Forest Dwellers

Still to come

There’s a slide show being made of our last show but Jim is off shooting motorcycle gangs and it waits in the can for him to complete. If it turns out as good as his normal stuff, it will be worth the wait. AND I will show both Yumi and Kweli’s work very soon but I didn’t developed the shots prior to unhooking and boxing up my Studio Mac. Forgive me Ladies, but it is coming! Mike and I are heading out to Big Pine, California to share cake and Ice cream with the oldest living Artist / Gallery owner in the States. Carroll Thomas will be 99 . We’re packing his portraits made by the wonderful folks from the 818 show. He will be so surprised. Can’t wait!

As Kweli says…a reinvention of the end

If you have to have an ending, ours was the best of the best. A large group of beautiful, supportive people came out to celebrate the work of two amazing women (Yumi and Kweli) and our little gallery at it’s finest moment. It was a bit like cat herding, but I finally got all the attending Artists huddled in one place for a group shot… or 2. (Thanks Justin) We’re a happy lot.

It was wonderful to see and talk with everyone, especially those who had never been to an Artist reception prior, but appeared to enjoy themselves tremendously. It makes me that much more convinced that people need a place to share in something positive..now more than ever…and it might as well be about something creative. I was amazed to find by the end of the evening, that through these generous people, we sold 7 paintings. It humbled me, still does, and makes me quite proud.

I had about an hour to myself (before people started arriving) to reflect on the past year and all the memories made. I paced back and forth from the Gallery to the Classroom and back inside the Gallery again, taking it all in, absorbing all I could hold on to. From here on out, I will remember those wonderful memories and of course, all of you who helped make them.

To each Artist, my heartfelt thanks for your contributions to the Gallery, making it unique and wonderful… and for your endless faith in me. Please know… I’ll be there ALWAYS for you.

Jamie (Young Rembrandts Teacher), Shiela (Mixed Media Artist), Jim (Photography), Susan (Intern), Jonathan (Digital Photography Teacher), Kweli (Mixed Media & Jewelry), Laura (Mixed Media), Yumi (Mixed Media), Leo (Dexter Sinister Custom Watches), MaryBeth (Mixed Media and custom Candles), Gina (Textiles), Cathy (Fused Glass), Cynthia ( Latin-Catholic Inspired Jeweley), Darcy (Custom Rosaries), Kara (Mixed Media), Vicki ( Recycled Art), Dominick ( Glass), Connie (Pottery), Liz (Jewelry from Haifa Israel), Klaas & Pia ( Tibetan Handicrafts), Tak (Mixed Media), Jamie II (B/W Acrylic Caricature Portraits), Karen ( Mixed Media), Michael ( Lazer Art), Jenny ( Food Artist), Marianne (Minimalist Jewelry), Lori (Mixed Media), Janet (Button Rings), Ivy (Bent Wire), Denise, (Glass), Deanna (Cuff Bracelets), Garland ( Totes), Kim (Day of the Dead Jewelry) and Jason (Glass).

To all the musicians who performed for us, Elleni, Megan, Katie, Cynthia and the Blue Lion Project, a big thanks!

For those behind the scenes HOOYA!, my very wonderful CPA Marty, my fabulous carpenter and friend Tim, my total pro sign maker Joe, my own Personal Printer (Dan), my magical electrician Alex and my lighting designer Damon.

And to Micheal…you just wait and see whats next! 😉

Photo444

Saturday Night, April 18th

We’ve been working diligently on our last show all week long. The combination of Yumiko and Kweli’s work complement each other perfectly and the viewers first impression upon entering will be very powerful. Four large, strong, colorful paintings have been deliberately placed “in your face”, with complemented color set to draw your eye through the room. I learned early on that I was gifted an ability to create something visually, where people do not always understand “the why”, but for some reason they feel good about what their looking at. It’s not something I understand myself, but it has always come second nature to me. It’s that mystery and balance that compels me to create…and will always keep me content, as I move on from the gallery into my next, unknown adventure.

