New Horizons Party

 We have all been adjusting to the idea of not having a show this year. Some of us felt a loss of not having the show to focus on and look forward to; others were thrilled with the idea of new possibilities, and most were experiencing a mixture of emotions.  We decided this would be a good time to have a party--both to acknowledge where we've been and to celebrate where we are going.

To map our journey, we were all given handmade, accordian-fold journals, covered in our choice of artful papers.

Suzie led us in a journaling exercise in which she took us through all the stages and events we experienced over the years in connection with the show, ending at what we are feeling right now.  Using a pen, we made marks to represent each of these stages.   Some used realistic images, others abstract ones.

We then added colors to our pages.

Some of our members in deep contemplation.

When we were done with the exercise, we went around the room and silently held up our journals one-by-one.  We didn't comment, we just silently witnessed each other's experiences.   And of course, the pages were all unique. 

We were asked to each bring 1" squares of paper that somehow represent us or our artwork.  We took these home to add to our journals and will share the final results at our next meeting.

 We each went around the room and talked about our new art goals.  Some wanted to learn new techniques, others become more proficient in ones they already know.  Some wanted to try new media, others wanted to work in series.  Some wanted to find new avenues for showing their work, others wanted to do more personal artwork.  We toasted to our new goals and support for one another.

Of course, there was lots of great food.

And party favors.  We each chose a bird with a word that resonated with us.

We've shared many wonderful events in our almost 10 years together, and I think this was one of my favorite ones.  As Stephanie said, "I love that the focus is now, not the show, but us."

Lorraine responded with this beautiful post:

"So often for us women the focus is outward, for others.  Now we get to check in with ourselves and ask, 'What have I been wanting to create?  What new art challenge do I want to take on without fear of failure or judgment?  Can I spend time in the present moment, in the process, with no concern for the finished product?  Can I learn something new?  Can I say goodbye to something that does not work for me anymore?  Can I give myself permission to release a tried and true art form and recreate myself as a beginner again?  Can I forgive myself for the time I will spend creating art just for me?'"

"Open Doors" Show Announcement

We want to thank everyone who helped make our "Open Doors" show so successful for five years.  We truly enjoyed every moment at the show and made many new friends along the way.  Unfortunately, producing the show took a huge amount of time and energy, and many of us started questioning if that is where we want to put our focus.  After long discussions, and a few tears, we decided not to continue with the show this year.

You will still see some of our members in other shows and galleries around town.  Some will be in shows the first and second weekends of Dec. at Multnomah Arts Center.  We will post information as it becomes available.  Other members are eager to return to personal artwork and will continue sharing their work here.

We are very grateful for all that the "Open Doors" show added to our lives and decided that rather than approach the show with dwindling spirits, it was best to end on a high note.

Thank you for your generous support for the last five years!  We look forward to sharing many new creative adventures on our blog.

Visual Artist Studio Tour

Portland Art Collective member, Dayna J. Collins of Alley Art Studio, is again participating in the Artists in Action Visual Artist Studio Tour  (VAST) the weekend of September 15 and 16, 2012. For only $10, you are able to visit the studios of 25 artists over two weekends in two cities. September 15 and 16 is for Salem studios and September 22 and 23 is for studios located in Silverton.

Dayna's studio is located in central Salem . . . here are a few peeks inside her studio, but only a few peeks. Her studio is an entire house and it is packed to the brim with arty goodness. (Pssst . . .She's also having a studio sale during the tour.)

The list of artists for both weekends:

New Cat Collages, "Dot"