March Newsletter Hold that Thought! |
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In this issue... - Hold that Thought!
- Upcoming Events
- Instructor Spotlight
- Upcoming Workshops
- Creativity Circles
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When I walk around Purple Crayon, I feel the need to express my delight at all the members’ amazing work. As a life coach, however, I know that offering unsolicited feedback can do more harm than good: it can inhibit one’s creative process; it can make one feel “less than”; and it can produce resentment and anger towards the giver. While I try to catch myself before offering compliments and, occasionally, suggestions for “improving” a piece, unfortunately, I’m not always successful. “Respectful interaction” is one of the tenants of PC’s Code of Conduct, a document that all potential members much agree to follow before joining. While it’s not explicitly stated, it implies that members should avoid giving unsolicited feedback or advice, either positive or negative. “Creativity is the way I share my soul with the world,” Brené Brown, a research professor on courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy at the University of Houston, explains. Indeed, it takes courage to make art, to put yourself out there, and only you have the right to judge you. Since I’m just as guilty as the next person when it comes to judging others’ work, I’ve been thinking about ways to manage my own and others’ unsolicited “help.” I’ve come up with a few suggestions, which I’m going to assume ARE solicited since you’re reading this article! Lol! In terms of curbing one’s “enthusiasm,” that’s pretty simple, though not necessarily easy: hold your thought! If you feel you really have something valuable to offer, ask the potential recipient if she wants your opinion or advice before giving it. As for curbing others’ feedback, the key to a successful outcome is to assume that “they know not what they do”; most people truly do want to help. When someone offers unsolicited advice, the easiest choice is to just ignore the giver and remind yourself that you, not she, has all the answers. If you’re up for the challenge, however, you can also thank the giver for her desire to help, but explain that you’d rather explore your creative options on your own. If her heart is in the right place, she’ll likely apologize and go about her business. If her—or your—intent is to shame the other, on the other hand, all bets are off! I’m going to practice heeding my own advice the next time I’m in the studio. And I’ll have plenty of opportunities, as we’ve got lots of great workshops coming up that will surely produce some beautiful work—at least in my opinion! I look forward to creating with you! —Pam Robbins, Owner |
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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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Open House Saturday, 3/7, 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! |
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| | Christy Ammerman Christy is teaching our Mixed Media Shadow Box workshop on March 14th. For most of her life, she thought that she couldn’t be an artist because she didn’t have drawing or painting skills. When she started taking workshops in collage, it opened a door for her. Over the last 20 years, she has taken many workshops in collage, assemblage, encaustic, alcohol inks, and altered books. Now, fortunately for us, she's a teacher herself! She has discovered that there are many ways to be a creator! | | |
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| | Susan Goodman Susan is teaching our Zentangle®: The Basics and Zentangle®: Beyond the Basics workshops on March 28th. She's instructed at Tryon Painters and Sculptors, CANVAS Art Space and Purple Crayon. In 2017, Susan received an Honorable Mention in Hendersonville’s Bring Us Your Best Show; in 2018, one of her Zentangle® pieces was selected for a Hendersonville Artscape banner; and, in 2019, she was selected to decorate a bear for Hendersonville’s annual Bearfootin’ event. | | |
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Mixed Media Shadow Box Saturday, 3/14, 1:00 PM-4:00 PM Interested in exploring mixed media or expanding your mixed media skills? In this workshop, Christy Ammerman will show you how to use a small box to create a little world that combines the textures of collage with three-dimensional elements. This workshop is great for people who have never created a mixed media piece, but it also gives more experienced artists an opportunity to try new materials and techniques. | | |
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Alcohol Ink & Sharpie Scarves Saturday, 3/21, 12:30-5:00 PM In this super fun workshop, Deana Murchison and Pam Robbins team up to show you two different ways to create beautiful, inexpensive silk scarves using just a little ink and alcohol. First, you'll experiment with using alcohol inks to dye one scarf. Then, you’ll play with using Sharpie markers and rubbing alcohol to dye your other scarf. No dyeing, drawing, or painting experience necessary! | | |
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| | Zentangle®: The Basics Saturday, 3/28, 10:00 AM-12:30 PM Zentangle® is an easy-to-learn, relaxing way to turn structured patterns—called “tangles”—into tiny (3.5” x 3.5”) masterpieces that can, ultimately, be assembled into a larger mosaic. In this introductory workshop, Certified Zentangle® Teacher, Susan Goodman, will review the history of the Zentangle® Method and the benefits of using good quality tools. Then, she will teach you how to create some basic tangles. | | |
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| | Zentangle®: Beyond Basics Saturday, 3/28, 1:00 PM-3:30 PM In this workshop, Certified Zentangle® Teacher, Susan Goodman, will re-acquaint you with the basics of Zentangle®. Then, you will continue to build your knowledge by learning new, more complicated tangles, adding shading and highlighting to your piece, and working with different colored squares and pens. Students who have already taken this workshop will learn tangles that are new to them as well! | | |
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Fluid Art: Eggstravaganza Saturday, 4/11, 1:00-3:30 PM 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, Deana Murchison will teach you several different ways to do acrylic pours. Then, you’ll practice the techniques, making one 8” x 10” abstract painting, one vase, and, to celebrate spring, four one-of-a-kind Easter eggs! | | |
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Introduction to Polymer Clay Saturday, 4/18, 1:00 PM-4:30 PM Polymer clay is an amazingly versatile art medium! In this workshop, Lori Axelrod will teach you how to shape, blend, stamp and embellish polymer clay to make a beautiful, lightweight, big- bead necklace that makes a statement! You will also learn how to make a bull’s eye, jelly roll, and black and white strip log (called a “polymer clay cane”). Lori will share many tips and techniques to help you create a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry! | | |
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Introduction to Pyrography Saturday, 4/25, 1:00 PM-3:00 PM Pyrography is the art of decorating wood by burning a design on the surface with a heated metallic point. In this introductory workshop, Annie Rule will teach you how to use a basic woodburning tool to create a line design on a small, coaster-size, wood slice. Then, you’ll add color to your piece using watercolor, brush pens, or acrylic paint; attach magnets or coaster bumpers; and learn how to apply polyurethane to finish your work. | | |
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Creativity Circles are scheduled times each week when at least one other member has committed to being at the studio. They are held Mondays and Thursdays from 1:00-3:00 PM, Tuesdays from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM, Wednesdays from 6:00-8:00 PM, and Saturdays from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM. We've also brought back our Stitching Circle on Thursdays from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM. All members are welcome! | | |
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