Family and Friends Night

This week we did something different and really fun. We had a friends and family night. One of the children said "this is better than game night." I have to agree. I think this will definitely be something we add to our schedule.

Darkwell's Asylum Weekend 2

It is amazing how parents, kids, communities, teachers, and coaches can come together and do an awesomely cool fundraiser. This group of teenagers and a couple of preteens have done an outstanding job. The majority shows up on time, and is pretty excited about dressing up in gruesome and gory costumes. These costumes are complete with latex scars, fake blood, and crazy scary clowns. I am really proud to be apart of something this cool. I hope you get a chance to go through the asylum this year.

The Van Gogh Project

The first artist we studied this school year was Vincent Van Gogh. The kids really enjoyed learning about Van Gogh and his artwork. Their favorite part was painting a painting similar to his.

DHS Darkwell's Asylum

Every year I try to throw myself into some artistic endeavor. Last year, I was involved in doing the set for the Miss Walker County Pageant, set pieces for Faye Whittemore's Pumpkin Patch, and a couple other fun projects. This year, I was able to help with putting together Dora High School's 1st haunted house. The Asylum is one of the coolest projects that I have been involved in.

This is one of the largest joint ventures that included an awesome group of hardworking parents, students, and faculty. I am so thankful to be apart of this outstanding group! I did not get to participate as much as I would like to have, but there is always next year;-)

If you get a chance to visit The Asylum visiting hours are from 6-? On Saturday the 20, 6-9 on Sunday the 21, and on Saturday 27, Sunday 28, and open nightly at 6- Halloween night!!!

See you there;-)

Getting Ready to Open the Doors!!

For the last two months, I have been anxious, nervous, teetering on self-doubt, and concerned about whether the studio will make it or not. Well, all of that aside, I can only move forward. I am determined to give it my best shot! Our community needs a place where people can have creative birthday parties, social gatherings, get-togethers, and a nice colorful place to relax and de-stress.
Get ready Jasper, Walker County, and Central Alabama. Here we go!!!

Frog Festival Sumiton, Alabama

Rain or shine people in Central Alabama know how to put on a festival. With the weather gloomy and the bottom falling out at least twice, it did not stop festival goers.

After School Van Gogh Art Class

After School art classes are so much fun for me. It is truly the first time teaching all day, where all of the students want to learn. I have been doing after school art off and on over the last 10 years, consecutively the last 3. Traditionally, I did the fun stuff and let the kids decide. This year I have changed things up a bit. I have found an excellent curriculum which is age and grade compatible from ages 5- adult. Our trial lesson began with Van Gogh. We learned why Van Gogh painted the paintings he did, studied and practiced his techniques, then we began painting our very own starry night. Here is our work in progress...