Workshops – Page 3 – Allyson Proulx

Checking in…

Hello friends,

I have made it to Bayfield! The cottage is tiny, but cosy, and I have reorganized it into a working studio for myself. It is a fine cottage, and think I shall enjoy my time here immensely.

The man that I am renting the cottage from just happens to have worked as a photographer for CBC and is bringing me back some lights, on Friday when he returns. I am going to wait to see what he brings me to take pictures of the #dailysmudge postcards. I miss having my set up, and the ease with which to share them…

I have walked the Sawmill trail every morning (it’s very beautiful) and am looking forward to witnessing, and documenting, all the changes as the air cools and the colours come alive.

I went around town introducing myself and putting up posters for the workshop (which is tomorrow), and wouldn’t ya know it, I met Alice Monroe on my travels!! (She was having lunch at one of the restaurants). I invited her to the workshop, saying she would write a fine letter indeed. Ms. Monroe explained that she would not be in town on Thursday, but acknowledged my passion, and wished me the best of luck – so perfect.

I am, right now, at the gallery (barn) where my workshop will take place. I have come here to use the internet (as my cottage does not have a wi-fi connection), to drop off my mailbox, and to leave some cards. I do hope some good souls show up tomorrow!!

I will check in again on the weekend with more pictures, of the workshop and my time here.

Until then,

in thanks,

Smudge

someone to be thankful for – a gratitude project

You know how they always say we shouldn’t just celebrate Love on Valentine’s Day, or our Mothers on Mother’s Day? You know how they always say that expressing gratitude is important? Oprah said it a lot. Well, I took all of those things they kept saying to heart two years ago, and decided I would dedicate the month of October, each year, to not just say thank you, but to express gratitude. I intended to extend the sentiment into an action, a holiday weekend into a practice.

For the past two years I have written a thank you note, everyday, for 31 days, and handed it to someone. It was personal, and intimate, and fruitful, each year (all those things they say about expressing gratitude is true). This year, taking all the goodness that surrounds this project, I wanted to change things up a bit –– I wanted to dedicate time to the process with which the cards/notes were made, and I wanted to extend this expression of gratitude beyond my own personal experience.

This year, Lefty Smudges’ Gratitude Project will involve 31 sponsors/recipients (representing each day in October), a 2-week residency in Bayfield (to host a workshop, and gain inspiration), 4 letter-writing workshops (writing to humanitarian aid organizations), and a chance for us all to acknowledge ‘someone to be thankful for’.

HOW IT WORKS.

31 generous individuals (which could include you), will contribute $60 each, to fund the project.
With this contribution, each one of the sponsors will receive 1, of the 31, Lefty Smudges Gratitude Project 2015 cards in the mail.
Four letter-writing workshops will be offered during the month of October. These workshops will be free to the public (the supporters having provided the funds to cover all materials, including postage), and will be addressed to international humanitarian aid organizations helping Syrian refugees, thanking them for the work they are doing. I have been greatly impacted by what is happening to our fellow human beings around the globe, and I feel the need to thank those who are making a (positive) impact –– to acknowledge those doing the (good) work.
Each aspect of this project will be documented, and then shared with each supporter (as a record of what they helped accomplish), and via social media (as a way to inspire others, to express gratitude in creative ways this October).

If you are interested in supporting this project, or if you have any questions, please email me at, leftysmudges@gmail.com. To support the project directly, you can go to my etsy shop, https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/248155519/something-to-be-thankful-for-a-gratitude?ref=shop_home_feat_1. To follow along, join me on Facebook (Lefty Smudges), and on Twitter (@leftysmudges).

Let’s take time this October, to be thankful, to those we can be thankful for. Join me.

Love, Smudge

High School Postcard Writing Workshop – #hashtagpostcards

May 26th, Period 5, Gr.11 English class – making #hashtagpostcards with Lefty Smudges.
These postcards were made, and will now be mailed to students, in Malawi, Africa, who are painting a mural of the world on a wall of their school. Our postcards, the ones these students and I made, will be hung at the school to represent Canada. I am proud of what these students created, and how they gave of themselves through this activity. I had a marvellous time getting to know you.
The reception of these postcards will be documented on the other side, and I will keep you updated as to what happens next.

All my love,
Smudge

P.S. We only had permission to take pictures of some of the students faces…hence the picture style.