ART IS......

BZ…LIVING IN GENEROSITY

2011-10-07T03:02:00.000-07:00

So it is Friday and we are celebrating all that is PINK and the choice we make as an Art family to Live in Generosity.

Is it Time Yet?

2011-09-13T03:08:00.001-07:00

Lois Peirent, you may know her as Loey. The Art is…You family know her as The Time Keeper.

Seen here with the fabulous Michael Albert…

One year…on her own, a little unsure, a little scared and yet brave enough to sign up for the Art is…You experience she made herself known by asking Ellen to pick her workshops! Every year since then, while Ellen continues to pick her workshops, Loey has created for herself an important role within our family.

Seen here with another of integral cogs in the wheel…Colleen

Loey keeps time for us all. From the day that Art is…You is over one year and on until the next. She is a constant reminder to us all that our time together draws nearer and nearer. We love her for that and the spark of laughter that she generates in all of us each day with her quips, her comments, and her no nonsense attitude.

As the “Information” sits in NY and prepares lists, allocates rooms, and sorts out registrations, the “Decoration” sits in CT covering every available work space with glitter and grunge, creating name badges, gifts and treats for each and every person that walks in the door.

Time is drawing near and with it the anticipation for both organizer, teacher and student. The knowledge that only a few short weeks separate us from reconnecting and enjoying a special bond that is unique to our retreat.

We love our East Coast family and we can’t wait to race down the foyer to smooch arrivals as they appear. Oh the places they will go this year…to discover just WHO they are!

Our ticket to ride is extended this year. We got lucky with a group of fabulous teachers and two weeks before ART IS …. WHO we will touch down in on the West Coast for ART IS…PETALUMA.

We can’t quite believe the wonderful support received by our West Coast friends who are coming out in record numbers to attend our inaugural event. Thrilled that Rice Freeman-Zachery and the lovely Earl will be with us to celebrate. Excited that we can celebrate this moment with the team from HALLOWEEN AND VINE and ready to watch the magic that happens between faculty and student.

We love this ride.

We have some extra seats if you want to join us…

www.art-is-you.com

Now is the time to play. Art is…You is the family to belong to.

Hey Loey .. Time Check Please!

Art is….Just Around the Corner

2011-08-19T02:36:00.001-07:00

I went by myself to Art is...YOU. A scaredy cat to be sure. I was blown away by the friendliness of everyone there. You could just sit down at a table and enter a conversation with people you didn't know yet somehow they felt like family....warm, welcoming and sincere. The energy in the workshop was crazy....alive, vibrant, fun loving and inspiring. You don't have to be picasso to enjoy yourself. Just bring who you are....you're gonna be amazed at how filled up on the inside you become. It's like a jump start for your heart and out of that your creativity will flow. Trust me. Hope to see YOU next year...there's a whole lot of family who want to meet you!

There is still time to register for our Fall Retreats:

Art is...Petaluma - Thursday September 22 through to Monday September 26 at the Sheraton Sonoma County, Petaluma, CA.
Peruse the WORKSHOPS. Check out some of SPECIAL MOMENTS - lots of creating time outside of workshops, breakfast with Rice Freeman-Zachery and her lively panel of faculty, Saturday lunch with the Halloween and Vine artists, Art Trunk Saturday Night and more... REGISTER. Be a part of our very special inaugural West Coast Retreat.

Art is...You are annual East Coast Retreat is returning to Danbury for its fifth year of Art Family Celebrations. Thursday October 6 to Tuesday October 11 at the Danbury Plaza Hotel, Danbury, CT.

Fabulous WORKSHOPS on offer plus our usual SPECIAL MOMENTS.
Of course our weekend wouldn't be complete without Loretta Marvel's morning HeART Starters which will be on Saturday and Monday mornings and open to all registered delegates. We will be making our own T-shirts, creating art to share, raising money for charities and riding flamingoes.
REGISTER for this unique and special event and discover why we have a 90% return rate.

We are thrilled this year to be supporting The Fabulous Women of Petaluma on the West Coast and on the East Coast, our chosen charity is Sarah's House - a welcoming, friendly, comfortable and cosy home away from home built on the grounds of the current Cancer Treatment Center in Brewer, Maine.

Art is...feeling good - made simple.

www.art-is-you.com
www.art-is-you.com.au

Artist's work:
Tiny Glass Journal by Thomas Ashman
Crowning Glory by Kecia Deveney

A special announcement:

In the five years we have been in each other lives we have over come and continue to overcome many of life's obstacles. Right now on both coasts we have family members, sisters of the travelling paints who are fighting the battle of cancer. It touches each of us deeply.
So on Friday 23rd September and Friday 7th October, we will be wearing PINK in honor of our friends and family and we will have an art raffle on each day. T-Shirts with this gorgeous design created by our talented Joanne Sharpe will be available for sale onsite and online. Join us in living in generosity...

Interview with the incomparable Ricë Freeman-Zachery

2011-07-23T02:29:00.001-07:00

http://voodoonotes.blogspot.com/2011/07/podcast-with-ellen-sallianne-of-art-is.html

We had fun!

Kecia’s Winged Love

2011-07-18T03:29:00.001-07:00

Kecia Deveney came into our lives four years ago when vending at Art is…You with the most spectacular booth of jewelry and assorted items and from that moment she has become one of our most loyal, and popular teachers.

Kecia creates for her students an unforgettable experience and they always walk out exclaiming…I MADE THIS! This is Beverley with her finished piece from Kecia’s Class – it is one our most favorite images from Art is…You.

So yesterday we gathered at the Homestead for the last workshop in the 2011 Art in the Garden Summer Series.

Another magic day under the trees where we were all so focused on collage, glitter, chain and resin…I mean really is there anything better than that?

Delightful and personalized hand created kits which felt like gifts, were at each person’s station and from those kits with a little help from our imagination, our memories of past experiences, and from our desire to encapsulate a message or moment that had meaning to us…we created our wings of love…

Each of our Wings of Love had its own magic, color and sparkle. Once the resin dries (24 hours and no poking it) we have chains, charms and doodads to add.

“shhhh there is an angel beside me” - featuring Sallianne (who is not picking her nose) and her angelic sister Hayley – Christmas 1970.

Once again time stood still only to awaken when we exhaled and exclaimed … I MADE THIS!

Thank you Kecia, Jane, Loretta, Patricia, Patty, Thea, Colleen and Aunty M for another wonderful Day…

Check out Loretta’s blog for her take on the day…Pomegranates and Paper…

and for those of you who would like to experience this workshop, it is being repeated at Art is…You in Danbury. Thursday 6 October, 2011 from 2:00pm-5:00pm. Thursday has wonderful 3 hr workshops that you can take in the morning and afternoon.

Register for the day. Then EMAIL US: artis@art-is-you.com with your morning selection and in the afternoon, you too can make your own Wings of Love….

22-26 September 2011 - Petaluma, CA

6-11 October 2011 – Danbury, CT

www.art-is-you.com

15-18 March 2012 – Sydney AUSTRALIA

www.art-is-you.com.au

SPOTLIGHT ON; Diana Trout

2011-07-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

Faculty Name: Diana Trout
Birthplace: Philadelphia, PA
Current Residence: Glenside, PA

How long have you been doing art? All of my life! We didn’t have art in school so it didn’t really occur to me until I was in my 20’s that I could be an artist. I loved the big packs of crayons when I was young and spent a lot of time with them. All of my allowance was spent at a tiny local store called The Hobby Shop.

At what age did you begin creating and why? Looking back, I’ve been creative all of my life. Cutting up my mom’s magazines and making paper dolls and clothes for them. But again, artmaking was not big in my family so I had no examples or role models to draw from.

What is your favorite part of teaching? I love to teach. Sharing what I’ve learned over my years as a practicing artist, encouraging my students. Feeding them. There is a wonder, for me, in sensing where a student is and where he/she wants to go and then to respond to that student in just that way is immensely satisfying to me. I think, since I had so little encouragement, both creatively and in terms of craft, that this is something that I give to my students and satisfies my soul.

What do you find most challenging about teaching? The preparation and packing! Once I get to the class, it is heaven.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Ah yes, the busman’s holiday. I journal, stitch, draw, blog. It’s pretty much all art all the time.

What is your favorite type of art medium? Paper, fabric, line, stitch, watercolors, paints, Portfolios, gesso, pencils, pens. I love my Derwent Watercolor pencils.

Who is your favorite artist? I look at so much art that this changes from week to wee. At the moment, I am looking at Hundertwasser. His use of pattern, shape, line and color is a feast.

What is one interesting (trivial) fact that everyone should know about you?
I have a geek gene. My sibs and kids are all math and science people. I could never handle the math but am fascinated by physics, natural sciences and geometry. Sacred geometry blows my socks off.

Attach your favorite image and detail why it is your favorite.
This work, Pavilions and Bungalows, by Hundertwasser is spellbinding. There is a textile, quilty-ness to his work that sucks me in and I love that he interpreted his subject in this way. You could also look at Hundertwasshaus on this blog here. Technically speaking: the brightness of the colors and pattern pops out at you because of the darkness of the background. He’s using my favorite shape here too, the rounded rectangle and funky shaped grids. Those brown boulder-type shapes seem to ground the painting even though they are towards the top. To me, he has captured the life of the humans who live in this place in all of their ordered chaos and humanity.

Diana Trout
Journal Spilling: Mixed Media Techniques for Free Expression is available in bookstores and on-line
www.DianaTrout.com
www.DianaTrout.blogspot.com
www.DianaTrout.Etsy.com

SPOTLIGHT: On Lorri Scott

2011-07-13T11:45:00.000-07:00

Faculty Name: Lorri Scott

Birthplace: Poplar Bluff, Missouri

Current Residence: Santa Cruz Mnts., California
Necessary Job: wife and mother
How long have you been doing art?
Since I began using crayons at an early age. I obviously loved color and remember coveting my box of 64.

At what age did you begin creating and why?
Making potholders in grade school with one of those metal frame looms and sock loopers to make color patterns (3rd grade), getting a Barbie doll so I could make clothes for her(4th grade), raiding Grandma's scarf drawer and fashioning boas with them so me, my sister, and cousin could dance on the bed to Martha Reeves and the Vandellas while we twirled the scarves around us(5th grade), you get the picture?
What is your favorite part of teaching?
Sharing the joy of creating and working with color. I also enjoy learning from my students.

What do you find most challenging about teaching?
Scheduling, schlepping supplies and set up, and knowing what classes people would be interested in.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Read, walk, work in my studio, sing

What is your favorite type of art medium?
Dyeing fabrics and wearable art, fashion
Who is your favorite artist?
Madame Vionette She believed that "when a woman smiles, then her dress should smile too."

What is one interesting (trivial) fact that everyone should know about you?
I create clothes and accessories but often wear jeans. I'm also a bit of a wimp, afraid of the dark, turbulence on a plane, and anything scary.
Attach your favorite image and detail why it is your favorite.
This is a self portrait I drew in High School. It doesn't really look like me and I often think about that. It reminds me I drew this and while I haven't drawn much for many years I probably still could but how do you create an image exactly like what you are drawing from? Perhaps that's what art is, seeing something but creating it in a different likeness? Something to ponder.

Lorri’s Blog: http://lasfibers.blogspot.com/

New York Summer Series: Sue Pelletier

2011-07-12T03:57:00.001-07:00

Last Sunday, Art was once again in the Garden.

This time we created, laughed and shared with Sue Pelletier who brings to the workshop table a generous spirit. Eager to teach, eager to guide and eager to share her student’s joy when they create something special.

Invigorating weather and the magical trees, were a powerful backdrop to a group of women who had been waiting…waiting….waiting to take a day for themselves amidst their busy lives, to stop and breathe.

There is something very cathartic about dipping your hands into deep buckets of plaster

The mixing of glitter with paint leaves you breathless. Bags upon bags of buttons yet somehow that special piece is discoverable only by you.

Lady Liberty

5 + 3 = 8

J K S C M

Unearthing words, letters and numbers with personal meanings. They seem to just rise up to greet you when you go looking through boxes of treasures…

Creative joy is within your grasp as the day winds to a close and you grab a hold and don’t let go.

There are trains to be caught, children to be collected, meals to be prepared. There is a world waiting for us to return. But every time someone returns from our world back into their world, we know they take with them a piece of this moment in time and a piece of each of us.

Art is… Family

Art is…You

“Today was good.
Today was fun.
Tomorrow is another one.”

22-26 September 2011 - Petaluma, CA

6-11 October 2011 – Danbury, CT

www.art-is-you.com

15-18 March 2012 – Sydney AUSTRALIA

www.art-is-you.com.au

Art is…The Deluxe Rotary Cutting/Embossing Machine!

2011-07-06T12:20:00.001-07:00

Winner of the Deluxe Rotary Cutting/Embossing Machine

Our Winner is http://rockycrossstudio.blogspot.com/

We will be in touch!

Thank you everyone for participating….and thank you to The Simplicity Creative Group for offering this wonderful giveaway.

Art Is…Exciting Times Ahead

2011-06-28T17:07:00.001-07:00

From breakfast with Ricë Zachary Freeman on the West Coast, Journaling with Loretta Marvel on the East Coast and two of our largest Art Trunks we have ever enjoyed...it is all happening at Art Is...You, your mixed media art retreats!

To Celebrate the Art is...You Team and the lovely team at

Have given all lovers of Stampington's Artisans Avenue a chance to win this!

Deluxe Rotary Cutting/Embossing Machine

Special tool included to adjust blade pressure
90 day limited warranty against manufacturer’s defects
Strips cut from 1/4” to 6”
45mm proprietary blades for cutting – by pressure
Speed control knob allows you to control the speed of the machine
Clear cutting guide bar
Light turns on when machine is running and illuminates the cutting/embossing area
Proprietary embossing disks slip on and off as easy as the blades
Separate power cord and foot pedal cord

All you need to do, is post a comment tell us how the Deluxe Rotary Cutting/Embossing Machine will help you on your artistic journey....all entries will go into a virtual barrel on the 4th of July.

Don’t forget – if you haven’t registered for Art is…You, there is still time for you to do so and to discover what many have been enjoying year after year….

ART IS PETALUMA

ART IS YOU

ART IS SYDNEY

Art Is…Doing What You Love

2011-05-26T12:34:00.001-07:00

and every May for the last five years we have done exactly that….headed North to wherever our dear friend and “artre-preneur” – Jen O’Connor and her wickedly good ~~bad~~ and gorgeous angels happen to be hanging out!

This year we headed to the magical Schuyler Ponds loving owned and operated by the very kind and warm hearted Amanda Crames. Schuyler Ponds is located in the glorious Saratoga Springs and if you have not taken the chance to visit this unique town, we encourage you to do so…we will certainly be back.

Some of us came in from Connecticut, some of us came in from Rochester and some of us from New Jersey via a pit stop in Westchester, NY. Those travelling from Westchester NY soon discovered that if the conversation is interesting enough you can very easily shoot past the appropriate turn off and be heading to Montreal if you are not careful!!

Arriving at our destination, there was no rest for the wicked…as much as the wicked would have liked to have rested here!

or here….

There were treasures to be discovered…

Parties to be planned…

and so many doors with so many new opportunities to discover…

Art Pep Rally … Earth Angel Style …

Queens caught up with Crown Jewelers…

Girlfriends smooched….

Posers Posed…with their new (Melody Elizabeth) Book Bags…

or with their paintings…

and proved they will be right at home on campus!

There was even a chance to breath and take in the magic…

While we all agree we can never get enough of our Earth Angels and their magical art, we will equally agree that taking the time to enjoy our art friendships has become just as valuable, just as priceless and just as important.

A weekend away like this takes planning – meals in the freezer, schedules on the fridge, and the washing up to date…but they are important to the psyche of the art girl.

She returns happier and more relaxed. She is richer in art treasures and truly is a much nicer person than she was when she left.

Which means when the house goes to pot and the kids haven’t been bathed in 2 days, she copes and she rejoices because planning for the next escape can begin knowing that dinner is already made, thanks to the family surviving on frozen waffles and take-out!

P.S. Having a jar of “Fudge Girl’s” (Katie Camarro) Chocolate Ecstasy, helps to cope with a house that has gone to pot…just remember to hide it behind the BBQ Sauce!

