Back from Art-Is-You

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Last week my mom flew into town and we headed up to Stamford for our first Art-Is-You.  We had a great time together and loved meeting many new friends, and getting to connect with old ones.  It was also fun to finally attach real people to names and faces I've gotten to know online.  There is always something special about these artful gatherings – because we are there for art-making but the friendships forged over a shared experience end up being way more valuable than anything you could offer in the goodie bag or class kit.  I'm sure you'll agree, if you've attended a similar retreat, that while you might return home wiped out from all the activity, you are filled with a refreshed verve to keep the momentum and creative energy going.

I'm bummed that my camera remained in my apron pocket for most of the three days I taught…I don't even have one photo from Parlor Tricks.  I also missed getting the whole group for Linear Equations.  I've got all but one for Recess.  The day flies by and before you know it the supplies are being packed up, we hug goodbye, and I smack my head that the photos didn't get taken.  It should be a rule that you have to take a class photo before you break for lunch.  I'm writing that into my itineraries from now on.

 

MW AIY mom and daughters

MW AIY Linear Equations

MW AIY RECESS

Art-Is-You will be returning next year at four locations.  My next gig is at The Ink Pad in November for a two-day workshop with the teaching team of Mary Beth Shaw, Andrew Borloz, and Pam Carriker.  Then I have a break in the schedule until the two workshops I'm cohosting with Lynne Perrella in May.  You can read more about Crowning Glories HERE.

Thanks to all the wonderful artists who joined me in class last weekend.  It truly was a privilege to spend time with you. 

Comments

12 responses to “Back from Art-Is-You”

  1. Maryanne Avatar

    Michelle, it was an honor to spend two wonderfully creative days with you and your mom! I’m so happy to have gotten to meet the other Mary Ann!! Carrie and I had a fantastic time, learned a lot and made some new friends. I agree with you that the creative energy and the friendships renewed and made are things that follow you home and keep the creative flame burning. They also enrich the experience of being part of the art community. Thanks for two great days!

  2. Carrie Avatar

    Mom and I had a blast! You’re right, these creative retreats are so fantastic and energizing. And I love making new friends, like Ursula and Naomi!
    It was awesome to meet your mom. You two are so cute 🙂

  3. Marylinn Kelly Avatar

    Your students produced some very striking, professional work, but then I knew you were a swell teacher. How wonderful that your mom comes and joins in. Glad for the photos that did get taken. xo

  4. Seth Avatar

    Great to see you there Michelle, even if we were too busy to spend too much time together. Loved meeting your mother. That was definitely a highlight. I guess being a spitfire runs in the family. Eagerly waiting for your Ink Pad workshop. I will be in the front row!

  5. Michele Avatar

    Michelle – you are truly one of my favorite teachers. Your art, style, wit and charm…your HONESTY…it’s what sets you apart from many. I’m looking forward to May 2014!

  6. Sharon W. Avatar
    Sharon W.

    Michelle…..the linear equations workshop was one of the best I’ve taken! It was so packed with information that my head was spinning by day’s end. A treat to share a table with your lovely Mom…………and ps: getting that group to stand still for a photo would truly have been “herding cats”, eh?? Hoping to join you again next year.

  7. michelleward Avatar

    Maryanne, loved being with you and Carrie and thought it was so cool that you got to meet my little Mary Ann, and we got a picture! That’s pretty good considering how bad I was using my camera last weekend.

  8. michelleward Avatar

    Carrie, thanks for coming to spend time with us in the workshops – always great to see you. As I told your mom, I’m so glad we got a photo with the two mother-daughter teams.

  9. michelleward Avatar

    Marylinn, thanks for the kind words. Means alot to me. I’m happy too, that some photos got taken to preserve the memories of a splendid time. xo

  10. michelleward Avatar

    Seth, was nice to see you too. Hope your classes went well. See you again very soon!

  11. michelleward Avatar

    Michele, what a lovely comment. You made me well up. You are a gem – loved having you in class and loved getting to know you better. Looking forward to May too!

  12. michelleward Avatar

    Sharon, thank you for the generous compliment. It was a pleasure to have you in class and mom really enjoyed your company. Cheers!

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