IT’S TIME TO REGISTER for the 13th ANNUAL 2010 WCA/SD RETREAT

 Jaime Lyerly showing how to scrape back encaustic wax © 2009 Jaime Lyerly

IT’S TIME TO REGISTER for the 13th ANNUAL 2010 WCA/SD RETREAT

The retreat offers a special time to make art, make new friends and reconnect with old friends.

Note: This event is for women, only. Sorry guys! Most of our events are co-ed, but this is for women only because of the sleeping arrangements.

WORKSHOPS INCLUDE

PLEIN AIR PAINTING with Jen Bottoms

JOURNALING, BLIND DRAWING & MAKING YOUR OWN JOY

with Suzana Norberg

YOGA FOR BEGINNERS with Midge Hyde

ENCAUSTIC COLLAGE with Jaime Lyerly

(more details about the workshops below)

_______________________________________

WHEN

September 10th, 11th and 12th, 2010

WHERE

Camp Stevens, Julian, 1108 Highway 78,

Julian, California 92036 (760) 765-0028

We will be staying in the Wolterstorff Lodge

FEE

$150 Retreat only WCA SD members

$175 Retreat & 1 year basic 2011 membership for WCA

members

$190 Retreat & 1 year basic 2011 WCA Membership for

non-members.

All include 3 days, 2 nights and 5 meals (organically grown

and prepared by Camp Stevens ), and all workshop fees

DIRECTIONS

From San Diego : Take Highway 67 to Ramona, then

Highway 78 east to Julian. Camp Stevens is located 2

miles east of Julian on State Highway 78. There is a

“ Camp Stevens ” entrance sign on the left side of the

highway exactly 2 miles from Julian.

REGISTER EARLY

Your $50 Non-refundable deposit due by August 1, 2010

(check or PayPal) secures your reservation. Balance

due by September 1st, by check or PayPal. Upon final

payment you will receive a detailed map, packing list,

materials list, materials to bring and schedule, via

e-mail.


NOTE: There is limited cell phone service.


Women’s Caucus for Art, San Diego

13th Annual Retreat

at Camp Stevens

Julian, California

September 10th, 11th and 12th, 2010

QUESTIONS AND INFO:

Jen Bottoms, (619) 892-3429

9500 Harritt Road, #75

Lakeside, CA 92040

jenniebottoms@gmail.com



WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS

JOURNALING, BLIND DRAWING and MAKING YOUR OWN JOY with Suzana Norberg

As an advertising copywriter, Sue discovered the joy of art late in life. Inspired by “Harriett The Spy,” her favorite book as a child, Sue always kept a notebook of observations and snippets of overheard conversations.

But it wasn’t until the accidental discovery of three fabulous and freeing books that Sue began incorporating drawing into her work. See the three books that changed Sue’s creative life, page through her journals, and be prepared to draw with your eyes closed. Then apply it all to recording your weekend in a sketchbook that will be provided.


PLEIN AIR PAINTING with Jen Bottoms

Plein Air Painting is painting outdoors. Using oils, acrylics or watercolors whatever is your medium of choice, you will learn simple pallet color and placement while exploring the great outdoors and your personal emotions with the intent of taking out the intimidation factor. Realistic and non-realistic painters alike will love this enabling workshop that will set your spirit free and help you create
flowing, eye appealing works of art. Just let yourself go!


YOGA FOR BEGINNERS with Midge Hyde

Midge has done yoga for over 10 years. She plans to do light yoga exercises, first a warm up, practicing shallow and deep breathing. She reccomends everyone who has a yoga mat to bring it along. We will do mostly standing poses in case there are not enough mats for seated poses. The poses she likes are good stretches and parts of sun salutations, nothing too strenuous, just good stretching and deep breathing....a good way to end or start a day.


ENCAUSTIC COLLAGE with Jaime Lyerly

Encaustic is beeswax, damar resin and pigment applied to a surface hot and fused using heat. We will not be using pigment but instead, be learning the basic techniques of of encaustic collage in this workshop. We will explore layering, collage, incising, embedding and transfers. There will be plenty of time for hands on experimentation. Bring your own collage elements and get ready to try this “hot” way of painting.

ABOUT CAMP STEVENS and WCA/SD RETREAT

We will stay in the Wolterstorff Lodge, which was built from the ashes of the Bishop’s Lodge, destroyed in the “Angel Fire” of September 2007. The lodge has 24 beds; 4 six person rooms with 2 shared baths, and a meeting room with a fireplace. The OUTDOOR FACILITIES include tree house, outdoor chapel and other outdoor meeting and gathering spaces. Visitors can also enjoy a swim in the pool (seasonal), a stroll in the botanical garden, games on the lawns, basketball and volleyball, or an evening campfire.
  
I hope you can join us! You can check out pictures from last year's retreat on my Facebook page ~ Jaime Lyerly 

Watch me tonight live on Community Artist Connection Public Access TV Show!

Haven't gotten enough of me "talking" on my blog? Watch me on TV!

Tonight at 8 pm, I will be interviewed by artist Laura Jean Thompson for her Community Artist Connection Public Access TV Show.

We will be talking about my encaustic art, future career goals and whatever else she throws my way.

I am surprisingly less nervous than I would expect at the moment. However, I am not sure what is going to happen when I actually get there!

You can watch the broadcast LIVE via the internet at the link below. It should be on 8 pm, PST.
Live Broadcast!

There is supposed to be a "Chat" function that you can ask questions which we can see. This is all new to me so I am not sure how that all works. But feel free to check it out!

