Nine Lives Studio

ahhhhh

2011-06-27T12:11:00.000-07:00

here we go again
this is why I don't post anymore...
the hassel of having a different pass word and email for this blog Vs. my email account with gmail and my Poetry blog.
I just spent 45 minutes updating this blog with info about exhibits ect since March
which was my last post and even though it has automatic and save - I just lost the whole thing...

Updates from Nine Lives Studio

2011-03-22T18:32:00.000-07:00

Check out my Spring/Summer art classes offered at Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation, 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia, WA 98513 (360) 753-8063 www.olympiawa.gov/experienceit

Mailed a mini collage "What if ..." for the National Collage Society Annual "Wish You Were Here..." post card open exhibit at Downtown Gallery, Kent State University www.nationalcollage.com/

picked up my Ostrich egg for Metro Parks, Tacoma, WA contest The Great Spring Ostrich Off... http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/page.php?id=1254
Decorate This! Forget those puny chicken eggs: Apply your superior artistic talents to one magnificent ostrich egg and you could be The Great Spring Ostrich Off Grand Champion!

Eggs on display at Seymour Conservatory: April 9-29

Eggs will be judged in 3 categories: Originality - Creativity - Use of medium

Have sent in my entries for 6X6 Global a fundraiser for ROCO in Rochester, NY ready to mail. Their goal is to get over 5000 entries this year - all sold for $20 each - online sales too
http://www.roco6x6.org/

Block prints accepted for April 14- May 12th "artist of the month" @ A Dog's Dream Natural Pet Supply , Georgetown/Seattle, WA http://www.adogsdreamseattle.com/ I need to start framing!!!!

Five mini collages accepted to "The Answer" Lowell Art Works Juried Group Show - Opening Reception: Saturday,April 16th, 4-9 PM Show Dates: April 16th -May 14th, 2011 5205 S. 2nd Ave., Everett, WA 98203 http://www.lowellartworks.com/

New products using the recent block prints and some Sumi-e images on my Zazzle shop http://www.zazzle.com/nine_lives_studio

Long time since the last post

2011-03-10T01:25:00.000-08:00

Well folks, Spring keeps trying to make an appearance.

I did hear spring frogs last night! Crocus have recovered from the snow two weeks ago...

Sometimes there are just too many internet sites, blogs, twqeets etc to maintain. I'm having problems due to using two different emails and PW for a poetry blog and this art/studio blog.... just totally messes up everything so I stopped posting studio news.
I'll get rid of the bad news first:
my winter classes are crashing in mega cancellations -
5 have run waiting to hear on 4 and 12 classes out of 21 have been cancelled as far as Oly Parks, Auburn and Centralia extended ed, Sr services [Oly and Steillacom]

Now of all things, one of my ORLA classes will not run from now to June! that is the biggest blow as it is really good pay rate!

Also Hampton's Unit might cancel the once a week art activity...

it seems my jobs are self destructing. I am in shock but will just keep pushing what else can one do?

Back to the happy place:

Which includes all the block prints I've made recently,

posting a lot of art work on my zazzle shop http://www.zazzle.com/nine_lives_studio
and started a www.fineartamerica.com gallery as well... http://fineartamerica.com/art/all/ellen+miffitt/all
cyber marketing - hard to keep up with it all.
Sumi-e blank note cards are still selling well at Bainbridge Arts & Crafts and of course, at Traditions in Olympia, Love Series collage cards at State of the Arts, ...

When I taught the mandala class a few Saturdays ago that got me making more… I'm working on a 4th one – almost finished! Here are two of them....

Four Seasons

Summer Solstice

Started pushing for some exhibits in 2011:

Accepted to hang @ Greenspot - Tea House & Art Gallery, 3318 Bridgeport Way W, Suite B, University Place, WA 98466 Phone: 253-565-2832 www.greenspottea.com might be April/May....

April 29 - May 1 The Almost Perfect Sale. Every year BAC presents thousands of ceramics, jewelry, paintings, wood, and more, straight from the artists’ studios, for sale at reduced prices. Bainbridge Arts and Crafts, 151 Winslow Way East Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
www.bacart.org

2011 Artist Garage Sale!! Saturday May 21 from 10 to 3pm at the Armory. POSSCA will be asking for $1/visitor at the door as a donation to POSSCA [Patrons of South Sound Cultural Arts] to help art/music ed. Olympia Armory, 515 Eastside St SE, Olympia WA

2011 22nd Invitational Salon Exhibit of Small Works ----- Exhibit Dates: Friday May 27 to Saturday July 9, 2011 - Opening reception: Friday May 27th, 6:00 to 9 pm Location: New Arts Program, 173 West Main Street, Kutztown, PA 19530-0082

6x6x2011 - Global Fundraiser Rochester Contemporary Art Center, Rochester NY - June 4 - July 10, 2011
Opening Party & Artwork Sale: June 4, 6-10pm
7:30pm raffle for buyer positions 1-20
8:00pm all other buyers
Global Online Purchasing Begins: June 6 at 10am
Sold Out Artist Names Revealed to Public: July 1 *New! Purchased Artwork Pick-Up: July 10, 11 & 12
cash prizes: winners will be chosen by popular vote *New!

6x6x2011: Global is the fourth exhibition of thousands of original artworks, made and donated by celebrities, international & local artists, designers, college students, youths, and YOU. Each artwork must be 6x6 square inches and signed only on the back, to be exhibited anonymously. All artworks will be for sale to the public for $20 each to benefit RoCo. Artist names will be revealed to the buyer upon purchase and all artworks remain on display through July 10, 2011.

Circles: this show highlights the circle as an organizing principle found in artworks that are both realistic and abstract. Show Dates: June 13 – Oct. 16, 2011 Site location: University House Wallingford, 4400 Stone Way N, Seattle, WA

Met Vets Solo Exhibit July- September 2011 Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital, 401 Fawcett Avenue, Suite 100, Tacoma, WA 98402 (253)274-0225 www.metvetpets.com

"2011 Equine Art: The Horse... and a Whole Lot More" exhibit co-sponsored by Emerald Downs and WA Thoroughbred Foundation [WTF]. Preview party and reception July 7 at 7 pm at Emerald Downs, 2300 Emerald Downs Drive, Auburn, WA. Exhibit runs from Thursday July 7th to Sunday July 10th

As far as the writing – I’m still rolling merrily along… 161 poems since January 1st – so happy that the creativity of words http://ellen-spoetry.blogspot.com/

That's all the news here...
Keep arting!

Holiday exhibits, Winter classes and Products for sale

2010-11-26T15:13:00.000-08:00

Holiday Greetings to One and All

These first few PNW storms have been wilder than usual and I hope you weathered them safely.

Holiday Exhibits:

"Emergence" has been selected to be part of the “Nativity” Exhibit for Gallery at Capitol Hill Presbyterian. The gallery will be open Sunday, November 28th: 5:00-8:00 pm (Artists’ Reception) -- Saturday, December 4th: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm (Community ArtsFest – workshops, benefit auction, cake walk and other activities for all ages) -- Thursday, December 9th: 5:00-8:00 pm (Capitol Hill Arts Walk/ Blitz) -- Friday, December 24th: 6:00 pm (Christmas Eve Service) as well as by appointment Mon.-Fri. 10 am-2 pm: call 206-285-2282 to schedule a visit.

Art Door auction fundraiser to support Tacoma Art Place Date: Thursday Dec. 2nd. Location: Speakeasy Arts Cooperative, 746 Broadway St.,Tacoma, WA 98402

Neo-Kitsch: national small works showcase exhibition at ArtsWest. Exhibiting two mini sumi-e cats images. The dates of the exhibition are December 5 – 24, 2010. Please join us at the opening reception on December 9 from 6 – 7:30pm. ArtsWest Playhouse and Gallery, 4711 California Ave SW. Seattle, WA 98116 206.938.0963 x 115 www.artswest.org

ART for EQUAL JUSTICE 12.11.10 - I'll be donating several pieces of Sumi-e for this fundraiser that will be held at the Tacoma Art Museum on Saturday, December 11, 2010 - A gala (black tie optional) evening and art auction to support equal justice programs in Pierce County providing access to justice for low-income people facing civil legal issues. See www.tacomaprobono.org for more information

Holiday Cards

Physically my Sumi-e regular or holiday cards and block print cards may be seen at
Traditions, 300 5th Avenue SW, Olympia
Bainbridge Arts & Crafts on 151 Winslow Way East, Bainbridge Island, WA
The Gallery at Towne Centre 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA.

Other items with my art images

I have opened a small “store” on CafePress http://www.CafePress.com/9LivesStudio

and larger one on Zazzle - Products include cards, apparel, mugs, calendars…

http://www.zazzle.com/Nine_Lives_Studio

Give the gift of creativity - classes make great gifts for the holiday.

Winter Classes

Senior Services for South Sound Arcylic Class - register January 12, 13 & 14th - Friday January 21 - 9 weeks - 2 hour - Friday 1:30 to 3:30 pm $30 fee paid to instructor, material list available upon registering - contact Chris Quimby @ 586-6181 ext 123 or activitiesdir@southsoundseniors.org
222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501

Children's Book Illustration Tuesday Jan 4 – Feb 22 from 6 to 8pm – 8 classes
Enroll in this information packed class and become acquainted with the concepts of design, storyboarding and dummy construction of a children's picture book. At first the participants will work to illustrate popular fairytales, folktales, fables and legends from around the world. Discussion with a simple critique checklist will improve storyline, characters, setting and dialogues. Class time and handouts provide students with the basic tools to continue working on projects at home. For the first class, please bring pencils and a medium sized drawing pad additional materials and supplies will be discussed in class. Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gove/experienceit Call 360.753.8380

Make Prints, Make Books – Wed Jan 5 – Feb 23 from 6 to 8 pm – 8 classes This hands-on class will focus on combining simple book structures and beginning printmaking techniques to make small edition arts books. Easy to learn bookmaking such as the Japanese stab binding stitch book will lead students to understand the formal qualities of the book. Simple printing processes like linoleum cut and monoprint will be covered for students to learn how to combine text with image. Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gove/experienceit Call 360.753.8380

Draw into Print – Mon, Jan 24-Feb 7, 6-8pm - 3 classes This class will focus primarily on incorporating the drawn line into your prints and mixed media work. An intriguing hybrid among printmaking techniques, monoprints and collagraphs are a unique combination of two processes, monoprints are drawing, painting and printing, while collagraphs involve the combination of collage and printing. Techniques taught can be used to enhance mixed media art. Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gove/experienceit Call 360.753.8380

Painting What You Love Monday Feb 28- April 18 from 6 to 8 pm- 8 weeks This course is an instructional class for beginning in acrylic paint that will cover the essential elements of competent drawing skills, good composition, accurate values, exciting color harmonies and expressive textures. A course outline and materials list will be mailed upon registration. Participants provide their materials Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gove/experienceit Call 360.753.8380

Finger Painting on the Moon Tue March 1 – April 19th from 6 to 8 pm – 8 classes Jump start your creative side! Awaken the muse within no matter how dormant you may feel your muse is. With activities designed to lead you gently into a creative space, everyone will enjoy this adventure. We will work with a variety of drawing materials and explore how to develop our personal voice. Students will practice ways to overcome the fear of the blank page and find ways to start a series or develop a theme. This will be a mixed media extravaganza full of tips and prompts for a creative soul. A great way to test the water if you are just beginning or for the experienced artist to go deeper. Supply list available upon registration. Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gove/experienceit Call 360.753.8380

Painting with Water Soluble Colored Pencils Wed March 2 – April 20th from 6 to 8pm – 8 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. 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.olympiawa.gove/experienceit Call 360.753.8380

Saturday Classes

Resolution Collage in a Container Saturday Jan 8 from 9:30-3:30pm bring a lunch Start the New Year by visualizing your desires and goals into permanence, In this workshop, we will create a work of art around and inside a container or box 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 to use to collage the box. After transforming it into a work of art, students will create an altered paper doll as resident. For the Beginner to Experienced Student. Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gove/experienceit Call 360.753.8380

Studio Notecards Saturday Jan 22 from 9:30 to 3:30pm bring a bag lunch    Collage embellishment fun filled fiber art notecard workshop. Explore various techniques, such as fused collage, couching, reverse applique, and materials such as watercolor pencils, acrylic paints, and more for creating these 5" x 7" sensations.   Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gove/experienceit Call 360.753.8380

Watercolor: Textures and Techniques Supply list upon registration Sat. Feb 5 from 9:30 to 3:30pm material In this workshop you will try 15-20 techniques for achieving textures and special effects in your watercolors. You will employ colored pencils in the wash, ink line, markers, salt, wax paper, crayon, and other materials with the washes, both while wet and when dry. The morning will be spent exploring these materials and in the afternoon you will complete a work combining 5 or 6 different techniques. Some painting experience required. Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gove/experienceit Call 360.753.8380

Introduction to Mandalas Sat. Feb 12 from 9:30 to 3:30pm The word “mandala” is a Sanskrit word that is over 2300 years old translated as “circle” or “sacred center”. Circular patterns have been used throughout time in many cultures, including the Tibetan and Native American, as tools for centering and healing. In this workshop we explore the history of mandala patterns and create our own personal mandala, using oil pastel, colored pencil and collage. Using principles of geometry and symmetry present in nature, along with your own personal creativity, you will come away with new knowledge of yourself. This should be a time to let go, to play with color and design, and to have fun.   Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gove/experienceit Call 360.753.8380

Clipboard Assemblage Art – Sat Feb 26 from 9:30 to 3:30pm Create a unique clipboard assemblage using your favorite collage items, paints and mementos. Learn how to manipulate various media including acrylics, fabric, paper, text and wire. You may even dedicate your piece to a meaningful person, event or place in your life. This will be a journey you won’t forget! Supply list available at registration. Note students please bring clipboard or other surface for a base. Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gove/experienceit Call 360.753.8380

Art of Handmade Paper   Sat March 26 from 9:00 to noon   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 greeting cards, artwork, decoration for envelopes and more. Making paper is a fun way to express your creativity. A supply list with directions for making a simple mold & deckle in class will be mailed with your registration confirmation. Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gove/experienceit Call 360.753.8380

Block Printing: Linoleum Cut –   Saturday April 9 from 9:30 to 3:30pm Learn techniques for the relief printmaking process using the flexibility and ease of linoleum. A relief is achieved by carving into the surface using special tools to leave raised images. These images are then inked and printed without a press to create a dynamic and textured print that can have many layers and colors. Students have the option of creating a multi-block image or themed cards to exchange with students to complete an edition. Open to both teens and adults.   Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gove/experienceit Call 360.753.8380

Auburn Parks & Recreation 2840 Riverwalk Dr Se, Auburn, WA 98002 (253) 931-3907 http://www.auburnwa.gov/

Resolution Collage in a Container Saturday Jan 15 from 9:30-3:30pm bring a lunch - material fee $3

Start the New Year by visualizing your desires and goals into permanence, In this workshop, we will create a work of art around and inside a container or box 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 to use to collage the box. After transforming it into a work of art, students will create an altered paper doll as resident. For the Beginner to Experienced Student.

