Snow Days Then and Now

4114 Highgrove Road in Winter

As many of you know, I'm a Pittsburgh Girl at heart.  I was born in Pennsylvania, and I spent the first thirty-eight years of my life there.  During that time, winter often began with an early snowfall in October, and it ended as the last holdouts of blackened snow finally disappeared with the spring rains.

We shoveled.  We blew snow.  We salted.  We made snow balls, and snowmen, and snow forts.  We wore snow pants, and mittens, and stocking caps.  (In fact, and to our embarrassment, our Mother used to tie plastic bread bags over our socks, and we wore them inside of our boots, to keep our precious feet warm.)

When it snowed, almost without exception, we went to work, and school, and on with our daily lives.

An Angel Making An Angel

Here in North Carolina, winter is different, and I love it.  When the word "snow" is whispered here by weather forecasters, we all run to the grocery store for bread and milk.  (Why bread and milk?  I'm not sure; but my native husband swears that it's for milk sandwiches.)

And when the snow actually arrives, schools, businesses, and other activities are canceled.  (Whatever your position on this, and folks debate it at great length, we just don't have the infrastructure to effectively remove snow and ice from our roadways.)

During times of wintry weather, my hero husband and his fellow first-responders go off to protect us, while we hunker down at home and enjoy the unexpected break in the action.  Days pass.  The snow melts.  And life goes on as if it had never happened.

I happily embraced this routine without too much deep thought, and then I opened ARTworks Vass.  The challenge of deciding when and if we should close or remain open during these times is one that has been thrust upon me, and my position is this.

Could she possibly
be any cuter?

Safety first.  In all things, the safety of my artists, employees, customers, and friends means more to me than business-as-usual or the possibility of a random sale.  (I promise.  If you have a true art-emergency, call, text, or email; and I'll snowshoe my way to the gallery to meet you!)

Our public schools will be closed today.  I've made the decision to follow their lead to close too, even though the temperature is predicted to soar to almost fifty degrees.  Why?  Because our secondary and tertiary roads are still iffy; our parking lot is covered in inches of snow and ice; and our sweet shady sidewalk just doesn't look safe to me.

Is this a good solid business practice when January is historically one of the slowest months for retail sales?  That's debatable.

Is it one that I can live with when I safely lay my head on my pillow at night and you do too?  Absolutely.

Be safe.  Stay warm.  And I'll see you on the other side.

My Backyard Today

Art From The Heart of North Carolina - Dreams Come True at ARTworks Vass

Yesterday marked the one month anniversary of the dream-come-true that is ARTworks Vass.  The month flew, and we're enjoying the entire experience even more than we'd ever imagined. 

We love the classroom.  

We love the gallery.  

We love the special events.  

We love creating here.

We love our Artists in Residence.

We love the ART in all of its forms - Visual, Musical, Performing, Written, Culinary.

In fact, we love being even a small part of this wildly creative community!

Thank you to each of you near and far who have supported this dream.  To those who have listened, encouraged, laughed, cried, planned, supported, painted, built, created, displayed, worked, volunteered, cooked, attended, collected, promoted, performed, served, and generally loved us through our first month; thank you.  

We couldn't have done it without you, and we're looking forward to all that the future holds for us in this magical place.

Thank you for supporting ARTworks Vass.

Thank you for supporting ART from The Heart of North Carolina! 

I Am Home.

North Carolina's State Tree,
The Long Leaf Pine

Yesterday as I returned from a week away at our ReMe Retreat on Ocracoke Island, my heart began to fill as I passed the familiar farms and the beloved Long Leaf Pines of my hometown.

A small town whose city limits exist in the shape of a perfect circle, Vass, North Carolina, has been my home for thirteen years.  In Vass, we have two traffic lights, a Piggly Wiggly, and a precious old time hardware store.  Our population hovers at about a thousand people, and the areas that surround us have grown exponentially in recent years due to expansion on nearby Fort Bragg.

When I pulled into my driveway, I noticed that my husband, Ken, had been busy while I was away.  He'd cut and trimmed
our lawn multiple times, and unexpectedly arranged our yard art and planters.  He knows my heart and my quirky sense of humor in ways that still surprise me.

In the house, I was greeted by our geriatric dogs and cats... Penny, Coco, Gracie, Clark, and Patches.  We ate a light dinner on the couch, and I fell asleep soundly as soon as my head hit the pillow.

This morning I woke with the fondest memories of Ocracoke and the amazing individuals who graced me with their presence last week.  At the same time, I became keenly aware of a sense of comfort that had sunk into my bones.  This is Home.  At this moment, in this place, with the ones I love; I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be.

