SUMMER 2018~Summer Arts Festival ~FREE2Create

Summer Arts Festival 2018 ~Water Color Activities 

FREE Art Activities for Local Youth and Creators of all ages are well underway at the studio this month. 

I have been posting my summer activities and bloggy updates 

quite regularly on my patreon page. In case you missed it there, here is what's been happening...with a bit about things to come.  

FREE2Create Program at SheilaLynnK Art Studio ~ ENROLLMENT-BASED PROGRAMS ~

Get the current Activities Calendar or go to sheilalynnkart.com~Events for workshop topics, details, accessibility, & updates. Watch for Schedule updates and changes coming in September. 

MAKERS' MONDAYS ~ 5-8pm Mondays ~ an Invitation for Experienced and Emerging Creators to come together to make and share, projects, ideas, conceptual inspiration, and discussion about contemporary individual and collaborative projects in our community. Supplies are limited. BYO materials. Weekly topics listed at sheilalynnkart.com. Suggestions Welcome.

WARM-UP WEDNESDAYS ~ 5-8pm Wednesdays ~ weekly skills practice in assorted non-toxic media for emerging and experienced local visual artists. Supplies are limited. BYO materials. Weekly topics will be listed at sheilalynnkart.com. Suggestions Welcome.

CREATIVE WELLNESS WORKSHOPS ~ 1-4pm Thursdays ~ Using creative arts to explore and express valuable tools and concepts on the path to independent sustainable wellness. Reservations required by the MONDAY before the workshop. Weekly topics will be listed at sheilalynnkart.com. Suggestions Welcome. DETAILS ABOUT THIS

Herb Fairies in the Wellness Garden ~ Monthly, 3-6pm Sundays~ May 20^th, June 10^th, July 15^th, August 19^th Check Schedule for RSVP dates. Herb Fairies stories, activities, Wellness Garden plant identification, and uses. Curriculum supported by text and instructional materials from Learning Herbs.com. (Ages 7 and Up. 18 and under parental participation encouraged.)

Charitable Art programs are made possible by Studio sales, fundraisers, and generous contributions from SheilaLynnK Art Studio Patrons. Tax-deductible contributions are also welcome. Find out more about that here.

Monthly New Moon Creative Wellness Circles ~ May 15^th 7-9pm RSVP by May 10^th, June 13^th 7-9pm RSVP by June 6^th, July 12^th 7-9pm RSVP by July 6^th, August 12^th 7-9pm RSVP by August 6th

Summer Arts Festival More FREE Youth Art Activities at SheilaLynnK Art Studio

sponsored by the Allegany County Arts Association

July 10^th Noon-3pm *SAF Yarn Art 4 Kids Weave a mini heart yarn box  (ages 6 and up) Materials Provided RSVP by July 1^st

July 11^th Noon-3pm *SAF ~ Drawing 4 Kids “Year of the Bird” Guided practice drawing Peacocks, Swans, and other birds (ages 7 and up) Materials Provided, RSVP by July 1st

August 14^th Noon-3pm *SAF SunBurst Watercolor Painting (ages 6 and up) Materials Provided  

RSVP by Aug. 10^th

August 15^th Noon-3pm *SAF Drawing 4 Kids Guided practice~“Emojis, Pokemon, & Anime” (ages 7 and up) Materials Provided, RSVP by August 10^th

August 21^st Noon-3pm *SAF Upcycled Art TP Roll & Fabric Pixie House(ages 6 and up) Materials Provided RSVP by Aug. 16^th

August 22^nd Noon-3pm *SAF Drawing 4 Kids Guided practice~“Alphabet Dragons” (ages 7 and up) Materials provided, RSVP by August 16^th

August 28^th  Noon-3pm *SAF Tiny Creators Mixed-Media Magic Working with non-toxic wet and dry media. Paint-friendly clothing advised. Materials Provided *For ages 2-5 accompanied by an adult* Limited Seats Available RSVP by Aug. 23^rd

August 29^thNoon-3pm *SAF Drawing 4 Kids Guided practice~ “Tangled Observations” Making tangled designs from observational still life drawings (ages 7 and up) Materials provided, RSVP by August 23^rd

* Summer Arts Festival free art activities for local youth are made possible by the Allegany Arts Association with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature and administered by Tri-County Arts Council. 