I hope to see you all on Saturday night to support these two very talented (and more important) truly good, kind women. From me to you, a warm hug and big thank you for all your support and well wishes. H

Thankful for

I’ve received so many good wishes, kind words, strong hugs, prayers and blessings from you all that I’m starting to wonder what I ever did to be so blessed. It’s been 10 days since I made the call to my Landlord. He even called back to see if a reduction in my lease could help. It’s not enough to save me but how very kind to offer when I know he, himself, is suffering in health. For me, the first 2 days were very painful and I thank all of you for pulling me along and through it when I know darn well you have your own worries. Jamie, my dear Friend, was there every step. She was brave enough to tell the kids in her art class while I wailed like a baby on the porch. I just could not face them…wimp that I am. She said they took it like troopers. We have since decided we may be able to teach them at my home and all the parents seem to like the idea… so we may just see how it goes. Tonight, my neighbor actually rolled his barbeque up the stairs and cooked me a fresh halibut dinner! I had to laugh at the “Monkey Wine” he brought and I even had a tiny bit though I can’t drink at all. Monday, I was so surprised to get a call from Vicki Wolf, our recycled jewelry artist. She said ” I hear that Massimos has the best food in town” and I was dumbfounded to realize she was downstairs, in the restaurant below the gallery. (She lives in Arizona and I’d never met her in person). Such is the kindness I’ve been shown these days. Whatever you see out in the world, I can tell you that there are some really good people …and I plan to band together with them and ride this out. Whatever is happening around you, please stay positive, if you can. Take hugs when you can get them…and make sure to pass them out. There are many things to be thankful for and I, for one, am grateful to know people like you.

The Waking Dream

Anuvue Studio proudly announces our final show, Saturday, April 18th from 7pm to 10pm. Please come join us to celebrate the work of Yumiko Yanone and Kweli Walker.

Dreams

Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.

Langston Hughes 1902 – 1967

When one door closes…

My Dear Friends,

It is with great sadness that I tell you, I will be closing the Gallery at the end of April. My Husband Micheal, was laid off from his job of 17 years, making it impossible for me to keep it open. To all those who have been an important part of Anuvue Studio, I wanted to thank you for your friendship and utter kindness. It is very rare to be able to have a dream become a reality. For a short sweet time, with the help and inspiration of all of you, I was able to have mine. A very wise woman told me “Heather, when one door closes, another one opens”… and I will always believe in that wisdom. I want to thank each and every Artist and valued friend for all your very kind thoughts in email, by phone and in person. I share what I can with you here.

I am most proud to announce that the last 2 Artist’s in line to show are Yumiko Yanone and Kweli Walker. Anuvue will fulfill their dreams on April 18th, in a duo show, with a party full of love and celebration.
I do so hope that all of you will join us one last time and make it a great memory.

God Bless all of you and your Families
Love Heather

Hi Heather .
You all have been in my thoughts lately. I’m sorry to hear your lovely Gallery will be closing . It has been a pleasure to be included in your gallery with so many lovely artists.
If you need me to clear out before the 18th so you have more room to showcase other artist please let me know .Otherwise I will shoot for the 25th but still do my best to stop by and say hello before then .
I’m so glad to have met you and hope we have the pleasure of working together again in the future .

See you soon.
Best ,
Gina

Heather,
Sad news indeed. Give your husband my best.
Thanks you for a great place.

Best,
Darcy

Oh sweetie….. I am so sorry. I will be in CA April 5-10 and will try to get up to see you and the gallery. Or at least the gallery as you will probably be working your real job. Krap. And it is such a beautiful gallery. I HATE this economy stuff. We love ya- Vicki

Oh Heather… I am so sad and very sorry to hear of this news. I am certain it was hard to write. What I will always know is how inspired you were by your father to open the gallery. You did him AND you very proud. Let me know how I can help in this final showing….I will contribute some foodie stuff. Xoxo jenny

Oh Heather, I’m so saddened to hear this and so very sorry.
I know that you’re grateful for the time you had running this wonderful space, but it still sucks!
I am so very grateful to you for all you’ve done and want you to know what a difference you’ve made in many people’s lives- including mine, and I will always be grateful for this time.
I will absolutely be there on the 18th– (the day before my birthday actually!)
You did a great thing for a lot of people Heather, remember that always. I wish this weren’t the way it is, but this damn recession.

