Finished school

[Debra Norton]

Hi, I just thought I'd let you know I've finished my four years at The Atelier in Minneapolis and will be moving back home to Washington state next week. It's been a great four years and I'm going home feeling like I've been well equipped. Now I just have to put to use what I've learned!

I know I haven't participated in the forum much these past four years, because school took so much time, but I have managed to keep up on reading it, at least. I will miss being part of an art community and I know SOG will help fill that void. I also hope to be able to share some of the things I've learned.

We will spend the first 6-9 months home building a house (which includes a studio) so I won't be painting full time until we're into the house, but I'll have a little studio in our temporary on-site living quarters, which is actually my husband's shop, or will be when we move out of it and into the house.

We will be off line for about a week while we make the long drive home but should be back on line by early June.

[Claudemir Bonfim]

Congratulations! And good luck with your new goals.

[Alexandra Tyng]

Debra, congratulations! Never lose sight of your goals.

[Steven Sweeney]

Wow . . . those were "quick" years. I'm not on the right computer at the moment for a pearl dive, but it would be interesting to resurrect some of the emails we exchanged -- just to actually confirm the dates -- back when you were interviewing proprietors of the respective Minneapolis ateliers.

I should have kept track of the spring student exhibition schedule -- did I already miss it? I'm glad we got together at least once at the Atelier -- it would have seemed odd to have lived only a few miles apart for so long and yet never to have actually met.

Good luck over on the left coast. Keep in practice with what you've learned, but sneak in something new from time to time for interest's sake. And fill up some sketch pads, just to keep your eye sharp.

Say hello to home-state Montana for me on your way through. There's a lot of fine plein air opportunity in the Big Sky, if you're inclined to tarry.

[Steven Sweeney]

Answer to my own question:

The Atelier's 2007
Full Time Student Show
May 18-20
Friday, 2 - 9pm
Saturday, 12 - 8pm
Sunday, 12 - 5pm

You're probably over there right now. And I've just added this to my weekend plans.

[Steven Sweeney]

Okay, final note . . .

I was going to write above that the knowledge and skills gained would put you in very good stead to teach . . .

And now I see your name on the list of the Atelier's instructors. I'd say you've done remarkably well for yourself. Congratulations.

[Debra Norton]

Steven, yes the years have gone by quickly! I feel like we just got here and now we're heading home in a few days.

About Montana, I'd love to stop and paint there but the call of the hammer has a tight hold on my husband. My mom grew up in Montana and I still have relatives there (in Great Falls, and Geraldine, a little two block town) so I may actually end up back there again with my paints and brushes.

Alexandra and Claudemir, thank you.

And Steven, I'll keep an eye out for you at the show.

[Enzie Shahmiri]

Hi Debra,

Congratulations! I can't believe it has been four years either. Boy does time fly! It is so nice to hear that you have accomplished so much in this time.

How exciting that you get to built a new studio as well. There are some great threads on SOG about studio spaces for additional ideas.

[Michele Rushworth]

Congratulations, Debra! What part of Washington State will you be living in? (I'm in Sammamish, a suburb of Seattle.)

[Linda Brandon]

Congratulations, Debra! This is really exciting news and I wish you every success! Thanks, Steven, for the link - I really enjoyed reading about the atelier and its programs.