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.

I was going through the huge pile of catalogs, magazines, and mail that has been accumulating by my front door for the past week. While flipping through the December issue of Better Homes & Gardens, I was delighted to see a familiar face: Kara Norman, Frederick resident and executive director of Downtown Frederick Partnership.

Kara's home is featured on pages 41-48, and it's beautiful and fabulous. It's always fun to catch a glimpse inside someone else's home, but I also really enjoyed the DIY holiday decorating tips.

Unfortunately, if you don't already subscribe, you'll have to pick up the print issue ... BHG has one of the most frustrating web sites of all the shelter magazines out there. Articles from each issue aren't listed online until the magazine has been off the shelf for a month or two.