Monday, July 8, 2013

Art, Art, Everywhere!

Did I share the news with you yet?

I am attending the 2013 CREATE Mixed-Media Retreat in Somerset, New Jersey in less than two weeks!  This will be my first experience with an art retreat, and a unique opportunity as a stay-at-home mom to have time on my own to indulge in my art-making, uninterrupted.  I can't even express how excited I am!

But when you see the classes I will be taking, I think you can understand my excitement:  I will be learning sketching and watercolor techniques from Jane LaFazio in a class entitled "10 Objects, 10 Ways."  Then I will create "Tiny Tarnished Tomes" with Kari McKnight-Holbrook.  And, finally, on Sunday morning, I will learn "Basic Bookbinding for Beginners" with Seth Apter.  Can you even imagine?!

I am going early enough to enjoy the Artists' Faire on Friday evening, which will be a three-hour opportunity to shop for supplies and original art from instructors and other artists.  I hope I have some pennies saved!

As you can imagine, I will give you a full report when I return.

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One of the many benefits of developing online relationships with other artists through blogging, challenges, and trades has been receiving so many wonderful pieces of art in the form of decorated envelopes, postcards, ATCs, journal pages, and more.  I wouldn't want to hide them away in shoe boxes, but I wasn't sure how to display them so I can enjoy their inspiration each time I go into my art room.  I decided to press my door into service as an art gallery, and I've been loving the results.
It's hard to get a good picture of everything posted there, but perhaps you see some of your handiwork already on display?
I am trying to leave space at the bottom for additional pieces, but my five-year-old keeps adding her own work down there!  She has earned a rightful spot in the gallery, though, so I'm happy to have her represented, too.

What a pleasure to look up from my work table and see all of that Art Love on display!


10 comments:

Conelmate said...

That door is so inspiring! I'm also looking for an alternative to keep all the cool stuff I get. Amazing art just doesn't belong inside a box.

Unknown said...

I'm so excited for you!!! Can't wait to hear all about the class. Enjoy!

Art and Sand said...

How exciting! I have taken a few bookmaking classes and actually have taught a few myself. It is so fun to be creating with other people.

Have a great time- on your own and creating!

scrapwordsmom said...

I love it that you get to go!! On my Bucket List for 2014...some kind of cool art retreat!!!!!!! Your door is awesome!

I have your canvas and am READY to mail it!!!

Naomi said...

Andria, we must be so so similar! I got to go to a vendor fair for a scrapbooking convention here and it was heaven. My parents had my daughter and I spent HOURS wandering around and buying little things here and there. Heaven! You are going to have such fun! Just the time away to solely focus on crafting will be awesome. Have fun!!!

Jo Murray said...

Have fun...I look forward to reading about it. Your door is quite inspiring.

Anne said...

Love your art door -- you always have such good ideas! And it looks like you have some super-creative blogging friends also!

Patricia said...

Oh that art retreat sounds amazing!! Have an awesome time & let us know all about it! Love your door too!

Parabolic Muse said...

Andria, I'm so excited for you! It's such a great experience, and you will be meeting Seth, one of the best people on the planet! And you have to promise to say hi to him for me! It's great learning to make your own books. And I love the work of DiFazio. I hope you have a great time!

I still haven't put up all my art gifties because I haven't renovated my art room! So, kudos to you for getting your gifties out in the open!

Caatje said...

Yay! I hope you give us a full report afterwards!
PS I spotted my art on your door!