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!