The Art Dept

 We have some pressing matters to attend to! And by that I mean we're having a workshop devoted to pressing images onto paper and fabric. This is going to be a great time to spend time with something that really matters, like spending time with friends making art together in a cozy warm studio space.  On Saturday, February 21st, we will gather around the table for Pressing Matters: The Joy of Printmaking. Whether you're ever made prints before or not, you will have a productive time of pressing, printing, painting, and getting artwork made.                                     Interested? Register here

  Here's some of the fun art-making we've been up to  at the Art Dept lately.  It's such a joy to be able to provide this space in my local community. Register here to reserve a seat at the table! Wanna join the fun? Reserve a seat at the table! Register here for an upcoming class or workshop and we'll see you soon!

 Look what's coming up in the new year! First up: Artful Journaling. Guests will receive a blank journal of watercolor paper, access to all kinds of art supplies, with limited instruction and demos. Snacks, coffee and lots of laughter will be provided.  Next up: Relax, Unwind & Refresh. Great way to start off the new year! Guests will be making a frameable art piece at the table with friends. Wine, sparkling cider and charcuterie board will be provided. Also this month: Art Class, every Thursday afternoon from 1-3 PM. Bring your own artwork in progress or join in the group project. Coffee and snacks, limited instruction and plenty of camaraderie will be provided.   Register here  for any classes or events. See you soon!

  Join us for our Holiday Art Lab or Holiday Art Camp, which will be held over holiday break. We will be exploring drawing, painting and block printing. Each two hour session is $20. The sessions will be held on these dates: Sat, Dec 20th  Mon, Dec 22nd  Tues, Dec 23rd  Mon, Dec 27th  Mon, Dec 29th  All materials, plus snacks and drinks, will be provided. Register here for 7-10 year olds Register here for 11-17 year olds See you there!

With our grand opening in the rear view mirror,  we are now focusing on exciting upcoming events.                    Up next, Holiday Art Day! Join us for a day of festive holiday art-making! Saturday, Nov 15th 10AM - 3PM We will have fun making the following: Block-printed holiday gift wrap or gift bag Bodacious holiday earrings An original artfully made holiday ornament and more! Holiday snacks and drinks will be available. All materials are provided.   Want to register? Go here  Holiday Art Day will take place at the Art Dept,  114 E Church St, Alexandria IN  Hope to see you there!

      For awhile now I have been thinking about sustainability with my work.  As in, how long can I honestly sustain this pace of doing art shows all over the midwest? Which I love, mind you, BUT. You may not know this but I'm not getting any younger! The gamble with shows is that, even with the best preparations, it may not be worth all the trouble. It could be a great show, with sales non-stop, or the opposite, with barely enough to cover expenses. And whether great, good or bad, it still requires the same immense energy. Not to mention gas, lodging and food. I am not complaining; I've had a pretty good show season. That being said, I have been thinking alot about sustainability.        I'm also thinking ahead about the daily routine of going out to the studio (which I love) and starting the  fire in the woodstove  (also love) and then waiting the hours it takes to get it warm enough to work.  Add to that how the groundhogs have m...