January 2019 - Monthly Art Newsletter

“Art has the role in education of helping children become like themselves instead of more like everyone else.” —Sydney Gurewitz Clemens

May the new year of 2019 be one filled with new beginnings, hope, inspiration, love, and joy for everyone! I know that the winter season can be a challenge for many of us to be kept indoors. This is when I find peace through being creative in making art, read a few good books, or just to share a hot cup of tea and stories with loved ones. This month, there’s a few new art classes, events, and art shows!

The winter break kids art camp was a huge success – Wizards & Magical Creatures in Winter Wonderland! There were so many happy kids and families enjoying our last day together, with the Harry Potter themed party. Guess what!?! This will become a regular thing for every winter break.  If you weren’t able to attend, but wanted to, then keep in mind that this will be back next December!

Additionally, you can find out more about all the fun art events and art classes on my Instagram/Facebook pages Rachel’s Whimsical Art.

January 4th Downtown Bellingham Art Walk

This Friday between 6-9pm, will be the next downtown Bellingham art walk, and you’re welcome to join me and my studio-mates at our shared space - Imagine Art Studio, to see 4 local artists & our artwork - from Marine-life paintings, drawings in nature, cards, prints, stickers, kids crowns/wands, sea-fairy-chandeliers, gorgeous glass mosaics, and a variety of sculpture in Steampunk style. It’s located at D5 Studio 301 West Holly Street - downstairs. We’ll have art on display/for sale, sharing stories, snacks & beverages for our reception.

Art Class: Parent & Me Animal Portraits in Mixed-Media at Pratt!

This 1-day art class is happening on Sunday, January 27th, between 12:00pm – 4:00pm, at Pratt: 1902 Main Street, Seattle, WA.98144. Registration is $125 a pair (parent and child). Register with enrollment online or by phone via Pratt.

Learn Mixed-Media and Collage to make Animal Portraits, and explore the unlimited facets of using layers, texture, collage, drawing and painting that is all a part of mixed-media art. We will create a unique animal portrait (your choice of an owl, cat, dog, or a rabbit), in a large scale of 18”x 20” board, with layers of watercolor painted paper collage with adhesive. This is a cherished moment that you’ll not want to miss with your family! This class is designed for one student, 8 years and up, and one accompanying adult (Mom, Dad, Grandma, Aunt, etc.). Space is limited so sign up early! No experience necessary, all materials included.

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Art Exhibit: Featuring Rachel Simpson’s Marine Life Paintings - January 11th

At the Joy of Pilates in Bellingham, starting on January 11th, 2019, you can see many of the original paintings of marine-life themed art by Rachel Simpson, up on display and for sale, with the special UVLighting to help them glow! The exhibit will be there for the next 2 months. Located at: 2130 Grant Street, Bellingham, WA 98225.

Arts Marketing 101 @Allied Arts - January 18th !

Allied Arts of Whatcom County, Education Program teaching artist Rachel Simpson will be leading a free session in a presentation on Marketing for Artists 101. Participants will learn how to market themselves and their artwork in a variety of ways. Join us from 4:00pm – 6:00pm at Allied Arts Gallery on 418 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225, on Friday, Jan. 18th, 2019.

After School Arts Enrichment Programs

I teach art at a few elementary schools (such as Carl Cozier, Columbia, & Silver Beach), Bellingham School District as an independent contractor, private art lessons, and as a Teaching Artist 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.

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