Happy New Year 2017!

Happy New Year!  Thank you so much for your continued love, support and friendship!  I am wishing you all a happy, healthy year full of art, adventure and dreams come true!

I am thankful to have spent the end of 2016 surrounded by family and friends both at home and at the beach!

I am happy to report that 2017 is off to an artful start!  I have 4 new pieces in the Del Ray Artisans "Simply Abstract Show" that runs through the end of January and am almost finished with a small series inspired by my Reiki training.

Next up, registration for my upcoming art parties and workshops! Hope to see you soon!

Fill your cup! March Art Party/Workshop!

Fill your cup! (March Art Party/Workshop)

Registration now OPEN

Sometimes it feels as if we are running on empty.  It’s important to take time to fill our cups so that we can continue to fill the cups of others.  So take time to nurture yourself and fill your cup at my March Art Party/Workshop!  Join me on Sunday, March 13th from 4-7 p.m. as we sip and sample teas, coffees, wine and more while we create mixed media cups on canvas.  Cost for this 3 hour class is $45 and includes all instruction and supplies.  Please bring a drink or snack to share.  Register now, space is limited. To register, click on "Art Parties and Workshops" tab and scroll down to "buy now" button.

Happy New Year and Last Call for January Art Workshop!

Don't miss this Artful Opportunity to set your intentions for the year in a fun, creative, meaningful way!  Join us on January 10th from 4-7 p.m. in Fairfax, VA to create a set of inspiration cards to save or share along with a collage of your word or intention for the year!  Full details and registration below and on "art parties and workshop" page.  Only a few spaces left!  Happy New Year!  Hope to see you Sunday!

Look Who's Teaching at Grown Ups Art Camp (GUAC) this summer!

I am happy to announce that I will be teaching a workshop at Del Ray Artisan's Grown Ups Art Camp (GUAC) this summer!  The workshop is called "Dreams Set Sail!"  We will explore and express our dreams as we create beautiful sailboat scenes using mixed media collage techniques.  The workshop will be held on Sunday, July 5th from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery in Alexandria, VA.  To register, please go to:  http://calendar.thedelrayartisans.org/view_entry.php?id=2156.  Hope you can join me as we allow our "dreams to set sail!"

Only ONE spot left for our Amazing Artful Awakenings Retreat!!!

Only ONE spot left for our Amazing Artful Awakenings Retreat!!!  Will it be YOURS???
Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to dream, play, create, and Awaken on the beautiful Outer Banks April 24-26th!  For full details and to register, click on "Retreats" tab.

Nest & Nurture--March Art Party Registration now OPEN!

Registration is now OPEN for my March Art Party “Nest & Nurture!”

Come nurture yourself by joining us on Sunday, March 8th from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. to create mixed media pieces celebrating the art of nesting and nurturing!  Cost is $45 and includes all instruction and supplies.  No previous art experience necessary.  Please bring a drink or snack to share.  Classes fill quickly, so register soon!  To register click on the “Art Parties” tab and follow to the “buy now” button.

If you are interested in nurturing your mind, body, spirit and creativity for an entire weekend, check out my Artful Awakenings Women’s Art & Yoga Retreat in the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina April 24th-26th!  For full details and registration information click on the “Retreats” tab.  Register soon, only a few spots left for this amazing artful event!

Amazing "Artful Angels"!

Thank you to everyone who came to my "Artful Angels" Art Party this Sunday (Mom, Anne Marie, Kathy, Carrie, Karen, Maribel, Jen, Yoon and Melissa!  We had an amazing time creating, connecting and celebrating the season!  Each of your angels is unique and beautiful--just like you!  I hope your "Artful Angels"  bring joy and blessings to you and your families!  Happy Holidays to ALL!  2015 Art Parties will be on the 2nd Sunday of each month from 4-7 p.m. starting in January!  Check back for registration information soon:)

Registration for December Art Party now Closed!

