Art Fun

I was fortunate to be able take Linda & Opie O'Briens class "Dada Diaries" at Artfest. I say fortunate because I came within nano seconds of not attending. I've never played with metal, have no tools and began to think that I was an idiot signing up for this class. Linda and Opie, however, had other ideas and gave me the gentle nudge that I needed to follow thru. And I can say that I had an absolute BLAST! This is a good example of attending a class having no idea what you want to do and therefore not planning ahead and bringing tons of supplies. There was not a lot of decision making -- I used what was in my stash. And here is the result. The torso contains a small book that can be removed. The arms are those things used to pry up paint can lids -- I have no idea why I had them in my bag, but yippeeee for me! Needless to say, my compatriots made some amazing, envious pieces -- but I am pretty darn pleased!

Big hug from Linda as I finished my project

Mary Stanley and Opie working hard to make our pieces fabulous

Happy Easter

Hope you had a wonderful day today!! We had brunch at the Sheraton and there was quite a food artist at the restaurant.

Anyone for a class in food animals????

Vonnie, Abby & Mr. E. Bunny

Me and Luke

Vonnie, Wade & Derek

New Classes and ART!!

So many wonderful things happening --- I hardly know where to begin.
Jan gave me the most incredible camera -- I am thrilled beyond words. She brought it to me as I took some much needed time for myself and attended Artfest last week. I’m still learning how to use it, but how great it was to have with me during this creative time. My classes were fabulous and I had a ball.

This is the view from my bedroom window. I stayed at the Harborside Motel and was able to take my faithful companion, Ginny with me. Getting ready for bed
Of course I had to feed the visitors who came for dinner. He/She actually swallowed the entire piece of bread WHOLE.
Sweet young doe

LK is offering a class at Hampton that is to die for. I saw the sample and wanted to sit right down and get started on it. It is called “Juicy Painted Handbound Journal". The book is totally cool and funky with tabs and mesh and tons of stuff. These pics really don't do it justice. It is amazing!

I also took a class from Linda and Opie and Judy Wise. More on those and pics in a later post!

We have been asked to offer more of the smaller, intimate daily retreats. SO -- in June I am pleased to offer a two day class with Alma dela Melena Cox (check out the OPB video. It was a feature on Oregon artists) and one with Jan Harris. In July, Misty Mawn and Stephanie Lee are doing a collaborative class that will knock your socks off!! All information is on line under the Summer Classes tab.

Time for Portland!

Registration for Portland begins tomorrow at noon Pacific Daylight time. It is a fantastic line up and I'm excited for all of you! If we experience any problems, please have patience with us. My mother was rushed to the hospital yesterday and we are in a bit of chaos around here. A bit of fun as well as stress since the family has gathered. As with my friends, being with my family warms my heart.

My great niece, Libby. Future Art & Soul attendee!

Clay Play

Portland classes have been posted and the line up is one of the most exciting ones ever planned. Registration will begin March 15 at noon – 12:00 pm PACIFIC time.

Our efforts will now turn to completing the packets for Virginia and Asilomar. My goal is to have them in the mail by March 15. With the Rock & Roll theme, the booklets have been fun to design.

I was able to spend some quality time working with art this weekend -- my new passion is making people and animals with polymer clay. I began this venture under the guidance of Judy Wise -- her clay family is fabulous and hysterical. I love their comical appearances.

This is Gurney. I had more fun bringing him to life. He was created in Bandon and Vonnie later told me that he resembles my ex father-in-law. She was right.

Gurney was always a nasty old man -- here he is trying to get a peek down the bathing suit of Bee's Beach Beauty while being watched intently by my odd beach bird.

Creating a new soul in the studio.

I think she will be a fairy with a hat that is a big leaf. The clay sort of makes a decsion on its own as I continue to work with it. Fun, soothing and rewarding!

Congrats to LK!

LK is teaching her Story Teller class at Asilomar.....and the Art Doll Quarterly has just come out with her dolls on the cover!! The class should be fabulous -- check out the publication or our website for further info.

A Remarkable Week

I am still feeling the euphoria I experienced while spending a most fabulous week with 9 women at the Oregon coast. It was a time of great comfort and peace.

At time of remarkable creativity amongst seeming chaos.

A time to be silly and fill the days with laughter.

A time to kick up our heels and revel in the joy of frienship.

This time and these women changed my life. My heart is full.