A Love Story February 2024 Newsletter |
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Hello, Art and Design Friends!Don't you love a good love story? Just the email title is enough to make our hearts go pitter-pat, curious about the tale. Love can take many forms: a love for a person (looking at you, Scott, XO), a passion for an endeavor (hello, ART!), or an affection for food (food is love). A favorite love poem was read at our wedding 23 years ago. Its truth never ceases to resonate with me. It's about working together as a team, holding each other up, taking turns... as a couple or as a community. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. How will you celebrate your love story this month... and all year long? Warmly, Cindy |
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A Marriage You are holding up the ceiling with both arms. It is very heavy but you must hold it up or else it will fall down on you. Your arms are tired, Terrible tired, And, As the day goes on, It feels as if either your arms Or the ceiling Will soon collapse. But then, Unexpectedly, Something wonderful happens. Someone, a man or a woman, Walks into the room and holds their arms up to the ceiling beside you. So you finally get to take down your arms. You feel the relief of respite, The blood flowing back to your fingers and arms, And when their arms tire, You hold up your own to relieve him again. And it can go on like this for many years Without the house falling down. ©Michael Blumenthal P.S. If your inbox is maxed out, you're always welcome to unsubscribe at the bottom of the page. Thank you! |
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Caught in Awe Most of us know someone who is an inspiration... one who consistently impresses and affirms in such a way that you feel better just thinking of them. Donna is that person for me – ever thoughtful, intelligent, beautiful, and, for a while, single. Let me tell you her love story... Donna is full of love, lives life to the fullest in beautiful Washington State, and wished to find a partner to share her rich life with. After a few "meh" dating experiences, she pretty much thought all the ships had sailed and was prepared to find a tugboat…a solid tugboat for adventuring. Little did she know a yacht would come into port. Enter John! A mutual friend put two and two together and made a long-distance introduction. Although they live 1300 miles apart, they speak hours each night remotely. This commissioned painting, "Caught in Awe," was inspired by the Oregon beach where they first met in person, then John and Donna sailed off into the sunset!! They're feeling extremely blessed right now. He’s her person. And she's his. And they're feeling such gratitude and love right now. It’s pretty amazing. | | |
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| | "Caught in Awe" three 24" x 48" triptych acrylic on canvas SOLD If you have a special moment or scene you'd like to capture in a painting, contact me about a commissioned piece of art. |
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| | I enjoy writing affirmations, client quotes, prayers, and intentions on the canvas to begin paintings. I keep these thoughts in mind as I paint, and they are an integral part of the creative process. Click to see a timelapse process of this piece. |
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Heather Freeman Contemporary Art I just love my Smiley Building ArtRoom community! They are a constant source of inspiration and laughter. I was honored to create a logo for ArtRoom neighbor and fearlessly colorful abstract artist Heather Freeman. She desired a professional logo to complement her abstract, colorful art. |
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Heather creates work that aims to bring people joy, merging her passion for painting and empowerment with a spirit of living life to the fullest. Heather’s paintings aim to create an uplifting experience, inviting everyone to enjoy a dream-chasing lifestyle by offering a reminder of what is possible. Heather Freeman Contemporary Art Colorful Paintings Created to Inspire Joy Every Day. | | |
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Max's Red Chile Is it possible to be in love with a sauce? I think so. My husband and I fell in love in a New Mexico kitchen, and his red chile recipe played no small part in stealing my heart (for those who know my Scott, "Max" is his nickname). In New Mexico, chile is savored on everything: breakfast eggs, lunch tacos and dinner enchiladas. I may be biased, but I believe this is the best red chile recipe you'll make. May you find love in the food you share this month! | | |
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The ArtRoom Collective First Friday Come play with the largest brush nib marker in the world! A new ink and marker has hit the market and will be making an exclusive debut in The ArtRoom on First Friday! The ArtRoom Collective’s featured artist for March is Heather Leavitt Martinez of Let's Letter Together! At our First Friday demonstration on March 1, 5:30pm, Heather Martinez will be sharing brush lettering tips. Stop by during the demo and leave with a FREE marker you can take with you. The ArtRoom Collective First Friday Art Crawl is March 1, from 4pm - 7pm. Come talk with local artists, be inspired by creative work, or buy a local, handcrafted item for yourself or a special someone at the Smiley Building at 1309 East Third Avenue in Durango, Colorado. |
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Willowtail Springs Nature Preserve Artist Residency I’m thrilled to announce that I have received a full scholarship for a week-long Willowtail Springs Nature Preserve Artist Residency in late March. I intend to spend a week focusing on my art process, pushing the boundaries of expression and technique. I'm beyond grateful for Peggy and Lee Cloy's generosity and support of the arts. Stay tuned for a future art show featuring this new work! Willowtail Springs Nature Preserve and Education Center provides a backdrop where The Arts and Nature can integrate. The vast natural beauty, uniquely designed cabins, and gardens support the Artist’s intention, intimacy, and freedom. (I’m gathering inspirational meditations, podcasts, and yoga routines for my week at Willowtail. I’d love you to email me some of your favorites!) |
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My Smiley Building ArtRoom studio is small but mighty, containing works in progress, finished art pieces, and items to purchase. It's my place to develop my personal artistic style, explore mediums, and share my passion for pursuing beauty in our world. If you enjoy this newsletter, previous editions can be viewed here. I welcome you to visit my online art portfolio or drop by the Smiley Building ArtRoom to say hello when you're in downtown Durango. I hope to see you soon. Warmly, Cindy |
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