Love you lots Heather,
MaryBeth

Oh, Heather. I am so sorry for both of you. I sat and cried after I read your email. It breaks my heart to hear that you have to close the doors on your dream.
Also, the uncertainty of your future now that Mike has lost his job. Those feelings came back to me in a flash. Not knowing what doors will open. I remember Patrick trying to remain upbeat while I am sure the turmoil inside was brewing as he thought of how he was going to provide for his family. It is a scary world not knowing what the next day will bring. I cringe every time Patrick comes home and tells me they lost a bid on another contract. Kawasaki is desperately trolling to bring something into the plant. I pray that through his connections, that Micheal will find something soon. We will keep you both in our thoughts every night as we say our prayers with Joseph. You will be added to his prayer list. Godspeed, My Dear, Godspeed. -K

I’m so sorry to hear that, Heather. It’s such a rough time for everyone. I wish you much love and support for the future. I’ll be by with new things for your last month. We’ll go out with a bang! 🙂 Cynthia

Hello!

Most of you have no idea who I am, and you’re probably going to think I’m nuts, but I really feel a need to do this. My name is Dee Muzic, and my husband Tim did most of the carpentry for Heather and Mike. I watched the cabinets, desks, display cabinets, and walls, come to life in my own backyard. I know this sounds crazy, but I feel a real connection to Anuvue Studio and when I read the email Heather sent I cried. I felt a sense of shock as well as an overwhelming sadness for her and Mike. I, as well as the rest of you, know what time, effort, frustration, and love went into making this dream come true for Heather. She made many people’s dreams a reality, along with hers. She is a very unselfish person, and deserves to have her dream fulfilled for as long as possible. I am willing to do whatever I can to keep the studio alive. If ANYONE can think of ANYTHING that we can do to keep the studio and dream alive, please let me know. I know that just one person can’t do much, but with a bunch of people who really care, miracles can happen.

Dear Heather,

I’m so sorry to hear this has happened. That is such a shock and challenge for you both. Your gallery was one of the best things that ever happened to me and the other artists who’ve shown there. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you and Mike. We (the artists and neighbors) must have a big moving party to ease the challenge of getting your things moved, etc. Please let us know how and when we can assist. When one door closes, another one opens! I hope and pray Mike finds a better job right away.

Love Always,
kweli

Hi Heather,

I got your message.
I am so sorry about Mike. I just couldn’t believe it…I’m sure he worked so hard for 17 years for the company and this happens…

And I am so sorry about your gallery, too.
The gallery is your child and the place was my dream place, too.

Thank you for still giving me a chance to have my art show.
Yes I am willing to share my space with Kweli.

If there is anything I can do, please let me know.

Sincerely,

Yumiko

I’m not much with written words but things have been difficult for many of us recently but faith with the help of time heals as well as making us stronger.

Leo

Heather, I am so sorry to hear this painful news. You are the warmest, sweetest spirit that I know. I pray it’s just a short time before something great comes Mike’s way, and you can both hold onto your dreams. Please, please call if there is anything we can do. All our love to you both, Shiela and family

To my dearest beloved Aunt,

I just heard the news from mom and read your blog… unbelievable… it’s the only thing that comes to mind. I can’t imagine how Uncle Mike feels about leaving a place he has been for so very long. Please send him my thoughts. As for you… my heart aches at the thought of you having to depart from something you have given so much devotion and love to achieve. I assure you I wouldn’t miss that show for the world!! You know, I have done much reflection on our times of late, trying to determine it’s purpose. I heard something simple yet profound today… be grateful for what you HAVE, not what you HAD. In the midst of all that we endure, you are a rare soul who shines so bright, you have given others a chance to live out thier dreams, as you live yours. I cannot begin to say I understand, or know what lies in your head or heart. My prayers will be for you and Uncle Mike. Yet rest assured, that you have left your mark on many with your gifts and you will have the opportunity to give and receive again.

I love you so very much!
Forever your niece
Corina