Make Prints, Make Books – Sat. Feb 19 from 9:30-3:30 pm – $7.00 material fee - bring a lunch
This hands-on class will focus on combining simple book structures and beginning printmaking techniques to make small edition arts books. Easy to learn bookmaking such as the Japanese stab binding stitch book will lead students to understand the formal qualities of the book. Simple printing processes like linoleum cut and monoprint will be covered for students to learn how to combine text with image.

Painting with Water Soluble Colored Pencils

Please note – this date will have to be changed – I goofed and have a class scheduled for Oly P, A & R … first time I ever did this!
Sat March 26 from 9:30 to 3:30pm Bring a lunch - 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. Learn about materials, tools, and techniques, and then apply this information to create a painting. Participants bring watercolor paper & watercolor pencils to class.

Block Printing: Linoleum Cut –   Saturday April 16 from 9:30 to 3:30pm Material fee $10 bring a lunch
Learn techniques for the relief printmaking process using the flexibility and ease of linoleum. A relief is achieved by carving into the surface using special tools to leave raised images. These images are then inked and printed without a press to create a dynamic and textured print that can have many layers and colors. Students have the option of creating a multi-block image or themed cards to exchange with students to complete an edition. Open to both teens and adults.

Watercolor: Textures and Techniques   Sat. May 7 from 9:30 to 3:30pm – bring watercolor paper, brushes, watercolors [dry or tube], water dishes and a bag lunch - Some painting experience required.
In this workshop you will try 15-20 techniques for achieving textures and special effects in your watercolors. You will employ colored pencils in the wash, ink line, markers, salt, wax paper, crayon, and other materials with the washes, both while wet and when dry. The morning will be spent exploring these materials and in the afternoon you will complete a work combining 5 or 6 different techniques.

“You-Don’t-Need-To-Know-A-Thing” Collage     Sat. June 4 from 9:30 to 3:30pm $5.00 material fee - bring a lunch     Collage offers versatility and flexibility. Free your creative spirit with this fast-paced, upbeat “You-Don’t-Need-To-Know-A-Thing” Introduction to Collage. Come prepared to learn the basics of collage, materials, and techniques in a supportive environment. Emphasizing fun - catch the spontaneity of a child: finding objects, bits & pieces in the most unlikely places and putting a puzzle together.

Introduction to Sumi-e Sat. August 20 from 9:30 to 3:30pm $4.00 material fee - bring a lunch
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.

Centralia Community College, 600 Centralia College Blvd, Centralia WA 98531-4099 Phone: (360) 736-9391 Toll-free from Olympia: 753-3433 36-9391 http://www.centralia.edu/

Make Prints, Make Books –   Sat. Jan 29 from 9:30-3:30 pm – $7.00 material fee - bring a lunch
This hands-on class will focus on combining simple book structures and beginning printmaking techniques to make small edition arts books. Easy to learn bookmaking such as the Japanese stab binding stitch book will lead students to understand the formal qualities of the book. Simple printing processes like linoleum cut and monoprint will be covered for students to learn how to combine text with image.

Painting with Water Soluble Colored Pencils Sat March 19 from 9:30 to 3:30pm –no material fee – bring a lunch, watercolor pencils and pad of smooth watercolor paper 90 to 140 lb and a small brush or two.
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. Learn about materials, tools, and techniques, and then apply this information to create a painting. Participants bring watercolor paper & watercolor pencils to class.

Wishing you the best Holiday ever!

Ellen Miffitt

Nine Lives Studio

PO Box 11133

Olympia, WA 98508-1133

www.nine-lives-studio.com

https://sites.google.com/site/ellenmiffittartist/ [specific for class info]

Exhibits/Sales this weekend

2010-11-04T22:25:00.000-07:00

Enso Center Annual Holiday Exhibit
My mini collages and original sumi-e blank note cards will be displayed.
2010 Enso Center Annual Art Exhibit - Opening reception November 5th 7-9:30pm. Exhibit hours noon to 5 pm on Saturday November 6th and Sunday November 7th. Location: 8708 196th Ave. NE, Redmond, WA [425] 869-0276 www.enso-center.org

Furry Faces Foundation Fundraiser donation
Donated matted Sumi-e for this fundraiser...
Auction Sunday Nov 7th at Ola Salon in 2942 SW Avalon, West Seattle
Exhibit will be hung October 24 through to the auction date…

Waiting for clarification of when to hang... Solo Exhibit for the months of November and December @ Maple Leaf Lutheran Church 10005 32nd Ave. NE Seattle, WA 98125

Sumi-e art on Cross Stitch Pattern

2010-11-04T22:20:00.000-07:00

Pat Emlet contacted quite a while ago but we finally set up a contract for use of my “Cat Enso” design to sell on cross stitch patterns and kits. http://www.cross-stitch-art.com/

Accepted for Nativity exhibit at Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church Gallery

2010-11-04T22:09:00.000-07:00

"Emergence" has been selected to be part of the “Nativity” gallery at Capitol Hill Presbyterian. The gallery will be open
Sunday, November 28th: 5:00-8:00 pm (Artists’ Reception)
Saturday, December 4th: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm (Community ArtsFest – workshops, benefit auction, cake walk and other activities for all ages)
Thursday, December 9th: 5:00-8:00 pm (Capitol Hill Arts Walk/ Blitz)
Friday, December 24th: 6:00 pm (Christmas Eve Service)
as well as by appointment Mon.-Fri. 10 am-2 pm: call 206-285-2282 to schedule.

Block Print cards...

2010-11-03T13:34:00.000-07:00

Here are a few types of "blocks" available to carve for block printing - top left to right:
Golden Lineoleum; Soft Kut Block [my favorite], Wonder block - cork with less binder
Michael's soft block, DB Blue easy cut lineoleum
I purchase materials at http://www.dickblick.com/

I printed 8 of my carved blocks yesterday - making about 10 prints each in a couple of hours... problem was where to stack them to dry! Brayer rolling water soluable ink on plexiglas...

Echinicia design is carved in Golden Leneoleum, goldfish is Soft Kut Block and the other fish is Wonder block...

I don't have a printing press and use a baren to hand rub inked block to paper... next step - pulling the print [pull paper off the block]

I also inked some Maple leaves and printed them on the Mulberry block printing paper...

I used the glue that I use to adhere my Sumi-e to cardstock but it was too wet and made the water soulable ink easy to move... today I used a spray adhesive - smeely but got the job done quickly without making the card stock too wet... I usually purchase card stock from Paper Zone and its heavier weight than the blanl cards from Jo Anns... So I have 50 cards adhered...

just need to print an info label, place that on the cards and bag them.... next stop Traditions!

2011 Winter lass Schedule - Olympia Parks and Recreation

2010-10-20T13:48:00.000-07:00

Children's Book Illustration
Tuesday Jan 4 – Feb 22 from 6 to 8pm – 8 classes –
Enroll in this information packed class and become acquainted with the concepts of design, storyboarding and dummy construction of a children's picture book. At first the participants will work to illustrate popular fairytales, folktales, fables and legends from around the world. Discussion with a simple critique checklist will improve storyline, characters, setting and dialogues. Class time and handouts provide students with the basic tools to continue working on projects at home. For the first class, please bring pencils and a medium sized drawing pad additional materials and supplies will be discussed in class.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Make Prints, Make Books –

Wed Jan 5 – Feb 23 from 6 to 8 pm – 8 classes -
This hands-on class will focus on combining simple book structures and beginning printmaking techniques to make small edition arts books. Easy to learn bookmaking such as the Japanese stab binding stitch book will lead students to understand the formal qualities of the book. Simple printing processes like linoleum cut and monoprint will be covered for students to learn how to combine text with image.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Painting What You Love

Monday Feb 28- April 18 from 6 to 8 pm- 8 weeks
This course is an instructional class for beginning in acrylic paint that will cover the essential elements of competent drawing skills, good composition, accurate values, exciting color harmonies and expressive textures. A course outline and materials list will be mailed upon registration. Participants provide their materials
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Finger Painting on the Moon
Tue March 1 – April 19th from 6 to 8 pm – 8 classes
Jump start your creative side! Awaken the muse within no matter how dormant you may feel your muse is. With activities designed to lead you gently into a creative space, everyone will enjoy this adventure. We will work with a variety of drawing materials and explore how to develop our personal voice. Students will practice ways to overcome the fear of the blank page and find ways to start a series or develop a theme. This will be a mixed media extravaganza full of tips and prompts for a creative soul. A great way to test the water if you are just beginning or for the experienced artist to go deeper. Supply list available upon registration.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Painting with Water Soluble Colored Pencils
Wed March 2 – April 20th from 6 to 8pm – 8 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. 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

Draw into Print – Mon, Jan 24-Feb 7, 6-8pm - 3 classes
This class will focus primarily on incorporating the drawn line into your prints and mixed media work. An intriguing hybrid among printmaking techniques, monoprints and collagraphs are a unique combination of two processes, monoprints are drawing, painting and printing, while collagraphs involve the combination of collage and printing. Techniques taught can be used to enhance mixed media art.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Saturday Classes

Resolution Collage in a Container
Saturday Jan 8 from 9:30-3:30pm bring a lunch
Start the New Year by visualizing your desires and goals into permanence, In this workshop, we will create a work of art around and inside a container or box 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 to use to collage the box. After transforming it into a work of art, students will create an altered paper doll as resident. 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

Studio Notecards
Saturday Jan 22 from 9:30 to 3:30pm bring a bag lunch
Collage embellishment fun filled fiber art notecard workshop. Explore various techniques, such as fused collage, couching, reverse applique, and materials such as watercolor pencils, acrylic paints, and more for creating these 5" x 7" sensations.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Watercolor: Textures and Techniques
Supply list upon registration Sat. Feb 5 from 9:30 to 3:30pm Bring a bag lunch
In this workshop you will try 15-20 techniques for achieving textures and special effects in your watercolors. You will employ colored pencils in the wash, ink line, markers, salt, wax paper, crayon, and other materials with the washes, both while wet and when dry. The morning will be spent exploring these materials and in the afternoon you will complete a work combining 5 or 6 different techniques. Some painting experience required.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Introduction to Mandalas
Sat. Feb 12 from 9:30 to 3:30pm Bring a bag lunch
The word “mandala” is a Sanskrit word that is over 2300 years old translated as “circle” or “sacred center”. Circular patterns have been used throughout time in many cultures, including the Tibetan and Native American, as tools for centering and healing. In this workshop we explore the history of mandala patterns and create our own personal mandala, using oil pastel, colored pencil and collage. Using principles of geometry and symmetry present in nature, along with your own personal creativity, you will come away with new knowledge of yourself. This should be a time to let go, to play with color and design, and to have fun.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Clipboard Assemblage Art
Sat Feb 26 from 9:30 to 3:30pm Bring a lunch
Create a unique clipboard assemblage using your favorite collage items, paints and mementos. Learn how to manipulate various media including acrylics, fabric, paper, text and wire. You may even dedicate your piece to a meaningful person, event or place in your life. This will be a journey you won’t forget! Supply list available at registration. Note students please bring clipboard or other surface for a base.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Art of Handmade Paper
Sat March 26 from 9:00 to noon
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 greeting cards, artwork, decoration for envelopes and more. Making paper is a fun way to express your creativity. A supply list with directions for making a simple mold & deckle in class will be mailed with your registration confirmation.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Block Printing: Linoleum Cut –
Saturday April 9 from 9:30 to 3:30pm Bring a bag lunch
Learn techniques for the relief printmaking process using the flexibility and ease of linoleum. A relief is achieved by carving into the surface using special tools to leave raised images. These images are then inked and printed without a press to create a dynamic and textured print that can have many layers and colors. Students have the option of creating a multi-block image or themed cards to exchange with students to complete an edition. Open to both teens and adults.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Another fundraiser and a submission to a holiday exhibit

2010-10-19T18:39:00.000-07:00

ART for EQUAL JUSTICE 12.11.10 - Saturday, December 11, 2010

I'll be donating a framed piece of work for this fundraiser to be held at the Tacoma Art Museum - A gala (black tie optional) evening and art auction to support equal justice programs in Pierce County providing access to justice for low-income people facing civil legal issues. See www.tacomaprobono.org for more information

I’ll be submitting art to Small Works, Big Presents – The Gift of Art @ The White River Valley Museum, 918 H Street SE, Auburn WA This Exhibit runs from the opening Nov 16 to December 19 www.auburnwa.gov/arts for info... keep your fingers crossed. It's a nice venue to have an exhibit.

upcoming happenings

2010-10-18T22:25:00.000-07:00

I'll be taking this workshop on Sunday:
WRITING DEEPLY - A Poetry Writing Workshop
DATE: SUNDAY, October 24, 2010 at 2-4 p.m.
PLACE: Urban Grace Church, Room 208
COST: $10 (suggested donation)
RSVP to tamsugah@aol.com
Writers & Poets:
Coping with trauma and pain is often the price of admission to a creative life. How can you harness those life experiences or memories--oftentimes painful or uncomfortable--recall them, write about them, and then turn them into poems?

