THE ARTIST IN ALL OF US

                  

Glorious sun drenched lilacs courtesy of my neighbors front yard. Is is wrong to covet thy neighbors bushes? What a fantastic weekend this was to awaken the senses and leave me feeling inspired.

              Saturday morning, I met up with my friend Laura, known for her Shore House Chic blog. We headed over to the Art Opera vendors fair in Red Bank. I was thrilled to catch up with friends who I haven't seen in years, and I have to say they look fantastic! Jenny writes the blog Every Day is a Holiday, and she and Aaron are two of my favorite artists. As small an area as the Jersey Shore is, we just haven't bumped into each other in a while. The internet really helps us to keep in touch though. They were very enthusiastic and Jenny was happy to be a part of Art Opera. I am sure that she was a first class teacher.  I met the adorable Lisa Kettel, who writes the blog Faerie Enchantment. She is the brains and organizer of Art Opera. She was amazingly enthusiastic and happy. Her table was laden with the cutest figurines.  I fell instantly in love with her Alice in Wonderland figurines, especially the queen... and I was especially happy to see that they all had sold tags on them. They would have made a big dent in my pocketbook, but the temptation would have been too much. They are just wonderful. There were vendors selling all sorts of vintage and new supplies for all sorts of art mediums. Bits and pieces, fabric and paper, new and antique..it was all there. Paper.lings particularly caught my eye. I loved that Eiffel tower, and that an art appreciator could buy the kits and make these things themselves is just awesome. There was vintage inspiration everywhere! Instant family histories could be bought  and one of my favorite vendors, who also happens to own one of my favorite shops in town had some beautiful tables set up with displays. Laura of Plum Cottage Antiques on Front Street in Red Bank had the neatest vintage goodies. There were some hard to resist Christmas decorations, and every vendor seemed to have something inspirational. I was particularly intrigued and delighted by these little figurines made in the Old World German style. The character and spirit of these figurines is just fantastic!  I may have to sign up for a class next year to learn how to make these myself. Just sensational!! Although I did not attend the Art Opera classes this year, I will definitely become more involved next year...the vendors fair alone has opened my eyes and whet my appetite to actually begin sewing again. My friend Suzy Spence once told me that her art medium is fabric, and after trying so many projects, I am inclined to agree with her. I am less comfortable with a paint brush in my hand than I am with a needle and thread. It has been too many years for me without the outlet of my sewing machine, and I am ready to see where that pent up inspiration will take me. It was Art Opera though, that set me on this path...go figure.

              If you are looking for inspiration, or an opportunity to spend some time with others who share your aesthetic, or are just looking to become enthusiastic about something new, then I urge you to sign up for Art Opera next year. There is a bit of artist in all of us and it can be so cathartic to let that artist express itself in ways you may never have even considered.

          I am linking to 
Smiling Sally's Blue Monday, as well as 
Susan's blog, Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday.

♥, Susan     

 
 
 
 

 
 

Comments

[Brenda Kula]

I have never been comfortable with a paint brush of any variety in my hand. I make a complete and utter mess. This looks like a lot of fun. Suzy is sooo talented with her fabric, isn't she?
Brenda

[susan ericson]

Brenda, In all of the years that I have known Suzy, she has amazed me over and over again. I am often in awe of her as I am of you. When I look at the way you paint a garden with plants and flowers, or a pot with an entirely whimsical other-world, I am in awe.
♥, Susan

[Mary]

"Love thy neighbor" and their lilac bushes? I love 'em...my niece lives in upstate NY and they get to go to the Lilac Festival...heady.
Hey, I know who Jenny is! How fun :)

[jen duncan]

Super post Susan. As always, you make me want to come visit the Jersey shore ;-) but I really didn't know what the Art Opera was all about til I read this. Thanks!

[Jennifer]

Wow, I so would have loved to go. Thanks for taking me along with your photos.
(I covet my neighbors Japanese Maple)

[Allison]

What fun! I love all the old photographs - can't imagine them getting away from family.

Allison

[georgiapeachez]

I'm sooo jealous and what fun :->
I have yet to attend such an artsy event that includes so many that also have blogs.
Very, Very cool. xo, suzy

[Natasha]

I just loved looking at all of these old treasures! I am a Christmas nut so adored all of the pretty vintage decorations.

Best wishes,
Natasha.

[Susan Freeman]

Thank you for the opportunity to enjoy your neighbor's lilac bush. We have a huge one in front of our 97 year old house (I'm guessing the lilac bush must be as old), but it is not in bloom yet. It's been too cold here. It's nice to see the one on your post. Lilacs are a favorite of mine.

Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo

[beansieleigh]

Hi Susan! This event looked like lots of fun!.. And it's evident by all the beautiful things displayed how you could be so inspired! I like using a paint brush, and simple acrylic paints on a terra cotta pot, or when making a lightbulb Christmas ornament.. something simple like that, but I have always wished I pursued it more in school, or took lessons of some kind later on. For now, I'll stick to crocheting, sewing, crafts, and then on that new guitar I just bought! I'm having fun learning a new instrument for now! ~tina

[susan ericson]

Suzy, I think that next year you should come up and teach a class...now that would be fun!!
♥, Susan

[Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti]

Hi Susan!
I'm so glad that you were able to attend Art Opera! I've been hearing about it from several blogs but I knew I wouldn't be able to go and now I can see what I missed through your great photos. My pocketbook is probably glad I didn't go as I saw many wonderful temptations on the vendor tables you displayed in this post!
Glad also that you and Laura had a good time together! I hope her new job is working out well for her.

♥ Pat

[susan ericson]

Pat, I didnt actually attend Art Opera, just went to the Vendors Fair on Saturday. I will definitely attend some of the events next year. Not being a crafter, some of the classes would be wasted on me, however, the big gala dinner would be fun!
♥, Susan

[Sally]

What an interesting post. Love the blues, Susan. Happy Blue Monday.

[Debbie]

Looks like a great event with so many wonderful things on display!!
Debbie

[Sarah]

Thanks for sharing photos of this event. Looks like a lot of fun for creative folks.

[Melody]

What a great event! Looked like fun. And, now, I have to say I love love love that table and all in the corner of your last post.

[Lia]

Beautiful post thanks for sharing. Cheers, Lia

[Mary Beth @ Live. Laugh Make Something]

absolutely delightful! Did you say that you picked up a little something for me?! I hopped over from Between Naps on the Porch and am so happy that I did! Please accept my invitation to drop in at my place when you get a moment. I have become a follower and would be honored if you choose to do the same! until later...

[jeanne]

Hi Susan, yes I am inspired to go where you have been. Smile. How much talent and lovely works of art and vintage too. Swoon. Your wonderful photos tell the whole story. Thank you for bringing us along.
Hugs, Jeanne

[Lisa Kettell]

Thank you for such a wonderful post on Art Opera, it was a wonderful time and inspiring to all. I have already begun the layout for Art Opera 2011, again at the Jersey Shore.

Magic and Joy,
Lisa!

[leeain]

Wow. Its so beautiful and colorful. Was this a kiddie party.. the colors are so vibrant and all.

[Betty @ She's Sew Pretty]

Oh!!! I am so jealous! I would have loved to go to Art Opera! I love Jenny and Aaron's art. I would buy it all if I could afford to.