My Favorite Things - Places - Sandhills Horticultural Gardens

I captured the photos here at one of my favorite places in North Carolina, Sandhills Horticultural Gardens.  All were taken during two separate Springtime visits.  The first group were taken this year while visiting with one of my Besties from Pennsylvania, Mary.  The second group was taken last year during an Easter visit with my sister-Janet, my niece-Kate, and my nephew-Ben.

Inspirational garden art and sculpture is everywhere!

Individual gardens within the gardens provide surprises at every turn.

Our native Longleaf Pines are ever present.

How could we resist a respite in the Adirondack chairs?!?!?

Even the trees take on sculptural forms in the Spring.

  

"The Thinker" aka Ben

Family Love!

Stone Stacking is a favorite pastime when we're together.  Seeking Balance!

The Gardens are a place for all four seasons.  To just spend time there is pure bliss, and they also offer various educational programs, plant sales, and other special events too.

(For those who will be visiting the area during our ReMe Retreat - The Sandhills in October, you can look forward to blooming Fortunes Osmanthus, Holly Osmanthus, Loquat, Sasanqua Camellia, Thorny Elaeagnus, and Encore Azaleas.)

Jean Skipper's Creative Marketing - July 2016 at MATTIE Arts Center in Swan Quarter, North Carolina

MATTIE Arts Center in Swan Quarter, North Carolina is one of my favorite hidden art gems.  It's hidden in that Swan Quarter itself is off-the-beaten-path in the best possible way.  It's convenient in that it's located in the center of town, beside The Hyde County Government Center, and anyone lucky enough to be arriving or departing The Swan Quarter Ferry to or from Ocracoke Island will reach its front doors with little to no extra effort at all.

MATTIE is an acronym for Mattamuskeet Artisans - Teaching, Training, Instructing, and Educating, and MATTIE Arts Center lives its mission one class, event, artist, and student at a time.  At Mattie Arts you'll find a gallery, classroom, and a passion for art, artisans, and the community that can barely be contained in its walls.  Today I'm exceedingly grateful to announce that I've been invited to contribute to MATTIE Arts' economic development efforts by leading my Business Marketing for Creative Entrepreneurs Workshop on July 30, 2016 from 9:00 until 12:00.

Please call or email MATTIE Arts to register for this free event!

   

To register for this event, please call MATTIE Arts at 

252-943-8991 or email MATTIEArtsCenter@Hyde1854Courthouse.org.  

Space is limited, and early registration is recommended.   

The cost of Business Marketing for Creative Entrepreneurs is being funded by The Beaufort Community College Small Business Center.  As a result, there will be no cost to individual participants. 

The Small Business Center Network (SBCN) now has over 60 sites throughout the State.  Its known as the most expansive state funded technical assistance program in the United States, having locations within a 30 minute drive of virtually every North Carolinian.  The objective of the SBCN is to increase the success rate and the number of viable small businesses in North Carolina by providing high quality, readily accessible assistance to prospective and existing small business owners which will lead to job creation and retention. 

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I'll also be leading a metalsmithing class during my time in Swan Quarter.

Details to follow soon!

Business Marketing for Creative Entrepreneurs with Jean Skipper

I'm beyond excited to be traveling to Ocracoke Island next week! 

Thanks to Beaufort Community College's Small Business Center, Hyde County North Carolina, and Open Source Ocracoke, I'll have the pleasure of working with a group of Creative Entrepreneurs there.  

The fliers shown below provide basic information.  This post will provide more details about our time together, and a description of my business background. 

Part I - Small Group Sessions

Part I of our program will consist of a series of small group work sessions.  These will be held at The Magic Bean; each participant will select one session to attend; and a maximum of eight participants will participate in each session.  

In this part of our program, we'll begin with the basics, asses each business' current level of expertise, and set realistic measurable goals for each participant.  We've strive to identify ways in which participants can support each other in achieving success, and an underlying theme of increasing year-round income will be woven throughout our time together..

Please Note: Because we've had an unexpected interest in meeting in the evenings, we'll be adding one additional small work group on either Monday or Wednesday from 5:00 until 8:00.  If you're interested in attending this session, please contact Kim Meacham at 252-588-2205 or milkstreetsoap@gmail.com with your preference.

Part II - Collaborative Group Session For All Participants

On Thursday, from 12:30 until 3:00, all of those who participated in the Small Group Sessions will gather at The Ocracoke Community Center.  Lunch will be provided, and newly developed marketing plans will be discussed, as will the the manner in which collaborations can be developed for the benefit of all involved.  

Cost

The all inclusive cost for attending one Small Group Session AND The Collaborative Group Session For All Participants is just $35, and this includes lunch on Thursday!  

Registration

To register, please call Kim Meacham at 252-588-2205 or email her at milkstreetsoap@gmail.com with your preferences.  Space will be reserved on a first-come-first-served basis, and several of the Small Group Sessions have already reached capacity.

