#Artist in Littleton MA

[glimmerbugart]

Watercolor Class Show and Tell

Another great week in our whimsical watercolors 1 class! We worked on various techniques such as salt, alcohol, wax paper, wax resist, plastic wrap, glazing and bubble wrap to create lovely and interesting textures in our pieces.

Both students hit this project right out of the park!

And we all agreed that once you add in the black pen outlines, it really makes the piece “pop” with personality!

Next week we will be building villages and towns two different ways!

[evan-collins90]

The first Torrid store - Brea Mall - Brea, CA (Opened April 18, 2001)

Designed by JGA, Inc. 

From the book: “The retailer, Hot Topic, based in City of Industry, CA, started a short 12 years ago with a concept and a target market; cutting edge apparel, accessories and novelty items--all inspired by alternative music, oriented towards a hip and trendy, teenage market. Hot Topic changed the look of their retail settings, which are usually located in mainstream malls, and the company has recently taken aim at another special market. The new focus is on plus-size teens; an area that the fashion market seems to have neglected. 

Up until this time the 15-30 year old hip and trendy young women who wear sizes 14-26 had no other choice but to shop in the larger size women's shops where the fashions were tailored to the more matronly and conservative tastes. That is how Torrid was born! 

Torrid was introduced in a new, hot and fun retail setting designed by JGA, Inc. of Southfield, MI which has designed the various prototypes for the Hot Topic stores as well. To be sure of the need for such a niche to be filled, the company opened five Torrid shops almost simultaneously; the first in Brea, CA, followed by stores in malls in Mission Viejo, CA, Annapolis, MD, Omaha, NE, N. Attleboro, MA, and Littleton, CO. The merchandise offerings are clustered as "Streetwear," "Clubwear," Rockabilly Wear," and Renaissance Wear" and the stores average about 2,750 SF. Besides the "everyday" slacks and novelty T-shirts, these larger size young women can find black vinyl pants and mini-skirts, black corsets, dog-collar chokers and platform shoes as well as retro-inspired clothing and accessories. In addition to the gothic and prom dresses, Torrid also carries a full line of lingerie for this particular market. Listening to the target market, Hot Topic's Torrid offers teenagers and up the opportunity to look "girly yet fierce." 

The design objective for the prototype store that was designed by JGA, Inc. was to create "a celebration of abundance" and make the setting as unique, unconventional and spirited as the plus-size young women who will be shopping here. Inspired by a "mythological, after-hours club in New Orleans," the atmosphere is romantic, dark and filled with a sense of "unbridled passion." "From the signature flaming heart icon to the curving voluptuous lines throughout the store, excessive materials and scale mirror the zest of the Torrid woman." It starts out front with the shopper-stopping facade which serves as a dramatic gateway to the store. 

The curvaceous and sensuous "hourglass" figures of the Torrid customer is expressed in the hand-crafted metalwork and the backlit translucent glass glowing red. A "drippy" red chandelier and the hand blown flaming heart torcheres add to the store's distinctive sense of place and being. The mosaic porcelain tile floor sets the color palette of jewel tones and metallics. "Visually complex, layers of finishes and architectural pieces evoke a one-of-a-kind artistic flavor." The eclectic mix of fixtures, furniture and furnishings-even the armoires--add to the New Orleans flavor. The hand painted, whimsical and overscaled armoires or cabinets are used to anchor the various zones within the store and at the center of the space a large bronze metallic drape further divides the departments.

The designers added special touches to each area to create that unique, one-of-a-kind feeling to the design. Specially designed, oversized red sculptured chairs with slatted backs are featured in the shoe area. Shoes and accessories are displayed on the slatted backs. The lingerie area takes on a more intimate and exotic--almost Moroccan--feeling with the hand blown glass chandeliers suspended down from large plaster domes. Seen behind this area--beyond a hand painted wall and arc--are the individual, oversized dressing rooms which are equipped with flattering uplights and decorative chandeliers that are visible from other parts of the store. The cash wrap becomes a "focal fantasy" in the total design and it resembles a giant canopy bed topped with twisting shapes and forms.

