Saturday, April 02, 2011

Prepping for Artfest ...

It's that time of the year again, time to go off for a *massive* creative get together with 500+ like-minded folks ~ AKA: Artfest!

For those who've been to Artfest no explanation is necessary, for those who haven't been, it's hard to know where to start ... imagine summer camp for grown-ups, completely dedicated to the creative experience, hosted by people who are dedicated to creativity in their own lives.

The teachers are fabulous, the food is wonderful (I think *any * food I don't have to cook is wonderful, but seriously, it's a miracle we all don't gain 5 lbs in the 5 days we're there!), and the accommodation is ... um, barracks? Yep, that's right, the venue of this artful party was previously a military fort.

I'm scheduled to take three intriguing classes (more on this later), but there's so much beyond the classes at Artfest ... one of the traditions is that lots of people bring some small thing they've created. This year I've made three things to trade: a very traditional ATC (artist trading card), some artful little buttons and a rather clever (if I do say so myself) bobbin made by adding a whole whack of colour to a quite ordinary clothespin.

There's still a bunch of stuff I've got to do before I go, but I think I'm narrowing it down to the last few fragments and oddments ~ it's tempting to take a whole studio's worth of art supplies, but over the years I've learned to travel lighter each time. More about Artfest when I get back!

10 comments:

Amanda said...

I love the colors in your trades! Hope to find you at Artfest.
amanda

Lelainia N. Lloyd said...

Those buttons turned out rockin'! YAY!

Have a most fabulous time. (I know you will and catcha on the flip side!)

dewatobay said...

clever indeed & I'll be looking for them

celeste said...

Have a great, great time.
Looking forward to seeing all your photos from Artfest. Trades and classes and deer...all of it and your description of it all.
blessings!

Jane B. said...

I hope I get to meet and trade with you at Artfest! Beautiful blog also - it looks a bit like the ocean at Port Townsend, no?

beenebag said...

Love your trades. I have yours packed and ready to fly on Tuesday:) (That is if Southwest doesn't ground anymore of their fleet!!! I about freaked to the max when I heard they were cancelling flights! So far it all looks good for my trip from Detroit to Seattle) Wish me luck!! See you at the fort

Brenda
aka beenebag

Unknown said...

Hi, Pen! I'm somewhere in 202. Will keep an eye out for you and your trades:) Look forward to catching up . . .
Michelle

Anonymous said...

can't wait to go and bump into you.... love your trades

Anonymous said...

can't wait to go and bump into you.... love your trades

Dreamcicle Journeys said...

Looking forward to seeing you this week.