Panera Bread is a big part of my social life.  I’ve never been to the one in the Destiny Mall but have spent considerable time in the Fayetteville, Dewitt and Radisson, New York locations to the point that I enjoyed free coffee all summer!

I have had some of the best conversations of my life there – with my mom, and with my favorite besties.  I always suggest it, lol, for any “date”, and try to make it like it is not my thing, like act all nonchalant and stuff even though it is my first and only go-to choice.  I should be in their commercial somehow.  If you know me, you would know that I am such a finicky eater, and yet I love everything on their menu.

It’s where I first met Joyce Backus.

Joyce is a friend of a friend and now she is my friend.  She’s actually subbing for me this Friday when I go on the Studio in Art field trip. She is an art teacher, currently in a part-time position with the Fayetteville-Manlius School district.  But she is also a children’s book illustrator, a visual merchandiser, a mom to three young men, and a phenomenal artist.

Last night she hosted a party at her home, a show and sale of artwork including handmade paper combined with glassworks, watercolor prints and earrings, which she designs for a company that manufactures them.

Here are some pictures from the function.  Joyce opens her home to these parties every few months.  If you are interested in making a purchase, contact her at (315) 415-1170.