This 2 hour writers workshop will focus on reading topic-relevant poetry on emotionally difficult subject matter, writing exercises, discussion, reading and sharing of each others work. This will be a supportive poet's environment focused on listening and helpful suggestions for improvement rather than intensive critique.

Enso Center Annual Holiday Exhibit - I'll be participating in this exhibit with original Sumi-e cards, matted art and some small framed collages...

2010 Enso Center Annual Art Exhibit - Opening reception November 5th 7-9:30pm. Exhibit hours noon to 5 pm on Saturday November 6th and Sunday November 7th. Location: 8708 196th Ave. NE, Redmond, WA [425] 869-0276 www.enso-center.org

Furry Faces Foundation Fundraiser donation - I've contributed four matted Sumi-e for this fundraiser. Exhibit will be hung October 24 through to the auction date…Auction Sunday Nov 7th at Ola Salon in 2942 SW Avalon, West Seattle

I have an upcoming Solo Exhibit for the months of November and December @ Maple Leaf Lutheran Church 10005 32nd Ave. NE Seattle, WA 98125

I will have ten images presented at the Art Slam - Sponsored by the Tacoma Arts Commission on Nov 17th from 7 to 9pm at the Rialto Theater in downtown Tacoma. Art Slam will also be available for viewing on Click! On Demand's Tacoma Art & Culture channel through Dec 2011

I'm going to create a piece for this fundraiser - Art Door auction fundraiser to support Tacoma Art Place Date: Thursday Dec. 2nd. Location: Speakeasy Arts Cooperative, 746 Broadway St., Tacoma, WA 98402

I've been selected to hang my art at Met Vets Solo Exhibit July- September 2011 – Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital, 401 Fawcett Avenue, Suite 100, Tacoma, WA 98402 (253)274-0225 http://www.metvetpets.com/

Tree Sprite images

2010-10-15T20:14:00.000-07:00

This Wednesday I completed my 22 Tree Sprite images. I had watercolored 7 of them about five years ago. It only took me a couple days to complete the total and touch up the originals...
the blue" sky is showing up a more medium blah gray - hmmmmm need to improve my photo skills!

Water Sprite series

2010-10-07T20:07:00.000-07:00

Below are the first six images of twenty-two started in last week of August

Last night I finished the last details including the worm that teases the Water Sprites goldfish.

The Water Sprite rides around the pond seeing all the insects and fellow residents: frogs, turtles, crayfish and more... I used watercolor, watercolor pencils and to highlight the worm, ink.

The pond water was created by sprinkling the blue wash with salt nd the sandy bottom was spattered with watercolor to indicate sand...

Furry Faces Foundation Donation

2010-10-07T19:57:00.000-07:00

Art work will be hung from October 26th until the auction on Sunday November 7th in the after noon. Location: Ola Salon, 2942 SW Avalon, West Seattle

Furry Faces Foundation, a.k.a. --having fun...while raising money for animals --
Teri Ensley, Leader

206-932-1652 furryfaces@hotmail.com www.furryfaces.org
www.facebook.com/pages/Furry-Faces-Foundation/119492341396607?ref=ts

Get Away from Me

Kitten Attack of the Mouse Toy

Mountain and Hut #7

Doris Day Z's Yarn Play

tidy art room

2010-10-03T19:46:00.000-07:00

Yet again, reorganizing my little studio...
It felt too crowded so I removed the large closet door I was using as a table and replaced it with a smaller door....

the last few days, I have been working on my 22 drawings turned watercolor of a water sprite. The sun light was coming in on my right and covering my design with shadow from the brush... so last night I moved my work desk so no the light will come straight at me...

left is art work surface and right side is office work space -
all tidy and ready to begin again

Olympia Film Society Silent Auction info

2010-09-25T12:20:00.000-07:00

OFS Mezzannine Gallery Presents...
Olympia Film Society @ Capitol Theater
3rd Annual Silent Art Auction 5 pm-10pm
Free Admission
Best of Local Annimated Shorts
followed by Flamenco Luz - live performance 7-9 pm

What's new at Nine Lives Studio

2010-09-24T12:40:00.000-07:00

Long time since last post - finished kid's classes in mid August, my daughter came up for a week, prepared for fall classes....

but it's official seven classes have been canceled already this fall.... I know how everyone is struggling financially - hope you will consider taking a class! class list on this site https://sites.google.com/site/ellenmiffittartist/

I will be doing a demo/hands on at Daniel Smith in Seattle on Dec 13th noon to 2 pm - Watercolor Pencil...
I bought this cute child's rocking chair for the 2011 Chair Affair fundraiser that helps the NW Furniture Bank. Silent auction in held at TAM in Tacoma in the early spring...

There's a few more days to view the Fine Arts Exhibit at the Puyallup Fair...
it's a great exhibit – I have two mini’s and a mixed media piece exhibited this year.

BAC Almost Perfect Sale starts today and goes over the weekend... Bainbridge Arts & Crafts, Bainbridge Island, WA I brought up some mini collages and some sumi-e…

Merrill Gardens activity director is going to have me help residents design a holiday card for the annual contest sponsored by Merrill Gardens for their residents… then in January I will stop by every second Wednesday afternoon to provide an art experience for Olympia Merrill Gardens residents.

Although I’ve been slow on adding new work on the website, I will capture my annual fall burst of energy and direct it into new pieces… When my daughter was viiting from Oakland, I drew and started to color in a series of 22 images of a water sprite – keeping in mind children’s book illustration. Backgrounds are done - filling in with watercolor pencil...

I have been creating by writing lots of poetry – one to three a day! Total written to date = 449 http://ellen-spoetry.blogspot.com/

I will have two collages on a CD cover for a new music group in Seattle... Maestro Sidereus and the Mysterious Syzygy…

Midnight in the Orchard

Fall Equinox II

Donated a piece to the Olympia Film Society auction fundraiser coming up… soon. Will post the dates later. Flight Dreams a min collage

Other news from NLS

2010-08-15T17:36:00.000-07:00

Fall classes just around the corner… check these websites for more info:

Auburn Parks & Recreation 2840 Riverwalk Dr Se, Auburn, WA 98002 (253) 931-3907 www.Auburnwa.gov/arts

Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gov/experienceit Call 360.753.8380

Centralia Community College, 600 Centralia College Blvd, Centralia WA 98531-4099
Phone: (360) 736-9391 ext 427 http://www.centralia.edu/academics/cont-ed

Additional classes added:
"You-Don't-Need-To-Know-A-Thing" Collage Thurs Sept 16 - Oct 21 - no class oct 14th
Collage offers versatility and flexibility. Free your creative spirit with this fast-paced, upbeat “You-Don’t-Need-To-Know-A-Thing” Introduction to Collage. Come prepared to learn the basics of collage, materials, and techniques in a supportive environment. Emphasizing fun - catch the spontaneity of a child: finding objects, bits & pieces in the most unlikely places and putting a puzzle together.

Centralia Community College
Manga age 16 to adult Sept 18th from 9:30 to 3:30
Basic Enameled Jewelry Dec 11 from 9:30 to 3 pm material fee $20

Fall Senior Services for South Sound Arcylic Class - 9 weeks - 1.5 hour - Friday 2:30 to 4 pm contact Chris Quimby @ 586-6181 ext 123 or activitiesdir@southsoundseniors.org location: 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501

Waiting to hear from entries to the Fine Art Exhibit at the Puyallup Fair:
sent in two mini collages and two mixed media up with a fried last week.

Heard back from a group of musicians that want to use my mini collage/s on the covers of their new CDs… they’re Seattle based – work day jobs and do their musician gigs whenever possible. Midnight in the Orchard will be used for their Luna CD and they are deciding on others - its a series of four CDs!!

Last but not Least!!!
My daughter and grandson come up the 24th and I have a whole bunch of projects saved for Grammy and them/him to create with! Plus we must get out and pick some blueberries...

Samples for various classes

2010-08-15T13:04:00.000-07:00

Here are some demo work done for and while the students were painting, etc...

Name Design

practice control and brush work

demo of sprinkle salt, wax resist, alcohol drops, back wash, wax papr paterns

watercolor pencil drawing

watercolors

August and one set of kids classes to go!

2010-08-15T12:57:00.000-07:00

What a busy summer – only one children’s week long art class was cancelled.

Next week I’ll be in Shelton with back-to-back comic and art around the world classes for 8-12 aged kids…

Character sheet and first page of a story

Student work from watercolor class age 12-16 last week at Oly Parks and Rec…

Summer is flying by - teaching all thoses kids!

2010-08-08T15:53:00.000-07:00

Here’s the latest happenings from Nine lives Studios…

Busy summer with teaching children’s art classes – so far only one has been cancelled due to low enrollment…

Marine and Ocean life adventures age 8-12

Featured stencil wind sock, stencil t-shirt, shell wreath, sea monster sock puppet and the color your own beach ball among other projects such as watercolor and collage…

acrylic on canvass mimic van Gogh

Media Sampler age 8-12

Featured charcoal, pastel & white chalk; acrylic on canvass sheets; watercolors; pen & ink, colored pencils; poster paint, watercolor pencils

pen & ink samples for drawing a castle

student working on his castle

sample of a Paul Klee inspired poster paint painting

working with students - watercolor pencil pieces

Tomorrow I have back to back classes for 12-16 year old students…

Manga – Japanese style comic drawing from 9 to noon and Watercolor from 1 to 4 pm…

The following week it looks like the Shelton Parks & Rec classes will run even though the enrollment is low 6 for Comic Book & 5 for Art from Around the World. I hate to disappoint kids…

Only gives me a few days to attack the house before my daughter comes to visit with Eamon – my grandson, who is now 4.5 - how fast they grow! I have a lot of art projects set aside for him and grandma to do!

Art Rageous – wow, I left the house early, got there early and was like a popsicle all day. Crazy weather! I almost grabbed a fleece jacket but said to myself – it’s August. Its summer… luckily I changed from shorts to jeans and wore socks. It was a heavy soaking PNW mist, then a downpour, then mist, dry, downpour… not as many participants as was expected. Started at 11 and was very slow, picked up from 12:30 to 3ish and tapered off as far as people participating with all the various art projects offered. Last year they had over 3 thousand – don’t think they had a thousand this year! Luckily I was able to pack up quickly and as I was pulling out at 4:30 it began to pour!!!!

I did sell one Sumi-e, had fun talking, met nice people and encouraged many to try their hand with the brush… and got a wild idea… I basically stopped painting Sumi-e except for cards and Art-o-Mat blocks – very sad but I have stacks of unsold work. Another presenter works in encaustic and causally mentioned she really liked how light weight the sumi paper was. She said it was perfect for embedding in wax. To which I replied, I’ve been meaning to try encaustic to get away from frames/glass/mats… The she said, oh, sumi-e paper works beautifully… just use the bees wax. Also a comment from a friend about my poems being Zen like and how my Sumi-e goes with many of my poems. Does this sound like a great marriage… my sumi, my poetry and encaustic. OK its off in another direction but I think its unusual enough to be a hit.

Teaching Around the South Sound
I received a confirmation call from The Hampton’s – an Alzheimer facility – from the contact person about giving an art lesson one hour per week four times a month– twice in one unit and twice a month in the other. I start in September ...

ORLA [Olympia Regional Learning Academy] art classes start in Sept for home school children - Timeline of Art 10:40 to 11:40 grade 6-8 Tuesday Sept 14th and Unique Collaborations - ORLA grades 6-8 9:30 to 10:30 on Wednesdays...

AND last but not least - Senior Services for South Sound will offer an Acrylic Class for 9 weeks - 1.5 hour –on Friday 2:30 to 4 pm - call the SeniorCenter for registration information... 586-6181 ext 123 222 Columbia St NW, Olympia, WA

Art Rageous Auburn

2010-08-02T21:25:00.000-07:00

I'll be presenting Sumi-e to the wonderous crowd at Art Rageous this weekend...

Article in the local Auburn Reporter about ArtRageous: http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/aub/community/99509024.html

Long Time no newsssss... busy teaching!

2010-08-01T13:27:00.000-07:00

I've been busy teaching kid's art classes at Olympia Park & Recreation at the Olympia Center...

here are a few pictures of some masks made in Fantasy Sculpture.

these are plaster strips placed over a balloon - an additive type of sculpture...
close ups of two of the masks...

note sharp pointy teeth!

Base relief with some collage tendencies...

Check out this award one of the students made and gave to me!
Made my day...

Tomorrow starts an afternoon class for age 8 to 12 year old - Art Sampler: charcoal/pastel; watercolor; acrylics on canvas paper; pen & ink and watercolor pencils; and last day poster paint and colored pencils & permanent markers/regular marker projects

The next week I present Manga - Japanese style comic book crafting and watercolor in the afternoon. Both classes are for 12 to 16 year old - check the Olympia Parks and Rec website for more info or to register...
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gov/experienceit Call 360.753.8380

NLS News...

2010-07-15T22:00:00.000-07:00

I signed up for this poetry workshop... presentations tips will carry over to my art work....

