Wendy Lees pulled together another fantastic Love Art in Calgary day on April 20, beginning at Michelena Bamford’s Wolf Willow Studio.  A creative and inspiring artist in her own right, Michelena has directed another company successfully, creating rich, fresh and festive wreaths through Rocky Mountain Wreaths.  Wolf Willow, a fairly recent space, provides a perfect bridge between wreath making and her myriad of other interests; mosaic, artist in residency programs, mother and child groups, meditation circles and classes.

At introductions, Wendy shared her passion with the group around the notion of art and creativity being a channel of hope for the marginalized populations of the City of Calgary.  The past couple of months have presented her with a whirlwind of opportunity linking her to a greater design and the tour group was blessed to be a part of the expression of that.  It was great to see such a variety of people in attendance on this tour.  It was fun to meet up with a woman who has impacted me in such a positive way over time, Maggie Lindsay, and other like-minded women who have participated in art journaling in a very concrete way over the last few years.

I had just met Jenn on the last tour and was glad to see her again.  She is such a mindful person and we have shared in some wonderfully rich conversations over our lunch martinis.

Michelena shared eloquently, her story of building a business from the very concept to its fruition.  It seems that everything in her story brought her to this wonderful space.  And I’m certain that she wouldn’t mind me posting here, some drawings for the logo that is being created to represent her business.  Warm, accessible; I highly recommend that if my readers have the chance, slip into her space and enter into creation!

On this tour, we were offered grab bags, coffee and coffee cake, as a way of easing into our tour.  Mayhaps the coffee cake is becoming tradition.  I hope so!

Michelena offered us a wee poetry magnet package…something that engaged folk in conversation and served as a natural ice breaker.  I’m always big on the connection between words and images.  I put my package away as a peaceful meditation to complete at home.  Visiting Wolf Willow Studios was a relaxing and warm way to begin our day.  The space is magic.