I have been a bit absent due to taking the most amazing vacation I have ever taken. We journeyed west. Packed the car and the kids and hit the road. We had a few locations where we definitely wanted to go, like, the Badlands, Yellowstone, Mt. Rushmore and the Grand Canyon. The rest we made up as we went along. BEST...TRIP...EVER!

I am so inspired now and am cleaning/reorganizing the studio and trying to get back to work. Surprisingly though, I am actually having trouble. It is a bit of a downer coming home after seeing all of the wonderful things we saw. It is a part of my personality that I can't help. Yes, I am an artist but I am so much more and this trip fed my soul in other ways. I was in nature, saw how absolutely breathtaking our country is, saw the beauty of nature, the plight of man, the height of mountains, the ever changing color of our earth.

Most of all I saw my family...happy. Not that we weren't happy before but just living in the moment and enjoying each moment. It was like time was slow and fast at the same time.

The art along the way was fun and fantastic. Here is a smattering of art we saw along the way.

And let's not forget the animals!

After all of that I feel like...

So for now, I will leave you with one of my favorite highlights...

Just want to thank all of the students who showed up for my workshop. It was great fun and I felt like I blinked and it was over. So much to discuss and so much creativity in one place is always energizing. 

Since it was a 3 hour class I didn't even think to take pics which is highly unusual for me. Kinda bummed that I didn't get my class selfie like I usually do. But, thankfully one of my students took a bunch of pictures while I was distracted. 

Thank you Audra! (the following photos are copyright Audra Zampogna and may not be used without her permission.)

On May 26th from 6-9pm I will be teaching my first workshop of the year. It is a 3 hour polymer clay sculpture workshop through the West Hills Art League. The workshop will be taught at Robert Morris University.

Polymer clay is such a great medium to safely use in your own home with very little mess. Whether you are a beginner, professional artist or just want a new creative outlet, polymer clay is a great medium to try. 

Description: Fundamentals of Sculpting with Polymer Clay 
Using polymer clay is a great way to create sculpture safely in your own home. Get a feel for sculpting in polymer clay with this 3 hour class. Learn basic sculpting skills by creating a unique sculpture suited to your style that you can cook in your own oven. The class will cover armatures, clay, texture, texture stamps, cooking, painting and finishing your piece using Amy's personal methods. We will be creating a simple sculpture for you to take home. Unfinished sculptures can be taken home and finished at your leisure. We will explore the materials and forms through demonstrations, lively discussions, and plenty of individual attention. This class is directed at the beginning level student. 

For more information or to register, visit the West Hills Art League's website.. As always you can email me if you have any questions.

Hope to see you in class! 

Each year at Robin Hill Park Manor in Moon Township the West Hills Art League has its annual juried show. The opening reception always falls on Mother's Day and is such a wonderful way to spend the afternoon! The event it FREE...yes!

There is a wonderful display and sale of member's art which never disappoints. There are delicious refreshments including nosh and wine, etc (also free - score!). Many of the artists make handmade bookmarks featuring their artwork which are given out to any mom for free! This year will be no different except that music will be added to the event!

Robin Hill Park itself is so picturesque and there are a few different, well marked, hiking trails or you can just have a nice walk around the grounds.

Yesterday I got to help set up the show for this year and it does not disappoint. There are wonderful photographs, oil paintings, acrylic paintings, mixed media art, pottery and sculpture! I will have two sculptures in the show too. Please come out and and bring mom, she'll love it! I hope to see you!

I recently went on an amazing trip to Rome, Italy with my father. We had a wonderful time and there was so much artistic stimulation that I felt incredibly overwhelmed. For those who have been there, you know exactly what I mean, for those who haven't I'll try to explain.

There is too much history to this ancient city that it's impossible to take it all in.

From the floors...

To the ceilings...

To everything in between...

My head is now so filled with ideas for art that I have to digest it for a bit. So until I can wrap my head around it all I decided to give my website a much needed overhaul.

Thanks for your patience!

And I miss the food...

For now I leave you with a view of the Vatican from the Castel St. Angelo. Surreal... xoxo