Sunday, July 18, at 2-4:30 p.m.

Poetry Performance Workshop: Reading Your Work Aloud in Public
Join guest teacher, writer, playwright & actress Kisha X. Palmer as she leads discussions with poet laureate and former public speaking instructor, Tammy Robacker on how to read poetry aloud, combat nervousness, impromptu reading and confidence building. Special appearance and performance by two local Spoken Word artists: Josh Rizeberg and Quincy 'Q Dot' Henry. Both poets will visit to perform, share pointers and inspiration on memorization and stage presence. Attendees are encouraged to bring 2-3 of their own poems for classroom activities and stand up exercises. Don't be shy! Join in the fun!

CLASS LECTURE TO INCLUDE THESE TOPICS:-
Stage as Sacred Space
A discussion on the privilege of being on stage and the dynamics inherently at play before you even open your mouth as the performer

Attitude of gratitude
Letting the audience take you in
Exercise: Entrance and Exit-Walking the Plank - an exploration of the way we carry our bodies

-Timing is everything
A discussion of the value and importance of reading out loud at home, an exploration of the pause-and what kind of eye contact do you use?
Exercise: Styles (we will practice diferent styles of speech --operatic, twang, loud, super fast) with text and then find a neutral.

-Your audience wants to love you
A discussion of the attitude and assumptions that might keep us from being our brightest best self at our readings!
http://tammyrobacker.blogspot.com/

News from the National Collage Society

National Collage Society, Inc. , 254 West Streetsboro Street, Hudson, OH

[didn't get an award but fun to be part of this exhibit...]
2010 13TH ANNUAL POSTCARD EXHIBIT

LOCATION:The Mansfield Art Center: Mansfield, OH and
DATES: June 20, 2010 through July 25, 2010

http://nationalcollage.com/exhibitions/10pc.html 13 winners images

Craig Lucas, Kent State University Emeritus Professor was the awards judge for this year's exhibit and had this to say:

"I really enjoyed the necessary concentration because of the postcard format limitation. I was pleased with the dimensionality-texture of some of the works. Several I selected were of that nature. I was drawn to the collages that were, for want of a better description - 'poetic', that is there was some sense of scale, in surprise of color or rhythmic incident that played a part in the composition. The range of expression was impressive."

Auburn Parks and Recreation Fall Classes

2010-07-11T14:34:00.000-07:00

Here is my confirmed schedule for Auburn Parks and Recreation Fall Classes offerings...

Painting with Water Soluble Colored Pencils
Ages: 12-16 Sep 26 Sunday 12-5pm #33078 Fee: $52/$65

Have the control of colored pencil with the look of watercolor. Water-soluble colored pencils can match anything you can create with watercolor, plus you will have the ability to create effects impossible with watercolor. Discover the exciting versatility of this medium. Learn about materials, tools, techniques then apply your skills to create a painting. Bring Bristol paper or 90/100 lb smooth surface watercolor or heavy drawing paper and watercolor pencils to class.
Location: Les Gove Park Building

Manga
Ages: 12-16 Oct 10 Sunday 12-5pm #33079 Fee: $52/$65
Illustrate your own action-adventure, comedy or fantasy writing in a single episode to be continued in your next issue or collection of stories. Learn to draw in the black and white manga style, which means whimsical pictures in Japan. With basic drawing skills and your imagination you will develop your characters and storyline. Bring sketch book, pencil, eraser, and black permanent fine line marker to class.

Location: Les Gove Park Building

Basic Enameled Jewelry Workshop
Ages: 16 and over Nov 20 Saturday 9:30a-3pm #33081/33082s
Fee: $62/$78; Senior Discount Fee: $57/$72 Supply fee $20.
Location: Parks, Arts & Rec Admin Bldg
Come create pendants, pins and a pair of earrings to keep or for gift giving. Participants will learn basic enameling procedure and simple techniques such as stenciling, sgraffito, overglazes and underglazes on copper. No prior metalwork experience necessary.

Precious Metal Clay Jewelry Workshop
Ages: 16 and over Dec 5 Sunday 12-5pm #33083/33084s Fee: $62/$78; Senior Discount Fee: $57/$72 Location: Parks, Arts & Rec Admin Bldg

Precious metal clay, fine silver in clay form is used to create unique jewelry pieces and is then fired in a kiln. Explore creating small pendants and earrings to keep or for gift giving. Modeling clay will be used to explore the basic forming techniques. The creative possibilities are endless. Precious Metal Clay material fee is approximately $35-45.

Equine Art and Kids arts classes

2010-07-11T13:39:00.000-07:00

Equine Art Exhibit reception...
cool temperatures within Emerald Downs!

My son took the photos and kept making me laugh..
hence the return laughter! His reflection is in the glass...
so much for a "serious" artist type photo!

Had two back to back Comic Book classes Tue-Friday at the Olympia center for the Parks and Rec... 9 to noon and 1 to 4 pm. Both classes had 12 students age 8-12 - WOW... what energy! Here is one of the students using the light box... Even though the class was 3 hours most managed to really focus and produce really nice work. I did break out the "Garfied" cartoon books for the last hour - quiet reading and silence... thankful for their elementary teachers who instill the habit of quiet reading!

more student classes coming soon...

Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA www.olympiawa.gov/experienceit
Fantasy Sculpture Ages 8-12 July 19-23 9:30 to noon

Art in the Middle Ages and Today Ages 8-12 July 19-23 1 to 3:30pm

Art from Around the World Ages 8-12 July 26-30 9:30 to noon

Ocean and Marine Life Art Adventure Ages 8-12 July 26-30 1 to 3:30pm

Art Sampler Ages 8-12 August 2-6 from 1 to 4

Manga Ages 12-16 August 9-13 9 to noon

Explorations in Watercolor Ages 12-16 August 9-13 1 to 4pm

Shelton Parks & Recreation - Shelton Civic Center, 525 West Cota Street, Shelton, WA 98584 - 360-426-9731 http://www.ci.shelton.wa.us/parkrec.php

Draw Your Own Comic Book Ages 8-12 August 16-20 9 to noon

Art from Around the World Ages 8-12 August 16-20 from 1to 4 pm

Equine Art 2010 The Horse... and a Whole Lot More

2010-06-29T19:36:00.000-07:00

2010 Equine Art: The Horse and a Whole Lot More... at Emerald Downs in Auburn, WA. Sponsored jointly by Emerald Downs and WA Thoroughbred Association. Shipped them today Exhibit is July 7th until Sunday the 11th... Reception is Wed. July 7th 7pm...

Impetuous Collage and Mixed Media

“When astride him, I soar, I am a hawk, The earth sings when he touches it….” William Shakespeare

Repartee – Mixed Media -

“Through his mane and tail the high wind sings, Fanning hairs, who wave like feather’d wings…” William Shakespeare

Mixed Media

2010-06-23T23:12:00.000-07:00

finally getting to those blank stretched canvass
Mixed Media -

Ruston's Adirondack Chair Fundraiser announcement

2010-06-19T11:53:00.000-07:00

Tacoma its Traveling Suitcases; now Ruston has added to the list by inviting 21 local artists to create masterpieces on Adirondack chairs. The results are spectacular and will be displayed on the town’s quaint grassy boulevard from June 21st to July 4th. The event kicks off with a reception on Monday, June 21st from 5 to 7 pm on the median at 51st and Winnifred Streets.

21 artists from Everett to Olympia have jumped on board, donating their talent to create distinctive works of art that will be sold to the highest bidder. Net proceeds benefit Ruston Arts and Parks, leaving a lasting legacy for the community to enjoy.

From the bright colors on the chair created by Lucia Kryger to the windswept summer feel of the chair by Chris Cozine, each chair offers a different style and a glimpse at the talent of our local arts community. Seven of the 21 artists are from Ruston, a town of only about 1,000 residents. Creative juices run free in this small town, where small town America survives surrounded by urban Tacoma.

Ruston has survived a rough transition from a company town that housed one of the country’s primary copper smelters to one of the region’s high-end neighborhoods. Local news reports often focus on the challenging political scene and neighborhood squabbles, but this event brings the community together in positive ways to celebrate the creative, committed artists who make our world a better place.

###########

For more details on each artist or to preview the chairs, contact Lucy Davis at (253) 756-5392 or lucygdavis@gmail.com or Ginger Kryger at (253) 752-3041 or gingerkryger@comcast.net.

Participating artists:
Colett Judd, Ruston
Elise Lindberg, Packwood
Michael Coucoules, Ruston
Laurie Dahl Isacson, Olalla
Chris Cozine, Tacoma
Irina Fernandez, Seattle
Dawn Gossage, Ruston
Lucia Kryger, Tacoma
Mary Mann, Tacoma Students of SAMI, Tacoma
Amanda DeSilver, Everett Jr. Demei & Casey Kryger, Ruston
Miriam Weldon, Ruston
Ellen Miffitt, Olympia
Lindsay Larsen, Tacoma
Heidi Grace Kress, Ruston
Stephanie Bennett, Tacoma
John Armstrong, Tacoma
Ben Meeker, Vashon
Spencer Monahan, Ginger Kryger & Lucy Davis, Ruston

Sand in the City - Hands on Childrens' Museum

2010-06-17T18:59:00.000-07:00

Hands On Children's Museum committee for Sand in the City contacted me to be their local artist on the sand sculpture judges panel. Sand in the City 2010 is an event to help fund free and reduced programs at the museum. The date for completion of the sand sculptures and judging is August 27th. http://www.hocm.org/

photograph by Aaron Barna Photography

Fall 2010 Art Classes Oly Parks & Rrecreation

2010-06-16T18:25:00.000-07:00

Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gov/experienceit Call 360.753.8380

Design Principles: An Introduction Monday Sept 13-Oct 4 [4] from 6 to 8pm

DESIGN is the basis for all other art courses and it includes the elements and principles of art. The material will be presented through hands on studio problems in two dimensions. These will cover line, shape, texture, value and color. Also the topics of balance, unity repetition, and other principles will be introduced through simple projects. These exercises will provide you with the tools to create compositions in any medium. Bring pencil, eraser, pad of Bristol paper 11”X14”

Introduction to Sumi-e Tues Sept 14- Nov 2nd [8] from 6 to 8 pm

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.

Ready! Set! Draw!: Drawing from the Right Side Wed Sept 15 –Nov 10 [9] 6 to 8 pm

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.

Block Printing: Linoleum Cut – Monday Oct 18-Nov 1 [3] from 6 to 8 pm

Learn techniques for the relief printmaking process using the flexibility and ease of linoleum. A relief is achieved by carving into the surface using special tools to leave raised images. These images are then inked and printed without a press to create a dynamic and textured print that can have many layers and colors. Students have the option of creating a multi-block image or themed cards to exchange with students to complete an edition. Open to both teens and adults.

Zen Brush with Color Tuesday Nov 9 -30 [4] 6 to 8 pm

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. the instructor will provide paper and all other materials.

Definitely not your Mother's stenciling Monday Nov 8 – 30th from 6 to 8 pm

This stenciling class is suited for everyone with a desire to learn the art of stenciling. Basic stenciling, free form, stacking, shading and free hand embellishments are taught. Come learn proper brush loading, paint application and shading to achieve stunning results. Stencil repair and cutting is also covered. Participants will need to bring an article of clothing, tote bag and/or some fabric squares each week to work on.

SATURDAYS:

Painting with Water Soluble Colored Pencils Sat. 9 to Noon Sept 25, Oct 2, 9, 16, 23

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. Learn about materials, tools, and techniques, and then apply this information to create a painting. Participants bring watercolor paper & watercolor pencils to class.

Manga age 12-16 Saturday 1 to 4pm Sept 25, Oct 2, 9,16, 23

Are you a fan of anime and manga? In Japan, people of all ages read manga ["whimsical pictures"]. Are you interested in learning to draw in the black and white manga style – then this is the class for you! Illustrate your action-adventure, comedy, or fantasy writing in a single episode - to be continued in the next issue or collection of stories. Basic drawing skills and more that you need to know to develop your characters and storyline. Bring sketch book, pencil, eraser, and black permanent fine line marker to class.

Handmade Paper for Embellishing Holiday Projects Saturday Nov 6th 9 to noon

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!" A supply list with directions for making a simple mold & deckle and press will be mailed with your registration confirmation.

Holiday Art Cards Saturday Nov 6th 1 to 4pm

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

Basic Enameling Jewelry Saturday Nov 13th from 9 to 3 pm

The art of creating with enamel on metal is a well-documented art form.
Come create some pendants, pins and a pair of earrings for gift giving. Participants will learn basic enameling procedure and simple techniques such as stenciling, sgraffito, overglazes & underglazes on copper. No prior metalwork experience necessary.

Precious Metal Clay Jewelry Sat Dec 4th from 9 to 3 pm

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. Explore creating small pendants and earrings for your own unique jewelry or for gift giving in this class. 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.

Mixed Media and More Exhibit - State of the Arts

2010-06-16T15:05:00.000-07:00

State of the Arts, Olympia, WA
Pardon my dust...we are putting up our new show called Mixed Media and More. On the photos below the one on the left is by Ellen Miffitt. The title is Into the Void. The other 2 pieces are Bride and Groom by Carol Hannum . The funny cat mirror is by Stevo who has made a lot of new ones. The mirror he made called, You are My Hero would make the perfect father’s day gift.

State of the Arts Gallery, 500 Washington St. S.E., Olympia, WA 98501

360/705-0317 Hours: Tues. - Fri. 10 to 5:30 Saturday 11 to 4-ish

Other hours by calling.

