Friday, January 20, 2012

"The Artery" was born

For weeks I have scribbled potential studio names on all surfaces thru out my house.  A big newprint pad, a steamy shower door and at the tops of grocery lists.  Nothing stuck with me.  There was no clear winner.

I woke up this morning knowing that today would be the day I named the studio.  (20 days behind schedule - since I promised we would name it by the new year)  Right before I left to walk out the door to get my ladies from school it came to me.  I smiled, and it instantly stuck.

Welcome to THE ARTERY.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

New space for 2012.

After almost 10 years at the studio on Walnut st. we are saying a (tearful) farewell.  John's business started there, We celebrated countless birthdays there for our kids, and our friends.  We ate dinners, enjoyed company and the girls learned to ride their bikes there.  But, sometimes with change comes new and exciting opportunities.  John Johnston Creative is moving to 2701 Lawrence and with the move I am carving out a space for myself and for classes/workshops.  I have always wanted to have a space where kids are welcome to come and create.

Our girls (and their friends) have always loved getting a hand me down piece of backdrop paper and rummaging thru all of the art supplies at the studio.  To watch their creative wheels turning has been a highlight of being a mom for the last 10 years.  The studio will offer a bit more structure with some set workshops/classes but I also know that sometimes it is nice to just let things happen.

The emphasis on many of the workshops I am working on seem to be upcycling and repurposing things to give them new life.  My background is in Printmaking and have some fun things planned with Silkscreening and woodblocks.  I also love to use recycled papers and fabrics.

Stay tuned because I am still trying to name my space.  It is driving us all insane.  Every day there are 5 new names and 3 reasons why each of those names won't work.