We are each other’s parachute

2011-04-30T05:25:00.001-07:00

As we lift up one of our friends and her family in prayer today,
Ellen and I are reminded of one of the most poignant moments we as an art family experienced.

Our 2010 Art Is…You was drawing to a close. We had enjoyed a fabulous night with lots of merriment, connected again at breakfast, laughed together, gathered our things and were ready for another spectacularly creative day .

As Ellen and I sat in our office, which really is a glorified lounge room because everyone loves to come and check in to say hi - word was delivered to us that one of our attendees husbands was in trouble.

With heart in my hand I ran. With those hands, with those arms I engulfed our friend, trying with all my very being, to carry her anguish, her pain, and her fear while we watched her beloved take his first steps toward heaven.

It was so sudden and so final to know that the man, who reveled the day before in his wife’s excitement over the wonders of wax paper, could quite possibly be gone from our world.

I held tight. I didn’t want to let her go.
Somehow hoping and praying that I could possibly protect her
but reality crept into our bones.
I watched them depart with sirens wailing.

All that I had, I had given to our friend, my body and soul shaken with the loss but within moments, I felt arms around me, engulfing me and filling my soul with the love that I had just given out.
Together in our collective grief we held on to each other.

As the day progressed, our thoughts continued to be with our friend but in sadness we turned to art, tears turned to laughter, and we turned to our family knowing without a doubt that we are each other’s parachute.

What is unique and special is that we can reach for that parachute at anytime and know that it is there for the giving.

Art is…the connection we all have to each other.
Today we are the Princess and the Fiancé's parachute. Join us.

You have created a type of love that only ancient philosophers have written about. You know agape love!!

Betti’s Boot Camp!

2011-04-27T11:04:00.001-07:00

I sat drinking a glass of Jimmy’s beautiful wines, and I watched him grill our dinner on the open fire. BZ was busy preparing a beautiful salad and as she prepared she talked about creating simplicity with food.

Kathi and Elizabeth were seated at the old barn table
and they too were enjoying Jimmy’s wines.

I could hear the talk, I could hear the laughter and I was indeed a part of the conversation, but I was also in a reflective mood.

Having just returned from Australia and spending time with my family, I could feel myself unravel and revel in the warmth of the fire
and in the joy of my friends around me.

Life’s dictation had caused the absence in body of the Goddess and Mrs Pom but their spirits were there and we most definitely drank their share in wines.

This was a weekend to celebrate a friendship that began five years ago, when the Goddess and I decided to run the first Art Is…You.

(October 2007)

We had a formula that we wanted to follow.
Offer workshops, create communal art time, enable communal down time, but never did we anticipate the bond of friendships that we now enjoy.

(Christmas 2010)

I can honestly say that the friendships born out of that one creative decision, are the friendships that have kept me whole, kept me sane, kept me laughing,
and kept me secure in the life that I had to create for me
and my family here in the US.

Kathi collected me and then we headed up to Elizabeth. It was the day the earthquake hit Japan. It felt a little surreal chatting excitedly about what BZ might have in store for us and that excitement being tempered by the wave of tragedy that we were witnessing on the television and hearing on the radio.

Perhaps it made our weekend even more special, as we gave thanks for the safety and security of our families. Yet even then the three of us let rip the biggest sigh of contentment, at the thought of a weekend away from those families that we so love!!

Instructions were clear, concise and right down to the finer details of how to navigate the tree that was bending over the drive (laden with freshly fallen snow)….”just drive through and imagine it is a car wash”.

On arrival we were greeted by two other loves of BZ’s life…her little dogs. One who has been with her for many years and the other was her mother’s companion. The beautiful Gracie had died a week prior to our coming together but in true BZ style, she knew her mother would not want her to cancel life just because she was no longer there, so we kept our plans and I am so thankful that we did.

We knew there was to be no rest for the wicked but we didn’t realize how soon the wicked would have to get moving…No sooner had we enjoyed a fabulous lunch of soup and salad but we were encouraged to get our coats….we were off to snow shoe. The Australian was so happy to find that both Kathi and Elizabeth were also expecting BZ to produce tennis racquets and I think we hid our collective surprise very well when she produced these wonderful modern snow shoes that had no resemblance to a tennis racquet….but I can say we had an absolute ball!!! (sorry had to put that in)….

I am hooked. It was incredible … well after I fell into the hole and got myself out… it was incredible! No sound except for our feet and our voices.

The feeling of togetherness but also sense of isolation was invigorating.

We breathed. It was good.

Back at the “ranch” Jimmy was preparing our dinner. He was in fine form and entertained us with his lively stories and jokes. I watched my BZ sparkle as she saw her Jimmy connect with us all, ply us with wine from his personal stash and cook for us steaks that rivaled the best this Aussie has ever had. It was special. I knew I was a lucky girl to be sitting right where I was with these wonderful people.

Of course there was much more to do. We had a surprise visit from our friend Pamela who then joined us down in the town where we literally shopped till we dropped at the wonderful Manyu’s Boutique. Manyu, a longtime friend of BZ and Jimmy’s, and an absolute delight to get to know.

Returning to the house, BZ got us going on creating pastry…the easy way. We had fun working with our hands and listening to BZ share stories and advice….stay tuned for her cookbook!!

Then it was Kathi’s turn to share with us all the art of gelatin printing. I wonder what Mrs Knox would think today of us using her product that helped so many get through the war time rationing, as the basis of an art project?

Magnificent Salmon, salads, bread and more wine left us full and content and instead of a late night we all departed for bed, comfortable knowing that in our friendship with each other, there would be no judgment for hopping into our luxurious beds well before our usual bed times.

Sunday morning I woke early.

I sat in this room with coffee and watched as snowflakes fell outside. The weary fog had lifted and I felt fresh and renewed. Cell phones are intermittent and yet I wasn’t troubled about not being in touch with home. If Max was going to eat a whole packet of oreo’s while I was gone, I wouldn’t know, but I could celebrate the fact that I didn’t have to change the nappy!

We enjoyed again our daily journaling session. Elizabeth had generously created a little journal book from the cardboard starbucks holder and every day she gave us a task or a thought to think on and consider. We would glitter and draw; Paint and stick; Write and create; our little hearts away. Bliss.

Reality started to creep back in and it was time to bid our hosts farewell. With promises that we would do this again, we piled into the car with our bags, new treasures (love my scarves), treats for the family and headed for home.

And yes, there were dishes in the sink and yes there was an empty oreo packet in the trash but the greetings received by the Engineer, Princess and Prince were enough….well almost….the prince saved his diaper up just for me!

Thank you beautiful Betti Zucker for being my friend and for being the generous, gorgeous, gregarious, girl that you are. Gracie raised you just right.

Sal xx

Postscript: You can never have too much coffee

Oh and Jo…..don’t think it has gone unnoticed…for while Art Is…You has brought us great joy and many friendships….it was you that brought us Betti…

SPOTLIGHT ON: Lorraine Reynolds

2011-04-26T13:25:00.000-07:00

Faculty Name: Lorraine Reynolds
Birthplace: Far Rockaway, New York
Current Residence: Willliston, VT

Necessary Job: Technical Design Supervisor (Fit Queen Extraordinaire) @ Burton Snowboards

How long have you been doing art? I've been doodling, cutting and gluing since the 1st grade. But the work I do now? For about 6 years.

At what age did you begin creating and why? I started my artist career as a costume designer right after I graduated from college. My creative life went down a few turns and twists. I found myself making altered books in 2006the rest sort of morphed out of that.

What is your favorite part of teaching? I love helping people find what I call their "creative core." We all have it in us to be artists, we just need to feel safe enough and confident enough to explore that. That's what I think the best part of teaching is. Helping people reveal that of themselves.

What do you find most challenging about teaching? The artistic process for me is an evolution of thought. But it is so hard to condense that into 6 hours. students progress at different rates over the course of a day. Some times people progress and sometimes they don't. Trying to find a way to turn around their frustrations can be the most challenging part of the day.

What do you like to do in your spare time? I love to spend time outdoors, hiking and gardening with my family and our german shorthair pointer, Mickey.

Who is your favorite artist? How can I narrow it down to 1? My taste is incredibly eclectic: Probably, my all time favorite is Vincent Van Gogh, but I love Anselm Kieffer, Frida Kahlo, Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Louise Nevelson, Rauschenberg, Augustus Saint-Gaudens, and Asa Ames. (like I said, very eclectic)

What is your favorite type of art medium? Another hard thing to pin down. I really love so many different mediums. The mediums I like to play with? Collage, assemblage, photography and painting.

What is one interesting (trivial) fact that everyone should know about you? I used to work for a film company in NYC. I worked on and appeared in a film that won a Grand Jury award at both Cannes and Sundance film festivals.

Attach your favorite image and detail why it is your favorite.
Last summer we went to Gettysburg Battlefield in Pennsylvania. There are something incredibly haunting and moving about the entire state park. The emotion it stirred in me, still resonates with me. This photo of one of the memorials was taken at dusk. The light was so magically and surreal. The memorial had four figures on the top. Each looking out into a different cardinal direction, like guardians of remembrance. I love this photo because it reminds me of how fragile our lives can be and how we should embrace every moment of our lives and live it to the fullest.

www.glimmeringprize.com

SPOTLIGHT ON: ANGELA HUGGINS

2011-04-24T10:27:00.000-07:00

Faculty Name: Angela Huggins
Birthplace: Jersey City, New Jersey
Current Residence: New Jersey
Necessary Job: Nurse

How long have you been doing art?
For the past 45 years

At what age did you begin creating and why?
I really began my art career at the age of 5. Always fascinated with art, paint, fabric. Making things putting them together with fabric.

What is your favorite part of teaching?
My favorite part of teaching is the "oh factor". When someone has discovered something inside of themselves after they have conquered a technique. "Oh that's how you do that"!!! I love putting together classes in anticpation of meeting new people and getting them to not focus on what I make but on what they can make with what I know.

What do you find most challenging about teaching?
When you are not "known" getting people to realize you are alive on that dust speck lol! Getting people to trust you that really do have something to share. You believe in them when they don't believe in themselves. Teaching them to float outside of themselves go towards the light and see what they are doing lol!

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to shop, discover, study, read new ways to do and improve my craft. I love working with children.

What is your favorite type of art medium?
Fabric is my favorite medium.

Who is your favorite artist?
Frida Kahlo

What is one interesting (trivial) fact that everyone should know about you?
I am a vigilante or maybe a better term would be an advocate for the shy. I don't know if that's good or bad but I hate seeing people wronged, hurt, taken advantage of.

Attach your favorite image and detail why it is your favorite.
The picture I selected is an Angel lifting her hands towards the sun to praise God. I love God, I love Angels, I love the beautiful rays of the sun, and I love to Praise Him.

Dolls are the Joy of Life
angelhugs4all.blogspot.com
soulfuldollartists.ning.com
Come out to the East Coast Retreat and Learn Dollmaking!

SPOTLIGHT ON: Kathleen Nesi

2011-04-19T13:28:00.000-07:00

Faculty Name: Kathleen Nesi
Birthplace: Portsmouth, NH
Current Residence: Pelham Manor, NY
Necessary Job: pre-school art teacher
How long have you been doing art?
my entire life.
At what age did you begin creating and why?
From as early on as i can remember. When I was a child, creativity was the name of the game. We (my siblings, the neighborhood kids and I) were sent outside to play. Outdoors was the canvas. We would build forts, tree houses, bike trails, sledding luges, you name it. We would be creative and make adventures out of everything! Time I spent with my father was spent observing nature. I learned patience and photography from him. Indoors, my mother and grandmother would always be doing something with their hands and always encouraged us to join in. I learned to sew at a young age, my first project was an apron. Many times all our Christmas presents would be things we made and that was the fun of it!
What is your favorite part of teaching?
Meeting, talking and learning from my students. everyone has a story to tell.

What do you find most challenging about teaching?
Paperwork! ugh! I HATE it!!!!

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I don't have much, but when I do I like to go for a run or cuddle with my dogs and watch old movies.

What is your favorite type of art medium?
Painting. Any kind of painting.
Who is your favorite artist?
This is a tough one. Currently I'm into Klimt, Matisse, Mucha and Lyendecker, but if i had to pick just one master, I'd have to go with daVinci...just for the shear genius of the man!
What is one interesting (trivial) fact that everyone should know about you? I'm a Mets fan
Attach your favorite image and detail why it is your favorite.
I love this image, it is a detail from daVinci's Virgin of the Rocks. The way the light is hitting the angels face and the fact that it is a 3/4 face is so beautiful and peaceful to me. I also admire the attention to detail, especially given the tools and conditions of the time period.

SPOTLIGHT ON: Nancy Lefko

2011-04-17T14:10:00.000-07:00

Faculty Name: Nancy Lefko
Birthplace: Huntington (Long Island), NY
Current Residence: Peterborough, NH
Necessary Job: wife & mother
How long have you been doing art?
As far back as I can remember I have been creating something. From paper dolls and their wardrobes colored with a brand new box of 64 Crayolas to wildlife drawings in graphite to the mixed media collage work of today, art has been with me through the ages and stages of my life.

At what age did you begin creating and why?
I suppose I began creating at a very young age because by the time I reached Kindergarten my teacher was telling my mother about my artistic persuasion. Creating art has always made me happy. Art class was my favorite place to be in school. Perhaps it was the relaxed atmosphere, the slanting desks, the music that played in the background, the scent of the art materials; or maybe it was my favorite place because I knew it was where I belonged. Unlike the basketball court!
What is your favorite part of teaching?
I love to share that which excites and inspires me and I hope that students will share my enthusiasm. I love the "aha" moment when everything comes together for a student. Just as it was when I taught first graders, the "aha" moment is wonderful when it happens for adults learning something new.

What do you find most challenging about teaching?
Making sure that every student benefits from the class can be a challenge; whether a beginner or an experienced artist, I hope my class offers something new and exciting for everyone. I aspire to connect with all types of students, those that are quiet and may not reach out with questions, as well as those that are actively engaged.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Creating art for my Etsy shop or working in one of my art journals is my favorite way to fill spare time. Spending time with my family also tops the list -- my youngest still enjoys cuddling up with me to watch a good movie and that just can't be beat!

What is your favorite type of art medium?
My favorite medium is sort of a package deal: creating with papers, acrylic paints and inks makes me the happiest.
Who is your favorite artist?
I have always loved the work of Norman Rockwell, and the way he captured the American spirit through the ages. The art of children's illustrator Barbara Cooney also speaks to me and I've shared her work many times with students. The artwork that decorates my home is by contemporary artists Pam Carriker, Renee Thompson, Kelly Rae Roberts and Catherine Green. And of course, my list could go on and on.
What is one interesting (trivial) fact that everyone should know about you? I'm a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan!
Attach your favorite image and detail why it is your favorite.
This image captures that which brings me joy. It was taken many years ago at our favorite beach on the coast of Maine, where we spend every summer vacation. I remember reading once that to be a mother is to have your heart walk around outside of your body. Indeed. These three boys are my heart and to have shared, and continue to share, so many wonderful memories with them is the JOY of my life.

http://nancylefko.blogspot.com/

SPOTLIGHT ON: Sue Pelletier

2011-04-11T12:15:00.000-07:00

Faculty Name: Sue Pelletier
Birthplace: MA
Current Residence: Hopkinton MA

Necessary Job: I LOVE my job of 23 years I am an elementary school art specialist grades K-5. I still love going to work every day! I am blessed to love my job!

How long have you been doing art? Since I can remember and then some…
At what age did you begin creating and why? In high school I became very interested in taking formal art classes. I went to college and majored in art education and fine arts. I had an amazing mentor in college, Lance Richbourg at St. Michael’s in Vermont….from their I received an MFA from Pratt Institute in NY.

What is your favorite part of teaching? I love the AH HA moment! Whether I am teaching kids or adults I love when something just clicks and suddenly people get it! Usually this is when people let go a bit and become free with their risk taking and just play a bit with their mediums. That is why I love teaching kids, they are naturals.

What do you find most challenging about teaching? Encouraging people to play and explore…enjoy the process….don’t worry so much about the product , you will get there!

