“joy and peace” is 11x14, painted with Japanese watercolors and sumi ink on paper and digitally edited. There is also a greeting card version available as a single card or a set of eight boxed notecards. © Annette Makino 2019
It was quite a week. My husband Paul and I recently joined a small community choir that meets in the director’s living room on Sunday afternoons. We knew the choir would be singing a few songs as part of a holiday play, but didn’t fully grasp what a commitment it was: 36 hours of rehearsals and performances last week, with two more shows to go this weekend!
Of course, it’s all entirely voluntary. And it’s been a hoot being part of a very funny and entertaining event at a beloved community venue. The play offers slapstick humor, beautiful songs with witty lyrics, and a message of love and tolerance. Plus, there is a hilarious monster code-named “Jolene” that looks like an over-the-top Dolly Parton. (Who knew such a thing was even possible?)
Titled “Scout’s Honor: The Whichever Scouts vs. the Energy Monster,” the final shows are at the Arcata Playhouse this Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. (Tickets and more info)
I do most of my creative work alone, painting in my studio or writing at my desk. It suits my introverted nature. But this play has showed me firsthand how incredibly rich it is to create art as part of a group, be it a band, choir, or troupe of actors.
So much has to come together for the magic to happen, not least a lively and appreciative audience. In the performing arts, each participant’s energy both feeds and feeds off everyone else’s, and sparks of creativity fly everywhere. When I was at Stanford, a co-op residence called Synergy made up hummingbird t-shirts that read, “Synergy. The soul is greater than the hum of its parts.” Exactly.
Meanwhile, I am getting ready for my own “one-woman show,” a booth at the Arcata Holiday Craft Market this weekend. Although I create by myself, I love these opportunities to share my art with the wider world. The interaction with customers and fans fuels my creativity as much as any standing ovation.
Here’s wishing you all magical moments this holiday season.
warmly, Annette Makino
The Blue Lake Community Choir, dressed as Whichever Scouts, sings at a performance of “Scout’s Honor” at the Arcata Playhouse. (Photo: Mark Larson)
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Makino Studios News
Arcata Holiday Craft Market and free gift: My only in-person fair this holiday season is the Holiday Craft Market this coming Saturday from 10 to 5 and Sunday from 10 to 4 in the Arcata Community Center in Arcata, CA. Look for special deals and closeouts! And I’m offering a free gift to anyone who mentions the code word: “JOY.”
Made in Humboldt fair: You can find my calendars and boxed notecards at the “Made in Humboldt” event at Pierson Garden Shop in Eureka, CA through Tuesday, Dec. 24.
Free shipping: I now offer free first-class shipping on US retail orders of $35 or more. Use code FREESHIP35 at checkout.
Trouble ordering? Thanks to some persistent customers, I learned yesterday that Squarespace, my web host, recently made a change to the checkout page that can be quite confusing. I think I’ve fixed the problem, so if you tried to order before and gave up in frustration, please try again! Otherwise, contact me so we can work it out.
2020 calendar: My 2020 mini-calendar of art and haiku is available online and in selected stores. These make great holiday gifts!
Holiday notecards: Check out these sweet holiday notecards! Or browse all 80 current card designs.
Staying connected: I love hearing from readers and respond to every message. Also, I regularly share art, works in progress, haiku, Makino Studios news and photos of my day. We can stay connected through Instagram, Facebook or Twitter through the links below.