News and Events
Original Art, Blog, and Workshop News
Hello dear friends,
As 2024 comes to an end, I’m in contemplating and planning mode for the year to come. I’ll be returning to my chosen words from 2023 as my focus for 2025—yes, words, as in plural, rather than the singular word of the year I typically choose:
Connection, Community, and Collaboration
These three words seem absolutely vital for the year to come. I’ll be writing more about what they mean to me and why I chose to focus on them in a later post.
For now, I’d like to introduce you to a new section on the blog, which is my News and Events page.
News and Events
My old newsletter service significantly increased their fees recently and decreased options for free users, prompting me to do something I’d already been contemplating; combine and streamline my mailing lists onto one platform.
The majority of you were already subscribed to my blog, Crystal Marie, Deeper, so you may not notice any difference. If you weren’t already subscribed here, you should have received a welcome email earlier today letting you know of this change in newsletter platforms.
The blog now has two sections: the main blog, where I will continue to write in the same sporadic time as I have been, and now the News and Events page, which is where I will tell you of all the things happening that you might wish to partake of.
If you’d like to receive posts from both in your inbox, do nothing, you’re all set. If you prefer to only receive the blog posts or vice-versa, you can manage this preference in your profile.
Thank you to each and everyone of you for the support and interest in my work in 2024. May you find your own creative path to be one of connection, community, and collaboration in the year to come. I’m so glad you are here.
Read on for more news . . .
With gratitude,
Crystal Marie
Art News:
NEW COMPLIMENTARY FRAMES AND FREE SHIPPING!
Shields of Sanctuary series: Sending out an S.O.S! New complimentary frames for all works in the shields series!
Each Shield is created on handmade paper with deckled edge. Designs are crafted from a variety of papers which have been hand stained, painted, hand kneaded, rusted, salvaged, and distressed.
Presented on crisp white background with a generous border, all Shields now come in a complimentary frame ready for you to gift or hang!
Free shipping on all original art in the shop!
Outside the US? A selection of my art is now available at Saatchi art online with International shipping!
Workshop News
I am excited to be returning to teaching in person in 2025, in live online Zoom experiences and on location art centers and studios across the US!
Here’s what’s happening the first three months of the New Year . . .
January 2025:
Relief Sculpture Designs in Encaustic Assemblage Workshop
From base layers to surface design. In this live online workshop, we’ll create a mixed media, relief style work of art using found objects, textiles, and natural elements on traditional panels or alternative substrates.
Working through the techniques presented, we’ll seek visual connections between the materials and elements in your design, while discussing what it means to “lean in and listen” to the work, allowing it to become personally meaningful and symbolic.
✔️ Selecting objects and planning your design
✔️ Incorporating textiles into your design
✔️ Methods for securely attaching elements to a panel
✔️ Options for creating alternative substrates
✔️ Painting Encaustic Wax on 3D surfaces
✔️ Attaching objects to the surface of your design.
✔️ Finishing details and surface treatments.
✔️ Taking your design “beyond the panel”.
✔️ Finding symbolism and meaning in your work.
Live online meets 3 sessions: January 25th 9:30a-12:30 CST; 1:30p-4:30 CST and February 1, 2025 10a-noon CST
✔️ Personal feedback on your design
✔️ Real time support and questions answered
✔️ Six months to access, view, and/or download the recordings
Just a few days left to take advantage of the December discount, $25 off registration!
February 2025:
I’ll be teaching online through Catalyst Art Lab. Stay tuned for details and registration opening the first week of January!
Shadow and Light: An expansive approach to the traditional craft of Japanese Momigami.
Explore the interplay of shadow and light in this hands-on workshop that combines the traditional Japanese craft of Momigami with contemporary mixed-media techniques.
Participants will:
Learn to create and apply traditional Momigami paste.
Transform paper through kneading techniques to create textured, versatile materials.
Build a strong project foundation using Momigami-covered frames or supports.
Incorporate stitching, collage, mark-making, and light assemblage elements into their designs.
The class invites participants to reflect on their personal shadow and light stories, infusing deeper meaning into their art. Whether your style leans toward whimsical kitsch, contemporary, or something in between, you’ll gain the skills and inspiration to create a work of art that resonates with your inner creative voice.
This workshop meets for three sessions on Zoom:
March 4, 2025 | 1:00–3:30 PM CST
March 11, 2025 | 1:00–3:30 PM CST
March 18, 2025 | 1:00–3:30 PM CST
Registration closes February 4th and is limited to 25 participants.