Class is FULL!  If you would like to be added to the waiting list or email list for future classes, please email me at: jackietury@gmail.com.  Thank you!

Come create "Artful Angels" on December 7th from 4-7 pm!
Click here for information and registration http://jackietury.blogspot.com/p/art-parties-create-celebrate.html

Art on the Avenue--an Awesome Artful Experience!

Couldn't have asked for a more gorgeous fall day for an outdoor art festival (though a little less wind would have been nice)!  We had great weather and huge crowds all day long!  I had lots of art admirers visit my booth!  Several people wanted to touch my paintings (and did) because the glossy finish gives my paintings a glass-like look.  Lots of people called my art colorful, happy, gorgeous, pretty, beautiful, bright, cheerful, and joyful!  All adjectives I am very happy to have associated with my art!  After all, the reason I create my art in the first place is because it makes me happy and by sharing it through shows, classes, and retreats, I am hoping to spread that joy to others and make them happy too!  Some of the highlights of the festival for me were:

1) Having a life/executive coach who had never purchased a big piece of art before buy my "let your spirit soar" painting for her office to help inspire her clients!

2) Another woman wanting to buy the same painting!

3) Seeing a steady flow of little girls come sit before my lotus painting!

4) Having both big and little girls ooh and ahh over my mermaids!

5) Having my entire family help and support me through the whole process!  Thank you SO much "Team Tury!"  I couldn't have done it without you!

6) Being interviewed by 5th grader Mia who was instructed by her art teacher to interview "a real artist!"

7) Having friends and family surprise me by stopping by my booth including my mother-in law, Anne Marie, Christine, Maureen and family, Sam, Kimberly and Mia, Stacy, Jen, Dawn, Martha and Anna, Linda, Bonnie, and more!

8) Having friendly, supportive vendors surrounding me!

9) Selling 2 large pieces of art and 10 small pieces!

All in all, a great way to spend a fall day and a great first experience with a juried outdoor art festival!

Thanks again to my family and friends, to everyone who purchased my art and to everyone who visited my booth!  You all helped make this a great experience for me!

ART news!!!

More art SOLD! 

More art Delivered!  My art is now at the Jelly Lounge in OBX! This cute new gallery is at the 4.5MP in Kitty Hawk.  You can also find my art in the Artful Gift Shop (Vienna, VA) and the DCAC Gallery in downtown Manteo! 

Just got accepted into Art on the Avenue--my first juried Art Festival!  I have thought about applying for a booth at this show/festival for years, but for one reason or another, always put it on the back burner. Last year I did my first live artist demo at the festival and loved it. So, this year I decided to finally apply for my own booth space! I am very excited that my application was accepted and can't wait for the festival! Now, the hard part--designing my booth space and creating enough work to fill the space! Guess I know what I'll be doing this summer!  Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 4th and come visit me in booth E3 at Art on the Avenue in Alexandria!  

Unlocking Your Passion!

The theme for this month's Art Party was Passion!  Passion to me is something you do for pure joy!  It lifts you up and takes you over.  It's an activity or pursuit where you lose your self and find yourself all at the same time.  Passion could be energizing and exciting or grounding and centering.  It can be a burning desire you feel rising from your core or a sense of joy you feel deep in your heart.  Passion could be your life's work or simply a hobby.  It could be the way you move through life with all your heart or simply standing still and letting love and warmth wash over you.  It's the energy and drive you bring to your life!

We took a look at our passions-- past, present and future and created mixed media collages with "Artful Affirmations for Unlocking Our Passion(s)!"

When you live your life with passion and an open heart, you create joy for yourself and for others! When you are open to possibilities, great and unexpected things tend to happen!  Unlock your passions, follow your heart and see where it leads!

JOURNEY-- begin where you ARE!

My theme for January is JOURNEY.  I love the idea of starting each new year with a clean slate and blank canvas!  It's empowering to know that as the new year begins, we have another opportunity to create the life of our dreams! 

