Exploring Museum London

This was our first time checking out Museum London in the busy city of London, Ontario. It's about a two hour drive (pending on traffic) from Windsor. 

It is also home to more than 5,500 artworks and nearly 50,000 historical artifacts. The gallery has 3 floors of exhibits, including a quaint cafe on the main level and gift shop. 

These particular exhibits showcased were thought-provoking and quite visually stunning. I love the way a few of these were curated to not only display art but tell such important stories that impact our identities and lives today.  

👉"All Around Me, All Around You" - Bernice Vincent

👉The Elusive Dancer - Marcio Melo

👉"you don't understand, sharing is the law, the land owns itself" 

-James Nicholas and Sandra Semchuk

👉Cloudburst - Billy Bert Young. 

👉Word Search - Jamelie Hassan

👉Tropi-X Exhibit: "Proteja oque nos resta" 

which translates to "Protect what we have left" - Bruno Smoky

These were a few of my favourites and you can find more information about them at the link below. 

Many more exhibits are coming and it would be fun to go back for another day of exploration.

💜 Visit Museum London

One Piece At A Time: Puzzles

 

The first jigsaw puzzle was created by a British map engraver named John Spilsbury, all the way in 1760's. He created them for educational purposes and called them "Dissected Maps."

By 1909, dissected maps became more widely known as a jigsaw puzzle.  When the Great Depression hit America in 1929, puzzles exploded in popularity. 

Now here we are in 2022, with such technological advances where you can utilize your computer, phone, or even virtual reality to solve puzzles or go old-school and sit down with one for hours of enjoyment.  Honestly, the latter is more my cup of tea to spend quality time with my hubby and get away from screens or to work on bits solo at our leisure.

With the vast amount of puzzles available, you can find wildlife and scenery to abstract art, nostalgic landmarks, and the list goes on. You can even create personalized puzzles using your own photos. 

They can be easily found in local stores and thrift shops, higher-end boutiques and of course, online. Depending on your preference size and image of choice, you can begin with 250 pieces or if you feel you have the patience, 1000 pieces or more. 

My puzzle journey began with Bill bringing home the sloth puzzle (shown above) for me. He thought it would be a fun activity for us to do together while working on my health challenges.  I'm not a very coordinated person, so it took a lot of effort and patience. The movement of my fingers picking up a puzzle piece and being able to focus felt soothing. I did feel a lot of anxiety at first, but slowly that washed away the more I kept at it. There was so much detail in the fur, so although only 250 puzzle pieces, it took many days to piece together, but it was a great accomplishment and raised my spirits. 

There are so many benefits of puzzles. It can improve cognition and visual-spatial reasoning, aids in memory, builds connection (especially if you are doing it with others), helps with problem-solving, and a big one, it can help to reduce stress hormones and increase mood (thanks dopamine!).

There's no time limit or pressure, it's just fun.  When it becomes stressful, then it's time to take a break and return a few hours later, or even give a day or two of rest. 

After we finished this puzzle together, I loved it so much that I wanted to showcase it. We thought it would make a lovely art piece when you walk into our kitchen. 

While it's been a rather puzzling year (sorry, yes a deliberate pun here) especially after being hit hard by covid and dealing with my own physical and mental recovery, there is a real joy to sit down at the kitchen or dining room table, throw on some instrumental music like jazz or classical, and build piece by piece whatever beautiful creation is chosen.

I'm always looking to add to our collection, so let me know any of your favourites by sending me an email or leaving a comment below. 

These puzzles were purchased from:

💜Josie Lewis

💜Thomas Kinkade

💜Eurographics

💜Giftcraft

👉Fun fact: You can purchase Dowdle's, What A Wonderful World - the world's largest puzzle (as of 2022) - It has a whopping 60,000 pieces and is 8 feet tall and 29 feet long.  

As a novice puzzler, I don't anticipate this purchase any time soon! 

Keepin' It Real: Q&A with Art By Nabes

Santa's Little Problem

Copyright: Art by Nabes

When writer, Neil Gaiman said “The world always seems brighter when you’ve just made something that wasn’t there before” he was right.  I know that when I tap into my creative soul, something really awakens and over the years, I tend to not only see, but also feel that when others share their passionate pursuits with me.

It was perfect timing to meet Nabes, a Canadian Graffiti Writer/Cartoon Illustrator, who is inspired by the nostalgic '80s and '90s generations. 

Copyright: Art by Nabes

1. Let’s begin with, the nickname “Nabes.”  Tell me about that.

I got it years ago. New neighbours had moved in next door and they were about 10years older than me. They built a mini ramp in their carport and I went over there to introduce myself (and to skate) and they started to call me “Nabes” short for the neighbour kid. This nickname stuck.

💠

2. Your passion for creating is evident in your portfolio, from your incredible digital work, sketches and vibrant mural designs! I absolutely love the “Movie Buff” print, as my husband and I watch so many movies together.  Are there inspiring moments to trigger these images?

I had this conversation with a friend the other day, and he called me “Peter Pan”.

It’s totally true! I don’t want to grow up. I am inspired by cartoons, and my late father was the biggest kid I knew!

