Who are you inviting??
Hello Friends~
It's been awhile and much has changed since I last blogged. I hope you are all healthy and enjoying time with your family. The O'Rourke-Hollister household has really slowed down and I have to say I have enjoyed it. Times can get hairy with a 15 and 12 year old at each other's throats, out of boredom and angst but overall I think we are doing just fine. The weather helps to change everyone's attitude. Beautiful and sunny versus those grey cold March/April days that seemed to last forever. Both my husband and I are self employed so we were granted the luxury of staying home with the kids during quarantine. I was a stay at home Mama when our peeps were young and it was the hardest job I have ever had. It was a blessing to share that responsibility with my husband the last few months. My heart goes out to all those parents that are doing it solo or trying to work and provide child care. You are all rock stars and I hope you are taking time for yourselves.
I have been putting a lot of energy into my family, gardening and trying to help rewrite the book for my husband and I on how to generate some revenue. My husband, Chad Hollister, is a professional musician and all his gigs were cancelled this summer. We needed to get creative and think outside the box to create some new venues. You can check out his Facebook page by clicking on his name above to see what we came up with. I had galleries close, exhibits cancel and I had to dissolve all my classes. I had to rely solely on my art sales to compensate for lost income. I'm going to let you in on a little secret. Almost all artists have a side hustle, it's very rare that they are making all their income through art sales. I mean it happens, it's not as rare as a unicorn sighting but maybe more like a UFO sighting. Even the most influential instagram artists out there are teaching classes, holding workshops and selling online videos. Heck, they will even teach you how to have a side hustle so you can continue painting and paying for studio space! Most of the artists I know have a part time job at an art store, gallery, school, movie theater or restaurant trying to make ends meet and be able to create. My side hustle was teaching, the art sales were like the whip cream and cherry on top of my sundae! A real bonus but they aren't going to keep my belly full!
I know I can't hold these wonderful Paint Parties at my studio anymore so I have decided to take them on the road! Do you have an OUTDOOR space that 4-10 people can safely gather and socially distance paint? If so I would love to come to your house and teach a painting class. (If you don't have a space or have less than 4 people and you are interested in a class get in touch with me too) It's pretty simple and safe. You provide tables and chairs. I will provide easels, canvases, paints and brushes. Everyone please have a mask.
You can visit my website here and choose from the images displayed and pick a painting for your group. I will then lug ALL of my stuff to your house, set up and guide you step by step to create your own original piece of art! Prices are $35/person for Central Vermont $40/person for Northern Vermont (Burlington) and $30 for Worcester Residents. If you live outside these areas contact me for availability and price.
I look forward to getting back out into the world and teaching. If you or someone you know may be interested in having a party at their house please contact me and share this post. Take care of yourselves and each other. The world needs more ART!
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