By now, most of you know that mixed media artists Lynn & John Whipple are coming to FOUND next week to teach 2 workshops.  Lynn just posted on her blog about it and I'm quoting most of  what she wrote about sharing the creative process below (or you can go directly to her blog to read).  I love her approach to art - and to life, as well!  In Lynn's words - If I was to make a mini list of my favorite things, it might look like this: 1. Laugh 2. Make stuff 3. Play with friends 4. Talk about art and the creative process 5. Learn new things I can’t think of a better way to do all of these things, with wonderful people in an inspiring setting, than to join together for a mixed media workshop. What could possibly be more fun than sharing ideas, techniques and time with like minded folks??  ... Lately, as a teacher and an artist, the thing that really turns my ticket is the creative process itself. I am really enjoying putting my focus on what this “making stuff” looks like and how we navigate through all the steps that result in a finished piece. I believe that one of the great pleasures in life is taking the tiny seed of an idea all the way to a tangible reality…and then sharing it. YES!! So in the upcoming workshops, count on lots of new info on how to make your creative dreams become a reality. Another thing to look forward to is a new set of design exercises. I love collage and drawing and want to take some time to discuss how important composition is in all things! Art making is such a rich and varied pursuit, lets celebrate it together! All my bestest best!! xoxo Lynn           Continue reading

This weekend at FOUND, any item with even a tiny bit of red, white or blue in it is 15% off. Hooray for the Red, White and Blue! Closed Monday, July 4th. . Continue reading

FOUND is hosting two mixed media workshops and a trunk show the weekend before Art Fairs with the Whipples.  This is the second year that Lynn and John have agreed to teach. Registration is at FOUND or www.foundgallery.com. They are a couple of our favorite artists from the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair and we're thrilled to have them back again!  The Whipples started exhibiting at The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Original in 2005, the same year that FOUND opened.  My friend and shop assistant, Sylvia Lang brought them to FOUND the day after that fair ended, knowing that the odd vintage hardware and paper we carry would appeal to them.  It's been interesting over the years to find "rust", antique epehemera, unusual surfaces and odd dodads for them - and the cadre of mixed media artists - that come to FOUND around Art Fair time.  If you've been to the fair, you probably recognize their work.  Lynn is a mixed media collage and assemblage artist.  John specializes in mixed media sculpture and painting.  Their booths sit side by side near Burton Tower - and you'll often see Lynn playing the guitar in the grass near her booth. Below are some links and photos.  What the photos don't capture is what great instructors they are - you'll have to come to the workshops to see for yourself! Here's John's website.  A couple images doesn't begin to tell the story of his diverse ways of getting surfaces to have a look unlike any other artist.  I'm facinated by the way he alters metal - especially rusty metal - to achieve unusual backgrounds for his paintings.  Look closely at his 3-D piece  for bits of old toys and bobbles.  I love the surprise element in his work. Here's Lynn's website.  She is one of the nicest, most encouraging, creative, fun people you could ever take a class from.  Her playfulness and sense of fun just spills out into her art.  Many people know her for her "Ninny" series, but her creativity is alway reaching out in new directions.    I just love her large multi-layered collage birds.  The Starling collage/painting was gigantic - I missed out on getting it for my living room last summer.... Here's a short version of our 3 days with Lynn & John Whipple at FOUND: Friday, July 15th from 6:00-9:00 p.m.  Trunk Show &  Welcome Party at FOUND.  You'll get a preview of their new art before the official start of Art Fair - enjoy refreshments (we love cheese and the market downstairs has the best) - and maybe Lynn will play a little banjo music...or bring some other surprises. Saturday, July 16.  10:00-4:00.  Collage! Collage! Collage! day long mixed media collage workshop at the Kerrytown Concert House.  Sunday, July 17.  10:00-4:00.  Assemblage in a Found Box workshop at the Kerrytown Concert House. The trunk show and welcome party is free and open to the public.  The workshops are $150/class.  BONUS:  If you refer a friend to come and have fun with you at the class, you'll both get a $10 FOUND gift card.  If you already signed up and refer a friend, you'll also get a $10 gift card.  Limit 5 friend bonus. Register today on this website or by calling or stopping by the shop.  734.302.3060.     . Continue reading