A Season of Change...

In 2020, everyone’s world shifted. In addition to that global shift, I also got married. Quite an adventure! I moved away from events and live teaching to write. Blessings on your own creative journey.

Hope of Stones:  Book Tour 2020

*Alas, I had to cancel this tour due to coronavirus travel restrictions. But I love that it was lined up to happen!

It’s here! My first, full-length poetry collection, Hope of Stones, is being published by the wonderful Press 53. And I am delighted to announce my dream book tour: Paris, New York, San Francisco…and my own stomping grounds of Southern Oregon!

The official book description: What might a 16^th-century Spanish nun and an 18^th-century French architect have in common? Saint Teresa of Ávila and Charles-Axel Guillaumot both left behind a mostly invisible legacy. Hers was a vision of the interior castle of the spirit within us. His was to save Paris from collapsing back into the quarries beneath it by building a support city belowground. Today, we can read of the realm The Nun built with her words, and we can visit a fraction of the realm The Architect built beneath Paris. Hope of Stones invites you into a cross-century conversation among The Nun, The Architect, and The Poet that explores the desire to create and connect across time and other unseen things.

April 11, 2-4 pm | American Library in Paris | Paris, France  Poetry Reading & Workshop

April 16, 7 pm | New York, New York  Private Literary Salon & Reading

April 25, 2-4 pm | Rebel Heart Books | Jacksonville, Oregon  Booksigning & Champagne

April 30, 7 pm | Bloomsbury Books | Ashland, Oregon  Reading with Jacalyn MacNamara

May 21, 6 pm | Book Passage, Ferry Building | San Francisco, California  In Conversation with Erin Byrne

Deep Travel Paris:  The Artist's Life
4-10 April 2020 (Paris, France)

*We are so sad to announce that we had to cancel this workshop due to travel restrictions in the wake of the coronavirus.*  It’s easy to see why Audrey Hepburn said “Paris is always a good idea.” With its boulevards & bridges, galleries & pâtisseries, Paris is also full of good ideas—as seen by centuries of artists & writers who have found inspiration there. For six days we’ll explore famous haunts & live our own artist’s life—creating with painter Mindy Carpenter & wordsmithing with writers. We’ll make local friends, eat at brasseries, & get to know Paris the way all good artists do: through flâneurie—the simple practice of wandering and looking in the beloved City of Light. More info at DeepTravelWorskhops.com

Trust in What?  Medford Women's Fight Night
3 February: 7 pm Grape Street Bar & Grill (Medford, OR)

What do you do when a promise from God is so old it’s legal to drink? What do you do for over two decades of active waiting? Join me as I share my story of trust and trustworthiness. I love this monthly gathering of women; it’s full of vulnerability and encouragement.

Deep Travel Mexico:  The Art of Tranquilo
16-22 January 2020 (Yelapa, Mexico)

Come enjoy a writing retreat in the rugged-and-wonderful, car-free village of Yelapa on Mexico’s Bay of Banderas. Beloved travel writer Tim Cahill will be our instructor, inspiring us in this unpolished paradiso fueled by sun, cerveza, and seafood. After waking in your open-air casita, amble down the beach for a session of guided writing with Tim, and then enjoy the day sketching, swimming, hiking, boating—or all of the above! This trip will balance rest and adventure. Want to sip margaritas in a hammock? Want to salsa dance in the moonlight? Want to enjoy Huichol art? How about fishing? Whatever your interests, you will find plenty of inspiration for your journal. For more information and to register, visit: DeepTravelWorkshops.com

7th Annual Angels Show
6-29 December, Art Presence (Jacksonville, OR)

For the seventh year in a row, I’m delighted to participate in this fun holiday gathering of artists working in many media to celebrate the angelic. Come join us for the reception on Saturday, 7 December from 1-3 pm  at Art Presence (206 N. Fifth Street, next to the historic courthouse).

Seeing Red:  2019 Annual Members Exhibit
15 November-21 December at the Rogue Gallery & Art Center (Medford, OR)

It’s always a joy to participate in this annual show. The description: “Blood, a primary color, fire, love anger–what does ‘seeing red’ mean to you? Come see all the ways our members have explored this question in diverse media.”

