October Newsletter

No Passion? No Problem!

In this issue...

  • No Passion? No Problem!
  • Instructor Spotlight
  • Upcoming Events
  • Upcoming Workshops
  • Creativity Circles

“So, what’s your passion?”

 

For most of my life, I hated when people asked me that. I didn’t know, and it sucked. And it made me feel like I sucked; like I was doing something wrong by not knowing. Even though I did everything the self-help books said to do—try different things; look for and be open to new opportunities; quiet my thoughts to hear that still, small voice—nothing spoke to me.

 

Until I opened Purple Crayon. Although it’s a lot of work, and it can be stressful at times, I love almost everything about it. It’s the first thing I think about when I wake up and the last thing I think about when I go to bed (besides, perhaps, brushing my teeth!). I’m quite certain that it is my reason for being here. And, if it’s not, it’s surely the most satisfying thing I’ve ever done.

 

How I found my calling remains a mystery, and I often doubted that I'd ever figure it out. While it definitely feels good to have finally found my passion—or, at least, found a passion—it seems like I just got lucky. I was at the right place at the right time, and, as Elizabeth Gilbert would say, I "caught the idea" as it flew by.

 

When I discussed my thoughts with a friend of mine, she empathized with my journey and confided that she's currently on a quest herself. She thinks that she's on the right path, but time will tell—and she's OK with that. "It helps to believe," she explained, "that our actions are driven by someone's need, even if we don't know whose it is. Being motivated by an unknown cause isn't quite as satisfying as following a passion, but I know the impact is just as meaningful." I think she's onto something.

 

If you’re still searching for your passion, I encourage you to enjoy the ride: keep experimenting; keep exploring; keep listening; and, most importantly, keep creating! Even if you never find your Purple Crayon, I hope you'll trust that the positive energy you're generating benefits everyone—and that's invaluable. 

 

Purple Crayon has some great workshops coming up in October to inspire your creative exploration:

  • Camille Daunno's Adventures in Art starting 10/4
  • Deana Murchison's Folded Book Art on 10/13
  • Marcia Gleason's SoulCollage® on 10/14
  • Ann Magrath's Needle Felted Pumpkins on 10/20
  • Lynn Karegeannes' Creating Personal Mandalas on 10/21
  • Patricia Spangler's Eco Printing on 10/29 (Only 2 seats left!)

 

And don't forget about Purple Crayon's Inaugural Birthday Bash and Art and Supplies Sale on 10/13 and our new Girls’ Night (or Day) Out offer! We're already starting to book the studio for holiday arts and crafts parties. Don't miss your chance! 

 

I look forward to playing with you!

 

​—​​​​​​Pam Robbins, Owner

Instructor Spotlight

 

Marcia Gleason, LCSW

Marcia is teaching our Introduction to SoulCollage® workshop on October 14th. She's been developing and teaching personal growth workshops for 30 years. In 2012, Marcia was certified by Seena Frost in Santa Cruz, California, to facilitate SoulCollage® workshops and classes. She's also trained in body-based psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems, and other modalities, which she incorporates into her workshops. For more information about Marcia, see: www.soulcollageasheville.com.

 
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Lynn Karegeannes

Lynn is teaching our Introduction to Creating Personal Mandalas workshop on October 21st. She studied with mandala specialist, Susanne Fincher, and completed her three-part Creating Mandalas program (80 hours) in 2012, earning her certification. Lynn has been teaching introductory “Creating Mandalas” workshops since then. She also has a B.A. and an M.A. in art history, so she's very comfortable (and loves!) presenting information and leading discussions around images.

 
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Upcoming Events

Inaugural Birthday Bash and Art and Supplies Sale!

Saturday, 10/13, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM

Happy Birthday, Purple Crayon! To celebrate our First Anniversary, we're having an Art and Supplies Sale—and it's open to the public! Come join us for what we hope will become an annual event! FREE!

Girls' Night (or Day) Out

Ongoing

Looking for something a little different for this year's holiday 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! Lock in your date today!

 
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Open House

Saturday, 10/6, 10:00 AM-12:00 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!

