We know everyone has been watching the news as images and stories come in from Japan. An amazing ceramic artist Ayumi Horie has set up an online fundraising auction for Japan. 100 % of the proceeds will go to Global Giving's Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund. The auction is set to take place between March 24th- March 27th. We're asking for you to please pass this along to everyone you know, every little bit helps. Thanks everyone.

Well the first weekend workshop has come and gone! This year Arrowmont extended the weekend workshops by one day, and the reviews went well. We started thursday evening with a few hours of instruction and getting everyone familiar with studios. Friday morning we all hit the ground running!

Andy taught a figurative ceramics class and rocked out, making up to the last moment and putting the hot box to good use. Jennifer's enameling class had the kilns going all weekend, making and laughing as hard as they could. Both Andy and Jenn had an amazing time teaching the workshops, and can't wait until next time.

The residents would like to send a huge THANK YOU out to everyone who came this weekend. The energy on campus was amazing to have after the long winter. The staff was excited, the instructors and students were amazingly wonderful and of course the work study rocked it out! We are super stoked for this next year of workshops and are already looking forward to this coming thursday when we get a whole new group in!

Also, as a side note spring had sprung here in Gatlinburg and the flowers are up! Daffodils, tulips, forsythia, japanese magnolia and those tiny pale purple flowers by the road are all in bloom! Jenn is raiding the flower beds to decorate her hair and constantly getting chased away by Big D and Big E, the two men who keep Arrowmont's grounds looking so beautiful!

The Show is up! YAH! Oh joy! Now I have a few more moments to spend with your lovely faces.. gazing into your eyes. How they shine like diamonds in the sky... what? That is just the reflection from your glasses. Oh... well... close enough.

For those of you who won't be able to make the show.. or simply can't wait until you do, here are a few sneak peek photos! Taken by our very own Shawn "kiss me I'm Irish" O'Connor. His holiday is coming up soon... get ready with the green dye in the water fountains.

Shawn, Andy and Jennifer are also preparing for the Four Bridges Art Festival in Chattanooga, TN. The three of us received 3 of the 5 emerging artist awards. Go Arrowmont! Rolling deep! So if you happen to be in the Chattanooga area April 16th and 17th stop on by and we'll be more than happy to sell you a few pieces of beautiful original artwork! Until next time my darlings.