Living Large on Little:  Book Launch & Birthday Party!
Saturday, 9 November, 5-7 PM at the Miners' Bazaar (Jacksonville, OR)

Excited! I’ll be launching a little nonfiction book: Living Large on Little: How to See the Invitation in Limitation. And since it’s my birthday weekend and I haven’t had a party in a while…well, call it double happiness. Come buy a glass of Rosie’s regional “giggle water” and say hi–I love supporting her wonderful, community-driven business.

Vignettes in the Vineyard:  An Autumn Writing Workshop
Friday, 11 October 3-5 PM (Red Lily Vineyards, OR)

Let’s celebrate the peak of autumn colors with the third-annual vignette-writing workshop at the lovely Red Lily Vineyards. This is a fun, accessible, no-experience-needed, no-pressure writing time. Join me on October 11: get yourself a glass of wine, and get ready to write vignettes: short, impressionistic passages of poetry or prose. Space is limited so register soon by emailing: ae@annaelkins.com or via my contact page.

Salon & Exhibit at WordSpaceStudios
17 August, 7 pm, WordSpaceStudios (San Francisco, CA)

Anthology Launch:  Deep Travel: Souvenirs from the Inner Journey
7 August, 7 pm, Book Passage (Corte Madera, CA)

Christina Ammon and I are thrilled to launch this anthology of writings by participants from over five years of workshops: Deep Travel has led writers from the Himalayan peaks of Nepal to the Saharan sands of Morocco, from the jungles of Mexico to the gitano caves in Spain. Just as compelling as the exterior landscapes we travel are the interior landscapes we encounter—the terrain of our own thoughts and emotions.  The writers in this anthology address both inner and outer adventures through stories, poems, and vignettes that are as informative as a travelogue yet as revelatory as a journal. During our trips we collect many things—cactus silk scarves, handfuls of tin milagros—but the best souvenirs lie within this book: the observations, insights, and reflections that form the heart of Deep Travel.  There will be bubbly & yums to celebrate!

Poetry Reading at Elk River Books
25 July, 7 pm at Elk River Books (Livingston, MT)

My kind of summer fun: to read poetry with former Montana poet laureate, Michael Earl Craig, at Livingston’s own independent bookstore. For the first time, I’ll read some work from my new manuscript, Hope of Stones. Come spend a summer evening with us….

Heart of Hearts:  The Milagro Collection
July & August 2019, The Crown Jewel (Ashland, OR)

Once upon a time, ancient Iberians brought milagros from the coasts of Spain to Central and South America. These folk offerings were a kind of tangible prayer for healing, and many milagros—Spanish for miracles—are still created in the shape of body parts that need healing. I have a thing for heart-shaped milagros because we all could use some heart-miracles! I began painting my own milagros a few years ago, and the collection keeps growing. This winter, I also created assembled versions from 100-year old newsprint from World War I. I symbolically celebrated the process of healing by reshaping past tragedy into the shape of a heart, and I blessed each painting that it bless its future owner. I’m happy to display a whole collection of milagros at the Crown Jewel this summer. The show runs for July & August with First Friday Art receptions on July 5 & August 2 from 5-7 pm—with all the requisite wine & nibbles!

Visual Voice:  A Prophetic Arts Conference
30 May to 1 June (Aarau, Switzerland)

Artists and creative thinkers from Europe and the US are gathering to inspire and motivate each other to bring Heaven to Earth in the arts. More than 20 workshops will explore the arts and creativity–come dive in! I’m honored to be teaching poetry and writing, and I’m excited to see what God is going to do.

Bethel School of Creativity:  Family of One
14-17 May, 2019 (Redding, CA)

This annual, four-day bonanza of divine creativity is such a joy! I love returning to teach each year. And if you love to write, do join me for my session, Selah: Poetry of the Pause: “Come spend time in the spaciousness of Presence and craft a poem of the pause—celebrating the quiet moments and the margin times.”

