Their Thoughtfulness Astounds Me

We are half way through the second session at River City and in the midst of the Holiday Season. As new projects are started the question arises, "What would you like to make?" and you can see the wheels turning. After a few moments of silence, in a room of 9 seven to nine year olds, they start to answer one by one. "A drawing for my Grandmother, she likes them and wants one of her own." Another says, "a painting of a boat for my Grandfather, he lives in India and tells me stories about the boats he sees". The ideas keep coming, aunts, uncles, cousins and of course mom & dad. Then there is the actual thought of what they are going to make them.... brainstorming. Amazing.  And truly from the heart. Once they start they just keep going, next is the special teacher... "can I make her a bracelet? She really likes jewelry" they notice everything, they know favorite colors, they know what their little siblings would even want from them. With all the marketing and media around this time of year, it's nice to see the kids in all of my classes really thinking, and using their hearts to create a meaningful gift for someone that means that much to them. So with that in mind, and throwing in a little business, Christmas in Collinsville is quickly approaching on December 10th & 11th! River City Art Center will be participating in the Champagne Walk, the night of the 10th, come in and try my Champagne Punch, a cranberry and Triple sec concoction. Then on Saturday the 11th from 1-3pm I will be having a Free Make and Take Craft Workshop. From painted pinecone christmas trees, jingle bell bracelets, button wreaths and god's eye weavings it is a great way to make a simple something for someone special. Come in from the cold and get inspired!

Loving Every Minute

As the month comes to a close and Autumn has begun, I look forward to what is to come.  I am a Fall baby so this time of year is especially inspiring to me. Now that I have been at this whole business owning thing for a whole month now, I realize, I'm in pretty good shape. I am loving what I am doing, and that is the most important part. But watching the kids that are in classes thrive in the studio recharges my love for it even more. There is something about a 5 year old recreating  Andy Warhol's work or a sixth grader studying every brush stroke of Van Gogh making them her own. I think the best part of it all is being able to share it with everyone. 
I had my first Gallery Event this past Saturday and it was one of the best birthday presents I have ever given myself (hehe). Through the generosity of some wonderful friends and all local artists, in one way or another, I was able to have an amazing event. Even the band was a bunch of locals! Thank You Robot IQ!! Seriously though, from Garth Francis's work borrowed from his wonderful sister Chris, Jenny Knaus's amazing portraits, Jenny Maher's beautiful head ware, Chris O'Herron's stunning painting of a hay field, Peter's oil sketches, Tom Kutz's photo... and all the others, Courtney and Evandras "Scribble Fish", I must stop.... And then there were all those that turned out to see what I had done. My studio. It is bright and in your face. It is also inspiring. A place to dream. I have great feelings about this dream of mine. Great aspirations to give this community a place to go and dream as well. 
October will be a very busy month at River City, 2 Birthday parties planned, A Ghoulish Gallery opening, and River City's Pumpkin Fest and the 17th Collinsville Halloween Parade.  So much to do!! Then the second session of classes begins November 1. How time flies! But like I said, I am truly loving every minute!     

My First Two Weeks in Business

I have officially been a business owner for 16 days. Wow, it is so weird to say that. But, Damn, does it feel good. Classes started on the 7th and have been going quite well, I must say. Considering, I really haven't advertised. The kids are excited, and making great art. I am excited and finally finishing about 2 dozen half done paintings. It's amazing what a little inspiration can do. I think the best part has been the reaction of the kids on the renovation of the studio. Most are awestruck at first, then they investigate. So far 100% approval rating. So, like I said, not a bad start.  So, now that my business is under way, I move on to bigger things. I was awarded a grant from AT&T for a whole bunch of money, to support the Collinsville Artists Initiative, and all of the town projects we do. The Catch? Artistic Enrichment. All projects must have creative aspects to them. How awesome is that! Halloween Parade, Pumpkin Fest, Mini Golf, Christmas in C'Ville stuff (I guess) Chalk Walks, Art Walks, Octoberfest???? Hmmmm. Something artistic with Octoberfest..... Culinary Arts! So that is next on my list of things to do. Stir the pot, recharge the excitement, bring the artistic values this community thrives on to another level. A new level. It's there, we just have to wake it up. And that my friends, sums up my first two weeks. What else is going on? I'm not sure yet. But I know it will come to me.

