Being creative is hard work...

Or so I'm told... We started new projects in the studio tonight. Everyone decided to paint on canvas. 2 new right from the start their game plan, what they wanted to do, and how it was going to get done. The other 2... not so much. A tree, "but do I have to paint the branches?" "are there leaves on your tree?" "No. They are falling off." "Then you might need some branches" "why?" "otherwise it is only a tree stump"....  A ballerina, yes... no that's too hard, just the toe shoes... There were sketches, books were taken out, Degas none the less, "he's ok, not very good with ballet dancers though"...hmm,  she's 9 she'll learn. New ideas were thrown around. Feedback was given, apparently not the kind either were looking for... old ideas were scraped and new ideas were formed... toe shoes to egrets.....  I like to let them come up with their own ideas for their paintings, I will offer suggestions, ideas on how to expand their original concept, but... I like that original concept to come from them. From the deepest corner of their minds. It helps them realize who they are.

River City Art Blog... Take 2

Blogging ~ Take 2....

   Wow. Sorry about that, since Dec. 2010,.... oops. Well, let this be a lesson to myself. I guess the timing of this is perfect, considering the evolution process going on within the studio walls. So I will now look at this Blogging thing as a 'homework assignment' for myself and my studio. If I can remember to feed the cat, I am pretty sure I can remember to write a few things down. All part of the new studio plan, the evolution of River City Art, and myself, as an artist and educator. All part of the living and learning processes.
     So I have decided as part of that process, I am going to share at least one thing a day here, with who ever cares to join me. Whether it is a kids sketch with a story behind it, a finished piece of amazing art or a funny story told by a small child that needs to be shared because you can't make stuff like this up.
     I am sharing with you the process of the imagination. Everyone is different, but the end results are always the same. Joyful, proud and accomplished artists.  

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!