news and updates Although all the art biz experts recommend sending out periodic newsletters, I've never managed to get that going, on top of everything else (frankly for me it seems like overkill--with this blog, two Facebook pages, website, and emails. I can hear the cries of "enough already!!") However, at this particular moment there seem to be enough loose ends and news updates to warrant a post that is in essence a newsletter.

First, my opening at Circa Gallery this past Saturday, Feb. 5th, was a wonderful night, and I was very pleased with the installation and pairing with porcelain artist Maren Kloppmann. The gallery is a spare, elegant space that invites contemplation of the similarities and contrasts of our work as seen together, and the way each enhances the other.



My 2010 schedule for Oil and Wax Workshops has filled, including an invitation to teach a private class in a villa on the Canary Islands (!) in November. More about that another time...for now here is an update of recent developments, plans and information:

I have been rethinking the workshops that I offer in my own studio--and have decided to shift from one-day introductory classes to 2 and 3 day classes like I teach elsewhere. My original idea for the one-day workshops was that they would attract local artists--but as it has turned out, most of my recent participants have been traveling some distance to come. Given this situation, longer workshops seem more worthwhile for everyone. I am tentatively planning the first of these for July 10-11. This is a chance for anyone interested in my workshops to work in a small group--my studio only has room for four participants. I also have more resources to offer in my own space, books and tools that I don't transport when I travel to teach.

I may also start to offer follow up classes in my studio for people who have already had the first 2 or 3 day session. I'm still brainstorming this idea but I'd love to get feedback or hear from anyone who might be interested.

My other workshops scheduled for 2010, with notes about enrollment, are as follows:

March 6-7 at Whispering Woodlands in Verona, Wisconsin. This class has a few spaces left but is filling quickly and is definitely a "go."

April 16-18, in Longmont Colorado at KC Willis Studio Retreats. There are still a number of open spots in this workshop, so anyone in the western part of the country who has wanted to take a workshop, please check this one out. This is a 3-day class, so we will be able to go into depth with plenty of work time.

I have two classes scheduled in the Carolinas: June 18-20 at the West Main Artist Co-op in Spartanburg, SC, and June 26-27 at Conn-Artist Studios in Hendersonville, NC. These back to back 3 and 2-day studios offer options for length and location. Registration details are in the works and information will be added to my website when it is in place. Please email me at crowellart@yahoo.com if you would like to be informed of details when they are available.

In August, I will teach at Shake Rag Alley in Mineral Point, WI (Aug. 20-22.) Shake Rag Alley is a charming, historic cluster of 19th c. mining cabins, now a cultural center offering a variety of classes and workshops. Specific information about my workshop is not yet posted on their website, but inquiries or requests to be on the mailing list may be made by emailing info@shakeragalley.com.

My last confirmed workshop for 2010 will be at Peninsula School of Art in beautiful Door County, Wisconsin, October 18-20. The workshop description and registration information is available on the school's website. I taught at PAS last October and it was wonderful--a fantastic facility that attracts students from a wide area of the midwest and beyond.

In the planning stages (and quite tentative at this point) is a 2-day workshop in Santa Fe in early October in collaboration with encaustic artist Shawna Moore. She and I will be exhibiting together at Darnell Fine Art on Canyon Road, and are hoping to put together a Hot Wax/Cold Wax workshop. Any suggestions for a venue, or other ideas and input would be appreciated.

Thanks to everyone who has emailed and expressed interest in my classes--the level of excitement for learning to use cold wax with oils is wonderful. If you are interested in learning a bit about the cold wax techniques I use, and interacting with others who are using it, please consider joining the online community I started for this purpose. Updates about workshops are posted there as well as on my website.  ¶ 8:49 PM