Art and SoulCollage® workshops to inspire your creative heart

Does creating art really make any difference in the world?  

Mark Your Calendar!
Breitenbush Hot Springs SoulCollage® Retreat,
June 9-12, 2019 
Art & SoulCollage® Workshops Fall 2018

Little Shrines for Hope and Healing
Sunday, Oct 28, 2018
9:30 am to 4:30 pm
GG's Down to Earth Studio, Salem
Shrines are a beautiful way of showing what's happening in our hearts and spirits. We will gather to turn these mysteries into visual expression by creating our own personal shrines for hope and healing. 

Altered Papers with Panache
Saturday, Sept 29, 10:30 to 4
The Art Department Store, Salem
Spend the day making papers for collage, art journaling and other projects. Experiment with acrylics, inks, stamps, stencils and more as you discover ways to alter papers to create unique materials for your art toolbox. No experience necessary. 

Windows of Wonder 
Collage and Painting Workshop, Saturday, December 1st, 10:30 - 4:30
The Art Department Store, Salem 
In this fun and light workshop we will explore true mixed media. Combining paint, papers, and pens, we will create pieces ranging from whimsical to serene--from birds to bouquets. Come engage in this critic-free environment that encourages relaxed playful expression. All levels welcome. No drawing or collage experience neede

Friday SoulCollage(r) Gatherings* at GG's Down to Earth Studio in Salem
Sliding scale $15 - $20
September 14th (3 openings)
October 19th
November 16th
December 21st
(*Those new to SoulCollage
can arrange to come one hour early for an overview. $35 for the day)
The Earth Says Much
to Those Who Listen
I have a wall hanging in my home that says "The earth says much to those who listen," and I believe it's true because I've experienced it through many hours spent in intimacy with the natural world, listening and paying attention. If you stop and think about it, you probably have too. When you look out at a glorious sunset or see a sweeping vista of mountains and your heart aches a little in joy and melancholy, that's your connection to the voice of the earth. She is asking you to love and respect her. I believe she wants us to experience her beauty in every cell of our bodies so that we feel compelled to care for her and protect her as we would anything or anyone we cherish.   

The other night I dreamed I sat in a lush old growth forest making hand-painted prayer flags to honor Mother Earth. A man adorned in a flowered robe with his hair pulled back in a tight bun came out of nowhere and began cutting up my creation with giant silver scissors."Stop!" I yelled, "You're raping the Great Mother!" The people around me laughed at what they thought was a ridiculous exaggeration. Now, t he earth is speaking to me in my dreams, and I am listening. 

It's heartbreaking to witness the devastation of fires, red tides and pine beetles. What is the earth trying to tell us? Every day I hear something on the news that brings tears to my eyes. Does this happen to you, too? And do you feel helpless? I know I could easily slip into a constant state of fear, but I don't want to live that way...with my heart closed and afraid. I'm not out there fighting fires or saving sea turtles, but I can plant a tree and use less water. I can make a difference, in my way, by being a conscious inhabitant of the planet and also by creating art. Making art is my medicine, a balm for my aching heart. It's my way of speaking back to the earth. I found this inspiring quote online and it resonated with how I feel:  

"Giving people access to data most often leaves them feeling overwhelmed and disconnected, not empowered and poised for action. This is where art can make a difference. Art does not show people what to do, yet engaging with a good work of art can connect you to your senses, body, and mind. It can make the world felt . And this felt feeling may spur thinking, engagement, and even action." Olafur Eliasson (full article here)

I'm inspired to keep doing what I can to show love and respect for this earth and to make beauty with my art, my teaching, my writing and my loving. My wish for you is that  you keep sharing your medicine, and remember your sacred connections - to your Self, to your Beloveds and to Mother Earth. Please don't lose heart my dears. We can make a difference by the small things we do every day. 

I'd love to hear back from you on how you're using your medicine (your talents, skills and gifts) to make a difference in the world. 
 
From my creative heart to yours,
gg

Stop by and Say Hi!
Collage Demonstration
Oregon State Fair, Columbia Hall, Friday 8/24,10 a -2 p
I've been invited to do a collage art demonstration at the fair. Not sure what I'm getting myself into...would love to see some familiar faces ;-)  

Westminster Fine Arts Festival
I'll be showing some of my art, eco-dyed cards and prayer flags at Westminster again this year. 
Hope you can come and help me celebrate the opening of the show on Thursday 10/11, 7 - 9 pm. 
Art show Fri 10/12, Sat 10/13 and until noon on Sun 10/14. 


SPECIAL OFFER 

Discount on  2019 We'Moon Date Books
featuring one of GG's art pieces

$16.95 
(retail price: $21.95)
Available onsite at any of GG's Art & SoulCollage® Workshops


GG's Down to Earth Studio
503 990-0278
goodrichglenda@yahoo.com
http://glendagoodrich.com