July 2, 2009 - On Vacation
We're on a family vacation week, visiting with my husband's relatives in northern Ontario. I'm on the porch of a rented cottage at Panorama Camp in Lavigne, Ontario, typing merrily away on my Mac. The water in front of me is calm and gorgeous.
My husband is out on the boat. My daughter has disappeared into the trailer section of the park, having a great time with her new friends. Time for a blog update!
Saturday, June 27, 2009 - Gatineau Dragon Boat Festival
After five days of vacation, we packed the Dragon sculpture in the truck and took it to the Gatineau Dragon Boat Festival at Lac Leamy. The event is the major fundraiser for Centre C.A.R.M.E.N., a therapy and support centre that provides services to chronically and critically ill patients and their families.
Art therapy is a large part of their services. My Dragon was at their media evening last year. When the Centre's director called me again this year I was pleased to help promote the event.
You couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day. Sunshine, warm, but not hot. Perfect! We set up the sculpture in the middle of the team encampments, along the path everyone used to get to the races. I removed the barrier from the front of the area and encouraged folks to pose with and investigate the Dragon (which this little guy did quite thoroughly!).
I put out a can for voluntary donations and managed to collect a small amount for their fundraising activities. Here's Master Shi-Fu, philosophising about the event:
Have you ever been to a Dragon Boat race? Four teams race at a time, and the same four boats are used for all the races. The rowers come in all shapes and sizes. There are XX rowers per boat, and a at the front to set the pace of the paddling. The trick for maximum speed is to get all the rowers synchronized. It's a great physical activity.
July 5, 2009 - Aylmer Garden and Art Tour
On my 12th wedding anniversary (!!), my artsy friend Christine Armstrong and I spent the afternoon at this wonderful show.
Christine and I were hosted at Sylvie and Louis' house. Sylvie has recently opened a
flower and garden decoration shop beside the KFC in Aylmer
and her garden is gorgeous! And especially attractive for me, especially since I discovered I live right around the corner. The show was within walking distance from my house - I couldn't have asked for more.
There was enough space in the garden for the three of us (Christine, Sylvie and me) to be stationed at different points along the visit. I was at the entrance to welcome visitors, Christine was in the middle of the yard and Sylvie was down by the ponds, Bontanix Guide in hand, answering questions about the wonderful plantings. We hung stained glass and Christine's impressive dragonfly sculpture/painting in the trees and tucked sculptures around the pond.
My large Dragon sculpture was placed in front of the pool fence and commanded attention. I hung stained glass fish across her bridge to keep the giant koi in her pond company. It all looked great!
We welcomed a steady stream of visitors all day, right until the end. There were two talented young violin players who did a tour of the six gardens, playing music at each one - it was beautiful. I would be a good idea to have more music next year.
I do think the event could leverage the artist's own invitation lists to incite more ticket sales next year (yes, I would be interested in attending again next year - I enjoyed it, despite my new strappy suntan.). I wasn't sure how much I should promote, as I got the impression the organizers may have been trying to keep the event low key for the first time out. Having tickets available at all locations would allow passers-by to purchase tickets.
If the show opens earlier in the day, I would need more time to set up. I was still setting out jewellery when the first visitors arrived. I have a lot of small things and hanging things and things that need pedestals and such. I didn't get a chance to change! Here's a photo of me in my shelter. I sold two of the little stained glass vignettes on the table. One gentleman seemed pleased and slightly surprised he was buying art. Go figure.
July 8, 2009 - new big and little sculptures!
I'm starting a new sculpture in response to the Kempenfest request for bigger sculptures. It's an American Alligator Snapping Turtle! Here's the beginnings of his body and the upper shell. I'm already incorporating all the recycled wire I can find (and got off those little things they're wound on - and out of that flaky glue!). I'm looking forward to fleshing it out.
And I made a new sad-looking hedgehog from telephone wire, with transistors for eyes.
Oh, and some Butterfly kisses to say goodbye.
Cheers,
Lisa
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