If you have been following along on patreon you will also know that I am now facilitating monthly craft class as part of the FREE adult programming at David A. Howe Library.  

I hope you will join us for the next one on August 31st. 

ARTISTS AMONG US FREE EXHIBIT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 

Outdoor and Wildlife 
Artwork and Photography

FREE Exhibit open to the public 
August 15 through September 18, 2018 

Visitors welcome during scheduled appointments, events, classes, and Open Studio Hours.

FIND OUT MORE...

COMING SOON....

RSVP BY September 3rd

Keeping the Arts Accessible to All Members of Our Rural Community

Visitors Welcome during Scheduled Appointments, Classes, Events 

and Open Studio Hours 

Autumn Open Studio Hours Begin September 1st

Mon. 4-7pm, Tues.5:30pm – 8:30pm, Sat. 1-5pm  

CLOSED: Sep 3^rd, Oct 3^rd-6th, Nov. 22^nd & 23^rd

(Extended hours for classes and special events. Updates posted at sheilalynnkart.com)

JULY 2018 QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER 

FOR LOCAL ARTISTS, ENTREPRENEURS, AND PATRONS

STAY UP TO DATE ON STUDIO ACTIVITIES AT PATREON. IT'S FREE TO FOLLOW.

SUBSCRIBING PATRONS GET THE MOST ART. 

Starting at $1. 

Set your monthly limit. 

Increase, decrease, cancel anytime.  

Nobody has ever been turned away from 
projects or programs here due to an inability to pay. 
That policy wouldn't be possible without help from patrons like you! 
Blessings! 

                                                                   ~Sheila

If you would like to make a Tax-deductible contribution to support Charitable Art Projects at SheilaLynnK Art Studio you can find out more about that HERE.

By visiting: sheilalynnkart.com,sheilalynnkart.blogspot.com and its project pages: artforarachnoiditis.org and belfastorganizationforartists.blogpsot.com, you hereby accept the terms of and practices detailed in our ONLINE PRIVACY POLICY.

For Wellness Sake ~Springing into Simplicity

In alignment with my personal Screen-Free goals, I have made the executive decision to remove myself from “active” participation in social media as much as possible. I will still be checking online messages and email on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Live, Love, Simple recently reminded of the tale of the Fisherman and the Businessman; it occurred to me that I have been spending too much time living my “shoulds” and not enough time doing what really matters.

Beginning April 16^th 2018, inspired by my own #ScreenFree Week Goals; I will be making the art and wellness that I want to make and spending less time writing, talking, and posting about it on social media.

I am choosing to have faith in the Patreon platform.

My page at Patreon will continue to grow as the hub for all links and information about my work.

It is FREE to follow along.

You will still find the same free content for patrons and participants in charitable projects that you are used to seeing on my social media platforms.

 However, subscribing Patrons get MORE art.

Choose your subscription level. Get Rewards. Increase, Decrease, Cancel anytime.

Updates about:

The Art For Arachnoiditis Project,

SWAN Days Allegany County NY,

BOFA,

Wellness Circles, The Tree Project, The FREE Local Recycling Program,

Wellness Garden Adventures,

Events,

Classes and Workshops,

New projects,

and

THE ART

will be in my studio, on my website, and at patreon.

Visitors are welcome in the studio during scheduled 

appointments, events, classes, 

and OPEN STUDIO HOURS

I will be participating in Screen-Free Week again this year 

from April 30^th – May 6^th

During that time, I will be unplugged from all the screens.

Elusive Bloggy Moments of Clarity on Video, Things, Brambles, and Resilience

WORDS FROM MY ROOM. It's my own.