I am even letting my 13-year-old son watch via the internet at home. He may be the only kid in the world who would want to "chat" with his mom during her interview.

The show will air later on Public Access TV. I will let you know exactly when it will be on.

Okay - time to shove down some dinner and get moving!

Thanks for the support! ~Jaime Lyerly

San Diego area volunteers needed! Tag Project at Kiku Gardens on Saturday, June 5, 2010

Image from the Tag Project Facebook page

In San Diego area and have nothing to do this Saturday morning?

Want to help with an amazing project?

Great! Come join us at the Kiku Gardens as we help Artist Wendy Maruyama "age" tags for her Tag Project: E.O. 9066. See this invite below from Wendy:

The Tag Project will be at Kiku Gardens Saturday, June 5, 2010 from 10 AM - noon. We are now at a point where we need help taking the tags through an aging process (dunking in coffee and krinkling and setting out to dry).

If you would like to help, please bring rubber gloves, old newspapers, and if you have one, a plastic dishpan or some similar plastic container for dunking tags.

Roll up your sleeves, and join the fun!!

Location:

Kiku Gardens
1260 Third Ave.
Chula Vista, CA 91911

Time: 10 AM til 12 pm

Here is more about the Tag Project from the Facebook page:

This project was begun as part of my research on Executive Order 9066: it is the first time I made the personal decision to really look at this sorry chapter in history as a Japanese American artist. I plan to focus on this direction in my work for the next few years.

One project, "The Tag Project", was started in New York - I replicated 1011 tags from internees from my hometown (San Diego/Chula Vista). I was inspired by the thousands of folded origami cranes I saw at the Hiroshima Peace memorial and this group of tags was called "Cascade". I was also deeply moved by the photos of Dorothea Lange, one is shown above: it was her photos that initially provided the physical and emotional weight of the internment, and how it so profoundly affected the Japanese American citizens during and for years to come. All Japanese Americans were rounded up in 1942 and each were issued a tag and an ID number designating their destination: one of several internment camps, all in desolate deserted areas of the United States. The most haunting and striking photos were of the families wearing tags at the various assembly centers before being shipped off by train to these remote areas.

I was taken by the weight of these tags when they were completed and hung, despite appearing to be light and airy. This struck me as being very relevant to the way the internment was perceived by the general American Public. To this day it shocks me to still run into fellow Americans who had no clue that this had happened. I am going to commit to making all 120,000 tags, for all the Japanese Americans who were sent to all the camps. I feel that the sheer numbers and the scale of these tags will convey to all who view this that the internment was a massive project that was to affect an entire culture of people and their future generations.

Find out more on the The TAG Project: E.O. 9066 Blog.

Interview with Wendy in American Craft Magazine - "The Tag Project: In Search of Cultural Memory"

Tag Project Video

The Tag Project | Poston from xavier vasquez on Vimeo.

About Wendy Maruyama -

Wendy Maruyama is Head of the San Diego State Furniture Design /Woodworking program and has taught at SDSU since 1989. Prior to that she has headed programs at California College of Arts and Crafts and at the Appalachian Center for Crafts. She received her BA from San Diego State and MFA from Rochester Institute of Technology. She has been the recipient of a Fulbright Grant to England, foreign travel grants to France and Japan, and four NEA Craftsmen's Fellowships. She also serves on several non-profit boards, including the Furniture Society and Haystack Mountain School of Crafts. She is a frequent workshop leader and lecturer and her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally. It is documented in numerous publications and included in public collections, among them the Mint Museum of Craft and Design, American Craft Museum, Oakland Museum, Mingei International Museum, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Arizona State University Museum in Tempe.

I know it is late notice, but you really want to come to this event! I would love to see you there.

Happy volunteering! ~ Jaime Lyerly, SDWCA Social Networking Coordinator

Opening Reception tonight for SDSU's "Comatose in the Sculptorium"

Reminder!

Tonight from 6-9 pm is the San Diego State University's Intermediate and Advanced Sculpture class anonymously juried show called "Comatose in the Sculptorium"

Exhibition: Comatose in the Sculptorium: SDSU's Intermediate and Advanced Sculpture student show

Dates/Times: May 15 - 20, 2010. Hours variable. Opening: May 15, 2010 from 7 pm - 9 pm

Location: San Diego State University, Flor Y Canto Gallery on the fifth floor of the Art Department.

More Information: Facebook event

What's in it for you:

• Support local and emerging artists!
  
• See the experimental and conceptual sculpture that is being produced by the SDSU sculpture students. The variety is amazing.
  
• See my untitled 3-D encaustic sculptures from 2009 in a whole new setting and installation.
• Meet the infamous instructor and local artist, Richard Keely.
  
• FREE ADMISSION!

Hope to see you there!

~ Jaime Lyerly

Call for Entries - San Diego Women's Caucus for Art Member Show "A World of Art"

Oops, I am a little (okay a lot) behind on reading my emails, and almost missed the deadline to post this.

If you are a woman artist in San Diego, CA, you won't want to miss this show!

Dear San Diego Women's Caucus for Art (SDWCA) Members,

Don't miss this opportunity to participate in

"A World of Art" - a SDWCA Group Art Show!

May 1 – May 15, 2010

Share your art with the other members, their families, friends, and colleagues.

See attached flyer for all the details and your

entry form. (Bring it with you when you drop off your artwork).

Contact Midge Hyde with any questions you may have and to register your entry.