Auburn’s ArtRageous: Artists in Action Art Fair

2010-06-14T21:20:00.000-07:00

Auburn’s ArtRageous: Artists in Action Art Fair

Saturday, August 7, 11- 4 pm at Auburn’s Les Gove Park
Hands-On Art Activities – Demonstrations – Art Market – Food – Music – and More!

This FREE one-day art extravaganza celebrates the visual arts and invites attendees to both observe techniques and create their own artwork. Artist in action booths will include:
· Spray Paint Stenciling with CASH

· Bird Sculptures with Therese Buchmiller

· Book Making with Paste Paper with Kathleen Gray

· Lithography with Mirka Hokkanen

· Woodburning with Paul Langston

· Encaustic with Tia Matthies

· Sumi-e with Ellen Miffitt

· Watercolor with Scott Mulholland

· Metalworking with Amy Reeves

· Clay Masks with Amaranta Sandys

· Woodcarving with Michael Taskey

· Metal Relief Tiles with Michele Van Dals

· Instrument Petting Zoo with the Auburn Symphony Orchestra

· Quilting with White River Valley Museum

· Dance Performance by Pacific Ballroom Dance

· Community and Art Organizations

· And much more!
Also planned are two unique projects, Travelling Art Encampment and Plein Air in the Park that are seeking artist involvement.

Travelling Arts Encampment

The Travelling Arts Encampment is an interactive temporary art installation, inviting artists and the festival attendees to create tents and shelters throughout Les Gove park. Using non-traditional materials, the installation will imagine and inspire a new type of shelter. Artists will create the tents prior to the festival that will serve as the inspiration for creation throughout the day. To participate and to create a tent prior to the event for installation, contact tentshows@gmail.com.

Plein Air in the Park

Coordinated by Artist Frances Buckmaster, Plein Air in the Park invites artists for all or part of the day to come with an easel and paint or drawing supplies and capture the environment around them. To participate in Plein Air in the Park as part of ArtRageous, contact Frances Buckmaster, fbuckmaster@ix.netcom.com.

Earlier this year, Auburn’s 2009 ArtRageous: Artist in Action Art Fair received the top “Spotlight Award for Program Excellence” for Events, Fairs and Festivals from the Washington State Parks and Recreation (WRPA) honoring public agencies for outstanding and unique achievements.

For additional information, please visit www.auburnwa.gov/arts or contact the City of Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation Department at 253-931-3043.

ArtRageous is presented by the City of Auburn and made possible with the generous support from 4Culture.

proposed Olympia Parks and Recreation fall classes

2010-06-09T20:21:00.000-07:00

Oly Park & Rec Fall 2010

Design Principles: An Introduction Monday Sept 13-Oct 4 [4] 6 to 8pm
DESIGN is the basis for all other art courses and it includes the elements and principles of art. The material will be presented through hands on studio problems in two dimensions. These will cover line, shape, texture, value and color. Also the topics of balance, unity repetition, and other principles will be introduced through simple projects. These exercises will provide you with the tools to create compositions in any medium. Bring pencil, eraser, pad of Bristol paper 11”X14”

Introduction to Sumi-e Tues Sept 14- Nov 2nd [8] 6 to 8 pm
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.

Ready! Set! Draw!: Drawing from the Right Side Wed Sept 15th - Nov10 rd [9] 6 to 8 pm
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.

Block Printing: Linoleum Cut – Monday Oct 18-Nov 1 [3] 6 to 8 pm
Learn techniques for the relief printmaking process using the flexibility and ease of linoleum. A relief is achieved by carving into the surface using special tools to leave raised images. These images are then inked and printed without a press to create a dynamic and textured print that can have many layers and colors. Students have the option of creating a multi-block image or themed cards to exchange with students to complete an edition. Open to both teens and adults.

Zen Brush with Color Tuesday Nov 9 -23 [3] 6 to 8 pm
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. the instructor will provide paper and all other materials.

Definitely not your Mother's Stenciling Monday Nov 15 – Dec 6 th from 6 to 8 pm
This stenciling class is suited for everyone with a desire to learn the art of stenciling. Basic stenciling, free form, stacking, shading and free hand embellishments are taught. Come learn proper brush loading, paint application and shading to achieve stunning results. Stencil repair and cutting is also covered. Participants will need to bring an article of clothing, tote bag and/or some fabric squares each week to work on.

SATURDAYS:

Painting with Water Soluble Colored Pencils Saturday 9 to Noon Sept 25, Oct 2, 9, 16
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. Learn about materials, tools, and techniques, and then apply this information to create a painting. Participants bring watercolor paper & watercolor pencils to class.

Manga age 12-16 Saturday 1 to 4pm Sept 25, Oct 2, 9,16
Are you a fan of anime and manga? In Japan, people of all ages read manga ["whimsical pictures"]. Are you interested in learning to draw in the black and white manga style – then this is the class for you! Illustrate your action-adventure, comedy, or fantasy writing in a single episode - to be continued in the next issue or collection of stories. Basic drawing skills and more that you need to know to develop your characters and storyline. Bring sketch book, pencil, eraser, and black permanent fine line marker to class. No material fee

Handmade Paper for Embellishing Holiday Projects Saturday Nov 6th 9 to noon
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!" A supply list with directions for making a simple mold & deckle and press will be mailed with your registration confirmation.

Holiday Art Cards Saturday Nov 6th 1 to 4pm
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

Basic Enameling Jewelry Saturday Nov 13th from 9 to 3 pm
The art of creating with enamel on metal is a well-documented art form. Come create some pendants, pins and a pair of earrings for gift giving. Participants will learn basic enameling procedure and simple techniques such as stenciling, sgraffito, overglazes & underglazes on copper. No prior metalwork experience necessary. All supplies provided.

Precious Metal Clay Jewelry Sat Dec 4th from 9 to 3 pm
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. Explore creating small pendants and earrings for your own unique jewelry or for gift giving in this class. 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. PMC and supplies included in class fee.

Olympia Art League - Program Coordinator

2010-06-09T16:10:00.000-07:00

I was approached by the Olympia Art League to join them once again as a volunteer... I will be their Program Coordinator lining up guest artists for a demo each month. They meet the 3rd Thursday of the month 7:00-9:00 PM Sept-Nov and Jan-May at the First Christian Church, 701 Franklin St. SE, Olympia, WA

Contact: Olympia Art League, P.O. Box 404, Olympia, WA 98507
http://www.olympiaartleague.com/

Summer Paint-outs

When warm weather arrives, members meet weekly at various scenic locations to paint together. They enjoy the fellowship of other artists, and the special quality that painting outdoors contributes to their works of art. Non-members are invited to join them. A community exhibit of their work provides a finale to the outdoor painting season.

Art in the Community

Member artists have an opportunity to display and sell their art at community locations which provide good customer exposure. No commission is taken on sales. The work is rotated bi-monthly, all members are eligible to participate. Monthly newsletters provide location and rotation details.

County Fair Art-for-All-Ages

The Olympia Art League has been a sponsor of the fine arts exhibit at the Thurston County Fair for many years. The fair is a precious, old-fashioned event complete with 4-H livestock exhibits, ferris wheels, canned pickles and cotton candy. It is the League’s task to staff the exhibit, and to select the award-winning pieces from a large selection of fine art entries from all ages. Most League members sign up to take a turn staffing the exhibit at this fun event.

The Thurston County Fair takes place annually the first week in August. All ages and artists at all levels of ability are welcome to enter.

Nine Lives Studio Exhibition Schedule

2010-06-09T14:38:00.000-07:00

Current and up-coming Exhibits:

Invitational Salon Exhibit of Small Works Dates: Friday May 28 to Saturday July 10, 2010 - Opening reception: Friday May 28th, 6:30 to 9 pm Location: New Arts Program, 173 West Main Street, Kutztown, PA 19530-0082

Mixed Media and Digital Painting Exhibit @ State of the Arts
Mixed Media Exhibit June 12 - July at State of the Arts Gallery, 500 Washington St. SE, Olympia, WA 98501 Deb Martz Moody 360/705-0317
Hours: Tues. - Fri. 10 to 5:30 - Saturday 11 to 4-ish Other hours by calling.

2010 Wish You Were Here 13th Annual Postcard Show
June 20th - to July 25, 2010 - Annual Postcard Show is sponsored by the National Collage Society for its members - this years event location: The Mansfield Art Center, 700 Marion Avenue, Mansfield, OH
"2010 Equine Art: The Horse... and a Whole Lot More" exhibit co-sponsored by Emerald Downs and WA Thoroughbred Foundation [WTF]. Preview party and reception July 7 at 7 pm at Emerald Downs. Exhibit runs from July 7th to Sunday July 11th

6x6x2010 - You Asked For It! Fundraiser - June 5 - July 11, 2010 6x6x2010 Online Gallery - Rochester Contemporary Art Center, Rochester NY Preview Hours: June 2, 3 & 4, 1-10pm Opening Reception & Artwork Sale: June 5, 6-10pm - Purchased Artwork Pick-Up: July 11, 12, 13 & 14, 1-7 pm
All 5,000 artworks by 2,000 artists from 43 US states and 22 countries are now available for preview online: www.roco6x6.org/

View the Complete Artist List: www.roco6x6.org/6x6x2010_full_artist_list.php
Each artwork will be 6x6 inches square and signed only on the back, to be exhibited anonymously. All artworks will be for sale to the public for $20 each to benefit Rochester Contemporary Art Center. Artists' names will be revealed to the buyer only upon purchase and all artworks will remain on display for the duration of the exhibition.

"Redemption," a temporary, curated multimedia gallery running June 6-20.
Submissions need not be overtly "religious." Encarta defines redemption as "the act of saving something or somebody from a declined, dilapidated, or corrupted state and restoring it, him, or her to a better condition." Redemption transpires on many levels, spiritual and physical, from the everyday to the epic.

Thursday, June 10: 5:00-8:00 pm (Capitol Hill Arts Walk/ Blitz)
Friday, June 11: 5:00-8:00 pm (Icon Painting Class from 6-8 pm) and
Sunday, June 13: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm (Charter Day Open House)

as well as by appointment Mon.-Fri. 10 am-3 pm: call 206-285-2282 to schedule.
Capitol Hill Presbyterian, 1729 Harvard Ave., Seattle, WA 98122

Artist Exhibit Studio 229 on Broadway, Seattle WA. They are part of the Capitol Hill art walk "the Blitz". Check out their web site at www.studio229.net will hang for two months - October-November 2010

Solo Exhibit for the months of November and December Maple Leaf Lutheran Church 10005 32nd Ave. NE Seattle, WA 98125 206.524.2448 office 866-370-9413 fax www.ReachOutChurch.org

Auburn’s ArtRageous: Artist in Action Art Fair

2010-06-09T14:15:00.000-07:00

Auburn’s ArtRageous: Artist in Action Art Fair will be held on Saturday, August 7, 11- 4 pm at Auburn’s Les Gove Park, 11th & Auburn Way S, featuring professional artists who be demonstrating, offering related hands-on activities and selling their own artwork.

I've been selected to present Sumi-e

This FREE one-day art extravaganza celebrates the visual arts and invites attendees to both observe techniques and create their own artwork. Artist in action booths list to be posted soon...

Also planned are two unique projects, Travelling Art Encampment and Plein Air in the Park that are seeking artist involvement.

Travelling Art Encampment

The Travelling Art Encampment is an interactive temporary art installation, inviting artists and the festival attendees to create tents and shelters throughout Les Gove park. Using non-traditional materials, the installation will imagine and inspire a new type of shelter. Artists will create the tents prior to the festival that will serve as the inspiration for creation throughout the day. To participate and to create a tent prior to the event for installation, contact Andrew Peterson, apeter@spu.edu.

Plein Air in the Park

Coordinated by Artist Francis Buckmaster, Plein Air in the Park invites artists for all or part of the day to come with an easel and medium and capture the environment around them. To participate in Plein Air in the Park as part of ArtRageous, contact Francis Buckmaster, fbuckmaster@ix.netcom.com

For additional information, please visit www.auburnwa.gov/arts or contact the City of Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation Department at 253-931-3043.

Ruston Parks Adirondack chair fundraiser

2010-06-09T14:06:00.000-07:00

Fundraiser... June 21-July 4th - benefits Arts & Parks activities in Ruston.

Sanded, put wood putty on, re-sanded, and have 3 coats of Primer, 2 top coats, and the stenciled flowers with cats hand painted and a whole can of sealer!

Over 15 hours of work on this project: Adirondack chair for the Ruston Parks silent auction fundraiser.

Redemption Exhibit extended

2010-06-09T13:53:00.000-07:00

Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church of Seattle - Exhibit for "Redemption"
a curated multimedia gallery running June 6-20.
Note exhibit extended to the 20th of June.

Submissions need not be overtly "religious." Encarta defines redemption as "the act of saving something or somebody from a declined, dilapidated, or corrupted state and restoring it, him, or her to a better condition." Redemption transpires on many levels, spiritual and physical, from the everyday to the epic.

Sunday, June 6: 5:00-8:00 pm (Artists’ Reception)

Thursday, June 10: 5:00-8:00 pm (Capitol Hill Arts Walk/ Blitz)

Friday, June 11: 5:00-8:00 pm (Icon Painting Class from 6-8 pm) and

Sunday, June 13: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm (Charter Day Open House)

as well as by appointment Mon.-Fri. 10 am-3 pm: call 206-285-2282 to schedule.

