August Newsletter "Just" Playing |
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In this issue... - "Just" Playing
- PC Shirts are Here!
- Upcoming Workshops
- Ongoing Events
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In last month’s Purple Crayon newsletter, I mentioned that I like finishing a project before starting a new one. Others, I acknowledged, enjoy having several projects going at once. While I wasn’t suggesting that one preference is better than the other, I know that some folks consider the inability to finish projects a weakness. On the contrary, “Experiments suggest the need for closure...whether as a reflection of personality or induced (through time pressure), negatively impacts creativity.” ("Creativity," n.d.) In other words, not only is it OK to stay in the process of making indefinitely, it may actually enhance creativity! I was talking to a PC member the other day, and she told me how much she enjoys cutting out flowers from magazines. She was a little frustrated with herself, though, because she doesn’t usually DO anything with her clippings. Although her flowers sometimes find their way into collages, most of the time, she just adds them to her collection. Surely she should be MAKING something with them, she thought. When I told her that “fussy cutting” was actually a “thing,” and that others—including other PC members—loved doing it as well, she was pleasantly surprised. I explained that most folks do, eventually, incorporate their clippings into collages, but there are plenty of others who just cut for the sake of cutting. The process itself brings them joy—and isn’t that the point of making art? As I reflected on our conversation, I thought of lots of other creative activities that don’t necessarily result in finished pieces but are surely expressions of the creative process. I know several painters, for example, who love to “just” make color charts. I also know several collage artists who love to “just” move pictures and objects around. And I know several quilters who love to “just” collect fabric. When these artists are playing, their goal isn’t to make anything; it’s to experience joy. If a creative idea bursts forth, it’s a bonus, not an expectation. If you’re one of those folks who can’t seem to commit to just one project—or commit to ANY project, for that matter—I encourage you to embrace your “stuckness.” While, in our society, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to complete projects, it’s not necessarily a good thing. What IS a good thing, however, is taking a workshop at PC! Although many of our workshops are full (thank you Community Members!), it’s worth adding your name to our waitlists if you see something you’re interested in. If that workshop is offered again (which it usually is if there’s a waitlist), you'll be among the first to know. And don’t forget about our new PC shirts; they’re a good thing, too! The current sales campaign runs through August 2nd, so, if you haven’t purchased yours yet, you still have a couple of days. Go the Bonfire website to place your order. Your purchase will not only make you look amazing, but wearing your shirt helps spread the word about PC—and may contribute a few dollars to the studio if enough shirts are sold. I look forward to creating with you! —Pam Robbins, Owner |
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PC Shirts Are Here! 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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Intro to Resin Art Pouring: Tray Saturday, 8/7, 1:00-4:00 PM (Full but waitlist available) 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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Intro to Polymer Clay: Mandela Saturday, 8/21, 1:00-4:00 PM (Full but waitlist available) Polymer clay is an amazingly versatile art medium! In this workshop, internationally-known author and artist Barbara McGuire will fast track your learning by showing you how to create a beautiful polymer clay mandala pin or pendant. You’ll learn how to build a colorful polymer clay “cane” and further enhance your project with a delightful assortment of premade cane designs. Along the way, you’ll learn all the basics of creating with polymer clay. | | |
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Intro to Barn Quilt Painting Saturday, 9/11, 1:00-5:00 PM Join the barn quilt movement by creating your own painted Electric Fan quilt block! These beautiful outdoor pieces are popping up everywhere—and typically cost upwards of $100-$150! Once you learn the process, however, you can make them for a whole lot less, as Barn Quilt Painting artist Nancy Grindstaff has discovered. Follow along as she teaches you her process. (Only 4 seats left!) | | |
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Mixed Media: Altered Fabric Saturday, 9/25, 1:00-4:00 PM (Full but waitlist available) Take your mixed media skills to the next level by making your own altered fabric! In this fascinating workshop, Mixed Media artist Christy Ammerman will show you how to turn ho-hum fabric scraps into inspiring, collage-worthy material. In just a few hours, you’ll learn how to “rust” fabric, as well as dye it using tea, alcohol inks, acrylic paint, and bleach sticks. The results will surprise and delight you! | | |
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Needle Felted Pumpkin Saturday, 10/16, 1:00-4:00 PM (Full but waitlist available) With Halloween just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to make this adorable needle felted pumpkin! Whether you use it to decorate your home, or turn it into something more functional, like a pincushion, you’ll have a blast making this gourd-gious little guy! In this hands-on workshop, fiber artist Karen Kennedy will teach you how to needle felt a ball. Then, you'll learn how to add additional layers, color, and realistic detail to your creation. | | |
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Mixed Media: Curiosity Cabinet Saturday, 10/23, 1:00-4:00 PM Just as the natural world slows down in autumn, we, too, feel the urge to move inward, literally and figuratively, and reflect on our own life cycles. Creating a “curiosity cabinet” is a great way to organize and process your experiences. In this thought (and feeling!) provoking workshop, Mixed Media artist Kate Corcoran will show you how to arrange natural and manmade objects to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art. | | |
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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, 3:00-5:00 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. | | |
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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 1:00-3:00 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. |
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