…especially when it always seems to be of short supply.

I posted yesterday that I am home. While the car was unpacked by Saturday late afternoon my studio was another story. I spent yesterday on various tasks. First I completed a review of the Stella Table Task light which I had the privilege of trying out and sharing with my Art Quilt Campus group during the second week. Participants’ direct input was invaluable and it contributed greatly to my written review. I also made several photos of the various lighting strengths this lamp provides. Check out more about the Stella light here or wait for my review in the next Canadian Quilter Magazine.

Once the main commitment was completed, the images and report sent off to the editor, I looked around the studio and realized that I cannot possibly function in my work space without unpacking the boxes from Art Quilt Campus. I am happy to say that I am breathing much easier now. The clean surfaces and floor space should help as I prepare and pack for my last teaching adventure in Calgary later this month.

I cannot believe October has arrived – how did it sneak up on me so fast? There are many explanations and I will not bore you with details. Suffice it so say that the last two weeks at Art Quilt Campus helped me ignore the calendar. I was disconnected from the daily news and the six hours I had to myself I tried to utilize for sleep.

Speaking of Art Quilt Campus: While unpacking the boxes I came across the feedback forms I always provide to participants. Thank you to all who took the time and filled them in. Your feedback is invaluable and always helps me plan the next year! Here are a few comments I feel compelled to share:

“I like the Art Quilt Campus format. It encourages individual creative work with support and helps with and problem solving.”

“I love the camaraderie and the ideas of the group!”

“I like the format of Art Quilt Campus as is: A blend of dyeing, design support, building rapport and learning from each other!”

“I wanted to thank you for a great week.  As always, you are ready and able to tackle all our needs, both artistic and personal.  Thanks for helping me try other ways of making a project work. Even without proper supplies. And Yes, I found my workshop bag with all the necessary items laying right where I left it!”

“The loose structure I experienced this week was just right. I never felt that I had to be somewhere and the flexibility is valuable. Beginning the day as a group set the tone of the day’s activities – Very good practice!”

“What I liked best was the instructor’s ability to be flexible, the diversity of projects from the other participants, the quiet environment and lots of space.”

“I loved the chance to work on my own project with one-on-one teaching as it relates to what I am doing!”

“I enjoyed the freedom to work at my own pace, the people, the facility., the encouragement and positive feedback. I really like that you give time to listen to all people equally. Quiet people often don’t get heard in groups situations!”

“I prefer the participant-driven format that you employ at Art Quilt Campus. The “studio” time complemented by the expert guidance on specific individual projects is very appealing. I really enjoy the opportunity to have one-on-one feedback from you. As well, I enjoy the opportunity to meet and learn/engage with other artists and people with like-minded interests. This was my second year at Art Quilt Campus and I am continuing to gain confidence in my skills and finding my own voice in my artistic creations. I am no longer afraid to create!”

“What I liked most about Art Quilt Campus was the ability to freely experiment and learn at my own pace in a positive atmosphere. I will be back!”

“NO  – I am not interested in a more structured approach. You always give us the opportunity to ask about what we want to learn. You are very prepared and open to answer questions spontaneously. I like it just the way it is!”

“What I liked most were the people – the place – the opportunity to develop in areas I have never explored before! Thank you  – great job!”

“I like the “ad hoc” nature of the instruction based on topics brought up by participants and suggested by the instructor. Spontaneity is one of the special elements of Art Quilt Campus.”

“Expanding to a full 5 days was a great idea. The relaxed, less formal format allows each participant to proceed at her own pace. Demos are excellent for expanding our knowledge and practice of techniques. I am hard pressed to see where improvements could be made. What I liked most was the constant encouragement from both the instructor and other participants with abundant feedback on one’s individual pieces. The camaraderie which develops creates a very positive creative environment. The “isolation” from one’s everyday world is conducive to greater creativity.”

“The environment here was very comfortable and I really enjoyed seeing art forms and methods I have not seen before.”

I am humbled by your feedback – I have a handful of suggestions for improvement as well – we all know there is room for improvement. The dates for Art Quilt Campus for 2016 are set. Week 1 takes place August 7th – 13th, 2016 and Week 2 happens August 14th – 20th, 2016. Drop me a line ,anna@annahergert.com> if you are interested. Invitations to register will go out in November 2015. They will go to this year’s participants first, but if your name is on the “interested” list you will be next in line to receive registration information.

Thanks again for sharing your impressions – They help me and prospective participants!

 

 

01 Oct This entry was published on October 1, 2015 at 6:36 am. It’s filed under Art, Art Quilt Campus, Creativity Update, In the News, Journaling, Motivational, Nature photography, Product review, Refocusing Creativity, Sharing Resources, Workshop Opportunity and tagged Art Quilt Campus 2015 feedback, clearing surfaces in the studio, Stella Light, unpacking from two weeks of teaching. Bookmark the permalink. Follow any comments here with the RSS feed for this post.