New Beginnings WA St Dept of Health

Inward Song

Restorative

Weaving Zen

The above three Zen Collages will be part of the "New Beginnings" Exhibit. Meditation is the New Year's Resolution.

From Tuesday, January 6 through Friday January 30, 2009, New Beginnings Exhibit sponsored by Washington State Department of Health located at the Town Center and Point Plaza East campuses on Israel Road near Capital Blvd. in Tumwater (TC1, TC2, TC3, and PPE). The art will be on display in the lobbies and other common areas of these buildings; The art is accompanied by a New Year’s resolution that functions as a secondary title for the piece.

Tacoma Comunity College Environmental Exhibit and SNOW

Corgi Reiley in the SNOW = In Olympia!!!!

The Tacoma Community College Environmental Art Exhibition begins Jan 5 - Feb 27 in The Gallery... Reception is Jan 8 4-7pm

I'm supposed to drop off the art tomorrow but considering that I shoveled over 8 inches of snow off my driveway... I'm thinking they might want to consider the driving conditions. This is Olympia - very little snow plowing of roads let alone sanding... but we'll see what tomorrow brings.

Mystic Mocha Cafe

I switch my art out every 4 months at "the coffee shop in the Dome District with an intriguing name: Mystic Mocha. Located at 402 E. 26th St., the cafe is owned and operated by Annette Hall, who says there's nothing mysterious about pouring a good cup of coffee....

Art on the coffee shop's walls, paintings and collages by local artists, complement the decor and are for sale. "I worked at that. I didn't want to throw just any old thing up there. I tried to pick things that are soothing and calm, but interesting," Hall commented"in an article called Mystic Mocha offers a coffee By Matt Nagle - Tacoma Weekly Published on: July 19, 2007.

Mystic Mocha is open seven days a week, Monday-Friday 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call (253) 272-2421.

Rainier Symphony - Painted Violin Project

This spring, Rainier Symphony will be auctioning the violins in an online event. They will also be showcasing them at each concert series and on our website. Patrons can buy them ahead of the auction time if they do not want to take the chance of being outbid. The link for the Rainier Symphony website. http://www.rainiersymphony.org/violins.html

Solo Exhibit - Woodinville City Hall

Received notification today that I have been selected for a solo exhibit at the Woodinville City hall next year. Dates will be announced once they are confirmed. Address: 17301 133rd Avenue NE, Woodinville, WA

Annual Kaynor Coach House Art & Craft Sale was very busy today. I was surprised by how many former students happened through the event. I always wonder if they keep up with their art interest after the class. Most say, its just difficult to find the time.

Rainier Symphony Violin Fundraiser Project

I just received this email.. I created the violin in 2006 and I wondered what happened to it!

My theme was Midsummer's Night Dream

Rainier Symphony is incredibly thankful for your support and the stunning artwork that you provided to us with the painted violin you so graciously provided to us. We know that it has been a while since the violins were donated to us. In this period of time, the violins have been kept in special care as we decided on the way to make the best and most appropriate use of them.We have decided to focus this year's fundraising efforts on the Painted Violin Project. This spring, we will be auctioning the violins in an online event. We will also be showcasing them at each concert series and on our website. Patrons can buy them ahead of the auction time if they do not want to take the chance of being outbid.As part of our online display, we are going to include the Artist Statement you provided with the original donation of the violin. If you have no objection, we would also like to display your website information as well with the violin so that our patrons may have more information about you and your artwork. If you would like to have your website information linked to the violin you created for us, please respond to this email. Also, if you would like to reverse link from your site to our violin auction site, please feel free to do so; we want the public to know of your great work.Thank you again for your support and your patience as we determined the best option for the painted violins.

Sincerely,

Kristine Patterson

Recording Secretary

Rainier Symphony-

Two new upcoming Exhibits

January Online Exhibit:
"On behalf on of The Sweet-Spot, I'd like to congratulate you for being our official selection for our first show in January! As we are an online gallery we'd like to offer as much as we can to promote the work of our selected artists." www.themelononline.com


Grand Opening of “THE VELVET SHOW!”
Opening reception on January 17th (Sat.) 4 to 9 PM – and the first Everett art walk of the year.
Show dates: Jan. 18th-Feb. 8th – Open hours at LAW are Sat. noon-5, Sun. noon-5 and by appt. (425-418-4644)
Location: Lowell Art Works, 5205 S2nd Ave., Everett, WA

"Eco" Colage

Someone recently asked what's with my use of Eco Collage - recycling actually has always been the mainstay of the media since collage is generally an art form that uses bits of this & that to create a design. The following list shows the common types of collage and typical materials used in each form.

TYPES of COLLAGE
AFFICHES LACERES (a-fisn lah-ser-ay') Found paper collage
ASSEMBLAGE (ah-se m-blah'j) Combination of three-dimensional objects glued to a surface
BRICOLAGE (bree-col-ah'j) Combining odds and ends in collage
BRULAGE (brew-lah'j) Burning of dampened collage materials
COLLAGE (ko-lah'j) Pasting or gluing papers or objects onto a surface
DECALCOMANIE (day-kal-k6-mahn-ee) Placing wet paint between two surfaces and pulling apart
DECHIRAGE (day-shur-ah'j) Distressed paper collage
DECOLLAGE (day-ko-lah'j) Removing, un-gluing or otherwise subtracting material from the layers of a collage
DECOUPAGE (day-koop-ah'j) Cut paper collage
FEMMAGE (fahm-ah'j) Collage art and traditional craft done by women, frequently fabric-oriented
FROISSAGE (fwahs-ajh') Crumpling or creasing of collage materials
FROTTAGE (frot-ah'j) Rubbing a design onto collage materials from a textured surface
FUMAGE (foom-ah'j) Exposing dampened collage materials or surface to candle smoke
LAYERING (lay-r-ing) Building and removing layers of collage materials; a philosophy of connecting spiritual energies with art
MIXED MEDIA COLLAGE Any combination of media with. collage
PAPIERS COLLES (pah-peecay ko-lay)Pasted papers ­
PHOTOMONTAGE: 'Collage of glued photographs or Cut out photos

As you see from the list of types of collage, this art form has always been about reusing various found objects, papers, etc. There seems to be a new movement in art to incorporate recycled or discarded materials to make "green" pieces.