Personally- A Bit About Me

Beginning at thirteen years old, I held one to three jobs at a time at various restaurants and retail establishments.  At the ripe old age of twenty-three, I applied for a job as a bank teller.  My biggest goal at the time was to be off from my job on weekends.  This single step led to that and so much more,

I was hired by a community bank on a part time basis, which led to a full time teller position, and then a customer service position.  Simultaneously, as a benefit of my employment, I began to attend Westminster College in pursuit of an accounting degree.  

I entered the banking industry at exactly the right time; I worked hard; and my hard work was rewarded.  As the years progressed, the bank was acquired numerous times, and my career developed and grew along with it.  This led to positions as a Product Development Manager, Marketing Manager, and eventually a Corporate Cash Management Officer.  

When I moved to North Carolina in 2004, I worked for a single year in the financial service industry.  Then I jumped into a career as an Entrepreneur and Artist.  It was the single best career decision of my life, and I'm grateful for it every day.

As an artist and entrepreneur, I owned and operated a teaching studio.  I've sold the work of my hands online, at retail shows, on a consignment basis at galleries, and as a wholesale provider to boutiques and stores.  For five years I owned and managed Artist Alley, voted to be Moore County North Carolina's Top Art Gallery.  Today I market my work as Jean Skipper Originals.  My studio is located at Creative Studios, NC, and I also co-own and operate ReMe Retreats.    

My career has taken many twists and turns through the years to bring me to exactly this place.  My background is unique in its combination of Business, Art, Entrepreneurship, and Community.  I've learned from the best and the worst of my experiences, and some of my greatest joy comes in sharing all of this with others to help them further their own businesses and careers.  

I'm passionate about what I do.

I love to help others.

And I hope that you'll consider joining us on Ocracoke.

Spotlight on Blue Horse Market!

My jewelry, artfully displayed at Blue Horse.

Last weekend, I was lucky to spend a bit of time wandering one of my favorite local stores, Blue Horse Market.  Blue Horse, owned by the talented Sharon and Jeff Augustyniak, is located near my hometown.  Sharon and I met when I owned Artist Alley, when I represented her work.  Now the tables have turned, and I'm grateful for the opportunities that they've created for me.

Blue Horse is so much more than 'just another store'.  With craft beers, a large wine selection, antiques, comfy couches, hot coffee, handmade goods aplenty, farm fresh food offerings, and more; this modern country store has become an integral part of our community.

The following photos don't begin to do it justice!  If you're in the neighborhood, do yourself a favor, and stop.  If you're not in the neighborhood, make it a destination.  I promise you'll be glad that you did.

A glimpse at some of the kids' creations at Blue Horse.

This repurposed bed frame promotes local businesses and our community.

North Carolina Pottery and other treasures.

Sharon's handmade Mat and Frame,
my Ode to The Sandhills,
Amy Smith's Canvas Earrings, and other treasures.

From floor to ceiling you'll find treasures at Blue Horse Market!

Blue Horse Market is located at 3196 Vass Carthage Road, at the 

intersection of Niagra Carthage Road, in Whispering Pines, North Carolina.

Their phone number is 910-949-2996, and you'll also find them on Facebook.

Creative Studios NC - Classes With Connie Goodrum & Kristin Spurlock

We're off and running at Creative Studios NC, and I'm so excited about all that this means for each of us, and for our community at large.  During the process of opening the studio, I've had the privilege of meeting two new artist-friends, and each of them will be offering classes here on Saturday, October 24th.  You won't find these classes anywhere else, as each will be taught exclusively taught in our studio.  If you're in the area and available, please join us!

The first class is from 10:00 until 12:00 with Connie Goodrum.  In it she'll lead students in creating two - two page scrapbook layouts.  (That's right; four pages total!)  Each student will receive the Legacy Collection paper pack from Simple Stories along with 6 sheets of coordinating card stock. Connie will walk artists with all levels of experience through tips, techniques, cutting, layering, and design.  She asks that guests bring adhesive, a trimmer and scissors; and everything else will be provided.

The second class, Apron Art Doodling, will be offered from 2:00 until 4:00 on the same day by Kristin Spurlock.  In this class, each student will be provided with an apron of their very own, and they'll have full use of a wide range of Sharpie Markers throughout the class.  Students are also welcome to bring paint pens and other permanent markers for use in the class, and some will be available for sale in the studio.

As an added bonus, any student who registers for both the morning and afternoon class sessions will also be treated to two hours of free open studio time from 12:00 until 2:00.  During this time guests will have full use of our working studio space and tools too.  

For more detailed information about both classes, and to register, please call Jan McClay at 910-245-4129 or email her at jan@creativestudiosnc.com , or visit Creative Studios NC Online.