Last Morning By The Sea

The last morning I caught the shuttle to the airport, to catch the flight back home. I got up really early, due to an alarm clock time setting malfunction on my part.


There was no coffee or tea, nothing was open. No car available to zip into town for something before breakfast. So I went for a walk to take some early morning photographs.


I'm an early riser normally, due to the time zone differences this was extremely early in my home time of Central Daylight Time.


This is the view behind the dorm I stayed in.

This is Dorm 225 with the lights still on, and the color from the sunrise shining on the front of it. Only a few people were stirring, so early in the day.


The fort buildings are historic looking and interesting.


There were ships going by, out on the still morning waters.


Later in the day, the sun came up and the sky was clear and sunny. This was the fleeting view of the mountains I saw, as the bus went whizzing down the highway. If I had been in a car I would have pulled over and taken more pictures of them, it was a clear day and they were very visible as I left for home.

Sunsetting Tower

Creating this blog has been my effort to keep the memories and excitement of Artfest and the through-the-looking-glass experience alive.


To give folks who haven't attended before, as I had not, an idea of the picture-postcard experience of what it's like to be there, and maybe give them that little push to attend the next one.


To meet in person, possibly take a class in person, from someone they have admired, to learn from them and get to know them slightly, and at vendor's night to make their book or an example of their artwork part of a personal library or art collection.


Do you have memories of Artfest 2009 to share?

deMeng and Tell

On the last night, everyone who wants to do it, brings their class results and puts them out for Show-And-Tell. That's my roommate Stacie on the right, heading through the doors to see everyone's displayed art feast.


This photo is of my roommate, Stacie, with her instructor for the "What A Relief" class she took, that's Michael deMeng on the right next to her.


Many of Michael deMeng's students had their work visible in Show-And-Tell, for the Relief class and also one named "Demented Toys" - the results were both humerous and thoughtful.

Where did this current of dark, ironic imagery spring from? Pondering ...



No amount of pondering would cover everything that came from those classes, but one outstanding effort was this theatre box with dancing skeletons. (**Update: I've been told since that this came out of the Paper Theater class and not deMeng, I guess I was seeing deMeng inspiration everywhere that day)


Self-lit from the inside, it had an eerie but facinating glow to it.


The photos are not perfect, I apologize for the grainy pictures. But it adds even another element to the visuals, so I hope you can see the fantastic details. If this is your work of art and you've found this blog post, I hope you'll leave a comment! And if you've seen better photos of this piece somewhere please let me know ... (**Update: I've been told since that this came out of the Paper Theater class and not deMeng, I guess I was seeing deMeng inspiration everywhere that day)


This is a piece from the "What a Relief" class, I really like the colors, the use of texture and the imagery.


In this room the natural light was a little better, so I was able to get better photos. The colors and wood textures were beautiful. The assemblage made very good use of the original pieces that were collected. The parts from a musical instrument, the worn wooden texture and colors.


This last one is from Michael deMeng's "Matchboxes" class.

My hubby loaned me his digital camera to use. When I got back he asked me why the photos were so dark. I told him I didn't take the flash with me. That's when I found out that the flash was built in. But turned off. All I had to do was turn it on.

If you've ever used a camera you're unfamiliar with, you'll understand why I was reluctant to change the settings. What if I couldn't get them back again?

So I apologize for the "atmospheric" photos of Show-And-Tell, it was after 7:00 pm and the dusk was falling. Use your imagination and think of it as an after-hours tour of a secret art collection!

Touring the Grounds and Towers

There was a lot of rain during those few days by the coast, but one afternoon the sky cleared and I grabbed these photos.


Down this path beside the Dorm was land's end.


The sun was even more appreciated when it did come.


There was a brisk wind, and I was glad I took my black hooded caplet coat, to wrap around me.


The waterfront was beautiful, an invitation to walk.


The Pavillion and the Chapel were down the road just a bit, but not too far to walk.


The tower looks like a storybook building.


Seen through the window of the second story of one of the main buildings, it is framed like an irish castle, it doesn't take much imagination to see yourself in a mystical magical place.

Same Class Unique Views

The results of Nina Bagley's book class Journey: Destination were facinating, as each person found a way to tell their own stories.


You've seen the pages of the book I made. I didn't get it finished in class, many others made a couple of pages.


I hope all the books reached completion, telling their personal stories.