619.466.3711, midgehyde@gmail.com

Please forward this to anyone you know who is interested in joining SDWCA and entering the show.

ENTRY DATE IS TOMORROW! April 16, 2010 at 6 pm.

~ Jaime Lyerly

Call for Art Donations - CSNO Art Relief Silent Auction, THIS Saturday, March 13, 2010, 6-9:30 pm in Balboa Park, San Diego

This seems like a worthy cause with a timely request, so I had to promote it.

See the message below:

Invitation to our CSNO ART SILENT AUCTION!

Hello!

My name is Stephanie Carman Burgos, co-president for the SDSU on campus club College Students for New Orleans. This spring break Claudia Huizar (co- president) and I will be leading a group of 38 SDSU students to New Orleans for relief work in the St Bernard's Parish in the Greater New Orleans area. This will be our club's 9th trip. The purpose of this trip is not only for our Nawleanteers (New Orleans+ Volunteers) to rebuild houses, re-do landscaping and community centers, but also to spread the word about Louisiana's destroyed condition. The media has neglected to shine light upon this issue, even 5 years after the actual event; we want to enlighten Americans about this ongoing issue, here on US soil.

We would be ecstatic if you could talk for a few minutes about our cause at your general meetings, as well mention our CSNO ART RELIEF SILENT AUCTION. This will take place in El Centro Cultural de la Raza-Balboa Park THIS Saturday March 13 from 6-9:30. Our art relief will be a fun night filled with live entertainment, drinks and food. This silent auction is open to all of San Diego. We are hoping for a great turn out, as this is our main form of fundraising for our trip.

Important!!! : We are still accepting all mediums of art, so if you could briefly encourage people to donate their art, that would be greatly appreciated. All artists' art will be professionally displayed with their piece title as well as name. All funds raised will go directly go to our trip. Interested? Contact Danie Maxwell at max95618@yahoo.com

TICKET PRICES: pre sale- student $7, general $12. at the event- student $10 , general $15

Safe online donations are also accepted: http://ihcenter.org/groups/csno

Thank you so much, if you have any further questions, please email me back or call me at 530.220.2935

Peace, Stephanie

--
Claudia Huizar & Stephanie Carman Burgos
Presidents, College Students for New Orleans
San Diego State University
StudentsVolunteer@gmail.com
Claudia:805.816.1401 Stephanie:530.220.2935

Check out our website: http://StudentsVolunteer.googlepages.com/
Donate at: http://ihcenter.org/groups/csno

- Jaime Lyerly

A Thousand Ways to Draw a Tree: Expressive Drawing Workshop in San Diego this Sunday 2/28/2010

Here is a workshop taught by San Diego Women's Caucus for Art member Valerie Samuel Henderson. Got some free time this weekend? (okay...I know free time doesn't exist...) Come to this workshop. Check it out:

RISKY BUSINESS! Draw Fast and Loose.

An expressive drawing workshop this Sunday, Feb. 28 10am-3pm

It’s called “A Thousand Ways to Draw a Tree”. You get to invent the ways! You get to think like an eight-year-old and draw outside the lines. Experiment, do quick sketches, and try working with new materials like charcoal taped to a stick, graphite crayons, and mixing oil pastel with India ink. Get inspired by Rembrandt, Van Gogh and your kid sister.

Here is the information from the website:

An expressive drawing workshop... Drawing trees is the theme and the focus is intuition, spontaneity and invention. You’ll do lots and lots of quick sketches using memory, observation and imagination. Find ways to draw trees by playing with line like you might play a melody on a saxophone. Experiment with different kinds of drawing tools from graphite sticks to long straws dipped in ink. This is an opportunity to try new things whether or not you have ever taken a drawing class before, or if you’re looking to refresh some sparks.

$62 members / $72 non-members Materials fee $10

Monday, January 18 10am – 3pm

Sunday, February 28 10am – 3pm

Sunday, April 11 10am – 3pm

Taught by an inspired mixed media artist, Valerie Samuel Henderson (BFA in Painting, Mass. College of Art. MFA in Visual Art, U.C.S.D.)

Bravo School of Art. 2690 Historic Decatur Rd Studio 206. San Diego , CA 92106 . 619-223-0058

workshops@BravoSchool of Art.com

www.BravoSchoolOfArt.com

Happy Art Making! ~ Jaime Lyerly

Ellen "Ellie" Benfatti's Art Reception and Wine Tasting at "The Wine Spot" Feb 27, 2010

image © 2010 Ellen Benfatti

A unique art reception and wine tasting event on Saturday, February 27, 2010 featuring 2010 San Diego Women's Caucus for Art Vice President Ellen "Ellie" Benfatti.

Here is more information about Ellie and her event:

Ellen Benfatti was born in the United States and resides in North San Diego, California. Several years ago she experienced a life altering event while visiting the spa of a luxury cruise line. Ellen was invited to experience a Reiki treatment. Shortly after her experience she began to have a strong desire to paint. She went on to become a certified Reiki Master Teacher and Artist. She was recently featured on San Diego public television for her brilliant use of color and its connection to increased health. She has spent the last several years studying the affects of color on the human body. Ellie’s studio is located at the New Village Arts Theatre in Carlsbad. She’s a full time Artist and Pain Management Consultant.

She’s currently a featured artist for the Banners lining Pacific Coast Highway in Leucadia.

She opens at “The Wine Spot” on Feb 27th her exhibit will run from Feb 27-March 30th.