What do you like to do in your spare time? I am a reality show junkie….Real Housewives, Dr. Drew…bring it on!

What is your favorite type of art medium? Any and all! I am totally addicted to heavy gel matte medium, ask anyone who has taken a class with me, I could have an IV pole hooked up to gel medium and be a happy camper.

Who is your favorite artist? SOoooooo many, Julian Schnabel, Henri Matisse, William de Kooning, Faith Ringold any and all kids art!

What is one interesting (trivial) fact that everyone should know about you? I attended Pratt Institute in the early 80’s and lived in the East Village….the NYC art movement was energized by the young artists moving into the area, so passionate about their work, I loved every second of it, and , I look back at that time and think…WOW! …it totally molded me into the artist I am today. That and I love a medium regular iced coffee from Dunkin Donuts.

Attach your favorite image and detail why it is your favorite. The attached image is my house…I live in a green house with purple shutters with my two teenagers (who are amazing) and my 2 small rescue dogs, who still pee in the house sometime. My house is full of things and people I love and hold dear to my heart.

COME LAUGH AND PAINT WITH SUE: http://www.suepelletierlaughpaint.com/

SPOTLIGHT ON: Jodi Ohl

2011-04-09T12:25:00.000-07:00

Faculty Name: Jodi Ohl
Birthplace: I was born and raised in good old Western New York
Current Residence: I was a yankee and now I’m a Southern Belle, living in central North Carolina in a sweet small town south of Raleigh, called Aberdeen.

Necessary Job:

Believe it or not, the girl who never used to balance her check book is now a bank manager by day. I’ve worked in this role for the last ten years!

How long have you been doing art?

I’ve always liked to draw and doodle, occasionally play with watercolors but I really dove in with no turning back into mixed media painting and collage about 4 years ago.

At what age did you begin creating and why?

I found my way back to art after years of respite when I was about 38 years old (4 years ago) after some troubling times. Art was my safety net, my security blanket, my way to heal and so much more. Now it’s become a dream that I can truly see me doing full time in the very near future. All the stars are starting to align, I just need to be pushed off that cliff and take a plunge.

What is your favorite part of teaching?

I love sharing what I know and potentially help others find that art can truly help you heal and grow at the same time. To see others overcome their fear of even beginning and see the joy that they feel while creating, well, it just goes without saying that teaching is very rewarding. I also love the energy of being amongst people who share the love of creating as much as I do. I often find that I walk away from the experience with more than I gave just being around the best students anyone could ask for.

What do you find most challenging about teaching?

The most challenging part of teaching an open class is preparing for the very very beginner in the same class as the student who is very experienced. You need keep everyone on task but not so far behind or far head that you loose the momentum of your class to either end of the spectrum. I think my management background helps me over come this challenge in many ways but with ever class you just learn from all the new experiences and you continue to grow as a teacher as well.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time—I create, what else?? LOL Well, besides painting and playing in my journal, I have 2 sons ages 10 and 16 so hanging out with them is something enjoy doing in my spare time. In addition to creating, hanging with my boys, I also enjoy playing with my new camera (a canon rebel). I hope to expand on my photography skills this year. Stay tuned for that one!

What is your favorite type of art medium?

I love acrylic paint, I couldn’t live without it.

Who is your favorite artist?

I really enjoy the work of contemporary artists like Traci Bautista, Alisa Burke, and Jesse Reno. Their colorful loose graffiti style has definitely influenced my art in a lot of ways.

What is one interesting (trivial) fact that everyone should know about you?

I secretly like to karoake (at home) with my boys and who ever dares to listen. Mind you I can’t sing for anything but I love messing around like a goof ball with a microphone in my hand. ))

Attach your favorite image and detail why it is your favorite.

Here’s one of my first photos I’ve taken with my new camera. Let me know what you think!

http://sweetrepeats.blogspot.com/

SPOTLIGHT ON: Beryl Taylor

2011-04-07T12:19:00.000-07:00

Faculty Name: BERYL TAYLOR
Birthplace: ROTHERHAM, ENGLAND
Current Residence: NEW JERSEY
Necessary Job: MIXED MEDIA ARTIST

How long have you been doing art?
SINCE I CAN REMEMBER ( 5 OR 6 )

At what age did you begin creating and why?
AT THE AGE OF 13 WHEN I WENT TO ART SCHOOL, CREATION HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PART OF MY LIFE AND COMES NATURALLY

What is your favorite part of teaching?
PEOPLE'S REALIZATION THAT THINGS AREN'T AS COMPLICATED AS THEY THOUGHT

What do you find most challenging about teaching?
ORGANIZING MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES

What do you like to do in your spare time?
CREATING ART AND WALKING MY DOGS

What is your favorite type of art medium?
FABRIC AND PAPER

Who is your favorite artist? SARAH LUGG

What is one interesting (trivial) fact that everyone should know about you?
I LOVE ABBA AND "I BELIEVE IN ANGELS" ( BUT THAT'S NOT TRIVIAL !! )

Attach your favorite image

SPOTLIGHT ON: Sidney Sward

2011-04-05T11:52:00.000-07:00

Faculty Name: Lynne Sward
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois (conceived in San Francisco according to my late mom)
Current Residence: Virginia Beach, Virginia

Necessary Job: that would be jobs, Wife, Mother, Artist (I don't consider these to be jobs and I work cheap!)

How long have you been doing art?
Since I was 2 when I crinkled up onion skins because I like the texture and noise

At what age did you begin creating and why?
When I was in grades 1 - 7 (that would be elementary school) I drew illustrations in the margins of green lined papers that contained English compositions . I loved learning script because of the repetitive penmanship strokes. I also was the only one in my class that would draw on that green-lined paper. I liked that.

What is your favorite part of teaching?
the fabulous talents shown in sharing at the end of class and seeing the "results" of my information sharing . I'm always amazed at what my students create. I may be teaching them, but for sure, I'm learning so much from my students. It's my pleasure and a privilege to teach.

What do you find most challenging about teaching?
Preparing the materials list I bring to my classes and I use in the demonstrations. I hate forgetting things, so I do an extensive "check" list.

What do you like to do in your spare time? I am an H20 addict 5 times a week early in the morning before I do anything else.( I'm talking about cardio workout in the Y pool.)
What is your favorite type of art medium? Fabrics, threads, beads, interesting papers

Who is your favorite artist? Can I have three? Frida Kahlo, Picasso, Andy Goldsworthy and so many more.

What is one interesting (trivial) fact that everyone should know about you? I'm outgoing, and I have tremendous empathy and patience and a sense of humor.

Attach your favorite image and detail why it is your favorite. I don't have a clue as to "how" to do that. but if you can find one, I'm absolutely nuts for sunsets!!!!!!!

(An Antarctica Sunset…courtesy of Betti Zucker)

SPOTLIGHT ON: Cheryl Strait

2011-04-03T03:43:00.000-07:00

Faculty Name: Cheryl Strait
Birthplace: Alliance,Ohio
Current Residence: Alliance,Ohio

Necessary Job: Artist and SAHM

How long have you been doing art?
Professionally since 1996

At what age did you begin creating and why?
I was born creative, I have an insatiable need to create...

What is your favorite part of teaching?
The creative process

What do you find most challenging about teaching?
Helping students to explore their creative side.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to go to the beach, camping, reading, and listening to music.

What is your favorite type of art medium?
I love metals

Who is your favorite artist?
I am keeping this private but I will tell you it is a Mann.LOL!

What is one interesting (trivial) fact that everyone should know about you?
i was a military wife for 14 years and enjoyed every minute of it,especially our tour of duty in Germany, i miss it!

Attach your favorite image and detail why it is your favorite.
attached is a picture of the beach, it has a calming,peaceful affect for me, i find that i can clear my head and helps me design earthy, urban, rustic,artsy pieces of jewelry.

Cheryl Strait
Collage & Jewelry Artist
visit:www.cherylsstudio.theshoppe.com
Shop:CherylStrait.etsy.com
UrbanRomantic.etsy.com
blog:cherylstrait.wordpress.com

SPOTLIGHT ON: Teena Flanner

2011-04-01T03:37:00.000-07:00

Faculty Name: Teena Flanner
Birthplace: Texas, childhood in Colorado
Current Residence: Elm Grove ,WI

Necessary Job: so lucky! papier mache is my income and hobby and much of my joy!

How long have you been doing art?
forever for fun! as a living, since 1990, not quite as fun.

At what age did you begin creating and why?
as long as I can remember and much of my art as a child was paper, glitter and water colors.

What is your favorite part of teaching?
my art has been such a part of my life that I would love to give back a bit.Everyone is creative! Art supported my now grown children and though it wasn't easy , I remember the process with much pleasure.

What do you find most challenging about teaching?
drying the papier mache in the time frame of a class..impossible! but we will have much satisfaction and unique, glittered, finished art to take home.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
play almost daily with my grandkids, swimming in the summer, gardening...not for pleasure...but so I have a garden! love all travel.

What is your favorite type of art medium?
papier mache and glitter

Who is your favorite artist?
too difficult to think about it, but things imperfect, unique and timeless

What is one interesting (trivial) fact that everyone should know about you?
I am still surprised that I was able to be in the right place at the right time with something different .

Attach your favorite image and detail why it is your favorite.
the true glow of Christmas! 2010 my living room with Jack and Abbey and yes, the tree did get decorated.

2011 Art Is…In the Garden: New York Summer Workshop Series

2011-03-16T04:06:00.001-07:00

In the Summer of 2011 we present the second Summer Series of Art in the Garden.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Judy Gula presents Dye Day
Saturday, June 18 2011

Sue Pelletier presents There Once was a Girl
Sunday, July 10, 2011

Kecia Deveney presents Winged Love
Sunday, July 17 2011

Workshops will be held at The Homestead. Attendees are encouraged to arrive a little earlier to get setup, grab their coffee/tea and morning scone before starting class. Sit amongst the azeleas during a lunch that is included in the workshop fee.

73 Homestead Road
Scarsdale, New York

Metro North to Scarsdale Station

Travel South down the Hutch to Exit 19
Travel North up the Hutch to Exit 17

Traveling from interstate?
We would be happy to assist with accommodation, collection & drop off.

email: artis@art-is-you.com

SPOTLIGHT: On Pam Carriker

2011-03-15T09:29:00.000-07:00

Faculty Name: Pam Carriker
Birthplace: Longview, WA
Current Residence: Springfield, MO
Necessary Job: SAHM (stay at home mom)

How long have you been doing art? My whole life, I don't remember a time when I wasn't creating something.

At what age did you begin creating and why? I only have memories of creating things, it's always been a part of who I am. I made some awesome cardboard Barbie houses complete with furniture and curtains long before Barbies Dream House was available:-)

What is your favorite part of teaching? Seeing someone create something they didn't think they could. When they are proud of what they made I feel I did my job.

What do you find most challenging about teaching? Making sure the occasional 'quiet' students get their share of attention without making them uncomfortable. I like to walk around and look at everyone's work and I'm always conscious of trying not to make someone uncomfortable if they aren't wanting to share what they made, but do try to encourage them to do so. I want so badly for everyone to leave class feeling confident in the new skills they've learned and feel ready to go and improve on them!

What do you like to do in your spare time? Right now I'm not even sure what spare time means-lol! I love to sketch, read, cook, garden, and travel.

What is your favorite type of art medium? This is a hard question, but if I had to pick just one thing it would be a simple pencil, as this is where my art begins its journey.

Who is your favorite artist? Modigliani and Da Vinci, sorry I can't really pick one over the other, they both inspire me for different reasons.

What is one interesting (trivial) fact that everyone should know about you? I have a compulsion to be on time, I hate making people wait on me so I usually get where I need to be with time to spare.

Attach your favorite image and detail why it is your favorite. I just love how simple, yet detailed these sketches of Da Vinci are. They embody the essence of femininity and grace, and make me strive to capture even a thimble full of this in my own work.

Artist, Instructor, & Author
Art at the Speed of Life: Motivation + Inspiration for Creating Mixed-Media Art Every Day
(Interweave Press February 2011)
Newsletter
Follow Me on Facebook and Twitter

SPOTLIGHT: On Diane Russell-Horn

2011-03-13T09:22:00.000-07:00

Faculty Name: Di Russell-Horn

Birthplace: Rochester, NY

Current Residence: Fairport, NY

Necessary Job: Office Manger of three local Hearing Aid Offices for a national company.

How long have you been doing art? Since high school, 30+++ years

At what age did you begin creating and why? I felt a need to use my hands and started to do sculpture and throw clay on a wheel. Then I started making "crafts" and creating from there. It wasn't until my 30's that I went full scale into art and realized that I was an artist and very right brained. I had always felt that there was something wrong with me because although I got excellent grades in school, I had no desire or passion for science, or mathematics or any school subject. When I realized that "it was ok not to be as left brained" it opened a whole new world for me to embrace, it was fantastic.

What is your favorite part of teaching? Watching my student's creativity blossom. For some,it's an "ah ha!" moment, for some it's a gradual process throughout a workshop. I just love helping them realize their potential, especially when they think that a new technique is out of their reach. I love sharing all that I know with others, it's so wonderful. Then to watch students take that knowledge to new heights, is so rewarding.

What do you find most challenging about teaching? The most challenging part of teaching is summing up at the beginning of class, what level all the different students are at and how to meet the needs of everyone individually in the class. You will always have green beginners to more advanced students. What I try and do is teach the material and then spend as much time as I can working individually with each student. If someone is more accomplished, I still want to give them the same attention I would give a beginner but just take them to a level beyond what they came into class with. I feel very strongly about students leaving the workshop, knowing more than when they started the workshop.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Do you mean besides art?? Because that is my favorite thing to do. I also enjoy reading, knitting or crocheting, meditating and yoga. and hanging out with family and friends.

What is your favorite type of art medium? Wow, that a tough one. It would have to be altered books and journals. I have made altered books for ages and I love the fact that you can use every type of medium in an altered book. I also love to journal so incorporating the two is both fun and very portable. I always have a glue stick and a permanent marker in my purse and an altered journal or book with me. I've actually stood at restaurants waiting for a table, with glue stick and book in hand, adding things from the restaurant to a page.

Who is your favorite artist? Dale Chihuly. He is a hot glass artist and unbelievably talented. I love flame work and glass blowing (good thing I'm only a few hours from Corning Glass ) and I saw an exhibit of his Sea Forms years ago and fell in love with glass. His vision is brilliant, especially given the fact that he only has one eye.
What is one interesting (trivial) fact that everyone should know about you? Mmmm, I am of Italian descent and very proud of being Italian. My grandfather came over from Naples, where my grandmother is from as well. I take great pride in my heritage and have passed on traditions, recipes, etc to my son Brian and my nieces and nephew.

Attach your favorite image and detail why it is your favorite. Ok, so I cheated, I attached two. The first is entitled "The whole Fam Damily", it is a picture of our family taken in Denver, Co. this past Sept for my niece/goddaughter's wedding. Thirtyfive of our family and friends made the journey to Denver for the wedding. The reason it is my favorite is because family and friends are the most important thing to me.

Diane Russell-Horn

Sixth Floor Designs

Hand Crafted Jewelry, Fiber Arts & Altered Arts

www.SixthFloorDesigns.com
http://www.sixthfloordesigns.blogspot.com/

SPOTLIGHT ON: Taryn Reece

2011-03-11T07:43:00.000-08:00

Faculty Name: TARYN REECE

Birthplace: PORTLAND, MAINE

Current Residence: CHARLESTON, MAINE

Necessary Job: CMO for a Landscaping company

How long have you been doing art? my entire life

At what age did you begin creating and why? probably around 2 years old, both my parents and sister are artists and we lived artfully everyday

What is your favorite part of teaching? it is so rewarding that it is hard to choose just one favorite part...I love witnessing students overcome fears & intimidation of the unknown and gain confidence that they CAN do it...the A-ha! moments, the squeals of delight, the proud, beaming faces

What do you find most challenging about teaching? it sounds selfish I know, but honestly I am surrounded by so much talent and so many cool workshops are happening while I'm teaching...I wish I could take more classes! :)

What do you like to do in your spare time? I adore gardening, baking, junking, sewing and working on our farm.