My Eco Statement follows:
In today's era of heightened environmental awareness, artists are increasingly turning to junk stores, trash bins and surplus outlets to satisfy their urge to create. Every time I go to place something into my trash bag, I take a second look and ask myself how can I use that creatively in a collage? What most people would causally toss, I select for potential inclusion. It can be anything from jar lids, coffee filters, onion skin, onion bags, broken toys, split open tubes of dried paint, paper doilies, broken costume jewelry... The challenge for me is taking things that are destined for the landfill and integrating them into my art.

The use of everyday objects in art can be traced to American folk art in the 19th and 20th centuries; to the Dada movement in Zurich, Barcelona and New York in the 1910s and early 1920s; and most recently to the work of Alexander Calder, Joseph Cornell, John Chamberlain and Louise Nevelson, among others.

Creative recycling into artwork shows my green side and my effort in caring for the planet. I reuse my sumi-e practice papers by staining them or turn scrap paper into "new" handmade paper; save bits and pieces of miscellaneous junk; and the resulting collages reflect the Zen concepts of harmony and balance that I strive to exemplify.

Up Coming Holiday Shows

Enterprise for Equity Business Showcase
Date & Time : Dec 4 from 5:30-7 PM
Location: Olympia Ballroom, 116 Legion Way, Olympia
Come shop for gifts and be inspired by E4E graduates
who are starting businesses doing what they love.

2008 Fine Arts & Crafts Sale
Date & Time: Saturday Dec 13th from 10 am to 5 pm &
Sunday Dec 14th from 10 am to 4 pm
Location: State Capital Museum Coach House
211 West 21st Avenue, Olympia, WA

Environmentantal Art Exhibition Acceptance and more

Episode Four Art Exhibit "Haste Management" has been extended through December 2008 @ Visage1046 NW Johnson, Portland, OR

Think ahead, leave no plastic behind! www.LNPB.org

Also check the Eco Fashions from Portland's recent Junk to Funk runway show:

highlights, including PDX mayor-elect in a bubble wrap suit:

http://www.planetpinkngreen.com/junk-to-funk-portland-2008-hits-the-runway/

Two of my pieces have been accepted into Tacoma Community College's "Environmental Art Exhibition - January 9- February 27, 2009 www.tacomacc.edu/thegallery

Ensoul Gold Rush

Closing Reception - Banned Books - Kirkland Library

I reworked M. C. Escher's book - The Graphic Work of M. C. Escher which was almost banned due to its demonic images and nudity. I collaged various image onto of some of the images, covered up others, and added little stickers demanding the book be banned that were quotes from the group that tried to ban the book from an elementary library.

Announcement from Kirkland Library:
There will be a closing reception at the Kirkland library banned books show. Artworks include FAC artist Sarah Lovett, The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath... Please come see these refigured books. It is a hands on exhibit.Sunday December 7th 5-7 pm. Kirkland Library, on Kirkalnd Avenue, downtown Kirkalnd.

Also I have agreed to donate my "banned" book to The King County Library System Foundation to offer the art pieces at auction at the 2009 fundraiser. Last year their director, Jeanne Thorsen, arranged for all donated pieces to be beautifully displayed, with contact information about each participating artist.

I was quoted in the Kirkland Reporter article "An artistic take on banned books"
Oct 29 2008 · By Brittni Reinertsen [ www.kirklandreporter.com entertainment 10/29/08]

Artist Ellen Miffitt also recognized the political tone of this year’s exhibit.
“In this current political climate, it is very important to make sure that even more rights are not restricted by the federal government,” Miffitt said. “I don't think people realize how closely we are all monitored in the name of safety.”

Shop the Frontier - Big Recycled Basket Art Contest

I won the www.shopthefrontier.com Contest!!!! Here's my wining recycled bag:

We’re so excited about our latest recycling idea and hope you’ll join us in a contest to create wonderful, artistic gift bags made from recycled materials!At Shop The Frontier, we support recycling and re-using. We also support local artists. So when we knew it was time to order bags and baskets for the holidays, we decided to ask out arts community to join us in our efforts to promote local artists and arts by sponsoring the Big Recycled Basket Art Contest! We would like to see everyone join us in creating some wonderful, artistic gift bags and baskets for our use during the holiday season. Your signed basket will be used as a gift basket filled with wonderful handcrafted local goods.. It’s good for the environment, it promotes Shop The Frontier and it promotes your work as an artist.

AUBURN, Wash. - November 17, 2008 - White River Valley Museum and City of Auburn Arts Commission has announced the artists selected to participate in Small Works, Big Presents exhibition, which will be on view from Nov. 19 through Dec. 14. The judges Sheila Farr, Jim McDonald, and Paul Metivier selected 78 artworks submitted from the 369 entries of 141 participating artists.

Artist registration was open to all artists, and saw 32 Auburn based artists, 35 from the Greater King County, 18 from Seattle, and 40 from Pierce County and 16 from other Washington State Counties. Farr, McDonald and Metivier reviewed original works submitted for consideration and selected the following 49 artists for the exhibition:
Mike Ferguson, Jan Wieser, Gail Yampol, Mary McInnis, Donna Jean Perry, Harry Uhorechak, Jesse Schwartz, Wendy Ray, Alfred Harmon, Sonja Sheppard, Mark Jacobs, Doug Sims, Larry Ferguson, John Wise, Tis Huberth, Iris Stripling, Bill Ritchie, DeAnna Foran, Mary Zaffuto, Matthew Johnson, Iris Marshall, Marilyn Van Cleave Ullin, Paul Glasoe, Lydia Strange, Ken Strange, Ellen Miffitt, Kelly Loney, Lea Bishop, Debra Rexroat, Debra Cepeda, Marianne Harlor, Sue Jackson-Andre, Susan Apple, Helena Poortuliet, Fran Holt, George Nomura, Cole Adams, Samantha Kocsis, Lydia Sutton, Mary Johnson, Zachary Kolden, Jacqueline Argueta, Frances Buckmaster, Kathleen Fruge-Brown, Kenneth Watson, Amanda DeSilver, Scott Manthey and Barbara Christensen

The inspiration for this exhibition is to provide a unique opportunity for regional artists, while being able to offer fine art at affordable prices during the holiday season. Artists working in a wide variety of media are represented, including photography, painting, printing, and collage. All entries were limited by size in either the small (20” x 24”) or mini (6”x 6”) categories.

