Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.
~ Marcel Prouse
It amazes me how good life is. I get to live in a beautiful location, surrounded by awesome people. If I have a question or want to know how to do something, the information is readily available to me in just a few moments of searching. There is plenty of food and I get to pick and choose what I will and won’t eat. Though friends and family live far away I can keep in touch, can speak with and see them any time I wish through modern technology. I am especially fortunate that I have my health, that my passion is also my career, and that I get to work with others who also share my interests – talking with friends and working are often the same thing!
- A friend recently introduced me to Denver pastel artist, Bruce Gomez, who shows work both in Denver and the Telluride Gallery of Fine Art. Sometimes you see artists and are inspired to make more art while other artists make you despair of ever being that good. Bruce manages to do both at the same time, at least for me. His work is gorgeous and makes me wonder if I could ever be able to create something similar. His videos and classes (about which I’ve heard wonderful things) make it seem very approachable and doable. Maybe I’ll have to pull my pastels out and play over the holiday!
- Wrapping up the #TownPlazaMural – Last week we were able to finish the mural! As always, we keep looking at it and thinking about other details that could be added, but we are thrilled with the results! To see the final version, you’ll just have to walk, ride, or drive by the mural and check it out. However, if you’ve looked at this year’s Be Local Coupon Book, you might recognize the cover! Even more exciting (I think) is that you might also recognize the Art Supply House’s newest employee and one of the three lead artists on the mural, Lexis! (And, yes, we have coupon books for sale).
- Due to the holiday, the Scrapbook Nook is only holding one class this week, tomorrow (Tuesday) at 1. Be sure to check it out if you’re interested in playing with some different mediums like Expanding Mousse, Distress Oxides, and Alcohol Ink Lifter!
- There are any number of fairs, festivals, and bazaars going on this time of year. One of my favorites is Studio &’s Bizarre Bazaar. It will be December 7-9, so make a note on your calendar. Unless, of course, you have no interest in seeing what 23 local artists have to offer -or- no interest in giving unique, handmade, creative, one-of-a-kind gifts.
- Local creative Business spotlight – The Joyful Nook – We have a few businesses in Durango that provide supplies and support to local creatives. One of the places that I always visit when wandering about on Main is The Joyful Nook. They offer custom and unique wooden puzzles, stationery, paper products, and more! I keep drooling over both the glass and feather quills (not literally) and love checking out the handmade journals. Be sure to stop by 640 Main Avenue to check them out – if nothing else, the local art on the puzzles is stunning!
- Featured product – Color Wheels – It’s one of those things that is always handy to have, whether for reference or inspiration. Plus, they make great stocking stuffers.
It’s that time of year, when everyone is speaking of gratitude lists and journals, of things that they are thankful for. I try to keep this attitude of gratitude in mind all year long, but it becomes easier in November. No matter what you think of the official holiday, it’s never a bad idea to dwell on the good parts of your life. Personally, experiences and people always make the top of my list.
We are grateful to you! The highlight of our day is getting to work with you. It’s so much fun to hear about your current project, to help problem-solve whatever you might be stuck on, to see you light up when talking about your passion. Your energy is contagious and it keeps us going! We love seeing the pieces that you bring in to frame, learning more about you as we create the design together. It’s an honor to help preserve and display your memories, momentos and cherished items. We truly love what we do and are thankful that you allow us to join you on the journey.
Best wishes this holiday week!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
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