Archive for June, 2011

Deep Eddy Mural and Wanda Montemayor

Posted on: June 16th, 2011

Deep Eddy Mural and Mosiac

My friend and art therapist, Wanda Monteymayor, has worked long hours this past year to get ready to install this beautiful mural at Deep Eddy.

The group started this past weekend when I was out of town, but I plan to help Wanda with tile work this week. Even the Mayor Lee Leffingwell came out to help.

Mayor Lee Leffingwell at the Deep Eddy Mural

What is special for me personally is Deep Eddy was originally owned by my family (GG Grandfather), Charles Johnson, a Swedish immigrant who came to Austin seeking fortune and a better life. His original limestone home is located near the pool and initially a few of his children opened Deep Eddy as a swimming hole.
So if you have some time or inclination to help I know Wanda would welcome your talents or you if want to donate to the Friends of Deep Eddy, please do. Today Wanda is my hero.

Be well,
Laura

Military Creative Expressions in Colorado Springs

Posted on: June 15th, 2011

Here is a link to an article about an art therapy program in Colorado Springs with wounded vets. Program instructor Kim Nguyen, is an art therapist who developed PTSD as a child in war-torn Vietnam. She developed this program to work with vets who have PTSD and a variety of other issues. I think it’s interesting an adult child of Vietnam is now helping our soldiers.

When I read the article I remembered Gretchen Miller’s AMAZING work with vets, the Combat Paper Project. Be sure and check out her work too.

Boston MFA Dale Chihuly and my Boston visit

Posted on: June 13th, 2011

Chihuly

Ikebana

All I can really say is Wow. I visited friends in Boston this past weekend and stopped by the Dale Chihuly installation and exhibit, Through the Looking Glass, at the Boston MFA.

Chihuly is a glass artist with a huge shop and team in Washington state. He designs and installs large scale installations made solely of blown glass, most placed on metal armatures. None of the ojbects are lit, but when you are in their presence, you would think so. The scale of these pieces is remarkable.

Boston was great. The weather was cool and sometimes rainy, but I was able to enjoy lobster rolls, great chowder and smell Peonies. It does not get better than that. I have included a few other photos of my visit.

Vintage and Antique sewing machines in a retail window.

Peonies at the John and Abigail Adams home in Quincy, MA.

Blueberry bush in Milton, MA at the home of my friend parents.

It would not be Boston without afternoon tea.

Valerie at the George HW Bush , birth marker

My hostess Valerie was born and raised in the Boston area. I never knew til recently that George H.W. Bush, was born in her parents home on June 12, 1924. Here she is in front of the marker. I was there on June 11th!

Be well,
Laura