ABOUT THE EXHIBIT: The City of Auburn Arts Commission and the White River Valley Museum are partnering to present the first Small Works Juried Art Show and Sale. The show celebrates the diversity and creativity in the regional arts scene and showcases the work of emerging and established Pacific Northwest artists while the community is offered an opportunity to purchase fine artwork. There are two categories that artists were able to enter: Small Works & Mini Works. This is a juried show.
Cash awards for Best in Show, 1st and 2nd place, voting for the People’s Choice Award, and Preview Sales will all occur at the Preview Opening and Awards Ceremony on November 18, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Sale of the artwork will be available throughout the exhibition of which 25% of the proceeds benefit the White River Valley Museum.

ABOUT THE JUDGES: Sheila Farr is the art critic for the Seattle Times and author of books on Northwest artists Leo Kenney, Fay Jones and James Martin. Jim McDonald is an independent art curator and owner of Jim McDonald Fine Arts Services, LLC, based in Seattle. Paul Metivier teaches ceramics at Green River Community College and is a graduate of the University of Washington.

City of Auburn Arts Commission910 Ninth St SEAuburn, WA 98002253-931-3043www.auburnwa.gov/arts

Art Slam in Tacoma WA

Art Slam November 21, 20087 - 9 pm, doors open at 6:30 pm Rialto Theater, 310 S. 9th Avenue Free to the public
In celebration of the 7th anniversary of Tacoma’s Art at Work month, the Tacoma Arts Commission is hosting an Art Slam on Friday, November 21st. Doors open at 6:30 and the event runs from 7 to 9 pm at the Rialto Theater in downtown Tacoma.
What is an Art Slam? In a fast-paced format, a selection of work by local artists will be projected on the big screen. Spoken word artists will also perform as part of this year’s show. An accompanying description of artists’ work and contact information will be included in a program. Artists of all mediums and genres will show their work, ranging from the very accomplished to the up and coming. Everyone presents their work in the same format. The Art Slam is a place for artists and art enthusiasts to gather and share their work in a non-competitive atmosphere. The event is meant to be a fun, relaxed and inspiring evening, reminding us why we create art in the first place.
Join us for a reception in the Rialto lobby following the event, allowing community members an opportunity to mingle.
Read the Tacoma News Tribune article "Wham-Bam Art Sampler" here (PDF).
Participating spoken word artists:Antonio Edwards, Jr.David FewsterFarrand Green, JrElijah H. MuiedLucas Smiraldo
Participating visual and performing artists: RR Anderson, Anita Beninger, Shirley Benton, Nancy Bourne Haley, Nick Butler, Brett Carlson , E. Cheney, Heather Cornelius, Becky Frehse, T. Fuller, Kristin Giordano, Marsha Glazière, Carrie Goller, Carrie Goodnight, Justin Gorman, Deborah Greenwood, Chad Hagedorn, Ronald Hall, Connie Hardy, Cara J. Jennings, Jan Karroll, Laurie J. Kidd, Dayton K. Knipher, Mark Larson, Joyce Loveland, Andrea Lowen, Kate Lynch, Dorothy McCuistion, John McCuistion, Nancy Merkle, Ellen Miffitt, Patsy Surh O'Connell, Chandler O'Leary, Jim Oliver, Joanne Osband, Claudia Riedener, Mauricio Robalino, Jesse Ross, Holly A. Senn, Alexis St. John, Heidi Stephens, Janette Stiles, Sharon Styer, Nina Tabare, Kathy Thurston, Elliot Trotter, William Turner, Adrian Urbina, Kathyryn Cecelia "KaCe" Whitacre, Karin Williams



Naomi Strom-Avila
Cultural Arts Specialist
City of Tacoma
747 Market Street, Room 900
Tacoma, WA 98402
253.591.5191

The following link will bring you to the Enso Center's website.
For this year's annual exibit they have listed the bios of the participating artists:


http://www.enso-center.org/artists.html





Declines are part of the art world:
Decline from the Blue Heron Gallery, Vashon Island
Decline from the Artist Trust Annual Auction call for art

"Now What Do I Do?" Accepted for the Small Works, Big Presents @ the White River Valley Museum in Auburn. 11/14-12/14/2008

My updated website is now up and running through the host www.ArtSite.us This service has very easy to use templates, within 5 hours I had loaded all the copy, images, and tweaked until satisfied with the results - same domain name - www.nine-lives-studio.com

New Collages

I'm under stress due to a health issue and as a result caught a terrible cold... however I did manage to make some new collages, frame & ship art to the Enso Center in Redmond for their annual exhibit, and submit pieces to "Small Works, Big Presents" juried show at the Auburn White River Valley Musuem. The jury results will be announced soon as the show opens next week.

These mini collages have many pieces of recycled jewelry, plastic, shells or beads...

Moon Whisper (C)2008

Imperturbable (C)2008 Arygra (C)2008

New Website Host

An artist friend suggested www.ArtSites.us for setting up a website.
I found the whole process easy and within a few hours had a temp site
set up. The fee of $100.oo per year seems reasonable, they will transfer/renew
your domain name and are quick to respond to questions/problems.
I have realized the importance of not bartering for something as important
as a website. The templates are easy to understand and I copied & pasted
things like my resume, artist statements, etc...

www.nine-lives-studio.com will be up and running within a few days when the transfer of the domain name should be completed.

My Winter classes are listed as well as up-coming exhibits and my new art.

