Rachel Simpson
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Travels, Art, Teaching...

Stories of my travels across the globe that enrich my experience with teaching and making art. You can find me at my art studio in the FAB Studios 314 E.Holly Street, Bellingham WA, and shop with Rachel's Whimsical Art on the Annual Holiday Festival of the Arts!

Holiday Festival of the Arts

December Art Newsletter

12/8/2022

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“I’m dreaming of a white…. (fill-in the winter holiday of your choice for the end of this line)!” Bing Crosby

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Happy Holidays to each and every one of you, this winter season! I’m definitely feeling festive and warming my heart with new adventures, new classes, making memories, and sharing the love. It’s the time of year that can be so full, and yet so challenging for many folks. I hope that this season brings everyone together, sharing the love, giving helping hands, and support when you need it most.

There’s still time for you to have some creative fun at a few local art events, fun art classes, and art activities that both you, and your kids can enjoy! Art classes are happening at the Gallery Syre, and I’m teaching two different exciting classes (read below for further info and links). One of them is the Steampunk Antique Mixed-Media Painting for ages of teens, up to adults, (Dec. 15th & 16th) and the other class is a children’s art class called Parent & Me – Animals in Mixed-Media for young artists 6-16, plus (Jan. 21st) an adult to make art together.

Wait, there’s more! There’s a Free Kids Art Activities, that I’m teaching called Bedazzeled Bottle-cap Magnets, at the 42nd Annual Holiday Festival of the Arts, 1411 Railroad Avenue, Bellingham, WA, on Dec.10th & 11th, 1-4pm,  with Allied Arts of Whatcom County (find out more here: www.AlliedArts.org ).



Art Classes for December & January

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Steampunk & Antique Mixed-Media Painting Class @Gallery Syre!
December 15th-16th , 4:00-6:00pm
Age: 16+ to Adults            Price: $85.00
Location: Gallery Syre, 465 West Stuart Dr. Bellingham, WA 98226
In this exciting art class, students will get to learn from art teacher Miss Rachel, a wide variety of art techniques, materials, tricks, and textures onto canvas. You'll get to make an acrylic painting of your own, that's layered with acrylic paints, mediums, metallic paints, found objects, and have the option of bringing your own old photograph to incorporate into your artwork (the photo will be set into the painting with adhesives & you can bring your own photo). All art supplies are included. Registration: http://www.rachelswhimsicalart.com/art-classes.html
Children’s Parent & Me Art Class with Miss Rachel Simpson @Gallery Syre

January 21st, 12:00pm-3:00pm,
Location: Gallery Syre, 465 West Stuart Dr. Bellingham, WA 98226
Ages: 8-16 +Adult. Registration Per Pair: $50 – includes Art Supplies
Art class for your child artist and a parent/adult family member, can enjoy this exciting art class together at Gallery Syre! In this fun art class, Miss Rachel Simpson will guide you to explore various painting and collage art techniques, to create one mixed-media Animal portrait onto canvas board. Animals can be one of the following: cat, dog, owl, or a hawk. We will learn and express ourselves in many fun ways to make abstract painting onto thick papers, then we’ll mix and match them to make a collage, try different art mediums, and learn how to draw the animal faces, with a close-up view, showing off their big, adorable eyes. Registration: http://www.rachelswhimsicalart.com/art-classes.html

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42nd Annual Holiday Festival of the Arts

If you haven’t made it to the Annual Holiday Festival of the Arts, in Bellingham, then you’ve got to go this year! You can find Rachel’s Whimsical Art artist booth at this fabulous event for your holiday shopping. I’ve been making many beautiful new pieces of original art, and a plethora of ways to share: Original Art, Mini-Paintings, Artist Metallic Paints, Art Prints, Art Cards, Magnets, Crystal Hair-Combs, Kids Wands, Magical Crowns, Stickers, and Surprise Art Kit Bags! There’s over 100+ artist booths with handmade, crafted, and local art for you to shop for those special gifts.

On the weekends we have live music and FREE Kids Art Activities for everyone to enjoy. The exciting Bedazzled Bottle-Cap Magnets class is on December 10th-11th, 1:00-4:00pm, and you can find me teaching this fun art project! Learn more about this great community holiday event here: https://www.alliedarts.org/holiday-festival/

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Allied Arts Gallery

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In the month of December, the Allied Arts Gallery is hosting Artists from the Holiday Festival of the Arts show, featuring some of the 100+ artists/crafters who have booths at the annual event. I was selected to showcase a few of my larger original pieces of art, that you can go see in person at the gallery, located 1418 Cornwall Avenue, Bellingham, WA.
 
Rachel Simpson’s artwork focus is on nature, space, marine-life, and winged animals in both mixed-media on canvas and in Pointalism paintings. Currently, the artwork focus has been on winged animals from birds to insects, in mixed-media, handmade metallic paints, and some that glow under the UV-light, and are brightly colored under natural lighting.


After School Arts

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The next season of after school arts is around the corner, and you can find me teaching as both a Teaching Artist with Allied Arts of Whatcom County, and DBA – Rachel’s Whimsical Arts, in after school arts enrichment at a few local elementary schools: Carl Cozier, Silver Beach, and now at Sunnyland. If your child attends one of these schools, you can find out more by going to 6Crickets, selecting your school, and going through the list of classes.

Register on 6Crickets: https://www.6crickets.com/



Patreon for Rachel’s Whimsical Art!

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You know how there are professional Artists making all kinds of awesome things by using an online platform to help spread the word, get support (yes, even funds toward their art), and gain fan followers? Well, there’s this site called Patreon, that does all of that, and more! I’m giving it a try, in hopes that it can help me grow as an artist.
 
If you like my art, want to watch/read about my process, gain discounts, among other fun things, please check it out and subscribe: https://www.patreon.com/RachelsWhimsicalArt



Art Education and More!

As you may already know, I’m a teaching artist and art educator K-12, at various elementary schools & middle schools who teaches for art education programs, and after school enrichment programs in Whatcom County, in the Bellingham School District as an independent contractor, as well as fun summer art camps, private art lessons, parties/events, private lessons, present and at museums/galleries, and I’m also the VP  Board Member with Allied Arts of Whatcom County. This non-profit is one that brings the arts to many kids throughout the schools, and I’m so thankful I can be a part of it and this community.

Are you buying local? There are ways for you to do this by contacting me via email: Rachelsimpsonart@gmail.com , via social media#RachelsWhimsicalArt (FB & IG) and to shop, buy $20 Gift Cards, or work with the artist to make special Commission artwork, and you can make an appointment to visit the studio, to see original pieces of art, matted prints, cards, stickers, kids wands, & jewelry such as glowing earrings.

Newsletter Reminder! This is a bi-monthly art newsletter. There are 6 art newsletters a year in the months of: February, April, June, August, October, and December. You’re welcome to follow in my journey through my professional art, support my art through Patreon, or be a part of the kids art projects/classes, writing the monthly newsletter, social media, and blog. Everyone is welcome to follow on social media with Instagram, Facebook: #RachelsWhimsicalArt, to learn about future art events & art classes. Thank you.
You can find more about all the fun art events, my artwork, commissions, art exhibits, and art classes on my website and Instagram/Facebook pages: Rachel’s Whimsical Art.