The space is filled with a pulsating excitement that is so appropriate for the merchandise and the young clientele. In addition to the shimmering palette of rich, deep colors, the warm colored downlights not only enrich the ambient colors and textures but they enhance the merchandise display. The traditional long and narrow mall space is broken up into more personal and individual zones by the variations in ceiling heights, the tin ceilings, finials and the assorted wall coverings. The use of brocades, metallics, and jewel tones on the walls also help to differentiate areas in the store. The metal fixture system--tortoise shell like in appearance--was customized to accommodate the products unique size and length requirements.

If all goes as well as anticipated we can expect to see more and more Torrid shops opening up across the USA- maybe even as many as 700 outlets!”

Images and text were scanned from the book, Stores of the Year 14 by Martin Pegler (2003)

[sheetmusiclibrarypdf]

Dave Grusin (b. 1934) Biographie et partitions (sheet music)

Dave Grusin (b. 1934) - Biographie et partitions (sheet music) Dave Grusin - Ray's Blues (from The Firm) sheet music Jazz arr. Best Sheet Music download from our Library. Please, subscribe to our Library. Thank you! Téléchargement des meilleures partitions dans notre bibliothèque.La carrière de Dave Grusin Oeuvres célébres Browse in the Library: Best Sheet Music download from our Library.

Dave Grusin (b. 1934) - Biographie et partitions (sheet music)

Dave Grusin - Ray's Blues (from The Firm) sheet music Jazz arr.

https://dai.ly/x8d3dyb Né le 26 juin 1934 à Littleton, CO; fils d'un pianiste classique et d'un violoniste classique. Éducation: Diplômé de l'Université du Colorado; études supérieures à la Manhattan School of Music. Adresses : Bureau-- GRP Records, 555 West 57th St., New York, NY 10019.

Dave Grusin est un pianiste, claviériste, arrangeur, producteur de disques et cofondateur de GRP Records qui aime le moins le titre 'artiste solo'. Lauréat d'un Grammy Award du meilleur arrangement instrumental sur l'album Harlequin en 1985 et d'un Oscar pour la musique de film The Milagro Beanfield War en 1989, il a déclaré à Scott Yanow dans Down Beat : 'Je ne me considère toujours pas comme un interprète'. . Je n'ai pas un désir ardent de sortir et de jouer devant les gens. Je le fais de temps en temps pour essayer de faire connaître mes disques, mais fondamentalement, je ne me suis jamais senti comme un interprète. Je préfère de loin le processus de création en studio, l'écriture et l'enregistrement.' Dave Grusin est né le 26 juin 1934 à Littleton, Colorado, de parents tous deux musiciens classiques. 'Mon père était un très bon violoniste et un professeur parfait', a expliqué Grusin à Yanow. « Il ne nous a pas imposé la musique, mais c'était une partie si inhérente de nos vies qu'elle est devenue une partie naturelle de mon enfance. Ma mère jouait du piano et j'ai commencé quand j'avais quatre ans, avec les leçons habituelles. " À la maison, la formation musicale de Grusin était dans le genre classique, mais le jeune a également été exposé au jazz. Bien qu'il ne se souvienne d'aucun disque de jazz joué à la maison, ses parents l'ont emmené à des concerts à Denver, dans le Colorado, où il a vu des artistes tels que Ray Brown, Ella Fitzgerald, Hank Jones, Gene Krupa, Illinois Jacquet et Flip Phillips. 'C'était très excitant', se souvient Grusin à Yanow, 'et a préparé le terrain pour que je m'intéresse au jazz.' Ayant grandi dans une communauté agricole, où il a travaillé dans un ranch jusqu'au lycée, Grusin avait initialement prévu d'être vétérinaire. «Trois semaines avant d'entrer à l'université», a-t-il déclaré à Yanow, «je suis passé à la musique par culpabilité pour l'immense effort et les dépenses que mon père avait consacrés à mon éducation musicale. Il ne m'a pas forcé à étudier la musique mais je savais qu'il approuverait le changement. Grusin s'est spécialisé en piano et mineur en clarinette à l'Université du Colorado, où il a également soutenu des interprètes comme Anita O'Day dans des clubs locaux lorsqu'il n'était pas en classe. En 1959, Grusin se rend à New York pour commencer des études supérieures à la Manhattan School of Music. Découvrant qu'il a dû attendre six mois avant que son adhésion au syndicat soit transférée localement, Dave a été contraint de trouver un emploi à l'extérieur de la ville pour subvenir aux besoins de sa jeune famille. Il raconte à Yanow : « Un de mes ex-colocataires a découvert que Andy Williams avait besoin d'un pianiste. Andy avait eu quelques disques à succès, mais c'était toujours un nouveau gars. Le travail du chanteur impliquait de nombreux voyages, alors Grusin a finalement quitté l'école doctorale. Le musicien s'est rapidement retrouvé à Los Angeles, où il a été nommé directeur musical et arrangeur de Williams lorsque le chanteur a commencé une émission de variétés télévisée hebdomadaire.

