Thursday, October 30, 2008

Life's Passion and more!

New Blog!
Life's Passion- Inner Voice of a Mixed Media Artist
In my last email, I told my story of finding a inspirational book for Mixed Media Artists, "Taking Flight" by Kelly Rae Roberts.
I got so many email responses about the story and how people loved it.
I have been wanting to insert more of my stories into my emails or on my Artists' Nook Blog but it just did not seem to fit.
So, I started a new blog for just these stories, insights and moments that happen to me as an artist, mother, store owner and friend.
The New Blog is: Life's Passion: The Inner Voice of a Mixed Media Artist
With this new blog, you have to option to visit and read my stories if you like that thing!
And if you just want The Artists' Nook happenings, workshop pictures & what was emailed out,
This December, I will be creating a third Blog for projects, tutorials, artwork!
This way you can pick and choose if you need info, inspiration or art!

THE PRINT TRAYS, ARE IN, THE PRINT TRAYS ARE IN
Well Almost,
I will be picking them up on Friday, and will be sending out the Pre-orders early next week! I will fill the pre-orders in the order they were received.
So please be patient, as I am a one-woman show!
If you have not ordered your printer's tray, do so here!
The Morpheus Boxes will be shipped out at that time too!

Workshop Spotlight
Kelly Kilmer Mixed Media Artist Extraordinaire!
Mixed Media, Art Journaling and Collage Artist Kelly Kilmer
will be here at The Artists' Nook November 7-9th!
Kelly has been teaching at The Artists' Nook for several years!
Everyone learns soo much from her when she teaches that I wanted to do a Workshop Spotlight on Kelly!
Kelly is very generous with supplies, ideas and techniques so when you take her workshops you can concentrate on playing, exploring and discovering your inner artist.
Even though Kelly tends to work in the book format, her techniques can be easily used on a canvas!
Local Artist Venita Hawkins-Bird's artwork reflects Venita own art style influenced by Kelly's teachings.
Venita is my Featured Artist for my Gallery at The Artists' Nook in November, see more below on her art and art opening.
DON'T MISS this art opportunity with Kelly and your own personal break before the Holidays!
DISCOUNT PRICING REMAINS on all of The Artists' Nook Workshops through the end of the year!
In order to accomodate all in these hard economic times, we are keeping the workshop pricing at the Early Registration Discount Pricing!
Workshops will be going on through the weekend before Thanksgiving. Then we take our annual break for the holidays,
December thru mid Janaury we will not have workshops. Watch for store hours and exciting new happenings for 2009!
November Featured Artist
Venita Hawkins-Bird
Join us for Venita's Art Opening
Friday November 7th 5p - 8p
Fabulous Mixed Media Collage Artist, Venita Hawkins-Bird Art will be on Display through the month of November!
Local Art/Artisans Opportunity!
Calling all artists and artisans...
Juried Local Art & Craft Show
"Hand Made Militia"
On December 13th at the Gallery Underground.
Put on by our favorite artist, Whitney Phippen!
All the info and the application can be found at www.handmademilitia.com

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Art Inspiration & More!

Art Inspiration!
This week I found........
Yesterday, I spent the day making Morpheus Boxes for Michael deMeng's up coming workshop at Raevn's Nest Art retreat in Cedarburg, WI.

(ok a side note: you have to check out the hottie she has on her website for the musical entertainment, yummy!)

After dropping off the large package of boxes to Fed Ex, I needed a mental break!
I decided to go to Barnes & Noble to look at books and magazines!

With my arms full, I found a comfy chair and started looking through my selections.

I have to admit something to you all at this point! I am a book snob! What does that mean?

There are so many books out there. And I am very picky! I like good content throughout the book. More than just the step by step. More than just a few good projects, ideas or inspiration.

I want the book to make me feel inspired, challenged and to get my creative juices flowing from front cover to back cover!

As I said, I am a book snob! That is why it is hard for me to order books for my store sight unseen!

So here I sit, thumbing through book after book..... Then I get to:

As I open the pages of, "Taking Flight" by Kelly Rae Roberts,
I am enjoying the artwork from some of my favorite artists: Stephanie Lee, DJ Pettitt, Laurie Mika

Ok, another true confession, I have the attention span of a gnat when looking at books, websites, blogs, etc.

I tend to quickly skim the visual and sometimes read a bit to see if the content grasps me.
You have about 1 minute to catch my attention or I move on.

So the artwork, caught and held my attention, flipping from one artist to the next, then the second to the last artist REALLY caught my attention:

Christine Mason Miller (good first name)

Her piece "Unburdened" is simple yet powerful.
A subtle textured looking background with a set of wings painted on the canvas, a simple block of color (red) and the word "Unburdened"

My interest is peaked on who this artist is.

Kelly has an interview with the artist at the beginning of their section so I decide to actually read......

I want you to know that I have been doing some personal soul searching lately and making great discoveries.
One of the things, I always believe is to pay attention to what presents itself to you. And this was one of those moments.

