Open Inspiration at Open Studio – August 2016

Open Inspiration at Open Studio

First, the sad news: Lana, a regular Red Roomer who offers Thai massages on site at our longer events, is leaving for a few months for travel and adventuring. Her clever hands and her warm smile will be missed. However, as a farewell activity, we hosted her soap making workshop, free of charge to Open Studio participants.

Eight people made soap from Lye, Olive/Coconut/Rice Bran oil, and various combinations of herbs and essential oils. It will take 4 weeks to dry into proper “soap,” but everyone got to take home a 2 years’ supply of soap. Best of all, we had immense fun mixing up a storm!

We painted a white bookshelf meant for the Red Room Reading Nook. It houses many books, and we wanted to cover the canvas with lots of color and stories to inspire imagination and transportation into pages and words. It was a team effort, and the painting itself was extremely therapeutic. There’s currently mushrooms, clouds, hilltops, tribal patterns, vines, dandelions, and abstract splatters covering the shelf, and it is ready!!

Many who attended Open Studio were first time Red Roomers, and they were amazed with the space. Every single person who came contributed an abundance of snacks and drinks – they really understood the setting of the afternoon and what we were trying to cultivate: an open, giving culture. Many eagerly insisted they would be back very soon, contributed ideas for future Open Studio activities, and we are all currently in touch.

It was an afternoon filled with interesting discussion, laughs, fun, and new friendships. Which is what it’s all about! We’re looking forward to seeing old and new friends next time!

by Julia Kao