Dave Grusin a noté dans Down Beat : « C'était une belle émission musicale au début des années 60 et nous n'avons joué aucune musique dont nous aurions honte, même si c'était à la télévision commerciale. C'était une corvée, un travail très dur ; mais pour moi, cela s'est avéré être un atelier incroyable. À cette époque également, Grusin a réalisé quelques enregistrements, notamment Subways Are for Sleeping, Piano, Strings and Moonlight et Kaléidoscope, qui reflétaient l'influence d'Art Tatum et d'autres artistes de jazz. En 1964, Grusin a quitté The Andy Williams Show pour écrire de la musique pour des films cinématographiques. Il a déclaré dans Down Beat : 'Obtenir le premier devoir est toujours le plus difficile car si vous n'avez jamais écrit auparavant, personne ne veut en parler'. Je serai toujours reconnaissant à Norman Lear et au Bud d'avoir tenté ma chance et de m'avoir engagé pour Divorce American Style. ' Tout au long de sa carrière, Dave Grusin a écrit et arrangé des partitions pour plus de 50 films, dont The Graduate, Heaven Can Wait, The Goodbye Girl, Reds, On Golden Pond, Tootsie et Tequila Sunrise, et pour des émissions de télévision telles que Baretta et St. . Autre part. Nominé quatre fois auparavant, il a remporté un Oscar en 1989 pour la partition musicale qu'il a composée pour le film The Milagro Beanfield War. Son occupation principale - écrire et arranger des partitions musicales pour des films - n'a pas dissuadé Grusin d'entreprendre un travail supplémentaire dans le domaine de la musique. En 1976, il a commencé à produire des disques avec son partenaire Larry Rosen, qu'il avait rencontré plus tôt lorsqu'il avait embauché Rosen comme batteur pour le groupe d'Andy Williams. Les musiciens ont commencé comme producteurs indépendants, mais ont finalement formé leur propre maison de disques, GRP Records, en 1983. De nombreux albums à succès de divers artistes influencés par le jazz ont suivi, et les producteurs ont été acclamés par la critique et de nombreux prix. En 1985, Grusin a remporté un Grammy Award pour le meilleur arrangement instrumental d'une coupe sur l'album Harlequin, et au fil des ans, GRP a reçu de nombreux Grammy Awards et nominations ; la société possède une liste d'artistes qui comprend Lee Ritenour, Diane Schuur, Chick Corea, Eddie Daniels, Dave Valentin et Kevin Eubanks. 'Nous ne sommes pas une avant-garde ou un grand label public', a expliqué Grusin à Yanow dans Down Beat, 'mais nous ne sommes pas non plus intéressés par la création d'une sorte de formule new age. Nous sommes à l'aise dans un type de jazz fusion qui semble aller quelque part et qui continuera à se développer. La réaction critique aux interprétations de GRP du jazz contemporain varie. Un critique de High Fidelity a décrit les enregistrements GRP comme «principalement légers», se concentrant sur un «produit plus doux, souvent électrifié». Bien que Robin Tolleson ait qualifié un numéro de Grusin de ' bonbon pour les oreilles ' dans une critique de Down Beat , Stereo Review a noté le ' penchant de GRP Records pour une production soignée '. En 1986, Grusin a déménagé à Santa Fe, au Nouveau-Mexique, réalisant un désir de vivre près des montagnes Rocheuses. Il décide de faire un album en 1988 avec son frère, le claviériste Don Grusin, et les deux enregistrent le duo électronique Sticks and Stones. Bien que son temps soit extrêmement limité, le musicien et homme d'affaires aux multiples talents aspire à atteindre un objectif de carrière supplémentaire : 'Un jour, j'aimerais écrire un morceau sérieux de musique classique', a déclaré Grusin à Yanow dans Down Beat. 'Je trouve cela difficile à faire dans une vie pleine de missions, mais je veux éventuellement composer de la musique non-jazz dans une veine contemporaine.' La carrière de Dave Grusin A commencé comme pianiste, est devenu directeur musical et arrangeur pour The Andy Williams Show, au début des années 1960 ; auteur et arrangeur de partitions musicales pour de nombreux films, dont Divorce American Style, 1967, The Goodbye Girl, 1977, Heaven Can Wait, 1978, Reds, 1981, On Golden Pond, 1981, Tootsie, 1982, The Milagro Beanfield War, 1989, Tequila Sunrise, 1988, and For the Boys, 1991; et pour les émissions de télévision, y compris St. Elsewhere et Baretta. Producteur de disques, 1976-- ; cofondateur de GRP Records, 1983. Oeuvres célébres Selective Works Subways Are for Sleeping Epic. Piano, Strings, and Moonlight Epic. Kaleidoscope Columbia. Dave Grusin and the N.Y./L.A. Dream Band GRD. Night-Lines GRD. Mountain Dance GRD, 1979. Out of the Shadows GRD. One of a Kind GRD. Cinemagic GRD. The Dave Grusin Collection GRD. The Gershwin Collection GRP Records, 1991. With Lee Ritenour Harlequin GRP Records, 1985 Festival GRP Records, 1989. Rio Elektra/Musician. On the Line Elektra/Musician. Earth Run GRP Records. With Quincy Jones Body Heat A & M. I Heard That! A & M. With Earl Klugh Earl Klugh Blue Note. Living Inside Your Love Blue Note. Other (With Don Grusin) Sticks and Stones GRD, 1988. (With GRP All-Stars) GRP Super Live in Concert GRD, 1988. (With Eddie Daniels) Blackwood GRD. (With Kevin Eubanks) Face to Face GRP Records. (With Ray Brown) Brown's Bag GTI. (With Art Farmer) Crawl Space CTI. (With John Klemmer) Barefoot Ballet ABC. (With Harvey Mason) Marching in the Street Arista. (With Sergio Mendes) My Favorite Things Atlantic. (With Gerry Mulligan) Little Big Horn GRP Records. (With Grover Washington, Jr.) A Secret Place Kudu. Read the full article