Exhibits for the Holidays

Beside the exhibits listed below I will have art at the following locations:

Box Heart Expressions
4523 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224 Phone 412-687-8858
www.boxheart.org

Mystic Mocha Café Exhibit, 402 E 26th Street, Tacoma, WA
Open seven days a week, Monday-Friday 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.,
Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call (253) 272-2421.

Rhapsody in Bloom Florist & Cafe Latte
3709 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98406 (253) 761-7673
www.rhapsodyinbloomflorist.com

Shop the Frontier - A non-profit rural marketplace
www.shopthefrontier.com

The Gallery – Bainbridge Arts & Crafts
151 Winslow Way East, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 Phone: 206-842-3132
www.bainbridgeartsandcrafts.org

White Dove Gallery
5934 88th Street SW, Lakewood, WA 98499-2905 Phone: 253-582-7859
www.whitedovegallery.com

Listed below are my exhibits - current and upcoming:

"Hypothesis "

Oct 20-Nov 14/2008 - Auburn Arts Commission, Auburn City Hall Gallery, Auburn, WA

"Foundation"

10/11-11/7 “One More Time!” Recycled Art Show, 5205 South 2nd Avenue, Everett, WA 98203

"Crobh Dearg "- Irish Goddess of the Harvest

October 30th to Nov 30th - 21st Annual Miniatures Show Cannon Beach Gallery

"Entelechy" - Nov1-28th Episode 4: “Haste Management”, Visage, 1046 NW Johnson, Portland, OR 97209 http://www.lnpb.org/

"Homage to Eve"
Nov 5 – 16 Holiday Small Works Show and Sale, C Gallery, 855 Hiawatha Place South, Seattle, WA

"Alpestrine"
Nov 14-22 Enso Center's Family Art Exhibit, Enso Center for International Arts, 8708 196th Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98053

"WHOOOOOPS"
Nov-April 2009, Whimsical Sumi-e , Pediatric Ward, Harrison Hospital, BAC Rental Program, Bremerton, WA
Nov 21 - The Art Slam – Tacoma Rialto theater , Tacoma, WA

Auburn Review, tomorrow's reception and other exhibits

Today I served as a member of the selection panel for the 2009 season of the Auburn City Hall Gallery, Cheryl Sallee Gallery and Auburn Avenue Theater.

We reviewed over 450 images from 48 artists all in five hours! The selection process went extremely well, and it was a great experience working with the other panel members because of their comments, expertise, and insight.

"Lyrical"

I was asked to hang a few more pieces as the next artist had to cancel... so I'll be at EnviroHouse until end of December. The EnviroHouse is located at the City of Tacoma Landfill and Recycling Center, which receives a significant number of visitors daily. EnviroHouse hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. The house is staffed when open.

Auburn City Hall Exhibit Opening Reception:
WHAT: Art exhibit and Artist Reception featuring work by Olympia artist Ellen Miffitt and Bellevue artist Fran Holt.
WHEN: Exhibit: Oct. 20 – Nov. 14, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through FridayReception: Wednesday, Oct. 22, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
WHERE: Auburn City Hall, 25 W. Main St. Admission is free.
AUBURN, Wash. – October 8, 2008 – Olympia artist Ellen Miffitt and Bellevue artist Fran Holt express energy in their pieces by exploring different materials and compositions. Miffitt’s collage and mixed-media works encompass harmony, balance and mindfulness gleaned from her training in Sumi-e meditation. Holt’s large oil paintings on mahogany panel are inspired by nature and have a physical presence because of their size and textile qualities.
The public is invited to experience a unique opportunity to meet and chat with the artists, enjoy light snacks, and view the exhibit on Wednesday, Oct. 22 from 5:30 – 7 p.m.
The Auburn City Hall Gallery is presented by the Auburn Arts Commission and Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation. For a 2008 Gallery Brochure or for information on other cultural arts programs, go to www.auburnwa.gov/arts or call 253-931-3043.

I have three pieces in Oct 11-Nov 7 “One More Time!” Recycled Art Show, 5205 South 2nd Avenue, Everett, WA 98203

And the upcoming exhibit @ the Enso Center:

Serving on the Selection Panel for Auburn

I have been asked to serve on the Selection Panel for the City of Auburn 2009 Galleries.
My collage work will be part of an up-coming exhibit at City Hall and a few years ago I was selected to hang my Sumi-e work there.
The selection panel includes:
Donna Smart, Arts Commissioner
Debby Deal, Arts Commissioner
Kristen Brock, Arts Commissioner
Joanne Merriman, Senior Center Representative
Amy Sie, Artist (Displayed in City Hall March 2008)
Ellen Miffitt, Artist (Currently displayed in City Hall – Oct 20)
TBD, Photographer
City Staff: Laurie Rose, Cultural Arts Manager
Maija McKnight, Visual/Public Arts Coordinator

My exhibit of recycled art has been extended at Tacoma's Enviro House. I also was asked to hang a few more pieces until Dec... So last week I produced 8 pieces including one for the Leave No Plastic Behind [www.lnpb.org] up-coming exhibit in Portland OR. Pictures soon of these new pieces.

Shop the Frontier - free shipping

Mantra

Stay warm, cozy up to your laptop and SAVE BIG! Use coupon code COOLSHIPPING during checkout to get FREE SHIPPING off any order of $50 or more before October 31st. Shop the Frontier today!
Also, don't forget to check out our overflowing clearance section at Shop the Frontier. From jewelry to housewares to fine art, we've got it all... on sale!

Shop the Frontier is a rural nonprofit marketplace -- every item you purchase a product, it assists us in providing new and better services to the community. In September, we trained local community members who were previously unfamiliar with computers, how to navigate a laptop and the internet and set up their own e-mail addresses. We also lent four laptops to community members to help them become more familiar with the day to day workings of the computer.

Temporal

Foundation

Cipher

“One More Time!” Recycled Art Show

Join well-known and esteemed artist, garden-art goddess, recycled artist extraordinaire and all-around fun gal, Kim Groff-Harrington as she guest curates this exciting show of recycled art sure to inspire, amaze, delight and educate. Demonstrate how you rethink, reduce, reuse and recycle through art!

