Art in the Afternoon

Lately, my studio and art class and I have been stealing away in the afternoons and making art anywhere but in the classroom. There's nothing like the autumn afternoon light in Ojai for inspiration, pouring in through the coffee shop windows, filtering through high up leaves.

Coloring Party

Mr. C and I heard somewhere that, back in the olden days, Warhol used to throw coloring parties. He's make a pile of prints and have his friends over to color them in. We thought this sounded like an excellent idea. So we made a mountain of prints, gathered some supplies,

and let the partygoers do as they pleased.

The results are magnificent.

There's always money in the banana stand.

Came across this bizarre and wonderful looking show at Gallery 1988 in Los Angeles—just as I was feeling inspired to see some bizarre and wonderful art. I might have to put this show on the list.


What are your weekend plans? Anything wonderful in the works?

They baked a cake!

Yesterday was our last day of studio art class for the year. It's  bittersweet, though maybe a little on the sweeter side this time because of a most amazing cake made by two of our students. A delicious ending.

Day at the Museum

Mr C and I went to MOCA yesterday for the exhibit Transmission LA: AV CLUB.

We double dated with these fabulous folks and took lots and lots of photos of this eye candy art show.

I highly recommend a trip to the museum to see this. The show is free Thursday - Saturday and there's outdoor entertainment, cocktails and food trucks for a full on get-ready-for-summer art party.

art and coffee

The Oak Grove student show at Coffee Connection is in full swing.

To say that our opening reception was poorly attended would be an understatement. But I'm still super proud of the amazing art these creative kids have up.

If you're lucky enough to live in the Ojai Valley or close by in Ventura County, swing by Coffee Connection for a coffee and some artistic inspiration.

sunshine and screen printing

For the first 2 weeks of this Oak Grove semester, a couple of us teachers and a small group of students spent our afternoons screen printing.

The students got so into their designs, took so much time and care.

And the results were amazing. It was so fun. I didn't want it to end.

Here are some of the gals on a much deserved coffee break after hours of art making.

daily grind

It's my first week back to classes after almost 3 whole weeks of vacation from teaching. While I never get tired of being on holiday, it's always a pleasure to work with my students again and remember how cool my job is.

artful weekend

Our weekend started off with a creative bang at Oak Grove's High School Showcase. It was amazing! I always stress before these events and worry and fret about every little thing. And then I see the art up on the walls, classrooms transformed into galleries, and my fears melt. My students never cease to impress me. Some of their work is pictured above.

Saturday, rather than recovering and reflecting on Friday's Showcase, Ian and I woke up with the sun and printed new shirts and scarves and hoodies for the Handmade Holiday Bazaar. Above is a photo of one of the designs in progress, being cut from rubylith for our old fashioned, hand pulled, screen print process. The new stuff's for sale, of course, in our Little City Etsy shop.


The Bazaar was great fun and we got to spend the day with other talented local artisans. I hope to show off some of their works on The Board in the days leading up to Christmas.


How did you spend the weekend? Was there art? Or holiday shopping? Maybe both?


P.S. There's a Little City coupon just for you lovely readers. Use code THE BOARD at checkout to receive 15% off your entire purchase. Happy shopping!

Handmade Holiday Bazaar & Ballyhoo!

Little City Designs be selling our organic apparel at this heavenly handmade event in Downtown Ventura this Saturday. And there will be other talented local artisans showcasing their handmade goods. Our Bazaar is during the Winter Wine Walk, so you can sip while you shop. Click {here} for more info.

Classes Have Finally Started

After days and days of cleaning and organizing the art room, classes have finally started.





I'm getting to know all kinds of new students, and hanging out with some of last years art stars as well.





It's pretty awesome.

cyanotypes

Lately I've baking in the Ojai sun with matilija poppies and blue green chemistry. Think I'm falling in love again.


Hope this weekend finds you doing something that makes your heart swell and burst.

stu stu studio

Today was our last Oak Grove Studio Art class for the year. I can't believe school's almost out for summer. I'm getting all sappy and sad thinking of the students who are leaving.

art of compasion

I am touched by all the Etsy artists and creators who are using their shops to aide relief efforts in Japan. My heart swells.

I made a little treasury to showcase just a few of the vendors who are doing what they can. Check them out here.

{Blue Blossoms art print by Misha Ashton-Moore}

Awesome Art update

The Awesome Art opening reception was tonight. After all the anticipation and preparations, I was too sick to attend. I did get some good feedback about the event though and about the work of our Oak Grove Students. I heard it was, in fact, awesome.

Above are some photos from our student curated print show. It's up right now in the Staircase Gallery (on the way to the second floor of our art building).

Awesome Art

Mr. C and I spent the better part of yesterday prepping and delivering student art for the annual Awesome Art Show. The block printed piece above, created by one of my fabulous Oak Grove students, will be making an appearance in the exhibit.

The show is up from March 10 - April 17 at the Ojai Valley Museum. Click here for more info.

{Art by Jemma. Photo by me.}

The Illusionist

Yesterday was our day off so we went to see The Illusionist downtown. It's a new animated feature by the creator of The Triplets of Bellville and it was lovely. If it shows up in a theater near you, run and see it. I don't think it will play on the big screen for long.

the music of Aron Van Alstine

This is my friend and coworker Aron Van Alstine. I always knew he was a musician, but I only heard his songs for the first time this morning. You simply have to have a listen...

a tree grows in the living room

I've been seeing vinyl wall art here and there for a while now. I even saw some at Aaron Brothers giant chain art supply store the other day. But I can't stop loving it.

{This piece is by Designed Designer. See more vinyl wall art here.}

camera love

Holga cameras used to be so cheap. I have a hard time justifying the purchase of a Holga camera at an inflated buy-this-hipster-lifestyle-accessory price... but this one is red.

{click here to buy me this camera}