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Dale Chihuly: Artist, Visionary, Inspiration

Dale Chihuly is an incredible glass artist and visionary. He has been creating glass works for over forty years and is a prominent name in the contemporary art world. Dale is viewed as a highly successful artist and his net worth has been estimated at $10 million. His work can be seen in many different galleries across the country and even internationally. Known for his bright colors, large-scale projects, use of light, and love of nature, Dale’s body of work provides a profound experience for many.  

Education

Originally from Washington, Dale attended the University of Washington in Seattle where he earned a B.A. in interior design in 1965. From there he continued his education with an M.S. in sculpture in 1967 studying glassblowing under Harvey Littleton at the University of Wisconsin. Dale received a full scholarship to study with Littleton who had established the first glass program in the United States. Following his MS degree, Dale received an M.F.A. in 1968 from Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and went on to receive a scholarship to work at Venini Fabrica in Murano, Italy.

After he received his MS at the University of Wisconsin, Dale started teaching a summer class at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, which he continued to do for several summers thereafter. In 1969 Dale returned to the United States from Italy and created the first RISD glassblowing program as well as cofounded the Pilchuck Glass School north of Seattle in 1971.

Artistic Method

Early in Dale’s career, he created a new model of glassblowing after sustaining injuries that required him to create his art with a team of people. This collaborative environment was unheard of at that time in the glassblowing world.