Thank you for all your enthusiasm for The Arts and keeping it alive within our community!
Be Kind, Let’s Shine!
~ Rachel Simpson
~ Artist, Art Teacher, (K-12)
~ http://rachelsimpsonart.com
~ rachelsimpsonart@gmail.com

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October Newsletter

10/17/2022

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“Be Kind. Let’s Shine!” Rachel Simpson

This autumn is so full of colorful events, places, and a vast community of creative, and caring folks! I’m very grateful for all the opportunities that have been offered this season. It’s been keeping me busy in all the right places, and reasons for being an artist, and art educator. There are a few fun art events, art classes, and art activities (some for kids and some for all ages), that I wanted to be sure to invite everyone.

I’m happy to share some exciting news. There are 2 new Art Classes in the next two months, that I’ll be teaching at the Gallery Syre, in Bellingham, WA (read below for further info and links). One of them is for Children’s Art called Parent & Me – Animals in Mixed-Media for young artists 8-16, plus an adult to make art together, and the other is Steampunk Antique Mixed-Media Painting for ages of teens, up to adults. Additionally, I will be teaching some Free Kids Art Activities, at the upcoming Holiday Festival of the Arts, in Bellingham, WA, on Dec.10th & 11th, 1-4pm,  with Allied Arts of Whatcom County (find out more here: www.AlliedArts.org ).

Hold your breath… There’s another chance for you to join me in my latest solo Art Exhibit that I’ll have 7 new original pieces of art, (prints of them), with a fun collaborative art project inside the gallery, in 2 weeks at my shared studio gallery, for everyone to enjoy. Wait, there’s more!

Whimsical Art Exhibit – Part II!

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Everyone is welcome! Go to The FAB Studios (https://www.facebook.com/TheFABStudiosBellingham),  on Friday, November 4th, 6-9pm, to see the latest artwork and a collaborative art project that you can participate in. Address: 314 E. Holly St. #201, Bellingham, WA.
 
Rachel Simpson’s artwork focus is on nature, space, marine-life, and winged animals in both mixed-media on canvas and in Pointalism paintings. Currently, she's worked on winged animals from birds to insects, that shine under the daylight, then sparkle under UV-lighting. Enjoy the wild and wonder of her whimsical art. We'll have an open public Art Collaborative Art Project for all to participate in making at the FAB Studios and in the upstairs Art Gallery. Exciting Public Art activity will be a part of our show (hint: it includes feathers and a large Phoenix painting), that everyone can help make with drawing, painting, & share your flame feathers to be in a Collaborative Art Project!
 
Whimsical Art Exhibit– Friday, November 4th : https://fb.me/e/2CWsFtLOa

Art Classes for November & December

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Children’s Parent & Me Art Class with Miss Rachel Simpson @Gallery Syre

November 4th, 10:00am-12:30pm, (During a No School Day in the Bellingham School District)
Location: Gallery Syre, 465 West Stuart Dr. Bellingham, WA 98226
Ages: 8-16 +Adult. Registration Per Pair: $50 – includes Art Supplies
Art class for your child artist and a parent/adult family member, can enjoy this exciting art class together at Gallery Syre! In this fun art class, Miss Rachel Simpson will guide you to explore various painting and collage art techniques, to create one mixed-media Animal portrait onto canvas board. Animals can be one of the following: cat, dog, owl, or a hawk. We will learn and express ourselves in many fun ways to make abstract painting onto thick papers, then we’ll mix and match them to make a collage, try different art mediums, and learn how to draw the animal faces, with a close-up view, showing off their big, adorable eyes. Registration: http://www.rachelswhimsicalart.com/art-classes.html


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Steampunk & Antique Mixed-Media Painting Class @Gallery Syre!
December 15th-16th , 4:00-6:00pm

Age: 16+ to Adults            Price: $85.00
Location: Gallery Syre, 465 West Stuart Dr. Bellingham, WA 98226
In this exciting art class, students will get to learn from art teacher Miss Rachel, a wide variety of art techniques, materials, tricks, and textures onto canvas. You'll get to make an acrylic painting of your own, that's layered with acrylic paints, mediums, metallic paints, found objects, and have the option of bringing your own old photograph to incorporate into your artwork (the photo will be set into the painting with adhesives & you can bring your own photo). All art supplies are included. Registration: http://www.rachelswhimsicalart.com/art-classes.html



Holiday Festival of the Arts – Nov 18th-Dec.24th

If you haven’t made it to the Annual Holiday Festival of the Arts, in Bellingham, then you’ve got to go this year! I’ll be sharing my Whimsical Art in a large artist booth at this wonderful event. I’ve been working hard to make new beautiful pieces of art, Mini-Paintings, more Kids Wands, Magical Crowns, Artist Metallic Paints, Art Prints, Art Cards, Stickers & Surprise Art Kit Bags! We’ll have over 100+ artist booths with handmade, crafted, and local art for you to shop for those special gifts. Along with live music and kids art activities on the weekends for all to enjoy. On December 10th-11th, 1:00-4:00pm, I’ll be teaching a fun art project called Bedazzled Bottlecap Magnets! Learn about this great community holiday event here: https://www.alliedarts.org/holiday-festival/

Auction for the WDRC, Peace Builder Awards - Cosmos Art Bench!

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Looking back, I’m still so thankful that I was invited to participate in a wonderful community project. Back in June, I painted a Cosmos Bench for a fantastic non-profit, the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center, as a part of their 30th Anniversary celebration, and “What Does Peace Mean to You?” project. Now, they’re about to host an Auction for all 10 artist benches in a gala of Peace Builder Awards on October 21st at the Hotel Leo, in Bellingham, WA.
Check out this great video of interviews with the Artists the Whatcom DRC: https://www.whatcomdrc.org/30th-anniversary


After School Arts Enrichment is back!

That’s right, this fall is when I begin teaching as both a Teaching Artist with Allied Arts of Whatcom County, and via my business – Rachel’s Whimsical Arts, in after school arts enrichment at a few local elementary schools: Carl Cozier, Silver Beach, and Lowell. If your child is at one of these schools, you can find out more by going to 6Crickets, selecting your school, and going through the list of classes.

Purchase & Register on 6Crickets: https://www.6crickets.com/

Patreon for Rachel's Whimsical Arts

You know how there are professional Artists making all kinds of awesome things by using an online platform to help spread the word, get support (yes, even funds toward their art), and gain fan followers? Well, there’s this site called Patreon, that does all of that, and more! I’m giving it a try, in hopes that it can help me grow as an artist.

If you like my art, want to watch/read about my process, gain discounts, among other fun things, please check it out and subscribe: https://www.patreon.com/RachelsWhimsicalArt

Art Education & More!

Just a reminder that I’m an art educator K-12, at various elementary schools & middle schools who teaches for art education programs, and after school enrichment programs in Whatcom County, in the Bellingham School District as an independent contractor, as well as fun summer art camps, private art lessons, parties/events, private lessons, present and at museums/galleries, and I’m a Teaching Artist/Board Member with Allied Arts of Whatcom County. This non-profit is one that brings the arts to many kids throughout the schools, and I’m so thankful I can be a part of it and this community.

Are you buying local? There are ways for you to do this by contacting me via email: Rachelsimpsonart@gmail.com , via social media#RachelsWhimsicalArt (FB & IG) and online Rachel’s Whimsical Art on Etsy, to shop, or commission artwork, and brouse many pieces of original art, matted prints, cards, stickers, kids wands, & jewelry such as glowing earrings.

