The Art Dept

  We are celebrating our 1st anniversary of the Art Dept! That's right, we've made it through the first year of being the local spot for art-making. It has been a challenge and a delight, and now we are oh so ready to move in to a new year. Yay, let's hear it for Art Dept: year #2!! To celebrate, we are offering all November classes and happenings for just $20!  Visit our classes and workshops page   to see what is available. Each and every session, whether it's homeschool art, watercolor, wearable art, artful journaling or painting, is just $20! Got a project you want to work on here in November? Text or call Sandy at 765-702-0551 to sign up for studio time- it's just $20!  Also, to celebrate, come in to the shop anytime in November and receive 20% off your purchase. We will post our shop hours at the door.  We would be delighted for you to drop by during regular store hours to shop our fall selections or just grab a cup of coffee at the bar.  Grab a seat ...

Want to reserve a seat at the table? Go here  

 

  Grab a seat at the table for any or all upcoming workshops! Every Tuesday morning, we're inviting home school groups for a morning of art-making. Wednesday evening is time for adult painting sessions. Bring your own project or follow along with Sandy. Thursday morning is Java & Journal, where we spend time with illustrated art journaling while drinking yummy coffee. First timers will receive a fresh new watercolor journal.  Friday 3-6 is the $5 art class at the Alexandria Farmers & Artists Market. Different make & take project weekly. No reservation required. Saturday the 8th will be a Mixed Media Collage Workshop all afternoon.  Saturday the 22nd will be Paint in the Park.  Click to    Reserve your seat here:

 We are excited to be offering many art-making events for all ages during the month of July! Interested? Click on the tab "classes and more" for details and to reserve a seat at the table. 

 We are super excited to announce the upcoming events for June at the Art Dept: Every Tuesday morning from 10 to noon is Kid's Art. Sign up for five sessions between June 2nd and July 14th, and get ready for fairy garden building, magnet making, printmaking, painting, jewelry designing and more!   On Wednesdays we will be painting on canvas with acrylics. This will be taught by David Walker, and will be a great time for beginners or experienced painters.   Next up, we're bringing back some favorites- Pinot and Print, where we will do block printing on denim, and Java & Jewelry, where we make funky upcycled wearable art.  So much fun awaits you in the month of June. Reserve your seat at the table here

 

                                                      reserve a seat here

 We have alot to march forward to this month at the Art Dept! First up- Spring Break. These art-making happenings are not only for students, but teachers, neighbors, and all artistically inclined members of our community 12 and up. No experience is required, and all materials will be provided. So come one, come all! This is going to be fun!           Here's the plan: Saturday, March 21st March Magnets Monday, March 23rd Printmaking Tuesday, March 24th Clay Garden Box Wednesday, March 25th Acrylic Painting Friday, March 27th Upcycled Wearables For more information and to reserve a seat at the table, go here Hope to see you soon!

     It's Chardonnay and clay, which means we're playing with clay and sipping on wine all evening! It's air-dry clay, which is soft and moldable and does not to be fired in a kiln. In one 2 hour session we will be making and painting a trinket box and a vase from clay. No experience is necessary, and all materials are provided. Wine, sparkling water and a charcuterie board will be available. Reserve your  seat at the table here  and get ready to play with clay!

 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...

       First up is Art in the Village in Franklin Michigan, on Monday, September 1st. I will be making my fourth appearance at this gem of a show. Props to the director of the show, Jane Polan. She has the heart and soul that it takes to put on a great show. In her communications to the artists, she always states that she is delighted to showcase our talents. And I believe she really means it! She consistently manages to provide a great space for us, feed us, and, most importantly, get the art-loving buyers to us. So, even though it's one day only, and it's a long drive and a night in a hotel, it is worth it for me.        Franklin is just north of Detroit. It is a beautiful community and I always enjoy staying there. The event is in conjunction with a Labor Day Celebration, which includes a parade with a marching band, food trucks and fun activities for families. The art show is on the grounds of the local library, which hosts a popular book sale...

   I have e xciting news! I’m thrilled to be showcasing my work at the  Crosby Festival of the Arts, presented by @toledogrows on Saturday, June 28 th and Sunday, June 29 th !   Come see me at the Crosby Festival of the Arts!         Use my code     sw2025cfa   to get $2 off your admission.  Experience an unforgettable weekend filled with fine art, live music, and incredible food at the beautiful Toledo Botanical Garden. Stop by my booth to explore my latest pieces!  You'll find me where I was last year, in Booth 98. Here's a preview of what I'll have at the show:                                           As always, if you would like to add to your collection, you will receive 20% off your purchase.