Deep Travel Morocco:  The Art of Adventure
31 March-8 April (Fez & Moulay Idriss, Morocco)

Can writing about the world make it a better place? It can, insists Lavinia Spalding, author of Writing Away and series editor of The Best Women’s Travel Writing. For this immersive workshop, Lavinia helps us to explore how writing the stories of people and places can seed change—both in others and in ourselves. Our eight-day journey takes us inside the mesmerizing Fez Medina with its 9,000 byways and into Morocco’s holiest city, Moulay Idriss, in the Middle Atlas mountains. We’ll gather with Sufis, listen to the tales of traditional storytellers, connect with inspired artists, and dine with local friends who will invite us deeply into their culture. In daily sessions, we’ll articulate the places behind the headlines and the individuals behind the stereotypes. This trip is for anyone who wants to see inside the heart and soul of Morocco. Join us! For more information and to register, visit: DeepTravelWorkshops.com

Deep Travel Andalusia:  In Search of Duende
22-28 March (Granada, Spain)

What is duende and where do we find it? The great Spanish poet Federico García Lorca defined it as the dark beauty found in Andalusian art: the bullfight, the fierce flamenco dancing, and the strains of a guitar. You might recognize it closer to home in the haunting chords of your favorite Leonard Cohen song. Wherever we find it, duende can transform struggle into art and sorrow into revelation. This spring, Deep Travel will journey to Lorca’s hometown of Granada, Spain to explore duende at its source. We will visit the gitano caves, hold readings by candlelight, marvel at the Alhambra, and enjoy a sunset paella party with local flamenco dancers in the Sacromonte. Along the way, we’ll spark your writing with the cante jondo—the deep song at the heart of duende. For more information and to register, visit: DeepTravelWorkshops.com

A Living Unlimited Gathering
3 March, 1-7 pm at Sonoma Broadway Farms (Sonoma, CA)

What is a Living Unlimited gathering? Call it a greenhouse for cultivating identity and destiny. A nourishing gathering without a secular-sacred divide. It’s a place of welcome whether you believe in God or are curious about knowing Him more. We will laugh. We might cry. We will serve cocktails and stories. We will eat and create together. Come spend a day with other women who are ready to live unlimited lives. You’ll leave with new friends and full hearts. Join us at Sonoma Broadway Farms. Cost is $145 and includes all creative activities, instruction, lunch & aperetivo hour with evening drinks & savories. Register here.

"Attracted to Light":  An Art Reception
9 February from 5-8 pm at The Miners' Bazaar (Jacksonville, OR)

This group show is sure to be a spot of light in deep winter. Join local and regional artists as we celebrate the light at The Miners’ Bazaar.

Wholehearted: An Art Reception & Book Launch
26 January 2019 at The Miners' Bazaar (Jacksonville, OR)

Join me for a combo art reception of milagro paintings and a book release for a mother-daughter book: Blessings: A Children’s Book for Grown-ups. I had the joy of working with my mom to craft the simple blessings inside—and to create the simple illustrations for them, too. Jacksonville’s delightful new project cafe, The Miners’ Bazaar is the perfect place for this book to launch. Owner Rosie will be selling a range of local wines, beer, tea & coffee. Bring a friend or a love or both! Bonus: the blessing book is a coloring book, and we’ll be including little bundles of colored pencils with purchase. You can hang out and start to color or save the book for a Valentine’s gift…or do both!

Deep Travel Mexico:  The Art of Tranquilo
7-13 January (Yelapa, Mexico)

Come enjoy a writing retreat in the rugged-and-wonderful, car-free village of Yelapa on Mexico’s Bay of Banderas. Beloved travel writer Tim Cahill will be our instructor, inspiring us in this unpolished paradiso fueled by sun, cerveza, and seafood. After waking in your open-air casita, amble down the beach for a session of guided writing with Tim, and then enjoy the day sketching, swimming, hiking, boating—or all of the above! This trip will balance rest and adventure. Want to sip margaritas in a hammock? Want to salsa dance in the moonlight? Want to enjoy Huichol art? How about fishing? Whatever your interests, you will find plenty of inspiration for your journal. For more information and to register, visit: DeepTravelWorkshops.com

An Evening in Morocco
7 December, 8 pm at Book Passage Bookstore (Corte Madera, CA)

Beam to Morocco with Erin Byrne, Matthew Felix, Doug Cordell, Christina Ammon, and Anna Elkins to discover ancient storytellers, vignettes of souks and the Sahara, tagines and Tangier, and stories of Marrakech, Casablanca and Fez!

