a heck of a thing!

Mike & Stephanie McQuade Compete in the
85th Annual Members Exhibit!

August is a month of anticipation and celebration as Mike and Stephanie McQuade join fellow artists in the prestigious 85th Annual Members Exhibit at the Lakes Region Art Gallery. Hosted by the Lakes Region Art Association, this juried exhibit is one of the year's highlights—showcasing original works created within the past twelve months by some of the region’s most talented artists.

With cash prizes on the line, the competition is judged by independent professionals in the art field, ensuring a fair and expert evaluation of each entry. This year’s exhibit features sixty-six entries across eight categories, with judging completed in private on Monday, July 28th. Winners will be revealed at the Artist Reception on Thursday, August 8th at 6:00 PM—and you’re invited!

Stephanie’s Entries

  • Petals & Possibility
    A 16x12 watercolor that captures the joyful arrival of spring through blooming purple crocus. Framed in antique wood with a Swamp Holly green matte and non-glare glass, the piece presents beautifully at 29x23 inches overall.

  • Twilight Blaze
    This glowing pastel seascape (15.5x10.75) depicts a breathtaking water sunset streaked with clouds. A bold purple matte enhances its dramatic tones—proving daring choices pay off.

  • Walk in the Winter Woods
    A serene woodland path illuminated by a low winter sun. This large pastel (15.5x10.75) is framed in white wood under non-glare glass, creating a quiet moment of calm and reflection.

Mike’s Entries

  • Dahlia #6 – Elegance in Monochrome
    Originally captured in color, this striking floral portrait took on new life through a monochromatic high-pass treatment. The result is a 24x12 black and white image, elegantly housed in a subdued wood frame for the Black & White Photography category.

  • Bloom’n Time
    This 24x12 studio photograph celebrates the fleeting beauty of tulip blooms nearing their peak. The subtle curl of withering leaves adds depth to the scene. When Mike later discovered a group of classic frames from a local estate, one stood out—and this image found its perfect home.

Frames on Stephanie’s art images are simulated

Petals & Possibility
Walking in the Winter Woods
Twilight Blaze
Dahlia #6 - Elegance in Monochrome
Bloom'n Time

🎨 We invite you to join us at the Artist Reception on Thursday, August 8th at 6:00 PM at the Lakes Region Art Gallery. Enjoy refreshments, meet the artists, and see which entries rise to the top in this competitive and inspiring show.

Wish us luck—we’ll see you there!

120 Laconia Rd, In the Tanger Outlets, Tilton, NH

Join Us at the 2025 Lakes Region Fine Arts & Crafts Festival!

August 23–24 | Meredith, New Hampshire

We’re excited to return for our third year as exhibitors at one of the oldest and most beloved art festivals in the Lakes Region—the Meredith Chamber of Commerce’s Lakes Region Fine Arts & Crafts Festival. If the past two years are any indication, 2025 promises another unforgettable weekend filled with inspiration, creativity, and community spirit.

 From our debut tent in front of Hermit Woods Winery to last year’s bustling spot in the Mills Marketplace central lot, each location has offered new faces, great conversations, and plenty of art-loving energy. Our 2025 location is still being finalized—but we’ll post it on our website as soon as it’s confirmed!

 This year’s event will feature over 80 talented vendors, with Main Street completely closed to traffic and transformed into an open-air art market, including tents lining both sides of the street and the upper level of Mills Marketplace. Add in live music, artisan food, creative demonstrations, and an abundance of original artwork, and you’ve got the perfect summer weekend.

 📍 Festival Dates & Hours
Saturday, August 23 – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Sunday, August 24 – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Come explore, meet the artists, and discover something beautiful. We hope to see you there!

In the Works . . . .

As is frequently the case, Stephanie’s easels are filled with Works in Progress. Several pastel paintings and one acrylic painting at the moment . Perhaps some will be ready for framing soon.

Quick snap shots using my phone

🎨 Introducing “Mike’s Miniatures” – Big Charm in Tiny Frames!

While sorting through a recent estate lot, Mike unearthed a treasure trove of solid wood frames—some exquisitely sculpted and uniquely small, with panoramic proportions as petite as 7" x 2.5". After carefully curating and restoring the best of the collection, inspiration struck.

The result? A delightful and limited-edition series of miniature fine art prints dubbed “Mike’s Miniatures.” Each professionally framed in solid wood, these charming little artworks are proof that great things come in small packages. With only eight available, and priced affordably between $30 and $50, they’re perfect for collectors seeking something distinct and conversation-worthy.

Come see them in person:

  • August 8 at 6:00 PM – Artist Reception at the Lakes Region Art Gallery

  • August 23–24 – Meredith Fine Arts & Crafts Festival, Meredith, NH

These mini masterpieces won’t last long—once they’re gone, they’re gone!

New Art, Hidden Treasures & A Tribute in the Making

I’ll admit it—I’ve been a bit neglectful when it comes to updating the McQuade Fine Arts website. And in the digital world, stale content is a surefire way to slide down the search rankings. So, this past week, I began rotating in new artwork and retiring a few longtime residents that had overstayed their welcome.

Each main gallery now features six to eight highlighted pieces available as original works, matted prints, or greeting cards. But let’s be honest—every artist and photographer has far more than a handful of favorites. That’s why we’re introducing Backstage Galleries—a behind-the-scenes look at additional artwork that’s not on public display but still available for purchase by email request.

Also beginning to take shape is a heartfelt addition: the long-anticipated Robert A. McQuade Memorial Gallery. My late brother Bob was not only a talented wildlife and landscape photographer but also a gifted painter. After retiring, he took to the open road in a 32-foot Class A motorhome, chasing 70-degree days and migrating birds across the American West. Even after being diagnosed with cancer, he continued his journey, drawing inspiration from every mile traveled.

While many of Bob’s photographs were captured for use as painting references and presentations—some too small for large-format printing—they’re still a joy to behold. In the coming months, we’ll be opening dedicated pages to celebrate his legacy, with select images available as matted prints or greeting cards.

Stay tuned—there’s much more to come.

Art Classes Starting August 12th!

This is a five week course designed for absolute beginners and budding artists, this in-person class offers step-by-step guidance in a welcoming, fun, supportive environment.

Watercolor for Beginners Class

Take your watercolor skills to the next level with juried artist Stephanie C. McQuade in this five-week in-person course designed for students with basic watercolor experience,

Intermediate Watercolor Class

Are you interested in Pastels?

Let Stephanie know you are interested and she will get you on the list for the next opening in her class.

Introduction to Pastels

This is a five-week In-Person class in a supportive and fun learning environment