Feb 27th Art Reception and Wine Tasting 7-10 pm
The Wine Spot 2917 State St. Carlsbad
Complimentary Wines and Cheeses served from 7-8:30pm

Ellie will be raffling one of her gorgeous pictures and she'll be serving complimentary wines for tasting from 7-8:30.
RSVP on her Facebook event page or just come on down!

To learn more about her you may visit her portfolio at:
www.angelicmanifestations.com

Support local independent artists!
~ Jaime Lyerly, 2010 President of San Diego Women's Caucus for Art

Open Art Studio at Silverton Business Center in San Diego - RESCHEDULED to March 13, 2010

3.3.2010 update: EVENT RESCHEDULED to March 13, 2010.

Want to see artists in their creative space? Go to an open art studio!

Since I create on my balcony (for encaustics), in my house for other projects, and at the SDSU classrooms, I don't really have my own studio. So it is a privilege to be able to come into the studio space of others and see how they work their magic.

Here is upcoming open art studio not to be missed featuring 6 artists including former San Diego Women's Caucus for Art member Anna Stoa. Information provided by Grace Matthews.

Silverton Ave Open Studios Saturday, March 13, 2010 from 1 – 4pm

Please join us for the first open studios of six artists at the Silverton Business Center in Mira Mesa.

7949-7955 Silverton Ave San Diego, CA 92126
http://art-studio-events.blogspot.com/

Artists:
Rafael “Fallo” Mareyna
Becky Guttin
Gail Liebig
Anna Stoa
Grace Matthews
Sarah Tippit

I am going to try my best to go to this event to peek into these active artist's studios.

Happy studio visiting! ~ Jaime Lyerly

Helen Redman's art show "Tensions in the Journey: From Child to Crone" at the Women's History Museum in San Diego

Another great event coming to the San Diego area this weekend on November 6, 2009: Founding Mother of the San Diego Women's Caucus for Art (SDWCA) Helen Redman's one woman show "Tensions in the Journey: From Child to Crone" at the Women's History Museum and Educational Center (WHMEC). Check out the press release below from the WHMEC for more information.

Tensions in the Journey:
From Child to Crone
Helen Redman

Exhibition: Nov. 6 - Dec. 5, 2009
Opening reception: November 6, 6-9 PM
Lecture/discussion: November 21, 2-4 PM

For nearly a half century, Helen Redman has been making art. Her stunning portraits and evocative mixed media works track events, both momentous and ordinary, in women’s life cycle. Much more than a visual account of one woman’s perspective on life, her works illuminate something transcendent: they compose a visual memoir of the flux and flow of embodiment and identity across a woman’s life cycle, a memory-laden landscape of time’s passing in a life lived through a certain era and in a particular body.

To celebrate the nearly fifty-year career of the artist Helen Redman, the Women's History Museum and Education Center is hosting Tensions in the Journey: From Child to Crone, an exhibition of selected works from the 1960s-2000s. The exhibition runs from Nov 6 - December 5, 2009, and opens with a reception on November 6th, 6-9 PM at 2323 Broadway, Suite 107, San Diego, California 92102. The exhibition is also part of the celebration of the 40th anniversary of women's studies at San Diego State University.

http://www.birthingthecrone.com

I love Helen Redman's work and think this show is going to be amazing. I look forward to seeing more of her work and meeting this powerfully moving artist. I hope you can join me!

Happy art making! ~ Jaime Lyerly

Artist Lisa Bebi Paint Over Demo added to the San Diego Women's Caucus for Art Retreat in November 2009

Paint Over Technique, Star Glam © 2009 Lisa Bebi

We are honored to have Lisa Bebi to join us as a demo instructor for the San Diego Women's Caucus for Art Retreat on November 13 - 15, 2009 in Julian, California! Get ready to have some fun and make some art.

Here is all the information. Hope you can join us!

The retreat offers a special time to make art, make new friends and reconnect with old friends.

WORKSHOPS INCLUDE:

THE FAMILY FIELD AND CONSTELLATIONS, group healing session with Ellen Benfatti
PORTRAIT PAINTING with Judith Burnett
ENCAUSTIC TECHNIQUE with Jaime Lyerly
(More details about the workshops below)

Now Added!
PAINT OVER DEMO with Lisa Bebi
See Lisa's innovative Paint Over Technique on her blog, Pimp my Spleen, and in Somerset Studio's Workshop Volume 4.

When: November 13, 14, 15, 2009

Where: Camp Stevens in Julian
1108 Highway 78
Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (760)765-0028
We will be staying in the new Wolterstorff Lodge.

Fee: A $135 (member), $155 (non-member) or $180 (retreat plus basic membership) fee covers registration, 2 nights and 5 meals (organically grown and prepared by Camp Stevens), and all workshop fees. Note: There might be a small materials fee.

Directions:
From San Diego: Take highway 67 to Ramona, then Highway 78 east to Julian. Camp Stevens is located 2 miles east of Julian on State Highway 78.
There is a “Camp Stevens” entrance sign on the left side of the highway exactly 2 miles from Julian.

REGISTER EARLY!
A deposit of $35 (refundable before November 6, 2009) is required to secure your reservation, and the full amount of $135, $155 or $180, is due at registration.

Registered participants will receive a detail map, a packing list, schedule, and other details via mail. Please let us know if you require a special diet, or have physical restrictions.

Note: There is no cell phone service.