What is your favorite type of art medium? oooh, a toughie for a mixed media artist to answer...acrylic paint and vintage paper (its a tie)

Who is your favorite artist? Joseph Cornell

What is one interesting (trivial) fact that everyone should know about you? my nose, toes and right hand are always cold (not sure why but the left hand always seems to be A-ok)

Attach your favorite image and detail why it is your favorite. (preferably not your art) cute photo of our pup Lily - Kecia Deveney took this when staying with us for Art in the Rough. Lily is sweet, loyal and keeps us on our toes...she is adored.

http://www.naveljellystudios.com/

http://www.naveljellystudios.com/html/art_in_the_rough.html

SPOTLIGHT: On Kecia Deveney

2011-03-09T07:32:00.000-08:00

Faculty Name: Kecia Deveney

Birthplace: Garden Grove, California

Current Residence: The Jersey Shore

Necessary Job: Caregiver for my son, Tucker

How long have you been doing art?
Since high school

At what age did you begin creating and why?
I started making little fleecing sheep Christmas ornaments out of this fleece scrap my mom was using and people wanted t buy them. i did it for fun!

What is your favorite part of teaching?
Sharing my methods and watching their art come alive

What do you find most challenging about teaching?
It can be time consuming; all the preparation, supplies, packing- worrying if i forgot something important, etc.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
If it is warm i like to be outside going to flea markets

What is your favorite type of art medium?
I love it all; painting, collage, jewelry, sewing, sculpting dolls

Who is your favorite artist? i really love Anahata Katkin

What is one interesting (trivial) fact that everyone should know about you?
I've driven across the U.S. 4 times, twice by myself!

Attach your favorite image and detail why it is your favorite.

This is a picture of a poster i bought about 10 years ago. I have a fascination with cemetery angels and after seeing the image online in a story, I had to find it. She is an angel in a cemetery in Paris (if i am remembering correctly). I think she is a beautiful piece of art.

kecia deveney

blog: www.lemoncholys.blogspot.com

website: www.lemoncholys.com

etsy: www.keeshagirl4.etsy.com

Objects & Elements design team: www.objectsandelements.typepad.com

SPOTLIGHT: On Pamela Huntington

2011-03-07T04:54:00.000-08:00

Faculty Name: Pamela Huntington

Current Residence: Connecticut

Necessary Job: Freelance Digital Graphic Designer and Artisan

How long have you been doing art?
I have had the rare privilege of being surrounded by artists all my life, one grandmother owned an atelier designing and making wedding dresses and trousseau's for the bride as well as dressing the entire wedding party. My own clothes were her couture designs.. velvet snowsuits and tulle and taffeta dresses. My memories of sitting in the midst of satins and laces with a doll to dress always make me smile.... oh to be there again. My other grandmother was an amazing musician, but her passion in life was in collecting the old and precious. Her home, filled with music was part theater, part museum and very magical... fairy land to me She would always be certain I had one of her china dolls to use for dressing in the satins and lace.... there has never been a time when art was not a part of my life in one medium or another.

At what age did you begin creating and why?
This question is pretty much answered above, but I definitely remember being quite thrilled with my first box of crayons and all the amazing colors and things you could do with them... I loved to color paper dolls and my cousin and I would sit for hours designing and coloring our own paper dolls.

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up."
Pablo Picasso...

What is your favorite part of teaching?
Proust said "the voyage of discovery is not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes" My favorite part of teaching is going on this journey of discovery with my students. I like to design and present projects which showcases each individuals own special talent and vision. And ideally each student will feel they have gained a valuable tool or skill to add to their creative life. Each person I meet in this endeavor brings "new eyes" to me as they
share their time and talents. .

“Creativity is contagious. Pass it on.” — Albert Einstein

What do you find most challenging about teaching?
Leaving my dog and my home....

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I don't know whose quote this is .. but

“It barely matters what you do in your spare time; how you utilize your used moments is the subject matter to be considered.”

I have no spare time... but, do like a moment now and then to read a book, pet a dog or meditate. Sometimes after a walk I will stand in front of my house ..and just breath the amazing wonder of it all.

What is your favorite type of art medium?
Probably my hands.... and heart... I can use my hands to make anything!

Who is your favorite artist?
Every painter, poet and writer, singer who ever bravely put forth a piece of work for the world...do I love every piece, no, but ,I love everyone who has tried!

What is one interesting (trivial) fact that everyone should know about you?
I am very .... Ordinary

Attach your favorite image and detail why it is your favorite.
This is a piece I recently created... for a class sample.. it does make me smile..
"The Headless Horsemen"

Pamela’s Website: http://www.pamelahuntington.com/

Pamela’s Blog: http://pamelahuntington.typepad.com/

SPOTLIGHT: On Dara DiMagno

2011-03-01T18:00:00.000-08:00

Faculty Name: Dara DiMagno
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Current Residence: Martinsburg, WV

Necessary Job: Elementary Teacher/Librarian

How long have you been doing art? ALWAYS

At what age did you begin creating and why?

3-4 years old. I had a love and fascination for office/stationary supplies…. markers, colored pencils, paper, pretty envelopes, paper clips, stickers….I would cut and paste and sticker and staple and draw all over the place.

What is your favorite part of teaching? Meeting people and seeing what they do with what they learn….everyone has their own style.

What do you find most challenging about teaching?

Getting all of my “heavy” supplies to wherever I am teaching. The airport people really don’t like anvils, and drills, metal bits and tools with sharp edges to go on the plane.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

What is “Spare Time”? Create more, think of new ideas, look for junk, every once in awhile sleep.

What is your favorite type of art medium?

That’s a difficult question….I like it all. I guess right now metal, vintage paper and vintage fabrics/trims.

Who is your favorite artist?

Wow tough questions!!!

Contemporary Artists: Laurie Meseroll, Paul Gordon, Gus Fink, Travis Louie, Jill Weiner, Leslie McCabe, Jody Battaglio, Deborah G. Rogers and Scott Smith.

Past: Remedios Varo, Leonora Carrington, Salvador Dali.

What is one interesting (trivial) fact that everyone should know about you?

I love words and enjoy being a storyteller…that is my favorite part of my “real” job.

Attach your favorite image and detail why it is your favorite.

This is a photo of my most original creations…taken a few years ago when they were oh still so sweet.

Find Dara @ Earth Angels or here

SPOTLIGHT: On Nicole Bowen

2011-02-24T06:51:00.000-08:00

Faculty Name: NIcole Bowen

Birthplace:New Jersey

Current Residence: Columbus, NJ

Necessary Job: Ummmm, Cleaning up after 3 kids and husband

How long have you been doing art?
Since I was 18, so, 24 yrs...whew

At what age did you begin creating and why?
Again 18, I began creating because my mother always was sewing, and making things...everything..from curtains, to clothing, to ceramics...then she began making reproduction porcelain dolls, and I got hooked making Kewpies, a lovely little doll created by Rose O'Niell in the 1940's...I started sewing to make my own clothes, then I sculpted and made porcelain dolls with my mother for a very long time..I then became a fabric-aholic..I bought every kind of wool felt and homespun fabric and began making primitives...Dolls, candles, purses, you name it..I opened a store in my house when my first daughter was 9 months old..in 1997. Our house is almost 300yrs old, so the setting was perfect for a country store...then 2 more children arrived and I gave it all up because I needed the space back and had little time..But Wait!! I then couldn't stand not making things so I began just hand sewing little felt ditties.. we built an edition on our home and added a big studio, just for me! Thats when things got back on track for me..I began sewing felted purses and animals like crazy after the kids went to bed..

I haven't really stopped since...

What is your favorite part of teaching?
To share the knowledge I have with people that I know will become my friends is a wonderful thing. It comes naturally to me because I have a group of girls that get together every week and we all share a new talent or idea..We teach each other, and I think that happens in every situation.. I like to share what makes my heart happy.

What do you find most challenging about teaching?
Making sure that my students are comfortable with their interpretation of my product.. I want them to use their own creativeness, and not try to copy everything exactly as I have done.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I read, I drink tea, or coffee, and I love to knit or sketch..oh and i LOVE project runway

What is your favorite type of art medium?
I can't keep my mind or hands on one medium, you probably have noticed that about me, but I must say, I always go back to fabric.

What is one interesting (trivial) fact that everyone should know about you?
I like rap music

Nicole can be found here…amongst the Earth Angels

SPOTLIGHT: On Stephanie Lee

2011-02-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

Faculty Name: Stephanie Lee

Birthplace: Brigham City, Utah

Current Residence: Rogue River, OR

Necessary Job: As far as financially necessary, I stay busy caring for the man who has the main bill-paying job. Spiritually necessary? Momming and this art life I lead.

How long have you been doing art? I’ve been doing art professionally for about 10 years on some level or another but, as most artists do, I’ve made stuff all my life.

At what age did you begin creating and why? As part of an industrious family ethic, I have always first turned to making what I need or want before buying. The downside is not often being satisfied by what the mass produced purchasing options are when I know I can make something look more like I want it and be of a higher quality of craftsmanship.

What is your favorite part of teaching? When my make-do-figure-it-out-as-I-go approach causes someone to feel a little less uptight about perfection – however accomplished or novice an artist they may be.

What do you find most challenging about teaching? My own hangups. J Seriously, I am most challenged by my tendency to procrastinate. That is the home-front aspect of teaching. Once I’m in the classroom and I know I’ve done all the work to prepare (even if pushing the last minute) I’m totally fine.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Dig in the dirt and grow anything and everything I can – especially if we can eat it. And clean my house and organize the neglected nooks and crannies.

What is your favorite type of art medium? To do or to view? Gosh…I love it all, I think. I love working with plaster more than any other medium I’ve explored personally in depth but I love viewing art made from natural materials that is functional as well – like ginormous stick nest tree houses big enough to camp out in and little cob huts and walls made from stacked wood.

Who is your favorite artist? I don’t have a single favorite artist and I’ve noticed that I have a strong tendency to like or dislike the work of an artist more as I learn about their character as human beings. I love work that is made by deep thinking individuals who just do what they love to do, are encouraging of all art and artists and who know how to laugh at themselves full on. Their work usually feels like brilliance to me.

What is one interesting (trivial) fact that everyone should know about you? uuuuhhhh…this is the kind of question I should ask a friend about because I’m really good at not being able to see many interesting facts about myself. I just yam what I yam. Hmm…well, there’s that part of me that daydreams about living a homestead/survivalist life, and then there’s that thing about me writing (as story where a girl chases cacti in the moonlight, guards her Mexican desert garden with a sligshot so’s the hawks don’t eat her family’s sustenance) and practices invisibility when the lecherous gazes of the village men shift in her direction… Whoa. I’ve said too much.

Attach your favorite image and detail why it is your favorite. This is my family….my center of gravity.

Stephanie’s Blog: http://www.stephanielee.typepad.com/

SPOTLIGHT: On Leighanna Light

2011-02-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

Faculty Name: Leighanna Light

Birthplace: Bethlehem

Current Residence: I live in my happy place now

Necessary Job: Staying present

How long have you been doing art? Since about 6:30

At what age did you begin creating and why?
Well, I believe it was way back when I was in my mother's womb, I have a vague recollection of making balloon animals with my umbilical cord.

What is your favorite part of teaching?
There is just so much, it's difficult to choose my favorite part, but I guess it would be the part where we all get naked & sing "Kum bah ya". I love that.

What do you find most challenging about teaching?
Women with blonde hair frighten me.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Raise ants, collect & arrange varying lengths of sticks.

What is your favorite type of art medium?
Oh, I would have to say Patricia Arquette.

Who is your favorite artist?
Barry Manilow.

What is one interesting (trivial) fact that everyone should know about you?
I eat paper and I am afraid of nickels- wait, sorry, that's 2.

Attach your favorite image and detail why it is your favorite.

My sweet boy Sam!

Leighanna’s Blog: http://lklight.blogspot.com/

SPOTLIGHT: On Loretta Benedetto Marvel

2011-02-16T06:11:00.000-08:00

Faculty Name: LORETTA BENEDETTO MARVEL

Birthplace: New York

Current Residence: New York via California and Memphis

Necessary Job: attorney at law

How long have you been doing art?
When I was about 4 and obsessed with the smell of crayons. My Aunt Anita worked in a small dress factory and had oceans of fabrics, buttons, beads, and sequins. Doing it as an adult 25 years - began quilting when the first child was born and soon amassed a roomful of gorgeous fabrics and fell in love with Baltimore Albums. I soon realized that I wanted to make pictorial quilts about my own life instead of an 19th century lady's life, but this required learning how to draw.

At what age did you begin creating and why?
I don't know "why" I began creating when I was little, except that I loved cutting and pasting. I clearly remember covering this little wooden crate with fabric scraps and being quite proud of it - it was the seeds for Modge Podge fever! I began writing stories when I was in 4th grade and kept at it until college when I was so intimidated by the amazingly creative and intellectual students at my very "hippie" college, that I completely shut down, stopped writing, stopped journaling, and went to law school. It took me twenty years to get back and if it wasn't for the "safe structure" of quilting, I would have never done it. My introduction to mixed media came when I was in Michaels about 15 years ago to buy a new pair of Ghingers and saw this strange new magazine, "Somerset Studio". The rest is history.

What is your favorite part of teaching?
My favorite part of teaching is the moment when the class is sharing their stories and they begin to reach out to each other and become a little family. Soon everyone is sharing paints, paper, a jeweled bit of this and that, and we are off and running in the heart of the creative process.

What do you find most challenging about teaching?
I am a self-taught artist. I have no academic credentials. My classes are all about igniting the creative spark in my students and helping them have that "aha" moment when they realize that art can change their lives. I have stage fright before every class and wonder how my little art projects can ever match up with the amazing artwork I see other teachers offering.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to visit Cape Cod with my family and our labs. I like to drink a lot of cappuccinos, read, watercolor, journal, and I love spending Sunday running between my art studio and kitchen, cooking big pots of thing, listening to audio books, and painting.
What is your favorite type of art medium? Hands down, I love to paint. I have a very passionate love affair with painting gouache on Kraft paper.

Who is your favorite artist?
Argh! How could I ever choose? I have a special fondness for Kate Libby, an artist who was from Maine and whose paintings are all about her family and the coast. She passed away in her 40's but left so many paintings that they still publish her calendars every year. Her work can be seen at http://www.artforeverydayonline.com/kate_libby/.

What is one interesting (trivial) fact that everyone should know about you?
I am the middle daughter of 5 girls, thus I thrive in the company of noisy, bossy women. (Editor’s Note: this explains our friendship!)

Attach your favorite image and detail why it is your favorite.
I hope I understand this - my favorite image from my own art? Attached is a piece I did for my column in Cloth, Paper, Scissors in which I combine paper, paint, and fabric to represent my personal symbol, the pomegranate. The reason why it is my favorite is not just that it shows the pomegranate, but that when I was done with it, I realized that I had unconsciously made my Muse resemble my late Aunt Anita, my second mother.

Loretta’s Blog: http://artjournaler.typepad.com/

SPOTLIGHT: On Cathy Dorris

2011-02-14T01:50:00.000-08:00

FACULTY NAME: Cathy Dorris

BIRTHPLACE: Kansas

CURRENT RESIDENCE: Southern Oregon

NECESSARY JOB: This is it.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING ART?   I can't ever remember NOT doing art.

AT WHAT AGE DID YOU BEGIN CREATING AND WHY?
Around age 5 , I found that if you rubbed an old brick on the sidewalk and spit into the powder, that it made a wonderful paint. Grass rubbings worked, too.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF TEACHING?
Walking through the creative process with others is like catching the most fantastic sunset and having someone to share it with. I love it when a student sees that, "They CAN."

WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST CHALLENGING ABOUT TEACHING?
The business side.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
Conga Drumming.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TYPE OF ART MEDIUM?
Paper Clays, the abundance of different surface treatments, earth elements, fibers, recycled materials.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE ARTIST?
Hundreds of them. I saw an Armando Lopez sculpture in Santa Fe that moved me to tears.

WHAT IS ONE INTERESTING (trivial) FACT THAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I would rather go to a huge junkyard sale for my birthday than fly to Chicago to shop and see a favorite musician.