Poets & Painters Pop-Up
2 December, 11-3, 571 Thornton Way (Ashland, OR)

We’re mixing it up! This year, we’re blending the annual holiday pop-up shop with Poets & Painters. We’ll still have cards & art & ornaments–gifts galore. And we’ll still ply you with coffee & gingerbread & laughter. So swing on by!

6th Annual Angels Exhibit
1 December, 3-5 pm (Jacksonville, OR)

Join fellow local artists for Jacksonville’s annual celebration of the celestial. For the first time, we’ll be exhibiting at Art Presence Art Center, where you’ll find a spectrum of  “angelic” interpretations across a range of media. Come enjoy the holiday festivities during the reception! The show runs from 30 November to 29 December.

Red Lily's Red Friday
23 November, 11-5, Red Lily Vineyards (Jacksonville, OR)

Consider this the mellow counterpoint to the zoo of Black Friday shopping. Come get a glass of wine at Red Lily and meander into the barn, where local artists will be sharing our wares (I’ll have cards & art & prints & ornaments to share). Here’s to supporting our local creators & makers!

Rogue Gallery & Art Center:  Annual Members Exhibit
16 November 2018, 5-8 pm (Medford, OR)

Though I will be painting during a conference elsewhere during this reception, I highly recommend swinging by to catch this fun, annual member’s show! Look for my ink on paper, called: “A Question of Evers.”  The show runs from 9 November to 21 December.

The Poetry of Process:  Willamette Writers Southern Oregon
3 November, 10:00-3:30, Central Point Chamber of Commerce (Central Point, OR)

A life of poetry is as much about how we create as what we create. For the morning presentation, I’ll share my own process, practical tips, and poetry. During the afternoon workshop, we will all immerse ourselves in the writing process itself and emerge with a poem.

Vermont Studio Center:  Resident Presentations
3 October, 8 pm, Lowe Recital Hall (Johnson, VT)

Dream come true: reading poetry at Vermont Studio Center with fellow resident writers and visual artists. I’ll be reading from the manuscript I’m here to hone, and I look forward to its first, offical foray out into the world!

Vignettes in the Vineyard:  An Afternoon Writing Workshop
27 September, 3-5 pm, Red Lily Vineyards (Jacksonville, OR)

Let’s celebrate the peak of autumn colors with a writing workshop at the lovely Red Lily Vineyards. This will be a fun, accessible, no-experience-needed, no-pressure writing time. Join me on September 27: get yourself a glass of wine, and get ready to write vignettes: short, impressionistic passages of poetry or prose. Space is limited; to register, email me: ae@annaelkins.com (Red Lily Vineyards: 11777 Highway 238)

New & Selected Paintings:  First Friday Art Receptions
6 July & 3 August, 4-6 pm at Tail of the Sun (Ashland, OR)

Join me for two, consecutive First Friday Art Walk receptions at Tail of the Sun. I’ll be sharing a whole spectrum of work: acrylics, watercolors, illustrations, and cards.

Poets & Painters...with Berries & Jam!  A Writing & Painting Workshop
9 June, 11-3 at Pennington Farms (Applegate Valley, OR)

Pennington Farms has become Poets & Painters’ happy home. We love the delicious atmosphere they have created in their historic barn, filled with the aroma of fresh-baked everything. And we can’t resist their berries in June! Botanical still lifes (and adorable jars of jam) will abound. Come paint and play on a sunny afternoon. You’ll leave with a finished 8″ x 10″ painting and a poem. Cost: $95. To register, email: ae@annaelkins.com

Vignettes & Postcards from Morocco:  A Reading at Rebel Heart Books
8 June, 6:30 pm at Rebel Heart Books (Jacksonville, OR)

Interested in Morocco? Join us at Jacksonville’s delightful independent bookstore, Rebel Heart Books, for readings from this splendid anthology: “Vignettes & Postcards From Morocco is an anthology of writings edited by Erin Byrne (Wings).  From Fez to Marrakech, Casablanca to Tangier, The Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert, writers Suzanna Clarke (A House in Fez), Phil Cousineau, Paul Bowles, Michael Chabon and others seek the ancient and celebrate the exotic in Morocco.  Sketches by Anna Elkins. Photographs by Siddharth Gupta and Omar Chennafi.”