I tend to see things in more of a playful manner, and when I’m drawing, hiking, hanging out, or whatever it is, I think to myself “how can I make this more fun?”.

So it’s just fun that inspires me - like a big kid!

💠

3. I really loved watching the time-lapsed mural art videos that you’ve created.  What’s the most challenging aspect of doing mural art and what’s the most enjoyable thing about it?

The most challenging aspect would be the time. Some clients want to know how long a mural will take. I give them a rough estimate, but it’s still hard to call as there can be hiccups along the way, especially if it’s a larger mural. 

The most enjoyable thing would be the creation itself. There’s really only a few things in life that give me joy - art, fitness and nature.

💠

4. It’s awesome that you are Canadian. I read that you live up in BC. The beauty of the landscape there must be art in itself.  Have you travelled to other places in Canada or even outside the Canadian borders? Also, is there a dream destination where you’d love to showcase your art pieces?

I’ve been all over the lower part of BC and some of the Rockies (I used to live there). I have family in Winnipeg, a bit in Toronto and some in the west coast of the USA, the UK and even New Zealand. I’m a dual citizen, so when I can I go back to the UK, I see my family & friends paint a lot more murals there and some of Europe.

I’d love to be apart of any mural festival anywhere in the world. I’d also love to be featured in “Juxtapose” magazine and also the “Art Basel” in Miami, that would be really cool.

💠

5. What are some of your goals for the upcoming 2022 year?  

I’m thinking about releasing a video series on illustration and setup/marketing of a POD shop (print on demand). I want aspiring artists to see the steps I’ve done to be successful and apply it to their own businesses.

I’m also looking to release a children’s colouring book or story book or even a colouring book for adults.

I also want to purchase a new motor bike, I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie as well.

Check out the vast art collection from Art by Nabes!

💜www.artbynabes.com

CBC Radio Afternoon Drive: The Giggle Mat

 

We were just featured on CBC Radio: Afternoon Drive.

Check it out below!

https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-80-afternoon-drive/clip/15842317-windsor-performers-create-childrens-show-spread-positivity-showcase

A Colourful Adult Life: Adult Colouring Books

I remember back when...  Oh why do we always start sentences like that? As we write those four words, there is an immediate wave of emotion that hits us, well, it does for me. I sigh, get a little weepy and then realize it's OK to long for the past, especially when these moments were really pleasant. I just know that I cannot dwell on them because no matter what Zoltar fortune teller machine (remember the movie BIG?)  I wish actually existed (obviously in the opposite way to stay young!) or the countless times I could chant what age I want to be again, like in 13 Going On 30, reality sets in and I cannot turn back the hands of time.

It's refreshing that in adulthood a lot of us can enjoy the simple pleasures of colouring, drawing, and even playing with Legos! There's no "right" age for anything, although it's funny when suggested ages on toys or colouring books state "ages 5 and up" and here I am tickled pink that i'm enjoying them too at age...37! 

I realize that for a while and still today in 2018, the adult colouring book is a very "trendy" hobby. I dislike some trends to be honest because they can be so disposable. Once it becomes "uncool" to do something, to wear a certain style or to eat a particular food, there is this sudden amount of guilt that you need to change and not like these things anymore. Why? Who made those rules? Oh ya, society. If i'm into something, why do I have to just pretend it doesn't exist or add value to my life?  Well hate to break the news to ya, but i'm not going to wear triple high-waisted jeans, i'm not going to brush my teeth with activated charcoal, nor am I going to start drinking kombucha with every meal.  Now in case you are starting to get offended or already feel offended, try to step away from that frame of thinking for a moment. These are current "trends" i'm mentioning, so if you love your triple high waisted jeans, wear them with pride! 

Back to colouring.  Recently while going for a trip to Dollarama with Bill, we were walking around and just needed to pick up "a snack." This of course usually turns into a walk-about throughout the store.  I didn't buy the colouring book on the basis that "everyone is doing it, so I should too," but for the simple reason of trying to add more self-care into my life. The last few months have been difficult. February was quite a bit of a sh!t storm to say the least, and sadly I am dealing with some pretty persistent nerve discomfort/damage along my spine and neck, which has come with an array of symptoms, so managing my stress has been paramount.

Adult colouring does have some scientific evidence. As always, not one hobby fits all. If you recall, when my dad got sick, adult-colouring was recommended to help in his recovery. He tried it a few times, but I honestly don't think it meshed with his interests. Here are a few benefits that have been noted though:

• Helps to relieve anxiety and stress (who couldn't use a bit of that?) 
• Promotes concentration
• Allows you to be "present" in the moment, similar to meditation 
• Relaxes the amygdala  due to the repetitive motion

I've been setting aside time away to do a little Colour Therapy. I find it quite enjoyable and it does help to a certain extent for me to get out panic mode and be in a calmer state. This is the first book I'm working on:

Book and coloured pencils

All finished

Working on this one now

You can  find hundreds of different books online at Amazon and other retailers. Also, just Google "adult colouring sheets" and if you prefer, you can print them out as well.

Feel free to e-mail me some of your lovely colouring creations, or just leave me a note on my blog, letting me know what kinds of hobbies you enjoy to tackle stress and how you find a bit more peace in your everyday life.