Newsletter Reminder! This is a bi-monthly art newsletter. There are 6 art newsletters a year in the months of: February, April, June, August, October, and December. You’re welcome to follow in my journey through my professional art, support my art through Patreon, or be a part of the kids art projects/classes, writing the monthly newsletter, social media, and blog. Everyone is welcome to follow on social media with Instagram, Facebook: #RachelsWhimsicalArt, to learn about future art events & art classes. Thank you.
You can find more about all the fun art events, my artwork, commissions, art exhibits, and art classes on my website and Instagram/Facebook pages: Rachel’s Whimsical Art.
Thank you for all your enthusiasm for The Arts and keeping it alive within our community!

Be Kind, Let’s Shine!
~ Rachel Simpson
~ Artist, Art Teacher, (K-12)
~ http://rachelsimpsonart.com
~ rachelsimpsonart@gmail.com

0 Comments

Exciting News for Rachel's Whimsical Art!

8/31/2022

0 Comments

 
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“Be Kind. Let’s Shine!” Rachel Simpson

These are times that are changing and new things are happening! It’s taken me all summer to plan for a new chapter in my life. This chapter 675 (or other random number), shows readers that I’m getting back to my roots of art. It’s about reconnecting with my creative side, being more present in the community, living life to it’s fullest, showing my art to the public, and teaching kids art, like I had started 8 years ago. How can I do all of this? Well, let me tell you about it. I’ve re-opened my independent business of teaching as a guest art teacher at local elementary schools, museums, and local businesses in Whatcom County and surrounding areas. There’s a new Patreon account for fans and to help support my art. I’ve created 2 different public works of art that are shared among the community in Bellingham. There’s a new solo Art Exhibit with 6 new  pieces of original art, with a fun collaborative art project, this Friday at my studio for everyone to enjoy. Read on, and you can learn about all of these exciting things happening.

Whimsical Art Exhibit!

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All are welcome! Go to The FAB Studios (https://www.facebook.com/TheFABStudiosBellingham),
 this Friday, September 2nd, 6-9pm, to see the latest artwork and a collaborative art project that you can participate in. Address: 314 E. Holly St. #201, Bellingham, WA.
 
Rachel Simpson’s artwork focus is on nature, space, marine-life, and winged animals in both mixed-media on canvas and in Pointalism paintings. Currently, she's worked on winged animals from birds to insects, that shine under the daylight, then sparkle under UV-lighting. Enjoy the wild and wonder of her whimsical art. We'll have an open public Art Collaborative Art Project for all to participate in making at the FAB Studios and in the upstairs Art Gallery. Exciting Public Art activity will be a part of our show (hint: it includes feathers and a large Phoenix painting), that everyone can help make with drawing, painting, & share your flame feathers to be in a Collaborative Art Project!
 
Whimsical Art Exhibit– Friday, September 2nd :
https://fb.me/e/5Ou595tlN


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After School Arts are Back!

That’s right, this fall is when I begin teaching as both a Teaching Artist with Allied Arts of Whatcom County, and via my business – Rachel’s Whimsical Arts, in after school arts enrichment at a few local elementary schools: Carl Cozier, Silver Beach, and Lowell. If your child is at one of these schools, you can find out more by going to 6Crickets, selecting your school, and going through the list of classes.

Purchase & Register on 6Crickets: https://www.6crickets.com/

Cosmos Art Bench for Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center!

At the beginning of summer, I was invited to participate in a wonderful community project. In June, I painted a Cosmos Bench for a fantastic non-profit, the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center, as a part of their 30th Anniversary celebration, and “What Does Peace Mean to You?” project. You can find out where it’s located, along with 10 artists who each painted a bench for the Whatcom DRC’s benchmark anniversary. You can go see the art bench, and it’s sitting on display at the Sage Against the Machine and Veritas Media in Bellingham.
Check out the Whatcom DRC: https://www.whatcomdrc.org/30th-anniversary

Gallery Alley!
The Bellingham Downtown Partnership has a new art community project, called the Gallery Alley, that has painted art doors hanging on display, and I’m one of the artists chosen for this project. I painted a Sea Otter on one side of the door, and a Rainbow Oil painting on the other side. You can go see them in the alley that’s between The Wild Buffalo and Mindport Exhibits on West Holly Street, Bellingham, WA.
 
Look at the art gallery alley: https://www.downtownbellingham.com/gallery-alley-form

Patreon for Rachel’s Whimsical Art!
You know how there are professional Artists making all kinds of awesome things by using an online platform to help spread the word, get support (yes, even funds toward their art), and gain fan followers? Well, there’s this site called Patreon, that does all of that, and more! I’m giving it a try, in hopes that it can help me grow as an artist.
 
If you like my art, want to watch/read about my process, gain discounts, among other fun things, please check it out and subscribe: https://www.patreon.com/RachelsWhimsicalArt
 
Art Education & More!
In case you didn’t know, I’ve taught art education K-12 at various elementary schools & middle schools for art education programs, and after school enrichment programs in Whatcom County, in the Bellingham School District as an independent contractor, as well as fun summer art camps, private art lessons, parties/events, private lessons, present and at museums/galleries, and I’m a Teaching Artist/Board Member with Allied Arts of Whatcom County. This non-profit is one that brings the arts to many kids throughout the schools, and I’m so thankful I can be a part of it and this community.
Are you buying local? There are ways for you to do this by contacting me via email: Rachelsimpsonart@gmail.com , via social media#RachelsWhimsicalArt (FB & IG) and online Rachel’s Whimsical Art on Etsy, to shop, or commission artwork, and brouse many pieces of original art, matted prints, cards, stickers, kids wands, & jewelry such as glowing earrings.
Newsletter Reminder! This is a bi-monthly art newsletter. There are 6 art newsletters a year in the months of: February, April, June, August, October, and December. You’re welcome to follow in my journey through my professional art, support my art through Patreon, or be a part of the kids art projects/classes, writing the monthly newsletter, social media, and blog. Everyone is welcome to follow on social media with Instagram, Facebook: #RachelsWhimsicalArt, to learn about future art events & art classes. Thank you.
You can find more about all the fun art events, my artwork, commissions, art exhibits, and art classes on my website and Instagram/Facebook pages: Rachel’s Whimsical Art
.

Thank you for all your enthusiasm for The Arts and keeping it alive within our community!
Be Kind, Let’s Shine!
~ Rachel Simpson
~ Artist, Art Teacher, (K-12)
~ http://rachelsimpsonart.weebly.com/
~ rachelsimpsonart@gmail.com

0 Comments

Reflections of 2020

12/30/2020

0 Comments

 

January-February 2020

Since the Pandemic (and reflections on the past year of 2020), I’ve been reflecting & keeping busy with quite a few things…

January & February: Learned that I could take on all of my art classes that I loved to do with the part-time teaching of middle school art at the Franklin Academy, and continued my small business - Rachel's Whimsical Art, that included the after school arts enrichment at local elementary schools. I was teaching ceramics, mixed-media art, hand-sewing stuffies, and starting another school mural. My brother was visiting in Bham (Bellingham), for part of that time, so I was enjoying time with him & the family.  The art studio was slow for me, in the winter, but I still took part in the Bham Downtown Art Walks at my shared space in the Bay street building.

March-April 2020

March: Schools closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  I was among the thousands of teachers who had to shift gears and do a 360, to figure out how to teach from home, do everything online, order more art supplies online to create art kits, and help students get their supplies to be able to do this with us. I learned 3 new platforms in a matter of days, and all this so I could do online learning with my students. The art studio (that I shared), became a place of solitude, to find a place to recharge, as well as record my art lessons from. I immediately went from seeing 250+ people a week, to seeing no one, aside from my partner.

