How I will spend the rest of August or Taking a vacation from thinking about art.

The first part of my summer started slowly with a photo show with 4 artists at a local hospital.  Things began to speed up in July with a large exhibit/sale scheduled for August 3rd--complete with refreshments provided by me and my art group.

In that same week 2 photos needed to be delivered and exhibited at the annual Round Barn Photography Show as part of the Vermont Festival of the Arts celebration.

My art group outside the Round Barn at the reception

Add all the prep that goes into exhibiting: renting space, sorting and matting photos, framing, writing and sending press releases, flyers, postcards, many hours of set up....

Then there was the surprise assignment for a portrait shoot that involved a learning curve on using lights in photography along with the usual touch up and delivery of photos; the contest I entered at the Maine Media Workshop and College; the submission to the University of Vermont Alumni Show.

Did I mention the final review of the galley for a book that I took photos for which comes out in September?  No wonder this does not feel like retirement from my job as an events coordinator!

The rhythm of an artist has to include sustenance along with the inspiration, creation, marketing, showing cycles.  After these weeks of marketing and exhibiting it is time for relaxation and slow breathing.
No thinking about art...no schedule to follow...no being "on."

In two weeks I leave the mountains of Vermont and head for ocean side Maine, staying at an inexpensive studio on a farm situated along saltwater flats.  I'll bring at least three books to read, my journal, my kayak, my bike. (And Roger!)  I'll be up at dawn to drink coffee and watch the sunrise over the sea.  I'll take a lazy kayak ride through the salt marshes and along the sea river.  I'll bike to the local bakery for muffins and the morning paper.  I'll pet the local dogs and watch the farm goats butt heads.

We'll get vegetables from the local farmer's market and add them to homemade pesto and pasta.  We'll eat when and what we want: our favorite granola; peanut chicken kabobs, fresh fish, salads galore....

Roger will sleep in. He'll relish the time to leisurely cook or barbecue.  He'll treasure the planning of  bike trips in a new area even if we decide not to do them.

Our time away will be short--3 days.   I've promised myself that when we leave Maine, along with the sand dollars and sea glass, I am going to carry my contentment home. I'm going to take the rest of this last summer month on vacation from the work of art.  September will be soon enough to start the cycle again.

On The Way Art Day

Bruce and Eric 

Michelle in black and Jackie in the background

After a "successful" show in the Valley, today started with unloading the car, organizing everything for a future exhibit, and finding a place for all that stuff in my tiny house and even tinier office.  Ahhh, but tonight all is well and everything is done--except for taking back the easels I borrowed...

In spite of the work, Vermont is a wonderful place to be an artist--such camaraderie among the arts and business community.  I borrowed easels from a friend who paints,  Marcia Hill, and the Helen Day Art Center.  

The mat holder came from a fellow photographer, Annie Tiberio Carmeron .  Our  advertising was enhanced by a sandwich board from Bear Pond Books, a local independent bookstore. 

Then there is the sweetness of being with a group of artists who look out for each other, help each other set up and take down even when tired and hungry, and are generous in the sharing of a Visa square with those who don't have one (me).
Holly King, Michelle Saffran, Jackie Smith--thank you for being such enthusiastic and kind members of our art group.  We are truly "On The Way." And thank you to your partners and mine for being there to lug tables and chairs and art in and out, up and down, and around.

Oh, and how can I forget that we had underwriting help from  Majestic Auto of Moretown who generously paid the cost of insurance for the rental of the Historic Moretown Town Hall.

Speaking of historic-- the tin ceiling, hardwood floors, and large stage, complete with old stage curtains, added greatly to the ambience of the day. As did our musicians, Bruce Saffron, Eric Nielson and "Peace and Pardon," a trio that sings 19th century parlor music.

What a special day!

Holly and a prospective buyer

Patricia and her friend/buyer of art Karen

The refreshment table