Workshop Descriptions:
(A WCA/SD membership is NOT required to participate in the retreat)

The family field and constellations; group healing session with Ellen Benfatti
There is a “life force” that flows through families, generation after generation. This force is one, which relates family member’s to each other. This is part of the family field of consciousness. We call it the Family Soul. Ellen will be facilitating a healing session which works with the energetic patterns held within the family. Come ready to heal and restore balance to your body, mind, and soul. The time spent together during this workshop will most likely change your view of yourself, humanity, and your family in a way that fosters more love, compassion, health, and vitality.

Portrait Painting in oils with Judith Burnett
You will learn a basic portrait painting technique. You will learn how to pose your model in order to get a good likeness and a satisfying painting; what materials and colors you will need, and how to mix and apply your paint.

Encaustic painting with Jaime Lyerly
Encaustic is beeswax, damar resin and pigment applied to a surface hot and fused using heat. You will be learning the basic techniques of encaustic painting is this workshop. We will cover history, materials, substrates, tools and safety. We will explore layering, collage, incising, embedding, and transfers. There will be plenty of time for hands-on experimentation. Bring your own collage elements and get ready to try this “hot” way of painting. (see more of my encaustic work)

About Camp Stevens and WCA/SD retreat
We will stay in the new Wolterstorff Lodge, which is built from the ashes of the Bishop’s Lodge; destroyed in the “Angel Fire” in September 15, 2007. The lodge has 24 beds; 4 six person rooms with shared bath, and a meeting room with a fireplace. Outdoor Facilities include a tree house, outdoor chapel and other outdoor meeting and gathering spaces. Visitors can also enjoy a swim in the pool (seasonal), a stroll in the botanical garden, games on the lawns, basketball and volleyball, or an evening campfire.

For more information, or to register for the Retreat, contact Jen Bottoms at (619) 892-3429 or via email.

If you missed my encaustic workshop in Escondido, you can join me for this one! Hope to see you there.

Happy Art Making! See you at the Retreat! ~ Jaime Lyerly

Still time to REGISTER for the Women's Caucus for Art/San Diego (WCA/SD) RETREAT for 2009!

There is still time to REGISTER for the 12th ANNUAL Women's Caucus for Art/San Diego (WCA/SD) RETREAT for 2009!

Here is all the information from the WCA/SD Retreat Coordinator Jen Bottoms:

The retreat offers a special time to make art, make new friends and reconnect with old friends.

WORKSHOPS INCLUDE:

THE FAMILY FIELD AND CONSTELLATIONS, group healing session with Ellen Benfatti
PORTRAIT PAINTING with Judith Burnett
ENCAUSTIC TECHNIQUE with Jaime Lyerly
(More details about the workshops below)

When: November 13, 14, 15, 2009

Where: Camp Stevens in Julian
1108 Highway 78
Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (760)765-0028
We will be staying in the new Wolterstorff Lodge.

Fee: A $135 (member), $155 (non-member) or $180 (retreat plus basic membership) fee covers registration, 2 nights and 5 meals (organically grown and prepared by Camp Stevens), and all workshop fees. Note: There might be a small materials fee.

Directions:
From San Diego: Take highway 67 to Ramona, then Highway 78 east to Julian. Camp Stevens is located 2 miles east of Julian on State Highway 78.
There is a “Camp Stevens” entrance sign on the left side of the highway exactly 2 miles from Julian.

REGISTER EARLY!
A deposit of $35 (refundable before November 6, 2009) is required to secure your reservation, and the full amount of $135, $155 or $180, is due at registration.

Registered participants will receive a detail map, a packing list, schedule, and other details via mail. Please let us know if you require a special diet, or have physical restrictions.

Note: There is no cell phone service.

Workshop Descriptions:
(A WCA/SD membership is NOT required to participate in the retreat)

The family field and constellations; group healing session with Ellen Benfatti
There is a “life force” that flows through families, generation after generation. This force is one, which relates family member’s to each other. This is part of the family field of consciousness. We call it the Family Soul. Ellen will be facilitating a healing session which works with the energetic patterns held within the family. Come ready to heal and restore balance to your body, mind, and soul. The time spent together during this workshop will most likely change your view of yourself, humanity, and your family in a way that fosters more love, compassion, health, and vitality.

Portrait Painting in oils with Judith Burnett
You will learn a basic portrait painting technique. You will learn how to pose your model in order to get a good likeness and a satisfying painting; what materials and colors you will need, and how to mix and apply your paint.

Encaustic painting with Jaime Lyerly
Encaustic is beeswax, damar resin and pigment applied to a surface hot and fused using heat. You will be learning the basic techniques of encaustic painting is this workshop. We will cover history, materials, substrates, tools and safety. We will explore layering, collage, incising, embedding, and transfers. There will be plenty of time for hands-on experimentation. Bring your own collage elements and get ready to try this “hot” way of painting. (see more of my encaustic work)

About Camp Stevens and WCA/SD retreat
We will stay in the new Wolterstorff Lodge, which is built from the ashes of the Bishop’s Lodge; destroyed in the “Angel Fire” in September 15, 2007. The lodge has 24 beds; 4 six person rooms with shared bath, and a meeting room with a fireplace. Outdoor Facilities include a tree house, outdoor chapel and other outdoor meeting and gathering spaces. Visitors can also enjoy a swim in the pool (seasonal), a stroll in the botanical garden, games on the lawns, basketball and volleyball, or an evening campfire.

For more information, or to register for the Retreat, contact Jen Bottoms at (619) 892-3429 or via email.

If you missed my encaustic workshop in Escondido, you can join me for this one! Hope to see you there.