           

A Blank Canvas Isn't Always What Inspires

        It was a busy week, but I have accomplished what I set out to do. And I believe I have succeeded. I have taken a space and made it my own. I have made it bright and inspiring. I have  made it a functional working studio, with great table space and comfortable stools. The room is open and uncluttered, with full afternoon sunlight and music always playing. Everything I always dreamed of in an art studio. And now that dream is my reality.
        Now I start my classes. I have new ideas for the kids. I want to branch out to those who didn't know before. I want to have Gallery Openings for students and let them participate in the preparation, from framing to hanging. Maybe even the refreshments... We'll see.
           I want to give people of all ages the gift of artistic knowledge, for we all have the ability, it is just up to you to use it, encourage it, feed it. It is a gift you can give yourself that can be used for the rest of your life. I am here to provide the space, the tools and the knowledge to use those tools, from painting with acrylics on canvas, or on paper with water color, using oil pastels in a resist, making jewelry with fresh water pearls or glass beads, sculpting with clay, drawing, paper crafting or coloring with a new box of crayons.
            If  you build it they will come, right? 

Great Day in the Studio

Day 2 and I am almost done with the set up. Yesterday 9*1*10, was the first day being in the studio. What a crazy day it was. With 2 cars and a friend, we were able to get everything moved in. And huge thanks to Randy and Duke for doing the heavy work.... the cabinet and bookcase, up 19 steep stairs. I spent about 6 hours painting the walls, and boy do I feel it. But it looks great, better than I imagined. So much space! I love it. Today was spent organizing and cleaning up. I am so excited to get these classes under way! Chip is building me some pretty awesome tables too, and the stools, this is going to be so great!

All Things New

As I start to get ready for the big move next week, going through the process of starting my own business, I realize I am in good company in this venture. This week a friend started his own new venture. Husk opened on Main Street. A great little spot with amazing South American food. I wish Jordan the greatest success and I know he will do well. Another amazingly talented friend is also opening up a business here in town, on Sept 1 (we will share this birthday) TAB Photographic is back in C'Ville where he belongs. Tim's talent as a photographer is beyond words, and I wish him tremendous success as well. So if three is the magic number, than here we are. 
      This a new chapter. A fresh start. I am excited, and ready. I guess with my background in restaurant management, and teaching art classes for the past few years, and working in daycare years ago.... Combine all three... here we are with the three's again... It's a perfect combination. Along with my complete admiration for children, their wisdom amaze's me, this is definitely something I can see myself doing for the rest of my life. So, I have two more days of summer camp, working for someone else. Then, I'm free. Free to be me! To teach the way I want, to be part of things I want, And to give back what has been given to me. 
      I hope this is truly the beginning of the rest of my life....   ~Kate  

Just Sayin'...

So I am officially two weeks away from living my dream! I just have to get through the weekend first. This Saturday at 1 the Downright Music Community Unity Festival 4 starts and there will be some awesome stuff happening. First off I am running the Community Chalk Walk, with judging and prizes.... along with music all day, vendors, artists, breakdancing, graffiti art, I could go on. So come on down and draw, or just see what it's all about! ~Kate

Just Sayin'...

My First Blog... and I said I never would.....

So this is it, my first entry.... Well I will make it simple... In 2 weeks and 2 days, I will be walking into my new studio. My Own Studio. My New Business. River City Art Center is no longer a dream it is a reality.  I have that feeling, you remember the one, of going into say... first grade with your new box of crayons, new pencils, and new construction paper, glue and scissors. Well I have all that and so much more. I also can't wait to have my living room back. It has been an amazing experience thus far, so I can only imagine what's to come. The wonderful support I have had from everyone has made it that much more. But, none of this journey would have been possible if it weren't for my parents. They have been my advocates from the very beginning and will continue to be my biggest supporters, and I will always love and respect them for that. Then Randy's insightful "Rome wasn't built in a day" speech and my daily confidant. Only to be followed up by the love and support of practically an entire town. Which I will always love my fellow C'Ville-ians. So I guess to end my first " dear diary" blog thingy, I say Thank You to all of you that believed in me, who know what I am capable of, and have stood by me for the better part of a year, waiting to see what transpires. This is it.... in 16 days my dreams come true!