Eau Claire photo shoot

The photo opportunities that I had in Eau Claire were really terrific.  I had a chance to see things that I usually don't have a chance to shoot- like buildings and cityscapes!  I turned my camera's attention to bricks and cement and other fascinating subjects and then I had a good time with my photo-editor!  These are a collection of artsy photos that are partially inspired by my friend Randy Weber.

Bricks

Linear Perspective

Shadows and windows

Seedling 2

"Delilah"

Sacred Heart Church (I think)

Shadows and tree

Interesting clouds over the Oakwood mall parking lot

Sunrise by the Baymont

Stain-glass Light fixture

Facade

Light and shadow v.1

Lights and shadow v.2

Eagle

Behind the scenes

Inside the old State theater

Fluorescent lights in Theater

ART Convention, 2011

I had a great time at the art convention this year.  Knowing where you are going is really helpful and makes for little stress when it comes to driving, finding and parking! The convention was at the Eau Claire Arts Center near the Civic Center in downtown Eau Claire.  The Civic center has a multilevel parking garage, which makes it easy to find a place to put your car!

Eau Claire is a beautiful city and I was fortunate enough to attend college there.  They have a gorgeous, revitalized downtown and have a sculpture collection in that area- located down Barstow.  It is apparently not a permanent collection, but is there for a while.  I did walk the sculpture tour a couple times- the first time being on Thursday afternoon, when I was trapped under awnings and then a bus stop during a rain/sleet/hail scattered shower kind of event. There were blue skies within view while it was downpouring.

"Delilah"

Seedling 2

"Delilah"

Torso-bronze

Vitruvian Man

Mind, body and soul

Circle of Friends

We had some really good sessions to attend, including a session on creativity, lots of art based sessions, mural making and all sorts of other things.

Sculpture idea- Nevelson based

Sculpture idea in process

Mural example

My dear friend and professor, Lynn Jermal, Phd

I really love seeing all of the great art all over the city, too.  That is besides the wonderful sculpture walk!  There are tons of shops and random beautiful vignettes all over.

Ceramic pieces in the Janet Carson Art Gallery

More clay pieces

Painting by a former prof of mine

I love this!

Stained glass light fixture

Set of torsos

I love the random Mona Lisas!

I found and hung out with Paula McD at the conference- Paula is just awesome and we have a great time together at these meetings.  We find wonderful places to eat and this year was no exception.  Harmony Corner is a place that features local food, including homemade soups, great coffee, and wonderful salads with fresh breads. 

Debi and Paula

GREAT place to eat downtown Eau Claire

Luncheon salad with a side of turkey- plus a Mocha lite, no whip

 It was so good that we went there both Thursday and Friday!  I had an awesome corn chowder and a salad on Friday, with really good coffee.  I will revisit Harmony Corner someday soon.

Then of course there was the requisite shopping excursion, which lasted from about 3:30 or so until 9!!  Power shopping is a must when you have that opportunity!

BEHOLD:  The Oakwood mall of fabulosity!

One of the BEST things I did was participate in a hands on vendor workshop where I made two fused glass necklaces.  They are so so beautiful and I have most of the materials to make them.

So, I was blessed with mostly great weather, a very nice place to stay and an awesome convention that renewed my energies and boosted my spirits.....  and what more could a joyful person ask for?

Until next time, find your joy!

ART CONVENTION!!!!

The Mad-Artteacher is on her way, momentarily, to the Art Teacher convention in Eau Claire, WI.  I am so excited to finally attend one of these in a city I actually know my way AROUND in!!!  No stress no worry- and I'm staying in a motel by the MALL later.  It just gets better and better!!  LOL

Update to follow!  :)

Bounty part 2

This little group of photos were taken today (Oct. 23) and it was admittedly a bit dreary out.  At least it wasn't raining when I went for my walk.  I still found some good shots!  It always takes longer to get through my walk than it actually should, but short of leaving the camera at home (gasp), I just cannot walk by these things that I see and leave them unrecorded.  Just impossible!

Later this week I will be heading out to the great town of EauClaire to the Wisconsin Art Education Association convention. It is being held downtown at the Civic Center, or what ever it is called now. I always enjoy networking with my colleagues, getting free, good, art junk, and being professionally revved by the great workshops that are offered.  AND there might be some post convention shopping as well!  I hope to find a place to walk - I imagine the Oakwood mall might fit the bill!! Text or call me if you are in the area--

But I digress, here are my latest pix- hope you enjoy!!

Waiting

Tamarack swamp

Random stuff tacked onto an old tree

Stein farm

Stein farm

Stone and tree

Red berries

Sleeping

Startled

Abstract ripples

Ducks on the water...

Sunrise!

Until next time, find joy- even under mostly cloudy skies!
 Mush!