Show Dates: October 11th – November 7th

Opening Shindig: Saturday, October 18th, 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Gallery hours for show: Saturdays 1:00 – 5:00 PM

Lowell Art Works, 5205 S. 2nd Ave., Everett, WA 98203

Small Wonders Show

Small Wonders Exhibit
continues on until Oct. 30th
at State of the Arts Gallery
500 Washington St. SE
Olympia, WA

Almost Perfect Sale & Olympia Fall Art Walk

Grumpy - Sumi-e

This weekend:

Sept 25-29 Almost Perfect Sale, The Gallery Bainbridge Arts & Crafts, Bainbridge Is., WA.

I have framed and matted Sumi-e and collage at reduced prices for the BAC annual event.

Epiphany - Colage

I was just accepted to hang from October 3rd to October 30th in "Small Wonders " at State of the Arts, Olympia, WA. The opening reception is concurrent with Olympia's Fall Art Walk from 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM on October 3.

1st 2009 exhibit

The Fireplace Gallery director Pam Kuretich at Mt. Hood Community College contacted me this morning to announce my selection for their November 2008- June 2009 solo exhibits. My exhibit will run for the month of June 2009.

I will be exhibiting my Zen Collages - artist statement below:

Ever since the cubists began splicing newspaper images into their compositions, collage has been a recognized medium for expression. The basic meaning of "collage,” comes from the French “coller”, meaning "to glue or stick". With today’s bountiful materials I find there are many mixed media techniques that can be incorporated into collage but I work at a simple approach. I incorporate circles and squares using various papers, embossed metal and a variety of ways to connect parts such as brads, wire, thread and more in a one third to two thirds layout.

Work in my new series exhibits my fully realized process of connecting mind, body, spirit and heart. In addition, the Zen concepts of balance and harmony found in my Sumi-e painting form a delicate relationship between the various surfaces in my pieces. Inspired by the seasonal palette of the Pacific Northwest, I find the act of expressing myself through collage to be renewing and healing experience.

Up-Coming Exhibits

Annual Sale at The Gallery:
9/26-29 The Gallery, Bainbridge Arts & Crafts "Almost Perfect Sale", Winslow, Bainbridge Island, WA
Exhibits:
9/25 Banned Books Exhibit, Kirkland Library, 308 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland, WA
10/ 3- 30th "Small Wonders." Starts on the Olympia Fall Arts Walk from 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM at State of the Arts, 500 Washington St. SE, Olympia, WA
10/16 – 11/ 29 - re-ART exhibition, Gallery Madera, 2210 Court A, Tacoma WA
10/20-11/14 - Auburn Arts Commission, Auburn City Hall Gallery, Auburn, WA
10/11-11/7 “One More Time!” Recycled Art Show, 5205 South 2nd Avenue, Everett, WA
10/30 from 10 - 4 view the 21st Annual Miniatures Show, Cannon Beach Gallery
11/1-28 Episode 4: “Haste Management”, Visage, 1046 NW Johnson, Portland, OR

Puyallup Fair Demo, New Creations & Classes

Saturday Sept. 6th I was volunteering in the Fine Art Department of the Puyallup Fair doing collage demo along with 4 other artists who worked in the following media: colored pencil, pastel, watercolor and acrylic. We've all had mini's accepted over the years so each of us was creating in miniature. I scanned five of my six creative efforts made during the day long sessions.
I did sell a couple of my Sumi-e miniatures so food & gas cost for the day will be covered!

Tomorrow starts the Fall quarter of classes...

Check my earlier post or my website http://www.nine-lives-studio.com/ for the class listings.

I haven't updated images on the website - webmaster changed hosts and my new PW doesn't seem to let me in.... whenever that is ironed out new images will be psoted.

Shop the Frontier has posted my watercolor pencil art work @ http://www.shopthefrontier.com/ and the remaining sumi-e have been reduced in price.

Recycled Collage Workshop for LNPB.org

Here is the announcement for my Portland, OR workshop:
9/27/08 (sat) Recycled Collage Workshop taught by fellow E4 artist Ellen Miffitt, who has offered to come to Portland and share some of her recycled collage tricks (see attached works).
Description: You're taking the plastic-free challenge, yet you're still a plastic magnet and may even be a scavenger. Choose a form to collage (a plastic container of your choice) or start with a flat surface and incorporate interesting collage techniques transforming it into a work of art. Bring your collection to work from and share. Some supplies are provided by the instructor. Instructor, Ellen Miffitt, M.S., in Art Education, is an award winning artist, whose work appears in several galleries and private collections. Visit www.nine-lives-studio.com to view Ellen's artwork.
E4 artists have first dibs, until Monday, September 1, when released to other mailing lists. Two 2-hour sessions are available for your convenience (the good kind of convenience): 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 3 p.m.
RSVP to this email by September 19th. Space is limited to 6/session. $18 for LNPB artists/friends $23 for general public. Location: Gumbo Green Room.
-- Creative (or tired of plastic)?Join Leave No Plastic Behind on August 31st, 5:30-8:30 for the LNPB Monthly, a regular, last Sunday, evening of shared creativity!At the Gumbo Green Room, 3636B N Mississippi Ave, PortlandPromote Corporate Pre-sponsibility!Plastic 'Fess Up: Saturday Sept 6www.LNPB.org

Apple Art Exhibit 9/5-10/25/08

Oracle

Just received notification that these four pieces have been accepted for Apple Art :

Fall Equinox 2

Midnight Orchard Silver Frost

Apple Art September 5 through October 25 at
Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center, 127 South Mission, Wenatchee, WA 98801 - Please visit our website at http://www.blogger.com/

Current Exhibits and an Award

Maritime Fest Art Exhibit August 21-September 14, 2008

Great Blue Heron was accepted into Maritime Museum Art Exhibit. They remodeled part of their building on Dock Street in Tacoma and have a really nice "gallery" meeting room area. Maritime Fest is next weekend so the work remain on view till Sept 14th.

