What a lot of trips I have to catch up on, the last 2 months have been a whirlwind. Now I’m home for a bit and will try to catch up on a few before I fly to Denver on Friday for my college roommates wedding/art school besties reunion.
Back in April I flew to Omaha to teach 3 workshops over 6 days at Smiling Turtle Artspot owned by artist Dori Settles. Dori is pictured below on the right, next to Missy who had previously worked for Dori at Smiling Turtle.
I found out after I arrived that Dori had decided to close her business as her lease was coming up for renewal and that my week of workshops would be the last ones at Smiling Turtle.
So Dori made sure we had a lot of fun!
The first 2 day workshop was Tea & Ephemera, and it began with Mimosas! Now that’s a good way to loosen up any blocked energy, right?!
The Tea wall!
So many fun pieces!
At the end of our 2nd day the tornado sirens went off as storms passed over head bringing lots of hail and 2 small tornados. Luckily, there wasn’t any damage in Omaha, but it seemed like a martini was in order when it was finally safe to leave and have dinner.
The next workshop I taught was Heavy Metal Play day. I don’t teach this workshop anymore because I don’t have a good source for the tools since Walnut Hollow dropped the metal line, but Dori wanted to do it and I had enough metal on had for a class so we went ahead with it. The day went by in such a blur I never took a single photo.
It was really fun getting to hang out with Debi Kibee again while I was in Omaha.
I first met Debi when I taught in St. Paul 5 years ago at the Minnesota Quilters Show and Conference, when she took my Tsukineko inks workshop and painted this cute little guy that she brought to class.
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It was lovely to meet Julane who had driven all the way from Madison, WI. She really felt like a kindred spirit having had a pretty rough time during the recession too. Her week in Omaha was a gift for her birthday from her husband. What a great guy and I’m so honored she chose to celebrate her birthday by spending the week with me. 🙂
On day four we began the 10+ Techniques with Acrylic Inks workshop and spent 3 days in painting heaven.
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I absolutely adore this painted cockroach! Isn’t it fabulous?
The two talented Rebecca’s from Iowa; Rebecca Kemble and Rebecca Loew are both textile arts teachers, and here’s some of the beautiful work they made
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I had such a wonderful time, thanks so much Dori!
Stay tuned for scenes from my acrylic inks workshop in Madison, WI next.
Keep creating! Judy
ABOUT JUDY
Judy is an artist, explorer, image wrangler, knowledge seeker, instructor, speaker, creative alchemist, and purveyor of inspiration, helping others channel creativity on a daily basis.
4 responses to “6 days of art making with a Smiling Turtle in Omaha”
Was such a fun time! And I am using everything I learned in my classes!! thanx Judy for sharing your talents with us. Keep up the good work, your amazing!!
Thanks Debi! and you are so very welcome 🙂
Loved all of the mixed media work. Regards Ryl.
thanks Ryl, so nice hearing from you!