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Wow! Haven’t blogged forever! Waaaaay overdue! We survived the flood. Strange as it may seem, sand-bagging was a tremendously joyful experience! Talk about a community coming together! WE feel fortunate to have not incurred any damage from the flood. Wish we could say the same for hundreds of others in the area. April was a rough month weather-wise in central Illinois.
I finished my 30th year of teaching in the public school system – 24 years at EPCHS – and retired to fulfill my passion of teaching awareness art full time. I will miss my colleagues and students, but it was time to write a new chapter. Being my own boss will allow for a more flexible schedule – time to spend with our grand-daughter and to get away for a few days.
Speaking of getting away, we just returned from a whirlwind weekend in Milwaukee and Chicago. Visited our favorite part of MKE, the Third Ward, for Gallery Night. Started the evening out with a visit to Splash Studio Bar – a outrageously fun painting bar next to Retique, one of my favorite haunts.I highly recommend a stop at Splash to paint & have a drink. David, the owner, is a very friendly fun guy.
Visited several wonderful galleries. Can’t pick a favorite – all are so unique. Had a nice visit with artist Timothy Meyerring at his place, Timo Gallery on Buffalo St., just down the street from our son Ricky’s old place. Timothy invited us into his adjoining studio – an awesome treat! He explained his work with encaustic painting. Wish Ellie had been along to see his work, as well as the many other interesting pieces we saw Friday and Saturday. Ellie and her dad will be offering a class on encaustic painting and bee-keeping later in the fall at The Hive. Timothy has a piece hanging in the White House. HIs gallery is a must see if you find yourself in the Third Ward.
Sunday took us to Chicago to see our son Randy and celebrate our daughter Tricia’s 30th birthday at The Tavern on Rush. Two fantastic inspiring cities!! Never enough time to see everything. Can’t wait to get back into the studio and start pieces I’ve been mulling over for awhile.
Anxious to show off the work of artists Barbara Armstrong, Kyle Anderson & Carly Todd at our First Friday exhibit & Happy Art session this Friday – August 2nd. If you are in the area, please make a point to stop in to say hello.