Sharie"s Studio Journal

Happy Easter Everyone WEll we kicked off the Easter weekend with a well attended opening of the current show Altars of Light. It is a very impressive and moving collection of artwork. I want to say I thnk it is great to see OFFCenter Board of Directors in attendance at these events and we had eight in the house Friday night. I want to say thank you to all of you who attended and to those of you who "popped in " I think it is important for others to see board members there supporting the community. Thanks to you all for being a part of OFFCenter and keeping it going.

If you were not able to attend the opening please drop in during the week and have a look it is a great show.

Don't forget to get your tickets for the upcoming House Tour you can get them online or go by the studio and pick them up The date of the tour is May 1 (May Day)

Have a great weekend----Sharie

Sharie's Studio Journal

Hello everyone I do appologize for my extended absence but the winter hours for the studio have not been good for me to have the time in the studio but hopefully soon I will be back in the studio. I do want to remind you all to watch Breaking Bad a series on the AMC channel (65) this Sunday night at 8 pm I think. Now please I am not promoting the program because I cannot condon making and selling drugs for any reason. I am reminding everyone who can to watch and look at the props used because last summer a member of their production crew a set director came into OFFCenter and purchased some art to use as props in this seasons program and she told me the story line when I told her I had never watched the show. I still cannot "get into the story line" but I will watch because she purchased a few of the Albuquirky House Tour "Little Houses" and some other pieces as well and so I will be looking for those (smile) Remember the 2010 House Tour is coming up May First May Day get your tickets you can buy online just go to the OFFCenter website of to the studio. If you have started a collection of "Little Houses" there will be new ones in the studio and if you don't have a collection it is not too late to start one.
See you around. Watch Breaking Bad Sunday 8p.m. ?? Get your house tour tickets before they are gone. Sharie

Sharie's Studio Journal: Twinklelight Parade

Greetings: Well the holiday season is upon us again--The stores have all their Christmas decor out, everyone is shopping or planning their shopping trips and lists and just generally getting ready for Thanksgiving and the Friday Sales in all the malls etc. OFFCenter is preparing to help out in this area. We have work shops coming up to help relieve the stress and pressure so watch the calendar and join our family friendly gift making workshops and wrapping paper and gift bag making workshops in the coming weeks. Again watch the calendar for the dates and c'mon down and join in the fun and spirit of the season.

An OFFCenter potluck Thanksgiving meal will be shared with and by artists and friends of OFFCenter this coming Wednesday November 25 from 1 til 6 PM. Join us with your favorite dish and what you are thankful for this year.

I am thankful for the opportunity to have been involved in the creation of OFFCenter and to still be an active participating artist. I cannot even think of how different my life would be without this organization and the many opportunities to explore my creative side. Today was one such opportunity--Several of us created canvas banners to be displayed on the sides of a float for RANA (Raynolds Addition Neighborhood Association) in the upcoming TwinkleLight Parade. The Parade will be this coming Saturday November 28 at 5:15pm traveling from Central and 3rd St. to the Botanical Gardens. Washington Middle School students are participating by playing mariachi music and singing carols on the float and a WMS dance troupe will even follow the float along with other RANA neighbors. This is one more way that we at OFFCenter build our community involvement and get support from and give support to the neighborhood. Those of us that worked on these banners had a great time together getting better acquainted with each other as well as meeting new friends as they joined us in the creation of the banners (see photos)

I look forward to seeing you in the studio in the coming days and weeks as the holidays approach. Happy and safe Thanksgiving to you all---Sharie

Sharie's Studio Journal: Girl Scouts revisit OFFCenter

Hi everyone: Last weekend I was privileged to be a part of a couple of workshops held at OFFCenter for Girl Scouts working toward earning badges. I watched as these talented young ladies moved from one activity to the next as they participated. I was impressed as they helped each other by explaining the next project and how to use the materials provided. It also brought back some very fond memories of my own years as a Girl Scout.

There were two sessions and two different age groups for the day. Yes the girls had fun and made some beautiful art and jewelery to take home with them as well as earning their badge; but OFFCenter made some new friends as parents who attended with their daughters and granddaughters found a new resource for family activities and maybe a new way to study art for some who home school. One of those memories was of the "Friendship Circle" at the close of a troop meeting we joined hands and sang a song entitled "Make New Friends" I have to admit it warmed my heart when at the end of the day the girls and their parents and leaders joined hands and sang that same song.

There will be more such workshops and I hope to be a part of them. It is another great way for the community to be a part of OFFCenter and vica versa.---TTFN Sharie

Sharie's Studio Journal

Greetings to all I've been out of the studio for a week and will be for another week but I know things don't stop because I am otherwise committed. The ongoing classes/workshops like the drawing classes and guitar lessons continue and the writing group happens so please check out the calendar for dates and times. There are upcoming new workshops there too so keep looking at the schedule and for announcements for these. If there is something you think would be a great media or thechnique to learn or teach in a work shop contact Ron in the studio and tell him what your idea is.

