the red truck, and quilts

Mary finished her painting tonight!  I love it!  It looks so real!  

...and I'm working on these quilt inspired paintings.  they're developing, this is the first layer.  Cara and I are using this pattern to unify our show in May.  It will be a part of each portrait and sculpture somehow.  

In Her Hands

http://www.herhands.com/ I looked up the site for "In Her Hands". I truly appreciate what these women are doing, and I want to help spread the word! Paola and Toby have traveled all over promoting Craftswomen who are supporting their families and their villages. It's very inspiring, check it out!

MAEA conference

Back home again... It was a great conference. Went to some nice workshops, learned some new techniques, have new ideas, learned more about brain research, and more... had a nice meal Friday night, topas! It's always wonderful to stay at the Amway- enjoyed the workout facilities, hot tub, and pool!

I especially loved hearing from 2 women who traveled around the world and photographed women who made handcrafted items and sold them to support their families. It's in the book "In Her Hands". The photography is beautiful, and the stories of the women were so touching! Lovely! I'm going to look back in my notes for their website. I really am inspired to do something to help support their projects.

Also went to Kendall School of Design, Grand Rapids Art Museum, and a Gallery walk. The weather was great, so we did a lot of walking outside which I love, love, love. Overall, very inspiring weekend.

Art Conference

I'm leaving in the morning to go to the State Art Teacher's Conference.  It's always inspiring!  I'm sure I'll come home with a head full of ideas!  I'll write about it when I get back.  Also- I can't wait to hear from Mary... she's in Pennsylvania at a big Car Swap.  She's trying to sell her car paintings!  I'm wishing her lots of luck!

Manistee Artist Group

Great Weekend! Great Women! Great scenic views! Great creativity!

Manistee Art Workshop

Mary and I had a wonderful time with 4 very fun ladies at the art workshop in Manistee!  The home was more beautiful than I ever imagined.  The weather was perfect.  The ladies were so gracious, and sweet, and fun!  We laughed, we ate, we created beautiful artwork, we ate some more, watched spectacular sunsets over Lake Michigan!  What more could you ask for?  Hot showers maybe??? (so sorry:( )

I'll upload pics tomorrow...  or as soon as I can...

More workshops are in the works....

Watch for news about dates.