Starting to feel like NORMAL here at home again. Well, I have been away for two weeks, returned last WED. I had a great experience working with high school students- grades 8 - 12 in Southwestern VA. The people and town were welcoming (very welcome by art teacher) and I feel like we accomplished a lot. Bottom line: the kids got their hands dirty- most of them, anyway. down to the coffee grounds, and acrylic paint. "does this come out of your clothes?" No, oh well. Anyway, I was really impressed with the Open Studios day in Roanoke VA. Interesting area, and lots of foot traffic during the visits. (would recommend visiting Black Dog Salvage Co. for all kinds of old/used building supplies, but different from Community Forklift- in some ways, was like a designer showroom.

Also went to Lewisburg WV twice- which is similar to Shepardstown WV. Was able to attend their "First Fridays- Art and Music" and again, lots of foot traffic. So, it looks like the arts are alive and well, and supported in SW VA. The Cooper Gallery stood out for me; also, the Gallery at Seven Oaks in Hot Springs VA. Relaxing was Warm Springs- the springs/for a soak.

If anyone is in the area, they MUST go to the Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center- great gallery space, and exhibit w/my work, dave's small sculptures, art teacher's, along with students' work.

I have been able to finish my mouse paintings/kitchen cabinet art- Mousecapades- Mouse Patrol, etc. Well, have to put in more thought to how I am going to exhibit these at Artomatic...I could go 'totally disgusting" or edgy...or- just MOUSE STORIES. I don't know. Ambitious would be if I follow through and print out booklet/s so people could actually read the panels. Well, it could/can be done. Anyway, preparing for a new residency w/second graders beginning on WED, and going through June 2nd.

Meanwhile, there's PROM, Graduation...etc going on here.  And one more final for Orion. Physics, tedious physics.