Reaching out for Help
I need your help.
A short but sweet reminder that I'm teaching this weekend. More info here. Hope to see you there.
I'm always extremely thankful for my students and that their support allows me to continue to do what I love to do. We're about to lose another store in Los Angeles and to say that I'm rather depressed about all of it is an understatement. It makes you wonder if it's time to throw in the towel which I clearly don't want to do. I've been dragged down kicking and screaming before. In 2007, we lost about seven stores within an extremely short time period. It was a tough and depressing year when stores that I had loved and taught in for so long closed their doors. Yet, somehow (with very big thanks to my students and a wee bit of my own drive to continue to do what I love but most of it was thanks to my students' rally of support) I was able to keep at it.
My whole teaching career has been a roller coaster ride (such is life.) I am a bit worried now about what the rest of this year will bring so I am putting it out there now to see what will happen.
I am actively looking for new venues to teach at starting as soon as possible. I am willing to travel anywhere (my attitude is as long as it doesn't end up costing me money and I can make a wee bit, I'll be there.) I am looking for places especially in:
California-L.A., Ventura, Orange County, San Diego, No Ca, etc...
Nevada
Utah
Arizona-outside of Scottsdale and Phoenix
New Mexico
Oregon
Washington
but, really, if I can get there, I'll go there.
I have been teaching for almost seventeen years now. I've taught in stamp stores, conventions, retreats, studios, people's homes, classrooms and more.
It is well known that I do not travel light. I bring a plethora of goodies for my students to use and enjoy.
I always supply a handout and I answer emails with questions outside of class as well.
I don't just teach one thing. I am a firm believer in that I am teaching you how to be creative, how to see and experience things that you can use to relate to everyday life. My classes aren't solely about art journaling, bookbinding, collage, etc... They are about color, composition, design and relishing in the many new experiences that art making brings. It is never just about the project in my classes. I try to make it so much more than that.
So, I'm reaching out to you. If you have or know of a space that may be interested, I'd love to hear. As always, I appreciate your time, help and just the fact that you even read this.
Thank you.
Comments
Anyhow... if there is anything else I can do - such as endorsing you on networks link LinkedIn or Klout - I would love to do what I can. You're definitely one of the very best teachers I've ever had the pleasure of working with, and an all-around awesome person, so I want to help in whatever small way I can.
Hell, you can stay with me if you can handle my three boys (10,7 and 4). Yes, you can have one of the rooms for yourself, lol.
and closer to home for me in Sacramento area, have you tried Stamp Art Shoppe in Roseville?
http://www.thestampartshoppe.com/
or in Elk Grove there is also Stamper's Corner, http://www.stamperscorner.net/
Hope those help?
As to your "Help Needed", I wonder sometimes why the stores are closing, too. I'm sure it involves $$. You have so much experience in various venues over many years and you're willing to do what it takes-is it worthwhile to consider having a space of your own where you can leave your supplies and perhaps people can come to you?
I imagine you could still travel, as well.
I was amazed to hear that so much is closing in southern California. Maybe you will be the only game in tow soon!
I am glad to help you in anyway that I can.
However, I have no connection with any of these shops, just bought stuff from them or admired their wares.
Starting off is NM where I did live: You might check Artisan with 3 stores.
http://www.artisan-santafe.com/
When I lived in Taos I know that the Santa Fe shop often gave classes.
Big hugs,
Z
I sure have missed your classes at The Art Bar. I was blessed to have taken a few of them and had the best time at each one.
There is a store in San Diego, in Poway, that offers some mixed media classes. Your classes would fit in well with their store. It's called Stamping Details.
There is also Gee Gee's Stamps N Stuff in Carlsbad.
Another one to try is Paper Tales in San Diego
Also I believe Jenny Doh is hosting workshops at her studio in Santa Ana
Jon
Toni