Photo by Jessica Hibbard Outside the Saarinen exhibit. Unfortunately, photos weren't allowed inside ... Otherwise, no one would buy the pricy exhibit book from the NBM gift shop!

Through August 23, the National Building Museum is featuring an exhibit on Eero Saarinen, the pivitol mid-century modern architect and designer.

What's that? You think you don't know Eero Saarinen? Sure you do. The Jefferson Expansion Memorial (also known as the Gateway Arch in St. Louis), Dulles International Airport, and the super-chic Tulip Chair are all Saarinen icons.

Mid-century modern is amazingly hot right now, and to understand Saarinen and his contemporaries helps to understand the entire aesthetic.

So what I'm saying is, you should go. Go now, before the exhibit closes. As the National Building Museum's exhibit brochure says, "Nearly a half-century after his death, Eero Saarinen is perhaps more influential than ever."

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	Photo by Barb Campbell - Studio 11 One of the cozy stone alcoves in the lower level at Studio 11. More photos at studio11photos.com/studio.
	IF YOU GO "Around the World" at Studio 11 Saturday, March 1, 2008 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. 109 N. Court St., Frederick MORE INFO Studio 11's web site Studio 11's blog on Vox

Studio 11, a photography & framing business at 109 N. Court St., has recently become my favorite First Saturday hangout. Their gallery exhibit changes each month, and usually provides an opportunity for a lesser-known photographer to show their work. The art is always top-notch ... And of course, there's wine, refreshments, and fabulous conversation with owners Barb and Mike Campbell.

This month should be fantastic as always. The mixed-media show will include art by Vince Coates, Mary Ann Sadue, Natalie Duggan, Allen Wyrick, Chris Kolobow, and Michael Matthews.

If the art and wine aren't enough to tempt you, you should go just to check out their amazing location. The upstairs gallery space has vintage wood floors, and the gigantic black leather couch contributes to a welcoming living room atmosphere. A trip down a set of wide plank steps reveals the lower level studio, with exposed stone walls and intriguing nooks for seating and storage. I dream of having an office as inspiring as this ... No wonder Barb's photography is so creative!

To view a slideshow of photos of the gallery and studio, click here. But trust me, it's worth it to walk an extra block or two off the beaten path to visit in person on First Saturday. You might just end up coming back month after month like the rest of us.

	Photo by Shannon Lee Zirkle 'Tis I, in front of my dining room window.

Loyal blog readers will recognize the bathroom doors (and the face) on the cover of the FNP's Next 72 Hours. Yes, it's me, and those are the faux stained glass doors ("Life in a small bathroom") that I posted way back in December. Lauren LaRocca interviewed me at my home, and talented writer that she is, she uses the physical setting to help describe my music. Click here to read the story online.

Some of the things that didn't make it into the story:

• The framed "art" you can see in the print edition photo is actually a Yoda t-shirt. My husband is a Star Wars fan, and he has a penchant for framing strange stuff.
• We love music-related art, too. Over the past few years, we've accumulated a small collection of vinyl records with artwork (and music) that we really like ... Including Carole King, Massive Attack, Chemical Brothers, and The Beastie Boys. We've framed the album covers with these exceptionally affordable record album frames from Target. It's a great way to get some art on the walls without breaking the bank.
• I have three cats, and the onslaught of cat hair drifting around my house almost killed Lauren, who is allergic. Oops.

Disclaimer: No, the FNP didn't write a story about me because I write this blog. Actually, because of the whole stage name thing, Lauren didn't even know I was a citizen blogger.

	Photo by craftzine.com I can’t say that I’m a huge fan of this drawing, but I really like the way it’s framed.

Today is my first day in a new office building at work. I like my new digs, but we haven’t hung any artwork yet, so the walls look really empty.

We’re planning a variety of displays around the office: The Frederick Arts Council is going to help us arrange for rotating exhibits of local art, and we have plenty of historic photos and documents to show off. But I wanted something a little different in my office. I have a few prints from favorite advertising campaigns (Vitrorobertson for Taylor Guitars, 2001 & 2002), and I think they might finally find a home above my desk.

Of course, they’re not yet framed. Framing can be sort of expensive, and do-it-yourself framing is not the easiest job in the world. Since these are just poster prints, and not original art, it might make sense to go a more non-traditional route. I found these instructions at craftzine.com … So if you see me at the hardware store this weekend, buying plexiglas and eye bolts, you’ll know why.

	Photo by Keep Calm Ltd (www.keep-calm.com) This funky screen print put a smile on my face this morning.

Today is packing day at work ... The Chamber moves to a new office building next Friday. Some of my favorite design blogs (including Oh Joy! and poppytalk), have been buzzing about this screen print, and I can't help thinking it would look fabulous in my new office!

Seriously, though, tea really does revive you. If you like it as much as I do, stay tuned. Later today, I'll be posting about the Japanese tea room at Washington and Lee University.

And if British tea is more your speed, hang in there. Cliff Cumber, the FNP’s resident Englishman, has promised to share some tips with us soon.