It's been a while since I posted a bloggy Thing here.

Since starting my patreon, most of this sort of content ends up there for patrons first.

As genres go, I struggle with video the most. I suspect I probably would never have ventured into this particular medium if the current era didn't require it as a tool to connect.

My first video was created in 2013 in response to a call for Arachnoiditis Survivors to speak up about their experience. Recorded from my bed, the video quality was disappointing at best...especially the sound...and I ended up adding closed captions to it. However, it inspired more videos that became sort of a series of me telling my arachnoiditis story in response to that call. As bad as they were, I kept them there, with closed captioning, because there IS something there that is useful to somebody. The response I got to those videos inspired me to begin the 2014 portrait series that became The Art For Arachnoiditis project.

Clearly, video is valid as a tool for connection.

...and still, I struggle with video.

Not the, push-the-button-remember-the-moment videos but, the I-have-to-make-this-to-explain-my-work videos. It ALWAYS feels fake and forced like I am trying to be someone else. I have tried the candid...this-is-just-me-and-my-face videos. They are usually distorted due to lighting issues or low-tech equipment and STILL, though they are candid; end up looking again like somebody who simply isn't me. I suspect I lack focus in my work. Perhaps this comes out in these videos. Maybe if I had just ONE capital-"T"-Thing that I was creating, the video output would have more clarity, too.  To limit myself to making just ONE thing seems so stifling. I realize I don't necessarily have to share ALL of the things in ONE place. I suppose I could keep making all of the things but, dedicate the patreon to just ONE thing. 

BUT... 
In the interest of transparency ...the current buzz word... That would be quite misleading. I think my patrons should know where their money really goes. Again, it would ring false to say or "advertise" there that the money from patrons just goes to ONE thing because.... support from patrons makes ALL of the things possible. Then of course, it occurs to me, "Maybe there should be a "Front" Thing that funds the rest of the Things?"  There could be ONE product-type Thing that patrons would want enough to purchase it and that income could finance the rest. Right? That sounds quite rational and logical in the modern consumption concept.
Conundrum.
I am not sure why... but, generally speaking, I am opposed to the consumption and the accumulation of material possessions for the simple sake of having Things. And so, naturally, I also wrestle mightily with the idea of becoming a Thing-maker...who must also be a Thing-seller.
There it is.
The elephant in my room with the wolf-mother wall paper. 

(Tom Robbins knows about that room. When you have a few minutes, {read as, "Days of restorative solitude because you'll want to read the entire thing before going back to your own life"}...check out Skinny Legs and All if you want to know more about THAT room.)
Again today... I asked myself:
"What then, am I really meant to be making?"
The age old question..."What am I doing here?"
Ever so quietly, my room with the wolf-mother wall paper,
elephant and all,
whispered back,
 "Resilience. Independent, Sustainable, Resilience. THAT is what is happening here.THAT is your Capital "T" thing." 
and there IT is. My Thing. 
Diving further into THAT Thing.
Resilience is a process. Like all processes, this one generates by-products. Unlike the nasty connotations usually associated with that word, these by-products show up in the form of tangible art that needs a place to live. I am running out of room here.
In walks a metaphor...
Trekking through the sharp bramble-covered path, it's sometimes difficult to see that even the brambles are useful. We cut them back and set them aside in order to move on to the next portion of the path. Clearing them away we slowly move forward.
What becomes of those brambles? Do we fiercely discard them, burn them with the rubbage? or... Do we use them for fuel? Can they feed the fire that keeps us warm and lights our way? Can we weave them, spikes and all, into the baskets that hold our hope and the arches that shelter our dreams? 
Can we steep their leaves to nourish our souls? 
Amongst their branches resides the fruit to feed our resilience.
In my studio; 
Piece by piece, the brambles become:
paintings, coloring pages, mandalas, portraits, events, workshops, lesson plans, creative wellness activities, photographs, digital art, videos, opportunities for community connections, charitable creative community action projects, illustrations, poetry, and stories.
They shine the light that allows me to reside with the darkness. 
I rest and rise as needed. 
Independent.
Sustainable.
Resilient. 
Transforming the Brambles. 
In the overview, should my patreon say, "Sheila L. Kalkbrenner is creating Wellness, Art, and Events." ...or should it say I am creating ..."Resilience"?
or...should it list ALL of the actual, tangible, hold-them-in-your-hands-look-at-them-with-your-eyes Things?
or...should it simply say... "Sheila L. Kalkbrenner is creating ART."
The ambiguity of those choices , excluding that lengthy middle one, makes me wonder who would really come to the page because, in this age of tech-supported consumption, key words are "important" and clarity is key to attracting the "right" audience and finding the "right niche" for your creative work.
And after all that reflection and contemplation, here I sit trying to figure out what is the best way to communicate, "in- FIVE- words- or- less" fashion, what is happening here.
Isn't patreon here so that we do not have to become Thing-sellers? I am really starting to FEEL like a Thing-seller.
What are YOUR thoughts?
I am working on a new "Intro-to-my-studio/Welcome-to-my-work" video because this one has glitches. It's holding the space for something better...
Feed back on this one would really help inform that one.