Last weeks First Friday Coffee House was a lot of fun with great snacks and good music. Watch the calendar for the next one in December. TTFN Sharie

Sharie's Studio Journal

Greetings Everyone: I grew up in a home where books were sacred--you did not turn the corner of the page down to mark your place, you did not lay a book open face down as that would break the spine, and many other don'ts about books. I had a difficult time thinking of participating in a recent workshop held in the studio---Altered Books--- Once I got past all thatI signed up and the day of was very interesting we met new people--sponsors of the event participants and the facilitators. This was part of the BIG Read the campaign to encourage people to read more.

There were books of all description----old text books, prime readers, how to books, childrens nursery rhymes, big books, medium and small in terms of thickness and dimension. The facilitator had several examples of the many ways you can alter a book. Supplies to use in the altering of these books--paper, beads, baubles, photos and threads or yarn. I have to admit it was a lot of fun to take a book and alter it and make it my own.

Sharie's Studio Journal

There is so much that happens in the studio. There is something for everyone. If you want to learn or improve your drawing skill there is a class with David Blecha on Tuesdays. Thought of writing there is a writers group on Thursdays with Amanda Gardner. Would you rather be a musician and learn to play the guitar check out the class on Wednesday afternoons with iCreate.

If these don't strike your fancy and maybe you have wanted to learn to sew or do embroidery I am available for teaching the basics for either of these skills. We also have peole who can help those who might want to learn to crochet or knit.

There is always the opportunity to learn a new skill or technique from an artist sitting at the table next to you. If you have an idea of a skill to share or want to learn come to the Emerging Artist meetings on Thursday at 5:30 P M this is where these things get on the calander.

Don't forget if you would like to support OFFCenter thru financial donations to United Way you can do so thru your employer sponsored campaign by selecting OFFCenter as a designated program for your contribution to go to. IF your employer is not involved with a payroll deduction campaign and you would like to donate thru United Way that is avaliable too.

More from the Studio later. Have a great week. There will be workshops to get ready for the upcoming show "Threads from the Dead--Who are you from?" Keep checking the calendar.

Sharie

Sharie's Studio Journal

Last week in the studio was busy in preparation for the opening of the Paper or Plastic Show and Thank you to our wonderful volunteers. There were not so many artists in the studio but there were new visitors coming in to check it out. Some said they had missed the Folk Art Festival due to being out of town others said a friend had attended the fest and told them about it so they wanted to see who we are and what we do. It ws nice to have the opportunity to share with new friends about OFFCenter and what we do and what a great place OFFCenter is.

Some are looking for a place to make art others want to donate materials and others their time and talents.

The photo of "roses in a box" these were made by several artists in the studio to be given to our valued volunteers we could not function without the great individuals (just a few shown here).

The Letters Home Project continues to meet at OFFCenter on Sunday afternoons to create cards and letter writing materials for military personnel overseas to have so they can write to their families and loved ones. (see photos)

Sharie's Studio Journal

Friday night and the Paper or Plastic Show opening is over---but the art is still on the wall and for sell so come in next week and see how artful trash can be. The music was great everyone looked like they were have a great time. There were artist making more art from the trash. New friends and old friends were there and it was fun to present the tissue roses to the many volunteers that gave time, energy and talent to help at OFFCenter before during and after the Folk Art Festival. We also really appreciate the staff and steadfast volunteers that are in the studio everyday. Ron. Marcia, Molly, Ayren, Adabelle, Georgia, Beverly, Rick, Theron, Tammy, Chami, Karen T., Clancy and all of you that I either didn't see you or know your name but you were there and helping or just making art-----T H A N K Y O U ! ! ! ! ! ! ! we could not do what we do with out all of you.

By the way remember that if your employer participates in the annual United Way Fund Raising Campaign you can designate that you contribution to go specifically to OFFCenter Community Art Project. So please consider us when you get your campaign pledge form. Thank you for your support.

Till next week see ya in the studio Sharie

Sharie's Studio Journal

Well the Folk Art Festival is over and as others have posted it was a success. Lots of art making, good food, great music and entertainment through out the park. I have not heard any negative comments. The studio has been quite this week and busy at the same time for those who have the energy to come in because all the supplies that were in the park for the festival now have to be sorted and put away. Today it looks more like the "studio". The puppets and masks remain but partly due to the rain making it impractical to transport them at this time.

If you missed this years festival I am sorry it was overall a great day and we did not get rained out as the forecast threatened.

Come on in to the studio as we are getting ready for the next in house show and fund raiser for OFFCenter. We are gathering and recycling trash left in the park after the festival. It will be fun to see what everyone creates from trash.

