Art with B. Calvert: February 2017

Sunday, February 26, 2017

Get off the boat

Hello beautiful art families, friends and family,

My husband let me know that I said "get off the boat" in my sleep about two years ago. It is quite comical and my kids love teasing me about it. I can't recall the dream I was having and have no recollection of saying these words in my sleep, but it's become our families inside joke. We actually mention it quite a bit around our dinner table and use it in funny references. It's become a source of joy in our conversations and is usually filled with other odd stuff I've said. ha!

Some of you may remember about 2 years ago, right after the art show in May 2015, my body crashed and I was in bed for 6 weeks. I had some stressful things happen and along with that, I was keeping up all of my commitments and didn't stop anything. I kept busy: too busy. So, my body was telling me I couldn't handle anymore.

This month of February, I have started to feel my body wearing down from being too busy again. I know the warning signs now and realize that I have to slow down. In fact, trying to figure out my art schedule for next year has caused me great inner turmoil. Its made me call upon the Lord and wait for his answer. Ive prayed, analyzed and talked with my family about what to do. Nothing was settling in peace.

Then, talking to a dear friend, she said" What's keeping you from getting off the boat?". Those words hit me like a ton of bricks and I knew right away that they had significance. I've always thought to get off the boat, you have to start something new, not quit something. But hearing those words ,"get off the boat" in a new light, made a difference for me. What is keeping me from not teaching? Well, I love my students and would hate to let them go, and we depend upon the money I make. It made me think, God really could be calling me to stop teaching and thats OK. If he is calling me to do this, he will provide for my family and he will provide for my students. He is always faithful.

Trying to keep up with homeschooling my kids has been a job in and of itself. And as you all well know, the older the grade, the harder the work. I need to be able to give 100% to my kids homeschool. Teaching art is not just for that one hour class, it bleeds into other days and hours of prep, gathering supplies, bookkeeping and emails.

Back in Summer of 2015, I honestly felt like God was telling me to stop teaching and start painting for myself. But, I kept going because I felt that was expected of me and we needed the funds. But, with me starting to feel the effects of being too busy on my body, I see it as a clear sign that I need to slow down.

Changes:
This year :I will continue to teach in March and May, but will be taking April 2017 out of my schedule. April was a watercolor month, I will be sad to see it go, but I will need time to recover from the art show on March 31st. I have to pace myself.
This art show in March will be the last one.
Next year: There will be no classes during the school year next year so that I can just focus on homeschooling. The Summer Art class will be changed to a clay art class this summer. I do plan on keeping up with some sort of art class in the summers for the next few years. To sign up for this summers clay art camp, click here: Summer 2017 info and sign up

Will I keep painting? Yes, I don't think I could stop because its a part of who I am. Keep your eye out for new paintings as time allows at Instagram or Facebook

I am truly sorry for any inconvenience this causes you. I pray that my students will continue to keep up drawing at home in their sketchbooks and otherwise. Please don't hesitate to email me your pictures that you are creating, It blesses my day.

For ideas on other art teachers in Lynden, please check out:
Sheila Schouten
The Jansen Art Center

In conclusion, I'd like to say thank you for blessing me with many years of art with your kids. It all started in 2009, with many of students taking year after year of classes. I'm so thankful for how you all have enriched my life. I hope to still see you in the summers at art camp. Who knows what the future holds? Maybe down the line, I can add some other classes back in to my schedule.
Next? Not sure about the years to come, but I do know for this coming school year, I need to take a break. I need to get off that boat and trust Jesus as he is calling me to this phase of my life.

Much love to you,

Brenda Calvert

Saturday, February 11, 2017

Upcoming art show info for parents 2017

2017 Art show! This will be our 7th annual art show at the Lynden Library. Here is information for the art parents:

Eligible: All Art with B. Calvert students enrolled in a 2016-17 school year class.

What art/How many: One picture per student. The piece can be something created at home or in the art class. It has to have been made within the last 12months. Write the first and last name and age of artist on the back. Frame: Please masking tape only a mat to back of the paper artwork, such as watercolor, pencil, pastel, etc.) I can give you a mat if you need help with that. It needs to be light enough to hang on the wall with adhesive. Canvas art work can be shown as is with no frame.

Cost: $0. I will take 12 volunteers to bring 2 dozen cookies though! Thank you!

RSVP via email if you can do this. Deliver the cookies at 6:25pm Lynden Library, March 31st.

Drop off: Art needs to be dropped off at B. Calvert Studio any class time from March 9 to March 18, Saturday.

Open House: Artists reception will be Friday, March 31st, from 6:30pm-8:00pm. This is a good time to bring your family and friends to see the art work, meet Mrs. Calvert and have refreshments!

I will have invitations here for each family to pass out/mail.

Pick up the art: This year, Mrs. Calvert will be picking up the art on April 1st, and you can pick it up in class during the month of April. (or you may pick it up at the library on April 1st from 10am-1pm)

Voting: a local art teacher will be judging the art. I will be giving out ribbons and small cash prize. There will also be a public vote and ribbons will be given out to the winners of that.

Division Premium

1. Watercolor/oil pastel 10-17yrs 10.00 8.00 7.00

2. Watercolor/oil pastel 5-9yrs 8.00 6.00 5.00

3. Acrylic 10-17 10.00 8.00 7.00

4. Acrylic 5-9 8.00 6.00 5.00

5. Pencil/charcoal 10-17 10.00 8.00 7.00

6. Pencil/ Charcoal 5-9 8.00 6.00 5.00

7. Honorary Mention in 5-9 Ribbon only

8. Honorary mention in 10-17 Ribbon only

9. Public voted favorite artwork 1st, 2nd, 3rd prize will be awarded a ribbon only.

Awards: The Art will be judged before the Artist Reception night and a little sticker on your name will let you know who won on March 31st. You are welcome to visit the library to check it out anytime. The actual ribbon will be on your art work when you pick it up in class in April. Money awards will be mailed about 1 week after the art show is done.