FAVORITE IMAGE AND DETAIL WHY.
This is one of my favorite paintings because it was done by my cat. It is called, "Dumped Over Paint Waters III."

Cathy’s Website: http://cathydorris.com/

SPOTLIGHT: On Linda Willis

2011-02-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

Faculty Name: Linda Willis

Birthplace: Norwood, Mass. but I never really lived there.

Current Residence: Peace Dale, Rhode Island. Peace, love, dove baby

Necessary Job: Retired

How long have you been doing art? For about 35 years

At what age did you begin creating and why?
Began at 8ish (soooo long ago) designing my own paper doll clothes because it was more fun than cutting out someone else's designs.

What is your favorite part of teaching?
The women and men I meet who invariably inspire me with their stories, compassion, humor and talent.

What do you find most challenging about teaching?
Getting myself and all my stuff to where I need to be.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I spend every minute I can creating and cooking, eating, talking and laughing with my friends. I am a very lucky woman.

What is your favorite type of art medium?
I truly like all types of mediums but prefer mixed media sewing because I'm good at it.

Who is your favorite artist?
Tracy, Allison, Midge, and Liz (you know who you are). A group of very talented ladies who I am fortunate to call friends. My art is family Annie, Angela,Diana,Judy,Kecia,Loretta,andPam.

What is one interesting (trivial) fact that everyone should know about you?
I'm shy and don't like to talk about myself.

Attach your favorite image and detail why it is your favorite.
A self explanatory original composition.

SPOTLIGHT: On Tracy Stilwell

2011-02-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

Faculty Name: Tracy Stilwell

Birthplace: Syracuse, NY

Current Residence: Charlestown, RI

Necessary Job: Making sure the chooks are fed

How long have you been doing art? 30 years

At what age did you begin creating and why?
I grew up with parents who took on creative projects of all kinds. My mom sewed endless numbers of ballet costumes and outfits for four girls. We always lived in houses that were never quite finished due to a wide variety of on going over hauls, from rooms to major additions. Both parents took part in all phases. There were always projects in progress. For example, while living in Jamestown, RI in the 60’s, my father worked on a boat in the kitchen and it didn’t seem that unusual!

I took a quilting class shortly after moving to Half Moon Bay, CA in the late 70’s. With sewing skill under my belt, I felt like I had found something I loved. I feel very grateful and fortunate to have hooked into the very active and interesting Bay Area quilting community. With all of the material at hand, I also made my first dolls.

What is your favorite part of teaching?
I think that my favorite part of teaching is encouraging folks to step out of their safe zone. Watching them take those steps, open up to the possibilities is very gratifying. I also love the energy and chatter of a group of women relaxing into the creative process! Learning new tricks of the trade from students is an ongoing bonus!

What do you find most challenging about teaching?
Preparing class proposals a year before an event is very challenging for me. As one with interests that change from moment to moment, who knows what will be up a year from now. Writing perky little paragraphs, bios, etc...Occasionally an individual can provide food for thought and growth, but for the most part it is paper work that becomes the most taxing task for my tender self!!

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Well, it’s not exactly spare time, but I spend quite a bit of time with my girlfriend Sue out in our gardens. We have been shifting the perennial beds on our property into spaces to grow food, and have a second planting space with good friends near by. In addition to the gardens, we have six adorable chickens for eggs and five beehives. Early spring through late fall finds me tending to many farm like tasks!! Good books, good movies, cooking, eating, hangin’ with my girl...

What is your favorite type of art medium?
Textiles, fabric, thread, yarn, buttons, beads, paper...

Who is your favorite artist?
My sister Allison

What is one interesting (trivial) fact that everyone should know about you?
Interesting, no...trivial...yes, I love dark chocolate and good coffee...oh, and we have a collection of babies that live in our gardens...

Attach your favorite image and detail why it is your favorite.
I have been printing on gelatin lately and I love this girl. She seems very calm to me. Always trying to stay calm and in the no drama zone!! She currently waiting patiently on the wall in the studio waiting for her next chapter!

Tracy’s Blog: http://tracystilwell.blogspot.com/

Kerin Gale makes her Curious Dreams a Reality

2011-02-09T09:15:00.001-08:00

Through poetry and stories, Kerin captures your heart and inspiration in her new book Inspired Remnants, Curious Dreams.

This is a project book for all - Beginners to Advance. From someone who is new to working in epoxy clay right through to someone who has worked with the materials and wants a little more inspiration, a little more encouragement and some new challenges.

I do not profess to be an artist in the true form. As an event manager my "art" is in creating and arranging opportunities for artists such as Kerin Gale, to teach, to share, to enliven, and to encourage other artists to step outside their comfort zone. She wants you to know that outside our "box" there is a world to discover and with simple steps and very very very clear instructions, she will take you through this world of Epoxy Clay and enable you to see that you too are capable of producing special, memorable and artistically clever designs and creations.

What I loved most:

Amazing summary of the various materials and how to prepare them, work with them and create with them
Concise instructions
Step by Step photos
Full, accurate and detailed materials lists
The range of projects, from jewelry to lamps, from big to small
Several galleries of work by artists and friends of Kerin
Resource List!! No hiding the details of what she uses or where she gets it

Mostly I loved the stories, the poetry and the quotations.

Whether the masterpiece is a work of art or of your life, it matters not as long as you see it for what it is. It's all the same in the end. (Kerin Gale)

I am ready to step out of my comfort zone Kerin.

Kerin and Charley are teaching at our inaugural Art Is…You – West Coast Art Retreat. Come and join them for a wonderful couple of days

Published by the North Light Books Division of FW Media, this intriguing publication is a whopping 127-page, full color paperback.... Inspired Remnants, Curious Dreams is available now on Amazon, at your favorite bookstore, or take advantage of this special offer from Kerin Gale!

Please note: this was not a paid review. I was however, provided a complimentary copy of the book by FW Media for the review.

SPOTLIGHT: On Kim Geiser

2011-02-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

Faculty Name: Kim Geiser

Birthplace: Manitowoc Wisconsin

Current Residence: My Hometown Manitowoc Wisconsin

Necessary Job: I am one of the lucky ones… making art is my job.

How long have you been doing art?
I have been making art my entire life. Coming from a creative family I spent hours at my grandma’s kitchen table drawing and from then on was hooked on creating.

At what age did you begin creating and why?
Being surrounded by creative women exposed me to arts and crafts very early in life. All through my childhood art was always my escape. I actually had a piece of artwork in our local art museum every single year I was in school for the Youth Art Month display. I was a victim of bullying from 7th grade on so art helped me escape from that daily pain. Looking back art has been healing for me in all times of pain in my life.

What is your favorite part of teaching?
Teaching is far more rewarding to me than just creating in my studio alone. There is nothing more thrilling to me than seeing that light go on in someone’s eyes when they find their creative voice. I also have learned so much over the years from the people I have taught at the many art nights I have hosted at my studio. The lifelong friends I have made through teaching are invaluable.

What do you find most challenging about teaching?
Most of all teaching is far more rewarding and fun for me than challenging. I have a hard time when one of my students is struggling with confidence but after teaching hundreds of people over the years I have never had anyone not find that confidence by the end of a class or workshop. I think it is really important as a teacher to pass on that in art like life the most important thing is to just be you and never feel bad about that. Once you get that the sky is the limit!

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I am so lucky to live right on Lake Michigan just blocks away from the beach where I love to bring my dog and family and just wade in the waves, search for treasures and build beach houses out of driftwood. I am also a pretty avid gardener, love cooking (and eating), and volunteering to make my community a better place for all. Life is good.

What is your favorite type of art medium?
This is impossible for me to answer. I am a true art supply addict! I find my self always going back to mixed media jewelry I think because I love to wear lots and lots of jewelry. But having hands full of paint or snuggling up with some yarn and a crochet hook are pretty fantastic too!

Who is your favorite artist?
Oh such a hard question! As a pretty avid collector of things I love by people I like I don’t even know how to pick! Right now my favorite artist is Sue Pelletier. Her work is so much fun and full of texture plus she is a pretty awesome woman! I was lucky to meet and form a friendship with her last year at the Create event put on by CPS and we are such kindred souls it is crazy! I look forward to teaching at Art Is to form a bond with more of my Art Family I have come to know throughout the years but never met in real life!

What is one interesting (trivial) fact that everyone should know about you? I once worked in a flower shop where I met a very tan man who was buying flowers for a woman in Vegas. When he gave me his credit card the name was Tom Jones and I gave him a little tap on the arm and said “ha Tom Jones isn’t that funny?” He was not amused and later when every woman in the place ran up to me panting I knew why…it was THE Tom Jones.

I was young.

My favorite image
Is a picture of my little girl Molly and I standing in the doorway of my store Persimmons taken from my super talented friend Nikki Nischke. I love this picture because it reminds me in so many ways that dreams come true. The only thing missing from the picture is my husband Glenn who has supported me and made all of my dreams reality and my fuzzy baby Holly.

http://www.persimmonsgal54220.blogspot.com/

SPOTLIGHT: On Serena Barton

2011-02-07T04:41:00.000-08:00

Faculty Name: Serena Barton

Birthplace: Portland, Oregon

Current Residence: Portland Oregon

Necessary Job: Licensed Professional Counselor, artist, art instructor, Portland State University instructor on "Women, Creativity, and Healing.
How long have you been doing art? Always have done some form of art, including many years of theater.

At what age did you begin creating and why? As early as I can remember. Because it gives me joy.
What is your favorite part of teaching? Seeing students move through blocks and reach a new level of creativity.

What do you find most challenging about teaching? I love it all--really!

What do you like to do in your spare time? Make art, read, hang out with family and friends

What is your favorite type of art medium? Painting, Mixed Media, Collage
Who is your favorite artist? Artemisia Gentileschi, Edouard Manet, Joseph Cornell, and many more...

What is one interesting (trivial) fact that everyone should know about you? I won a teddy bear in the Children's Parade in Eugene, Oregon for my hand painted tricycle float. I was four years old.
Attach your favorite image and detail why it is your favorite. This is one of my favorites of my oil paintings. It evokes the mystery and beauty of Italian art. It's called "Teatro dei Assassini" after a dark, mysterious street in Venice.

Serena’s Website: http://www.serenabarton.com/index.php

SPOTLIGHT: On JoAnnA Pierotti

2011-02-05T04:15:00.000-08:00

Faculty Name: JoAnnA Pierotti

Birthplace: Hartford, Connecticut

Current Residence: Peoria, Arizona, recent transplant from California

Necessary Job:
I am blessed to be able to call "creating" my necessary job, for income and for my soul.

How long have you been doing art? If my memory serves me right, it was when I was around eighteen years old and took oil painting classes. I painted many canvases for several years. As time progressed, I became a doll maker, a decorative painter, then discovered collage, mixed media arts, assemblage, fiber art...and life goes on.

At what age did you begin creating and why? Well, funny you would ask. I just read today in my baby book, journaled by my precious departed mama. She wrote "Tries to color - 21 mos." So there ya have it :) Why? Because, that is what every child does. The best part is when you keep going, taking it into your adult hood, it becomes most rewarding. I realize now, at a ripe age of, well, almost, 54, next week, that if I can pass on anything learned, achieved, and so inspire others, wow, life is worth living.

What is your favorite part of teaching? To me, it is all of it, but especially at the end of the day, to see everyone's creations come into form. This brings me so much joy. I find it so much fun to see what everyone brings along with them to create with. It seems we all envy everyone else's stuff. I love that and then to see the spirit of giving. Lot's of trades start to happen. Friendships form and some of my students have now become my very best friends.

What do you find most challenging about teaching? Making sure I have enough to teach in the given time allotted. Someone once told me, a name you would recognize who is one of the guru teachers of mixed media, suggested I always over prepare, not lacking in what to give back to your students. So far, so good.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Honestly, talk on the phone to the sweet precious souls who live afar. I think of one in particular. We talk a lot!! We never run out of things to say. Actually, I met her at ART IS You a couple years ago. She took my classes. We talk almost everyday, sometimes more than once. Yup, that is what I do in my spare time and would not want it any other way. Well, that's not true. I wish she was on the west coast, not the east so we could actually hang together and create art and golf. Okay, that's a joke :) Our husband would do that, right J?

What is your favorite type of art medium? I love creating dolls. It is my passion. But I also adore working with cloth. I love antique lace, and I love using tattered threads. Assembling fibers together, using my sewing machine or hand stitching does it for me. Now then there is paint and canvas. I've been itching to pull some of that out and go crazy. Okay, then there is assemblage. You see, I love it all, I really do. Learning photo shop now and love creating digital art. So there ya have it, it is ALL my favorite.

Who is your favorite artist? Okay, now this might sound really strange, but I will answer that with "me". Why, because I get to be the artist. I get to think it through, as my muse allows. I wouldn't trade me with anyone else because I am me, who God created. I do admire many artists out there, I do. But when I need inspiration and feel that time when the muse takes a vacation, I go back and look at my own creations. I sometimes say to myself, wow, I did that! I inspire myself because my Creator inspires me. He gifted me so that I can create. Maybe I'm being a bit childlike, but that is where I want to stay. I have to hang out with me all day long in my studio. Is it okay to say, I like it, I like me, and I like that I have been gifted to do what I do.

What is one interesting (trivial) fact that everyone should know about you? For some reason, as I look at things, like the clouds, stucco, rocks on the ground, or stonework around a fire place, I always find faces. They just pop out. I don't look for them. I keep telling myself I need to carry a sketch book and capture them in pencil drawings.

Attach your favorite image and detail why it is your favorite.
This is my beautiful mother at around eighteen years old. My mom was an artist, a Graphic Artist by trade. I miss her so much, as it will be three years in February that she departed earth. Yes, I want my mom back more than anything, but check out that dress. All that gorgeous tulle and netting. Wish I had that hanging on my wall in my studio. And of course all those milinery flowers on that hat...all the things I hunt for. I know if she knew one day she would have a daughter who would have cherished these very things, she would had kept them and passed them on to me. At least I have this precious picture and all the memories of my beloved mama. Well, actually, I do not have this photo any longer. My dog, Bailey ate it. Yes she did!! Bad doggie. Thank God I scanned it into my computer before she did that.

JoAnnA’s Blog: http://mosshill.blogs.com/

SPOTLIGHT: On Shelly Massey

2011-02-02T04:22:00.000-08:00

Faculty Name: Shelly Massey
Birthplace: Born in Falls City, Nebraska, but I grew up near Hiawatha, Kansas
Current Residence: Middletown, Ohio
Necessary Job: Analysis Services Manager and senior analyst for a software company based in Washington state
How long have you been doing art?
Is forever and ever an answer? I come from a crafty family, so I've been creating artsy projects for as long as I can remember.
At what age did you begin creating and why?
I really started creating with a passion in my early 30s. I earned my degree in graphic design from the University of Kansas, but I left school very burned out. I also felt like I never had the "perfect" space to create art, so that held me back from creating much. One day I realized that if I kept waiting for that perfect space to materialize, that I'd spend my whole life wishing for art and never making any. That revelation really changed me. I started creating art regularly after that.
What is your favorite part of teaching?
I'm new to teaching art, but I've been teaching all sorts of other things. My favorite part is the sharing that happens between the teacher, student and the other students.
What do you find most challenging about teaching?
In my non-art teaching experiences, the most challenging part is keeping the class pace comfortable for everyone - the fast learners AND the folks who take a bit more time. I've found if I keep things entertaining and that if I'm generous with my time (like staying after class for people who need more time) that it works out for both kinds of students.
What do you like to do in your spare time? Spending time with my husband and our two year old daughter. I also like to read, catch up with friends, and (of course) make more art!
What is your favorite type of art medium?
Mixed Media - which means I like every art medium! If I narrowed this down to a specific art supply, I couldn't live without a glue stick.
Who is your favorite artist? This question always stumps me probably because I don't have just one and they seem to change based on whatever kind of art I'm into making at the time. Some of the artists whose work I admire for their use of color and whimsy are Victoria Kann (children's book illustrator), Victoria Roberts (children's book illustrator), Flair Robinson (mosaic artist extraordinaire), Michelle Allen (a multi-media wonder woman), Syd McCutcheon (master of whimsy), Marsha Jorgensen (wielder of such lush colors and depth that I dream about her work), and Jannie Ho (cutest character creator around). Oh, and so many more... but those are the ones that come to mind now.
What is one interesting (trivial) fact that everyone should know about you?
I used to really (really, really) dislike my handwriting. These days I love lettering by hand!
Attach your favorite image and detail why it is your favorite. This was tough to narrow down, so I included two. One is of my sweet, silly, smarty-pants daughter (who is of course a favorite everything to me). The other is of my favorite piece of art I've created - a license plate box with a quirky octopus on top. This piece was the first three dimensional piece I had ever created from top to bottom (minus some sad attempts at sculpture during college), and it represents the culmination of a lot of my goals. It also has my favorite inspirational quote from Karen Ravn on the front. It says, "Only as high as I reach can I grow, Only as far as I seek can I go. Only as deep as I look can I see, Only as much as I dream can I be." Whenever I need a reminder of how far I've come, I look at this art piece, read the quote, and feel really lucky and proud.