School of Creativity 2018:  Breathe, Believe, Become
15-18 May, Bethel Church (Redding, CA)

I’ll be teaching a poetry workshop at this splendid and equipping School. Here’s this year’s focus: “We believe everyone is designed in the Image of God, who breathes life into our creative bones, releasing supernatural thoughts that will transform us to become all we’ve been created to be! This school is based upon a developmental model, where sessions, workshops (art, culinary, dance, drama, fashion, film, landscaping, social media, music, photography, writing), and interactive free times for critique and prophetic ministry will support and confirm your call.”

Paintings & Poetry:  A First Friday Art Reception
4 May, 5-7pm, The Crown Jewel (Ashland, OR)

I’m happy to have my art on the walls of The Crown Jewel for the merry month of May. On the night of the reception, come get a free poetry broadside while they last! Show runs through the month of May.

Deep Travel Morocco 2018:  The Art of Adventure
22-29 March, (Fez & Moulay Idriss, Morocco)

Come experience sensory-rich Morocco with travel writing guru Larry Habegger. Larry co-founded Travelers’ Tales books and edits the Best Travel Writing anthologies. He is also known for skillfully coaching many novice writers from first draft to their first publication. We will begin our writing workshop in the Fez Medina—a UNESCO World Heritage Site of over 9,000 byways. From there, we will venture into the Middle Atlas for some retreat time in the mountain village of Moulay Idriss. While in Moulay, we will visit the 2000-year-old Roman ruins of Volubilis, tour Morocco’s wine country, and enjoy daily life in this small, enchanting city before returning to Fez. Along the way, we will meet local artists, restaurateurs, change-makers, and traditional storytellers. An adventure awaits you!

Deep Travel Al-Andalus 2018:  In Search of Duende
11-17 March (Granada, Spain)

What is duende and where do we find it? The great Spanish poet Federico García Lorca defined it as the dark beauty found in Andalusian art: the bullfight, the fierce flamenco dancing, and the strains of a guitar. You might recognize it closer to home in the haunting chords of your favorite Leonard Cohen song. Wherever we find it, duende can transform struggle into art and sorrow into revelation. This spring, Deep Travel will journey to Lorca’s hometown of Granada, Spain to explore duende at its source. We will stay in swanky caves, hold readings by candlelight, marvel at the Alhambra, and enjoy a sunset paella party with local flamenco dancers in the Sacromonte. Along the way, award-winning author Erin Byrne will spark your writing with the cante jondo—the deep song at the heart of duende. Deep Travel participants will also have the option to submit work for the Deep Travel Anthology.

Poets & Painters & Cake
10 February (Pennington Farms, Applegate OR)

Mindy Carpenter & I (aka: Poets & Painters) are excited to offer another workshop at Pennington Farms…this time featuring cake! Have you seen the Pennington cakes? They are works of art waiting to inspire your painting & poetry (& waiting to be eaten, too!) Bring an appetite for fun & you’ll leave with a finished painting & poem created in a time of sweet delight. No experience required! It’s all about playing. Email me to register: ae@annaelkins.com

Deep Travel Mexico 2018:  The Art of Tranquilo
2-7 January (Yelapa, Mexico)

Come enjoy a writing retreat in the car-free village of Yelapa on Mexico’s Bay of Banderas. Study with beloved travel writer Tim Cahill in an unpolished paradiso fueled by sun, cerveza, and seafood. After waking in your open-air casa, amble down the beach for a session of guided writing with Tim, and then enjoy the day sketching, swimming, hiking, boating—or all of the above! This trip will balance rest and adventure. Want to sip margaritas in a hammock? Want to salsa dance in the moonlight? Want to enjoy Huichol art? How about spearfishing? Whatever your interests, you will find plenty of inspiration for your journal.