Happy colouring! 

Windsor's AVB Podcast with Bill Nuvo

Well hello readers!

Happy January! Hopefully everyone had a relaxing holiday and all the horrible cold and flu bugs circulating didn't knock you down too badly. I've had a lot to blog about, so i'll be sitting down hopefully this week a bit to share my musings with all of you!

For now, I'd like to showcase my wonderful partner, Bill Nuvo!  He had a great opportunity to meet the crew and chat with A.J. Vanden Berghe, who is known for his AVB Podcasts that explore the arts and culture community here in Windsor, Ontario. 

Here is a sneak peek:  Podcast Clip with Bill Nuvo   

The Full podcast episode will be here soon, so stay tuned!

UPDATED:

Part 1  Bill Nuvo - Part 1 
Part 2  Bill Nuvo - Part 2
Part 3  Bill Nuvo - Part 3
Bill Nuvo talks about his "Windsor Favourites"

Photo credit: AVB Podcast
http://theavb.com/Bill is on the left, A.J. is on the right.

CMHA/Arts & Cultural Alliance: Healing The Creative Soul

Bill and I share a lot of "firsts" together and I wanted to post about attending our first art class together!  It was very therapeutic and a really great way to showcase our individual artistic talents.

Our community has a lot of excellent workshops that I didn't even know about and it seems like these events are very well-attended.  They even have ones geared for specific age demographics.

A wonderful resource for mental health: Canadian Mental Health Association

Click the link to see when the next workshop takes place: Arts & Cultural Alliance of Windsor

The teacher showing us what we would be painting

Having fun before class started
All supplies were provided too!

Okay so I started off following instructions, and then somehow I felt inspired to create my own piece of work and just rolled with it. No one minded and I received a lot of compliments afterwards.

My finished painting. 

 

Bill is quite the artist! Beautiful work. 

We have both of these paintings hung up upstairs in the hallway. :)

Windsor-Walkerville Fringe Festival 2017

"Gone Mental" (Bill does mentalism acts in his show - thus created a play-on-words for the title!) is a fun, interactive performance that has comedy, mentalism, magic, side-show tricks and much more!

We really appreciate the support from those who have taken time out of their busy and hectic schedules to support Bill's show and all of the other excellent performances going on!

The Windsor-Walkerville Fringe Festival is a great way to showcase multitudes of talent from local artists to international ones that have chosen Windsor to perform at!

If you can't make any of the shows, no problem at all, but it only takes under 10 seconds to click any of the buttons below to share to FB, Twitter, etc... and let others know about all the cool shows happening! No excuse not to do that, you're already reading this message! ;)

Without support, these events can't and won't continue.

Let's make the remaining days of Fringe, the best ones yet!

Schedule for Fringe: http://www.windsorwalkervillefringefest.com/schedule

All the great performances taking place at Fringe

"Gone Mental" fans we made for every audience member! 

The BIG deck of cards  Photo by Melissa F. Arditti

3 of hearts -  Photo by Melissa F. Arditti

Iron Garrote - Photo by Melissa F. Arditti

Thank you so much to the following news publications!

Windsor Star Coverage - Bill Nuvo - Gone Mental Show

The Windsor Star Coverage for Fringe Festival 2017

CBC Fringe Coverage

Snapd Windsor Coverage

An Urban Space Experience: Akron Art Museum

 Akron Art Museum
All photos by: Melissa Arditti

Running a little behind schedule, our next stop was the Akron Art Museum.

The architectural structure of the building is quite modern, broken into three sections (the Crystal, the Gallery Box and the Roof Cloud) with a combination of glass and steel and was designed by Viennese architectural firm, Coop Himmelb(l)au.

After admiring the outside, we met up with our guide, who reminded me of a really chic/bohemian-styled woman who hailed from the fashion district of New York City, with thick black-rimmed glasses. Her name was Carol Murphy, and she is currently the Chief External Affairs Officer. She was waiting for us by the i-Q Café, named after the museum’s sculpture; Inverted Q by renowned American Pop artist Claes Oldenburg.

The museum has a vast collection of over 5,000 works of art and you can walk through these beautiful loft-like galleries with 16-foot ceilings, and enjoy contemporary pieces, to sculptures, photography and much more. Here are some photos that I took for your viewing pleasure.

A lot of galleries can often feel pretentious, but there is a real free-spirited attitude and appreciation for all kinds of people who walk through the door. The best part about the art museum here in Akron is its adaptability and versatility to change. It is also wonderful to know about all the creative programs that they provide for inquisitive minds of all ages. I wish I was 5 again so I could take part in a Firefly Tea Party or perhaps some Shadow Dancing. :)

Before or after you tour the gallery and pop into the museum store, you can enjoy a delicious snack and beverage without even having to walk out the door. Carol also mentioned that they pride themselves on serving their patrons local and whenever possible, organic products.

So whether you’re a professor, a student of the arts, an art connoisseur, or simply just wandering downtown Akron, stop in and see all the unique galleries that makes Akron Art Museum a destination to further explore.

For more information, you can visit the gallery here: akronartmuseum.org