Puyallup Fair Fine Art Exhibit - September 5-21, 2008

I had to go pick up my 2 declines from Puyallup today but I got a letter indicating Panacea [a collage] was awarded an honorable mention - that was a collage that I created using lino block print of a horse. I had taught a lino Block Printing class in late June. Panacea and Minstrel were entered into the 2008 Equine Art exhibit at Emerald Downs in Auburn, WA.

As far as the two declines at the Puyallup Fine Art Exhibit, I was surprised that Horse Gambado was declined but judging is all so subjective.

Four of my pieces are on display:

Dragonfly Dreams and Panacea - collages

Fall Equinox Night and Merge [2nd showing] - miniatures

http://www.shopthefrontier.org/ news

My new work will soon be listed on the "shop the frontier" website -last night I filled out online forms to list my watercolor pencil work that they accepted... sumi-e hasn't been selling. I hope the colored work draws people in. Prices reduced - Check for sumi-e bargains.

Fall Classes

Ellen Miffitt
Nine Lives Studio
PO Box 11133
Olympia, WA 98508-1133
http://www.nine-lives-studio.com/



FALL Class Schedule 2008
Sept 8, 15, 22, 29, & Oct 6 Introduction to Sumi-e – Fall Themes
Monday from 6 to 8:30 pm [five 2.5 hour classes]
Instructor Ellen Miffitt will introduce you to the four treasures: ink stick, ink stone, brush and paper. The simplicity and spontaneity of brush painting begins by learning to hold the brush, making the basic strokes, and loading the brush to create tones and depth. The goal is to break away from logical thinking and to be spontaneous in expressing with the brush.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

9/17-10/22 Introduction to Sumi-e- Fall Themes
Wednesday 9:30 to 11:30 6 weeks
Shelton Parks & Recreation - Shelton Civic Center, 525 West Cota Street, Shelton, WA 98584 - 360-426-9731

9/30 to 10/28 Ready! Set! Draw!: Drawing from the Right Side
Tuesdays from 6:00 to 8:00pm
Have you always wanted to draw - are looking for a way to express your creativity? This basic course in drawing will introduce the participant to a number different exercises that help you understand how an artist sees. These will include: upside down drawing; contour and gesture drawing; the value scale and blending techniques; and using a basic unit and sighting. Suggested reading: The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards. Bring a soft pencil (4B is good), an eraser and a sketch pad no smaller than 8 x 11 to class.
The Evergreen State College Extended Education Program - Call for more information 360-867-5515 or extendededucation@evergreen.edu

10/4 Art of Handmade Paper
Saturday 10:00AM-1:00PM
Go Green, recycle waste and have fun creating homemade papers that are perfect additions to holiday greeting cards, gift tags, wrapping paper and more! You will explore the techniques of layering and the final touches of embellishment. Some supplies are provided by the instructor, others you provide. Visit http://www.hawksprairie.org/ and follow the links to Community Education to print out the supply list.
South Puget Sound Community Collage Community Ed. 2011 Mottman Rd, Olympia WA - www.spscc.edu/class_descriptions or call 360-596-5365 SPSCC CE256WD

10/7 to 11/11Introduction to Sumi-e – Fall Themes
Tuesdays from 1 to 3 pm [6 weeks]
Instructor Ellen Miffitt will introduce you to the four treasures: ink stick, ink stone, brush and paper. The simplicity and spontaneity of brush painting begins by learning to hold the brush, making the basic strokes, and loading the brush to create tones and depth. The goal is to break away from logical thinking and to be spontaneous in expressing with the brush.
Tacoma Community College Extended Ed, 6501 S 19th St, Tacoma, WA call for class fee and registration [253] 566-6031

Oct 11 Artistic Holiday Cards
Saturday workshop from 9 am to 3 pm
Make your own holiday greeting cards [ pop-ups, collage, and some simple watercolor techniques]. Discover how simple folding, transfer, painting and collage techniques can lead to surprising and beautiful holiday greeting cards. For the Beginner to Experienced Student.
Tacoma Community College Extended Ed, 6501 S 19th St, Tacoma, WA call for class fee and registration [253] 566-6031

10/18 Sumi-nagashi - Floating Ink
Saturday from 9 am to noon
Marbleize paper in beautiful unexpected patterns the Japanese way. Work with traditional black ink as well as modern colors to create incredible designs to be used as backgrounds for watercolor paintings, stationery, gift wrap, collage, or work of art in their own right. These techniques are effective in watercolor or acrylic painting.
The Evergreen State College Extended Education Program - Call for more information 360-867-5515 or extendededucation@evergreen.edu

Oct 20, 27 & Nov 3, & 10 Painting with Water Soluble Colored Pencils
Monday from 6-8 pm – [4 two hour classes]
Want the look of watercolor and the control of colored pencil? Water-soluble colored pencils can match anything watercolor do, plus have the ability to create effects impossible with watercolor. Discover this medium's exciting versatility with techniques such as wet-on-dry, dry-on-wet, wet-on-wet, and much more! Learn about materials, tools, and techniques, and then apply this information to create a painting. Participants bring watercolor paper & watercolor pencils to class.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

October 25 Holiday Art Cards -
Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm
Make your own holiday greeting cards [ pop-ups, collage, and some simple watercolor techniques]. Discover how simple folding, transfer, painting and collage techniques can lead to surprising and beautiful holiday greeting cards. For the Beginner to Experienced Student.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

10/29-11/19 Zen with Color –
Wednesday 9:30 to 11:30 am - 4 classes
First begin by practicing brush control and continue the basic stroke study by painting the “Four Gentlemen” and the “Four Seasons” in color (with a flower representing each season). Using the refined sumi-e style, students learn to paint flowers, insects, birds, and animals with simple strokes in color.
Shelton Parks & Recreation - Shelton Civic Center, 525 West Cota Street, Shelton, WA 98584 - 360-426-9731

