Artfest trois

Other Artfestivalians have been posting their photos on facebook and in their blogs.  Each one I visit brings a flood of happiness over me: the memories of all the magical moments - not just my own, but seeing the magic as it touched others, too.


This was the year I felt the magic most deeply, and now I know where it comes from - it comes from sharing the passion for creativity.  I was fortunate to spend oodles of time after hours in the upstairs commons room of Dorm 225.  This is where people gathered to continue what they had learned and to share and sit side by side, drawing in each others' journals, laughing, admiring, encouraging.  I was so happy to hang out with my friends Michelle and Janne, and to get to know many of their friends, like Elizabeth, Tyler, Tammy, Shelly, Kate, Regina... and the list goes on!


I got to meet Sunny Carvalho, and I tell you - I have become a big fan, and not just because of her art.  Her energy and warmth speak to what a wonderful human being she is.  Plus, we both have awesome sweater coats (and Sunny made hers herself!).

 

The creative force is powerful.  When I saw Junker Jane classmate Tina sewing with friends upstairs, I couldn't tear myself away from the room - I wanted to work, too!

Annie Hooten and Tina Lynch making Junker Jane journal bags.

  

Let's walk around the room and see who else is here...

Elizabeth drawing in my little journal from Janne.

Elizabeth and Janne consulting.

Tyler Larsen, Shelly Massey, Michelle Allen, Janne Robberstad

Michelle and Randi Lynch

Tammy displaying her wip from Lynne Perella's class - gorgeous!

Me and Tammy Magee

Tammy, Ludgera, and Kate Daniel

The wonderfully creative Lynch family: Jennifer, Randi, and Tina

Jennifer's super adorable Junker Jane style monsters

Soul sisters Angi Sullins and Miss Mindy

Madeline and the cool wig she made in Lana Guerra's class

Sheri, Michelle, and Janne

Madeline and me (photo by Sunny Carvalho)

Kate took this group shot via remote control.  This is our scared look.

Happy times. I'll name as many as I can... Back row: Shannon, Nicci, Annie, Jennifer (can't see you but I know you're there!)Tina.  Middle row: Michelle, Sheri, moi, Tyler, Angela Rae, Tristan, Allie, Jane, Randi.  Front row: Katy, Regina, Sunny, Janne, Tammy, Kate. Photo by Kate Daniel.

 So many wonderful people you meet in class, as well.  This is Irene.  We met in LK Ludwig's class and had a great conversation.  It's so great to feel so connected, however briefly.

During Show and Tell I saw this amazing piece that Irene did in her class with Lynne Perella.  All the pieces from this class were beautiful, but what made Irene's extra special was that she began not with a magazine photo or a photocopy of some masterpiece, but with a photo of her grandfather.  Her project was all about family, and now she has created this family heirloom for future generations to cherish.  I find the colors and patterns absolutely stunning.

Artwork by Irene Rafael

In LK's class I also got to know Debbie Simpson from Vancouver BC.  I don't have a photo of her - yet - but I did get a photo of the piece she did in LK's class.  What I love about it is having watched her go through the process.  She just drew away, not feeling it was very good, but kept going and going.  In everyone else's eyes it started out beautiful, but Debbie must have known there could be something more, something deeper.  Her final touches included a light application of Neo Color crayons, which brought out the texture of the clear gesso, and made the flower sparkle.  Click on the photo to enlarge it and look at that leaf in the upper right.  Exquisite!

Artwork by Debbie Simpson

I'll post this photo from the Cactus Gallery opening night of Dollmakers II to represent my Artfest time with new friends Christine Benjamin, Sheri DeBow,  Keely Benkey and (not pictured) her sister Kimberly, plus - also not pictured - Dani and Satira.  

Christine, Sheri, Keely

Sadly, I did not have my camera with me the night of the beach walk and bonfire.  Sheri took lots of photos that I hope to see one day, showing what a fun time she, Christine, Dani, Satira and I had looking for beach glass and shells in the dark on Thursday night.  It was surprisingly not freezing on the beach!  It was so fun getting to know these wild childs/superstar artists better, and I am so grateful they included me on the beach walk.  After the walk we hung out at the bonfire forever, making s'mores and talking shop and just becoming better acquainted.  At the end of the evening we moseyed on in to the beach hut for some journaling, and laughing it up with Keely and Kimberly.  We stayed until closing and I ended up tip-toeing into my dorm after everyone else was long asleep.


A big thank you to everyone I was fortunate to cross paths with - my roommates Jo, Marianne, Adrienne... Janet Wilson and her mom who let me eat with them in the dining room many times, my dear friend Marilyn - oh no!  If I try to name everyone I know I will forget someone super important!  Please know that I am happy to have met all of you!

A week has gone by and I am still feeling the Artfest afterglow.  My life has been deeply enriched.  May this feeling last long and may my gratitude grow.