August 28, 2014

Art Thyme; A New Adventure



In my short life, I have been a student, a waitress, a bartender, a ceramist, a painter, a home cook, a party planner, a friend, a mother, a daughter and a sister, an art teacher, a karaoke star, a runner, a bikram advocate, a vegetarian, a lover and a fighter...to name a few... 

Some of the avenues I have taken have been more successful than others, and I believe I have been lead to the perfect place.

It was obvious that I was intended to do some things more than others;
For example, I was a vegetarian for about five days before I dove nose first into a cheeseburger...a karaoke star for about two minutes before I got laughed off of the stage...I run an eleven minute mile...I cry after I fight.

So, with every year that passes I have begun to recognize my weaknesses and embrace my strengths.
I will never be on American Idol. I will never run Boston. I will never be a 'Housewife' on Bravo...and if I am, I'll be the one who cries.


However, I do love the classroom, I love being surrounded by good people who bring good energy, I love good food and I love good wine.
So, from these loves 'Art Thyme' was born;
my new creative, delicious adventure.

A wonderful small group of my trusted advocates came over for a trial run and critique. 
And, although my gears are squeaky after a five year hiatus, it went off with just a few minor hiccups.
Here is our photo gallery:

The Original Invitation

The original invitation and menu before edits



The invitations ready to ship

First draft of the menu before edits

The Final Menu

The Welcome Table
Ignore the incorrect grammar...this will be fixed...hiccup...
Informational Packet
Includes a history of Post-Impressionism, Vincent van Gogh, information on basic color theory and worksheets

Late summer inspiration

More and more sunflowers!

Vincent van Gogh

Our studio space!

Relaxation Station;
complete with visual aides, books, graphs and charts...

Ready to Rock

The Supply Table

Crazy eyed instructor

Basic Color Theory Portion

First Course:
Heirloom Tomato, Avocado and Mozzarella Salad
Paired with Sparkling Wine

Second Course:
Spicy Shrimp with Cucumber, Red Onion and Heirloom Salad and Tzatziki with Warm Flatbread
Paired with Joel Gott Pinot Gris

Third Course:
Grilled Vegetable and Gorgonzola Tart with Truffle Oil and Espresso Aged Balsamic
Paired with Primarius Pinot Noir

Fourth Course:
Black Bean Brownies with Adirondack Berry Syrup and Fresh Whipped Cream
Paired with Aimee's Lodi Valley Red Zin (not pictured here because we drank it all before I had the chance to document) and local Raspberry wine.

Action Shot!

These ladies worked so hard and did an amazing job!
Most of them had never painted + look at how great their sunflowers came out after only three hours!


Finished!


I want to sincerely thank all of the girls who came to my first trial class and critique.
A venture like this is only as successful as the people you share it with, and you guys are amazing.
I appreciate your friendships and support more than you know.
You guys did an amazing job and it was so much fun!


The Next Generation


*My goal is to bring friends together under the banner of art and food.
In these times of stressful jobs and busy schedules it is even more important to keep art in our lives;
Just give it a try to see how therapeutic and enjoyable one painting lesson can be;
I hope you can attend one of my classes soon!

Message me if you are interested in hosting or attending an event, and stay tuned for class schedules!

Okay...just one more bouquet...








August 13, 2014

Cheese, please



This may be the beginning of something truly wonderful...or something absolutely destructive...
This mama is going to attempt making mozzarella cheese....

Stay tuned, my friends, stay tuned...



If I perfect this, all I will have to do is figure out how to make my own wine and the moons will be in alignment.

Wish me luck.



August 12, 2014

Let it rain!

There is rarely a day that passes that I don't feel the need to create something;
 however for all of us artsy folk, you understand that getting in the zone is difficult with children, work, family, social lives, distractions, sunny weather... 
Once summer hits, the time flies and I feel selfish and ridiculous for committing myself to my craft.
Silly, yes, I know, but honest.

Well, on this rainy day, sans my son, I am busting out the big canvasses and starting a new series.

Stay tuned for results!




What are you doing on this rainy summer day?

Am I the only person who loves a good, grey day to enjoy being inside?