Relationships matter more than almost anything else.
~ Leo Babauta
I love meeting people and hearing the story of their lives. Everyone is fascinating if you take the time to really listen and get to know them. That’s the highlight of working at the Art Supply House – getting to meet everyone who comes through and get a glimpse into their life. What project they’re working on, why, where it’s going next, etc. If you’re a podcast listener, I highly recommend The Creative Endeavor with Andrew Tischler. He’s been having some great conversations with other artists – hearing about how they started out professionally and things they’ve learned along the way. They freely share advice, part of their story, and you can hear the passion and joy in their voices as they talk about their art.
- This week’s artist is one that I recently ran across – Elaine Estern – is an artist who lives and works on the island of St. John in the Virgin Islands. Her gallery, Coconut Coast Studios, offers originals, prints, and printed items with her original work on it. I am always fascinated in the different ways that artists end up supporting themselves, especially those who are able to do so completely through their art. Elaine’s gallery and studio space was delightful and a wonderful place to visit and spend some time. Learn more about her on her website.
- Classes at the Scrapbook Nook are moving right along, even with their expansion/remodel under way! Join the girls on Thursday at 1 to play with fall-themed materials. Play with Nuvo embellishment mousse at 10 on Saturday. And don’t miss the chance to make some cards on Tuesday at 1! Don’t forget that you get a discount on the collections used in classes the day of the class!
- Functional duct tape calligraphy.
- These train engine design inspirations are interesting.
- Art show for Common Threads (collaborative super fun public art piece for Durango’s median at 550/160 highway intersection). Animas Chocolate Company on Main is hosting artwork created for this project. It will be on display August 7th through the end of the month. We’ll have a reception on August 27th from 5-7 pm where the kids and parents are encouraged to attend and celebrate.
- Stitch still has a few openings for their workshop for this weekend, if you’re interested. More info at www.stitchonline.net
- The La Plata County Fair is this week – from Wed-Sun. Entries into the art gallery need to be in on Wednesday. (Matthew will be there all week as the superintendent for the Art Gallery.)
- Are you an artist who dreams of living a balanced art life? Looking for ways to express yourself that aligns with your purpose? In Saturday’s one day workshop from 8-4 at the DAC, you will learn the skills needed to help you assess where you are, create a vision, set goals and make decisions that will help you live the art/life you desire. To learn more visit www.vizcoach.com.
- Saturday is the last of the free outdoor movie nights for the summer – Captain Marvel. More details here.
- The Durango Arts Center has a variety of classes coming up next week. If you or a kiddo you know might enjoy some art education and making… check out their upcoming offerings.
- The Robin Davis Duo will be tucked away in the Rochester’s Secret Garden for their summer concert series. Swing by on Wednesday evening from 5-7 for some live music. There’s a $10 cover charge that benefits a variety of non-profits.
- Want to be a landscape artist? Here is some advice on drawing landscapes (especially as prep for a painting) and a video showing how to paint a mountain landscape in acrylics.
- Just want to learn how to draw? Here’s a list of 50 youtube videos to help you learn.
- Not sure what to draw? Here are some thoughts on developing your imagination.
- Our art contest is still running! Since the summer finally arrived, get out there and create a piece that features a local landmark or landscape. Head over to our website for more the details…
- This week’s featured product highlights two of this month’s holidays – Dip pen sets! August 13th is Left Hander’s Day and the 14th is World Calligraphy Day! The second set has left-handed nibs, so it honors both. Of course, calligraphy doesn’t have to be done specifically with a dip pen – we also have lots of brush markers, calligraphy markers, and so much more!
When hearing people’s stories, sometimes the differences stand out (“I could never paint in oil” vs “I can only paint with oils”) and sometimes it’s the similarities that are noticed. Either way, it’s you who help make the store as amazing and fun as it is. We appreciate the chance to help you, in however small a way, as you live out your creativity. Keep it up and know that we’re always here, rooting for you!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
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