Sharie's Studio Journal: Hours and counting

Well there is one day left till the folk art festival. This week in the studio has been busy busy busy with last minute details getting taken care of and you know oh we forgot to do this or that. There are new signs to help you find all the must see things at the festival. A few changes but still planning to have a lot of fun. There is still time to pick a puppet or mask to carry and be a part of the parade so come by. Also if you have baked goods to contribute to the bake sale please bring them to the studio so we can get things priced and ready for tomorrow. Hope to see you there. The event opens at 10 am and the parade will start at 11 am come early so you can get a good place to watch the parade.

Sharie

Sharie's Studio Journal

We never know who we will meet on any given day whether on the streets of the city or in the studio here at OFFCenter. It may be an old friend we have not seen in a while or a new friend we just met and with more and more movies and tv series being filmed in New Mexico and some right here in Albuquerque. That being said you just never know who might come thru the door at OFFCenter. Last week I had the priviledge of being there when the set director of the TV Series Breaking Bad came in looking for art work to be used as props in an upcoming episode of the 3rd season. I have been told these pieces of art work will be used in the second episode airing in the Spring. I think it is exciting that this company knows about OFFCenter and recognizes that our art it unique and great. I hope there are others in the film industry that learn of us and find their way to our door and get more art whether for use in their movie or tv series and even for their personal collection of art. I will keep you posted .

Sharie

Sharie"s Studio Journal

Days and counting here are some photos of kids and parents and grandparents making masks this past Saturday. Clare Gonzales provided samples and instruction for making paper masks. The kids had a great time and I'm pretty sure I saw parents laughing and trying on masks as they assisted their children in the creation of masks. Don't dispair there are a few days left so come on in to the studio there are puppets to be repaired and made ready for the "Big Day", labels to be put on bottles of water and signs to be made and given fresh paint. You can still do your own art too. Come on and join the fun and there is one more night to learn the steps for the Samba Dancers to lead the Parade.

We also had a family here for the weekend from out of town join in the mask making.

Sharie's Studio Journal: One week til the Folk Art Festival

This week will go too fast as did this past week but time waits for no one. The studio continues to be a buzz with activity getting ready for the Folk Art Festival. And other regular activities continue to happen in the midst of all this prep. David's art/drawing class found a corner table among the puppets and other stuff going on to get their lesson this week. The Thursday Writing group found a niche to write and read their prose to one another inspite of the repair work happening to the puppets in order for them to be ready for the parade next Sunday (9/13). People are dropping in to secure their space to sell their art at the Festival. One table is busy with volunteers putting labels on water bottles for the festival and today every one was making room for the First Friday Coffee House.

If you didn't make it in for the coffee house you missed a really good band Tortuga. There were kids dancing and playing with the band (drums and tamborine) , frinds visiting with friends they had not seen in a while new friends being met and new people to OFFCenter. Art being bought and some really good food. All in all I think everyone enjoyed themselves. I know I did and liked the band too.

Congratulations to Sky sorry I missed your debut.

Puppet Invasion

Greetings Everyone:

I goofed I tried to reorganize the photos I had posted and it deleted every thing . The puppets have come out of storage and are back in the studio. Some just need to be dusted off and some need a "face lift " and a few are getting an overhaul but they look great and are getting ready for their annual parade for the kickoff of the Folk Art Festival. There was a workshop (funshop) with Sunny Burkland and we have some new Puppets for the parade. It was great to watch brothers work side by side each creating their own winged creature to carry in the parade. Families seemed to be having a great time working on their own creatures. Mother and daughter worked together and Dad took care of the baby and all looked happy. Individuals and couples helping each other and comments and suggestions offered from other participants as well as a lot of That is sooooo coool and awesome or I would not of thought of doing that. Adabelle Allen, our new intern got assistance with the sewing part of her project and has so pretty cool wings for her Magpie.

If you missed this one or want to carry a puppet or mask in the parade there will be another opportunity this Saturday check our OFFCenter calendar for the times. Hope to see you there.

Sharie

Sharie's Studio Journal: I'm back!

Greetings everyone:

I have been out of the studio for about two weeks a bit "under the weather", but am back in the swing of things. It is great to be back in the studio and watch all that happens there. Some new faces always great to see new friends there.

The Earthquakes and Hurricanes show is coming to an end and if you missed it you missed a wonderful show.

WE are making "pitchy Patch" and making room for the puppets to get a face lift and get ready for the Folk Art Festival.

Come on down and bring your friends to make art and/or help get ready for the folk art fest. It is a lot of fun. We love all the help and participation. See you soon Sharie.

Sharie's Studio Journal

Sharie's Studio Journal

Well it was good to be back in the studio last week after a week off. Business as usual--what ever that means we are after all OFFCenter and Art and Art making is our "thing". It was good to see regular participants and new faces too.

Felting Workshop Review

Sharie's Studio Journal

The Felting Workshop was fun and informative. I learned something I did not know - a loose translation of how felt came about - a man walking across the desert in uncomfortable shoes padded them with wool. The shoes were easier to wear in his trek. At the end of his journey he removed the "wool" and found it had packed and meshed together to make felt. Here are a few pics of those participants in the workshop. The result -- a piece being held up by the young man.