Watching

Watching the work.

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Christmas 2010

 Al and Christmas Carolers.

Almost Christmas--Al and I and one lady observer are just about to fold up our papier mache work for the afternoon when a family group come into the Activities Room to sing some Christmas Carols for the old residents and patients.

It was a thoughtful gesture and, as "anything different is good" as the guy in the Groundhog Day movie says, the entertainment is much appreciated.

Christmas Child Caroler.

The old people--for some of whom this will be their last Christmas in this used-up body--are especially interested in seeing the next very young generation--singing the same old songs in the same old ways.

Things certainly don't change very much.

The Old Story.

The same old story read the same old way by the oldest member of the family troup. But it still touches you bringing back memories of your own childhood.

Maria, Gina and Therapy Bear.

For the staff, and me, and all the old timers, this was a very good thing--one of those little things that make life worth living in this fast paced Southern California world.

Thanks and Merry Christmas 2010 from Tom and Tanya!

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New Worker

Spanish Speaker

We had a new worker today.

I didn't get her name but she came right over to where we were painting and started a lively conversation with Hannah and Kaeli--in Spanish.

Of course neither of the girls knows Spanish so I told the lady that she could talk to me and I would translate if I could.

But before I could really get down to my translation skills she picked up a felt pen and started right in to work with us and she kept at it until we were packing up to go.

When the Director, Rhonda, came over to see our progress, she said that the new lady had never shown any interest in "anything like that".

Hannah and Kaeli

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Winter Solstice Celebration

 click on it to read the poster

We are now involved in the production of a Winter Solstice Celebration at the Grape Day Park here in Escondido.


Since this is the first time it has happened it will probably be very small--but even if a very few people actually participate it makes a start --and should be interesting and fun.

If you live in the area you are invited.

Tomasito

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Frog Kid

 Saturday in Grape Day Park

Kids love these papier mache masks--and EVERYONE wants to be a frog!

I have had the good fun of demonstrating the fine art of papier mache and mask making several times in Escondido's central Grape Day Park.

Sometimes I even get paid to do it! 

Thanks, City of Escondido!!

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Depot Museum

Depot Museum

I thought you might like to go outside a bit--since most of the blog photos I use are taken indoors at the Care facility where Tomasito's Creative Workshop meets--but a couple of weeks ago I did a papier mache demonstration in Grape Day Park in Escondido for any people who are interested in the medium.

The photo above is a view of one of the historic buildings from Escondido's past which have been moved into the park.

The photo was taken late in the afternoon--after the demonstration--so the shadows are dark, but the day was typical of the fine autumn weather here--warm, bright  and sunny.

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Al Again

Al Again

Al is one of the most active members of the Creative Workshop.

Sometimes we have to wake him from his after-dinner nap at 2:15 but when he is awake he is READY.

We are trying something new for us--again using pizza boxes or other cut-down cardboard boxes, we are strengthening them with iron wire and several layers of papier mache and then adding color from torn magazine photos. yarn and bright bits of cloth. We then coat the whole thing with epoxy.

It is fun, easy. and I think we are getting some interesting visual effects .

I enjoy tearing pieces of magazine and handing them to Al, He dips them in paste and applies them to the growing work in the place wherever  he thinks will be the best fit.

Two of our most recent works have been accepted for show at the Escondido Municipal Gallery--which has always been supportive of our Workshop.

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