There are still some pictures to share from my marvelous mermaid adventures, but I'm going to take a break from scales and tails to talk about something that has been on my mind lately. Its a topic that came up a lot during my arty trip to California, and I've also had the discussion with blog friends online.
Then, yesterday I had a craft day with friends, and was reminded again. Spending time with other artists while creating is a very satisfying thing. We may all be doing something different, like on craft days in my studio, or it might be a class like at Kim's event. Either way, the shared experience is a boost to my soul.
Even though I have these guys to keep me company while I work in the studio, art can be a very solitary profession. Not that I mind, I'm perfectly comfortable on my own and can get quite lost in what ever project I have going.
But, having a friend around is a nice break. Sharing tips, opinions, or just a laugh is good for inspiration.
That is why going to an event like the one I just returned from is so important to me. The first one I went to was Silver Bella, and I fell head over heels in love with the whole idea of shared art time and mingling over mixed media, even though I've never considered myself much of a class taker- I've always been self taught.
Its the companionship that means so much to me. The friendships that form, the ideas I hear, the excitement in the air from so many creative women gathering together.
Sadly, I've been hearing a LOT of people saying that these things can be cliquey, especially Silver Bella. It seems like this event is getting a reputation for that. I hate to hear that people feel that way and that it stops them from signing up.
I've never seen it myself. I hope that doesn't mean that I am cliquey and didn't even know I was doing it?
One reason might be that if you've been to multiple events, you start to get to know attendees as friends and enjoy hanging out with them when you meet up at the next art get away. Maybe that looks like a clique from the outside, but honestly, its just friends catching up.
And remember, those friends were once first timers who met at a previous event themselves.
Another thought I had was, you know how when you read someone's blog, you feel like you know them?
And when two bloggers read each other's blogs, they have a big head start in a friendship when they meet in person because they have "talked" online or followed each other. Its a huge short cut to making friends.
Its always so fun to look forward to meeting up with people you've spent time with at one of these, but only see once or twice a year.
But that doesn't mean there isn't room for new friends. One thing I've tried to do, is sit with a different group for each of the 5 classes offered at Silver Bella. I've also not been shy of just walking up to a fellow Bella and butting in joining in on their conversations.
I've never seen anyone rude or snubbing anyone, except in one circumstance, and you know, those kind of people are just everywhere you go. You don't have to hang out with someone like that, no matter where you are!
A friend and I co-host the Glitter Lounge to kick off the event and we invited people we knew, and tried to include a lot of ladies. But, its held in our hotel room and only so many fit without becoming unbearably crowded and hot.
Other groups have formed that have their own kick off parties too. Its a fun way to get your glitter on and get geared up, I hope it doesn't seem "clique-ish". I certainly didn't mean it that way. We would never turn away someone who wanted to come, but its too small of a space to invite the whole group.
I'd be sad if I found out that the Glitter Lounge was one of the reasons that the event has been called cliquey.
Every year, I look more and more forward to my big Omaha trip in November. I've met some great friends, and actually had phone calls from two of them this week. Some have come to stay with me at my home. I hope more come to visit too.
And I can't wait to see who I meet and what friendships I form this year! I hope that you will be one of them. Please don't feel intimidated by the event. There are some spaces left, I hope you'll sign up and meet me there.
Don't worry if the classes you wanted most are already taken. The classes, and teachers, as wonderful as they are, are just a part of the event. I've taken classes that aren't my favorite, and still loved being in them. You learn something from each class.
There is a program for "big sisses" and "little sisses" at Silver Bella too. This is for veterans of the event to help out newbies. I've offered to take on two "sisses" this year. But if you need an unofficial "auntie" just let me know and I'll be there for whoever needs one. Even if you've attended in the past, but still could use a boost of buddy time.
Just email me with any questions, and maybe we can plan a breakfast together the first day before we all get rolling.
And if I've seemed to be unfriendly in the past at these events, please forgive me, it was totally unintentional.
I hope to see you there.
Oh, all the things shown here are in my boutique now, (except the pets!).
Also the earrings in the last picture. Just leave a comment if you want to enter the giveaway for these earrings.