Dale was involved in a car accident in London in 1976 that propelled him out of the windshield causing severe lacerations on his face and left him blind in one eye. He later sustained a shoulder injury while bodysurfing in 1979 leaving him unable to hold the pipe required to blow glass.

Due to these physical limitations, Dale’s creative process evolved into that of an artistic director. He has said that once he took a step back from his role as the creator, he found that he enjoyed being able to see and control the artistic process from the outside looking in. He is able to manipulate the glass and art in ways that he otherwise would not have working on his own. Not to mention the large scale installations his team helps create, pack, ship, and assemble once on location.

Where Is He Now

Dale is now almost 80 years old and is still actively involved with creating art. He has expanded over the years to many mediums and continues to produce paintings and sculptures out of a variety of materials though continues to work mostly in the glass. You can find his work in a plethora of museums worldwide and many of them nationally. His work and exhibits continue to be a huge success and he remains a significant part of glass art history.

Influence

Dale was a huge influence on LeightWorks artist David Leight as a student at Pilchuck Glass School where David started creating glass sculptures. David’s work eventually progressed to the handmade crystal jewelry that he sells today. Based in sunny San Diego, David creates the crystal pendants, earrings, bracelets, and rings all with the concept of using light to create beauty. Dale continues to be an inspiration today for David’s handmade crystal jewelry and David reflects fondly on the time that he spent at Pilchuck.

Permanent Exhibitions:

Oklahoma City Museum of Art

Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York)

Chihuly Garden and Glass (Seattle)

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

 Galleries

Arthur Roger Gallery, New Orleans, LA

Imago Galleries, Palm Desert, CA

Sandra Ainsley Gallery, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Halcyon Gallery, London, United Kingdom

LA Louver, Venice, CA

Schantz Galleries, Stockbridge, MA

Whitestone Gallery, Hong Kong

Whitestone Gallery, Taipei City, Taiwan

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Working the Layers opens Oct 5th

The Gallery at WREN presents works by Nancy E. Adams and Martha Elmes On Friday, October 5, from 5 PM - 7PM, the Gallery at WREN presents the opening reception of Working the Layers. The reception features two artists who work in layered mediums to achieve reflections of the world around us. Nancy E. Adams is a mixed-medium encaustic artist who manipulates hand-dyed cotton to mimic colorful sunrises, sunsets, and ocean storms. Martha Elmes is a paper artist, printer, and painter who layers and arranges her mediums to create imaginative, winsome, and provocative pieces. Both artists invite viewers to spend time with their works. They hope viewers contemplate not just the product, but also the process of creating art. The opening reception is part of the monthly First Friday events in Bethlehem. Which includes exhibits at 42 Maple Contemporary Art Center, Maia Papaya, and Rek•Lis Brewery. After the reception, Working the Layers will be on display in the Gallery at WREN during the month of October. The Gallery is open daily from 10 AM - 5PM. Working the Layers is generously sponsored by Cherry Blossom Floral Design of Littleton, NH, who is a long-time supporter of WREN and WREN artists. About Martha Elmes Martha Elmes is an artist and art educator with a BA from St. Lawrence University and a MA in Arts and Education from Lesley University. Elmes is a longtime Adjunct Art Faculty at Lyndon State College and past resident at the Vermont Studio Center. After teaching Art in area schools for over 40 years, she is now a paper artist, printer, and painter. Elmes has exhibited in many Vermont galleries, including Burlington's Flynn Theater for Discover Jazz commemorating Miles Davis and the music of "Bitches Brew", and the "Arts Connects" Juried show at Catamount Arts. She has work in galleries in New Orleans on Royal Street, New Hampshire, and Vermont. About Nancy E. Adams Nancy E. Adams is a mixed-media encaustic artist who blends her interests in photography and fiber arts with the luminous quality of beeswax to create dreamlike seascapes and landscapes. Her technique of manipulating hand-dyed cotton contrasts with the more traditional process wherein color is achieved through the use of colored encaustic medium. Recurring ocean and mountain themes predominate and are a reflection of the artist's New England heritage. Adams enjoyed a 25-year horticultural career with UNH Cooperative Extension before pursuing her artistic talents full time. Adams established Studio 25 in 2004 as a NH fiber arts studio dedicated to creating functional art - scarves, handbags and fashion accessories. That same year, she became a juried member of the League of NH Craftsmen (LNHC). Her work can be seen at LNHC retail stores, Exeter Fine Crafts, at WREN, and on her website: www.studio25nh.com.