April: The online art classes continued, along with my recording of art lessons 2x a week. Zoom became a big deal for all schools, students, parents, and so many other jobs that had to become virtual during quarantine. I missed seeing the after school art enrichment students, so did a small online class via Zoom with one school of K-2 grades. I did a lot of gardening & I started my porch garden 2 months early. I also did plenty of cooking and baking at home. I was thankful that my schedule to be in the shared art studio 3 days a week, became something I could count on for a new work mode. I kept recording videos and sharing on YouTube, which was also shared within the community via Allied Arts. This was the 2nd month of solitude & not seeing my family or loved ones. All social activities/events were still at a halt, and that included the art walk. Like many of us out there, I received a stimulus check, but after paying bills, there wasn’t much left by the end of the next month.


May-June 2020

May: This was the month I’m usually very busy getting all the kids art ready, & up on display for the Annual Children’s Art Walk. Instead, I sent hundreds of photos of their art via email, to participate in a virtual art show with the Allied Arts of Whatcom County’s Children Art Walk.  I have to say, that I got really good at photo editing. This is the time when I started to create Art Kits with wooden figures, canvas, & acrylic paints for families & kids to purchase and have a pick-up or delivery service. I put quite a bit of time in planning, sharing online for orders, collecting all the materials, and putting together the art kits. I also started to make some new abstract geode art in mixed-media, and to learn how to use fluid acrylics, to just play with art as therapy. Oh, and this was the month of my birthday (like many others during this year, we didn’t do much), which was a lot less fun than I’d planned to celebrate among friends.

June: The end of the school year was upon us, and I had a mixed-bag-o-emotions about it, & for multiple reasons.  I knew I wouldn’t see any students again for the end of school year, and I missed them greatly. I missed my art classroom & my dream job that had just begun this year. Of which, it had altered and become something out of a Twilight Zone. The grading for middle school students was very different, (this was my 1st year grading any students for art), and I was surprised to find that I would be able to see the 8th grade students in a distanced mini-version of an outdoor graduation. It was a bittersweet end to such a bazaar school year. Toward the end of the month, I did get the news that I was offered a full-time teaching position at the same school that would begin in the following fall. This gave me hope that the next one would be better.  As many of us had encountered by the end of spring, that ALL of the big social events, such as any big travel plans, music concerts, art shows, festivals, dances, etc were all cancelled due to COVID-19. The summer didn’t look as bright as it usually does for so many reasons.

July-August 2020

July: While I was sad that I couldn’t go to my annual travel plans with my partner, (such as camping), and the festival to Oregon, I did put together a mini-version for a summer art camp. It was a small group of 6 students in K-2, but we had fun making art together on Zoom. At this point, I was enjoying a walk outside with a friend or my parents dog 2x a week. The porch garden at home was pretty epic at this point. Both my partner and I loved sitting outside any day or night, to enjoy the smell, the breeze, and the beginning of summer. I learned how to mix different virgin drinks and experimented with cooking meat in a giant crock pot. At the 2nd half of the month I had to get some big oral surgery done, so I was prepping soft foods for the recovery. It was not something I’d never wanted to do, but was inevitable. Honestly, was a life-long fear that I had to face. My teeth are genetically screwed-up, & I always knew I’d have to get replacements with dentures of some kind, (all thanks to my fathers side of the family), I did a lot of crying, grieving, and healing this month.

August: The first week of the month, I finished my recovery from post-op, and decided to end the summer in a different sort of way… I went on a solo road trip to Oregon to visit family, and go to the Oregon Coast as a week-long-vacation. It was the best thing I have done for myself, with the help from my partner to go on the trip, and after such a long stressful school year topped with the surgery. I came back home well rested and energized for the return to school (which happened the last week of the month).

September-October 2020

September: This was the start of the school year, and a whole different kind of stress to be taken on. The private school that I work at is small enough (and very dedicated to being on-top of things in the best and safest ways possible), that we went back in session for in person teaching, when the public schools have chosen to continue to teach remotely. We had training on how to handle safety and health protocols for being in classes with students, as well as a new online learning platform. They purchased a lot of equipment to assist in keeping the school a safe place for everyone. I ordered supplies & put together 200+ art kits for students in the entire school, now that I was a full-time art teacher, I’d be teaching all of the K-8th grades. I also had to put together a new shelving system for all the students’ art kits to be stored in the two different art classrooms.  This was the start of the new way of teaching, monitoring, reminding, social distancing, cleaning, and helping students do their art projects. We all had new protocols to adhere to, (social distance, regular hand washing, & mask wearing is a big part), and for the students, this is the hardest part to handle. Our mini-porch garden started to die-down, and a few plants were brought indoors. The summer and time spent in the art studio became a distant memory… but, I had plans to move into a much better art studio space just for myself!

October: At this point, there was a pattern of schedules that started to play out with my art classes and students. While I enjoyed being back into my love of art and teaching, I missed contact with others. Each of my days was filled with kids of all ages, making art with them, and sadly very little contact with any other adults, friends, or family (aside from my partner). I talked with a couple of other teachers briefly, and found that I wasn’t the only one feeling isolated in the classroom. This is a seriously hard task for all teachers to be in school during a pandemic! At the start of the month, I had 2 big challenges: 1.) Plans to move out of my old shared studio space, and into a new art studio for just myself, 2.) My old 2003 Kia Spectra car died. So, I had to have the added stress of figuring out what to do with the dead car, begin a search for a new car, and move! I rented a car and a truck for the first week to move things, and I was blessed to have 4 friends help me move studios just about 3 hours of a day. So thankful that this all came out alright.

November & December 2020

November: I’m so thankful that this month has passed. It was a doozy! This was the month that I had to get all my ducks in a row for grading, report cards, and parent conferences. I also found a new car! I did have to get it (a Chrysler PT Cruiser Limited), into the shop for some much needed maintenance, but it was totally worth it. On top of this, I had to enter all of the art for sale manually in a database for the virtual version of the Annual Holiday Festival of the Arts, which included taking new photos of the art, wrapping them for delivery, and editing/uploading photos. Let’s just say that I was working 60 hours a week for 7/8 of the month.  Oh, and then there was the presidential elections… wow! Thanksgiving weekend was good to be home for just the two of us… but I was exhausted both mentally and physically.

December: Thank goodness this was a short month of work! Both my mental/emotional health had been on the ‘E’ of my odometer for fuel or energy.  At school, there was a heart-felt teacher appreciation day, a good day of books donated to the art classroom, and a week of fun holiday spirit week, before we all left for winter break. I even incorporated some fun winter themed art projects, to help boost the cheer. There’s good news in a vaccine is now available for the virus, & has begun distribution. The Holiday Festival went pretty well, all things considered. We estimated (really, what we hoped for), that the sales would be about 20% of what we’ve done before, and it was about 17% of the overall art sales. I did a ton of baking during the first week on vacation, and decided it would be a holiday treats kind of gifts, for friends and family. I had fun baking cookies of all kinds, and on Xmas eve, did our traditional Beef Wellington dinner, just for the 2 of us. The Christmas day itself was a hard one. I was the only family (one of 3 siblings), who made it over to the parents house for a visit, and I didn’t stay for dinner, having to explain to my mom and step-father for the umpteenth time, why I can’t eat in the same home with them during this pandemic. Their space isn’t well ventilated (without an air filtration system), and they both have health compromises, so they are vulnerable to the virus. I visited at a distance and with my mask on. Days later, my youngest brother and his new wife, new baby & family arrived for a day visit at the folks place. I was invited, so just stopped by for a quick visit for gifts and then left before they had dinner. Each time I visit, my heart breaks a little. I know they want to see their kids and the holidays are special, but I can’t share germs with them. I’ve spent 2 days delivering gifts to friends in town, as a way to spread the love from afar… so it’s some kind of treat for us all. During the last week of the month, I’m enjoying the last of my days off at my new art studio, at home making & cooking things, resting, reading, watering the plants, watching movies, & playing games with my partner. School will be back in session on January 4th, and I’m going to get myself ready the day before, with prepping some fun Paper Mach'e sculpture projects for the kids to start our sculptures.

