June Newsletter

Time to Refocus

In this issue...

  • Time to Refocus
  • Upcoming Events
  • Instructor Spotlight
  • Upcoming Workshops
  • Creativity Circles

Disclaimer: Like all of my blogs, this month's blog is about MY experience; I share how I'm managing the pandemic. Because I don’t have children to care for, am not worried about losing a job, etc., I understand that others may be suffering far more than me. Please know that my intention, as always, is to simply tell my story in hopes that it will inspire, not shame, others.

 

A few nights ago, I went to bed angry about how stupid and selfish Americans can be, packing into restaurants, crowding onto beaches, and cramming into pool parties while COVID-19 cases continue to rise. What were these people thinking, I fumed?

 

The next morning, however, I woke up realizing that they were NOT thinking; they were reacting (albeit inappropriately) to their perceived loss of normalcy, something the media has done its best to convince us no longer exists. That’s what gains attention; not the majority of Americans who are still, thank goodness, “following the rules.”

 

As I lay in bed, I enjoyed the fleeting memory of a dream I had just had. I couldn’t recall the details, but I held an image of being surrounded by childhood friends and acquaintances, all sporting grey hair and long since forgotten, but still part of my story. It gave me surprising, but extraordinary, peace. I asked myself what it was about being with these people that was so comforting, and I realized that they made my life feel normal, something I haven’t felt since the pandemic began, and it was blissful.

 

Not wanting the feeling to end, I allowed myself a few more minutes in bed. Then, I had an epiphany. I realized that, other than having to wash my hands more regularly, stand 6’ away from people, and wear a mask in public—something that’s customary in other countries—most of my life WAS still normal; I’d just stopped noticing.

 

It always comes back to perspective. We can focus on what’s different about our life, or we can focus on what’s still the same.

 

One thing that everyone reading this probably has in common is a love for making art, or, at least, appreciating the process or results of it. For most of us, that and our friends and family are what ground us; what give us comfort and assure us that all is well; what make our lives feel normal.

 

That opportunity hasn’t changed, even if the options for doing so have. Want to see or hear some art? You can tour a gallery or hear a concert online. (If you’re interested in Asheville’s arts scene, in particular, check out Asheville Today’s How to experience Asheville, N.C.’s Arts Scene Virtually.) Want to learn how something is made? You can read a book, watch a YouTube video, or take an online workshop. (Purple Crayon has several coming up!) Want to make art yourself? Your home studio is waiting, or, if you’re local, Purple Crayon is reopening this month with added safety precautions.

 

Undoubtedly, life has changed, and, for some unfortunate souls, irreparably. For many of us, though, it hasn’t changed that much. I encourage you to focus on what still IS rather than dwelling on what isn’t. There’s a lot in this world that we can’t control; our perspective is something we can.

 

I look forward to creating with you!

 

​—​​​​​​Pam Robbins, Owner

Upcoming Events

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! 

 

Note: Due to COVID-19, we have temporarily suspended in-person GNO bookings. If you would like to discuss online GNO options, please contact us.

 
More Info

Open House

Saturdays, 10 AM-12 PM

Every month, Purple Crayon opens its doors to the public. You can check out what our members are up to and see if the studio is a good fit for you. Come see what all the excitement is about! 

 

Due to COVID-19, we have temporarily suspended our Saturday Open Houses. Please contact us to schedule a private tour.

Instructor Spotlight

 

Nicole Haning

Nicole is teaching our Dot Mandala Painting: Beyond the Basics workshop on June 20th. She comes from a fine arts background (oil and acrylic realism), but she fell in love with dot mandala painting last year. She started out working on stone, then moved to paper, and now prefers canvas. She uses Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration but comes up with her own ideas and designs for more elaborate projects.

 
More Info
 

Camille Dauno

Camille is teaching our Introduction to Nuno Felting workshops on June 27th. Camille's experience as an artist and teacher spans over 40 years and includes: Fashion Illustrator, Textile Designer, Fiber Artist, College Adjunct Professor in Textile Design, Studio Artist, and High School Studio Art and Art History Teacher. She has a B.F.A. from Caldwell University in NJ and an M.A. from FIT and Parsons in NY. 

 
More Info

Upcoming Workshops

Dot Mandala Painting: Beyond the Basics (Online)

Saturday, 6/20, 2:00-5:00 PM

Ready to take your dot mandala painting to the next level? If so, join local artist Nicole Haning for this challenging, but relaxing, workshop where you’ll learn how to paint dot mandalas that are more complex, interesting, and visually appealing. 

Introduction to Nuno Felting (Online)

Saturday, 6/27, 2:00-4:00 PM

Upcycled clothing is all the rage these days, especially with limited—or, at least, more difficult—shopping options, thanks to COVID-19. Nuno felting, a form of wet felting, is a fun way to bring a new, often even more beautiful, look to an old silk scarf, shawl, or shirt. 

Beginning Patchwork Quilting (Online)

Sun, 6/28-8/16*, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM

Quilting is enjoying a resurgence in 2020. After taking veteran quilter Pam Robbins' class, you'll understand why! In addition to learning patchwork quilting basics, you’ll learn how to make 9-12 patchwork quilt “building blocks.” Once you have these blocks in your quilter’s tool kit, you can use them to create literally hundreds of different quilts!

*No class on 7/5 and 8/9.

Creativity Circles

Creativity Circles are scheduled times each week when at least one other member has committed to being at the studio.

 

Due to COVID-19, we are in the process of rethinking how these will work. We're currently holding our Saturday morning circle outside, and we're experimenting with holding other circles online. 

 

If you're interested in learning more,  please contact us.

​

 
More Info

Share on social

Share on Facebook

Back to the Purple Crayon website