Survey Says.....

I asked and you answered Amherst! Thank you so much for your feedback. 24 of you took the time to answer my survey to help create the first Amherst Art Day. The results are in! Let's take a look!

The group with most replies was ages 7-12 with a total of 12! Way to go amigos! Thanks for all the feedback. Ages 13-17, 3 of you took the time to let me know what you want to create for Art Day. I really appreciate that. This age group really took off during the last few classes. I can't wait to create with you all again! Spread the word to your amigos too. And for all my amigos ages 18+, I heard from 9 of you! Thank you so much. With your feedback and the help of an online survey generator, oh and of course, Shemar, I was able to find out what you want to create for the first Amherst Art Day! Check out my fancy visuals. They took longer than I'd like to admit to create haha.

Let's start with ages 7-12

 Fancy hey? I know. Haha. Ok, so Get Messy With Acrylics won by a landslide. In the comments, "Abstract" won for the 'comments' as well as 'second option'. I will get brain storming on abstract ideas. So I'm thinking why not do things the way we always do! Based off the times you selected Late Morning and Early Afternoon had the most replies of all the options. During my time spent in Amherst, this age group was the most popular, filling up two classes! So I'm going to offer this class twice at the Art Day. Once in late more, the second in early afternoon! Yahoo! To help reunite groups, I'm going to offer the morning class to Monday night amigos, and the afternoon class to the Wednesday night amigos. Don't feel you are limited to this time though, you can attend the opposite if you register in time! Right now, class maximum will be 7. Stay tuned for times, details, and how to register.


Time to talk about my teenage amigos!

I really appreciate that you took the time to fill out the survey to help design the first Art Day with me! This age group really became popular during the last few weeks before I moved. I hope we are able to create together again! Based off your replies there was a tie with three classes. So I'm thinking let's really get our imaginations soaring and a Creative Freestyle class where we combine everything! There is going to be markers, pastels, pencils, paint, pipe cleaners, magazines and more! The creative opportunities are endless and there's an inspirational twist! I'm so excited! Everyone wins this way! Late afternoon and early evening tied so I'm going to go with early afternoon! Right now, class maximum will be 5 (that may change though). Stay tuned for times, details, and how to register.

And last but not least, my "Grown up" Amigos!

Well it's quite clear what's happening here. And I think it's safe to say I got the hint, this class will be an Abstract Acrylic Painting class! Early Afternoon won by a landslide so stay tuned for early evening times, details, and how to register. Right now class maximum will be 5.

I'm looking into buying another table and some chairs to extend class size. Not sure if this will apply to this Art Day, or future days. we'll see.

To make this work as smooth as possible, I am scheduling an hour between classes. I ask that you show up between 10-15 minutes before class. We can spend this time  settling in so we can maximize class time. Each class will be an hour long. That gives me 30 minutes after class to catch up with you all, refuel with snacks/lunch break and set up for the next class. If we can work together Art Day will stay on schedule, and everyone will have a phenomenal creative experience! For anyone joining in for the first time, worry not. I design these classes with every level of experience in mind! So far, I think everyone has enjoyed their time spent creating in the Spidey Cave.

I will be creating events just like the ones you've seen in the past for art classes in the Spidey Cave. These events can be found on my Facebook page right here. Good news is, even if you do not have a Facebook account, this page is set to public so you can still access it. These events will include very important information including:

• Class description
• Costs
• Times
• Location
• FAQ's and more

This will be important to read, as there will be a link to confirm you read and accept the guidelines of a successful art class (that's a more fun way to say accepts the terms of agreement.)

As I mentioned in my survey, and as you will find on my website and Facebook page, to register for Art Days, payment must be made in full at time of registration. This is non-refundable due to the special arrangements, transportation, and other costs involved to make these Art Days possible. I appreciate your understanding and respect for this policy. With only two votes for PayPal, registration at this time will be completed via e-transfer. I am currently waiting for the last important confirmation on a date (my work needs to find someone to cover my shift, or I may have to switch to a Sunday). Hang in there amigos, I'll find out A.S.A.P because...YOU are important to me, and I want to give you plenty of notice so you can schedule Art Days into your weekend.