Reflections

Let’s hope that 2021 will begin to have a much better year for all of us in our homes, communities, schools, cities, states, and countries.  I’m so very much looking forward to a time when we all have a vaccine, where we can heal, and hopefully, can have healthier long lives. One where we can be able to visit our loved ones without worry, have a safe environment for students in every school and classrooms. I hope we can all travel once again… to visit family, go to festivals, go camping, concerts, theaters, visit museums and art shows. To be able to learn from others while we have good conversations in-person, get inspiration, develop curiosity and explore life once again!

Note: I do have plans to have a Summer Art Camp - be that whatever the safest way possible to host a kids art class in July, so stay tuned. Thank you!

#BeKindLetsShine #RachelsWhimsicalArt

~Laughter & Light!
~Miss Rachel Simpson

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Art Newsletter - December 2020

11/29/2020

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“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.” —Scott Adams

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Changes are everywhere. As we look around outside, we can see the leaves colors shifting, the weather getting colder with frost, and foggy mornings greeting us. Even though life for all of us has been challenging these past 8 months, since we’ve had to learn new ways to be safe and healthy during the pandemic, we can still see the beauty in nature, find inspiration and hopefully, a creative outlet.
 
I’ve been working quite a lot with teaching art full-time, as well as a few other productive & positive changes. At the beginning of November, I bought a new-to-me shiny blue car, which I love. I had to replace my older one, since it had its last putter of the engine this fall.


I’ve moved art studio locations to be in The Fine Arts Building located downtown at 314 East Holly Street, Bellingham, WA. Its right next to the YMCA, near the Food Co-Op, and it’s a building full of artists, art studios, local businesses, and more! On November 6th, we did a virtual art walk night with a Live Video to interview all of the artists in The Fine Arts Building. We had a lot of great feedback and followers on social media as a part of it, and plan on doing another one.
 
Have some winter holiday cheer! In this newsletter, you’ll see some exciting art events happening now through the end of December – the Annual Holiday Festival of the Arts goes VIRTUAL, https://market.alliedarts.org/  with Allied Arts of Whatcom County, and art shows! Read more below, and remember that you can see more art & events by following in social media both Facebook/Instagram: #Rachelswhimsicalarts

The 41st Annual Holiday Festival of the Arts Show is Virtual!

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You can now shop online this holiday season with local artists and crafts via the 41st Annual Holiday Festival of the Arts with Allied Arts of Whatcom County: https://market.alliedarts.org/
 
Take a look at my own holiday virtual shop with Allied Arts - Rachel’s Whimsical Art here: https://market.alliedarts.org/shop/rachelswhimsicalart/
, and you’ll find some of my Marine-life Art prints (the original art glows under uv-light), along with many things for sale like prints, stickers, jewelry, crystal crowns, hair art, kids wands, and more!

Art Show on Dec.4th!

All are welcome to visit the Allied Arts Gallery this December 4th for the Downtown Art Walk, located at Cornwall Street, Bellingham, WA, between 5:00pm – 8:00pm. (They will be practicing safety protocols and guidelines during Covid-19 and under the WA state health & safety standards.) This will be a part of their Holiday Lite Art show featuring many artists in the Holiday Festival of the Arts: https://www.alliedarts.org/gallery/
 
Allied Arts of Whatcom County is a non-profit organization that supports local artists, crafts, businesses, art education, schools, the community, and more! Mission statement: Cultivating our creative region by empowering local artists, fostering arts education, and engaging enthusiasts of the arts. You can find out more about them on Alliedarts.org

Art Education & More!

I'm in the works of planning for some Summer Art Camps for two age groups that will be for July of 2020. Stay tuned... In addition, I teach art education K-8th at The Franklin Academy private school in Bellingham, WA, have experience teaching K-12 in Whatcom County, an independent contractor for teaching art, as well as do fun summer art camps, private art lessons, parties/events, private lessons, present and teach at museums/galleries, and a Teaching Artist/Board Member with Allied Arts of Whatcom County. This non-profit is one that brings Teaching Artists to work with many kids throughout the schools, and I’m so thankful I can be a part of it and this community.
 
Additionally, you can find out more about all the fun art events, my art work, art exhibits, and art classes on my website and Instagram/Facebook pages: Rachel’s Whimsical Art.

 
Thank you for all your enthusiasm for The Arts and keeping it alive within our community!
~ Rachel Simpson
~ Artist, Art Teacher, (K-12)
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Allied Arts Holiday Festival of the Arts is now Virtual!!!

11/23/2020

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Let's Do Local Holiday Shopping!

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You can now support over 100+ local artists and craftsmen by shopping for your holiday gifts on Allied Arts of Whatcom County's new virtual shop for the Annual Holiday Festival of the Arts!

You can find some of my art in matted prints, stickers, some kids wands, crystal fairy crowns, and my latest crystal hair combs for some unique and shiny gifts for loved ones this winter season. There are also many other artists with original art in 2/D format, ceramics, paintings, mixed-media, soaps, lotions, jewelry, and more!

I hope you enjoy yourselves and stay safe through out all the holidays. Cheers!

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One Word Art Journal Prompts (365 Words & Ideas)

