ART Diego! 2018 April 12-17 San Diego, CA

[jazzie]

I haven't flown since 1988 - I can't even imagine what it's like now.

I've taken the train from Los Angeles - Seattle and back. @nd from Los Angeles - Little Rock and Dallas - Los Angeles. Loved all trips. But my coworkers laughed at me, saying "Wait you're leaving work and getting on a train and we're going home for the weekend, and when we come back to work on Monday, you'll still be on that train? HaHa...

[nightowl_too]

yeah....I probably wouldn't mention it to my co workers - lol.

[jazzie]

Updated activities on Post #2

[mlydon]

Oh boy! I think I’m signing up. It would be great to meet you all, and reconnect with people I’ve met in SeArtle! I’ve been all over CA a bunch, but not San Diego. This sounds like a great time - every gathering is so completely different - and always a huge amount of fun!

[mlydon]

I just booked the flight and hotel! Just an FYI, all of the less expensive rooms are sold out already, but I’m psyched we were still able to get a room on site. Super excited!

[jazzie]

So glad you're coming Michelle :~]

[jazzie]

I just booked the flight and hotel! Just an FYI, all of the less expensive rooms are sold out already, but I’m psyched we were still able to get a room on site. Super excited!

I'll PM you with the code for our room block/group rate to see if it's a beter deal than the one you booked.

[dina54]

Hello Strangers! I am seriously looking at attending this, BUT, it seems I am a little late to the game, so does anyone need a room mate?

[zebracandy]

How fun does this sound! and only a few hours away! Will be checking calendar!

[jazzie]

Hope everyone made it through the holidays happy & healthy!

A few people have inquired/mentioned bringing husbands on this trip. If they want to do some fishing while in San Diego, I put links up for the three sportfishing booking companies that all run 1/2 - 3/4 - full-day - night time - overnight fishing just a stone's throw from the hotel. They will rent rods, reels, tackle too, so you can travel light to and from San Diego. The boats will process your fish onboard and the hotel has grills outside, so anything you catch, you can enjoy. And of course, trips are not limited to husbands, anyone can go if they like - bring your California fishing License if you already have one, if not, you can get them at the booking company.
************************************************** *********************************************

Also at this posting, there are three days left open for whale watching through H & M Landing - April 12th, 13th, 16th. These are 3-hour tours @ 10am for $30. So if that appeals to you, book now - all other dates are already full.


All links are at the end of post #2

[jazzie]

For anyone considering joining us in April, we are taking a vote on what shape to upload as a template to do the White Elephant exchange. If you have already registered and haven't seen this on FB, your vote counts as one. If you plan on coming but have not registered yet, your vote counts, but only as half a vote.
************************************************** *****
This exchange will be for whoever wants to participate - you are not required to participate. Basically whatever shape is chosen, you will decorate it at home and bring it with you for a trading game on Friday morning. If you are planning to participate, note that this needs to end up as something sturdier than cardstock: chipboard, mat board, wood, metal, whatever you like to work with. If you're an illustrator you can mount your work on paper to a thicker surface.
************************************************** *********************************************
The choices are between a 1) flip-flop, 2) surfboard, or 3) mandala. [Basically sticking with easy to cut out shapes.]
************************************************** *********************************************
the vote will be open until 1/23 - just put your vote in a reply here on the thread. Thank you.

[jazzie]

So, when my morning hours got cut, I discovered a whole new world that had been going on a few blocks away.

The sportfishing comlex in Point Loma has introduced me to all sorts of people and things I never knew about. One thing they’ve taught me as we’re waiting for boats that have been out for two weeks or longer to offload their catch, no matter how much planning you do, or bait you bring, or lures you use, sometimes the fish bite and sometimes they don’t.

That seems to be the case with ART Diego 2018 - and apparently I was operating a catch-and-release charter, because the few that did bite, swam away.

I’m not sure what changed since the first (and now only) ART Diego gathering - I only went forward because there was enough interest and positive feedback from the first time.

There won’t be any art, or laughter, or memories and along with the disappointment of not seeing everyone again, a lot of time and effort have gone for naught. Too bad, but I’ve spent the last month undoing the arrangements I’ve made that included the marketing director of Caran D’Ache wanting to demo products for us himself and leave samples for the group; a Gyotaku printmaking demo/make-and-take from a master printer; and other donations that I’ve cancelled or returned.

I’ve told the five local artists I’ve met through sportfishing - all doing very different things - but excited to make and trade art and meet everyone, that it’s not going to happen. They all have on their frownie faces after having made ATCs, but I’m encouraging them to join A4A/iATCs, so maybe you’ll meet that way.

And the biggest entanglement has been trying to get out of the contract I signed on behalf of us all. I’m responsible for the meeting space if they don’t get another booking. I knew that going in but never dreamed things would turn out the way they did.

Future gatherings if they happen will need to be rethought - maybe taking deposits before signing the contract, or maybe the way of Anitapalooza - a smaller group in an Airbnb rental? I am open to suggestions, but can’t do this, this way again - nannies don’t make that much and underemployed nannies make even less than that.

So, with great heartbreak, ART Diego 2018 is officially a no-go. ~Jackie

“My necessaries are embark’d: farewell:
And, sister, as the winds give benefit
And convoy is assistant, do not sleep,
But let me hear from you.”
~WS