PATRONS DO MAKE ART HAPPEN.

Whether you do it by "likes" and "shares" or offer resource links, notes, comments, or supplies for the Creative Wellness Wishlist, or through your subscription at patreon, here in our tiny village, or online in other places;

Thank you for your continued encouragement and support!

For Local Patrons, Entrepreneurs, and Artists: you can SIGN-UP To Receive FREE Updates about Art, Events, Services and Creative Community Action Opportunities FROM SheilaLynnK Art Studio and the  RECYCLING PROGRAM FOR LOCAL PATRONS Began January 25, 2018.

BTW~ If you like my work and the projects happening here, you can get current FREE updates and previews by Following on patreon. It's FREE to follow.

Start your paid subscription if you really like the work and want to get more of it.

If that feels like too much of a commitment; you might prefer to

Subscribe to the Studio Newsletter for Quarterly updates.

REMINDER~After you select your patreon subscription level; Set your monthly limit. Never pay more. Increase, decrease, or cancel at any time. Patreon applies charges when you subscribe and then the first week of each month for as long as your subscription is active. 

BY REQUEST: For patrons not participating in Patreon, here is another way to Support the ART and the Creative Wellness Projects at the Studio 

Level A $15
 Level B $35
Level C $45 
This is a ONE Time charge for individuals who would like to Support the Art being Made here. This payment option is intended for those who are not interested in a long term subscription or commitment at this time. This payment is NOT tax-deductible and is NOT linked to the Rewards or Terms of any Patreon Subscriptions. 
Your support is greatly appreciated!
Contributions to my Art For Arachnoiditis project are tax deductible and accepted via my fiscal sponsor, at  NYFA [The New York Foundation For the Arts, a 501(c)(3) Non-profit organization] "Established in 1971 as an independent organization to serve individual artists throughout the state, the mission of New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) is to empower emerging artists and arts organizations across all disciplines at critical stages in their creative lives and professional/organizational development.  In 2009, we extended our programs and services throughout the United States and the international community."  Find out more about NYFA Fiscal Sponsorship.

Fabulous February~New Year, New Goals~Selling Art

Moon Fly After Dark ~ (see both versions)

~GOALS at Patreon~

CREATE A LARGER COMMUNITY

When We REACH 20 Patrons
In addition to the listed rewards you already receive when you subscribe at $1 and up.... 
By Random Selection
 (Patron Names. Hat. Select.)
ONE of you will receive 
an  11" x 14" poster print of this mixed media drawing created for intentional digital inversion. 

BECOME A PATRON 


FEATURED IN THE SHEER WRAP AT V I D A and now 
part of many of my other designs, this drawing is one of my favorites. 

