A Week At Mineral School

It's my seventh day at Mineral School.

I have two favorite places I visit every day. 

The Bat-house and the cemetery.

You can sort of see a small bat - 

 just coming out from below the gutter

and to the right of the chimney.

Friday I went to Paradise on Mt. Rainier

where the flowers were at peak bloom, at least the avalanche lilies

and Indian paint brush.

Bill came up for a visit and we hiked up Morain Trail to where 

we could see the Nisqually Glacier and the melt that becomes

the mighty Nisqually River.

Yesterday we all went to the lake

for a swim and to say goodbye to our dorm mom, Jess,

and welcome our new dorm mom Putsata.

I have been writing more the last few days

less visual art

though this week I hope to get some work on the press.

Yes, I brought a portable press and it is in the school gym

waiting for me, patiently.

Day 4/Mineral School Residency

Last night was long and late. 

Stories, dreams, and healing shared.

Today was cool and misty.

Sleepy, I was sleepy all day. 

It inspired this collage.

Of course I revisited the bat house,

walking the curve of the lake.

And tonight Jess and I went to the cemetery

where the artist Velma Hale "Artist at Rest"

is regularly gifted heart shaped stones. 

Day 3 at Mineral School!

 Started this morning with a collage in honor of the lunar eclipse. 

My first collage since high school, I think.

 Mineral School has all kinds of sweet things that embrace. 

Definitely a dream come true to be here.

 My studio/room has exploded with stuff everywhere. 

That's what collage does.

 The bat house — population 800.

This place in particular is inspiring me. 

I'll be back tonight, depending on the update of cougar information!

 

Mineral School: Day Two

I'm settling in at Mineral School.

It's a comfortable and welcoming place. 

Cozy despite the ratio of one artist per classroom.

One of my classroom work stations in action.

(I'm reading Flash Count Diary, if you are interested. 

It's exxxcellent.)

 The spaces are full of inspiration and companionship 

if you need a social break.

The food is delicious, 

the light is fantastic.

Dinner in 20 minutes! 

Mineral School

It's my first day at my artist residency. 

I have two weeks at Mineral School.

And it's wonderful to be here.

I have my own room! And it's an old classroom. 

Little coat closets, like I had in the 1st and 2nd grade. 

There's two big chalk boards, and a recliner. 

More comforts than home.