Art @ The Hermitage: Open Studios 2011

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Open Studios 2011

Ack! I almost forgot to post about this! The Vallejo Artists Open Studios Tour took place over the weekend of November 12-13. (See my post of November 8th for a look at the incredible array of work from the many talented artists in Vallejo.) This is the second year I've participated in this phase of the event. In previous years, the tours were produced by the now defunct Vallejo Artists' Guild. When the Guild died a few years back, Open Studios died with it. Now, thanks to a few ambitious and dedicated souls, who simply don't have enough on their plates (NOT), Open Studios Vallejo lives again. YAY!!

This year I was asked by my friend, Renaissance woman, Nell Blackwell, to share her studio for the weekend. I leapt at the opportunity, because Nell's studio is located downtown in one of the hot spots of the arts community. Besides, Nell is cool beyond words, and hanging out with her for the weekend seemed like a totally fun idea. And it was! We had lots of visitors, lots of food and wine, and the weather was absolutely perfect... full sun... no wind... it felt like early summer.

Here's Nell's side of the studio:

And my side:

Plenty of food to keep us and our guests going...

A couple of our guests:
Luna Gilligan and Tuolumne...

John Ebersole, one of my favorite artists on the planet...

And the stars of this studio: Nell (r) and Me...

Alas, sales were anything but brisk, but it was a wonderful weekend anyway, and we'll be doing it together again next year.

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Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,

and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;

you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann