Brightest Spot in the Day

“Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.” ~ Pablo Picasso

Look, Mom! I wanted to shout out as I came close to finishing my art project a few weeks ago.  Sadly, I couldn’t show my mom, she’d passed away several weeks prior.

It was a real lift up when I joined in at The Hive, a creative space sponsored by the Northern Baltimore County Art Foundation. It’s located at the Hereford Branch of the Baltimore County Library. 

The project of the day was to create art using fabric, and all kinds of embellishments to tell a story. The artists leading the session from Make Studio explained “inspiration should come from the fabric.” In otherwords let the materials lead you in the direction you wish to go when embellishing it with ribbons, lace, paint, yarn, patches, sparkles and other art materials. Learning there were no right or wrongs gives freedom for “creative license.”

Being with a mixed group of all ages and abilities, I thoroughly enjoyed good-natured conversations with some of the participants while we worked. Their insight and wisdom about life and art was worthy of listening to.

(Above: “Grace,” I said, “Can I take a picture of your project with you in it and share it on my blog?”

“Sure!” she said good-naturedly, but not without first correcting me with her real name.

Then I asked her once again using her actual name and checked with and got her guardian’s approval.  I snapped the picture.

“Thank you,” I said, “And, you’ll still be Grace to me! You are full of it.”

Here are a few more photos of projects on display throughout the room which have been created during open studio hours.

What an asset the Hereford Library is to northern Baltimore County. The programs are innovative and fresh,  just like the library which has undergone extensive renovation and expansion. Check out this article from the Baltimore Sun.

My relationship with Baltimore libraries goes back 50 years to when I obtained my first library card. I’ve got wonderful childhood memories attached to them. Inspired to bring my bright feelings forward I reflected it in the project I made at The Hive.  It’s not quite complete, but when inspiration strikes again I’ll get at it!

Hmmm…when I step back and relook I think I have some ideas…a little adornment here, a little doodad there, and little frill there…. Can’t go wrong with “creative license.”

That’s my story, in part! Do return to Sow the Heart, I appreciate your visit.