I would love to live like a river flows, carried by the surprise of its own unfolding. ~ John O’Donohue

*A beautiful bloom unfolds in this bouquet from my friend Abra of Hawley Hill Gardens*

Last weekend I brought the button maker and markers out to the Take a Kid Fishing event in Crosby. A beautiful blue sky day, next to the lake, making art with kids was about as nice a day as one could hope for. As we colored with markers and made the “ka-chunk” sound with the button maker, a talented singer playing guitar was in the bandshell next to us, convincingly belting out Johnny Cash to a largely silent audience. A fact he noted aloud.

I had a gaggle of kids under the tent at that time and I asked them if they would all do me a favor. I asked if at the end of the next song they would help me hoot and holler for the singer. It’s important, I said, for us to let artists know that we appreciate them. They, in their excited, button-making frenzy, were happy to oblige and our little tent erupted with applause and shouts as he finished up Folsom Prison Blues. The singer said his thanks from the stage and I noticed one or two of the kids continue to clap as he performed his other songs that day.

Artists do need to be shown they are appreciated, and that’s how I felt after the response to my last newsletter. So many of you reached out to show support for me as I stepped out into my big journey, and it helped knowing I have a community of people who want to see me succeed. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

There is much to share today. My workshop calendar is building. Events are being added. New endeavors are being shared. Let’s dive in.

Workshops!

More than just skill-building, workshops are a chance to relax and meet new people while working on something that feels good to your hands and your head. Here’s what’s coming up:

Mon, June 15th, 5:30-8:00pm - linocut bookplate workshop

Tues, June 16th, 6:00-8:00pm - needle felted hen in a cup

Sat, June 20th, 10:00-noon - painterly paper sunflowers

Mon, June 22nd, 6:00-8:00pm - intro to gelli plate printing

Find all of these offerings and more in my shop.

See a class you like, but can’t make the date/time work? Reach out! If my schedule allows I might be able to make it happen for you. Who knows, someone else might be hoping for the same arrangement and just need someone to get the ball rolling.

Events!

This Thurs, June 11, 6:00-8:00pm - Open Studio - I’ll have mini canvases for us to paint. Come make a tiny masterpiece and we’ll have a tiny art show at the end! Or as always, bring a project of your own and hang out with other creatives in a cozy space. This is a free event held on the second Thursday of the month. Join us!

Thurs, June 18, 6:00-8:00 - Third Space Thursday. This month we have a special guest, Wildflower Wisdom Coaching, in the studio hosting Women’s Circle. A chance to celebrate feminine energy, foster belonging, and connect through art. (and I hear there will be chocolates). Also a free event made possible by the Sowing Room.

Every Friday 9:00-2:00 - Main Street Market Downtown Brainerd - come visit me, peruse my wares, or put some quarters in the mini art print machine. This farmer’s market is held in the parking lot of Brainerd’s City Hall, across the street from Coco Moon. There are loads of other amazing vendors - fresh bread, veggies, flowers, sweets, spices, jewelry, and much more and there are food trucks to add to the fun. EVEN COTTON CANDY. Sorry, got excited there… Come see us!

Sun, June 28, 10:00-4:00 - Arts in the Park - Gregory Park, Brainerd. I’ll be set up selling my work as well as offering a free button-making experience. Stop by, check out my pieces, and make a button to commemorate the day.

New Endeavors!

I’m really excited to share a project that’s been in the works… Letters from a Lil Fish.

I wanted a way to share more of my writing and connect with people in a different way. Sort of like a pen pal meets mail surprise party.

If you join, each month you’ll get a letter, a beautiful card to keep or give away, and a little surprise in the mail. Different than what I share here, each monthly letter will be a little more personal, a little more in depth, and full of musings and inspiration. Sign up for a month, a season, or a year. Wouldn’t it be nice to find a little bit of happiness in your mailbox tucked between the junk mail and bills?

Yes! Sign me up!

I am so grateful for your support and cheers (and hand squeezes when I get scared). If you think someone else might be interested in my journey, I’d be grateful if you would share with them.