Handmade Maine

FEATURED ART STORY OF THE WEEK 

 

...Many moons ago, six girls met online through artful blogging. Jes from Maine invited the girls to her home in Whitefield for a full on sleepover and art retreat. As the years have passed their correspondences have slowed down, but the memory of that special friendship with kindred-art-sisters lingers on, and probably always will. Once in a while a sweet surprise will rekindle the bond and friendship, as did recently when Mindy from Mass. sent Jes from Maine a lovely little piece of her art.

...So the search for photos began this morning. I saved, edited, resized, made a collage, hit "save" again, then hit the garden for a bit of weeding therapy. As the heat settled into my limbs, causing me to work in lazy circles, I thought about how best to write the story. It occurred to me that I don't need to give you every detail of a weekend spent making, chatting, flea marketing, eating and enjoying a few good bottles of wine. What I should be doing is encouraging you to gather your own artful friends from near and far to do the same. The only part of this tale that can be replicated is the actual "doing" of the event. The experiences you'll share (and always will remember) will be unique to you and your gang of Art Pals.

...It's easy! Send the invites and make a space to work in. Ask your friends to bring supplies for sharing. (leave your prized paintbrush at home, this isn't the place). Make sure you have a table ready for everyone to unload and spread out their offerings. Ask everyone to bring a simple dish and a beverage. If they're spending the night, don't worry about where they will stay, pull together some air mattresses and have an old fashion pajama party. If folks are coming from "away", plan an afternoon visiting a place in your area that will inspire them. (In our case we went to Wiscasset, then on to the Montsweag Flea Market on Rt. 1). (We also share the love of junking, so this was simple). The last step... HAVE FUN and get creating! Just let the energy roll off of each other and please don't take yourselves too seriously, just live in the moment, and be.
article by Jessica Moreau-Berry