December Newsletter The Joy of Giving...Away |
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In this issue... - The Joy of Giving...Away
- Upcoming Workshops
- Ongoing Events
- Purple Crayon Shirts
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A couple of weeks ago, I framed the November Our State magazine article that featured Purple Crayon and hung it behind my station in the studio. I wouldn’t exactly call the framed piece “art,” but I found being in such a widely circulated magazine inspiring and thought it deserved a spot in my personal gallery. My collection includes some of my own art, as well as art that I’ve purchased from, or been given by, other PC members. Only special pieces make it to “the wall.” As I stepped back to admire the display, I was distracted by the piece of artwork hanging next to it. It was a textile collage that I had started in Christy Ammerman’s workshop back in June and recently finished. I had hung it up mostly because it was DONE; not because I was particularly proud of it. In fact, I thought it looked pretty amateurish. After mulling it over for a few minutes, I decided it didn’t deserve a spot behind my station and threw it out. At first, I just put it in one of the trash cans in the studio, but then I walked it outside to the dumpster; I didn’t want any of the members to discover what I had done. For some reason, I felt ashamed of tossing it. As ugly as it was (to me, anyway), it was still “art,” and, like many people, I have a thing about throwing that out. Since I’m pretty good about purging almost anything else that “doesn’t spark joy,” (thank you, Marie Kondo!), I found my reaction curious. When I got home, I googled “Do You Ever Destroy Your Artwork?” and came across an interesting Open Discussion on the topic. While comments to the blog varied, quite a few folks admitted that, like me, they “get the heebie-jeebies when [they] think of destroying original artworks”—even if it defies logic. Others had a more practical perspective. One man wrote: “When a piece of my art has lost its voice, I am able to discard it. My feeling for it is in the making of it, and once it is finished, my passion moves to the next project.” This idea resonated with me. Although my collage never really spoke to me, I had learned something putting it together, so it HAD served its purpose. Because I was no longer passionate about it, however, it made sense to get rid of it to clear space, literally and figuratively, for my next project. With the new year just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to consider purging art that no longer speaks to you. You can try selling or donating it—or repurposing the materials you used to make it—or you can simply toss it (assuming it doesn’t contain toxic materials). I realize that throwing out art may not be the most environmentally-friendly choice, but getting rid of it could invite other opportunities to contribute. If you’re ready to take on a new project, there are still a couple of seats left for Kate Corcoran’s Art Journaling workshop on January 8th. Due to popular demand, we’re also running another Resin Art Pouring class on February 5th and another Chunky Blanket workshop on February 19th. I hope you’ll consider giving yourself a creative, post-holiday treat! May your holidays be filled with joyful, inspiring memories! —Pam Robbins, Owner P.S. If you're considering joining PC, I would encourage you to do so before the end of the year, if possible. Membership fees will be going up a few dollars starting in January. If you join by December 31st, however, you'll be grandfathered in at the current rates! |
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Fluid Art Sampler Saturday, 12/4, 1:00-4:00 PM (Full but waitlist available) Have you ever wanted to create an abstract painting but weren’t sure how to start? If so, fluid art—also called [acrylic] pour painting, flow art, liquid art., etc.—might be just what you’re looking for! In this workshop, Dawn Barnard will show you how to do a few different types of acrylic pours using a few different surfaces: an 8 x 10 canvas, a picture frame, and either a vase or votive, depending on product availability. | | |
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Polymer Clay Pens Saturday, 12/11, 1:00-5:00 PM (Full but waitlist available) Polymer clay is an amazingly versatile art medium. Once you learn how to work with it, you can make beads, buttons, figurines, decorations, etc. In this introductory workshop, PC owner Pam Robbins will teach you everything you need to know to get started—and you'll walk away with several beautiful pens! By the end of the workshop, you’ll have multiple gifts to give to family and friends—if you can bare parting with your creations! | | |
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Art Journaling Saturday, 1/8, 1:00-5:00 PM Resolved to make more art in 2022? Welcome the new year with a new practice: keeping an art journal. Mixed media artist Kate Corcoran will show you how in this fun and inspiring workshop! You'll leave the class with a personalized journal cover and, if time allows, a completed art journal page(s). More importantly, you’ll have the skills and confidence to continue journaling on your own! (Only 3 seats left!) | | |
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Introduction to Shibori Saturday, 1/22, 1:00-4:00 PM (Full but waitlist available) 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 a beautiful 15" x 60" scarf and several smaller pieces of Shibori that you can hang on your wall or turn into another home accessory. | | |
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Intro to Resin Art Pouring: Tray Saturday, 2/5, 1:30-4:00 PM Acrylic pour painting is all the rage these days, and the results ARE amazing. Resin art pouring uses a similar process, but the results are even more beautiful—if you can imagine! Its translucent and ethereal layering of colors is difficult to recreate using any other medium. In this exciting workshop, Resin Art artist Donna Cook will show you how to create a stunning, one-of-a-kind resin tray. | | |
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Chunky Blanket Saturday, 2/19, 1:00-5:00 PM Spring is getting closer, but it's still mighty cold outside. Fortunately, you'll stay nice and warm under this chunky blanket! You’ve probably seen these super soft, super snuggly blankets in your favorite home goods store for $75-$100 or more. Now you can make your own for a lot less, once you learn the technique. No knitting experience necessary! Non-knitter Pam Robbins will step you through the process. | | |
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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! | | |
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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. |
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Tangle Art Club (Online) Fridays, 3:00-4:15 PM If you love doodling but would like to make your work more intentional, this art club is for you! Each Friday, we'll take you on a new "tangle" adventure. It won’t take long before your mind settles, your to-do list melts away, and you get into the zone, weaving structured patterns into beautiful, one-of-a-kind masterpieces. The Club is open to the public for a nominal fee and free to PC members. While previous tangling experience is helpful, it's NOT required. Contact us for more information. |
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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. Circles are currently scheduled for Tuesdays from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM, Thursdays from 1:30-3:30 PM, and Saturdays from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM. We also have a Stitching Circle on Thursdays from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM, and a Mixed Media Circle on the last Sunday of the month from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM. Contact us for more information. |
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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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