Happy Art making! ~ Jaime Lyerly

Wine, Chocolate and Discussion - "Why We Make Art" at the Eclipse Chocolat Cafe

Here is another community event to sink your teeth into. See the information below from San Diego Women's Caucus for Art member Steffanie Dotson:

Why We Make Art
-A discussion hosted by the Women's Caucus for Art, San Diego Chapter

When: Friday, August 21, 2009 from 6pm - 8pm

Where: Eclipse Chocolat Cafe
2121 El Cajon Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92104
(at El Cajon & Alabama near Washington)

Why: The discussion is intended to get us all thinking and ACTING and inspired to make more art, and to find what our roles are in the community and in our careers as women artists.

10% of all proceeds made during the discussion will go to the WCA San Diego. So come thirsty and hungry for chocolates. Eclipse offers coffee, tea, wine and other delicious dessert beverages such as drinking chocolates. They also have an impressive array of handmade chocolate truffles, candy bars, cupcakes, and other yummy treats.

More about the Topic of discussion:
The question that at one time or another has perplexed us all as artists: Why do I make art?

Our discussion will pose this question and we hope to hear from each of you. Of course, we can't hope to answer or even have a fruitful discussion about this without posing other questions.

• What does it take to be a successful artist?
• And we pose this question as a very personal inquiry... what makes you feel accomplished, validated?
• When you really shave away all the layers of making, whether it be performance art, painting, sculpture, textiles, small metals, wood or clay... what is the essence of what you do?
• What is your goal? Is it intertwined with a social obligation?
• Who do you make art for?
• What's the response you hope to get from your viewer?
• What/who are you inspired by?

Over the next week, we hope you'll ponder this topic and possibly make a few notes about ideas that you'd like to share. Bring a friend or two. Forward this invitation to any women you think may be interested. ...and don't forget to scrounge up that couch change. Check your jacket pockets and the junk drawer. We hope everyone will at least buy a drink and a truffle.

Thanks to Steffanie for writing up these questions for discussion. And wine and chocolates to boot! Should be fun.

I am going to try to make this event. I have a very simple answer to the question of "Why I make art" which is to be a creator. I love to make new things come into being. In a world of mass production and "sameness," the unique calls to me. I need to make objects that lift you out of the mundane and live in a world of their own that you want to touch and be a part of.

Your turn:
If you cannot make this event, whether you are busy or in another part of the country, I would love to hear what you think about this topic. It is a question that each artist has to answer for themselves, and no two answers will be alike. Share your answers in the comments here!

Happy Art Making! ~ Jaime Lyerly

Women's Caucus for Art, San Diego Annual Retreat

IT’S TIME TO REGISTER for the 12th ANNUAL Women's Caucus for Art/San Diego (WCA/SD) RETREAT for 2009!

Here is all the information from the WCA/SD Retreat Coordinator Jen Bottoms:

The retreat offers a special time to make art, make new friends and reconnect with old friends.

WORKSHOPS INCLUDE:

THE FAMILY FIELD AND CONSTELLATIONS, group healing session with Ellen Benfatti
PORTRAIT PAINTING with Judith Burnett
ENCAUSTIC TECHNIQUE with Jaime Lyerly
(More details about the workshops below)

When: November 13, 14, 15, 2009

Where: Camp Stevens in Julian
1108 Highway 78
Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (760)765-0028
We will be staying in the new Wolterstorff Lodge.

Fee: A $135 (member), $155 (non-member) or $180 (retreat plus basic membership) fee covers registration, 2 nights and 5 meals (organically grown and prepared by Camp Stevens), and all workshop fees. Note: There might be a small materials fee.

Directions:
From San Diego: Take highway 67 to Ramona, then Highway 78 east to Julian. Camp Stevens is located 2 miles east of Julian on State Highway 78.
There is a “Camp Stevens” entrance sign on the left side of the highway exactly 2 miles from Julian.

REGISTER EARLY!
A deposit of $35 (refundable before November 6, 2009) is required to secure your reservation, and the full amount of $135, $155 or $180, is due no later than Sept.13, 2009.

Registered participants will receive a detail map, a packing list, schedule, and other details via mail. Please let us know if you require a special diet, or have physical restrictions.

Note: There is no cell phone service.

Workshop Descriptions:
(A WCA/SD membership is NOT required to participate in the retreat)

The family field and constellations; group healing session with Ellen Benfatti
There is a “life force” that flows through families, generation after generation. This force is one, which relates family member’s to each other. This is part of the family field of consciousness. We call it the Family Soul. Ellen will be facilitating a healing session which works with the energetic patterns held within the family. Come ready to heal and restore balance to your body, mind, and soul. The time spent together during this workshop will most likely change your view of yourself, humanity, and your family in a way that fosters more love, compassion, health, and vitality.

Portrait Painting in oils with Judith Burnett
You will learn a basic portrait painting technique. You will learn how to pose your model in order to get a good likeness and a satisfying painting; what materials and colors you will need, and how to mix and apply your paint.