Upcoming Workshops

 

Adventures in Art

Thursdays starting 10/4, 10 AM-12 PM

In this exciting new art series, every month, veteran art teacher, Camille Daunno, will select a new theme for your art adventure, and, every week, she'll select a new project on that theme. You’ll have a ball developing new, or practicing existing, art techniques. In October, Camille will focus on Expressionist Landscaping, with classes on Cray-Pas Oil Pastels (10/11), Tissue Paper Collage (10/18), Needle Felted Landscape (10/25), and Painted Transfer Imaging.

 
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Folded Book Art: Teapot

Saturday, 10/13, 12:00 PM-2:00 PM

In this fun and easy, two-hour workshop, Deana Murchison will show you how to take a hardcover book and, with just a few simple folds, turn it into a work of art—in this case, a teapot. The class will cover how to: select an appropriate book for your project; prepare your book; mark and fold your book; and ready your book for display. Deana will also tell you where to find additional book folding patterns for future projects.

 

 
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Intro to SoulCollage®

Sunday, 10/14, 1:00 PM-5:00 PM

Join SoulCollage® Facilitator, Marcia Gleason, LCSW, as she teaches you the fundamental principles of SoulCollage® and how to create your own deck of cards. First, you’ll learn about the various suits of the SoulCollage® deck and how to explore your inner world through the cards. Then, you’ll practice the simple process of making and reading cards, including the “I am the One” process, which is how cards “speak” to the creator, imparting guidance and connection.

 
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Needle Felted Pumpkin

Saturday, 10/20, 1:00 PM-4:00 PM

With Halloween just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to make these adorable needle felted pumpkins! Whether you use them to decorate your home, or turn them into something more functional, like pincushions, you’ll have a blast making these GOURDgious little guys! (Note: Participants will definitely have time to make at least one pumpkin, but they may have time to make multiples.)

 

 

 
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Creating Personal Mandalas

Sunday, 10/21, 1:00 PM-4:00 PM

Mandalas, a Sanskrit word meaning center, circumference, and magic circle, are found everywhere. But did you know that they can also reveal how you view yourself? Join mandala specialist, Lynn Karegeannes, as she takes you on a fascinating journey to, first, create a personal mandala, and, then, explore possible interpretations of what you’ve expressed.

 

 
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Introduction to Eco Printing

Monday, 10/29, 12:00 PM-5:00 PM

Did you know that leaves, flowers, seeds, and other plant materials leave behind a unique “signature” when exposed to water and heat? In this encore workshop, join fiber artist, Patricia Spangler, as she explains the basics of eco printing and shows you how to lay out and design an eco print, bundle and process materials, and pre- and post-mordant fabric. As a final project, you will print your own silk scarf!

 
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Forest Bathing for Creatives

Sunday, 11/4, 10:00 AM-4:30 PM

Shinrin-Yoku, a Japanese term meaning "taking in the forest atmosphere" or "forest bathing,” was developed in Japan during the 1980s and has become a cornerstone of preventive health care and healing in Japanese medicine. It has also been shown to improve creativity and bolster focus.  Now you can experience the phenomenon right here in Asheville as artist and Forest Therapy Guide in Practicum, Kathleen Forrest, takes you on a forest bathing journey to reset your parasympathetic nervous system and jump start (or ramp up) your creative process!

 
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Harvest Basket

Saturday, 11/10, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM

In this fun and very functional workshop, fiber artist, Carla Filippelli, will teach you the basics of wicker basketry to create an original harvest basket. Using hand dyed reeds, Carla will teach you how to set up your space, form your basket, incorporate textural variations into your work, and, finally, finish your piece. Everyone will leave with an impressive creation!

 
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Intro to Alcohol Inks

Friday, 11/30, 10:00 AM-1:00 PM

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard of the newest and most exciting media to hit the art community: alcohol inks. Their popularity is well-deserved. With very little effort or experience, you can create incredible textures, brilliant colors, and intricate patterns on a wide variety of surfaces. Artist extraordinaire, Deana Murchison, will show you how!

 
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Creativity Circles (Members-Only)

Writing: Every Other Mon, 6-8:30 PM

Reading: 2nd Mon, 6:30-8:30 PM

Stitching: Tue, 1-3 PM

Quilting: Thu, 1-3 PM

Drawing: 1st & 3rd Sat, 10 AM-12 PM

 
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