Shelly’s Blog: http://aweebitwarped.blogspot.com/

SPOTLIGHT: On Laurel Steven

2011-01-30T04:18:00.000-08:00

Faculty Name: Laurel Steven

Birthplace: Cleveland, Ohio

Current Residence: I grew up in Santa Barbara, CA, but have been living in Hollywood since the late '70's.
Necessary Job: Executive Assistant
How long have you been doing art? I played around with lots of things here and there in my life, but once my singing career ended, I became more serious about art.

At what age did you begin creating and why? The first things I remember creating were Barbie doll clothes. And I sang practically since I was able to speak.
What is your favorite part of teaching? I love seeing what beautiful things the students create. I also love being able to just give a little tip, and see the "aha" light go on in the student's eyes!

What do you find most challenging about teaching? Getting the words to come out of my mouth anywhere near as fast as they're going through my mind without garbling them on the way!

What do you like to do in your spare time? More art! I like to knit, build books and boxes, create digital art, and do mixed media projects and swaps with friends.

What is your favorite type of art medium? Polymer clay - the most magical medium!
Who is your favorite artist? For polymer, Kathleen Dustin and Donna Kato.
What is one interesting (trivial) fact that everyone should know about you? When I first came to Los Angeles, I worked with a cirque-type group, and learned to walk tightrope!
Attach your favorite image and detail why it is your favorite. I took this photo at The Grotto in Portland, OR, on my first trip there in 2006. All the trees, all the green, and the path leading forward just fill me with joy and the sense of unlimited possibilities.

Laurel’s Blog: http://www.laurelsteven.blogspot.com/

SPOTLIGHT: On Dee Foust

2011-01-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

Faculty Name: Dee Foust
Birthplace: Phoenix Arizona
Current Residence: Northern California
Necessary Job: Design full time - Licensed Designer/Bethany Lowe and Fabrics & Furnishings LLC

How long have you been doing art?
Since I was born

At what age did you begin creating and why?
Actually I started loving art in first grade when I drew a carrot and teacher went on and on at how good it was. My favorite holiday was Valentine's Day, I always made my parents a handmade Valentine. My first paid project was a floor to ceiling macrame shelving unit and I was in 10th grade - was paid $100!!

What is your favorite part of teaching?
New to teaching but will love the creative energy and to be able to watch others personalize their creative works.

What do you find most challenging about teaching?
I would think the most challenging part will be to keep on task and not get carried away chatting with everyone.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time I spend days with my daughter going to movies and out to lunch, love gardening too.

What is your favorite type of art medium?
Favorite medium is paper.

Who is your favorite artist?
Too many to choose - I love any and all handmade. I think if someone takes the time to make something you should always cherish it.

What is one interesting (trivial) fact that everyone should know about you?
Used to own Holly Berry Hill Mail Order Catalog

Attach your favorite image and detail why it is your favorite.

Image of my daughter in a photoshoot for my draperies. Even at 21 years old she still let's me dress her up!

Bayberry Cove

SPOTLIGHT: On Laurie Meseroll

2011-01-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

Faculty Name: Laurie Shuran Meseroll
Birthplace: Marysville, Oh
Current Residence: Columbus, Oh
Necessary Job: uhhh...was I supposed to grow up and get a job? I had a feeling I forgot something.
How long have you been doing art? 48 years
At what age did you begin creating and why?
I began entering competitions at age 3. I was forced into art to keep me quiet and out of trouble.
What is your favorite part of teaching?
Meeting new people and getting together with old friends is the only thing that motivates me these days. I am not the sort of artist that likes to work in solitude--the bigger the audience, the more that's fun. Creativity is just naturally contagious.
What do you find most challenging about teaching?
Keeping track of class rosters can be a nightmare when there are so many people stopping in to take a look that just decide to stay. It's so nice to know the Sal will take care of all that and just let me do what I do best and that everyone understands that without anyone having to explain it. The whole Art-Is experience seems very organic and well-managed.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Oh, am I supposed to have spare time? Geez! Someone send me a memo! Seriously, I am exceptional cook, but that's not like a hobby. I have a huge family and these kids like to seriously eat!
What is your favorite type of art medium?
Flat, white latex paint because it's so versatile. It's like the chicken stock of hand-blending.
Who is your favorite artist?
Beatrice Wood is my role model.
What is one interesting (trivial) fact that everyone should know about you?
I have very cute feet.
Attach your favorite image and detail why it is your favorite… Editor’s Note: Laurie didn’t see this last question (probably looking down at her feet). So I attach an image that is a favorite amongst us – her friends. The joy we all feel about our Laurie and this image of the Grand Knitting Mermaid, can be found in the blog post written by Loretta Benedetto Marvel – click on the image to read about a special moment in time.

http://www.folkart.typepad.com/
Laurie is an Earth Angel

SPOTLIGHT: On Judy Wise

2011-01-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

Faculty Name: Judy Wise

Birthplace: Illinois, USA

Current Residence: Oregon, USA

Necessary Job: none

How long have you been doing art?
Since the 5th grade; have always self identified as an artist

At what age did you begin creating and why?
I have sketch books and written diaries going back to when I was 7 years old. I think it was because I was introverted and in a family that didn't understand me. Mother was ill a lot with migraines and father was always gone. It was my escape; drawing and making up stories.

What is your favorite part of teaching?
Seeing the light go on in someone's eyes when they do something they thought they couldn't do. When they realize they can improve and grow and please themselves with their discoveries. When they reach in deep and pull out something surprising and wonderful. Then both of us are happy.

What do you find most challenging about teaching?
That so many of us in this culture think that others are creative but not ourselves. And people who judge their work harshly instead of being gentle with their emerging abilities. I find it a challenge to break through those mind sets to offer another perspective.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
That's easy. paint. create. make things.

What is your favorite type of art medium?
I am currently passionate about encaustic and my work is getting more abstract. I like anything layered and aged, especially paper. But then there is plaster, acrylic paint and textile. I like things that you can touch that are seductively beautiful like rust, old plaster walls and wire. It comes down to mixed media I suppose. Playing all the octaves available to us.

Who is your favorite artist?
Oh goodness, there are so many. I'll choose Marcia Meyers just to name one but really, I love almost everything created out of curiosity or passion. We are all so different and so excellent.

What is one interesting (trivial) fact that everyone should know about you?
This is probably my last year teaching at retreats because I lost much of my voice in an operation last year and I'm getting on in age. I say it with much regret; I love teaching, but life is all about change and acceptance.

Attach your favorite image and detail why it is your favorite.

This is one I did a couple of months ago. I like it because it it how I feel in the winter; huddled with another in the warmth of mutual affection under a cold sky. Issues of safety, privacy and security are apparent to me in this small recent painting.

http://judywise.blogspot.com/

SPOTLIGHT: On Michael deMeng

2011-01-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

Faculty Name: Michael deMeng

Birthplace: Glendale CA...though I have been told that I'm from "out of this world"

Current Residence: Missoula MT

Necessary Job: Art and Art Instruction

How long have you been doing art?
I've been doing art since I was a child and my cousin Kim let the cattle loose...and I'll be doing art till those cows come home.

At what age did you begin creating and why?
At least 2 years old. Why? You're going to ask a two year old "why" he's making art? Probably because crayons don't taste so hot.

What is your favorite part of teaching?
The interaction with the students. The energy that a roomful of different ideas creates.

What do you find most challenging about teaching?
Helping students problem solve. It is always a challenge to try and understand what another person wants, and to help them achieve it.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Producing, directing, writing and starring in iPhone Spaghetti Westerns, such as the classic: Fistful of Brushes

What is your favorite type of art medium?
Assemblage....or if you prefer, Assemblahhhhhzhhhhhh.

Who is your favorite artist?
Kris Kuksi

What is one interesting (trivial) fact that everyone should know about you?
I am ordained and have been the officiant of about 15 weddings. True.

Attach your favorite image and detail why it is your favorite
"St. Michael", 2009, 8"x5"x2" Not sure why I like this one so much. Something about how the found objects, the collage, and the paint seem "just right". Sometimes you just know...

Michael’s Blog: http://michaeldemeng.blogspot.com/

SPOTLIGHT: On Lesley Venable

2011-01-21T05:12:00.000-08:00

Faculty Name: Lesley Venable

Birthplace: Perryton, Texas

Current Residence: Roanoke, Virginia

Necessary Job: Credit Administration Specialist for a Bank

How long have you been doing art?
As an adult I let my inner artist back out to create about 6 years ago. It's been a magical ride ever since and I often find myself wondering where I would be now if I had never locked her away. Having said that I also believe that things happen when they are supposed to and it just took time for that part of my soul to shine again.

At what age did you begin creating and why?
My mother is a traditional artist and instructor so I was always surrounded by paints and canvases and watercolors. We were taken to museums and really given space to be creative. I have little books that I wrote when I was in elementary school and paintings on the back of scrap wood. My notebooks in junior high and high school were covered in doodles and drawings and I loved when we were assigned projects where we could use that artistic side of our brains.

What is your favorite part of teaching? Everything! I know that sounds silly but the magic starts from the moment the class is submitted to the point where you are facing your students in the class. Although they might not realize it you know that you are being given such a gift to have them there and then to hear them getting so excited as a project comes together. Amazing!!! Nothing else describes the feeling of seeing them walk out of the classroom at the end of the day holding their creation in their hands with that "I created this" smile on their face.

What do you find most challenging about teaching?
The logistics of getting all of "the stuff" and us from here to there, wherever there is.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Relax with Mr. Lesley and our fur babies. Having friends over and just enjoying the laughter. Hunting for things to create with.

What is your favorite type of art medium?
I love, love, love fluid chalks.

Who is your favorite artist?
This is a hard one because it varies by type of art and by day or mood. Wow, it feels awkward to try to name them LOL. I'll do it this way: Painting: Misty Mawn, Jewelry: Kecia Deveney, Books: Judy Wilkenfeld, Fabric: Ruth Rae, Art with Moveable Parts: Kerin Gale & Charley Slaughter, Metal Art: Leighanna Light, Beautiful Solder: Sally Jean. Now, if you are talking about the classics: Rembrandt, I love that the smallest detail was given his attention and Monet because of how easily and softly the images flow. I have to say that I am also pretty fond of where my artistic journey is taking me as well.

What is one interesting (trivial) fact that everyone should know about you?
I have a "discard" pile of creations that did not work and there are times that I look at those to see how far I've come in my journey. Oh, and I have a few tats but don't let that scare you away I really am a good girl. <smile>

Favorite Image and Why?
This was taken the day my great niece, Elise, was born. It was a day that brought about a new era for our family. We had all been so saddened at the loss of my Daddy that it seemed like nothing would help mend that break. Then along came Elise Aubrie (middle name after my Daddy and her Daddy (my nephew). When I was first choosing my image I kept thinking I needed to choose one that was something that had happened on a much larger scale but when I look at this image I see a turning point, a new blade of grass beginning to grow. It was a very poignant event in our family and our lives. We are very thankful for this small angel.

Lesley’s Blog

SPOTLIGHT: On Pam Carriker

2011-01-20T14:05:00.000-08:00

Faculty Name: Pam Carriker

Birthplace: Longview, WA

Current Residence: Springfield, MO

Necessary Job: SAHM (stay at home mom)

How long have you been doing art?
As long as I can remember right back to my first box of crayons I was hooked!

At what age did you begin creating and why?
I began creating art as a hobby/job when I was in my mid 20's. I wanted to find a way to pay for my supplies so I wouldn't be dipping into the household budget to buy paints, stamps and paper. I started selling tole painting at a shop, then moved on to sell scrapbooks supplies and teach workshops, from there I created paper bag albums and sold them on eBay, all to fund my need for more supplies!

What is your favorite part of teaching?
Watching someone's face when they create something they thought was beyond their capabilities. Sharing the 'how' of making art is every bit as enjoyable as creating art. Whether it's through writing, videos, or teaching in person, giving someone new tools to use in their own art journey is a joyous thing!

What do you find most challenging about teaching?
Making sure that those who are maybe a bit more intimidated walk away with newfound confidence. It's easy to see what the more outgoing students are doing and share their experience, but you also need to keep an eye out for the quieter ones and make sure they're getting what they need as well.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
What spare time lol?! I cram every extra minute of my day with art in some form, but I do also enjoy cooking, gardening, traveling and reading.

What is your favorite type of art medium?
Art Journaling

Who is your favorite artist?
It changes frequently, right now I'm really into sketching and DaVinci is inspiring me

What is one interesting (trivial) fact that everyone should know about you?
That I have curly (very curly) hair and I straighten it

Attach your favorite image and detail why it is your favorite.

I attached my most recent sketch, done today. I've been sketching with Conte Crayon and graphite for awhile now and love to spend time each day doing something using simple tools. I usually like the thing I've just done best because I see growth and it makes me itch to move on to the next thing.

Artist, Instructor, & Author
Art at the Speed of Life: Motivation + Inspiration for Creating Mixed-Media Art Every Day
(Interweave Press February 2011)
Follow Me on Facebook and Twitter

SPOTLIGHT ON ART IS...YOU FACULTY

2011-01-20T12:23:00.000-08:00

We have so many wonderful artists joining us in Petaluma and in Danbury this year, so we have asked them a series of questions to enable us all to get to know them a little better. Over the next 2 months we will share with you the personal side of our wonderful faculty.

Registration is Now Open

Art Is...Petaluma
22-26 September 2011
Petaluma : CA

Albie Smith
Cathy Dorris
Dara DiMagno
Dee Foust
Doris Arndt
Ellen Purtill-Legare
JoAnnA Pierotti
Judy Wise
Julie Haymaker
Karen Michel
Keith Lo Bue
Kerin Gale & Charley Slaughter
Kim Geiser
Laurel Steven
Laurie Meseroll
Laurie Mika
Leighanna Light
Lesley Venable
Linda Willis
Loretta Marvel
Lorri Scott
Michael deMeng
Nicole Bowen
Nina Bagley
Pam Carriker
Pamela Huntington
Serena Barton
Shelly Massey
Stephanie Lee
Thomas Ashman
Thomas Mann
Traci Bautista
Traci Bunkers
Tracy Stilwell

Art Is...Who's Who
6-11 October 2011
Danbury : CT

Angela Huggins
Annie Hesse
Barb Saint John
Beryl Taylor
Brenda Bliss
Charlotte Lyons
Cheryl Strait
Colleen Athens
Dee Foust
Di Russell Horn
Diana Trout
Jean Van Brederode
Jenny and Aaron
Jodi Ohl
Kathy Nesi
Kecia Deveney
Keith LoBue
Kimberly Moore
Leighanna Light
Lesley Venable
Linda Willis
Loretta Marvel
Lorraine Reynolds
Lynne Sward
Michael deMeng
Nancy Lefko
Pam Carriker
Pamela Huntington
Richard Salley
Ruth Rae
Shelley Thornton
Stephanie Lee
Sue Pelletier
Suze Weinberg
Taryn Reece
Teena Flanner
Thomas Ashman
Thomas Mann
Tracy Stilwell
Traci Bautista

“Successful Women”

2010-09-20T12:37:00.001-07:00

It is our belief that success is your own interpretation and not necessarily the interpretation of others….although the world we live in does require this on many levels.

