June Newsletter

Shhh!

In this issue...

  • Shhh!
  • Upcoming Workshops
  • Ongoing Events
  • Purple Crayon Shirts

One of the best things about owning Purple Crayon is that I get to take all of the workshops, if there’s room. Up until a couple of years ago, there was almost always an extra seat, which wasn’t great for the business but was awesome for my personal growth! Nowadays, however, if I want to attend a class, I have to reserve a seat ahead of time.

 

That’s why I was excited when a workshop didn’t fill a few weeks ago. I hadn’t planned on participating, but when the opportunity presented itself, I couldn’t pass it up. I was familiar with the medium, as I had taken another workshop from the instructor the previous year and had taught a workshop using a similar technique a few years before that.

 

I hesitated before attending, as I remembered how challenging it was for me to teach that particular workshop, and how, as a result, I had decided not to do it again. I also remembered how much I struggled to complete my piece when I took the workshop from this instructor a few months ago. She was great, and I was pleased with the end result, but it validated my thinking that, clearly, this was not my medium.

 

Nevertheless, I always enjoy taking workshops and playing with other women, and there happened to be a seat available, so I jumped in.

 

Before and during the workshop, I let the other attendees know how much difficulty I had had in the previous classes, both as an instructor and a student. My intent was to make the other students feel better if they struggled, too, and it probably did.

 

It probably also contributed to their struggles, however, as the instructor kindly (and bravely!) pointed out later. She explained that, when I shared my previous experiences, instead of comforting the students, I inadvertently set up the expectation that everyone would find the workshop difficult. In essence, I had created a self-fulfilling prophesy.

 

The instructor had been an elementary school teacher in her “previous life,” and she had seen the phenomenon many times. Her young students would come into the classroom already believing that math was hard because that’s what they’d picked up from their previous teachers with math phobias. Because of this limiting thought, they were destined to struggle from the beginning. She spent weeks, and, in some cases, months, trying to dispel the myth, but, as in the workshop, she wasn’t always successful.

 

No one likes to hear that they’ve done something wrong, especially if it hurts other people, but I really appreciated that this instructor had had the courage to share her feedback with me. She had done it perfectly (privately, verbally, and with the intention of helping, not hurting, me), and, as a teacher myself, it made perfect sense.

 

So much so that I felt the experience warranted the focus of a newsletter! At some point, most artists explore different mediums, either to stretch ourselves or to find something else that clicks. The more open we are to possibilities, the more willing we are to experiment. Anything—or anyone—who discourages the effort can delay or derail the attempt.

 

The next time you see someone struggling with a medium that you’ve also struggled with, I encourage you to withhold your own experience (unless you’re offering a solution to a problem). While your support may temporarily comfort the other person, it may also prevent her from growing: a much longer-lasting gift.

 

If you think it might be time to explore a different medium, we've got some fun workshops coming up in June and July. A few are almost sold out, however, so don't wait too long to register!

 

I look forward to playing with you—and I promise I'll keep my opinions to myself!

 

​—​​​​​​Pam Robbins, Owner

Upcoming Workshops

Sparking Your Creative Muse

Wed, 6/8-6/29, 10 AM-12 PM

Do you feel like your muse has gone on vacation—and left you at home with the bags? Spark your creativity by immersing yourself in this four-week, playful and play-filled workshop taught by mixed media artist and veteran instructor, Kate Corcoran. Each week, you’ll explore a new technique for jump-starting your creativity. No prior art or writing experience necessary; just a sense of playfulness and a willingness to be inspired!

 
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Intro to Alcohol Inks

Sat, 6/11, 1:30-4:30 PM

If you’ve been wanting to try a new and vibrant medium that works on a wide variety of materials and surfaces, you’ll love alcohol inks! As you drip, blow, and manipulate the brilliant colors of this art form, you’ll be amazed at the intricate patterns that emerge! Veteran artist and teacher Robyn Crawford will show you how to create beautiful, professional-looking artwork with very little effort. (Only 3 seats left!)

 
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Intro to Shibori

Sat, 6/18, 1:30-5:00 PM

Although the exquisitely detailed patterns of Shibori, a form of tie dye, look complicated, they can actually be quite easy to make—especially if you learn from a pro. Veteran textile artist Camille Daunno will teach you everything you need to know to get started with this ancient Japanese art. You’ll take home two beautiful scarves, as well as a couple of smaller pieces of Shibori that will be suitable for hanging. (Only 3 seats left!)

 
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Upcycled Book Journal

Saturday, 6/25, 1:30-4:30 PM

Have you been trying to start or re-start a journaling practice but can’t seem to get motivated? The issue may be your journal! If you’re using an ordinary, off-the-shelf book, it’s no wonder you’re not inspired. In this eco-friendly workshop, the uber-talented Amanda Smith will teach you, how to turn an old or damaged book into a one-of-a-kind keepsake that you won’t be able to resist filling with your art or thoughts. No previous bookbinding experience necessary.

 
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Sun Printing

Saturday, 7/9, 1:30-5:00 PM

Sun printing (aka solar printing) is a wonderful way to capture the summer sunshine! In this fun and easy workshop, textile artist Camille Daunno will show you how to create beautiful, personal pieces of art by applying SolarFast™, a non-toxic, light-reactive dye, to a “resist” and exposing the surface to light. The results are stunning and unlike traditional cyanotyping, which produces only blue images, can be quite colorful!  

 
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Love Knots Bracelet

Saturday, 7/23, 1:30-4:00 PM

If you’ve ever wanted to try making wire jewelry but weren’t sure you had the skill, this fun and easy workshop is for you! Jewelry Designer Nadine Fidelman will teach you how to cut wire and shape it into “love knots.” Then, you’ll learn how to link your knots to form a bracelet. The process is simple, but you’ll be impressed with the results. In just a couple of hours, you’ll have created a beautiful piece of jewelry that all your friends will envy!

 
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Girls' Night (or Day) Out

Ongoing

Looking for something a little different for your next Girls' Night (or Day) Out? Consider scheduling a private arts and crafts party at Purple Crayon! We've got lots of great workshops to choose from, and, if you don't see what you're looking for, we'll be happy to try to find an instructor! Contact us for more information.

 
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Ongoing Events

Studio Tours

Are you looking for an affordable space to make art and connect with other women artists? We have suspended our Saturday Open Houses, but we would still love to show you around the studio! Please  contact us to schedule a private tour. A limited number of memberships are still available.

Creativity Circles

Creativity Circles, which are open to PC members only, are scheduled times each week when at least one other member has committed to being at the studio.​ Current Creativity Circles include:

- All-Medium Creativity Circles: Thursdays, 1:30 PM-3:30 PM, and Saturdays,10:00 AM-12:00 PM

- Weekly Mixed Media Circle: Mondays, 1:30 PM-3:30 PM

- Book Club: 1st Tuesday of the month, 6:30 PM-8:00 PM

- Stitching Circle: Thursdays from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM

- Monthly Mixed Media Circle: last Sunday of the month,10:00 AM-12:00 PM

Please contact us for more information

Purple Crayon Shirts

 

If you've found inspiration at Purple Crayon, now you can inspire others—and support the studio—by wearing a Purple Crayon shirt! You can pick from several styles (classic tee, slim fit tee, V-neck tee, long sleeve tee, pullover hoodie, and sweatshirt). The slim fit and V-neck tee come in a medium purple, and the rest of the shirts come in a dark purple (pictured below). Your shirt(s) will ship directly to your home. Order yours today!

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