Her first question revealed how important it is for Christine to live life honestly! This has been a personal discovery for me that I have been exploring lately!

I bought the book and am loving it! I want to get into my studio and create, I feel inspired!

For any artist who has struggled with finding time to make art, finding their art style, or just want to do more then YOU MUST GET THIS BOOK! "Taking Flight" by Kelly Rae Roberts

And Christine Mason Miller has just released a beautifully Self Published book "Ordinary Sparkling Moments" filled with Christine's writing, collage and photography.



Talk about Inspiration!

Workshop Spotlight
Exploration in Mixed Media w/ Cory Celaya!......

I wanted to highlight this workshop series we have been doing with artist Cory Celaya all year!
This workshop is meant to be an on going creative exploration for artists in Mixed Media.
Artists can take just one of the 3-day sessions or more!

We have had some take one, two and soon to take all 3!

It is designed to have you grow as an artist teaching you techniques, art fundamentals, composition and so much more!
Cory taught this series for years in California, that her students went on to being very successful artists.

Are you needing to get to the next level artistically? Then this is the workshop for you!

Don't worry if you have not been to any of the previous sessions, You can start now! Next session is
November 14-16th.
Local Art/Artisans Opportunity!
Calling all artists and artisans...
Juried Local Art & Craft Show
"Hand Made Militia"

On December 13th at the Gallery Underground.

Put on by our favorite artist, Whitney Phippen!

All the info and the application can be found at www.handmademilitia.com

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Book Sale, Dia de los Muertos Art Exhibit & more

Select Books on SALE NOW!
Now through October 15th, Limited Supplies available
Our Book Shelf is over flowing so we are having
A BOOK SALE on select titles of our favorite books!
We have 18 titles on Sale, Here is a peak at a few of those:
Sale is on now through October 15th! Great Savings!
Locals, don't wait to come into the store to save, they will go fast at these prices.
Place your order online, and note that you will come by and pick up your order. I will then refund the shipping amount!


Kathyanne White Workshop
Here in 2 Weeks!......

Kathyanne White:
The guru for printing on ANYTHING!
Has more information and pictures of what she will be teaching here in a few weeks on her blog!

WORKSHOPS SHE WILL BE TEACHING:
Blog Post about the Digital Printing workshop Click here
Blog Post about the Digital Printing workshop Click Here
Dia de los Muertos!
Day of the Dead

Celebrating the Lives of Loved Ones who have passed

Bellvue’s 1st Annual Day of the Dead Celebration

October 10th – November 2nd

The Artists’ Nook and Bev Perina presents:

Bellvue’s 1st annual Dia de los Muertos- Day of the Dead: Celebrating Life for Loved Ones who have passed.

Art Opening

Friday October 10th at 5 pm – 8 pm

Which includes Artist Reception, Chili Cook Off and More!

The Artists’ Nook will feature Day of the Dead themed artwork from a variety of artists as a result of our Art Challenge. Click Here to see some of the art pieces


Bev Perina’s Fine Art and Antique Show will feature art, jewelry, and many handmade items from local artists and artisans.

Friday October 10th 5 pm- 8 pm, Saturday Oct 11th and Sunday Oct 12th 10 am – 5 pm.


An Ofrenda is installed by artist Laurie Zuckerman in the Bellvue store which the community is invited to add a picture of a loved one they wish to celebrate.

The origins of the celebration of The Day of the Dead in Latin America can be traced back to the indigenous peoples of the Americas, such as the Zapotec, Aztec, Maya, Purepecha, Nahual and Totonac
Rituals celebrating the lives of dead ancestors had been performed by these Mesoamerican civilizations for at least 3,000 years.


STORE HOURS FOR THIS WEEKEND
Week of Oct 6th-
OPEN Friday Oct 10th 5 pm - 8 pm,
Saturday Oct 11th NOON - 5 pm &
Sunday Oct 12th Gallery Only Open 10 am - 5 pm

TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO SAVE!
The Pre-Order Sale Price of $15 for the Printer's Tray will be on through Sunday Oct 12th.
After that they will be at regular price of $20.

Thursday, October 02, 2008

Weekly Update & What's New

Printer's Tray & Morpheus Box Kits
Good News & Bad News


Here is the update on our NEW PRODUCTS-

The Morpheus Box Kit and Printer's Tray.

Good News- Bad News

Good News first, The Printer's Tray have been shipped and should arrive in a week or so.
The Pre-Order Sale Price of $15 for the Printer's Tray will be on through Sunday Oct 12th.
After that they will be at regular price of $20.
We are really excited about the Printer's Tray!
Michael deMeng will be offering several workshops in 2009 using this Printer's Tray.

Bad News, really only for those who did not Pre-order the Morpheus Box kits.
The manufacturer messed up and did not make the Morpheus Box kits for the shipment that is on it's way.