The class was large, more than thirty students.


We formed into horseshoe shaped work areas, to bring the class closer in the large airy, bright classroom.


The radiators were working well, it was necessary to open the windows and doors for fresh air.


I love large well lit, high ceilinged spaces like this.


The results were as unique and different as the student.


As different as their beginnings, their own special life stories.

Tool Working Times

Everyone has their own set of favorite tools, stored the way they like to use them. This is a photo of the demonstration table that Nina Bagley set up on the first day of Artfest, the book class Journey: Destination.


The things they bring with them to every class, the things they reach for first.

When you're flying into Artfest and can't bring as much as you would if you had your car, with its roomy trunk, there's some deliberation to be done.


What will I need and can't get easily.

What will I use the most.

What can I leave behind, never miss?

It makes me wonder if using the things to hand wouldn't be a good exercise.

To pare down the amount that's needed, and identify the key crucial things that are needed.


They'd be different for each person, of that I'm sure.

On Location Shots

The trees are still bare, and the sunrise is causing the rosy tints on the Dorm building.


The first few days of the event had a lot of rain, even snow. But the last morning was clear and fresh.

Trading Part 2

Artfest trades are a great combination of color, ingenuity and humor.


The little box with the mermaid on the front had seaglass and this special quotation with handmade papers inside. It's a quote that strikes a note, as I've seen it used as a signature line by Nina Bagley. And very meaningful, thought provoking.


Even when folks had a similar idea, like bottlecaps or glass vials full of sand, the creativity made each one unique and different.


If you spot your trade - leave a comment. And thanks for sharing your creativity with me.


They hold a lot of meaning and memories for me of the fund and excitement of Artfest 2009.

Visitations

One evening on the way to dinner, I saw deer standing beside the Commons building. In the golden light of the magic hour, they looked like ghosts of the forest.


As though all the creativity and happiness had conjured them up.


They were very tame, didn't seem at all concerned or afraid of so many people walking by.


There were three or four of them, standing in the slanting and fading sun of the daylight, wandering and eating.


I liked the magic of the moment. The Golden Hour light falling on them, casting their shadows across the newly green grass, lighting them like animated statuary.

Opie and Linda Burn Daylight and Cast Stones

I enjoyed all my classes.

The locations were fun, sometimes the light was better in one room than in another. But the buildings were quaint.


Linda and Opie O'Brien gave their "Set in Stone" class in the Chapel. That's Linda walking through the classroom before everything got started.


Lots of good information on patinas and soldering with a small torch to create a bezel.


The ceilings are very high, the building is very open inside. The tables set beside the tall windows helped bring in the natural daylight. Fortunately it wasn't a rainy, overcast day.


Everyone got attention and demonstrations, a lot of great useful information was shared and practiced.


Linda and Opie really know their metalworking, and can share that information, even to novice learners.


Not everyone who comes to Artfest for the first time has a lot of prior experience.


But everyone gains a lot, even those who come with previous creative backgrounds.


Some are more organized, and do a lot of preparation.


I tend to jump right in, and let things go with the flow, especially with a one-day class like these, where you must grab and experience all you can during the time available.



At vendor night I bought one of their two-hole punches, I managed to blunt one side of the Wizard hole punches I brought with me. They have them on their website. I also want to order a nibbler from them for making windows in copper.


And see the little mermaid from a trade with me? This is the lady that made all the lampwork fish for trades. Gorgeous!


Linda and Opie are quite a team, they work together to support their students, and each other, to ensure success for everyone. It was fun to hear them speak during the presentation for all the teachers in the little theater building, they are very funny. And knowledgeable, too.

If you get a chance to take a class with them - grab it!


Here are the photos of my two projects from their blog ...


- and if you follow the link you'll see other students' work there, too.

Trading Part 1

I thought it would be fun to show some photos of the trades and cards I got at Artfest.


I got some cool things from some very talented people.


I met Michelle Geller, she gave me the pretty little sand dollar charm.


And Sue Clark, who made this resin pendant.

There were creative cards and magnets. I put the magnets on the refrigerator, to remind me of all the exciting events from Artfest.


A cool box with seaglass and a quotation card inside.


This great hand stitched charm, isn't it fantastic?

Hearts, Eyes, Hands

The experience of Artfest is more people than place.


The hands of the creative makers. The students. The sights of the soul, made evident.


The hands of the teachers, sharing.


Guiding, supporting. Directing, demonstrating. Giving.


The beginnings of new things. New knowledge, new friendships. New confidence, new encouragements.

Neighbors of the spirit, artists in kind. Beautiful spirits, united for a short few days in time and space.

Gift Medallion Chains of Honor

Before I left for Artfest I made a focal bead, with the word 'ART' in the center, wings on the sides and some faceted gemstone beads for hanging it that were a gift from a favorite vendor. I didn't have time to make the chain, but I wanted to wear it to the first day of class, before I had a chance to create something new.


When I arrived at Artfest and the trades began, I got lots of goody bags with ephemera, beads, charms and other goodies inside. So I issued myself a challenge, to create the chain for the focal using things that were new, and given to me as trades at Artfest.


The idea was to make the finished piece a memento of the trip, with things that were part of the Artfest experience, given to me by other people there.


My roommate Stacie gave me a gear, and the heart medal dangle that I attached to the chain.


The goldtone glass beads and carved ivory-looking roses were in a package of ephemera, along with the round disk I added to the chain.


The golden cupid was also a gift from Stacie, and together with the conch shell began to tell the story of the piece, as I learned that conch shells are sacred in Tibetan art.


It became a medal of honor and distinction, with the love and creativity embodied from the whole Artfest experience.


I love how it turned out, and the serendipity effect of not deliberately needing to select the items, and the fact that most were gifts. My Artfest Medallion of Honor that I wear quite often, with great happiness and pleasure!

Book of Trades

Before I left for Artfest, I made up and decorated a three-ring binder to keep everything together. I know myself, I sometimes put things aside or they get separated, and I wanted to unify my Artfest collection of goodies, class materials and handouts.


I took a regular, paper based three-ring binder and put gesso on the inside and outside of the front and back.

Then I went wild with some paint, when I was cleaning my palette after painting some beads. Just let the colors fall where they would go on their own.


Inside I put plastic sheet protectors, both the kind that hold 8 1/2 x 11" full sheets, and the kind that hold 3" x 5" photos. I put my class lists, itinerary and other things I needed inside, but left lots of open sheet protectors for collecting new goodies.


This is how that book turned out - I have a lot of my favorite cards, little tins, mini-Moo and trades inside, all protected and kept together. Anytime I want to find something from Artfest, it's all in there, and it's fun and easy to share with friends who want to see what came home with me.


I need to re-organize the things in the book to make it easier to see everything, but I'm very glad I did this before I left, I didn't have to worry about losing some wonderful creative thing someone gave to me! A book of memories from the trip ...

Did You See This Woman?

When I arrived at Artfest, my roommate Stacie picked me up at the airport and we went to her studio to prepare charms and make some art, to limber up the art muscles, so to speak. I had this neck pouch from an event I attended some time ago, it was corporate bland and had no color, but I liked all the zippered pouches and places to store things.


So Stacie opened up her paint cupboard to me, and I started painting it, and adding text. One of my favorite quotes is by Picasso, he said "Art washes away the dust of everyday" - so I altered that slightly and painted it onto the pouch. I bent and hammered some steel wire to make hangers attached on the bottom, to display the charms I hoped to collect during Artfest.


Here's what the back looks like, I wore this neck pouch every day, adding cool things here and there as I got trades and goodies of all sorts.


I got a painted rock with the word "FEARLESS" which I thought was both a descriptive and an encouragement to branch out and try new things.


I got a slide carrier with a shell image in it, and a stick pin with Sea Devils on it. Too fun!


So if you saw me wandering around during Artfest with this jingly-jangly neck pouch on, yes! that was me! If you see one of your charms, felted beads or bottle-cap charms in these photos be sure to leave a comment here, so I can find you again.

And if you have one of my mermaid charms and make something with her, let me know, I'd love to see how they turned out for you.

Trading Spirits

On the first day at Artfest, after registration and settling into the rooms, most folks head to dinner and a trading frenzy. The trading goes on all through Artfest - I didn't come home with any of my charms or mermaids - and so many lovely things are created, it's a constant source of wonder.

On that first night I sat next to another first time attendee, and she traded with me one of her beautiful pages.


The detail is gorgeous, and so sparkly and wonderful.


