Creative Possibilities....

Greetings from Creative Genius Art Gallery & Studio!

Apparently I needed the month of January, just to get my head back above water after a busy 2011 holiday season. I have spent this month gathering a host of different events and programs, all coming up on our schedule for your winter entertainment over the next few months. We want to present our clients with lots of options to explore their own inner creative genius!

Starting out on Feb 2nd is Ladies Night, an open house event from 6-9pm. Come win prizes, socialize, enjoy light refreshments and update your wish list gift registry in time for Valentine's Day. Special guest Susan Drummond from NJBalance Wellness Center will be providing discounted angel card readings for attendees. 

On Feb 11th, we've got a special couples event for Valentine's Day...GHOST NIGHT COUPLES POTTERY WORKSHOP. Sign up with your significant other for a fun evening workshop from 6-8:30pm. Enjoy light refreshments (you can even BYOB ) and learn hand-building and wheel-throwing. To register call Julie at 609-714-1131. 

All kinds of other workshops are happening over the next few months too for both kids and adults!

Adult Art and Creativity Choices

BELLY DANCING-Feb 8th or Mar 14th

FIGURE DRAWING-Mar 7th or Apr 11th

STAINED GLASS for BEGINNERS-Mar 10th or Apr 14th

FINE CRAFTS 101:The Business of Selling Your Creations-Feb 11th

Adult Jewelry Choices

MEMORIES OF SUMMER JEWELRY WORKSHOP-Feb 25th or Mar 24th or May 5th

THE ART OF SPIRALS JEWELRY WORKSHOP-Feb 18th or Mar 10th or Apr 28th

BEADED WIRE CUFF WORKSHOP-Mar 3rd or Apr 21st

Kid Choices

CLAY CUPCAKE WORKSHOP-Feb 18th or Mar 3rd or Mar 24th

CLAY FUN BREAKFAST WORKSHOP-Feb 18th or Mar 3rd or Mar 24th

CLAY MOOD VASE-Feb 18th or Mar 24th

We're working on some additional choices including:

Chain Maille, Beading Workshops, More Kids Clay Workshops and More!

For more information  visit our workshop/special events page on the web

http://www.creativegeniusonline.com/upcoming_events.htm

And of course, our regular weekly classes are always a great way to explore your creativity!

Classes include Digital Photography, Pottery, Painting and Drawing and more!

And if classes aren't what you are into, come check out new fun items from some of our exciting and creative artists:

Shop Local This Holiday Season!

I was just over on one of my favorite sites and one that I have been a supporter of for quite some time: The 3/50 Project. If you aren't familiar with it, go ahead and check it out.
Here's a link:
The 3/50 Project

This is a national project that has garnered quite a lot of attention in the past few years. I remember the first time I happened upon their site a few years ago and how illuminating I felt their philosophy was. I still agree with the message and truly appreciate all their campaigns throughout the year, all designed to promote local independent businesses of all kinds.

How many businesses that you really liked have closed in the past two years? I can easily say that at least 5 different businesses that I supported regularly have closed in the past two years. Show your support whenever you can. It really is everyone's job to do so and not someone else's job. I can't tell you how many people I run across that tell me they wish they could support more local businesses but things are just too tight right now. Believe me, I get it. Times are tough for a lot of people. But if you read the message behind The 3/50 Project it really is very simple. No one is asking you to spend your life savings to keep a business going. Just support it regularly, even if you make a small purchase every now and then. Stores are not museums that will be there regardless of whether you visit or not. They require our support.

The consequences are great if we all decide not to show support. I know here in the town I am in, the consequences have already been great and more great businesses will have to close if everyone doesn't really start getting out and making that support happen. I hope everyone keeps this in mind this holiday season--I know I will!

Creative Genius in Promotional Video

I'm excited to report that Creative Genius was one of the locations shown in a locally made video for a candidate for Medford Town Council. The candidate is George Youngkin who is running as an Independent in the upcoming election. He was in last week and we chatted about ways to improve business on Main Street here in Medford, NJ.

After an interesting chat, he and his videographer left and today I saw the video on facebook and recognized my store...nothing like a little extra publicity!
A big thank you to George!