BUY NOW

BUY NOW

Now there is a new Statement Bag, "featuring bold, vivid prints, complete with genuine cow-hide leather straps, leather base, and trims, is the most coveted VIDA accessory of the year. Accessorize with this bag for a statement look that turns heads and sparks conversations - around town or across the world."

Each VIDA piece featuring one of my original designs is custom made to order for you. 

Did you know?

  V I D A doesn't keep many items in stock, so each piece is custom printed uniquely for you, reducing waste and, hopefully, the need for mass-produced goods. 

(Which goes right along with my #zerowaste #trashfree goals! GreenMatters!) 

Plus, every purchase helps fund literacy and social programs to their factory workers, helping them build better lives for generations to come.

Right now V I D A is dishing out some pretty great discounts to launch their new home decor products. The offers apply to all of the other products, too.  

AND....

10% of your purchase from my collection ALWAYS supports my goals for facilitating Independent Sustainable Creative Wellness and Keeping the arts accessible to all members of our rural community. 

CHECK OUT THE NEW ACCENT CANDLE THAT V I D A
 JUST ADDED TO THE HOME DECOR COLLECTION! 

AND...PATRONS FIND OUT FIRST ABOUT THE TIME SENSITIVE DISCOUNTS AND OFFERS AVAILABLE AT V I D A. 

New List for a New Year ~January 2018

Beginning the New Year with an exhibit featuring current (2014-2017)

Creative Wellness Works 

Exploring
Natural Feminine Energy for Creative Wellness & Intentional Unity
Visions for a Well Future, Moving Meditation, Reasonable Accommodations
Balance, Physical Rehabilitation
these works include portraits, illustrations, paintings, coloring pages, and mixed-media art which address a variety of diverse issues confronted on the path to Wellness.

Contact the studio regarding Purchase options and price list displayed at the exhibit.

NOW SHOWING at the Wide Awake Club Library in Fillmore, NY
January 3rd - January 31st 2018
Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9-5
Tuesday, Thursday, 9-7
Saturday, 9-noon

Introduction to Creative Wellness presentation and Meet-the-Artist Reception
January 18th at 5:30pm
Light Refreshments Provided
MORE ABOUT WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE RECEPTION
UPDATE JANUARY 19TH ~AFTER THE RECEPTION
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE PRESENTATION AND THE INTERVIEW
HERE

Launched in 2014, in partnership with the Belfast Organization for Artists; SWAN Day Allegany County NY is held in honor of the many creative local people working hard to bring the arts to our rural community. Thank You so Much for All That You Do!

NOW PLANNING FOR SWAN Days Allegany County NY 2018 ~ March 27th - April 9th with many opportunities for local artists and entrepreneurs to support each other! 

Jan 2018 Call For SWAN Day Allegany County NY Sponsors at BECOME A 2018 SPONSOR

Jan. 20th 1-3pm SWAN Days Planning meeting at the studio. RSVP by Jan. 15th

Jan 31st ~ Deadline to book FREE studio/gallery space for your creative presentation or workshop. Rental FEES are waived for local women artists during SWAN Days Allegany County NY 2018 ~March 27th-April 9th Space is offered on a first-come-first-served basis.

Feb 15th DEADLINE TO GET YOUR LOCAL CREATIVE EVENTS, PERFORMANCES, OR ACTIVITIES OCCURRING IN MARCH AND APRIL 2018 ADDED TO THE SWAN Days Allegany County NY Calendar of Events shared internationally at Womenarts.org.

...and this year we are having a Theme Basket Auction to promote our local resources...  FIND OUT MORE 

BECAUSE OF THE TrashFree Challenge activity I started in November 2017, I have created a new RECYCLING PROGRAM FOR LOCAL PATRONS Collection Begins January 25, 2018.

The year is off to a busy start! Now that the invitations and announcements have been distributed, I am going to take a bit of time to reflect on progress and projects from last year..in a cumulative perspective sort of way... and how that informs what is happening in the year to come.  Wish me luck! 

STUDIO HOURS
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