She told me she made the Mer-Bird (if a lady-fish is a mermaid, what is a bird-fish?) out of paper clay.


The colors and detail are beautiful, I love this kind of ephemera-stoked imagery and neutral colors.

I put the page into a cardboard pillow box that was in our goodie bag, for safekeeping and to protect all the little bits and bobbles on it.

And I wanted to show it here, it's so amazingly beautiful. I love it, and plan to frame it and cherish it as a special memento of the Artfest adventure, one among many - I'll keep sharing them here so you can see the amazing variety and special gifts that were created.

See the little tag she made and tucked into a pocket on the back, with her name and information on it? It's so beautifully worn and the color is vintage and lovely, just like her! Thank you, thank you, Kathy.

Wonder What They Thought

I started unpacking my supply roller bag, finally. I was concerned that the security folks at the airport might have been concerned about the contents of the bag.

Lots of pliers, cutters and wire. Bottles of gel medium and paint brushes.


Not your normal clothing and changes of socks they usually see, I'm sure. I put my bag from Artfest on top with it plainly marked, and the bag I got from the art store in Port Townsend, as a kind of visual hint. See, these are art supplies, right? Nothing scary or dangerous, just art supplies.


You have to wonder what they thought as they went through the bag. I had my black zipper pouch with my hammers, wire, cutters. Oh, my.

But so far I don't detect anything missing. I haven't reached for anything and found that it's not there yet. And even if I did, there's not much I could do now, except try to find a replacement.

But I do wonder what they thought as they went through this magical bag of tricks with my mini-Moo cards, trades and the little pouch I made to hold my things ... what did they think of it all?

Journey Destination Creativity

The first day, I was lucky enough to get into Nina Bagley's book class called "Journey - Destination" by being on the waiting list, when my name came up I snagged it pronto. I was thrilled to be in the class and learn from Nina in person.

I sat next to Kim - she was working on some fabulous pages and had lots of great imagery going.


Isn't this beautiful? And there were lots more, too - she may show them on her blog.

I took some photos of Nina working with folks and we are all having a great time, as you can see from the laughter and happiness in the faces.

Nina (pronounced like "NINE-AH") is a very generous and knowledgeable teacher, very funny and witty, I enjoyed the class and meeting her in person so much. I had some little mementos that I gave her, as a thank you for sharing so much of herself in her classes and to take home the feeling that she went home with something of mine, tucked away with her.

I made two covers, front and back, and two inside pages. I didn't get them all done during class but finished the back page inside and out later in an evening session with some other folks in the dorm, working away on projects.


I'll show more about the book and explain it's destination, if you follow my blog you'll see what became of some of my carpe diem charms, and why they didn't end up in the Etsy shop.

New Friends, Old Souls

This is a photo of my roommate, Stacie, in a peaceful thought-filled moment near a window. Isn't she lovely? Both inside and outside, she is gentle, loving and sweet with a heart of gold. She took such good care of me, and we had such a good time together, I was sad to see it come to an end.

I miss her already ... but I'm thankful I got to meet her and see her beautiful creations. She's an inspiration in many ways. XO

Fabulous And Fierce

The pace was fast. I moved and learned at high speed, it was the quickest three days I think I've ever spent. And very rewarding.

Over the next days (maybe even weeks) I'll be posting more photos, sharing stories and talking about the wonderful people I met. Some I had only met on-line as virtual friends, and now I've been able to hug them in person. Others are new friends that I hope will be along for the ride on-line and stay in touch.

It's difficult to re-emerge into the everyday of work and regular life after an experience like this one. I want to hang onto the memories and the feeling of it ... so I will keep it alive in my mind by gradually sharing it here, with you.

Wonderland

I have this book, and I re-read it frequently. Sometimes for fun, just to enjoy the pretty photographs and the fun writing style of Linda and Opie O'Brien.


They are teaching a class called "Set In Stone" at Artfest, it looked like so much fun I just had to sign up for it, and I was happy when I got into it as my first choice. Registration is sometimes an iffy thing, you don't know if you'll get your classes so you list your second and third choices, just in case.

I've never taken a class with them, and I'm excited to meet them and learn a lot of new things. Out of the odd facts department, I happened to learn by accident that Opie and I have the same birthday date in June. Probably not the same year, though.

The class description says it involves working with concrete (!!) sheet metal, papers and ink - Doesn't that just sound irresistable?

Charmed and Delighted

I've been reading about the charms and trades folks are bringing, and I didn't think I had enough mermaids made up. So in between making beads and trying to get orders out today before I leave, I made up these charms.


Yes, they really are that colorful! I took some drawings from one of my journals and converted them into these little card charms.


They're quite small, really, and have a hole at the top for a jump ring or cord.


I made about 60 of them today. It's been busy! And they were fun. Fortunately, they didn't need a lot of attendance or fussing on my part, as I was very busy with other beads.


There are five or six different designs of them. I hope people like them.

They are very, very colorful. The theme is sea monsters, I guess this might be stretching it a little. But they are interesting colors and shapes I put together a long time ago, when I was in quite a mood!


Some of them are more sedate. They were made from some of my collages. I like these a lot, I may make miniature versions of some of my other collages when I get back.

And they have 'Handmade by Lynn' on the reverse!

I've been gathering up the things I need for my classes and putting them into a suitcase, so I have everthing organized. I'm using some things still, like my jewelry pliers, so I have to be sure I don't forget to put them in tomorrow when I do the final checklist and packing step.

Hectic last minute preparations!

A Week From Today - The Class

Hard to believe that a week from today, I'll be in a class learning how to make something like these! Doesn't this look super fun - I can already think of a million things I want to try.

The class is "Heavy Metal" with Ty and Marcia Schultz. All I know is that it's low temperature metal casting for small parts, and the promise is that it's lead-free and few fumes.

I have a kiln for the silver precious metal clay, but I was curious about their methods, so I signed up for the class. I can't wait to give it a try!

Have Power - Not Have Internet

Everyone is having storms, some with and some without snow. Here in Saint Louis it has been a rainstorm. Now the house has power (which is good!) and cable but no telephone. And no internet. So I get to test my plan for blogging at Artfest from my cellphone. I won't be putting photos on, that will have to wait until the camera gets back.

The cable company is coming today to check on the phone and internet. As they always say, it could have been worse!

Catherine Witherell - Wonderful Visionary

Another person I hope to meet in person at Artfest this year is Catherine Witherell - she works in metal clays (copper, bronze and silver) and makes the most gorgeous things. We've communicated online, but I've never actually met her, and I can't wait.

I had the good fortune to interview her also for the Art Bead Scene, and participated (in a small way, a couple of pages) in her Jewelry ZINE project this year. She's put a lot of work into it and it's a beauty, I got my copy and still haven't read it from cover to cover.

She's teaching two classes at Artfest, I didn't take one with her this year but I am anxious to see what comes through the students from her class. On Thursday she's teaching PMC Frameworks, the examples on the Artfest site are beautiful!

The other class she's teaching on Friday is PMC Collage, with lovely units assembled into a storytelling whole. She's got the most incredible way with patinas, getting all sorts of gorgeous color in her metalwork. Just breathtaking!


On her blog she talks about preparing for the class, I know it's a tremendous amount of work. Look at all the stuff in that box! Just gathering the materials to attend my classes has been a bit of a project for me and it's ongoing still, I can imagine preparing all the things needed to teach a roomful of people would be multipliers of that many times over!


I started packing a suitcase this morning with clothes, lots of layers. I think I'll tuck my rain poncho in there just in case, instead of an umbrella, and rain-proof comfortable shoes. My suitcase is a roller bag so I can drag it around behind me once I get on the ground, I've heard that's a good plan.

Master Prepared

One of the teachers at Artfest, all three days, is Nina (pronounced with a long 'i' like 'nine-AH') Bagley. I've admired her work and her vision, followed her blog and even did a three-part interview with her for the Art Bead Scene Blog. She's so lovely to talk to on-line and so sharing with her ideas and insights into her life, I'm hoping to meet her and introduce myself.

She blogged recently about preparing for Artfest and the things she's making are wondrous and colorfully vintage-feeling.


She's teaching many techniques and has a real eye for the storytelling ability of jewelry and decorative objects. The first day is Destination: Journey - Reach, teaching making a book using treasured travel ephemera and three-dimensional objects.


The second day's class is Destination: Journey - Touch, a jewelry-making class with a necklace to be created, how I wish I was in that class, but all of Nina's classes fill up quickly. Maybe I can find someone who's taking all three classes and get a chance to see what they create.



The last day's class is Destination: Journey - Embrace, to create a box full of meaning and beauty. The depth of her creativity never fails to inspire me, again this class was full and I will only be able to admire the work that comes from others' hands out of this class.

If you get a chance to attend Artfest, don't delay in sending in your choices next year - the classes fill up quickly.

Charming But Fishy

Here's a sneak peek at some of the charms I'm working on for trades. Lots of colors, all mixed up.


The theme is sea monsters or sea creatures. I want to make some more different ones, not sure how many I'll end up with.

I also thought about including some hand dyed fibers and strips of hand dyed fabric in a bag, that might be fun.

Friends I Haven't Met Yet

This is a picture of my Artfest Roomate.

My roommate's name is Stacie, she's been to Artfest before, several times in fact.
She lives in Washington State so she's driving up to the Fort, while I'm flying in from across the country, backward across the time zones, like living in reverse.


She's a mixed media artist. And so is her sister. They live in an Art Uptopia. That's very neat, I think. She's like me, she works in lots of media. Collage, painting, jewelry. Books, fused glass. We have a lot in common.


She's taking Misty Mawn's class, All Bundled Up.

And Michael deMeng's class What a Relief. I know lots of people would be envious!


Also Karen Michel's Wood Collage Vignettes class.

We don't have any classes together, so we'll be able to share and compare! Lots of caffeine, chatting and laughter headed my direction, I think.

Moo or No Moo

I ordered some MOO mini-cards, I hope they arrive in time for the trip. They're printed in England, but last time I placed an order they seemed to come pretty quickly.

If they don't come before I leave, or possibly in addition to them, I think I'll create some giveaway cards with the image of the HeartStrings bead on it, and some of the etched brass sheet, so I have lots of giveaways, I want to trade like there's no going back! I want to bring an empty bag and fill it to the brim with trade goods.

Dorm Questions - Dorm Answers

ANSWERS FROM THE WEBSITE FOR ARTFEST:

DORMS - These buildings have very small single rooms with communal bathrooms down the hall. Two of the dorms have communal showers but we procure extra bathrooms/showers upstairs and post sign-up sheets so everyone can have privacy while showering. Linens, pillow, blanket, towels, etc. are included with each room, but some folks like to bring their own pillow and an extra blanket. Make no doubt about it, these are bare bones rooms but we have people request them every year.

If you are sharing a room with someone you do not know, you will be placed in a room with bunk beds. Each person gets a whole bunkbed to themselves (bottom for sleeping, top for suitcase).

Staying in the dorms or one of the houses provides a unique experience that helps make Artfest what it is. Folks usually have show and tell each night in their house or dorm and make friends which last long after the retreat is over.

The Fort got in a new local chef team in 2008 and they were so well liked that they will be here to stay. They specialize in local, mostly organic fare and the raves from our attendees last year were loud and clear. The food is gourmet quality but also healthy and nutritious. The head chef came from a local restaurant that would always receive much praise (Wild Coho). They always provide a good selection of entrees & sides, a salad bar and a selection of desserts along with a soda fountain.

Roomies and Rooms

This is the layout of the interior of the Dorm 225 where I'll be staying at ArtFest with my roommate. We haven't met before except online, but I can tell she's going to be a lot of fun!

I need to re-read my instructions to see if I'm supposed to bring towels, sheets and other linens, the same way I did when I stayed at the dorms for the Surface Design Conference in Kansas City.

Ahoy and Aweigh - Planning to Begin Planning

This photo of the outside of the dorm where I'll be staying came from the photo library of the Yahoo group for Artfest. It was taken in 2008, but I'm sure not much has changed.

I found out who my roommate is, she sounds like a real sweetie. We've exchanged emails and made some beginnings of plans.

I'm starting on my charms for the swaps. Apparently everyone swaps with everyone, especially the first night. I know how slow I can be sometimes, so I've got to get going.

The Countdown Begins

This year's Artfest in Port Townsend, Washington starts with Check In at the Commons on Wednesday, April 1.

I thought it would be fun and motivational to blog about it here, as I prepare, travel and attend.

The whole thing lasts only a few days, the first class begins on Thursday, April 2 and the last one ends Saturday, April 4, I'll be traveling again on Sunday April 5.

In between I hope to pack in a lot of fun, art, creativity and meeting new people.