EMPIRE QUILTERS ART GROUP
It is with great joy that a group of art quilters who have an interest in mixed media has organized. The purpose of the group is to have fun while creating, sharing beauty, joy and inspiration. We gather to share creations, discuss inspiration, techniques, material and questions that arise from the group.
April Meeting
LOVING KINDNESS AND PEACE
Our April project took inspiration from the Tibetan Monks walk for Peace, which took place from October when the monks left Texas, through February when they arrived in Washington D.C.
In the Buddhist tradition and other spiritual lineages, a peace walk (often called a Yatra) is indeed undertaken specifically when the world is perceived to be in a state of Dukkha (suffering) or "out of balance."
Some of the monks walked with no shoes, despite the frigid temperatures they faced. Aloka, known as the peace dog, joined the monks on their walk. The walk promoted peace, compassion, and mindfulness focusing on unity. The walk was a call for humanity to return to loving kindness and peace.
Our group presented beautiful, and unique artistic interpretations about the monks walk for peace. It is amazing to hear each participant, and their process behind their creation! The art group is beyond what I envisioned when we started last year. The group has become such a monthly gathering inspiration!. I am so very much looking forward to see what will these amazing group of women will come up with next month! Please, join us in May, to enjoy the art creations about Water!
In the meantime, I leave you with one of the monks' mantras, which they repeated frequently:
"May all beings be well, happy, and at peace. May all beings be held in loving kindness. Today is my peaceful day."
In One Creative heart,
Rossanna
December Meeting
The Empire art group, gathered on Saturday, November 8th to experience a creative art lab session. The mood proposed for this project was autumm, with its beautiful colors, shades and crispy weather, Thanksgiving, turkey, pumpkins, cozy time, hot cocoa and else.
At the beginning of our meeting, each participant received a prompt word, which was the inspiration for their project. Amazing work was done in about an hour. I love the comradery, the free spirit present, and the sharing of material. Such a special time!. It was an exercise on "loosing it up" and going with the flow!
Here there is the feedback of some of the participants:
1. I noticed, everybody was very focused on what they were doing, and I appreciated the sharing of materials and tools to those who didn't have like me. I love the camaraderie of every one.? Thank you so much for your leadership! Let's continue the positive and progressive atmosphere every gathering we have. Ligaya
2. Enjoyed getting started on the creative art lab. I was so impressed with Mary Cargill's presentation on Broderie Perse (sp?) I adjusted some of the items I thought I'd use on my project and found some fabric in my stash that I could use which I fused onto the top trying out the technique. Will add some embellishments and bind. So, it was a good start and then I went off into a whole new direction which I didn't expect. I usually spend time thinking about a project before I begin and then I just see where it leads. A creative adventure.
Thanks for starting this program, I'm really enjoying being a participant. Sharon
3. I do find it relaxing to do collage quilting, but the time constraint made it not as enjoyable. However, spontaneity was probably a good art and brain exercise. Thanks for providing your leadership. Judith
4. I think the prompt was an invitation to play and to try things and work with tools I do not normally work with. I came upon a children's book that illustrated my idea perfectly. I hope to complete the art project and perhaps make another version. Jacqueline
5. I was a little slow as I felt I was told to leave the table so next person's group could start. You need more than an hour for your group. I did not complete the task. I will continue to work on it. Beth
6. I was very fortunate to pick a prompt completely in 1. line with what I had planned to work on! How
amazing for such a coincidence to happen. Life is a mystery. Valerie
The creative art lab was definitely worth to try! Enjoy some pics of the work in progress. The Art group is currently working on project 5. Stay tune!
In Loving Creativity, Rossanna
The artistry of the participants was off the charts! It was priceless to hear the interpretation, and the creative approach from each participant, such amazing and meaningful art quilts! I am extremely proud of the art group!
The Empire art quilt group has been created with the sole intention of gathering in harmony while creating art, sharing inspiration, exchanging ideas, techniques, and experiences, so we can learn from each other while having fun!
We invite you to stop by, to enjoy the art quilts on display, after our art monthly meetings are finished.
In One Creative heart, Rossanna
The art group gathered for its second project exchange. This time around, the call was to ilustrate Kahlil Gibran's quote: "Beauty is life when life unveils her holy face."
The art quilts presented were amazing! So much talent and inspiration!. It was fantastic to hear the artist's unique creative process, behind each piece.
The Empire art quilt group has been created with the sole intention of gathering in harmony while creating art, sharing inspiration, exchanging ideas, techniques, and all that good stuff, so we can learn from each other while having fun! We are currently working on project three, all about recycling blue jeans.
I am so very proud of this terrific group, and I am very grateful for their contributions and interest. We are welcoming 6 new members who registered at the last meeting.
All Empire members are invited to enjoy the art quilts on display, after our art meetings. Stop by the art gallery!
In One creative heart,
Rossanna
