Look what I found

Hello again. Bon Soiree!

I am super excited about the art ideas screaming around in my head. There are a actually a handful that are making it to the canvas, too. I'm loving the way they are turning out!! This year's theme seems to be abstracts with loads of texture. I am enjoying acrylics and mixed media... and burlap. There is something so earthy and raw about burlap. ... so keep an eye out for my burlap pieces.

I also wanted to add a pic I found of one of my favorite local galleries, Venue... coincidentally they are less than a mile from me, so it would be so easy to go there very often. My only hiccup at the moment with that plan is babysitter availability. Needless to say they have a very cool atmosphere and bring a style to the Square that's different. And the reason why I'm adding the pic is that it is coincidentally includes one of my paintings. I like the way it looks in that place.

So now with that, I say goodnight (bon soir) and Smiles and Blessings to everyone.

- Shannon

Crazy days are here again

Hello again. We're back.

Okay, I promise I haven't been just sitting around filing my nails. I really have been busy and I'm definitely practicing prioritization for sure!!

So for an update...

Washington Fine Arts Society has a new home. A generous member of the community is allowing us to use part of his building for a small fee. We would not be moving forward so quickly without this...

Then we received our papers from the IRS that we are now officially NON-PROFIT baby!!!! We did it!!! (And now we need to figure out how to pay for it.)

Plans for the Fine Arts Festival are well under way and there is always more to do. I've never been a part of a project that wasn't somehow feeling behind schedule or over-budget. But mark your calendars for August 15 and 16.

In addition to that we've got classes to plan (Park District wants to put us in their fall class schedule... good stuff, but a little earlier than we were ready for.)and I think I'm going to teach a few classes too. Now I just need to figure out what I want to teach. And the time, oh where is the time?!?

Also taking a short break from writing our society newsletter, reviewing insurance quotes, putting together "lease agreement" letter... oh yeah and don't forget budgets and status. Ecetera ecetera ecetera...

And then there's art... No, I haven't forgotten.

My latest inspirations have been all about textures and I've been drawn to exploring multi-media. I love the look and depth of encaustics... plus the tactile qualities of deep texture. I have researched and tested some recipes for 'acrylic encaustics'. That is probably where I'll focus for my pieces for this years work. I'll post some pics when I get a few further along. (Still sketching around on my Nelly-Doll series and have more bits on my "bird-in-a-cage" vision.) We'll see what idea is ready and with me when the brush is wet with paint.

So for now that is where I am... and did I mention that I have been diagnosed with Celiac Disease. That's been part of the adventure, too. A gluten-free adventure. I started a separate blog for thoughts on that... "Gluten Free Looks Good."

Peace and Blessings to you all -
Shannon

Hello hello...
It's been a while since I've written, I know. I'm afraid I've been pulled from the studio to work on things of a business nature. Yes, I'm referring to tax filing. But most important is I've been working to file the paperwork to get our Washington Fine Arts Society tax exempt non-profit status. Which in essence means a whole lot of paperwork... and for every one page there are several more you need to "attach detail". So that has been where the bulk of my energy has been.
I'm excited because we're almost there and I'm excited because it will be such a positive thing. The status, while just a status, means that we are validated as a legitimate society as well as being able to apply for grants. Plus, any monies kindly donated to us are tax-deductible to our patrons. Why do we need money?
Well our goal is to one day have a place to meet regularly (maybe rent/lease/let/borrow), that may also serve as a place to hold workshops, studios, classes, and maybe also serve as a gallery space. Every little bit helps and it will take alot I feel. This will definitely be a step in the right direction. Art - its creation, education regarding, and its appreciation - are such an important part of a healthy happy community. And this is where we (my family) plan to stay... so I feel I'm working to help our community move forward, too.

Now, let me just say that my creative brain has not been dead... just on the back burner. My sketchbook is still being tended to and I'm already looking to decide which ideas are worth developing and putting on canvas. Stay tuned.... this should be an exciting year!!