Pieces

Yesterday morning I finally dragged out the bits of material, cut the funny little shapes and handsewed the first, of what I hope will be several, quilting projects. The ideas for designs and shapes and colours tumble around in my mind and sneek out when I am not paying attention. I will be driving to work and realize that I am thinking about the combination of colours that would make an interesting quilted insert on the front of a knee length vest. I have several ideas for wearable art and as the designs finalize themselves in my jumbled mind the job of actually creating these items will become easier...at least that is the theory.

We made the opportunity to visit the craft centre in the Hostel building in Port Mouton yesterday afternoon. Interesting place. Some of the work is beautiful, some not so much. They were holding a bake sale and they have used books for sale and they have an indoor flea market. A jumble of new and used, unique and common, bargains and valuables. We were invited to buy tickets on a quilt made to assist with the finances of the centre. The draw will take place just prior to the season's close in December.

Pleasant activities for a cold rainy Saturday.

Use the senses... all of them!

Last weekend we had the chance to visit the show and shine presented by the fire department in Westville. Over 180 old cars and vehicles on display...wow.

Maybe not art but certainly beautiful in their own way. We enjoyed the day and enjoyed visiting with a school chum of my husband. A peaceful, relaxing weekend. Something we don't try to get enough of...peace, good friends and enjoyment. Hurry, hurry and then the day/week/month is gone. Where did the time go?

The creative side of me speaks loudly and is telling me to slow down and enjoy. Smell the roses and see the colours and the textures and the shapes. The artist knows the importance of using all the senses and absorbing the surroundings...something that the rest of us sometimes forget.

I think I may be taking in another car show this weekend...there are at least two scheduled that I know about. Stay tuned...maybe more pictures next week.

Volunteering

Many non-profit groups are looking for volunteers. Maybe some of the current opportunities would interest you. The regional libraries, the local hospital gift shops and ladies auxiliaries, the community service group and of course the local art galleries, schools and community centres. Every cultural event needs volunteers to work behind and in front of the scenes. They need the expertise of management and the willingness of "go fors". Even if you only have a few hours a month you can make a valuable and welcome contribution. So no matter what your interests there is a spot for you. To find out some of the opportunities in your area, check with your local municipal government...parks and recreation departments or local non-profit groups. Pick your interest and contact an organization working with that group.

For example, I have arthritis and wanted to start learning more about the disease and to share that information with fellow suffers. I am a speaker with the Arthritis Society and make presentations to community groups and meetings about arthritis and the resources available to sufferers and their support systems.

Interested in art? Look at upcoming shows and sales and call the organizers to see if they would like to have your "helping'' hands. I bet you will be welcomed with open arms.

Giving back can be very rewarding.

Fall is in the Air

And the fall and Christmas craft shows are in the planning stages. The agricultural exhibitions are in full swing and each features a competition for arts and crafts. Some of the work is beautiful and inspiring. As the air develops a nip in the evening and overnight with warnings of frost, the shorter hours of daylight contribute to inhome endeavours...like making crafts.

Upcoming Events

August 1 & 2nd - Summer Fest Craft Show & Sale, Windsor
August 4 - 7 Giant Quilt Expo - Saulnierville
Aug 6 Blueberry Festival, West Pubnico http://www.acadianvillage.museum.gov.ns.ca/
August 6 -8 Chester Art Festival, Chester http://www.chesterartcentre.com/
August 21 - 22 New Ross Community Fair, New Ross
August 23 Halifax Anitque Car Club 46th Show and Shine, Halifax http://www.hacc.chebucto.org/

This is just a small sampling of upcoming events in Nova Scotia over the next few days. For a full listing visit http://www.novascotia.com/

Summertime and there is Art Everywhere

This is the time to take advantage of all of those community festivals and events. Many have a craft sale that features wonderful juried items. To get more exposure for your art consider exhibiting in some of the local shows. As well, consider sharing a kiosk or small retail space in a mall or store with another artist or craft maker. Reduce the costs, become more of a destination, and make some sales.

Sometimes public buildings will hold an art show, on a short term basis, in the hall way or boardroom. Large corporations may be agreeable as well as libraries, government offices and financial institutions. Make a well thought out plan before approaching any of these. Remember to make anything successful, all the participants should gain from the experience...and that includes the landlord or building owner.

Get creative and picture your creations in new and unusual places. For example in Winnipeg, the city organized an art showing in the windows of the downtown businesses. It was called "art on the Avenue". Pick a street in your town or city and see if there are ten or twelve businesses that are willing to display a grouping of original works for a few weeks in the summer. A nice tie in to that would be a walking tour for visitors with information about the art, the artists and the information about where and how the works can be purchased.