Open Studio is on

We are going to host our first OPEN STUDIO this Sunday afternoon from 1 to 5 pm.  This is a chance to just hang out in Birdsong Studio and paint.  You can come prepared with a project you are working on and your own supplies, or you can ask us to provide supplies and some painting ideas.  As of the writing of this blog post, we have room for at least three more people comfortably....five if we really stuff people in.

Birdsong Studio is in our backyard at 114 Demers Drive downtown.  When you arrive, you'll find a place to park on the street and just come on back.  Thanks to John Alma, you will see Birdsong Studio signs confirming that you're in the right spot.  You can stay for the full afternoon, or a portion of it.  Open Studio is meant to be completely casual, non-programmed, and super relaxing.

If you need us to provide supplies, there is a small cost of $20 + gst.  We have a machine in the studio that will allow you to pay using tap debit or credit card.  Cash is fine, too.  Or, you can be super ahead of the game and EMT the funds (to office@birdsongconnections.com using the Answer:  Birdsong).  All we ask is that you connect with us in advance, or even on Sunday morning, to see if there is room.  You can text me at 780-881-3752.  Never phone...as I rarely answer the phone.  I'm funny that way.  You can also send a message via the Russell Thomas Art Facebook page.

Outside of the supply fee, participation is by donation to Bracelets For Buildings (B4B), a charity that builds homes for the poorest of the poor in southeast Asia.  You can donate whatever you want.  We'll have a small donation box in the studio so you can make whatever contribution you feel inspired to make.  Every little bit helps. 

In two weeks, we will be flying to Siem Reap, Cambodia to participate in this year's building effort. Two things are different about this year's trip. 

Most importantly, we're bringing our younger son Ben with us.  At 15 year of age, he is going to be able to experience life in the Third World and meet the amazing people of Cambodia.  As a passionate filmmaker, he'll be documenting his experience and making a couple of videos to help B4B share its story.   The other thing that is different about this year's trip is that we will begin our journey in Cambodia.  Last year, we spent a full 10 days getting acclimatized in Thailand.  We will take a few extra days in Bangkok on the way back to Canada.

All of this to say that we will pushing the pause button on the activities of Birdsong Studio between January 26 - February 10.  Our nephew will be manning the fort for us while we are away and taking care of Coco and Max.  I'll also be asking him to watch for incoming prints in case folks are waiting for treasures to arrive.