Encaustic painting with Jaime Lyerly
Encaustic is beeswax, damar resin and pigment applied to a surface hot and fused using heat. You will be learning the basic techniques of encaustic painting is this workshop. We will cover history, materials, substrates, tools and safety. We will explore layering, collage, incising, embedding, and transfers. There will be plenty of time for hands-on experimentation. Bring your own collage elements and get ready to try this “hot” way of painting. (see more of my encaustic work)

About Camp Stevens and WCA/SD retreat
We will stay in the new Wolterstorff Lodge, which is built from the ashes of the Bishop’s Lodge; destroyed in the “Angel Fire” in September 15, 2007. The lodge has 24 beds; 4 six person rooms with shared bath, and a meeting room with a fireplace. Outdoor Facilities include a tree house, outdoor chapel and other outdoor meeting and gathering spaces. Visitors can also enjoy a swim in the pool (seasonal), a stroll in the botanical garden, games on the lawns, basketball and volleyball, or an evening campfire.

For more information, or to register for the Retreat, contact Jen Bottoms at (619) 892-3429 or via email.

If you missed my encaustic workshop in Escondido, you can join me for this one! Hope to see you there.

Happy Art making! ~ Jaime Lyerly

Artist Trading Card (ATC) Workshop Photos

Artist Trading Cards at the Escondido Municipal Gallery, Before the Workshop swap

photo © 2009 Jaime Lyerly

We had so much fun at the free Artist Trading Card (ATC) Workshop led by Renee Richetts and Lisa Bebi last Saturday, August 8, 2009 at the Escondido Municipal Gallery! It was great, and I have plenty of pictures to share. Plus, I finally met some of the wonderful artists that I have been connecting with on Facebook. It was an inspirational day!

Artist Trading Card (ATC) Workshop, Renee Richetts and Lisa Bebi standing

photo © 2009 Jaime Lyerly

Most of the workshop time was spent creating the cards using whatever materials wanted. All materials were provided, and we could use anything or everything there. The only criteria to be an Artist Trading Card or ATC is that the card has to be 2.5 inch by 3.5 inch. So stay in that size and let the creativity flow!

Artist Trading Card (ATC) Workshop, Participates working
photo © 2009 Jaime Lyerly

My son, Xen, immediately started cutting and gluing cards together. My friend, Starry, took out tiny pieces of tissue and glued them onto a card. Her daughter, Pan, drew anime with pencils. Without much thought, I ripped up some book pages and started gluing them down to the pre-cut card. Grabbing some Golden fluid acrylic paints and brushes, I started to put color down on the cards. I had not worked in acrylics for at least a year, ever since I fell in love with hot encaustic wax. It was wonderful to be able to lay down color and not have to fuse every layer! I forgot how easy and intuitive it is to work in acrylics.

Here are some photographs of some of the cards we did at this workshop.

Artist Trading Cards by Jaime Lyerly, © 2009 Jaime Lyerly

Artist Trading Card by Xen, © photo 2009 Jaime Lyerly

Artist Trading Card by Pan, © photo 2009 Pan

Artist Trading Card by Pan, © photo 2009 Pan

Artist Trading Card by Starry Wizdom, © photo 2009 Starry Wizdom

Artist Trading Card by Starry Wizdom, © photo 2009 Starry Wizdom

After we created the cards, and they dried, it was time to swap them out with the other ATC's available on the wall in the back of the gallery.

Xen and Starry checking out the ATC's available for swap,
© photo 2009 Jaime Lyerly

Starry laying out her ATC's,
© photo 2009 Jaime Lyerly

Starry and Pan deciding which ATC's to swap,
© photo 2009 Jaime Lyerly

When we made out choices of what which card we wanted from the board above, we switched it out with one of our own. Here are some of the cards we made in their new homes (for the moment!)

Artist Trading Cards by Starry Wizdom in their trading cubby holes,
© photo 2009 Starry Wizdom

Artist Trading Card by Xen in its trading cubby hole,
© photo 2009 Jaime Lyerly

Artist Trading Card by Jaime Lyerly in its trading cubby hole,
© photo 2009 Jaime Lyerly

Finally, here is a photograph of the ATC's in their cubby holes after the workshop. Most of the original cards had been replaced by ones made by the artists at the workshop. The swap will continue for the duration of the ATC exhibit will be on display until September 3, 2009. If you are in the area, feel free to stop by Escondido Municipal Gallery and trade one!

Artist Trading Cards at the Escondido Municipal Gallery, After the Workshop swap
photo © 2009 Jaime Lyerly

The workshop did more for me than just a few hours of fun. I was so inspired by working in acrylics, that later on that same day, I did more painting. I painted for five hours straight and started 28 paintings in acrylic on 6x6 inch board. Yes, I know 28 paintings are a lot; but when I'm on fire, I go with it! I will have some pictures of those coming up this week.

Until then, Happy Art Making! ~ Jaime Lyerly

Free - Artist Trading Card (ATC) Workshop w/Renee Richetts and Lisa Bebi tomorrow

Artist Trading Cards, © 2009 Renee Richetts, Escondido Municipal Gallery

Want to know what I will be doing tomorrow? Taking a FREE Art Workshop with my son, some friends and a whole bunch of artists!

Artists Renee Richetts and Lisa Bebi (WCA member) will be co-teaching a free workshop on Artist Trading Cards (ATC) at the Escondido Municipal Gallery in Escondido, California during the Escondido Saturday Artwalk, this Saturday, August 8, 2009 from 2-4 pm.

Artist Trading Cards (ATC) are little works of art with the only criteria that they need to be 2.5 in X 3.5 inch in size. They are lots of fun to make, and you can trade them with other artists to have original art works in a pocket-sized format. I haven't made an ATC in years, so I am looking forward to this workshop.

