June Newsletter

It's All About Perspective

In this issue...

  • It's All About Perspective
  • Upcoming Events
  • Upcoming Workshops
  • Creativity Circles

Last month, I wrote about how planned changes can be very unsettling—and very stimulating, as they remind us that we’re still alive. But what about unplanned changes? We’re subjected to these all the time, and most of us dread them. I, too, am not a fan, but, like planned changes, the opportunities they present are often invaluable.

 

A few weeks ago, for example, I went to yoga, and, when I walked into the studio, I was delighted to see that almost the entire center aisle was open. I was running a little late, and my class is almost always packed, so I was prepared to have to squeeze in-between two other yogis.

 

As I stretched out my mat—and luxuriated in all the surrounding space—a woman approached and introduced herself. She told me that she was substituting for Paige, my regular instructor, and asked me to join my classmates against the wall. It was then that I noticed Paige wasn’t in her usual place—and, in fact, wasn’t in the studio at all—and that the room was set-up completely differently.

 

For some reason, the change was quite disorienting, perhaps because I’ve been attending Paige’s class for a couple of years and couldn’t remember her ever being gone. It took me a moment to get my bearings, but, eventually, I gathered my things and moved to the wall—once again, squeezing in amongst my classmates.

 

Initially, I resented my loss of personal space, but, as I did my first sun salutation, and my arm brushed against my neighbor’s, she smiled, and I realized that I was among community—and that was so much better than being alone!

 

Right after a plan falls apart, there is, of course, a brief (or not-so-brief) moment of panic, when all feels lost. Then, one of two things happens: either you wallow in your bad luck, or you accept the situation and make a new plan. Research shows that, the quicker you’re able to overcome a crisis—the more resilient you are—the happier you’ll be. And, the secret to becoming more resilient is to understand that, if you can’t change an unexpected outcome, change the way you think about it.

 

Making art works that way, too. Sometimes, everything’s going as planned, and your piece is coming out just as you envisioned. Then, you make a “mistake,” and the whole piece seems ruined. Until you get another idea. If you’re able to get past your initial disappointment, you play with the inspiration, tweak it, and, then… Voila! Your mistake turns into a “happy accident,” and your piece turns out even better than you imagined!

 

The next time you experience an unexpected change—whether it’s a surprise encounter or an art mishap—I encourage you to consider it from a new perspective. What may, at first, be a disappointment could well become a gift!

 

And, speaking of change, don’t forget that Purple Crayon is moving to Reynolds Village (50 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 111) on July 1st! We’ll likely hold off until our anniversary in October to celebrate the move, but you’re welcome to check out the new digs at one of our monthly open houses on 7/6, 8/3, or 9/7.

 

In the meantime, business will be “as usual,” and will include several exciting workshops this summer. This month, don't miss Deana Murchison's Fluid Art: Basics and Beyond on 6/15 or Pamela Shook's Goddess Doll on 6/21.

 

I look forward to playing 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! 

 
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Open House

Saturday, 6/1, 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

 

Fluid Art: Basics and Beyond

Saturday, 6/15, 1:00 PM-3:30 PM

Fluid art is a form of abstract art that uses acrylic paints with a runny (fluid) consistency. In this workshop, Deana Murchison will show you several different ways to do acrylic pours—including a couple of more advanced options. This class is great for people who have never created fluid art, but it also gives “frequent flyers” opportunities to try new pouring methods and continue experimenting with color!

 
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Goddess Doll

Friday, 6/21, 1:00 PM-4:30 PM

The Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year—and has a long history of spiritual significance. What better day, then, to honor the Divine Feminine by creating a goddess doll? In this fun and fanciful workshop, puppet maker and doll artist, Pamela Shook, will guide you through the process.You’ll be amazed at what you can create in a few hours using just a handful of found objects and some imagination.

 
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Introduction to Eco Printing

Friday, 7/5, 12:00 PM-5:00 PM

Did you know that leaves, flowers, seeds, roots, and bark leave behind a unique “signature” when exposed to water and heat? If you’ve ever wanted to explore the wonders of “eco printing”—the all-natural process of transferring plant and leaf images onto fabric—Patricia Spangler's entry-level workshop is for you!

 
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Introduction to Alcohol Inks

Saturday, 7/13, 1:00 PM-4:00 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. 

 
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Altoid Tin Shadow Box

Saturday, 7/20, 1:00 PM-4:00 PM

Vacation season is in full swing, and an empty Altoid tin makes a perfect, miniature shadow box to capture the memories! Join “tinnovator” and mixed-media artist, Christy Ammerman, as she shows you how to turn these tiny treasures into works of art! For participants who wish to commemorate Asheville, vintage images of the city and surrounding areas will be provided.

 
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Folded Book Art: Butterfly

Saturday, 8/10, 1:00-3:00 PM

Nothing warms up a room quite like a shelf of colorful books. Now you can use books to accessorize your home in a different way: turn them into folded book art! 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 unique piece of art—in this case, a butterfly. 

 
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Needle Felted Mermaid

Sat, 8/16, 10-3, and Sun, 8/17, 1-4

As summer winds to an end, Anne Magrath, will show you how to create your own needle felted mermaid so you can return to the sea (or, at least your memories) anytime you'd like! In this fun, two-day workshop, you'll learn the basics of needle felting a human face and torso; then you'll give your mermaid a tail, hair, and her own whimsical personality! 

 
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Introduction to Fluid Art

Saturday, 8/31, 1:00 PM-3:00 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 interesting workshop, Deana Murchison will show you several different ways to do acrylic pours. Then, you'll create your own unique works of art!

 
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Creativity Circles & Other Members-Only Events

Collaging: Mon, 1-3 PM

Reading: 2nd Mon, 7:00-9:00 PM

19 in 2019: 2nd Tue, 9-11 AM

Stitching: Tue, 1-3 PM

Quilting: Thu, 1-3 PM

Game Night: 1st Thu, 7-9 PM

Drawing & Painting: 1st & 3rd Sat, 

10 AM-12 PM

Mosaicking: 2nd & 4th Sat, 10AM-12PM

 
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