Capitol Hill Presbyterian 1729 Harvard Ave. Seattle, WA 98122

2010 Wish You Were Here 13th Annual Postcard Show

2010-06-09T13:48:00.000-07:00

Misty Rabbit Moon

June 20th - to July 25, 2010 -
Annual Postcard Show is sponsored by the National Collage Society for its members - this years event location: The Mansfield Art Center, 700 Marion Avenue, Mansfield, OH www.mansfieldartcenter.org

Enamel samples and June-August class schedule

2010-05-27T23:48:00.000-07:00

sample of enamel projects that I made while teaching my Introduction to Enameling at Olympia Center for Olympia Parks & Recreation...

working on the fall class schedule but still plenty of my classes before the end of June

Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA www.olympiawa.gov/experienceit

Kids Summer classes

Draw Your Own Comic Book Ages 8-12 July 6-9 (Tues-Fri), 9 to noon

Fantasy Sculpture Ages 8-12 July 19-23 9:30 to noon

Art in the Middle Ages and Today Ages 8-12 July 19-23 1 to 3:30pm

Art from Around the World Ages 8-12 July 26-30 9:30 to noon

Ocean and Marine Life Art Adventure Ages 8-12 July 26-30 1 to 3:30pm

Art Sampler Ages 8-12 August 2-6 from 1 to 4

Manga Ages 12-16 August 9-13 9 to noon

Explorations in Watercolor Ages 12-16 August 9-13 1 to 4pm

Shelton Parks & Recreation - Shelton Civic Center, 525 West Cota Street, Shelton, WA 98584 - 360-426-9731 http://www.ci.shelton.wa.us/parkrec.php

Draw Your Own Comic Book Ages 8-12 August 16-20 9 to noon

Art from Around the World Ages 8-12 August 16-20 from 1to 4 pm

Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA www.olympiawa.gov/experienceit

Adult Classes

Introduction to Sumi-e Wednesday June 2 -30th from 6 to 8 pm

Painting with Water Soluble Colored Pencils Monday June 7-28 from 6 to 8pm

Art of Handmade Paper Saturday June 12 from 9 to 1 pm

Travel Sketching/Watercolor Pencil Workshop June 26th from 9 to 2pm

Handmade Artist's Journals – Saturday August 14 from 9 to 3:30pm

Centralia Community College, 600 Centralia College Blvd, Centralia WA 98531-4099 www.centralia.edu Continuing Ed Adult Classes

Travel Sketching/Watercolor Pencil Workshop

July 17th from 9 to noon

Auburn Parks & Recreation 2840 Riverwalk Dr Se, Auburn, WA 98002 (253) 931-3907 www.auburnwa.gov

Collage: Exploring the Written Word through Art

7/10/2010 from 9:30 to 3:30pm $5 material fee

Travel Sketching/Watercolor Pencil Workshop July 24 26th from 9:30 to 3:30pm

Sumi-e at Artrageous At Auburn’s Les Groove Park

August 7th from 11 to 4 pm

ArtRageous in Auburn on Saturday August 7

2010-05-27T22:13:00.000-07:00

I've been selected Project Leader for Auburn’s ArtRageous: Artist in Action Art Fair to lead a Sumi-e art project: Sumi-e, the ancient art of Japanese ink painting. Participants learn to use Japanese painting equipment [ink stone, ink stick, Sumi-e brush, Sumi paper] to paint subjects while spontaneously expressing with the brush. I will have samples for participants to copy or they can paint their own subjects.

Saturday August 7th from 11 am to 4pm
City of Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation Les Grove Park- for information 253.804.5043

6x6x2010 Fundraiser news - online gallery link

2010-05-27T21:53:00.000-07:00

6x6 entries arrived from all around the world and it took RoCo staff and volunteers a week to count them! You more than doubled our goal of 2010. 6x6x2010 will consist of over 5000 artworks! Thank you for your generous contributions!

Preview Hours: June 2, 3 & 4, 1-10pm

Opening & Artwork Sale: June 5, 6-10pm admission: $5

International Online Buying: June 7th at 10am

Purchased Artwork Pick-Up: July 11, 12, 13 & 14

An online gallery of all 6x6x2010 artworks will be made available for viewing first, then opened for International Online Buying June 7 @ 10am! Visit the 6x6x2009 Online Gallery and buying Instructions can be found in the HELP section here: http://www.roco6x6.org/6x6x2009

Rochester Contemporary Art Center

137 East Avenue,
Rochester, NY 14604 585.461.2222

www.rochestercontemporary.org

Olympia Regional Learning Acdemy Fall 2010 Art Classes

2010-05-27T21:32:00.000-07:00

Here are my fall 2010 class offereings @ ORLA
Olympia Regional Learning Academy 360) 596-7730
Home school classes @ the old Rogers Elementary School

"A Timeline of Art" - time travel and create as one of the earliest artists – students begin as artists making the cave paintings of Lascaux. Each week we progress up the art time line portraying Greek, Byzantine, Middle Ages and more styles while helping to broaden the understanding of historically significant artwork.

Projects include:

portraits in charcoal, prehistoric cave animal style paintings [watercolor], rock animals [acrylic], Greek pottery design [sharpies], Byzantine style mosaic [paper], Celtic-style “stone” carving [plaster board], resist painting [watercolor], Middle Ages dragon design [embossed metal], Renaissance style drawing [pencil], Art Noveau floral design [colored pencils], Gustave Klimt design [collage and scratch paper].

Week 1 – portraits & animal paintings

Charcoal, gummy easers, stumps, oil pastels, WC paper/ or brown craft paper

Week 2 – rock animals

Acrylic paint, brushes, water dishes, rocks

Week 3 – Greek pottery design

Sharpies, orange paper, newsprint

Week 4 - Byzantine mosaic

Colored paper cut into squares, glue, newsprint to plan, poster board

Week 5 – Celtic style stone carving

Plaster board… something to carve into with linoleum cutters

Week 6 – Celtic style resist painting

Watercolors, watercolor paper, white wax crayons

Week 7 – Middle Ages – dragon

Foam core, embossing metal, embossing tools, newsprint, tape

Week 8 – Renaissance style drawing

Pencils, drawing paper, erasers

Week 9 – Art Noveau – floral designs

Colored pencils, fine point sharpies, paper, newsprint paper for sketch

Week 10 – Gustave Klimt design

Scratch paper, newsprint, scratch paper tools, glue and magazines

Unique Collaborations: bring your imagination to this series of two dimensional drawing and painting projects using art materials in unusual ways.

Projects include: self-portrait face card design [markers], patterned ink drawing [sharpies], watercolors of fall leaves, French "tole painting" [acrylic], "Hard Edge" abstraction [poster paint], tessellation design [colored pencils], monochromatic painting [watercolor], relief painting [acrylic], paper casting/embossing, painting" with colorful paper pulp, glue batik [watercolor]

Week 1 – Design Face card

Drawing paper 11X18, markers, light box, newsprint, pencils

Week 2 – patterned ink drawings

Paper, pencil, colored sharpies

Week 3 – fall leaves watercolor

Watercolors, watercolor paper, wax crayons

Week 4 – French “tole painting”

Acrylics, brushes, canvass paper, water dishes

Week 5 – “hard Edge” abstraction

Poster paint, poster board, brushes, pencils, newsprint, water dishes

Week 6 – tessellation design

Colored pencils, pencils, drawing paper, newsprint

Week 7 – monochromatic painting

Watercolors, watercolor paper, pencils, brushes, newsprint and water dishes

Week 8 – relief painting

Acrylic, mat board, brushes, pencil, newsprint, water dishes

Week 9 – paper casting/embossing

Various paper pulp, blender, paper casting screens, spoons, paper vats

Week 10 – glue batik

Glue, acrylic paint, brushes, fabric, water containers, newsprint, pencils, markers

Mixed Media Exhibit @ State of the Arts, Olympia WA

2010-05-27T21:03:00.000-07:00

I've been accepted to a Mixed Media/Digital Exhibit at the State of the Arts in downtown Olympia...
The drop off dates are June 10,11,12 or between 10 and 12 on June 15.

The show will remain up till the end of July.

Swash Foam

Sanguine

Void

Mystic's Goal

State of the Arts Gallery, 500 Washington St. S.E.,
Olympia, WA 98501 360/705-0317
Hours: Tues. - Fri. 10 to 5:30 Saturday 11 to 4-ish

Hands on Children's Museum fundraiser Sumi-e donations

2010-05-27T20:30:00.000-07:00

A few years back I donated four pieces to the Hands On Children's Museum.

We have had them framed and are preparing to use them as fundraising pieces in our SandBlast! Waterfront Gala and auction on August 27th.

They want to be able to give you credit as well as let folks know what they are looking at so I sent them some information...

The four pieces are: one frog, one cat with a spider, one cat with a bird and a goldfish with a snail. They snapped a few quick shots of three of them.

Nine Lives Studio News

2010-05-24T15:07:00.000-07:00

Where has May gone????

Here's the news:
Just a few more days left for the 40th Annual Art Competition @ the Sidney Museum and Arts Association, 202 Sidney Avenue, Port Orchard WA 360-876-3693 www.sidneymuseumandarts.com

Shipped "Sequester" to annual Invitational Salon Exhibition of Small Works... Dates: Friday May 28 to Saturday July 10, 2010 - Opening reception: Friday May 28th, 6:30 to 9 pm Location: New Arts Program, 173 West Main Street, Kutztown, PA 19530-0082 www.napconnection.com

Olympia's Artist Garage Sale was great - lost my voice from talking sooooo much when handing out my class schedules... Sold a few cards, bookmark and one small original collage and had lots of fun!

Sanded, put wood putty on, re-sanded, and have 1.5 coats of Primer on my Adirondack chair for the Ruston Parks silent auction fundraiser. Can' wait for this tendious stuff to get done so I can paint my actual design that is sooooo clear in my mind! Fundraiser... June 21-July 4th - benefits Arts & Parks activities in Ruston.

I've been selected as a Project Leader for Auburn’s ArtRageous: Artist in Action Art Fair to lead a Sumi-e art project on August 7th from 11 to 4 pm at Les Grove Park in Auburn!

The Helen Norris Open Art Show - Port Orchard

2010-04-29T13:57:00.000-07:00

40th Annual Art Competition @ the Sidney Museum and Arts Association, 202 Sidney Avenue, Port Orchard WA 360-876-3693 www.sidneymuseumandarts.com
Show dates: May 2-May 27, 2010

Auspicious Mixed Media

Three's a Crowd Sumi-e

The Annex Gallery - Everett, WA

2010-04-29T13:51:00.000-07:00

Happy to say, I've been accepted at The Annex Gallery so I'll be working on a few smaller pieces and get up there end of next week!

Hello Ellen,

After review, the jury really liked your collage pieces (zen, mixed media). We are looking for pieces that are not terribly large - say 14x18 and under or so. If you would like to bring some of your pieces by we would love to see them in person and take a few for the gallery. If you can, let us know to be expecting you.

Thank you!
Everett Artist's Supply/Framing and The Annex Gallery
9304 and 9308 Evergreen Way, Everett, WA 98204 P: 425-353-3084

www.everettartistssupply.com evartandframe@hotmail.com

New Arts Program Annual Invitational Salon Exhibition of Small Works

2010-04-29T13:45:00.000-07:00

Sequester, 3.5"X4.5" when framed will be exhibited at the New Arts Program, 173 West Main Street, Kutztown, PA.
This is the 21st annual Invitational Salon Exhibition of Small Works - Reception is Friday May 28th, 6:30 to 9pm.
Exhibit: May 28th to July 10, 2010

The pieces are no larger than 200 square inches.

Kids Summer Classes - Shelton Parks & Recreation

2010-04-26T15:21:00.000-07:00

Shelton Parks & Recreation

Draw Your Own Comic Book Ages 8-12 August 16- 20 from 9 to noon

Have you always wanted to create your own comic book? Have you been wondering if you could come up with your own super characters or silly family? Join this class to draw, doodle, and have oodles of creative fun! Learn how develop your ideas into a story line which then is translated into character studies for your comic strip. Get the ideas out of your head and into reality through basic drawing, sequencing, writing, production and character development techniques. Please bring a snack. Supplies: drawing pad/sketchbook, drawing pencils, eraser, markers and black marker or ink pen.

Shelton Parks & Recreation - Shelton Civic Center, 525 West Cota Street, Shelton, WA 98584 - 360-426-9731

Art from Around the World Ages 8-12 August 16- 20 from 1 to 4 pm

Take a trip with your creativity and imagination! Discover the secrets of art from faraway places. Create a range of art projects derived from various cultures around the world. Both 2D and 3D processes will be covered. Enjoy painting, drawing and mixed media as we learn about different countries. Material fee covers all supplies. Please bring a snack.

Shelton Parks & Recreation - Shelton Civic Center, 525 West Cota Street, Shelton, WA 98584 - 360-426-9731

Olympia Spring Arts Walk

2010-04-24T23:56:00.000-07:00

Olympia Spring Arts Walk - my simple display of
Mixed Media, cards [Sumi-e and Heart Collages] and book marks...
Talked up my classes and made some great connections!

Redemption Exhibit

2010-04-23T00:14:00.000-07:00

Neonate, mixed media, has been accepted into the exhibit - Redemption.

Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church of Seattle invites artists, filmmakers, writers and musicians Exhibit for "Redemption," a temporary, curated multimedia gallery running June 6-13.

Submissions need not be overtly "religious." Encarta defines redemption as "the act of saving something or somebody from a declined, dilapidated, or corrupted state and restoring it, him, or her to a better condition." Redemption transpires on many levels, spiritual and physical, from the everyday to the epic.

Sunday, June 6: 5:00-8:00 pm (Artists’ Reception)

Thursday, June 10: 5:00-8:00 pm (Capitol Hill Arts Walk/ Blitz)

Friday, June 11: 5:00-8:00 pm (Icon Painting Class from 6-8 pm) and

Sunday, June 13: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm (Charter Day Open House)

as well as by appointment Mon.-Fri. 10 am-3 pm: call 206-285-2282 to schedule.

