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Cathi Bruhn

@bluecactusmixedmedia

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Mixed Media art since 1981 as Redhorse Productions. Ephemera hoarder, urban sketcher and art gallery explorer.
@calsidyrose @bluecactusvintage

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When your Art Friend accidentally mixes up too much Daniel Smith Watercolors and before she wipes out her palette tray, you ask to use it in your sketchbook to make five pages of loose line agaves and a couple of pages of saguaros.

I didnt have watercolor paper or a brush, so she loaned me a small flat edge. I am very pleased with these quick marks.

Plus, I hate to see watercolors go to waste!

#markmaking #watercolorpractice #agaves #saguaro #looselinework by @bluecactusmixedmedia

The highlight of my visit to the @office.of.collecting museum was the chance to make a flat lay featuring objects from the Museum collection.

FYI, a Flat Lay photo is an above-view of arranged objects, often taken on a white or black background. The arrangement of objects may be focused on color, shapes, kindred objects, or the photomay tell a story.

I used ephemera to help frame some of the objects. I included things that represent my Current Obsessions list, along with objects such as the Orange and white disk, which represents the Orange Show.

I needed a couple of teal green objects to pull the piece together, and Jessica suggested I choose from some hand-carved turquoise dice. I chose to arrange the pair of dice as "26" to indicate the year.

I received a sweet Polaroid in a glassine envelope, plus a higher-res digital image that I plan to print out and frame

#flatlay #collections #sortingthings #houstonartscene #orangeshow by @bluecactusmixedmedia

On October 28th, I spent the afternoon exploring the @office.of.collecting Museum at the last stop for the fall season @theorangeshow

My three hour tour was a tactile experience, with more than 54,000 objects to explore, touch, and ponder--and, of course, I didn't get to see everything. Opening drawers and boxes, inspecting jars of all sizes, and crouching down to find hidden, diminutive displays was so satisfying.

I am a collector--my husband would say I am a hoarder--so I am well-versed in acquiring treasures, then sorting them into categories. I bought a self-tour ticket and a flat-lay experience ticket as soon as the tickets went live. The three day exhibition sold out.

Only six people at a time can enter the 42-foot converted fifth wheel trailer, which has a rich, Victorian-style interior and 350 drawers filled with trinkets, bits, and bobs.

Words and photos do not do the Museum justice. The Tour will continue in both the spring and fall through 2028. If you get the chance to visit, do so!

#collections #cabinetofcuriosities #trinkets #materialobjects #houstonartscene by @bluecactusmixedmedia

Normally I do Art Journaling @thewoodlands_artleague, hosted by @sarasaravoart.

Today, I am in Houston, working on Halloween-themed ATCs @brasstackshouston (kindly recommended to me by one of the employees @texasartasylum)

I sat outside on the patio, which was full of pumpkins and enjoyed an Americano coffee. I also did some quick sketches

The only thing that could make this better is to have an Art Boondoggle friend along for the ride!

#collageart #atcs #makearteveryday #houstonartscene #autumnvibes by @bluecactusmixedmedia

First stop today on my Orange Show Art Adventures today was at the always amazing @texasartasylum

A patron had dropped by to give the employees Halloween Treat Bags and I was able to take these photos.

Love the clown and carnival costumes so much! Great circus inspiration for All Hallows Eve and for the upcoming @zinefesthouston! This year's Zinefest theme is Circus!

#clowns #circusfun #halloweencostumeideas #arteverywhere #makeityourself by @bluecactusmixedmedia

This week I am on an Art Adventure--attending multiple events in Houston. I bought okedxa hotel room at the Days Inn, just down the road from the @theorangeshow, and attended an educational lecture by Jessica Oreck, the intrepid creator and curator of @office.of.collecting

The Office of Collecting and Design Museum on Wheels is in town, hosted by @theorangeshow, for the last stop of the Fall 2026 Tour

The free lecture, organized by @jazzooo, gave the audience a chance to meet Jessica and learn about her collection of more than 54,000 tiny objects, housed in a 42-foot retro-fitted RV. I have tickets to view the collection later today.