Lotería Mexicana:  An Art Reception
6 January, 5-7 pm, Yelapa Oasis Gallery (Yelapa, Mexico)

This new collection of 40+ watercolors was inspired by the “Lotería Mexicana” game. Come see the art and meet the participants of Deep Travel Workshops for the art reception. Bonus: 25% of sales from the art show will go toward the art program at the High School of Yelapa. You can also view this collection at my online gallery.

Vignettes & Postcards from Morocco:  A Reading at the Commonwealth Club
5 December, 6-7:15, The Commonwealth Club (San Francisco, CA)

Sit down at the Club and travel to Morocco with five award-winning travel writers who have collaborated with several other writers on Vignettes & Postcards from Morocco. Shake off the holiday blues as the chergui (desert wind) whips reality into fantasy, from Casablanca to Tangier, from Marrakech to the Sahara, from a rose festival in the countryside to a betrothal fair high in the Atlas Mountains, in alleyways and on rooftops, in the souks and on plains scattered with ruins. Come hear some of the 33 stories and poems, tales of quests and mysteries, of traditions and memory and wisdom, that seek the ancient and celebrate the exotic in Morocco. Vignettes & Postcards from Morocco is a Foreword Book of the Year finalist.

Holly-Jolly Pop-Up Shop
3 December, 11-3, 571 Thornton Way (Ashland, OR)

There’ll be cards & art & ornaments to buy. There’ll be candy canes & gingerbread to try. There’ll be sparkly & festive & colorful wares, delights & surprises we can’t wait to share. So if your holiday shopping isn’t quite finished, come & find treats that your loved ones will cherish!

Time:  2017 Annual Members Show
Reception on 17 November, 5-8 pm, Rogue Gallery & Art Center (Medford, OR)

Enjoy diverse work by members of the Rogue Gallery & Art Center. I’ll be at a conference during the reception, but swing by and say “hi” to my painting, “The Bright Eye of Time.” The exhibit runs through December 21, 2017.

Red Friday:  Holiday Market at Red Lily
24 November, 11-5 pm, Red Lily Vineyards (Applegate, OR)

Mindy Carpenter & I will represent Poets & Painters for this delightful holiday market. Shop us and others for hand-crafted gifts while enjoying Red Lily’s award-winning wine. Love locally, shop locally.

Poets & Painters...& Pie!
11 November, 11-3 pm, Pennington Farms (Grants Pass, OR)

Mindy Carpenter & I are happy to announce another Poets & Painters workshop on November 11th. This time, we’ll be at the delightful Pennington Farms in the heart of the Applegate Valley–home to luscious (and art-inspiring) pastries. You’ll get to spend the afternoon with words & paint & Pennington’s signature “cutie pies.” All supplies, instruction, & pie included. You’ll leave with a finished 8″ x 10″ painting & a poem–fun & easy, we promise! Want to join us? Register by emailing me: ae@annaelkins.com.

Winter Blessings:  Paintings by Anna Elkins
November & December, Weisinger Family Winery (Ashland, OR)

Shorter days, colder weather–winter can be gloomy or beautiful, depending on how we decide to embrace it. Come enjoy art that celebrates the ways we can give and receive blessings in this season. Reception for First Friday: 3 November, 5-8 pm. Fine wine available for purchase, and complimentary appetizers while they last!

Eyes of the Heart:  Prophetic Art Workshops

Want to catch the Eyes of the Heart workshop this year? Join me for this day-long workshop that journeys into the heart of prophetic art:

Crescent City, California: Saturday, 28 October 2017, CCFC (Registration details to come)

Bend, Oregon: Saturday, 3 June 2017 at Eagle Mountain. Register here.

Ashland, Oregon: Saturday, 6 May 2017 at Shepherd’s Way. Register here.