Nov 1 Enamel Projects for Holiday Gifts
Saturday from 9 to 4 pm
The art of creating with enamel on metal is a well-documented art form. Participants will learn basic enameling procedure and simple techniques such as stenciling, sgraffito, overglazes & underglazes on copper to create holiday pendants or pins. No prior metalwork experience necessary.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

11/4 to 11/18 Collage in a Container
Tuesdays from 6:00 to 8:00pm
In this workshop, we will create a work of art around a container or box of the students’ choice using a variety of intriguing techniques. Many of us have collections of ephemera in the form of old photographs, postcards, buttons, twine and found objects from everyday life. In this workshop, we will choose a form to collage (box, suitcase, your choice) incorporating interesting collage techniques to transform it into a work of art. Lastly, we will create our own altered paper doll as resident. For the Beginner to Experienced Student
The Evergreen State College Extended Education Program - Call for more information 360-867-5515 or extendededucation@evergreen.edu

Nov 8 Precious Metal Clay
Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm
Just in time for the holidays - Precious Metal Clay, fine silver in clay form, is used to create unique jewelry pieces in a short amount of time and then is simply fired in a kiln. Before working directly with the PMC, modeling clay will be used to explore the basic forming techniques. After you have gained the basic skills needed to work with Precious Metal Clay, the creative possibilities are endless.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Nov 15 Handmade Paper for Embellishing Holiday Projects
Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm
Not only is making homemade paper a fun experience for you, but it's a good way to recycle waste into wonderful possibilities such as envelopes, greeting cards, artwork and more. Making paper is a fun way to express your creativity and homemade papers are the perfect additions to holiday greeting cards, gift tags, wrapping paper and more!"
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

11/18 Become a Handmade Paper Artist –
Saturday from 1 pm to 5 pm
Not only is making homemade paper a fun experience for you, but it's a good way to recycle waste into wonderful possibilities such as envelopes, greeting cards, artwork and more. Making paper is a fun way to express your creativity and homemade papers are the perfect additions to holiday greeting cards, gift tags, wrapping paper and more!"
Tacoma Community College Extended Ed, 6501 S 19th St, Tacoma, WA call for class fee and registration [253] 566-6031

Nov 22 Holiday Gifts with Enamel on Metal
Saturday from 9 to 4 pm
The art of creating with enamel on metal is a well-documented art form. Participants will learn basic enameling procedure and simple techniques such as stenciling, sgraffito, overglazes & underglazes on copper to create holiday pendants or pins. No prior metalwork experience necessary.
Tacoma Community College Extended Ed, 6501 S 19th St, Tacoma, WA call for class fee and registration [253] 566-6031

Accepted for Nov Episode 4: Haste Management

Accepted for this recycled exhibit...

Visage, 1046 NW Johnson, Portland, Oregon 97209.
Leave No Plastic Behind is proud to present Episode 4: "Haste Management".
Artwork will be exhibited at Visage in November 2008, with the official opening during the Pearl District's first Thursday art walk on November 6.

Leave No Plastic Behind entrants agree to live plastic-free for the same three-month time period. A plastic-free lifestyle refrains from purchasing items that are packaged in any sort of single-use plastic, including: to-go coffee lids, plastic cups or cutlery, water, prepackaged foods, soap, shampoo, toilet paper, dish soap, laundry soap, utensils, etc. Any plastic accumulated must not be trashed or recycled curbside. During the course of these three months, artists make paintings/sculptures/mobiles/ multi-media collages, video, film, poems, music, etc using or "inspired" by the collected plastics. Photography welcome for this episode!Artists gain the exciting chance of high profile exposure, selection for future campaign promotions and being part of a truly progressive, grassroots movement for change.

Leave No Plastic Behind is working to create partnerships among artists and concerned organizations in order to raise awareness about single-use plastic in our environment and to help initiate meaningful policies against its continued widespread manufacture and use. For more information and an improved website, see www.LNPB.org.

Almost time to hang for EnviroHouse #3 in Tacoma – my recycled art is due between June 16th and the 18th. I have 10 pieces ready but wanted to get a few more done…
And of course finish framing and hang tags.

Looking Glass - Mixed Media [recycled materials] (C)2008

Also I have a new opportunity to hang in the small rural town of Republic WA where Stone Soup/Shop the Frontier is based. One of the other businesses in Republic would like to display some art work so I will send over some of my new collages. I will have to use Plexiglas so they can be shipped back after the exhibit is over. Summer time is tourist time there so I hope for some interest in my pieces.

Cheers as I recently sold a sumi-e that was in the Republic office and a pendant that was on www.shopthefrontier.org . Another sale in Olympia is one of my watercolor pencils sketches of a Jack Rabbit.

I finally finished the Artists in Cellophane art blocks – I make mini sumi-e and adhere them to the blocks and wrap them with “cellophane”. The blocks are placed in retrofitted cigarette machines for “Art-o-Mats”. There are 82 machines located here and there across the country. Their website is: www.artomat.org

Classes
As far as the classes I have offered this Spring, I have had five classes cancelled just in May for low enrollment. I also had two classes cancel in April!. The Shelton PMC class [Mason County Senior Center] had 10 people signed on but 9 [count them - nine!!!] participants cancelled out. So I will know this Friday if it will run or not. I didn’t listen to my intuition and ordered the PMC Sunday night instead of waiting to order after the first class on Monday June 2. Least I received the call before I drove all the way down to Shelton.

The “Out and About Drawing” drawing class in Bainbridge has been switched to July 30th due to lack of enrollment.
So on Wednesday July 30 from 2-4 pm I will present Watercolor Pencils - the ability to explore line within color sketches; the option to add water to blend some or all of the areas of the sketch and are very portable when working outside.

With the price of gas and fuel/heating rising – people are really watching their pennies!

Fall Schedule:
Turned in my proposals to Extended Ed @ Evergreen, Tacoma Community College Extended Ed and Encore +, Olympia parks and Recreation and South Puget Sound Community College Community Ed… Now I’m waiting for confirmation and verification of dates.

