My heart is full of sweet memories when I think about the 15th Annual Autumn Open Studio. My mind is full of amazement that it was the best open studio to date, after considering that it might be the last. It’s not that mobs of people showed up, about 30 did. The Force of Friendship showed up, from the first early arrival to the last moment of the six hours I was constantly in the presence of a friend, old and new, who came because they love art, learning and fellowship. A new tag line was born, “everybody needs beads”!
The so called kitchen, with elegant coffee service and the very last zinnias
Inside the Jewelry Case, many are now gone
The day was a reminder of the power of kinship and the way art cultivates that. I hadn’t seen Carol in a long time. She came adorned with the original “Talisman for Joy” that she bought 8 years ago. I think it’s working for her. And it doubles the joy for me to witness it.
Carol wearing her smile to go with “Talisman for Joy 2”
Even though at times it was crowded, it was always leisurely. People weren’t in a rush. Some folks like Tom and PD engaged in talk about artifacts found nearby. I thought I would have a quiet moment when everyone walked up to the field to hear Greg’s talk about the ancient trails and how it was before Boone arrived here in 1768. Then new friends arrived who wanted to see art and we had a chance for a focused conversation. It is entertaining for me to observe how people choose one thing over another. Or sometimes choosing them all.
Ancient trails talk with Greg
The gorgeous winning smile of friend and fellow bead lover, Trish
These friends cause a smile to form when I see them, the Force of Friendship. Some friends scrutinize each piece on display, this take a long while, so they are present for a few hours. Luckily, Greg’s sourdough bread, pull apart cake and charcuterie served with coffee or tea sustained us for our deep and meaningful conversations. Some of us were still drinking coffee at 5:00.
An adorable friend, collector, coffee lover and masseur, Josh Saxton
To be able to tell art revelers that everything they see is the latest art from the studio is a source of pride for me. The studio is still my favorite container to present the bodies of work because it is the context of the essence and vibrations of the land from which it was created. The result is people are filled with the intentions and mission that created the art, that is “tranquil art for trying times”.
The Hummingbird Room
Marilyn and new friends looking at artist books in the Hummingbird Room
I love that people dress up in their finery, like Candace wearing her masterful knitwear. Phillip and Sunny wearing vibrant chakra colors. And elegant Lauren in her Halloween costume, complete with her “Talisman for Centering”, acquired 9 years ago. The Force of Friendship is a bond forged through art and caring.
Dressed up friends, Candace, Phillip, Sunny and Lauren. The guys were looking at Tom’s arrow head
When people take time to drive far, and make time out of their busy life just to tell me how much my art and the words I write to them in emails and blogs has helped them, not to mention purchasing what I offer, that is as good as it gets. I accept the Force of Friendship wholeheartedly.
Conversations between good friends, Cheryl our librarian and neighbors Tom and Candace
longtime friends and collectors, Mary and Bobby
“Autumn 1-4”, last minute watercolors
16 “To Yous”
I only wish I had taken more photos of the folks not shown in this little memory theater. For the people who could not come, the online Holiday Special in 3 Parts, “To You”, is starting Saturday November 11, stay tuned.