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Summer is Finally Here, Kind Of...
It's been a once in a lifetime Spring for us all, and these conditions have forced change onto all of our lives. Some of the changes have been for the better. Here are a few of the positive developments I'd like to share from my art practice so far this year.
Personal Masks at PuffyBirds.com
Artistic Personal Masks
We live in a unique time as we combat the spread of Covid-19. Since our need to socially distance and be safe while in public is not going away anytime soon, I created a series of masks you could proudly wear in either casual or formal settings.
These masks are form-fitting, hand-washable, quilted, and require no tying around your hair or hat to wear them. They come in adult large and extra large, youth medium, and small for children. These signature masks let you pick the design, color and size for your purposes.
Order yours today
The first run of masks sold out early last week in a mere 12 hours, so due to their popularity, I've ordered dozens more of each size and color to be prepared for the next wave of demand. We are fully restocked as of today Monday June 22. They are selling for $15.00 each, and at this price, we've seen many customers buy more than one for themselves and family.
Shop for masks at https://puffybirds.com.
Team orders
Furthermore, if you have a team or group that could benefit from these masks, let me know, and I can create something special for you.
Professor Puffin on YouTube
Professor Puffin's Art Class
In early April, I came up with the idea of how to use my puffin masks I'd made from recycled household items to benefit my friend's families during their newly assigned quarantine from Covid-19. Professor Puffin was created for kids staying at home due to the virus. These video art classes teach kids how to draw birds, so they can begin to develop an appreciation for nature and art. The lessons are filmed in my studio here in Day Creek, Washington.
There are now five lessons in total...
Lesson 1 - Draw a Bird - Kids learn the basic shapes and body parts of a bird.
Lesson 2 - Draw a Flying Bird - Kids learn the basic mechanics of how a bird flies.
Lesson 3 - Draw a Puffin - Professor Puffin teaches kids about his species of bird.
Lesson 4 - Draw a Chicken - With real chickens guest starring, this video is funny.
Lesson 5 - Draw a Barn Owl - Kids learn about barn owls and their relationship with farmers.
5 more lessons are planned for this summer!
To stay up on all these developments, subscribe to Professor Puffin's YouTube Channel.
 Pictured: Still shot from Professor Puffin - Lesson 3: Draw a Puffin.
Coming Soon: Professor Puffin's Pencil Club Awards!
This summer I'll also be introducing a new concept, Professor Puffin's Pencil Club Awards. This club is for kids who complete the first five drawings from the series. Parents will mail in printed copies of their child's drawings and in return kids will receive a special collectible reward denoting their completion of the first five lessons. And, to insure identity safety, only first names and cities will be shared with the drawings online. The plan is to have numbers on the rewards to indicate the levels completed for the kids. They'll be able to proudly wear and share these special awards with their friends.
Studio Update: Mentorships and Re-discovery
Art World on Hold
It was March 1, that I got the news, that my shows for the month were in jeopardy of being cancelled due to concerns over public safety from the Covid-19 virus. A mere two weeks later, the entire art world, and beyond came to a screeching halt as the planet began to shelter in place from the fast spreading virus. As March, and then April came and went, I could tell that all sales and shows were gone for now. It was a dramatic end to what I had planned on being my biggest year in my art career. As of today, my venues and shows are cancelled through August, and my 50 year's birthday show Big Ideas at Studio 103 in Seattle is also now in jeopardy.
Renewal and Revamping
Just days after learning my 2020 would be put on hold, I received a grant scholarship from the State of Washington for two mentorship awards. In an effort to help me gain insight into my work and processes to move my career forward, I met with my mentors and immediately began to pivot within my studio to harness the power and stories of my life experiences for the benefit of others. In response to this program, I have set out to formulate a new body of work that I am calling at the moment, actionable art; art meant to relate to and inspire a larger audience for the benefit of our world at large. It has been a gut-wrenching, enlightening, and exciting experience to witness my own transformation and I can't wait to share new ideas and work with you all later this year.
Stay Safe and Healthy!
Well, until next time, please take care of each other, stay safe, and healthy.
And a big virtual hug for you all,
Don Wesley
https://donwesley.com
https://instagram.com/donwesleyart
https://puffybirds.com
https://instagram.com/puffybirds
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