I was invited in 2010 to be the Artist in Residence during one of the five sessions that Empty Spools Seminars holds classes at Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, CA. I was thrilled to sign the contract and here I am today.
Arrival day was Sunday, June 17. My sister Christy met me here (she is taking class) and was invaluable in helping me to hang my work and set up my work space in Merrill Hall, a stunning Julia Morgan designed building. The size of the hall allows for ample space. The free-standing wall behind my space holds Princess Bliss who came along to keep me company and display more postcards for sale.
And here is the opposite side of that free-standing wall. This also captures a portion of the balcony where we hung my Christmas quilt. It is so fun to see the work together in this large, important space!
Across from my work space Carolie Hensley, owner of Cotton Patch in Lafayette, sets up a pop-up quilt shop. Carolie has been doing this for over 12 years now. What a job! But what a necessary luxury it is for the attendees to have those supplies just steps away from the class room.
I wasn’t kidding — it really is a pop-up quilt shop!
The first evening during the conference involves a gathering in Merrill Hall to introduce all of the instructors and the resident artist. A bit of anxiety here, of course. I spoke about the events that took me from being one who makes bed quilts to becoming a fiber artist, complete with Power Point images. The first minute or so of speaking the tension was high, then I settled down and began to enjoy it. Whew! It seemed to go well — no one walked out of the hall while I was talking.
Here’s the stage, taken from the balcony.
Following the introductions there was a buzz at my work space with lots of questions about the fabric postcards, my book, how I work. Lots of fun! Janine bought a postcard for herself and her friend who wasn’t able to attend this session.
And Thera took away a couple of things for herself.
What a day this was! Time for a glass of wine with friends. Never idle, Christy finished the first of a pair of socks for her 10-month-old grandson, Oliver.
Life is more than good.
It looks beautiful, Franki. Have a fabulous week!
Sherry, you know I always take your assignments to heart. Wish you were here!
you rock franki kohler! It looks justr as beautiful as I knew it would! hugs & kisses to you and Aunt Christy! xox, franki
Thank you Franki! Hugs from us both.
Congratulations Franki. What a beautiful display and what an honor to be Artist in Residence at breathtaking Asilomar. Wish I had been there to hear your talk. I bet it was spectacular.
Thank you Pat! I wish you were here too. It is always such a treat to be at Asilomar, no matter your agenda.
Franki – Congratulations on your artist in residence at Asilomar. Your display is stunning. Beautiful work. I bet you had a fabulous week. Everyone knows you for the whole week, since they have you speak on the first day. I am thrilled for you. – Denise
Thank you Denise! And it’s so fun to see you on the 2013 catalog as an up-coming AIR. Everyone will fall in love with you and your work.
Woo hoo!!! Glad it’s going well.
Wow Franki it is so amazing yet so fitting to see you as the big shot artist in an environment that is so…you. All of your work is stunning and I am glad the world agrees. I know someone famous now. Can I have your autograph ma’am? hee hee See you soon!
Congratulations on your week at Empty Spools, Franki. I had hoped to swing by on my way home from Montana, but it was just more than this old body could do. How fun it would have been to sit at table with you and Christy. Next time, eh? Hello to Christy. Love, Del
You are the only thing missing from this fabulous week. It has been a whirl-wind of fun. We’ll be here 2013, Session II. Perhaps we’ll see you then.
Congratulations!! What a thrill!!!
Thank you Suzanne.
Franki, This is fabulous, what a lovely sight to see as one enters. Jen