February 2015 Newsletter

Rain is falling and the greens are glowing.  The violets are blooming and the skunk cabbage are spearing up through the mud at Francis King Park! Saturday February 7th is the start of my artist in residence and I am excited!  CTV news did a great little piece on the Love a Slug or Snail program I’ll be offering on Family Day. My little cousin Tallulah is the star of the piece.  We had great fun and did find slugs in the park even though we had gone with some found in a garden and didn’t expect to see any.  Great because now I can confidently send kids and parents out to find slugs while their clay ones bake in the toaster oven.   Here is the link: http://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=544974&binId=1.1180928&playlistPageNum=1
I also did a short shoot with Shaw about the artist in residence program (in which I'll be the star) and will post that link on my facebook and website once it is up. Such a media swirl!

Current Exhibition: 
January 1- Feb 15: Discover Coffee on Discovery Avenue.  Featuring works about Francis King Park in anticipation of my Artist in Residence there.  Great reaction to the show so far and it is up for another 10 days. 

Upcoming Artist Residency:
February 7- March 21, 2015
I’ll be CRD Artist in Residence at Francis King Park. I’ll be hosting three formal open houses during the residency and will have open studio times too.  Most of the time I’ll be watchable, but you may have to find me in the park.  I’ll post times on the door and on my website.

Open House at Forester's Cabin:
Saturday March 7 10:00 – 16:00
Friday March 20 10:00 – 16:00
And Saturday March 21 10:00 – 16:00

Winter Classes:
The weekly classes at CB55+ and at my home studio are now full.  I’ll be offering more classes in September, and in special weekends before that.

Though Royal Roads University: Art as Spiritual Practice: a weekend retreat at the Hawthorn. Thursday April 2- Sunday April 5
Art making is uniquely human. Why do we do it? We’ll explore one possible motivation: that art making moves us closer to the divine. Through a mix of hands-on art making activities and lectures that include excerpts from writers, scientists and artists you’ll experience the creative process in a sacred new way. No previous experience in art making is required.
$675.00 includes accommodation, meals and tuition.
http://cstudies.royalroads.ca/courses/TATE3925-Y14.htm

There is still room in this offering. It is a good renewal type of weekend, great food, contemplative art making and wonderful surroundings too.

Art and Nature Retreats:  I am considering offering another Art and Nature Retreat in the summer of this year. It could also be a combination of yoga and art, or singing and art…  My vision is a Monday to Friday get-a-way.  If this interests you let me know.  It would be a residential retreat at a location near Shawnigan Lake.  It would likely include some shared meal making to keep the cost accessible.
As always email me if you want more information about any of the above. joannedthomson@shaw.ca