Art Workshops: Jan. 9 and 11

I'm starting a series of great (and very varied) creative workshops next week. I've got TWO spots left in the first--next Tuesday's "Big Block Printing" workshop (Jan. 9) and I've got ONE spot left in next Thursday's "Painted Paper Collage" workshop (Jan. 11). Let me know if you want to join in the fun.

Howard Finster-style Portraits

In my kids' class, they made portraits of "people who did something awesome". In style, they were inspired by folk/outsider artist Howard Finster (using cardboard, rather than wood for the almost life-sized images, and incorporating text). For those wanting inspiration for whom to depict, I shared the book Rebel Girls. And so we have represented Amelia Earhart, Helen Keller, Anne Frank, and Hillary Clinton. But the 7- to 10-year-olds also represented Jimi Hendrix, Art Garfunkle, Lady Gaga, and others.

Studio pup

What could be better than having a newly renovated art studio with room to do all your projects? Having a new puppy to keep you company. This is Enzo, studio pup.

Windows and Doors

There's visible progress now, with the windows and doors in (and a roof back on)!

The old brick of the carriage house is so lovely that I hate to cover it up.

It's always darkest before the dawn

Somehow I hadn't quite envisioned how the renovation would go. I imagined tidy re-pointing of brick, followed rapidly by new framing. Instead, I've been witnessing thorough stabilization of the structure before consolidation of the brickwork, and dismantling of some old surface walls, made of cement brick. It's a process and, I am hoping, it's always darkest before the dawn.

Eagerly awaiting

I am eager awaiting the renovation of our carriage house. I've done research and found it on a map from 1880, but neighbors suggest that it could be from the late 18th century. This could explain the deteriorated condition of the mortar in the brickwork, and the need for a total renovation. Home renovations can be a trial to live through, but this one isn't. I watch the slow progress from our kitchen windows, and can already envision new doors and windows going in next month. The end result will be a downstairs space (TV room, etc.) and upstairs (a dream come true) studio space with room for small classes. When teaching my (sigh, large) art classes in Arlington and in D.C., I sometimes dream of what it will be like to sit with a few students and give them plenty of time and attention.