About the Gallery at WREN The Gallery at WREN sets the standard for fine art galleries in the North Country. Established in 2001, the Gallery serves as a cultural outlet for the creative expression of a community. It's a place where the public can gather to enjoy, learn about and appreciate art. Open year-round, the Gallery presents a new show each month. It features local and regional artists who have been carefully selected by a juried committee. Along with two popular open-call group shows for WREN members. The Gallery was a catalyst for Bethlehem, NH’s First Friday events on Main Street. In addition to monthly Meet the Artist receptions during First Friday, the Gallery hosts a variety of events throughout the year. This includes artist talks, demonstrations, slideshows, and workshops. All are aimed at directly engaging people with art and art-making. About WREN WREN is a nationally recognized not-for-profit that provides and supports strategies for entrepreneurial development, access to markets, Main Street revitalization, and rural economic development. WREN inspires possibilities, creates opportunities, and builds connection through community and is dedicated to bringing rural people together to realize better lives and livelihoods by providing resources, education, and opportunity. For further information, visit www.wrenworks.org. Read the full article

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Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. SHARE THIS SHARE THIS Skimm for February 27th Skimm’d in robes QUOTE OF THE DAY “A text message sent while drunk” - How Oxford Dictionaries defines “drunk text.” Thanks for the clarity. Skimm This PLOT TWIST THE STORY Last night was the Oscars. “Moonlight” won best picture. “La La Land” did not. WHAT HAPPENED? Bonnie and Clyde had the wrong envelope, and announced “La La Land” as best picture. The film’s team came out for their speech. Then…never mind. “Moonlight” was the real winner. Host Jimmy Kimmel blamed Steve Harvey, then himself. PwC - the accounting firm that oversees the ballots - apologized for the not-so-classic mix-up and said they’re investigating what happened. WHAT ELSE HAPPENED? Kimmel - aka the Candy Man - spared no one in his opening monologue. Not even Meryl. Definitely not Mel. And he’s still not friends with Matt Damon. A bus load of tourists got punked. Things got political, too. 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If one of your resolutions this year is to be better about giving back, here are some ideas outside of just writing a check. NO EXCUSES: IMMIGRATION We want you to be informed about issues driving the national conversation in 2017. That starts with immigration. This week’s all about the FAQs. We’ve got answers… What are the requirements for becoming a US citizen? These are the qualities Miss America is looking for… * You have to be at least 18 years old * You have to have lived in the US for at least five years and have a permanent resident card (“green card”) to prove it * OR you have to be married to a US citizen for at least three years * You have to read, write, and speak basic English * You have to know the basics of US history and how the government works * You have to have never deserted the US Armed forces * You have to have “good moral character” Oh…and you have to fill out some forms and go through some interviews and then wait. For a while. PS: Click on our fancy button below to check out our No Excuses: Immigration site for more As to your Qs, and everything else you want to know about this topic. Or click here if you’d rather watch than read about it.  Skimm This SKIMM SHARE Skimm HQ can’t believe it’s almost March. Share theSkimm with your friend who’s a leap year baby. SKIMM BIRTHDAYS * indicates Skimm’bassador. Party time. 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Whimsical Watercolors 2 Class Progress

I couldn’t be more proud! Look at the gorgeous work by my fabulous Whimsical Watercolor 2 students! I’d say this is a grand slam!!! Watching the progression since our very first class together 14 weeks ago to this is just stunning and stellar!

In Whimsical Watercolors 2, we’ve been continuing our work using various techniques and really getting a handle on our doodling practices. Painting and sketching loosely from day one has gotten us to this stage and I am beyond words to see where we started and where we are now!

It’s incredible to watch the process from, “I can’t doodle and I don’t have the imagination,” to “I’m painting and drawing underwater quirky scenes and loose landscapes with no problem!” It’s so satisfying to me to watch their progression and I’m so so proud of all of the ladies that have participated in my classes these last few months!

