The New Art Space

I've had so much fun over the last few weeks teaching, travelling and now my son's birthday and Halloween cap off a busy month. But the biggest project of all was moving my art studio from home to the Summerland Art Gallery space. I've been packing sorting, organizing, unloading and I've finally got things set up so that I can start to have fun.

For a basement space it has been beautifully painted by the previous artist, and has loads of windows and natural light. The blank white wall in the bottom photo now has a design wall so I'm ready to play. The blank wall in the top photo will soon be covered with cork tiles so I can adorn it with pages of brainstorming ideas for the poetry to art translation. 

My art gallery studio hours will be 10am to 2pm weekdays, but do call ahead at 250-488-4168 as I teach often and have a lot of fibre art and guild meetings.  I'd hate to miss you especially if you've travelled far. I love visitors, so please do stop by!

INKSATIONS Workshop

I had so much fun last week teaching the Inksations class in Penticton! I am always so impressed by the fabulous colour choices that the students bring to class. Here are a few more of my star students with their finished table runner tops...

Diane

Betty

Louise (still tackling the borders)

Diana

A fun time was had by all and Barb and Cathie were a dynamic duo at Poppin's Quilt Parlour. Thanks for hosting! 

If you'd like to take the INKSATIONS Table Runner and Silk Screen Workshop, visit the Brandy Lynn Designs website to fill out the online request form and I'll send you a list of upcoming classes or you can book a date for your guild today! It's an excellent way for traditional quilters to take a small step out of their comfort zone and try something artsy. 

These are exciting times...

I'm having so much fun teaching all weekend in Prince George. What a fabulous bunch of ladies! My favourite part of class is always the reveal of a pieced top with the student's fabulous colour choices on display. This was the INKSATIONS table runner workshop...

Here's a huge line of photos of the finished toppers...enjoy!

We all had so much fun and every single student finished their project. I even had a first because in this last photo the student completed 2 table runners in one day! Way to go Louise!

Up and at 'em first thing tomorrow to teach the Crazy Quilted Baby Blanket. Nightie night!

We have a winner!

Congratulations Gayle from MI!

Here's her lovely comment from when she visited the Explore Fibre blog last week:

"How nice for you that all your hard work is paying off! I took a class from Susan (Purney Mark) at the AQS show in Grand Rapids and am now hooked on the screening. I can't wait to use it in a quilt and your pattern sure seems like a great place to start! I hope you have a huge success with your quilting endeavors and I have found a new blog to read!"


Gayle has won the INKSATIONS Table Runner and Screen Printing Kit valued at $29.99!

Thanks Gayle, for signing up to follow the explore Fibre Blog and congrats on being drawn as the lucky winner! Please visit the Brandy Lynn Designs website and submit your full name and mailing address through the contact form and I'll send you the prize.

Fall Retreat - Fibre Art Network

A retreat is an excellent way to slow down, take time for yourself and reflect on what is important in life. Some time spent away from the daily rush can reduce stress, increase creativity and give you a chance to learn from mentors and connect with friends.

Balcony View - Jackfish Lodge

I am thoroughly enjoying my annual Fibre Art Network retreat at the Jackfish Lodge in North Battleford, SK. This is a group of brilliantly talented fibre artists with a goal of learning, growing and promoting fibre art as a fine art. We meet at natural, wonderful venues across western Canada once a year each fall for our annual AGM. So get online and ask around at your local guild. You may just find a retreat that suits your needs and schedule and gives you a chance to take a much needed break.

Featured Designer!

I was so excited this week to be the Featured Designer on Susan Purney Mark's blog - Design Notes. Her content is fantastic and I've been following her fun ideas, stories and inspirations for ages. I decided to check if my page views went up a bit as a result of her interview and they did, so thanks for checking in everyone! I actually realized that in the history of my blog I recently reached over 10,000 page views. A wonderful feature and a boost in page views certainly calls for a celebration!

I can't believe this picture was 9 years ago!

To celebrate I am giving away one of my brand new Inksations Table Runner & Silk Screen Kit patterns! To enter simply leave a comment saying you follow Explore Fibre and you've now signed up to follow Design Notes, or you follow Design Notes and you've now signed up to follow Explore Fibre! Simple as that. Good luck to everyone who enters! One lucky winner will be picked in a random draw and announced here. Entry Deadline is Tuesday, September 25, 2012. 

Artist in Residence - Summerland Art Gallery

Well, it's official folks, I have been selected as the new Artist in Residence for the Summerland Art Gallery for the 2013 season! I am so honoured to have been chosen! It is truly inspiring to see how fibre art continues to surface as a fine art in galleries worldwide.

As a fibre artist I've been so impressed by the Okanagan quilting guilds, writing groups, fibre art groups and art scene. I have taken several classes at the Summerland Art Gallery in the last year and enrolled my son in the summer arts programs and I encourage you to do the same. It's a wonderful place to be!

Thank you to all of my friends and family who have embraced, encouraged and supported me along the way.

Photo courtesy of John Arendt 

If you've never had the notion to visit Summerland, BC it is an adorable little town nestled around Giant's Head Mountain. It has beaches, camping, trendy shops an restaurants, incredible coffee shops as well as world class wineries and golf courses. You can drive or hike up Giant's Head for a breathtaking view of the mountains and valley from Penticton to Peachland. Or you can take a ride on the historic Kettle Valley Steam Railway aboard the Spirit of Summerland. Visit the Summerland online to find out more about how The Spirit of Summer Never Ends to plan your next visit.  

Artist in Residence hours: 10am - 2pm Mon - Fri or by appt. 

A residency at the Summerland Art Gallery for me will serve as a quality space and focussed time to breathe, dig deep and be inspired. I'll be focussing on a fusion of art and literature with a series of poetry inspired fibre art pieces. I can't wait to be involved in and plan events and classes for the public. The residency runs for one year starting on October 1, 2012. So please take the time to stop by for a visit. I'd love to meet Summerland visitors as well as members of my local community to share my experience in fibre art!