Still trying to gather my thoughts�from class with Nina�at Valley Ridge Art Studio�that we attended this past week end.�
The hands that we focused on while listening to that sweet southern drawl, the hands that create such wonderful art, these are the hands of a friend and teacher that so willingly shares what she knows with her students, and the hands that make everything look easy.� But it's that voice of wisdom of hers that tells us to just believe, and to let the magic happen, that convinced us all that yes we are artists, and yes we can do it, and do it we did!
Inside this building is where all that magic happens.� The summer of 2003 was the first time I saw this building, walked through that door, and took a class.� Now in my 6th year there as a student, it's a sight that I wait all winter long to see!�
There's not a detail left out, even the cream & sugar bowls are fun & funky.� Bill & Kathy always, always treat us all like royalty.� And even more so this year, with the addition of another special touch-Kathy's studio has been turned into a community room where we all ate lunch (wonderful food!) and gathered after class for an hour or so with some wine & cheese.�
An eclectic mix of tables & chairs, the competent Bill serving the food (you're always the best damn cook, Bill!) and�bright yellow walls making it cheery even on a gray day.� The perfect setting to catch up with old friends and get to know newcomers to Valley Ridge, another one of those special touches that makes�this place�so extraordinary.
The forces behind this past week end were Nina & Kathy-Nina just being Nina is something you just have to experience as no words can really explain it, and Kathy as always was the hostess with the mostess, as they say:)� But seeing the friendship and bond that these 2 women have for each other, is well, special!� There's a reason I'm using the word "special" a lot, it just fits.
Would you look at the amount of art that was created in 2 days!� There were 14 or 15 of us in class, and it didn't all fit on these 2 tables-amazing!� It was so much fun, and seeing how everyone approached it with their own unique style always leaves me wondering how we did it.� But it just happens there, it's a magical place!� There's so much more to share, but today is our 30th wedding anniversary (drum roll, please!) so I'll post more art & stories about class tomorrow, time to get ready for a special dinner.� But before I sign off, make sure you check out the new MMCA Marketplace, a new online shop that has just opened with a dozen artists, each having their own shop within these cyber-walls, myself included.� It's an exciting adventure, go see & let me know what you think!� But one more picture of Nina before I go-she always gets emotional at the end of a Valley Ridge class, we all do really, so she got goofy to offset potential tears, at least that was my take on it.� Whatever the case was, we were all laughing hysterically, a perfect ending to a perfect week end!��Nina, this was just too much fun to not share:) �
Congrats on the anniversary! 30 yrs with Gary as your sidekick...that is awesome! Sounds as though a great time was had during the class. Can't wait to see more photos!
Posted by: Debbie Overton | August 05, 2008 at 09:03 PM
Happy Anniversary!! and Congratulations! I was blown away by the amount of art work that you and Gary created. I hope that good Karma carries with you for the next class! How cool that you got to go on the week-end of your anniversary, and get a beautiful gift too!!! Can't wait to talk! me xo
Posted by: Amanda | August 05, 2008 at 10:10 PM
First: Happy Anniversary! Hope dinner was scumptous!
2nd: what a lovely weekend/class! Am jealous of all that bonding time between you and your art and among you and your classmates and teachers. That is an amazing amount of work for just two days.
Clicked over to the Marketplace for a browse - very nicely done! Wishing you many sales!
Posted by: Tammy Vitale | August 06, 2008 at 06:32 AM
Congrats on your anniversary and it sounds like your adventure was fabulous!
Posted by: cheesehead with sticks | August 06, 2008 at 11:53 AM
And I got to see the necklace Gary put on Sue .... so sweet...both of them.
Happy Anniversary
Posted by: kathy malkasian | August 06, 2008 at 07:47 PM
Happy Anniversary. Better late than never. I am so jealous that you get to take these terrific classes. What a fun time you must have had with Nina. She is a marvel.
Posted by: Kathy McElroy | August 07, 2008 at 05:45 PM