A Selection Of The Art On 12″ Square Canvases, Signed On The Reverse By Artists From Around The Country

Where will this path take me?

The forest path, Pierian Mountains in northern Greece (by Thalia Nouarou).

I must explore this sumptuous path.

The golden path at VanDusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver, Canada (by Junnn).

“There are many wonderful things that will never be done if you do not do them.” ~Charles D. Gill What wonderful thing are you going to do this week?

I love the vibrant colors!

Maria Sibylla Merian and her daughters were pioneers of natural history illustration and entomology. Among other achievements, at age 52 Maria Sibylla sold most of her belongings and set sail for the Dutch colony of Suriname. That was in 1699.

Mulberries, caterpillars, and moths, Maria Sibylla Merian, in De Europische insecten (European Insects), 1730. The Getty Research Institute

Oh, I do want to dive in that pool!!

Infinity pool at Monaco Suites in Boracay Island, Philippines (by noldskie).

Happy 19 years!!

A Story About Why I Volunteer

Are you familiar with this Bible verse from Proverbs 3:27?  “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.”

Volunteering is a great opportunity to share whatever good each of us has.  When I volunteer, I feel happier.  Honestly, I don’t go into a volunteer position with the thought that it’s going to make me feel happy.  I really go because I want to share my good with others. For the past 6 years, I have volunteered at my three GrandGirls’ elementary school's art program, Picture Person.  The program is very active and supported by staff, wonderful parents and grandparents. We participate each month of the school year in the classroom.  A lesson includes introducing a famous artist’s biography; displaying his/her work with a print followed by a discussion; teaching key words that are relevant to the lesson; assisting the students with an art project that is related to the print; having music played while students are working on their art project; and sometimes a snack.  As you can imagine, there are several hours of preparation for each lesson. I recently received a beautifully decorated notebook from my GrandGirl’s fifth grade teacher.  In the notebook were pages on which each student wrote his/her message of gratitude for all the parents and grandparents who participate in the art program throughout the year. Here are some (there are 36 in the class) of the sentiments written by the students: “Hopefully, next year if they have Picture Person, I hope I get you guys.” “I don’t have a favorite lesson because you make every one fantastic!” “It must be very stressful doing the projects but you do it in a wonderful and positive spirit!” “I know I will remember doing art with you and learning about artists with you.” “All of you are good-hearted, patient, and give magnificently clear directions.  Our class is very lucky to have such wonderful people to help us learn art!!!” What do you think?  I think I’m coming back next school year to volunteer in the Picture Person program!!

I took my oldest GrandAngel to see this on Broadway with Bernadette Peters.  We both fell in love with her!  She was so gracious to her fans after the production.

Visit the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity this Saturday, 9/28/13, to explore the innovative space dedicated to nurturing the creative spirit within each of us through art classes, exhibitions, lectures, and film festivals.

Looking for something fun to do this coming Saturday in southern California? Join the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity as they host their fall fundraiser, Creativity Season. Tickets available here.