Artfest, oh man, it was a blast. A wonderful, creative, inspiring and exhausting retreat.
I am tired now. A good, happy, content kind of tired. So I will break up my big adventure into small pieces, posting over several days. I hope you don’t mind.
* Port Townsend was a beautiful place, as was Fort Worden.
* The weather was lovely. A wonderful break from my dry & warm climate.
* The accommodations were not as bad as I had heard, I think I may have been one of the lucky ones. Good linen, soft pillow, comfortable cozy room, warm water for showering. It was all good.
* I bought the the entire meal package and was not disappointed by the delicious vegetarian/vegan options.
* I’ve never met so many talented, warm, caring and creative people in one spot before. They really helped carry me through a wonderful experience.
Tracy Moore wrote in our handbook, “I truly believe that the pure creative and positive energy that emanated from every person here turns each potential disaster into an incredible uplifting experience.” This is so true. I had a rough travel day, with a 40 minute delay, which almost lost me my shuttle ride to Artfest. Fortunately, I caught my ride while everyone patiently waited for me to get my luggage. So nice. I also lost my phone, and some kind soul found it and turned it into lost and found. The kindness of everyone was overflowing.
Having to completely step outside of my comfort zone, I was very nervous about going alone. I’m slow to warm when meeting new people. I was painfully shy as a child and that uncomfortable awkward feeling started working its way in. Being there sort of felt like going to college, not knowing anyone, trying to figure out who to sit with, what to say and do… Trying not to be a complete dork. Those feelings remained throughout my trip, but it slowly eased and got much better. Everyone openly welcomed you at every turn. I met so many beautiful people, that I hope will be life long friends.
I have more pictures that I am slowly adding to my ARTFEST 2010 folder. You can see more of the fort there.
my mom went to a writers conference there 30 years ago and got her first children’s book published within the year.
she still meets with some of the writers she met there…
it like a positive vortex there.
can’t wait to see what unfolds for you…
It’s great that you had such a good time!! You are so brave…I could never have gone on my own to a place where I don’t know anyone. I’m impressed, a lot! But with your great art and skills and that friendly and lovely smile, it surely was not difficult to find new friends at once =)
I can’t wait to hear more about your trip.
Wonderful that you had such a great time. It is scary stepping out like that. I’m sure your art will be enriched by the experience.
It was such a pleasure meeting you! I hope we keep in touch and meet at Artfest again next year!!!
Very cool. I’m so glad you went. I know what you mean about stepping outside your comfort zone. Thinking about it gives me butterflies. But you did it! Looking forward to hearing and seeing more.
regina, this is fantastic!
i’m also very shy and am uncomfortable being ‘seen’. i think it’s wonderful that you found the courage to go, and that even though you may have felt awkaward about meeting and chatting with people, you were able to express yourself through your art.
it sounds like a wonderful experience!
I’ve always wanted to go to Artfest. Maybe some day.
Glad you had such a wonderful time.
I am really enjoying all the posts from Art Fest – I loved Misty Mawn especially – I didn’t know her work before I read about it on Creative Kismet! I can’t wait to see how these ideas come out in your own studio!
I’m so glad you decided to get to artfest and that Sharla gave up her spot so that I could meet you. You didn’t seem shy to me, just quiet, as I, too, can be. I believe we are referred to as “introverts”. I found myself having to press the boundaries a bit, getting outside of myself. It was such an excellent experience. I thought the words, “life changing” were a bit of a stretch – but I’ve changed my mind. I feel changed by it all now.
I came to your blog by way of my friend Catherine. You are lovely and I wish I’d been able to go to Artfest this year. I would have liked to meet you.
🙂