I've been busy teaching lately!

Can't wait to tell you all about my education endeavors, but FIRST – 

I'm excited to announce that my Holiday shop opens in just three short weeks on November 15th!

This year I'll be selling the 100 individual iridescent diamonds from my public art installation this summer as Christmas ornaments! 

I'll also be launching a new free-standing sculpture DIY kit.

I was able to test these DIY kits out recently at Kalisher - a Durham-based art consulting company. Last Thursday I led a workshop at their office. Folks learned how to assemble paper shapes, and create group sculptures with their co-workers. 

While they worked, I shared my story about overcoming adversity and re-inventing my health and career as an artist.

It was so special seeing the wonder and pride on their faces as these sculptures came to life.

After the workshop wrapped up, I hung the completed sculptures in their office space on a wall with the most beautiful sunset light. 

I hope the sculptural installation will serve as a memory of that afternoon and the creative team-building which was achieved. 

The following day I gave a lecture to first year design students at North Carolina State University's College of Design - my graduate alma mater. This was my third (and best) year as a guest lecturer for this class. This time around I really focused on telling the story of where I began (an architecture student), how i've come to where I am, and what I have planned for the future of Folded Poetry. 

The students were super receptive and enthusiastic about my work. I made time at the end for questions and general advice - there were so many eager designers looking for tips on managing their time, expectations, focus, and health. 

After the lecture, the students checked out the work samples I brought and a few hung around for specific advice. 

As someone who transitioned from an undergraduate degree in political science to a masters program in architecture, I was pretty lost my first semester too! I saw myself in so many of them - especially so since the professor who's class I was visiting was my first-ever studio professor during my architecture masters program! (What an honor to be invited as back to teach!)

Teaching is something I've always been interested in, and as my business grows, I plan to dedicate more of my time to it. Who knows, maybe I'll add an education component to my the business itself!

That's all for now - I'll be reaching out again shortly regarding my holiday shop!