Last week we packed our bags and headed to the beautiful city of Minneapolis. On a clear bright day we arrived and headed straight to …. KINKOs! Yes the banner was yet to be printed and we had discovered a weird and wonderful thing that existed in this town…Customer Service!! Oh what joy it was to find someone who was invested in your happiness, your product and the end result….but let us get off the Customer Service soap box because that is a whole other blog entry.

We spent the week listening and meeting many women who had:

Built Empires

Published Books

Created Magazines

Invented Products

Designed Fabrics

Inspiring messages, thought provoking ideas and the opportunity to remind ourselves that “the world is our oyster”.

But we discovered another type of success.

The roars of laughter (from behind closed doors)

The squeals (well we are women after all) of JOY

The wet tears on smiling faces (when artists shared their stories)

and Armbandits (artists seen wandering around arm in arm around the handmade market)

We found ourselves surrounded by some long time members of our Art Is…You family and we found ourselves welcoming with open arms new family members. Each of them bringing to the table their own gifts, their own skills, their own talents, their own kindness, their own love, their own stories, their own ideas and their own glass of wine (if it was after 5 and the meetup was in the sports bar).

We reveled in the sisterhood around us.

This type of success can not be measured by profit lines, inventory or bank accounts but it is a success that every woman felt, enjoyed and came home with.

Who shall find a valiant woman?...She is worth more than precious gems!..
She is a woman of strength and dignity...her words are wise and kindness is the rule of everything she says.

Proverbs 31

The Miracle of You Art Auction for The Little Baby Face Foundation

2010-09-10T03:26:00.001-07:00

Contributing artists to date:

Terri Ventura

Pamela Huntington

Loretta Benedetto Marvel

Ann-Denise Anderson

Kimberly Moore

Pamela Hastings

Angela Huggins

Laurie Meseroll

Sue Pelletier

Ruth Goldfarb

JoAnnA Pierotti

Pam Carriker

Cheryl Figliola

Colleen Athens

Marlene Haveron

Taryn Reece

Amber Dawn

Janice Warren

Kathleen Nesi

Nancy Lefko

Brenda Bliss

Lesley Venable

Laura Spano

Karenne Crow

Terra Sheridan

Jean Van Brederode

Linda Schultz

Judy Wilkenfeld

Carrie Joy Byrnes

Kecia Deveney

Cheryl Strait

Ellen Legare

Our National and International artists have made this

an event to remember.

Thank You!

(Artist list as at 09/01/2010)

Max McClelland – March 2006

Max McClelland – September 2010 (Holding the donated artwork of the fabulous Sue Pelletier)

The day that Judy came to stay

2010-09-05T03:34:00.001-07:00

One of the joys of running workshops is witnessing the layers of emotions peeling back across the faces of others as they discover how to re-create and interpret the history and memories that are locked in their hearts and minds. I say locked for it is often the “act of art” that helps you to find the key to unlock those doors. The journey an artist takes with their paint brush, their paper, their fibers and threads is one that Ellen and I are always honored to join them on. We are often in the sidecar of this motorcycle, plying them with “fuel” to keep their motors running but it is the stories, the laughter, the tears and the end result which is what Art Is…to us.

Like all good workshops you have the Pre-event preparations with a strong and committed team to set up the accommodation for those who are used to roughing it

This weekend we set up on the porch…

and of course, we raised the flag…

The Goddess had once again whipped up a batch of her trademark name tags and combined with a delightful surprise package of goodies from our good friend Linda Schultz of Collage Closet (THANK YOU LINDA), we were ready.

and so it began…

We feasted all weekend…

and in the late light of a hot Sunday afternoon in August, there really were only two words these artists could express… Ta Da!

Until next time Judy.

Glamping

2010-08-21T03:33:00.001-07:00

It is with great reluctance that we share this post for these are secrets that we would like to keep to ourselves.

Candy Floss tastes better in a barn.

Lobsters are juicier when cooked by Stan.

You have a much better day if you start it with Lynne's muffins…

or Robin’s pie…

Showering outside means you get to watch the sun shining through the steam and you don’t have to mop the floor.

Birthdays are happier when you can share the candles.

Lounge rooms are nicer when they are outside.

Life runs much smoother when you have the S Team on hand.

Sisters do actually love each other.

and playing dress up is much more fun when you do it together!

So we have thought about it and we don’t think we will. This is an adventure that we want to keep to ourselves.

Why we do the things we do

2010-08-10T18:15:00.001-07:00

ART TRUNK

AUCTION

FACULTY

Ellen and I are often asked how we choose the faculty for Art Is...You. What are the criteria, and what is the selection process? It is simple - who would we like to spend time with?

While the art projects certainly play a significant part, it is the essence of the artist, their spirit, and their soul that we are attracted to in the first place. It is their poetry, their stories, their sharing of personal stashes. It is their golden patience and the gentle touch of their hand and voice when a student is unsure. It is their genuine desire to share a cherished part of their spirit. It is the delight they take in laying out tables of art candy, in setting places with treasures and kits for their students.
For the gift is in the giving and in doing so our faculty and their students are rewarded with breathtaking and unforgettable workshops.

We take great joy when we visit the workshop rooms in the mornings and see everyone unpacking and readying themselves for the day ahead. The laughter of anticipation can be heard and the deep exhaling of many who have held their breath for a whole year can be felt. Then at the end of each day the atmosphere is overflowing with joy and celebratory glee as our faculty and their students come together to gloat over the beautiful pieces that were created with their own hands.

The communal time is very important to us. From journaling in the morning, to our festive luncheons and low key art get-togethers in the evening, we try hard to give our attendees an experience that is bursting with inspiration, friendship, and art. When there is not an official function, you can find our attendees grouped together over coffee, over wine, over dinner and over art...old friends greeting new friends like they were old friends

Why do we do what we do? We do it to see the bliss on the faces around us. We do it for the faculty who tell us that they are renewed and inspired by the experience. We do it for the beginner who is fearful to begin yet comes and finds us at the end saying look what I just made.

This is a personal journey for Ellen and I. We honor and hold close to our hearts, those that choose to spend their weekend with us and our faculty. We are reminded that Art is...a circle of life. All that we do, all that we say, all that we share, comes back to us tenfold.

Art is...You and me 2

See you in October

Sallianne and Ellen

When the glass is full of pink lemonade

2010-07-21T08:26:00.001-07:00

Ellen and I recently had the opportunity to host the first of what we hope will be many, small art party’s at The Homestead. It seemed fitting that our first party teacher should be Pamela Huntington who we did not know four years ago and now can’t imagine our Art Is… life without her.

When so many doubted us and our plans to create the unique East Coast Art Retreat that is now enjoyed by so many, Pamela stepped up, supported us, had faith in us and in turn we benefited from her friendship and her extraordinary talent.

So Saturday was no different. The tables were set with the wonderful kits that Pamela has become known for. The fridge was full with a lovely lunch and the air conditioners were on…

The sisterhood began to arrive and with hugs, kisses and screams of delight, we found our coffee, our cake and our place at the table for the next few hours.

A collective sigh of relief could be heard from many of us, as we started to unwind, forget (albeit) briefly about our world outside and we started to focus on a little world within our hands.

Why does it take so long for us to realize that we need to do this? That we need to come together to laugh, to tell stories, to cry, to congratulate successes and to support concerns.

It is an over the counter tonic that is free to us all without prescription and without strings attached.

A feeling of peace flowed through my body and out into my fingers and I do not doubt my sisterhood were experiencing the same simple joys as I.

I felt grounded. I felt a harmony that I had been missing.

I belong to this Sisterhood of the Traveling Paints. A sisterhood that is open to anyone who comes knocking on the door. A sisterhood that accepts those who can use a heat gun without burning their fingers as well as those who glue their embellishments upside down.

Art in the Garden with Pamela was a glimpse into the world that Ellen and I have created (with the help of our wonderful faculty) here on the East Coast. Where friendships are formed even before classes begin. I encourage you to join us, even if it is for a day, in October and experience this world that we have come to know and to love.

Love Sallianne

P.S. If you can’t wait until October, then join us in August when Judy Wilkenfeld will be in New York to run her two day workshop Charlotte O Charlotte.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Paints

2010-07-12T08:07:00.001-07:00

I have been to many art retreats before, but never have I grown so close to so many of the other people BEFORE I even got there. This will be like "Old Home Week". You are all so wonderful, friendly, sharing, and FUN people...........Ellen and Sallianne, you have assembled a grand group of teachers, classes, vendors and activities. I can't wait to meet the "Aussie Mum", to do journaling with Loretta, to bead with Annie, to learn from Lillian, to gift you all with my trades, to shop till I drop at vendor's booths, and to give big ole hugs to all of my new BFF's.....(Sue, CA)

Art Is...
The smoosh of a rubber stamp on crisp paper;
The whirr of the sewing machine piecing a block;
The clatter of beads being threaded on a needle;
The snip of a wire cutter attaching a clasp to a bracelet;
The tap of the painter's brush mixing the perfect sunset red;
The prick of a needle piercing layers of fabric;
The rip of watercolor paper being torn into signatures;
The squish of acrylics leaving a tube;
The hum of activity in a room full of dollmakers;
The giggles of artists making tiaras;
The greetings of artists not seen since last year;
The applause of generous artists at Show 'N Tell;
The sounds of lives changing;
The words of joy, the tears of happiness,
The bonds of friendship forged through art.
These things and more, are all what Art Is.
Art is waiting for you.

By Loretta Benedetto Marvel

WICKEDLY
GOOD
FACULTY
Michael Albert
Lillian Alberti
Colleen Athens
Loretta Benedetto Marvel
Rachel Betterley
Robin Betterley
Nicole Chazaud Telaar
Jane Davila
Kecia Deveney
Michael de Meng
Cyndi Duncan
Judy Gula
Pamela Hastings
Jenny Heid
Angela Huggins
Pamela Huntington
Keith Lo Bue
Melanie Ann Mercado
Laurie Meseroll
Kimberly Moore
Aaron Nieradka
Jo Packham
JoAnnA Pierotti
Margo Potter
Taryn Reece
Diane Russell-Horn
Tracy & Allison Stilwell
Diana Trout
Lesley Venable
Elin Waterston
Suze Weinberg
KC Willis

Create a piece of art that depicts you...

Every artist will have their name/website & thumbnail of image
displayed on the Art Is..You website.

Submit as many pieces of art as you wish.

No limitation on medium.

No larger than 12"x 12"x 5".

Auction night...you can choose...

75% to Little Baby Face Foundation and 25% to artist

75% to artist and 25% to Little Baby Face Foundation.

Yours in art,

Ellen and Sallianne
Wicked and Good!

ON THE ROAD: - Where you will find us

The East Coast Art Trunk

2010-06-26T19:00:00.001-07:00

SATURDAY OCTOBER 9, 2010
7-11PM
The East Coast Art Trunk is a mixed media feast of color, texture, and original art.

It is a gathering of vendors who sell art papers, kits, beads, frippery, collage sheets, fibers, yarns, fabrics, unique vintage and contemporary items plus all your supplies for rubber stamping, scrapbooking, art dolls, collage, assemblage, art quilts and altered art.

Located at the hub of Art is...You - the East Coast Art Retreat, the 2010 Art Trunk promises to be extra special with the "Art is...To Believe in Miracles" Auction occurring in conjunction with it. Proceeds from the auction will be donated to The Little Baby Face Foundation. Faculty, students and artists from around the country will be submitting works to this fund raising event.

Art Trunk Basic Details:
One fully draped table will be provided.
Setup can from 9pm Friday and conclude 9am Saturday.
No sharing of tables with the exception of Art Is…Faculty.
Vendors will be advertised on the Art is…website (for a full year) and promoted in the press.

Payment may be made online or by mail.
Starting price for one table will be $125. There will be a number of spaces with 3 tables priced at $180. Power will be $25 per vendor if required. Booth prices include coffee and late night snack Friday evening for two people .

50% payment of vendor fee is due at initial sign up. Final payment will be due August 1. If paying by check, please make checks out to Visually Speaking LLC and mail to 73 Homestead Road, Scarsdale, NY, 10583

Table Top Vendor: $125 – REGISTER

Booth Vendor: $180 – REGISTER

Power Supply: $25 - REGISTER

Save the Date

2010-06-04T07:18:00.001-07:00

THIS WEEKEND DO SOMETHING FOR YOURSELF

2010-03-09T14:30:00.000-08:00

ETCHING 101

OR

DESIGN & CONNECT

YOUR OWN MULTI MEDIA

CREATION

______________

Thomas Mann has been a mover and shaker in the art-jewelry field for 25 years. In fact, the first exhibition that Keith’s work was in (in 1990) was alongside Tom's - it was an exhibition entitled "A Collector's Choice - Jewelry For The Next Decade." Thomas coined a term for his work: 'Techno-Romantic' - which succinctly sums up his blend of high-tech metals and antique found imagery and elements.

Besides being a terrific metalsmith, Thomas has a serious head for the business side of art-making, and he has done many workshops geared toward making it financially in the world of jewelry. Not only does he have a large staff working for him to help him produce his production jewelry, he owns a gallery right in the heart of New Orleans. He has done a lot in the jewelry field to dispel the myth of the 'starving artist'.

There are many good metalsmiths out there. But just being good at your craft does not mean that you are able to effectively teach what you know. The single most common feedback heard from Thomas' workshops has been the sheer ENERGY and ENTHUSIASM he has for communicating his talents and techniques. He seems right at home in a bustle of activity, and prides himself on being there and available for every student, no matter how much or how little experience they may have.

Keith and Thomas share that quality - both of them encourage those who have never tried anything like this to jump in and see what magic results.

So the collaborative class they are teaching looks to be a lot of fun. Tom comes about the world of found objects from a very different perspective than Keith, which will definitely round out the experience of learning from the both of them.

Keith’s approach to object making has landed him a solid position in the pantheon of found object artists. Additionally he enjoys an incredible reputation for delivering a lush workshop experience.

Join us for a unique and special weekend with these two lovely and talented guys.

The elves are coming with Gloria ‘Mimi” Winer

2010-02-27T16:13:00.001-08:00

THE ELVES ARE COMING - THE ELVES ARE COMING

Join International Doll Artist Gloria J. ‘Mimi’ Winer for a fabulous 3 day workshop and create your own little Sprite.

These cloth dolls dolls are seven-inch androgynous little Elves. They have a child-like torso with cute round tummies, short arms and legs and a slightly “too large” head with adult faces. And long Elvin ears. They stand alone and can be posed in many ways so that each doll will be one-of-a-kind.

This is a well-shaped, simple pattern, easy to sew and stuff.

Students will learn many new techniques that can be used for all doll making.

Two of the new techniques are a simple, easy to make leg armature that allows doll to stand sturdily by itself and a new wire armature for hands, with separate fingers is also easy to make These armatures can be used in both cloth and poly or paper clay doll.

MARCH 12, 13, 14
DANBURY PLAZA HOTEL
18 RIDGEBURY ROAD
DANBURY

Drive: 45 minutes drive from Westchester
Train: To Brewster Station and Hotel shuttle available.

REGISTER HERE

QUESTIONS - artis@art-is-you.com

Art Is…The Creative Connection Event

2010-02-24T14:44:00.001-08:00

We will be there with our bells on, a great booth, lots of art and lots of surprises. Come and stop by our booth for your chance to win a registration to Art Is Wickedly Good.

Art Doll Workshop

2010-02-15T14:42:00.001-08:00

Sunday, 14 March
9:00 - 4:00 pm
Danbury Plaza Hotel, 18 Old Ridgebury Road, Danbury, CT
This class is suitable for any level, including beginners

The Cobbler's Daughter lives in an old ramshackle house in a small seaside village. She lives with her father, the Cobbler and helps him each day repair the shoes of the villagers...

The Cobbler's Daughter was created by Ellen and exhibited at the International Quilt Festival in the first year that they had a doll exhibition, curated by vibrant doll maker Elinor Peace Bailey. The doll was also published in the first edition of Stampington and Company's Art Doll Quarterly.

In 2003 she reinvented herself and discovered her Inner Goddess

Goddess/God'dess/n.

