Rachel’s Whimsical Art Newsletter: February 2019

“We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents.” —Bob Ross

Where did the time fly? We’re already into February, and I’m not quite sure how that happened so quickly. Funny enough, the slower paced winter season of work is ending for me, as I prepare for upcoming spring shows, kids after school arts enrichment classes are happening, new paintings have begun, and adult workshops are in the mix. Soon, I’ll share details of some good news about more places you can find my art for sale, workshops, and…drum roll… Kids Summer Art Camps! I’m thrilled to be able to teach new kids art camps and share fun times with many of you at Bellingham’s Unique Technique Dance Studio, this summer in June. (you can follow both my Instagram & Facebook pages: Rachel’s Whimsical Art, to see what, when, where, etc.) In the rest of this newsletter, you’ll find more new art classes for kids/adults, art events, and shows.
It was such an awesome time for me to be a guest art teacher at Pratt Fine Arts Center in Seattle last weekend. The kids and parents had fun sharing their art experiences together, while making Animal Portraits in Mixed-Media & Collage. If you still want a chance to attend, then you can join me once again on Sunday, April 14th at Pratt. (Details are farther below in the class description.)

Self-Love through Art Workshop – February 9th

Break free of any boundaries you have about looking at all of your body:  it’s curves, lines, bumps, smooth, and rough qualities. If you’re ready to break barriers and love yourself, this afternoon art workshop will be led by local Artist and Art Teacher Miss Rachel Simpson will lead you into something new through learning drawing/painting techniques, gaining confidence, embodying self-love. Learn to paint and draw yourself and a friend, by embodiment of self-love, appreciation of the human body in all of its forms through making art.

We’ll make this space a safe place for you to look at yourself with use of mirrors, have conversation, and draw/paint with a variety of options, including pen, ink, watercolors, paints, pencil, paper. All art materials are provided, although you’re welcome to bring your own art supplies. Participants will be invited to disrobe to underwear, tank top/shorts, etc., while you look at all of yourself to work toward acceptance of your body in all its unique beauty. This workshop is for womxn and gender non-binary folks. Ages 18+.  Register Here!

Artist Professionals: Preparing your Website Portfolio with Rachel Simpson @Allied Arts - February 21st !

Allied Arts of Whatcom County, Education Program teaching artist Rachel Simpson will be leading a free session in a presentation on Preparing your Website Portfolio. 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 Thursday, Feb. 21st, 2019.

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

This 1-day art class is happening on Sunday, April 14th, 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: Register with 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 - March

There’s still time to go to the Joy of Pilates in Bellingham, between January - March, to see a plethora of original paintings in marine-life themed art by Rachel Simpson, up on display and for sale, with the special UV-lighting to help them glow! The exhibit will be there for the next 2 months. Located at: 2130 Grant Street, Bellingham, WA 98225

After School Arts Enrichment Programs

I teach art at a few different elementary schools (at Columbia, Carl Cozier, & Silver Beach elementary are just a few), in the 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.

Additionally,  you can find out more about all the fun art events and art classes on my 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)