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!