in real life

Taking a workshop is a unique experience - in whatever form it is presented.  I view the time you set aside for a class as *an appointment with creativity*.  You claim a portion of your precious time to devote solely to art and discovery.  Being in a classroom with other like-minded souls, be they friends, or not-yet-friends, can be intimidating, but it can also be a wonderfully fulfilling experience.  So much is learned in a group setting - we learn from each other as we work on projects, or try new things, and problem solve together.  I love standing in the role of teacher.  I love being the one who gets to witness your light-bulb-moments.  I love spilling my entire arsenal of tricks and techniques, to share all that I know, to assist students in finding new visions, stretch their boundaries, and feel confidence and satisfaction in their work. 

In less than a month I will be making my annual trip to Wisconsin to teach at my most favorite workshop venue:  Valley Ridge Art Studio.  It is the only place I have committed to teach in the last few years.  I've said it before - it truly is a magical place.  Since they are taking a well-deserved sabbatical in 2011 it will my last real life gig for a while.  There really is nothing that compares to being physically present in an environment like this.  I get it that online workshops are increasingly popular.  I get it that online classes can be taken at your convenience, at your own pace, from wherever you are on the globe.  I hope to embark on this new platform for teaching sometime in the future.  But I'll say it again, there is nothing that compares to being physically present, and setting aside undivided attention for the purpose of moving forward on your artistic journey.

There is still time, and some room, to join me in September.  Hope to see you there.

You can see class descriptions by following the sidebar links on the left, or visit Valley Ridge here and here.  

Comments

[Cynthia Schelzig...Cynnie]

Couldn´t agree with you more about being in the workshop environment....magical everytime...if I did not live thousands of miles away.........

[Judy N]

Michelle-
Your workshops are always so rewarding and so worth the time and travel to get there! I cannot wait! I cannot wait to spend time in the classroom, I cannot wait to see what surprises you have in store for us, I just cannot wait!

My husband loves that when I come home from one of your workshops I am excited and motivated to work on my art. He says he can see the difference going to your workshop makes for me. I know it is from all the positive energy that comes from you and how willing you are to share and give part of yourself to your students.

I am already packing!

See you in a month.

Until later,
Judy

[Carrie]

Oh I wish I could go to your workshops! You're so charismatic online, I can only imagine what being in your class must be like :)

[Maryanne]

I second what Carrie just said, Michelle. We would love to be able to take one of your classes. I've taken online workshops, and they are great if you can't travel to a class, but working on your own is really not the same as being in a class sharing the energy and ideas that are generated by other like minded people.

[Orly]

I so agree with you about the 'real' workshop experience vs. online classes. The differences are countless. Just like you I feel that the natural setting is pivotal for a meaningful experience. I wish you much enjoyment teaching in Valley ridge. I hope to get there one day, I heard so much about it. From what I see on line I would just LOVE this place. I hope to meet you one day Michelle.
XOXOrly

[Brigitte]

i would love to take one of your classes irl. too bad Valley Ridge is not closer.

[inge]

hello Michelle,

I really would LOVE to have you once as my teacher physically, but I think there is not much chance this will ever happen...
so, I really hope you jump in on the online workshops ( like Julie Prichard) and hope that one day you teach" parlor tricks" online.

enjoy the teaching !
greetings from Belgium
Inge

PS : may i look forward for the postman for your new stamps or is it a bit too early... ?

[Brigitte]

I totally agree on the classes ! We don't have a lot of those over here, and that's why I love online classes, tutorials and stuff. I would love to visit one of your workshops, but since this is not possible, I'll settle for the Crusades (they have taught me so much) and hoping that maybe one day you will start an online class too ;-)
Loved your photos by the way, you look great on those waterskis !

[Chris]

Your online class would ROCK.
I would love the experience of hugging you and laughing at your jokes in person. I would love the chance to put fake dogggie doo on your chair and an apple on your desk!

That last part made me cry.

[Linda Warlyn]

Having been a student of yours several times over, I couldn't agree more with Judy. To me, the difference between a good teacher and a great one is their enthusiasm for what they're doing and you are passion-personified. The atmosphere in your classrooms is simply electric and your students can't help but soak in the charge. I encourage anyone on the fence about signing up...do not hesitate, do it NOW! And Valley Ridge! Yes, "magical" is the perfect word to use to sum up this remarkable place and the woman who created it, Kathy...there is just no where like it on earth and everyone who's been there knows exactly what we mean. See you soon for Parlor Tricks!! I can't wait either, Judy! oxox

[Karenliz]

I love being physically present at workshops. There are not very many in my neck of the woods and when they are around, I'm not. Online classes are great but meeting new people and realizing you are not the only person who loves paper, glue, paint, chip board, and tons of other art supplies is a wonderful thing!

[Nancy]

Michelle, there's no one like you in the classroom--I don't think I've ever laughed so much, or learned so much. And you know I'm already signed up (have been for a long long time).
I don't know how close you are to the coast, but best of luck with Earl, Nancy