Adventures in Teaching

Yesterday I presented a day-long workshop on mixed media art at the North Vancouver Teacher's Conference. In the morning I gave a trunk show about all kinds of mixed media art and in the afternoon we created a mixed media journal like the one shown here.

It was really a wonderful experience to present to a group that was so enthusiastic and eager to learn about what I had come to share with them. Everyone seemed to "get it" and in the afternoon when we worked on the books it was so exciting to see everyone happily creating. The energy in the room was great. For me that is the thrill of teaching-sharing what I know and then watching my students take that information and put their own spin on it. I always learn as much as I teach and it's that symbiotic give and take that happens that keeps me hooked on teaching. I really do believe that learning is a shared experience. Thank you to my class. It was an absolute pleasure to work with you.

I also wanted to take a moment to say a big thank you to Leandra of Paper Artsy for sending me a wonderful package of unmounted rubber and post cards to give away at my workshop. That was super nice of you and everyone was pleased with their goodies.

In other news, I had a lovely and unexpected email waiting for me when I got home yesterday from Shoshonah and Mike of Hannah Grey . They wanted to congratulate me on having my work in 1000 Artist Trading Cards. Apparently they received an advanced copy and recognized me. I haven't seen the book yet myself, so I don't even know what they are looking at. (Can you believe I don't remember which cards I submitted?!? It was a long time ago and several projects back.) But it was incredibly nice of them to email, just the same. THANK YOU! This seems to be a publishing year again, as I have several pieces being worked on for an upcoming book and a couple of pieces due to be published in two magazines slated for the fall. Exciting to be sure!

Now, sadly, the not so exciting part-I must clean up the absolute disaster I made in preparation for the two classes I taught this week. My studio is a nightmare and I cannot do one stitch of work until I excavate my desk. (Not to mention, I don't have a clue where half my supplies are at the moment.) It's likely going to take an entire day to get everything back in order. Now where's that magic wand when I need it??

Edit: The two pieces that were missing have HAPPILY been recovered!