Here is more information about the event:

All Ages event
Cost: Free
Materials: Provided
Time: 2 - 4 pm
Place: Escondido Municipal Gallery
262 E. Grand Ave., Escondido, CA
ph. 760-480-4101

After the workshop, check out the opening exhibit of ATC's. Want to participate? Take part in the ATC trade: no money involved, just leave one to take one. What could be better than that?

If you are on Facebook, come RSVP to this event at this link: ATC Workshop Facebook event page.

Hopefully, I will see you tomorrow! Happy Art making! ~ Jaime Lyerly

Art and Jewelry Sale at 8Teen Art Center on August 1, 2009

Please see message below from Retreat Coordinator Jennie Bottoms:

On August 1, 2009 from 3-6 pm, the San Diego Women's Caucus for Art will be having a Art and Jewelry Sale held at 8teen Art and Cultural Center 3925 Ohio St. North Park. This is an opportunity for our members to sell their artwork and jewelry. If you love art and jewelry - then this is the place to be.

We will also be drawing the winner of the Valana Mineral make-up raffle at 5 pm.

Please come to redecorate your home with new beautiful, inspiring art by local women artists, and don't forget all women need at least one new one of a kind hand made necklace, bracelets and earring set for the upcoming fall fashion season. You will find jewelry to finish up your holiday shopping. We hope to see you there.

Refreshments will be served and we will also have a chocolate fountain!

Contact Jen Bottoms for more information at bottomsjennie@yahoo.com

Please pass this on to everyone you know.

Encaustic Workshop with WCA member Jaime Lyerly at Escondido Municipal Gallery on July 25, 2009

Making encaustic medium, July 2009

So the last three days, I have been making encaustic medium in preparation for my upcoming "Basic Encaustic Workshop by Jaime Lyerly" which is at the Escondido Municipal Gallery in Escondido, California. The workshop is on Saturday, July 25, 2009 from 12 pm - 3 pm. The price is $75 ($65 for members of EAP). This price includes all supplies, which is a steal! I paid twice that amount for my basic encaustic workshop. See this post for more examples of my more traditional encaustic paintings.

Here is my description of what you will learn and do:
Encaustic painting is an ancient technique of molten beeswax, damar resin, and pigment applied to a surface and fused using heat. Learn the basic techniques of encaustic painting in this workshop. We will cover history, materials, substrates, tools and safety. We will explore layering, collage, incising and transfers. Plenty of time for hands-on experimentation. Bring your own collage elements and get ready to try this "hot" way of painting.

If you are anywhere near Escondido, please come to my workshop! The space is limited to 10 people and you must preregister by Saturday, July 18. Check out the Escondido Municipal Gallery Workshop page for more details and to register. I have plenty of knowledge to share and love to introduce people to the magic of encaustic painting.

Why don't you come join me and bring some friends? Let's spend that Saturday flinging hot wax around and making art!

Happy Art-making! ~Jaime Lyerly

WCA member Lisa Bebi at Booksigning today

pimp my spleen: join me for "launch"...

Join WCA member Lisa Bebi today at 2 pm at the Orange County Town and Country Barnes and Noble for a BOOKSIGNING for this new publication "Art Quilting Studio." See the link above for more information.

Hope you can come support this great artist.

~Jaime Lyerly

San Diego Women's Art Caucus Member Show at 8Teen Art Center - July 5 - July 18

Our biggest fan - my son, Xen, relaxing with a soda and a book with
my "Forbidden Fruit Series" behind him at 8Teen

Our last minute blog post to San Diego Women's Caucus for Art Members worked! We have a show and we want you to come see it!

Thanks to all the San Diego WCA members who came today to drop off and hang your work. You made my job easy and the show looks great. See, I told you we could do it!

Here is a sneak preview of the Women's Caucus for Art Member Show held at 8Teen Art and Culture Center from July 5 - July 18, 2009. The photographs do not do these works justice, so you must stop by to see them in person.

Opening reception is from 3 - 6 pm on July 5, 2009. The show will be up until July 18, 2009 and there will be a closing reception on that date (times unknown).

Paintings by Ellen Benfatti and (bottom) Laura Jean Thompson

Paintings/Collage left to right by Jaime Lyerly, Midge Hyde, and Laura Jean Thompson

Paintings by Ellen Benfatti

Paintings left to right by Jen Bottoms and Midge Hyde

Encaustic collage/Paintings "Forbidden Fruit Series" by Jaime Lyerly
(click link to learn more about the "Forbidden Fruit Series")

Encaustic collage/Painting - detail "Forbidden Fruit Series" by Jaime Lyerly

I hope this has whet your appetite and you will come have a look!

Your Turn:
Like what you see and you are a women artist in San Diego? Why don't you join us! The San Diego Women's Caucus for Art accepts membership applications all year round. With my help, the WCA is getting connected on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Please check us out on any of these sites to see what we are up to. WCA members are active in their communities and want to share with you. You can even sign up at an event. There are member shows, opportunities to network and an annual retreat to Julian in November where you can learn art techniques and get away from it all.

This year's WCA retreat is going to be super fun! I am teaching a workshop on Encaustic Painting; and there are two other workshops by local artists. I believe that Cynthia Gott's Inner Archetype Workshop has been replaced by Ellen Benfatti who will be giving a Reiki workshop. Judith Burnett will be giving a workshop on Portrait Painting in Oil. Space is limited and the deadline is rapidly approaching (August 15, 2009 for full payment) - so if you want to get in on the fun, email to Retreat Coordinator Jen Bottoms today!

Hope you can make it to one of our events.

Happy Art Making! ~ Jaime Lyerly