Capitol Hill Presbyterian

1729 Harvard Ave.

Seattle, WA 98122

Bemis Building's 2010 Spring Art Show

2010-04-21T19:04:00.000-07:00

After reviewing the contract I realized this exhibit hangs for one day - Saturday May 15th from noon to 10 pm. That would have meant 4 trips to Seattle and a $50 "hanging" fee... so I declined the acceptance to this exhibit.

I submitted six mixed media pieces to Bemis Building's Spring Exhibit...
Favorite words for an artist to read or hear:

"Congratulations! You are cordially invited to be a part of the Bemis Building's 2010 Spring Art Show. "
www.bemisartcommunity.com

Art-o-Mat

2010-04-19T13:16:00.000-07:00

News from Art-o-Mat - a new machine set up... I need to finish this last batch of Sumi-e blocks and send them back!

our minneapolis boynton machine kickoff went well. the regional swap meet at the chambers was a blast.....

http://www.facebook.com/l/bc4c6;wcco.com/watercooler/art.o.mat.2.1638386.html

http://www.facebook.com/l/bc4c6;www.flickr.com/photos/clarkwhittington/sets/72157623886645950/

http://www.artomat.org/

6X6X2010 Exhibit fundraiser

2010-04-19T13:13:00.000-07:00

Email notification that my 3 pieces did arrive for the 6X6X2010 Exhibit/fundraiser for the Rochester Contemporary Art Center, 137 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14604
They are supposed to post an online gallery...585.461.2222 www.rochestercontemporary.org

2010-04-18T15:08:00.000-07:00

SPRING AND SUMMER

Introduction to Precious Metal Clay May 1 from 9:30 to 3:00pm
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. Explore creating hollow beads and forms, construct a pendant, use patina and create your own unique jewelry in this class. 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. Materials and supply list will be forwarded to all registered students. PMC price depends on cost of silver, approximately $35-45. Centtralia Community College, 600 Centralia College Blvd, Centralia WA 98531-4099 www.centralia.edu

Watercolor: Textures and Techniques Monday May 3-24 from 6-8pm
In these classes you will try 15-20 techniques for achieving textures and special effects in your watercolors. You will employ colored pencils in the wash, ink line, markers, salt, wax paper, crayon, and other materials with the washes, both while wet and when dry. Part of the class will be spent experimenting and then completing a work combining different techniques. Some painting experience required. Supply list will print on registration receipt.
On Receipt: Supply list: Brushes- typical brushes for watercolor are #8 round brush, #4 round for detail and a 1' flat for wash [broad application].

Paint Set or Tube paint and a palette [a white plate or commercial palette]. Paper- Use any watercolor pad, block or loose paper with a weight of #140. Most WC paper is cold press [rough texture] or hot press [smooth surface]. Strathmore has a pad with samples of various papers. Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gov/experienceit

Ready! Set! Draw!: Drawing from the Right Side Tuesday May 4-June 22 6 to 8 pm 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. Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gov/experienceit

Introduction to Basic Enameling Wednesday May 5-26 from 6-8:30pm
The art of creating with enamel on metal is a well-documented art form. Come learn basic enameling procedure and simple techniques such as stenciling, sgraffito, overglazes and underglazes on copper. No prior metalwork experience necessary. The instructor will fire the pieces. All supplies and firing included in class fee. Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gov/experienceit

Introduction to Precious Metal Clay May 15 from 9 to 3:30
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. Explore creating hollow beads and forms, construct a pendant, use patina and create your own unique jewelry in this class. 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. Materials and supply list will be forwarded to all registered students. Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gov/experienceit Call 360.753.8380

Introduction to Sumi-e Wednesday June 2 -30th from 6 to 8 pm
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. Materials provided for the first class students purchase their own paper for the remaining classes. Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gov/experienceit Call 360.753.8380

Introduction to Precious Metal Clay June 5th 9:30 to 3:30
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. Explore creating hollow beads and forms, construct a pendant, use patina and create your own unique jewelry in this class. 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. Materials and supply list will be forwarded to all registered students. Auburn Parks & Recreation 2840 Riverwalk Dr Se, Auburn, WA 98002 (253) 931-3907

Painting with Water Soluble Colored Pencils Monday June 7-28 from 6 to 8pm
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. 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.olympiawa.gov/experienceit

Art of Handmade Paper Saturday June 12 from 9 to 1 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 greeting cards, artwork, decoration for envelopes and more. Making paper is a fun way to express your creativity. A supply list with directions for making a simple mold & deckle in class will be mailed with your registration confirmation. Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gov/experienceit Call 360.753.8380

Travel Sketching/Watercolor/Pencil Workshop June 26th from 9 to 2pm
Ever wonder why we rarely relive our travels through photos? Perhaps because taking a photo requires so little investment of one’s attention. Artistic journaling slows your pace, as you observe a scene for at least as long as it takes to sketch it. Journaling is solely for pleasure – it doesn’t require that you be an accomplished artist. Regardless of skill level, you’ll be amazed how quickly your drawing and watercolor skills improve – within hours! We'll visit and sketch some of Olympia’s interesting locales. By the end of the workshop, you’ll be dedicated to journaling. Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gov/experienceit Call 360.753.8380

Collage: Exploring the Written Word through Art Saturday July 10th
In this workshop, participants will create a series of five small collages, each with a Muse/Guide as the focal point. Creative people visually benefit from stretching their ‘writing legs.’ Likewise, for writers to confront visual material enhances their own process. After the completion of each collage, a short paragraph based on a writing prompt/exercise will be completed that ties into the particular piece of artwork like “Is this Muse/Guide trying to tell you something?” Material fee $5.00 Auburn Parks & Recreation 2840 Riverwalk Dr Se, Auburn, WA 98002 (253) 931-3907

Travel Sketching/Watercolor/Pencil Workshop July 17th from 9 to noon
Ever wonder why we rarely relive our travels through photos? Perhaps because taking a photo requires so little investment of one’s attention. Artistic journaling slows your pace, as you observe a scene for at least as long as it takes to sketch it. Journaling is solely for pleasure – it doesn’t require that you be an accomplished artist. Regardless of skill level, you’ll be amazed how quickly your drawing and watercolor skills improve – within hours! By the end of the workshop, you’ll be dedicated to journaling. Centralia Community College, 600 Centralia College Blvd, Centralia WA 98531-4099 www.centralia.edu

Travel Sketching/Watercolor/Pencil Workshop July 24th from 9 to noon
Ever wonder why we rarely relive our travels through photos? Perhaps because taking a photo requires so little investment of one’s attention. Artistic journaling slows your pace, as you observe a scene for at least as long as it takes to sketch it. Journaling is solely for pleasure – it doesn’t require that you be an accomplished artist. Regardless of skill level, you’ll be amazed how quickly your drawing and watercolor skills improve – within hours! By the end of the workshop, you’ll be dedicated to journaling. Auburn Parks & Recreation 2840 Riverwalk Dr Se, Auburn, WA 98002 (253) 931-3907

Handmade Artist's Journals – Saturday August 14 from 9 to 3:30pm
Mixed Media, Watercolor - In this workshop, fabric, embroidery floss, paper, paint, gesso, inks, and crayons are many of the mediums you use to create unique handmade stitched books which can be a personal journals or a record of a particular event or holiday. Construct books from scratch with decorative and unique covers and learn how to make wonderfully rich, organic pages and decorate them with stitching, incorporate windows, flaps, found objects, material, threads, beads and embroidery to create a richly embellished book. If you have an idea for a book, bring items you may want to put in your book/journal to use as inspiration - photos, dried flowers, leaves, tickets, letters, post cards, interesting poetry or prose, or any other kind of printed memorabilia. Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gov/experienceit Call 360.753.8380

Kids Summer classes

Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gov/experienceit Call 360.753.8380

Draw Your Own Comic Book Ages 8-12 July 6-9 (Tues-Fri), 9 to noon
Have you always wanted to create your own comic book? Have you been wondering if you could come up with your own super characters or silly family? Join this class to draw, doodle, and have oodles of creative fun! Learn how develop your ideas into a story line which then is translated into character studies for your comic strip. Get the ideas out of your head and into reality through basic drawing, sequencing, writing, production and character development techniques. Simple supply list will be printed on registration receipt. On receipt: Please bring a snack. Supplies: drawing pad/sketchbook, drawing pencils, eraser, markers and black marker or ink pen.

Week of July 12th possible kids morning and afternoon art classes at Shelton Parks & Recreation

Fantasy Sculpture Ages 8-12 July 19-23 9:30 to noon
Create imaginative, playful animals, monsters and masks using self-hardening clay, papier-mâché, found objects and wood. Students will learn about form, space and have a lot of fun! All supplies included in class fee.
On receipt: Please bring a snack. All supplies & materials included in class fee.

Art in the Middle Ages and Today Ages 8-12 July 19-23 1 to 3:30pm
Come explore medieval art and its influence in today's time! Student projects will include creation of a contemporary coat of arms, illuminated page, gargoyle sculpture, simple woven tapestry, and faux stain glass design. They will also learn about contemporary artists who combine text, symbols and images in altered books and create an altered book of their own.
On receipt: Please bring a snack. All supplies included in class fee.

Art from Around the World Ages 8-12 July 26-30 9:30 to noon
Take a trip with your creativity and imagination! Discover the secrets of art from faraway places. Create a range of art projects derived from various cultures around the world. Both 2D and 3D processes will be covered. Enjoy painting, drawing and mixed media as we learn about different countries. Simple supply list printed on registration receipt.
On Receipt: Please bring a snack. Please bring an all purpose sketch pad, pencil & eraser to class.

Ocean and Marine Life Art Adventure Ages 8-12 July 26-30 from 1 to 3:30pm Based on ocean theme, children will explore art materials and create different projects such as Paper Mache` fish, beach treasure wreath, ocean creature sock puppet, collage beach scene, mono print 'Swimmy' type story and much more! All supplies & materials included in class fee.
On Receipt: Please bring a snack. All supplies and materials are included in class fee.

Art Sampler Ages 8-12 August 2-6 from 1 to 4 Through the use of paint, pastels, watercolors and other materials explore nature from Aardvarks to Zebras and beyond. Students will be guided through step-by-step drawing and painting techniques that include subject development using basic shapes, shading, blending and the development of an environment/background. Simple supply list will print on registration receipt.
On receipt: Please bring a snack. Students need to bring a basic all purpose drawing pad.

Manga Ages 12-16 August 9-13 9 to noon Are you a fan of anime and manga? In Japan, people of all ages read manga ['whimsical pictures']. Are you interested in learning to draw in the black and white manga style - then this is the class for you! Illustrate your action-adventure, comedy, or fantasy writing in a single episode - to be continued in the next issue or collection of stories. Basic drawing skills and more that you need to know to develop your characters and storyline. Bring sketch book and pencil to class.
On Receipt: Please bring a snack. Supplies needed: Sketch book and pencil.

Explorations in Watercolor Ages 12-16 August 9-13 1 to 4pm Each day students will imitate an American watercolor artist's unique use of color, method of applying paint and subject matter. This is a great way for teens to gain skills, learn about American artists, and gain a sense of their own personal expression. All supplies included in class fee.
On receipt: Please bring a snack. All supplies and materials included in class fee.

Week of August 16th possible kids morning and afternoon art classes at Shelton Parks & Recreation

2010 Adirondack Chair exhibit here in Ruston

2010-04-15T22:28:00.000-07:00

I was accepted for this fun project - 2010 Adirondack Chair exhibit in Ruston. I named my chair "Purrfection" for the submission... its a fundraiser - if they're not sold at the fundraiser from June 21 - July 4th they' re donated to the town for the park

I have to pick up the chair soon and begin sanding, priming, and finishing!

Art Through the Mail Campaign

2010-04-10T21:32:00.000-07:00

over 90 artists submit over 200 works to Art Through the Mail Campaign

http://www.lebanonartfactory.org/
The exhibit will hang the month of April. There are pictures of the opening night which was April 9th and a link to all the pieces entered. My images are on p 6 of the online gallery - two are not the best photos, but a very fun exhibit!

Kitty Treat Jar for ARFS & Crafts fundraiser

2010-04-05T21:59:00.000-07:00

Had a lot of fun making this decorated tin... a Kitty Treat Jar!
Deadline for drop off is this Friday at The Art Stop...

This shows the top which has a sun on it...

Dog Snackz jar for ARFS & Crafts fundraiser

2010-04-05T19:06:00.000-07:00

Made a "Dog Snackz" jar from a large pickle jar. Used Mod Podge to collage tissue paper over the surface, then cut out words from Orgami paper, attached a dog biscuit to the jar lid... this is for a silent auction to raise funds for the dog training program at Purdy women's correctional facility. Items will be viewed at the Art Stop in Tacoma, WA.

Mod Podge covered dog biscuit

Back of the jar...

Finished jar highlighted letters with gold and black markers...

Ah Badabing Murals, Shelton WA

2010-04-03T21:58:00.000-07:00

I spent 6 hours painting two murals at Ah Badabing Pizzeria in Shelton, WA

Cinder Block Express rough drawing in black acrylic

Finished color Cinder Block Express

The second mural - Tuff Guys

Sumi-e Cards and Book Marks - Bainbridge Arts & Crafts

2010-04-02T21:01:00.000-07:00

A new batch of original Sumi-e blank note cards and original Sumi-e book marks will be available by the end of next week at the Gallery, Bainbridge Arts & Crafts. www.bacart.org

Arts to Remember - Mother Joseph's

2010-04-02T20:48:00.000-07:00

Here are a few examples of the collages that participants at Mother Joseph's Care Center created during the Arts to Remember art instruction. Pieces will be hung during the Olympia Spring Arts Walk on April 23 & 24th

Sugar Bakery - Seattle WA

2010-03-31T21:15:00.000-07:00

Hung 19 pieces of Sumi-e at Sugar Bakery on Madison in Seattle...
http://www.sugarbakerycafe.com/

The art of baking!!!! Yummy stuff...

