Ring the bells of Spring!

Hello again and welcome to my blog! Spring has sprung and so too, with the new buds we see on our ravine backyard! Even our residential beavers have begun to work away at the little creek behind our home, which has now become quite a lovely stream with matching rock waterfall!!!

I am busy gearing up for 2 big art shows!! The 1st (May 6-7-8) at the Pelham Art Festival, where over 65 artists show their original art work over Mother's Day weekend. The 2nd show (June 4-5), Toronto for the Riverdale Art Walk, on Queen Street East. Both shows are juried, so it is an honour to have been selected to join them.

Aside from shows, new art workshops are scheduled, both at my home studio and at two new locations! The first location will be at The Painted Tree, Cobourg, for a Mixed Media workshop on April 16, the second at the Visual Arts Clarington, Bowmanville, for "Abstraction without Fear", on June 11-12. Visit their respective websites to register!

"Awaken your Creativity", an abstract painting workshop ispired by yoga will be offered again in my home studio!!! Kick off your shoes and paint to your hearts desire!!! We start the class with a 45 minute yoga to get everyone rejuvenated and inspired. Workshop is on May 14-15. Visit http://www.taopad.com/ to find out more!

Lots of good stuff, inspiring workshops and shows... hope to see you this spring!!

Springtime!

It's been rainning last night and all day today... ya'think we are now changing seasons??? Hope so! New beginnings, everythings fresh and bright, feeling warmer temperatures. Looking forward to it.

With the new season, comes new and exciting news from The Art of Placement and Design! I have 2 groups shows coming up in Toronto. The first, with Cobalt Gallery by the Beaches, called "its the small things". Show starts March 9th and runs until the 27th. As the show title suggests, all art work are no larger than 10" x 10"! What a challenge! Artists reception on March 12 from 1-4p.m. and I will be there!

The next show is called "ECO Art Exhibition 2011", starts March 16th and runs until March 27th. This will be held at Gallery 1313, Queen Street West, Toronto. Artist reception is on March 17th, at 7:00p.m. This show explores issues and concerns of the environment. My work "Metropolis" an abstract painting inspired by Metro Manila, Philippines was included in this juried show! I am thrilled!!! If you are downtown, please drop by. Glenn and I will attend the opening!

I also want to take this opportunity to mention that I will be teaching in new locations this year. The first, is with the Visual Arts Clarington Gallery in Bowmanville, and the second, with The Painted Tree, in Cobourg, Ontario. More about new classes in the next blog. Stay tuned!

Hugs,

Marissa

Bistro Chanterelle, Bowmanville

If you are looking for a great way to celebrate a special occasion or you are looking to go for lunch with a friend, it is worth the drive to Bowmanville. Bistro Chantelle is a quaint restaurant in the heart of Bowmanville, managed and owned by two amazing entrepreneurs Derek Leung and Marita Aguete.

Their restaurant is warm, cozy-casual, and friendly. Just celebrated my birthday there and it was such a nice treat!

You can also see some of my original paintings on display at the Bistro, together with another talented artist, Anastasia Tiller. Hope to see you there!

Year of the Golden Rabbit

Hello friends and welcome to the year of the Golden Rabbit!

This year they predict will be a calmer year in terms of much needed peace and tranquility! Last year, was the year of the Tiger and with it came a roller coaster ride of global conflict and uneasiness.

The Year of the Rabbit will be a time for peacemakers to shine, from time to time some aggressiveness may materialise, but it would only be for a short while. This year will be a year of taking it easy, of moving at a slower pace, a time to smell the roses.

With the coming of the Chinese New Year, on Feb. 4th comes in 8 new annual stars into your home. They can interact with the innate energies already in your space, so we have to identify and provide them with the support they will need for the whole year.

To be able to prepare your home for the year and to identify what 2011 has in store for you, I can work on your Annual Flying Stars evaluation, so that you can avoid the pitfalls and enhance areas where good energy can linger. Please email me at marissa.sweet@rogers.com to set up an appointment.

Happy New Year!


Marissa

Happy New Year

Another year over and another year begins! It has indeed been a year of new friendships, good memories and learning opportunities both in my personal life and professional work! All these are just some of the many... many blessings received this year... all of which I am truly grateful, humbled and proud to share.

Top 10 (Professional Highlights)

10) Went back as a student to Toronto School of Art
9) Represented by Tangerine Gecko, Markham
8) Solo Show in Westport, Influence of Colour at The Gallery on Main
7) Won 2nd Best Mixed Media, Oshawa Art Juried show
6) My painting was on the cover of Transitions Magazine
5) Accepted to the Pelham Arts Festival in Fonthill, Ontario
4) Accepted to PineRidge Arts Juried show
3) Accepted to The Station Gallery Juried show
2) Had a group show at Gallery Ouest, Montreal "The Little Gems Show"
1) Sold my biggest painting yet!

On the Personal front!
Top 10 Highlights

10) Visited alot of galleries this year
9) Had my first ever Tarot card read
8) Drove by myself to Hamilton and Pelham (401highway!)
7) Cottage vacation in the summer and Glenn's broken foot smooth recovery
6) Lots of quality time with Dad
5) Bible study at St. Therese Church
4) Learning to say 'no'
3) Getting a nice groove on my paintings
2) Turned 80 finally in the World of Warcraft
1) 10th year anniversary cruise in the Caribbean

Watch the PineRidge Arts Juried Show on UTube

Hello to everyone. Just wanted to let everyone know about the cool slide show of artists, guests and members of the PineRidge Arts Council, particularly those who have been selected to the Juried Show last November 2009.

Summer Updates

Hello my art friends,

What a wonderful summer this year brings us! Warm sunny days, blue skies, fantastic sunsets and star sightings! Of course a true summer should be mixed in with showers, cool breeze, the odd humidity and grey days, but overall, I cannot complain!!

Hope you have been enjoying yourself and taking a few days to relax.

Next weekend, Aug. 27-29 I will be at the Rideau Valley Arts Festival, in Westport, Ontario. This would be my 2nd year with the festival and trust me it is a wonderful show. Lots of great artists from Ontario and a load of beautiful original art. Please come and visit my booth #60, where I will showcase new work on my 'Conservation Series'.

An added tidbit, would be that Currys Art Store is now on their BACK TO SCHOOL SALE! Sale continues until October 15.

Hugs to all and hope to see you soon!