This year I am continuing my artistic JOURNEY and celebrating a year of hosting Art Parties in my home!  When embarking on a journey, don't underestimate the importance of beginning where you ARE and with what you have at the moment.  Several years ago, I dreamt of opening up a shop where I could teach art workshops and host art parties.  I investigated several options, including buying into a "Wine & Design" franchise.  I decided I was not ready to make that type of financial or time commitment just yet.  Instead, I decided to take a small step from where I was and with what I had available to me at the moment.  I had an overwhelming desire to share my ideas, creativity, and art supplies.  I had a basement and a network of friends. Thus began my monthly Art Parties where we "Create & Celebrate Artful Affirmations!"  If I had waited until I had the exact amount of time, money, or space, I never would have started.  My dreams would still be circling in my head instead of pouring from my heart and taking flight.  So please, don't defer your dream.  Take a step forward, even if you are unsure about the direction or the destination.  Each new step you take will bring greater opportunities and greater growth.  That, you can be sure about!

This month's Art Party brought the theme of JOURNEY to life!  A great group of women joined me to dream about and discuss their journeys as we set our intentions for the new year!  I can't wait to see what wonderful things manifest in the lives of these courageous women as they set out on their new paths.  Their beautiful artwork is below.  Thank you Anne Marie, Jolene, Karen, Renate, Melissa, and Yoon!

Where is your JOURNEY taking YOU this year?  I hope it is in the direction of your DREAMS!  Begin where you ARE and safe travels!

New Artist at the Artful Gift Shop!

Hi, just wanted to let you know that there is a new artist at the Artful Gift Shop!  I am happy to announce that my meeting yesterday with owner Peggy James went very well and I am now an Artful Gift Shop Artist!  I have several pieces for sale in the shop ranging in size from 4"x4" to
12" x12."  If you are in Vienna, VA please stop by!  The shop is located on Church Street and carries all kinds of unique gifts from local artists--cards, jewelry, soaps, artwork, and more!

The Artful Gift Shop

Del-Ray-Geous Weekend!

Del-Ray-Geous Opening Weekend!

Thanks to Lesley and Dawn for curating a great show and hosting an awesome opening night! The Del-Ray-geous Show runs from October 4-27 at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery in Del Ray, Alexandria.

Closing reception and awards take place October 27, 3-6pm.  I have two mixed media pieces in the show, "Artful Avenue 1" and "Artful Avenue 2!"  Be sure to vote if you come by!

Art on the Avenue Artist Demonstration!

I truly enjoyed my first time doing a live painting demonstration!  I've painted in front of students before when I've taught classes. I paint in front of my family and friends on a regular basis.  But this was the first time I've ever painted in front of a huge crowd of friendly strangers!  It was a sunny, hot October day in Del Ray and hundreds of people showed up to partake in the Art on the Avenue festivities!  I demonstrated painting and collage, showing whoever was interested how I create my "Artful Avenues." I had fun chatting with everyone who stopped by my tent and especially loved engaging the children who were oh so happy to help me cut out windows and doors for my colorful buildings!  I would definitely do this again!

Artful Avenues!

Join me at the Del Ray Artisans this Friday, October 4th from 7-10 pm for the Opening Reception of "Del-Ray-geous"!  This show celebrates the fun, unique, and art-rageous personality of the Del Ray neighborhood!  I have two mixed media pieces in the show, "Artful Avenue 1" and "Artful Avenue 2!"   I will also be doing an "artist demonstration" from 2-3 pm in front of the Del Ray Artisan Gallery at Del Ray's huge annual art event, "Art on the Avenue!"  Hope to see you this weekend! 

Summer Sea Series!