AHH! I am so excited. Thank you so much for taking the time to help me design and create these classes. I had so much fun seeing what you enjoy the most with these classes. Some of the feedback answers made me smile too:

"thank u sadie! :) keep spreading the love! :)"

"you rock"

Someone requested:

please teach an oils class

Ok, so, here's the thing. I've only experimented with oil paints twice. And the experience wasn't the greatest. Kinda like my watercolour experience, though I did a bit better with watercolour, so I may try to explore those more  one day. Maybe. Anyway, due to my inexperience with oils, I am horrible with them. Also, the products I used when I did experiment with oil paint make me a little bit sick and woozy. So, even if I were to go fearlessly into an experimental class with you, I couldn't do it for that alone. Sorry oil curious amigos! (I even turned down free oil paint the other day! Shockin' I know!)

Well that's all for now. Over the next few days I will be confirming the date, times, and what we will be creating! I'm planning for Saturday June 28th, but again, depends on what happens at work. If I cannot get it covered, I will have to move it to Sunday, June 29th. Hopefully Saturday works out!! Expect to see the events posted by the end of the week!! YAHOO!! See you soon Amherst!!

Ps: Special thanks to Shemar for helping with the survey results last night! He's so...helpful! I think it's safe to say he'll be helping me film the ages 13-17 online art class today! His brother, Demetri will probably make an appearance too.

Shopping Local This Holiday Season

No matter how you celebrate the holidays this year, you can share the love and support local businesses by shopping local. Whether it's to purchase presents, catching up with old friends over a meal, or taking some time out to treat yourself (or your furbabies), the opportunities are endless! 

The reasons to shop local are equally endless. Sustainable Connections has a great top 10 list of reasons to think local, buy local, and be local. For myself personally, I can relate to how hard a small business owner works to make their dream a reality. I can appreciate the time invested to build it up strong. The experience of having someone in your community share their excitement for finding your business "right in my own town!". The moment you sit back and realize you did it! You're living your dream. Knowing that by sharing your passion with the world, you are able to support yourself, your loves ones. 

Here is a list of some local places to check out this holiday season. This year you can give endless gifts by shopping local.  If you want to share any local businesses please put them in the comments below! Let's share the love this holiday season!

Food

Art of Eating Deli & Catering 

Bella's Cafe & Bistro 

Just Baked

Duncans 

Breakfast at Tiffany's

Bambinos 

Woo's Kitchen  

The Old Germany Restaurant

Wysmykal Farm

SELF LOVE 

(be sure to share with loved ones!!)

JTW Natural Health Guidance Centre 

Soap Bum

Damaris   

Healing Handz  

Amber Lee's Beautiful Me Spa and Wellness 

Donald Gooding 

Steve's Barber Shop 

Bellissimo Salon

Cumberland Perfect Sleep 

The Zen Touch 

Art & Treasures

Sadie Jane Collection 

(my 50% off sale on paintings ends Dec 23. All proceeds will go towards my cats surgery, mandibulectomy. )

Nox Art 

Gallery 8 

Nature's Canvas 

Deanne Fitzpatrick Studio    

ErinInk Tattoos

Chris Brown Designs

McCully's Market & Things 

Don Miller's Birdhouses 

Music

Amherst Music Center  

Flowers

Buds to Blossoms Floral Boutique 

Bordertown Flowers & Frills

Furry Lovin

Dogs to Diva's 

Posh Pet Grooming Studio

CLOTHING 

Flow      

DAYLES  

Mansours    

Sharron's Closet 

San Lilies Bridal Ladies Wear 

(Just in case this holiday season is extra magical)

