What a great four days of art, kinship and laughter! ZNE Convenzione '09 was wonderful. It kicked off with an amusing opening on Wednesday night at a downtown Pleasanton art gallery. Jon Troast seranaded the group as we met each other and put faces to the names behind the blogs!

Thursday began the classes. I decided to take one from the super fun and talented Lisa Kettell. She and her mother are a hoot! We laughed so hard in that class, my stomach muscles hurt. And, we made some whimsical little theaters, as Lisa gave away her tricks and techniques to art making.
The day was rounded out with the instructor dinner at a local Mexican restaurant. I was so proud to sit at a table with such notable artists as Anna Corba, Ruth Rae, Brandie Butcher Isley, Ann-Denise Anderson, Mica Garabino, Gina Gabriell and of course, Chelise Stroud-Hery, the woman behind the ZNE curtain. We shared about our lives and our art over margaritas, chips and queso. What fun it was!!
Friday began with my Woodland Fairy Boudoir Lamp class. Everyone was excited about creating a magical little theater that lights up, and their enthusiasm showed in the gorgeous lamps they made!! Although my students all started with similar materials, each one created a lamp that was uniquely their own. That night, Michelle Beschen was the guest speaker at the hosted dinner.
At this time, I think I started coming down with a cold, because I was so excited and yet so tired from all the activities!!
Saturday and Sunday brought the Art Paperie and Pleasantries Art Faire with a myriad of talented artists selling their works and vendors selling all sorts of fabulous ephemera to use! Book signings and a variety of Make and Takes made the event grand. Being a vendor myself, I couldn't get away for any of the quickie art projects, but I was drooling over some of the Make and Take projects taught by the creative artisans.
I need to say thank you to Chelise, who coordinated the entire event. It took a lot of hard work and organization and everyone I spoke to just loved being there! Next, I need to say thank you to my lovely students who participated in my class. What a talented group of ladies! And finally, I want to extend my gratitude to all the instructors I met and talked with who shared their talents and were so humble about their successes. And of course, to all my collectors who came by to purchase some of my eclectic mix of vintage-style creations.
It was a grand affair and I look forward to seeing everyone again next year!!