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Waitlist Available for Open Studio on March 11th!

Well, that filled up a lot faster than I had anticipated! How exciting! Our first Open Studio is Saturday, March 11th from 10-12.

If you’d like to join the waitlist and be notified of the next Open Studio, click the button below and get on the list!

We’ll be gathered in my studio to work on our own creative projects that you bring with you. It’s a great way to work creatively among other artful people, while enjoying the company of others. Friendly people and lots of laughter are sure to be part of this open studio!

I’m hoping to schedule an open studio regularly, maybe every 6-8 weeks or so. I think it’s a great way to get out of your own surroundings and be in an environment where you’re able to work on your own projects without the stresses of your regular home life. It’s a great way to be able to focus.

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Unleashing the Power of Creativity: The Importance of Being Creative

In a world that thrives on innovation and constant change, creativity has become a vital skill that sets individuals apart. It is the driving force behind groundbreaking inventions, artistic masterpieces, and revolutionary ideas. Being creative is not limited to the realm of artists and designers; it extends to all facets of life, shaping how we approach problems, express ourselves, and find new solutions. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of cultivating and nurturing creativity in our personal and professional lives.

Enhancing Problem-Solving Skills:

Creativity is the cornerstone of problem-solving. It enables us to think beyond the obvious, explore unconventional approaches, and find unique solutions. By encouraging creativity, we develop the ability to connect seemingly unrelated concepts, envision multiple perspectives, and generate innovative ideas. This flexibility and adaptability allow us to tackle challenges with a fresh mindset, leading to more effective and efficient problem-solving.

Fostering Personal Growth:

Engaging in creative activities, whether it's painting, writing, or playing a musical instrument, nurtures personal growth. Creativity is an outlet for self-expression, allowing us to explore our thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a profound way. It encourages introspection, self-discovery, and helps build self-confidence. Through creativity, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves, enhance our emotional well-being, and cultivate resilience in the face of adversity.

Spurring Innovation and Progress:

Creativity is the driving force behind innovation and progress. It fuels the development of new ideas, products, and services that shape industries and transform societies. By embracing creativity, we challenge the status quo, push boundaries, and unlock new possibilities. Creative thinkers envision a world that is not bound by limitations, and they inspire others to think boldly and explore uncharted territories. It is through the power of creativity that we can drive social, technological, and cultural advancements.

Enhancing Communication and Collaboration:

Creativity enhances communication and collaboration by promoting open-mindedness and fostering empathy. When we think creatively, we are better able to understand and appreciate diverse perspectives, allowing us to connect with others on a deeper level. It encourages active listening, effective expression, and the ability to articulate complex ideas in a compelling manner. In team settings, creativity encourages collaboration and the integration of different viewpoints, leading to more innovative and successful outcomes.

Cultivating Adaptability and Resilience:

In a rapidly changing world, adaptability and resilience are crucial skills. Creativity fosters these qualities by encouraging us to embrace uncertainty, adapt to new situations, and find solutions in unconventional ways. When faced with challenges, creative individuals are more likely to find alternative paths, adapt to new circumstances, and bounce back from setbacks. Creativity empowers us to see opportunities where others see obstacles, helping us navigate through change with agility and optimism.

In a world that demands constant innovation, being creative is more important than ever. It enhances problem-solving skills, fosters personal growth, spurs innovation and progress, enhances communication and collaboration, and cultivates adaptability and resilience. By valuing and nurturing creativity in our lives, we tap into our full potential and make meaningful contributions to the world around us. So, let us embrace our creative instincts, challenge conventional thinking, and unleash the power of creativity to shape a brighter future.

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Watercolor Villages Galore!

Such imagination in the Saturday Whimsical Watercolors 1 Class I can’t even wrap my head around it!

These photos represent a smattering of the fabulous and imaginative paintings that came out of class last week! The colors, doodles, collage, words and details are absolutely OUT OF THIS WORLD!!

Here are some more photos of the creativity:

This past Saturday we worked on using less paint and more water for a less saturated look. We also worked on learning how to paint different mushrooms and how to create adorable collage characters to add to our work. It’s always a lot of fun in this class, filled with painting, tunes and lots of laughs!

