The Wonderful Word for this Wednesday is ‘Play’

Webster’s Dictionary defines Play (verb) as:

• to engage in an activity for amusement or recreation
• move or toy with aimlessly

Here are some synonyms that are relevant to today’s post:

diversion, delight, frisk, frolic, fun, pleasure, relaxation, recreation

The antonyms are equally important to show what ‘play’ is NOT:

work, task, misery, labor, gloom, sorrow, melancholy, unhappiness

Why ‘Play’?

Play brings joy.  It’s that simple.

This week I had the delightful opportunity to go to a “Drop-in Studio Night” at Refind Creations Studio owned by Belinda Botzong.

Let me share right up front that this is open to ANYONE on the second Monday of each month from 6-9 at Belinda’s studio, and you should DEFINITELY come to one.

Belinda and I share a philosophy about art.  We both firmly believe that art is for everyone, and that it brings joy to play with art supplies in a safe, open-ended, no rules, environment.  I mean, my motto from the birth of my business has been “Play Art & Spread Joy” after all!

Back to the open studio experience.  It was my first time going and I was absolutely thrilled with the entire experience.  Belinda has masterfully created a space in her studio that is like coming into her home and sitting at her kitchen table to play art.  You just ‘feel’ wanted and welcomed in her space.

But what are the rules you ask?

The only rule in Belinda’s studio is “There are no rules!”.  Use a paint brush, a foam brush, your fingers, your toes, whatever feels right to you!  If I had a dime for every time I heard her say, “no rules here” just during this one open studio, I’d be rich.

Okay, now that I’ve set the stage for you, let’s talk about what we did for three hours on a Monday night!  It is important to note that I intended to leave around 8 as I am not a night person and thought for sure I’d want to be home in my pjs by 9:00pm.  Well, my friend and I shut down the place at 9:00 with energy to spare.  Time is simply not a thing when one is playing art.

Belinda has just about every type of art supply you’ve ever wanted to play with and she shares it all (it’s a free event, but there is a tip jar for those who can afford to pitch in and help with the supply costs).  Last night I played with glue gun art, screen printing, stencils, gold leaf, and any kind of paint or color you’d ever want.  I even finger painted when the tools weren’t sufficient (thus the Midas touch pic) because remember – ‘NO RULES!’.  Talk about fun!

The young college student across from me painted a strong female character with a motorcycle in a beautiful field, the quiet young lady next to me did two pieces of floral glue gun art, and my friend used a cool stencil to create a sign for their family camper as well as some glue gun art.  A couple stopped by to see all the fun we were having and said they’d be back for the next one.  Belinda creates right alongside of us all and made a beautiful Van Gogh style floral glue gun piece.

Now let’s see how many synonyms I can get into one sentence:  It was a delight to have this diversion from the daily grind, to frisk and frolic with art supplies without an end goal.

 

 

 

Belinda and her studio, “Refind Creations”

The thing about Belinda and her studio is that she truly LOVES to share the joy of playing with art.  When I texted her later to say thank you for being awesome, she replied, “Thanks so much, it is truly my dream come true for people to find in creating memories like this!”.

Watch a short video clip of playing art in Belinda’s studio:

Watch video

 

 

 

The second Monday drop in night is only one of the MANY things Belinda offers in her studio.  You can find different people teaching different skills at her studio on weeknights and Saturdays.

In fact, I’m teaching ‘Modern Calligraphy Without Tears’ there in November!  Here’s a link:

I want to learn modern calligraphy please!

Check out her website to see all her offerings:

Refind Creations Website

Also, check Belinda out on Social Media:

Facebook

 

Instagram

Alrighty friends!  Go Forth!  Play Art & Spread Joy