I marvel every time at how much time and thought goes into packing for workshops. I remember days gone by where I was getting ready for one-day workshops at the local quilt shop and spent three days preparing handouts, samples and supplies each time. Then I never dreamed of preparing for 5 workshops at a time, but one adapts (but I can’t say that I ever got use o it…).

I managed to gather the necessary items for the Ontario workshops and get them into a large box late last evening. It took till nearly 9 pm to get it taped up and addressed – heading to the post office shortly!

I look forward to unpacking these supplies, I am particularly excited about the above image of the 20 quilt sandwiches I have prepared for the June 18th workshop. I raided my stash of hand-dyed fabrics to create the foundation for samples we will create together. Isn’t it just so inviting? (I prepared for 20 potential participants – registration is still open and there were 7 spots open last time I received an update from the coordinator! So, what are you waiting for? Check it out and register today if you are interested, Here is the Link to Quilt Canada Workshops.)

Part of everyone’s embellishment package is this 4″ x 5″ metal studded “ribbon” I found in Edmonton last week! Can’t wait to see what participants will come up with to include it on their sample. See you at Quilt Canada 2016! (And yes, there is still room in the Mola class as well. I have packed extra kits and hand-outs in case you decide to join in at the last minute!)

Now that the teaching supplies have been gathered and are on their way to Ontario I can refocus my thoughts on next week. I was invited to participate in an Artist Retreat about 2 hours from home in Assiniboia, SK. The Assiniboia and District Arts Council and the Shurniak Gallery are organizing this event for the second time after a successful outcome in 2015.

If you live close by and are interested in checking out what the retreat is all about, mingle with artists and ask questions feel free to attend the public events. There is a “Meet the Artists” Gallery Opening Reception on Monday, May 23rd from 7-9 pm at the Shurniak Gallery showcasing work centred around the them of “Nature” by participating artists.

A Public Plein Air painting session is planned for May 24th from 1-3 pm. Anyone interested is invited to meet at the Prince of Wales Centre by 1 pm. A Public Collaboration is planned for May 26th from 1 – 3 pm at the Prince of Wales Centre and an Open Studio Exhibition/Sale will provide public access to the studio space at the Prince of Wales Centre on May 27th from 1-5 pm.

I am just deciding on what to pack… the sewing machine will stay home. My camera gear is definitely coming along and a plan to collaborate with a couple of artist friends is on the agenda. My sketchbook and some mixed media items will round up my temporary studio supplies… We shall see where it leads. It’s a retreat – experimentation, brain storming and low pressure activities are my primary goal! I am sure there will be no lack of ideas – more than likely we will run out of time while making new friends and inspiring one another!

18 May This entry was published on May 18, 2016 at 11:42 am. It’s filed under Art, Design, In the News, Motivational, Networking, Special event, Special Project, staying in touch, Workshop Opportunity and tagged artist retreat in Assiniboia, Assiniboia - SK, embellishment workshop, London Embroiderers' Guild - ON, Mola workshops, Quilt Canada 2016, Shurniak Gallery, teaching at Quilt Canada, workshop opportunities. Bookmark the permalink. Follow any comments here with the RSS feed for this post.