Mad Art Skillz

The Artist has returned. In fact, he and his friends came rolling into town at about 1pm on Sunday, when I was at the store getting groceries for a hot and tasty meal. While they unloaded the truck, I fixed a lasagne, green salad and garlic bread. Then I packed it all up like a picnic, threw in some cold Black Butte Porters and brought it to their new house. Welcome Phil and Ted!

At home, The Artist showered and crashed for about 12 hours. He had had a good trip to Larryville--saw old friends and old haunts. Checked out some new art galleries. Sweltered in the heat. He's glad to be home.

But his visit made me want to go back. I lived in Lawrence for 11 years. Made friends, got married, bought a house, had babies, worked, laughed, danced and drank. I spent my 20s there, so maybe I'm more nostalgic for my youth than the actual place. Hard to tell.

Back here in Van-groovy, The Artist was surprised to be offered a place as an official Gallery Member at Sixth Street Gallery. It means that he'll be able to have work hung every month, not just for special shows. He'll also get to sit the gallery when it's open, since there is no paid staff. This is a fantastic step for him, though it's left him a little nervous and overwhelmed. I'm very proud, since this is something he's done all on his own.

And I had good art news yesterday as well. I heard from Waterworks Gallery on San Juan Island, that my vase Blossom has been accepted for their November show, To Hold Within: Redefining the Container. Now I have to figure a way to afford a trip to the San Juans for the artists' reception on November 4.

Before that, however, I need to finish the jacket I want to wear on Friday to the opening of the Fiber Arts Festival. This is a jacket I began a few years ago in Canada. I dyed and altered the silk and have since embroidered and beaded it. Now it needs the edges finished and the beaded trim created. It's going to be pretty great--although not as wild as the Wonder Woman -inspired tiara and cuffs I'm going to wear to the artists' reception on the 12th. I even spool knitted a magic lasso.

It is exciting that we are carving a place for ourselves in our new habitat. Here we are also making friends, working, laughing, drinking. And creating both community and beautiful things with our mad art skillz.