Musings

Stephen and I are breathing a little easier now that the Chavez Family North Carolina artist residency is behind us.  For two weeks, we juggled cars, trucks and schedules so that Eric and Janet could be in Asheville, Pittsboro, Chapel Hill and Siler City for weaving and dyeing demonstrations, exhibitions, lectures, and gallery openings.  The residency was a resounding success.  They left on Saturday to go NYC, where Elsa joined them, to visit friends.  Eric is also introducing himself to NYC museums to make a connection and possible exchange of collections/exhibitions and educational programs for the Museo Textil de Oaxaca.

This Sunday, Oct. 26, I’m participating in a Retro Fashion Show to benefit the Chatham Artists Guild and Studio Tour, dancing down the runway in a 1960’s gold brocade dress with a boat collar.  I sprayed glue on my sandals and sprinkled glitter to match the dress, so I could be comfortable (no high heels for me).  I’m wearing a goofy gold hat that looks like a flying saucer with a huge gold bow that covers one ear. The show covers fashion from the 1920’s through to the 1980’s, complete with period music and social commentary-narration.  I’ll be sure to take photos.  The fashion show starts at 3 p.m. at the Fearrington Barn in Fearrington Village.  As an artist on the Chatham Studio Tour, #19 this year (www.chathamstudiotour.com), I’ve been invited to bring a jewelry piece to show and offer for sale at the event.  I’ve got a new collection which people are raving about.

I’ve completed my Facebook page and have bought Facebook ad (this is an experiment) to promote the Documentary Filmmaking Workshop in Oaxaca from January 31-February 6, 2009.  We have four people enrolled and are capping off at eight.  I’m looking at the cost and effectiveness of Google ads, too.  The Internet technology that encourages communication is fascinating, and I’m playing with posting workshop events on Facebook, too.  I’m also offering a weaving and natural dyeing workshop with the Chavez Santiago family during the same dates, so it’s going to be a busy January.

Coming up is a trip to Tucson to visit Carolina nursing school alumni, November 5-8.  I’ve invited my sister Barbara to meet me there, and we’ll go and visit the cemetary where our dad is buried.

What’s up for the future?  I’ve been talking with artist friends about teaching photography and painting workshops in Teotitlan in late 2009 or 2010, and scheduling another weaving workshop for July 2009 when teachers could take an arts residency for a week during summer vacation!