M2R Trailfest Exhibition 2020

Could not have asked for better weather today to go check out the M2R Trailfest! I'm so excited to be a part of this exhibition again this year, and even though the opening day festivities didn't happen like last year, it was great to get some sunshine and fresh air while viewing a mile of public art (with plenty of space for social distancing!). 

Thank you to the Marietta Arts Council for including my work in this juried show. I'm pleased to share four of my images from the series Microcosm Compositions with my community! 

Come explore the mile long M2R Fence Gallery, featuring fine art and photography, on view now in Downtown Marietta along the Mountain to River Trail behind the Marietta Square. Exhibit is on display through July 9th, 2020, and will then travel throughout six cities in Cobb County until the spring of next year. More info. and upcoming schedule can be found here- https://www.m2rfence.com

(My little cheerleader wanted to be in all the pictures with mommy's images)

New Art Kit Options (+ Bonus Tip)

Due to the current social distancing and sheltering-at-home happening, I haven't been able to keep my usual Earth Art Kits in stock. Thank you to everyone who has purchased one of my kits and supported me during this time- I hope you are loving your new art supplies! Since I'm not able to safely source some of my packing items right now, I've had to create some NEW kit options, and I'm really excited about the additions to the line up! Take a look at what's new below, and a little bonus tip on ways to use the pigments in them. 

Painters Palette Set includes: 6 containers of hand foraged and processed colored powdered earth pigments. (This set does not include paper, or a box like our usual "kits" do.)

DIY Paint Set includes: Raw materials, a binder, and instructions for making your very own earth paints! Set comes with 2 containers of soft rocks in different colors, 1 container of charcoal sticks, 1 container of mica chunks, 1 container of a natural binder, and instructions for processing. (This set does not include paper, a box, or tools. Tools needed are: a mortar and pestle, a fine mesh tea strainer, and a bowl or cup. It's also recommended to wear protective eyewear, and a mask, bandana, or other face covering over the nose and mouth while processing pigments so that you don't breath in the fine powder while smashing it up.)

Pocket Kit includes: Heavy-duty watercolor paper, 1 recycled crayon, 1 charcoal crayon, 1 charcoal drawing stick, and 1 cloth bag. *Please note that these kits are currently not available to the public. You may "purchase" a kit to help us in our donation efforts. These miniature art therapy kits are handmade and delivered to people and places in our local community who may not be able to afford an Earth Art kit, or who may be in need of something to uplift their spirits during difficult times. 

Thanks to recent sales and donations, we've been able to make and donate 9 of these little kits within the past 2 weeks, and hope to get more out there soon!

To donate a kit, purchase your very own, or to find the full line-up of my handmade and eco-friendly Earth Art kits, visit my site here- https://blondeshotcreative.shootproof.com/gallery/ArtKits/

And now, lets take a look at one pigment, four ways!

Top and bottom swatch: Pigment was added to water and used as a watercolor-type paint. Pigment was scooped with the paintbrush for the top texturized swatch, and for the bottom, the top layer of watercolor was used like a light wash. Second swatch from top: Pigment was applied dry with fingers and rubbed onto paper for a smooth finish. Third swatch down: Craft glue was painted onto the paper, and dry pigment was sprinkled on top like in a sand painting. 

There's so many fun ways to use these pigments, and experimenting is part of the process. We hope you enjoy using these as much as we do! 

P.S.- I'm currently offering FREE porch delivery within a 10 mile radius of zip 30008, and can porch deliver to anywhere in Cobb, Paulding, or ITP for a $10 delivery fee. Plus, use discount code: ARTFORTHESOUL for 10% OFF art kits (excluding donated pocket kits)!

New Earth Art Classes, Spring 2020

Join us for this session of Earth Art classes for homeschoolers, where we'll focus on an intersection of art, handcrafts, fine motor skill development, and science. We'll discuss the anatomy of our hands and how these important tools help artists and artisans in their trades. We'll do hand warm up exercises and play art games, as we strengthen our fine motor skills. We'll also take a peek at a few artists who rely heavily on their hands to create unique artworks, and even how hands can be important in communication, cultural ceremonies, and more. In addition to some practice exercises, students will go home at the end of Part 1 with two completed art projects. Part 2 is an (optional) continuation where we'll delve into the handcraft of crochet, and students will learn the basics of creating with a hook, yarn, and of course their hands. 

Select Wednesdays February 12th- April 1st in Marietta, GA. Find the full details and registration HERE.


P.S.- Did you miss everything that happened in Earth Art in 2019? Take a behind the scenes look at our session themes, projects, and more!