Testimonials from Workshop Participants

Spending time at the Sweetwater Creek Farm Studio is like taking a mini vacation…but better!  Each class I’ve taken has empowered me with new skills and artwork to be proudly displayed.   In addition to sharing her knowledge and techniques, Sandy enthusiastically encourages class members to experiment and unleash their own creative energy.  Sandy’s suggestion of a private group class translated into an incredibly fun and memorable Mother/Daughter day!!
Terry Brashem

Sometimes the combination of art techniques you have learned will enable you to express something you could not have put into words. That's exactly what happened to me after having tremendously enjoyed several workshops held by Sandy Whiting, Susanne Newbold and Meredith MacLeod at Sweetwater Creek Farm Studio on beautiful Whidbey Island. After a peaceful drive along pastures with grazing horses and donkeys among a lush scenery of majestic trees surrounded by the differing green of salal bushes and fern you come upon a steep curve where you leave the main road and instead follow the one that is framed by the exuberant growth of berries. This road will lead you to the gravel path to Sweetwater Creek Farm where creativity, cheerfulness and hospitality found a home to unite. Upon entering the light filled, spacious studio with ample workbenches to delve into your artwork Sandy will greet you with the most welcoming smile and kind words that will make you feel at ease immediately. Hot tea, a cozy fire in the stove and a comfy sofa are furthermore setting the mood for relaxation - so pivotal to freeing your creative abilities. Sweetwater Creek Farm Studio is inspirational with Sandy's marvelous reverse glass paintings adorning the walls, Susanne's amazing gourd vessels on display and their wonderful handmade books to peruse through. Each workshop I attended was well prepared with all the materials provided and a place already set at the workbenches ready for you to start your project, be it handmade books, monotypes or reverse painting on plexiglass. All paints, brushes, inks, papers, etc. were set out on the tables, instructions and information for further exploration were printed out for everyone to take home. During the workshops Sandy, Susanne and Meredith always created an atmosphere of laughter and lightness combined with patient advise and a gentle, helping hand - a surrounding in which individual creativity easily comes to blossom. At the end of each workshop you leave with your own piece of art and a strong longing to return. You drive down the gravel path, then carefully along the berry framed road with deers and rabbits curiously glancing at you and you think to yourself: what a glorious day. As for the work I initially intended to put into words but couldn't - my deepest gratitude goes to Sandy, Susanne and Meredith who provided me with the tools to make it happen. Not in the world of words but in the world of paint, plexiglass and paper. Thank you Sweetwater Creek Farm Studio! I will be back.
Julia Sachon

What a great class today (Flash Memoirs) in a great space. The cows outside the window were a special treat. Thanks, Whidbey Girls!
Rosie Hilton

Just wanted  to express my appreciation for the class on mixed-media book making. It was well organized and fun, with just the right balance of guided instruction and independent learning. The class helped me to awaken a deeper level of self-expression that has been dormant for a long time. I have created things since I was a young girl, writing, painting, woodworking, drawing, sewing, etc... I even created dozens of  "sculptures"  by breaking apart strands of Mardi Gras beads and melting them together. Color has always fascinated me and even today, I can't look at a string of beads without wondering what I could create with a little fire and fun. (I also wonder if the noxious fumes from all that melting plastic killed any synoptic endings or brain cells!)  During the book making class, I chose to be far less structured and controlling than normal,  and to allow my art spirit to take control and go its own way. Wow! I was amazed and thrilled at what came out and I already see a difference in other mediums I work with. I've been telling others about the class and your studio; several already know you and admire your work(s.) I will be taking future classes at your inspiring studio. I've even begun reorganizing my own studio after working so successfully in yours. After years of teaching writing and helping others to blossom,  I am entering a new life phase where it's my turn to blossom-- rather scary, but also exciting. I intend to take full advantage of the rich artistic community in my new home.  I will be back. THANK YOU.
Shannon Walker