Ages have passed and lots has happened since I last wrote on this blog. However, I am back now and settling into my new home in the charming town of Jacksonville, Oregon. This has been a huge move for me, out of a big house with a amazingly spacious studio into a much smaller place with my studio space being wherever it is I decide to work!! Not the ideal situation, but it will do for now until I discover what is next for me.
Teaching at Art & Soul in Portland was such fun for me this time. (It helped that I didn't get sick this year as I often do when I stay in hotels for any length of time, work hard, play hard and am around tons of folks mingling germ pools.) It really helped being in the same room for three days in a row and not having to unpack and pack all those supplies every day. My assistants Christine Hendry who is my daughter, and Lisa Crawford did a fabulous job and made mine so much easier. I am always amazed at the creations that come out of the workshops and am thrilled by the joy people have in exploring and learning and the pride they have in their accomplishments fills my heart.
I received some very good feedback about how the workshops could be tweaked, things I could cover more thoroughly, and ideas for change. I cannot say enough about how helpful thoughtful feedback is. In the bookmaking workshops it is a real challenge to complete a project in a day. Along with the sheer amount of tasks to complete there is the finding your way to creative, right brain activity and then having to switch to more linear, left brain work near the end of the day. If any one out there has anything to add that could help improve the experience, please let me know.
So we instructors come home from an event and have to wrap our heads around creating proposals for next year and have them submitted by the end of the month. Usually I get a bit pissy and resistant about this, but right now I have ideas and excitement riding on the energy created in the workshops.
All these years I have been teaching at various venues I have always brought most if not all the supplies. Next year that is changing, I will try to do things the way the other instructors have been doing for a long time and have students bring most of their supplies. I know this is a hassle and an expense and I will try very hard to not have you bring anything you will not use. What I want you to know is that Maria who owns the store Collage in Portland will have an on site store for all Art & Soul events. She will be able to have most if not all the supplies you need for my workshops (and most other classes) waiting for you when you get to the event if you pre-order with her. The suggestion has been made to Glenny that in the future this information be posted on the website so that when people are choosing their classes they will know they can easily get the things they need. Using the Yahoo group site for Art & Soul you will be able to communicate with other participants and do some sharing on supplies too.
I will be applying to teach at Art & Soul Portland 2010 and am toying with the idea of applying to Art Fest. I haven't taught there in years and many people don't know it was Teesha Moore of Art Fest who actually gave me my first opportunity to teach at the national level. It was great to see Tracy and Teesha at Art & Soul playing and taking classes themselves.
My workshops in Hampton 2010 are filled (joy!) and Madison Wisconsin registration starts soon, we'll see how that goes.
There is still space in the 2010 three day retreat An Artful Journey in February 2010. http://www.anartfuljourney.com. I am excited about teaching at this event, having three days with students and doing very different things than the book forms. Check it out!
The sun is shining, the leaves are turning and I am going for a hike. More later.
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6 comments:
Glad you're back safe and sound Albie. I so enjoyed your class at A&S and am thrilled with my book(and the fact that I finished it which rarely happens at these retreats).
While I loved not having to bring many supplies to your class, I completely understand how much more work gathering and prepping supplies must be. I had a thought, what if Maria of Collage made your class kits for you then student could purchase them when they arrived at A&S. When people register for their classes, there could be a place to preorder your class kit. Since students already pay for them, I'm sure they'd be willing to pay Maria for the convenience. Maybe it would be too much for her to take on but just thought I'd share my thought since it came to my head as I was writing this.
Thank you again Albie. Hope we can play art again soon. Enjoy the autumn in Jacksonville!
with smiles,
Mija
It was a wonderful class with you and I thank you. Looking forward to more.
So good to see you back in blogland, Albie.
Loved your class at A&S Portland, as always! Whatever you decide about supplies is good; I don't mind schlepping stuff to classes. You had us spoiled.
My friend took me to Jacksonville this spring while I was visiting her in Medford. Beautiful place, and some cool shops.
Nice having a chance to chat with you briefly at Vendor's Night, and too much fun that you're RogueGal's mum! You're on my short list for next year's classes...
Hi Albie, While I didn't get to meet you this year, I had the enormous pleasure of having your daughter, Christine, in my two day class. She was wonderful and made a simply amazing piece of jewelry. She should definitely continue in her jewelry making as she is meticulous and patient. It was lovely meeting her. Next year maybe I'll get to meet you, as well!
Albie, I'm so glad to hear that you had a good time and avoided the sniffles! I can hear in your voice that you are very excited and inspired. Thrilling!!
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