Hatching of the Nest....

When my late husband, Richard Estes, and I moved into our home, the spacious garage presented an ideal location for an art studio and meeting place that we both had always dreamed of. Richard believed that creative thought is the only thing that will save this world. It was his vision to create a sense of community in our area, by offering a nurturing space in which we could gather and allow creativity and spiritual energy to flourish.

With Richard's passing in February 2009 I decided to breathe new life into the vision that Richard and I had.

In honor of our vision, in the Fall of 2009 I invited two other artists to help initiate the space by offering a diverse selection of art classes and personal exploration workshops. As with most businesses the first year was a time of learning, however the space was used by many people and fun creative energy was abundant.

This year the two artists that will be working with me are Tracy Vandermay and Jody McNamara. What a treat to have these two amazing women standing beside me, promoting Richard's dream. It is our wish to invite people to experience the wealth of talent at the studio as they explore the magical power of the creative spirit. Come "do art", smile, dance, and feel the joy that is shared when artists come together to create.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Again....This thing about time!!!!

I cannot believe that my last entry was before the retreat.  It seems like that happened only yesterday.  The amazing thing is that today is November 1 and the retreat happened in September!!!  Incredible!!!  I wish that someone could invent a way to hold on to time....then maybe I wouldn't lose days, weeks, months. 

Of course the retreat was unbelievable.  Everyone seemed to have fun.  I know that for Jody, Tracy and I it was a success.  We were blown away by the awesome talent and energy that was surging in the walls of the Sparrow's Nest!!!!  I'm sure that there was a surging glow around the studio building...magic was happening and what a honor it was for me to be a part of it. The creations were amazing.  Every once in a while I would make myself stop and just look around and listen.  There was laughter, there was silence, there were deep looks of concentration and there were smiles galore. Everyone left with three wonderful projects (all relating to birds).  They all looked tired but truly happy and excited by the event.

Our classes continue to all have room for more students.  My layered collage class is coming up this weekend....I'd love to have a few more folks in order to make it a nice sized group.  Both Jody and Tracy have classes coming up and still have room.  Jody's Surface Explorations class is happening on Nov. 13th and Tracy's Beaded Lapel Pin class (Nov.15th) still has room.  Our visiting Artist's classess all still have room.  Their projects are so amazing.  If you are interested in any of these please let me know.

I know that these are stressful, busy times for so many of us.  I believe "doing art" can be a way to slow down, to touch our true spirits and to let good energy out into the Universe.  Sometimes setting aside time just for you, where you are lovingly led through a new art technique, can be the best boost ever.  Our Studio, our classes and our teachers offer the perfect resting spot where busy lives can be set aside and where your spirit can soar.

Thank you for your continued support!  Jody, Tracy and I are still committed to our dream.  I hope that you will come and join us.

Love Sherri

Friday, September 24, 2010

Tingles all over!!!!

Oh My Gosh!!!!   I am so excited for the retreat!!!  I am tingling all over!  However, every time I see myself in a mirror or in a window reflection I still yelp at the color of my hair...funny what one will do after a few years of stress.  Today I am full of joy and feelings of thanksgiving...amazing Sparrow's Nest Partners, loving friends, so much laughter, wonderful children, a loving step-daughter who spends late nights with me, the color purple and pink....the list goes on and on.  I know that this will be a magical weekend!

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Our Fall Retreat Is Quickly Approaching

I have begun to carry my list and pencil with me "EVERYWHERE" I go.  I find myself remembering things at the strangest times and know, all too well, that if I don't write it down it will be forgotten.  This is always one of my favorite times at The Sparrow's Nest Studio.....preparation for one of our retreats.  I have partners.....there are three of us....and alot of the reason is that there always seems to one of us that is ready to say, "whoa girls....we're pushing things too far", or "Are you kidding...you want llama kissing to be part of the event....I don't think so".  I am thankful for the "voice of reason" wherever it comes from.

I believe the world is a better place after our retreats.  I believe that the strength of creative women is amazing.  I also believe that encouraging people to play, to laugh and to let go of their daily worries is a wonderful thing.  We provide a time and a place for twelve women to come and be surrounded by color, joy and true fun....so many deserve this but I am honored to give it to at least twelve.

The people that come to our retreats are true warriors.  Usually they have no idea what to expect but they are willing to walk through our doors and take the ride.  It isn't easy for anyone to give themselves a day and a half to just play.  That takes courage and a strong willingness to just "Let Go", knowing somewhere deep, that this can be a healing experience.  I am aware of the trust it takes to participate in something like this.  We feel honored that everyone is willing to stand with us and play a little.  And most of the attendees know that I am often close to the edge......crazy......but they seem to be willing to come and experience all that is The Sparrow's Nest Studio.

Tracy, Jody and I are waiting impatiently for you to arrive. We are thinking about each one of you....sending special, loving, joyful thoughts your way.  We are working hard to make this a truly, special experience.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Class schedule is up and photos posted!!

The class schedule is up! Click on the "classes" tab at the top to view. Photos of classes are in the Gallery tab and at the slideshow in the left sidebar.

Friday, September 10, 2010

The AMAZING Blog is up and running.

I am beyond excited about having places to write about all the wonderful things that are happening at the Sparrow's Nest Studio.  This Blog and our Facebook page are perfect avenues for letting people know what is happening.   Our world of technology makes so many things possible...I'm learning slowly...but I am so thankful for my two wonderful partners, Jody McNamara and Tracy Vandermay, because they definately fill up my weak areas. 

Jody has been working hard on creating this blog space and she's done a great job.  I appreciate the care that she has taken when approaching this project.  She is thinking so well of the Sparrow's Nest and is ready to add her expertise in any way that she can.  Thank you, Jody.  It has been a joy working with you.

Tracy continues to be such a blessing in my life and in the work that she does for the Sparrow's Nest.  She is the organizer and planner and she also helps me with all the physical "taking care" of the studio.  Tracy is a treasure to me....I am so thankful that she is in my life.  Our friendship has grown deeper through creating a place where we can assist people in finding their creative spirit and happiness.  She has an amazing dedication to the mission of The Sparrow's Nest Studio.

I contine to be in awe of how much I miss Richard, my beloved husband. It's been over a year and a half since his death and I still spend so much time remembering our lives together and paying honor and respect to such a wonderful man, husband, father and friend.  I feel him very close to me...some moments closer than at others....but when I'm in the Studio he is always very near.  I feel his joy....he loved it when I was teaching and when I was living a life of creativity.  He loved my playfulness and joy and I know when I am "doing" the Sparrow's Nest....I am not only within his love light....but I am also continuing his work.  That makes my work for The Sparrow's Nest Studio so very important.

We're working hard on planning our Fall Retreat and on our Fall Schedule.  Keep checking here....the class schedule will soon be posted.  Thank you for supporting us.  We feel your excitement for our Studio.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Fall Art Retreat

The Sparrow's Nest Studio presents our Fall Art Retreat, come join us to celebrate the autumn harvest.

When: Friday, September 24th from 6:00 to 9:00 and Saturday, September 25th from 10:00 to 5:00.

Where: Sparrow's Nest Studio, 1406 E. Maplewood, Bellingham, WA 98225.

Only $30.00 for 3 great classes and creative comaraderie.

Retreat limited to 12 people, only a few spots left! Contact Sherri Angie to register or call 360-733-9031.