Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Zne Convenzione 2008.......

I have some wonderful pictures to share of my memorable trip to Pleasanton, California for the four day ZNE Convenzione 2008! I had to take a couple days to unwind from a whirlwind of artistic activities! It was truly a blessing to meet in person many artists I have been speaking with by phone or on-line these last five years. I missed my original flight and ended up in San Fransisco rather than Oakland. So after an $80.00 cab ride (eek!) to the Oakland airport, I met up with Dawn Devries Sokol for a winding and steep drive up to our gorgeous accomodations high atop the hills in Pleasanton. I was so excited to hug long time friends JoAnna Perotti and Kris Hubick. It was such fun having a nightly artist slumber party with the group of eight of us that stayed up at this amazing house!




I truly enjoyed getting to know Dawn. She brought many of the original journal pages from her newly published book "1000 Artist Journal Pages" and shared them at the Vendor Faire. Her art journaling work was a true inspiration! We all sat up late nights at the house looking through her own original art journals as she inspired and encouraged us all to risk the blank page!

Sharing a meal before the opening night show with JoAnna, Kris, Patty, Lisa, Kathryn and Dawn! There is never a lack for conversation with a gathering of creative souls!








Pleasanton was the most charming town filled with wonderful places to eat and shop. It was standing room only at the "American Harvest", on Main Street, owned by Sharon and Rodger Mattern. What an incredible shop filled with the most unique mixed media and vintage treasures. I was blessed by meeting Sharon and excited she would like to carry my work soon in her shop!


Thanks Chelise Hery Stroud (ZNE Founder and event Coordinator) for my beautiful bouquet of roses!







I was honored to sing for the opening night, hear the heartfelt music of Jon Troast and see the incredibly moving and deeply thought provoking documentary "1000 Journals Project". After the screening, the film's producer and director, Andrea Kruezhage, spoke passionately about the project and was truly an inspiration to hear and be in the presence of.

The home we stayed in was absolutely stunning. I have never seen such a breathtaking view. The sunrise in the morning was spectacular. There was a morning haze of clouds that blanketed the valleys. We were so high up that we were above the clouds surrounded by brilliant blue sky and watched as the clouds dispursed to reveal the hills below. Our beds were fit for a queen and we got lost in the fluffy down comforters.















I had the most relaxng and wonderful day creating with all these amazing women (Dori, Kathryn Virello, Kris Hubick, Bonnie Rathjen, Danielle Muller and sweet Patti V. Crump). We took JoAnna's class on creating nests within canvas shadowboxes. The class took place inside the fabulous house we were staying in for the event !It never ceases to amaze me all the many styles and inspired ideas that emerge from each artist and the unique direction they take their projects!


















I was so inpsired by all the cool techniques JoAnna shared with us. After a full day of creating, and lots of M&M eating...this was my finished project!


















The Blue Agave Club was host to an evening banquet in a lovely outdoor setting. It was s joy to meet Lisa Kaus for the first time and hang with my roomies, Tina, Kris and JoAnna! I was so blessed that evening to sit and talk with such a sweet kindred spirit as Susan Tuttle.















The Vendor Faire about put me in creative overload! It was pretty hard not to spend all your profits when you are surrounded by some of the most incredible mixed media artists and their original work! I so enjoyed meeting and talking with all who stopped by! What a treat to get to hug in person my sweet artist friend Zorana.






















I was thrilled to come home with one of JoAnna Perotti's amazing art dolls. This one just spoke to my heart. JoAnna attaches such sentimental trinkets and vintage accents to her dolls and each one has unique and special meaning! She is such a dear woman and friend! Also came home with an adorable collage from Cindy Deluz . She was such as sweetheart and joy to meet! We all agreed the entire event was incredible and everyone hopes to see each other again in April for the ZNE Convenzione 2009!




















13 comments:

Dawn D. Sokol said...

I loved getting to know you over the weekend, Lani. Such great conversations we had, especially driving up those hills! You've inspired me and encouraged me in ways you'll never know and I am so grateful!

But like I told Kris on her blog, after seeing those photos of me: I need to lose a few pounds! :)

Flassie's Fil'a said...

Thanks for Your Prayers for my Son, Lani!
Praise the Lord! The Op was a success!

I thought that is were you were.
I remembered you saying you were going to sing at this event. What fun.

What are to words on your piece with Joanna's techniques.

Will we be able to see this film?

GOD Bless You and Yours!!!

Retro Cafe' Art Gallery said...

Wonderful post Lani!!!! I'm still recovering, but will be ready again in 2009!!!!
xoxox,
Kris

Susan Tuttle said...

Hi Lani!
You are a special person indeed! -- so glad that our paths crossed in person!

Susan
xoxo

Candace said...

O Lani, thank you so very very much for this wonderful post. You and the others are as beautiful as your art... that doll you brought home!!! WOW. We might have had a tussle over that little sweetie, LOL.

Thanks for sharing this with those of us who can't make such. I hope to see you sometime. You have made such a difference in my perspective of things.

Big Hug,
Candace

Zorana said...

Dear Lani, it was a treat for me to finally meet you. Just as I expected, you are sweet, talented, wonderful and extra beautiful. I'm sorry that I didn't hear you singing. Hope that we'll spend more time together next year. xo

HappyDayArt! said...

I liked reading it from your perspective - action packed! Glad you got the photo. Keep making beautiful things.

Catherine

Jen Crossley said...

What an amazing time it looks like you had.
Thanks for sharing your time away.I love what you made as well beautiful
Jen

Gaby Bee said...

Looks like you had a wonderful time with fantastic creative energy all around you. Thanks for sharing all these great pics. What a fabulous meeting. Your post is just lovely!

Gina M Smith said...

So great to meet you! Love your voice! Your Mossy class piece is great. I wish we would have gotten a pic together!

Mosaic*Queen said...

Hi Lani!
I, too, enjoyed meeting and talking with you!!! I look forward to seeing you at future events!
Hugs to you!

Michelle

Flassie's Fil'a said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog and the prayers for my Son!

Thought I'd stop by and let you know that I put up a link to a contest to win a autograph copy of a book and a limited edition print of the artist. I don't know how long the contest is open for though.

GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS!!!

PattiV said...

Lani it was SOOOO wonderful finally meeting you! Thank you for being such a sweetheart and a blessing! I can hardly wait til ZNE Convenzione 09!!!
huge hugs
Patti V