Summer Sea Series!  Each mixed media collaged painting is 12"x12" 

Ahhh…summer! Lazy afternoons reading on the back porch, extra time with my children and family, trips to the beach to play in the ocean!  After the successful completion of the "Music in Art" show, I am more than ready to relax into summer!  The first thing on my summer "to do" list was to get a stack of good books for summer reading.  I started with "Language of Flowers" and loved this book so much, it will be hard to top.  The next thing on my list was to create a new Sea themed series based on the "dream big" whale I painted last summer.  I painted a new "dream big" whale and added a mermaid "reach for the stars," a fish "dare to be different," and a snail "go at your own pace."  I hope to take this series down to the beach with me, which is next on my list!   As always, if you are interested in purchasing one of my colorful artful affirmations just send me an email at jackietury@gmail.com.  Happy summer!

Joyful Journey Affirmations!

This series was inspired by the return to my own artful journey and a series of photos I did with my daughters.  This school year, I found myself coming full circle to resume a journey I began several years ago.  I knew then that I wanted to center my life around art and creativity and the same is true now.  Although I am currently working in a full time job that is not art related, I committed myself to resuming my journey and creating an artful life for me and my family.  Lucky for me, my husband and two daughters are on artful journeys of their own--it's so wonderful we can share this passion!  

The first piece in this series is "find your path" which is what I am trying to do (aren't we all?), while maintaining some sort of balance.  In order to find your path, you have to get out there and search!  You may have to try several different paths before finding the one that is right for you!  This image was based on my daughter Autumn who loves an adventure and a photo shoot we did in the woods.

The second piece is "climb your mountain." For me, this piece offered encouragement.  Despite the roadblocks, obstacles, and detours, you can do it--keep going!  You can and will climb your mountain and reach the top! This image was based on my new hiking boots and the mountains and glaciers I planned to (and did) climb in Iceland and beyond.

The third piece in this series is "make a splash." This piece was created to remind myself that when it rains (or when things don't go as planned), don't get discouraged…pull on your boots and go "make a splash!"  Don't take yourself or life too seriously.  Go play, have fun, jump in a puddle! You can still be "sunny" in the midst of a storm. The image was based on photos I took of my daughters jumping in puddles and playing in the rain.

The fourth piece is "jump for joy!" Don't worry…after the rain, sunshine and summer are just around the corner!  It's time to take off your shoes and "jump for joy!"  All the hard work you put into this journey will be rewarded!  The flowers will bloom and so will you!  It's time to celebrate!  This image was based on my daughter Zoe who loves to dance and jump for joy!

Hope these affirmations will be helpful to you on your journey!

Ocean Affirmations!

Here are some new minis I created to go with my "be a star" collage in "Cloth Paper Scissors" magazine!  Each beach inspired piece has an ocean inspired affirmation!  I am trying to practice these affirmations in my daily life..."listen to your whispers," "be open to possibility," "share your treasure," and "be a star!"  The beach has always been a source of healing and inspiration for me!  Hope you enjoy--see you at the beach!

Art Parties: "Create & Celebrate!"

I started hosting monthly Art Parties this year in an effort to add more creative time to my calendar, spend more time with my friends, and test out my skills as an art instructor!  What started as just a fun excuse to get together with friends has turned into something more.  By combining my drive to create with my skills as a social worker, I have been able to provide a unique experience where art meets self discovery and personal growth!  I have had such great feedback from my friends, that I am now opening up these "Create & Celebrate" nights to other groups of women!  Not only do you get to sip, snack and socialize with your friends, you leave with an original, meaningful masterpiece to take home.  You may even gain a better understanding of yourself and appreciation of your friends.  I hope you will join me to "Create & Celebrate!" Gather your girlfriends, drinks and snacks and email me at jackietury@gmail.com to schedule your Art Party!  Let the creativity flow and the fun begin!

                                          Art Parties are 3 hours long and cost $45.  All art supplies are provided.   

Happy Valentine's Day!

Some recent "art from the heart"!  I recycled some of my abstract paintings and turned them into mixed media collages.  I am back on track with my "artful journey" and trying to "follow my heart" and "be true" to my art and to myself.