We also were able to see a glass case filled with objects from tge D. D. Smalley Hyde Park Miniature Museum, a Houston treasure trove that is supported by The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art. I was not familiar with wth Smalley' opus, but now need to know more. Sally's granddaughter was present to add personal insights. Jessica Oreck was inspired by D. D. Smalley's Museum and his passion for collecting, so this was a poignant presentation for all involved.

Thank you to all those who helped make this possible

#collecting #memories #houstonartscene #ddsmalley #curatedobsessions by @bluecactusmixedmedia

October has been filled with many joys, but this is the biggest personal joy--we had the honor of witnessing the marriage of my son @theslumlord and his fiancé, @posierae at the Williamson County Courthouse on October 23, 2026.

The Justice of the Peace gave great advice before reading the vows. A small group of family members and close friends served as witnesses. Afterwards we had a delightful and delicious dinner at the Hutto @casa_jalisco_sbg

A dear friend of Rosie's made the cake, which fratued multiple layers inside and Lego Minifigsof Shrek and Fiona on top.

I couldn't be happier for these two and wish them abundance, laughter, and contentment for their future together

#huttohippo #courthousewedding #weddingvows #weddingboquet #texaslife by @bluecactusmixedmedia

So much has happened in October!

On October 17th, I went with my dear friendv@kangalori to @axelradhouston for the @zinefesthouston Compilation Relase.

This year's theme is "Circus" and I submitted a page.

The cover art was designed by the amazing @imakethangs and the booklet was Riso Printed in neon hues.

The weather was perfect, and I got meet Josh (the cover artist) and caught up with other artists I have met, including @ibroussardart. The time flew by as we chatted, participated in "Zingo" and doodle in our Sketchbooks. I completely forgot to take photos, so have included a few screenshots taken by @zinefesthouston and one from @imakethangs just to preserve the flavor of the event.

I am in high-gear creating to be ready for Zinefest Houston on November 21st @theorangeshow

#zinefestHouston #artistmeetup #creativecommunity #circus #makearteveryday by @bluecactusmixedmedia

When you have an Art Friend who was kind enough to cut up some of your papers into Artist Trading Card bases.

Thank you, @terigallery!

BTW, making new Art Friends and trading skills or supplies is just one of the benefits you get when you join your local Art League. Teri hosts a twice monthly "Small Art" @thewoodlands_artleague and also teaches classes.

If you are in Montgomery County, I invite you to visit us at these sessions or on Art Journaling Wednesdays, hosted by @sarasaravoart.

This pile of ATCs will keep me busy at the upcoming ATC Meetup hosted by @jazzooo @theorangeshow later this month.

Have fun! Make Art with Friends!

#artisttradingcards #makeartwithfriends #artleague #houstonartscene #useyourstash by @bluecactusmixedmedia

Inktober 2026
Day 11
Prompt: Rescue

Two Pages featuring two different rescue dogs. Lilo, my Bitey but cute dog and Daisy, who belongs to @dr.ruthbruhn.physio but who loves @kevsakaiclarinet best.

#inktober2026 #draweveryday #rescuedogs #fastsketch #freehand by @bluecactusmixedmedia

Inktober Day 10
Prompt: Mystical

Derpy Lion Sorcerer casts A mystical shell

Reaching back into my cartoon-making past. Rusty, but I will keep practicing.

#inktober2026 #mystical #lion #cartooning #derpy by @bluecactusmixedmedia

Making bits and pieces for @zinefesthouston and @_thingshappentohappen for trading and gifting.

Also getting excited about experiencing the @office.of.collecting exhibit @theorangeshow
later this month.

Who doesn't love a little trinket?

#trinkets #smalltokens #tinyart #handmade #creativecommunity by @bluecactusmixedmedia