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New Watercolor Video!

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Another week in the books for our Whimsical Watercolor 1 Saturday class and once again, MD has blown my mind with her “take it and run with it” attitude.

We learned about various types of household items that can be used as interesting technique tools to use with our watercolors to achieve interesting effects. Class started off with creating a sheet of various techniques that showed us samples of the results and then we worked on a beautiful watercolor landscape.

I’m so so proud of MD and her constant pursuit of creativity! It’s so thrilling and exciting to see how much she enjoys each project and watch her weekly transformation as she gains more confidence and artistic freedom!

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Creative Friends Art Club - Meeting 1 Highlights

What could be better than the Bee Gees, cake, tea and art making?

NOTHING!

We had a small turnout for the first get-together of our weekly art club, but that was totally cool! We had a great time creating, chatting and treating ourselves to tea and cake while we worked on our landscape painting.

Each week, we will be gathering to work on a fun and creative project in my art studio. It’s a great way to unwind, relax and be around some pretty joyful and happy people!

Want to learn more?

DUE TO FAMILY COMMITTMENT, ART CLUB WILL MEET ON A DIFFERENT DAY THE WEEK OF 5/8. KEEP POSTED ON THE NEW DATE THRU FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM (AND HERE TOO!)

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Show and Tell from the Glimmerbug Art Studio

Fridays are so much fun with our Whimsical Watercolor 2 class and we’ve been enjoying some creative, fun and challenging projects. This class is the second in the watercolor series of classes that I offer at my home art studio in Harvard. We began this session a few weeks ago and have been exploring new techniques and larger scale projects, including paper piecing and drawing.

If I had to think of one word to describe this class, it would be “Imaginative.”

We’ve been working on larger and more complicated and intense projects that have pushed our limits with creativity and imagination. And as you can see from the painting below, has turned into a spectacular watercolor piece!

This particular student has completely NAILED it with thinking “outside of the box” when it came to finding places to sketch their landscape, buildings, trees and pathways. When she left class last week, this painting was started but definitely not finished. She had the beginnings down and then worked on it throughout the week, only to show up the next week with this masterpiece! I am so impressed with how she saw areas that could be pathways, buildings, a tunnel and fences! Spectacular!

Each week in this class, we work on two or so projects so that we are constantly working. If we don’t finish, we take it home to continue working on it until we meet again. It keeps things light and stress-free, so students don’t feel rushed and worked up about getting it all done in one sitting. I actually encourage my students to walk away and come back to a project with fresh eyes. It oftentimes keeps things easier to handle and you don’t get burnt out!

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Whimsical Watercolors 1 Has My Mind Blown!

I am out of my mind proud!!!

Saturday was our third class for Whimsical Watercolors 1 and my student shows up with a stack… and I mean a STACK… of paintings and doodles that she worked on during the week after we met for class 2.

Blown away and freaking out, party of one!

Look at the AWESOMENESS of all she created! I love how this lesson really got her imagination unlocked and the creativity flowing out of her! Gorgeous, imaginative and inspiring! Well done! She (and all my art students for that matter) make me LOVE what I do!

We meet weekly, work on a few new techniques and projects and then take home some pieces to finish up. We then share what we worked on that week in the following class. It’s a great way for us to encourage and inspire each other and keep the creativity and excitement moving in class!

I look forward to my classes with these wonderful ladies each week. They keep me inspired to create and learn and have fun doing art!

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OPEN STUDIO! Seats are Limited! RSVP Today!

JUST SCHEDULED!

April Open Studio is now on the calendar!

RSVP today, lock in your seat and bring a fun little creative thing to work on in my fun and enjoyable art studio in Harvard, MA.

The March Open Studio was a huge success and we had a waiting list. We had so much fun getting to meet new people, snacking on delicious treats, sipping warm beverages and getting creative with an array of different projects. Attendees worked on rug latching, watercolors, crochet, mixed media, drawing and various other creative pieces, all while chatting and laughing and enjoying time away from the daily grind of life.

Hope you’ll join us! Seats are limited to RSVP early to get your seat!