What does that mean?
Since it would cost too much to have the Morpheus Box kits shipped separately, we cancelled having them made by the manufacturer.

Bad News into Good News:

For all of you who have Pre-ordered the Morpheus Box Kits, we will be filling these orders only!
We will hand make the Morpheus Box kits with tender loving care! Only for those who Pre-Ordered and in the quantities they pre-ordered.

They will look the same as what was on the website, but the top and bottom finials will vary.
The Morpheus Box kits and the Printer's Tray will go out mid to late October.



The Artists' Nook Store Front
Moving all online......

No Really, I mean it!

One of my big goals for 2008 was to put all the product I carry in The Artists' Nook store front online! And then have project tutorials for you all to be inspired by!

Here we are in October 2008, and I am not there yet. I have been streamlining and fine tuning all my extra duties so now I am able to do this, Really!

For this phase to happen, The Artists' Nook store front will be open on weekends when we have workshops and events only!

This will free up some of my time for creating cool projects to share with you!

FOR the Locals, Please check the store front hours on my website, before coming by OR Call (970) 416-1148

These hours will be updated each month for you to plan your visit to The Artists' Nook Store Front.
Better Yet, Take a workshop and shop at the same time!
Here are the store front hours for the next few weeks:

Week of Sept. 29th -

OPEN Saturday Oct 4th 10 am - 5 pm

Week of Oct 6th-

OPEN Friday Oct 10th 5 pm - 8 pm, Saturday Oct 11th NOON - 5 pm & Sunday Oct 12th Gallery Only Open 10 am - 5 pm

Week of Oct 13th-

OPEN Friday Oct 17th, Saturdy Oct 18th & Sunday Oct 19th 10a-5p

WORKSHOPS:

Anthologies, Rescue Book Collage w/ Cathy Taylor

Saturday October 4th 10 am – 5 pm
We are excited to host Cathy this weekend! She had great energy and lots to share. There are a few spots left, so come join us!


Kathyanne White:
The guru for printing on ANYTHING! Has more information and pictures of what she will be teaching here in a few weeks on her blog! Check it out!
WORKSHOPS SHE WILL BE TEACHING:

Beginning Digital Printing on Fabric & Speciality Papers w/ Kathyanne White (10/17)

Digital Mixed Media Art Journal w/ Kathyanne White (10/18)

MOSAICS, Anyone?
Our Local Artist Kaye Iverson:
Register by Oct 18th and SAVE!


Christine's Workshops upcoming"
When Cas was here she traded me for my mini Journal for her art, How cool is that!

Precious Metal Clay Pendant w/ Christine (11/2)


THE SAMPLES ARE IN, THE SAMPLES ARE IN.....
Kelly Kilmer's Workshop Samples have arrived!
Kelly's workshops are an ART-Gasmic Experience, full of ideas, techniques and of course laughter!
REGISTER BY OCT 17TH AND SAVE $$$$$$



Art Shows to see!

Day of the Dead & WOW Fort Collins

Dia de los Muertos

"Day of the Dead"

Celebrating the Lives of Loved Ones who have passed

Bellvue’s 1st Annual Day of the Dead Celebration

October 10th – November 2nd

The Artists’ Nook and Bev Perina presents:

Bellvue’s 1st annual Dia de los Muertos- Day of the Dead: Celebrating Life for Loved Ones who have passed.

Art Opening

Friday October 10th at 5 pm – 8 pm

Which includes Artist Reception, Chili Cook Off and More!

The Artists’ Nook will feature Day of the Dead themed artwork from a variety of artists as a result of our Art Challenge.


Bev Perina’s Fine Art and Antique Show will feature art, jewelry, and many handmade items from local artists and artisans.

Friday October 10th 5 pm- 8 pm, Saturday Oct 11th and Sunday Oct 12th 10 am – 5 pm.


An Ofrenda is installed by artist Laurie Zuckerman in the Bellvue store which the community is invited to add a picture of a loved one they wish to celebrate.

The origins of the celebration of The Day of the Dead in Latin America can be traced back to the indigenous peoples of the Americas, such as the Zapotec, Aztec, Maya, Purepecha, Nahual and Totonac
Rituals celebrating the lives of dead ancestors had been performed by these Mesoamerican civilizations for at least 3,000 years.


Art Auction and Benefit for
Colorado Coalition of Artists
Art Opening Friday October 3rd


The mission of the “WOW Fort Collins Art Auction and Show”is to pay
forward to artists in the community , to give them an opportunity for

their art to be sold internationally, to showcase their art and to create
money for the non profit group CoCOA .

SHOW INFORMATION

Show Dates: Friday October 3- Saturday
October 25, 2008

Colorado Coalition of Artist
Gallery at 402 N. College Ave, Fort Collins, CO

Opening Reception: Friday, October 3rd 5-10pm

Closing Reception and Awards and Live Auction of 15 lucky art pieces will begin Saturday October 25 at
BID ONLINE AT: www.wowfortcollins.com