Some new watercolor pencil art work:

First Frost (C) 2008

Shore Bird (C) 2008

Switching art and late spring/summer class information

Switching Art out at The Gallery, Bainbridge Arts & Crafts:
David Sessions @ The Gallery, Bainbridge Arts & Crafts, Bainbridge Island gave me a great compliment on Wednesday when I switched out art and later did a demo sponsored by them at the Madison Retirement facility around the corner from The Gallery. The Gallery, Bainbridge Arts & Crafts is going to list online older work of their artist members but my older stuff from 2002/3 doesn't fit the $300 + rule because I was mostly doing very small pieces [14X11" framed]. I brought some 2004's and said that was when I really started to produce as I was such a late bloomer. David said my work was very mature for some one who had only been creating for basically 4/5 years. He was also disappointed that I quit painting sumi-e and encouraged me to not give up. I wish I had more gallery people like him who really believe in the worthiness of my work and support/encourage me to grow and create. I said three people recently, including Ellen Duffy the youth services director for TRL, said I need to send out my Sumi-e to art departments at publishing house. David said he should hook me up with a local published author – Experience shows that you really need an in to get your stuff seen at publishing houses or even many galleries. I will remind David – as it would be worth the drive back up to Bainbridge to talk with her!

David absolutely loved the new collages that I recently made and kept nine of the 12 collages that I brought with me. He said they are so restful due to the Zen aspect that he may hang some in the Silverdale Hospital as part of BAC’s rental program - then I get paid rent for them to be on display there!

Aurora Heliolatry

Check my website [ http://www.nine-lives-studio.com/ ] for my exhibit schedule and more detail on the various classes as well as http://www.shopthefrontier.com/

Upcoming Spring and summer classes:
NEW Class!!!
Bainbridge Arts & Crafts will offer twelve sessions of “Out and About Drawing” taught all around town by a variety of teachers. The students will bring whatever materials they like: portable easels, folding chairs, sketchbooks, drawing boards, and the drawing tools of their choice.
Wednesday June 4 from 2-4 p.m I will present Watercolor Pencils - the ability to explore line within color sketches; the option to add water to blend some or all of the areas of the sketch and are very portable when working outside.

Introduction to Basic Enameling - Thurs. 5/22-6/5 from 1 -3 pm Lakewood Community Center 9112 Lakewood Dr SW, Lakewood, WA 98499 call for class fee and registration (253) 798-4199

Painting with Water Soluble Colored Pencils –Sat. 5/31 from 9 to 4 pm Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Introduction to Precious Metal Clay – Monday 6/ 2, 9, 16, & 23 from 9:30 to noon Mason County Senior Center, 826 Railroad Avenue, Shelton, WA http://www.mcsaa.org

Design Principles: An Introduction – Monday 6/ 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 & 7/7 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Travel Sketching/Watercolor Pencil Workshop – Sat. 6/7 from 9 to 4 pm Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Art of Papermaking – Thurs. 6/12-7/3 from 1-3 pm Lakewood Community Center 9112 Lakewood Dr SW, Lakewood, WA 98499 call for class fee and registration (253) 798-4199

Design Principles - 6/18-7/23 Wednesdays 6:00pm-8:00pm Shelton Parks & Recreation - Shelton Civic Center, 525 West Cota Street, Shelton, WA 98584 - 360-426-9731

Art of Papermaking – Sat. 6/21st from 10 to 4 Burien Recreation & Cultural Services, 425 SW 144th Street, Burien, WA 98166-1545 - 260-988-3703 http://www.burienparks.net/

Relief Printing: Lino Cut – Sat 6/28 from 9-4 pm Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Children’s Art Classes -

7/14-18 - Art from Around the World from 10:00am - 12:00pm & Draw your own Comic Book from 1:00pm-3:00pm Shelton Parks & Recreation - Shelton Civic Center, 525 West Cota Street, Shelton, WA 98584 - 360-426-9731

Draw Your Own Comic Book Ages 8-12 - 7/21-25 from 9 - noon and Art from Around the World - Ages: 8-12 from 1 to 4 pm - Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

More Adult Classes:
All day Art Class - July 28, 29, 30 & 31 Lakewood P & R 4 classes 9 to 3 pm [each day different class – Art around the World, draw your own comics, fantasy sculpture and mixed media]

Art for Adults – Sat. 8/2 - all day workshop Shelton Parks & Recreation - Shelton Civic Center, 525 West Cota Street, Shelton, WA 98584 - 360-426-9731

Nature Journaling/Watercolor Pencil Workshop Sunday 8/3 afternoon workshop at the Bloedel BAC - Bainbridge Is

Art of Handmade Paper – Sat 8/9 from 9 to 1 pm South Puget Sound Community Collage Community Ed. 2011 Mottman Rd, Olympia WA - www.spscc.edu/class_descriptions or call 360-596-5365

Last set of Children's Summer Classes:

Art Sampler for Ages 8-12 - 8/4-8 - from 9 to noon and Fantasy Sculpture Ages: 8-12 from 1 to 4 pm - Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380



Fall Schedule:
Already working on the fall schedule of proposals for various teaching venues, I have been asked to teach three classes this fall for the home school students at the Olympia Regional Learning Center located in the J Rodgers Elementary School that is used as their base.

Mimic the Masters: part two
Each week a different artist will be featured. Students will use various media such as watercolor, pastel, or acrylic paint to mimic the artist’s style.
Grades 6 to 8 Monday 9:30 Sept 8-Nov 17

Open Studio: Explore your art area interest, enhance your skills and further develop techniques in the media of your choice in this open studio class.
Grades 9-12 Monday 10:30 Sept 8-Nov 17

Explorations in 3-D: Students will explore a variety of techniques to create three-dimensional art. Imaginations will soar while exploring this creative discipline, constructing a variety of original artwork using found objects, papier mâché or other materials to experiment with sculptural forms.
Grades 6-8 Thursday 11:30 Sept 11 – Nov 20

More to Come:
Evergreen Extended Education wants to repeat “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain” and “Sumi-naghashi” [Japanese paper marbling]. Need to set some dates ASAP.