A female being of supernatural powers or attributes believed in and worshipped by a people
A female being believed to be the source of life and being worshipped as the principal deity
A woman of superior charms and excellence.
A female deity

In this class we are reminded how throughout the ages women have nurtured and healed the universe. We take time to discover and nourish the goddess that lurks within. In this class we will celebrate your goddess with construction methods that vary from simple shapes that can be embellished to more complex designs.

Choose from many pattern pieces or develop your own. You'll be amazed seeing the spirit of the dolls take shape as you learn to stuff,create the face, hair and costume. Just by manipulating fabric and embellishment, there will be no 2 alike.
Regally standing at approximately 23 inches, it matters not whether you wish to create a daughter of a cobbler or indeed strip her bare...there is a goddess in us all and Ellen has a magical way of helping you find her.

This class is designed for everyone, not just doll makers.

It's a great way to remind us how to let our hair down and play.

Join Us.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

2010-02-01T18:18:00.001-08:00

Wickedly Good Workshops

Art is...Wickedly Good

Art is...a special & safe environment where artists, come together to share in their passion for creativity. Columbus Weekend come discover why artists are escaping to The East Coast Art Retreat Danbury, CT. 45 minutes from NYC, close to airports, & rail. Single/double - $109* includes hot Breakfast & manager's drink special each evening. Choose from over 80 workshops. Full day fees include lunches & Mrs. Pom’s morning creative heart & soul starters. Join the Art Is…You family in October. Participate in the Charity Challenge or attend our new monthly Metro Meet Ups in Connecticut and New York.

Image - left to right
Michael de Meng, JoAnnA Pierotti, Taryn Reece, Pamela Huntington, Kecia Deveney, Elin Waterston, Lillian Alberti, Pamela Hastings

ART IS…A CREATIVE FORCE

2010-01-25T03:39:00.001-08:00

There is nothing more powerful than the creative force. It is truly all there is and the more we share it and help other women claim it, the better the world becomes.

Margot Potter

Dear Friends,
The new year is underway and we have been working hard behind the scenes to bring to our Art Is...You family and friends some exciting events, community activities and charity challenges.

In the last three years Art Is...You has grown tremendously. We were humbled recently by faculty who told us that those attending love the attention given to them as individuals and that our ability to keep everyone connected not only to each other but to the two of us is unique! Another faculty member claimed that "...our event is a real gem and I'll be singing your praises up and down the circuit".

Importantly though we know that we have created a special and safe environment where artists, whether they be faculty or students, can come together to share in their passion for creativity.

We have moved to Danbury, CT which is literally a hop, skip, or jump from airports, metro rail and NYC. We have negotiated a single/double rate of $109 (plus taxes) and this includes a hot american breakfast and a manager's drink special each evening.

All full day workshop fees include our fabulous buffet lunches and in October Mrs. Pom is back by popular demand, conducting her morning creative heart and soul starters....another inclusive (on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings).

We hope you will consider joining us in 2010.

In March for the first time, international found-object pioneers Thomas Mann and Keith Lo Bue combine forces to bring students deep into the nuts-and-bolts of selection, design and connection of their own multi-media creations.

Columbus Day Weekend discover why artists are escaping to Art Is...You - The East Coast Art Retreat and choose from over 70 workshops, taught by our treasured line up of faculty.

There are opportunities online through our special 2010 Charity Challenge or in person at our very new monthly Metro Meet Ups in Connecticut and New York, to be a part of the Art Is...You family.

Yours in art,
Ellen and Sallianne
Wicked and Good!

Photo Quilt: Elin Waterson
Photoshop: Pamela Huntington
Treasure Box: Taryn Reece
Wickedly Good: Lillian Alberti
Angels & Demons: Michael de Meng
Felt Witch Hat: Nicole Chazaud Telaar

Running in Circles with Margot and getting a Wax job by Suze!

2009-11-28T03:42:00.001-08:00

I believe what makes a good workshop great, is when the teacher shows enthusiasm and the genuine desire to share there passion.

Combine this with a roomful of artists and their innate need to “escape and create” and you have one very full, happy and creative day.

I was surrounded by fabulous women all drawn to Suze’s studio by the desire to spend time with her, with the magical Madge and with each other.

Both artists were kind, generous and genuine. Their creativity is unique and we all love and admire their work but it was spending time with them that made me feel like we were all just sitting on the lounge, eating cake, drinking coffee and putting wax, anywhere but on our legs!

P.S..looking for a great holiday gift for you or a friend? Grab Margot’s fabulous new book.

Market…the Lipstick Ranch Way

2009-11-20T15:09:00.001-08:00

KC Willis is putting together is an on-line workshop that you can participate in at any time, whenever you want. She will cover every subject imaginable as it pertains to marketing your work to the public. And it will be delivered in such a way that there is info there for the novice, those working and selling some already and those in the full throes of their art career, but who still want to take it up a notch into wholesale or licensing.

There will be lots of videos by subject matter so you can pick and choose which ones you want to see based on the subjects that matter to you.

How about...
• Creating a cohesive, signature look
• Working in series
• Consignment vs. wholesale
• Pricing your work
• The differences between approaching a gallery, a shop, an on-line retailer or a catalog
• Using Social Networks
• PR-how to get written about in newspapers and magazines
• Marketing your work without leaving home
• The Pros and Cons of having an Artist's Rep.
• Researching your market
• Licensing your work and your name.
• Blogs vs. Websites
• Selling on-line
• Keeping motivated
• Becoming fearless
• And soooooo much more.

You will get unlimited access to the videos, discussion boards where I will answer your questions (along with other artists at the workshop) and scheduled live chats. And anyone who has participated in her on-line workshops or her in-person classes can tell you that she is as much about inspiration and motivation as she is technique. KC will encourage you and change your attitude about all things marketing.

A one-day art marketing workshop can be as much as $300 easily. For the time being access to my class (which will be a lot more than a one day thing) is $144. When the videos go live in December the class will be $244. If you get even one good idea that changes the way you think or do things...this class will pay for itself. It's even tax deductible. Not knowing where to go next has stopped many an artist in their tracks. You will also have the opportunity to work with me one-on-one through private phone consultations at an additional fee. Your own private art coach.

Aprons Aprons Aprons

2009-11-19T13:51:00.001-08:00

It doesn’t matter if you are a great cook or a not so great cook. It doesn’t matter if you are cooking the entire dinner or ordering in from Whole Foods or Stop n Shop and it certainly doesn’t matter if your contribution is dessert or the entire banquet…everyone should look great during the holiday season.

These aprons have been beautifully made by the very clever Australian artist, Karenne Crow. Karenne resides in the beautiful Hunter Valley and created these and many more to sell so that she can cover her addiction to Costco Ribbons and Nashville Wrap cards.

Firetruck Fun

French Pastry

Firetruck Fun 2

Her use of antique laces and linens, together with lovely crisp and colorful fabrics, ensures each and every one of these aprons are unique. Many of the antique laces are heirlooms from her Aunts and her own grandmother.

Blue Flowers

Pretty Yellow floral

Christmas Time

Vintage Kitchen

The aprons debuted at Art Is…You and were greeted with glee by many participants, some of who had pre-ordered with specific colors in mind.

Roses are Red

Newly Married

Each Apron is $35 including postage within continental USA. On the side tool bar, state the apron that you wish to purchase, click to pay via paypal and we will package it up and send it to you in time for you to look smashing!

Delicious Differences

2009-11-13T14:35:00.001-08:00

Among the mind’s powers is one that comes of itself to many children and artists. It need not be lost, to the end of his days, by anyone who has ever had it. This is the power of taking delight in a thing, or rather in anything, everything, not as a means to some other end, but just because it is what it is, and the lover dotes on whatever may be the traits of the beloved object. A child in the full health of his mind will put his hand flat on the summer turf, feel it, and give a little shiver of private glee at the elastic firmness of the globe. He is not thinking how well it will do for some game or to feed sheep upon. That would be the way of the wooer whose mind runs on his mistress’s money. The child’s is sheer affection, the true ecstatic sense of the thing’s inherent characteristics. No matter what the things may be, no matter what they are good or no good for, there they are, each with a thrilling unique look and feel of its own, like a face; the iron astringently cool under its paint, the painted wood familiarly warmer, the clod crumbling enchantingly down in the hands, with its little dry smell of the sun and of hot nettles; each common thing a personality marked by delicious differences.

by Charles Montague and kindly recited by Keith Lo Bue to his lucky class at Art is…You 2009

Art is….WICKEDLY good

2009-11-01T12:53:00.001-08:00

7 – 11 October, 2010

DANBURY PLAZA, CT

Secure Your Place Today as an attendee

Register to be an Art Trunk Vendor

and if you want to hear about 2009, read some of the many wonderful reviews…

My Little Crafty World

Cheesecloth Moon

Nicole Chazaud Telaar

Suze Weinberg

Artgirlz

Lemoncholy’s flight of fancy

Pamela Huntington

Art by Canace

The Creative Musings of JBaskArts

Needlewings

Kimberly's Mixed Media Art

Mary's Melange

Broadbrook Art

BZ’s Ode to Art Is…

2009-10-26T09:20:00.001-07:00

To Sal & Ellen, the gals who are swell!

& all who attended, ring that Tea Bell,

Here are some Jabberwocky of memories for you!

Art-Is-You 2009

Sue L’s quotes written, started, on line

The Rabbit hole to jump into was at the beginning of your stay

The Queen of Hearts playing cards, Ellen & Sal ushering the way

No Husbands

No children

No cooking to do.

Old friends with free hugs, lines deep

New friends with free hugs by the heap

Do you have a trade I can keep?

Beautifully crafted,

outrageously conceived,

Having Tea with Alice, ID tags

Ferric chloride solution

etching on metal, wiping with rags

Taryn the Mad Hatter

Muffy’s Chapeau

The Many Hat’s of Keith “Le Beau”

Zippered earrings

Hot Tub soaks

7 am wake-up calls

Autumn Leaves crunching, beneath my feet

Hot steaming coffee

Journaling with Mrs. Pom

Photo journalist for the day

setting up The Market Place, it did bustle

Was all happening on that first day, hustle

“Who is she anyway?”

no popcorn in site

To Market, To Market ( Oh what a night)

To shop?......well just a bit!

Then off to Sweet Dreams

The pillow we hit.

New ideas dancing in our minds, still alit!

My Cupi is off to a new land & home

a Vineyard in Australia, she is to roam

Tea Cup Challenge,

A chance at Somerset Mag,

A basket of sewn kittens,

Flamingo’s with a heart

T’was all included in this weekend of Art.

Soldering my inheritance, I did lot’s of dribble

Kecia, a new teacher, so cool, collected, did not quibble

Rebecca & Jane gave me moral support

so I was able to show off my work at night court

The Night ending in Nicole’s felting class

with good ol’e Ann being naturally crass!

MY FABULOUS ROOMIE MISS ELIZABETH D

the two of us together were busy as a bee

Lot’s of new trinkets where Parade that night

ATC’S,

Coptic Pens,

Prince Charming was Lois’s delight!

Pamela’s Wonderland Journal was the next class I tried

Can it be near the end?.........Oh no I cried!

But Colleen, Laura & Traci their sewing, ever so grand

BZ, Elizabeth,& Jane sprang to the machines to give it a hand

Violet Crumbles still awaited

Doris, Mimmi,the doll girls, stated

An explosion of things to do & see, still awaited

visits with:

The Art Girlz, Linda & Tracey

Dime store Dayz, Terri

Domino necklace by Diane RH

Icons with Janette

Book Signing Lisa Kettell

Lillian Albertti, Kimberly too

This list is way too short & naming just a precious few

We Miss you Mr. Lesley, and your De lish scones too!

OMG! Tim Tams!

Huge Hugs to the Mum!

Fragrant MIGHTY LEAF TEA

Making rebar wire into rivets

Look Ma, I can use a drill!

but who can sit still?

smiles galore!

synergy

energy,

The magic continued!

carrot cake,

chocolate cake,

heavenly pies,

packing,

unpacking,

saying good byes!

I ended my lessons with my new BF, Keith Le Bue

The New Yorker in me, Paper Paraphernalia,

A new knowledge of glue

Eileen Retiring?

Mc Tea Pot inspiring!

Car trip to Harbour Freight

Missing lunch so we wouldn’t be late

& Dick Blick was not my fate!

Xcited! Xhilarated! Xhausted!

but grinning like a Cheshire Cat

I strolled into the car for a long ride I sat

So this is the end of my “cute” little ditty

I hope you have smiled, and enjoyed every bitty

On the Horizon, New Adventures are Beckoning

Sparkling Ruby Slippers, Wicked Witches Reckoning

Rainbows of magic & new inspirations await,

2010’s Yellow Brick Road, It’s what’s held in our fate.

So I bid you adieu, as I hear the call of my mate

ART IS......

BZ…LIVING IN GENEROSITY

Is it Time Yet?

Art is….Just Around the Corner

Interview with the incomparable Ricë Freeman-Zachery

Kecia’s Winged Love

SPOTLIGHT ON; Diana Trout

SPOTLIGHT: On Lorri Scott

New York Summer Series: Sue Pelletier

Art is…The Deluxe Rotary Cutting/Embossing Machine!

Art Is…Exciting Times Ahead

Art Is…Doing What You Love

We are each other’s parachute

Betti’s Boot Camp!

SPOTLIGHT ON: Lorraine Reynolds

SPOTLIGHT ON: ANGELA HUGGINS

SPOTLIGHT ON: Kathleen Nesi

SPOTLIGHT ON: Nancy Lefko

SPOTLIGHT ON: Sue Pelletier

SPOTLIGHT ON: Jodi Ohl

SPOTLIGHT ON: Beryl Taylor

SPOTLIGHT ON: Sidney Sward

SPOTLIGHT ON: Cheryl Strait

SPOTLIGHT ON: Teena Flanner

2011 Art Is…In the Garden: New York Summer Workshop Series

SPOTLIGHT: On Pam Carriker

SPOTLIGHT: On Diane Russell-Horn

SPOTLIGHT ON: Taryn Reece

SPOTLIGHT: On Kecia Deveney

SPOTLIGHT: On Pamela Huntington

SPOTLIGHT: On Dara DiMagno

SPOTLIGHT: On Nicole Bowen

SPOTLIGHT: On Stephanie Lee

SPOTLIGHT: On Leighanna Light

SPOTLIGHT: On Loretta Benedetto Marvel

SPOTLIGHT: On Cathy Dorris

SPOTLIGHT: On Linda Willis

SPOTLIGHT: On Tracy Stilwell

Kerin Gale makes her Curious Dreams a Reality

SPOTLIGHT: On Kim Geiser

SPOTLIGHT: On Serena Barton

SPOTLIGHT: On JoAnnA Pierotti

SPOTLIGHT: On Shelly Massey

SPOTLIGHT: On Laurel Steven

SPOTLIGHT: On Dee Foust

SPOTLIGHT: On Laurie Meseroll

SPOTLIGHT: On Judy Wise

SPOTLIGHT: On Michael deMeng

SPOTLIGHT: On Lesley Venable

SPOTLIGHT: On Pam Carriker

SPOTLIGHT ON ART IS...YOU FACULTY

“Successful Women”

The Miracle of You Art Auction for The Little Baby Face Foundation

The day that Judy came to stay

Glamping

Why we do the things we do

When the glass is full of pink lemonade

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Paints

The East Coast Art Trunk

SATURDAY OCTOBER 9, 2010 7-11PM The East Coast Art Trunk is a mixed media feast of color, texture, and original art.

Save the Date

THIS WEEKEND DO SOMETHING FOR YOURSELF

The elves are coming with Gloria ‘Mimi” Winer

Art Is…The Creative Connection Event

Art Doll Workshop

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Wickedly Good Workshops

ART IS…A CREATIVE FORCE

Running in Circles with Margot and getting a Wax job by Suze!

Market…the Lipstick Ranch Way

Aprons Aprons Aprons

Delicious Differences

Art is….WICKEDLY good

BZ’s Ode to Art Is…

SATURDAY OCTOBER 9, 2010
7-11PM
The East Coast Art Trunk is a mixed media feast of color, texture, and original art.