9/28/2020

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One Word Art Journal Prompts.
1. Happiness: What makes you happy? What brings you the most joy possible?
2. Beauty: How do you define beauty? What things are beautiful to you?
3. Sleep: What things help you sleep at night? Or, are you a night owl? Do you get enough sleep or wish you could sleep more?
4. Garden: From flowers to plants to paths, there is much to be inspired by in the garden!
5. Imagination: How do you interpret the word imagination? Where might your imagination lead you?
6. Secret: Secrets can be very hard to keep!
7. Give: Think about what it means to be giving, or of someone who has given you something special or an opportunity.
8. Thankful: A little gratitude in your journal can always go a long way!
9. Kindness: From random acts of kindness to ways you can be kind to others.
10. Inside: Inside can be anywhere – inside your heart, your mind, your closet, your purse…
11. Outside: Outside can also be far reaching – from outside the window or how others view us on the outside.
12. Jump: Are you ready to dive into something new? Thinking about taking a leap?
13. Friendship: Do you have friends who are special to you? Create a page that is an ode to a special friend {and yes, furry friends totally count!}
14. Love: What does love mean to you? What things in life do you love most? The best thing about these art journal prompts is how you interpret them is totally up to you!
15. Fire: From a gentle candle flame to a roaring fire – use this element as inspiration.
16. Believe: What do you believe in? Maybe it’s magic or a cause that you are passionate about.
17. Hope: There is always hope! What things are you hopeful about?
18. Faith: What do you have faith in?
19. Focus: Do you find it easy to focus? Or perhaps think focus as a camera lens – do you zoom in or zoom out?
20. Clean: What does clean mean to you? Soap and bubbles, laundry or housework or something else?
21. Angry: Art journals are great places to express anger!
22. Work: What type of work do you enjoy? OR…you could always create pages based on different professions, such as construction workers or business people or secretaries.
23. Music: What are you listening to today?
24. Stars: Do the stars align? What do you think when you see the stars? Or you of course can create a page about outer space and space aliens and astronauts!
25. Mystery: Is there an unsolved mystery? What do you think of that evokes a sense of mysteriousness in a person or mood?
26. Envelope: Use an envelope in your page, or doodle and draw on an envelope and send to a friend. Or, maybe create a page all about the expression, “Pushing the Envelope”.
27. Book: Have you read any good books lately?
28. Dare: I dare you!
29. Choose: Making decisions is NOT always so easy!
30. Beach: Which way to the beach? What are your favoritethings?Is there a scene that pops into your mind when you think of the beach?
31. Forgiveness: Saying I’m sorry
32. Disaster: Oh no
33. Dance: You can dance if you want to! Ballerinas, line dancing, square dancing, the waltz, the polka…
34. Mistake: Making mistakes in art journaling can be part of the fun!
35. New: New people, new places, new things
36. Yes: Say yes! What is something you have said yes to recently?
37. Path: What pathways do you think of? Brick? Stone? Gravel? Dirt? The woods? The beach? A meadow?
38. Horizon: Sunrise, sunset – what’s on the horizon?
39. Mountain: Scenic views or a metaphor for challenges in life
40. River: Let it flow
41. Open: What’s opening? Maybe your eyes, or a door, or a box…hmmm…
42. Heart: What fills your heart – or just draw and doodle your favorite heart patterns and designs!
43. Soul: What is the core of your very being?
44. Tear: Torn paper or tears rolling down your cheeks?
45. Spiral: Around the spiral staircase we go! Or, for even more fun, pull out the spirograph!
46. Up: Draw arrows or ladders
47. Go: The places we go!
48. Be: Mindfulness and being
49. Seek: What do you seek in life?
50. Learn: Something you want to learn or a lesson you’ve learned, or maybe even some back to school type of theme.
51. Balance: This art journal prompt could be about balancing things in your life, or even balancing contrasting colors on a page.
52. Grow: How have you grown? What things are growing in your life?
53. Strength: Superman’s got nothing on you.
54. Dream: Whether a dream you want to achieve or a page inspired by that strange dream you had the other night.
55. Passion: What motivates and excites you?
56. Move: Exercising or moving boxes?
57. Today: Today is today! What are we doing today?
58. Awaken: Are you awakening to something new in your life? Have you had an “alarm clock moment”?
59. Angels: Heavenly inspiration!
60. Laughter: Funny jokes, riddles, comic books – what makes you laugh?
61. Listening: Do you hear what I hear?
62. Pause: Wait a minute!
63. Peace: Peace and Calming
64. Relax: Ways to kick back and chill
65. Space: Draw in 3d space or think about your space around you…or maybe even Outer Space.
66. Wisdom: wise mind & wise heart
67. Difference: Opposites
68. Begin: Where shall we start?
69. Time: Do you have the time? What time is it?How do you keep track of time?
70. Brave: Courage!
71. Breathe: Deep breath in, deep breath out.
72. Childhood: Memories or childhood innocence and playfulness
73. Discovery: What have you discovered while exploring?
74. Mind: What’s on your mind?
75. Energy: Feeling electric!
76. Flower: Do you have a favorite flower?
77. Health: What makes you feel well?
78. Harmony: Peace and Tranquility – or maybe some harmonious music?A page inspired by the Song “Slow Down” by the Autumn Film
79. Recovery: Recovery comes in all types of different ways – from recovery from an event, an illness or even recovering lost files from a hard drive.
80. Stand: Perhaps an ode to chairs, or maybe inspiration from a time you took a stand on something.
81. Nowhere: Where shall we go?
82. Soar: Birds, hopes, and aspirations.82. Skip: Next, please!
83. Fresh: Maybe it’s fresh laundry, fresh bread, fresh food growing in agarden or a fresh start in something.
84. Delicious: Who’s hungry?
85. Power: Unplugged or Supercharged?
86. Complete: What completes you? Or, what have you recently completed?
87. Grace: Like a swan?
88. Legend: It’s legendary.
89. Ecstasy: Extreme joy, or maybe a throwback to the 90’s raves…hmmm…
90. Hug: You can never have enough hugs in this world. {Side note, have you ever watched one of my favorite videos “Free Hugs Campaign“?
91. Proud: What makes you feel proud?
92. Simple: Keep it simple!
93. Machine: Beautiful flying machines, time machines, or maybe modern machines that just make our life easier.
94. Victory
95. Vibrancy
96. Leadership
97. Alive
98. Bloom
99. Fame
100. Enormous
101. Independent
102. Unique
103. Metamorphosis
104. Silence: Shhh….
105. Tranquility
106. Project
107. Smile
108. Miracle
109. Amazing
110. Game
111. Connected
112. Muse
113. Dazzle
114. Determination
115. Free
116. Help
117. Intuition
118. Smart
119. Sweet
120. Honesty
121. Useful
122. Safety
123. Ready
124. Vision
125. Cycle
126. Discipline
127. Promise
128. Patience
129. Destiny
130. Rejuvenate
131. Shine
132. Talk
133. Stress
134. Missing
135. Age
136. Success
137. Motivation
138. Family
139. Loneliness
140. Experience
141. Future
142. Vintage
143. Wings
144. Letter
145. Wandering
146. Factory
147. Rainbow
148. Ask
149. Self
150. Locket
151. Home
152. Cloud
153. Hunger
154. Possibilities
155. Boredom
156. Innocence
157. Charge
158. Rhythm
159. Date
160. Consequence
161. Prescription
162. Goals
163. Lost
164. Found
165. Cry
166. Parade
167. Party
168. Ice
169. Dragon
170. Alarm
171. Understanding
172. Uncomfortable
173. Serious
174. Opposites
175. Playful
176. Attention
177. Caring
178. Hero
179. Lace
180. Clue
181. Ideas
182. Junk
183. Collection
184. Radio
185. Interview
186. Zoom
187. Puzzle
188. Landscape
189. Advice
190. Memories
191. Communication
192. Compassion
193. Universe
194. Loyalty
195. Sharing
196. Travel
197. Voices
198. Sidewalk
199. Tree
200. Story
201. Why
202. Maybe
203. Antique
204. Action
205. Culture
206. Fuel
207. Desire
208. Weather
209. Directions
210. List
211. Ride
212. Wish
213. Breakfast
214. Touch
214. Sadness
215. Comfort
216. Circle
217. Reflection
218. Optimism
219. Anxiety
220. Shadow
221. Spirit
222. Stretch
223. Challenge
224. Five
225. Messy
226. Adventure
227. Fun
228. Surprise
229. Illusion
230. Mischief
231. Shy
232. Lesson
233. Whisper
234. Fight
235. Castle
236. Protect
237. Shop
238. Wheel
239. Pieces
240. Leaves
241. Fool
242. Productivity
243. Overcome
244. Encouragement
245. Watch
246. Lighthouse
247. Mild
248. Mouth
249. Rare
250. Target
251. Boat
252. Box
253. Grief
254. Heavy
255. Zeal
256. Color
257. Brilliance
258. Enthusiastic
259. Approval
260. Enchanting
261. Attraction
262. Photograph
263. Waterfall
264. Moment
265. Paradise
266. Parachute
267. Social
268. Zingy
269. Number
270. Little
271. Sound
272. Reach
273. Money
274. Staircase
275. Lemon
276. Wood
277. Try
278. You
279. Quote
280. Weakness
281. Bridge
282. Building
283. Clothes
284. Prepare
285. Teach
286. Window
287. Drive
288. Middle
289. Microphone
290. Definition
291. Shout
292. Catch
293. Release
294. Balloons
295. Sharp
296. Crowd
297. Cute
298. Cheery
299. Glow
300. Apple
301. Pictures
302. Swing
303. Wave
304. Joke
305. Cope
306. Accomplish
307. Special
308. Neighborhood
309. Wonderful
310. Service
311. Calling
312. Magic
313. Spontaneous
314. Fluffy
315. Organic
316. Silly
317. Thunderstorm
318. Toys
319. Butterfly
320. Buzz
321. Vine
322. Shock
323. Enjoy
324. Craving
325. Respect
326. Abstract
327. Rainbow
328. Train
329. Invention
330. Perspective
331. Genius
332. Circus
333. Ball
334. Crystal
335. Purple
336. Fairy
337. Cup
338. Reality
339. Forget
340. Priorities
341. Journey
342. Hands
343. Shoes
344. Television
345. Newspaper
346. Radiance
347. Hidden
348. Fright
349. Climb
350. Guess
351. Pretend
352. Turn
353. Shatter
354. Together
355. Adapt
356. Keep
357. Closed
358. Embrace
359. Blessing
360. Block
361. Pizzazz
362. Breakthrough
363. Curiosity
364. Distance
365. Zen.