Writers Forum:  The Pilgrimage of Poetry
21 October, All Saints Episcopal Church (Redding, CA)

“Pilgrims are poets who create by taking journeys.”—Richard R. Niebuhr

What is the difference between “see” and “seek?“ What is the quest at the heart of the question? This session will explore where writing takes us by delving beneath our surface impressions to the underglimmers, the spirit-aquifers, and the paths of the heart. It is there—deep into the interior roads—where we make pilgrimage to the sacred with our words.

Vignettes in the Vineyard:  A Writing Workshop
13 October, 2-4 pm, Red Lily Vineyards (Jacksonville, OR)

Let’s celebrate the peak of autumn colors with a writing workshop in the lovely Red Lily vineyard. This will be a fun, accessible, no-experience-needed, no-pressure writing time. Join me on October 13: get yourself a glass of wine, and get ready to write vignettes: short, impressionistic passages of poetry or prose. Space is limited so register soon….

For the Love of Summer:  Paintings by Anna Elkins
1-31 July, Goodbean (Jacksonville, OR)

Summer is celebratory in Jacksonville! With the warm weather and cold drinks, Goodbean coffee shop is one of my favorite spots to meet friends. It’s a treat to have my art on these historic brick walls again.

Poets & Painters:  A Writing & Painting Workshop
Saturday, 24 June, 1-4:30 pm, South Stage Cellars (Jacksonville, OR)

Mindy Carpenter and I invite you to come and play with poetry and painting on a summer afternoon. $95 per person. Space is limited; please register by emailing: mcarpenter@carpediempapers.com. All supplies provided, wine available for purchase, and delight awaits you!

The School of Creativity:  What is Beauty?
17-20 May at Bethel Church (Redding, CA)

I am honored to be teaching a poetry workshop at this dynamic and equipping school. Join me for my session: “Poetry and the Beautiful Truth: The poet John Keats famously wrote, “Beauty is truth, truth beauty.” Come practice creating with the One who is Truth as you craft beautiful poetry and word-paintings.”

Poetry Reading with the Applegate Poets
Thursday, 20 April at Bloomsbury Books (Ashland, OR)

Though I’m a few miles too far away to be a proper “Applegator,” I’m happy to be included in this group that will be reading at Bloomsbury: “The Applegate Poets came together almost three years ago with the encouragement of Lawson Inada, former Poet Laureate of Oregon, who visited the Applegate Valley during Poetry Month in 2014.  Some of the members who attended his workshop at the Ruch Library decided to continue with the workshop idea, and have been meeting once a month since that time.  Most of the poets can be found in the Literary Magazine, From the Heart of the Applegate, published by the Applegate Valley Community Newspaper in 2016.”

Deep Travel Morocco:  The Art of Adventure
17-24 March, 2017 (Fez & Moulay Idriss, Morocco)

Come experience sensory-rich Morocco with adventure writer Tim Cahill. Tim is the founding editor of Outside magazine and the author of Jaguars Ripped my Flesh, Hold the Enlightenment, and many other beloved travel books. We will begin our writing workshop in the Fez Medina—a UNESCO World Heritage Site of over 9,000 byways. From there, we will venture into the Middle Atlas for some retreat time in the mountain village of Moulay Idriss. While in Moulay, we will visit the 2000-year old Roman ruins of Volubilis, tour Morocco’s wine country, and enjoy daily life in this small, enchanting city before returning to Fez. Along the way, we will meet local artists, restaurateurs, change-makers, and storytellers. An adventure awaits you! [For inquiries and registration, email Christina Ammon at: ChristinaAmmonWriter@gmail.com]

Vignettes & Postcards From Morocco:  Anthology Launch in Fez
22 & 23 March (Fez, Morocco)

As a contributor to (and illustrator of) Vignettes & Postcards From Morocco, I am excited to celebrate this anthology during our Deep Travel Workshop. Join us for the two-part launch in Fez: 22 March at Riad Zany 7 pm, and 23 March Cafe Clock at 6 pm.

Eyes of the Heart Presents Two Workshops
Saturday, 11 March, Maison de l’Europe (Tours, France)

Writing: 10:00-12:00 What is the difference between see and seek? This workshop will explore where writing can take us when we delve beneath surface impressions & walk the paths of the heart. It is there—deep into the interior roads—where we make pilgrimage to the sacred with our words.

