Too many things besides art going on

It's totally fun to visit with relatives from out of state, especially if you haven't seen them for years. I will admit it though: some fun things that happen in life are serious distractions to making art (It's still work), so friends and relatives that are self-directed and low maintenance are my favorite type of visitors! Such were the aunt and uncle that came to Tucson to visit this past week. Give them a destination and all they had to do was plug it into the GPS in the truck and they were off and running to some national park or two. Great people, and we had a good time.

Aside from visitors, a few taiko gigs, the up-coming 3-week long Tucson Gem Show (Starts on January 31st!), two overnight trips to Phoenix next month including the fantastic two-day Japanese cultural event called Matsuri; I'm working in my studio to get ready for a show in March. Plus I'm also working with another artist on some possible art workshops for kids and collaborative projects in the very near future! So I may start an e-mail newsletter so YOU can keep up with any future workshops, classes, and other fun events I may be doing or partaking in plus blog updates!

Here is an announcement for a Tucson arts project I will be helping with and doing some marketing for- you will see me helping out at this event next Tuesday:

The Nature Zone   Toscana is proud to announce our newest one day workshop with Oro Valley's 2008 Best Artist Angela Rose, as she brings The Nature Zone to the foothills of Pusch Ridge. This is  special opportunity for all ages to build efemeral sculptures in the desert from materials found in nature. This is sure to be a creatively rewarding experience. Come join the FUN! Sincerely, Linda Ahearn Owner/Artist of Toscana Studio
The Nature Zone  Interactive Art In Nature Make art outside with natural materials  Facilitated by artist Angela Rose Who:    Parents and/or kids, ages 2 and up  When:   Tuesday, January 26th,   3-6 PM             Where:   Toscana Studio and Gallery                 Fee:    $30 per person ($25 for siblings)  Kids will remember this exploratory experience of making art in nature with artist Angela Rose. The Sonoran desert is the blank canvas, and rocks and twigs and giant reed are just some of nature's treasures we'll use to make ephemeral sculpture with and in the land. As creative energy ignites, a sense of delight arises, and spontaneity is invited back into the artmaking process. Self-directed ideas and expressions emerge as we put aside the product-driven, over scheduled pace of daily life and reconnect with nature and the artist within.  Finally, our creations will be left for the enjoyment and (perhaps) alterations of others - parents, students and wildlife (whichever comes first!) And, such is the circle of life!            Bring: Open mind and active body                    Wear: Clothes you can get dirty, closed-                   toed shoes, sunhat                                  Take home: Smiles and satisfaction     Reserve a spot today! Call Linda at Toscana Studio to reserve your                                   space in the desert. 520-575-1445.     For more information contact artist Angela Rose: 520-906-8708
Toscana Studio and Gallery 9040 N Oracle Rd, Ste A Oro Valley, Arizona 85704 520-575-1445 www.toscanastudioandgallery.com