Art Escape March 19, 20 & 21

Like the idea of immersing yourself in art for three days? The weekend of March 19-21, I am very excited to be teaching a Silk and Dye Painting Intensive at Artascope Studios in South Portland. We will spend 3 days (Fri. 6-9, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-2) creating beautiful fabric projects with wax and dye paint.

Here is the description : "In this class you’ll use traditional and non traditional dyeing techniques to create multi-layered, one-of-a-kind art fabrics. Learn about wax resist techniques, while choosing from a gorgeous palette of paintable dyes. You’ll develop color palettes and use patterning to create fabrics that can be used to make a statement in any project from home decor to clothing." The weekend is designed to be fun and give participants a chance to really explore and learn the process of painting with wax and dyes.

If you would like to see the process check out my blog entrys from last spring.

For more information check out at the art escape web site.

See you on the 19th!

Unexpected Focus

Just a year ago, I started writing this blog, entering a whole new world of “social marketing.” A year later, I’m not sure about the “marketing” part, but have found it a great tool for creating focus. Fridays have become my “blogging day” and it seems today my blog is helping me get focused on how to help others.

Today my thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti and I can see on the news and Facebook that I am not alone! A cash donation to a relief organization on the ground – done. Researching a group that is organizing a fundraiser to which I can donate a piece of art work - working on it. The needs are overwhelming. How else to help?

I sometimes struggle with how can I make a difference. Some of the survival stories I have heard today remind me that many small acts of kindness can add up to make a huge difference. It can happen in so many ways...thanking a friend for their help, checking in with a family member who is having a hard time, volunteering, recycling, donating money when you can. So my focus this week and in 2010 is to find simple ways to help create a better world.

An organization that has already been working in Haiti to improve the health care system in the northern part of the country is Konbit Sante. They have just established an earthquake relief fund and will be working to help with the long-term recovery of the country. To learn more about them or
to donate go to www.konbitsante.org.

Life can be unpredictable, so I will try to remember to hug my children, tell those I love how I feel and take time everyday, even on my hardest days, to give thanks for an act of kindness that came my way!

On to 2010!

We are one week into 2010 and, like many of you, I am taking time to reflect on the past year!

What a year this has been for me, both personally and professionally! I have learned so much and am exceptionally grateful for that knowledge. The show season was good and, especially given the challenges of the economy, I am pleased and encouraged about what lies ahead for 2010.

And I feel so grateful for all the blessings that came my way this year! …The support of my family and friends, the encouraging words and purchases of my customers, the opportunity to teach on a regular basis, the lessons learned from unexpected challenges, and the laughter and smiles from so many places. These are the experiences that make life sweet!

Hoping that 2010 brings you love, happiness, lots of laughter and some wonderful surprises!

Upcoming Hoilday Shows

Here is what is coming up next for me. Two great shows!

December 12 (Sat) Designing Women Woodfords Congregational Church, Woodford St., Portland 9am-4pm

December 10th - 30th Holiday Sale at Artascope Studios 352 Cottage Road, South Portland, Opening Sunday, December 13th Daily 9am-7pm

Also, my etsy shop is always open. Go to www.suzannedrown.com for more info.

Help Support Preble Street

As an artist, it is always exciting to find ways to help my community. It's even more fun to do it with other Maine artists!
This week, I have joined the Maine Etsy team in a promotion to support the Preble Street Resource Center, a local agency that provides services to homeless members of our community. From November 13 to 19, I will be donating 15% of sales from my Etsy shop to Preble Street! Come visit my shop and support the good work of this organization. (For a list of other participating shops visit etsymaineteam.blogspot.com.)

Making Preparations for the Holiday Season

Here is my show schedule for November and December 2009! I am really excited to be participating in these great shows!

November 14 (Sat) Waynflete "Hands to Art" 360 Spring St., Portland 10am-4pm

November 20-21 (Fri-Sat) Zaz and Moe Studio Show 37 Hawthorne Lane, South Portland Friday 2pm-8pm, Saturday 9am-3pm

December 12 (Sat) Designing Women Woodfords Congregational Church, Woodford St., Portland 9am-4pm

December 10th - 30th Holiday Sale at Artascope Studios 352 Cottage Road, South Portland, Opening Sunday, December 13 Daily 10am-7pm

Also, my etsy shop is always open. Go to www.suzannedrown.com for more info.

What a Beautiful Day

I have been living and working in Maine for awhile now, as the days grow shorter we know that cold will follow. I have been wishing for some more warm days before the temps drop and the snow flies.

I got my wish Sunday! I walked the beach in Biddeford Pool Maine with two dear friends. The sun was shining, the temperatures were warm and the beach was lovely!