I hope you enjoy this list of 365 one word journal prompt ideas
of course don’t forget to share this list with others! It makes us very, very happy to know we are inspiring so many people each month with creative journaling prompts! Link: https://artjournalist.com/one-word-art-journal-prompts/
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June Newsletter - Rachel's Whimsical Art

6/20/2020

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“Be Kind. Let’s Shine!” Rachel Simpson

While these times are challenging on so many levels from being emotionally, mentally and physically straining,  I’m still teaching art, creating art, & sharing as much as I can with you: families, artists, locals, essential workers, non-profits, schools, and younger generations in our community of Bellingham. It’s taken me a long time to think about how to write this to all of you. Throughout all the hardships that we’re all experiencing, at some point, we all have to face some kind of big decision.

I’ve reached a big goal that I’ve had for the past 12+ years, in Art Education. I’ve accepted a full-time Art Teaching position at the Franklin Academy School for next school year, beginning in the fall. This means two things… I’m thrilled to be at this school that’s full of great students (K-8th grades), experienced and friendly faculty, caring families, and in a community all of it’s own. Also, I will have to say farewell and best of wishes to the Elementary Schools that I’ve been working with for the past 6 years with after school enrichment art classes, & worked closely with Allied Arts of Whatcom County as a Teaching Artist. I’ve loved being a guest Art Teacher, helping, and meeting so many young artists, teaching art to a variety of people, & creating school murals. All of these experiences will forever be cherished memories.

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Summer Art Parties!

More art news! It’s been a difficult decision, but I’ve had to cancel the DessArt Summer Kids Art & Dance Camp that was to be held at the Unique Technique Dance Studio, due to the COVID-19 and to be safe for everyone. There’s a silver lining in all this! I've created two fun Kids Art Parties that will be online with Zoom, for us to enjoy making art together. Below are the Art Parties (art classes with art kit supplies & instruction):

Fairy & Elf Doors – July 8th
https://www.facebook.com/events/307021756993915/
Enchanted Castles & Mermaids – July 15th & 16th
https://www.facebook.com/events/253528305874405/
An exciting magical time awaits your kids, with an online Enchanted Castles & Mermaids Painting Party and/or the Fairy Elf Doors Party! All you'll need is to purchase your Art Kit, and you'll be sent the Zoom Art Painting Party link, to join the online Painting Party, with instructions from renowned Art Teacher & Artist Miss Rachel Simpson for kids aged 6-15 years. After you register, you'll need to check your email for confirmation & arrange your Art Kit pick-up/drop-off ,or delivery with shipping fees.
Purchase & Register: https://www.rachelswhimsicalart.com/store


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Art Kits!

There are many times when we just want to be creative on your own, do from home, & share making art with your family. While we are all staying safe from COVID-19, I’ve made Art Kits for all of us to enjoy. Each art kit includes your choice of wooden item to paint, (some with a small canvas), acrylic paints in both primary and secondary colors, brushes, and a pallet. If you’re interested in purchasing any of these, please email, and/or send a message to get your own. It’s been a treat to see what you make of your art kits & shared on social media in FB/IG:  #RachelsWhimsicalArt

Art Education & More!

Along with teaching middle school art at Franklin Academy, I have taught art education K-12 at various elementary schools, for after school enrichment programs in Whatcom County, in the Bellingham School District as an independent contractor, as well as fun summer art camps, private art lessons, parties/events, private lessons, present and at museums/galleries, and I’m a Teaching Artist/Board Member with Allied Arts of Whatcom County. This non-profit is one that brings the arts to many kids throughout the schools, and I’m so thankful I can be a part of it and this community.

Are you buying local? There are ways for you to do this by contacting me via email: Rachelsimpsonart@gmail.com , via social media#RachelsWhimsicalArt (FB & IG) and online Rachel’s Whimsical Art on Etsy, to shop, or commission artwork, and brouse many pieces of original art, matted prints, cards, stickers, kids wands, & jewelry such as glowing earrings.

You can find more about all the fun art events, my artwork, commissions, art exhibits, and art classes on my website and Instagram/Facebook pages: Rachel’s Whimsical Art
, #RachelsWhimsicalArt

Thank you for all your enthusiasm for The Arts and keeping it alive within our community!
Be Kind, Let’s Shine!
~ Rachel Simpson
~ Artist, Art Teacher, (K-12)
~ http://rachelsimpsonart.weebly.com/
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April Newsletter

4/15/2020

1 Comment

 

"Creativity takes courage." Henri Matisse

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Greetings! Oh, how much has changed in all our lives these past several weeks, and on so many levels. All of our amazing parents and families are helping teach their children from home, sharing how they are doing from home, and doing their best! So many schools and teachers are also trying their hardest to give lessons, tutorials, videos, free online access, resources, tech access, communications via Zoom, and more! I’ve also been joining in on the fun online education access… well, most of it is fun, and some of it is really hard! Talk about a big learning curve for all of us. I believe that we can all achieve the next level in our learning, and succeed with this challenge!

I created this “Artists, I Miss You” painting in honor of my art students & made it into cards to go along with my 50 Art Kits to be given to the Franklin Academy Middle School Art students this week. I hope they can find joy in making art with some paints, oil pastels, & clay at home.  

Do you want to see some fun art lesson videos? I’m sharing free art lessons to students during the COVID-19 Quarantine, and to all families who want to do art, I’ve created a series of YouTube videos on my channel. Some are about drawing, painting, soft pastels, making art materials with things found in the home, like coffee painting! You can find them on this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9031DBH-INmdaqdHAMnrSw


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Children's Art Walk is on May 1st - Virtual Art Show!

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This May 1st is the Allied Arts Annual Children’s Art Walk, and we are going to do it as a Virtual Art Tour! This means that there will still be an opportuity for families, students, teachers, and schools to participate and view all of our talented kids artwork online. I’ll be submitting over 100 students artwork for the virtual tour, so be sure to watch! We can follow virtually via social media on both Facebook & Instagram  #ChildrensArtWalk

Allied Arts of Whatcom County wrote this: “Anyone with creative kiddos at home: Post images or videos of creations on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #ChildrensArtWalk. Please also include your name, artwork title, grade, school and a sentence or two about your work! Share your artwork with your neighbors: adorn your sidewalks with chalk art, display your creations in your front windows or create yard sculptures! Post pictures on Facebook or Instagram with #ChildrensArtWalk “


Summer Art Camp!

