April 26, 2007

When Next Day Art president James Meserve first visited www.bloomingideasllc.com he was immediately taken by Michigan artist Mary Wadsworth's fanciful characters and imaginative stories. Now, he's ready to launch Wadsworth nationally this May at SURTEX, in New York City, where major textile and retail buyers come to spot the hottest trends and newest designers.

"Mary's illustrations and storylines capture the spirit of young girls and preteens," says Meserve. "I see her characters on bedding, home decor, apparel, even puzzles. In a competitive juvenile market passionate artists like Mary really stand out."

Meserve believes finicky "tweens," who comprise part of the multi-billion dollar juvenile market, will respond to Wadsworth's quirky Sha Sha Fanelli, a Paris-trained poodle into pink and fashion, and the pirouetting Bunnarina who likes to dance the day away.

While Wadsworth positions herself in the licensing arena, she's branching out in other directions, most notably with the online business at http://www.bloomingideasllc.com. The virtual studio is an outgrowth of her interior design background, where Wadsworth specialized in children's rooms, and love of illustration and poetry writing.

"The expertise and knowledge gained from various design opportunities has fueled an ambition to share my design motifs and decorating ideas through an online boutique. My goal is to create a one-stop shop for designing parents and their kids," says Wadsworth.

Since last summer, when Wadsworth launched the site, she's been lining up local and national manufacturers and craftsmen to turn her unique designs into high quality decorative products such as prints, pillows, chandeliers and furniture.

"With a national agent and the upcoming show, things are blooming," says Wadsworth.

After SURTEX, Wadsworth and Meserve will attend the 2007 Licensing International Expo, billed by organizers as the world's brand and licensing marketplace, June 19-21, also in New York City.

Artist Mary Wadsworth has been creating children's characters, poetry and illustrations since 1991. Today, she illustrates and paints these characters and develops them into new product concepts from her studio in Indian River, Mich. To see Mary Wadsworth's full cast of inspiring pooches, bunnies and whimsical kids visit www.nextdayart.com, or contact Jim Meserve by email at jim@nextdayart.com or by phone at (207) 761-4278.