For more than ten years I’ve been looking for ‘home’. I tried so hard to make downtown Corvallis my home, but living across from an iconic and noisy bar, it turns out, is A LOT. Too much. My dog Pearl and I love our neighbors and have both made so many friends downtown, but something needed to change. We both feel much happier and settled when we are near moving water, some trees and away from pavement/traffic. We have finally found a place to be near water, trees and even closer to the park we walk every day with friends. We are both sleeping at night now (as it happens, sleep is one of the keys to a happy life).

Also for ten years I’ve been working on my art practice and profession. Formerly a middle school teacher in public schools, I’ve danced around teaching both young and old during this ten year span, interspersed with some other jobs that included animals. I’ve been working in places that nurtured different parts of my soul.

For some reason this move to a quieter place, paired with some artistic practices, connections with people and just the right timing, I now have found my footing; I’ve discovered the path to pursue: Teaching art to all ages. Using the practices that have kept me going for the past 10 years to teach others how to keep going. Kyle Morton wrote in one of my favorite songs, Time, Time: “Time, time, inexorable time/you were drawing a circle/I was drawing a line.” I’ve been made aware recently of how much circling back I have done in my life. The more I circle back, the more sure-footed I become. My hope is to continue this new direction toward the home within me, and while I’m here, help others do the same.

Here are some pictures from recent classes and a list of upcoming classes. I’ve met some amazing folks and I even ran into some people I’m fond of from the past.

Upcoming Classes:

June 17/18; June 24/25 — Art at Drift Creek Camp Summer Camp

June 28/30 — Pine Needle Basketry at Black Sheep Gathering in Albany

July 1/2; July 8/9 — Art at Drift Creek Camp Summer Camp

July 6 — Neurographic Art at Albany Mennonite Church for youth

July 20, 2pm — Book making at 2 Towns Ciderhouse (spaces available)

July 24th, 5:30 — Book making at 2 Town Ciderhouse (spaces available)

If you would like more information, please send me a message. Also, please inquire about private classes for your own group of friends. I’ll travel to you, if you like.

With Love,

Jaqui Eicher (and Pearl)

jaqui.eicher@gmail.com