Jewelry & Accessories

Cougar Ave

Lyrics & Lace

Vanity Asylum 

Vicky Comeau Designs 

L.A Crafts  

Art Classes 2013

Hey Everyone!! I have a super exciting announcement. Art classes are back!!! I know it's been months of anticipation and I am sorry for the prolonged delay. There has been a tremendous amount of change in my life over the past while that required all of my attention and energy. I missed making art with you all and I hope you are just as excited to have the opportunity to create again. I want to thank all of you for being so patient and understanding. Your support has been a ray of sunshine and will be treasured in my heart for a long time. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!! xo

I also used this time away from teaching and sharing my passion with you to reflect on the classes. What was working, what I could improve on, and how I can provide a better experience for you all.
My goal is ensure I provide you with the most enjoyable and educational experience while keeping the prices at an affordable level. I also need to consider my work and love that goes into these classes both behind the scenes and in class. So with great reflection and consideration I will now share with you the changes of the class structure. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

I will now be posting classes for three months at a time. The first batch will be March, April, and May. Seats fill up quickly so be sure to save your spot by confirming via email to myself either on my Facebook page, or at sadiejane26@hotmail.ca. Unfortunately just clicking the 'going' or 'maybe' option in the event on Facebook is not official confirmation. A private message or email must be sent to confirm your seat. I will then send you directions and a materials list if required.




Classes will be broken into four categories. 1 hour, 1.5 hours, and 2 hours and Specialty classes.  Materials may be extra and if so it will be stated in the class description. In the event that materials are extra you  can choose to pay an additional fee to have materials included.
Class descriptions including fees and seat availability can be found under the 'Events' section on my page as well as on my website.


Private Individual Lessons are $30.00 for the first hour, and an additional $15.00 per additional hour. Materials may be extra and if so it will be stated. In the event that materials are extra you can choose to pay an additional fee to have materials included.

Private Group Lessons are $20.00 per person for the first hour, and an additional $5.00 per additional hour. Materials may be extra and if so it will be stated in the class description. In the event that materials are extra you can choose to pay an additional fee to have materials included. Private group lessons require a minimum of 3 people and a maximum of 5.



All classes including private group lessons have a maximum of  5 seats.

Payment for classes must be made in cash. I will accept e-transfers if the payment transaction is made and accepted prior to the class.


Cancellations 
In the event that you have to cancel your seat please give me at least 24 hours notice. Contact me through private message on my Facebook page or by e-mail at sadiejane26@hotmail.ca.  This allows others who may be interested in coming enough notice so they can liberate their inner artist as well. If you have to cancel the day of classes you still have to pay for your seat. We will discuss payment arrangements privately.
Given that it is still winter the following rules will apply. Classes will resume as long as local businesses are open. If they begin to close, I will also cancel classes for the night and reschedule. I will post updates regarding cancellations on my Facebook page so be sure to follow.

Loyalty Cards
Satisfy your inner artist! Attend 5 classes and get your 6th class free! This card is only valid for public classes and does include private lessons or private groups. Materials are extra unless you are attending the 'Intuitive Expressions' class or 'Pepperoni & Pointillism' class.


   

Imagine There's No Hunger

Today world wide people are taking time to celebrate the 40th anniversary of John Lennon's song "Imagine" by starting a month long campaign to raise awareness and money for children living in hunger and poverty. You can click here to make a donation to the cause. I'm hoping to find a pre-paid visa so I can make a donation, they have limited bracelets which are amazing, but they are limited. Even though I'll be quite sad if I don't get a bracelet I'll still be more than content knowing I donated to the cause....but the bracelets are pretty freaking awesome!!

Locally, there will be a musical event for this charity held around noon the playing of "Imagine" by the church bells followed by performances by local musicians. I am beyond excited for this.  So I made sure to set my alarm early enough so I could go get a pre-paid visa, make my donation and then go see the musical event and hopefully video tape the bells for you all to hear! Let's hope this works!

In the meantime, take a moment to enjoy the song behind the cause ☮ ♥ ㋡