Caught my son with his eyes closed... he was trying to move out of the way.
He had a yummy mocha coffee and a brownie while I hung the art.

Lot of relections and wild pink walls
Trippin' the Light Fantastic and Flailing Paws

Achieving Lift, The Empty Fish Bowl
And Fooooddd Fooooddd

Demure and Now What Do I Do?

ARFS & CRAFTS fundraiser

2010-03-27T16:50:00.000-07:00

Working on ideas to create a pet bowl for this fundraiser!

Deadline: April, 10, 2010 ARFS & CRAFT returns--our fourteenth annual benefit for the Prison Pet Partnership Program at the Women’s Correctional Institute at Purdy and the Gig Harbor based Assistance Dog Club of Puget Sound. Each year our silent auction raises funds and friends for these two non-profit organizations and the very special canines that they serve. Bowls will be sold at silent auction through Saturday, April 17th.Please let us know by April 1st if you will be entering a bowl. For more information, please contact Phyllis Harrison & Mary Preston at (253) 274-1630. phyllis@artstoptacoma.com

Art-Through-The-Mail-Campaign

2010-03-27T15:36:00.000-07:00

Post-Art-Cards displayed at the Refuge Gallery Space, 12 N 9th Street, Lebanon, PA - Art-Through-The-Mail-Campaign is sponsored by the Lebanon Art Factory... Opening reception April 2nd from 5 to 8PM hanging until the end of April. http://www.lebanonartfactory.org/

I sent three pieces to this exhibit:

Visage

Turquoise Tranquility

Intrinsic

Arts to Remember - Mother Joseph's

2010-03-25T15:50:00.000-07:00

This is the group project created by participants at Mother Joseph's Care Center. This collage like their individual ones has taken 5 weeks to build to layers. Next week we will add some poetry to fproject. Traced their hands out of paper they had painted so they will be remembered...

Oily - Poem to be published in Earl Grey Over Easy

2010-03-25T15:14:00.000-07:00

My first poem, other than a collection self published works for Kate Gleason's writing workshops in Keene NH is being published in Earl Grey Over Ee theme was "Cute"....
Oily

Almost gave my brother

my credit card number…

His son needed air fare

to attend our Dad’s memorial

“but… I could use your card.”

His oily voice reached across

time to our home’s basement;

my play space under the stairs

where I had my dolls and toys.

These words oozed from his lips,

“Girls are different than boys…”

What does a cute four year old

who trusts her older brother know.
3/24/2010

Earl Grey Over Easy http://www.earl-greyovereasy.com/

Earl Grey Over Easy is a (new!) small monthly publication out of Bellingham, WA. We are collectors of miscellany- stories, findings, tidbits, nonsense, DIY, photography, illustration, realism, abstract, whatever. ...

The Don - Mural for Ah Badabing! in Shelton

2010-03-24T20:52:00.000-07:00

Spent 4 hours painting this mural for Ah Badabing! pizza in Shelton... the eldery Don sits in front of his portrait from younger days - still smoking the cigar!

Sugar Bakery & Cafe April Exhibit

2010-03-24T17:36:00.000-07:00

Whimsical Sumi-e accepted for the month of April Rotating Artist Exhibit by Stephanie Crocker for the Sugar Bakery + Cafe, 1014 Madison Street, Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 749-4105 Hours: M-F 7am-6pm and Sat 9am-1pm
http://www.sugarbakerycafe.com/

Directions: From North Seattle, Take I5 South to James Street. Exit and turn left under the overpass onto James Street. Go up the hill about 4 blocks and take a LEFT on Boren Street. Continue on Boren for 3 blocks and make a Left on Madison. We're between Boren and Terry.

From South Seattle, Take I5 North and vere right towards to Madison/James Street Exits. Exit at Madison Street and turn right up the hill. Continue on Madison for 3 blocks. We're between Boren and Terry.

Watercolor Pencil Demo

2010-03-23T22:23:00.000-07:00

Watercolor Pencil Demo - Spring Robin

Watercolor Pencil Class - Oly Parks and Rec

2010-03-23T22:01:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the last class for the Watercolor Pencils participants so I took a few snaps...
they wished for more time... nd more drawing technique.

Splendorporium’s Mail In Art Show

2010-03-23T21:14:00.000-07:00

Greetings Portland! I am participating in Splendorporium’s Mail In Art Show! RULES: Create your art on anything you can mail to us here at 3421 SE 21st ave Portland OR 97202. How is that for simplicity... I made a Sumi-e post card, of course, it was a cat catching a mouse - sorry no image!

www.splendorporium.net

Equine Art 2010 call for submissions

2010-03-23T13:39:00.000-07:00

Sending in my forms for the "2010 Equine Art: The Horse... and a Whole Lot More" exhibit co-sponsored by Emerald Downs and WA Thoroughbred Foundation [WTF]. Preview party and reception July 7 at 7 pm at Emerald Downs. Exhibit runs from July 7th to Sunday July 11th

Invitational Salon Exhibition of Small Works 2010

2010-03-23T13:22:00.000-07:00

Sending off my letter of intent for the annual Invitational Salon Exhibition of Small Works - Pieces are 200 square inches including the frame...
Time to make a new mini collage before the shipping arrival due date of April 12th.
Exhibit Dates: Friday May 28 to Saturday July 10, 2010 - Opening reception: Friday May 28th, 6:30 to 9 pm Location: New Arts Program, 173 West Main Street, Kutztown, PA 19530-0082 www.napconnection.com

Art-o-Mat and 6X6X2010 Fundraiser

2010-03-22T23:17:00.000-07:00

Heart collage samples to be reviewed by Art-o-Mat... also sent the 50 Sumi-e blocks to Artists in Cellophane HQ today...

Also tomorrow shipping three 6X6" pieces for 6X6X2010 You Asked For It! - fundraiser for Rochester Contemporary Art Center, Rochester NY

Fervent Desire

Soliloquay

Viscous

Demos from classes

2010-03-21T19:55:00.000-07:00

First up, last demo for watercolor class at ORLA... Seals on a rock, used some watercolor pencil as well.

Watercolor pencil demo from Oly Parks & Rec WC pencil class.... Sunset Sail

Reception @ Catholic Commuity Services Gallery

2010-03-21T15:41:00.000-07:00

I will be holding a reception at my solo exhibit of Sumi-e and Zen Collage during the Third Thursday Art Walk in Tacoma. Location is the Catholic Community Services Gallery, second floor, on April 15th from 6 to 7:30 pm.

Please join me -

Mystic Mocha Cafe Abruptly Closes

2010-03-21T13:47:00.000-07:00

Mystic Mocha Café, 402 E 26th Street, Tacoma, WA where I have hung art work for four years starting in 2006 has abruptly closed with only an email sent to me late Friday to pick up the art work Saturday or Sunday as it said Sunday the 20th... this is a lesson in keeping in contact preferably monthly with whatever venue/gallery you place your art in for display.

Dancing Lessons - Ah Badabing Mural Shelton, WA

2010-03-17T19:55:00.000-07:00

Spent 5.5 hours painting "Dancing Lessons" a mural for the Mafia themed pizza restaurant "Ah Badabing in Shelton, WA. Maybe a few touch ups here and there but basically that's done. Measures 4'HX 5.5'W

Its a little out of focus but then I was after painting for that long!
One more mural to go....

Solo Exhibit - Maple Leaf Lutheran Church

2010-03-16T12:21:00.000-07:00

I just received notification of acceptance for a Solo Exhibit [Sumi-e] for the months of November and December @ Maple Leaf Lutheran Church 10005 32nd Ave. NE Seattle, WA 98125

206.524.2448 office 866-370-9413 fax www.ReachOutChurch.org

6X6X2010 Rochester Contemporary Art Center, Rochester NY

2010-03-15T21:54:00.000-07:00

This sounds like a great fundraiser...
Rochester Contemporary Art Center, Rochester NY
6x6x2010 - You Asked For It!
June 5 - July 11, 2010 6x6x2010 Online Gallery - Coming Soon!
Deadline for Submissions: May 2, 5pm
Preview Hours: June 2, 3 & 4, 1-10pm
Opening Reception & Artwork Sale: June 5, 6-10pm

Purchased Artwork Pick-Up: July 11, 12, 13 & 14, 1-7 pm
Artworks due: May 2, 2010 at 5pm. Artworks may be mailed or delivered directly to RoCo, 137 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14604. Wed. - Sun. 1-5 pm, January 24 - May 2. Each submission must be accompanied by a completed submission form.

Remember: Artworks must be signed only on the back (to be exhibited and sold anonymously) and accompanied by the submission form.

ABOUT 6x6x2010:

6x6x2010 is the third exhibition of thousands of original artworks, made and donated by celebrities, international and local artists, designers, college students, youths and YOU. Each artwork will be 6x6 inches square and signed only on the back, to be exhibited anonymously. All artworks will be for sale to the public for $20 each to benefit Rochester Contemporary Art Center. Artists' names will be revealed to the buyer only upon purchase and all artworks will remain on display for the duration of the exhibition. Don't miss Rochester's largest exhibition, and a chance to show your artwork in great company and support Rochester's downtown contemporary art venue. All submissions are due by May 2 at 5 pm and should be delivered or mailed directly to Rochester Contemporary Art Center.

2010 Artists'Garage Sale - May 22

2010-03-15T16:30:00.000-07:00

Keep May 22 open for this artlacious event !!!!

News - the Artists' Garage Sale is a go:
This new partnership between POSSCA and the Arts Commission for 2010 represents a changing of the guard for the Artists' Garage Sale. What would have been a project elimination due to City budget cuts has turned into a fundraising opportunity for one of Olympia's most venerable arts organizations. POSSCA's mission to promote arts & arts education in the South Sound region is very much in keeping with the interests of the Arts Commission, and the increase in fees for the event will go to scholarships for community's young artists. The Arts Commission is pleased to have found such a perfect partner in POSSCA and will work with them this year to show them the ropes, so that the transition of event management between our two organizations is as seamless as possible. Another change to the application process is a second application sheet noting more detailed expectations for the event, pulled together from last year's evaluations. These are the changes that you, the vendors, wanted to see in the event, so please make note of them.

Changed the date of this class so I can participate in the Artists' Garage Sale
Handmade Artist's Journals – Saturday Aug 14 from 9 to 3:30pm

Mixed Media, Watercolor - In this workshop, fabric, embroidery floss, paper, paint, gesso, inks, and crayons are many of the mediums you use to create unique handmade stitched books which can be a personal journals or a record of a particular event or holiday. Construct books from scratch with decorative and unique covers and learn how to make wonderfully rich, organic pages and decorate them with stitching, incorporate windows, flaps, found objects, material, threads, beads and embroidery to create a richly embellished book. If you have an idea for a book, bring items you may want to put in your book/journal to use as inspiration - photos, dried flowers, leaves, tickets, letters, post cards, interesting poetry or prose, or any other kind of printed memorabilia. Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gov/experienceit Call 360.753.8380

Studio 229 Exhibiting Artist - date to be announced

2010-03-15T14:42:00.000-07:00

Responded to this art call in Seattle, WA and recieved notification that I have been accepted for a two month exhibit with my Zen Collages - dates to be announced...Check out their web site at http://www.studio229.net/

Studio 229 on Broadway is again looking for talented artist to show their work at our salon. We are part of the Capitol Hill art walk the Blitz. We have a beautiful space with great lighting. We do not take any commission; however there may be a small fee if the client pays with Visa or Master Card. We have had great success with art selling.

More from Ah Badabing

2010-03-13T17:50:00.000-08:00

The largest mural just need lettering on the sign... need to find my stencils with alaphabet!

Just need ...

Guido's Laundromat

our speciaity - blood stain removal

Worked from noon to 5 pm today and besides finishing the large mural I completed a smaller one where the kids stand to sing kareoke...

Family Activity - Olympia Spring Arts Walk - April 23 & 24

2010-03-12T21:57:00.000-08:00

I will be presenting a Family Activity on Friday April 23rd from 5 to 9 pm for the Olympia Spring Arts Walk...
The children will be simply coloring these small tops with markers...

Mural at Ah Badabing in Shelton, WA

2010-03-12T18:59:00.000-08:00

Worked 4 more hours today on the mural for Ah Badabing in Shelton WA... on pizza side just finishing touches and a little more to do on the Laundromat side...

Just need to fix the pizza on the table and what they're eating...

another couple of hours will finish this side up...

Close up of money laundering...

Close up of dude stuffed in washing machine...

Arts to Remember

2010-03-11T17:49:00.000-08:00

Arts to Remember is a program that provides six art classes to retirement or other long care facilities during the months of March and April. The art work that the participants prepare are hung during the Olympia Spring Arts Walk April 23th & 24th...

Two collage projects from Mother Joseph's facility

Collage projects from Merrill Gardens

Art-o-Mat blocks, book marks and blank cards [original sumi-e]

2010-03-11T17:42:00.000-08:00

Next batch of Art-o-Mat blocks ready to ship...
painted the black border first - good move...

Book Marks ready to slide into plastic sleaves...

Next batch of original Sumi-e blank note cards...

Art-o-Mat blocks

2010-03-06T20:35:00.000-08:00

This time, working with the new and improved presentation... I used to print the info on paper, wrap the block and then adhere the sumi-e painting to the paper wrapped block... tedious process.
So back to the new & improved method... I paint the edges of the block black first.

Then I adhere my original miniature sumi-e painting directly to the block.

Last I print a label with a blurb about the Sumi-e and my contact info and I'm done except for the little piece of cellophane. Much nicer presentation!