traveling to teach....

 I was invited to teach a class at the Hawthorne Hill Farm in New Berlin, Wisconsin. What an amazing venue!! Thank you Dani Sutliff and Bonnie Lynn Loduha!!!!

 bonnie, me, dani

Date settled, decision on what project to teach, and that was just the beginning!

                                             triptych sample of what we will be making!

For those who know me, know I am really not fond of driving (too easily distracted!), so that was at the fore front of my mind as I began the prep work for the class - had metal pieces cut, bent them (now I have 2 vices for metal bending..who knew that i would ever mutter the words, vice, mallet, and other tools that I cannot remember the names!!),  paints, papers, glues, embellishments, brushes and other necessities. Check, double checked, and triple checked!

Two days before I hit the road for my 332 mile drive to Wisconsin, I take my car in for an oil change, pick up last minute supplies, and print maps (as well as add directions to my phone).

Thursday morning...the day I leave...  load up car, have gas put in car, go to bank, and Starbucks...ready set go!

Barely out of Minneapolis, and a warning light comes on in the car...low tire pressure.  I made the decision that my car was confused, and kept going.

Easy directions, even for me, once on the freeway, straight drive until the exit to the hotel, then one turn!! The only crisis was when an elderly man was helping me put gas in the car and he pulled the hose out before it was ready and gasoline shot out all over me. Ick. 

Arrived almost 6 hours later, 3 cups of coffee, several bottles of water later. Dani and I finally met in person, after months of Facebook, and phone conversations!  (Now we can't stop talking!!) And the fun began!!

Dani and I met Vanessa "kiki" Johanning at a Mexican restaurant for yummy food and lively conversation! Tired, made plans for Friday, and back to the hotel for some sleep.

vanessa        dani











Friday morning, Dani picks me up, we get necessities (Starbucks and donuts), and go to Kikis' house to see her studios. yes, studios. All so colorful! We took off to do a bit of antiquing, more fun! Then plans for the evening..a Wisconsin fish fry!! Great company and yummy food.

Saturday... class day!!! Dani picks me up, and of we go to Hawthorne Hill Farm!!! Set the table with all of the  things we would need to make a triptych! The theme was Virgin Mary! I was giddy, I love images of Mary, and making shrines!! The woman started  arriving and it  was fun to meet them and watch their process of shrine making! They were all very talented. 

Midway through the class, it was time to have lunch! These women! They can create and cook!! Great potluck! 

We continued with the class, the talent in the room was amazing. Each person had a wonderful vision of what they wanted their shrine to be. The conversations were fun, and I enjoyed making new art friends!!!

 Class over, clean up and got to see more of Hawthorne Hill!

Then back in my car and headed home! I didn't get home until 9p.m., and was tired but happy to be back with my little family!

I have to say, for someone who usually just stays in the studio, and close to Steve and Flora, I am enjoying my new adventures in road trips for shows and to teach! I am looking forward to going back to see these woman and work on more projects with them! 

I am so happy for these opportunities that have come my way, even tho I am the "teacher," I am actually learning so much!

thank you for taking the time to read this...

diana