Art: 14:00-16:00 Come venture into the history & practice of art that encourages. Learn to hear from the Creator & share what you hear with others. In this safe environment, you’ll be inspired to play in your creative heritage & destiny.

To Register, contact Dianne Parcher: dianne.parcher@gmail.com

Milagros
March & April, Artist & Gardener (Jacksonville, OR)

Mexican milagros (Spanish for “miracles”) caught my imagination on travels in the past. Over the course of a month, they appeared in my life in three entirely separate ways. I took that as a sign and  found myself painting them by the dozen. Many of those are on display at the charming shop, Artist & Gardener (130 S. Third Street).

Deep Travel Mexico:  The Art of Tranquilo
6-11 February, 2017 (Yelapa, Mexico)

Dreaming of a getaway? Come on journaling retreat to the car-free village of Yelpa on the Bay of Banderas. Spend 5 days and nights in the unpolished perfection of oceanside beauty, fueled by sun, cerveza, and inspiration. After waking in your open-air casa, cross a lagoon barefoot to listen to a short instructional segment on journaling, and then enjoy the day writing, sketching, swimming, hiking, boating, or fishing…or all of the above! This trip will balance rest and adventure. Want to sip a margarita in a hammock? Want to salsa dance in the moonlight? Want to enjoy Huichol art? Want to go spearfishing? Whatever your spectrum of interests, you’ll create plenty experiences to write and/or sketch about. [For inquiries and registration, email Christina Ammon at: ChristinaAmmonWriter@gmail.com

Eyes of the Heart:  Prophetic Art Workshop
Saturday, 21 January, 10-4 at Rainier Assembly of God (Rainier OR)

Join the students of the Northwest School of Supernatural Ministry as we explore prophetic art!

Deck Your Halls:  A Holiday Pop-up Shop
Sunday, 11 December, 1-4 at 571 Thornton Way (Ashland, OR)

Three card-makers, too many Christmas cookies, one solution….a holiday pop-up shop! Nosh on cookies while you shop for greeting cards, ornaments, original art, and holiday cheer. Bring yourself and bring some friends. Stay a few minutes, or linger a while. Mindy, Tara, and Anna look forward to seeing you!

2016 Reprise:  Holiday Art Show
Art Reception: Saturday, December 10, 5:30-8 pm at South Stage Cellars (Jacksonville, OR)

Fine wine, art, live music, treats…it’s the annual holiday group show for all the artists who’ve shown during the calendar year at South Stage Cellars. Festivity!

7th Annual FurnARTure Auction
Sunday, 11 September, 2-5 at The Inn at the Commons (Medford, OR)

Living Opportunities is one of my favorite organizations (and no surprise that they are one of 100 best nonprofits to work for in Oregon!). For their annual fundraiser, artists transform furniture into “furnARTure,” and those masterpieces are auctioned off to support The Studio, where artists with disabilities can come and create. While trying to create a conceptual chair a few years ago, I realized that my gifts are more two-dimensional, so I painted another pair of cats for this year’s bash. The range of art on display is always splendid, but my favorite pieces are always by The Studio artists themselves. Come and see for yourself!

Take Heart
Art Reception: Saturday, 8 October, 5:30-8 pm at South Stage Cellars (Jacksonville, OR)

The paintings in this exhibit celebrate the art of encouragement and the many shapes of the heart. To say “take heart” is to encourage. To encourage is to inspire with spirit and hope. And the Latin root of “encourage” is cor—heart. It all comes back to the heart. Alongside the paintings, I am also launching my new greeting card line, Take Heart, on the night of the reception, October 8. The cards are a mix of encouraging images and poetry: perfect for giving away, keeping for yourself, or both! To continue the cycle of encouragement, I am giving 10% of all art and card sales on the reception night to The Studio at Living Opportunities—and an ongoing 10% of greeting card sales after that. The Studio offers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities a space to come and create art. It’s an organization that lives the power of encouragement. The show will run from 22 September through 9 November.