This has been an especially short summer, but that hasn't kept me from making the most of it. I find that summer gives me the chance to stretch my brain creatively outside the classroom. I have been dabbling with painting, knitting scarves, making photographs and gardening up a storm. I also love to read, cook and bake. Although some of these pursuits aren't exactly art there is a level of craftsmanship and creativity involved in the pursuit of good food and lovely flowers. One of the best summer pursuits however, is travel. I love to daydream on a long car ride as the golden fields drift past my window (if I'm not the driver!). Usually my travels take me to exotic places like Chicago or Minneapolis! :) I know those aren't what you usually think of when you think exotic, but I always discover new gems on these journeys.
This summer I spent about 10 days in Minneapolis in two separate trips. I filled my days with art fests, delicious, creative food and beautiful strolls through gardens, zoos and more. One of my favorite days was spent at the Loring Park Art Festival. This charming, fest featured a variety of artists, the garden paths surrounding the small pond at Loring Park and some delicious food.
Artists I discovered were: Jamie Heiden, photographer, whose work reminded me of Maggie Taylor's, half way between dreamy paintings, unique collages and photography. I loved her work so much I bought one of the larger photographs called Next Door to the Queen. Another photographer, whose work I really enjoyed was Robert Meyer. He had lovely film based, dark-room made black and white images that were framed in vintage 4 x 5 film holders. I also enjoyed the mixed media pieces by Barbara Danger Lash. These images combined beads, collage elements and typography in unique juxtapositions. Lauri Rockne's wonderfully lush felted creations were also a favorite. I wish I'd had more money to buy one of her nuno felted scarf/shawls, truly gorgeous fiber arts work. There were many others I loved, but these are some of the highlights.
The next day I celebrated my birthday with my daughter by visiting the Uptown Art Fair. This was a much larger fest with many more international artists. Mauro Pozzobelli's unique sculpted wall reliefs made me feel like I was traversing the catacombs and hidden alleys of Italy. Jaana Mattson had beautiful felted paintings that were exquisitely crafted with rendering of tones in fiber. Katie Musolff wasn't really a new find for me. I actually know Katie, meeting her when she was a young student in a watercolor class with Thea Kovac. Seeing her new works was a great experience as she has grown so much in her talents and themes.
So many artists stretching on and on along the streets of Minneapolis was overwhelming. We finished our time there by visiting the Future Artists of Uptown exhibit, which featured works by young artists ranging from elementary to high school. The students had their own booths and were present selling their work. I bought photo notecards from one talented student and my daughter bought a beautiful cable-knitted headband from another. This made me wonder if we could do something like this in Pewaukee....a student art sale....hmmmm the wheels are turning already.
The main goal of a vacation is to get away, reinvigorate and rest. I feel I've had a great opportunity to do all of those while finding new inspiration to bring back to my classroom. Happy summer....happy new School Year!
To see more of the artists I liked check out my Pinboard on Pinterest.
This summer I spent about 10 days in Minneapolis in two separate trips. I filled my days with art fests, delicious, creative food and beautiful strolls through gardens, zoos and more. One of my favorite days was spent at the Loring Park Art Festival. This charming, fest featured a variety of artists, the garden paths surrounding the small pond at Loring Park and some delicious food.
Artists I discovered were: Jamie Heiden, photographer, whose work reminded me of Maggie Taylor's, half way between dreamy paintings, unique collages and photography. I loved her work so much I bought one of the larger photographs called Next Door to the Queen. Another photographer, whose work I really enjoyed was Robert Meyer. He had lovely film based, dark-room made black and white images that were framed in vintage 4 x 5 film holders. I also enjoyed the mixed media pieces by Barbara Danger Lash. These images combined beads, collage elements and typography in unique juxtapositions. Lauri Rockne's wonderfully lush felted creations were also a favorite. I wish I'd had more money to buy one of her nuno felted scarf/shawls, truly gorgeous fiber arts work. There were many others I loved, but these are some of the highlights.
The next day I celebrated my birthday with my daughter by visiting the Uptown Art Fair. This was a much larger fest with many more international artists. Mauro Pozzobelli's unique sculpted wall reliefs made me feel like I was traversing the catacombs and hidden alleys of Italy. Jaana Mattson had beautiful felted paintings that were exquisitely crafted with rendering of tones in fiber. Katie Musolff wasn't really a new find for me. I actually know Katie, meeting her when she was a young student in a watercolor class with Thea Kovac. Seeing her new works was a great experience as she has grown so much in her talents and themes.
So many artists stretching on and on along the streets of Minneapolis was overwhelming. We finished our time there by visiting the Future Artists of Uptown exhibit, which featured works by young artists ranging from elementary to high school. The students had their own booths and were present selling their work. I bought photo notecards from one talented student and my daughter bought a beautiful cable-knitted headband from another. This made me wonder if we could do something like this in Pewaukee....a student art sale....hmmmm the wheels are turning already.
The main goal of a vacation is to get away, reinvigorate and rest. I feel I've had a great opportunity to do all of those while finding new inspiration to bring back to my classroom. Happy summer....happy new School Year!
To see more of the artists I liked check out my Pinboard on Pinterest.
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