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We’re still planning to run the Summer Kids Art Camp on June 29th – July 3rd, (as long as the quarantine is lifted and with safety standards according to the state). It will be at the same location as the last summer camp: Unique Technique Dance Studio. Be sure to keep checking for it on social media, with Rachel’s Whimsical Art (oc both FB & IG), email, on Rachelsimpsonart.weebly.com and in the newsletter.

Are you buying local? There are ways for you to do this by contacting me via email: Rachelsimpsonart@gmail.com , via social media#RachelsWhimsicalArt (FB & IG) and online Rachel’s Whimsical Art on Etsy, to shop, or commission artwork, and brouse many pices of original art, matted prints, cards, stickers, kids wands, & jewelry such as glowing earrings.


All Artists Can Keep Connected with Whatcom Arts Project!

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“As a gift to the community during Washington State's Stay Home - Stay Safe Order, Bellingham and Whatcom County artists, musicians, actors, storytellers, dancers, filmmakers, performers, and arts supporters have come together to create the Whatcom Arts Project. Free, daily online content is available through this campaign to uplift, educate, and inspire during these difficult times, while we socially distance to slow the spread of COVID-19.
 
More than 30 nonprofits, venues, and organizations from Whatcom County’s vibrant arts scene are collaborating to provide free performances, interactive tours, classes, narratives, and other arts experiences online and accessible to the public. The newly formed collective arts campaign hopes to inform, entertain, educate, and support the community and each other through this stay-at-home period and beyond. We are all in this together. Now we can stay engaged and connected, even while apart.” – Allied Arts of Whatcom County, April Newsletter, 2020

Kids Art!

The after school kids art enrichment programs at local elementary schools are cancelled this spring, due to the COVID-19 Quarantine, and school closures in Washington State. We’ll plan on getting back into things next fall, when school is open for students. That being said, I am working online (find me on FB & IG), creating virtual art lessons, painting parties by request, and available for private lessons with Zoom, and YouTube videos on my channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9031DBH-INmdaqdHAMnrSw

Art Education & More!

Along with teaching middle school art at Franklin Academy, I also teach art education K-12 at a few different elementary schools, for after school enrichment programs in Whatcom County, and the Bellingham School District as an independent contractor, as well as fun summer art camps, private art lessons, parties/events, private lessons, present and teach at museums/galleries, and I’m a Teaching Artist/Board Member with Allied Arts of Whatcom County. This non-profit is one that brings the arts to many kids throughout the schools, and I’m so thankful I can be a part of it and this community.

Newsletter Reminder! Now there’s just a bi-monthly art newsletter. There will be 6 art newsletters a year in the months of: February, April, June, August, October, and December. We’re all so busy online these days, as well as myself, such as Art Classes online, YouTub videos, Professional Art, writing the monthly newsletter, social media, and blog. All are welcome to follow on social media with Instagram, Facebook: #RachelsWhimsicalArt, to learn about future art events & art classes.

You can find more about all the fun art events, my art work, commissions, art exhibits, and art classes on my website and Instagram/Facebook pages: Rachel’s Whimsical Art.

Thank you for all your enthusiasm for The Arts and keeping it alive within our community!

Be Kind. Let’s Shine!

~ Rachel Simpson
~ Artist, Art Teacher, (K-12)
~ http://rachelsimpsonart.weebly.com/
~ rachelsimpsonart@gmail.com

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February Art Newsletter

2/14/2020

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“Art is as natural as sunshine and as vital as nourishment.”—MaryAnn F. Kohl

Welcome the sun coming back into our lives, as we are gaining more daylight as each day passes & we’re getting closer to spring. This February has been a month full of art classes, kids art, fun art games, and in my off-time, I’m in my art studio. I’ve been making more art stickers, working on marine life paintings on electrified wood panels, and have been slowly painting a series of whale paintings, as a change from the pointalism art.  

There will be a Summer Kids Art Camp that will be happening June 29th – July 3rd!  Yes, it will also be at the same location as last summer: Unique Technique Dance Studio. Be sure to keep checking for it on social media, with Rachel’s Whimsical Art (FB & IG), email, and this monthly art newsletter.

Newsletter update! I’ll be changing thing up, to only write a bi-monthly art newsletter, & starting in May. This means that there will be 6 art newsletters a year in the months of: February, April, June, August, October, and December. I’ve had to downsize the amount of work load I’m doing daily, so that I can work towards bigger, and brighter goals in my life, & this reflects in my extra jobs like writing the monthly newsletter and blog. You can always follow me on social media, to learn about future events & art classes.

Are you buying local? There’s two ways for you to do this: Rachel’s Whimsical Art on Etsy, and come on over to my shared studio – Imagine It Now, on Friday, March. 6th Art Walk, (and every Bellingham Downtown Art Walk), 301 W Holly St D-5, Bellingham, WA to shop and see many pieces of art, matted prints, cards, stickers, kids wands, & jewelry such as glowing earrings: https://www.etsy.com/shop/RachelsWhimsicalArts

Picture

RARE Art Show

Picture
Aside from the art studio, the upcoming RARE (Recycled Art & Resource Expo) event and art exhibit at Allied Arts of Whatcom County on April 3rd, will be the next big show I’ll be a part of and on display. Over the past few months, I’ve been working on larger pieces that are a combination of recycled wood, pointalism paintings, as a collaboration, & electrified by an artist friend – Suzzannah Gusukuma who is owner and artist of Lightning Tree Designs. I use my pointalism technique for UV-light reactive painting of marine life and mammals. This is a whole new path for my art journey and I’m very curious to see where it will go.


Kids Art!

Picture
The after school kids art enrichment programs are happening in full swing at a few different schools this winter: Silver Beach, Carl Cozier, and Columbia schools. We’re having fun making clay hearts in all sorts of different designs, patterns, and colors. Next spring will be busy in a different way, as I always have things happening with the annual Children’s Art Walk and Allied Arts.

This year is even better, because I’ll be working with both my new school, Franklin Academy and Allied Arts annual Childrens’ Art Walk in May! After years of being an avid volunteer, member, teaching artist, and board member, I can now work as a teacher to represent an entire school (Franklin Academy), to work side-by-side with this big community event. I’ve reached so many levels, that now I feel like I’m at the peak of the mountain!


Art Education & More!

Along with teaching middle school art at Franklin Academy, I also teach art education K-12 at a few different elementary schools, for after school enrichment programs in Whatcom County, and the Bellingham School District as an independent contractor, as well as do fun summer art camps, private art lessons, parties/events, private lessons, present and teach at museums/galleries, and a Teaching Artist/Board Member with Allied Arts of Whatcom County. This non-profit is one that brings the arts to many kids throughout the schools, and I’m so thankful I can be a part of it and this community.
You can find more about all the fun art events, my art work, commissions, art exhibits, and art classes on my website and Instagram/Facebook pages: Rachel’s Whimsical Art.

Thank you for all your enthusiasm for The Arts and keeping it alive within our community!
~ Rachel Simpson
~ Artist, Art Teacher, (K-12)

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    Rachel Simpson

    Creativity is key to finding a balance with a happy life.

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